Trick or Treat

Our kids got good mileage out of their Halloween costumes this year. Micah was a Fireman and Becca was a Mouse. Now I am not a huge fan of Halloween, but it sure is fun to get our kids all dressed up in cute (and age appropriate) costumes. On Wednesday night we took them to see Grandpa & Grandma Van Maaren, Grandpa & Grandma Ver Heul, Grandpa & Grandma De Haan, Auntie Tricia and Auntie Melinda. Two stops took care of the visits and everyone enjoyed seeing the kids dressed up. Friday morning I took the kids to my work in costume to help me distribute treats and pay stubs. Tonight the kids went Trick or Treating around our neighborhood and went to see Grandpa & Grandma Fynaardt. Here are several pictures from the last couple of days.

Our adorable fireman & mouse.

A little costume break with Grandpa & Grandma Ver Heul.

I am just to tired & hot for any more candy...

(the sugar kicked in later and she was ready to go then!)

A mouse on the loose!

Ears

For those of you who know our history, you know that both of our kids have had tubes put in their ears. Micah was the easy one. He would get an infection, spike a temp, we would take him to the doctor and get the needed antibiotic. Eventually he had tubes and that was the end of that. Becca on the other hand hasn't been so easy. She actually probably had her first ear infection for weeks before we took her to the doctor and got things figured out. She doesn't run a temp at all when she has an infection and that makes things a little difficult. She too had tubes, but even now that the tubes have fallen out she continues to have fluid on her ears.

For the past several nights she had been waking up in the night and fussy. (I don't particularly enjoy getting up in the middle of the night - no matter how much I love the one needing assistance.) Now this is not normal for her and so I thought that she probably had an ear infection again. Took her in and there is no infection, but the fluid continues to be issue and now it is concern that it might be affecting her hearing. The doctor recommended that we keep an eye (or ear) on things and if it doesn't appear to be getting better we should go see our ENT. Not exactly what I wanted to hear, but at least there is no infection for the moment.

As a side note the doctor flushed out one of the tubes that was laying in Becca's ear canal. I had always wanted to see one. I posted a picture of it just in case your child has tubes and you have wondered about the size of the just like I have! :) (It is the little blue thing between the paper clip and safety pin - tiny!)

Busy Sunday

This was one of those Sunday mornings that you were thankful when you reached the end and everything went as planned. Nick and I were both involved in both of our morning worship services. Nick had to read Scripture and I was the worship leader. We were both okay with our assigned tasks, except for the fact that it was the first time that we done them at our church and we had to be at church at 7:45. On top of that we have decided that Becca needs to start learning to sit in church. She has been doing quite well, but always like to be by mommy - a little bit of a problem when mommy has to go on stage and sing. Things went really well in the first service. The kids were great and stayed in the pew even when no one was there with (it was just for a few seconds). The second service was a little different as Becca tried to come up with me when I went to sing the opening song and I kind of to push her back toward Nick - didn't go very well.... Nick almost started to read the scripture at the wrong time. Then been Becca decided that that was it and she was done with sitting in church. Good thing there was two of us and Nick could take her downstairs. We got through our parts of the second service and packed it in to go home. When we got home Micah wanted his pumpkin that he made in Sunday School. Well apparently the terrible wind got a hold of it and blew it away, I mean a long ways away. Micah was heartbroken and sobbed for a long time. Lunch was finally eaten and then this is what the kids and I did for a few minutes before everyone was tucked in for nice long, well deserved nap!
The afternoon and evening have been great as we had ice cream with my parents and now Nick is watching Game 4 of the World Series at my parent's house. Unfortunately the terrible wind has also turned our new installed, DTV antenna on our roof and we have close to no TV reception - just what we wanted to deal with. Having no TV isn't such a bad thing - at least I found the time to get these posts done! :)

Fall

Yesterday the kids and I went outside for a little bit of yard work. I decided that even though some of my annuals had some green on them that I would cut them back. Last year we got caught with snow before we got them cut off. I didn't want that to happen again this year. The kids had a great time playing in the few leaves that had fallen and "helping" mommy. Here is a picture of them having fun together.

The togetherness didn't last very long and Micah went off to rake his own pile. This is the first fall that Becca has really been able to enjoy and been able to play in the leaves. She had so much fun throwing them around and just playing in them. Here are some pics of her just enjoying herself and being Becca.

Unfortunately the wind has really picked up today and it feels way to chilly for this time of year. Some of the gusts we have had would probably knock one or both of the kids over! Glad we got outside yesterday!

Happiness

Finally the kids and I had a normal day and I believe that everyone was the happier for it. We had supper as a family and it was probably the most pleasant meal that we have had in ages. It was wonderful. The rest of the evening just seemed to flow right out of supper. The kids were absolutely wonderful as they laughed and played with us all evening. Micah told us numerous time that he loved us and Becca couldn't keep from smiling and laughng. I was trying to figure out a way to spread some of the happiness to another day or bottle it up and release it when things were not so happy. Here is a picture of Micah with the tower that him and daddy built and a little video of Becca "sliding" after bathtime. I hope that they bring a few smiles to your face as Nick and I are still smiling from out wonderful evening with them!

What Did You Say!!!!

From time to time all children say the funniest of things. However, if you are like me you tend to forget them over time. Here is one that Micah said to me tonight and maybe by posting it I can remember it (or at least read the post in a few years and then remember it!)

I was sitting on the couch reading trying to get a few minutes of R&R before supper. Micah was sitting next to me with his binoculars carefully studying my face through them. He then said....

"Mom, I don't see your beard."

"What did you say?"

"I don't see your beard."

"Micah, only boys have beards, girls do not have beards and you never, never, never, never tell a girl that she has a beard."

I think that I better do a little checking in the mirror before I go to bed tonight. I know that I can let my eyebrows get out of control, but now I have to start worrying about chin hairs too?

Spray N Wash

Yesterday Nick had to work in the morning and so I thought that I would be a nice wife and make a decent lunch (better than hot dogs or PB&J) for him when he returned. So I decided to make a meatloaf. The making of the meatloaf was just fine, it is what happened during that time that is of interest.

Becca had been up on the counter "helping" me to make the meatloaf so when it was time to make the sauce I let Micah help me out. Becca was not in the kitchen and was busy doing something, what she was doing I didn't know, but I wasn't to worried. Micah was busy stirring when Becca comes around the corner of our kitchen looks at me and starts crying. I turn to see what is wrong and see that she has something spilled down over her head, down her face and on to her clothing. I tell Micah to stay put and snatch her up and run to the bathroom. As soon as I pick her up I recognize the scent of Spray n Wash (the only cleaner that I keep under my bathroom sink). I rush her to the bathroom, strip her down in record time and stick her head under the runny facet - she was not very happy with me, but laundry detergent in the hair takes some serious rinsing to get out. I tried to flush her eyes out a little bit, but it didn't work to well and apparently she didn't get much in her eyes and mouth as she seemed to be fine once we got her all cleaned up. From what I can tell is that she pulled the Spray N Wash out, opened the bottle, dumped it over herself, put the lid back on and came and found me, all before she started crying. Crazy girl.

The Spray N Wash has been moved to a higher location. :)

Pumpkin Farm

Yesterday Micah's preschool class visited a local pumpkin farm. Despite having had a really crazy week at work I decided to take the afternoon off so that I could go with his class. I was glad that I did. There are a couple of kids in his class that we go to church with and their moms came along as well so it was a lot of fun. I have included some pictures as they can sometimes say more than words. (Yes I know the layout is a little funny, but I couldn't figure it out! Any help you blogging veterns?)

Playing in the Corn Barn Riding the Cow Train






Sliding with Anthony

Picking out Pumpkins!

Tricycle Races Class Picture

Playing in the "Hay Loft"

New Bed

After two busy weeks I finally got around to a project that I have been wanting/needing to do. Last night I turned Becca crib into a toddler/day bed. Micah was just over 2 when we moved him to a twin bed. We are not quite sure how/when we will get Becca into a twin bed so we decided to convert the crib for the time being. Didn't take as long as I had thought. Becca seems to really like that she can get in her bed by herself. We did put a little side rail on the bed and I am not sure that she realizes that she can get out as well. I think that I will leave that for her to figure out on her own time. :)

Busy Days

Thought I better do quick post while I have the house to myself. It is baseball postseason and so my hubby has taken the kids and gone to his parent's where they have Dish TV and can watch the Red Soxs play the Rays. I had to work late today and the game started early so he took the kids. It is nice to have a few minutes of alone time, but it is difficult to know whether or not I should be productive and get something done or put my feet up and relax.

Last week's craziness seems to have drifted into this week. Thursday night we had to go bridesmaid dress shopping again as the first dresses that we had picked out were not longer available. I worked extra on Friday afternoon because I found out that I have to do staff training on this week Wednesday. Friday and Saturday nights were spent at my in-laws (watching baseball), Saturday morning and afternoon found me in Des Moines helping my sister get stuff for her wedding (it is amazing the things you need to remember for a wedding!) and Sunday morning was really early as I had to sing on praise team (be at church at 7:45am!). Today was crazy as our sitter needed the day off so Nick and I split the day each watching the kids for 1/2 the day, tomorrow finds me leaving early and coming home late because of a conference I have to attend. Wednesday I have to do staff training at work at 8am & 3:45pm (I normally do not work on Wednesday) and Thursday I would like to go with Micah's class to a local pumpkin farm. All of that is on top of just the normal day to day activities! Crazy!

I know everyone's life is busy, but why does everyone else seem to have it all pulled together! They probably don't, but it sure looks like it to me! :)

Oh Micah is feeling much better and Becca is somewhat better except for the fact that her nose is running all the time! I really, really dislike snotty noses, dry slime on the face and pretty much everything else that has to do with a two-year-old's super runny nose. However I dearly love the two-year-old so I will keep the Kleenex handy and keep on wiping!

Colds

I hate it when my kids are sick. Yesterday morning I knew that Micah was coming down with a cold and by the end of the day Becca was coughing and had a yucky nose as well. We gave them both a dose of cold medicine (actually it has been recommend cold medicine not be given to children age 4 and under) started the vaporizer and put them to bed early. They both coughed off and on all night and when Becca got up this morning her nose was completely crusted over. Micah is actually still sleeping - I am thinking that is a good thing.

I always find it so hard to know what to do. Should we have slept with Becca in the chair last night so that she could have been a little bit more upright? Are they really sick and need to be taken to the doctor or it is just a little cold? At this point I am scared to call the doctor because I am afraid that he will tell me to not give them any cold medicine which is the only thing that provides some relief for them. Are they to sick to go any where or do they need to stay home?

While I don't wish for my children to grow up any faster than they are I am ready for the day that they can tell me what is wrong and how sick they really are. Any advise from you seasoned parents? At this point I am open to any suggestions - we have a busy weekend planned!

FireProof

Last night Nick & I went to the movie FireProof with our H2O church Bible study/fellowship group. Without giving away any of the details or story line, it is about a married couple facing many of the same difficulties that other couples face. It is a journey with them through those struggles and the decisions that they make. I would highly recommend it! It is great if you are dating, engaged, newly married, or have been married for many years. The movie was only supposed to be in one of our local theatres for 2 weeks but they have extended it due to its success. Encourage all that you know to attend. It is a great movie and I would love to see more done by this company! You can check out the website for more info.
http://www.fireproofmymarriage.com/

Challenge

One of the blogs that I follow issued a challenge. Carey from One Family's Journey issued the challenge to go to your picture file on your computer choose the 6th file and the 6th picture in the file. Then post the picture on your blog!


This is the picture that I came up with! It was taken in the winter of 2007 when we were tired to giving the kids separate baths all the time. This was one of the first tims that Becca was in the bathtub with her brother. Becca wasn't yet one and Micah was 2 years old. Super cute for being a random photo. Glad to have one like this on our blog.


Now I challenge you to do the same! If you blog post a comment so I can see your picture other wise just check out the files on your computer and see what picture you come up with! Enjoy!

What's Under the Fridge

This evening Micah lost his "favorite" toy under the fridge. (Meaning the toy that he is playing with at this moment.) So got out the yard stick to dig it out. Guess what else we found.....
Check out that dust bunny! We have only lived here for 2 years! I can't imagine what it will be like when we actually have to pull the fridge out for some reason. Micah was so thrilled becuse we found his "favorite" race car! Check under your fridge and let me know what you find! :)

What was she doing?

Becca had a little bit of a rough morning. She so desperately wanted to dress herself, but was having a lot of difficulty. She would struggle, ask for help, I would help, she would get upset and undress herself. (The undressing seemed to be much easier than the dressing.) At one point she was trying to take off her shirt and she got stuck. Now instead of being upset she was giggling and running around the house with her shirt stuck like this....










Talk about a funny sight! This might have to go in "Pictures for Becca's Wedding" file. :)