Just a funny!

I just have to share this; it is a classic! We watched a movie about Joseph who was sold into Egypt tonight on a christian station. We were explaining the story to Audrey and Nicholai as we watched. Near the end of movie I asked Nicholai, "Could you imagine wanting to kill one of your brothers?" He answered, "Wow! I couldn't even imagine wanting to kill Audrey!" We laughed!

Random Postings

The kids had fun with the camera on Saturday, here is some of what I found when I got it back!

Audrey self portrait. Love the gum!

Nicholai and Walter. Of all of the kids, they look most alike, just one blond and one brunette!
Just check out those noses and cheekbones!

Audrey and Walter. (She had to hold his head, I guess he was wiggly!)



Hey! Our house actually looks kinda nice! Good shot, Audrey!

I have to thank Audrey for getting a pic of our new suburban. I have been meaning to lament about my new wheels. I miss my fun, sporty, fast, red car! Now I drive a mom-mobile, kid-hauler, bus of a vehicle. I know, I shouldn't complain. Ironically, we always wanted one of these when we were kids! I miss zipping around town in my Grand Prix!

Oh, well, fun while it lasted!

One of our four beta fish. Rescued from certain death after serving as centerpieces at Brittney Bergen's wedding. We found homes for all of them, we just ended up with 4 of the 10!

Nicholai is so proud of his new library card! We love the summer reading program at the library. I think he has read 6 books in the past 2 days! Woo-hoo!

This bouncer was purchased for Noah when he was a babe. Now it is mainly used by Walter, but Noah can't quite give it up. Gotta love him!

Nicholai just got his library card! He's so proud!

Usery Pass Park

This is one of my favorite places on earth! My family had "cowboy breakfasts" and hiked around the hills and mountains frequently when we were kids. And now my family lives so close, I almost kick myself for not dragging them out here more often. I love the views of the valley, the mountains and the smell of the desert. This is home to me. On this evening we hiked about a mile on the hills and found the sundial that has been there for longer than I can remember. (That's what we're standing on!) Somethings have changed in the past 15-20 years. The houses are closer and a couple of playgrounds have been added. But for the most part, it is the beautiful desert I grew up in and I am so glad my kids get to grow up in it too! I love to teach them the names of the plants and the mountains. The other day I asked Noah what a certain cactus was, he said, "A cactus." "What kind of cactus?" I asked. He answered a smile, "A pokey cactus!" Oh well! I guess saguaro is a big word for a 2 year old to remember!

Okay, am I avoiding technology or just holding a baby that likes to be held all the time? I don't know. But I have been chastised by Tara about not keeping up with everyone. (Oh, man! I am on facebook now!) Really, so much has been going on as many of you know, for those of you who don't know...
My mom had a brain tumor. They found it in the end of January. She had brain surgery to remove it mid-February. Surgery was 9 hours long. The tumor was benign and Dr. Porter was able to remove 95% of it. All was going well. She talked to me on the phone the day after, she was her funny self, but the next day she had, basically 2 strokes. What we thought would be 2 months recovery now looks like 2 years. She was in NICU longer and is now in Neurological Rehabilitation. We had some ups and downs, thank goodness mostly ups! She is making incredible progress and will be coming home for Easter! She does go back after the weekend. It is just a trial to see how she does. She is at Barrow's Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital in downtown Phoenix.
I try to get there as much as I can, 4 kids and a 45 minute drive make it a challenge. I am so grateful for Tara who took time off from work to be able to be with Mom. I'm sure the whole family thanks you, especially Mom. I just keep telling everyone we have a new normal now. We don't take Mom or her progress for granted. Thank you for your prayers and support.

March was full of great events! Our family has 3 birthdays, mine, Nicholai's and Audrey's. Audrey turned 8 and was baptised. We are so happy for her! We can hardly believe she's 8 years old! So beautiful!