this face

This face.  How I love this face.

This is Nathan's newest expression for anything and everything exciting.  Usually trucks.  When I took this picture, we were standing outside and he heard a fire truck (also called "pire-truck").  He makes this face and does a high pitched, inhaled gasp (you know, the sound you make when you see your child about to hurt themselves).  I think he must have learned this sound from me.  Anyway, whenever he sees a truck on the road, in a book, on TV... he looks at me and makes this face and that noise.  It totally cracks me up every time.  

things I want to remember....

Nathan will eat pretty much anything.  I love that I can catch him sneaking veggies off the table before dinnertime.

All kids sneak snacks, but peas?  Awesome.

Sleep-overs that the girls have.  Hannah has her own room now, but nightly they beg to sleep together.  It's fun to be big and have your own space, but nothing's better than sisters.

And, of course, bathtime with all these tiny hineys. It's a party in the tub.  Every. Night.

My amazing husband who painted our front room for me.  It's the school room and we spend alot of time in there.  It's also the first room you see when you walk in the house.  It was this marvelous 1987 rose/mauve color.  And even though this house is just a rental, Ken painted it a great landlord approved neutral color.  I could have painted it, but I'm usually preggers so he's somehow become the painter de facto in our family.  Anyway, it looks soooo much better and it makes me smile. He makes me smile.

Another Gracie creation #793.  This time from a tortilla.  Great goalie mask. 

Playing in the sprinklers in the backyard.  This summer, in order to be outside, you pretty much had to be wet.  Or else you would melt.  We had fun putting pool at the bottom of the slide and splashing in like gangbusters. 

I can't believe that I have another Kindergartner this year.  It made me happy to write Claire's name on her school books this year.  She's loving school and having lots of fun.  Every Friday the parents come to school for lunch and prayer and their closing hymn.  This week was pizza Friday.  So fun to eat with the girls and then watch them sing Amazing Grace with their classmates.  

This is Kitty.  Claire's best friend for the last 4+ years.  Now kitty rides to school with us in the mornings and "naps" in the car until I pick the girls up at noon.  It's sweet and strange to see Kitty laying in the back of the van all alone.  I realize that C is growing up.... but she's still not too big for Kitty.

Claire lost her first tooth last week. G had to have one pulled today because her permanent teeth were crowding it out.  Han just got braces.  Nate is getting his "eye" teeth.  Jake just has a great smile.... one that shows all his teeth. Teeth are taking up alot of mental energy in our house right now.  5 kids equals about 100 little teeth.  The tooth fairy is one busy individual around here.

The weather is finally getting cool enough to actually enjoy the outside world here!  We have a hoop in our driveway and family basketball is becoming a nightly routine.  Han is really good and can beat me in Horse.... not that that's saying that much.  But she is good.  Nate loves being in on the action too.

He's only about 2 feet tall.

But the kid's got game.

These little ones really make our life so very full.  Full of all these little moments that I don't want to forget.  Nathan is picking up a few more words now.  My favorite is "okay".  Anything you ask him now....the answer?  "Okay."  So simple, But I love, love that sweet little voice.

As a reminder to myself, in these sticky, messy, exhausting days.... these are the things that make it all worthwhile.

Marriage enrichment....for only $4.99

We are not technical geniuses at our house.  As a general rule, we slowly drag our feet into the next technological advancement of our times.  iPod, Twitter, Facebook?  If we choose to go there at all, we are generally at the end of the line.

That being said, just a couple of weeks ago, we started texting.  I know.  We may be the last people on the planet to have added this feature to our cell plan. Why text? I have have always wondered.  If you're already holding the phone, isn't it just as easy to call?

As it turns out... no, it isn't!  Texting is a wonderful thing. I am stating the obvious for most of you, but this fact was revolutionary for me.

Ken "had" to be able to text for work, so we added this handy dandy feature to our phone.  We had no idea the benefits that this would have in store for our marriage.  Really.

Now, several times a day, while Ken's at work...we text. Not just passing info and such, but sweet little notes that keep "us" in the forefront our minds. Since we usually can't talk uninterrupted during the day.... him because he's working, me because I'm working....this little trick has been just the thing.    How sweet it is to be in the heat of battle with some household issue and hear that glorious little chirp from my phone to let me know that my hubby is thinking about me and offering a few words of encouragement.

Love note, encouragement, morale booster... for only $4.99 a month.

So worth it.

Happy Father's Day

Father's Day started today with my meager attempt at breakfast for my husband. Waffles and sausage were okay, but syrup would have been nice. We used jelly instead. It was okay, but missing a little something. We didn't try out a new church today, because we can't find anything clean to wear. I know, it doesn't matter what you wear. Blah, blah,, blah. Anyway, most of today has been spent digging out from under our mountains of cardboard and mayham.

Still, in the midst of it all... Ken has managed to be sweet and caring and loving and keep the good attitude that I seem to be lacking right now. He's doing all he can to help us put the house together, yet taking time to play Clue with the kids and set up the sprinkler in the backyard. He's spent his day taking care of me and the kids, just as he does everyday.



And I am thankful for him today, just as I am everyday. I am amazed that somehow God gave me a man like this to share my life with. He is a wonderful husband and father, a man of great character, a protector and provider... and today, a bug killer, baby rocker, a box lifter, and assembler of all things.



I love you, honey and appreciate all you do everyday for our family. You're my hero.

we're outta here

Well, we've finally made it to move day. The movers are coming bright and early in the morning to pack the house then load it on Friday then we're outta here. I am tired. So tired that my brain isn't really working right now. But I need to empty my head before I can get a couple hours of sleep, so - in no particular order- here are my thoughts tonight.

I enjoyed reading the captions for the last pictures. I'll have to give the cookie to Cheryl for "Flying Lessons", since Ken's a pilot and all. But they were all fun... especially those that referred to poop. Ken said that if more of the commenters were men that there would have been more of those. He's probably right.

We've been cleaning all week, getting ready for the pack out and the move-out inspection. I think whoever invented the Mr. Clean Erase sponges should get some kind of lifetime achievement award. Really.

I haven't blogged much lately because I just don't have time. The kids have been going to bed later and by the end of the night, I just have no more time and even less energy. I missed blogging about Jake's birthday. He just turned 4. Such a big boy and so sweet. We went bowling. I'm going to blog about it soon and post date it to make it look like I did it on time... just so I don't feel guilty when I read it years from now. I sure love that little boy.

Ken also had a birthday. He's my favorite 41 year old in the whole world. He's just really awesome and helpful and sweet. I love him so much. I could think of lots of words to describe out marriage right now. Lots of the words would be fun or sexy words. And they would be true. But the number one word that comes to mind right now is teamwork. We are a team. In the middle of our ump-teenth PCS, I am especially thankful that I have a good teammate. We're doing this together. I'm chasing babies and cooking. He's cleaning the kitchen and packing boxes. I get the paperwork done, he cleans out from under the fridge. I pack the suitcases, he gets the car serviced. And he never, ever complains. That's my job.

We also went on a trip to the White Mountains in New Hampshire a couple of weekends ago. It was a fun trip with lots of hiking and family time. We went to the top of Mt. Washington and saw lots of waterfalls and made smores...not all at the same time. Lots of pictures. Later.

I went to Headland and visited my family. All by myself. It was fun and good to see all my family that I haven't seen in over a year. I relaxed a good bit and got to have long conversations which is a rarity for me. I took lots of pictures and noticed things that I'd never noticed before. Every man in Wal-mart over the age of 12 wears a baseball cap. And most of them drive pick-up trucks. And Wal-mart in the South is really nice. All of these things I would have never noticed before. I think I've been gone long enough to see things the way that people who aren't from there see them. But I've lived there, so I can appreciate them for what they are.

And Nathan has another double ear infection. Seems to be time for tubes. Bummer. But if it will make him feel better, so be it. He's such a joy, and I have never seen a child with so much energy and determination. He's great 5th child. Just happy to be with us and doing what everyone else it doing.

I think I've procrastinated long enough now. Movers will be here in a few hours and whatever I don't have in a suitcase will go in a box and we won't see it until we get to Virginia. Strange thing to have people packing your house like that. I wouldn't show my own mother what's in my lingerie drawer, but Bart the moving guy will find out tomorrow.

On that comforting note, I think I'll throw a few things toward the suitcase and go to bed. We'll lose our computer tomorrow, so I'll be signing on again next week from the sunny South. Please pray that all goes well, safe travels for our family, patience and rest for all of us, friends when we get there and peaceful transition. I'm feeling thankful right now that God has gone before us. Looking forward to being at home in a new home. As they say, home is where the Navy sends you.

Ken and Jen Plus 10

It's not the name of a new reality show.  And we don't have 10 children, at least not yet.  But yesterday we did celebrate our 10 year anniversary.

Knowing that it would be a particularly busy day, we celebrated the night before with a family picnic down by the water.  Ken picked up some special picnic treats and we took them down to a pretty grassy spot at the edge of our neighborhood.  We flew the kite and the kids ran around and played.  Hannah even snapped an anniversary photo for us.

The kids, of course, had a blast with the kite.  And even though it is still a bit chilly at night here, the weather is starting to get oh so pretty.  I'm beginning to remember why people actually like living up here.

All the kids took a turn with the kite... Oreo smiles and all.

And in case you're wondering what kind of anniversary celebrations includes a whole gaggle of little kids in tow.... ours do.

In light of the fact that we had no babysitting available this year, I don't think the kids minded joining us at all.

And we certainly didn't mind sharing the occasion with them.

While we were out there, Ken and I said our vows to each other while the kids giggled.  And then they asked if we were going to kiss.  So we did. 

I always want them to know that I love their daddy more than anything in the whole world.  

It's been a crazy and wonderful 10 years and I wouldn't trade a minute of it.

dog drama

While I'm waiting for my computer to work again, I'll forgo the photos and tell the story I eluded to in my last blog. You can't just say things like "911 call" and not tell the rest of the story, right?

Sunday, Ken and Jake were out on a walk together by the beach. Ken said that he heard a woman calling for help. He looks up and seeing a lady walking two dogs and waving her arms around, her face covered in blood. Of course, he and Jake wen to check on her. Turns out she had gotten tangled in her dogs' leashes and fallen on her face on the concrete pathway. Apparently she had broken her nose and knocked out a couple of teeth and was generally in pretty bad shape. Ken called an ambulance for her and called her husband, and he and Jakey waited with her until help arrived. In the mean time, her 2 dogs (one of which was pregnant with 8 puppies) had gotten over the sea wall and couldn't get up out of the water, so Ken became the hero once again as he pulled the dog back up onto the pathway.

Ken said Jake was quite concerned about the lady and kept getting in her face and asking "Are you okay?" Once the ambulance came, Ken volunteered to dog-sit for her. He wrote down our # and address and brought home these 2 big, black, wet dogs.

We didn't want to keep them outside, since it was freezing and they were wet. So we barricaded the kitchen with baby gates and kept them there for about an hour until the lady's husband arrived. Of course the kids thought it was great having dogs. They even borrowed dog treats from the neighbors to feed their temporary pets.

So, that was our drama for the day that waylayed Nathan's party. But in the end, everyone was okay and Ken and Jakey got to be good Samaritans. All's well that ends well, right?

And, as Paul Harvey would say, that's the rest of the story.

a night away

This weekend, Ken and I got to get away for our first overnight date in over 3 years!  I can't even tell you how much we really needed this and what a wonderful and unexpected blessing it was.  It' s long story, but for a variety of reasons, our good friend and neighbor, Nicole,  had a non-refundable hotel reservation here in town that they were unable to use.  So they ever so graciously offered it to us... and here's the kicker, offered to stay with our kids as well!

I wasn't entirely certain that our kids were ready to be without us for the night since we've never left them with anyone other than family for that long.  But if I would trust anyone to take care of them and keep them throughly entertained, it would be my friend Nicole.  She makes Mary Poppins look boring.  Really.

So off we went!  See, we even took a picture of ourselves as we were walking around downtown.

We enjoyed downtown a bit, ate at a great seafood restaurant on the water then checked into a wonderful room on a nearby little island.  We got to sleep in and even go out to breakfast before heading home.  It was so refreshing and very relaxing.  I admit, I did stress a little too much about how the kids were doing at home.  But it turned out that it was all for nothing.  They did great and had a blast.

We came back to happy kids and we are feeling much more energized and ready to tackle another week.  I am so thankful for these unexpected blessings that God uses to fill us up when we need it most.

Funny story.  When I first told the kids that we would be gone until the next morning, Hannah's first question?    "But won't you be tired?"  

we had a ball

Last night was the Holiday Ball for the Naval War College.  And what a ball we had!  It was held at the Rosecliff Mansion in Newport.   Even though we've been here for a while, this was the first of the mansions here that I have seen up close, and yes, I was impressed.  The Rosecliff is grand in every way.  Several movies have been filmed here, such as The Great Gatsby, True Lies, and 27 Dresses.  It was the perfect backdrop for a Christmas ball, and we felt like we were living large.  It's not every day that we get to dress up and go out.  Honestly, we don't even get out to McDonald's by ourselves very often, so a ball at a mansion?  Wow.

Ken's parents graciously came out for the weekend and planned their visit around being able to babysit for us to go to the ball.  As Ken jokingly said, we flew in the professionals.  They entertained the kids and had fun with them.  Before we left, they snapped a few pictures of us all dressed up in our Christmas best.  Thankfully, my sister got married in December 3 years ago so my bridesmaid's dress was perfect for the occasion.  Thanks, Kim.... a dress I really did use again!

Once we arrived, we walked through the mansion with it's grand staircase and ornate architecture.  We socialized and had lots of yummy food.  We were treated to all the seafood dishes that New England is famous for... lobster bisque and pan seared scallops, crab cakes and grilled shrimp, and lots of other tasty things that I couldn't quite describe.  Had it been at all appropriate, I'm sure I would have just followed the servers around, nibbling off their little silver trays.   Of course we had to have a dessert as well, of cheesecake and tiramisu and Bailey's coffee. 

They had a wonderful big brass band, and we danced the night away.  The live music was of course paired with an open bar and some people had way too much fun.  We weren't in this group, but we were as quite giddy with our night of freedom and had as good of a time as any of them, kicking up our heels. 

Sometime just before midnight, we finally called it a night and came home.   We were greeted with a house full of wonderfully contented, sleeping children.  It really just doesn't get any better than that.

As glamorous and fun as the whole night was, the best part... by far... was getting an evening out with my best friend.  I love this man so much.  In the busyness of day to day life, we don't always make time to just have fun together.  Last night we got to do that.  We laughed and talked and danced and played.  And felt like we were dating again.  Last night was wonderfully romantic.  And because I got to be with my man, we really did have a ball.

He's baaaaaack...

We're still here.  It's just that we've been a little busy this week.  Actually, it's that we've really not been busy this week.

Ken is between trimesters in school and had a 5 day weekend!  So we went from papers and tests and papers and missing Daddy and did I mention papers?

To having Daddy home and resting and playing...

And catching up and sleeping and playing some more...

So I will be blogging soon.  

But right now I'm just enjoyin' my people.

 

And being a family.  And being so very thankful.

we went out

Last week Ken and I got to go out for the first time since we've been here!  Yay!  Our sweet friend and neighbor Nicole watched the kids while Ken and I went to a social for new students at the Admiral's home.  Granted, it was a Navy function but it was still nice to get dressed up and get out for a while.  Talking to each other and with other adults does wonders for the soul.  When we got home, the kids were having so much fun.  They were fed, smiling and dressed for bed.  Who could really ask for anything more, right?  She even snapped a family picture for us when we got home. It was a fun night for everyone....thanks, Nicole!

girls

Here's what happens to a Daddy, brave enough to fall asleep on the couch...

in a house full of little girls.

moving, mites and skinned knees

So much to write about and so little time to blog!  As much as I love to write about our adventures and misadventures, I often find myself way too tired at the end of the day and wanting nothing more than to fall into bed.  So, tonight, while I'm feeling moderately energized and my sweet husband is watching the All-Star game, I'll catch you up on this week's happenings at our house.

We have made it through another week of busyness, as we are getting ready for the move.  Our movers will be here in less than 2 weeks and we'll packing up for the next chapter in our lives.  Military moves generally, in my experience, require quite a bit of planning.  We finally got a call from the movers and have our move dates set, pictures off the walls and a new address.  We're spending our evenings patching nail holes, touching up paint, repairing screens and sorting everything else.

While doing all this this weekend, Ken came across a bird's nest that had fallen to the ground which he allowed, nay encouraged,  the kids to play with.  I saw this and quickly dismissed the reminder in my head of my mom not allowing me to play with old bird's nests due to bird mites.  Nonsense and overprotective parenting, for sure.  About 10 minutes later,  while making playdough eggs to put in their new found nest, I noticed 1 of my kids doing quite a bit of scratching.  Oh yes.  Upon closer inspection, I see that at least 2 of my darlings were covered in itty-bitty bugs.  Eeek! Quickly, we grab all 4 of the older children and toss them into bathtubs and showers.  They each got their hair washed several times with lemon juice and vinegar (thanks to a little quick online research).  Clothes were all thrown immediately in the washer for sanitation and I went on a cleaning frenzy.  Thankfully, the nest was kept outside and disaster narrowly averted.  I feel sure that none of my children will ever look at birds nests the same again.

In a bird update,  the neighbor later found a tiny inhabitant of the earlier mentioned dishevelled nest.  She is nursing the baby bird back to health, and so far it seems to be doing well.  The girls have been digging worms for him every day and helping her feed him.

Here's the rest of the news of the week in (somewhat) bullet form:

After almost a month of back problems, I began seeing a chiropractor this week.  I was a little skeptical at first, but even with one adjustment I'm already feeling better.  I'm finally feeling hopeful that I may be back to normal soon.

Our van got a new radiator this week.  Those suckers normally cost about $800 and since the van is only about 5 years old, we were surprised to have to make this repair.  Ken suggested we call Toyota, just to see what could be done.  I called and, it turns out that our particular model of van has been known to have radiator problems, so they agreed to do all the work and replacement for free!  Yay!  I'm thankful for my husband's wisdom.... it never hurts to ask!

The low point of my week was falling up the front steps while holding 2 gallons of milk.  I haven't had a good fall-on-my-face in years, so I suppose I had it coming.  I gained 2 nicely skinned knees from the mishap, and had their been any cars passing at the time, they would have surely gotten a full moon, considering I was wearing a skirt at the time.  All in all, no harm done, but I was a little bummed that I punctured one of my gallons of milk.  

But so as not to end on a low note, I got a very sweet bouquet of flowers this week from my hubby.   He was biking back from dropping the van off at the shop.  {Sidenote: When you have 5 children, dropping the van off becomes a challenge.  We can't fit the kids in his truck and they can't stay home alone.  Therefore, we only have our cars repaired at places close enough for us to drop it off then run or bike home.}  Anyway, on his way home, he stopped along the side of the road and picked me a sweet handful of wild flowers.  He used to do that when we were dating.  And when we lived far apart, he would press flowers in cards and mail them to me.    I'm a sucker for stuff like that.  And he knows it.  Anyway, it was definitely a high point of my week.

Maybe it's my newly adjusted spine, but I am feeling particularly thankful for my family right now.  Even in the craziness that is surrounding us right now, we are blessed.  Hope you had a good week too.

"Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.  Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory.  Amen and amen."  Psalm 72:18-19

jammin'

My husband really likes music.  We have an ipod and we're all about CDs and such, but this...

can be found in the floorboard of his truck.

And I think he's so cool for that!

Happy Father's Day...

...and what a Father's Day it's turned out to be!

This morning I awoke with what I think is a pinched nerve in my neck/back.  Holy cow...I've never been knocked on my butt quite like this before.  For the whole morning, I wasn't even able to get out of bed and now I'm just creeping around like a little old woman.  And what has my husband been doing today?  Being my hero, of course. 

He's been taking care of 5 little ones and bringing me breakfast in bed...you would have thought it was Mother's Day rather than Father's Day.  I had hoped to give him a special day, but it turned out he's spending the day being the caretaker of us all.  I promised him a Father's Day do-over as soon as I'm up and at 'em again.  Once again today he's reminded me of what a wonderful Father and husband he really is.  Thanks, honey.  I love you!

And, in the spirit of Father's Day....here's a picture of the cute little hip monkey he's been carrying around all morning.

just like Daddy

Whenever Ken works on a project around the house...

there are always little ones there, watching every move....

so that when they grow up, they can be just like Daddy.

I really do hope that my boys grow up to be just like their Daddy.  He's pretty awesome.

And speaking of being just like Daddy, thanks for all the advice on potty training.  Although the we are still in the process, Jake is doing very well so far.  And I love his little bum in his dinosaur underwear!