5.31.12 - TOES!

In the middle of changing Lauren into her PJs I had to grab the 

camera to capture one of our everyday moments.

I don't know what this girl would do without her toes!

5.30.12 - Super Heros Attacked

While we were away our furry friend wanted us to know

she didn't appreciate being left behind all weekend.  

Our beloved super heros got the short end of the stick

and are no longer capable of saving the day. 

5.29.12 - Give Me A Taste of That

Recently Lauren's been very interested in what's going into our

mouths so tonight we tried solids.  Everyone gathered around

to take part in the experience.  She seemed to like it at first

but as you can tell by the bottom right hand picture it wasn't

completely picture perfect.  She enjoyed the first 5 bites...I'm

not sure I'd enjoy rice cereal either. 

5.28.12 - The Pool Is Open

Summer is here...the pool is open!!!

5.27.12 - Smiles From Heaven

He loves catching them.

He hates cleaning them.

He loves eating them.

We've been heading to the Mammel family cottage for as 

long as I can remember.  The memories are endless! I know

my Grandpa was smiling down from heaven as he watched

his great grandson's joy as Jalen reeled in each "keeper".
The weekend fish count was recorded on my grandfather's
childhood chalkboard which he had used in school.

5.26.12 - My Favorite Part

Our weekend was full of reminiscing...from

driving the boat before we could see over the dash, getting

rhubarb from the garden for sweet and tart treats,  

playing ball in the yard, to swimming on sanding side and

cutting your foot when you stepped on a clam shell.

Why these memories in particular...because they 

all happened years ago with me and my cousins and 

in one short weekend they all happened now 

between the second cousins.

5.25.12 - Bring on Summer

On Friday's when Jalen doesn't have school, 

I try to have something to keep his mindbusy and prevent boredom.  Today he was so excited
to learn Elliott was coming over to play. 
Boredom didn't get the best of him today!

5.24.12 - T-Ball Season Ends

Today brings Jalen's first t-ball season to a close. 

We enjoyed watching him learn the game, play with such intensity,

slide into bases whether it was needed or not, dive into a group of
kids that tackled eachother to get the ball, launch a ball across
the field, "coaching" his teammates on where to throw the ball,
play in the dirt while in the dugout,  daydream on his rump while
in the outfield, and having mini melt when others got his stuff dirty. 
All in all he enjoyed playing but was glad when it was over.

5.23.12 - Dog For Sale!

Call 1-800-unhappy-dog-owner!

Seriously...good thing we've grown to love her.

5.22.12 - Will You Play With Me?

Ty's most common question these days - "Will you play with me?"
It breaks my heart because it isn't very often that I stop what
I'm doing and just play.  Life is busy and seems to always be
busy.  Recently, we decided to focus on slowing down, saying "no"
 to the extras that creep into our life and simply soak up the moments.
Tonight we received 100% of each others attention.

5.21.12 - 5 Months, Already!

 Lauren finds her toes, continues to love that her brothers

entertain her and is starting to notice our furry friend.

5.20.12 - Happy 1st Birthday Finley

We can't wait to meet you!

5.19.12 - Celebrating 11yrs

 We grabbed a pizza and headed down to the GH beach

to watch the sunset for the first time from the sandy shoreline of 

Lake Michigan.  I know we could hardly believe ourself but

living in GH we found we were a little spoiled and took 

the sunset and beach for granted.

5.18.12 - It Started Out Fun...

...but lets get real, by the fifth flat we were all ready to be done!

5.17.12 - A Day At the "Office"

Today we pulled out what Uncle Geoff refers to 

as the "office".  Lauren absolutely loves it and

has already figured out how to move around the 

entire base checking out each toy.

This baby brings a whole lot of life to this office environment!

5.16.12 - Taking Care of Momma

All week long Tyler has been bringing me

this balloon in the morning.  He was so proud

of his Mother's Day gift. 

5.15.12 - Thanks Auntie A

Lauren loves her tag blanket

5.14.12 - Get Me Some Toys

5.13.12 - Finally A "Complete" Mother's Day

 

Mother's Day 2011 we found out we were going to have 

another baby and this Mother's Day I reflect on how

complete and perfect our family is!

5.12.12 - Lets Celebrate...

...celebrate what?  This group never has a problem finding 

something to celebrate but this time we're giving it up for

Katie as she show us just how saying "yes" works. 

Today she ran the 5/3 25k after weeks / months of training.

5.11.12 - Is Today Donut Day Dad?

Derk started a special ritual on Friday mornings
when Jalen has school - they stop at the gas station
and pick up donuts.  Ty recently learned of this ritual
and as a result he frequently asks Derk if today is donut
day...well today was Ty's lucky day as Derk surprised him
with a donut.  Yes Tyler, today is your donut day!

5.10.12 - It's TOO Late

I had every intention of splitting all my perennials BUT

somehow time slipped by and now it is too late.  

There is always next spring!

5.9.12 - Pre-K Field Trip

Jalen was super excited that I was joining him for his class

field trip to Post Family Farms.

5.8.12 - Greek Turkey Goodness

Oh so good...I just have to share.

Click here to get the recipe.

5.7.12 - Lucy, You Poor Thing!

 

With a family of five she definitely takes a

back seat to everything else.  At times I feel bad

but she sure she is ready just in case she

can convince you to play.  

5.6.12 - Lauren's Big Sis'

Ella & Mady are the closet thing to a Big Sis' that Lauren

will ever have and just look at these two big helpers.

5.5.12 - We're Gett'n a Little "Wild"...

...with our craft time over here.

5.4.12 - Friday Night T-Ball

Friday night t-ball games bring a great crowd of 

special spectators...Grandpa O, along with 

Grandpa & Grandma Woodard.

Tyler & Lauren also enjoyed having 

a little special time with their grandparents.

5.3.12 - Batman Protects This House

The Goodwill find years back continues to be one

of the best purchases I have ever made.

Tyler puts this costume on once a day and

flies around "saving us from the bad guys"

5.2.12 - Motivate Me May

This month I hosted craft night...I'm not a big crafter but I 

enjoy making something yummy to eat, catching up with the 

girls and seeing what they are all inspired to craft.  

Each month we try to find a clever title for the event...

Motivate Me May seemed appropriate since the kleenex 

box I started in March was still only half done. 

5.1.12 - It Really Works!

With the whole pinterest rave I've learned there are 

"Pin-success" and "Pin-busts" ~ HA! ~

This is a "Pin-success"...take your remaining green onion

ends, let them soak in the sun and you'll find they start to grow again.

I even used the "new" growth in a recipe later in the week.