Trampel Tales

Mom Brain

2017-04-11T20:52:00.000-07:00

Last night a child crawled into the car to find something and left the lights on, which meant we needed to jump the car before we left for Twinkle's orthopedic specialist appointment. She broke her hand Saturday night bounding up the stairs of all things. In her own words, "I used momentum to skip stairs and I walked the railing really hard. The end of it comes to a point and is sharp." It swelled up pretty quickly. The Dr couldn't get her in that night, and I think they like to wait anyway to be sure. So, Sunday morning before church I brought her in and sure enough the X-ray revealed that her left index knuckle was broken. Ouch! Twinkles handled it quite well. Now she is sporting a neon green cast.

At the Dr's I realized that I didn't have my wallet with me (actually it was in the bottom of my bag, but I couldn't find it). Thankfully, Big Daddy came along because I was afraid that the bone was going to be set. When the receptionist asked which pharmacy any we prefer, I almost told her McDonald's. Afterward, we were walking outside and a bird pooped directly on my head. Later, I was so caught up in my worship music that I didn't see the dog on the table, enjoying our dinner. (I was able to take the top layer off the pasta and still serve it). Then, while we were sitting down to dinner, Big Daddy walked into the bathroom and found our adorable pooch literally eating poop out of a clogged toilet. All of this when I have lost BOTH pairs of glasses somewhere in the house and have been walking around half blind for two days.

But, Big Daddy got really good news at work today, and Twinkles didn't need her bone set, so it all equaled out.

New

2017-03-04T21:08:00.000-08:00

We have had some new events. I have pictures but won't post yet. Two days ago Rocky lost his first tooth while eating breakfast. It was very exciting. He had been trepidatious about it, but in the end was excited. He called the grandmas. He had it put in an envelope ready for the big night. I was laying by him when he suddenly sat up because he remembered the tooth. Thank goodness,because I would have forgotten. I brought him the tooth then went to prep. I copied off letters from the tooth fairy from Pinterest, but when I went to put them under his pillow, I couldn't find the tooth. He had put it too far under. Thankfully one of the notes said to keep his first tooth, so that worked out well. He also got one dollar. He didn't think about it until his sister mentioned it that morning, so we all got to follow him in and watch the discovery. We sure love his enthusiasm. Later that day he had a dentist appointment.

Tonight the two oldest were in plays at our homeschool coop's fine arts night. They both were enthusiastic and confident and did a great job. Twinkles was also in ballet. She was so graceful. On the way there she said something about her hair being in a bun and Gobey spoke up, " But I think she looks beautiful!" We were all so impressed with his sweet comment.

Christmas 2016

2017-01-21T12:13:00.000-08:00

This year I really wanted to have the kids make gifts for each other for Christmas. I never got around to helping Rocky make his. Twinkle toes made lego shaped crayons for her brothers. Gobey took it upon himself to make a birthday present for his brother as well. The above left is the result. He worked sooooo hard on it. Gluing and cutting and working and working to make it stay together. He left the torso plain so that Rocky could paint it, which Rocky happily did. The wooden robot we worked on together. We drilled holes, sewed on buttons, glued the parts, and wood burned the face. He was so proud of his work, and his brother loved the gift. In fact, I think it was his favorite gift.

Grandma brought some robes her mom made for Big Daddy when he was this size. Isn't Rocky adorable?

Twinkles is such a great sister. I just love her. She routinely instigates fun,imaginative play, and her brothers adore her.

Rocky got this fighter outfit for Christmas. Gobey tried it out with his "gears" on the couch. He likes to put spatulas and spoons in the couch cracks to create his plane.

Rocky looks so much like a baby here.

Big Daddy put up another shelf for me so now I have my washer and dryer completely clear. I can fold on top now.

This kid is too cute.

Grandma played storm chaser with Twinkles. Twinkles had created a storm chasing car with a box and Grandma was the weather forecaster. It was great.

An astronaut and his robot.

I got to spend time painting with my little painter.

Twinkles put on a concert for Grandma, and Rocky discovered his brother's old sleep sack. (right)

We had a wonderful Christmas with light watching, rock climbing, and skiing. Our Grandma is one tough cookie ;0) We are so thankful that she could come.

I love these little elves!

Road Trip

2017-01-21T11:48:00.003-08:00

Over the New Year holiday we decided to visit some friends that are down in New Mexico. We met them the summer after Twinkles was born while Big Daddy was working at an internship.

We split the drive up into two days which meant we got to stay at this adorable old mill south of Moab, UT. We all absolutely loved it!

Our room had a separate room for the kids that had a bunk bed and another that pulled out underneath. The kids loved having their own space. Rocky was a little nervous about sleeping in a new place and wanted his sister to sleep with him all night. She laid by him a little while and then moved to her own bed. It was pretty sweet.

There was a little sitting area directly across from our bathroom and then a step down to the parent's bed and a TV. Apparently whoever makes up the rooms forgot to make up the third kid bed, so I had to find the owners who sleep downstairs. The lady was very sweet and told me they had been here off and on for the last 10 years but had officially purchased the inn a year ago. They have young children that were in their apartment until after breakfast the next day. I wonder what it would be like to have strangers around your kids all of the time.

Right outside our room was this sitting area and to the left was a winding staircase up to the most wonderful area!

A library! There were also board games that you could play. I had hoped to get a chance to play one, but by the time we were done with supper it was getting late.

Wouldn't you just love to have this in your house?

This book was in the library. Haha.

We ate at this wonderful restaurant that night.

It had a lot of character.

This cowboy greeted us as we waked in.

There was a little store to the left.

I was a big fan of the cowboy boot glasses.

Wood and saddles and boots galore.

The kids enjoyed the old stove in the corner.

Just inside the lobby there was a piano which Gobey played after our breakfast.

We had breakfast in the dining room that morning. There were waffles and pancakes and sausage and eggs to say the least. There were two kinds of syrup and of course tea and coffee and orange juice.

I liked the brick wall. The kids were very impressed with the spread.

It was just a neat place.

Rocky tried out the piano as well.

Big Daddy wanted a picture in the library.

The kids scooted before we got back in the car. Scooters are so handy!

This was our bathroom.

Next we were off for more driving through gorgeous country, on open road,s with little traffic. Wonderful.

We stopped in a place called Four Corners where Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona meet. We stood (or layed) in all of them at once. Around the outside were little shops that Native Americans sold their hand made crafts at. We got to talk to a number of them and some were Christian!

This place is technically on an Indian reservation. We drove through quite a few of them on our way to New Mexico. They were very poor.

Big Daddy ran off to find a bathroom while we were standing in line and then my camera died, so he isn't in the pictures.

Ship Rock.

Reservation. We arrived through the Jemez mountains. On Saturday we went to one of my favorite places that we took Twinkle Toes when she was only a couple of months old, Bandelier National Monument.

We could climb up and look at where the Cliff Dwellers used to live.

The Yosts are also such wonderful people. They were wonderful hosts and so encouraging!

Twinkles and Seth became fast friends. I have to admit that I was thrilled for her to meet a respectful, Christian boy who truly loves God. and even liked discussing the sermon after Sunday.

We climbed up to a high cliff. The structure behind us is where the Natives would have their spiritual experiences.

Rocky wasn't sure he wanted to climb up so high because it was scary, but he made it!

I was glad Big Daddy was there because I am not as steady as I once was with heights. Daddy would often have his knees right up under Rocky in case he fell, but he did great. However, Rocky started crying on the way down.

The kids tried out a water purifying straw. It was hard to suck up. We have some in our emergency kit.

We saw a deer on the way out of the park.

After church on Sunday we drove by the place that we stayed and we also went to Overlook Park. So beautiful! I have a picture of Twinkles and I when she rode in a pouch on my front.

Later that day we hiked up the mountain behind the Yost's house and to a "secret" cave. On the way home I thought there was fog coming toward us but it ended up being snow. We walked home in a beautiful snowfall.

We left Monday morning and headed back home.

We took a different route home and spent a good deal of it driving through southern Colorado. Gor. Geous!

What can we do to be able to move there?

There were more beautiful places to see, and this time we stayed the night at a placejust north of Moab. This hotel was in the same spot the John Wayne had shot some movies.

There were cookies for all of us in paper bags, and lots of fun places to explore right in our room.

Twinkles enjoyed the writing desk, and she also discovered the robes.

We arrived at night, so in the morning we were blown away by what we saw. We were inside a canyon.

Our floor.

Rocky also took the opportunity to write an important note.

Our hotel room is directly ahead.

We had breakfast in the lodge in the morning.

Cowboy chandelier.

Afterward we went to the movie museum on site. It was about movies that were filmed in the area.

I had seen a number of them as a kid.

I wish that we would have spent more time here.

This is the exact place that John Wayne filmed some scenes in Rio Grande.

I really enjoyed getting to enjoy some special time with this man, and of course, the kids.

We enjoyed the drive out of the canyon.

Just as we came out of the canyon there was this rock climbing park. Twinkles had really been wanting to explore and climb the rocks that we had been seeing in our drives, so we were glad to have the chance climb!

It was a wonderful, wonderful trip!

(Some fun badges for sale in our hotel)

Kid Stuff

2016-12-19T19:57:00.001-08:00

About once a week the kids vote and decide we should move back to the home state. We were eating supper on Sunday and Ready coy points to Daddy and says, "You need to work really really hard for enough money to move back. Not to spend on other things, just to we can move. AYou have to work really hard, dad." Later as he was getting a drink he begge, "please, please can't we just move back just one more time."

We had a birthday for Jesus during Sunday school. I taught. So, Rocky also got some glow sticks. That night he was swinging them over his head in bed and telling me all about how they work. As I was leaving he wrapped his arms around my neck and said how much he loves me, then he said, "Tomorrow night I will have th she again and I will teach you more."

2016-11-30T06:47:00.002-08:00

Recently I was telling Rocky how much Jesus loves him. He replied, "Mostly I don't do that."
"Don't do what?"
" I don't act like I believe that."
I am still processing his statement. But isn't it a great reminder to pray for our kids?

Yesterday I was painting the boys' room. I am not sure why I suddenly decided to jump into that project but sometimes the need to overtake the chaos overtakes me. So, when Gobey asked if he could make pudding by himself I jumped at the chance to keep him occupied. While I painted I heard the boys happily smacking away and I heard Rocky say, "This is delicious! You are a genius!"

Twinkles has had a bad cold this week so we have had a lighter week of school. This has been nice since we have fresh snow. Sledding on the driveway, building a snowman, and cookie baking have all happened. I have also done a lot more reading aloud which we all enjoy.

Just before the snow fell Rocky learned to ride his bike without training wheels. He didn't even need any running next to him. Daddy just took the whiles off while I was grocery shopping and sent him off. He just had it, just like Gobey.
Now he is sad about the snow because he can't ride his bike.

Gobey is rally into space. He spent a whole day recently making a rocket ship out of boxes.

Twinkles is really into storm chasing. Last week we took the week off school and she wanted to storm chase. So, we rode our bikes to the duck pond one day so she could take pictures of rain clouds. It rained a little on us on our way home, so I think she got the real feel. She keeps a notebook of weather, reads weather books, and watches storm chasers on utube. Never thought I would have a daughter who did that.

The Kids

2016-11-14T07:53:00.002-08:00

Last night I moved to the couch because my back was hurting me. This morning Rocky climbed under my blanket and crawled up from my toes and peaked out grinning. "Well, hello, what are you doing?" I asked the beaming face.
"I just scrambled up under your blankets! Under. Under. Under the bottom side. Its a great tunnel. If you were me you would really like it!"

Gobey decided that he is going to make a birthday present for his brother out of a cardboard box, so he is working on cutting it. He is insisting that his brother not look, so Rocky is hiding under a blanket and talking about how excited he is. "I'll just be under this blanket. Dad! We need the Christmas tree!" Gobey, chuckling, "Ha ha I don't want you to peak so you will really like it on your birthday."
Rocky, "I'll be really surprised!" Then he rolled over and bonked his head on the couch he couldn't see there.

The kids are excited about the super moon tonight.

We have jumped from Halloween to Christmas. The kids are in full swing of what they want to make for each other for Christmas. This year I want them to concentrate more on giving than on getting. Twinkles is going to make her brothers lego crayons (from a mold), Gobey is making a wooden robot for his brother, and that is as far as we have gotten so far.

These Three

2016-11-09T21:55:00.000-08:00

Today we walked and scooted to the library after we had finished school. Rocky biked on his bright yellow bike. He stopped to pick a dandelion and blow it. He stopped to look at what he had in his backpack, then discovered a magnifying glass and decided to look for ants. I love this little four year old.
Lately Gobey has been making lists. Today as we started school he wrote everything down that we were going to do in the day. "School, snack, more school, lunch more school, play with Hunter, library, supper, bed". As we went through the day he checked things off. Finally, at the end of the day he wanted to make sure that he found his list to check off the last couple of things. I have to admit that I am pretty thrilled that I have a list maker! My oldest is a free spirit, so it is nice to have this balance, not to mention that I am a list maker.
Twinkles smiled a lot on our library trip today. She has been really interested in the weather lately and wanted to find some weather books. At home she has been keeping a notebook on the weather. She keeps track of what the weather is, and writes down other weather facts she learns. So, she was thrilled to find several books to bring home with her. She would like to chase tornadoes one day, no joke.

Fall Nights

2016-09-17T20:29:00.002-07:00

Rocky is playing his first season of soccer this year. He was thrilled. He started requesting to be on a team last spring when his older two siblings got to play. This fall the older two didn't get to, but he does. He is on the Grey Sharks team. He is always hesitant at first, standing back and bringing his fists up together below his chin, looking nervous. I go out on the field with him for the first few minutes of practice while he gets accustomed to the coach and the other players. Then he is all in, giving us thumbs up and running around with a grin. He isn't very aggressive, and doesn't even seem to watch the ball too much, but he follow the pack of little, four year old runners. Today was no different: hesitant, then enjoying kicking the ball in practice. During the game he doesn't try to kick the ball much. He turns as he is running and gives us thumbs up. He played the last three quarters of the game (someone always has to be the guy to sit out) and as he went in for the last quarter he whispered to me, "I am going to get a goal this time." Eager nodding.
"That's great!" I told him, flashing a thumbs up as he backed toward the field. "It's not gonna happen." I thought to myself, leaning over to tell Big Daddy what he had said. But then moments later his foot caught the ball. . . It rolled. . . He chased it.. . It was in the goal!
"Yes, yes, yes!" He pumped his fists in to the air and jumped up and down.
Afterward he wanted to be the one to tell Twinkle Toes his exciting news when we reached her where she and a neighbor girl had been scooting nearby.
As we climbed into the van after the game he declared, 'That was fun. I like playing soccer."
He is our enthusiastic one.

TOnight at supper we had homemade waffles, scrambled eggs, and fruit salad with yogurt. We got to talking about nightmares and then Gobey started talking about Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle which he has been listening to at night. He talked to us for over 20 minutes, remembering the stories in great detail. He is not always the most chatty. When he speaks, you need to listen.

Twinkles had a garage sale today. She is into having garage sales on Saturday. She and Gobey each made $2.25. She has been looking for broader boundaries lately, so we let the kids stay up late on Friday and play outside with the neighbors. They loved running around in the dark and I got points for being understanding.

We have had a difficult couple of weeks with each of our children having their own issues. Whining, complaining, fighting, disrespect, lying, deceit. So, we reeled them in, gave very specific guidelines, small boundaries, and had a number of Bible studies. There has been perhaps a little progress but there are times in parenting when you wonder if the little people living with you are going to grow up to be decent human beings, let alone love God. Earlier this week a child stomped into the kitchen and grouches, "Give me food!" Then flopped in a chair.
"Stand up and look at me." I ordered.
Hesitantly the child stood.
"Now I want you to say, 'THank you Mom for all you do.'"
Rolled eyes. Sat back down.
"Stand up and look at me. See my pleasant face? I want you face to look this pleasant."
Child stood half slouched and frowned.
"When you speak to me you will be pleasant and respectful. Now you can tell me, "Thank you Mom for all you do."
Whiningly the child moaned, "Thank you mom."
"Pleasantly. With a smile."
"I'm starving!"
Sometimes this character training thing is a struggle.

2016-06-19T12:41:00.002-07:00

Today after church Rocky was standing by me and he said, "Mom, I'm church sick."
"You are? What does that mean?" I asked.
"That is what happens when you are sick of church."

For Father's Day Rocky got up and excitedly painted an envelope for his father. Then he wanted to put glue on it and let it dry. Later he painted a pop cycle stick. He insisted his dad didn't see it. Once I got it wrapped in green paper, Rocky started to cry. "I just don't like to see my fings going away." He lamented. "Do we have to give presents? I just can't take it." Sobbing. "I wish this day was over." So, in the end Daddy got an empty, painted envelope for father's day.
We love you, Big Daddy, just not quite as much as we love painted pop cycle sticks.
"It's the thought that counts" said Big Daddy ruefully.

Dad

2016-06-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

I thought my dad was the strongest man in the world. He could build anything, fix anything, do anything. With his tool belt around his waste and his big red tool box open, he could fix the world. He would get up early in the morning to pick people up from the airport, help fix a new friend's house, help others with snakes. A servants heart wasn't ever something he talked about, but it was certainly something he DID. He was also always working around the house, fixing, tidying, hammering, hanging, even building a shed. Raking leaves and mowing lawns.
Dad never yelled at us. Not once. When we got a bit too crazy he would say, "I am the head of this household!" and we all knew we were supposed to fall into place. He drove us to numerous soccer and basketball games. He even coached sometimes.
But really everything started for Dad with Jesus. EVERY morning when we got up, there would Dad be, wrapped in his blanket, with his Bible opened on his lap, talking to Jesus. Every. Day. He was faithful. So, when we came to him with questions about the world or God or life, he knew Where to lead us. Always, in the end, we would find Jesus sitting there on His throne.
So, there may have been camping trips and family reunions, historical museums and road trips, but most importantly we knew that God was there. He was in control. He was the one to turn to.

I think that is the best legacy a person can give.

Thank you Dad for your legacy!

Other Stuff

2016-06-17T06:33:00.001-07:00

We celebrated 14 years of marriage. Hooray!

Twinkles wanted a kissing picture ;0)

The men working on bikes. It is a constant struggle with goat thorns afoot.

The kiddos gave me several very sweet tea parties/breakfasts lately.

The pillows the kids made in our sewing school.

The piggy banks the kids hand sewed (oldest child to youngest, left to right)

Beginnings of one of the dolls I made as part of the sewing school.

Party!

The menu Twinkles made for the party.

Memorial Day

Fun kitten times.

This Is The Place is a historical and fun place to visit.

(This guys was freaky looking)

Fun play area.

Settler dance.

Sasparilla

Waiting for the candy cannon to be shot off. A huge burst of flame sent the candy to the air.

Some pioneers making crackers.

Me and my tired pioneer.

Rows of hand carts.

Pretty mill.

Big Daddy

2016-06-17T06:18:00.003-07:00

It has been over a year since Big Daddy has hit remission. We are so thankful. It has been a very slow recovery for him. His hair came back long before his stamina. We were surprised by how long it has taken him, but the huge blood clots in his legs haven't helped.

In this case, slow and steady wins the race. He just keeps plugging away, exercising, eating fairly healthy, putting one leg in front of the other. If you remember, we climbed a mountain last summer. Poor Big Daddy barely made it. He huffed and puffed the whole way up. I carried Rocky. This summer Big Daddy was able to carry Rocky most of the way up on his shoulders. There was some puffing, there was some slow going, but he just kept putting one leg in front of the other. Big Daddy is back to doing basically everything. He mows, he can jump some on the trampoline, he plays with the kids, and goes for walks. It is the uphill things that are especially difficult, and he still wheezes some when he runs.

The Dr's are now just wanting to see him every three months. He will have an ultra sound on his legs to see the blood clots soon. From there they will determine what will happen with the blood thinner. The Dr's have told him that it will probably be another year before the blood clots are gone, at which point we are hoping he will feel like his old self again.

Big Daddy has come so far. From barely being able to walk across the room, bent over, holding my hand just before we found out he had cancer, to now treking up mountains with a child on his back. For him he says if he could run it would be as if the cancer never happened. He is even doing some running again and that was progressed from very slow and wheezy and painful to better. If you know Big Daddy, you know that he just wants to run again. We are hopeful that he will get there.

For me it has taken a bit longer to get over the emotional trauma of watching the whole ordeal, but slow and steady wins the race.

Big Daddy did get pneumonia this winter when the kids got coughs. I did read that people who have had some kinds of chemo can be more susceptible to pneumonia. I wonder if his lungs have been damaged (which was one of the side affects of the drugs - less lung capacity), but he doesn't want to consider this.

Anyway, Big Daddy is doing great. He is loving work, loving summer, loving moving his body again.

We are thankful that we got tomorrow.

Kid Stuff and a Road Trip

2016-06-17T05:58:00.000-07:00

(Overlooking Jenny Lake in the Grand Tetons on an impromptu trip)

Rocky typically brings a sword with him wherever he goes. He likes to "have a nose fight" which is basically eskimo kisses. Last night before bed he came out of the bathroom with a toilet paper roll looking for markers. He wanted to make something with this he said with a huge smile. He got right to work at the table coloring, cutting paper, and using tape. Rocky can be quite focused and determined. He has decided that he wants to live in Disney World and asks regularly when we can go back ;0) He fluctuates between being the huggingest, kissingest, snugglyest kid to being quite particular about things. We are working on communication skills when people take or touch something that belongs to us.

Twinkle Toes is thoroughly enjoying the social freedom that comes with summer. Friends, friends, friends is her motto. She and Shannon are often together plotting spy missions, taking Coconut on wagon rides, sword fighting with all the neighbor kids, having pool parties, etc. Though she resents having to read after lunch instead of continuing the party, she is learning more self-discipline and responsibility. Two days ago I gave the kids a speech about picking up after themselves and not leaving everything for Mom to do. She quite happily dove into a thorough cleaning of her room. We threw away a full trash bag of stuff. "If everyone just cleans up after themselves, we can have a clean house and then have lots of time to do other things!" She kept saying. I like her perspective. What else can I do for you, Mommy? she would ask. I sat with her a while and chatted after I helped her clean her room a bit. We had a wonderful time together while the boys watched Ninja Warrior. Full of happy stories and silly ideas of "what would you do if ___________", Twinkles loves to chat or go on walks/ bike rides with me. An encourager to her brothers and a faithful friend, Twinkles is a fun person.

Gobey has been enjoying nature more and more. He especially enjoys the adventuresome part of camping and fire starting and watching for bears. He is my most introverted child, but still enjoys his friends. He doesn't always have to say something, sometimes he just wants to be together. If you interact with him for a while, he will look over at you from the corner of his eye, and then wrap his arm around you. I love his mischievous grin. Yesterday I was praying on my run that God would help Gobey have more of a servants heart. I literally walked in the door afterward and there he was, with a towel over his arm, a huge grin on his face, pretending to be a waiter. He eagerly served everyone breakfast, puting himself last to eat, got everyone drinks, stood by waiting to do more. I was so impressed.

We thoroughly enjoyed our road trip to the Tetons. It was so refreshing to "get away from it all". Nature is a great healer.

The first night there we arrived around 7:30 and needed to get a key to our "tent-cabin" and get some supper. There was a cafe and restaurant there at the camping area along with a laundromat, convenience store, and ranger station. We could even get wifi in the office. That night we made a fire in the cookstove in our tent/cabin for warmth as it was chilly. Then we jumped into our beds. There were four bunks that hung from the walls and then Gobey slept on a thick mat on the floor.

The next day we went to Jenny Lake, rode a boat across and hiked several hours. We made it up to inspiration point. I will admit that there was some grumbling among the boys, but over all it was a beautiful and rewarding hike.

We did not end up using the showers since they closed at 4:30 (huh?), so we were looking a bit grimy.

I wouldn't really recommend the tent/cabin. I actually found the tent more comfortable. But, it was a fun adventure and one we wont quickly forget.

Twinkles found an interesting tree at the camping resort.

(When we arrived at Jenny Lake it was foggy, the fog cleared away part way through. Then, as we were pulling away on the boat it started to rain. Perfect Timing)

Summer Relationships

2016-06-10T06:02:00.001-07:00

One of the most effective things we can do as parents is to build into the relationship we have with our children. This year I reclaimed my kids from the neighbors. Instead of just letting them run off and spend hours with friends, I now carve out time where they HAVE to be home. Time to rest, time to be one on one with mom, time for family fun. Yes, they still get friend time. But it isn't the top priority.
How can we impact our kids if we don't spend time with them? If we don't talk to them about what is important to us? If we don't laugh together and make memories?

One of the ways that I try to set up our home is that the friends come here to play. This isn't necessarily fun for me. I like my house clean and I like quiet time and I find some kids obnoxious. However, it is beneficial for me to see how my kids interact with others, what their friends are like, what they are talking about, etc. Plus, I have found that if they are at friends' they just do screens. (Other moms like quiet, too ;0) We have limited screens at friends' houses to Friday and Saturday. Our kids get to do one hour of playing Minecraft at their friends. (If it were up to me, I would have it here at the house. Among other reasons, some units you can access porn and other things on, and I want to make sure they don't stumble on things that would harm them. However, this is one of Big Daddy's rules, and I try not to twitch too much in supporting his decision) After that hour I call them home. I would let them play and do other things for a while, but I have found that they just keep playing and playing the video games if I don't call them.

We will start on working on the responsibility of knowing the time and being home when asked, but I need to first work out the consequence for when they "forget". A second way to build your relationship is explaining the expectation and consequence for things before they happen. This, of course, is usually the result of a pattern that needs addressed. However, the child accepts the punishment as "just" when mom or dad has sat with them and explained the consequences clearly beforehand. My 4, 7, and 10 year old all are old enough to understand this.

This summer I invested in some new bats that weren't broken, badminton rackets, and sidewalk chalk. We fix bike tires regularly (goat thorns are brutal and they are abundant around here). We plan camping trips. I also used my birthday money on a 15 foot wide pool. All the kids can touch in it, but they can also swim under water. We can ALL enjoy being together in it. We have very specific rules and strong consequences for when we can be in or near it, but at the end of the day it is a great way to enjoy summer fun together without having to rush here and there and everywhere. We have a rule: No friends before 10 AM. And after lunch we have reading and flashcards/math time.

Our summer has already shot off at breakneck speed. We went camping, had sewing camp at home, had a three day CC practicum, and went to This Is The Place (a living history museum). The kids will take a few swimming lessons and horse back riding lessons. We have a week until Big Daddy's mom arrives for a while. Then another week until Twinkles has Bible Camp. Then we have another week until we go to the hometown to be with family. After that we will have a week or two before we start into school again. Whew! Its going to go fast and in between trying to get the house more organized after the school year crazies, I want to be able to enjoy my children. We are now in the "less time than we have had" stage with Twinkles. Its going too fast.

In between the fun and games and togetherness we also have discipline "issues". Building into the relationship with each child helps these times go better. We are once again doing the Child Training Boot Camp which is a wonderful resource for lovingly, clearly, and firmly training your children to obey. Because obedience stars with hearing, I have the kids say "yes mom" when I say something to them. If they don't, I will have them walk and touch a door and come back to me 5 times, each time saying "yes mom" pleasantly. Emphasize the pleasant, as children who honor their parents are pleasant to them ;0) I could overlook this, but it has proven to be a good way to have the child choose obedience first. The other day a child was not honoring his/her parent. "I want you to walk to the bathroom and touch the door. You need to say "yes mom" when you do it." I instructed them. (As a side note, I don't do this in front of others as the child would be humiliated and they would react more strongly)
"No."
"You are not to say 'no' to mommy. I want you to try again. (restated walking to door command).
"No."
Mom administered consequence for the no.
Mom again repeated command.
"No."
Consequence given again.
"No."
Mommy gently pulls child onto lap and rocks them. "I love you. You are special to me." I whispered in her/his ear. "I love your laugh. I love how gentle you are to our animals. I love watching you laugh and play with your siblings. I love hearing you do (various things in school). *kiss, kiss, kiss Now, I am asking you to please walk to the door and touch it and say 'yes mom.'"
The child begrudgingly did it. When they came back I pulled them onto my lap again and whispered more things in their ears about THEM. About things I love about them. How they are a gift from God to me. About who they are and what they mean to me, what they mean to God.
We did this five times.
Each time the attitude got more pleasant. At the end they smiled. And then they did the chore they had been resisting and we moved on with our day. The relationship in this instance was key to getting heart change. I used authority, yes, but I also used gentleness, encouragement, and love.
You are special to me, child, too special to let you disobey. I want it to go well with you. I want your days to be long upon the earth. I want you to be well-pleasing to the Lord. I want you to have peace.

Road Trip

2016-05-13T19:16:00.000-07:00

We were so excited to get away for a few days of camping. This was the first time we have camped in a tent since we have moved and the first time that Rocky remembers. He was trying to wrap his mind around the idea before we left. It was a peaceful, scenic drive. The kids played with army guys and watched movies. Big Daddy and I got to chat. The kitten got to come so we could keep bonding.

We were surprised to see wild turkeys when we arrived. The second evening we could hear them gobbling near our tent. The kids gobbled back; the turkeys responded. Big Daddy worried we were sending the turkeys the wrong message.

We had hot dogs and baked beans and broccoli the first night. The kids were thrilled to help build the fire and cook over it. Hunter pounced on tufts of grass and hid in a rock pile while he wasn't held.

It was quiet. A rolling, laughing stream played in the woods behind us. Everyone was happy. (and we know that traveling with kids isn't always that way)

There were mountains behind us and in front of us. We were the second camp site from the end of a cul de sac that led to a great hike. The sun lit up the golden trees around our camp site. It was perfect.

Big Daddy teased me about my sweat pants, but it is the attire of campers who like to be warm. Boy, it was fun to be out in nature and away from everything. So RELAXING! The kids are a great age now. They could play in the woods right nearby and we could chat.

Twinkles and I had a walk by the creek together. She loved exploring and pointing out romantic places ;0). We all walked through this area as well. We found a few holes where something lived. We watched the sun go down. The kids were full of adventuresome spirits.

It was a little chilly, but still pleasant. There were neighbors around us the first night, but the second night only one person we could see. Most of the people in the area were retirees or single men enjoying adventure as well.

We enjoyed the sound of the stream.

I enjoyed getting to walk alone with Twinkle Toes. Enjoying nature is one thing that we share in common. We don't have many similar interests, so it was just nice.

We were able to borrow some pads from friends at church for comforts sake, and they worked terrific! It was the best sleep that I have ever had in a tent. At first Big Daddy and I shared a big mat, but then Rocky got scared and so I had to take his place. The first night everyone's nose was cold. This made it hard for me to sleep deeply. The second night Twinkles and I traded places because she was on the side of the tent while the rest of us were lined up in a row and she was cold. However, she had kicked off her extra blanket. I slept quite comfortably over there.

The kids liked getting to sleep in their sleeping bags for the first time.

The first full day that we were there we hiked in the morning. It was beautiful! There were more streams (we miss the water) and the kids and I climbed over logs that were bridged over them. They pretended to be Indians. I helped Rocky so no one would end up wet. The kitten happily followed along. Gobey loved having Hunter chase him. We saw some old stone steps left over from someone's cabin long ago. We climbed up to the snow. It was a great hike! On the way we had found some wood that we wanted to take back, so on the return trip Gobey and I were behind everyone else because of a bathroom stop. He and I picked up the logs to bring to the camp site. Gobey was very determined. He wanted those logs. Except for a short time when I carried both of the big ones, he carried the above log for at least half a mile. He would occasionally set it down to rest. "We can just leave them and come back" I would say.

"Ahh, well, It's OK. " He would say. "I want to carry it." I was very impressed. He smiled the whole way.

Because we carried the logs we took a bit longer to get back, so as soon as we arrived we had to jump in the van and go to our cave tour. We were actually five minutes late, had to knock on the door, and they unlocked the cave again to let us in. Whew, just in time! Lehaman's Cave was a very cool cave with lots of formations. Shields and everything.

The kitten was a fun addition to the trip. When we weren't exploring, making fire, or eating, he was fun to play with or cuddle. Gobey is thoroughly enjoying having a pet and it was fun for Twinkles since Coconut gets motion sickness and isn't able to travel with us.

We drove up into the mountain to a scenic spot and then stopped at the visitor's center to see their displays. Then it was back to the campsite for more playing in the woods and camp fires.

We didn't know it at the time but the above trees are probably 6,000 years old!

Many s'mores were consumed.

We even brought Hunter his own "outhouse" so we could continue the potty training. He caught on so much faster than Coconut! At night he slept in a carrier in the van.

Gobey got to burn his log. It made a great fire.

Though we were a bit grimy, and had to walk to the bathrooms, it was a wonderful, peaceful, memory-filled trip.

Just before leaving the small town near the camping area, we drove into the town.

There were some small homes and a few old, settler cabins.

There was one gas station that was literally unmanned. You just drove up, swiped your card, filled up, and left. It felt so strange that I had to get a picture!

My camera battery died, so on the way home Twinkles let us use her camera to take pictures at the border.

Then I had Big Daddy take a picture of me sitting in the middle of the road with no cars in site. Then all of the kids one by one joined me so we got a picture together. Only by then there was a car behind us in the far distance (you might be able to see the speck). I drove most of the way home. We ended up taking a slightly different route and I loved it! Very scenic, barely any cars, old forgotten towns, abandoned mines, signs so faded to places I wondered if they were still there.

What a wonderful time.

Hunter jumped onto Twinkles's head once and we all had a good laugh. So, we tried to recreate it for a picture.

Mother's Day

2016-05-13T13:52:00.003-07:00

For Mother's Day this year I explained specifically to Big Daddy what I was hoping for : for him to help the kids do something special. Poor Big Daddy stresses about the spring because he has Mother's Day, my birthday, and our anniversary. His brain just doesn't seem to think like a woman's in this area (what?!) So, I have learned to be specific. He may have got off easy this year because I may or may not have had a little incident with a policeman that cost me a few pretty pennies. So, I wasn't interested in him spending any money. At all. So, the day before mother's day the kids told me that I was not to come out of the room until they came in. I thoroughly enjoyed reading in bed until they brought me my breakfast. The oldest two were beaming with pride. After I had eaten my meal and Big Daddy had gone to work, Rocky came in with his lip trembling and burst into tears. "Nobody has fed me, yet!" Poor fellow.
The next morning was church. The kids once again made me breakfast. But this time they said they were going to feed me somewhere else. Big Daddy went early because he was leading worship. The kids led me downstairs where they wanted me to watch whatever I wanted on TV. Do you see how they did that? Ha ha. Of course we ended up watching a little Cat in the Hat, and then I started the movie Sergeant York, one of the greatest stories of this century. I had rented it from the library, so that worked well. It was the first time the kids had seen it and they were quite impressed. A noble, humble leader who valued life enough to object to war until he realized that he could save more lives by killing a few. Oh to have leaders like that again. Now I am reading a biography about him. Very good story.

A Kitten is A Marvelous Thing

2016-05-06T19:30:00.002-07:00

We added a new member to the family this week. We are all delighted with him.

We had a kitten follow us home recently and Gobey cried when the owners came to get it. I decided that I would be OK with an outside kitty, if it could be friendly. Since Coconut is really Twinkle Toes's pet, this one is Gobey's. We consider all of our pets family pets so noone gets a monopoly on them, nevertheless, certain people have the responsibility for them and with that comes the bonus of being the pets' favorite.

Hunter licked Gobey at breakfast. So much for an "outside" cat. Of course, once it stops raining, they will have to play with him outside again. Today we actually had hail as well.

He is such a sweet little thing, and fun to watch him jump at things. Coconut could not be more thrilled. He is truly happy to have a "brother." He is so thrilled that we have to be careful that he doesn't hurt Hunter in his exuberance. That said, it is pretty funny that he barely bats at the cat and knocks him over.

Today Hunter barely got down, he was thoroughly cuddled.

Oh, yes, we are thrilled with our new family member.

I do have pictures with Twinkles and the cat, but they must be on my phone. Twinkles got to take Coconut to the park this week when Big Daddy came with us.

He is a tolerant pooch, even if he does insist on pooping inside when the weather is not to his liking.

Too Many Donkeys

2016-04-26T19:20:00.001-07:00

Over the years I have taught my children different swear words. This is partly because my kids make up words and have stumbled on words they shouldn't use, and partly to help them understand society and one way to live in a way that glorifies God.

Today I was cooking while Twinkles and her friend were drawing and making signs at the table. They were trying to decide on a name for a club they were starting (Twinkles starts a new club every other day).
"Hey, do you know what an A$$ is?"
"What?" Her friend gasped.
I was standing across the counter measuring things and it took me a moment to register what was going on.
"An A$$. Do you know what an A$$ is?"
Her friend looked at me in horror and then back at her.

"Twinkles, that is a bad word." I informed her.
She was horrified. "You said that it meant donkey!"
"Well, sometimes it does." (Like in the Bible)

I guess that I have a few more words to teach.. . and wouldn't I like to be a fly on the wall of that little LDS dinner table tonight?

School Year

2016-04-23T18:17:00.000-07:00

This was on my bathroom counter one morning. Clearly it was my call to arms. My summons to the cause. I just didn't know which one.

Coconut thinks it is his duty to guard us from the neighbor's killer chickens.

Those capes. Lovingly folded and placed beside the bed. Because super heroes are ever at the ready.

We are coming to the end of our school year. We are ready. We have finished our Classical Conversations and have one more week of our reading program. Little by little we are going to make it.

This year we did our CC first thing in the morning all together (after chores and breakfast of course). Next Gobey worked one on one with mommy while he worked on Grammar, Logic, and Handwriting. Twinkle Toes would work on copywork, handwriting, worksheets and Bible. And rocky had blanket time and worksheets.

(Twinkles picked up a free textbook at a book sale and studies it for fun. She is interested in the human body and health)

Next Gobey did reading with mommy while the other two had break time together. Sometimes Twinkles would do a preschool with Rocky or else they played with toys or outside.

After that Gobey and Rocky had books on tape while Mommy worked with Twinkles on All About Reading, spelling and then grammar and writing. We did Essentials through our local Classical Conversations and this was our grammar/writing program this year.

Some guys that Rocky drew. You can see their long legs. He loves to cut things out.

Next we had lunch and break. Then read alouds (and history) everyone together. Then Twinkles read a book while Gobey did piano and math and Rocky had preschool with mom.

Next Rocky and Gobey had toys in his room while Twinkles did violin with mom. Then she did math on the computer (Teaching Textbooks) while Gobey did spelling.

(Twinkles drawings. She draws a lot)

It was a full day for us. We usually finished around 3:30 or 4 depending on how hard people worked. Fridays were half days so we could go to museums or have friends over. Fridays we did some core subjects and then had science and arts (cycling through art projects, orchestra, and famous artists).

Over the summer we read books, do some fun science, and some math, but it is much more low key. We enjoy a break!

Capers

2016-04-23T17:59:00.000-07:00

I love the super hero phase. Capes and zooming sounds and fists pumped in flying.

Brothers flying through the largest hop scotch ever. Gobey so sweetly drew this for his brother and taught him how to go through it. Then Rocky made up his own rules.

A shadow anticipating a leap.

We went to a fun birthday party and all three kids came home with capes. They were thrilled.

Rocky graduated to a big boy bike (so he no longer has to ride the princess tricycle)

Gobey ran into someone in soccer and got a black eye.

I love this leaping boy and his cute shadow.

Twinkle Toes often does this to my computer.

Cuties

2016-04-17T21:54:00.002-07:00

Big Daddy helped Rocky build a simple flying ship out of legos recently. Rocky quite happily carried that ship around with him, to supper, and then to bed.

Today after church, the boys had a lot of fun running around stage and then jumping into Daddy's arms.

Twinkles and I did a personality test today. She was thrilled with the assessment, because it was precisely her. An ENFP just like her dad. She is spontaneous and outgoing. And she loves that about herself. We love that too. She makes our life fun.

Cute Things

2016-04-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

Rocky: Mom, how old are you?
Me: I am 38.
Rocky: I thought we were losing track of how old you were.

Me: Did you know that every time I see you I just want to hug you?
Rocky: (opening mouth wide) AAAAhhhhhh, can I bite your nose?
(Conversations with sons)

Gobey: Mommy, I want to play with you. (Gives me a big hug)
Me: I would be happy to play with you tomorrow (as we are getting him into bed)
Gobey: I just . . . I don't want you to get old.

We went to a birthday party this weekend, all of the kids received capes, which they are thrilled with. Rocky and I were climbing the hill next to the park that hte party was held at at the end. It has a steep place right at the beginning. I was holding his hand up, and he slipped a little bit. "That is no problem for me!" He declared. The next day the kids wore their capes again. At bed time Rocky very neatly folded his cape several times and set it by his bed. Gobey saw what his brother did and followed suit.

Sunday Twinkles and I a wonderful walk to the to the duck pond. She rollerbladed and I walked. She talked and talked the whole time. About her desire to own a horse, she's always wanted to be really good at gymnastics, and other things. It was a gorgeous day and I thoroughly enjoyed her company.

A month ago I was putting Rocky to bed. "Mommy, I wish that I was a baby."
"Oh, why do you want to be a baby."
Then he burst into tears. "I just don't get very much love any more!" He cried.
I desperately searched my mind trying to figure out why he would feel that way. He had gotten in trouble several times that day , but I wasn't sure.
"You just don't play with me or cuddle me!" He cried.
I realized that we had just gotten back from Disney, and although we had done a lot of fun things together, he was missing the down on the floor wrestling times. The stories before bed. Cuddling throughout the day. Car cities and swinging. So, since then we have been sure to fill his love tank in those ways. It was a good reminder of how sensitive kids can be.

Wrestling Match

2016-04-01T19:20:00.001-07:00

Tonight at dinner Rocky was talking : Whenever I have a grandma or a grandpa and grandma here, I am soooo thankful, because I love playing with them. I just love and love to play and play with them so I do. I just play with them. Do you remember Grandpa H? He is a REALLY good wrestler. I just didn't know he was so strong. I just thought I would like to see if he could wrestle. I can't wait to see him again so we can wrestle.

Rocky can be quite particular. Tonight after he had gotten out of bed a number of times, I went in to lay by him. I was mostly on the floor next to his bed. "Mommy, whenever someone lays in my bed they have to lay down."
"I am laying down." There wasn't much room for me on the mattress. I didn't want to try to squoosh.
"You're not laying very nicely."
But when I left I kissed him and said good night. When I was at the door he said, "I needed to give you a hug." So, I went back for a sweet hug, and got a kiss, too.

Words

2016-03-31T19:08:00.002-07:00

Me: We are going to take that old metal bedframe in and recycle it.
Twinkle Toes: Yes! WE are finally recycling! I love pure nature.
Rocky: Can we go to the cape recycling place? I need a new cape for my guy.
Me: They don't have a cape recycling place.
Rocky: Why?
Me: I guess there aren't enough capes.
Rocky: Lots of people wear capes. Like, Batman.