A Birthday Party to Remember

So we celebrated Jack's 9th birthday on Saturday - a day early. I was trying to figure out what would be a fun party for twelve nine-year-old boys. Then dodge ball entered my mind - what boy doesn't love throwing balls at other boys. This party was a massive success.

All we did was find a big multi-purpose room at church and got four soft balls (two for each side) and marked off a two-sided court with masking tape. Seriously, they didn't want to stop. It was so simple and so loved - I have to remember this in the future for my other boys.

We played about nine rounds of dodge ball and had a long jump and a little relay race added in for some variety - along with cookie cake and Papa Johns Pizza (of course). A great group of little boys - fun was had by all, even the adults!

Happy 9th Birthday Jack

We celebrated Jack's 9th birthday today. To say time flies is an understatement. I told Jack last night how I felt taking him home from the hospital 9 years ago in Cambridge England and specifically how scared I was. He was amused to know that I was scared. He seem to kind of get it - a sign of maturity in its own right.

Here is a picture of our nine-year-old and a questionnaire I asked him to fill out today:

Growing Up....

So I was crazy enough to do two milestone events with Eliot in the same day! We cut his hair, and we started potty training!  What? I told Charles that only with your fourth child are you this silly. Both make him feel so big. In fact, Jack pointed out that we really cannot call him Baby anymore. And Theo just kept saying we have to record this on the calendar. They are both right.

Here are the pictures recording the day:

We started like this (sigh)....

We had some moments like this....

We ended like this...

And we had lots of this....

To celebrate the day, Jack and Theo insisted that Eliot throw the first pitch of their imaginary baseball game. And he did - oh the sweet life when you have have two older brothers doting on you.

Behind Every Great Man and Grandchild...

Today is the two year anniversary of the death of Charles's mom. It seems like it was just yesterday in many ways. I was just sitting here thinking about her and all the things I am so grateful to her for, and it reminded me of this post I wrote to her a few days before she died. I have copied it below.

As I reread it, I am struck by how true those things still are. However, what I am even more aware of is how many of her traits are living on in her four grandchildren. There are times when Jack ask for the salsa to be passed, or Theo stares intensely at the puzzle trying to figure a way to solve it, or Addie cocks her head with an earnest face, or Eliot grabs his mémé that I am reminded of her. She has left a legacy. My life is better because of her. She is missed but far far far from forgotten - she is near in very tangible ways.

Originally written October 2012 -

Many times throughout life you are given the opportunity to thank someone. Often these opportunities are quite mundane such as thanking someone for holding the door open or passing the butter. Other times, however, the opportunity to say thank you is much grander, but unfortunately the chance often passes us by, and we don’t take it. It’s the latter type I want to do here – I don’t want to miss the opportunity to thank my mother-in-law for molding my husband into the man he is. 

For the past twelve and a half years I have had the privilege of sharing life with Charles. He is an incredible man and even more amazing husband, but that is not what this writing is about. This entry is about his mom, Monette.  Over the years, it has become obvious to me that many of the things that I so appreciate about Charles he has learned from his mom. Here are a few things that come to mind:

• Charles cares for and makes time for people. I see this same openness in you. Many times I have seen you open your home to someone who has a need.  Countless time I know you have been a listening ear to another homeschooling mom who needs advice.  I wouldn’t even be able to guess how many babies are holding mémés (blankets) that were hand knitted by you. Undeniably, you have been a good friend to many.

• Charles is very accurate in his speech and with details (much to my dismay sometimes!). You and the rest of the family are very precise people. I tried to come up with some examples, but I could only remember them generally, without any of the necessary detail!  Nonetheless, you have been very patient with me and have warmly welcomed me and my ‘less’ precise nature into the family, and I am grateful.

• Charles has often been described as ‘smart’, for a lack of a better word. His ‘smartness’ is largely driven by his inquisitive mind. I know from an early age he would ask questions, and you and David would encourage him to find the answer out for himself – not in a mean way but in a self-sufficient knowledge gaining way. I see this same inquisitive, loving to learn aspect in you as well. Thanks for teaching him to work hard to understand things.

• Charles loves games. It is not hard to see where he learned this. You and David are always ready to play bridge with us, or play a family game of Geek (much to my dissatisfaction!) or Empire.  I know it is not the game that you are so keen on, but instead the opportunity to spend time as a family. I love this and hope we can continue this in our immediate family.  

• Charles has an amazing ability to stay up until early hours in the morning. You are clearly the other night owl in the family. Both of you make me look wimpy with my need for sleep!  I know Charles has always appreciated your ability to stay up late and has enjoyed many late night conversations with you as a result.

• Charles is an excellent dad in many ways, but one way that has particularly ministered to me is his love for newborn babies. I still remember how competent he was with Jack when we first brought him home from the hospital and I was so clueless. Both you and David are so great with babies. He has had excellent role-models in this area and it has paid dividends in our family. I am not sure I know another person who enjoys rocking a baby more than you. It was a joy to have you in England after the births of Jack and Addie, and recently it was incredibly special to watch you rock Eliot during his whole two hour nap (gasp!).

• Charles aims for the gospel to affect every area of our life. This is something I am very grateful for because often my sin tries to push other ways. He is quick to point out that he has learned this from you and David. You all have been excellent examples of living out your faith in the midst of hard situations and even to the extent of sometimes looking foolish in the eyes of the world. This is one of the best gifts you have passed to Charles. We hope our kids can say the same of us some day. 

Monette, there aren’t really words to describe how grateful I am for Charles. It seems overwhelmingly inadequate, but thank you. Thank you for helping to make Charles the man he is today. Jack, Theo, Addie, Eliot, and I are forever indebted to you. Thank you for being my mother-in-law and friend. It is so simple, and I am sorry if I have not said it more clearly before, but thank you.

Jack's First Game Pitching

Making Memories

Anyone who is around our boys (Charles included!) will quickly learn that they love the Royals. After 29 long years, the Royals are making it fun to be a fan again. Only Charles can truly understand this drought, but Jack and Theo are loving the post season fun the Royals have been providing.

Last night Charles and Jack drove to Kansas City (with Nathan and Jack Tiemeyer) and watched the Royals clinch the American League Division Series against the Angels. It was a great game - lots of fun stuff to see - and even better that most of it was being done by the Royals. Here are some of the fun pictures taken during that trip:

Boys, Hair, Homeschooling....

So last week in the middle of the morning Jack and Theo were unusually quiet. I decided to not investigate. They are old enough to know better right??? Well come to find out, they were styling each other's hair - they had found Charles's hair gel and were having a grand time. Here are the results of that discovery....

Eliot and Grandad

One of the things that always kind of bothered me when we lived in England was that I didn't feel my kids knew my parents well enough. When my parents would come to visit it would take a few days for them to perk up and 'know' them.

This was particularly true at some ages more than others, namely 1-2 years. I remember one time when we came home to Missouri to visit when Jack was about a year and he would scream every time my dad tried to push his stroller.

So you can imagine my happiness when last week I turned around and saw my Dad and Eliot (age 2) walking away from me hand and hand at Theo's soccer game (so of course I grabbed my phone to take a picture). There is no doubt that my kids know my parents now, in fact it is clear they are some of their favorite people. Yay!

All I want for Christmas....

A little early, but our six-year-old has had a few exciting days.....

Addie and Mommy Date

Addie redeemed her 'Lunch with Mommy' date this past week. Part of the agreement is that she gets to choose where we go. She had thrown out quite a few different ideas, so I was a bit surprised when she settled on Hy-Vee (the local grocery store with a cafe). When we got there, she requested a slice of pizza and some watermelon. I got her those things and went through the salad bar for myself.

We went back to a booth by the window to sit down. I arranged her plate across from mine when she piped up and told me she wanted to sit by me. I reassured her that we were. I would sit right across the table from her. She then told me that 'by me' means on the same side of the table. I felt a little awkward, but not enough to not to do it! I figured this stage won't last forever and I will cherish it while I can get it. I happily sat right by this little lady:

She was such a fun (and cheap) date that I surprised her at the end by taking her to Orange Leaf - a family favorite - self-serve yoghurt place. She was very pleased. A very successful Mommy - Daughter date!

Addie's First Day of Pre-School

I cannot believe this little girl started pre-school today. She was so excited. We missed her a lot, but all accounts were that she had a great time. The sweet/sad thing is that while she was gone Eliot walked around saying 'when Addie home'? 

Soccer and Good Friends

Charles is coaching Jack's soccer team again this year. They have been having fun, and actually winning some games this year!  It has been fun to see them develop better skills. It has also been fun because we have been able to play with good friends. Here are some pictures in our bright orange uniforms:

Rubber Strips and Icees

Today we had to take our van into get a little rubber strip reattached by the driver's side window. It was a small fix, but since the car is still under warranty, worth doing!  On the phone, the serviceman indicated to me that it would be a really quick fix which to a mom of four means oh about five minutes and you all get to stay in the car. No luck on that idea! When we pulled up they told us that it would take a minimum of an hour and that we all had to come out to the waiting room. 

That was the bad news. The good news was this was not just an ordinary waiting room. This was a newly renovated Toyota dealer. It had televisions all over the place and free snacks all over the place. I kid you not here is what we had to choose from: mini bags of cookies, freshly popped popcorn, chips, ice cream cups, a soda fountain and by far the kids favourite - an icee machine. In fact this was the first time they were all allowed an icee - their own icee to be exact. Did I mention they were free?

Never has an hour in a waiting room gone more smoothly. The kids did really well. I actually taught them a lot about the Price is Right game show which was showing on television. Both Charles and I associate this game show as one of each of our grandmother's favorite games but which I haven't watched in at least 15 years. 

About 50 minutes into the stay, the manager came up to compliment me on the kids behavior. I told him that he had built a place that made well-behaved kids an easier task. He laughed and then proceeded to tell me that there was an arcade in the back corner. I quickly declined and was thankful that the younger two which were in hearing distance did not know the word arcade. Are you kidding me, an arcade too? I would just like to pay less for my car next time please....

On the way home, Theo asked me when we could go back. I told him not for a while since the car wouldn't need service. He then came up with the great idea that we pull the rubber strip off of the door again so we could go back again soon. He was joking (I think!), but I have been keeping a close eye on the rubber strip!

Interrupting Thoughts

We just got back from a week-long vacation to Branson Missouri. We spent the majority of the week with Charles’s extended family which meant there was lots of people, lots of the time. 

Well the last night we were there we decided to have a BBQ. Right before the BBQ was about to begin Theo asked if he could go back to our condo and eat instead of Papa’s condo where we were having the BBQ. We said sure and walked him back over there.

About five minutes later, I went to check on him. He was happily sitting at one of the tables coloring a picture. I asked him if he was feeling okay. He said he was. I asked him if he just wanted time by himself. He said he did. And then he followed on with....

‘Sometimes when I am with people they talk to me. They say things like “hey Theo you want to play tag” and well, they just interrupt my thoughts.”

There you have it – our little introvert. Every family needs at least one!

Eliot and 'Hi'

Eliot has an obsession with motorcycles. I think we can trace it back to one time when we were sitting at a stop light and I rolled down the window to let him take a better look at a motorcycle in the lane right next to us. The motorcycle driver was happy to see a cute little boy peering out the window and obliged by waving.

 Ever since then, Eliot has expected all motorcycles to wave at him. I have actually been impressed by how many actually do. It appears that motorcycle drivers may be some of the more friendly drivers around.

In fact, now every time Eliot sees a motorcycle he starts yelling in a loud gruffy voice 'Hi' repeatedly until someone in the car acknowledges they see the motorcycle too. He is impressive in his ability to spot one. It is almost like it is his version of the slug bug game. I know this phase won't last forever but it sure is cute now. This is not the best picture of Eliot, but it is one that I have of him in his favorite 'Hi' shirt.

Watermelon....

One of the things I missed while in England was watermelon. Occasionally, Charles would treat me by buying me a Greek imported watermelon for 10 GBP! The price some times took part of the enjoyment away!  So these past few years I have really enjoyed watermelon all summer long. It has been fun too, to see that I am not the only one in our family who enjoys this Summer fruit:

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to our favorite Daddy! Our present to him this year: these videos and chips and guacamole (which will make sense once you watch all the videos). Oh, and a weed-eater (we truly are old now!):

Theo's self portrait

When I picked Theo up at church the other week I was greeted by one of the workers saying ‘I have to show you what Theo did today’ – immediate parent panic starts. The volunteer then pulled this picture out:

She was a mix between embarrassed and entertained. I asked Theo about the drawing and he said ‘well they told me to draw myself and I thought I am a boy, I should draw a penis’. I guess he got sidetracked before adding the trousers!  All in all, I thought it was a fairly good self-portrait.  :)

Theo's First Coach Pitch Game

So I am mentioned in an earlier post, Theo is playing t-ball for the first time this year. It has been a lot of fun. In an effort to move the boys towards more advanced baseball, they have just introduced 'outs' where a kid can really be tagged out if the ball is thrown there or they are tagged. They also introduced the coach pitching the ball rather than just hitting off a tee. The way it works is that the coach throws five pitches and if the player hasn't made contact, then the tee is brought out and the kids hits off it. I really like this new set up, but not nearly as much as Theo did.

The whole way to the game Theo told me that he just couldn't wait to get someone out. He was just so excited about the prospect. It is probably worth mentioning that on one fluke incident earlier in the season, before these new rules were introduced, that Theo successfully tagged a guy out at third base. Theo promptly told the guy that he was out and then looked decently upset that the guy wasn't being removed from third and told to go back to the dugout (they just let all the kids stay on before the introduction of this rule).

Despite this new rule, they still have the rule that the last batter hits a grand slam (in that all the kids on the base run all the around and the hitter gets to score too). Well the last kid on the opposing team hit the ball out to left field (which of course means it just rolled out there and no one stopped it!). Theo ran all the way from center field to left field got the ball and then proceeded to run as fast as he could all the way to home plate holding the ball (he knew this was safer than trying to throw it!). He beat the runner and then just stood there waiting for him so that he could tag him out. The runner ran in and Theo tagged him. It was hilarious and as Theo would want you to know 'the coach did the out sign and called the runner out'. That, friends, is successful tee ball! :)

End of Year...Awards

At the end of last year, Jack and Theo got their presidential fitness awards given to them. I love the fact that they did this, largely because I remember doing it as a kid. Sweet memories. The boys were kind of impressed with the fact that Barack Obama's 'signature' was on it. 

There was one funny moment where a girl was supposed to be whispering, but instead it came out in a 'kid whisper' for us all to hear: 'I don't know if my dad will like this award because he doesn't much like the president!' 

Here are some pictures for the memory book: 

Theo and T-Ball

Theo started t-ball this spring and has really enjoyed it. The league that he and Jack play on assigns each  player in each age division to a major league team. Theo has played for the NY Yankees this year and Jack has played (for the second year) for the Philadelphia Phillies. When Theo found out that he has been assigned to the Phillies, he immediately told Jack that meant he got to be better than Jack! 

We have quickly realized that having an older brother is quite an advantage. Theo is one of the few players on his team who understands baseball (having watched Jack's games) and so he takes it upon himself to run all around the field getting the ball. It is not unusual that he might run from left field to right field if necessary. It is quite amusing - we never knew bunch ball existed in t-ball. We are working on playing your position, but for the most part, this year is mainly just about fun. And Theo is having a lot of that!

Some pictures are included below.

Theo is in the right back row. He is in the back row because he was deemed one of the 'taller' kids. I think  this is true, but it probably didn't hurt that he also had found a huge dirt pile and had run around in it in the first five minutes before practice. And if that wasn't enough, he had also 'practiced' a few slides so already had grass stain on his baseball pants. And if both of those hadn't done it, he 'accidentally' had brought Jack's old faded hat from last year. Oh, the joys of being the younger brother extend both ways!!!!

Having his close friend Andrew on his team has made this year lots of fun:

A rare moment of concentration as he waits for the pop fly.....

Swimming lessons

Theo and Addie started swimming lessons yesterday. They were very excited because they know that we are doing lessons to get them ready for the outdoor pool which opens this weekend. They had a great time with their teacher Whitney. We actually signed them up for semi-private lessons (they are the only two kids with the teacher). Last year it quickly became apparent that the pool would be no fun for me if I had four kids and only one that could swim well so this is our last minute attempt to get Theo and Addie going on their own this summer.

Theo told us afterwards that he thought his teacher was really tricky because she had held his hand and had him jump in and then she asked him to do it again and this time she kept holding her hand further back, and finally Theo just jumped/fell in. This was very amusing to Theo. Here are some pictures of them in their swimming 'gear'. And the last picture is Jack trying to show them how to smile!

Happy 2nd birthday Eliot Charles

Here is a fun picture of our favorite 2 year - Bring on the twos....I think I am ready!

Like Father, Like Son....

The other day I was telling the babysitter that Theo was allowed to watch one of his favortie shows while I was gone called Wild Kratts (not surprising an animal show!). I told the sitter that the show came on between 4:30 and 5:00 and he could have the tv on then. Theo quickly piped up and said no Mom that is not when the show is on. I quickly dismissed him and said ‘yes it is Theo’. To which his response was ‘No, Mom it is on from 4:30 to 4:59. Martha Speaks comes on at 5:00.’  He was right. I was wrong. Like father, like son.

#LifewithTheo

Theo is really into anything to do with animals. He is a walking animal factoid. Seriously – some of the most obscure facts come out of his mouth.

Well, yesterday Jack came in and announced that Theo was peeing in the front yard. Charles quickly calls Theo in. He questions Theo on Jack’s allegation.Without missing a beat, Theo promptly explained that he ‘was peeing on the termite mound he had ‘made’ because that is what termites do to solidify their mound so he wanted to make sure his  mound was built well’. Yes, you cannot make these things up.#lifewithTheo

Respect Your Continent

The boys are learning a timeline of world history this year through Classical Conversations.
Alexander the Great, through some transmutation that only comes through the minds of
little kids, turned into a nickname for Eliot, but as Alexander the Chicken. It’s a game for
them: Eliot runs through the house, laughing, chasing his older siblings, as they yell, “Look
out! Here comes Alexander the Chicken!”

That’s the backdrop for a recent incident. Addie was parading around, talking about
Alexander the Chicken, just like her older brothers. But Theo pulled a 180 on her. He
sternly corrected her, “You need to show some respect for your continent.”

“Theo,” Mrs. Thumb Up said somewhat puzzled. “Alexander the Great’s not from North
America.”

“I know,” Theo replied. “He’s from Europe, but we are Europeans.”  Clearly Theo has not forgotten the land of his birth.

Of course, most of our English friends are now puzzled too, since they don’t often think of
themselves as being part of Europe. :)

When I grow up...by Addie Anderson

On the way to church this morning, Addie announced that she knows what she wants to

be when she grows up. “When I grow up, I want to first be a mommy. Then when I’m done

being a mommy, I’m gonna be a princess. And when I’m done being a princess, I think I

want to be Spiderman.”

Growing Up

Eliot is getting so big right before our eyes. I think our times of him just lying on our chest resting are infrequent now and are just going to become more infrequent. So Charles soaked this one in this morning.

What's your name?

So we have often affectionately referred to Eliot as baby. The whole family has. I think we may be reaping our reward from that. Now when we ask Eliot what his name is, he says 'baby'. See for yourself:

Miss Pigtails

Addie has started to take an interest in her hair lately. Here is our favorite latest style:

I sent this to my Mom and she said that it reminds her of another little girl 30 years ago. I am afraid she may be right! Sorry Addie. :)

A rite of passage

A few nights ago Charles was gone and the kids and I were having a casual dinner. By casual, I mean really casual. In fact, Jack mastered this skill sought after by most eight-year-old boys. We were all so excited that we took this video and texted it to Charles. He was genuinely sad he missed out. :) 

Wife

Yesterday I was helping Addie with her speech therapy homework which consists of saying a lot of words with the letter F in them. Basically, you point to a picture and ask her to say the word. Well one of the words this week is WIFE.  Every time I point to the picture she says 'that is you Mommy.'  Yes, and what is the word Addie? And she says Erin. Every time. I blame my nickname from Charles as the culprit!  Too funny.

Addie, Fans, and Mom & Dad's Clothes

We've been taking Addie to speech therapy recently. Sometimes I think it is expensive pre-school, but nonetheless, she loves it and I love seeing her interact with her therapist. It is so much fun to see your kids when they are interacting with another adult.

Specifically, we are working on the F sound. One of the words she was concentrating on was fan. Well last session, she started to tell Rachel, her speech therapist, about how she had a fan in her room, and that Jack and Theo have a fan in their room. She then said that Eliot didn't have a fan in his room because Mom and Dad keep their clothes in there. Rachel looked a little confused. Why on earth would keeping clothes in someone's room prevent you from having a fan???? Well, I had to explain to Rachel that actually Eliot sleeps in our closet still so space was somewhat limited. It was so funny that in Addie's little head we keep clothes in Eliot's room, rather than him sleeping in our closet!

Lunch Date with Jack

So as part of Christmas this year, Charles and I gave the kids homemade gift certificates. They were for various things but the most anticipated ones were a day out for lunch with Mom or Dad by themselves.

Well, so far Addie has tried to redeem both of these coupons - in fact, she tried to redeem them both the first week in January. We told her that she wouldn't get new ones until next Christmas, so she should try to make them last. Deferred gratification is a hard concept for a four-year-old!  We have, however, let her redeem her Daddy lunch coupon. One of the stipulations is that kid gets to pick where they go for lunch. So based on Addie's  pick, Charles enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Burger King's play place. He blames me for not redirecting her decision to a more acceptable place!

Jack redeemed his Mommy lunch date coupon last week. He chose Las Margaritas, one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. We had a great time. It was one of those moments that comes every so often in parenting where you realize that your kid is maturing and is actually fun to be with!

One of my favorite conversations we had while at lunch revolved around saving money and getting a car some day. This was prompted by our nephew Justin just recently getting his drivers' permit. Jack told me that he wanted to start to save his money so that he could buy a car when he went to college. After some more discussion, he decided that a used car made sense, given that they were less expensive. His reasoning is what cracked me up. He said that he thought that by the time he got to college he thought that Dad and I would probably not want to take him everywhere!  And immediately, I thought I must record that!  He didn't say that HE wouldn't want US to take him places, but that WE wouldn't want to take HIM places. Somehow I believe that his little eight year old self might think differently well before eighteen, but I won't complain if not!

Best Mommy In His Small World

A few days ago I was chatting with Theo and he mentioned that he thought I was a good mommy. I was kind of teasing him and bantering back and forth. I then said, 'do you think I am the best mommy in the world?' and without missing a beat he said, 'well, you are all I really know'. LOL.

Factory by Jack

One of Jack's vocabulary words is factory. I was asking him what the definition of factory was today and he quickly told me 'a place people went to work beginning in the 1760s'. He may be the only kid who would define factory by its place in the Industrial Revolution. I even had to double check the date. He was right.

Pauses by Addie

Today on the way home from church Addie asked me if she could pause her nap? A bit confused I asked what she meant. She said, 'you know when you stop something, you pause it.' I quickly told her no, and then informed her the correct definition of pause - emphasizing the part of starting again and not stopping for long. That was done just in case she decides on her own to pause her nap today!

Letter to Grandmother

Today Addie asked me for a card because she wanted to make Grandmother a card. I went and got out a card and then left her to it. I came back later and found that she had made a card with lots of stickers of dogs and little girls in it 'because Grandmother likes dogs and pretty girls'. A few minutes later I glanced over and saw Addie trying to put a postal stamp on it. I was in a hurry and quickly told her that the letter didn't need a stamp. This is all I vocalized. In my head, of course, I thought that we would hand deliver the letter and it wasn't worth wasting a stamp on it.

Well, later that day, I went out to the mailbox to put a letter in it that I wanted to posted tomorrow. In the mailbox, I found this:

Addie had taken it upon herself to put her letter to Grandmother in the mailbox. It was so sweet. It had no stamp, or name, or address on it but Addie knew that it should be in there if it was going to be 'mailed'. I rescued the card today and will hold onto the memory for a lot longer. So precious.