Happy belated Easter! He is risen!
We had a tough time getting to Easter camping this year (my mother affectionately called us the Donner party as we had so many trials along the way), but the trip was more than worth it. It was Hannah's first Easter, first time camping and the first time in our new tent. All were a success. Our new tent is HUGE! We call it the Tent-ma-hal. It had more than enough space for our air mattresses, camp potty, pack n' play, and ample area to walk around. Best part? It was set up when we arrived thanks to my parents and others from our group. Yay! We went up Thursday evening arriving around 10pm and left Sunday. Friday the kids got to spend the entire day out doors. We went on a nature walk, played by the lake, set up the boys' play tent (for them to play with their toys), had delcious food, spent time with family, got to play with my niece and nephew when Christian and Chad arrived, ate Steak, had a Good Friday service and then roasted marshmallows by the fire. The boys were so excited about the service, they brought their chairs down to sit in front of the three crosses before anyone else and just sat and waited. It was so cute. We had 69 people in our service this year. Most all of them are families we have grown up with and been camping with over 20 years. Some of them have kids now too, so three generations of people are around to celebrate God's goodness. The service was great, but the best part is I can see William (and Robert to some extent) really beginning to understand the Easter message of Christ and his sacrifice. It is a joy to see the Holy Spirit tug at his little heart.
Saturday the boys got to go fishing with Papa and Aunt Dani. I went along to take pictures. It was cool because you could see the fish below the water as they nibbled at the hook. They stole the bait once, but we never actually caught anything. The kids did the Easter egg for the campground.The boys ran to the far end of the field and picked up as many as they could. Hannah had help from sweetie, but only got a couple since she can't eat the candy anyway. The boys cleaned up! Each had about 3/4 of their large basket full. They also got to high-five the Easter bunny so that was cool too. My mom then rented a canoe and the boys went our on the water with my mom and Francis while Danielle and I hid the eggs. Christian and Chad got a taste of what it will be like next year when the twins can walk. The boys counted out their eggs and cheered each other on (we made them count so they'd get the same amount). Hannah had her own eggs separate of the boys and she was more than a little confused why she had to put something down that she just picked up. It was pretty cute. We had dinner at Mercado's that night. Yum! After we got the kids to bed the adults (who had played a rousing game of Apples to Apples the night before) sat around the fire laughing and reminiscing. Night like those are rare and precious, let me tell you.
Sunday we packed up, had a beautiful "sunrise" service and then the Noble Clan headed and had Easter lunch at Long John Silvers/KFC. We all bid each other a fond adieu, and went our separate ways. Hannah looked cute in her bunny dress on Saturday and her little dress on Sunday. I think she liked being outside, but she was determined to eat dirt of dog food every chance she got. Cheap thrills, and lots of them!
ok, in closing I will relay three funny stories from the past week.
1. Hannah has been getting really good at pulling up and moving around in addition to her crawling. She is good enough that she can reach just about every knee high area in the house. She loves her brothers and laughs at/with them all the time. She wants to play whatever they are playing. Well, Robert was none too happy that Hannah kept crawling up and pulling apart his Spider-man playset. He kept telling her no and moving to a new area where she would follow him. He finally settled on the kitchen table where Hannah pulled up on the chair he was sitting on and said "bruder, bruder" (brother) over and over again. She finally gave up and went off. Not 30 seconds later, Robert was playing with Hannah and the new toy she had chosen. I guess he was just pretending not to enjoy his sister's attention!
2. William has been enjoying the story of Peter Rabbit this past week. He learned about a hoe, what it is and how to use it. Well, for some reason this concept intrigues him because he keeps bringing it up. He then tried to elaborate on the concept of one who uses hoes. He started saying "Hannah is a hoe-er" (you can guess what that sounds like, especially since he turned it into a single syllable). After I got over my shocked face, we talked about one who uses hoes being a farmer or a gardener. While I appreciate his creative use of the English language, but goodness he does make me laugh sometimes!
3. I was putting down Hannah for a nap on Thursday when I heard an angry yell from the other room. It was Robert. "What happened?" I asked. "William took my lego and he threw it and it broke," Robert said as clear as day. "William?" I asked with a slightly angry tone. William's eyes became as big as saucers. With gaping jaw he exclaimed, "I didn't know he could tell on me that good!" Go Robert!
That's all for now.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
March 22, 2016
So much has happened in the past week and a half. I will try to just hit the highlights.
Friday before last we headed to Dallas. Francis got done a tad early so we were able to have a late dinner with his parents. Hannah still screams in her car seat so we were all glad to arrive. Saturday was such a great day. My in-laws, Cyndy, Chris, Abby and the 5 of us went to see The Little Mermaid musical at the theater in Fair Park. We dressed up and Hannah looked like a princess in her huge poofy dress. All of the kids were great. The boys and Abby watched with great interest as the performers sang and danced. Robert actually sat on his Nana's lap the whole time and I don't think he moved a muscle as he watched with an interested smile. Hannah sang through the first song and then fell asleep on Francis until intermission. She then woke up to nurse and then slept through the second act as well. It was amazing. William said he'd happily go with me again sometime. I love the theater, so hopefully he means it! All in all it was a pretty perfect day with the best in-laws I could have.
Sunday we made it to church despite time change. Whew! We had lunch as Red Lobster with my parents, Danielle and Kevin. It was a fun meal and it was so so good to see the family again. We went shopping at the mall nearby where Hannah got her first pair of shoes. They are pink and purple with flowers and so so cute! She is pulling up and cruising around now, so it's about time she had shoes! Francis headed home early afternoon (he had to get back for research) and the kids and I went over to my parents house for the afternoon and evening. We had pizza, played and the boys even helped my dad weed and auger the land. They are great little helpers, and would make great farmers.
Monday we played with my mom at her house. We even got to see my Ashley! She came over and I got to spend time with one of my best friends. I thank God for her and that sweet time. It was good timing as she got a job now and starts Monday. YAY! Also, my parents had a new play set assembled on their land that day. It was done early afternoon and the kids had a blast climbing and swinging. It will be a fun place for the cousins for years to come. The kids and I met up with my in-laws for dinner that night at Olive Garden. I am so blessed to have parents and in-laws who love my children so much. After dinner, my in-laws played Mario-Kart (or Mario's Kart if you ask William) and then let them have bubble bath. Fun times and fun memories.
Tuesday, my mom, Kevin, the kids and I braved the crowds at the Dallas Zoo. It was Hannah's first trip to the zoo and a good time was had by all (thanks to Kevin for pushing the boys around!). Robert's favorite animal is the Lion, William loves the hippo and Hannah loves anything she was awake to see. We ended our ad venture with Dip n Dots ice cream and the kids all passed out on the way home. We went back to my in-laws and packed up all my stuff and the dogs and headed to my parent's house. William was so out that when he woke up he had no idea that we'd been to Nana and Grandad's house or how the dogs got in the car. Talk about disorienting. That evening Danielle, Christian, Chad, the twins and my dad joined the rest of us for a family dinner. We had some delicious Rudy's and then some of us went swimming. My dad had heated the pool to bath water temp and the boys had a ball. Hannah had never been swimming before, but she was excited as soon as she got in. She splashed and laughed and had such a good time that she eventually nearly fell asleep because she had worn herself out. It was good to see my sisters and have all of us (minus Francis) together. Bonus! Tuesday night is the night Hannah started giving baby kisses. I was sitting in the chair in my parent's living room and she just started giving them to me. Now she will do it whenever I ask. It's completely adorable.
Wednesday Frankie's mom took the day off and met up with my mom, the kids and I at a nearby park. We had fun hanging out with the kids, followed by lunch, playing at a different playground, ice cream and then back to playing. the kids were in grandma paradise. I can't even describe the fun that was had, but it was wonderful, and I was sad to see our time in Dallas coming to a close.
Thursday I drove back with the kids and dogs to meet Francis at our house. It was a long journey, but I made it. Francis had Thursday and Friday off so we lived it up and had a ton of family time. Francis made a gourmet dinner Thursday. Friday we had Hannah's passport application appointment, lunch at Freddy's, and then the kids all took a nap. We decided to go take the kids to see a movie. Movies here are cheap (it was $14.75 with tax for all 5 of us), so we went to see Zootopia. The theater was full when we arrived so we opted for the next showing just a little bit later. It was a smart move as we nearly had the place to ourselves. The boy's got gourmet popcorn, and I got an icee. The kids all did great. It was Hannah's first movie. She got a little fussy and passed out, but she slept right until the end. It was so fun!
Saturday we went to the Easter Egg Hunt at the George Bush Library Museum. It was so exciting (and cold!). There were carnival games, a fire engine, police motorcycles, a huge egg hunt and a bunch of freebies. The boys even got wooden eggs like they would if they were at the white house Easter Egg hunt.
Saturday afternoon through Monday morning, I became very ill. I had a stomach bug with a bunch of strange complications. Francis and the boys did a great job taking care of me, and I am thankful for them. I was so thankful I actually managed to make hot chicken and authentic poutine (squeaky cheese and all) for dinner last night. It was gooooooood, especially the fries made from scratch.
This week we are getting back into the swing of things. I thought Hannah might have a meltdown when I dropped her off for Bible Study this morning, but she went happily and even kissed me over and over when I picked her up. Dallas was fun, but it's good to be home and healthy. Till next time!
Friday before last we headed to Dallas. Francis got done a tad early so we were able to have a late dinner with his parents. Hannah still screams in her car seat so we were all glad to arrive. Saturday was such a great day. My in-laws, Cyndy, Chris, Abby and the 5 of us went to see The Little Mermaid musical at the theater in Fair Park. We dressed up and Hannah looked like a princess in her huge poofy dress. All of the kids were great. The boys and Abby watched with great interest as the performers sang and danced. Robert actually sat on his Nana's lap the whole time and I don't think he moved a muscle as he watched with an interested smile. Hannah sang through the first song and then fell asleep on Francis until intermission. She then woke up to nurse and then slept through the second act as well. It was amazing. William said he'd happily go with me again sometime. I love the theater, so hopefully he means it! All in all it was a pretty perfect day with the best in-laws I could have.
Sunday we made it to church despite time change. Whew! We had lunch as Red Lobster with my parents, Danielle and Kevin. It was a fun meal and it was so so good to see the family again. We went shopping at the mall nearby where Hannah got her first pair of shoes. They are pink and purple with flowers and so so cute! She is pulling up and cruising around now, so it's about time she had shoes! Francis headed home early afternoon (he had to get back for research) and the kids and I went over to my parents house for the afternoon and evening. We had pizza, played and the boys even helped my dad weed and auger the land. They are great little helpers, and would make great farmers.
Monday we played with my mom at her house. We even got to see my Ashley! She came over and I got to spend time with one of my best friends. I thank God for her and that sweet time. It was good timing as she got a job now and starts Monday. YAY! Also, my parents had a new play set assembled on their land that day. It was done early afternoon and the kids had a blast climbing and swinging. It will be a fun place for the cousins for years to come. The kids and I met up with my in-laws for dinner that night at Olive Garden. I am so blessed to have parents and in-laws who love my children so much. After dinner, my in-laws played Mario-Kart (or Mario's Kart if you ask William) and then let them have bubble bath. Fun times and fun memories.
Tuesday, my mom, Kevin, the kids and I braved the crowds at the Dallas Zoo. It was Hannah's first trip to the zoo and a good time was had by all (thanks to Kevin for pushing the boys around!). Robert's favorite animal is the Lion, William loves the hippo and Hannah loves anything she was awake to see. We ended our ad venture with Dip n Dots ice cream and the kids all passed out on the way home. We went back to my in-laws and packed up all my stuff and the dogs and headed to my parent's house. William was so out that when he woke up he had no idea that we'd been to Nana and Grandad's house or how the dogs got in the car. Talk about disorienting. That evening Danielle, Christian, Chad, the twins and my dad joined the rest of us for a family dinner. We had some delicious Rudy's and then some of us went swimming. My dad had heated the pool to bath water temp and the boys had a ball. Hannah had never been swimming before, but she was excited as soon as she got in. She splashed and laughed and had such a good time that she eventually nearly fell asleep because she had worn herself out. It was good to see my sisters and have all of us (minus Francis) together. Bonus! Tuesday night is the night Hannah started giving baby kisses. I was sitting in the chair in my parent's living room and she just started giving them to me. Now she will do it whenever I ask. It's completely adorable.
Wednesday Frankie's mom took the day off and met up with my mom, the kids and I at a nearby park. We had fun hanging out with the kids, followed by lunch, playing at a different playground, ice cream and then back to playing. the kids were in grandma paradise. I can't even describe the fun that was had, but it was wonderful, and I was sad to see our time in Dallas coming to a close.
Thursday I drove back with the kids and dogs to meet Francis at our house. It was a long journey, but I made it. Francis had Thursday and Friday off so we lived it up and had a ton of family time. Francis made a gourmet dinner Thursday. Friday we had Hannah's passport application appointment, lunch at Freddy's, and then the kids all took a nap. We decided to go take the kids to see a movie. Movies here are cheap (it was $14.75 with tax for all 5 of us), so we went to see Zootopia. The theater was full when we arrived so we opted for the next showing just a little bit later. It was a smart move as we nearly had the place to ourselves. The boy's got gourmet popcorn, and I got an icee. The kids all did great. It was Hannah's first movie. She got a little fussy and passed out, but she slept right until the end. It was so fun!
Saturday we went to the Easter Egg Hunt at the George Bush Library Museum. It was so exciting (and cold!). There were carnival games, a fire engine, police motorcycles, a huge egg hunt and a bunch of freebies. The boys even got wooden eggs like they would if they were at the white house Easter Egg hunt.
Saturday afternoon through Monday morning, I became very ill. I had a stomach bug with a bunch of strange complications. Francis and the boys did a great job taking care of me, and I am thankful for them. I was so thankful I actually managed to make hot chicken and authentic poutine (squeaky cheese and all) for dinner last night. It was gooooooood, especially the fries made from scratch.
This week we are getting back into the swing of things. I thought Hannah might have a meltdown when I dropped her off for Bible Study this morning, but she went happily and even kissed me over and over when I picked her up. Dallas was fun, but it's good to be home and healthy. Till next time!
Thursday, March 10, 2016
March 10, 2016
Robert is 2 1/2 today. I can't even believe it. I am sure just yesterday we brought him home from the Hospital. He is getting so big. he is still as cuddly as ever and he loves his momma more than words. I thank God for him and the carefree, adventurous, sweet boy that he is. His nose is healing nicely and he no longer has black eyes. This poor kid needs to stop having accidents. Saturday he had a run in with a weed eater. Francis was unplugging it when William suddenly grabbed it (after already being told not to touch it repeatedly), and pressed the button. It spun to life and got Robert across the hand and leg. Fortunately Robert had on pants so nothing happened to his leg, but his hand got pretty scraped up. It only got him a few times before it lost power (as I mentioned, Francis was unplugging it). It's healing nicely now, but I would really appreciate no more accidents for a while (or forever!).
William is growing every time I turn around. He is getting good at addition and subtraction up to 20 and is even doing some of the math in his head now. I have mo idea how many sight words he has, but I can see he is making progress all the time. Funny story. William was doing subtraction word problems yesterday where he would have to write the math problem from the paragraph and then answer the problem. I would read the number sentence out loud and ask William the answer. (Like "Seven minus four equals?" and wait for the answer). Every time Robert would enthusiastically chime in "Two!" He was wrong every time. Finally the word problem made it be Four minus two. I read the number sentence aloud and William waited for Robert to answer. We got nothing. So William went on to answer it and then did the last problem where Robert again answered "Two!" (which was wrong). "No buddy, you missed your chance. The last word problem was 2. Here. I'll read the one where the answer is two again just for you. Four minus two is...?" Robert smiled and said, "Three?". William and I about died laughing and Robert just kept smiling like the cat that ate the canary. Oh those kids!
Those boys love their Hannah. William has taught Hannah the word "brother". It is her new favorite word. She says it all the time when she's around the boys. They love it. She used to say "mama", but the other day when I was getting her to say mama, William interrupted with, "no say brother". Hannah happily said brother and they both giggled. I said, "No mama!" and Hannah repeated brother over and over no matter what I tried. I finally said, "Come on Hannah, say mama." Hannah paused for a second, looked straight at me and said, "dada"....followed by peals of laughter from both Hannah and William. I'm surrounded by comedians, ladies and gentlemen. At least they are cute comedians. Hannah is crawling faster all the time and is not beginning to pull up on things and cruise along them...I'm so not ready. She's not steady footed enough just yet for all that she attempts so she has a nice little bruise on her chin from the times I am unable to save her from her own ambition. She'll learn though. I'm glad she's growing healthy, even if it's too fast for my liking. That's all for now!
Thursday, March 3, 2016
March 3, 2016
I had Ladies' night last Thursday at our Mentor mom's house (from MOMS). I thought it would be dinner and chatting but it turned into a wonderful night of sharing and prayer. I left encouraged and spirit filled. It was awesome.
Life here overall has been busy. Bible study, MOMs, kids' dentist appointments (teeth look great!), and the children's museum have all been on the schedule this past week. Hannah has been crawling all over keeping me and the boys on our toes. She is finding all the fun places I never knew I needed to baby proof in this house. I foresee a Home Depot trip in our future.
The brightest spot in our week was Saturday when my in-laws came down from Dallas and Cyndy Chris and Abby came up from Houston. The kids played and the adults talked. We got to hear all about the Boergers' trip to DisneyWorld (I want to go back so bad!). The kids got belated Valentine's presents from Nana. Robert now has 4 Batman shirts so he can last most of the week batman-clad. He is one happy kiddo. William was thrilled with his Star Wars shirts. It possible I'm raising some stinkin' awesome nerds! We finished the day with dinner at Grub burger. I'd never had it before but it was in fact delicious. It was sad to see family leave, but we will be seeing them in another week to go see The Little Mermaid (on stage) in Dallas. I'm so excited!
Not much else to report. Robert's nose seems to be healing and I'm still on the quest to figure out what to do with schooling for William next year. I found a homeschool co-op program I think I like, but I don't know if that's "it". I guess I'll find out soon!
Till next time!
Life here overall has been busy. Bible study, MOMs, kids' dentist appointments (teeth look great!), and the children's museum have all been on the schedule this past week. Hannah has been crawling all over keeping me and the boys on our toes. She is finding all the fun places I never knew I needed to baby proof in this house. I foresee a Home Depot trip in our future.
The brightest spot in our week was Saturday when my in-laws came down from Dallas and Cyndy Chris and Abby came up from Houston. The kids played and the adults talked. We got to hear all about the Boergers' trip to DisneyWorld (I want to go back so bad!). The kids got belated Valentine's presents from Nana. Robert now has 4 Batman shirts so he can last most of the week batman-clad. He is one happy kiddo. William was thrilled with his Star Wars shirts. It possible I'm raising some stinkin' awesome nerds! We finished the day with dinner at Grub burger. I'd never had it before but it was in fact delicious. It was sad to see family leave, but we will be seeing them in another week to go see The Little Mermaid (on stage) in Dallas. I'm so excited!
Not much else to report. Robert's nose seems to be healing and I'm still on the quest to figure out what to do with schooling for William next year. I found a homeschool co-op program I think I like, but I don't know if that's "it". I guess I'll find out soon!
Till next time!
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