This post was titled by Mary Ann who is home from school today due to a "Construction Day" at school to connect electricity to the new additions being added to the school building. Of course if anyone reads this they will have no idea what we're talking about, since, except for Robert's valiant attempts to post on a tri-monthly basis, the self-appointed scribe in the family (me, i.e. Katie) has been on hiatus since December 2010. A situation I shall try and rectify. I've given up Facebook for Lent and my sister Liesel is blogging everyday, and in the interest of spiritual purification and sibling competition, I shall endeavor to blog on a more frequent basis. Perhaps, once a week, but let's not get too ambitious.
Mary Ann is standing here dictating information about our family to be updated and is adamant that I waste no more time in announcing our 4th pregnancy, due in August. Mary Ann wasted no time in announcing to all she knew that we were indeed expecting, so most likely you all already know. We are indeed very excited, and Mary Ann has nearly forgiven us for choosing to have another baby instead of adopting a dog, but Rose and Peter probably are still in deliberations over that. (Mary Ann would like it to be known that she does indeed still want a dog--a beagle)
Beginning this life in Lee's Summit has been a bit overwhelming, lots of changes in all areas of life to adapt too. (But, as Mary Ann reminded me just now our home is located on a cul-de-sac that celebrates a Block Party EVERY YEAR!!--happy thought, indeed!) It really is just in these last couple of weeks that I feel like I can look at the house and begin to think about a timeline of projects for it to make it more our own. Maybe it's nesting setting in early, but I'm feeling the itch to buy furniture and paint!
Though right now the most pressing issue in our lives is Peter's introduction to potty training, which is being encouraged through the use of Star Wars underwear, Star Wars stickers, a Potty Pirate video, and Skittles. All in all I'm pleased with his work, but can see I've mellowed a bit in my expectations of success and definition of failure since we went through the process with Mary Ann. In case anyone drops by (announced or unannounced) be forewarned that you will likely be greeted by a nearly naked boy.
Mary Ann and Rose recently completed a session of swimming lessons. For the first time I saw them swimming out on their own in the middle of a pool with the life guard actually still on on the edge of the pool watching them, instead of centimeters away. It made me realize how much my girls are growing up and honestly how unprepared I am to let them start doing things independently from me.
We are also in the throes of making a tremendous decision on the purchase of American Girl dolls for the girls. After much debate and consultation with Santa Claus, it was decided that he would not bring the desired doll on Christmas, but rather the girls and I would make the purchase after Christmas, with the girls contributing a portion of the cost from their saved gift money and allowances (more on how allowances are earned and my admiration for families that successfully give their children allowances and have them complete chores for said allowance later). This past Saturday we visited the American Girl store with Nana to see for ourselves these wondrous dolls and make a choice as to which doll to purchase. The girls (and I'm pretty sure Nana, traitor grandmother that she is (which, Mom, is meant very lovingly)) were absolutely enthralled, especially by the little doll hair salon and spa, where they could bring their dolls to have their hair and nails done and probably get a massage too. I was slightly appalled and the sight of the store and the business it was doing made me question whether the economy really is in such a sorry state after all. (Last mildly political comment for a bit, I promise)
I'm actually very sure that 2 of these dolls will be taking up their residence in our home in the not too distant future (I admit I do feel some guilt over the whole dog/baby issue), but if they want their hair done, that will be coming out the girls' pocket books.
Cheers and Keep the Faith, folks!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Typical weekend
Maybe easier to just give a typical weekend, rather than catch up from last post.
On Saturday we had a birthday party for Mary Ann. She had invited all the girls from her homeroom over. Katie planned a great party. 5 of her friends came over. The theme was "winter princess" or "ice princess" or something like that. Of course, being that we were in KC, it was beautiful weather out. We had face painting, fingernail painting, games, and decorating cupcakes. 2 hours of a pretty good time. Rose did a good job of not being involved in everything where there were teams (6 divides pretty well for 2 and 3 player teams!) but was happy just watching some and being involved in others.
Saturday night Katie and I went to a Missouri Maverick's game. Centerpoint has a suite so we were able to hang out there. There was food (brats, hamburgers, nachos) and drinks (beer, soda). It was pretty fun. The administration "host" for that night was Dr Randy Culbertson. He's the VP of Business Development, but also a doctor. We found out that he actually played KU Basketball back in the 1970s! He wasn't a star by any means, but he did play! He played under Ted Owens, and played with Bud Stallworth and Dave Robisch, both who have their jerseys hanging in Allen Field House.
On Sunday we were able to sleep in a bit, then went to church where they had "divine donuts" after Mass. We came home, hung up a streamer across the living room, and then played volleyball with a balloon. The girls really got into it! Once Peter was down for a nap, we decided to see how much train tracks we had. We didn't think we would have enough, but we were able to circle from the living room into the kitchen and in front of the stairs.
Overall, a pretty good weekend.
On Saturday we had a birthday party for Mary Ann. She had invited all the girls from her homeroom over. Katie planned a great party. 5 of her friends came over. The theme was "winter princess" or "ice princess" or something like that. Of course, being that we were in KC, it was beautiful weather out. We had face painting, fingernail painting, games, and decorating cupcakes. 2 hours of a pretty good time. Rose did a good job of not being involved in everything where there were teams (6 divides pretty well for 2 and 3 player teams!) but was happy just watching some and being involved in others.
Saturday night Katie and I went to a Missouri Maverick's game. Centerpoint has a suite so we were able to hang out there. There was food (brats, hamburgers, nachos) and drinks (beer, soda). It was pretty fun. The administration "host" for that night was Dr Randy Culbertson. He's the VP of Business Development, but also a doctor. We found out that he actually played KU Basketball back in the 1970s! He wasn't a star by any means, but he did play! He played under Ted Owens, and played with Bud Stallworth and Dave Robisch, both who have their jerseys hanging in Allen Field House.
On Sunday we were able to sleep in a bit, then went to church where they had "divine donuts" after Mass. We came home, hung up a streamer across the living room, and then played volleyball with a balloon. The girls really got into it! Once Peter was down for a nap, we decided to see how much train tracks we had. We didn't think we would have enough, but we were able to circle from the living room into the kitchen and in front of the stairs.
Overall, a pretty good weekend.
Friday, October 14, 2011
New Ads
Apparently YouTube has taken notice of several of our high ranking videos. 2 of them have over 5000 views. So, they are now inviting us to become revenue sharers! I have no idea how much we could actually make, but it seems to involve us getting some pittance only if people click on the ads. So...we'll probably never make any money. But, just for fun, we'll run some ads on this page too! That's right, you can now view our page with...ads! Just like watching TV! Fun for the whole family! So go ahead and click on those ads and watch the less than one penny income come pouring in!!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Work job
Work is going better. I'm the stroke director for the hospital, so I get to do some fun things like going to schools to teach kids about stroke. There's a video on this page of me with the Missouri Maverick players. #6 Jared Lavender and #20 Derek Palladry.
http://fortosage.net/education/school/school.php?sectiondetailid=145&
Fun times with 5th and 6th graders!
http://fortosage.net/education/school/school.php?sectiondetailid=145&
Fun times with 5th and 6th graders!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Birthday!
It was a good day. Katie let me sleep in until 8. The kids all said Happy Birthday to me right away (well, Peter kept saying "Happy Day" but that was even cuter). We had donuts for breakfast. I was able to putter around the house while Katie got ready for the party. I took the girls to Home Depot while Katie put Peter down for ahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif nap. We got some stuff, then went to Fazoli's for lunch (kids ate free last weekend!). When we got back I did some more work (fixing sink stoppers, replacing flourescent lights).
My parents, Katie's parents and the Thomas-Vogrin family came over. We had chicken fried steak and the fixin's. We started with some alcohol shots courtesy of Matt and Jen (leftovers from their wedding 10 years ago).
We then opened presents. Katie set up a treasure hunt (a new tradition we do for each other) and I found Darth Vader masks at each spot. All the kids got one
Katie made some yummy cakes
Thanks to all who helped me celebrate, either in person, in spirit...or on Facebook!
My parents, Katie's parents and the Thomas-Vogrin family came over. We had chicken fried steak and the fixin's. We started with some alcohol shots courtesy of Matt and Jen (leftovers from their wedding 10 years ago).
We then opened presents. Katie set up a treasure hunt (a new tradition we do for each other) and I found Darth Vader masks at each spot. All the kids got one
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| From 2011 Robert Birthday |
Katie made some yummy cakes
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| From 2011 Robert Birthday |
Thanks to all who helped me celebrate, either in person, in spirit...or on Facebook!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
September
We've been having fun the last few weeks! I didn't have to work on Labor Day weekend after all, so we all went to the Santa-Cali-Gon Days in Independence. We had typical fair food, the girls got their faces painted in a Mormon tent for free (they were playing a movie about the testaments in their bible, kind of scared Mary Ann), and hung out with my family. We then went over to my parent's house for pizza. fun time!
This last weekend we went to the circus with Katie's parents. The girls (and to a lesser degree Peter) loved the whole thing, especially the cotton candy and popcorn...
Mary Ann and Rose both started ballet classes this past week. They both did a good job in their class. Mary Ann's is pretty late--7:15 to 8pm! So, past normal bedtime. We'll see how that works out!
No pictures in this post because work blocks picasa. But, we have lots of new pictures over there--go check it out!
This last weekend we went to the circus with Katie's parents. The girls (and to a lesser degree Peter) loved the whole thing, especially the cotton candy and popcorn...
Mary Ann and Rose both started ballet classes this past week. They both did a good job in their class. Mary Ann's is pretty late--7:15 to 8pm! So, past normal bedtime. We'll see how that works out!
No pictures in this post because work blocks picasa. But, we have lots of new pictures over there--go check it out!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
August update
We'll try to follow suit of the Buschelman's desire to update more often. A frequent and oft forgotten resolution, but oh well, here we go!
We've been blessed to have relatively children in this time of transition. We've all been working on getting used to the new house, the new job, the new...everything! In July we went with Nana to visit Oma. It was a good trip and the kids did well interacting with Oma.
We were able to visit California, MO and see grandpa Mac's bench and see his footstone in the cemetery.
Later in the month my aunt and uncle from Texas came to visit for a day. We hadn't seen them in a long time, so being closer has already made us a lot more available to most of the family!
In August I started work at Centerpoint hospital. I'm even on the webpage (though no photo yet...)! They didn't have everything ready for me (no e-mail, no pager, no white coat...) but I was able to see patients. I've already had my first week of call. I only had to go into the hospital once at night, but having to go in to round on the weekends was rough. Oh well, only 1 in 4 call isn't too bad.
We also celebrated Katie's birthday! Since her parents were in Ohio, my parents came over to help celebrate.
She got lots of great stuff and we had fun playing games.
The kids started school!
Peter is getting more and more interactive. His favorite thing is to tell "knock knock jokes." For a while, his only version was "knock knock (who's there?) Ball (ball who?) who!" Then he would insert other things instead of ball, but the punchline was always "who!" He finally started mumbling other things for the punchline. The first time he didn't do "who" was momentous...now it's just annoying again
The Buschelmans came to visit for a whole day. They were on their way to Lawrence and Colorado but stopped in Lee's Summit for a day and a half. It was great having the kids play together. Then today they finally started working on our roof! They are doing the back half today; hopefully tomorrow they get done!
We've been blessed to have relatively children in this time of transition. We've all been working on getting used to the new house, the new job, the new...everything! In July we went with Nana to visit Oma. It was a good trip and the kids did well interacting with Oma.
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| From July 2011 |
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| From July 2011 |
Later in the month my aunt and uncle from Texas came to visit for a day. We hadn't seen them in a long time, so being closer has already made us a lot more available to most of the family!
In August I started work at Centerpoint hospital. I'm even on the webpage (though no photo yet...)! They didn't have everything ready for me (no e-mail, no pager, no white coat...) but I was able to see patients. I've already had my first week of call. I only had to go into the hospital once at night, but having to go in to round on the weekends was rough. Oh well, only 1 in 4 call isn't too bad.
We also celebrated Katie's birthday! Since her parents were in Ohio, my parents came over to help celebrate.
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| From August 2011 |
She got lots of great stuff and we had fun playing games.
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| From August 2011 |
The kids started school!
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| From August 2011 |
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| From August 2011 |
Peter is getting more and more interactive. His favorite thing is to tell "knock knock jokes." For a while, his only version was "knock knock (who's there?) Ball (ball who?) who!" Then he would insert other things instead of ball, but the punchline was always "who!" He finally started mumbling other things for the punchline. The first time he didn't do "who" was momentous...now it's just annoying again
The Buschelmans came to visit for a whole day. They were on their way to Lawrence and Colorado but stopped in Lee's Summit for a day and a half. It was great having the kids play together. Then today they finally started working on our roof! They are doing the back half today; hopefully tomorrow they get done!
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| From August 2011 |
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