Rosenquist Ramblings

Eye Glasses for my girls.

2011-09-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

Grateful for the time at Grandma and Grandpa Rosenquists

2011-09-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

I am extremely grateful for the time we were welcomed into Grandma Betty and Grandpa Max's home in New Lenox. In many ways it seemed a bit da-ja-vou. I have a baby boy sleeping in the elevator. Same swim time on the deck outside.. the same highchair to clean all the pb and jelly on...and the same kitchen cabinets perfectly puzzle pieced together with both of our groceries. You see when Xander was Cooper's age we lived in the same little apartment while we made our "Appaloosa House".
I am very, very aware that we could be in a tiny, loud apartment in an undesirable part of town or that we could be in a trailer park somewhere. I truly am grateful for my hospitable in-laws. They have been loving, accommodating and I will always be grateful for the time we could spend there as a family. :)

Mother's Day 2011 "Building a home to put my chair."

2011-09-08T19:24:00.000-07:00

Well if you have kept up with the blog you will see its a tradition to have Dan take a photo of the kids and I every mothers day in my blue chair. It was my first post and its only fitting we carry on with the theme. We are building our home right now. There is no chair. There is no house to put the chair. In some ways I feel like God has stripped us of almost all the "stuff" we once owned. Not that God is punishing us but maybe He is showing us realize what really matters in life- to make us pull together as a family. Someways maybe by losing what we had will make us better more grateful and more family centered. I can't wait to move. I really wanted to move this weekend, or by Aliza's Birthday or Xander's Birthday- (Once I was hopeful about moving during Christmas break! Seems maybe God is teaching me patience as well.) but as you can see we still have a ways to go. I'm praying we learn whatever God is showing us and to fully trust Him in all things.

Aliza Jane is THREE! -March 16, 2011

2011-04-06T23:17:00.000-07:00

A butterfly cake, a butterfly net, a butterfly bug box to keep a butterflies alive in (from her Auntie & Uncle in MN), a Butterfly watch and a musical jewelry box with a ballerina that is decorated with Butterflies on the outside (from her Grandma and Grandpa in Mn, even her dress accidentally had butterflies on it that day! We love you Aliza!

Weekends Down at the Farm

2011-03-31T20:57:00.000-07:00

The kids, dog and I go down to the farm ever other week or so sometimes we stay the night and part of the next day and sometimes we pack up and come home with out him. Other times we just all go down together as a family on Sun to celebrate a birthday or such. The cousins are always happy to see us and I am happy to spend a day with (more or less) my husband.

Winter Blizzard 2-6-11

2011-03-31T20:43:00.000-07:00

Sleeping Arrangements

2011-03-31T20:30:00.000-07:00

This is what the kids do when I need to take a phone call and they need to keep Cooper quiet.. at the time anything to get through my business call of taking an order or dealing with business issues.. but then I go in there to my boy who is covered in "apple stickiness" and little bits and pieces everywhere of apple and usually find myself wondering why I let my kids get by with so much... my life would be easier if I didnt' let anyone help me cook , and never gave my baby a messy snack, and always made him buckle in his highchair and not stand, and everyone slpet in their own bed and not mine!:) but some how I don't think that when I get to be old and look back I will regret any of those little things.

     Well we have had quite a few creative sleeping arrangements here. Suzy has slept with just about everyone even Aliza in the crib a few times. Suzy always puts herself to nap with Aliza and the photo of them on my bed was not posed and Yes- Suzy and Aliza were both actually sleeping.
     Cooper is now moved from the crib in our room to the Pack and Play in the elevator -where he sleeps much better.
     Dan is now Gone most of the week and sometimes is only home for Sat and Sun night. So the girls take turns sleeping with me... or sometimes I look and find that they have decided to camp on my floor and I have a child occupying both walkways on either side of my bed and one in bed with me. I have never had the heart to boot them out and I suppose there is a place inside me that is warmed to the core to know that they want to sleep there in close poximity just to be close to Mom.
     Now Suzy almost always sleeps at the bottom of the girls lower bunk. The Girls now sleep together when Dan is home. Even though Aliza and Josie bicker about "taking up too much room" and "stop touching my babydoll" they seem to... well what do you think? (see bottom picture)... I think it looks like they seem work it out in the end. :)

New Lambs (Born Jan- April)

2011-03-31T20:13:00.000-07:00

It was lots of fun to anticipate and see each new lamb come. Dan let me name the first one "Opal". Our friendliest and oldest Ewe- Amber had her one morning and Liz and Danyelle found it in the early morning. We were coming to the farm later that day and finally got there hoping everything would be fine but the lamb had about "given up". She was beyond cold; still wet and wouldn't even try to get up. We knew we couldn't do much with all the kids there so we ran the them to Ginger's to play. I warmed a blanket and a towel in the clothes dryer, stuffed it into my coat and headed to warm "my" Baby as fast as I could. Amber was a good mom and only got worried a few times. After I rubbed her vigorously, wrapped up in the warm blanket, stuffed her in my jacket and sat down with the ewe. That is where we stayed as Dan wind proofed the hoop hut and tended to extra hay and such. After 45 min she stopped shivering in my jacket and Dan was successful in teaching her to latch on.

Then came Sahara from Apache. Then Lamb Chop #1 and Lamb Chop #2 then Salt and Pepper who were both boys but our only twins so far. update we had twin ewe lambs today 4-6-11. they are the charcoal gray ones with the back faces and legs!
11 lambs total as of today!

New Year Milking Cows at the Farm.

2011-03-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

It is the first year that we have taken care of Uncle Greg's cows, chickens, bunnies, cats, and dog. Suzie and Lady got along fine and I was so proud of our pup -she never destroyed anything or had any accidents or mishaps. We opened our own presents down there and had a really nice family time. (all except the plumbing problems and all the sinkwater I had to bail and carry to the toilet to empty.) (the dishwasher didn't work either.. and Dan spent several nights taking apart the pipes in the basement, snaking, and pouring hot water and industrial draino down them. ) :(
We enjoyed being the "other Rosenquists" for a week... although I am not sure I am ready to trade lives yet. I dealt with a lot of Poo- Chicken poo on eggs, cow poo on milking equipment and clothes, and Milk jugs and washing the equipment 2 times a day.
Josie washed 40 Dozen eggs one day and was in tears repeatedly but she earned some good hard cash from her Uncle Greg. :)

Praise God For Aunt Tammy's Good News!

2011-03-02T12:41:00.000-08:00

Jan 2011, Aunt Tammy made an appointment down here in Zion Il. She wanted to talk to Drs about her heart declining and get checked out to see how the cancer was that she had spent a whole LONG year fighting. The Drs have all Good news for her and we Praise GOD! Her heart should start to regenerate and she was pronounced "cancer free"! We were so excited to hear the news we drove the 1hr 20 min to see her and stay with her for the night! She had a lovely hotel and a pool! TAMMY we are so proud of how you have handled this whole thing.. you have never felt sorry for yourself or slowed down- even though the Chemo, Surgeries, and radiation treatments were so hard on you. Way to go Tam! We LOVE YOU!

Christmas MN- Family FUN!

2011-01-16T21:58:00.000-08:00

We stayed at Uncle Cody and Aunt Jens this year and their house is almost finished! This is not as exciting of news as the fact that they are looking to expand their family and adopt a family. maybe Next year we will have a cousin to visit! We are praying for you as you journey this emotional road!

OUR new Home!

2011-01-16T19:14:00.000-08:00

So for a while I have struggled what to call this place that everyone is asking about. "Dan is building us a "_________ " in the back of our pole barn that we will use for a work shop."

What Do I call it... An Apartment? (too urban) A cabin? (is sort of how I would love it to feel inside... but not right because there are no logs involved) A house? (Not really- its too unconventional for a house) A Flat? (isn't that European and suggest a building with other flats in? )

(the slider and corner window is the living room and the next door to the left is the main entrance, then the window to the left is the boys room, the next window over is the girls room, and the next window is Dan's work office/ furnace room [the next open door you see is the workshop and not part of the living area])

Then it came to me... the perfect word I was looking for was "home"... "Dan is building us a home in the back of our pole building!" That is everything that I want this place to be! Mr Serge and Mr Victor helped many days in a two weeks time and it came together fast! we are so excited! will post pictures of the walls soon.

Dan emailed me the pics from his i phone before Uncle Greg went to MN before Christmas and when I saw the last two pictures... I cried! Its one of the best sights I have ever seen! Greg has helped Dan much in the last weeks get metal up! (he is in the pic you see.)

SUZY... Too good to be true!

2011-01-16T17:55:00.000-08:00

I checked again for Wheaten Terriers on line but they cost so much... there was one with no price- so for giggles I sent a message... well she said there were many people interested but the price was right! Long story short : she said there was a person coming tomorrow to look at her but she liked the sound of our family and our story of Nana and our farm we were starting!
I talked to Dan telling him i asked for very little in our marriage so far but felt really strongly for some reason about THIS dog... He relinquished and told me to called her... she said she would meet us at 11am tomorrow in Jackson Michigan in a parking lot... anyway Dan went with us and to Michigan we went as lake effect snow fell and made driving ickie.
We email each other updates often still . Suzy couldn't be a better one yr old dog! We changed her name because we had an aunt with the same name as her. Other than being a bit independent when you call her she is perfect! She rides well. And most importantly she is great and tolerant of the tots in our house! She takes naps with aliza daily.. sleeps in Josie and Aliza's bottom bunk or where ever I tell her to and she stays on the bed all night! She has adjusted very fast and since we have no kennel for her she goes EVERYWHERE with us (and I am sure that makes a better dog especially when socialized so young) We thank God for sending her into our life and hope to have pups with her this year!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-12T20:03:00.000-08:00

We are thankful for so much but I wanted to say I am very specifically Thankful for family that is close.. close enough to give a helping hand, close enough to share their home with, close enough to play with. It has been a huge blessing to have Ginger and Greg so close and so willing to open their home to us so we have a base from which we can work on our house on. Dan spends many nights there and occationally we all will join him for the overnight. The cousins are close and enjoy the time we spend together. I think the whole thing has brought brothers and sister-in-laws closer. It has been one of the biggest blessings this last year. (above Ginger just got the girls matching dresses from Lands End. She bought the largest size for Liz and the tiniest size for Sophia). (second: Will was having asthma and Cooper was overtired and hungry)

(dress up with all Auntie Gingers Thrift Store finds!)

Boo Boo

2010-12-12T19:50:00.000-08:00

Applesauce Time!

2010-12-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

The Day after Cooper's Birthday Party (his real Birthday was celebrated at Lisa Baffa's house while we were house sitting [See fall pictures]) we made applesauce all day! It's a LONG day and even Longer when You are the momma to a 1 yr old who wants to get into everything! -But it is all worth it in the end and a very important part of the Rosenquist year. To Quote Liz "Its almost more as important than Thanksgiving in the Rosenquist Family!" Cooper got into the 12 # bag baking soda/ The 5 Gal of applesauce once or twice/ The vinegar bucket/ And several Cupboards. But who could be upset with this face!

Our Cooper is ONE!~

2010-12-12T19:32:00.000-08:00

This year the "sheepie cake" meant a bit more... We actually talk about the sheep everyday now and Cooper and Aliza love to check on them when we are at the farm often! Every child of ours has had that as their 1st cake. Fankly this year I would have prefered buy a cake from the store but I knew I would regret it. Whip Cream frosting with a bit of fructose and mini marshmellows. Cooper seemed to love it and was proud of his messy face that told the fate of the piece I gave him. That's OUR BOY! I am so glad GOD gave us such a happy healthy baby. Such an easy going nature. What a gift you were to all of us!

What a nice Autumn.. what a great week!

2010-11-23T20:07:00.000-08:00

Classical Conversations Year 4!

2010-11-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

We are in Minooka this year. This is the first year that we have reapeted the material in a cycle. Cycle 2 was where we started and Mrs Leni was Xanders teacher back then and she is this year too! We love her!
Josie is doing her "first official year". Mrs Kaz' is her teacher. Aliza comes along with us and is learning to be obedient and quiet. :)
It was fun to get ready for the year. The usual polo shirts and homemade skirt for Josie and tan pants for Xander. We are learning lots. Aliza loves to sing the songs with the big kids and will be heard singing latin congagations to her babies and such just like Josie did 3 years ago.
Grandma Betty takes care of Cooper at home while we are gone but now she has hurt her elbow so I am not sure how we will rearrange things. 2 babies is asking a bit too much in the back of a very small classroom.

We love classical conversations. It pushes up to progress every week even when we have a hectic (school is not convenient) week.

Little Things of the Everyday

2010-11-14T14:02:00.000-08:00

We love our 2nd hand Stroller from our neighbor and our little red car that Aliza loves to ride around the 1 mile block at Grandma Betty's. The big kids often opt to ride the scooters and we often see the train. Aliza begs to see the train! she keeps up without problem with the little car Mrs Temple gave us. (the big kids actually ride it too!

We love bath time in the sink at Grandma Betty's. Often after supper the baby ends up in there because he is covered in food and I turn around to see Aliza stripping her clothes off as fast as she can getting her stool and saying "I take bath too!"

We love time with Daddy and the occational Movie we watch with him. "How to train a dragon" was a hit all around. Dan is home a little less because of the work to do at the farm. A night or to a week is all we get him some weeks.
We love our Grandma Terri Pajama's. Cooper loves his nuk as much as Aliza loves her thumb. (in picture she just took the thumb out of her mouth to smile for the pic.)

Soccer --- #3 Orange Tigers

2010-10-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

Xander has really enjoyed playing Soccer at the Christian Youth Center this fall... 8 weeks. It's mostly a mommy thing with the kids (because Daddy is building our new homestead). I am proud to say this (sometimes) exausted Mommy hasn't missed practice or a game yet. Wed practice and Sat 10am games. Its fun because we get to see our freinds the Larsons (Ellie and Grace are Josie's friends and Nathan (most of the time) :) is Aliza's ball buddy.) This family has been fun to get to know and Xander is so glad Mr Larson is his coach!
The Larson Boys work well together- Caleb, Seth and Noah are the best on the team. Now I must toot my sons horn too.. Xander scored the tie breaking point in the last few min of the game last Sat. "and the crowd (or at least this mommy) WENT WILD! " That is so far the only game we have won as a team. I am proud of him!

Cooper is walking!

2010-10-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

I never know exactly when to count the first step but Cooper made his first step into his Uncle Gregs arms the night we got the llama.. and he had been walking with his walk toy quite a bit before then. Tonight he repeatedly stands and walks a few steps and bends down to pick up a heavy toy and takes a few more steps and and boom on his bum he goes. He reguarly walks 7 or 8 steps at a time now. :) Where did my baby go?

and one Llama !!!!

2010-10-09T20:40:00.000-07:00

HERSHEY What a pretty boy you are! The idea is that the Greg's dog, LADY will keep the coyotes at bay outside the fence but the llama should protect the sheep some if the coyotes get into the fence. He is so sweet... his name was buddy and we decided to rename him because he is all brown and chocolate colored. All the kids want to led him and he tolerates it mostly.. now if the sheep will accept him... they still are a bit crabby with him (especially IKE)

Sheep!

2010-10-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

We are going to try our hand at raising a few sheep.. yes to eat.. and a bit of wool maybe. This was a very exciting day and makes the trips down to the farm now really special because these are "our sheep" and No one loves them more than I and Aliza. They came home from Portage Wis. in the back of Greg's Pick up truck. And with the help of the 3 strand fence Dan strung and a car battery and jumper cable thingies to connect the two we have a pasture full of our first 14 sheep. the ram IKE... the two favorite friendly ewes are Amber and Mona (both Hair sheep) Wendy and Dolly are our older wooly ewes. Appache is the hair sheep that is tri colored and 1/2 Painted Desert hair sheep.
I LOVE IT .. My Husband is quite a well read up - and good shepherd already! they are his Thing but I am really enjoying them too!

Perserving the Harvest

2010-09-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

This summer we had it easy.. we canned things Daddy bartered or bought at farmers market. Dan took Xander every week to farmer's market to squeeze and sell Lemonade. Xander made change and took money. There was lots for Xander to learn and he came out of this season with a good deal of experience. Dan would catch his mistakes and they both had a good time on Thurs... well all except the getting up at 5:30 in the morning. :) Josie wanted to go badly but was allowed to go only twice.

We canned peaches and tomatoes, froze some apple sauce, sour cherries, and peaches too. We made some meat relish and the applesauce is still yet to come (Lord willing)! In the picture Xander is holding 2 quarts of peaches and Josie and Aliza are peeling tomatoes after I blanched them. If you look closely you can see not only the tomatoes (2 T of lemon juice with them) in the jars ready for the canner but also the coffee filters with the heirloom tomato seeds.. that is a huge experiment this year and I am not sure at all I have done it successfully. But we tried and will see! Booboo can walk and keep up with his little, walk-behind toy... he is such a big boy and has learned not only to come up the stairs with ease but to turn around and come backwards down the stairs! I am scared to let him come down on the big run of wooden steps but he handles the 6 stairs into the apartment fine now! :) He has already taken his first steps too! What a boy! He stands frequently now and will even pick up a toy on the floor and stand back up without sitting down. Soon nothing will be stopping him.

Josie's First Big Ride ----Briggs, Joliet- New Lenox -Mokena -Frankfort, IL

2010-09-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

Well we decided to do it! The bike ride we have hoped to do all summer. The cooler weather was here and the wind was not to bad. Dan brought us in the Box Truck to "Somewhere around Briggs St" in Joliet. This was exciting because we were sitting in the box truck "BOX" on the floor with babies on our laps and the bikes in front of us. We could see the shadows of all the leaves and branches above us on the wooded drive. We were quiet because we could picture Dan having to come along side a police car with his windows rolled down and him hearing various kids talking and laughing knowing that there were no children in the cab of the truck. :) I nursed Cooper quick and changed a diaper on the short ride and took off maybe around 9am. We peddled hard and mommy ended up with the backpack full of water and the bike cart which seems to get heavier every year. (or is that with the addition of every baby?) Anyway- we made it all the way to Frankfort for ice cream. I seriously considered calling Grandma Betty to come and get the little ones but I dropped my phone and it needed to be re booted before I could make a call. We arrived back into her yard a little after lunch and if you can see in the pictures I ended up giving the two babies suckers to pacify them. I could smell grape sucker all the way home as I kept reassuring the crankiness I heard behind me: "We are almost home" . We cut through the high school parking lot where we had to unload the bike cart and take it off the bike to get it through the narrow man gate. When I got off the bike I saw where Aliza's sucker ended up... and some of the reason for the crankiness. It was in Booboos hair! and poor cooper was slipped as far off his seat as he could go but rewarded my efforts with a hug grin. I pulled the purple, sticky offender out and though I got a hairy sucker back he didn't cry. They were happy to be home. So were we all I but I am glad we went. We hope to go further this year yet. We will see. :)

Kendall County Fair

2010-08-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

A good Sunday at the fair. The girls got their face painted, Xander earned a stuffed animal with a dart game and we all opted for skillets (at our favorite pancake restraunt near our old house) and McD's Icecream instead of fair food this year. As our numbers in the family go up so do the prices on funnel cakes ($5 ea)!

Planning a new place to call Home...

2010-08-05T20:49:00.000-07:00

This summer has been full of trying to figure out where exactly in Dwight, Il we will live. We are watching craigs list for everything from sheep to windows and firewood. Its fun to dream even if the dream is limited with space and funds to raise a new place. I think we have settled on a 30X32 foot flat in the back of a workshop that Dan will be putting up. Its funny but I am excited about the concrete floors and being close as a family as there will not be much room for being unsocial. :) The plan is on paper and I am excited about the next (living a bit simplier) chapter in life with my husband and kids! Dan will get a Permit to start building next week hopefully!

Josie turns 6

2010-07-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

Josie can swim in the deep end now without fear. I am amazed how calm she is in the water even when she gets swamped with a wave and she is on her back. Cooper and Aliza are both able to dunk under with mommy without crying. we try to do this about 6 times as we swim. we all go to go to the Dwight pool to wrap up Josie's Birthday party and grandma and grandpa decided to come which was a special treat. here she is with sidekick Becka.
Birthday parties at auntie gingers are always full of little treasures passed on .. Johnnie giving a favorite bug and Becka a favorite pencil and Tori a few buttons from her collection... and its always full of much laughter and noise. :D
The day of her birthday she had cupcakes daddy bought her.

Potty Training/ Inventors Camp/ Grandma's Birthday/ Pool Party

2010-07-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

What a busy summer we have had. Xander got to go to a day camp for one week. Inventing things, learning about electricity and trying to save and rescue Sludge City from pollution. It was a lot to bring him there by 9 and pick him up at 3 but we survived. There is a lot of crack showing around here lately! Cooper seems so need a bath every meal and in the sink or pool he goes. Aliza is running to the potty, and between accidents she tends to streak around. There is a lot of "little people butt" showing around here. The stainless bowl works in lue of fig leaves though. hee hee.

The potty picture is a wrap around shirt made from Cooper's nursing blanket because she had an accident in McD's... the underwear ended up in the garbage and the soiled dress needed to be substituted for the make due shirt and shorts I carried in my diaper bag. :) she stayed dry all the way home though and went again when we came in the door.

A little surprise birthday party for Grandma Betty!

Xanders First BWCA adventure

2010-06-17T20:34:00.000-07:00

7 day trip... One morning of rain... no bugs... Crooked Lake. Lac la Croix. Moose Camp. Oyster...5 boys... 2 canoe tips(and one wet camera) ... and way more fish than they needed to eat up there! they had lots of fun.

Girl Camp for the first time!

2010-06-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

Girls (and baby Cooper) went to girl camp for the first time this year while the boys went on their first BWCA trip. It was lots of fun. we stayed with Auntie Tammy and Uncle Chad this time and had lots of time with Both aunties on the back of a horse. What good aunties we have and how fortunate my girls are! we also spent the afternoon at Whiteface and had fun with Grandma at the Kuluava tea party... Thank you Auntie ginger for all the work you put into Girl Camp! We had fun! Our family is praying for Aunt Tammy and the strength that she needs to get through this next long chapter of her life. Cancer is no fun and she is does such a great job not letting it get her down or wallowing in self pity (or even the sympathy that she deserves)... Instead she is out there sick or not taking care of her horses and winning ribbon after ribbon. YOU GO GIRL. MAY GOD UPHOLD YOU IN THIS TIME. ALL OUR LOVE TO YOU!

Mothers Day 2010 ..and "the chair" is gone.

2010-05-10T20:38:00.000-07:00

Well If you read my Blog & remember I always take a picture Mothers Day with my kids in the same chair.. just as everyone is about to load in the car for church. My husband does this as a documentaion of the year we just accomplished. Last year I stated "I was not sure if we would be able to take next years PICTURE in THE chair" and now THE Chair is gone but the smiles on my children's sweet faces are all the same. Just a year older- and I am blessed with one more! A perfect dimpled baby boy.
How I love the fact my kids are always so happy. I am so proud of them. They are such a big part of my life. Most days they consume ALL my energy but they are also the thing that brings a smile to my face during the day and at night- tears to my eyes when I listen to their humble prayers.

American Girl Doll Tea/ For the love of Sausage McMuffins!

2010-05-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

My girl loves to get dressed up and she LOVES Sausage McMuffins so I treated her to the morning (Xander will get to soon go to the Baseball Game with Daddy and Uncle Paul). we dressed up for a complimentary American Girl Doll Tea. We chose our purses and lipstick and raced off to grab one sasuage McMuffin since it was still breakfast time. Cooper in his pj's slept while we ate and the world was perfect somehow.. enjoying the company of my beautiful daughter and sharing an OJ. I dressed Cooper at the tea. What a good baby he is.

Happy May Day!

2010-05-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

After a hard 2 weeks it was good to focus on brightening our near by friends day. We had Company from Michigan :) that left that morning but last min I decided to make 4 baskets and race away before ball practice would have spoiled the surprise. (its hard to surprise someone if they are not there to recieve the surprise!) So we hung the paper baskets and starting with Aliza the kids wrapped or rang the doorbell and raced away to the car. It was a good break. I love this tradition because it takes the focus off the recieving and places it on making someone else smile. :)

Saying Good-bye to Appaloosa Ln.

2010-05-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

All these pics were taken our final days there. I am glad the pictures show us all a bit smiley-ier than maybe any of us felt.. the kids seemed to take it in stride for the most part.. anxious to get into "the long awaited bunk-beds" at Grandma Betty's and Grandpa Max's. It was a week that utterly drained both Dan and I. We are so fortunate God has sent us such great friends. I sorta wanted to name and post pictures of you all but I am not sure that you all would feel comfortable with that. .. anyway- You know who you are and you were a God send... if it was carrying or packing boxes or if it was watching the kids while we packed. It was on of the most emotional things I have had to do. It was hard to say good bye to the house Dan built for us, the house we had three of our four babies in. It truely was a great home... much more than a house it was "our home".

Brother turns 9 and Sister turns 2!

2010-05-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

Xander turned 9 on April 4th and Aliza Jane turned 2 on March 15th... how can you look at these kids and not beam with happiness that they are such great kids? I have the best! I love you guys... each one of you!

Everyday Life

2010-03-09T19:14:00.000-08:00

Dog sitting Scout. Aliza helping to make Banana bread. Yes, that is multiple eggs on the floor.

Aliza loving on Cooper with bread dough on her hands.

Mommy feeling sorry for the kids who so badly want a pet. We have to settle on a hamster for the time being. the Hamster escaped within 1 hour of having her and the next days were spent trying to find her.Aliza wandered around with a flash light and looked under all the desks and bookshelves calling "Mou? MOU? mou GONE!" 2 times over. :)

Xander shooting nerf darts and Aliza fetching them is a great game.

Florida in Feb. (for Valentines Day)

2010-03-09T18:58:00.000-08:00

Xander got to do something he has waited for for a long time. THey went fishing off the east coast of Florida. he caught 17 sea bass. We stayed at a 3 bedroom town home with a heated pool in the back yard. It was great. Daddy went and got certified to spray foam and we got to hang out with Grandma Betty in Orlando. here Cooper was really fussy.. and he hasn't a swimming suit yet but he loved the pool... but Aliza was not to be left out so we made 100 laps around that 15 foot sq pool. :) :)holding both. All the way down to Sebring and we got a quick visit in with Uncle Don and Aunt Jean at the SIM mission. The golf cart is one of the things that go hand in hand with the mission and its always a treat for the kids. I guess Dan and kids got to see what they think is the cougar that is seen from time to time. They all got one of the best looks at this huge cat that Uncle Don has ever seen. this was the end of our stay and we left grandma and traveled 3 days home with a very impatient Aliza who at times terrorized the back seat and her brother Xander who had to sit between the two sisters.

Valentines Day with Red Jello/ Pink Mashed potatoes, and napkin love notes to each with a chocolate.

A DIFFICULT CHAPTER FOR ME IN MOTHERHOOD

2010-02-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

So just hours after I got home from the hospital I was quite unsure how to tackle this next chapter of my life. Yes I know I will get though it; but how to get though it in the best way- I was quite unsure of. I was not allowed to pick Aliza up for a few weeks and this was so foreign to her. She truly loved this 'new little blue thing" mommy and daddy brought home but she didn't like giving up her lap and what was this 20 min of what they called nursing the baby where mom was off limits? She walked around crying "Maa-maaa!" and signing please by patting her chest. With pink dotted face and red eyes she followed mommy around crying the same thing over and over. It truly has been the hardest thing in my mommy-hood experience. I truly have trained my children "wrong" (if you will) for this current situation to work well. I love holding my babies and I feel if you enjoy this and you are the type of mom who loves holding your babies and working with them in one arm or the sling.. then there is nothing wrong with that but it is not an easy thing to deal with when another baby comes along before the other one enjoys her independence.

There was a time when Josie needed to be corrected and she was throwing a bit of a hysteric on the bed at my Brother Cody's house.. Aliza needed a nap and just got a spankin for climbing out of the near by pack -n-play and Cooper had a burp or a toot or something and screaming at the top of his lungs in our arms- Dan and I just looked at each other and burst into laughter because it was so overwhelming. Words were useless because it was so incredibly loud with the trio of cries.

Aliza has recently learned to say "L-L-LAP'!" and she tries to climb on still while I am nursing. She manages to find one bit of unoccupied knee and sits there very uncomfortably until I am done then I hold them both.

I feel like this didn't not say what I first intened it to say.. and there are many typos.. but I truely have had one of those difficult days. Dan took Aliza on errands and she feel asleep 5 or 10 min before he got her home to take her nap..(she refused to take any more of a nap) Cooper seemed to not sleep more than 1/2 hour or 45 min at a time and I am exausted and will go to bed tonight with concerns that:

Xander will not have his memory work memorized for CC on Mon.

We should have gotten more math done so we can return the math book we need to give back to a friend, Josie should have read more in Dick and Jane and I need to teach her Phonograms,

I have no idea what everyone will wear for church tomorrow,

Am I eating enough or was Cooper hungry cause I am trying to cut calories and had thin milk?

Would really like to organize the mess clutter Christmas stuff in the basement!

IT sure would be fun to get the kids a surprise made for valentines day, and finish off Aliza's Scrap book! (shoot I need to download pictures to ritz so dan can pic them up.) ..

but come tomorrow- we might just have to focus on getting through that day... we might rock a bye with one baby on one lap, and the other baby on the other lap, and sing "nigh nigh Boo Boo, nigh nigh Liza" over about 97 times tomorrow. Watch a Veggie Tale and try to teach reading or math with knee a-bouncin' and babies a-fussin'.. BUT When 11 pm comes and I go REcover all those little limbs and see that thumb in her mouth, give my Cooper his midnight feed, and he gives me that big, sleepy, enormous burp it will seem like such a small price. I know that I will fall into bed with an exausted smile on my face knowing that I did NOT do a perfect job at motherhood but it was the best I could do that day.

The last picture was taken just hours after we got home and Cooper was about 30 hours old. I literaly took my baby who needed nursing and my baby who was so hurt that my lap was occupied and sat and wondered to myself, "how is this going to work?"

The middle picture is when he was about 1 month old. and I am feeling a bit more hopeful.. and the last was just recently... Where I am to the point where I still don't have the answers .. i still am not sure I would have raised aliza any different if given the chance .. but I know we will be OK!

5 Days Old and a Family Reunion!

2010-02-06T20:04:00.000-08:00

So a day and a half after I get out of the hospital my mom decided it was time to go home. We also had company coming and the Rosenquist family reunion just 5 days after Cooper was born. This is the 5th or so and the 2nd time around here in IL. Donna and David stayed here and what super , self sufficiant people to have. (thank You for the bread and cinnamon rolls!) So with our Aliza who was a little concerned her mommies lap was gone and with my "tiny" 9.6 baby we went. Here are pictures of each of my children at the reunion at the farm and cousins that they enjoy.

Don't you just love the newborn scrunched up baby thing that is so appearant in the picture of Dan and our baby!

Baby's First Bath!

2009-11-05T19:39:00.000-08:00

The day the umbilical cord foalls off is always a big day because I am dying to give my baby a bath.

Adjusting to a "NEW" baby

2009-11-05T19:06:00.000-08:00

This is Cooper and since I have no basenet he sleeps in this wicker basket! The third Pic is us at the TerMeerFamily reunion when he is only a few days old.

We are loving having a little blue person in our home. We (Aliza) seem to be adjusting a bit more.. but I still find it aweful hard being out numbered 4 to one when Dan is not home. Aliza still thinks she should have dibs on mom anytime she needs. Of corse Cooper doesn't understand that. He can get quite insistant when he wants changing, to be held, or a feeding. So I end up holding nursing him in one arm and Aliza gets the other arm. The next picture is when we first arrived home from the hospital.. after the smiles, coos, and "pets" Aliza just followed me around crying "MAAAA maaaaaaaah! MaaaaaaaaaaMAAAAAAAAAA!" I sat down, took a tearful, little girl who was feeling rejected in "my other arm" and wondered how on earth I was going to survive this transition time... specially when I had strict orders not to pick Aliza up! So Aliza was holding Cooper the other day and he was crying. She doesn't get anxious but looks at him concerned and will pet his head and say "shhhh". Well Xander and I were watching and she was taking his hand time and time again and moving it around.? I finally realize that she was attempting over and over again to take his fist/thumb and put it in his open crying mouth. (that is after all what she does when she is sad right?) After trying for 5 or 6 times unsucessfully I said, "She is trying to get him to suck his thumb!" Xander laughed with me as we watched as she went to plan B and quickly inserted his thumb into her mouth and sucked it a few times! I laughed and said, "No Aliza!" so she dropped it and he promptly inserted his own thumb into his mouth unassisted! Funny!

Xander has a brother! all 9 pounds 6 oz of him!

2009-10-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

From the 3rd pic to the last picture in 5 hours... well 9 months and 5 hours! Priase God it was my best birth yet (even though it was my biggest baby!) We have had a 8#------- 8 6oz # -------------- 9# -----------and 9 6oz # baby now. Weird huh?

Cooper Daniel was named by his daddy. He arrived October 20, 2009. SilverCross Hospital by a midwife and no drugs or epideral. Praise God!!!! He gave us a perfect baby boy to even out the boy vs the girls in our family!

Waiting!

2009-10-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

2009-09-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

We went to the Zoo on the train with some CC friends. It was one of the last days that you could view the Dino-live exhibit. FUN - especially for my Dino lover (Xander). The scary picture of him and Josie was one of his favorite because it is particularly vicious.

Then we went to another town for an IMAX double feature: An Under Sea and Bugs Bigger than Life adventure feature. Aliza (with one 10 min nap) vs one (37 week) Pregnant Mommy.. I am not sure who was more tired and ready to collapse. :) :)

Happy Labor Day 09

2009-09-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

Funny, it might not always be comfortable but it is effective! -How Xander carries his baby sister.

We had Sofie again fot the weekend and ate sandwiches by the river in Shorewood. We collected some stuff for our nature walk assignment and had a good day.

The 3rd Year of CC

2009-09-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

We look forward to eating out while it is still warm.. Church has a lovely playground and picnic area.

CC started Aug 31. We were all excited to put on the new Navy polos and get in the van and start a new Year. We are so fortunate to have Mrs Kapke as our Teacher. Josie has a huge pack that she has agreed to carry a change of clothes and items for Aliza. Aliza is learing to sit in a stroller and play and eat snacks. She is less than enthused! she also was expected to stay ona blanke itn the corner of the room with mommy gaurding all escapes with a paint stick! (I figure I have 1 1/2 months to grow her up with some manners before I have a baby to tend to.) Pray for me?

The Last Hurrah Before School Starts!

2009-08-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

Lazy river and the big slides in the background!

In this picture you can see the 1000 gallon bucket at the top dumps every 5 min when it gets full. It is a very big splash!

Aliza attempted to take a nap on me but she ended up just wanting to get up and back with everyone. So we let her fall asleep on the lazy river.. We went round and round for over 2 hours I think!

We went to the biggest waterpark in ll IL today! We were there when the gates opened and left when they closed at 6pm. Josies cheeks got a bit too much sun as did my shins and Xander got the life scared outof him on one wicked ride but we all had so much fun with our homeschool friends. This will be the last Hurrah beofre school starts. we all are going to be tired tonight.

Summer coming to an End

2009-08-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

******Our Lego Master! His robot creation! Keep it up Xander

Aliza loves Dan's hat and they play their little game often.. she pulls it off, then wants to try it on .. then she wants to put in back on him. She is a "Daddy Girl" and you can hear her hollar "Daa? DAAA!" when he gets home as her chubby little legs races off to find him at the door. He then says, "Hi Baby!" (Xander he called "Boy". Josie he called "Josie Pearl" or "Girl") but he calles Aliza more often than not "Baby". She has learned how to take off her shirts now and tries to put them on. Usually she gets them over her neck but that is about all and gets frustrated.. Woe is you if you try to give her a hand! She is very independent! She loves the words "Nanna" bananna, "Bubu" bubbles, "Ba" for ball. and now Yel-Low! for yellow and the normal mama and Dada and byebye. She is always coming back to blow me kisses then waves and says something very similar to "Love you! Bye!" and grins and runs off! We are pretty sure she says Za.. or Xander's name too.

Summer is coming to an end and we wanted to get out once or twice more on the bikes// Josie was a trooper on her first ride with those little wheels. Actually I was a trooper :) I was pulling Aliza in the bike cart {and Josie (only the last few miles)} Daddy always comes through and brings us someplace that is new and exciting.

Lions Sprinkler Park

2009-08-05T19:06:00.000-07:00

What fun we have had for 2 summers now at the Sprinkler park near our home. Aliza this year is the first to get wet and the bravest. She played till I noticed her hands turning a light shade of blue and physically removed her from the water area. What a little dare devil she is as she keeps putting her bangs and forehead into the streams of spray.

Aliza discovers MARKERS!

2009-07-29T19:48:00.000-07:00

Or shall I say she discovers how to take the covers off and thinks they are the best invention ever! what a nut! She says at least 1/2 dozen words.. her newest favorite is Ywell-OW! Any Uno card will do because that is where she learned it! She actually found a book about primary colors this a.m. and had it turned to the yellow page and brought it to us saying "YwellOW! " Not sure if it is a freak thing or not!?! We have pointed at about every yellow thing in the house and outside and ask her and she loves to reply "Yellow".

Others include: Bubble (bub-bow) Ball, mom and da-da and "buhbye" and lets not forget mommy's favorite: "UHHHHHOHHHH!"

Happy Birthday Party JOSIE

2009-07-29T19:40:00.000-07:00

Fun with cousins.. there are 2 mushrats (as my dad calls them) missing from the picture. Namely: Aliza and Will. What fun parties we have at the Farm in Dwight. Josie had a flower for her cake. Everyone really took their time to see which cupcake or slice they wanted to take. There were after all 4 different candies to choose from.:)

Xander get to finally go to LEGOLAND

2009-07-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

What LEGOS we saw! We spent the better part of the day at LegoLand and had a blast with our very own LEGO expert. Xander spent his free time building with the lego pieces we could find in the bins and Josie rode a few rides with her daddy. Mommy looked for more cool pieces in different bins to bring to Xander and we ALL chased a bit after the little munchkin. :)

I LOVE this first picture! I am sure you recognize Einstine with his tounge out...YEs he is made out of legos! So funny!

I am so glad Dan bought us discount tickets on the radio auction.. and so glad we actually got to go and bring Xander who seems inpired by the little bits of primary blue, red, yellow, and black. He is an amazing lego creator with the creations he has been turning out lately! Love you Son! The best part of the day for him: when he got to spend all the garage sale money he earned on 3 sets of Legos.

Josie turns 5!

2009-07-23T14:54:00.001-07:00

On her Birthday, Josie had a full day of VBS. Then it was sack lunches at our friends house, and then swimming with the Temples. There, she jumped off the diving board at 10 feet and swam to the ladder for the first time without her life jacket! She also was diving under to retrieve toys and practice her "Shark- Fin- Rain-bow" (the crawl illustrated)

We had OREO Pie for supper and went to Barns and Noble for the Summer Reading Contest where she earned her first Fancy Nancy Book. It was a good full day and she slept like a log that night!

Aliza Joins Josie and I for Tea and Toast in the Mornings

2009-07-23T14:45:00.001-07:00

Aliza throughly enjoys her Tea and Toast with us now. At even 9 months she was taking spoons here and there but now she loves to have a cup and really drink it herself. She punctuates the sips with "M-m-m-m-m!"

I hope that we can always have toast and tea together and enjoy girl moments. I can't wait to see my girls grow into young ladies & wonder what our "Morning Tea's" will look like. I am determined to always make time for such everyday events.

Will Our Garden Grow?

2009-07-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

We have 2 little garden lots at Church. It has been fun but means running there and back to water. Aliza never seems to cherish these trips. Its usually hot and she falls alot and mommy always has her hands busy with water buckets and not time for her. We got back from MN to find all our Acorn Squash fried without water and the other plants looked abit wilted too. we have peppers, tomatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, zuchinni. and butternut squash. We are wondering if any of it willmake it to maturing before frost though at this point. :( OUr garden looks a bit sad.

Baby Pigs, Fun at Uncle Chad's and the Long Ride Home

2009-07-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

We took the runt away from the mommy because it was looking like he needed a bit of help to rehydrate and get some extra attention and food. Josie loved it. It stayed in the tub when it wasn't being held. I thnk she would have taken it home if she could have.

We had fireworks at Uncle Chads and then a nice outside lunch before taking off to Grnadma's house to repack and head for IL. We arrived at 2pm. it is easier on Aliza who could usually care less about the video going to keep the other kids entertained. The long road trips are hard on the little ones. BUt it was good to see everyone.

Happy Fourth of July

2009-07-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

We all loved seeing the new fillie of Aunt Jen's. he name is DeDee. The mare is Libby for Liberty. All the kids got to ride Ernie and Oakie. Aliza Loved her first ride and was very upset when we would have to take her off and walk away from the horse. Josie wanted to spend most of her time in the barn. It was a good Fourth. Daddy got to help Uncle Cody with the Stairs and we had a lovely laid back BBQ at Cody's too.

Legos and LayLa

2009-07-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

Xander is coming up with new creations everyday almost. It is amayzing how his mind works and the vehicles (and in this case the castle) he can dream up.

We also had a BIG puppy here. She was a big sweetheart and all the kids loved her but Aliza was particularly cute with her becasue of the size difference. LayLA was always very gentle and aliza would actually lay on her with her arms around her neck or come and lay her head on the big black lab.

Summer is here and Dog Sitting

2009-07-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

Sofie is our little dog we babysit from time to time. this time we are so sorry to say she ended up with a fish hook in her paw. and it needed to be taken out (thus the pink wrap). She was a bit drugged and happy to sit for the afternoon on the bed the kids made her. The next day she was right as rain.

I suppose there will be a time when:

2009-05-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

... I will have ALL my cupboards and not have to sacrifice one or two so the baby can entertain herself as I make supper.

...I won't have little scuff marks on my floor from scooters... and be stepping on Mr Potato Head pieces.

... "having lunch out"... might actually mean getting in the car to share a paninni with a friend and not consist of 3 children a picnic blanket and pb and homemade plum jam ( and comments like "Wow, were YOU lucky that it landed 'face up'.. now sit still and eat your sandwich!")
... I might actually climb in the bath tub and the end of the day and not lean back on the toy shark and various bottles and squirters that seem to have a permanent residence there.

... I am not sure what to do because I am board.

... I don't have to uncurl and rearrange 3 children so they are parallel with their beds...and cover them so they sleep well...( and I sleep well knowing they are)

... I have to worry about how I should wear my hair on Sun instead of: breakfast, the brushing teeth and hair of 3 (soon to be four..) and what about lunch and grabbing my mascara and hair clip on the way out as I holler "Someone got the Bibles, right"?

...I can spend the majority of my reading time reading MY books and not insect guides, dinosaurs, fairy tales and Amilia Bedelia... and the Bible comic book Grandma Betty just got us. (Good and Evil)

... I no longer have the privilage of listening to my son's prayers and being deeply humbled and touched by them. (tonight he prayed.. "Lord we walk right by Your side except when we choose not to Lord.. help Josie and I decide to not to lie and sin against eachother.. help us choose to walk with you.. and Lord when I turn away from you (like I wish I wouldn't do) I pray you would forgive me and help me turn back to you... "

...I won't be woken up in the middle of the night to chubby arms reaching for me in the darkness and grateful sniffles as we spend a few min rocking (Aliza)

or a warm freckled cheek slipping in my side of the bed and sharing my pillow because she had a bad dream. (Josie)

or a long legged boy who comes to spend a few minutes in the morning to lay at the foot of our bed and pat my calf. (Xander)

...or maybe I can take a bath without two girls popping in on me and begging to crawl in too.

YES I SUPPOSE THAT DAY MIGHT BE COMING... AS I LOOK AT MY GROWING BELLY- IT FEELS LIKE A DIFFERENT WORLD AWAY... (I WILL CONFESS THERE ARE A FEW DAYS here and there I WISH IT WERE SOONER THAN LATER.) BUT WHEN IT COMES RIGHT DOWN TO IT - I KNOW THAT I WILL MISS ALL THE ABOVE SOMEDAY AND WISH I COULD TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME.

Still Blessed to be ME!

2009-05-11T19:09:00.000-07:00

Well its the same picture as the first one in the blog 2 years ago... {GO CHECK IT OUT IN OLDER POSTS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE} but now we have all gotten a bit older and we have added one ALIZA (and a half...?) It was fun to see that first picture of long ago.. the one that started it all. I feel the same way about life as my comments long ago.
Dan took this shot Mother's Day (yesterday) and I thought I would comment because I am not sure we will be in the same chair or house for that matter next year... but I keep trying to remember that it's just four walls and that the smiles and love will be the same next Mother's Day.

Rats!

2009-05-07T19:15:00.001-07:00

Yes I have been debating whether or not to even add this to our blog because of the common reaction I get when I say that 4 letter word. :) The kids want a dog so baddly, but in our situation; we just can't get a dog right now. So I decided on a hamster but as I searched for the best breed to get the answer was in front of me over and over. The experts all thought rats were better pets for kids. Here's a few reasons why:

You can teach them to use a litter pan.

You can teach them to fetch toys and come when called! (our old hammy got lost all the time!)

They love to ride on your shoulder or in a pocket.

They do not carry diseases.

They HARDELY EVER BITE!.. even wild snake food rats don't bite usually... ours was not tame and have never bit any of us.

SO as you can see the kids adore them and they ride around on the bikes and in pockets, purses, and occationally in the car or swing. Josie wakes up at 6:30 and I get a tap on my shoulder "Can I play with my rat?" She spends almost all her time with Leena and Tilly. (that is what we named our $4.99 companions who live in my old parrot cage. They only live to be 18mo or 2 yrs so maybe by then we can get a dog.... but until then they are the subjects to the kids love and we saved them from a very unplesant death.

Florida Adventure 2

2009-04-21T18:28:00.001-07:00

One week.

St Augistine Beach... the hotel rooms, pool and Georgia in Bloom! It was a long week (of Rubbermaids of clothes, beach stuff, food, pack and plays and trying to be quiet for the baby who doesn't want to miss a thing!) and even longer drive (Dan put on 3200 miles on the pickup). We drove straight through down there and from Georgia back home getting home at 5am this morning! I swear we could not have made it another 20 miles! But it's done and I am glad we did it as a family. The kids loved the pools and Xander can now swim from one end of the pool to the other. (he was unsure he could do this until I offered a Sour Starburst for the family if he could accomplish this feat!) Some days were too cold and windy to make it to the beach. The sand whips around and hurts your bare legs and face. but the days that we did make it out there we had fun with the shovels and buckets, standing in the pounding waves, and reading in on the beach as the kids ate their 'Pringles" they have saved for weeks for the occasion.

Xander Turns 8!

2009-04-07T15:25:00.001-07:00

Xander turned 8 and we are so blessed to have him as our son. We celebrated with some grilled hamburgers, 'dogs, salads, jigglers, and a volcano cake. Auntie Ginger made a homemade pinnata and it was the first we have had in our extended family. What fun! HE really wanted and Fishing pole and not only recieved that but slingshot, nature books, legos, a Check (very exciting in our family!) and lots of small tokens of love from all his cousins. :)

Remembering

2009-03-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

Today a candle burned on our dining room table all day. Beside it a tiny, hand-crocheted, pair of yellow booties that were given to me after our miscariage 6 years ago today. I like to do this every year to remember and respect that little life- no matter how short it was. I never blow out the rememberance candle but let it burn out itself. Today I misjudged the candle size and it will go out sometime tonight ... slipping away without hardly anyone noticing, similar to the life of our child.
Today we remember how fagile life is. We remember our little one who couldn't be with us.

Josie and her Horses

2009-03-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

Josie loves to comb and attend to her Julia (white) , Hershey(Chestnut) and Poppy(black). Xander sometimes helps her. These are some of Josie's favorite toys. She recently recieved this dress from her Auntie Ginger. It's her flannel cowgirl dress.

The dog called CHEVY

2009-03-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

We had someone stop and tell me she picked up a stray on Black Rd and was told it belonged to our subdivision. She was late for an appointment and was this my dog? I looked and said she didn't look familiar. She begged me to keep the dog for now and look into the matter for her. What could I say? So this dog came into my house and the kids doted upon her. We made a sign for the RD saying DOG FOUND and our phone... and 5 hrs later we recieved a phone call from the gruff farmer 1/2 mile away. The kids were very sad to see the dog go. the owner said her name was named CHEVY. Well yesterday we look out on our back deck and guess who came to visit again! The kids were thrilled! In she came (I know shame on us..) We put her out many times telling her to go home but finally we had brought her back to the farmer.

Josie came to the door and blurted if we could keep her and the farmer said "Well, tell you what-next time she runs to your house you can keep her for the day." Josie was thrilled and shouted a "YES!"

I looked at the man and said "Mister, I think she will hold you to that promise! he just laughed...

Josie keeps checking the back porch for her Chevy to come back to us!

Aliza Turns ONE!

2009-03-25T10:58:00.001-07:00

Aliza turned one on march 15th! After church, we made her the Sheepie Birthday Cake (the same one [frosted in whipcream and marshmellows instead of frosting] her Brother and sister celebrated their 1st birthday with). Transporting it to the farm at Uncle Greg and Aunt Ginger's to celebrate with a big meal. She ate her cake and clapped and then needed to be undressed because of the mess.
We also got to tell everyone that Aliza will (LORD willing) be a big sister come next Fall. :)

We love you Aliza Jane! You have been our sunshine in this rough year. You are our very own little gift from God.

Florida Adventures ends

2009-01-26T20:54:00.000-08:00

Well Life is never boring with Dan around... our Florida adventure did end along with the To Go Pizza in hotels, packing everyone in and out of clothes from the 2 rubbermaids, and trying to keep the the shreeking, adorable baby in the back seat quiet as Dan answered his never ending phone calls for buisness as we drove on. (note the Blue Tooth on his ear in almost all the pics:)

Our favorite place we ate was pictured above where we ate "Gator Tail" and "Key Lime Pie"! (both on my list of things I wanted to do in FL.) We spent a night in Tennesee.. went to a flee market where I brought home our only souvenier from our trip ...an enamel ware wash tub that Aliza took a bath in tonight. (I talked the man from $20 to $15 and absolutley love it! ) Thank you Husband for buyin' it for me!

I think the kids and I grew closer to Dan in the last week and even though it wasn't a terribly relaxing trip I am glad we did it as a family. I do believe that the kids adore their daddy even more than they did before and me too! (if either was possible)

Florida Adventures cont... (Atlantic in St Augustine)

2009-01-26T19:53:00.000-08:00

We got to spend the morning on the beach while daddy had an appointment... Aliza was determined to eat a bunch of beach and I am happy to report it all came out the next day :( :)

The kids loved playing and finding their little creature... the shells were everywhere.. the photos are unproped... as is found on the beach as is!

Florida Adventures cont...(Aliza)

2009-01-26T19:44:00.000-08:00

Aliza had the hardest time during the week of driving... we put on almost 3000 miles!!! that's a lot of hours (we couldn't drive fast with the trailer either) so she had apples and toys and slept a bit. The best thing though- was the bath or swim in the pool after each day that awaited her.. or the occational candy cane piece I gave her!!! Any clue why she needed that bath at the end of the day? She shreeks in the car when ever she is terribly excited or frustrated.. not a a good thing! Something we are working on!

Florida Adventures cont...

2009-01-26T19:36:00.001-08:00

We made it to St Augustine, Florida, and found a resonable hotel right across from the beach/ Atlantic Ocean Turs night. The kids loved running in and out... daring the waves to catch them. One did and swiped Josies feet from under her... wet almost to her waist she continued without missing a beat. the beach was loaded with shells and was beautiful.

Florida Adventure

2009-01-26T19:08:00.000-08:00

We started our Florida adventure on Sun morning at 1am... we arrived in southern Valdosta, GA late in the evening Sun... then we were off to drive down tword Naples (west coast of Florida) the next day... another good 6 hrs or so... 3 kids and 2 adults in a pickup pulling a trailer... we were alittle stir crazy by the time we made it all the way down to the Everglade National Park on Tue.

We were planning on camping but the tempurature dropped down to freezinig and we figured that wil the kids being so young and not totally prepared we would end up packing up and going to a hotel anyway so we could get some sleep. Wed we actually made it though the park.... it was fun. we saw Salt Water Crocks at Flamingo campground and Gators further up in the fresh water area of the Everglades...(its the only area like it in the world they claim... a huge river of grassland (not a swamp) its a huge park and took us most of the day just to drive it! it was cold... Josie wore her winter jacket most of our stay in Florida.

2009-01-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

2008 comes to an End

2009-01-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

We can't believe that 2008 is gone already... It was a BIG year... It was a tough year in some ways. I.E. Pregnancy, labor, recovery, the economy/self employment, transition from 2 to 3 kids that all needed quality "one on one" in different, very specific ways...

Xander in reading and memory work,

Josie (who insists on doing Xander's school work ) not being the baby anymore and now needs to be assured she is a "Big Girl" who wants to help in everything but now it seems to take twice as long to get things done. :(

And "Aliza baby" who was helpless without me (since I have her meal tickets.)

I loved each of the areas I was needed but I feel next year will be a bit easier for me.

Good bye 2008 and welcome 2009!

Sledding-MN 2008

2008-12-29T12:41:00.000-08:00

For Unto Us a Child is Born!

2008-12-23T08:49:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 9:6
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."John 1:14 Christmas blessings! This is the time of year when we make our lists - "To-Do" lists, wish lists, shopping lists, etc. What better time of year to list our blessings, the first being the gift of salvation! Jesus came to earth, humbling Himself as a babe to be born in a manger - for us. We could make a list of His reasons for coming, too, but why did Jesus say He came? In John 18:37 Jesus says, "For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." What a statement! The truth must be awfully important for Jesus to have said that's why He came! It is our foundation, without which everything else becomes distorted and ultimately meaningless. May your home be filled with Truth and His love this Christmas season!

Things this year are a a bit simpler. We haven't focused on Christmas Shopping or Lists of things we want as possible gifts for ourselves or each other. We are thankful for our home, our newest member of the family (ALIZA) , and how God has provided our every need. We have enjoied seeing Him:

Keeping Dan busy at Work.

Keeping us all healthy and safe.

Providing new clothes and toys this year for Christmas without buying a single thing from a retail store.

Bringing our family closer together.

Giving us some great friendships this year.

Giving us a Church that teaches the WORD.

Giving us each other.

Giving us a great extended family on both sides.

We hope you all have as Merry a CHRISTmas as we are this year!

Frog and Toad / Henry and Mudge/ Amelia Bedelia

2008-12-17T03:14:00.001-08:00

We took off! we can read several books a day! This was one of our goals for Christmas break. I am so proud of him. he is a great help now because he can read well enough to read to his sisters now!

We enter the age which entertainment means T-R-O-U-B-L-E !

2008-12-17T03:08:00.000-08:00

Oh dear need I say more? you will be hearing alot of "Kids who left the bathroom door open?" :)

Am I Going to Remember?

2008-12-10T20:17:00.000-08:00

Am I going to remember... doing Xander's phonograms with him and how ough says six different things?
...The way he remembers aw and au as "awwww that we may not use at the end of English words" and he says it with this terrible pout complete with his lip out and grin after
...And how today he was really getting all of them right and I said "I can't believe how smart you are!" And he held his sides laughing and said that he could see though my paper because I was sitting in front of the window! ? I am proud of him he is reading really smoothly now.

Am I going to remember.. How Aliza zooms around like a crab (sideways like) and we all jump out of her way (sometimes doing half splits) to prevent her from running over our feet or ankle tendon? .
...Her little shoes with the squeakers in?
... How she says "mom-ma" now... And how she smelled of chicken noodle soup all afternoon (we did take care of that with a bath after supper in the sink as we washed the kitchen up) :)?

Am I going to remember.. How these two have became good friends? ...How Josie wants to marry Xander when she is older? and Xander explains, "You can't marry cousins or sisters! because you will have weak babies."
...How Josie ALWAYS wants to do school too? and I am not ready to put the investment of time it takes to teach her Phonograms or to write in cursive. How I want to tell her you are only four! NEXT YEAR we will do spelling tests with you but not now.
... How they play animal kingdom and Xander is her Beaver.. or they build airplanes out of Lincoln Logs and for Army formations of regiments? How unlikely is that combination?

Oct trip to Grandparents & Train Depot

2008-12-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

We took Grandma Terri to the Duluth Depot and the Children's Museum for her birthday at the end of October. It was a good time and Xander loved how huge the trains were and all the control panels! Aliza napped some in the baby B'Jorn.

Before we came back to Illinois, Grandpa gave the traditional Tractor ride to the girls. It was Aliza's first of what has become a coveted event... synonymous with the name "Grandpa Dean"

October trip to Zoo on Train!

2008-12-10T11:43:00.001-08:00

We were invited by my friend to go to the zoo via the train. Starting in Aurora, I we bought our tickets and boarded, chugged past Downers Grove where Daddy sold at Farmer's Market and on to Brookfield Zoo.. the "Hollywood stop". We took quite a little treck to the back gate of the zoo!

What a great day! What a great time we had with our homeschool friends.

Aliza- What a Joy!

2008-12-10T10:46:00.000-08:00

What a Nut!

2008-12-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

Aliza is not quite 9 months.Since the beginning of Nov she has been crawling. and within days standing up against anything. At 7 months she was pulling herself up and standing in the laundry basket while I was taking a bath and periodically. Dan and I laughed at her as she shook a stool in the kitchen the other day to get it moving so she could slide it along and walk with it!

For a month now she stands in her crib and then hollars to get down. She has 4 teeth now as clearly seen in the photo. What a joy! What a nut! She is constantly looking for interaction with those around her. She hisses though her teeth when she is being silly or sort of snuffs at a person! So funny!

She was given the pink fuzzy jacket and seems to love how soft it is! Josie and I agree it is a Fancy Nancy type of jacket! we have been reading those books and all love it! her shoes also squeek.

Moving to a different Country!? Election 2008

2008-11-05T12:06:00.000-08:00

Xander was sitting on the couch at 8:30pm and watching the votes come in… I could hear his dad say “Now Son we have to have a good attitude… it's not going to do any good to pout about it”… and then I could hear Xander say “Well -if that Obama gets in I am just going to move to a different Country!” (he mentioned somewhere in South America at supper) His dad assured him that no one was going to move anywhere. But when Grandma Betty was on the phone and I told her with a chuckle and she said ” You grab that sweet boy and give him a hug and tell him 'Grandma is moving with him!' ”
I asked Dan, “You are going to stay home till Xander is awake tomorrow, announce who one and what our attitudes needed to be right?! It was more of a statement than a question.

So tomorrow is here now and we told him... he took it better than I imaginned but Josie who was listening said "Did the 'BLUE guys' win?" I explained to her the Blue guys did win but we as a family wanted the RED guys to win... and she said "No- I didn't! I wanted the BLUE Guys to win!" and ran away saying, "I won! I won! "
Dan then told me IT WAS A FACT... as she sat there and she and Xander discussed the election and Xander's Preferences on the next president of the US... she informed him if he was voting for RED she was voting for BLUE! you see she had to pick the opposite of the rest of the family. What Children I have! :) :)

Well Obama You had one supporter in this household.. I hope you don't let your 4 yr old supporter down!

Apple Sauce! (manna from heaven)

2008-11-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to say Thakn You God for all the apples this year. Ginger and I took ALL 10 Kids Apple Picking in yards around Dwight.. We were quite a sight... Aliza in a walker.. Will in a pack and play.. Kids eating apples and shaking trees and(when they weren't distracted by the boundless bugs and interesting sticks and such) carrying bushels of bruised, Asian beetle infested apples with rotting spots in! But as we loaded the pick up I kept saying "Manna From Heaven! Thank You Lord for this Manna from Heaven! (and Thank You Ginger for sharing your bounty! ) After a day of picking we spent two seperate days making apple sauce... the washing station was set up (.. Josie and smaller kids... )the cranking station with the squeezo strainer was set up and in constant motion (Rob, Liz, John, Xander and smaller kids), 3 or 4 of the burners were in constant use... the table was full of the rotten and buggie parts of apples... This is whre Ginger and I spent most of our time. 3 days later (almost) the whole Pick up load of apples were made into the 20 gallons of sauce ! Ginger and I are exausted and so glad its over!
This is what famliy is all about right? it is good to pull together and get huge feats done like this. I am not ready to do it again anytime Really soon:) but really thankful for another year of applesauce making... AS Liz puts it : "It is Almost as important to the Rosenquist family as Thanksgiving!" Picture soon to come!

We are "Tight" but we have so much! We would be considered rich elsewhere.

2008-11-05T11:09:00.000-08:00

Well things are tight here (with the buisness we're in and the economy... )and I believe to say tight is the most optimistic way I can say it :) . We were presented an oppertunity to help out a reefugee family from the Congo who has been residing in a refugee camp until a few weeks ago. I gave my kids the assignment to think of what our new friends might need or enjoy. It was a good for them. And Good for mommy when Josie Picked one of my favorite baby dolls to share with them. I bit my touge because I knew she loved this doll too and realized I might be robbing her of the truest blessing of giving it up to someone else to love. (They had no dolls.)

We hussled though the house making packages of Oatmeal, toys, stationary, office supplies, Stroller, baby items, sippie cups, jackets, vitamins, shakes, and other stuff the kids wanted to add. We got blessed this family with all this by bringing it to them with other homeschool friends and helping them set up house.. it was fun. Things we weren't sure it they understood like setting the alarm clock /shower curtain hanging/ all the hand me down dishes were washed/ and staples were organized in the cupboards. It was a good day.

I had to put aliza down a few times and I turned around to find either the mom Flor(Floor) sp? having my pale baby on one hip and her dark baby on the other.. the babies would smile at each other and it was precious. The Daughter age 7 Flom (Flome) SP? also held her. As we help in the bed rooms we could find only an out fit or two for our french speaking friends. When we got home we split Aliza's stuff in half since she and Liddy are the same size and sent it to them via other friends. The kids played memory and other non verbal games on the floor. Xander and Flome wresteld and laughed with each other. We prayed and talked about God with them too. It was a Blessed time and and a Blessed oppertunity to teach my kids that we have so much... even if "we choose not to stop at McDonalds because we have to use our money for something else today." :)

Boards (and Kids) by Dan (+ a few extra kids)

2008-09-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

Well this is the final product. I can't believe how beautifully done they are!The Birch Plywood is so clean looking and the construction... well... let's just say "a stair man" built them! He stands on them to demonstrate how sturdy they are. I am so proud of his workmanship, entrepreneur skills and his gumption to "get 'er done"! The built in returns and the beverage holders are a BIG HIT. THe girls had to go see the boys at Farmer's Market this afternoon. (Xander flew out of bed 5:45am when I awoke him and promptly turned the light on 100% to searched for his pants which were already laid out for him. The whole family has been up since 5:45 this morning with the exception of Dan who never went to bed again. He is "COM-A-TOASTED" (my new word for being burnt out and in a semi coma) on the couch right now. :) Poor guy has not had much rest lately. He was pushing for a big deadline in the Stair Business last night.

Here's the girls with their matching skirts on. Darla the doll came too with her skirt too. I redid Aliza's at 1am last night. :) we all might go to bed at 7pm tonight!

(top)My dear nephew and Nieces (minus John and Will who were not in the picture) posed as I attempted to sew and play referee. We did not get much done:) oh well! Liz is holding the two colors I haven't yet accomplished yet.

We are now on our 3rd -50# bag of corn! phew!

Volenteer Help WANTED- No height requirement. :)

2008-09-20T14:29:00.001-07:00

Josie heard the sewing machine at 11pm, got up and helped me finish for Daddy. She (dressed in her brothers Pj's) stacked in perfect order the Bears colors. We printed a sign too trying to be helpful.

So this is my view as I sew "bags".
As you can see the sewing machine in the for-ground and the corn weighing station in the background. Grandma Betty came the first night as we crammed for the 1st Farmers Market. She and Josie weighed and measured 32 bags out for me. We used almost a 50 # bag of corn! I sewed for all I was worth till 2am and set the bags at the door for Dan as he never did get to bed that night in his last minute push to be ready by 5:45am Sat morning. Its sorta fun because his brother (who is referred to as "Goose" or "Uncle Greg" in our house) is there selling kettle corn, meat, honey, cookies and bread. He has done this market for years in Downers Grove.
Dan did really good and sold 3 sets of boards I think.

Pet Cicadias, Projects, School and "Phileo" or Brotherly Love

2008-09-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

Just another morning.
I am sewing the last of the skirts.
Xander wants to know if this was a scrap and if he could have it.
Could I help a bit with a pouch he wanted to make.
His first sewing on the machine.
Josie sitting with her pet Cicada watching him sew.
A broken Glass jar all over the floor.
"Josie please go give Liza a toy."
"Xander I really like that.. could I have one?" (Josie to Xander)
"Sure Josie! I can make another one!"
"Mom, you know what I was thinking I would 'pres-in-tate' (instead of present) at CC this week? then he sings "Children Obey Your parents in the Lord..."
After your done please get back at your Cursive First and it is not time to read your Bible Please finish your paper. (Xander)"but Mom, I wanted to spend time with God."
Aliza kicking her chubby legs in the bouncy seat.
Hungry Kids...
Salad with dressing (garlic, Olive oil, and Vinigar) , Chicken, and cheese.
Picinic outside with Liza laying watching the clouds and picking grass with her fists.
"Josie, Please eat up now and put your pet Cicada down, yes I am sure he appreciates your tea (mint) leaves. Yes he is cute and you do a very good job holding him but you need to eat. "
Aliza eating (3rd day of raw pear after her tooth appeared on Mon) from her mush bag.
Pear juice running down her chin and into her neck.
Stickie, HAPPY baby.
"Josie, please come and eat! You may chase that Butterfly later."
Xander making roads and police stations on the sidewalk with chalk.
Riding his bike on the driveway as Aliza is in the walker and Josie is on her trike.

What a grand day it was!
How nice it is to see my son phileo his sister! What a good kid you are Xander!
ps BTW they did catch that butterfly!

Just to see "That" Smile

2008-09-18T12:04:00.000-07:00

I sewed last night after the kids went to bed, until my husband came home. I was so happy there was just enough time to complete my surprise before we went to bed. When Josie came to crawl in bed with me this morning I had a surprise waiting for her. I found scraps in the closet and sewed my first little skirt. No pattern, no trips to the store for the perfect touch, and NO PINS. I was shocked that I pulled the last item off! Her eyes lit up and she twirled around in true girl fashion with it tight to her chest. I had a the shirt there too and told her to slip it on! She Said "Oh Mommy it is Beautiful! just Beautiful!" I snapped the first shots you see.

This is where she says, "I think its morning time Mom, Lets geg(t) up" as she usually does and we go downstairs. We have (Uncle Greg's) WW Toast drizzled with honey and Mandarin Orange Tea. Josie always helps me make it and this morning we grinned at each other as we sat there and said how nice it was to drink tea and have toast in the morning with each other. Josie has been finishing her whole cup lately and told me, "I n-n-(l)ike Tea!" She tasted her toast and said it was "W(R)eally GOOG!" and gave me the thumbs up thing... I had her redo it so I could get a picture. She does this often- only you can't see how she closes one eye and moves her one thumb in and out.. it cracks me up every time.

Then we had to sew Darla a matching skirt. She can't wait to go to Farmer's Market in it on Sat. We (almost successfully) made Aliza one also. FUN ! I could have gotten many other things done this morning and last night but then I wouldn't have gotten to see "that" Smile this morning. I am the lucky one. How fun it is to have the sweet daughter I have!

Always Bright Eyes ... Always a Smile!

2008-09-07T14:23:00.000-07:00

Aliza- You are such a smiley baby. You are a joy. Your bright eyes and open mouth smile. Almost everyone says you look like your brother Xander. I love being your mom and am so glad God gave us (another)perfect child for our family.

You have grown up a bit different. Xander was 8 or 9 months, Josie was 5 or 6, and you were about 2 months sleeping in our bed at night.You get lots of baths in the sink like allmy babies... you get changed maybe even more often because of cloth diapers. You are the first to love your Thumb and your tummy to sleep. This makes you wake up in the car and stroller often. You are now rolling all over the floor. Josie loves to give you a spoon of herbal tea in the morning. You love your walker and now can actually go almost where you want to now. You are a squealer! You haven't started with the drool or the teeth yet but it is coming I know. You haven't ever been sick yet. PTL. You are staring to be a bit of a mommy girl.. Xander tries to hold you but you just fuss as he apologizes and carries you to me. He is quite good at this. Josie says "nuffing to cry about Liza .. nuffing wrong. " clic clic cloc cloc... she goes with her tongue. and you usually stop and look at her puzzled. She said the other day "Mommy, that would be so so sad if "Liza died and we had no more baby sister. I would cry and you would cry and daddy would cry.. and xan'er! " She also has the cutest way of saying "A LI-za".

Daddy comes down and usually says "Why did we get such a 'smiley, happy baby'?" he also says "Hi" with an emphatic single nod and you grin... sometimes you look and look at him just waiting for him to smile at you and then you always return the favor. There are times when Daddy is taking a nap and I tell him you are searching his face.. he smiles really big (with his eyes still closed) and waves at you and you grin at him so BIG and I laugh.

Sometimes it seems to us like you were never an infant.. you have always looked at the world with such curiosity and were so into your surroundings.. also you have always been so strong.. wanting to stand and hold your head since birth. You are not even 6 months yet and you are about to sit in the middle of the floor!

Anyway I wanted to quick take 10 min and write you a note that lets you know YOU are adored by us all!

Aliza- Oh how we love you!

2008-08-28T20:57:00.001-07:00

Josie just said to me this morning.. "Momma..only thing wrong is -we just need another baby!" Oh ? Why is that Josie? "Well Auntie Ginger is having another baby and we just need another one too!"

No baby could fill the spot that our whole family has in our hearts for our Aliza Jane. She is fun, sweet, and so CUTE in our opinion. She now loves to SQUEAL! She loves her THUMB! and She loves her MOMMY! Lucky me!... she is at the stage now that if she is in her exer-saucer and she catches a glimpse of me run past the doorway (because now I try to avoid this happening) she squeals and starts to cry with those chubby lil hands in the air. She rolls front to back and back to front and grabs anything you are eating or drinking. I have taught her to sip my herbal tea and water from a glass. This was a bad idea I know. She has tasted Cucumber and raw apple or watermelon. She sucked the watermelon to half its size before I took it away. She went to the Shaklee Convention in New Orleans with me and both Grandmas... this above was her makeshift bed at the hotel ... two chairs pushed together and her sound machine.

I am loving every stage she has been through and I can't help but hope that I have at least one more opportunity to do this all over again. (I share your opinion Josie!)

Dog sitting a Puppy named Sofie

2008-08-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

Our puppy for 1 week. Josie and Xander loved her. They are waiting to get another dog sometime, but in the mean time its nice to borrow one every once in a while. :)

We End the Summer with a Fish Story

2008-08-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

Here's the last big Fish story of the summer. Xander caught one of the big cat fish that hang out at the neighbors dock... they love bread that we feed them and hot dogs we use for bait! Anyway this one weighed 6 pounds. Dan was called because he was so big the reel that Xander has on his rod would keep slipping and not reel him in. he was sorta hard to land on the rocks but soon everyone got a close look at him. A few min later Josie caught this lil bass. Fun! We were glad Daddy was home to see Xander's big catch. He also caught the 6 pound bass too this summer. (It broke his rod.)

Meet my New Husband

2008-07-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

Meet my new husband -Mr Clean.... he's thinking about the gold earring but he thinks he will pass... he did this in the middle of the night and crawled into bed this way.. I woke in the morning and after I was in and out feeding the baby... being now fully awake... I said to Aliza "What has your Daddy done?" Anyway a good laugh for all of us.. Josie sid something like "HUUUUGHHHHH Daddy where did all your hair go to?" I sorta like it:) he looks a bit like Bruce Willis... :) and I pet him more now.

Josie is Four! FINALLY!!!

2008-07-19T12:46:00.001-07:00

Josie has waited through everyone elses birthday and finally it is her turn (isn't this true for every kid? ) We had a nice time over the Fourth in Mn and even got to spend time out at the campground swimming, watching the fire and eating the boundless supply that tends to go hand in hand with trips to Mn.. we won't mention any names (GRANDMA TERRI! ) but there is always plenty to eat, and just when you think you can eat no more- out comes homemade Carmel Rolls! A favorite for the whole family.we celebrated Birthdays in MN at the lake... Josie received 2 new Meehee's (horses) and dress up dresses and other things she had specifically named in her interview blog. Also a pair of almost High heal sandals that she has worn everywhere including the barn. /we also had a party in IL at the Rosenquist Farm in Dwight. She loves spending time with her cousins. Here's a few pictures of her recently.

At Auntie Jens the kids had a glorious time in the mud! we then went swimming ... transporting them in a pickup box to the near by lake! :)
Picking Strawberries with Grandpa Max and Grandma Betty in Princeton IL
Having a clown party at Uncle Greg's.
Feeding Uncle Chads calf -Cupcake!

Giving her Daddy a kiss with all her dress up stuff on in MN

Angelina, Tory, Josie, and Becka in their dress up stuff at "the Farm".

Somewhere to Keep these Memories

2008-07-13T11:14:00.000-07:00

Just a note to say-Wow! I should apologize for the lengthy text below but I am not going to ! :) The last (see below) comments are just a way for Dan and I can to remember the little things that fade as time passes. With another little one in my arms I am beginning to lose confidence of recalling some of the fun antics my kids do. I am already thinking, "Now did Xander do this when he was little? and What did he use to call such and such? "

So That is my purpose.. thanks for hanging in there with me.. Each of my kids mean so much to me.. they are such a huge part of my life. Our little family is one of a kind and we invite you to join with us as we reminisce.