Cole's Christmas Prayer

Thank you that Jesus dies on the cross for His sins and our sins. 
Thank you that Jesus was born on Christmas Day. 
Thank you that the Wise Men and the Shepherds came to see Baby Jesus.
Amen...
And for the food.



Although it has a theology issue with Jesus having sins, this precious prayer came out of the blue the day after Christmas. 

Can't Say We Will Miss It

This was written a few days ago but finally getting the pictures added! 

As we bring this year to a close, is can't say that I will miss it all that much. 2011 hasn't been our favorite. In the scheme of things the humps in the road have been pretty minor and annoying at best. But when you are in them, boy are they frustrating. Sickness has hit yet again. This time it is Michael. Go figure! He is the one rarely sick. But the long hours and stress at work have caught up with him. We are praying everyone else stays well as we have something planned each day for the next nine days.

Let's see if we can capture some moments in time for the kiddos scrapbooks.

Cason: I took my first step last week. Although I can walk only holding on to one hand, crawling is such a better way to get around. I stand for several seconds but plop down ever so gracefully. My favorite playtime activity is pushing cars and trucks around and making their sounds. I also enjoy looking at books, on my time of course. Words aren't as cool as I thought they were and have gone to "eh-ing" to express myself, much to the frustration of my mommy. I do say "dree" over and over when I want a drink and "ee" repeatedly for food. When it comes to eating, most meals I gobble it up. But other times the food isn't exactly what I want so I spit it out. This seemed to get me in trouble. I love to laugh especially when others are smiling or laughing. I adore my mommy and daddy and they adore me.

Cole: I have been pretty squirrelly the past few days. Probably has to do with all of the excitement. I continue to do an amazing job at using words and mind games to wear down the adults around me. I've noticed that saying things over and over again gets a reaction. So this is my method of choice right now until mommy learns to not react. On. Thursdays I go to church for a Mother's Day Out program. The beginning of the semester was terrible as I was really testing the waters. But for the last two weeks my teachers have told Mommy that I am an example student on how to make good choices. Mommy almost squeezes my neck off when she heard this. I think she was happy. When asked to put something away, I declare, "I didn't get it out." or "I didn't get it out. But I will put it away anyway.". Or I just ignore the request! Everything is "But Mom...!"  This past weekend, while trying to convince my mom that I make good choices I said, "Mom, I make good choices while I am sleeping." 

Kaylee: For the past few days, I have been wild child. Throwing myself into furniture and dancing around. I think the boys are wearing off on me. Or maybe it is the holiday season. Then there is that side that's all girlie. I want to wear skirts with tights every day. I am finally letting mommy put bows in my hair. During free time, I write books. I have figured out how to spell phonetically. I made a book for mommy yesterday. It said, "I luv mom.". When asked to do something I declare, "I don't want to do it but I will do it anyway."  I love to cook and do activities for 4H.  I helped make baskets of food for our neighbors. 

Chad: I am half way through 1st grade. I am really teaching my parents what it is like to have an older child. I got to watch the Nutcracker ballet at school and thought it was amazing. While I love time with friends and siblings, I also really enjoy and need "me" time. When the weather is nice, I go outside by myself after school and play or jump on the trampoline. Reading chapter books with mommy or our babysitter Miss Jen is my favorite way to close the evening.

Cason - 1 Year Stats

We finally got into the doctor for Cason's 12 month appt.  (Long story).  Cason continues to be pretty tall compared to other kids his age but not compared to his siblings.  Michael wondered if he maybe had some McK__ genes!

Length - 30 1/4" - 75th percentile
Height - 21 lbs 5oz - 25th percentile
Head - 19" - 75th percentile

Just because I am into numbers. Each child at 12 months:

Chad - 21 lbs 15 oz
Kaylee - 20 lbs 10 oz
Cole - 20 lbs. 12 oz
Cason - 21 lbs 5oz

Chad - 32"
Kaylee - 30 1/2"
Cole - 31 1/4"
Cason -  30 1/4"

Chad - 18"
Kaylee - 18"
Cole - 17 3/4"
Cason - 19"

Can it Be True?

I keep asking myself can it really be December? Where has the time gone? But whether I believe it or not, the calendar doesn't lie. So we find ourselves emerged in the Christmas activities. Let's see if I can catch you up on what has been happening.

We had family pictures taken over Thanksgiving (thanks to Jen).  It was the first time since Heath and Jen's wedding that we have had "real" family pictures with a "real" photographer.  Usually use a tripod and a remote.  Just not the same.  I will share more of these later. 

Michael: Daddy has been putting in a lot of hours at work.  We have missed having him at home. Outside biking has substantially slowed down but he is still spinning most days.  He put the lights up on the house for the 10 people who drive by and for his family.  We love seeing the lights when we drive into our driveway. 

Heidi: Worked has slowed down a little - at least in orders.  But yet, I still find myself with emails, questions, and deadlines.  Orders will pick back up in January.  Next year, I am going to be better prepared for the school rush and am hopeful that my printing company doesn't have a breakdown!  God continues to open more and more doors for the company and I am excited to be along for the ride. 

Chad:  School is keeping me busy but I love it.  Mommy reads with me each night and Grams helps me with spelling and math (my favorite part) through Skype.  Mommy and I love to lounge under the warm quilt and reading chapter books together.  Right now we are reading the Boxcar Children and I beg for more and more chapters.  Over Thanksgiving I got to go hunting with Papa.  I had talked about this for weeks.  Hunting and guns takes up most of my conversations. 

Kaylee:  I talk about "my family" all of the time.  My babies have the same problems that my siblings have.  Cason gives my imagination a lot of material.  If Cason is laughing, my babies are laughing.  I take my mommyhood pretty seriously.  I try to keep my brothers in line but sometimes they don't listen.  Yesterday I told Chad, "No, Chad!  You are a seven year old.  Act like a seven year old."  Don't worry, I can hold my own with them.  I bowled over Chad yesterday when he was in my way.  I am learning to tie my shoes and continue to work on letters and numbers.  It is my favorite time of the day.  Grams helps me on my letters and addition facts as well.  Can't let brother have Grams time and not me!  I have become the family "blessing" with all of the help I do around the house.  Sometimes I just start putting dishes away from the dishwasher and let Mommy know that I am blessing her. This puts a huge smile on Mommy and God's face.

Cole:  My imagination is really adding life to my playtime.  Sometimes I have to go fight fires while other times I fish with a line of pop-beads.   I enjoy playing with my siblings but get frustrated when Cason gets too involved in my playtime.  Along with my brother and sister, I learned the books of the New Testament several months ago and am now about 1/3 of the way through the Old Testament.  I can write my name and am learning the letters and sounds.  I love to be read to but to the frustration of my Mommy, prefer the same books over and over...and over.

Cason:  Happy boy, am I.  I break into giggles over little things.  Most of the time I am very content and crawl around wherever my heart desires.  I couldn't care less if anyone comes with me or is at my final destination.  I added a new giggle to my repertoire.  It is contagious because everyone laughs along with me when I do it.  Whenever Daddy turns out music really loud, I go crawling to him.  I know that he will pick me up so that we can dance.  I am not walking and have not interest in walking.  But I let go a lot and start in one spot.  I will walk holding on to one or two hands but definitely prefer the crawling around method.   

Cason 1 Year Old

Finally got Cason's 1 Year pictures taken today. Guess five days late is better than never!

Cason has done wonderful with the Christmas trees up.  Now, if we could only train Cole to not touch!

Cason is going to be our talker.  And we thought Cole talked early!  We no longer are requiring sign language for his wishes but instead he has to tells us.  He says, "Please, Luv Oo, Mama, Dad" among others. 

He is starting to let go more and stand but has yet to take a step on his own.  We even tried to bribe him with technology and he didn't want to walk to it!

I just couldn't decide which was my favorite!  Just be glad that I didn't put all that I took on this post!

Happy Birthday Cason!

Today is my 1st birthday.  I am such a big boy!  Mommy is mourning how big I am getting and Daddy just hugs her and says it will be okay.  I don't see the big deal because I am getting cuter everyday!

Surprise to everyone, I am not walking and have no interest in walking.  Since I crawled early, they thought I would be walking by now, but no.  That's not for me.  I do let go often but slither down to the ground after a few seconds. 

I have a great sense of humor and tell jokes, which my siblings think are really funny.  My family can't figure out if they are the knock-knock jokes (that are told around here a lot) or are of some other form.  Doesn't matter to me.  They still laugh. 

"More," and "So big!" are my hand signs.  I love to clap when I am happy, wave, and give out "fives."  Daddy informed Mommy that I say, "Love you."  Mommy thought Daddy was crazy until I did it for her.  Now she thinks it is the greatest thing!  She thinks she can get it on video soon so everyone can see but I will be deciding that.

Anything that I can rip, pull, dumb, open are my favorites.  I like the toilets.  They are just the right height.  The cabinets and drawers in this house are too fun - until I get my fingers pinched.  Mommy is working on this issue (along with me throwing food and my drink on the floor) and hopes to have it conquered soon.  Cole thinks that he should discipline me as well but Mommy and Daddy are watching my back on this one. 

While I can totally ignore my siblings, I also adore them.  Sometimes I just sit on the floor and watch the action.  But most of the time, I am doing my own thing and quit content at it.  There is no need to be where the rest of them are.  They look down and suddenly realize that I am gone.  I am lightening speed. 

I continue to be very happy the majority of the time and don't get fazed by much.  I love to give kisses to Mommy and Daddy but sometimes get my teeth involved.  This gets a poor reaction. 

We celebrated my birthday last weekend and I loved the burnt sugar cake.  I would have eaten more if Mommy would have given it to me.  Didn't want anything to do with opening the presents though.  I hear there are more to come today and then next week at my 2nd birthday party. 

"Uncle" Jon took these two pictures of me last weekend during our family photo shoot.  Unfortunately I didn't share a smile the entire time.  I am a stinker!  Mommy will try again today. 

Chad's FundRaiser

In May, Chad approached me about raising money for a town devastated by a tornado.  Being in 4-H provided him with an avenue to pull this off.  He organized a lemonade and cookie stand as well as a fundraiser through the donation of a quilt made by his Grandma.  In August, Chad along with his club presented the Red Cross with $629.60 to be used to bless people who needed help.

God uses kids.  We are honored that He chose to use Chad and that Chad took the initiative to do what it took to see the task through.

Chad

Everyone comments on how tall I am.  I just keep growing...and growing...and growing.  I am literally a head taller than some of my classmates. 

Mommy met with my teacher for parent/teacher conferences.  I am doing a great job.  I continue to be a Math Master understanding (algebra) concepts that the majority of my classmates do not.  I am on target for reading and but will continue to work on fluency.

Mrs P said, "Chad is a bright boy.  I feel as if he needs to believe in himself, because he can do great things!  He is a hard worker.  Continue to read everyday to help build fluency and confidence."

4-H is still a favorite activity and I love working on my projects.  Since gardening is over, I focus most of my time on food and nutrition.  I am learning how to crack an egg right now. 

I have become a very good bike rider and enjoy our family bike rides.  Sports are fun but I love my legos, reading with Mommy, and digging in the dirt.

More Halloween Picts

I finally got a picture of our little Eeyore.   This costume has definitely gotten its wear!

Chad 2006 (2 Years)

And Cole 2009 (1 1/2 Years)

 For Halloween we visit our neighbors.  Hunter got home just in time to play with the kids.  They played guitar and catch together. 

Happy Halloween!

More picts to come...

Pumpking Carving

We held our annual pumpking carving last weekend with Grams and Papa.  They kids had so much fun creating their "faces."

Lost Post

I found this post in my blog's draft column. For some reason these pictures never got shared!  These were taken in May while we were home for Taylor's graduation. 

Our Bubs is growing up fast!

I Spy

Cole:  I really like to play "I Spy" while taking care of business in the bathroom.  This is how my part of the conversation goes. 

I spy with my little eyes something that is light green.
(Someone guesses)
That's a good guess but that is not correct.
(Another guess)
Very good! That is 100% correct.


Kaylee and I are pretty tight.  Since Chad is in school all day, we play together.  I asked her to hold my hand while walking down the lane so that I wouldn't get lost.  I wear my bike helmet (or someone else's) whenever I can.  Mom and Dad feel better with it on my head so they don't typically object to the extra protection around my noggin.  

4-H Parade

The first weekend of October is a holiday for one local town.  They come together for a chicken dinner, parade, and bingo.  Chad's 4-H club walked in the parade and helped with the chicken dinner.  Kaylee and Cole got to participate as well.  They walked in the parade holding signs and passing out candy.  They had so much fun!

Kaylee's B-day

Kaylee's Grandma made her a quilt to match the baby quilt that Grandma made for Kaylee's baby's birthday.  The small pink one in front of Kaylee in the picture below is Kaylee's baby's.  Kaylee is laying on her new lap size quilt.  Many of the same materials but with a purple binding. 

Kaylee with her Grandma and the quilt.

One of Kaylee's favorite things about being five is that she can now be in 4-H.  She attended her first meeting and is always looking for opportunities to further her projects. 

Kaylee asked for a burnt sugar cake for her birthday.  She knew that this cake was the favorites of some of our friends and she wanted to bless them.  There wasn't a piece left so everyone definitely liked it!  She wanted a "5" shirt for her birthday. We gave it to her to wear for her birthday party.

 

Kaylee has already made plans for her 6th birthday.  She said she wanted to invite different people next year though.  As she started naming off the name of the people, they ended up being the exact same names as those who came this year!

Cason 11 Months

I turned 11 months on Sunday.  Mommy and Daddy are mourning me only having one more month of babyhood.  One more month of bottles which allow Mommy to hold me for a few moments of time.  Daddy gets smiles but Mommy gets my full attention.  I wake up from naps looking for my Mommy to hold me and give me love. 

I have four teeth but have two more coming in.  I started signing "more" a month ago but use it a lot now.  More fun with my siblings, more kisses from Mommy, more food.  I am making kissing noses and echo when I hear them.  Push toys are fun and cruising along furniture helps me get to what I desire but crawling is fastest and my favorite form of transportation. 

Yesterday I weighted 20 lbs 8 oz with clothes on.  This was a nice 2 1/2 lb weight gain after I lost weight last month being so sick. 

Cole's Dream & Activity

Sept 4, 2011

Cole: Last night I had a dream. And in my dream there were seven healthy cows and seven healthy plants. Also there were seven unhealthy cows and plants.

Chad: I can interpret that dream. The healthy plants and cows mean seven good years.  The unhealthy plants and cows me seven bad year.

(No joke...this was a real conversation.)



Right now I pretend that I am David.  I leave a room and say, "I have to go feed by brothers."  This means that I will also meet Goliath soon.



I have added another phrase to my day, "Not fair."  I add a nice shoulder pout and arm folding.  This comment does not seem to be helping my cause though.

Cole's Prayer

This was Cole's prayer a while back. 

August 25, 2011

Jesus,
Help us to not throw.  Except for basketballs and we can kick soccer balls.
Jesus we love You because we love You.
And thank You that You always forgive us even when we make bad choices.
Amen

Our Blessings

 Took these pictures on Sunday...

We are blessed...