The “Suffering” Princess

Well, one more yearly round of tests out of the way. Today H had 3 CT scans, one with contrast (translation, she had to have an IV), lab work, and a neurologist appointment. If you were reading last year about this time, you know that this day of the year, although one of our least favorite, is never without its humorous moments.

Where to begin. . . we had the normal start to the day with nervous talk, then brave talk (which disappears as soon as the needle shows up), and threatening looks at the nurse holding the needle. At one point she gave JR and me a look and said,“Thanks a lot for bringing me here” with her best sarcastic voice. As the nurses worked on the IV, H informed them, “This is what is called suffering.” Once the IV was in place and scans done without contrast, Becky, the nurse who put the IV in, came in to insert the dye for the next scan. H looked sideways at Becky, then looked away with a roll of her eyes and said, “Oh, it’s you again.” H has no problem telling anyone exactly what she thinks, including hospital staff; but they were great. They took it all in stride and even had H laughing at her own comments.

"Thanks a lot for bringing me here."

As long as there are mirrors around. . . .



Starbucks, as promised.



There were so many other laugh out loud moments, but I am so tired I can't think of them! I'm just so glad that, though this day is very difficult for her, H does better each year and learns to laugh through the "suffering".

The Newest Cousin

On Sunday, May 17, 2009, the newest addition to The Cousins was born. Here are some pictures from the day.

Uncle J getting "the boy", who is laughing hysterically at Little L in the front seat, ready to meet his new sister.


Lil Sis is greeted by Big Bro, who was at first more interested in waving to the helicopter atop the adjacent building.


After her first relaxing beauty treatment, she was sound asleep.

The "before" and "after" cousins pictures.



I usually hate being photographed, but when a niece or nephew is involved, I feel differently. The last picture is just one of my favorites from the day!

So now it's official; we have "the boy" and "the girl".

They passesd!

Here's a quick highlight clip.



Christian Soldiers - Black Belt Forms from Christian Soldiers on Vimeo.

Clearing Forms

Today Big L and Little L tested to "clear forms", the first step to becoming a black belt in karate. They must pass forms in order to be allowed to test for their black belts, and though we will not get the results until the end of the week, expectations are high! They both did a great job, and we are very proud of them!

Watching the lower belt tests. . . .


Can't take it much longer. . . .


About to begin. . . .


And they're off!






We were laughing on the way home that in karate they are rewarded for those awful looks. . . instead of "wipe that look off your face!" Of course, I've never had to actually say that to my boys. It did feel funny as a mom encouraging my sons to "look mean, get an attitude"! It was fun!

Camping?

During spring break, the kids will be going camping with their grandparents for a few days. They are very excited; so excited, in fact, that the boys decided they just couldn't wait. A few nights ago, they decided to have a pre-camping campout in the backyard. Wild and crazy guys!


the campsite


the campers


plenty of snacks were involved, of course


yeah, right

They "camped" in the gazebo in our back yard, mosquito curtains pulled together and zipped, lawn furniture and sleeping bags made into beds, and a pillar candle burning for their campfire. They even roasted mini marshmallows over the candle using fondue sticks! Then they got my camera to document.

I must admit, I really thought they'd be back inside in their comfy beds by at least 3 or 4 that morning. However, not only did they last the night, the next morning Little L came in, grabbed a book, went back outside and began reading while Big L kept snoozing with the sun shining bright. What a sight! I underestimated my boys. And, I learned that teenage boys really can sleep through anything, anywhere.

Hello 2009

I didn’t get around to Christmas cards this season, but I want to say Happy New Year to everyone. Thank you to all who did send Christmas cards! It’s such a joy to receive them, and I will do my best to send them next year.

2008 was an amazing year for our family. The kids are growing up so quickly. Big L is now taller than me with a voice almost as deep as his dad’s. Now a freshman in high school, he spends most of his free time playing his guitar and learning to write songs and record them on the computer. He’s getting quite good! Our precious H is also approaching me in height, and we can now share shoes. She, true to her passion, has spent the year dancing. Her big recital was in May, and in December her dance studio performed for and visited with residents of a retirement community. It was a sweet time. Little L continues on his quest of learning as much as he can about space. He also loves working with his grandpa, doing things like roofing a shed and laying ceramic tile (just a couple of their many projects!). The boys are currently training for their black belts in karate and hope to achieve their goal by this summer.

JRR and I continue our pursuits with a home business and home schooling. It has been challenging, exciting, and rewarding. As the kids get older, teaching becomes a greater challenge, but God always provides the ways and resources we need to do our best!

We look forward to 2009 and wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year!

Photo shoot 2008:






After finally getting a good family pic (and believe me, it took many tries), Big L and H ran off gleefully. Little L is the only one who hung around for any more pictures.

Little L turns 12

Well, the baby of our family turned 12 a few days ago. Only one more year until all 3 of our children will be teenagers! It doesn't seem possible. Some might think 3 teens at one time sounds awful, but I think it's great. There have been special things about every age, and now I enjoy the growing maturity in my kids. I love being able to have in-depth, meaningful conversations with them about topics from relationships to politics.

We began celebrating, as is our tradition, with a birthday breakfast chosen by the birthday boy: cinnamon rolls and bacon. It was great fun getting all 12 candles into his cinnamon rolls!



This has turned out to be the Nerf birthday. Our boys love to have "Nerf wars" with their friends. So, to add to the arsenal, we got him his first automatic Nerf gun. This thing actually has an ammo belt and, according to the instructions, fires "3 darts per second". He was thrilled:



But of course, it couldn't stop there. With his birthday money he had to buy the sniper rifle, another gun, and extra ammo. Which brings me to his "real" celebration. In a couple of weeks, he will have a group of friends over to have one of these Nerf wars. (We are waiting for soccer season and a karate tournament to be behind us in order to have the time for the party.)

Little L is a fun guy to be around. He has a sense of humor that I fear may someday surpass that of his father. I'm not sure my heart or my sides will be able to take it. He can mimic, mock, or impersonate others like you wouldn't believe (because he won't do it around anyone but us!). His wit is amazing. His energy seems to know no end. He doesn't miss a thing. And, he's an awesome cook!

But there is more to little L than fun and games. I am continually moved by his compassion and thoughtfulness. He loves to do things for others; when he gives a gift, he tries very hard, and succeeds, in giving one that truly fits the person he desires to bless (another way he takes after his dad). When things need to be done around the house, he's the first one to jump in and help.

He's a "man" of many interests: soccer, music, fishing, camping with Grandma and Grandpa, going to work and building things with Grandpa, and science. He is sitting in front of the TV with his dad tonight, coloring in an electoral map he made this afternoon. As I said in a previous post, Little L's life goal is to work for NASA. Any time we suggest things he'd be great at (such as comedian, politician, contractor, and on and on), he reminds us that he already has a plan for his life. And I believe he can become whatever he sets his mind to.



Little L, known to many family members as "the leader" (a very funny story that unfortunately would not be funny if I attempted to explain it in blog form), is a great kid. Even though he causes me to want to pull my hair out often more than once a day, I wouldn't trade a single thing about him!