Put Me In The Zoo!

With everything going on this summer, we didn't have a "proper" family vacation.  We were feeling pretty guilty about it, especially when the hubby was on his vacation week (last week) and we weren't doing much of anything besides enduring endless thunderstorms, flooding of neighboring towns, and adventuring to eye appointments (through the floodwaters).  So, in spite of heat advisories, we packed up the gang and headed to the Omaha Zoo. 

It has been ages since I've been to the zoo.  The last time I was there was with my neice (who is now 17), when she was very small.  The kiddos LOVED it, and even though we were sweating like no one's business, and my poor knee was so sore (thanks to all the walking in the humidity).  It was worth it though, anything to see their faces light up.  Here are some pics from our hot, sticky, sweaty, humid...fun! :)

Ready to explore!

Checking out the butterflies.

Bees!

The sign said not to worry about these spiders as they never leave their web.  Hmmm....

Cavy didn't buy it either! 

Then, he saw a tarantula - that was the final straw. He bawled!

Did you notice that someone is missing?

Cavy was still peeved about the spiders. ---------->  See?

Finally - cooperation!  Hooray! :)

The little lady wanted her pic taken alone too.

Daddy joining in the fun.

The hubby having as much fun as the kiddos.

The kiddos spent a lot of time worshipping the various sprinklers that were on - it was HOT!

A post-sprinkler pose.  What a bunch of goofs!

I thought this was so cute!  My little monkey.

Some visual fun - that would be a very small bird on the hubby's arm.  LOL

Hmm...a little more fun?

We could not keep Cavy out of the water - he loved it!

It seems we took lots of pics posing with the statues.

Cavy decided the elephant should serve as a backdrop and a hat holder. :P

Feeding the fishies.

Look out below!

There were some swans who tried to get in on the snacking action too.

One of these little jokesters peed on a zoo employee right in front of us.  The hubby thought is was hilarious!

I wanted to lend this poor guy my lotion.

This fella was having fun playing in the water and tossing his tire around.

Cavy was excited that we found a train!

This guy didn't look too comfortable to me.  LOL 

My big boys & I.

The gorillas were amazing!

A baby...awww!

Comparing "paws."

Mr. B - wanting to be part of the process of evolution!

This guy was fun to watch.  He played in the water and posed with a leaf in his mouth. 

I caught him here in a big yawn (look at those teeth!!).

What a crew!

We escaped to the IMAX for some air conditioned relaxation.  We watched a 3-D movie about Tahiti and surfing.  It was pretty cool, even had some good environmental information. 

Cavy and his popcorn smile.  Bear's favorite parts of the movie included 3-D girls in tiny bikinis...good grief!

Cavy NOT obeying the signs.  LOL

I almost missed this dude.  He blends in pretty well!

There was no need for security gaurds with this little guy around - he kept a good eye on us!

Ssssssnakes....

Poor Cavy jumped a mile when his daddy made him think this lizard was real.  Naughty Daddy!

He was a good sport about it.

All of the kitties were panting...it was so darn hot!

Checking out the rain forest.

Why would they possibly be screaming and running?  Oh - the Daddy Monster!

Waiting for Shay in the little girls room before we called it a day!

I'm so glad we were able to get away!  Family time is so, so, so important...even if it IS a heat index of 109! 

Blessings~

S

Paging Noah...

It amazes me how often we seem to have historic 500 year floods in our state.  Last week, it stormed for three nights in a row...long storms (very long storms).  I can't remember the last time it stormed all night long, it was unbelievable to have it happen 3 nights in a row (Sun., Mon., and Tues. nights).  We did have a little bit of water in the basement on Wednesday morning because we lost electricity for awhile, and of course, you need electricity to run the sump pump.  We were lucky though, we worked together and cleaned up our mess in less than an hour, and only threw out some boxes and rolls of wrapping paper. 

The hubby was itching to drive to Ames to view the real flooding, but as for myself - I'm really not a thrill seeker.  However, the children had eye appointments in Ames, and we made it - even though the interstate was closed.  It was quite an adventure; the kids thought it was exciting - I thought it was a little scary.  We took a lot of gravel roads and had to turn around many times when we approached areas that were under water.  Eventually we made it, although I'm not sure it was the smartest thing to attempt. 

Umm..not this way.

The eye clinic was virtually empty, and after we were done, we drove around a bit and viewed the flood damage.  It really is so sad.  So many people in Ames alone, were affected.  Lots of prayers are needed as they continue their clean up, and as flooding continues in other towns - lots and lots of prayers.  This Moma is doing her part, I hope you will join me in praying for those who are experiencing this devastation.  This got a little more serious than I had hoped (sorry).  The pics are are not all serious, I promise. :)

The boys waiting for their appointment in the empty office.

Miss Shay got all dolled up for her appointment - she even did her own hair! ;)

Cavy was trying to figure out what that thing was! :)

He's all smiles here, but he was sure upset that he was the ONLY one who wouldn't be shopping for new glasses.  I am thankful to have 1 out of 4 NOT wearing glasses and so is my pocketbook!

The view, looking west from the eye clinic (13th Street).

High waters and fast current...nothing to mess with!

These vans didn't fare too well.

View from the east - towards Ada Hayden park and Hwy 69.

This guy was riding on a small strip of roadway - crazy! 

A Ford Escape drove through this water to get on the highway...so we too, took an ill-advised drive through the waters in the mighty Dodge Ram (I held my breath as the kids squealed in delight and the hubby basked in his testosterone-fueled glory).  Not recommended, people...not recommended, thankfully, we made it safely.

Hope you stayed safe & dry!

Blessings~

S

Questions From An Angel

Halloween 2008

After I tucked my little angel into bed tonight and smoothed the hair away from her forehead, she handed me a note she had written on a yellow post it.  It read, "Dear God, I <3 (heart) you and want to meet you and Jesus.  Amin (Amen)."  I'm not sure why I started to feel my heart pound inside my chest, I suppose because truly meeting God physically (in my mind) would mean traveling to Heaven - a trip I pray my little angel will take a LONG, LONG, time from now.  So, I made her add a post script.  It read, "P.S. After I have lived a good long life." 

She seemed confused by my response and perhaps I just didn't think fast enough on my feet, but I couldn't ignore that feeling of panic I felt in my heart.  I kissed her on the brow and again told her goodnight, but she was not ready for bed yet - she had important stuff on her mind.

Miss Shay: "But, Mommy, look at my Bible.  See on the cover, Jesus is in the grass with those children.  He wasn't in Heaven.  They met Jesus.  I want to meet Jesus."
Me: "You're right, sweetie, Jesus was on Earth and could meet children and talk to them, but that was a long time ago." 

Miss Shay:  "Mommy, is Grandma Apple in Heaven?"
Me: "Yes, baby, Grandma Apple is in Heaven."

Miss Shay:  "Mommy, will I go to Heaven?"
Me:  "Yes, of course, sweetie."

Miss Shay:  "Mommy, what if I get on the wrong bus and the bus goes the wrong way and it takes me to the other place?"
Me:  "It doesn't quite work like that, honey."

Miss Shay: "How does it work, Mommy?"
Me:  "Well, God can see into your heart and he knows if you're a person with a good heart or a mean heart."

Miss Shay:  "Do people in jail have mean hearts, Mommy?"
Me:  "Some of them do."

Miss Shay:  "If that's how it works, then I KNOW Grandma Apple went to Heaven and I'll go to Heaven too.  Our whole family will go to Heaven because we all have good hearts."

Me:  "That's right, but you can't go until a long, long time from now.  Mommy needs you here with me."
Miss Shay: "I'll always be with you and Daddy."  (Long pause - she was smiling and batting her little doe eyelashes at me.  Then the conversation continued.)  "Mommy, I hope Grandma Apple has made new friends in Heaven and I hope she found her family there."
Me:  "I'm sure they were waiting for her."

Then she asked about how people are "put into the ground" and why "some end up in jars."  It was a Q & A session I wasn't expecting, but I could tell she was giving it some serious thought.  So, we talked a bit longer.

Miss Shay:  "Mommy, when I go to Heaven, can I take elephant and blankie?"  (Her favorite stuffed animal and blanket.)
Me:  "Yes, of course you can." (Lump in my throat.)

Miss Shay:  "Good.  (pause)  Mommy, can we send this letter to God or email him?"
Me:  "Well, I'm not sure we can mail it up to Heaven."

Miss Shay:  "Why not, Mommy?  We send Santa mail and he gets it."  (Which was a very good point.)
Me:  "I'll tell you what, I'll take it with me now and I'll do some thinking about how we can get it there." 

Miss Shay:  (seemingly satisfied) "Okay, Mommy.  Goodnight.  I love you."
Me:  "I love you too, sweet angel.  Goodnight."

I swear she is an angel in disguise (and not a very good disguise because I see right through it).  It's amazing how much, precious little children can teach us about life, love, loss, about God, and about ourselves.  I know I felt panic because I could never bear even the thought of living a single day without any of my children.  Maybe, just maybe, it was just God's way of reminding me that he is not just in Heaven, but he is here with us...everyday.  Sometimes, as adults, we muddy life up and make it more complicated that it needs to be  - I should get an award for making things more complicated than they need to be.  The trophy for overthinking and over-analyzing every situation goes to...(drumroll please)..Stephanie!  Seeing things through the eyes of a child...simplistic...and whole heartedly, is something we forget how to do. 


At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:1-4

Bessings~
S

Just Like Peas And Carrots...

It's hard to believe school begins in less than 10 days!  This summer has gone by so quickly with birthday parties, swimming lessons, and summer classes.  I wish we could have just a couple more weeks to enjoy it as a family, but we'll be happy with what we have.  The hubby is off this week and we are playing catch up around the house - doing things we've meant to get done, but haven't had time to do.  I'm sure you know how that goes.  The hubby is registering the kiddos for school right now, and I'm sitting in a quiet and empty house, watching the dog and the cat snooze.  What a guy I have!  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that he doesn't mind one bit, playing the role of Mr. Mom.  I believe that role is reserved for "real" men.  :)  I decided it might be a good time to do some catching up of my own.  I have random pictures from this summer that never found a home on the blog.  :) 
A couple of weeks ago, I caught a little bit of Forrest Gump as I was doing homework after the kiddos were in bed.  While I'm not a fan of peas, I always loved how Forrest Gump referred to himself and his friend, Jenny as "just like peas and carrots."  Watching Miss Shay and Cavy this summer reminded me of peas and carrots.  They are so sweet together.  I love watching her as she mothers him and looks after him; she loves her little brother so much.  The feeling is mutual - Cavy just adores his big sister!  It just melts my heart when he wraps her up in a big hug and says, "I love you, Shaylen."  They are quite a pair, and I hope they will always be the best of friends.  My baby is going off to Kindergarten soon, but his big sister has assured me that she will look after him and wave to him in the halls when she sees him.  Cavy has such a good role model in that big sister of his!  I have no doubt she will go out of her way to check on him at school.  The thought of it just makes me feel like a big, sappy, emotional Mommy mess, but it also makes me so very proud.  :)  It's easy to tear up when I think about their relationship and how very special it is.  Once upon a time, I wanted so badly for Shay to have a sister to love and share secrets with.  I think God knew better.  He had his own plan, and I knew the moment I held Cavan in my arms that it was the perfect plan.  Yep, peas and carrots go well together...just like Cavy and Shay.  :)

Miss Shay reading to Cavy before bed.

I love how their snuggled up. :)

Having fun in a cheapy baby pool while their big brothers were at the "real" pool.

They still had a great time and I was able to work on my homework. :)

Cheesers!

Shaylen working with Cavy in one of his workbooks.

She's quite the teacher!

Posing at the market...just like peas and carrots.

"...and that's all I've got to say about that..."

Blessings~

S

I'm 29....again! :)

So, today is my birthday...my 29th birthday.  Well, okay, it's the 6th anniversary of my 29th birthday (which makes me exactly 35, in case you're counting on your fingers).  Age doesn't really scare me...or "growing older."  I guess I just feel like age is a state of mind, and in my mind - I'm still a kid.  I'm still a kid at heart too - so that counts for something.  The other day Bear asked me if this birthday was an "extra-special" birthday.  I gave him a simple "no" for an answer and explained there is nothing really special about turning 35.  He pondered a moment and then exclaimed, "It IS a special birthday, Mom!  It's your 1/2 of 70 birthday!!"  Oh goodie...my 1/2 of 70 birthday...

Me on my 1st birthday.

My 2nd and 3rd birthdays.

You guessed it...4 and 5!

This morning I was awoken by five cheerful voices sereneding me in a beautiful chorus of "Happy Birthday to You!"  When I finally bribed my eyes to stay open (we stayed up late talking last night, about nothing in particular), I was showered with fabulous homemade cards (my favorite).  Mr. B had taken white chalk and made polka dots (my favorite) on black construction paper.  Inside he taped a picture of us together and wrote, "Mom, You're a star (with a star shape instead of the letter a) and I love you!"  Aww...it was so sweet!  Bear made me a green heart.  I'm sure he would've rather had red or pink, but he was a bit "last minute."  Yesterday, while the other children worked on their birthday "projects," he was busy playing video games...that's my Bear!  He wrote, "Happy Birthday, Mom!  I hope your birthday is full of fun, love and more love.  You are the best mom ever."  Okay..he made up for the lack of effort with his words. :)  Cavy made me a flower out of construction paper (well, Shay actually made it - she told me so - but gave it to Cavy so he would have something to give to me).  Miss Shay gave me a couple different things, a sequin picture she made, a book she made, and a card she made.  Her card was brown with pink and green polka dots, it read, "To Mom, Love, Shaylen.  First, I Love you.  Next, I hope you have a great birthday.  3rd, Injoy (enjoy) it!"  I have some pretty sweet kiddos!  The hubby also gave me a sweet card to help start my day off right.

Mr. B showing off his creation.

The front of the book Miss Shay made for me.

This morning we sang with our church's family choir.  Family choir is a summer only choir and we have really enjoyed participating.  Today we received our family choir t-shirts!  It was pretty exciting - we looked like a real group!  I have to mention too, that Mr. B suggested the logo design of the music staff on the heart - he was pretty excited his idea was the one that received the most votes. 

Family Choir

After church, Papa Edd took us out to eat for my birthday.  It was so sweet, as he has already done so much for me this summer.  There's no way I would've been able to take summer classes without him driving from Ames twice a week to watch the kiddos.  He arrived at 7:30am or before every Monday and Wednesday and hung out with the kiddos and took them where they needed to go.  I am so grateful to him - thank you, Papa Edd!! :)  My mom and Papa Edd, both, gave me beautiful cards.  Mom also gave me a gorgeous bracelet and a new Willow Tree figurine (thanks, Mom!).

Family pic before lunch.

Bear and I

<3

Papa Edd and the birthday girl.  :)

Miss Shay and Mr. B

Me and mi madre.

We went up to Story after lunch and helped Mom with a couple of things at Grandma's house.  Last night, I sat and looked through some old birthday pictures.  Between my mom and my grandma - I had some pretty rockin' birthdays!  It was hard being in her house today, where so many of my birthday celebrations took place.  The tears just came, and there was nothing I could do to stop them.  This is the first birthday I've celebrated without her and it just made me miss her even more.  I know she was with me today - in my heart - and my Daddy was with me too. 

Grammy and me on my birthday last year.

A little humor always helps to chase away the tears.  We got home and ordered some pizza for supper.  When the hubby and Mr. B got home with the goods, Mr. B acidentally dropped one of the pizzas all over the garage floor - woops.  No worries - we ordered another one, and then the pizza guy didn't even charge us for the second order.  The  guys had also stopped by Hy-Vee and picked up a little birthday cake.  You know, it's just not a birthday without a birthday cake!  I put five candles on top and Miss Shay objected.  "You are not 5 - you are 35!"  So, there I was with 35 candles on the cake.  Do you know how LONG it takes to light 35 candles??  I'll give you a hint - even if two adults are on the task, the first-lit candles are almost completely melted by the time the last ones spark.  Ha!!  I felt like a pyromaniac!  With a big breath, I blew them out (well, not ALL of them).  The kiddos helped blow out the stubborn ones. 

Check out all those candles!!

Fire!

The poor cake.  :)

It still tasted yummy! :)

My 6th birthday.  :)

So, here I sit...stuffed with cake (ugh), and officially 1/2 of 70 years old...and quite happy about it.  :)

Blessings~

S

PS:  One last thing to leave you with...after all, I will have to wait a WHOLE year until it's my birthday again! You may want to pause the music if it's playing.  :)

To Market, To Market

Wow!  I think it's been a whole week since I've blogged.  It's been a busy week as well.  It was finals week, and I'm happy to report that my summer semester has come to an end.  I have to say I enjoy school much more when the children are in school as well.  It's been a bit trickey this summer with everything going on, but we did it!  :)  We've managed to have a little fun in the process too! 

Speaking of school, now that I'm done until the end of August, the kids will be heading back in less than two weeks.  Last weekend we hit the sales and picked up a few necessities, like backpacks and sneakers (or tennis shoes, if you prefer).  We found some great bargains, however, before we hit the mall, we decided to hit the farmer's market with the kiddos.  Farmer's market has been on our bucket list every summer for I don't know how long.  It seems we always have something going on Saturday mornings, or, okay...we sleep in.  :)  The kids enjoyed themselves on the street's of our state's capital city, browsing the different booths and trying to bribe us into to buying them food.  Ha.  If fact, we had a great time (despite the masses of people and dogs), until the hubby thought he lost his cell phone.  We backtracked and scoured the crowed streets in hopes of finding it, but...no luck.  There was no way we could find it, because he left his phone at home.  All it took was one call to our buddy, Heath.  He went to the house and confirmed the phone was there (thanks, Snickers!). 

Shay was thrilled her "breakfast" Dutch letter was in the shape of an "S."

See how humid it was?  My lens fogged over!  Check out those jerseys & the roll! :P

Bear says, "YUM!"

Thanks Daddy!

Bear posing.  :)

Miss Shay wanted a turn to pose!

I thought this pic was just plain funny! 

Miss Shay looked like a little market-go-er!  :)

A pic of the busy street.

The kiddos enjoying some live music.

Despite the needless drama, we enjoyed our ourselves!

Be well~

S