Happy Boy!

Mom, Don't You Know That Reading Blogs Is Boring?

Snow!

(In case you're wondering, Madison refused to come outside and have her photo taken with the boys. She wasn't "traipsing" through the snow to stand in front of a "dumb tree" for a picture at 7:00 a.m.)

Splish Splash

Baby Love

And now I give you a sneak peek at Elek's dedication outfit that he will be wearing next Sunday morning.

Thanks Kid

I'm sitting here at the computer browsing blogs and Ian walks by and I say "Why don't you come over here and give your mom a hug?" He replies "Can't you see I'm playing with my cars and that would waste my time."

Helper Boy

Tuesday morning 6:00 a.m. Elek is sleeping in his swing, Ian is asleep upstairs, Madison spent the night at my parent's house, Michael is in Grand Rapids and I am in the downstairs bathroom getting ready for work.

While I am in the process of blow drying my hair, I hear Elek begin to wail. Think he's just going to have to deal until I finish in a few minutes. Within a minute or two he quiets down and I figure he has fallen back asleep. When I come out of the bathroom I find this.Ian has gotten up and made a bottle and is snuggling on the couch watching Nickelodeon with his baby brother.

I love my little helper boy sooooooo much!

Is This Better Sara?

I changed it just for you!

Who Are You?

Take the Quiz here!

I am a big Jane Austen fan.
And I admit...
I took the test...
maybe
kinda
leaning towards
the answers that made me
an Elizabeth.

I'm currently reading Emma.
Have you read Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife?
Really the most polite smut I have ever read.

So.. which Austen character are you?
Don't worry...I don't think Caroline Bingley is one of the choices!

Happy Thursday!

Birthday Pics

Birthday Girl

I can't believe my baby girl is 11! (Photo taken on her 7th birthday)

Pickle Juice: The Photo Blog

Since I never really write anything of substance anymore I may as well start calling it a photo blog. Especially considering all I want to do lately is take photos. Here are some shots from today.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Back To Work I Go

Well it's officially the end of my maternity leave. Tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. I'm back to work. I have been looking forward to it for several weeks. Daytime TV is terrible and I've missed my friends from work. Now that I only have 10 hours left I'm completely dreading it. I so don't want to leave Elek.

I know that he'll be perfectly fine without me. It's not like I'm leaving him at daycare. He'll be with my mom. But there is that part of me that's selfish and doesn't want to share him. I like that I can quiet him better than anyone else. I like that he sleeps so well in my arms. Sigh.

Saturday Six

Elek and his cousin Tori, who is only 7 weeks older than him.

Another Valentine Photo

Welcome Back Croup, So Not Happy To See You

Croup is a group of respiratory diseases that often affects infants under age 6. It is characterized by a barking cough; a whistling, obstructive sound (stridor) as the child breathes in; and hoarseness due to obstruction in the region of the larynx.

Did you read the first line. Affects children under the age of 6. Then why does my soon to be 8 year old still get it at least 3 times a year?

Ian went to bed fine last night. Looking back, I guess he was a bit more tired than usual. Didn't stay after school for Art Club because he was too tired. Woke up this morning sounding like a barking seal. Thankfully the Doctor keeps us with plenty of Albuterol refills so I instantly dosed him. Praying that it only stays a mild case and that there will be no trips to the ER and him complaining that he can't breathe.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love,
Michael, Kelly,
Madison, Ian and Elek

sick and cold, and sick of cold

Mads and I are down for the count. She's on the way up, I'm hovering just above down. We have Ian to thank for this lovely stomach bug we have. (He had it over the weekend.) Praying that Elek doesn't get it from us.

Photo of the Day 02/13/2008

I Am

I am from blue terry cloth towels,
from Downy fabric softener and talcum powder.
I am from the freshly mowed green grass,
fragrant and soft beneath bare feet.
I am from the petunia, the warm breezes
that wrap around you like strong armed hugs.

I am from knee squeezes and big blue eyes,
from Velma, and Elek and William.
I am from the self-conscious laughter
and fingernail tapping.
From how 'bout them apples and here she is.
I am from Fear not
with a worship song
and Jesus loves me this I know.

I'm from Erin and Red Jacket,
biscuits and gray and stuffed cabbage.
From the Granny who raised 8 kids
in a three bedroom house
and the Grandpa that climbed trees until he was 80.
In my mind are pictures of smiles,
of hugs, of warmth and comfort
and the blessing of unconditional love.
I am from these moments-
captured in time
and hung from the branches of my family tree.

Happy Birthday Fidel (I Mean Michael)

I love you!

Photo of the Day

(Can you tell I got a new camera?)

Sunday Seven

My precious Bug Bug
Bammy and Elek
Birthday boy
I'd like some of whatever he's on.
At the Brake basketball game
Cheese!
He's a brat already! lol

When Did She Grow Up?