Grandpa Van

Today I lost the first of my grandparents. I am so thankful that I KNOW that my Grandpa Van Gilder (Grandpa Van as we called him) is dancing on streeets of gold and singing sweet songs of praise to Jesus right now! And if I know him, he's talking everyone in heaven's ear off. While talking to Kaelyn tonight about Grandpa's death, she again suprised me with her thoughts that are so beyond her years. We were talking about how Grandpa is in heaven and how much happier he is now that he can walk and dance and sing again. She then said, "You know the best part mom? Grandpa gets to see his (earthly) mommy and daddy again! He must really like that". That's so true Kaelyn. While we will be sad here on earth that he is gone from us, we have to remember not only is there a big reunion party going on up in heaven tonight, but that we WILL get to see him again! On the glorious day when we see Jesus. So, Grandpa - thanks for leaving our family with an amazing family history. Thanks for instilling in my father the love for Christ and the importance of a relationship with Him so that he could pass that down to us. Thanks for showing our family how a marriage can last as long as your did. Rest in peace Grandpa. And enjoy your party with Jesus.

Tea for Two

Last week I was having a totally stressed out day. I had tons of work that needed to get done, Cooper was starting his lovely 2 year old tantrums and once he was down for a nap all I wanted was ME time. It turned out that during the time I was trying to get some work done, Kaelyn had set the kitchen table for a tea party. Complete with name cards and everything. So, I took a few minutes out of my crazy stressed out day to have tea with my baby. Even though I really didn't WANT to take the time out of my day for that, nothing could have made my day better or sweeter.

I mean - who could resist THIS face...

A new outfit for the Coopster

Today I finished this outfit for Cooper. I absolutely love it. The giraffe is about 11 pieces that I "appliqued" on the shirt. The shorts are from a fleece that Cooper picked out all by himself the last time we were at the fabric store. I'm so excited about how it turned out.

New Additions

We are now the proud owners of two new goldfish, much to the children's delight. My mom acquired two goldfish from a co-worker and after buying a little tank, the rocks, food, etc.... our two free goldfish only cost her $30. :) So, we prepped the kids (well, Kaelyn) that they might not live long and that goldfish are not known for their long and prosperous lives. Good thing we talked about it, because within 18 hours one of them was definately dead. Jeff and I are very thankful that goldfish only cost 13 cents because we had to run out that night and buy a new one. We are happy to report that our two goldfish "Nemo" and "Lena" are still living happy lives almost a week later. :)

Sleepy, Sleepy

Why is it that kids are so darn cute when they are asleep? It might have something to do with the fact that they are not driving you crazy at that moment or that they look so utterly peaceful and calm. It could also be that they can fall asleep in the CRAZIEST places at the funniest times and in the most bizarre positions.

Take Cooper for example...

Nice buns in the air Coop

This was one day when he told me about 15 times "No night night" so I let him stay up from his naptime a couple extra minutes. Yeah, he wasn't tired at all. (This picture would be him asleep on the floor in the family room in between the couch and the coffee table)

Or this lovely position - how DOES a person actually stay asleep like this????

I love kids when they are sleeping. They constantly amaze me - both awake and asleep!

Love

Sometimes amidst the fighting, petty bickering, resistance to anything resembling sharing, and the constant frustration, I find it hard to believe that my children actually love each other. But then there are days like the one that we took these pictures....

These are the days that I remember that they actually DO love each other. And in a way that only siblings can. And I remember how much *I* love these children. And in only a way that a mother can.

A few weeks ago we were driving in the car and Kaelyn said to me, "Mommy - I know that I really do want to live a long and happy life. But if either one of us (meaning Cooper or herself) had to die, I would want it to be me. Because Cooper is young and still has a LOT of his life left to live."

Wow.

I love this time of year

This morning we went to the local Farmer's market (well, one of about six farmer's market around here). I was SO excited to see local strawberries that I bought a whole half flat of them. Not sure how we're going to eat them all, but they are soooooooooooooooo good. And I was told that they were picked at 8am this morning. Can't get much fresher than that!

Anyone want to come over for strawberry shortcake?

It's all about the clothes

Grandma sure has good fashion sense. :) She purchased both these outfits for my kiddos for the summer. I love them! Although I will add that both of them look WAY too grown up for my liking.

Making bread

The kids and I have found that making a simple wheat bread is actually just that. Really simple. Here are some pictures of our first attempt - which has been really our most successful attempt. What I'm loving the most about eating homemade bread is that I know exactly what went into it. I know that it isn't full of hydrogenated oils or extra sugar or whatever it is they put into breads these days. And as you can see from the pictures the kids loved it too (both making and eating it)!