THE WISDOMS

Impromptu Photo Shoot

2011-10-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

While playing outside, I decided to get a picture for Christmas cards. Not sure if we'll use any...hoping to get some this weekend at the pumpkin patch. In case we do use one of the following, you are getting a sneak preview :)

Stillwater, MN

2011-10-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

Stillwater is a 45 minute drive from our house, but feels like a mini-vacation. We visited a few weekends ago during a music and art festival. After face-painting, we hiked the stairs to the overlook.

The Following is From Guest Blogger Marlie Wisdom

2011-10-06T18:48:00.000-07:00

I do not like homework! It stinks!

Chasing Izak is Hilarious!

2011-10-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

Our 3 Little Ones

2011-10-06T18:33:00.000-07:00

My pretty girl going to school.

First bike ride!

Look! Izak found a turtle at the nature center.

2011-10-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

At the nature center posing for his 8 month picture.

Watching the turkey from the safety of the observation room.

Mama and her boys cuddling in the morning.

(The sofa in disarray and the remote falling in the cracks gives you a very accurate picture of our world.)

Sawyer thinks he is pretty special to get to cuddle while the kids watch a show. This only lasted a second; Sawyer isn't in to TV when there is furniture to climb and shelves to clear.

random cuteness

2011-09-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

please excuse my annoying voice. i trust that you can overlook it in order to get a peek at a happy baby :)

Rockin' Boys

2011-09-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

2011-09-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

Trying to play catch up with the blog! This cutie pie pictured below has decided sleep is for the birds, so Mama is brain dead these days.

See my teeth!

Mmmmm...Candyland cards!

Izak's first day of YBK (Year Before Kindgergarten) He goes 3 mornings a week and so far he is enjoying it very much.

Marlie's first day of 2nd Grade!!

A busy 6 month old!

2011-08-24T08:56:00.000-07:00

Sawyer is showing off his new skills: crawling, pulling up, and saying Mama!!

Summer

2011-08-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

Marlie after her theater performance. She did a week long drama camp and loved it. The play was "A Wolf's Tail" and she was a gnome :)

Family picture before a trolley ride. The conductor let Izak wear his hat.

Cuties!

Life is good :)

View from the backpack

Mr. Gigglepants

2011-08-10T19:37:00.002-07:00

best pals

2011-08-10T19:37:00.001-07:00

2011-08-10T19:33:00.000-07:00

"For crying out loud, this stuff is hideous!"

My boys

another injury for Izak

2011-08-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

Izak had a very bad fall onto the ceramic tile floor. One front tooth got knocked UP into his gum. OUCH! His lip is healing nicely and the dentist believes his tooth may drop back down on it's own. Let's hope.

playmates

2011-07-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

6 mos. update

2011-07-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

Sawyer is 6 months old! He has been fussy and uncomfortable all week, which is completely unlike him. Teething? Crawling frustration? Both, I think. He gets up on all fours and moves a bit. It won't be long until he is unstoppable. He is almost sitting unassisted, but much prefers to practice his crawling. I guess he thinks if he crawls then the kitty can never escape from him. He loves the kitty so much. Every time I plop Sawyer on the floor, she plops down next to him. I find it annoying, but he loves it. Sawyer has also started solids. He finds it extremely unfair when we are eating or drinking and not offering him any. For example, today at the coffee shop he objected loudly to Izak and I enjoying a cold drink without him. One last thing: last night we stumbled upon a picture of me at Sawyer's age, and we look identical. We don't have a scanner right now, but I will work on uploading it. Poor Kevin....none of his kids look like him!

4 years of 4th Photos (say that fast)

2011-07-12T11:37:00.000-07:00

Thanks to digital photos, it was easy to find these pictures. The first few years of Marlie's life is captured on film and stored in photo albums. Therefore, we start with 2008:

2009

2010

2011

it's hot in here!

2011-07-12T08:22:00.000-07:00

future rockers

2011-07-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

4th of July

2011-07-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July parade in Edina was great fun. The kids loved the floats, the bands, the clowns, the candy (Izak just liked collecting it, couldn't eat it). Sawyer fell asleep and didn't move a muscle when the marching band came through. We also went swimming before the fireworks. Kev biked the kids to the fireworks where they had a great time.

camping in the backyard

2011-07-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

Five Months Old!

2011-07-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

It has taken five months, but I finally got a picture where all three kids are looking at the camera AND smiling!

At 5 months, Sawyer is rolling and scooting and laughing and reaches for everything we eat or drink. He is close to being able to sit unassisted. Love this little guy!!!

S'mores!

2011-07-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

Kev and Izak roasting marshmallows in the backyard

The gluten-free graham cracker, roasted banana, and dark chocolate s'more was delicious!

Marlie is only one in our family who prefers milk chocolate so her s'more was the traditional Hershey bar and marshmallow.

Sawyer and Grandma Carolyn

a few shots of the kiddos

2011-07-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

2011-06-17T20:01:00.000-07:00

Sawyer found his toes! In addition to this marvelous discovery, other current talents include rolling all over his bed, inch worm wiggling, high pitched squeals of delight, and much patience as he gets passed back and forth and carried around by his siblings.

Kev and his boys

2011-06-17T19:58:00.000-07:00

Top photo is Sawyer and bottom one is Izak.

2011-06-17T19:53:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we drove out of town a bit and found a nice wading area where the kids attempted to catch minnows. As per usual, Sawyer couldn't stop smiling.

2011-06-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

Like all men, Kev loves using his chainsaw.

Sweet Boy

New Highchair!

Izak is demonstrating his hockey skills in gym class.

2011-06-06T12:03:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we spent a lot of time clearing out the screen porch and getting things in order for the nice weather that has (finally!) arrived. Marlie was bored and took some pictures of the house. I was not blessed with a green thumb, so I consider it a success that I got the window boxes planted and some herbs and veggies started. Now if only I could hire someone to come weed for me. By the way, the swing set you see here was supposed to keep the kids entertained while we are outside doing chores. Fail. Instead, they needed to follow us around asking when we'd be done and if we can take them to the park. You may see the swing set on Craigslist soon. Along with a couple of kids.

(okay, they are pretty cute. we'll keep 'em!)

2011-06-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

The boys hanging out (this usually lasts about 2 minutes until Izak decides he needs to help Sawyer roll over and do cartwheels and such.)

The last day of 1st Grade!!

Smiley Sawyer

1st Grade Art

2011-06-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

These two paintings of Marlie's were chosen to hang in the school hall this year. I am so impressed with her artistic abilities! Clearly, it is not something she got from me.

Something she did get from me, however, is a love for The Cosby Show. A few weekends ago on a rainy Sunday, Marlie, Sawyer and I watched back to back episodes of The Cosby Show. Perfect rainy day viewing! :)

oh my

2011-06-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

Marlie dressed Izak in a dress and crown, but then was so mad at him when he got in to her makeup. It was really hard for me to "scold" him when he looked like this.

Love their little brother :)

2011-06-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

Brothers

2011-06-03T12:35:00.001-07:00

Top photo is Izak at 4 months and bottom one is Sawyer. They don't look alike at all--so weird!

Someday I'll have time to add text to my posts!

2011-05-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

crazy hair!

2011-05-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

some cute faces to brighten your day!

2011-05-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

looking thru old pix

2011-04-26T17:26:00.000-07:00

When I was looking through Izak's 3 month pictures I found a few oldies that I wanted to share :)

Marlie and Izak 4 yrs ago (when they got along)

Nikki's Baby Shower

Erin and Izak

3 months!

2011-04-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

Today Sawyer is 3 months old. I still cannot capture his cuteness on the camera, so you'll have to trust me. I thought it would be fun to post pix of each kid at 3 mos. Unfortunately, we did not have a digital camera when Marlie was a baby so finding her pictures is a bit harder.

Sawyer

Izak

Marlie

Easter at the Zoo

2011-04-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

our view in the rearview

Kevin and Izak holding Coco the Monkey's hands

Sawyer only stops smiling when a camera is near

I will have to Photoshop the babe in :)

he is a thumb-sucker!

2011-04-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

I love it that Sawyer sucks his thumb. It is so sweet and so much better than searching for a pacifier in the middle of the night. I have some cute videos of him giggling, but can't get the sound to work. Hopefully I can post them soon. Marlie doesn't want to get her picture taken much these days, but she is missing 3 teeth right now and has a great smile. I plan to get some good ones of all the kiddos on Easter.

4th Birthday

2011-04-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

Last year we were in shorts and flip flops for Izak's birthday and this year we woke up to snow! He was in good spirits, though. We had a fun day and invited the neighbor kids over for cake after dinner. He had a great day!

Good Morning, Birthday Boy!

Cool new planes

Off to play at the indoor park

trying out the new bike

gluten/dairy/soy free cake! it was actually pretty good :)

a couple recent shots

2011-04-21T19:07:00.000-07:00

Izak dressed himself in this t-shirt and tie combo a few days ago. The tie works nicely to cover private parts in photos, who knew?

Naptime

2011-04-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

Marlie and I went to see our friend in the "Sound of Music" play on Sunday. When we got home all the boys were fast asleep. So cute!

Sawyer

2011-04-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

We have been blessed with the sweetest and happiest baby! He really is such a love. He has recently started sucking his thumb, just like his mom and dad did :) He coos and smiles and melts our hearts.

Sawyer sucking his thumb

Kevin 34 years ago

2 months old!

mommy and me

Izak

2011-04-03T08:07:00.001-07:00

My sweet Izak has had a rough couple of months. Since Sawyer was born he has not wanted to go to school or leave us at all. He has also been having some bad reactions to something he is eating so tomorrow we are having him tested for food allergies/intolerances. I hope it brings him some relief! His birthday is in a few weeks and I would love for him to feel better for his celebration.

Marlie

2011-04-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

Marlie has a talent for fashion. She obviously does not get it from me! I've posted two of her drawings/fashion creations. She wasn't looking at any outfits for inspiration, she really just came up with the outfits on her own. I am so impressed!

the outline of the girl was already there--Marlie created the look.

a tie and vest--so cute!!

Fashionista!

our boys

2011-03-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

photo shoot with happy baby

2011-03-15T16:16:00.001-07:00

photo shoot with happy baby

2011-03-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Six Weeks Old!

2011-03-09T15:31:00.000-08:00

funny face

ha-ha! can't catch my smile on the camera!

our belly sleeper

a few recent shots of the Sawyer

2011-03-04T18:42:00.000-08:00

Here are a few newer shots of Sawyer. I feel like none of the pictures I take capture him well. He looks so different in pictures than in real life. Sawyer is such a happy and agreeable baby. The only time he is unhappy is in the car, which means we stay in as much as possible. He had a check-up last week and is now 9 pounds 5 ounces and 22 inches long. Such a peanut :)

Marlie's "Banner of Me" 1st Grade

2011-03-04T12:48:00.000-08:00

rock on!

2011-02-20T16:16:00.001-08:00

Our First Family Photo with Sawyer

2011-02-20T11:08:00.000-08:00

first few hours

2011-02-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

checking heart rate

a few hours old....we're getting ready for a nice nap

Izak couldn't wait to hold him!

getting weighed

Our New Little Guy!

2011-02-06T08:57:00.000-08:00

Please forgive the lack of posts to the blog, we have busy! Sawyer Gamm Wisdom was born Wednesday, January 26th at home. The birth went well and he is healthy and happy. He weighed 7lbs 14oz and was 21 inches long. Our biggest baby yet! The kids adore him and so far have not requested he be sent back. It's been an adjustment with 3 kids, but we are getting the hang of it. Some moments go much smoother than others--to be expected. If only Izak had his own indoor gym to burn off the energy that is oozing out of him at all times. Quiet nursing sessions just aren't on Izak's list of fun. :)

2011-01-09T17:35:00.000-08:00

My mom and Ali came to visit. Ali recently graduated from UNI and we went to celebrate with dinner at Chino Latinos. It was Marlie's first time to a really trendy restaurant and she had a great time people watching, even though she wouldn't try the sushi or much of anything. The $15 dessert was right up her alley, though. A do-it-yourself s'mores platter complete with marshmallows, chocolate, caramel, coconut, bananas, cookies and of course, fire!

the kitty giving the baby some love

2011-01-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

Conclusion to Jammie Meltdown

2010-12-26T17:48:00.000-08:00

After Izak apologized for throwing his brown jammies at me and promised to buck up, I remembered that thanks to lots of hand-me-downs we have a bin downstairs of bigger clothes that possibly held a pair of red jams. They are size 5, but they did the trick and all was well in pajama land. (We returned the brown ones today, so his quirkiness saved us some money!) On a side note, Kev and I also got new pajamas and our entire family managed to stay in Christmas pajamas for well over 24 hrs--it was a very lovely and lazy Christmas! Hope yours was lovely too :)

Christmas Eve after the tears.

Christmas Eve Tradition

2010-12-26T17:40:00.000-08:00

It has been our tradition for years to open a new pair of jammies on Christmas Eve to wear to bed that night. Back when I bought them, Izak was not nearly as obsessed with the color red as he is now. The morning of the 24th I mentioned to Kevin that it may be an issue that Izak's aren't red since he loves so much, but it was too late to do anything about it. As you can see, it was an issue. He went from super happy gift opener to pure disappointment. It was funny and sad and ridiculous all at the same time.

Yay! We get to open our jammies!!

Such a rough life!

Christmas Program

2010-12-15T18:45:00.001-08:00

Last night was Izak's school Christmas program. Each year they do the traditional Christmas story with angels, shepherds, and Mary and Joseph. The video we took didn't turn out very well, but Izak once again stole the show (this timeaway from Mary). He did so well for the first few songs, standing by his angel friends. But as you can see in these pictures, he slowly inched his way closer and closer to Baby Jesus until he was sitting right in front of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus and then standing in front of Mary with his face covered for the finale. This is the third time he has been in a program and each time he does something that has the audience cracking up. Of course we felt so bad for our friend Lucia who was playing Mary. Luckily, she didn't seem upset with Izak for blocking her out. Marlie did this program for three years in a row and was the "perfect angel," Izak will always keep us on our toes!

Pictures at home before the program:

Darn blue eyes always turn red!

the tooth fairy is coming tonight!

2010-12-03T18:13:00.000-08:00

a few new pix

2010-12-01T18:59:00.000-08:00

Our first snow of the year was a big one! This tree in our backyard lost lots of branches.

Kev and Izak shoveling.

Happy Thanksgiving! (notice Izak's socks:))

Swimming in the tub.

Decorating gingerbread people.

hanging in there

2010-11-16T16:15:00.001-08:00

We moved in to our new house last weekend on November 6th. We are still renting, but are really enjoying have more play space for the kids. There are lots of unfinished projects we need to tend to and of course there is unpacking to do. Unfortunately, Kevin has been in bed with pneumonia for six days now. I've never seen him so sick--poor guy. Due to him working 80 hour weeks prior to the move and being so sick since, I feel like a single mom! Marlie had the stomach flu on Sunday--it is like a crazy house around here. 8 weeks until this baby is due to arrive and I feel so disorganized and exhausted. Hopefully we get ourselves all situated soon!

In other news, we got eight inches of snow on Saturday and the kids have enjoyed playing in it. It is nice that Izak is old enough to go out with Marlie now, while I watch from the nice warm kitchen window :)

Halloween

2010-11-03T20:30:00.001-07:00

We didn't buy any new costumes this year--we just raided our dress up bin!

Izak as a tiger for his preschool Halloween party

Buzz Lightyear ready to go to Marlie's school for the Halloween Parade.

Cheetah and Buzz

It is taking a long time for the parade to begin!

Marlie's 1st Grade Class--a very diverse group!

Dash is ready to go trick or treating.

Cruella deVille!

This is way more fun than packing...

2010-10-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

This awesome fall weather means the pumpkin patch was full of people, but it was still fun. Fresh cider and fresh baked donuts--yum! We rode the hayride twice, found our way through the corn maze, jumped off hay bales, and pet the goats. A pretty great outing.

This picture cracks me up! I didn't know he was so unhappy about posing with us.

Kevin snapped a rare one of the two of us.

apple picking!

2010-09-26T18:00:00.000-07:00

2010-09-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

can you see why Izak loved the belly dancer??

Marlie cruising on the back of the neighbor's bike :)

happy birthday, Marlie!

2010-09-06T10:20:00.000-07:00

Birthday dessert at the Greek restaurant where the kids got to get on stage with the belly dancers. Izak was entranced.

scooter accident

2010-08-31T15:39:00.000-07:00

Bloody elbow, knee, lip, nose and forehead. Good thing he was wearing his helmet!

First day of 1st grade!

2010-08-31T11:53:00.001-07:00

backpack is almost as big as Marlie!

My babies

Waiting for the bus.

fun with the neighbors

2010-08-31T11:48:00.001-07:00

The kids had a lemonade stand last weekend. It wasn't exactly profitable, but it was fun. Our friends Luke and Joe helped too.

Later, Izak and Joe became super-heroes. They protect our street from the bad guys!

super-heroes need fuel

don't mess with these two!

summer fun

2010-07-17T12:43:00.001-07:00

T-ball!

The kids had a performance for their VBS camp and the theme was the High Seas. See the earrings? :)

we're still alive!

2010-07-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

I'm finally feeling better and hope to catch up on all the things I didn't do while I was miserable. June was not a great month--I was sick and our car was stolen. We're hoping to salvage the rest of the summer, even though we still don't have our car back.

Last weekend Izak and Kevin went camping with Kevin's dad and nephew. The boys had a great time! Izak loved having a 7 year old BOY to play with. While they were camping, Marlie and I made a quick trip to Cedar Rapids to visit family and friends. Marlie got her ears pierced and had her first pedicure (courtesy of Grandma!).

The boys biked to a blues festival from their campsite.

summer do

2010-06-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

exciting

2010-05-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

Since all (five) of my readers know that we're expecting, I guess there is no reason to keep it a secret on this blog. I know it's risky sharing the news this early, but that is how we roll. :) After getting over our initial shock and upset, we are now very excited about this baby. The kids are super excited too. Each morning Izak says to me, "Is your belly big yet?" And he goes through every toy, movie, sippy cup, etc. and shows us which ones he will share with the baby.

Of course, they argue about what the gender will be. As a peace offering, Marlie made me this card the other day:

2010-05-18T11:42:00.001-07:00

When you having rockin' pink rain boots and a sand village to build, it doesn't much matter that your pants won't stay up.

cousins visiting from Madison!

2010-05-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

movie night!

at the nature center with Kevin's mom and the kiddos

Izak's Last Day of School

2010-05-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

I cannot say enough good things about our preschool. It rocks! We have loved it from the second we first visited when Marlie was 3 and Izak wasn't even born. I'm lucky enough to be on the board, but not very lucky that I have just been given the job of secretary. If only they knew how unorganized I can be!

Izak and his favorite teacher Ms. Irrgang (who is also a friend of mine!)

He fell in love with Olivia from the four-year-old class and as a bonus she has a twin sister!

Marlie and Miss Kristen (who is one of Izak's teachers AND was Marlie's teacher a couple years ago)

Mother's Day Treasures

2010-05-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

I requested homemade gifts and my family delivered! I just had to post them all. Izak drew me an adorable picture of the two of us, but it was too light to photograph.

(double click to read them--it's worth it)

preschool

2010-05-09T17:24:00.000-07:00

I happened to have my camera when Izak got to preschool and tossed aside his Crocs for these lovely Ariel shoes. Superman shirt and princess shoes. Love it!

2010-05-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

Izak loves Gracie.

Izak loves to draw. He makes all of his faces with two eyes, a nose, a mouth and a BRAIN. ;)

Play-do morning

sunday funday

2010-05-05T13:25:00.000-07:00

Kevin took the kids on an "adventure" last Sunday. They all had a great time exploring Taylors Falls. He even bought them donuts from a local bakery. He is way more fun than me :)

more Marlie

2010-04-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

Marlie wrote this at school during free time:

To The Wisdom Family

Here is a sentence. I love you

Wisdom Family you are

the best Izak Mom

and Dad

Raw Milk Rocks!

2010-04-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

It took an extra week to get my organic raw milk, so I just picked it up last night. I was a little nervous to try it, as I had no idea what to expect taste-wise and I'm not a huge milk drinker. Let me just say it is DELISH! It is so fresh and icy cold. I am so happy we finally got some and Izak loves it so much I'm afraid we'll run out before our next pickup. I highly recommend it for any milk-drinkers out there! Organic milk from a grocery store is pasteurized, which unfortunately means that all the excellent vitamins and enzymes are boiled out of it. As long as you have a beautiful, organic farm as a source for raw milk it is a great choice.

future fashion designer?

2010-04-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

Marlie often says she wants to be a fashion designer. I ask her opinions (and LISTEN to them) about my outfits before I go out. Today she disappeared in her room for awhile and came out with this. She made her Barbie a dress out of paper, tape and ribbon! I can't wait to see what she creates with a sewing machine in the near future.

crazy drivers!

2010-04-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

2010-04-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

three years of Izak!

2010-04-20T18:16:00.000-07:00

Izak was in quite a mood today for his birthday. He bit me and had to have a time-out, and then in a separate incident he threw a tub of hummus at me. Luckily, I ducked and was not injured. He had some sweet moments as well, but he is definitely becoming a little pistol!

We had our neighbor friends over for cake and ice cream this evening. All of the kids had fun, except for Izak who spent much of the party in tears. Poor guy. I think between the excitement and having a molar coming in and being three, he is just having a rough time.

He did seem to love his present though. Kevin was in charge of the gift this year and he was maybe more excited than Izak. It makes me nervous, but I'm told that is because I'm a mom. :)

Cruising around the yard

(excuse the bad angle, I was behind all the kids)

Marlie, Luke, and Izak

I can't get the video to load. Will have to post the footage of the kids cruising around in the truck later.

2010-04-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

Izak was very sick last week. I took him to the doctor last Monday and his temp was 105 and his tonsils were swollen completely shut. They gave him an injection of antibiotics right then, and he is still on oral antibiotics. After many tears (his and mine), I have learned to blend the medicine in a smoothie and not give it to him directly. Thankfully, he is pretty much back to himself.

Today I get to pickup my first order of raw milk, fresh eggs, and grass-fed beef from a local farmer. I am so excited! I've read a lot about raw milk but have never tried it. Can't wait.

Tomorrow is Izak's birthday! We are planning to have some neighbors over for cake after dinner. I can't believe he will be three. He seems so much younger to me than Marlie seemed when she turned three. I guess that is typical between boys and girls.

Stayed tuned to see what Kevin chose for Izak's gift.....

our weekend

2010-04-11T18:19:00.000-07:00

Cuddling with sick Izak and the kitty.

While we were cuddling inside, Kevin and Marlie were having a breakfast date outside. Fancy orange juice and french toast.

pink eyes--lots of them!

2010-04-06T18:32:00.001-07:00

Last Tuesday in Iowa, Izak's eyes were both bloodshot, but not goopy. As the week went on his eyes stayed pink and he developed a cold. Since no one else was getting pink eye, I figured it was bacterial and not viral. But yesterday morning Marlie woke up with pink eye and today it has spread to the other eye. She looks terrible but feels great, so it has been a long week being holed up in the house so as not to pass it on. If I had known it was viral I wouldn't have taken Izak to the zoo on Sunday. I feel bad being the parent who carts her sick, contagious kid around.

So, now that we know, we are laying low and going stir crazy. Izak's eyes are clear, but he has a low grade fever and is sleepy and cuddly. All he wants to do is watch The Little Mermaid over and over. Marlie is very annoyed by this and doesn't understand how he can watch something so "babyish." I had to remind her that she used to watch it over and over, too. I told her she should feel sorry for ME, think how many times I'VE had to watch it! Good thing I like it.

Looks like Marlie will be out of school again tomorrow for day #3. Wish me luck....actually, wish me sanity.

more goats!

2010-04-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

We had a fun Easter egg hunt with our neighbors and another at Izak's school on Saturday. So on Easter we went to the Minnesota Zoo. During April they feature baby farm animals, so we got to hang out with goats again. The coolest thing was seeing a mama goat labor. We didn't get to see the babies be born because the kids (and Kev) were getting antsy. Next year I would love to volunteer for that exhibit in April!

After visiting the animals we saw How To Train Your Dragon in 3D at the IMAX. It was a great movie and really fun seeing it at the IMAX. Great family day!

Happy Easter! (yes, he had pink eye)

Marlie got this pretty new dress in her Easter basket.

Ready for the zoo! You can tell he doesn't feel his best since he has agreed to sit in a stroller.

Let's go!

This goat wanted more food!

spring break

2010-04-06T18:13:00.001-07:00

The kids and I had a nice trip to Cedar Rapids during Marlie's spring break. We enjoyed time with our friends and family, even though Izak was a little under the weather. One of the highlights was visiting a goat farm.

he cracks us up

2010-03-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

Izak said he needed to call the doctor because he had "big nipples". (a plastic easter egg)

new look

2010-03-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

My dear sister Rachel offered to spice up my blog and give it a face lift. It is so pretty! Plus, now you can see her blogs on the side and I have yet to add my other favorite blogs. (btw, for any preggers out there, if you're thinking of cloth diapering check out her blog...lots of good info!)

birthday babble

2010-03-25T17:41:00.000-07:00

I am 34 and feeling fine. Okay, doesn't quite rhyme, but it is true. Today was a lovely day and I am so grateful to have such caring people in my life. We went to Chipotle for dinner (my choice) and had cake for dessert. I am stuffed and happy. I feel so very grateful for all the blessings in my life. It is so easy to get caught up in the "wants" of life, but when it comes down to it I have everything I could ever want or need. My cup runneth over.

It occurred to me that year 33 was pretty mellow for me in terms of life changes. It was the first year I can remember that we didn't move or have a baby. The biggest things that happened in our lives in year 33 were Marlie starting kindergarten and Izak weaning. So now that I have my body back to myself and my kids are getting older, I feel ready to take on some new goals and adventures. This year I plan to:

-learn the proper use of commas (yes, I need an elementary re-do.....my brain simply lost that information after I had kids.)

-start exercising on a regular basis

-grow tomatoes, peppers and herbs this summer

-decide on a "career" path....I know it will have something to do with birthing/babies, but I just haven't quite figured it out yet. I may do my training to become a post-partum doula. A new birthing center just opened close to us, so it feels like a sign.

Well, hopefully I find more things to add to my list, but it's a good start for now. :)