Another weekend flies by

This weekend it was nice not to have too much on the schedule. Just a soccer game for Ella on Saturday and time with our small group on Sunday. Somehow in the midst of "not a lot happening" the days flew by and Monday morning was greeting us again.

We tried to stay outside as much as we could on Friday and Saturday since it'll be turning cooler here this week. So Friday the kids and I planted our massive mums in the landscaping. Carter is so hilarious, he has to take out all the power tools and equipment to do his yard work. Given the go ahead, he loves to dig in the landscaping in search of 'da big worms'. So he and Ella made up a batch of lovely mud and then managed to find about 5 worms to inhabit the goop. Of course, I didn't have time to take pictures between digging the holes, planting the mums, and obsessively checking Christian's head for blood thirsty mosquitoes, I was a bit preoccupied.

Saturday came and went in a flash. It was one of those mornings filled with the aroma of Scott's Belgian waffles and sticky syrup everywhere. Unfortunately, we still can't get the kids to collectively sleep in. Carter did come in to bed to snuggle with me and that lasted longer than usual so in my book it was an 'almost sleep in'.

Sunday the kids had fun at church. Praise God! I think it was the first Sunday in a long time that I didn't a.) have a child in church with me b.) get called out because of Carter (causing a ruckus or wetting his pants) or c.) get paged because Christian was crying hysterically because he doesn't like the strangers in nursery. The message was great and the kids had fun in class. Carter has been learning a lot in his new class. He sings his songs for us at the dinner table. Last weekend he learned "building the temple" and sang it for-ever using his little fists to make hammers to the tune. Just precious. My parents stopped over to spend some time with the kids and during lunch Carter sang (for the first time all by himself) Jesus loves me--the whole thing! Pretty cute. In Ella's class they had a time for dancing and singing which is right up her alley. They made a bracelet and streamers for her dance. On the way home, we asked what she learned about and she replies so matter of factly, "well we made these stylish things to-day....to wear while we praise God!" Scott glances over at me in the seat next to him with this look of "oh my word, what are we in for??" It's so much fun with these kids. We gotta love em!

We are anxiously counting down the days until Grandpa and Grandma Moorlag arrive along with Uncle Mike, Aunt Sarah, and cousin Josie. It should be a fun filled whirl wind of a weekend. We always love to connect with family.

Oh Crap!

Just when I thought I was getting somewhere.....at first glance my afternoon appeared to be heading in an unusually smooth direction. Carter went down for his nap exceptionally easy, Ella was engrossed in playing 'cat school' with Gus, and Christian was the poster child for Happiest Baby on the block. So I seized this rare moment and took off to attack my to do list which included much overdue cleaning. I was flying around dusting, cleaning glass, bathrooms, and finally the floors. Don't worry Grandma, I continually checked in on the kids. They were safe and content. I strategically placed Christian smack in the middle of the house so I could see him from most rooms and keep talking to him. Well, I must have spent a little too long disinfecting the bathroom because to my horror when I peeked out the door I couldn't see Christian. Heart pounding within a matter of milliseconds, I ran into the living room to find this scene:

The little bugger had scooched all the way from the middle of this blanket to investigate the buffet. He was laying there with his hand stuck inside one of the cubbies thinking he was SOOOO cool when I startled him with my squeak! Not even 6 months for a few more days and I am in trouble! Oh CRAP! Who would have ever thought I would look back on the last 6 months and refer to them as 'the easy days' but so it is true. The little guy is on the move. But not if I can do much about it. I will continue to flip this guy over on his back and smooch up his belly and neck (which is so very kissable and choochy right now & it just sends him into the most mood altering belly laugh)! Time is flying. I have a kindergartner girl, a 2 1/2 year old, and a 6 month old mover.....I am so blessed!#@$!????! Really I am and am very aware of how great I have it. But man we are on high alert now! Here are a few shots of the little guys in action.
Looking like more like a caterpillar, getting that adorable butt up in the air.
Can you believe this face? It screams, "hey mom, check out just HOW cool I am with these new moves!!"

Ahh, he spots Gus who he gets very excited to see these days. Before I know it we'll have three kids chasing this poor cat!

Lots of funny faces from the growing boy. Don't you love the humongous bug bit in the middle of his forehead? YIKES! I think he's pretty stinking cute. I should take a poll, who do you think he looks more like:

a. Scott

b. Liza

c. Ella

d. Carter

e. none of the above

Enjoying a nature walk

With absolutely beautiful weather here this week, we just couldn't stay inside! Yesterday we pulled out the necessary gear for a nature walk! Things Carter insisted we needed:

1. Red Wagon


2. Chainsaw


3. A really big rock


4. ..and of course his hat!
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   
   Even though we were gone for close to an hour, we only made it down our driveway and two mailboxes up the road. The kids were so into collecting and inspecting nature. It was fabulous! I am so greatful for the time we have to go on special little 'fieldtrips' like this. Fall is one of our favorite times of year and days like this are the reason. Carter had his little wagon full of treasures: acorns, an assortment of sticks, rocks galore and a variety of critters he found lurking under bark and large rocks he insisted on moving. One thing is for sure, we can't move this kid into the city...for one the neighbors would kill us and he loves to roam our yard and driveway way too much to be able to stay on a city lot!

Here they are using their magnifying glasses to check out a big, fuzzy caterpillar.

Christian enjoyed the ride just as well. He had the VERy important job of keeping his eye on the critters the kids caught (note the bug box attached to the stroller). Even with the hat on, he somehow managed to get THE biggest, reddest bug bite in the middle of his forehead.....so much for getting his six month pics taken this weekend!?!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Learning so much at school

As a teacher, there a few things I've done to help Ella prepare for school. Learning The Pledge of Allegiance was not one of the things on the list. Well on Wednesday of this week we celebrated Constitution Day. We dressed in red, white and blue and had a 30 minute flag raising ceremony in honor of the Constitution. Ella was just excited to dress for the occasion. Of course, I think the red, sparkling, glitter shoes (any child who's seen the Wizard of Oz would call them ruby slippers) did the trick! Unfortunately, you can't see the beautiful shoes in this picture. She looked adorable but the story that ensues is even cuter!





At school that day we all gathered around the flag pole to learn some fun facts. Even the mayor of Grandville showed up to help celebrate. We had a special flag raising, sang some patriotic songs, and recited the Preamble. We all joined together to say the Pledge. All the while I was watching Ella in this mass of k-6 aged students wondering what the heck was she getting from this. The whole experience I assumed would be overwhelming. Our choir sang a song and then they played the bells for another song. I was impressed with the skills of the 5th graders. As far as I could tell, Elle was paying attention. We packed up at the end of our day, headed home to pick up the boys and didn't really talk much about the event other than the AWESOME music from the bell choir.





We went home, rallied the boys, and headed to the grocery store....had a pleasantly,surprising --uneventful trip. Of course, Carter can't check out at the grocery store without pooping his pants and this day was no exception. Ahhhh outings with Carter! :)





We arrived home and it was such a lovely day that the kids stayed playing outside in the driveway while I unpacked all the groceries. I always have the front window open so I can hear what is going on. Before long Ella had taken the yellow safety flag from the bike trailer and was twirling it around (reminiscent of the parade we finally took her to in August). Sometime passed and it was quiet.... a little TOO quiet. So then I start peeking out the windows and door. But what I saw, I did't want to interrupt. Ella is holding the flag up and I hear this precious conversation ensue: "Ok, Carter come here and stand. Put your hand like this (across your heart) and stand still. NO moving, do you understand me?" Carter nods his head very seriously. Then she says, "repeat after me" and she goes on to recite the Pledge of Allegiance....the whole stinking thing....and Carter is parroting it back to the best of his 2 1/2 year capability. I am shocked and finding myself a bit misty eyed. Then they parade around the yard with this yellow triangle of a flag saying something like, "Happy ton-stu-tution Day!" It was so cute! I hope that I remember this sweet memory for years to come......however I'm not too hopeful since I can barely remember my social security number or our telephone number some days. Maybe by writing this down I will increase the likelihood of remembering it.

Oh cute...oh sad!

Every once in awhile I find myself thinking crazy thoughts. These thoughts mostly occur at night (when sheer exhaustion kicks in), the house is quiet and it's just Christian that remains awake. I find myself sad that this is the last set of firsts. Ever so often, some crazy hormone tears me up to think that Christian is our last baby. We are so FAR from having a fourth that it's not funny. Who ever knew having 3 kids 5 and under was so stinking much work? But setting all that nonsense aside I find myself in awe of his wonderful tricks and discoveries. The other two, verbally and physically exhausting children are in dreamland and then I get sad watching our chunky little monkey smile and squeal on the floor. Delighted that he is the center of attention and pretty proud of himself and his new tricks. Yep, the little guy is conquering some new territory these days. He is highly proficient at rolling to get to toys out of reach. He is also very concentrated on doing the army crawl. This is where the sadness comes in. I am sad (for the moment) that he is already doing some of this stuff. Last night he even managed to get himself on all fours. I know, why didn't I grab the camera?? I think I was just to shocked and stunned that he was doing this so early. Carter moved early...well actually that kid"s NEVER been still even in uetero and he's never slowed down. But Christian has surprised me because I just didn't think he had the personality to want to move this soon. But he has and I am sad! But I can't stay sad too long because he is so proud of himself and he smiles so matter of fact with the cock of his head as to say, "hey mom did you catch that...I'm pretty good!" He has even began to sit up for short bouts of time. I wonder what he'll be doing by the time Grandma and Grandpa Moorlag get here in two weeks? Oh yes, he has also started enjoying some new foods. He had biter biscuits Thursday night and was cleaner than I could have ever imagined that whole experience going. He also had yogurt for the first time last night. They were both well received and seemed to have settled well. He is still most interested in bananas so I throw the sweet potatoes and avocado in with it. Scott's repulsed, but what does he know. He doesn't like guacamole for Pete's sake!

I wish I could write that Christian has decided to sleep through the night for the first time, but that's yet to happen. Ella and Carter both slept through the night at 10 1/2 and 11 weeks. Not so with this guy. But bed time with the other two has been such a battle that Christian asking to nurse for 10 minutes in the middle of the night seems like a small request since he goes down so easily. Once he does sleep through the night expect to see and HUGE thankful blog entry on that! I may drink a whole bottle of wine to celebrate....wait that may not be to healthy (for either of us)!

Soccer Saturday

So many wonderful events happen during the week that I'd love to blog on. However, the speed of life these days seems to be close to the speed of light so there's never enough time to get it all done in a day and still have enough energy to blog. I thought I would do a quick post of Ella's fun morning of soccer. She looks so 'official' in her shin guards and tshirt. Scott and Carter took Ella to her game -freeing Christian and I up for a morning of picking up around the house (which is always much needed) and then we shot to the mall for a quick shopping trip. I must say Christian is my best shopper by far. Slip him into the Bjorn and he is happy as a lark. It was a good morning for all.








Here are a few shots of Elle doing her thing on the soccer field. She loves it and manages to catch on quickly. She even managed to score two goals which REALLY impressed mom!!! The most important thing is that she is learning the importance of teamwork, she is working on her listening skills, and all the while having lots of fun! She was a bit disgruntled when I pulled the black shin guards out of the bag this morning. I asked her what the problem was and her reply was, "well I thought you'd get me pink or purple because those are my colors!" Of course, my reasoning for the choice of black was selfish.....I like that it covers dirty marks. I don't need one more thing to bleach around here!

Where did it go wrong?

Last night as we tucked our little darlings into bed we reassured them that when they woke up it would be Saturday and we'd have the WHOLE day to spend time together. Yet this morning at the stroke of 6:00 a.m. both the little munchkins were on each side of our bed ready to go. We fought it at first telling them it was WAY too early and tried to march them right back down to their beds. That only lasted a matter of minutes and then they were back up here begging for food. So in my delirious, sleep deprived state I growled to Scott, "just turn the TV on for them!" He was shocked and sensed my need for sleep so he obeyed just as I told him. This tactic only worked for a short time. It was followed by screams from the living room and then more proclamation of "starving-ness". They must have sensed our exhaustion but they were relentless in their pursuit to get us out of bed. So we were up and enjoying a breakfast of COFFEE, french toast, bacon and eggs before any of the normal people in our neighborhood. Christian was the only pumpkin that got the memo. He slept in until 9:00 and awoke with coos and smiles. Next Saturday I think I will just crawl into the crib with him that way maybe none of the other little "early risers" will find me.













I'm not sure what part of their little brains are broken. Honestly, I mean who wakes up at the literal crack of dawn for no good reason. It wasn't that we promised them this fantastically fun day. No trips to Disney or even the library. Just a quintessentially perfect day to sleep in: lots of rain, cool temps, and sheer exhaustion from a busy week. Nonetheless sleep has evaded me yet again. What I wouldn't give for a whole day to rest up.













The kids love the rain and jumped at the chance to go out and play in it. Still donning their p.j.s, the dressed in the necessary equipment and headed out. They splashed in our 'pool' (as we so lovingly refer to the massive puddle that forms in the turn around driveway) as they walked with dad to get the newspaper. What fun they had splashing in the puddles and walking around with the 'brellas' as Carter calls them. Carter even did some extra curricular activities. He has these big trucks---thank you again Grandma Moorlag--that he would race down the driveway and through the huge puddle. He was soaking and dirty--but then I would be more suprised if Carter wasn't muddy from head to toe after a rainstorm. :)

I couldn't even coax the kids into taking a nap together this afternoon (yet another reason I know something is wrong with them. Who doesn't love a good nap on a rainy Saturday???) So after folding 32 loads of laundry(ok maybe this is a slighty inaccurate number), taking Gus for a manicure and shots, and in attempt to shoot for an easy and early bedtime we decided to throw on our swimming suits and head to the pool. Just for fun we brought Christian in with us this time. He loved it....well not ALL the splashing in his face but the kid never cried the entire afternoon. Scott asks if we are SURE that Carter and Christian are for sure related?? I keep telling him that Carter may look like my side of the family but Christian's generally sunny personality is ALL mine. Especially the overly happy morning person part...or maybe not so much. So we spent the afternoon swimming, diving, playing in the fountains, and floating the lazy river on noodles. It was great and SCORE: the kids went down in what we have now coined THE ZONE: tired enough to go down without a fight but not too tired to meltdown. This is a glorious night in the Moorlag house and we aim to have more of these nights. However, after giving lots of whale rides, swimming under water to amuse Carter, and fighting the mighty current of the lazy river because it pleased Carter oh yes, and the lack of sleep from the previous 6 months: I am exhausted. I will head to bed only to be summonded by the babe in a few hours for his meal. I should be cleaning the house more thoroughly since we have 10 adults, 12 kids, and 2 babysitters coming over for small group tomorrow. But I figure..what the heck the house'll just be dirty by 8:00 why rush it? I'll just wait until 30 minutes before everyone arrives and dash around here throwing toys in any inconspicous spot. Here are a few extra shots from the week.

Ella looking exceptionally cute in a dress Grandma Moorlag
got her.

Enjoying a sunny afternoon on the playset:

Christian found the rope fascinating.

By the time Carter was done with this project we could barely see the dozer

Turning 5 was so much fun!

Wheww! It was a weekend jam packed with lots of giggles and merriment! Ella had so much fun with all her friends at the party on Saturday and then turned around to have another fun filled day playing with all of her new gifts. I wish I could write tons to go with these pictures but considering that I need to finish about 10 more things on my to do list AND get up and teach in the morning. I must get going. It sure was a fun time and I am still stunned that our little girl is 5!

Playing pin the rainbow on the pony

Carter was all "wrapped up" in the excitement--thanks Mary for keeping Carter busy during gifts.

Carter was excited to give Ella her gift of Littlest Pet Shop that he picked out just for her.
The right gift for our obsessive cleaner, launder', and ironing fanatic!.....a washing machine for her cottage!

Christian and Grandpa looking in on all the action.

Ella, her preschool friend Anna, and Gus ready to party!

Scott was tickled that the kids enjoyed the playset!

Ella wanted to make sure that we encorporated the candles into every aspect of the party. Here we have Birthday pizzas...man they were huge. Anyone want to come over for a few leftovers?

Christian was all hyped up with all the action at the house. He barely noticed when I stuck one of the party hats on him for a quick photo op! What a cutie!

This was so precious...we told Ella to close her eyes because a few of her gifts couldn't be wrapped and how sweet...all the girls covered their eyes as well! This was a special handmade, sure hit, gift from Justin & Kel. Grandpa Larry (LUke's grandpa) handmade a barn for Ella and Aunt Kel filled it with cats (Ella's dream) and a blonde girl riding a horse. It was perfect! She has played with it non stop!

Grandpa and Grandma Blackmer make sure Ella is all set for the next rain! She was so excited about this outfit that as she woke this morning with the rain pouring she said "well that's great, I can wear my new boots, coat, and umbrella to church". Well wouldn't you know it stopped raining just before we left home, however that didn't stop her from wearing the gear to church. Yep, my kids were the only ones skipping into church (in the sunshine)sporting their umbrellas and rain gear. It was cute!

all the girls covering their eyes at the unveiling of the gift from her Uncles and Aunts and Grandpa & Grandma Moorlag.....

The purple bike with butterflies was a HUGE hit!

She took it to the park today to practice riding the big bike!

This year Ella was all about the candles. No fancy Pony shaped cake this year. Just 5 tall candles and a sparkley purple and pink 5!

I should have guessed that Carter would love the Blue Moon icecream this month. At least I accidentially put him in a similiar colored shirt!

Christian loves chatting with Grandma!