"The FarmHouse Kids" ~ My Crazy Life with Triplets ~

The Boys

2009-07-12T20:28:00.000-05:00

My boys are growing up so cute. When I look at them, I can't hardly stand it. For so long, all I wanted was for them to be the very best of friends ... and now they are.

Now days I need a break, a nap and some time-out when they're in full gear!

Anyone up for a few hours with these boys? It's a guarantee that you'll sleep good at night after a day with these two!

Me ... and my Babies

2009-07-11T23:35:00.001-05:00

I rarely like photo's of me ... but I love this one. My very good friend Peggy took this, and sent it to me. Even though the kids weren't smiling, we're all together.

I'm coming to realized that I need to be in pictures too. I want my babies to look back someday and see me with them. I've also come to realize that I am not just the person on the other end of the camera.

Memories in the mind fade over time ... but when you have pictures to look at, it jars the mind and brings home the moment. For when that day comes, that I'm only a memory ... I want my kids to look through all these pictures and see the "Me", .... their Mother. So from here on out, I'll be sticking my face on here ... a lot!

Peggy will send me more ... and I too will get a chance to edit them. I'll post a few more when they come my way.

Jump Baby Jump!

2009-07-05T17:58:00.000-05:00

Playing Possum! Joey and Mariah came over yesterday evening to see the kids, and to gather up all my canning equipment. They're going to can green beans this week and do Tomatoes.

In the meantime the kids had to show them their bedrooms and all the work we've done. Of course, one thing led to another and before we knew it .... I had a bunch of kids in their beds having a bunch of fun.

The big kids were having way too much fun tickling the little kids.

Not only did they play in and mess up Meg's bed .... they moved on to the boys beds as well and let the kids jump back and forth between them. I didn't have the heart to stop them since they were having so much fun; plus the fact that they won't get to see Joey and Mariah as much since they'll be living in St. Louis for another year, after they get married in two weeks.

But the main thing is .... they had fun! All of them!

Meg - A Princess Shoot

2009-06-30T23:55:00.001-05:00

This evening we had an incident. Jay Pee'd on the Princess and it did not go over well. Actually, he Pee'd in a cup outside and threw it on her. Sam laughed to see such a sight and the dog ran away with the spoon .... not really, but it sounded good didn't it? The first part is true. Jay did throw Pee on her, and Sam did laugh, but not until she came crying into the house.

We do not like those stinking boys tonight. Words spoke straight from the heart we say!

So after a long hot bubble bath, we went up to Meg's room, dressed up in wedding clothes and had a little photo shoot, all by ourselves. We're practicing how to look beautiful, and how to be good for Joey and Mariah's wedding coming up in two weeks. We practiced smiling .... A LOT!

Here's an artsy fartsy vintage version. I think I love this one.

... and here's just Meg, while she relived the story telling of how she got Pee all over her, and how much she does not like those boys right now.

I don't blame her. I'm willing to trade them in for new models this evening ... but I'm the Mom, and I'm stuck with them!

Houston! We have Cavities ...

2009-06-30T00:47:00.000-05:00

This morning .... early, and that's hard to do with these kids, we had a Dentist appointment with a new Dentist. One that is more equipped and modern ... and one that Lurrvvvv's the chaos that triplets and kids bring. One that can handle and keep on ticking and clicking, and one with office staff that is 100% more friendly. Instead of a frown when we walked in the door .... the best part was that we got big smiles.

BUT, we also walked out with eight cavities! Ouch! Triple Ouch I should say ....

Unfortunately, if we'd followed our gut instinct all along instead of believing that our Dentist was prepared for our kids, we might not be in this boat right now. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure he's a good Dentist, but he just wasn't the best Dentist for us. Times changes, but he didn't change and update, and his frame of mind didn't either.

Knowledge and technology have come along way, and for us .... we wanted more for our kids. Like flouride treatments, and better exams and cleanings. Kind of like ... more for your money, or at least get what you pay for. Yes, I'm dogging him. No I shouldn't ... but our mistake in choosing a Dentist is only costing us $2,019.00 in the next month.

So we have eight cavities. Very small cavities. Teeny Weeny. Except one of Jays. I was totally thrown off my high horse with this news. Now what?! Better brushing. Better flossing. No candy. No pop. No gum. Zilch ... Zero ... Zip! None at home, and none at the Neighbors.

I guess my frustration is that our old Dentist wasted two years of my time ... and the tooth that Jay needs a crown on next week might not have gotten this far down the road if it had been caught at previous exams.

Just to set the record straight .... I do not believe that you have to take your kids to a "Pediatric Dentist", but I do believe that the Dentist that you choose should be "Kid Friendly", not only in atmosphere and technology, but in attitude as well.

Water Fun ... Again!

2009-06-28T10:49:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far, and we had no choice but to cool down again at yet another "Splash Park!" Thank goodness they are plentiful around here and we love them! Click the picture for a better view ... and enjoy!

Meg's Bed

2009-06-26T19:19:00.003-05:00

Meg has a new bed! Well ... actually it's a very old bed. In fact, it's so old that it's considered a very valuable antique ... worth more than Von paid for this old farmhouse fifteen years ago.

Last week we decided that it was time to separate Meg from the boys, and we knew that we had to make it really good and enticing to pull her away from her womb mates. So we (me) decided to use this bed that was already in the room that we were making pink and girly. Our dilemma was whether to use the bed or not.

First of all, I had visions of white wicker twins beds ... one for Meg and one for Kelcie. Then we decided to give her our queen bed after Von and I went shopping for her bed and ended up buying us the most awesome King Tempur-Pedic bed (which has not been delivered yet). I visioned having a canopy made that attached and came down from the ceiling, and had already shown the woodworker my plan. Then we changed our minds.

This old handmade bed has stood in this house for many many years .... more years than any of our living relatives know. It looks like a wonderful old wardrobe, but it pulls down and rests on wrought iron legs. Many years ago it was placed upstairs, long before the stairway was changed and "modernized", and now the bed has a permanent home. Our choices were to either attempt to remove a window from our house and have the bed hoisted down and hope that it stayed intact, then try to find a climate controlled place to store it .... or destroy it to get it down the stairs. I can't tear that bed up. Some of our ancestors were most likely created in that bed.

So Meg has a new bed .... one with three very old feather mattresses. (yes, they were cleaned). Along with the bed, she has new pink walls, beautiful new vintage looking rose bedding, her Great-Grandmother's rocking chair, her Father's old trunk, her Great-Grandmother's dresser with crystal knobs with a gold framed mirror hanging above it, and a big new pink rug on the floor.

We still yet have to decorate the walls, but I'm working on that. Oh, and the words on the bed .... I photoshopped that on there to see what it will look like when I put the quote from "Upper Case Living" on that tall old headboard.

But I'll leave you with two little boys that loved the bed even more than Meg ....

On Meg's first night in her new bed, she said to the boys, "Since I won't be living with you anymore, do you want to give me a hug?" Simutaneously .... both boys said, "Uhhhh, NO!" So much for being womb mates don't you think?!

Puddle Jumpers

2009-06-24T23:36:00.000-05:00

This evening we took the kids over to the neighbor's to go swimming. This past weekend, I took them to Josh's (oldest son) and they swam like little fish. Tonight was no different. Jay and Sam both loved the water .... Meg, not so keen on it without ripping my clothes off.

They love it so much that we've talked about getting a pool. Not a big permanent one .... but one that we can take down in the winter, and one that is big enough for the kids to have fun in. It's hitting close to 100 degrees here and it's still June.

Jay was jumping in .... Meg was jumping back and away from the edge.

She was more into prancing around and showing off than she was swimming. I have to admit ... she is cute, and her tricks and poses are better than her clawing my neck in the water ... and her new life jacket makes her even cuter. Thanks Juli for buying them for the kids! I love them and they are wonderful!

Sam too was getting in and out by himself and paddling all over the pool. He thinks he's a puddle jumper and can do everything by himself.

Any ideas on how to get Meg to have fun in the water? I can only take so many pictures of her looking this cute!

Splish Splash

2009-06-23T08:25:00.000-05:00

Yesterday evening it was hot outside baby! Juli and I took the kids to a splash park for a big cool down. They didn't have any problem finding the water!

We splished.

We splashed.

We posed.

We got drenched.

We waited for the water.

We hammed it up.

But we had fun!

Viva Las Vegas!

2009-06-22T01:57:00.003-05:00

Yes, we Ditched the Kids for Vegas. Last weekend I flew to Vegas to meet up with these ladies. It was wonderful to put voices, personalities and faces together, and I can't wait to see them all again next year on our "Back-To-Us" vacation. We came from coast to coast and you would never have thought that it was the first time that we all met up together.

Over the past three years, some of us that live close have met ... and others have traveled short distances to meet .... but this trip was for all of us to be together, and I am so happy that I went.

Having triplets brought us together. Being Mother's of Multiples and friends has kept us together. Over the past several years, we all ended up in an online triplet group, and our friendship grew.

Over the past several years we've experienced great support from one another. We've experienced heartache with losses of children, and we've rallied for each other through the tough times, and we've experienced miracles. ... and we've grown close. I'm proud to call these ladies my friends, and I love them.

I learned a lot from these women and I want to thank them for being who they are, and for being my friend.

Tanya M: I almost feel like your sister. We've had so many spontaneous and late night phone conversations. You were everything I thought you were. You're funny and witty and so full of life. I already knew you long before we met :)

June: It was great to share a room with you. You too, I felt like I knew so well. I envy your energy and your ability to keep it all together. Maybe someday I can be more like you and just go, do, and enjoy!

Sheri: Wow! What can I say ... you kept us all in order, and you are such a lady. I admire your faith. I can't wait until October when I come to Michigan and get to see you again.

Mandy: You have spunk Woman! I bet you could conquer the world in the very nicest way and still be so gracious. I'm in awe. I'm so glad we got to meet.

Sheryl: YOU. Surprised me. But what a very very nice surprise. I love your laugh and the fun that you ooze. Don't ever say that I didn't give you anything .... (it's a secret, right?)

Chris: You are a true Teacher and Leader. I have to say, you are so thoughtful, and your heart is as big as California. You keep us together.

Tracy: Oh Tracy! You sparkle and bubble .... and I love it! I'm still hearing your laughter, and I smile with the memories of our great weekend.

Eve: You are funny ... and so much fun to be around. You and your high heels! I'd have a broken neck if I tried to wear them ... and you just looked so beautiful in them .... and your red dress! Mario knows a good thing doesn't he?

Pam: In you, I have met a lifelong friend. Thank you for encouraging me. You are a very brave Woman that can move mountains with your faith. What a wonderful gift to have in life. You are so blessed!

Tanya B: It was great to meet you .... but I have to laugh when I think of you. You were MIA. A lot. I wish I had your indepence. I have no sense of direction .... I could never find myself around like you did, especially in Vegas.

Angela: You are drop dead gorgeous! How do you do it? I know, I know ... you have liquids! (makeup) ... but you really don't need any. At all. But mainly .... you're just as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside. I'm so glad we got to meet.

Karen: You are the sweetest person I think I've met in a long time, and it was so wonderful to meet up in Chicago and fly into Vegas together. You are exactly as I had thought you would be. Honest and genuine. I can't wait to meet up again. I pray for your little angel Lauren, and I pray that your heartache eases, and that she'll always send you butterflies from Heaven.

Sabrina: What can I say that you don't already know. YOU, my friend, have a BIG BIG heart. It was the most wonderful feeling to hug you in person. It was hardest to say goodbye to you, but I know we'll meet up again next year. God put you in our triplet group for a reason, even though you have Quintuplets. He put us in your path to lift you up and help you, with love and friendship. I can't even imagine the pain of losing your three boys, but know that I will always be here for you when you need me. I also pray that God keeps Curt safe while he's deployed and this next year just whizzes by until he is back home with you and the girls.

Judy and Wedad: I wish you could have come too! You were there in our hearts. I know it's hard to make doable when you live on the other side of the world ... but maybe next year. (wishing).

Viva Las Vegas Ladies .... it was wonderful!

Love,

Tan

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T11:23:00.000-05:00

June 21, 2009

Dear Von,

Happy Father’s Day! No card that I found said the things I want to tell you.

First of all, I want you to know that I have never been happier in my life, and I thank God every day that you found me. Every night before I go to sleep I pray for God to keep you safe and let us live a long life together.

Having these kids with you, and you being their Father has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Of course, it doesn’t mean that I love them more than my older four, I don’t, but raising them with you is wonderful, and I know that with you, I am a better Mother.

As the years have gone by, I see that we are settling into a life that at one time I didn’t know if it would work. In the short time of eight years that we’ve been together, we been through a lot of heartache and in the end, we have found a tremendous amount of joy, and I am at peace with my life with you.

I wanted to tell you in my words that I love you. I love you for being the person and Father that you are, for having so much more wisdom and patience than I have ever had. Mainly, I want to thank you for all that you’ve taught me in our marriage and for all that is yet to come as we raise these children. I am blessed to call you my husband, and you their Father.

I love you,

Tan

Ditched the Kids for Vegas

2009-06-12T00:44:00.000-05:00

In just a few hours I'll be boarding a Jet and leaving for Las Vegas! By myself, and leaving my kiddo's and husband behind.

Am I sad? Oh how I wish I had just a bit of guilt ... but I don't. Am I scared? Yes, I am. I'm always a bit scared when I leave them. Even when I just drive to work, or when they are with other relatives. No one loves them as much as me, and no one can coddle, cuddle and take care of them as well as I can. I know they're loved and safe, but I'm the Mom. It's that simple. I'm their Mom.

But Mom will be flying off leaving them on the ground with their Dad, and waving as I disappear into the clouds. At 2:30 this afternoon, I will be meeting up with some of the most wonderful women I'm yet to meet. More than a dozen of us will be in the sky, on different airplanes, coming from around the nation, and we're all so excited.

We're all Mom's of multiples, and we've all been in an online group for several years. Even though we've never met face to face .... we know each other well. We've been a tremendous support to each other through good times, bad times and hard times .... and it's time we met.

So please keep us in your prayers, that we all land safely and have a great weekend, and when I get back, you'll get the full scoop ... and a whole lot of pictures!

Oh, I almost forgot ... (not really) Thanks Von for the plane ticket and for making it so easy for me to go! I really love you!

The Fabulous Four

2009-06-07T00:20:00.000-05:00

It's been over five years since these four kids (men) were all together at my house. It seems like just yesterday.

Jake, on the left, comes often, but Mike just returned from Iraq recently and has been gone for over four years. Of course third in line is Joey ... my son. He makes it here when he's home from college, and when he can. Gavin, on the right hasn't been here either in all those years. He had never met my babies until tonight. I didn't realize how much I missed them until they showed up here tonight.

Just hugging them almost made me cry. I didn't want to let them go. Watching them eat made me laugh. It was just like the good old days when they were teenagers, and used to come and eat me out of house and home. Especially Mike. We didn't even have to be home for Mike to come. He'd just come to eat. We had to keep things stocked up for that boy .... because his Mama couldn't cook fast enough for him. Bless her heart, she made a big boy. When that boy started growing, he didn't stop.

They came and fished tonight. Together. .... just like the good old days.

Date Night with My Boyfriends

2009-06-02T00:51:00.001-05:00

Friday evening I picked up my little boyfriends and we went on a fabulous date.

You see, Juli and Kelcie had picked up Meg early in the day and they went shopping. They got BFF necklaces, went out to dinner, got new purses loaded with makeup and girly things .... and they strutted their stuff without my boyfriends!

SOOOOOO, I picked up my little guys and we headed to "Build a Bear" and met up with the girls.

I have to tell you that it was my first experience in that store .... and I've come to realize that when you have triplets, it ain't cheap! There wasn't a sign on the door that said, "Oh Honey ... you don't just buy the bear ... you buy it's beating heart, it's voice recorder, it's clothes, it's shoes, it's underwear (bikini), it's ribbon's for it's hair, it's necklace and it's toy for it's arm." Whew!

Four Kids + Four Furry Friends = a bit over $200.00. But, my little boyfriends are still in love with their new friends, and the girls are still rocking and singing with their Hannah Montana Bears! Juli got the worst end of the deal since Megan and Kelcie were her date for the evening!

Thanks Juli for footing the bill for Meg!

After a round on the horses, we ate at the mall and regrouped and headed off shopping!

Old Navy will never be the same .... and neither will I.

I realized that my kiddo's are way too sheltered when Meg walked up to a mannequin girl and talked to her. When the stylish little snob didn't talk back, Meg turned around and said to Kelcie in the most serious voice, "I do not think she is alive." Of course this drove Juli and I into leg-crossing hysteria as we laughed until we had tears, and after we caught our breath, we knew it was time to get out of Dodge and head for the sticks again!

It was fun to have a night out with my daughter. She's truly my best friend, and I love it that we have kids the same age and we can plan and do things together again.

What I didn't love was that my boyfriends got sleepy before our date was over and one had a meltdown over a piece of gum and the other one threw up in my car. NICE!

Farm Girl

2009-05-30T10:04:00.000-05:00

Meg decided this morning that she was going to go work over at the farm with the boys. She got herself ready, picked out her own clothes (and she didn't pick out a dress) ... and donned her work boots.

She fixed her hair, put on her cap and hopped outside with the boys. THEN .... she remembered that she needed to "Hannah Montana" pose and get her picture taken, and she needed her make-up ... and her purse, and her lipstick and hairbrush. She also needed a bag with a few snacks, a drink and something to play with while she's there.

... and right before she hopped onto her waiting coach (4-wheeler) she remembered that she needed to go pee, and while she was back in the house, she made a cheese and bread sandwich, grabbed some ice in a baggie so she wouldn't get hot, and gathered up a few more girly things. Then she was ready to go!

This girl NEVER goes to the farm ... and she never gets dirty! I have to say .... I LOVE IT!!!!

Buddies

2009-05-23T14:40:00.001-05:00

As much as they fight .... they love just as much. I took a wet wash cloth with me to the field last night ... just so I could get this.

Trust me, within a few minutes, these clean little faces were dirt and sweat covered with John Deere hats on their heads. They love the dirt ... and farming!

A Farmer

2009-05-23T09:57:00.000-05:00

Yesterday evening I took the kids to the fields where Von was planting. Then we made the rounds of all the fields. The kids played in the dirt and ran up and down the freshly planted rows. That wasn't cool ... but they did have fun.

I snapped this as Von was gathering them all up just as the sun was setting. I love it.

Joey and Mariah {Engaged}

2009-05-20T10:57:00.000-05:00

There's going to be weddin' bells soon! These two people are so happy together! What's even better is that they both totally live for God.

July 18th is their big day!

It was hard to keep them serious for all the clowning around ... or maybe they were just "jumping for joy."

Isn't she beautiful? Inside and Outside. There is no Bridezilla going on here. This girl is so genuine and humble, and is so much fun to be around. We had a really great session and she was game for every shot.

She talked him right into a few precious moments poses .... and like a good guy, he did whatever she wanted.

Joey looked down as we were walking along the path and picked up a nutshell that had a perfect little heart cut out on the inside! Ahhh .... it's "meant to be" Love!

By the way ... for those of you that don't know, Joey is my kid. How lucky am I?

(click the pictures for a closer look) ... I'll come back and post a slideshow link here after I get their whole gallery up!

Welcome to the World Sweet Baby

2009-05-18T23:14:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, T was born. I have to say I think he's right up there as one of the most beautiful babies I've ever seen.

As I've been editing his birth gallery this evening, it dawned on me that I didn't welcome this sweet sweet baby to the world, and since I know his Mama is now reading my blog .... here's your gorgeous little guy! Hello handsome little Man!

I love love love being able to photograph these little ones as they come into the world!

Jay

2009-05-17T08:05:00.000-05:00

Dear Jay,

You have many faces! Yesterday evening I sat on the step and watched you and Sam play. Every once in a while you looked up and glanced my way. I played that game, "can I shoot faster than you can blink" because you don't like getting your picture taken anymore. I've done you in with all my begging for one good shot.

Every once in a while you would look directly at me. It was a game. You knew I had my camera, and you were teasing me. You're like that. I love that.

You and Sam were having fun. So much fun that when your Dad sees it .... you're probably going to be in trouble.

But you don't care. It was all worth it to you because you were having fun. Don't worry ... I'll cover your butt.

You're only a boy once .... and boys do boy things!

Then they grin about it and smile cheesy smiles for their Mom ... right Jay?

You are so cute and I love you so much!

Even when you and Sam go outside, pull all of the tools out of the garage, rework the yard that was just seeded, haul all of the straw away and make a big mud hole again.

I'll protect you ... and we'll tell your Dad that we don't know what happened. Gremlins were here!

Cute little Gremlins!

and you did it all for HER!

Sammy the Dog!

Aunt Lou and the Auction

2009-05-09T23:05:00.001-05:00

Today we went to an auction. It wasn't just any auction ... but Von's Aunt Lou's auction. So immediately I formed an attachment to everything I saw ... and I wanted everything that wasn't attached. I have to say that "Aunt Lou" was a wonderful lady, and she was Von's favorite Aunt, and she was an collector. Boy, was she a collector.

Aunt Lou and her husband had a couple of funeral homes before they retired ... and they had the most awesome chairs I've ever seen. I had photo shoot's in my head, and had some serious visions while standing there drooling. I was immediately snapped back to reality when Von told me in his most authoritative voice, "Don't even think about it!"

What started off as a little something to do today, turned out to be a fun fun fun (fun fun) day! All of Von's relatives and cousins were there and we were all bidding against each other. It was serious business! Some, like me ... were on a mission, and others didn't have it in them to bid against each other. Some knew what they were after ... and some (me) were impulsive and couldn't stand to lose.

Before we even got there, I was planning my catch. Being that I've never bid at an auction before and I didn't know how, I let a gorgeous pink crock pitcher (150.00) slip right through my hands. Let me tell you, I didn't make that mistake again. Being that I'm only five foot tall, I learned how to hold my number "147" high in the air, and keep it there. A couple of times, I was bidding against myself, but the good man in the booth let me know ... ha!

I didn't get the one thing I really wanted though. There was a little old red rocking chair that Aunt Lou had sat my babies in when they were little. I wanted it. So did Von's cousin. We went back and forth until that little chair was at 180.00, and when I saw the sick green look on his face ... I let him have it. I'm just kidding about running the price up. I really wanted that chair, but I knew that if I bought it at that price, I'd have to walk to home.

On impulse, I bought two very old quilts, a huge set of Pfaltzgraff dishes and accessories, a 30.00 fan that sells at Wal-Mart for 19.00, two old milk bottles, a king size bed (yes I did ... now what?), a 70.00 dollar Fiestaware pitcher that is on Ebay tonight for 27.00, more Fiestaware for another 60.00, a little table that I don't even know what it's for, and my favorite find was a little green metal teapot for 10.00.

I think it was at about that time when Von snatched my number away from me. .... and guess what? I figured out that I didn't need that little bit of paper with number 147 on it, because by then, the Auctioneer knew me. He knew me well!

You see, Aunt Lou left the bulk of her estate to her twenty-four first generation Nieces and Nephews. She was very very generous to us. Very. But I think she had an ulterior plan. She enabled all of us to have a fun day ... and she enabled all of us to buy her collections and a part of her life, when most everyone wouldn't have been able to do so otherwise.

Aunt Louise never had children of her own .... and she really loved her Nieces and Nephews. In return, they loved her too! We now have lots of bits and pieces of Aunt Lou throughout our house, and when Von is speaking to me again .... I'm sure he'll love them too!

Thanks Aunt Lou! Although we miss you, it was a wonderful day ... and I truly love all of my new treasures!

P.S. Hey cousin that bought that little red chair ... I really hope that you're not mad at me, and I really hope that you'll love it as much as I would have.

Their Inner Child and the Rocket

2009-05-02T22:40:00.000-05:00

Tonight Von came home from the barn and said, "Want to go over to Don's and shoot off a Rocket?"
Huh? A Rocket? Is that safe for the kids? Sure thing Sherlock ... let's go!

A little history: I take it that these two .... the twins .... not the triplets, used to shoot off homemade rockets when they were younger, and the Inner Child spoke to Don when he saw one. I'm presuming he just had to do it again ...or else, he thought the kids would love it. Knowing how much he loves these kiddo's, he probably had them in mind.

So, the kids followed him out into the driveway and didn't understand a single thing that was going on.

Yes Kids .... this is the Rocket, and below is your Dad reading the instructions while your Uncle Don gets the Rocket ready.

Can you tell he understands .... or is that complete puzzlement on his face!

.... and we're ready, and we're still ready .... and still ready! Did I hear you say it takes batteries?

It didn't used to be this way Von says .... it only took a match back in the good old days!

Finally .... after the countdown, it shot off like a Rocket. Straight up in the air. It was pretty cool to watch how high it went, and how the wind carried it, as it fell across the road into a field. Tomorrow's mission is go find it. It still has one more life.

Von talked about that little rocket all the way home (one road over) and all during dinner. I think his inner child was pepped up a bit this evening. It's funny how something from the past or childhood is fun to do again many years later.

Thanks Don for buying that Rocket!

Jump! Jump! Jump!

2009-04-29T01:41:00.001-05:00

We have a new toy! Well .... almost! Last year we bought this trampoline from my sister ... who had bought it several years ago. She just never took it out of the box. So it's still a new toy ... but a new toy without instructions! That was the only missing in the box.

I've looked online, at Sam's Club, at Toys R Us and in several catalogs and magazines at Trampoline's to figure out how to put the darn thing together.

I think we have got it now! So in the next couple of days, we're going to put the net around it and let them JUMP, JUMP, JUMP! The plan is wear them out every evening and let them jump for a couple of hours right before bedtime!

I have a feeling that this little girl will get the most use out the new toy! She is IN LOVE with it!

Siekman Dairy Farms WINS BIG!

2009-04-28T12:24:00.000-05:00

WE WON! WE WON! ... and half of the team had to sit down and eat a "snackie" before they would participate!

Here's Sam up to bat with a little bit of help from Aunt Bonnie! He wasn't really too thrilled to stand up there and hit the ball in front of everyone!

Yeah .... we really had to stand out there and play ball too!

Here's Jay coming in to home plate! He scored!

Jay scored again while Sam scooted back to let him slide on in!

I know .... Mom shouldn't be jumping up and down on home plate with a big camera waiting for the kid to get there. It is not cool!

.... and here they are after the game! Right before they huddled and started putting dirt on each others head!

We really did win our first game! By forfeit ... because the other team messed up and got the date wrong!

What really counted was that we had fun. We had a great practice game amongst ourselves. My kids, being that they are a threesome, are so shy they huddled ... and they fussed, and they wouldn't bat by themselves ... so Bonnie and I had to help them bat and then we scooted them on down the baseline. They did run the bases by themselves and by the time it was over, they were really into the game!

Next time ... we're getting our game on and winning for real!

Ball Practice (in the dark)

2009-04-27T12:25:00.002-05:00

Right at dark last night we went over to Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Don's (home away from home because they're farmers too) so we could practice our T-Ball skills .... because we don't have any, and their first game is tonight. Plus, they had bought the kids a T-Ball pole and a new bat and we had to check it out.

Jay took the first swing ... and he is good! He can knock the ball "out there." We used the trees as the bases ... and they would run as fast as they could directly to SECOND base. It was so much fun watching them play and run.

I think that one flew right by you Sam! It's so funny because they would check the names on their mitts, and Sam would only hit HIS ball. Hopefully, they won't do that tonight at the real game!

Run Meg Run! It's more important to look pretty you know when you're a girl! I'm proud of her though .... she hit the ball and ran!

This is third base .... and Meg promptly fell right off face first! She sucked it up and only ended up with a few scratches on her leg.

Our Farm is sponsoring their T-Ball team this year and they have little red shirts and navy St. Louis Cardinal hats. They just look so stinkin' cute!

Okay everyone ... be chanting about 6:00 this evening! "Go Siekman Dairy Farms Go!"