Dreaded conversation

To many of you this will not seem like a big deal. To me, it has honestly caused me much grief, at times in my life... I know some of you will think this is so silly... here goes... in the van today...

David: Grandma let me nap with a kitty today. Not a real one though.

Me: Oh, that was kind of grandma.

David: Why don't you like kitties? Why didn't you touch Lincoln? (Lincoln is Judy Rachke's dog and came to play with my kids at my mom's house today.)

Me: I am allergic to them and they make me sneeze and it is hard to breathe.

David: I am not allergic to them. I am not allergic to dogs and horses. I want a kitty one day. We can get a kitty one day, when I get bigger.

Me: Honey, I am sorry, but we can never have a kitty, or puppy, or horsey one day. Mommy can't breathe when they are around.

David: Then you need to move to another house.

Me: (seriously in tears) But then I couldn't give you hugs and kisses and tell you I love you all the time.

David: Ok, but when I am a daddy I want to get a puppy.

I think it is because animals have brought me such physical pain (for ex. went to horse camp and find out I was allergic to horses - couldn't breathe at all) and also emotional pain (having my siblings hate me cause I was the reason they couldn't have a dog), that I lost it when he told me to move out! I am so thankful Phillip does not have a love for dogs or cats. I am praying already this won't be a source of sadness for my children, but they both really do seem to LOVE ANIMALS!

One of the many reasons why we love preschool...

David during dinner:

"Cornucopias and turkeys are cool."

Congregational Meeting

We have had a blessed and full weekend! We got to hear Tom Dorcsh, a missionary to French speaking Africa, on Saturday and enjoyed a Taste of the Nations Dinner. Then on Sunday morning and Sunday night we got to listen to Carl Maderas. He is a missionary to Muslims in Palestine and Lebanon. He had some absolutely amazing stories, and has got me thinking about a lot of things! Then tonight we had a congregational meeting, which I honestly LOVE! I love to hear all the things God is doing THROUGH and IN people at Parkview. I love to see our family the church too!

Needless to say, my kids went to bed late the last three nights. They wore pj's home from church for 3 nights straight! They are going to be confused when we are home tomorrow night. Although daddy was working, and we didn't get to sit with him, and he went before us, and we left before him, it was still fun to be a part of it and see daddy in action!

Elizabeth goes to bed about 6:45, so it was especially late for her, but it didn't phase her! She never fussed when I dropped her off in the nusery, but seemed eager to play with friends! It was fun, as David was with her most of the time!

Getting a ride with Mr. Rich of course!

David, Sylvia Broffitt, Grace Hobert, Sam Wunderlich, and Elizabeth

David holding Sylvia Hoefer in this picture! He was so sweet to her!

Love his look here :) And Elizabeth a little jealous that someone... else is on her brother's lap! Oh my... what will happen when he starts to date... she may be more protective than Phillip and I!

Wig and Pen hater

Tonight at dinner Elizabeth refused to eat her Wig and Pen pizza. Seriously child?!! Instead she kept asking for a "nana," which of course I gave her. My daughter ate a banana for dinner tonight. Last night she refused to eat her chicken, but for one bite. The only bite she did eat was from her brother's hand!! Last night it was only grapes. This is the same girl that used to eat two hot dogs in one meal or a whole chicken breast. She eats a GREAT breakfast and loves fruit throughout the day, so I am not worried just wanted to document her weird eating habits.

Let's Pray

Last night at dinner we started eating without Phillip because the dinner was hot and the kids were hungry. I knew he would be coming and postponed praying until he got home. However, about one minute into our dinner Elizabeth clasped her hands together and then tried taking our hands. I didn't get what she wants until she bowed her head and closed her eyes! I couldn't believe it!! So of course we had to pray! Love how into praying she is! Phillip said she always closes her eyes. Tonight she started babbling and praying while I was!

Hooky

Today I followed in my mother's footsteps again :) My mother is famous for taking the kids out of school to go to the farm, vacation, etc. They are known as "Herman Holidays" and often causes my cousins to also play hooky. As a school teacher, of course I have to frown upon that, but then today I found myself doing just that!! Although, David is only in preschool, I followed in my mother's steps.

David was feeling perfectly fine today, but he stayed home from preschool as daddy had a Mini Skid Stir and was tearing up the backyard! Unfortunately, the morning began at about 29 degrees so it was a little chilly and we did a lot of watching daddy from the inside. Also, sad to say, the first Skid Steer broke and a second one had to be sent over!! Phillip has been waiting for the ground finally dry up some and the Lord provided a few days of sunny,windy, dry weather! Today was BEAUTIFUL and tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer and not get as cold tonight, which is great! The reason for the Skid Steer is to regrade our backyard as we have gotten water in the basement.

I won't lie... it is a little freaky for me, as someone who likes to be in control and likes things neat and organized, to watch the backyard torn to pieces. I am trying to take it in stride though and trust my wonderful husband that next spring my yard will be beautiful again!!! (I do have an annoying fetish will trimed, lush, green lawn... I confess I read and highlighted the Scott's lawn care book... I blame my father who always had a perfect lawn!)

Phillip is planning on building a shed, as well too. That will be WONDERFUL to help clear up the amount of items piling up in the garage. Eventually, we would like to work on the tiers that have rotten railroad ties on them, but one step at a time! ONE STEP AT A TIME!

I am so blessed to have a husband who is so good at all of this and knows so much about so many different things! I am very thankful to his father for instilling that in him and letting him always watch him and be around to learn! I hope David will also be a blessing to his wife one day because of all he learned from daddy too! Starting it up

Getting to move the bucketSo proud of the work they are doing!Like father, like son!

Happy Birthday Dad/Grandpa Herman!

Just wanted to wish you a Happy 56th birthday Grandpa and Dad!!!! We love you so very much! Dad-I was just thinking today watching Phillip play with David how much I also was blessed to have a father that interacted with me and loved on me!! A few of my favorite memories are playing softball often, building tinker toys and Legos together, doing countless puzzles, watching TV together (I blame you for my love of mysteries and investigation shows), playing on the swings outside, you coming to all my band concerts and choir shows, and picking up sticks at the old house so you could mow :) I love how you have always helped out around the house with folding clothes and cooking! Now I appreciate so much your constant love and support of my children!! You are so sweet to get down on the floor and play with them, love on them, and build with them! We love you so much and wish you the best day!! Here are a few of my favorite pictures over the years...

Notice the no hair like ELizabeth, but I don't really think we look alike :)

In AfricaAt my weddingWhen David was really little

David's 1st birthday party

At Elizabeth's 1st birthday, but she did not cooperate so well for the photo :)

Your 56th birthday today!

LOVE YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
P.S. I love that I have no idea what you look like without a beard!!