Halloween 2010

Temptress? Witch?

Vampire

Q. Do you know what a vampire even is Collin? A. Uh, no. But someone said they suck blood.

Year Two as a Bat. This year he added the mask and belt and became Batman. Check him out in 2009!

Kate was a Pirate Princess!

And Eli was a little Puppy!

Kate - Collin - Zane - Isaac - Owen - Eli - Isaac - Kai

Jacqui - Jenny - Rebecca - Stacia - Sally

Family Night!

Today I'm grateful for

... getting to go bowling! - Owen

... Root Beer! - Collin [Me: 'You can't pick food every night! Pizza, Spagetti, Root beer ...' Collin: 'Getting to go out to dinner?' Me: 'Close enough.' : )]

... ummm - Kate. [Then Kevin: 'Daddy!' Kate: 'Daddy!' Me: 'It's supposed to be her call!' Kevin: 'Carrots!' Kate: 'Carrots!' Me: 'Kevin!' Kate: 'Alex!' Me: 'Who?' Kevin: 'Wait a minute. Who's this Alex kid?']

... family night!! We did dinner out and a round of bowling and had a blast! Friday Night Family Night rocks!

Compliments

At home this past week (and for the rest of the month), we've been focusing on showing appreciation, gratitude, and compliment ~ both why it's important for the speaker AND for the recipient. I had a perfect "case on point" yesterday afternoon:

Ava was over playing with Kate (they were having a fabulous time!), and big sister Maddie, 5, came by to retrieve her for dinner. Ava started to pout and didn't want to go, so I offered to give her a piggyback ride home. She was thrilled and jumped aboard, pout erased. As we bounded through the grass, Maddie skipped beside us and said, "You're a good Mom, Jen." Maddie's sweet, simple words touched me and inspired great pride and joy. I was proud for both us ~ that I was on the right Mommy-track and that she was sharing her beautiful, kind soul. *I was proud for her Mom and Dad, too ~ they are also on the "right track!" ; )

Thank you, Maddie!

Nocturnal

Owen's class is learning about nocturnal animals and behaviors. I had no idea ... and I ask him every night and ask his teacher every chance I get! You know how I found out? It's Pajama Day! And when I asked the occasion, Owen exploded with information:

"We've been learning about nocturnal animals, Mom. Did you know that those are animals that sleep in the day and are up all night? Like a possum, a raccoon, an owl, a bat. ..."

So this morning, I'm thankful for creative teaching and Pajama Day!

Food, Friends, Shows, and Hugs ~ the Makings of some Great Times

Today I am thankful for

... getting to watch our favorite shows, like Curious George and Cat and the Hat! - Owen

... spaghetti! - Collin

... my friends Ava, Cody, Ben, and Eli! - Kate

Kate and Ava change into jammies (or at least try to) EVERY time they get together! Featured in this photo of the two are two of Kate's favorite pics ~ Hello Kitty and Polka Dot!

... big hugs! - Me *Kate always asks for a "big one hug!"

Hearts, Stars, Polka Dots, and Traditions

Today I am thankful for

... getting a "caring heart" today! I earned it by cleaning up a mess that wasn't mine! - Owen

Owen kept a paper "heart in his pocket all day and proudly plucked it out to show me as soon as I arrived at the school! He then showed me the classroom heart jar and plopped his heart in, adding it to the growing pile! "When we earn 100 hearts, we get to have a party ~ like a costume party!" Owen's teacher also told

me tonight that he'd had a FABULOUS day!! This was most excellent news! You see, the last few days have been especially rough. Two months ago, Owen moved into a new class with a new teacher who wasn't aware exactly how important it was that he NOT sleep during nap/rest time. Apparently, he becomes entranced by the darkened room, the soft music, the other snoring kids; books and cars on a mat simply do not keep him awake! But over the last year, we have practically demanded that he not be allowed to go to sleep. When he does, he gets TOO rejuvenated and can't find his way to sleep at bedtime until the wee hours. So anyway, about mid-Sept, we noticed that he was struggling

with defiance towards us and towards his teacher and was very difficult at night time, often not falling asleep till nearly 11 p.m. or later, and we were at our wits end trying to identify the reason this Owen Impostor had taken over. We finally clued in to the error (naps had resumed with the new teacher), dug in our heals and addressed the issue, and after a week or so of fighting the "jet lag," I think he's back in tun

e, and we've turned the corner! My lovable, snuggly, happy-go-lucky, polite Owen is back!! Yay!! (If only we'd caught on sooner! Love you, Owie!)

... an awesome day! Write this down, Mom! 'Owen

and Collin had an AWESOME day because I ALSO earned a star! I earned it for being the best in line and being quiet during reading time! We're working towards either a pajama party or BINGO, where we all get to go home with a prize. We're going to vote on it!' - Collin

Collin loves school and everything that goes on there. Though he still needs and wants "stay-at-home days," he would never want to miss too much. Often when we pick him up, he asks to stay just a bit longer because he gets so involved in hi

s projects. He's always asking me to pick him up after certain times so that he can participate fully in planned events or even finish daily activities!

... my polka dot gankie! - Kate

Kate loves her blankies. Strike that. Her GANkies! Nightly she gathers them and begs to have each laid over her, layer upon layer. (I sometimes hide some so she won't be so hot!) Then in her sleep she kicks them all off because she likes to sleep without covers. Silly! Then in the morning, she gathers them all again and asks to take them all downstairs to snuggle while she drinks her milk. So sweet. But one gankie in particular is by far he preferred favorite. It's a snuggly quilt Great Grandma M made for her birth gift. Several of the quilt squares have brightly-colored polka dots, hence the loving name: Polka Dot Gankie.

... traditions. As the holidays are now in full swing (I feel like they start with the apple harvest and pumpkins and Halloween and culminate with the turn of the year), I find myself looking back over the last several years ~ what I enjoyed, what was stressful, what I didn't like, what I wish we'd done, what I'm glad we did. I believe it's good to try to do new events or engage with different parties, but there's something to be said for traditions ~ the events and activities you can count on and look forward to and remember year after year. Those are the memories that I find I love the most during the holiday season. So tonight I'm dreaming of Thanksgiving in our home (with friends and/or family) and getting our Christmas tree the next day on our regular u-cut lot. I can't wait to spend the weekend watching holiday movies, listening to festive tunes, and decorating the house with Christmas cheer. I'm fantasizing over a visit to see Santa Claus at the downtown Nordstrom and riding the Westlake carousel in the falling snow (that really happened one year!) I'm crossing my fingers that we'll have snowball fights and sledding in the neighborhood and a white Christmas (Let it snow!). And I can't wait to bake cookies Christmas Eve and hang up the stockings before bed in new jammies. Christmas morning is always a treat ~ in our home, running down the stairs, enjoying coffee and muffins, while wrapping paper is tossed in the air and kids shout in glee! [I'm sitting on the edge of my chair, typing, with a big grin on my face, tapping my feet, getting jazzed just thinking of all the good times ahead!] I'm also excited to add new events which may in time also become traditions, such as ice skating, snow skiing (I hope we get up!), and a Solstice Party with friends! To Traditions! Cheers!

Eli at 3 Months Old

Eli turned 3 Months Old 10.23.10 (the date of these pics)

Eli at Three Months ...

is quite the talker! He is the chattiest baby I've had, speaking directly to me all day long. He can converse for several minutes at a time, making eye contact, nearly chuckling along, as his dimples highlight his coos. It is surreal!

He's now in 9 month clothes and seems to finally have slowed down the growth rate ... he's been wearing these clothes for a few weeks now (2-3), and that is a record! Usually he's grown in and out of outfits by that time!

His blue eyes remain and sparkle with captivating mischief and delight! And he's almost always smiling. He's a happy, happy baby, who smiles when spoken to to the great pleasure of friends and strangers alike!

We're working on consistent nap practices, but that is difficult considering that E spends his weekdays with me in the courtroom, in the car, in the office, at meetings, etc. But he's as easy as could be, and so far the inconsistency on my part hasn't led to any troubles on his end. He goes with the flow and finds contentment in my arms, no matter where we're sitting, standing, diaper changing, rocking. ; )

Day 2

Today I am thankful for:

... chickens! - Owen, 4 3/4 yrs

... it's hard to say ... but ...

I'm thankful for the pizza we had tonight! - Collin, 6 1/4 yrs

... my village. We have had a lot going on here the past few months, and I might be crumbling if I didn't have a super supportive, motivated husband, amazing friends (who can always be counted on!), loving family (always), and awesome colleagues (many who watch Eli on a regular basis and one who even volunteered to coach my boys' soccer team this past season for me!).

A Month of Thanks

Day 1: Today I am grateful for ... the opportunity to make memories with four of the most amazing people! *I'm also grateful for soap, toothpaste, and my kids' generous spirits! Chocolate tastes even better when it's shared by sticky hands and smiling faces!

Note to Collin

Collin, you are an amazing, witty child. You are smart, and at the same time, you are quirky and funny, without trying to amuse. I love to watch your brain in action. Your favorite game this month is Yahtzee, and I'm enjoying watching you learn multiplication tables and adding in your head as you keep your own scorecard. It's fascinating! You are passionate about learning, exploring. The other night you explained to me the different kinds of leaves (simple, feathered, hand, etc.), and you pulled out a chart your teacher had sent home for homework -- you were to go around the neighborhood and chart the leaves you find. You were so excited about the project that you were outside, combing the neighborhood, in the dark, at 8:00 at night. Thank you for staying on the sidewalk while I went to get my shoes! You are a very responsible child - I never have to ask you to put your shoes in your cubby when you come in the house, and you make certain everyone is aware that we don't wear shoes on our downstairs carpets. (Thanks for reminding everyone!) You are the first awake each morning, and the first to bed each night. You like to read in bed, but enjoy your rest so quickly turn out the light. I rarely have to remind you to brush your teeth. You usually beat me downstairs, grab the stool, and surprise me each morning with your breakfast ensemble. Some days you make yourself a toasted cheese sandwich (sometimes you add ham). Some days you enjoy a bowl of Cocoa Puffs. You love yogurt, bananas, croissant breakfast sandwiches. One morning you ate carrots and raisins ... happily! On the weekends you love to make us pancakes and sausage links. You have had an excellent soccer season, and your skills have increased dramatically. One day on the way to the game, you asked me if I would please always leave either you or Owen on the field at all times (not sub you both out at once) so that you could make sure the other team didn't score. I laughed and tested your theory. We were only scored on three times that day; you and Owen were both on the sidelines. That was the only game we lost this season (so far - last game is Saturday). I delight in watching you and your brother on the field together. You respect each other, work together, and talk. If one of you has the ball, the other moves to an area of assistance. It's awesome! Together, you are unstoppable. I hope that synergy exists forever.

Each morning you kids get ready for school, shoes and jackets on, then line up the dining table chairs on the edge of the carpet movie-theater-like, to watch a cartoon until Dad or I is ready to leave. This morning, Kate moved her chair so close to Owen's that the sides lined up against each other. I smiled and said to Owen: "That's one of the ways she tells you she loves you, O." He did not hesitate. He leaned over and pulled your chair right up against his other side. I was blown away. That's one of the ways he says "I love you, Collin."

You watch a lot of football with Dad, and I am astounded by how much you understand about the game. You are starting to remark when a player makes a move that's not up to your expectations. You have ideas and suggestions, alternate plays. I often wonder if you will play football. You think like a quarterback, or a coach.

You are a leader and a teacher. I watch you every day with your brothers and sister. You help Kate in and out of her seatbelt. You are teaching her to zip her jacket and buckle her shoes. If you see Kate struggling with something or frustrated, you go to her, speak to her on her level, and have a keen ability to turn her frown upside down and build her confidence and joy. You give so much! Lately, you've been reading to Owen. But mostly you like to wrestle, kick the indoor soccer ball, or get into mischief with Owen. I love that. Kate gets right in to all of your play when she can, and you both welcome her - even if her skill is below yours (and it most often is, of course). You teach her how to play or explain calmly that she's ruining your game. Sometimes she gets the game and plays along; last night she just got your football and ran off with it. Your game was over, but you both laughed anyway. I love that!

We went to your first Haunted House last weekend. You thought the whole thing was funny! You weren't spooked at all! In fact, the only thing that remotely seemed to startle you was the cobweb that brushed the top of your head when it was all over. You are a very grounded kid. You don't "make believe" much - but when you do, it's very fun! We have a game we play. I am a crocodile in the center of the room, and you kids run around the "swamp" while I try to snap at you. You love it and race back and forth, dodging my arms (er, jaw and sharp teeth). We laugh the whole time.

I wish I could capture every silly smile. I could live these days for the rest of my life. These are good times! I love you so very much!

Meaningful Decor

Everywhere I look, I find reminders: I live a wonderful, blessed life! A life of chaos at times, but also one of wonder and mischief, laughter and love! Here's a few of the subtle reminders around our home:Above: Atop of our kitchen cabinets rests a decoupage vase Collin made this summer, a T-Rex the boys put together last spring on a day home sick with Mommy, and the Peju bottle that Kevin and I bought on our first trip together and shared at a honeymoon picnic in the Butchart Gardens.

Below: In the corner of our family room sits the giraffe Kevin gave me as a "pregnancy gift" during the last trimester of our first child (Collin). On its head is the hat Collin wore at his Kindergarten Celebration this past June.

Above: We have art displays every day! This sliding glass door houses many of masterpieces my children create, and its exhibits change on a regular basis!

Below: For Father's Day two years ago, we gave Kevin a kid's craft book. The yarn balls are just one of the many pieces the boys created from ideas in the book. The blue clay piece is Owen's first true molded "work of art," which he proudly brought home one day "for display." (He's very sensitive to perfection, and he doesn't like any of his art displayed typically. I usually have to put it up when he's not looking!)

Eli's First Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Collin's Kindergarten Class Field Trip to the Patch

This morning Collin's Kindergarten class took a Field Trip to StoneyRidge Farms and had TERRIFIC time! Above: Collin raced through the maze with his friends! Below: Grandpa Tepker and Collin check to see "How Tall This Fall?"

Above: Kevin and Collin

Below: Collin checked out the donkeys and goats!

Above: Feeding the Birds

Below: Collecting Bird Feathers

Above: Collin the Pig, Mommy the Cow, Daddy the Sheep

Below: Learning the Proper Way to Pick Apples (Lift, Twist, Pull)

Above: Listening Carefully to the Farmer and Learning about the Bees Hard Work in the Apple and Pumpkin Process

Below: Wagon Ride to the Pumpkin Patch

That's MY Eli!

The big kids fell in love with Eli the moment we told them he was going to be born. It was like he was always a part of our family, always meant to be. And now that he's here - we're complete. He fits right in, and we all still love every moment!

Even as they run by in play, the kids stop to say "Hi, Eli!!" almost every "run-by." ; )
Owen debated changing a diaper ... opted for evoking smiles instead!
Our silly man, Owen dressed E in his Seahawks hat last Sunday, the opening day of Seahawks Football 2010!

Kate has come to think of E has "My Eli," and she'll debate back and forth with Owen until he caves. Kate: He's MY Eli. Owen: No, he's OUR Eli. Kate: No, he's MY Eli. Owen: No, Kate, he's OUR FAMILY'S Eli. (and on and on until Owen says:) Ok, Kate. He's Eli.

Gotta love OUR four kids!

8 Weeks Old

Eli loves to smile when he first wakes from a nap, when he's on his changing table, when he sees his siblings! He loves silly faces and being sung to. He loves to snuggle. He prefers to sleep on his stomach, and, despite my best efforts, I think he's destined to find his thumb and be a thumb-sucker. He smells delicious and like rain and honey and fresh cut grass and all good smells that bring beautiful memories. He melts my heart.

Eli's Seven Weeks Old Today!

Good Morning, Little Man! At seven weeks old, E is alert and starting to smile!

Eli Goes Skinny dipping in Indian Cove

Eli took his first trip to the San Juan Islands Wednesday (12 days old). We had fantastic weather, and he woke from his nap sweaty (and poopy). He needed to be cooled off, and I thought the salt water might work wonders on his red diaper bum. ; ) So, Eli went skinny dipping in Indian Cove!! He protested slightly during the event (the water was cold, afterall!) but then was SO happy and much cooled down! Good times!

*This reminds me of a time when I dipped Collin! Collin was three years old, and we were camping in Chelan. He's started skipping naps by then, so I had let him skip his nap one afternoon. At about 4:00, he had one of his famous meltdowns (Collin could tantrum for an hour straight without loosing focus! None of my other kids to date can beat that perseverance!). Anyway, he melted, and I was trying a time-out in the HOT tent and, after at least a half hour, I was losing patience. So, I decided to emerge from the tent and dunk him in the kiddie pool to cool him off. Mind you, I debated the appropriateness of this for a good ten minutes. Was I a mean mom for wanting to cool off my child in 4-inch deep water?! At the time, I thought I was nuts - but running out of options. (Now I think I was onto something and should have went straight to the cold shower. I digress.) I took Collin to the pool, praying that he'd calm before we reached it so I wouldn't have to shock him with the cold water. Except I plopped him down and he barely paused! The pool water had been sitting in the sun all afternoon and was roasty-toasty! It certainly did NOT have the shocking effect I'd been seeking! At that point I remember laughing and throwing my hands in the air. I don't recall if I took him down to the lake to chill out or not, but I do know that, of course, the tantrum eventually ended and that afterwards we enjoyed a fabulous afternoon. I celebrated with a glass of mimosa; the kids enjoyed Popsicles. Much better!