Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Two Dropped Out
Here's the question that Matt posed to everyone in our house this morning: "Do you know what two people dropped out yesterday?" Well, I figured that based on the Texas and Ohio primaries that Mike Huckabee probably had dropped out of the presidential race for the Republicans, but I couldn't imagine who else might have dropped out. The answer to the question: "Mike Huckabee AND Brett Favre." For all of you Packer fans out there (and for those that don't care but still read our blog), Brett Favre announced yesterday that he was retiring. Micah is glad that he got to go to Lambeau Field and watch Brett Favre play this year. Matt is glad that Aaron Rodgers seems to be a fairly good quarterback. I'm just wondering how long we have to keep all of the Brett Favre paraphernalia that we've accumulated.
Friday, February 29, 2008
In Progress
I'm adding links. I'm moving things around. I may even change colors and the template (but don't hold your breath!).
So, if things aren't working quite as nicely as you'd like, please be patient.
So, if things aren't working quite as nicely as you'd like, please be patient.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
The Theme for February: NEW!
This month seems to be the month for new things in our house.
We started the month by getting a NEW (to us) van. Matt won an eight passenger Toyota Sienna on eBay. He and Micah flew down to Florida to pick it up on Friday, February 1, during a really bad snowstorm. On the way back, they stayed with my Uncle Skip and Aunt Bonnie and their family in Georgia. Spending time with my cousins, some of whom are only a little older than him, was his favorite part of the trip. On the way back, they also visited a cave at Raccoon Mountain in Chattanooga, TN. That was the second favorite activity of the trip for my son who wants to be a geologist/paleontologist/creation scientist when he grows up. The flight down was "ok." Matt and Micah arrived home on Sunday, February 3 in time for us to spend some time watching the SuperBowl with friends. OK-- so I didn't watch the game, but we did spend time with friends.
While Matt and Micah were gone, Garrett finally got a much-needed NEW haircut. If you mention it to him, he will say, "I look like Micah." That is because a LOT of people mentioned that to him at church the Sunday after he got it cut-- and it really DOES make him look more like Micah.
As of February 13, we also have a NEWLY-turned eight year old. Micah is growing up SO fast! Here he is in front of his "hot-fudge upside down" cake from his birthday party the weekend before. Not the prettiest birthday cake ever, but it sure was yummy!
We also got a NEW loft-bed in February. My parents graciously replaced a bed that had been built by my grandfather which was in their house at the time of their fire. The new bed is a custom-designed bed that they purchased at the Oak Warehouse, where they purchased much of the furniture in their new house. The kids were very excited when it arrived on Friday, February 15. Garrett is still talking about "his men" or "the bed men" who brought the bed and put it together. Just yesterday he said to me, "Mommy, you and I should have ridden in the truck with my men back to Michigan." We were worried about his reaction, because he was adamant before the bed came that he wanted to continue to sleep in his "car bed" which my Dad had made for my cousin Klynt almost 30 years ago. He has now declared his bed (the one beneath the loft) a car bed because it has wheels on it. Thankfully, he likes the new bed.
Garrett checking out the new bed:
Micah and Garrett checking out the new bed:
Karissa, Micah and Garrett checking out the new bed (Do you see a theme here?):
Rachel likes the new bed too! Don't worry, we are going to make sure that this doesn't become a habit or it could ruin the drawers. However, the drawers slide out so nicely and Rachel finds them very intriguing and she just looks so cute sitting in there! So, Matt couldn't resist taking a picture before he pulled her out.
The pictures aren't the greatest, but there are shelves behind the drawers on the left. Under the shelves behind the ladder, there are two big drawers that face the wall. It's working out well. Thanks Grandpa and Grandma Bradley!
We started the month by getting a NEW (to us) van. Matt won an eight passenger Toyota Sienna on eBay. He and Micah flew down to Florida to pick it up on Friday, February 1, during a really bad snowstorm. On the way back, they stayed with my Uncle Skip and Aunt Bonnie and their family in Georgia. Spending time with my cousins, some of whom are only a little older than him, was his favorite part of the trip. On the way back, they also visited a cave at Raccoon Mountain in Chattanooga, TN. That was the second favorite activity of the trip for my son who wants to be a geologist/paleontologist/creation scientist when he grows up. The flight down was "ok." Matt and Micah arrived home on Sunday, February 3 in time for us to spend some time watching the SuperBowl with friends. OK-- so I didn't watch the game, but we did spend time with friends.
While Matt and Micah were gone, Garrett finally got a much-needed NEW haircut. If you mention it to him, he will say, "I look like Micah." That is because a LOT of people mentioned that to him at church the Sunday after he got it cut-- and it really DOES make him look more like Micah.
As of February 13, we also have a NEWLY-turned eight year old. Micah is growing up SO fast! Here he is in front of his "hot-fudge upside down" cake from his birthday party the weekend before. Not the prettiest birthday cake ever, but it sure was yummy!
We also got a NEW loft-bed in February. My parents graciously replaced a bed that had been built by my grandfather which was in their house at the time of their fire. The new bed is a custom-designed bed that they purchased at the Oak Warehouse, where they purchased much of the furniture in their new house. The kids were very excited when it arrived on Friday, February 15. Garrett is still talking about "his men" or "the bed men" who brought the bed and put it together. Just yesterday he said to me, "Mommy, you and I should have ridden in the truck with my men back to Michigan." We were worried about his reaction, because he was adamant before the bed came that he wanted to continue to sleep in his "car bed" which my Dad had made for my cousin Klynt almost 30 years ago. He has now declared his bed (the one beneath the loft) a car bed because it has wheels on it. Thankfully, he likes the new bed.
Garrett checking out the new bed:
Micah and Garrett checking out the new bed:
Karissa, Micah and Garrett checking out the new bed (Do you see a theme here?):
Rachel likes the new bed too! Don't worry, we are going to make sure that this doesn't become a habit or it could ruin the drawers. However, the drawers slide out so nicely and Rachel finds them very intriguing and she just looks so cute sitting in there! So, Matt couldn't resist taking a picture before he pulled her out.
The pictures aren't the greatest, but there are shelves behind the drawers on the left. Under the shelves behind the ladder, there are two big drawers that face the wall. It's working out well. Thanks Grandpa and Grandma Bradley!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Kids are funny!
The other night, as Garrett was getting ready for bed, he wanted to leave his shirt on his head as he often does. Matt was fine with it-- as long as it's not dangerous or evil, Matt's usually fine with it (and the "not dangerous" part is up for debate). So, there Garrett was wearing his pajamas and his shirt on his head. Then he says, "I'm a dark partner." Matt and I looked at each other, smirked and then laughed. We tried to figure out why he said that. The real answer: He's two. I have no idea what he thinks partner means, but it reminded me of The Princess Bride: "I don't think that word means what you think it means." (And I'm sure that someone can correct my quote, because I don't think it's exactly right.) Eventually Garrett changed his title to "the blue partner," but we have no idea why. Kids are FUNNY!
I'd post the pictures that we took of our little "dark partner," but my flash drive seems to be misplaced and that's the easiest way for me to get pictures on here. So, perhaps later.
I'd post the pictures that we took of our little "dark partner," but my flash drive seems to be misplaced and that's the easiest way for me to get pictures on here. So, perhaps later.
Gymnastics
Karissa has had two gymnastics meets so far. They are longer events than our family originally anticipated. With check in, warm up, march in, competition and awards, we can be at a meet for over 4 1/2 hours! Granted, if we wanted to drive separately, part of us could skip the check in and warm up parts, but for these first two meets at least, they've been over half an hour away. With the price of gas, it's just not practical. Plus, we really like to do things together as a family, if possible.
Her first meet was on January 20 at IGI in Westmont, IL. They had Levels 3, 6 and optionals (Level 7) competing at the same time. Karissa is in Level 3. For her level, every gymnast does the exact same routine on each event. So, on the floor exercise you hear the same music playing over and over. (Thankfully the Level 6 and 7 gymnasts were there as well to add variety.) It was interesting and exciting for Karissa. It was also fun to see her compete well under pressure. The awards are given by level and age. Age is determined by the age they will be at State (which is at the end of May and beginning of June). So, Karissa was Level 3, age 10. Out of eight gymnast in that level and age, she received first place. Good job Karissa. Your hard work was well-rewarded! Many of the other girls on her team also did well. There are 11 girls on her team ranging in age from 6-11.
Her second meet was on January 27 at Tri-Star Gymnastics in Forest Park, IL. They had Levels 3 and 4 competing at the same time. Level 4 has the same type of thing as Level 3 where each girl does the same routine. So, we heard two different songs over and over throughout the afternoon, depending on which team was competing on floor. There were far fewer gyms represented at this meet, but some of the gyms had a lot of gymnasts! Matt's parents were able to come down for the meet and Karissa really enjoyed having Grandpa and Grandma there to watch her. She made it to podium again. Although this time, she was the only age 10, Level 3 gymnast. So, she wasn't that impressed with it. However, based on her scores compared to those of the other gymnasts that day, she still would have done well. It was also a learning experience for her team. The judges at this particular meet scored MUCH tougher than at the meet the previous week. The same girls were getting 1-2 (or more) points lower for each event and I am not referring to tenths, but whole points. As I said, it was a learning experience, but the girls all seemed to handle it well.
Her first meet was on January 20 at IGI in Westmont, IL. They had Levels 3, 6 and optionals (Level 7) competing at the same time. Karissa is in Level 3. For her level, every gymnast does the exact same routine on each event. So, on the floor exercise you hear the same music playing over and over. (Thankfully the Level 6 and 7 gymnasts were there as well to add variety.) It was interesting and exciting for Karissa. It was also fun to see her compete well under pressure. The awards are given by level and age. Age is determined by the age they will be at State (which is at the end of May and beginning of June). So, Karissa was Level 3, age 10. Out of eight gymnast in that level and age, she received first place. Good job Karissa. Your hard work was well-rewarded! Many of the other girls on her team also did well. There are 11 girls on her team ranging in age from 6-11.
Her second meet was on January 27 at Tri-Star Gymnastics in Forest Park, IL. They had Levels 3 and 4 competing at the same time. Level 4 has the same type of thing as Level 3 where each girl does the same routine. So, we heard two different songs over and over throughout the afternoon, depending on which team was competing on floor. There were far fewer gyms represented at this meet, but some of the gyms had a lot of gymnasts! Matt's parents were able to come down for the meet and Karissa really enjoyed having Grandpa and Grandma there to watch her. She made it to podium again. Although this time, she was the only age 10, Level 3 gymnast. So, she wasn't that impressed with it. However, based on her scores compared to those of the other gymnasts that day, she still would have done well. It was also a learning experience for her team. The judges at this particular meet scored MUCH tougher than at the meet the previous week. The same girls were getting 1-2 (or more) points lower for each event and I am not referring to tenths, but whole points. As I said, it was a learning experience, but the girls all seemed to handle it well.
Friday, January 4, 2008
A walk back in time
Since some people have been wanting pictures, we'll go back in time. (Hopefully it won't confuse anyone!)
Here's a "snapshot" of our last couple of months:
Aren't I funny?
Karissa and I have been taking sewing lessons from a lady at church. For her first project, Karissa made a simple jean skirt with an elastic waist. I hemmed a pair of Matt's pants. For our second project, we bit off a little more than we could chew. We decided to make matching flannel pajamas for all four kids as a Christmas present from Karissa and I. They got to open them on Christmas Eve. This is right before bed on Christmas Eve. Karissa's nightgown doesn't have buttons and buttonholes yet. I didn't get that far. Hers needed it the least and she was in on the surprise. They've been wearing them a lot and they look really cute!
Here are the kids before church on Christmas Eve. There is only one picture where Rachel is smiling and of course, no one else is looking OR smiling. So, this is the best you get!
Micah, our very persistant young lad, built a snowman on a day with TERRIBLE packing snow. It was dry and windy and really cold. He was out there for HOURS patting and patting the snow until he could make balls out of it. I think he just melted the snow with heat from his hands. We were so proud of him for not giving up.
Cutie-pie Garrett having fun in the snow:
Here is a treasured picture from Rachel's birthday party on November 17. It includes Matt's Granny, all four of our parents, Matt's sisters and our whole immediate family. Too bad that we couldn't get the other 3 Great Grandmas in there. But still, it's not often that we can all be together. It was taken right before everyone left for the night.
Rachel and her cupcakes:
Rachel with the pumpkin pie that we shared on our actual birthday (November 11):
The Birthday Girls in the morning before church:
Here are some pictures from November 4 when we were TRYING to get a decent picture for Christmas cards (which didn't get done anyway with everyone being sick):
How do those of you with more than two kids EVER get good pictures? Heather? Kim? Angie? Anyone from the Woodshed? I've seen some of your pictures and they are much better than these!
If you are interested in more pictures from Rachel's birthday party, my mom has some at her blog: http://bradleyupdates-godisgood.blogspot.com
I was having trouble getting the link to work today. So, you'll have to cut and paste.
Here's a "snapshot" of our last couple of months:
Aren't I funny?
Karissa and I have been taking sewing lessons from a lady at church. For her first project, Karissa made a simple jean skirt with an elastic waist. I hemmed a pair of Matt's pants. For our second project, we bit off a little more than we could chew. We decided to make matching flannel pajamas for all four kids as a Christmas present from Karissa and I. They got to open them on Christmas Eve. This is right before bed on Christmas Eve. Karissa's nightgown doesn't have buttons and buttonholes yet. I didn't get that far. Hers needed it the least and she was in on the surprise. They've been wearing them a lot and they look really cute!
Here are the kids before church on Christmas Eve. There is only one picture where Rachel is smiling and of course, no one else is looking OR smiling. So, this is the best you get!
Micah, our very persistant young lad, built a snowman on a day with TERRIBLE packing snow. It was dry and windy and really cold. He was out there for HOURS patting and patting the snow until he could make balls out of it. I think he just melted the snow with heat from his hands. We were so proud of him for not giving up.
Cutie-pie Garrett having fun in the snow:
Here is a treasured picture from Rachel's birthday party on November 17. It includes Matt's Granny, all four of our parents, Matt's sisters and our whole immediate family. Too bad that we couldn't get the other 3 Great Grandmas in there. But still, it's not often that we can all be together. It was taken right before everyone left for the night.
Rachel and her cupcakes:
Rachel with the pumpkin pie that we shared on our actual birthday (November 11):
The Birthday Girls in the morning before church:
Here are some pictures from November 4 when we were TRYING to get a decent picture for Christmas cards (which didn't get done anyway with everyone being sick):
How do those of you with more than two kids EVER get good pictures? Heather? Kim? Angie? Anyone from the Woodshed? I've seen some of your pictures and they are much better than these!
If you are interested in more pictures from Rachel's birthday party, my mom has some at her blog: http://bradleyupdates-godisgood.blogspot.com
I was having trouble getting the link to work today. So, you'll have to cut and paste.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
A Garrett Saying
I have so much to catch up on. I have pictures and stories from Rachel's birthday, from her party, from Thanksgiving, from a piano recital, from the church Christmas musical, from Christmas and from fun times in the snow. And, hopefully, I will eventually get some of them on here. :) We are finally back from the land of the sick. We only have a couple of runny noses. We have survived bad colds, stomach viruses, respiratory viruses, pink eye, sinus infections and more. Our family didn't have more than 2 healthy people at a time for almost 5 weeks. But, we are FINALLY healthy! I am so thankful! On that note, I will leave you with a cute "Garrett-ism" from today that reminds me of how thankful I am for my children.
When Garrett woke up from his nap, I was downstairs. I heard him calling, so began to make my way upstairs. I met him at the top of the stairs and he was crying a little. When he saw me, he started wiping his eyes and then, in the sweetest voice, said, "Mommy, now I will wipe the sad out of my eyes." Don't you love 2 year olds? They are SO precious!
When Garrett woke up from his nap, I was downstairs. I heard him calling, so began to make my way upstairs. I met him at the top of the stairs and he was crying a little. When he saw me, he started wiping his eyes and then, in the sweetest voice, said, "Mommy, now I will wipe the sad out of my eyes." Don't you love 2 year olds? They are SO precious!
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