Reasoning and Horses

Our children are not allowed to sit on the back of the couch - ok, I admit, it's tempting, it's right out in the open and oh so easy to hop up on, but we have told them that it will break the couch and it is not acceptable.

So when I see THIS - I am thinking - what in the world is she thinking - we don't sit on the back of the couch like that. So I do what any good mom would - I ask her, "Chloe, what are you doing?"

To which she replies, "I'm sitting on my horse. I'm not sitting on the couch back, I'm sitting on my horse." Wow - I am SO glad I asked.

Recognizing Me

So it's 4:45 and I'm quickly fixing my hair and redoing makeup before Joe comes home - sounds dumb, but someone told me once - men see women that look nice all day at work - we need to look nice when they come home too. (So - I run in and fix things so I don't look like the mom who's been running, homeschooling, and playing all day!) Chloe sees me and says, "Mom, are you going to work?" I say, "No, just fixing my hair." To which she replies, "Oh, I know - so that Dad will recognize you, right mom?!?" That girl makes me laugh!

SPRING

Look what I found outside today.

And this...

It will be SO SAD if it snows again - I just want to push their little selves back down into the ground so they are safe. Fingers crossed!

ME

Sorry - couldn't resist - oh so sad, but oh so TRUE!!!!

Yum!

Want to know what this is about!?!?!?

Then go HERE.

Smoking

The boys are getting ready to head out of the van on this -1 degree day and Chloe says, "Boys, I hope you don't smoke while you are outside." Of course, we all asked her what she meant. To which she replied, "Well, when I'm outside, I don't mean to, but sometimes I smoke when I open my mouth. I try not to open my mouth but I have to breathe. I know smoking is bad for me, I'm sorry I do that." After we all tried DESPERATELY to hide our giggles, we explained to her the facts of Iowa winters and breathing!!

I'm such a PUSHOVER!!

Here is what I have done today - helped each of the boys build a blog for a school writing class - so after 3 new complete blog designs, Chloe pipes up, "EXCUSE me, I need a blog too." I ask you - what 4 year old NEEDS a blog?? This is where the "pushover" comes in - yes, I caved, we built Chloe a blog. How often will we post?? I have no clue, it will probably blow over in a week, but hey, it was good one-on-one time. AND, truth be told, this blogger mama was proud!!!

Picasso's at it AGAIN!

Chloe's Artwork
No - my hair isn't that way because of a tornado above me, it's ALWAYS that way!!

Chloe's Words

As she's cleaning the table - "Mom, I didn't make a big mess today - aren't you impressive of me??" And I smile and answer - "I sure am!!!"

Now, a video to make you smile - we think she's destined for greatness on air hockey!



So here's my excitement for the day: I wake up during the night last night and can't feel one leg. Then I realize it's incredible back pain - I liken it to Back Labor - NOT KIDDING HERE!! I can barely get out of bed - going for the Ibuprofen - and then, when I am up - I can barely walk. So I did get the meds and basically crawled back to bed. Morning was the same story all over again - can hardly walk, but yet there is no comfort in standing or sitting either. I told Joe that I haven't been in this much pain for a LONG time. I gave in and went to the doctor - they did x-rays - no major problems they can see - just severe muscle strain. So they ask what I did yesterday - I have to admit nothing out of the ordinary - then they give me the line "Well, at OUR age, these sorts of things start to happen." Oh lovely - now I'm in "that age" bracket! So I go home with my muscle relaxers and my Ibuprofen limits and I am praying for my back to feel great tomorrow - not what the dr. promised but I can always hope! He said to hope for 6 MONTHS for the back to heal. I don't have that kind of time, now do I!?!?! :) Ok, that's all - just had to share my woes - guess I'll go put my feet up, or down, or sideways, or backwards since I know NONE of those will help at all!!!!! UGH!

Men

I am heading off to dreamland last night and I hear giggling. Our three boys share the basement bedrooms and we often hear talking - which I love. I love it that they are close - they enjoy being together - that is so special to me. But last night - I am hearing giggling. (Which I love too, by the way) But what really grabbed my attention is the different kinds of laughter - I have one that still laughs very much like a giggle - a high-pitched, fun laugh. I have another that is just bordering on leaving the high-pitched giggle behind and heading into the more "manly" laugh. And the last one is full-man laugh now. His laugh is deep - his voice is deep - you can see the changes almost daily. While I was smiling at their antics, I was also saddened - where does the time go?? I remember being told when I was pushing a double stroller with a toddler walking beside to not rush it - to enjoy every minute as it would go so fast. I didn't believe those well-meaning elderly ladies - I DO NOW - it goes WAY TOO fast. My tiny boys are turning into men before my eyes. And although that is the plan, this momma wants her babies back. I didn't enjoy them enough - I was too crazy busy. So now I'm trying to enjoy this time - I know it's the teen years, but you know what?? I'm liking it - it's a new stage - they are fun to talk with and laugh with - I do like it. I'll just sit back and try to enjoy it - it's going WAY TOO fast!!

Don't Worry Bella

SO we are headed into the vet with our pup, Bella. Bella does not like car rides - probably our fault - she just doesn't do well in the van. She whines constantly, won't sit still, sits and shakes - you get the picture. Chloe and I loaded Bella up in the van and she is starting in on her VERY LOUD whining and I hear Chloe say, "Don't Worry Bella, God can be in two places at once."

It made me smile and I AM SURE it reassured Bella too.

KidZui

I am so impressed with this kids' online browser that I must share! KidZui was developed by Scholastic and KidZui - they came up with this ingenious idea for a web browser. Once you sign your child up - you can have them help you make a Zui - an online character just for them. Then, once the parent approves the account - the searching begins. I love it because they tailor it to your child's age - so my 4 year old daughter has pictures that pop up like "Hello Kitty", "Carebears", etc. She can then click on those links and it will take you to that website. The kids earn more points by exploring - I think this will be a hit with my daughter! I am very impressed so far - it is a great way for kids to search AND parents to know where they are searching. The parent's page is wonderful! You can track where they have been, who their friends are, etc. I highly encourage you to check it out. You can download the free browser here:
http://www.kidzui.com/?camp=inthepages

By the way - if you download - PLEASE leave a comment and let me know what you think. IF we get the most comments on this promotion - we are all eligible for a PREMIUM membership for free!!

More Scrappin'

So - I'm not a pro yet, but I am enjoying this fun program!!Building pages like crazy over here - feeling like MAYBE I am working on getting caught up AND even considering holding a class on it - way too fun!

Brag

Sometimes you just have to brag - BUT before you leave now - I must say - I'm not bragging on myself but on my VALENTINE! That guy is something. He surprised me this year for Valentine's Day - and told me he had tickets to the Symphony. What a treat - I enjoy going to the symphony, but it often isn't in the budget - and to be honest, it's not Joe's FIRST choice of a night out, so I knew this was VERY special! We headed out Friday night - did some shopping, ate out, and then headed for the big symphony - we found a parking spot - VERY CLOSE - which should have been our first clue something wasn't right! We walked up the theater and it was dark - yes, the sign said it was SATURDAY night - not Friday. I gave Joe a hard time the whole way home - what a guy won't do to go out with his wife TWO nights a row!

OF COURSE, we headed back Saturday night- and I must say - he SO outdid himself. This wasn't the symphony (well, kind of). The orchestra was "backing up" ARRIVAL - a group straight from Sweden that sings ABBA songs - oh my - I was just sitting there in my glory and had all I could do not to break out in song with them! That is THE CLOSEST I will ever be to a REAL ABBA concert and it was MARVELOUS!!! I am all for the class and sophistication of the symphony, but sometimes this is exactly what I'd rather do! Go listen to music from the 70's that makes me smile and takes me back! I love it - thank you, my favorite Valentine, for TWO fun nights out AND one amazing concert!!! It was ALMOST as good as the time with you! :)

Related

I just had to make this a post so I can look back and remember this when Chloe is 16 and "bucking all the way."

Yesterday we are eating dinner and Chloe asks, "Mom what does related mean?" I answered, "Well, it's like you are in the same family." She sat there for a minute, SMILED her BIG Chloe-smile, hopped down from her chair and walked the two steps to mine, laid her head on my shoulder and gave me a GIANT hug and said, "I am so glad you got me in China - Thanks, Mom - now we're related."

That girl makes me smile!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Leaving Our Friends

We had such a great time with our friends - we hardly wanted to leave - I know, they were ready to push us out though!!! They provided us with such a wonderful weekend - we had a great time together. We are blessed with dear friends.

Our Chinese New Year celebration was such fun - this is just a taste of the fun...more to come!

Not All Play

Ok, lest you think we are just PLAYING - we are also working - HARD at work - getting ready for the Iditarod!!!

See where we are this weekend???

Chloe and Mya (one of the families we travelled with to China) are having TOO much fun this weekend - oh yes, and Noah !!!! :)

Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad WEEK

For the past two days, I have been living with major frustration - ok, now I know some of you will think - "that's not so bad - you should try my life" but I do want to take a post to dispell the rumor that my life is always glamorous!!!  (I can hear the laughter now!!)  You see, it all started getting ready for the Superbowl Party - I was making a dip that required shredded swiss cheese - because of the frugal wife that I am, I thought I would shred some I had at home.  I put it in my wonderful food processor and clicked on the lid and started shredding.  Well, no one warned me that swiss might be a bit hard and could clog my machine - nope, I just stuck it in there - the lid shot off - even the blade almost shot out AND it broke my food processor.  Seems minor, I know, but NOT TO ME!  I LOVE that food processor - we got it as a wedding gift - and have lovingly sung its praises for the past 16 years.  In my state of grief, I turned to Joe (my rock in times like this) and said, "And I know we're a little tight right now so we probably can't even buy a new one."  To which he replied, "You are right - we will need to find a way to do without it."  *sigh*  It is at this point that the tears started - should I even admit that!?!?  Somedays are just bad, you know!?!?  So Kitchenaid - if you are reading this - I would be happy to try your NEW 7 cup food processor and blog about it's wonderful qualities!!  (You never know who may be reading!)

But that was not to be the end of the badness...Monday we go to get our taxes done - we have them figured by a professional - who are you kidding, we have to - I can hardly do 6th grade math somedays!!  So he tells us we OWE this year.  Ok, we kind of knew we might owe if our second adoption didn't go through this year, but I don't think we dreamed he meant owe as in ALMOST FOUR DIGITS!!!  Oh my - I'll admit it - when I found out, I sat down and cried. (I think by this time Joe is wondering if I am pregnant as those are about the only other times in my life when the tears were OUT OF CONTROL!!)  BUT, I think today, that my wheels are already turning, I mean really - look at THIS GUY - he owed TONS and didn't have to pay, and now he works for the president.  So I have started praying for that - a new job!  OR that the year of jubilee will be re-enacted and all will be fine - that is my new plan.  I like that law in the Old Testament - why can't we start it again today!?!?  And here my positive side is showing through - at least I got to use MY money for the last year - that's positive, isn't it!?!?

I'll be real honest on another front - I love being home with my kids - most of our days are very good together.  I enjoy teaching them school - they are fun to be with and USUALLY good workers, but yesterday was another story - no one wanted to work and then when they did get finished - they had so many corrections that we were doing school until 8 pm.  I did not do what every homeschool mom does at least ONCE every week, I did not threaten them with the old "I can put you in school" routine.  But I wasn't very gracious either, I did handle it well and so I had to apologize.  But I can do that, and they can see a REAL mom - one that fails often!

So - I wake up today - ready to take on another day, be more patient, be more loving and gracious, handle our struggles with more strength.  And as I sit and type this - I look over at the dog - dragging her bottom on the ground.  (I know TOO MUCH INFORMATION, but hey, it's real!)  I know she needs to go to the vet and have her anal glands aspirated again - I am thinking positively here - remember, it's a new day.  I smile - first of all, I know I won't have to do the cleaning out of those glands.  And secondly, I am glad I am not the poor dog that has to have it done as I'm sure it's not a pleasant process.  Then I wonder - is that comparable to hemorrhoids??  I suddenly have a whole new sympathy for the dog!  But it's a new day - the dog and I will keep our chins up and face it fresh!

Nothing like a good dog SMOOCH!!

TROUBLE with a capital "T"

So you know I design blogs, you know I scrapbook, but have I ever combined scrapbooking AND designing digitally??? NO - not until now and we might be in trouble!  I just got my Creative Memories Storybook Creator Plus yesterday - and off I went.  All I can say is "oh dear, oh dear, oh dear."  NOW I may REALLY never leave my laptop!  This wonderful program has the ability of Photoshop and other high-end software, but the ease of many other programs I have used - it is SO easy to use.  I know - I have all these paper scrapbooking supplies - I can hear Joe now - BUT I am thinking what if I started 2009 and forward digital!?!??  Hmmm - might have to think on that.  I will show you my two FIRST creations!

 

 

The wheels are spinning - my mind is a-flurry.  Joe just better go on more business trips - look how productive I am!!! 
(Now for my shameless self-promotion - if you don't have a Creative Memories consultant and would like to order this wonderful program - feel free to email me - I am a consultant (should I even admit that since I am JUST NOW using this program!?!?) and I would love to help you order it if you'd like to get started!)

My Baby Boy is 11!

Oh my - this boy has been something from day 1.  I will never forget that infamous day 11 years ago when the doctor said, "We are going to have to induce you - you are running a temperature and it isn't good for your baby or you."  SO off we went - here was the BIGGEST problem - a little man had decided to turn himself breech at 39 weeks!!!  (We should have known then!!!)  So, my doctor encouraged me to try a version (where they manually try to turn the baby - you DON'T want the details - it wasn't pretty!!) - and in my moment of weakness - I allowed them to do it a SECOND time as he didn't stay head down after the first try.  Then, my doctor thought it was a great idea to have Joe hold little Aaron's head down in the birth canal (yes, that meant he pushed down on my belly for an hour!!) until the pitocin kicked in and Aaron would engage.  Did he???? Nope, that stinker, the minute Joe let go of him, flipped right back in the breech position again.  From then on, it was only a cesarean for us.  Little Aaron made his appearance but we were never sure he REALLY wanted out.  No matter the method, we are SO glad we have him - he may have been a lot of work to convince to make his appearance, but he's been worth every minute.  He's our comedian, our sensitive little brother, and our constant source of smiles!  We love you big guy - Happy 11th!

Antics

This is Chloe thinking:

 

And then she got an idea:

 

In Chloe's words:  "If I leave my mouth open while I think, and you guys drop money in, then I will be rich."

The child is an entrepreneur!!!

Chinese New Year Books Post #2

Because I have been asked a few times for recommendations on books for Chinese Celebrations, I'm going to post a bunch here - this will be a long post, sorry. I am also posting them this way so that in case you were interested in buying them from Amazon - if you click here off of my site then I can earn money towards our next adoption. This is from a previous post with NEW ADDITIONS added on the beginning of the links. So, here goes:

Just G**gle It

So - is it bad if your four year old says to you, "Just Google It - then we'll know."  Hmmmmm

Support

We just want to say thank you to all of you that have sent emails and cards to remember us this past week with Joe's dad's passing. We are back now from Michigan after the funeral. It was not an easy funeral - as they rarely ever are. But he was quite young, and we are sad to lose him. If you think of it - please pray for Joe's stepmom - that really leaves a void for her. We are glad that God allowed us to travel there for the funeral - it was a nice time to see family while we were there.

Joe's Mom and some of the grandkids!

Flickr Slideshow

2009 Begins

Happy New Year Everyone!  I woke up this morning and wondered what 2009 will hold - a new year, new possibilities - sounds good to me!

No big party plans here today - just taking down the Christmas stuff - you know that's my favorite part of the holidays - getting everything back to normal!  It's been nice while it's been here, but I love it to return to normal.  Enjoy your day and the New Year!

Christmas Fun!

Pictures from our fun day.....

Our annual family Christmas photo!  (yep, even Bella got in)

Merry Christmas to All!!

Just in case I don't get a chance to post on Christmas - this is our early Christmas Greeting to you all!!  We hope you have a Blessed Christmas with family and friends.  We are SO thankful for Our Savior that was sent to us so many years ago - it's hard to "top" that gift, isn't it!?!?

Cut Out Cookie Time

I know, I know - this is REALLY pushing it in the Bilby house as we already did Gingerbread cut-outs this year, but Dad is persistent and WANTED cut-out cookies so he and Chloe made a day of it!

The Snowy Day

So before we went to bed we were seeing 3-6 inches in the forecast -
We got up to close to a foot of the fluffy white stuff.
The problems began when it took OVER AN HOUR to clean out JUST the driveway since our snowblower quit working.  Mr. Bilby was not happy - to say the least.
SO I mentioned to Mr. Brian that our blower wasn't working and guess what he does - shows up with his snowblower!!!  What a guy!!  Thank you Mr. Brian!  (Mr. Bilby is happy now.)

Famous Day

On This Day:
In 1770 - Beethoven was born.
In 1773 - This was the day of the Boston Tea Party.
In 1775 - Jane Austen was born (I LOVE this one!!)

In 1901 - Margaret Mead, the American anthropologist who authored 44 books and over 1000 articles, was born.

In 1944 - The Battle of the Bulge during World War II began as German forces launched a surprise counterattack against Allied forces in Belgium.

In 1950 - President Truman proclaimed a national state of emergency in order to fight "Communist imperialism."

AND in 1970 - I was born!!!!  (Sorry, I really set you up for that one, didn't I?!?!)

Have to brag on my boys - now you must know they are almost 11, 12, and 13 - hitting those ages when some things just aren't so cool AND YET, after Joe left for work, they quietly made scrambled eggs, bacon and toast, put them all on a tray, and crept into my room to surprise me!  My first Breakfast-in-Bed!!  (They did apologize for no coffee!!  :)  That made me chuckle!)
Chloe sat on my lap as I ate my breakfast - sharing nibbles of scrambled eggs with me and then told me, "You should wear a dress today- birthdays are for dresses,"  she said.  So as I lounged with my young'uns, I was late for work, but no one cared!!!
Why can't everyday be a birthday!?!??!

Oh yes - AND it's snowing!!!  I'm thinking that's a fun gift too!

Chloe Van Gogh

We have an ARTIST!!!  NO ONE helped her - I assure you, NONE of us could draw a tree like this.  SO, without further ado - Chloe's Tree!

The Perfect One

Our Youth Pastor and his wife had their adorable baby girl today! So, of course, we had to go visit. Which prompted a conversation with Chloe:

"Mom, do you have any more babies in your tummy?"

"No, Chloe, all my babies are out."

"Was I in your tummy?"
"No, you were born in China, remember?"
"Oh yes, don't tell me - I remember. You had to fly a LONG WAY to China to find the PERFECT BABY GIRL - that was me!!!"

Need Help Shopping??

So we are thinking Christmas gifts over here and I want to share some fun ideas - AND it also prompts you to remember that if you plan to shop online and want to use Amazon - anytime you click there from our blog - even if you purchase a different item than you clicked on - it counts toward our account and helps toward our next adoption!!


(We just got one of these and LOVE it!!!) You can get the refill cartridges from Amazon as well.)



Not sure what I EVER did before this little gem - I LOVE my Cricut machine.  You can cut out letters, shapes and much more with this great tool.   I use it for scrapbooking the most, but I also love it for bulletin board letters, shapes - ok, I could go on and on on this one!!  There are TONS of cartridges for it as well - WAY too fun!!


Shhh - don't tell Chloe - she's getting this for Christmas!  I saw them on another blog and that mom also thought they would be fun for her daughter.  Chloe is ALL about cooking in her little kitchen - wish that would rub off on me!!!



Don't forget about this goodie coming out just in time for Christmas.  Our boys LOVED this and are hoping it shows up under our tree!


These books by Wayne Thomas Batson are LOVED by all three of my boys!!  Keep them in mind for those middle readers - upper elementary/junior high age.  They are written by a Christian author and are very boy-oriented.  They are a hit at our house!


I was just given this purse as a gift.  I just love it - it is roomy and classy.  I have never had a fabric purse before, but LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one.  I have a different fabric but wanted to link to these as they would be SUPER Christmas gifts!  It was a wonderful gift that I just LOVE!


One of my favorite Christmas scents out there!!!  It is wonderful and only available during the holiday season!


WONDERFUL Christmas album - I have never been disappointed with an album by Enya yet, but this one is magnificent!!!


This game is WONDERFUL!!! I am not kidding - it is a game that ANY age can play, play together, and enjoy! We played it with adults, teens AND Chloe and ALL had a blast! Fun family game.


One of Chloe's favorite games right now! And I must say a "plug" for Eeboo Games - we lost a piece - I emailed them and they sent me another RIGHT away!!! That is SO helpful with a four-year-old!!


We received one of these DVD's to review for my book blog and Chloe REALLY liked it. They have catchy songs, fun animation, and are a great way to learn about other cultures. AND - in a month or two - they are coming out with one on China - can't wait to see that one too!

Happy Thanksgiving

We wanted to share some of our Thanksgiving with you!!

The boys wrote these poems last week:

What makes a Good Thanksgiving

What makes a good Thanksgiving?

Golden Corn inviting someone to take a nibble

Stuffed turkey waiting to be gobbled

Smashed potatoes making you very lustful

That makes a good thanksgiving.

What makes a perfect Thanksgiving?

Candles' aroma surfing on waves of air.

Cookies, tasteful, makes you not want to share

Family celebrating like they are at a fair

That makes a perfect Thanksgiving.
~Aaron (age 10)

Scents of Thanksgiving

The smell of turkey roasting,

filling the house with joy.

Bright fall candles burning,

silently.

Ginger and crimson leaves

Blowing calmly in the air.

Assortments of flavors

Tiptoeing on my tongue.

Sometimes I smell perfume

that my mom wears.

But my favorite smell of thanksgiving

is the great tasting food.
~Caleb (Age 12)




The Traits of a Certain Holiday
Mouth watering, irresistible aroma,

elegant and beautiful.

The cornucopia of flavors,
Turkey,
Mashed potatoes,
Green beans,
Corn,
All on the table.
These are the Traits of a certain Holiday.
~Micah (Age 13)

We do hope that not just this day, but that everyday finds you thankful for your many gifts. We have been blessed and it is nice to have a day that reminds us of that. Thinking of you all -

Gingerbread Saga Continues

So after seeing Jan Brett - of course we had to make our own gingerbread cookies.  We had a fun night - and it didn't take hours - that's nice!  We used the recipe in the book, Gingerbread Friends, and they were SO yummy!

Enjoying a bite after a bath....

The gingerbread army!!

A Fun Day!!

We got to see one of our favorite authors/illustrators today - we drove to see Jan Brett!!  What a treat - she read to us from her new book, Gingerbread Friends.  Then she drew a picture to show us how she illustrates her books, and she ended with signing books and letting us take pictures with her - I am telling you what - we had such a FUN time!!  And Chloe's words tonight??  "I know I am going to be an artist - just like Jan Brett."