Happy Birthday "Mi" Guy!

Well, yesterday marked Miles' 5th birthday! We had a great time. He woke up to the birthday tradition! A balloon and SUGAR cereal!!! This is a tradition we started in our family when Avery turned four. Just for fun, I wrapped up a box of generic Lucky Charms . He had so many cool gifts that year, but what got the biggest reaction was the box of no-name cereal. So, about 10 pm the night before Miles' birthday, I sent Brent out to get a balloon and cereal. It was too late to pick up a balloon from the dollar store, so we thought Lunds would have the best selection. Well, we don't go to Lunds and it had no birthday boy balloons. But, Brent bought one anyway. I was so annoyed at what he came home with, but I'm actually thankful now, because it took this blahg and made it a blog.




Here he is admiring the cake he helped to make and frost!



As one friend said, "it's never to early to instill a sense of mortality."


All in all, it was a good day. I'm so grateful for this guy. He is so creative. Here's just a few more pics of a little scene he created all on his own with sheets of craft foam earlier today. The black thing is the sky with the moon hanging in it. The blue thing is a house with windows. It has a backyard with a white fence. I know it doesn't look so amazing, but I enjoy his mind so much, that I had to share.

Our Trip to St. Louis

Well, Avery had a few days off of school and so we decided to take a trip back to the old stomping grounds of "the Lou'". Yes, it was the only time we had in the next six months to get to St. Louis. This is such an exciting trip for our family because it feels like half our hearts are there. Our friends, our Nana and Pop Pop, free Zoo, free Science Center, Lion's Choice Roast beef sandwiches, 10 cent ice cream cones, Donut Palace and more! So, it's not that hard for the boys to endure a 10 hour road trip when they know what's at the other end of the ride. Unfortunately, our camera did not make the haul. Fortunately, Joy Bidner (of the St. Louis Bidners), took some great pics I'd like to share.

The Pumpkin Wasteland at Rombachs! It looks cool and smells like it's the end of pumpkin picking season!


Our Donut Palace Tradition!



Kids at Bidner's Farm




The FAB Four!!!



Ava finally gets to hold Baby Girl Scheetz!!!



Well, if I write anymore, I'll be officially neglecting my children. Oh the irony. FYI, you don't have to be a registered blogger to comment anymore. No more passwords to remember. Blessings to you all!

It's Getting Jilly...I mean CHiLLY!!

Jillian's First BLING!

Joy and Ava picked out this tasteful piece of
jewelry for our little lady. It matches, perfectly,
one of my very favorite Jillian outfits!

miracles

according to the world of modern medicine, my baby is

not necessarily a "miracle". there's really no reason i

shouldn't be able to have a healthy little baby. but, because

God is the author and sustainer of life, every child is a miracle.

this past weekend, a couple from our church, gave birth to

a lifeless nine pound five ounce little girl.

it appears the cord was wrapped around her neck.

i am so deeply sad for them.

this sweet couple joyfully anticipated God's little gift and now have an empty crib

and longing hearts.

if you read this, please pray for them.

their names are abraham and molly.

Cooler weather calls for POLKA DOTS!!!

Am I thrilled that it's getting cool already??? Well, yes!
But that's only because it means it's time to pull out the tights!
This is one of three pairs that Sheila got for the little girl! So
glad I could get a picture before she pooped on them!

another thing...

Somehow, I got a shower before taking Avery to school. And,
even though I experienced it myself, it remains a mystery to
me how I got makeup on this morning. Seems like a miracle. And
then, the fact that I had the thought to appear in a picture...it's a day
of miracles! Thanks to Miles for taking a blog-worthy pic!!!

Smiles all Around!!!

Finally!!! She smiles frequently enough for photo ops!!!
We have so much fun with this little lady!!!

I must note that the "Treasu(red)" outfit and the sweet little pink

sundress are from Sheila!!! Carol, thanks for the adorable pleated

romper!!

The First Day of School!!

Well, the verdict is in and Avery loves school! We're not surprised. Here, you can see he has the love and support of his siblings!!! The only question he's had so far is, "Do I have casual Fridays?"

Trying to capture a smile!!

Wow, this is tricky business trying to get your little one to smile for the camera!!! I didn't catch one, but almost!!! The best thing about her smile is her dimples!! She got those from her Daddy!

Avery News!

Avery will be 7 years old in a few weeks and he finally lost his first tooth this past Friday!!

I woke up the next morning to a very disappointed boy standing over me saying, "The tooth fairy only brought me 35 cents." C'mon, toothfairy!!! That's all you could do? Luckily, while we were all out of the house, the toothfairy made a daytime visit and slipped in some extra dough. We realize these are hard times for everyone...even the dag-gone toothfairy.


Further news on Avery, we made a split decision this past week to explore, apply and enroll him in school. We are pretty confident that this is the right decision for now. If you think you're the last to know, you're not...this is fresh news.