My unusual children.

At the playground

Time: 1:30am. Place : My Bed. Scene: BEN wakes up because he went to bed at 7pm, and asks if he can climb in with us. He lays down and snuggles in. Soon, there is a disturbance in the Force.

BEN: Mommy? Can you close the door so the monsters don't get in?

MOMMY: Ben, there aren't any monsters! There only kinds of monsters there are are Elmo and Telley Monster and they are nice good monsters. There are no bad monster in our house, I promise. OK?

BEN: Ok, Mommy can you close the door so the monsters don't get in?

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Time : The afternoon. Place: Rite Aid. Scene: Mommy needs some medicine for her sore throat. She is having trouble getting Ben to hold her hand due to the odd way he is walking.

MOMMY: Ben. BEN Hold my hand.

BEN: No, mommy, I can't.

Mommy: Why not? (still observing the strange way he's walking) What are you doing?

BEN: (Facing sideways, Arms out, legs apart, doing little jumps to go forward) I'm web surfing. Sort of like this, but sideways. Here he was a bird

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At the Playground

Time: Afternoon. Place: The Park. Scene: shortly after we arrive to the deserted park, another family arrives with girls around Maddie's age. Maddie immediately runs up to them.

MADDIE: Look! We have almost the same SHOES! I'm 5 and there are my Easter shoes, but I can wear them to play now.

GIRL: yours have a bow, so they're not the same.

Other GIRL: I'm 5!

MADDIE: Wellll, there the same shape and yours just doesn't have a bow so there's really close! Wanna go play princesses?

GIRL and OTHER GIRL: ok.

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The last one is is different format, because it's not quite the same.

Maddie's Violin teacher is Mr. Jorgji, and older (I'm assuming) Russian man. I've only taken Maddie to lessons a few times, because Ryan likes to do it. But yesterday, I took her. Maddie has started to read the notes without any help from the book, e.i. it used to say what the note was on top of the note, now that has gone away, so she's actually reading the music. Yes, she makes some mistakes, but he says I don't have any other students like her at this age. She remembers everything, she wants to do it and she good at it! He seems slightly amazed at her. He had always told us that since she is so young, the process is a little different. Her muscles don't recall the same way ours do. But he seems thrilled with her progress. I'm not saying she a genius! But she's doing a great job for such a small girl!

These Happy Golden Years

Yeah, I found a box of my old books and re-read some of them. I hope to look fondly back at these times and forget all of the trying ones. Right now, though I'm working on being patient.

I vowed to myself while I was in Vegas that I would appreciate them more, understand them more, work with them more. They are babies, and I forget sometimes that they are because they are so good and advanced that they are going to have meltdowns. They are going to push their limits. My job is to respond with love, not a meltdown of my own.

Now, I'm SO not perfect, but if I can strive for peace, I can see it in the distance. My children will not be small for very much longer. Maddie is already off to Kindergarten this year and I'm planning for next fall when she's in first grade. FIRST GRADE? I clearly remember first grade like it was yesterday. Cassie was my seat neighbor and always talked to me and got me in trouble. Trevor was a big baby who had to go "potty" every three minutes. Matt Reed was the cute boy who put one hand over his heart and one behind his back while we said the Pledge of Allegiance. ~sigh~ He moved to California and I never got a chance. My dad called my teacher Ms. Lembke Ms. Lumpy and she didn't really like me. The smell of the Paiste in the giant jars (not the taste!), having to scoop it out with sticks and put it on paper towels to carry to our desks.

My daughter will soon have these memories.

I'll catch you, Daddy!

Right now we're working (sort of) diligently on potty training Ben. He's poo'd in the potty three times now, which is a HUGE improvement. But our main issue is now his desire to "be like Tank", my MIL's Yorkie, who "pees outside". Our neighbor has caught Ben three times dropping trow and peeing all over the deck "like Tank". He thinks it's funny. I don't! Maddie would have never thought to pee outside!

Maddie on Father's day, sending a message to Grandpa Don

Maddie spent Saturday at the Zoo with her cousins for her birthday. Her cousin's birthday is 10 days before hers, so it's nice we can do stuff together. She spent the night Friday, zoo'd Saturday, then after church on Sunday went to her friend Nate's house for a few hours. She fell asleep in the car on the way home and didn't wake up until 6 am this morning. Then she climbed in with me and slept 2 more hours! 17 hours!

As for us, we're trying to sell the condo, Ryan is cutting down trees in the back yard and I'm desperately trying to keep up with the housework. It's not going so well, but at least I'm trying.

The getaway

Ryan and I planned an "adult" vacation earlier this year, thinking this may be the best time to get away. Our kids are old enough to be away from for a short while, we have a little money.

After planned the trip, we decided to buy our house, which sort of negated the whole money thing.

But we stayed at the Club 36, a Bluegreen Resort that opened last September. I wasn't thrilled with the idea of going to Vegas (I prefer less tourist-y vacations) but since the opportunity was there and Ryan wanted to go, I was game. Besides, I needed a vacation!

We decided to go on our anniversary and both of us had the idea of getting our vows renewed. Only one of us was set on having them done by Elvis (hint: it wasn't me). We eventually decided to rent a motorcycle and make a day out of some of the areas attractions that didn't involve gambling.

We settled on going to see Red Rock Canyon and Mt. Charleston, both within an hour or so of Vegas.

When we arrived in Las Vegas, it was a scorching 104 degrees. We had pretty much had it, so we turned up the air conditioning and fell right asleep. When we awoke 6 ish hours later, it was still a stifling 85 in our room, with no breeze. EH! The air was broke...they had to fix it. Then we set off toward the Strip, which was about a 20 minute walk.

It felt like we walked for 6 hours.

We arrived at the MGM Grand Casino, which was the closest major Casino to our resort. Even at 10 am, there were people everywhere and lights flashing. We walked though and out the other side to The Strip. We passed New York, New York across the street and walked though some pretty major construction of what someone called a "City Center", a new complex of restaurants and a casino and hotels. We stopped at the Harley-Davidson cafe for a drink and saw that they had a "Chopper Chapel". I suggested that I would be much happier with that instead of Elvis.

When we got back to the resort, we were informed that there is a shuttle that goes back and forth to MGM. Hm. We're dumb.

Wednesday we awoke bright and early to get our Motorcycle at Las Vegas Harley-Davidson. We rented a Black Electraglide and head off toward Red Rock Canyon, which was about 1/2 hour away. It was an amazing place. We rode the 15 mile trail, stopping once to get a better look, but we weren't equipt for a trail walk. Someday I'll go back and hike it.

Next we were off to Mt. Charleston, but somehow, we missed the turn off and went all the way around the mountains to Parhump (which is where all the brothels are). It was an amazing ride nevertheless, Ryan going 90 mph for long stretches because there wasn't another car in sight. The mountains were all around us. We rode about 200 miles in all that day.

Later that night we decided to check out the casinos. We went though Monte Carlo, Bellagio, Paris.

Each has a unique theme, Monte Carlo, Moroccan; Bellagio, Italian, with beautiful umbrella sized blown glass flowers overhead and an indoor greenhouse. Paris in situated under a replica Eiffel Tower, and inside the ceiling is painted to look like the sky. It was our favorite. We gambled a little in each, favoring the Roulette tables as usual, and pretty much broke even.

Thursday we vegged. I think we napped until 2. Then later in the evening we explored Excalibur, where we ate dinner; Luxor, which looks like a Pyramid and even the inside is shaped like one; and Mandalay Bay, where we saw the Shark Reef Exhibit. Then we went to Planet Hollwood to see a show called "The Mentalist" which was really crazy. We couldn't figure out how he knew all that stuff about people!

Friday we got married. ( it was also Sara's birthday and I did not call her. I DID facebook her, but it wasn't good enough and I'm sorry) We did go for the Chopper Chapel, and it was a beautiful service. The minister called it "refreshing" our vows, because we wanted to restate our love for one another, not because something had gone wrong! Afterward we ate lunch and everyone stared at me because I was in a wedding dress. It was a good time!

We went back to MGM nad played Roulette for a while. I was up, Ryan down, so again we were breaking even. But it's hard to win the "Big Money" when you're only playing with $40. We cashed out and went to a Japanese restaurant called Shibuya and ate some yummy sushi. It was so beautiful inside, we didn't want to leave! We went back to the resort for a little swim, when got ready to leave. I definately had a better time than I expected!

Tonight

We're supposed to go to a Tiger's game tonight...currently the forecast is calling for thunderstorms...to go or not to go...

I'm bored. I know, I have half a million things to do, but I don't feel like doing any of them! Plus I'm trying to potty train Ben and he's...well he's 2. He can hold it really well, most of the time. He can also hold his poo well. He's just not very good at telling me when he has to go. I have to sit him down and then he pees instantaneously. It's frustrating. We'll get it. Sooner or later.

The weather is gloomy, and we're so busy coming up this next week and weekend that I don't want to waste any extra energy. Cop out, I know.

Where's my motivation? I'd just like to be a blob, with no responsibilities.

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Ben was laying in bed with me last night because he took a nap on the way to Violin Lessons. He said he "wants to play a horn, like a trumpet" Then he looked at me with his serious little eyes and said, "but not a tuba mom, I don't want to play a tuba".

Thursday is Violin Lesson Day with Mr. Jorgji. But yesterday, he did come, and we didn't get a call...While we were sitting and waiting, Maddie steps right in front of a boy, about 10. "Hi! I get violin lessons with Mr. Jorgji". He looks at me, not quite sure what he should do. He looks like he's afraid of her. I say, "She's friendly" He says "I see that!" She talks to him for a while until it's time for his lesson. Though I know this about her, I'm amazed that she can just talk to anyone, but I hope she'll learn when it's not wanted!

Home Sweet Home

Friday was the big day. The big 2-8. So to get ourselves motivated (read: cleaning/fixing frenzy) we decided to have a party for my birthday and officially title it a housewarming party because everyone wanted to come over and check it out. A scant week before the date we sent out invites, many which I don't think arrived at their desired destinations, but none the less, we only had one week of planning.

The day dawned sunny and bright, with not one, but four phone calls at 8 am. For those of you who know me, you know I dislike very greatly to be woken up early. But Eight? On my birthday? Rude. Mary and Eli came over and helped us get cleaned up, the Laura and Hendrik came to help too. They helped by looking cute. But really, having friends over keeps me motivated. For those of you who know me, you know I greatly dislike cleaning. Mary agreed, but said she didn't mind cleaning other people's houses. She got the basement all in order just in time for the kids to destroy it again.

Everyone showed up just as the food was ready, but I was not. Turns out I had forgotten quite a few things I wanted to do, and many I needed to do! But Sara came to my rescue and handled all the kitchen craziness. She made room for food, accepted dishes from people and generally was my brain.

Some people I didn't see come, some I didn't see leave. I tried to get around to at least say hello, but there were a lot of people there! Thanks to everyone who came and/or brought food and/or gifts. The food was great and I'm gonna have tons of fun shopping with all the gift cards! I guess I'll lets Ryan use some of the Home Depot ones.

The night was beautiful, not too chilly, but some sweaters were required. Many of us stayed to watch The Game, which I was hoping and not hoping to have happen. We all know the final result. We won't speak of it.
We had s'mores by the fire...it was perfect. Everyone said our house is a great party house. I'm sure our Neighbors will love that!!

I had a really awesome birthday. Thank you everyone! I hope we can have many more parties in the years to come.

So New

I have been thinking up things to say for about 2 weeks now, but have not had the opporunity to write as I have not had internet access. Do you think I can remember any of it now? Plus I am on the floor, rather than typing comfortably in a chair, and it's hardwood. Ow.

So On May 23 we had our official move day, with the Kuchenmeister Four back in action for One Night Only. Ryan and his brothers and dad did all the heavy lifting and got us about 90% moved in. It doesn't really feel like our house yet. It doesn't smell like our house yet. Mostly, it smells of varnish and paint, but it just isn't there yet. I'm sure with time (and more dirty laundry, more about that) it will.

One of the hard things is going back to the condo to get the rest of our stuff. Yes, it's hard work, but really, it's the emotional stuff that's getting me. So many things happened at that house. I brought got married, brought home two babies, lost two more, had my dad there...many many happy memories. The condo served us well. It's just time now to move on.

I have the kids room almost done. The heinous green isn't so bad after all, with all the furniture and wall hangings. The colors matches perfectly and I'm actually glad I picked it. I need a shelf for Maddie, and some clean up stuff, but being in there makes me really happy.

We painted the front room and all the bedrooms, and then the family room. No carpet in there yet, hopefully this weekend. It's all coming together...

With the exception of the washing machine. We have had no washing abilities since we've moved in, due to a pump that needed to be put in to pump the water higher up to the septic. A $200 project we weren't anticipating. (isn't that always how it goes?) Ryan's working on it today, but I think he's secretly trying to find a way to keep me out of underwear.

I love watching my kids run around the yard. I almost would have just bought a yard. We've had a few bon fires (due to the massive amounts of pruning needed) and we have a great newly stained deck that the Kuchenmeister 3 reunited for (two days only, one rescheduled for rain). We have so much more work to do! But it's worth it, so far!

As usual, I feel slightly forelorn when a change come along. It's not that I don't want it. I begged for it! I guess I'm just always surprised when I get what I want. I hate feeling like even though I'm getting so much and have so many blessings, I want more. (cue Ariel: I want MOOOORRREE) I'm disappointed that another month has gone by and I'm not pregnant. These things are all good distractions, but now everyone's bumps are growing and I want one! I feel like a silly baby. How could I possibly be asking for something else? I guess God's timing is not my own. A lesson I still have to learn after all these years. I guess 'before' was not right, maybe these other amazing things would not have been put into play without the first step, however painful. I'm still working on my patience, obviously.

"Charlie, don't forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he ever wanted!" "What happened?" "He lived happily ever after!"

nothing much, only EVERYTHING!

I have little time these days for much on the computer. A quick check here, a posted picture there. I supposed it's better that way. I can get sucked in, then get bored. I have often wondered if I have reached the end of the internet. I have so many other things to do. Like packing. And painting and cleaning and taking care of the kids and ... well, you get the drift.

I have been practically husbandless all week. Meeting, practices, concerts...all the week we are attempting to move. I shouldn't complain, I was aware of these things beforehand, but it still comes as a shock to have so much to do and so little help. MIL Cheryl took Ben up north for the week. She was bored, and he is busy, so she figured she'd kill two birds. I do miss him, but I think I may have killed him if he was alone with me all week. He is quite something sometimes, and he has a tendency to time it just right for when I'm about it lose it.
So I only have Maddie, who graduated from Preschool yesterday. I didn't cry as much as I thought, but in one song they sang "mom, oh mom, what would I do without YOU!" and that was it for me! I will miss her little class and all the nice moms and normal kids. We're not talking perfect. I mean normal in the crazy, having a bad day sometimes, why in the world did you do that? kinda kids. None of the moms were clique-y, though I think the one dad that dropped his son off was intimidated a little by all the estrogen. I'm glad that many of those kids will be in school with her in kindergarten.

We have the Solid Rock concert tomorrow. It's at the Emerald Theatre and its our rockin' church band. They're doing a mix of worship and rock tunes, so if you're interested, the doors are at 6 and the tickets are $10 at the door. All ages are welcome, in fact last year I took Ben! He was hilarious, playing drums on pop cans and cups with straws. This time he's missing it, but I can relax a little more, even with Maddie there!