Oh What Do We Do....

Okay... I know... it's about time... here are some pictures of some of the fun things we get to do and see here... in our new home! (Sorry no pictures of the home yet...)


We have views! Wonderful, beautiful, glorious views! When I was first struggling with some much change and getting unpacked and all that, the views from my living room were a great comfort! I still love to look out the sliding glass door and see these wonderful mountains - it's peaceful! And the back is not the only place we have views... we have them out the front and down the road as we walk to school!

The kids can bike ride and roller skate in our own driveway! Can you tell they are having tons of fun with this?

The girls can see Dad at school... and he can see them too! We always stop in to see him in the morning and before we leave to come home... okay, so they sometimes go in with Dad and sometimes they come home by themselves....



When we walk, it looks something like this.... (when I don't take the stroller for the "long way home").

A favorite reading spot is out on the deck... it's quiet, peaceful, beautiful, and if you forget you're reading you can stare at the mountains! (And no bugs to eat you alive!)


We're settling in... I have tons more pictures.. but I thought you'd enjoy seeing the fun side of our lives... not just the crazy, unexpected - expected stresses!

The Power Of Love

While eating lunch we were discussing choices (since our children often choose actions they know are not okay).

Jeremy: I'm going to be on Jesus' Team!
Peter: I want be on the devil's team.
Me: What? You do? Oh, I will really miss you!
Peter: No. I want be on Jesus' Team to be with you.

Never under estimate the power of love!

(Of course, knowing my kids, Peter said the first simply to get a reaction... still, it's nice to know he'd rather be with me!)

Family - Trials And Blessings

I arrived back last night - Thanks so much, Bob, for the date... and thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for babysitting!

The service was beautiful -if a funeral service can be that. The greatest gift Jeani gave me was my Dad - she's the one who made him who he is. Someone that I not only love, but can admire and look up to.

The time with his family, as well as with my sister, was certainly taxing emotionally, but I was grateful for the chance to be there for them both. To listen - because I really had nothing else to offer.

I'm also very grateful for those who helped out, even not really knowing us, to make it possible for me to attend the funeral and be there for them.

Over the week I've had the opportunity to once again see just how blessed I am right now. My husband is dear and loving. He adores his children, loves them with all his heart, and wants what is best for them. He cherishes our marriage - encourages us to grow closer. My children may be full of energy and brains (far smarter than is necessary or good at their age, causing anguish and frustration) but they are also some of the sweetest gentlest children in the world. They love each other, reach out to others, cherish family and the time we have, and give us great insight into what's really important.

My extended family is going through a lot right now - death, divorce, betrayal, grief, anger, loss, anguish, fear, depression, addictions, and more. How easy it would be to wallow in the endless despair that can accompany such a mess. And yet, what would that serve? Nothing but the will of one who wants nothing more than to take us away from what matters - the only thing that can truly make us happy.

I'm so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. For that testimony that rings bright and true within my soul. I'm so grateful for the peace that is brings into my life, as I understand that trials will help us to grow and become better people - bringing us blessings and bringing us closer to Christ. I know that's difficult for others to understand - trails bringing blessings, but they do. In all things there is something good that can be seen - something good that will come of it. Growth is something we allow to happen by facing our trials with the help of our Savior to overcome and thus reaching those blessings that are just waiting to be poured out upon us.

Though my heart weeps for my sister, for my brother, for my father and his family, for my mother, for my sister, I know that the other side of their trials will bring them joy. It may not be visible right now, certainly difficult to see at best. I worry about them, I share their concerns and their pains, but I know that the end result will bring much happiness if they can see what is most important. My prayer is that they will see it, grab hold of it, take the hand of the Savior and walk through this mess to a happier tomorrow.

Peaceful Passing

Jeani, my step-mother, passed peacefully this morning near 6:30 EST. Although expected and long in coming with her cancer, her passing marks a sad point. She touched so many lives and taught so many people lessons that can only be shared through knowing another and watching how they live. It is also a happy time, as Jeani is now in the next part of this eternal progression - she is reunited with her own mother and together they have work to do. We know, through sacred priesthood power, that she will be a great missionary in the work that needs to be done on the other side of the veil.

Though she leaves behind much family, the truth of eternal families (and knowing she was sealed to hers) is a great source of strength. It is the light of hope and truth which makes such passing bareable.

Jeani, your great love, sacrifice and friendship to so many will never be forgotten. Your memory will serve as a reminder of what we are working towards. May peace find its way into all our hearts until we meet you on the other side.

To My Sister

There is too much hurt and pain in this world. Though I understand that hurt and pain are part of the trials that help us grow and change and become who we are, it doesn't make it seem any more fair.

I go through my own moments of hurt and pain - often trying to work my way out of it. But what's hardest is the hurt and pain of a loved one. Especially when there is no way to take the hurt and pain away.

Clarissa, I love you... I'm sorry you are going through this. I'm grateful you have a strong testimony - that you understand how very much the Lord loves you. I pray that this love and understanding along with support from family and friend will see you through triumphant. That in the end, through all the trials that are a part of this, you will be in a better place.

A Really Nice Day

Today was really nice. Our Friends J & G E were kind enough to watch all four of our children all day (along with their own 3) so we could go with Bob's folks to Reno to the Temple. We stopped and picked up a few things, then headed over to Great Grandma's (Bob's grandmother) where we visited for a quick minute and then picked up the old car that she was giving to Bob. Don't know what year it's from (I'm sure he could tell you) - it's old enough not to have airbags... but does have cruise control, auto windows, air conditioning and a moon roof. But it looks like it should be too old for any of that!

Anyway, before I get too far along, there is a slight problem with the car which Dad figures is an easy fix... he's good with fixing cars so he's probably right. Never the less, getting from grandma's house to the Temple was interesting... the car stalls out when you take your foot off the gas. Bob basically treated it much like a standard. Except for a few hard jolts, it was actually pretty funny... and yes, Bob drove it all the way home, where it's sitting right now.

But, once in the Temple we had a wonderful time. It was my first time needing to wear a headset - the session was in Spanish! That was great for Bob - it's been awhile since he's had the opportunity to enjoy it in Spanish. What I loved most from that experience is how sad I would be if I was not able to speak the "common language" but my husband was and therefore I was to be left out. There is an opportunity to gather where the "most commonly spoke language for the group" is used but where there is no translation. Fortunately we were able to participate anyway. But having that experience and realizing how it would be the same with the "spiritual language" needed for the eternities. How sad our loved ones (friends and family) will be if they do not know the needed language. How sad if we do not share it and allow them to be a part.

I'm sure my words do not do justice to the impression I had, but it really sent home the message of Temple work and just how important it is. Not just because of the known reasons for it to be done, but because of the sadness that lingers as people wait for their work to be completed - waiting, but being able to partake or be part until that work is completed. What urgency there really is! And the great need for Missionary work. It's so vital - giving understanding and meaning to the life we are in as well as what is to come. Our spirits are always seeking for such truths.

Because it's such a small Temple, there was an hour gap between the end of the session and the start of the next "session" - it was so nice to just sit together visiting and talking about things that matter and concern us. We've not had much time over this summer, and it's really taken it's toll. It was nice to recapture some of those important elements. Especially in such a peaceful place.

We ended our night with dinner at our friends' house. It was great to hear the kids did so well and to see them all playing and getting along. It was wonderful to visit with another couple near our own age and to just really enjoy ourselves... I believe a game night is in the works! It's very good to feel that our surroundings are a part of our "home" - that we're settling in and finding things that uplift us!

Maryland

After the museum we scurried over to AJ's for the night. It was nice to see Anna (who was teething and certainly ready for a change of face... it's amazing how little kids do that). Peter had me awake at 2am... it was really way to early and I was really hoping he'd go back to sleep... no such luck. So while I tried and tried and tried, well, I didn't either... by 4am I packed the kids into the van and off we went. I figured if I wasn't sleeping I ought to be driving!

It made for a nice get through of major areas before rush hour traffic hit - it also meant that we arrived at my father's house about 2-3 hours earlier! That was nice... it gave the kids a great break to run around, me time to get things settled into the apartment (which is where we stayed for the week), and then to be ready to sleep that night.

Time at my father's was nice.. a bit stressful from time to time, but that's to be expected under the circumstances. Two different families - two different age groups - as well as a dying step-mother (Grandma D) and all that... I was able to be around to assist Jeani during the mornings. It was interesting, and though I know I got her food and even stuff for the nurse to change the bedding and all, I really didn't do a whole lot there. Jeani slept a lot, and so I just rounded the kids up in front of movie to keep them quiet... or, when that wasn't working, sent them up to the apartment to play a game. (Thank goodness they couldn't get into any trouble at the apartment and that it was all part of the same property!)

For the afternoon on Wednesday we took the kids to the park. It was a nice little park that had a pond of sorts when we first arrived. There were two swans sleeping and tons of ducks. I loved watching the ducks as they puffed themselves up and flapped there wings hard against the water! When we first got there, Gabi noticed the swans and yelled "It's Swan Lake!" My father really liked that - thought it was cute and special and made sure to tell Jeani about it later. The kids' favorite part was playing on the merry-go-round (I can't blame them, that was always my favorite thing to do as a kid).

Bob arrived very late Wednesday night - crawled into the apartment and slept hard. He and Gabi left Thursday (I left some updates about that during the time). But, Thursday as they were getting everything ready, we set off some gysers and loaded up the van. Peter thought it was most fun to play under the truck - reaching up and getting grease all over his fingers, which then promptly became part of his face! He looked like a little chimney sweep!

After they left, I spent time talking with Papa and Nanny - remembering stories and remembering PopPop. The last night we were there, Papa brought out his guitar and sang us a few songs. He'd not played in a rather long time so his fingers got sore quickly. Still it made for a nice FHE and a nice end to the trip. I was able to record the songs that Papa sang- and no, Amber, I've not forgotten to make you a disk, I've just not gotten there yet. By Christmas for sure! =) My favorite song to be sung is "Bringing Mary Home" which is actually a sad song, but it means so much for me to hear it because it was the one that PopPop always sung. Papa used that as his warm-up song and I told him he'd cheated... that I was going to record that one. So he played it again - that's not normal. Usually "Bringing Mary Home" is a one time deal.

Next Stop - MOS

Next stop along our traveling route was to pick up my long time best friend from 7th grade up. We met AJ at her office and then all headed over to the Boston Museum of Science for about 4 hours of fun. The museum, of course, is much bigger than what 4 hours can accomplish, but it was a nice break and end to the day. They got to play a lot.

For more of our story and for pictures take a look at:

Fly Away Home - Boston Museum of Science

Boston Temple

Okay, ready for some "flash backs"... I'm going back in time to share some stories and pictures... these next few blog entries will be scattered here and there, but pictures are on the computer, so I'll try to set aside time to get them up.

The day we left Maine was very emotional. Gabi and I kept having our moments, but with lots of redirect, we made it through just fine. It's hard to walk away (or drive away) from a place of so many memories and so many friends. It was always my intention that we would stop at the Boston Temple. I had wanted the whole family to have a chance to be there together, but that just didn't work out. Still, it was important to me that all the kids were there. Both the girls have been before, but I don't believe either of the boys had been.



The ride was long - for kids - and they were certainly ready to get out. Peter fell asleep about 15 minutes before we arrived and really didn't want to wake up. Still, I pulled him out of the car and set him down beside me. As he began to fuss (being tired), turning towards me, he saw the temple down the path between the trees. His eyes lit up and with the largest smile I've ever seen from him he says "We're at the Temple! Mommy, we're at the Temple!"



Priceless. My little two and half year old knew without a doubt that we were at the Temple, The House of the Lord!

The other three had already run up the path and to the Temple. They ran from flower to flower, up to the walls and back down the various sidewalks. They climbed on the decorative walls, looked up at Moroni, and enjoyed themselves.


Peter and Jeremy were hard to take pictures of. I had really wanted to get a picture of all four kids right in front of the Temple where Bob and I had our picture taken when we were married, but the two little boys couldn't be bothered to stand still. I did get a foursome on the side, so I was at least content to say I had them all.



I don't know when we'll get to the Boston Temple again - though we'll be to a temple more often here. Boston is our Temple.. the one where our family was sealed for eternity. It will always, for us, be more special in our hearts than all the others. But we are very grateful to have the Reno Temple close enough that we can much more easily visit - and take the kids.

Temples are sacred - the Spirit felt there is divine. Children know of the presence and even though they are too young to go inside, they want to be there. Want to see, touch and feel. I am so grateful for Temples and what they mean for families, both living and dead!

Moon Rise

Last night Bob and I sat out on our deck after tucking in kids (who don't like not being able to stay up late). Just chatting and relaxing, looking out at the dark shadows of mountains and seeing the lights of the city far in the distance at the base. It was beautiful... and I'll even admit it, more relaxing that sitting out back East. (Can't believe I'm really saying that.) I do still love my back east heritage, but there is something calmingly different about where we are.

To look out, from our own deck, and see the great expanse of the universe laid out before us - it was unlike what I'm familiar with in the east laying out in a big field. Bob says it has something to do with the sky disappearing into the trees at the edges of such fields. I don't know - I just know it was awe inspiring.

As if that weren't enough, as we looked out over towards one of the mountains, a glow began to show at the tip of it. I noticed it, not certain what it was. Bob pointed it out and asked me if I knew what it was. At my admittance, he than told me it was the Moon Rise. Seriously - a Moon Rise. I had never noticed a moon rise before - never really thought it happened, though never really thought about it. Back east the moon would just always be there.

Apparently the moon rises every night - just often times it's before it really gets dark. So it's not really noticed. It was so beautiful... I couldn't get over it and Bob had a good chuckle at my constant awe filled comments! Had I know it wasn't something that would happen every night, I might have gotten kids up (they had only just gone to bed a little while before). Oh well... Bob also says the moon is predictable, so I'll check some charts and things and plan a "late night" with the kids... maybe even tape it!

Who's Calling The Shots?

Here are a couple of things heard today:

As we were waking up:

Jeremy: I'm hungry
Peter: No. You not hungry. You need play with me.

Later in the afternoon Jeremy wanted to know why Norman (the cat) was under the car in the Grandma's garage.

Grandma: He probably just wants some space right now.
Jeremy: That's good. That means I can ride my bike lots as long as Norman stays out of my way.

Contact With The Outside World!

Up and running!

I knew the cable man would be here today to set up our internet service - I didn't know he would have to replace all the wires to do it... so a little long, but all in all, it's here and it's working!

I also didn't know I'd have phone service today - we signed up with another VOIP - NOT Vonage (we'd had our share of problems with them). Doing more research, wanting to be certain to have a local number (something we never did get with Vonage) and knowing there were better ones out there for less money, we decided to try out Phone Power. Anyway, I expected to recieve the unit sometime next week, it arrived today!

So, Cable up, Phone Power up - and here we are running smoothly so far! And for $30.00 less than when we were in Maine!

For all you friends out there - feel free to call, especially during the work week. It will be nice to touch base with people again. I'm still unpacking and that will continue, but we're functional in the house now, so I won't mind the break to chat!

If you need our new address, emails and/or phone number, just email me at butterfliesandbugaboos@gmail.com!

Trip Part 2

Okay, so we're here... all of us. Bob and Gabi arrived very late Sunday night (or rather very early Monday morning). They were able, with some help, to completely unload the truck Monday in amoungst the rest of the "checking in" and then drop off the truck all while picking us up at the airport on Tuesday. Gabi is "done" with long trips - I don't blame her, but she really enjoyed the time with Dad.

We got through the weekend, did rather well. The kids were really good about running up to the apartment to be loud instead of being in "the big house". We even had Papa get out his guitar Monday night and play and sing for us. I managed to recorded several of the songs. It was nice.

Tuesday was the big - me and three across the country - trip. Nanny took us to the airport, and thankfully she was able to get a pass to go through security to help me and the kids on to the plane. I say thankfully because Jeremy put on quite the show!

He doesn't handle waits and lines well - and he was eager to get on the plane to get his snack bag. He didn't like waiting for everyone and kept trying to shuffle ahead of people. Peter was already in a harness leash and Jeremy got a warning. But, he went on with a full size (and over grown) tantrum. Screaming and Yelling as I trapped him and forced the harness on (because he wouldn't stay with us). Nanny took him, screaming, trashing, hitting and all, while I gathered the rest of our stuff off the belt and the other kids. It was a nightmare.. I was red in the face from embarassment, all the while waiting for security to come over and remove him from me.. that's when he started yelling "I hate you, Mom!" and "NO! NO! Mom, NO!" At which point I at least knew everyone around would know I really was the mother. I glanced over at security only to find every single one of them trying hard not to laugh. (I'm sure they've seen it a million times!)

The airplane was much better. We were blessed to have wonderful flight attendants who love kids and were totally understanding of the boys climbing on everything. Though we didn't have to change flights, we did have a stop in Chicago. Up to that point the kids were perfect. After that the boys were just too jittery, but really did great! When we arrived, we were 15 minutes early, but Bob was running late because of fingerprinting for his new teaching job. So he still had the truck to drop off! I managed to get the baggage off and onto a cart, sent Jeremy and Beth in to potty, then tried to take Jeremy back in with me to change Peter. A security officer ended up standing beside Beth and Jeremy and our lugage instead. Then we waited for Bob - what a wonderful relief to be together again!

We got some food then ran over to Great Grandma's to visit before heading on the hour and half ride to our new house. It's good to be here - good to be together.. but we have a lot to do.

We have a new address and new phone number (the number will be usable about midweek next week) and the internet goes in this Friday! We're making head way, just slowly. If you need our address and or number, just email me and I'll be happy to pass it along!

The Trip - Part 1

Well - so much to write, but there are pictures I'd love to post too.. that will have to wait until we're all set up in CA. In the meantime, I thought I'd give a basic update.

I dropped Bob off to get the truck on Monday - he ended up waiting 6 hours before his truck arrived (they were suppose to have it there two days in advance - their policy). Needless to say he got a really deep discount. Also needless to say, he lost a lot of time at the house. He did have some friends help him out and was still able to leave on Wednesday. Our showing Monday probably didn't go so well - haven't really heard anything, so that's an assumption. But I can't say as though I blame them... we left things not really ready thinking Bob would be back in time to tidy up some (whatever tidying up you can do around all the stacked boxes). Oh well.. I know the Lord will provide at the right time.

Aside from that, I got the kids to the temple (that was nice) then on to the Boston Science Museum. We obviously didn't do a whole lot there - since it's huge - but they had fun. The over to my friend's to spend the night. Peter (having slept most of the day, being car sick and all) was wide awake at 2am - which meant I was too. Finally, at 4am I got us up and decided that since I wasn't sleeping I'd hit the road. Almost wondered why it took me so long to make that decision. But, the ride Tuesday was generally better since all the kids did some sleeping. It wasn't too bad - though I was truly exhausted when I arrived about 1:30-2:00pm.

Wednesday night around midnight (so really Thursday) Bob pulled in. The kids enjoyed seeing the big truck while Bob, Papa and I rearranged things and got the van loaded up. Gabi and Bob hit the road around 10:45am and headed out to Indiana. They were on the road again this morning around 8:30am and will hit Kansas - Marie, watch out! Where, if they get in soon enough, they will have a little time to spend with cousins. They intend to be up and out bright and early tomorrow for Utah (that will be the longest stretch of the whole trip). The following day they will arrive in California.

If the energy remains and timing allows, Bob will unload the truck Monday so that he can bring it back to Reno on Tuesday when he picks up the kids and me! We're really looking forward to being reunited and getting settled.

As for the kids and I, well, the kids are really loud. They don't have much else to do - the toys around here aren't really for kids their ages and I obviously didn't really pack any because we'll be flying. I help out with Jeani while Papa and Nanny are working. And then I take the kids and their noise up to the "apartment" to be out of the way for the bulk of the afternoon. Seems to be working okay for now. I'm hoping they (and myself) will get rested before we fly. That would be one less thing to worry about when we arrive!

So, so far so good... we're all alive and doing well. The travel is going well - so we really can't ask for more!

Here We Go...

It's been pack, pack, pack for days - weeks, okay, months now... in one form of another. These last few weeks have really been hard on everyone - especially kids with no real schedule. I hit that panic mode two days ago and thought for sure we'd never make it. Then the miracles started pouring in once again - I guess I ought to have known that would happen!

Over the last two days I've had 10 helpers - a few of which were older children accompanying mom. I also had some very little playmate helpers too - great for helping my children to feel loved and like boredom isn't as bad as it seems! All in all, I feel great - my mental-emotional state is in happy and peaceful mode again. We'll be leaving Bob at least where we wanted and I'm pretty sure it will be better than we had thought! So excited... so relieved... and so very grateful! We're not done yet, Bob and I will continue after the kids get to bed - though I hope we get enough sleep to enjoy our Sabbath Day.

Tomorrow, church (a part of normal for a change) - then off to friends to visit one last time until we come back for vacation, followed by dinner at other very wonderful friends. It will be relaxing and enjoyable - though at the end it will be sad too. Then home to bed - sleep well - up and out of here around 6:30-7:00am to head to Boston (stop at the temple, then the science museum) a night at AJ's then on to my dad's in the morning. About a day and a half for Gabi, then Bob picks her up and away they drive across the country. The rest of the kids and myself will continue our visit, then fly on the 25th! That will end our travels and then we can start to settle in!

Please keep us in your prayers as we go through this part of the journey - we will miss many of you, look forward to being near to others of you, and will continue to keep our family adventures posted for your enjoyment and connection!

It's 6 o'clock

That's Peter's new favorite saying. He thinks he's so smart and wise and all that simply because he can say "o'clock". Why it's six every time I have no idea, but this is generally the way it goes.

When there is light outside:

"It's 6 o'clock. That means it's still morning."

When it's dark outside:

"It's 6 o'clock. That means it's really late."

So folks, it's 6 o'clock, and that means my little boy is growing up too fast!

BIG DAY COMING RIGHT UP

Th BIG DAY is almost here and I'll admit I'm at the point of feeling overwhelmed. I was telling my sister-in-law last night that we needed a miracle... we have one, if the weather report is right. Great weather until we leave! That means it's easier to just push through everything instead of working around the rain.

I'm still overwhelmed - I think emotions and not sleeping well play a large part in there - and I'd still love some help with packing. I'm going to spend a little time this morning making some phone calls and seeing if I can send the kids away for Friday and Saturday and get a few hands up here then. That would be the most helpful at this point - and the least stressful.

We are all looking forward to moving on - because then the chaos slows significantly!

HELP, PLEASE

Looking for a little help on Thursday. I'd love to have couple people here to help with packing and someone available to watch kids so more packing can be done without interruption. If you an help and want to help please call me. I'm gone today but will certainly call first thing in the morning to confirm. I'm looking at the times between 10am and 2:30pm.

Thanks so much!

The Official Moving Sale

Time to tell everyone you know to come on over to the Nielsen's... you might need ot give them directions...

Friday and Saturday, this week only, is our Official moving sale! Rain or Shine (we have a barn) and everything available has to go! Anytime from 7am on... let's be reasonable at bedtime, though... please...

We leave Monday - that's the end of it... so come up and see what we have... Saturday evening what's left gets boxed up to give to charity!

Remember: FRIDAY and SATURDAY only!!!!!!!!!!

Babies - $8.88 Or Less

Moving is certainly an adventure... and we haven't even left yet. The packing has brought multiple stories, wishes, comments and such. Sometimes pleasant and sometimes nothing short of a horrid headache.

Today I attacked the attic once again -this time to try to finish it (which I nearly did). In doing so, I pulled out the infant carrier car seat and set it aside in the "packing room" while I went about sorting outgrown clothes to give away.

While I was working on that, Peter (who calls himself Pee-tor) noticed the seat. He got a puzzled look, pointed and asked "What's that?"

Me: That's a baby car seat. It was yours when you were first born. And before that, it was Jeremy's when he was first born. And before him it was Bethie's when she was a baby and Gabi's before her.

By now Peter is laying in my lap, so I cuddle him like a baby.

Me: Is that silly?

P: Yeah. We need to go to Walmart.

Me: We do? Why?

P: We need to get one at Walmart.

Me: A baby?

P: Yeah. We need to get one at Walmart.

Me: Oh, well you don't get babies at Walmart.

P: We get one from church.

At this point I'm smiling and nearly laughing as I explain that a mommy and daddy with Heavenly Father's help create a baby and it grows in mommy's tummy until it's too big and then it comes out for the mommy and daddy to love and cuddle and feed and take care of together.

Me: So, no, Peter, babies don't come from Walmart or church. They come from Heaven.

Moving Party

Okay - so that sounds like we're asking for people to work =)

Actually, we'd like to have a little going away party for the kids on Thursday August 13th. This is an invite to all the kids' friends and their families - and if you don't have kids but are great friends and feel the dying urge and have the time, feel free to stop on by as well.

NO CRYING ALLOWED - We're all having a hard enough time, we really want to leave with memories of smiles!

Come prepared to get a picture as the kids are putting together picture address books for writing penpals!

Oh - and there just might be water balloons (please, don't bring water guns)!

So pass it on....

Thursday, August 13 - 3pm-6pm - HERE
Bring Your Own Drink
Bring a Snack to Share
Hots Dogs Provided (if you call by Tuesday)
207-692-0270

House Showing - The Absense of Normal

We had our house shown... the first couple ended up with some delays and finally postponed until next week. The second couple was really only the wife, her husband is in the national guard and was on his two week duty. She liked it enough to say they would come back for a second showing when he gets back into town. She thinks it "has it all"... I think I said that in an earlier post =)

Anyway, miracles happen... maybe not as fast or in the way we think... but this might be our miracle in the making... we'll just wait and see. I'm just happy that the showing went well.... since we're in the middle of packing and the "clean" in some rooms is more of a "out of the way" then clean.

Back to packing tomorrow... I need some energy - I might just need to finish the "baby clothes" in the attic and call it a day - then spend the rest of the day being a mom... our poor little ones are really holding together well considering, but they definately need "stable" "normal" and "Mom" back... Two and half weeks and we'll finally be settling into our new home - can't wait!

1998 Toyota Sienna

Since we're moving, we're thinking about selling the van... if there is someone interested.

It's a 1998 Toyota Sienna XLE (with leather seats and moon roof). It's white. It's a Canadian model, which just means that the miles are listed under the kilometers instead of the other way around. $4800.00

If you're interested, or know someone who would be interested, please contact us at 692-0270.

Free Baby Girl Clothes

I have size newborn - 12 month baby girl clothes from two little girls just a season away in birth. They are free to anyone in need... please contact me!

(There are 4 kitchen size trash bags full)

Thanks!

And The Summer Time Mother Of The Year Award Goes To..

Being the wonderful mother that I am, I am making homemade baked macaroni and cheese when my littlest one comes running (and stumbling) into the kitchen, crying so hard he can't breathe and can't really see straight. Obviously concerned, I turn to him to comfort, calm and then discover what is wrong. As I do this, I put my hand on his should to steady him only to have him jerk away and start screaming again.

I look and see a large wet spot on his shoulder, but not bloody, so I'm puzzled as I ask him "does your should hurt?" He, still screaming, nods yes. So I unbutton the snaps near the neck and see he has blisters and ripped skin.

Under the circumstances (my nephew was just recently burned terribly) I freak out, yank the shirt off, scream for the kids, put Peter down on the floor, run to the bathroom telling my head to "think, think" as I grab a couple of wash clothes and tell the kids to get in the kitchen so I can figure out what happened and how Peter got burned.

With wash clothes wet with cool water and placed upon both Peter's shoulders, I learn that Jeremy "hit Peter with a clothes hanger". When questioned further, I find that Jeremy didn't hit Peter, but rather rolled over him in their game of whatever horsing-around adventure was taking place.

The verdict....

It's my fault.

The kids were outside earlier than usual yesterday, playing in the sun and in the water/mud. Since we weren't in the river or at the beach, I hadn't even considered the sunblock. I noticed Peter looked pink on the shoulders and had him come in. Well, over night he blistered. One popped when Jeremy rolled over him.

I'm definately not use to having a kid who burns easily. The others rarely burn at all - that's the native blood coming out - but Peter doesn't seem to have too much of that, but rather very fair skin, with the red hair that turns whitish-blond in the sunshine.

Mother of the year? I guess not. Pass the sunblock.

Busy, Sore and Grateful

So I still have more pictures to post.. but no time to download, sort and upload... yet.

I spend my days painting trim and packing boxes. All the while attending to the children (who are dong amazingly well, considering they aren't getting nearly enough attention). It's a lot of back and forth. Some where along the line I did something to my left ankle, so it hurts every few hours and I have to shift from standing to sitting. Thank goodness there is enough of need for both with the painting!

All in all though, I have the "easy job" - well, maybe not in terms of the kids, but certainly in terms of house projects... Bob has been finishing wooden trim, making cabinets, installing floor, and a toilet, sheet rocking, refinishing a floor, cleaning up the yard, going to the dump, and probably a ton more that I'm not mentioning... on top of that, he's still working at the restaurant and instead of his normal two nights a week, he's been doing three. And there is the occasional visit to the apartments... so he's really busy.

At the end of the day, we're both beat! And sore! But feeling pretty good with where we're at!

On the upside, we finally have a house under contract... 1 building down (or nearly) and 4 to go! we've had some good showings at another place, and we're scheduled for one here that sounds promising some time next week. We can certainly see the Lord's hand at work here!

We have great friends... Jim who is helping Bob on all the bigger projects, and him and Leah being willing to help us out with running the apartments until they sell after we're gone! Thanks a ton, guys!

We've bought plane tickets, we the truck scheduled... everything is really coming together! When it's all over, our family is going to need to do something special just to reconnect! (Let's hope the unpacking and settling in go faster!)

NEED BOXES

Looking for boxes... can anyone help us out?

Excited to Move

I have never met a more excited child - when it comes to moving! All of our children have taken their own time in adjusting... except Peter. Here's some of what goes on with him:

When we were considering a move - without telling the kids where - I asked them where they would want to be if we moved. Peter: "Umm. Where you be." (good answer)

When the grandparents were here and we would be "going" some place every day - Peter: "We going to California" with a big smile on his face.

After his Day Out With Thomas - Peter "Now we go to California"

Going to church this morning - Peter "Good-bye house. We never come back."

After getting off the phone tonight he comes galloping in "Grammie's going California with me. We can go now" heading for the door "Wait. We need to pack something first. My Thomas book needs be packed. Then go to California."

As you can tell, he's forever talking about it - and when we tell him "not yet" or "not today" or "we still have a couple weeks left" he scowls, pouts and yes "no, we movin to California"

Well, at least one child should be well adjusted when we first get there!

MOVING SALE!!!!!!!!!!!!

MOVING SALE!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, I'm not out on the lawn yet, but everything is easily accessable. So, for friends and friends of friends, please come by and take a look and see what you could use!

Some things are priced, others have not been yet - if you don't see a price, make us an offer. No reasonable offer will be refused - and likely some unreasonable ones too... :)

Seriously - come on up - take a look.... it has to go.

Our official last day here is the 16th - so anything not gone by the 15th is going somewhere else!

Call ahead to be sure we're here - though there is likely to be someone here nearly everyday! Please, no Sundays.

692-0270

Moving On

"When God closes a door, somewhere He opens a window" - Maria, The Sound of Music

Okay, so this post has been a long time coming....

We're moving.

I had originally thought I'd just say that, but then, well, things happen. So, here's a little of why.

We've spent the first 8 years of our marriage living in this beautiful state. It's taken me nearly as long to realize all the things there are to do and see here - though I'll admit - I've probably not discovered them all. We've loved both our houses - we out grew the first one. This second one has it all - nearly! Space, an extra bedroom, a custom kitchen (that Bob did himself) a huge piece of land to run and play on, large garden lot and even a hill for sliding down. A great neighbor who lets anyone walk the trails in his woods - it's been really nice.

So what's the downside? Family. For all the numerous family we have (especially collectively) we have none even in the state. For us this has been really hard. We both love family - even with all the ups and downs - and over the years have really felt the lack that comes from not having family nearer.

But even more than the extended family, there's the immediate family. Though we live here - and even under on roof - the time we actually have together is very slim. See, Bob's a teacher (and no I won't go into the teachers are under paid debate because we truly see both sides of that), but as a teacher in this state he can't support a family. Not on that alone. We always figured that he'd need to find some extra work in the summer to make up the difference... what we hadn't counted on was him having to work an extra job all year long - and start his own cabinet business - and do rentals. Something has seriously been off balance for a very long time!

We've been diligently working towards a "one-job man" using the skills we possess - mostly that Bob possesses. I picked up childcare this past year, he's been making custom cabinets, we even started in on flipping houses. This last should have made things work - but on what time schedule? And though it might have eventually gotten us done to the "one job", we still would not have had family around.

Last year we had the opportunity to move to CA to be nearer to family and to bring Bob to one job. Yes, seriously, one job. But we both suddenly felt uneasy and in praying about it, we learned the Lord needed us in Maine still. Not knowing the whys, we turned down the offer and returned to Maine - we have seen the impact it has made. We were in the right place at the right time to do the work of the Lord and close enough to assist with other family nearer to us (though still not here). We both had settled into this new mentality when we received a phone call that got us thinking and praying some more.

The result is that this time the Lord has prepared a way for us. That He has work for us to do in CA, and that Bob will be able to be down to one job. We know we won't be "swimming in the money", but it will be do-able! We're very excited to be able to have Bob around, near us, spending time together as a family, serving together! We're also excited to give our children the opportunity to strengthen relationships with grandparents out there.

It's bitter-sweet, especially for me (being an East Coast girl and all), but the peace, calm and comfort that has come as we've listened to the Spirit guide us has been wonderful. I know we're doing the right thing for our family at this time in our lives. I know that the Lord has work for us to do, but I also know that there are great blessings awaiting our family out there as well!

We will miss so many people - so many places - but we intend to visit whenever we're able.

I know the Lord loves us dearly! He's prepared us, taught us, and helped us become who we are. We have so much more to learn and do, but we look forward to it. Our faith has seen us through so many things - the love the Lord has for us has helped us to continue in what we've been called to do!

So the door was closed last year, but a window has been opened! And what is through that window is far greater than what was behind the door! The next chapter of our lives is about to begin!

Field Trips With Grandma

When the Nielsen grandparents were here a couple of weeks back now, the kids and I did a lot of traveling with Lynne. Some of those travels were field trips - a great way to gain a little more information for our "year round home schooling" - actually, the timing just worked out well, though we do take the year round approach. After all, learning happens all the time, any place!

If you're interested in seeing those adventures, just go on over to Fly Away Home or click on the various links below!

Narrow Gauge Railroad
Children's Discovery Museum
Burnt Island Living History
Maine State Aquarium

The Best of Friends Are Always Found Within Our Own Families - Or Adopted Into Them

"Families - where magic is born and love is unending!" ~T L Nielsen

I know I have tons still to catch up on - that's what happens when "vacation" all comes together and you don't have any time to record it (save the pictures you took along the way)!

I just have to say

"I LOVE FAMILY"

This weekend I took the kids to Vermont for an unusual and rather special occasion: My aunt (who is only a couple of years older than I am, and whom I was always close to) had come back for a visit with her husband and their seven kids! I had not seen Carolyn and Bill in 15 years - so this was a very special moment for all of us.

Though that was special enough - we also managed to have other family members gather together to visit and to have Zane (my nephew) blessed (Bob came down to do the honors - down and back in a day because that's all the time he had).

What I loved most was that my children, from the very beginning, mixed right in with Carolyn's - family really is family after all. Such bonds of friendship formed over these last few days can't be topped - fast friends were made by all!

Gabi and Rosa spent every possible moment together (they are the same age) and you would have thought they'd been born together they way they acted.

Bethie interacted with many, but mostly played with Josie (who is 5 years older).

Fiona is, by far, the cutest (tallest) 3 year old I've seen!

(okay I'm going to spell her name wrong, I can just feel it, so Turinetti family, please forgive me) Ona has the cutest glasses and though she's very aware of anything that might set her apart from others, she has a beautiful and catching smile!

Peter and Jeremy loved to play with (and be doted on) by Manny and David - Manny seemed to really jump to the role and had all the kids laughing and playing hard!

And a kindred spirit - yes, I even told her she needs to take the time to read Anne of Green Gables- Sabina... so sweet, gentle, and so willing to help! Quick to make friends of anyone - determined to know when they'd see us again, and "threating" to email me... I would guess, with Sabina, that's no threat, but a promise! I surely look forward to it!

Watching our young families interact together, I felt, briefly, transported back in time - you know, like in the movies when all the family kin get together and the kids just run and laugh and play and enjoy each other all day... it was like that. It made me "home sick" as my heart aches for such everyday encounters.

We are so grateful for the fun we had - and especially for eternal bonds that mean these friendships are the strongest ever because they are strengthened by the bonds of eternal families!

Thanks, Bill and Carolyn, for making such a huge sacrifice to come up to Vermont! It was a wonderful weekend - you will all surely be missed... no more 15 year gaps between our visits!

Sunday Pictures

Tradition has it that we take pictures on Sunday during the visit. It was really windy - which was interesting in itself - you know, hair blowing all over and all. But add to that Jeremy's true fear of the wind and, well, you can probably imagine. Anyway... here are a few that we were able to get.


All the kids - ready for church!


The girls - in beautiful dresses that Grandma Nielsen made special for them! So very nice! - They're on the barn swing... certainly a favorite place to be!


Our boys - trying to get pictures before the wind took over again... this rock is in our backyard and is a favorite place for the boys to "hang out" and climb.


Grandma and Grandpa Nielsen with the kiddos!

Our family - the very most recent family photo...

The In-Laws Are Coming...

That means they're on the plane and Bob will shortly be picking them up. It also means that I can finally blog about our crazy adventures over the last couple of weeks. Pictures will come later as I couldn't bring myself to taken them right off since I knew it would be harder to not to blog about them... and we wanted it to be a surprise for Bud and Lynne!

Well, after many years of waiting... okay, three..... we now have a kitchen floor. The best part... I helped put it in! It's been so long since I've been that involved in those kinds of projects that it felt great - though I was truly sore for several days after. I loved that the kids played happily in the other room and in about a half a day we had almost the entire floor in (just a little cutting in and under appliances left). Bob finished up all of that (except under the dishwasher, he'll do that this week).

The other major change is that the kids' bedrooms are now actually closed off from each other - Bob put in closets for both the girls and the boys (now all four bedrooms have closets). The kids were able to help with that, and I did get pictures, but they're still on the camera!

Bob also spent a good deal of time repainting the house... a lighter color... at least all the trim is lighter now!

He also changed a bunch of lights... and this week will move the placement of bedroom lights (why would anyone put them up against the wall instead of in the middle when they're ceiling lights?)

He's worked some on the long cabinet for the upstairs hallway (though it's not in yet) as well as the doors for the kitchen. They will all go up this week too!

And while Dad is here, the stairs will be finished off!

Yes, we'll finally have a completed house (except for the outside, but that can wait).

It's been busy around here... we've also spent a good deal of time weeding out and getting things ready to pass on (By the way, anyone know of someone going to have a baby girl? I have newborn through 12 month to give away)

Pictures will come soon.. .maybe more stories too... but now you know why the house has been inside out, upside down and backwards for the last two weeks!

Storms

Well... there's been a lot of rain... but then, there have been many days that were suppose to be "all rain" that we've woken up and had sun... we did eventually get the rain and thunderstorms, but we've been enjoying the sunshine which seems to be (at least in our neck of the woods) a bit more prominent.

Last night was suppose to be a none-stop thunderstorm adventure. The first storm came in, loud, bright, and well... with screaming and crying kids... wait, no, just one kid!

It started with the coming of the storm, which makes the wind pick up. Jeremy just couldn't handle that and thought for sure that everything (even our house) would blow away. For a kid who has never had to worry about hurricanes or tornadoes, he's awfully concerned!

Anyway, it only got worse as the storm rumbled in... then got louder, wetter, and brighter... he was certain everything in the house would blow up! I assured him that I'd already shut down the computer, and that the TV (which Peter had a movie going on) was plugged into a "special strip". But that wasn't enough... so the TV was shut off, only to make Peter go into hysterics. Then Peter also noticed the storm, and things just went from there.

I decided to some how convince Jeremy that we could at least try a family movie (since all the pillows and blankets had now been moved to the playroom for the "night" and for the ever anticipated "loss of power" (which didn't happen)). So Jeremy put on "Daddy's Ears" (the ear protection he uses when working in the shop) and I put on The Sound of Music! Thank goodness Jeremy calmed down when he could hardly hear anything, and then fell asleep! The rest of us watched the movie... which the girls decided was too long... even if, as Gabi told me, the music was good.

Oh, but for me... it was nice to watch an old classic again! They just don't make musicals like they use to...

Down By The River

We finally had a sunny day! It was warm before we really got going, but with all we had to do, Gabi had to remind me that we needed to go to the river... I had promised her the first nice day when C. wasn't here we'd head over. So, after getting some work done.. though not much... and eating a little lunch, we headed over... everyone except Bob.

The kids had a lot of fun - Gabi and Beth enjoyed "floating with the current" though Gabi wasn't happy that I wouldn't let her go where it was "deep". Peter loved to play "Kapluie" (throwing rocks) as well as Diego. Jeremy was just here and there doing his own thing and occassionally helping Peter walk along the little "rock wall" which was started last year when the river was up so high. It was mostly gone, but we started putting it back together.

When Peter would get to the end of the wall, he could feel the current rushing over his feet. He'd turn around and say "It's swimming me away!" He also had several "slips" into the water either from walking on the little wall or trying to get a rock that was just a little further than his reach. He'd land face first in the water, get up with a gasp (the water was cold), then laugh and say "I went swimming, Mama! Do it again!"

It was a nice way to cool off.. till we heard the rumbles. Then we came home... no storm here, though, so we're still heated and trying to accomplish something.. that's getting harder every day.. kids are ready for normal again.

Animals In The House

We seem to have had a transformation around here. Peter is no longer....we now have Baby Jaguar.

Can you tell we've had a little too much Diego play?

And It All Begins... The Baby Really Is Growing Up

I thought I'd wait until after the in-laws came and went... you know, traveling with a potty training or newly potty trained child is just not as much fun... so much easier to rely on diapers. And, since I didn't have an infant of my own to worry about, I figured we were good to wait.

I've let Peter lead the way... but the initial attempt ended the second time the pee went down his leg - since he was reacting to foods (and we didn't know them all yet) it burned his leg. Anyway, two days ago he woke up dry - he peed on the potty - he wanted to wear "undy-pants"... so, here we are.

Day one... perfect morning. Then he was more tired, but refused a nap... but still only a couple accidents. Day two... a few more accidents, but he figured out when to tell us he needed to go. Again, by afternoon he was "tired" and was having less enthusiasm for the "breaks in the day". Day three (today) was perfect until after he'd fallen asleep and got half a nap. Then it was dinner time and he was so cranky I thought he'd fall asleep again, so I put him in a pull-up. Well, he peed in it at 7pm... hey, not bad though... 12 full hours of no accidents... even through the nap!

He won't wear diapers any more (I tried to get him to wear one last night) insisting that he needed to wear the "undy-pants" to bed. I had picked up pull-ups for "on the go" so I finally convinced him those were okay. I don't think it will be long.. but the in-laws don't come for another two weeks.... traveling will be an adventure.. even if he is fully trained!

Insentives are tricky... no candies... that's new... so, it's 15 minutes of computer time. Which then was traded for movie time too... let's just say we've had a lot of media on in our house lately! (As a memory, though, Beth would only use M&Ms, Jeremy couldn't stand having the same treat twice in a row.. so we resorted to the mini-mix of chocolates, and with Gabi, well, she was cute. She received stickers. 1 for trying, 2 for peeing, 3 for a poop. The cute part: she'd run over, get her stickers, run back and flush them down the toilet. I'm sure this is not good for the sewer, but they were tiny and for some reason that was what kept her going)

Jeremy's 4!

Oh where does the time go to? Sometimes I wish he were still the little man... the baby... because then he wouldn't be antagonizing everyone else! But, I suppose, we'd miss the stunts, the teasing, the picking, the glint in his eye... the smile and laughter.

Jeremy is amazing... bright, cheerful and full of it! He loves to build things - legos, train tracks, recently the Wedgits (he got them for his birthday), blocks and whatever else he can get his hands on. He also loves to create things... making dinner, treats, and if allowed, whatever the tools will accomplish!

He hates to be outdone, but rather than compete, he simply insists that he can do it too... and then he'll make sure he can. He's been slowly reading - though he has less confidence than ability. He loves to manipulate things, and has really got a great hold on math.

Hands on is always best! If someone else has a workbook, a set of tools, time on the computer, certain toys, etc, he insists that he must also. If his hands aren't busy, well, you can bet that his mind is... and someone else is yelling out of irritation and frustration!

His smile melts all hearts! His sincere love of the world, of life, of people, of ideas is something we admire. The twinkle in his eye often makes us laugh, even when we shouldn't! And no one could ask for a more adoring and loving brother - he's so willing to teach (even if he does tease along the way)!

Happy Birthday, Bug-A-Lug!

Baseball

Okay, so I'm late as usual. Baseball season is done.. Gabi had a wonderful time... don't think we got any pictures of Bob... I only managed to see three games....

Gabi hated the beginning of the season because it rained every game (or so it seemed) so that the first few were canceled. But then we seemed to luck out and when they called for rain it would manage to hold off or be so light that the game went as planned. She loves sports, so she really enjoyed herself.

This year, in addition to the normal outfield and batting, she was able to play catcher (one of her favorite positions) short stop and whatever the middle man is between first and second (I know, I'm a disgrace to baseball!).. .I'm sure she played other positions as well. I believe her very favorite was catcher this year! I never actually got to see her play this position, but Bob had the camera the day of team pictures and she played it then, so he got a few nice ones of that...

Last year was the wonderful number 6.... this year.... drum roll please.... number 7! Yes, she's a year older and so is her shirt (okay... the shirt is new, but the number is older). Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Shoulders, Knees & Toes

Peter keeps me smiling! Beth and Jeremy went to bed early tonight being overtired from many late nights. Gabi is away with Bob at her last baseball game.. so it's just Peter and me! He decided to entertain me... and when I asked if he would do it again so I could make a movie, he readily agreed (he is such a ham... loves the camera)!



When we were done, he watched it over and over and over and over. I finally told him I'd put it on the computer. He thought I needed to do it right away!

"My movie on a computer, Mama!"

I even tried to tell him it would take a while and that we could do it in the morning, so let's have ice cream....

"No, Mama! My movie on a computer!"

Then as we were putting it up, he kept asking if it was ready yet... he's very eager to have it up here! What a little "star"...

All In A Day

Some silly things from today (they might well have been funny only in context).

After building boats for home school today, Gabi, Beth and Jeremy decided to team create the Titanic. I was not monitoring this, though I knew the bath was already full from their early boat attempts.

"The Titanic's in! Oh no!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"What??? The Titanic's going down??? It's sinking???"

(Yeah.... only this time there was no ice berg!)


Dinner was pancakes... Daddy pancakes... that means powdered sugar is an option. It also means we're guaranteed to have more mess. Maple Syrup is also offered - hey, what can I say, it's from Vermont.

Well, Beth promptly fills her plate (which has one thin pancake) with syrup... then picks it up with her hands. Syrup covering them and dripping clear down her elbows with her hair getting caught in the mess.

"That's why I told you to get a folk. I thought maybe you'd actually use it."
"I'll just make sure I get extra washed." (With an "I've got it all figured out" grin)


Since Gabi is away at a baseball game, Beth and Jeremy have started a club... of what? The only rule I can figure out is that Mom is not allowed and anyone not in it has to listen to this baby toy that is horribly loud so they "won't" figure out where the club members are.

After dinner, Beth and Jeremy go to the "club hide out" and Peter follows. So does the loud baby toy noise. Then Beth tells Jeremy that Peter can be in the club too and to show him where to go.

"And tell him that if someone not in the club comes he has to play this toy so they won't find us." (Which Peter takes to mean he's to play it non-stop....Gee, I wonder where they are?)

Civil War Day

We went to the Civil War Weekend on Saturday at Norlands. It was a lot of fun... to see pictures and hear more about it, click here.

Be A Star

No Mama Bear responses this year! Beth did great! She waited in the hall (by herself so I could be sure to see all of both her and Gabi) - went on stage every time with a huge, to-melt-your-heart grin, and danced for all she was worth! It was so much fun to watch her!



Apparently there were many people who were just smitten with her little charm on stage - she stole the show there.... big wonder with those beautiful curls, to-die-for smile, laughing eyes, and speed!



Gabi was a shining star - as usual! All the way up to the recital she was a crazy, all over the place, knows her stuff, speed demon! We kept laughing about it with her and trying to help her understand that there was music to "feel" while dancing, not a race to get through. Even dress rehearsal she was so big in her motions she nearly fell over! But she loves to dance and loves to be on stage.



Recital night she amazed us again because she was with the music - soft motions - enjoying herself and just did a great job! She surprised the audience with her running cartwheel - so straight and even - they were not expecting that from kids her age (and her size)... but I'll tell you a secret... Gabi does cartwheels all the time here... she gets tons of practice!



The girls both got to watch each other - both of them standing in the isle along the side doing the other one's dance along with her. I guess that's what you get when you practice together at home!



Grami Cretia, Grampi Kevin, Tia and Braeden all came up to watch. The girls loved the support... they even had some friends come too! The were excited to get flowers afterward, but were more excited to give flowers to their helpers and to Miss Jodi! They really love to dance with her!




The pictures are from Dress Rehearsal... Beth was so funny... she knew her dances and yet she seemed to think she couldn't dance without looking out at the help in the wings! For the recital, she looked out at the audience, huge smiles... and the couple of times that she looked for assurance, she did it only with her eyes... we were very impressed with how far she's come this year.

Gabi was still very independent... sticking close to her friends and getting herself ready for every show... the Tap costume she'd apparently put on backward dress rehearsal night.... and again on recital night. I happened to notice it right as they were walking up to the hallway... let's hear it for dresses with no under leotard... a quick slip of the arms, spin of the dress and she was all set! She had also managed to loose her shoulder feathers.... thank goodness the feathers from all the costumes were falling left and right... her friends helped her gather up bunches and we bobby-pinned them to her shoulder strap (and they actually stayed on during the dance)!

The videos might make you a little sea sick... sorry... there was a two year old trying to help! And, of course, there is that focus thing that was an issue as well.

Always crazy! Always a lot of fun! They'll be grown up before we know it!

The Final Result

Peter's finally better! Skin is clear - except for some basic scratch marks from itching the dry skin, but that is rapidly clearing up as the skin is gathering more moisture!

The following are the things Peter can NOT have:

Peanuts (and all nuts)
Chocolate (though Cocoa Butter is not an issue, so the chocolate may actually be because most of it is processed at the same places and on same equipment as peanuts)
Coconut
Raspberries
Blackberries
Strawberries

You'd be surprised just how much stuff has peanuts (in the form of peanut flour), berries (usually as a sweetener or juice for flavor) and coconut oil... it's a good thing we were already making most everything ourselves!

He also has issues with perfumes and dyes as well as lanolin.

He's doing great... just thought anyone visiting or interacting with Peter should know what to avoid! (And be prepared....things are quite a bit different with the lack of peanut butter and chocolate around here!)