Hiking at Matthiesen State Park

Since Charissa is leaving in a week to head back to college, we decided to go to one of her favorite places here in Illinois - Matthiesen State Park.  It is about a two hour drive from our house but has always been worth the drive.  We packed a lunch and headed out with a promise of gorgeous weather perfect for hiking.

Tired before the hike ever began

Eric is ready to go ...

  
Eric was excited to bring his own backpack for hiking.  Yeah, that excitement died within the first three minutes of the hike, and Charissa carried it for 99% of the hike.  Eric did want it back at lunch time. Eric loved hiking.  He loves the outdoors period and was quite the trooper.  He did snitch a piggy-back ride up the flights of stairs - don't blame him there as some flights were quite long and steep.

Although we have had severe drought lately, the recent storms helped green up things and made for some beautiful nature shots.  It also created some puddles for getting wet and water fights.  The water was still low enough that the easier trails were accessible which made it easier on the younger kids and out-of-shape moms.

Let's Hike!

 

Jonathan doing some exploring

Clint and Eric enjoying the view

Joanna and Cara

Jonathan and Oren climbing and trying not to fall into the water below

  

Oren was King of the Rock until Charissa the Queen came along and showed him who was boss.

   

    

Kalynne tried to use a staff to part the waters on the bridge.

Enjoying a treat  ... It was National Soft Serve Ice Cream Day afterall.

Ramblings and Tidbits

It has been a hot summer, some days brutally with a 120 heat index.  Rain has been scarce.  We have had storms the last couple of days though providing needed moisture and cooler temperatures.  Yesterday was cool enough that Eric was jumping on the trampoline.  I should say that I didn't mind him being on the trampoline.  Eric does not care about the heat; he just loves being outdoors.  While he was outside I heard a thunderclap.  I went to the door to call him inside but need not have bothered.  He was booking it inside as fast as his legs could carry him.

The start of school is slowly approaching for both me and my kids.  They start the 17th.  I start the 20th.  I am looking forward to both events because of the routine.  Life won't be less busy, rather it will require more choreography among schedules, activities, and homework to prevent a train wreck.  I don't think the earlier wake times are going to be very popular though, and there will be a few 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. voluntary bedtimes for a few days.  I would volunteer now if my kids would cooperate.  They just raid the pantry if I go to bed before they do.

The most exciting news this past week was the loss of power.  We managed to keep power during the thunderstorm during the night, but lost it when it was clear and sunny about 8:30 the next morning.  Nothing like losing power on a Sunday morning as you are trying to get ready for church.  Something blew as there was a gunshot-sounding explosion when the power went out.  We finally had power restored about 5:00 that evening.  The one thing about losing power is the ability to get kids to stop dwaddling about a shower.  Once you explain that any hot water will shortly vanish due to the inability to heat any more, there is a run on the bathroom.  It did kill the sinner plan of a crock-pot meal ready to eat when we got home from church.  We had leftovers instead - so exciting.

See?  It was a rather dull week or in other words life as normal in this house.

Summer Fun Means Water ... Lots of It

Summer birthdays usually mean a swim party.  I have two children with summer birthdays which means a joint party (the dates are just 5 days apart) for their birthdays.  They aren't always thrilled, but I am not the mom for nothing.  I happen to be a pretty good sweet talker too.  So one child wants a swim party as does second child who forgot for a minute she cannot swim well and changes her mind upon remembering.  I have no desire to throw two parties so ask - read strongly encourage - about a water party in our yard.  I talk it up, and get unanimous agreement.  Now I have to deliver.

Step One was to create the highlight of the party - a kid wash.  I got the idea off the Family Fun site after a google search.  The whole project came together in about 4-5 hours and that includes shopping.  It was so worth making it for my kiddos.  See the smiles?

Okay, so they aren't looking at the camera.  Trust me - they loved it.  It was a hit at the party too almost as much as the water dodge ball.  What is that?  I made sponge balls - enough for everyone to have one plus a couple of extras.  I had four 5 gallon buckets filled with water and placed at the four corners of the dodge ball area.  On go, the party goers soaked their sponge balls in water and threw.   I got out of there fast.

The funniest part of the party was during set up the night before.  We had been camping earlier.  There are not always restrooms or clean restrooms available so Eric was introduced to peeing on a tree by his dad.  Unfortunately, peeing on a tree equated to just peeing outside to Eric.  As I was setting up for the party my helpers abandoned me to try out the dodge ball game.  A time out was called because Eric had to pee.  It is a good thing we have understanding neighbors who find my kids hysterical.  I am watching Eric and listening to the shocked hollers from siblings about indecency.  Then perhaps Eric and I are connected some way, I knew what was going to happen before it did.  It happened in slow motion as I saw my premonition play out.

Eric is answering nature's call when he glances down and then over at older brother Jonathan.  Before I could shout "NO!" Eric took aim.  Jonathan moved faster than I had seen him move in a while.  It was hard to scold Eric about peeing on siblings when I cannot catch my breath because I am laughing so hard.  Jonathan was not amused.  He was even less amused when Eric nailed him with a wet sponge in dodge ball, and it looked like Jonathan missed answering nature's call.

Eric's New Glasses

Zeke

I have enjoyed watching the different relationship dynamics since having Zeke. Since we have had some super cold weather as of late, Zeke has been inside so it makes watching him more fun. His antics are funny as he not the most graceful dog. His ear has a habit of turning inside out giving him a lopsided look. He loves the outdoors, and I think the snow is his favorite. He just runs and bounds through with a doggy grin on his face. The outdoors only comes in second to being with his family. We are glad to have saved him from the shelter as he brings us much laughter.

Zeke has a different relationship with each family member. Take me for instance, Zeke is just like my children, I swear. I am the Alpha, the one in charge and the disciplinarian. When Zeke is doing something wrong, I am usually the one that punishes him. What is funny is when I haven't caught him in a no-no situation, but he will see me and start running away. Zeke will keep out of my reach or hide behind another family member when he knows he is in trouble. The dog acts guilty even if not caught (just like my kids). It is not all fear as Zeke does find me me a suitable companion albeit boring sometimes.

Kalynne is the caretaker, and Zeke adores her. He knows she is a pushover. She is his playmate and whimpers when she leaves his sight. It makes going to the bathroom or even piano practice difficult for Kaly.

Clint is Zeke's buddy and best friend. Both Zeke and Eric wait at the door to greet Clint when they see his car drive up. It is hard to tell who is more excited. Clint is pretty enamored himself and loves having Zeke.

Watching and whimpering while his playmates head back to school

Charissa is the one who rough-houses with Zeke. He loves wrestling with her, and it is quite funny to watch. To knock down his opponent Zeke jumps at and hits them broadside. Also Zeke doesn't fight fair if he is losing and goes for the toes. That hurts!

Eric and Zeke are quite the duo. Eric loves Zeke while Zeke tolerates him. The only incident was when Zeke nipped Eric on the lip. Eric was repeatedly poking Zeke in the eye. A poor dog can take only so much. Zeke knew he was in major trouble when he did it. Zeke has come to the understanding that Eric is not low man on the totem pole here. Now to solve the being contstantly bothered, Zeke has learned a method that is acceptable. He nibbles (lips only) Eric's toes or fingers. That grosses Eric out and stops the annoying action.

I witnessed it when Eric was holding on to the tip of Zeke's tail following Zeke around. Zeke tired of the game quickly and nibbled Eric's fingers to stop the game. Zeke does give Eric kisses and once Eric realizes whiskers are not meant to be pulled, perhaps Zeke will not run from Eric so much. There are times Zeke looks so worn out from entertaining and avoiding Eric. I think he is almost begging to be locked in the crate to be able to sleep. I can so sympathize, Zeke!

Life Happens

Geez, it has been a while since I posted anything. There has been plenty going on though, mundane along with the not so mundane. Where to begin?

The weather can't decide if it wants to be Spring or Winter. I am just glad for our new sump what with the rain and thawing we have been having. It has most likely saved us a few wet floors in the basement. Thank goodness for tax refunds that can pay for it too.

Thank goodness for tax refunds that can cover the loss of income from a temporary lay-off too. All those kids and deductions can come in handy. It seems that Clint gets to take a week off of work and not be paid for it. It most likely will be two, but at least it won't be back-to-back ... sort of. The first one is at the end of March. We had just bought a trip to Branson for a 15th anniversary get-away. We were going to take it when the kids had Spring Break. We are going to go when Clint doesn't have to work now. We found a sitter and made our reservations. Something good besides the enormous amount of yard clean-up has to happen that week.

We also bought a porch swing. We have only been here 6 years. We finally found the right one. We ordered it, and it will be ready in time for Mother's Day. You know where to find me (with my nose in a book) this summer.

Eric is quite the chatterbox now. He has plenty of examples around here. He can say school (when he sees the bus come and the kids get on). There is thank you, welcome, bye-bye, night, and what's that? as well. Oh, I am "mom" now unless Eric is showing his imp-ish sense of humor. Then he goes around the house calling every dad and just laughing about it. I get "What!?" when I call his name. That is also due to the plenty of examples around here. I heard him say stuck the other day as well. He can also say Charissa's and Kaly's names or at least an understandable variation.

I am surprised I don't hear stuck more often as Eric is a climber. I am always have to rescue him. He loves water too. Toilet seats have to stay down and bath tubs emptied. I found out the hard way about the tubs when I found towels, blankets, clothes, toys, and a couple of pillows thrown in the water.

Scholastic Bowl season is wrapping up. Charissa did well as JV captain. Kalynne has her last meet this coming week. both girls love it and earn their team plenty of points.

Oren didn't make it to state for his National Geographic Geography Bee. The poor kid was so heartbroken. He studied really hard too. We are all smarter now, because he shared all his information with us.

Joanna busted her chin open in PE a couple of weeks ago. It is to match the back of her head, I guess. She also was out this past week for three days with a bug that just made you feel yucky and lethargic with a low grade fever.

Jonathan had Pinewood Derby last month but didn't win any races. He was so bummed, and then broke his trophy since he won a specialty category. It was just not his night. He is looking forward to summer camp so I better get him signed-up!

Cara has stayed free of injury, illness and disappointment unless you count having been made to practice piano. She is struggling with that right now. I get to teach her as her dad is about as exasperated as she is.

I am staying busy with PTO (finished one project last week and moving on to the next, a fundraiser next week). Church keeps me going too. What with my responisibilities, the activities and everyone else's responsibilities and activities ... ugh! Okay, it is not bad just busy. I also pamper myself by working out three times a week. I started attending Curves. So far the effort has paid off with 11.5 pounds and 14 total inches lost. The photo from Thanksgiving was motivation and a shocker about how I let the weight creep back on again. I actually enjoy exercise or maybe it is the me time. A friend watches Eric 2 hours twice a week so I can workout and run errands during the week. I also go Saturday mornings. I try to squeeze in walks the other days. hopefully the weather will decide on sunny spring days so it is possible.

Now I better get to bed. I just realized I had typed this entire rambling news bit in my cooking blog. Thank goodness for copy and paste!

He's Walking!

Okay, I know I need a video but since mine stink posting without one is about the same. Eric tried his hand or rather feet at walking this week. He still prefers crawling as his mode of transportation, but he is getting more confident on his feet. He has a Frankenstein or zombie walk which is funny. Each step he takes, his legs get further and further apart which poses a problem, but he hasn't done the splits yet.

Eric loves to climb. If he can climb it, he will. Stairs are a snap. He often gets stuck on a stool or in the pantry trying to get to the goodies. My time is coming when he is going to be everywhere at once and unable to be contained. Eric has already started cutting his naps short.

At his doctor appointment the 30th, Eric weighed in at 21 lbs 6 ounces and 30 inches. He is as healthy as can be. He is so mellow and calm too. The doctor asked if that was normal for Eric. When I said it was, the pediatrician said he would take a full day of little boys like Eric. The only fuss Eric made wa his shot, but that lasted less than 20 seconds. He was back to his chattering self quick.

I have noticed Eric is a bit obsessive when it comes to food. He eats one food completely before moving the next type. He picks apart soups that way. I made him a cheese-less pizza tonight. He ate all the meat off before licking the sauce and eating the crust. LOL! He ate two slices, the porker!

After having a houseful for the holiday, I am so glad one of my children is mild-mannered. I would say quiet, but Eric has discovered the shriek.

Funny Kid Videos

Sorry about the darkness, but Eric was so funny thinking he was pulling Charissa in our rolling desk chair. MUSH!

Oren and Kalynne goofing off ... think being cooped up indoors is getting to them.

Happy Birthday, Eric!

Eric loves noodles. Eric loves peas. Eric loves chicken. So for his birthday dinner I made some chicken and noodles (with peas and carrots thrown in). It was tricky as Eric is allergic to dairy and eggs. I found egg-free noodles and used soy milk in place of regular. Seeing him scarf it all down was worth it. Funny thing about Eric is that he loves green veggies. He will eat those first so the peas were the first to go followed by noodles then chicken. It looks like he eats like his mama, one thing at a time.

Unlike his mama though, Eric is a huge fan of chocolate. Keeping allergies in mind (good thing the kid is so cute), he had a yummy egg-free, dairy-free chocolate cake. He didn't care. All Eric knew is that is was chocolate. He was fascinated by the candle although he seemed puzzled by it. Joanna helped him blow it out and seasoned the cake a bit more with flecks of spit (had to make sure that candle was out) ... ick!

Oren made Eric a heart shaped pillow (crocheted it) complete with Eric's name. Mom and Dad (Mom bought and Dad said "yeah, sure") got him a Bug Jar. He loved it and was quite mad when it was taken away so the chocolate could be washed off him. The older kids like it too.

Oh yeah, sorry about the video, just tilt your head to watch. I thought the clip was funny since we couldn't tell if Eric was trying to smell the cake or eat it off the plate.

Happy First Birthday, Little Man!

Cyclops

So I have no picture which would make it even funnier. I was going outside to hang clothes on our clothes since the day is just gorgeous. I glanced at Cara and Joanna who were busy eating lunch at the table (they have today off from school). I did a double-take. Each one of them had huge goggly eye stuck to their foreheads.

I guess they got into the craft bin I keep for the days I hear "I'm bored!" or rainy days or too hot days or ... you get the idea. They stuck one of the eyes to their forehead because they asked, "What?" when I shook my head and sighed. The lightbulb went off though as they reached for the forehead at same time. I was rewarded with a couple of cheesy grins.

Cheap entertainment, I guess. Speaking of cheap entertainment, I had to go to the elementary school Thursday to set up lunch for the teachers. The PTO provides lunch for the teachers on conference days which was Thursday (we did breakfast for them this morning). I had to take Eric with me as school wasn't out quite yet. He wasn't a happy camper especially when I put him down in the school office. I managed to get him quiet and ran out to my car for the last load of stuff.

When I came in, the office staff asked where Eric went. I said he was still in here. They asked what I did to get him quiet. A pacifier, perhaps? No. I had to confess. I put a visitor sticker on each of Eric's thighs. He was busy trying to get them off and quite content (until I pulled them off for him).

Yeah, sticky things are great entertainment. That 80 cent roll of tape can amuse most children for quite a while. It has foiled many a fits too to have a piece of tape stuck to the nose.

Pictures of the Past Week

Eric has a new love, Oreos. Unlike his mama who eats Oreos just by mouth, Eric also ingests by osmosis.

Toothless in Illinois, Cara lost her first tooth on her own. She has lost her two bottom teeth, but they had to be pulled because of permanent teeth already in place. You'd think the tooth fairy would remember to visit. Hubby says we need to fire our tooth fairy. At least she is fair and pays interest.

We have two playing soccer this year, Cara and Joanna. Joanna is into it more than Cara who aims an occassional kick in the direction of the ball. Joanna is more gung-ho sometimes overly but it makes for amusing entertainment.

Creepy Crawly

Eric is on the move. Despite his odd way of getting from Point A to Point B, he is fast. He is also my floors-need-mopping indicator. Or vacuuming as the case may be ....

Eric's Update

My baby is 9 months old already. He had is well-baby check-up the 30th (Monday). He is healthy and such a mellow li'l dude. He does have some allergies, namely any grapes, milk lactose, pet dander. I am hoping I don't discover any new ones.

Eric weighed in at 17 lb 1 oz. (5%). He is a light-weight, but most all my kids are. He weighs what Joanna did at a year plus. He is 27.5 inches long (25%). Then we have his head circumference. That is 45.5 cm which is the 57%. Hubby says it because I tell Eric how handsome he is all the time.

Eric sits up like a pro now and can inch worm wiggle his way to what he wants but doesn't crawl. He won't stand on his legs long either. He thinks it is more fun to be bounced up and down as you try to get him to do it. My others were that way too.

Eric also has two bottom teeth barely breaking through. He doesn't like teething so his normal mellow self is a hit and miss if the teething is bothering him. He rolls all over the place and has people pegged for certain jobs. Kalynne is the best at extracting belly laughs from him.

Eric has discovered the joy of Strawberry Chex. He loves those things. I even catch the older peoples eating them. They are pretty tasty. Eric likes food in general. It is just the food that doesn't agree with him.

Fresh Berries

With the price of groceries steadily rising in time to the appetites of this plague of locusts that live here, I try to find ways to coax some pennies from our budget. Gasoline ain't very cheap around here either and is needed to go to the store. I could ride my bike, but it is 7+ miles of hills which really doesn't appeal to me. I am imagining the steep hill right before my house with bike trailer full of groceries to feed my crew for two weeks. Can you even cram that much in a bike trailer?

One way I coax pennies from our budget is to grow my own food or find a place I can pick some for free. Luckily the place loaded with fresh berries is right on our own property. We have some woods on our property that houses a few blackberry vines and a couple of mulberry trees. We have some blackberry vines we transplanted in beds next to our house too. The biggest, juiciest and most flavorful blackberries are in the woods though, right in the middle of a huge patch of poison ivy.

That is why I take my kids with me. They think it is because of bonding experiences. You see, I am highly allergic to poison ivy. I can walk near some on a windy day and catch it. And when I catch it, I catch it. It goes beyond a patch of itchy skin. I am one of the lucky ones that it goes systematic on ... joy! So not to eat up our savings in doctor and prescription costs, I have the kids pick the berries while I yell encouragement like, "You missed one" or "That snake is harmless." We have a three foot black rat snake that lives in our woods.

See? It's harmless. Remind me not to share that bit of info of where it lives with hubby though as he freaks out even more than the kids when it comes to snakes. I was just trying to show him how cool it was and he went inside (rather quickly) and tried to lock the door on me.

Snakes are not the only obstacle though. I like to make granola and have the berries on top on that. Yum! There are so many berries this year that I can even have enough to make a cobbler. I picked just shy of a pound of berries last night alone. By getting the ladder I could even pick the higher up ones. I hate being short some days. I would have enough for cobbler except for this obstacle. He loves berries too.

Why every teenage girl needs a baby brother ...