Luke's New Hair Do

Just had to share!

"Good Luck with that One Kid"

Last week we went to visit Santa and have dinner with my mom and dad. The boys were very excited and had memorized their lists to tell Santa. I limit the boys to three gifts from Santa (If it was good enough for baby Jesus, then it is good enough for them.) Luke asked for "football characters" and a "Wolverine" game. Jake asked for a 20-gauge shot gun and a muzzleloader. (He has been spending a lot of time out in the woods deer hunting with Chris.) Santa replied, "Good luck with that one kid." Thank you Santa, I couldn't have said it better myself.

Can't Catch a Break!

Poor little Luke! Last Friday he started running a high fever, so we were off to the doctors on Saturday. After testing for strep and influenza, the doctor decided it was viral and nothing they could do for them. He was getting worse over the weekend, so we went back to the doctors on Monday to find out he had an ear infection. He started feeling better as soon as he started on his antibiotic, until Saturday. He felt great Saturday during the day. However, around 5 in the evening he started vomiting (in the car). I think he did this at least 20 times. After a phone call to the doctor and some meds from Aunt Amy, he was still vomiting at 1 in the morning. We headed off to the ER in fear that he would dehydrate. Two hours, great meds and some hugs from Mamaw Gallagher, he was feeling much better. Lets just hope he is done for the season.

He slept through us "screaming" during the Colts game. All the sickness, has worn him out.

Tooth Fairy Visit

Another milestone for Jake. He lost his first tooth this evening. It has been hanging on by a thread for the last four days. He did a flip on the couch and out it came. Just another heart breaking reminder that I don't have babies. Let's just hope that the tooth fairy has cash. Off to check my purse, on second thought off to check Chris's money clip....

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E

Whew! What a fall break! Chris and I have been anxiously waiting to take the boys to Disney World for a long time. We decide that it would be best if we waited to be done with diaper, naps, strollers...before we went. We headed off for Orlando the Tuesday of Fall Break and we're able to stay a week. The boys were more excited about flying for the first time than they were about Disney World. About two days before we left, Luke relealized it was "Mickey's home" and was super excited. It was a "magical" trip and the stories are too many to list, so I will just share pictures.

Waiting for take-off! 7:00 AM
Trying to keep him busy on the plane.

First night...dinner with Mickey then Trick or Treating at the Magic Kingdom.

Nemo and two of his friends.

One of the many highlights...the boys got to "start" the Indiana Jones stunt show.

Another dinner with Mickey!

Luke was so tired at dinner (at the T-Rex Cafe), we couldn't keep him awake.

Breakfast with Donald!

This was the best moment for the boys! Meeting the Power Rangers!

After four parks in four days, the boys begged to stay at the hotel and swim. We were amazed that Luke was actually jumping in the pool. Jake was our little fish as normal.

Camping Adventures

We recently have been taking advantage of the fall weather by family camping trips. The first weekend in October we went to Prophetstown State Park. We went with a friend of mine from work. I didn't tell the boys who we were camping with because I wasn't sure how Jake would feel about who we were going with. How many kids can say they went camping with their teacher! Jake Bechert can now! The Skeels also have two boys that our boys loved hanging around with. The rain seemed to be a constant drizzle, but not enough to hamper our spirit.

Isaac holding a barn cat. Prophetstown has a 1920's working farm.

Isaac, Jake, Luke and Noah...Noah is in my classroom this year.

Jake-the dog- was the favorite part of the trip for all the boys.

Becky and Joe Skeel on our wagon ride to the Indian Village.

Welcome Baby Noah!

Our dear friends and neighbors recently added to their family. Noah Andrew Barnett was born September 24. We were lucky enough to keep "Big Brother David" while Kim was in the hospital. Having three boys keep me on my toes, but we loved every minute of it. Noah is one of the most beautiful babies I have ever held. God is good....

Luke was so sweet with the Noah. He would sit and hold him for great lengths of time. He couldn't wait to get back up to the hospital the next day to hold him again.

The happy family of four...Ryan, Kim, David, and Noah.

Gracie's TV Debut

Our niece, Gracie, made her TV debut yesterday morning on FOX 59 News. Gracie has been voted Indianapolis's Most Photogenic/Cute Baby the last two years in a row. The contest is starting again this weekend and FOX 59 was running a promotion for the contest. They asked that Gracie come to the studio to represent the contest as it does raise money for Riley Hospital. We were so proud of her! It was very early in the morning, but she did a great job. I am trying to find a weblink...stay tuned.

1st Day of Pre-School

As I sit writing this blog, I have been reminded of the awesome honor of being a parent. God has granted Chris and I the privilege of raising two of His special little ones, but with that privilege comes boundless joy and tremendous heartache. That is what we experienced today as Luke started his first day of preschool. Boundless joy and tremendous heartache...We are so excited for all of the new things he will learn and this new chapter in life. We can't wait for the messy coloring pictures, the chaotic Christmas program, and the homemade Mother's/Father's Day gifts. However, our heartaches when I think that he has only been on this Earth for four short years and it seems like only yesterday...

They're only little once.

Grant me the wisdom to guide them down the path that their feet should take.

For I know that they can never turn back and walk those paths with me again.

Give me the wisdom to guide their feet
so that someday they'll be able to walk alone.

They're only little once.

Give me the time I need to enjoy them.

For I know that after they're grown, I'll never have another chance
to tell stories and pretend at those tea parties.

I'll never have another chance
to watch them in a school play or sing in church, or to see them catch that first fish or score that first goal or hit that first home run ball.

Give me the time in life's busy schedule
to have fun with my children.

They're only little once.

Let me be a loving parent.
Let me correct and not just punish, explain and not merely scold.
Let me know when to correct, and how often, and when it's best to just look the other way.
Help me be patient and give me a gentle hand to mould them into better people.

They're only little once.

Let me be a good teacher and an even better example.
Give me the right words and deeds to teach them.
Help me to teach them about You and how to walk in Your ways
so that when they are old they will not depart from Your ways.

For they're only little one time,
only innocent and trusting and pliable for a space of time, one minute in an eternity.
Let me do my best for them while I have the chance.

Amen

~~ Author Unknown ~~

Mommy-0 Daddy-0 Jake-0 Luke-20+

Yes, that is right. We returned from camping over the holiday weekend and we were getting Luke ready for his big day at Preschool. My mom came down and was cutting Luke's hair when I noticed two tiny, brown spots on the back of the ear. Yes, it was my worst fear. Ticks...We pulled over 20 ticks off of him that night. They must really like Luke, because nobody else had any. Not to mention Luke was stuck in the camper a good part of the weekend with a high fever. The poor kid can't catch a break.

Daughter, Sister, Friend...

We got a great surprise this weekend. Nikki called on Tuesday to say that she was coming to Indy to stay for the weekend. We hadn't seen her since Christmas, so we were very excited about her visit. I have known Nikki since she was in third grade. I was working for the YMCA afterschool program and she was one of my kids (almost 13 years ago). During this time, I developed a life changing friendship with her mom, Jill. Jill was a single mom of two and was active in the air force. While I was in college, Jill started hiring me to stay with her kids while she was out of town for work/play. My friendship with Jill continued to grow over the years as did my relationship with Nikki. They made me feel a part of their family. To say that Jill was an amazing person is an understatement. Strong, devoted, intelligent, fun, witty, are all qualities of Jill's that I know see in Nikki. Jill was first diagnosed with breast cancer. She went through several surgeries and chemo treatments with amazing strength. While the cancer went into remission, it was short lived. The cancer returned and Jill passed away one week before Jake was born. Nikki was just 15. She moved out to Missouri (or as she use to say Misery) to live with her dad. I was upset about this move at first, but she was mature beyond her years and knew what was best for her. ( She finished high school a year early, has a degree in accounting, starting her masters degree this week...and is only 21) My relationship with Nikki is one that I treasure, as I do my time with her. I can talk to her like a sister, stay up at night worrying about her (or lecturing her) like a mother, and help her cross things off of her "bucket list" like a friend. Her relationship with my boys and Chris makes her an important part of my family now. Chris loves and worries about her as much as I do. The boys never forget her in their prayers. Love you Nikki.

Move Over Manning!

Jake played his first football game this Saturday. Jake was very impressive "cutting back" and tackling. He played quarterback and linebacker. He ran in 3 touchdowns. I am seeing my future as an NFL mom...put in your order for season tickets now!

Getting his team ready.

I think there were more dads on the field than players.

Running in another TD!

First Grade

Wednesday was Jake's first day of first grade. Being on vacation and trying to get my own classroom ready, I really hadn't stopped to think about this milestone in Jake's life. That morning Chris brought Jake to school to make sure he got settled in. As they were leaving my classroom to go to his, Jake's big brown eyes filled with tears of nervousness and the fear of the unknown. At that point it hit me too. We stood outside my classroom hugging and crying. Thankfully, Chris took him to his room and by the time they got their Daddy had him laughing. I am going to miss spending lazy summer days with him, but I am excited for what is to come for him.

Dear Jake,

How exciting! Your first day of first grade. I am so excited for this new adventure in your life. When Daddy and I made the decision to send you to the same school that Mommy taught in, we thought that we were doing the best thing for you. Little did we know that we were doing the best thing for Mommy and Daddy. I spent much time thinking about which teacher to put you with and I thank God that I have that choice. Most parents send their child to a complete stranger. I worried about you all morning (even though I knew Mrs. Skeel was taking good care of you), but when you passed my room and gave me a big smile I was able to breath again. Your Daddy had already texted me to see how you were, and of course, as soon as I saw you I had to text him back. These are a few things that Daddy and I hope you learn now that you are in school full time.

1. We hope you learn to love reading...it will take you on great adventures.

2. There is more honor in failing than cheating.

3. Have faith in your own ideas.

4. For every enemy, there is a friend.

5. Be gentle with gentle people, but stand your ground with tough people.

6. Have the strength not to jump on the bandwagon if it is headed down the wrong road.

7. Always have sublime faith in yourself and mankind.

8. Remember that the most important relationship you can have is the one you have with God. Even you don't feel like he is there, just close your eyes, fall to your knees and let Him enter your heart.

9. Have the courage to be brave, and the patience to make good decisions.

10. While we may not always agree with your decisions, we will always love you. There is nothing you can't talk to us about. We are incredibly proud of you.

Love Always,

Mommy and Daddy

Lake Michigan

To celebrate the end of summer break, we traveled to the shores of Lake Michigan the week before school started. We camped for six days at Indiana Dunes State Park. This was by far one of the best, most relaxing vacations (not to mention cheapest) we have ever taken.

Enjoying the Sunset.

Fun in the sand.

Playing in the water.

Digging a hole in the sand.

Getting buried in the sand.

Luke finally became comfortable riding his bike...every five minutes he wanted to go on a bike ride.

Exploring the great outdoors.


On one of the many hikes.




Luke all tuckered out.

Taking a break from our 7 mile hike.


This snake slithered right in front of me on our hike. I didn't even scream...I should get some type of award...

Chris teaching the boys to split wood for the fire.


Jake ended up doing it all week for us.

My Girls!

My two favorite girls! Combine the attitude and loudness of these two and

....WATCH OUT!

A Trial Run

Wednesday night we had did a "trial-run" with David staying the night at our house. When Kim has the new baby the plan is for us to keep David. Since he has never stayed the night away from home we thought if would be a good idea to do a trial run. David did great...slept through the night, no crying, or missing mom and dad.

Fun with Friends!

Wednesday was our annual reunion with my college roommates and their children. The four of us get together twice a year, once in the summer with kids, and then we spend a girls' weekend together in November, no kids, no husbands. It is always fun to see how the kids have changed and grown. This year we met up in Ohio for some fun with the kids. It always seems too long between visits and never long enough to catch up.

The kids in birth order Jake, Clara, Ethan, Brenden, Luke, Audra, Lucy, Heidi, Maren.

Brenden (Karen's middle child) showing off his new skill.

Lucy...AKA "Little Leslee"
Heidi, Michelle's baby, she is the tiniest thing I have ever seen. Four hours in the car with her and never heard her make a sound.

Clara, Karen's oldest, ...Love the missing teeth.