David's First Christmas Concert

Today was David's first Christmas concert. It only lasted about 5 minutes, but it was a VERY wonderful 5 minutes. He led the class onto the risers, standing on the second level. He did his straight-arm wave and waved at all of us--there were a lot of us that he knew--Gpa and Gma St, Gma Sm, S and N, Gpa and Gma Pr, Gpa and Gma P, and us of course. The rest of the class was just about in position when he announced, "I'm standing next to a girl!" The whole audience roared! So funny! The kids sang one verse each of  "Away in a Manger" and "Go Tell it on the Mountain", "Happy Birthday" (to Jesus) and had a little rhyme to say too. David watched me more than he watched his teacher, so I was trying to help him with the actions that went with the songs. I know he knows the words, because he will sing the songs with me, but he didn't sing very much at the concert. One of my favorite parts though, came when the teacher's aide brought out the birthday cake--complete with candles. David did not want anything to do with candles for his first two birthdays. By the time number 3 rolled around, he figured out that all he had to do was blow, and he was pretty good at it too. The cake walked past David (he tried so hard to blow all of those candles out!) but didn't succeed, so he got down off the riser and walked with the cake, blowing all the way! He made it to the middle of the group when the teacher sent him back to his place. Not all of the candles were blowed out by the time the aide reached the end of the risers opposite David, so she took the cake back to him to finish blowing the last candles out. Mission accomplished!

David's final blow finished the candles

Afterwards the kids gave their parents a present--a calendar that they had made using their hand prints as the pictures for each month--very sweet! Next came cake, cookies, and juice. The Pickard family and company watched David jump down the risers and race across the top riser and jump into N's or Gpa P's arms and run to the other end. We also got to play with him in the classroom with some of the toys and books that he plays with when he's at school. Everybody got in on that fun. I'm so thankful that Allen's and my parents are so involved in our lives. Having David's birthfamily was an extra-special, super wonderful blessing.

David sharing his calendar with Gpa St, N, S, and Gma S

I visited with David's teacher after the program, and she said she was suprised by David today. She said that he usually went up on the risers just like he's asked and quietly sits or sings the songs. She said that the David she saw at the program wasn't the same little boy she usually sees at school. I guess he needed to see his fans in the audience to boost his confidence. What a wonderful little boy!!!!

Happy Birthday Kassy!

Our baby girl turned 2 today! We are so thankful everyday that she is ours. Her birthmom, L, made a huge sacrifice to allow her to go live with people she didn't know very well in a place very far away. L made a choice not to parent Kassy, not because she didn't love her, but because she loved her. We visited L last weekend for a short time, and it was fun to be able to have Kassy "show off". I love hearing L and her family talk about who Kassy looks like and enjoy watching her play with the "Hey, Diddle Diddle" doll that L gave her for her birthday. Kassy's life certainly looks different from how I envision that it would have been had L chosen to parent, but then, so does mine, and I like it that way!

Kassy playing at the Museum

To celebrate Kassy's special day, we went to the Children's Museum and took dinner to Allen's office. We had "kakashka" (a yummy Russian cookie that David, Kassy and I made) and cookies for dessert. I stuck candles in two of the kakashkas and Kassy knew immediately that she was supposed to blow them out! Aunt G helped her.

Happy birthday, Chickadee! We are very proud and thankful that God chose you to be our forever daughter. We love you! XO XO XO XO

Innocent Sarcasm?!?

Conversation overheard after Allen gave David a sucker....
Dad: Do you need help with the wrapper, David?
David: Does it look like I need help?

The Air Is Out

Overheard David on thre monitor waking Grandma this morning:
David: It is time to get up Grandma, the sun is up!
Grandma: It sure is!
David: Yeah, and the air is out too!
I wish I was as observant as David!

Sentences!

My Mom came over today to help watch the kids while I worked at Allen's office. she heard a crash and the next thing she knew, Kassy came running to her with a broken CD jewel case. Kassy said, "I boke it!" Mom said, "that belongs to your mom; you better put it back where you found it." Kassy replied, "awright." and went back out to the kitchen to put it on the counter where she found it. There never has been much debate about whether she understood but we were telling her- we know she knows-but I'm so glad that WE can understand her too. Her little voice is incredibly sweet!

Hi! Hi! Hi!

Kassy spent part of this morning and all of the afternoon after her nap outside with Daddy and Grandpa. She got to help haul soybeans to the elevator in the truck and help combine. each time she came back into the house she called out, "HI! HI! HI!" Tonight when she came in she was so excited to tell us about what she has been doing. She came in talking and yell her hi hi hi and talking very fast. We really have no idea what she was talking about but she was so animated excited and jumping up and down then I have no doubt it was very important to her to share it with Mom and me. Her language skills have improved very much as far as speaking english, but she still prefers speaking in her on Kassy language most of the time. She definitely has something to say though and I love listening to her even if I can't understand.

Overnight Visits

Happy Birthday, David!

Birthday 2011 started early--October 5th! We had lunch with my nephew, J, at his school and then went to MSJC's house for playtime and party. Mom brought cake, balloons, and clown clothes for the kids to wear and play with. Kassy's favorite was the horn! The big boys got their faces painted. C conked out for his nap before cake-time, but the other three kids all blew out the candles on the birthday cake.

Grandma, Kassy, David, and Cousin J

The next birthday party was with Cousin C. The boys are only a year apart, and it's fun to celebrate together. The cake had Spider Man on half (for C) and a dump truck and excavator on the other half, for David. David loves frosting and even better than that, he was able to use the excavator to eat the "dirt" frosting on the cake!

Grandma, C, David and Aunt G's hand

Today was the big day! David and I ordered "monster cookies" from HyVee while Daddy and Kassy waited in the Expedition. Next stop was at Great Clips to get David's hair cut. His birthmom met us there and then we walked a short way to CiCi's Pizza for lunch. S had presents for both kids--a remote controlled "log loader" for David and a Mrs. Potato Head for Kassy. We had a nice lunch (mac and cheese pizza is quite yummy!). Next we went to the Washington Pavillion. There is so much to see! It's nice to go places with the kids that are meant for kids--it's okay to touch everything!

David and his terrific birthparents. Who does he look liked?

Kids had short naps on the way back to HyVee to get David's birthday cookies. Then we checked into the hotel and dressed for fun! David had been asking just about every day if we could go swimming, so this was something we had been looking forward too. Both S and N, David's birthparents, came as well as all four Sioux Falls Grandparents, Aunt T, and Great Grandma M. We ordered pizza from Pizza Hut and had ice cream and monster cookies. And don't forget presents!

My precious babies and their adorable daddy :)

We had a pretty good night too--sleeping in a different place, of course. Allen and I had a king bed and the kids shared the sofa-bed. We had breakfast and even made it back to Brookings in time for church. WHEW!

In addition to all of that fun, David also took cookies to preschool for his birthday treats.

Happy Birthday, David! We love you!

You are a very special boy, David! S and N, your birthparents (and their parents, too) made a huge sacrifice to allow you to be our forever son. We are greatful everyday for the decision they made that made us Dad and Mom. We love you, David's birthfamily! Thank you!

Preschool, Here We Come!

Today was David's first day of preschool! I know, I know, he's only two, but let me explain! It all began a couple of weeks ago...

We pulled into the church parking lot one sunny September morning and saw the sign for the preschool advertising "now enrolling." I had been thinking about preschool since January and just figured that David might be able to go in January 2012, when he was "officially" three years old. Allen and I discussed preschool in the parking lot and decided that I could ask questions and see where things went from there. I learned that there was a good possibility that the preschool would take a 2-year-old if he was potty trained (done!) and a spot became available in the afternoon class. I had a great discussion with the teacher, Miss L, and a few days later she called to let me know that a spot was available. We asked David if he wanted to go to school and his response was a pretty neutral "sure." I called Miss L yesterday and she asked when we wanted David to begin. Why wait?



My  precious babies on David's first day of preschool



Allen, Kassy, and I followed David as he ran down the hallway into the preschool area. He was so excited! He didn't even have time to be introduced to his teacher! Allen helped him hang up his jacket and backpack and he dashed back into the classroom. We didn't even get a "see ya later" let alone a kiss or hug. Then the unexpected happened. Kassy piched a fit! I carried her out of the building as she screamed, "no, no, no" and was totally limp in my arms. I put her down when we got outside and she laid down on the sidewalk, still crying. She stomped her feet and gave a sassy "no!" (without the finger though!). Allen had to carry her to the Expedition. She cried all the way. I had no idea that David's first day of preschool would be so traumatic for her!

Doesn't our little boy look all grown up?!?

The kids were playing on the playground when Kassy and I went back to get David. The school has some pretty cool dump trucks, excavators, and a payloader. He was of course playing in the sand with the payloader. He told me right away that he didn't want to leave. After the other kids had gone home, I was able to visit with Miss L about how David's first day went. She said things had gone very well and that she was "suprised that David was one of the youngest members of the class." I'm glad we're not the only ones who think he catches on quickly! Miss L told me that he was a little over-stimulated at first, with all of the new activities and things to play with but that he had done very well. He kept asking why we had to leave school because he didn't want to go. I told him that his teacher wanted to go home for the day.  He kept asking "why?" to each answer I gave him. I think that's a good thing--we are all looking forward to Thursday though, except maybe Kassy!



Park and Tomatoes

 The kids and I spent some time at Lions Park in Brookings this morning. It's a nice park--stuff for little kids and some for bigger kids too. Kassy had a blast going up the steps and down the slide--5 times in a row at one point. David had a skid steer loader (one that used to be Allen's that he passed on to David) and spent a lot of time clearing the "street" of "snow" which actually meant getting a bucketful of sand and spreading it out. He'll have a better idea of what snow removal is in the next few months! 

Really? Do I have to say "cheese?"



Little girl in a big kid swing



Kassy gave me the now famous "finger" combined with a very sassy, "NO!"



I'm too tired right now to care :-)



My mom came over today and we skinned 2 bushels of tomatoes. Tomorrow we will make pizza sauce! Yummy!!! After supper we spent some time trying on winter outerwear. Kassy has a bunch of options....David not so much. I will have to find him bigger snowpants. The pair that we have fits except they are about 3 inches too short and are tight enough through the trunk that I feel uncomfortable watching him wear them. So, I guess you could say that they really don't fit at all, huh?

Let it snow!



My dad called tonight during story time right before bedtime. David was quite excited to show Grandpa the tractor, silage cutter, and wagon that he was playing with, so he ran over to the phone yelling excitedly, "Grandpa! Look at this! Look at this!" Grandpa, of course, was quite impressed, even though he couldn't see what David wanted him to look at, but he did get a good description. Mom and I got a good chuckle out of that one.









Kassy Play Kassy Speak

I have learned quickly where to search in our house for my missing daughter. If she's too quiet for too long, I can almost always find her hiding in our master bedroom closet behind her daddy's shirts. They are just the perfect height for hiding behind as there are lots of shirts and they hang just so they almost touch the floor.

One day I was looking for her, calling her name over and over. I just happened to hear her cute little giggle and figured out that I needed to investigate the closet. She was so well-hidden that I didn't see her until I called her name again and she wiggled and giggled. Who would have imagined that a 19 month old would love to play hide and seek?

This morning she again went missing. I headed to the closet right away. I stood in the doorway, and noticed that none of the shirts were moving. I called her name and she giggled--I jumped and screamed. She wasn't hiding in the shirts but "hiding" in plain sight, lounging on the winter comforter for our bed. When I screamed, she jumped and laughed, and promptly scooted for the safety of the shirts. This was the first time I gave her a lecture about responding to me when I call her name. At least now I know I need to also check the comforter!

Tonight for supper we had rump roast, carrots, fresh bread, and potatoes (for the kids). I was trying to eat and help Kassy too when I noticed that she kept repeating the same phrase over and over again--totally undecipherable to me. I had no idea what she wanted--she had the same stuff on her plate that I had on mine....her sippy cup was within easy reach for her....I had no idea what she wanted. It was my wonderful, brilliant husband who was sitting 10 feet away from her who suggested, "maybe you should check to see if her fingers are being pinched." Sure enough, when I moved the sippy cup, I could see that her little fingers were stuck between the try and the tray plate. She was still repeating the phrase and looking at me like "What's your problem? How can you not understand that my fingers are stuck?" I released her fingers, gave them the "Mommy will kiss it and make it feel better" kiss and the whole incident was basically forgotten. Then, our little David speaks up, "Mom, was Kassy telling you that her fingers were being pinched in her own Kassy language?" Oh my. Can't get anything past that kid!!!!

Zoo Fun!

We had a wonderful Sunday afternoon at the Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown! We met my folks and Sabrina, Jonah and Caleb there after naptime. Matthew was headed to Rapid City with a couple of campers for kids camp, so he missed out on the fun. Of all the birds and animals there are too see, the biggest hit with all four kids was the cute little 3-horse carousel! I can't begin to count how many times David and Jonah asked to go back and see the "fake" animals!

Kassy and Caleb share a merry-go-round pony.

Jonah and David wrestle a turtle

David and Kassy enjoy an apple juice break

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David and Jonah go for a dinosaur ride

Free Pee

Tonight we had friends from Bible Study at our house for fellowship and snacks. The kids had fun playing in the yard while most of the adults stayed on the deck. We were chatting and all of a sudden we could see 2 little boys with their pants down, relieving themselves. Everyone had a good laugh over that one. I sure am glad we live in the country!

Today's Adventures

Today started out a little like crazy, reminding me of how this year has been. Kids slept pretty well last night and we didn't get up until 8:30. After breakfast we headed into Lead with the water tank and trailer to get water to fill the tank at the cabin. We spouted at a gas station to put air in one of the tires on the trailer. The chuck was broke, so on to the next gas station. No air hose there. Stop number three took us 3 miles out of our way, but at least the tire got aired.

Next stop was at Alco to get sheets for David's bed at the cabin. He and I went into the store together. We were almost done shopping when he had an accident that totally soaked his pants and shoes and even managed a tinkling sound as it puddled on the floor. I was a little embarrassed as I told the clerk what had happened. She was really nice about the clean-up job. I called Allen to bring in David's bag with extra clothes and I cleaned him up. Next we needed to get shoes for him. I searched the shoe section and finally came up with a pair that would work but couldn't find the box for them. Oh well. We all headed for the checkout. Poor Allen made the mistake of calling the clerk "sir." She was quick to correct him! It was super hard to tell though, because I'm sure she could have sung bass! Masculine watch and glasses, short hair, hawaiian-ish shirt, deep voice.... Anyway it was certainly ackward when she had to call for help because the box for the shoes was missing. I've never been so glad to get out of a store before! We did eventually get water back to the cabin, and it was a relief to be out of the public eye!

Rolos and Hiking

It's official! Kassy likes Rolos (chocolate-coated caramel candy)! Today she and David were riding in one of the shopping carts that have steering wheels at the grocery store in Sturgis. Allen and I had just finished unloading the cart when I saw Kassy stick something into her mouth. A closer look revealed that she had just taken a bite off the end of a package of Rolos. Needless to say, we bought the package!

David and I veered off the beaten path on or short hike tonight. Allen and Kassy pointed out a small stream and David and I couldn't resist. David was a little hesitant to leave the road but he had no problem waging in the stream. He doesn't want to wash the 4 wheeler because he'd get his hands dirty but just can't seem to avoid water in the stream!

Circus Firsts

Tonight was circus night! Grandpa Mike, Grandma Pam, and Nate invited us to the circus in Sioux Falls. I remember going to the circus a lot as a kid--at least once a year from 1st grade through 6th and I always enjoyed it. I'm good at making "assuming" mistakes...like assuming that all kids living near towns where the circus performed got to go...like assuming that my husband, Allen, had been to the circus just as many times as I had. Tonight I learned that this would be his first circus experience! Grandma was really excited to get David up on an elephant. I didn't even suggest that one to Allen. David got a pony ride just before the circus began and another one at intermission. I'm still not sure which part was Allen's favorite but David loved the pony ride and the flashing sword. I didn't have to ask David to sit down or sit still all night. While the performers were performing he was sitting on someone's lap or in his own chair. What a huge night for that little boy! I dare say though, that he didn't care much for the acrobats twirling around way up high. During the first act, he asked me, "How is she going to get down? She needs to get down!!" It was one of those can't-look-but-can't-look-away moments for him.

David swings his sword for Grandma Pam

Nate walked by David's pony at intermission. I think they both had a good time with the ponies. Couldn't get David (or Nate, for that matter) to get on the elephant. That's okay though. I much prefer the smell of horse!!!

Don't you think they look alike?

Nate and David on a pony ride

Warts and Rummages

We've been working with our doctor to get rid of a wart on the bottom of David's foot since the beginning of March. She tried beetle juice and freezing it but neither one has worked. I found the wart in January but David didn't complain about it, so I didn't get concerned. Since then it has begun to hurt and it's on a part of his foot that he walks on. Yesterday we had an appointment with a dermatologist in Sioux Falls. She opted for a stronger beetle juice concoction so we'll see how that works. This morning he says it still hurts.

David hung out with Grandma Linda yesterday morning after his appointment and then we had a wonderful lunch. Then we stopped by Grandpa Doug's shop to say "hi." Of course, this week is the big Kingswood Rummage sales, so Grandma pointed us in the right direction and we headed for the sales. She climbed in the back seat with David and played, read books, and watched a movie with him while I shopped.

When it was time to head for home, we dropped Grandma off and made a quick bathroom stop. David went out of the house without arguing and headed for the trike that Grandma and Grandpa have for him to ride. I scooped him up and he yelled at me that he wasn't ready to leave yet. I managed to buckle him in and Grandma gave him a kiss and we headed down the street. At one point he stopped yelling long enough to sing...."the wheels on the bus go waaa, waaa, waa" followed by a "Stop Mommy! Turn around! I don't want to leave Grandma Linda's!" I love it that he has so much fun there!

He is risen!

He is risen, indeed! What a beautiful day to celebrate Jesus' resurrection and the new life he offers! Even though our circumstances may be difficult and we stand on shaky ground, God isn't suprised and has provided a way for us to stand up under it! I'd rather have Jesus than anything!

That said....we had a great weekend with my folks! Friday night, David came in from doing chores with Allen and Dad and he was muddy and wet, wet, wet! We stripped all his clothes off and I carried him to Mom's bathroom to clean him up. I constantly remind him to keep his hands off "stuff" in public restrooms, for obvious reasons, and at home or at Grandma's there are things that he just doesn't need to touch. I sat him on the counter (because he had hauled his stool to the kitchen earlier in the day to help bake) and he said, "hmmm....what can I touch?" He said it so innocently, and when I told the rest of the family, we all laughed together. David had no idea why what he said was so funny, but he enjoyed being the one to tell a funny joke!



Kassy's nose started running again this past week, but I can feel two new bottom teeth beginning to emerge so not sure if runny nose is due to teething or if she's got a cold. She's already very tired of having her nose wiped, and if anybody pulls out a kleenex or a hanky, she alters course and if she's caught, performs a wonderful Princess act--throws head back, body goes limp, screams, cries, and produces many tears. She's figured out which cabinet in Grandma's kitchen is the kid cupboard and enjoyed clearing everything out of it and climbed inside. She had even more fun when she learned that she could pull the door shut behind her--until she also learned that the door could pinch her fingers.



We had breakfast at church this morning and a light lunch when we got home. All of us got to take naps! After naps, Allen, David and I went for a walk outside and played with David's new ball. When Kassy woke up, she also came outside. We blew bubbles--I devised a new kind of bubble blower by taping straws together. This worked fine for me--David has to learn to blow more gently, and Kassy has to figure out how to blow; at least she didn't suck very much bubble solution. It was beautiful outside! David figured out how to work the water spigot on the east side of the house and enjoyed getting a drink--several drinks--because he was very thirsty! I think he just really enjoyed turning the water on and off.

Teasing

The kids spent a good part of this week with my folks because of various activities and meetings that I had going on this week. My mom and David had a good time teasing each other:

David: Hi Grandma Pickard!
Grandma: Hi David Pribyl!
David: I'm not David Pribyl! I'm David Pickard!
Grandma: I'm not Grandma Pickard! I'm Grandma Pribyl!

and so on.....Mom loved the teasing twinkle in David's eyes!

One night, as she was putting David to bed, he snuggled up to her, put his hand on her cheek and said, "I love you Grandma Pribyl." and Grandma said, "I love you too, Davey Pickard." She said that they repeated this conversation until he feel asleep. How sweet! I've witnessed his teasing, and that twinkle in his eye is incredibly fun and sweet!!!!

Photo Updates

Here are some photos of some of the things we've been up to!

Visiting with Great Grandma Me

Twins!?!? Cousin fun with Jonah

Play with us, Grandma Pickard!

Ball pit fun!

Hugs with Grandma and Grandpa!

Tons of fun with Grandpa Mike and Grandma Pam

Visiting with Great Grandma Laa

Playing on the bridge at the park

Daddy came to the museum with us!

How did I get under here?

  



Can we fix it? YES WE CAN!

Painter David

Whee!!!



Mr. Brown Can Hoo and Kassy Can Too

My mom stayed with us this last week and spent slot of time with the kids. Allen's grandma has been pin and out of the hospital several times in the last couple of months. Mom originally came do we could can pizza sauce from the tomatoes we froze because we were too busy to actually male the sauce. Mom was a huge help watching the kids so I was able to help move Grandma and visit her in the hospital. My mom has always loved reading stories and both kids got lots of storybook time. Kassy really enjoys the Dr. Seuss book, "Mr. Brown Can Moo." It was so much fun to listen to Kassy mimic the sounds in the book! "Mr. Brown can sound like an owl, he can go 'hoo hoo.'" Kassy can imitate the owl very well! I woke up last night because I could hear something out of the ordinary. Very finally I could hear "hoo hoo hoo hoo" coming from Kassy's room. She kept that up for the next 20 minutes! I can guess what her favorite part of that book is!

Good Night David

For the past couple of weeks when David is tucked in for the night, he has been singing himself to sleep! Allen and I almost always sang to him at bedtime when he was a baby, but haven't sang lately because we just got out of the routine. He is so adorable when he sings, "Good night Davey, good night, David, good night Davey, I will see you in the morning." How his little mind can learn do much so fast and have it make sense to him and us is amazing! No way do I have enough faith to believe in evolution! James 1:17 says, "Every good and perfect gift comes down from the father of heavenly lights." My kids are perfect gifts-not perfect in behaviors, thoughts or attitudes, but perfectly created by God, for God's purposes.I'm so blessed to be able to share their lives!

Naughty Big Girl

This evening Allen's folks went with us to my home church for supper and lenton service. We were leaving the church shortly after 8 p.m. to head for home. David asked if he could watch a movie, so Allen started the DVD player. At 8:30 we turned Word World off so the kids could settle down for sleep. David got mad when I closed the screen and yelled that he wasn't done watching yet (I don't think he'll ever be "done" watching). I told him he'd watched enough TV for today and it was time to look out the window or go to sleep. He yelled, "You're a naughty big girl!" Allen burst out laughing (I think Pappy was laughing too) and even I couldn't help smiling....just a little bit. Guess he gave me a dose of my own medicine!

Totes of Fun!

The kids and I sorted a few toys out of the toybox and put them in a tote to declutter the living room. Both kids climbed in and out of the empty tote, laughing and talking. Here is a video of some of our fun. Don't worry, Kassy is just fine. She's one tough kid!

Kinda funny that David asks, "Do you want an amulance?" right before Kassy tips the tote over. Guess he knew what was coming! You probably think I'm not a very loving mom, but believe me, if Kassy wants comforting, she'll ask for it. It's better not to pick her up before she asks, 'cause sometimes she's more mad than hurt. She's so adorable!!!

Dear Jesus

David does a fabulous job of praying before we eat : "Dear Jesus, thank you for this food. Amen!" and we pray with him before bedtime. Sunday night as I was getting ready to pray with David before he went to sleep, we were talking about some of the things we can be thankful for. I said, "We can thank God that you have a nice warm bed to sleep in rather than having to sleep outside in the snowbank. That wouldn't be any fun, right?" David replied, "Yeah, it would!" But he prayed, "Dear Jesus, thank you for my bed. Amen." I was really proud of him. So today, as he was washing his hands at the sink, he said, "Dear Jesus, thank you for my mommy and daddy." I was suprised (and pleased!) that he "prayed" that I told him I was going to cry. I tried to explain that sometimes people cry because they are happy. At bedtime tonight he prayed, "Dear Jesus, thank you for my mommy and daddy. Are you going to cry?" This time I was crying because I was laughing!

Latest and Greatest

I haven't done so well at keeping up with this blog but that certainly doesn't mean that we've not been busy! There have been several trips to Sioux Falls for play dates with Grandmas and Grandpas and of course lots of cute "at home" moments. Here are a few highlights.....

Wednesday this past week found us at Bible Study at Brookings Wesleyan Church. As we were picking up David from the two-year-old class room (Grandma Pickard is the teacher) I noticed a little boy sitting on his daddy's foot with arms and legs wrapped around dad's leg. David has been doing that a lot lately, so I joked to Cody's mom that I now knew where David learned how to do that. She smiled at me and said, "let me tell you what Cody learned from David!" I admit, my stomach dropped to my toes, even though I know my little boy is "perfect." It turns out that Cody learned how to pray by listening and watching David! Cody and his mom had come to our house for a play date and David prayed for our lunch before we ate. Cody's mom told me that now he prays at home and even at McDonald's-loudly! I'm proud of my little boy and I pray that one day he will understand what praying is and decide to follow Jesus.

This past Monday my mom came over and stayed with the kids while I went with Allen to a doctor's appointment and while we went to coach 4-H archery. Tuesday morning was Bible study and after lunch Mom headed for home. The kids fell asleep on the way home from Brookings and after I parked in the garage I could hear the funniest/cutest sounds coming from the backseat.....

At the beginning of February, we went to the Children's Museum. The kids love going there--there is so much for them to do and it's entirely hands-on.

Kassy eating her first snow! Yummy!

One afternoon Allen had been moving snow with the tractor and came in the house to get David to "help" him. We helped David get his snowpants, boots, and coat on to go outside. Kassy knew something was going on and she was feeling left out. Allen and David left and she stomped her feet and cried and "yelled" about being left behind. Later, when the guys came back in, she was sitting on my lap in the living room. When she saw Allen, she pointed her finger at him and "yelled" at him. She did a good job of letting Allen know that she didn't appreciate him taking David and not her!


 


This is how David looks when we go down the road and he is watching a video.



David loves to help fix "stuff"

Grandma Pam and kids playing games

David changes a tire at the SD Children's Museum

Kassy playing the cymbols at the SD Children's Museum

My folks have a set of toddler-sized plastic golf clubs that David likes to take apart and play with. He's developing a very good imagination, and still wants to include me in his play. On this particular visit, he had a hammer in one hand and a partial golf club (the handle was missing) in the other. He offered me the golf club and invited me to get on the floor and "hammer" with him. I tried to explain to him that he had a golf club, not a hammer.This little boy is pretty knowledgeable about hammers, so I asked him, "Have you ever seen a hammer that looks like that one?" He held it out to me and said very matter-of-factly, "This one."

It is becoming clear to me how much my relationship with God is revealed through my relationship with my children. I have an idea of how something is but sometimes I take myself a little too seriously.

Fun Wednesday!

The kids spent most of the day with Grandma Linda in Sioux Falls today. The kids enjoy going and I get a little "me" time too. I love having grandparents in Sioux Falls!!!!

Me: David, do you know what we are going to do tomorrow?
David: Yes. (this is his standard response--even though most of the time he doesn't know what we're doing tomorrow)
Me: What?
David: I don't know. (also a standard response)
Me: We are going to Grandma Linda's house!
David: But Grandma's payloader is broken! (I wonder how that could have happened.....little boy, screwdriver, plays kinda rough....hmmm)

I spent a couple of hours at Archery Outfitters in Sioux Falls getting some equipment updated. I can tell that it's been almost a year since I've shot my bow! I didn't shoot too badly although my "x" count was quite low. With a little more practice perhaps I'll be able to shoot Sectionals.

I also had lunch with David's birthmom, Sylvia today. My heart is so blessed that she would want to have lunch with just me. David has been with us all of the times previously, so I'm feeling honored that she would choose to spend a couple of hours with me. She is a neat young woman and I'm proud to know her!

We made it back to Brookings in time for Wednesday School at church and supper with Grandpa and Grandma Pickard. The kids got toys with their mac and cheese meal from Burger King, and it didn't take Grandpa and Grandma long to figure out how to entertain the kids.

Kassy has figured out how to get David to play with her. He is totally attached to the toolbox, tool belts, and tools that he got for Christmas, and sharing is not yet his strong suit. He will be "hammering" in a nail and not watching the tools in his toolbox and Kassy will come along and pick up one of them. She will make some noise to get David's attention, he'll see that she's got one of his tools, and she will run. David, of course, is in hot pursuit! It doesn't take him more than a few steps to catch her and yank the tool out of her hand. She doesn't cry, which makes me think that she's just waiting to see how he's going to protect his tools from her. David will try very hard to hold all of his tools in his hands, but it's just too hard to play that way, so eventually he'll lay one down and the chase begins all over again. I love watching them play, but I'm between a rock and a hard place to decide if I need to "talk" with Kassy about stealing David's tools or talk with David a bout sharing and stealing his tools back. Do you ever suppose God watches us, laughing and shaking his head at the same time?

Happy New Year!

It's been a long time since I've blogged about what we've been up to.....don't worry, it's not because we've been staying home! I didn't have internet until last week, and last week we were painting, painting, painting, and flooring. There's still some more painting to do, so if you like to paint, please, please let me know :)

Last Saturday David had fun at the SD Children's Museum with Grandpa Mike, Grandma Pam, Nate, and some of Nate's friends. Pam said that they all had a blast! With so many hands-on activities, who wouldn't have fun! Grandpa and Grandma bought a tool belt complete with hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, and a pager, which he totally loves! He had to shower with his hammer and pliers and wouldn't go to bed without his hammer in hand.

Grandma and Grandpa with David changing a tire

The pager beeps when you push the button, which David "answers" (like a phone) and says, "David the builder." He's been watching Bob the Builder lately. Last night David was sitting at the island waiting on supper and playing with a philips screwdriver. Suddenly, Allen noticed what he was doing with the screwdriver--he was taking the tiny, itty-bitty screws out of the pager! There was one screw left to hold it together. Sounds like something his Dad might do....

David enjoying mashed potatoes from the mixer beater.

Kassy doesn't have very many words in her vocabulary yet, but she sure can sing! How blessed are we that both of our kids love music?!? At Christmas time it was "baa, baa, baa" and before that "e-i-e-i-o." This past Sunday it was "ashes, ashes" with a big plop as she fell down at the end. She doesn't sing all of the words, but the tune is there. She loves to play "peek-a-boo" and she and David will play that with each other. She enjoys her own little version of teasing, and will run towards you, making you think that she wants a hug or to be picked up. At the last second, she diverts her course and will stop and "laugh" at you. She's managing a fork and spoon pretty well, but still likes to tip the spoon upsidedown and dump yogurt down her shirt.  Kassy moved out of our closet on Sunday and has spent two nights now in the "nursery." Her big girl bedroom downstairs needs to be painted yet.

Happy girl, our precious Kassy

Here are some other photos of the kids.

Playing at Broadland United Methodist Church, where I grew up.

Pretty Kassy on her princess pony