Anti-Arbor Day?!

No, we are not anti arbor day, but my husband did choose this last weekend
to take down an elm in our yard.
The boys thought it quite fun and learned how to cut down a large
tree without all the special equipment the professionals use.
All we needed was a truck, ladder, chain, and chainsaw.

Spring is Here!

Micah received his first fishing pole for his 4th birthday this year.
Today was the first day that was nice enough for him and Dan to go out and give it a try. He was a little disappointed because he "only" caught one fish - not bad if you ask me.

Typing

I recently viewed a friend's blog with this link to a typing program.
I had just started looking into different typing programs that
would be helpful for younger children, and wasn't sure what was a
reasonable amount to spend. But why spend anything when you don't have too! The boys have both tried and think it is great!

Just a few minor warnings:
Use of this program will cause annoyance with British accents;
Continual use may lead to carpal-tunnel syndrome (or in Jake's case, whinitis: "My wrist hurts"!). Seriously, two days in a row must be too much for him! Which leads to the next warning . . .
Some parental supervision required for proper finger and hand placement on keyboard!

Self-Defense

Did you know that 90% of women attacked know their attackers?
Only about 10% of attacks come from someone they do not know or have ever met!

This last Saturday, I participated in a Rape prevention and Environmental Awareness Seminar put on by Life for Christ Karate and their Women of Dignity and Hope program.

I was able to learn about becoming aware of my surroundings, getting in touch with my "Mama Bear" side, and learn and practice some techniques to use if I am ever assaulted. I would explain some, but as they put it, that would be giving away my "bag of tricks".

I learned that above all, one nver wants to get in a situation where they need to use these techniques, to run away if possible, then use techniques until one can get away and the threat no longer exists. I also got a really neat tool called a kubotan

A great read for moms pertaining to this would be Protecting the Gift by Gavin DeBecker. I had read this book a few years back, and taking this class brought to mind many things I had read about and had learned from this book.

Easter Pics!

Here are some of our Easter pictures! The boys wanted the egg hunt outside and Papa was happy to oblige! We missed the Price family and Uncle Wendell this year, but did have some friends join us, so that was a treat!


The Langnesses: Emily, Noah & Aaron on Noah's first official egg hunt!


Grandpa & Micah checking out the goods! Notice the sun did come out for awhile!


Dan may have been a little too excited to take over for Cooper who was napping!


Sophia was the only girl this year! I had so much fun filling her eggs!



Papa had to get creative for the older boys.

5:00 AM!

Well, I think we've started on a new phase of parenting. I don't have a name for it, but so far it has provided Dan & I with immense amusement!

Jake spent the night with a friend and made the bad choice of staying up until 5:00 AM! After just four hours of sleep, they were back up and playing.

Neither Dan or I were thrilled when we heard this-from Jake's own mouth. I am not sure if he was bragging, thinking it was cool, or if (thankfully) he still wants to tell us everything.

I don't know about you, but I don't do very well on 4 hours of sleep and we had a busy day planned. We had a birthday party and then were going to Sat. night service. Jake was a little groggy during the party but the ride to church put him to sleep. I have a saying that I use frequently with my husband and now am starting to with my children "I have no sympathy for self-induced misery". Dan picked up on that and decided to have a little "fun" with Jake on the way to church. As soon as Jake would start to nod off, Dan would either slam on the brakes, swerve or blast the radio.

Since Jake didn't get a nap in the van, he had a hard time staying awake during the service. I don't think it is too much to expect him to stay awake for an hour and participate. Normally, I think he would have been willing to, but since he was sooo tired this was an long hour! It was distracting also, because as he would start to nod off, Dan would attempt a wet-willy, plug his nose, or some other sort of bothersome thing. I was trying not to laugh and Luke couldn't stop laughing.

Now, I am not sure if these methods are endorsed by any parenting experts, but we did find them amusing and Jake did too. Is it bad to be amused at the sake of your child? Dan and Jake did have a discussion later about good choices and bad choices and consequences for your actions -like not being able to stay the night with his friend for a while.