Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Conrad Cracks Us Up

Conrad has been cracking us all up with his funny sayings lately. Here are just a small sampling of the daily delights he dishes out for everyone. 

One day while at Walmart, Conrad said, "I want to go to the toy section." 
Me: "Not today."
Conrad: "But I won't ruin my lunch!"

When asked to wash his hands, "But I washed my hands yesterday. In da bath." 


After a big meal - "My belly is getting so big!"

"MOM! Eliza call me a human. I'm is not a human. I am a boy!!"

When Hazel had something he wanted for a minute or two. "You've had it for long hours!" 

When Eliza picked him up and spun him around "Da house is tip-pin!"

"The walkie-talkie running out of gas! I'm a filled it up!"

"Mom, MOM, the oven is pre-hotted!" (aka pre-heated)

" It is too quiet, wexa (Alexa) play baby shark!"

Thanks for all the laughs Conrad. You are the cutest! 

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Seven Wonderful Years

Our beautiful ray of sunshine - Lenora - is seven years old! With her cute little gap - toothed smile, she couldn't be any cuter if she tried.

This sweet little girls bring so much joy. She's quick to help those around her, quick to forgive, always willing to let other try again, frequently sacrificing her own wants so others can be happy, and making peace along her way. 

Despite her clam, level headed, and easy-going demeanor, Lenora is also fierce. She's not afraid to roll her sleeves up and get a bit dirty. She couldn't care less about dresses and frills and "girly" things when there are bikes to ride, chickens to catch, streams to play in, and fun to be had.  She rarely let me do her hair, and when she does it typically only last a few hours before she's taken it out and let it blow all over. 

Of all the girls, Lenora loves going fishing with Daddy and Orson the most. 

And then there is her laugh. Lenora has the worlds best laugh! Anyone who hears a good Lenora laugh can't help but laugh along. 

Recently Lenora has loved helping to cook. She's by my side every morning asking if she can help make breakfast, and she's always willing to help Michel in the kitchen as well. 

She LOVES winter! 

This fall Lenora started taking gymnastics. She's has really enjoyed it! Right now she can be seen cartwheeling from room to room. I think she must do at least 100 cartwheels a day. 


Her birthday fell on a busy weekday when Michael had meetings in the evening, so we celebrated over breakfast. She requested apple pie, and when I balked a bit, she reminded me that normally we get doughnuts on our birthdays and pie is no worse than that haha! She also requested both sausage and bacon to go along with it. (Lenora still LOVES her meat!)

She was excited to get a hiking backpack and sleeping bag for her birthday. She's grown to love the hiking and the outdoors as much as the older girls, and she needed the right tools to keep up!

My wonderful, wild, fierce, and amazingly kind Lenora, I love you so much! We all do! Thanks for being you. 

Monday, January 18, 2021

Catching Up - December

In reverse order, here's December in a Nutshell... 

A fun trip to the butterfly biosphere where one butterfly decided Hazel was a flower. 

My kids think chicken prints in the snow are the cutest things ever and had to snap some pictures. 

We took a few short winter hikes. 

Michael had a birthday! 

Orson was just his adorable self and gave lots of great bear hugs. 

One day Michael put together an outfit of every terrible 80's fashion and decided to complete the experience with 80's style "glam" shots. Why? I wish I could tell you. The kids officially think he's crazy!

One Wednesday night while Michael was at the church I served leftovers for dinner but let the kids eat by candlelight. Who knew that simple act would propel me to world's coolest Mom? 

Because of COVID we knew getting everyone together for Christmas wouldn't happen (especially Gabby and her family since she would be so close to her due date). But we were at least able to meet up at a park one Saturday and play. I can't wait until all these cute cousins can spend more time together again! 
Best attempt at a group photo
Lenora and Brooklyn
Lenora and Ginny
Owen and Conrad

Lenora lost her two front teeth and looks adorable. She adamantly refused to the anything about wanting them for Christmas though haha!

Eliza had her very first gymnastics exhibition. She worked hard to prepare and did a great job! 

Hazel also had her very first Irish dance performance! She's really taken to Irish and loves it. 

Conrad of course was busy doing more Conrad things. When there's not enough snow outside you should make your own. 

He also did some excellent cooking with Daddy this month. I'm not sure which of his chef outfits is better though: the too-small Robin costume or Christmas vest with knight cape (both of course accented with the hot pads up to his elbows). He's seriously the cutest!