Weber Family of 5

Sarah Grace's Laugh

2012-02-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

Sarah Grace has always had a great belly laugh and you can't help but smile when you hear it.

Brian was in St. Louis awhile back and I sent him this video of Sarah saying she missed Daddy.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Singing at Church

2012-02-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

Caroline and Julia are both in choir at church. The first video is Caroline singing with 4 other girls from her choir. There usually are quite a few more, but they weren't able to make it for this service.

This video is of Julia singing with her choir.

Both of the above videos are from last spring, but I love them anyway. In fall they started in the same choir.

Christmas Program

2012-02-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

Julia and Sarah Grace are in the same Christmas program. Our church does the program a week before Christmas so the majority of the kids can be involved.

Sarah Grace in the silver dress singing her heart out!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

Last Ankle Post

2012-01-30T09:27:00.000-06:00

So, I had appointments every few weeks with x-rays taken each time. Let me tell you it is strange to see the image of your leg bones and see this metal and screws on the side. I will post a picture of it when I make my way down to radiology records to get a digital copy.

I got the ok to put weight on my foot at 6 weeks post op. I hadn't put any weight on my left leg for 7 weeks and it's amazing how quickly your muscles go away! I had lost pretty much all my calf muscle. Walking with the boot and crutches went well. Of course now that I had more freedom I was ready to walk! Brian will tell you I pushed myself too much and that is probably true.

I went in again on January 24th and everything was looking great and so Dr. S told me I could take off the boot and start walking around with two shoes and crutches. I was SO happy!! He also had me set up some PT appointments to get the flexibility back in my ankle.

Wearing two normal shoes again. Sometimes it's the small things!

After wearing the right shoe for 2 months I did need to get new shoes. And with the weather getting worse I thought it was best to get some shoes for the winter weather.

My scar from the surgery is healing well. I never took pictures right after surgery, but trust me it was pretty yucky looking. My ankle is thicker than it was before and the tissue is still repairing itself so it looks pinker than the other foot. The brusing is almost gone and the scar is healing nicely.

I'm now walking without any crutches at home and use both crutches while at work. As Dr. S and the physical therapist said pain will be my guide in how much I push myself. I have exercises to work on getting my range of motion back and the physical therapist said I will be able to get to the point that I can run again. And because I only run if a big dog is chasing me I think I'll be just fine.

Not the best picture, but you get the idea of how long the incision was.

In the room where I have the x-rays taken is a picture of a womans foot in a high heal shoe. I never wore them a lot, but at this point I can't even wear 2" heals as my ankle doesn't have the flexibility to maintain that position for an entire day. After seeing a picture like this it is incredible that some women wear these shoes every day.

So, my recovery is going well. I'm thankful for our church family for their prayers and meals they brought over early in my recovery. For our neighbors in taking the kids on the day of my fall at 6:30 in the morning and after my post-op went longer than expected. For Diane and the help and support she gave us during the day of my surgery (before and after) along with making everything for Christmas Day dinner. For the rest of my family for their concern and support. And lastly, for Brian and everything he's done the past two months. From laundry, cooking, cleaning and his supportive words when I felt awful he's been wonderful.

Ankle Saga Continues...

2012-01-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

So, in medical terms I had an oblique distal fibula fracture and comminuted posterior distal tibia fracture. This required a surgical grade stainless steel plate and screws on my fibula. And for those of you who were wondering (probably no one other than Brian) yes, they do have to pre-drill before they put the screws in.

Dr. S was out of the office the week I was supposed to go in and have the surgical splint removed so I didn’t get in until December 20^th. I can tell you I was going crazy in the splint! I even tried to bribe my friend who is a surgical nurse to take it off. My appointment went well and because I said I would be a compliant patient J they gave me a boot to wear and didn’t cast my leg. It felt wonderful to just have the splint off and now I was going to get a boot! Wow, that felt like an early Christmas present. They noticed that my body obviously didn’t like the pressure from the splint and had a lot of bruising and sores. This was one of the reasons for the boot also. Cute huh?

Next stop was to get a knee walker. Huh? Yes, they have a device that you rest your knee on and can push yourself around. Here’s a picture of mine:

My wonderful Nova Knee Walker

Brian wanted me to get an iWalkFree, but I thought the knee walker would work just fine. Of course, it wasn't nearly as cool.

The Christian education director of our church had bunion surgery at the end of December and she got a knee walker too! Of course we had to get a picture.

Brian said she has the luxury cruiser and I have the sporty convertible.

More later...

Update

2012-01-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

Phew, life’s been crazy at the Weber house the last two months. If you read my December 2^nd post you were able to learn about my incredible balance. This is a continuation of that post. So, where I left off was all I thought I was going to need was a cast to fix this thing.

Well, my appointment on December 6^th crushed all those dreams. With how our home/kid schedule is I was supposed to take the older girls to have them evaluated by an orthodontist at the exact time my appointment was scheduled in the orthopedic clinic. Brian took the older girls while I went to my appointment alone. As a side note - Froedtert hospital, where I work and went for my care, is a teaching hospital which means there are lots of medical students and residents.

I get to my appointment in the orthopedic clinic and need to have x-rays taken of my ankle. After those were done I was brought to the cast room where they cut the top open of the splint that was put on after they set my ankle (ouch) in the emergency room. The room is large with about 8 exam tables around the outside. The physician I was seeing, Dr. S, was over talking with what looked like a college age boy who had broken his arm.

Meanwhile, someone was over looking at my x-rays on a COW (computer on wheels – great name I know) without saying anything to me. Dr. S now comes over to the table I’m lying on.

Without acknowledging me Dr. S turns to the resident and says "well, what would you do?"
"Um…cast it??"
"You should be telling me, not asking me. Hello, Mrs. Weber. The right way to fix your ankle is to do surgery."

He went on to explain why and the rationale for his opinion. Then he says "how’s Thursday?" "Works for me". Drats…Brian had all day training that day, but I’m thinking this is a little more important. Oh, and the best part is you can’t put weight on your ankle for 6 weeks. Gee…this is sounding better and better all the time.

I was the first surgery on December 8^th, which meant that I had to be at the hospital by 5:00 am. Wow, was that early! We are so very fortunate to have Diane close and able to help us with anything we need. She came and stayed the night and got the kids to school. It gave us a sense of relief to know she was there while Brian and I were at the hospital. And little did we know then that we would need her again later in the afternoon/early evening after surgery.

Those hair caps are so cute!!

Surgery was scheduled for 7:30 am. Most of you weren’t on Brian’s emails he sent out about my progress. Here they are:

8:37 am - Just spoke with the doctor. Surgery went well. Assistants are putting in the last stitches. 　Another 90 minutes before I will be able to go back to see her.

11:31 am - Back in recovery with Laura. She is doing well and trying to sleep. She had a plate and seven screws put in. The long screw was not needed, so should not need a follow up surgery to remove. Toes are starting to tingle which means the nerve block is starting to wear off, so she has started the pain regime. Looking to be discharged in the early afternoon.

3:50 pm - Still in recovery. The anesthesia is making it difficult for Laura to go to the bathroom which is required before she can be discharged. She did get a catheter and is now waiting for the bladder to fill up again to try again. She is very ready to go home. The nerve block is still in place and she has no pain yet.

6:17 pm - Yeah!!!!! Working on getting discharged now.

7:15 pm - Home. Thanks for all your prayers and good thoughts. Laura is looking forward to hopefully a good night sleep. Will give another update tomorrow. 　

Next Day - Nerve block wore off around 1 am. Lots of pain, but the medication (3 different ones, one taken every four hours) is handling most of it and letting Laura sleep. Overall she is doing good and is on the road to recovery.

Wow, they give you some good drugs! There are two or three days after surgery that I don’t really remember J

More tomorrow…if I have a chance to type it out.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

Juni B Jones

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

We took all the kids to see Juni B Jones at First Stage Children's Theatre last weekend. They enjoyed the show!

Oops!

2011-12-03T13:02:00.001-06:00

I made it 37 years before I broke a bone. Friday morning (around 6:00 am) I fell from the 2nd to last step while carrying Sarah downstairs - I thought I was at the bottom when I wasn't. She hit her head on the floor, but was just fine. My ankles...not so much. I broke both the tibula and fibula where they come into the ankle. There is a small hairline fracture up near my knee. My right ankle is sprained.

In the ER. Looking pretty good, it got a lot bigger.

Rolling my eyes because I can't believe I did this.

At home

The right one isn't too bad, but because it has to take all my weight it will probably take a little longer to heal. I go to have the left one casted next week.

Because of Brian's accident when he was younger, he is able to teach me how to use the crutches to maneuver around. I've decided that I'm not going to be putting them out as far as I can to see how much I can swing. He can be the champion of doing that.

I'm going to look really good in my Christmas outfit this year!!

Painting

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

We have quite the helpers! Sarah Grace wasn't allowed to help...

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving Photos

2011-11-28T07:54:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

Go Packers!

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000-06:00

Brian and I went to the game on Sunday. It was a blast! And they are now 10 - 0.

Big Girl Bed

2011-11-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

Someone is out of her crib/toddler bed and now in a "big girl bed".

Decorating

2011-11-18T07:00:00.000-06:00

Re-purposing what we already have!!

Before

After - a little spray paint!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

First Piano Recital

2011-11-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

Caroline had piano recital in May. She did great and still loves playing piano. Julia started this fall, so now we have two girls practicing. And Mom and Dad love listening to them :)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T07:00:00.002-06:00

Waiting for big girls...

2011-11-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

...to get off the bus...

Last Day and First Day of School

2011-11-07T07:00:00.001-06:00

Last day of school...

First day of school

Happy Birthday Sarah Grace!

2011-07-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Wow, you really can't be 3 years old already! We love watching you grow and learn new things. You have quite the personality and imagination.

We all love you very much!

Dad, Mom, Caroline and Julia (big sisers...as you call them)

Breakfast with Friends

2011-07-15T07:04:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Julia!

2011-07-01T07:41:00.000-05:00

We can't believe that you are 8 years old already. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing you home to meet your big sister Caroline. You've grown into a beautiful, spirited and giving child.

We are so proud of you and love you lots!!

Mom and Dad

Stitches

2011-06-28T08:26:00.000-05:00

Because Julia wanted to be just like Caroline we spent Sunday afternoon at Children's Hospital getting stitches on her chin. Two and a half hours later and five stitches she is ready to go!

They are at Girl Scout camp this week and she is doing well keeping it covered and not playing in the water.

We are thinking of asking for a multiple child discount, after my Aunts suggestion, because we know it won't be long and Sarah Grace will follow in her sister's footsteps.

Update

2011-05-03T07:24:00.000-05:00

Phew, things have been crazy around the Weber house lately. I have many pictures to share and stories to tell I just need to find a few quiet minutes to sit and get the posts done.

We spent Easter in Madison and then drove to St. Louis where we spent a fun filled day and then on to Texas to visit friends. We got back at 4:30 am on Sunday morning (after a LONG drive home) and so I'm still trying to catch up on laundry and putting everything away.

I promise to post pictures, videos and funny stories in the next week!!

We hope everyone had a blessed Easter.
Brian, Laura, Caroline, Julia and Sarah Grace

Lazareth

2011-04-19T07:00:00.001-05:00

I'm teaching the older girls class at church this year. Last weekends story was Lazareth.

The kids had a blast playing Lazareth!

Play-doh

2011-04-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

The older girls were off from school a few weeks ago. Neighborhood friend Grace came over and they had a great time playing Play-doh with Sarah at daycare she wasn't there to squish all their creations!

Only in Wisconsin

2011-04-15T07:00:00.001-05:00

Do you have your Easter decorations up and get hail...luckily it was short lived and we had an 80 degree day on Sunday. All of us are looking forward to warmer weather!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-13T08:45:00.000-05:00

Ok, so this one might need a few words. We've been working on getting Sarah to poop on the potty and it hasn't been going well.

I decided to try sitting on the potty in front of a movie. I don't have a lot of hope, but at least it is another thing to try.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Warm Sunday

2011-03-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

After all the rain Sunday morning the girls were running around crazy. We decided going outside with their boots on was a great idea! It was the first day of spring and boy are we ready for warmer weather.

I'm so big this year that my feet touch the ground!

Come on Caroline let's play in the mud before Mom notices!

Wordless Wednesday Explained

2011-03-25T07:16:00.000-05:00

I was asked to explain exactly what Sarah Grace was doing in that picture! She is our spirited child and keeps us young to say the least.

She was not happy with me that morning because she had to go to daycare on a Wednesday that I'm usually home with her. For some reason she decided to push the kitchen chair in the bathroom and put her blanket on her lap. I'm thinking it was out of defiance that she was out of her normal routine. And of course, I had to take a picture! :)

I was able to get her out of the bathroom and to daycare so I could go to the Goodwill Sale at Boston Store with a friend. I know, not the best reason to put her in daycare but this is something I do every year with a friend. Luckily she loves it there and usually doesn't want to come home when we pick her up.

As you may have noticed we have a lot of interesting things happen with Sarah Grace. She is at that age where she gets into everything and wants it all her way, which does make for great photos! The older girls usually stay out of her way and roll their eyes when she has her tantrums.

Life is crazy at our house most nights, but Brian and I know that it isn't forever and we try to enjoy the craziness!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Finger Painting

2011-03-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

Isn't just for little girls!

Daddy said we could!

Friends

2011-03-18T07:00:00.003-05:00

I'm off on Wednesdays with Sarah and I usually spend some time cleaning the house. Luckily she doesn't mind helping with laundry!

There are times like last Wednesday when I realize how much she misses her friends at school.

I came downstairs to find this:

I was told "all friends need water." Luckily she isn't able to get it yet, so the cups were empty.

Each chair contained 4 goldfish. I was told "all friends needed fishies."

What's amazing about this picture is she is actually watching the TV. Sarah never sits and watches a movie!

The imagination of a 2 1/2 year old is great!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-16T07:00:00.001-05:00

Apples

2011-03-14T07:00:00.002-05:00

Are a great snack before bed!

All by myself

2011-03-13T07:00:00.002-05:00

These are words that we hear a lot from Sarah Grace, especially since she is 2 1/2 now. There are many mornings she goes to day care with her shirt or pants on backward because she did it herself.

See Mom, I got dressed ALL BY MYSELF.

Ok, maybe I needed a little help getting the pants on the right way.

Snow Angels

2011-03-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

Saturday morning Sarah brought out all her outside clothes and started getting dressed. She did it all by herself and then said "go outside?" Luckily for us, the big girls were happy to go play outside with her.

Ok, this is how you make a snow angel.

Like this, Julia?

Yeah, but you need to move your legs. Let me help you.

Sarah, you aren't getting it. Let me show you again.

Now let's do sister snow angels together.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-09T07:00:00.001-06:00

Another Piano Competition

2011-03-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

Caroline had another piano competition over the weekend.

We are so proud of how well she is doing. We can't wait for her recital in May to hear her play. Unfortunately in the competitions she goes into a room and plays without us being able to listen.

We've Got the Beat

2011-03-04T07:00:00.006-06:00

This video is from this summer when Julia had a dance performance where she was supposed to come up with the choreography herself. As you can see Sarah Grace was VERY involved in the process.

Veggies

2011-03-03T07:00:00.003-06:00

Our girls love fresh veggies with dip. They make a great afternoon snack and helps tide them over until dinner.

Yes, I will eat more than just the dip Mom.

Cumbers are my favorite!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-02T07:00:00.002-06:00

Soccer

2011-02-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

Caroline had her last indoor soccer game on Saturday. The team was playing for third or fourth place. It was close and they were down, but they won 4-3 and Caroline scored the goal to tie the game!!

They all went to Culvers to celebrate after the game.

Soccer is done now until outdoor starts in April. Hard to believe looking outside, but their first game is April 9th!!

The Wheels on the Bus

2011-02-25T07:00:00.004-06:00

This is Sarah's rendition of "The Wheels on the Bus". Which at this time seem to only include the "people on the bus". The classic part is my response right at the end.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-23T07:00:00.004-06:00

Strawberries in the winter

2011-02-22T07:00:00.001-06:00

Our kids love strawberries. Every one of them. I think Sarah's love for them is greater than any of the others, but they all are excited when we get them at the store.

We went and got some food at Aldi today - and I have to thank Stacy Eide for helping us save hundreds of dollars every month by getting us hooked on going to Aldi instead of the regular grocery store - anyway, the strawberries were $2.69 for a package. In the winter...wow that's a great deal! So, we brought them home and they were sitting on the counter. Sarah comes home from day care and without even taking off her coat notices the strawberries and says "shrawberries."

Hey, Caroline those are MY shrawberries.

Yum!!

Swimming

2011-02-21T07:00:00.003-06:00

The weather has once again turned colder and with no snow to play with outside it is always hard to find things to tire out the kids. We decided that it would be fun to take the kids swimming. We got a Y membership last year and it is great to use for swimming during the cold and yucky months.

The Tri-County Y has a great zero depth area along with two water slides. The kids had a blast!!

This was their second time at that Y. We went previously with Ms. Stacy and they were excited to show the pool to Brian.

Shine!

2011-02-18T07:00:00.002-06:00

This video is from this fall when Caroline's choir sang with the senior choir at our church. I just figured out how to make it small enough that it would load. So the quality isn't the best, but you get the idea.

The kids always love singing with the senior choir. It is such a great experience.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-16T07:00:00.003-06:00

Piano Competition

2011-02-15T07:00:00.001-06:00

Caroline was in a piano competition this past weekend. This is something I never did in all my years of playing the piano. Brian took her and said she went into a room with an older lady who seemed like "she had been teaching piano for 100 years".

We are so proud of how she is doing. Especially since this is her first year.

Both girls wanted to learn to play after their Kindergarten teacher had a piano in her room and would play songs for them to learn and sing. I have fond memories of my Kindergarten teacher and she had a piano in her room too!!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T09:21:00.000-06:00

Love,

Brian, Laura, Caroline, Julia and Sarah Grace

Another Valentine's Day Craft

2011-02-12T07:00:00.002-06:00

Another Valentine's Day craft. I saw this craft in the February issue of Family Fun. The kids thought the pops would be fun to make for their friends.

I was able to find candy canes this far after Christmas. You have to put the candy canes in the oven to be able to form them and it wasn't until after the house wasn't smelling like mint that I looked on the package and saw "Fruit Flavored". Oh, well...they probably will taste better with the fruit and white chocolate anyway.

Unwrapping the candy canes

Lollipop sticks - I had to break them in half to have enough.

Ready for the oven!

Just decorated

All done!

I'm not sure how they will taste, but they look cute!!

Home Decorating

2011-02-10T07:00:00.002-06:00

We needed lamps for our living room. The piano from my childhood and my Mom's is in our living room which is on the North side of the house.

Caroline usually practices piano in the evening. While this isn't an issue in the fall, summer and spring the light in the winter isn't so good. While she hasn't complained I figure it was best to get more light in the room before we had to take her to the eye doctor.

I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted for the room, but I knew I didn't want to spend a lot. So, off to Goodwill I went. A few years ago I bought three matching brass lamps at Goodwill and we spray painted them black and got new shades. I knew the hardest part of this was going to be finding two lamps that match and had shapes that I thought would look good painted.

I saw these two lamps on the shelf and was so excited!! Sad, I know. The price made me even happier - $3.99 each.

The 80's lamp BEFORE

The 80's lamp AFTER

Comparison of the two

Then the search for shades. Brian went to Wal-Mart and came home with these two shades. I thought they looked pretty good. The debate now is which type of florescent light I like - either the one on the right or left. I hate the look of most florescent light bulbs, but I'm trying to find one I like.

Final Look

I'm thinking the mirror has to go and the lamps might be a bit tall, but for around $35 total I've got two new lamps. :)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-09T07:00:00.001-06:00

Super Bowl

2011-02-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

The Weber Family was very excited to celebrate the Packer's going to the Super Bowl. We had Packer pizza and Packer brownies.

And as you can see from the video, everyone was very excited about the Packer's being in the Super Bowl. :)

None of the little girls were able to stay up until the end. Thank goodness for DVR.

Yeah, Packers!!!

Valentine's Day Hearts

2011-02-05T07:00:00.002-06:00

The crafty person in me tries to make projects for the various holidays. While not all projects are a success, this one turned out better than I first thought it would. I found the idea on this blog and the insane part of me thought "what the heck, I'll give it a try".

After reading the directions I knew I needed the heart forms. I asked an on-line friend who did this craft what she used. I was able to purchase silicone ice cube trays from the Dollar Spot at Target. They were $2.50 for the pack of two....not sure how that's a Dollar, but I was happy they were cheap.

The next part is taking all the paper off the crayons and snapping them into small pieces. We are very lucky because one of our children (Sarah Grace) has the hobby of snapping crayons. While this usually is frustrating it worked out good for this project! I already had quite a few done. I still had plenty of wrappers to take off and make the pieces smaller. The wrapers come off the crayons from the Dollar Store much eaiser than the Crayola ones!

I didn't get the camera out until after they were done in the oven...oops!

After 15 or 20 minutes in a low temperature oven, the trays look like this:

Little fingers (Sarah's) wanted to help in every step.

The more colors you put together the better the result.

We are going to try and use the forms again...I'll report back if they turn out to be a yucky mess.

And yes, there are the brown ones...

And of course, the Packer ones.

And all of them together!!

We still have to get the cards ready, but this part is done...

My Grandmother

2011-02-04T07:00:00.005-06:00

Death is a hard subject for a lot of us. I've found that in some ways my children deal with death better than I do. My Dad's mother passed away on January 31st and today we are having a celebration of her life.

Old Photo...This is how I picture my Grandmother in my mind. (upper left)

At my high school graduation

More recent photo

As with any death I find comfort in knowing she is in heaven as we celebrate her life here on earth.

In the Lutheran church the first Sunday in November is All Saints Sunday. We celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us. One song we sing is "For All the Saints".

"For all the saints, who from their labours rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia."

Rest in peace Grandma.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-02T07:09:00.000-06:00

Igloo in Wisconsin

2011-02-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

We haven't had a lot of snow this year. While I'm okay with that the girls and Brian always wish for a lot of snow. After the few snowfalls we've had Brian has snow blowed the snow from the bottom of the driveway to the top. This takes great talent and a lot of time to get the snow just right. :)

On Sunday the weather was perfect and all the stars were aligned for Brian to help the older girls (and friend Grace) finish their igloo.

Three cute Eskimos - Caroline, Grace (friend), and Julia

Brr...it's cold in here!

Back of Igloo

View from inside

New Computer!!

2011-01-31T07:00:00.005-06:00

We decided that it was best to get a computer that the kids could use, but wanted it out in the open with a lot of parental controls.

I bought the desk a few weeks ago and the girls were using my laptop on it. After talking with the girls, well Caroline and Julia, we decided to use some of their Christmas money to buy a computer for them to use.

The computer has a touch screen that the girls love.

We got an All-in-One computer. Amazing how thin it is!!

Caroline's Party

2011-01-27T07:00:00.004-06:00

We had a small birthday party at home this year.

Mom made the cake. While she won't be taking up a career as a baker, it was pretty good!

Wordless Wednesday--Old Photo

2011-01-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

And now plates!!

2011-01-25T07:00:00.001-06:00

Sarah isn't a kid that we can leave alone for too long!

Super Bowl!!

2011-01-24T09:09:00.000-06:00

The kids are excited...the adults are excited...the entire state of Wisconsin is excited!!

The Green Bay Packers are going to the Super Bowl!!

Milwaukee Public Museum

2011-01-22T07:00:00.001-06:00

Brian took the older girls to the Milwaukee Public Museum last weekend. I stayed home with Sarah because she had a fever the night before needed a good nap.

Here are a few pictures from the trip.

In the cocoon together!

Josh, a friend that went with the kids, showed Caroline how to get the butterflies to crawl on your finger.

Ah, they look so innocent...

Baby Jesus Birthday Cake

2011-01-21T07:00:00.000-06:00

Each year for the kids to remember what Christmas is really about we have them make a birthday cake for Baby Jesus and sing "Happy Birthday."

The cake is usually decorated with lots of sprinkles!!

Wordless Wednesday--with favorite swimming teacher Ms. Stacy

2011-01-19T07:00:00.003-06:00

Christmas Card Photos

2011-01-18T07:00:00.000-06:00

Every year we like to try and put together a photo Christmas card. This is the cause of great stress and a lot of pleading (by Mom) and fake smiles (by the girls) and hundreds of photos (by Dad).

Here are a few classic photos that never made the card this year.

Nope, not going to sit up Mom.

Not going to sit in the middle of my sisters either...

...even when they tickle me.

Not listening to you either Dad

And FINALLY the best picture of the bunch. All are looking at the camera and smiling.

After struggling I gave them the red ornaments we had in our hurricanes for decoration. It was the only thing that made them all sit still in the same spot for a few pictures. I think Brian took 50 pictures in a matter of minutes.

Each year I vow to start earlier and it never happens. This year I was very close to just sending out cards without a picture. We'll have to see what next year brings!!

GO PACKERS!!

2011-01-15T15:42:00.000-06:00

These pictures are from last weekend. We hope the Packers do well this afternoon too!! We will all be cheering.

As Julia's sign says this is a Packer House!

Go Packers!!

Christmas Program at Church

2011-01-14T07:00:00.001-06:00

Our church does a children's Christmas Program each year. This year Caroline was a narrator and Julia was the angel.

"Don't be afraid. I've come to bring you good news of great joy. Today in Bethlehem God's son has been born. You will find him sleeping in a manger."

Wordless Wednesday---Desitin...

2011-01-12T07:00:00.008-06:00

Thanksgiving

2011-01-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

We had Thanksgiving in Madison this year. It was lots of fun!!

All of us

Sarah Grace and Julia

Pretty Table

Mara, Erik and Natalie

Grandparents
with the plate they made

Halloween

2011-01-09T07:00:00.001-06:00

Halloween was on a Sunday this year so we had neighbors over before Trick-or-Treating for a chili supper.

The older girls did the carving this year. Like how the pictures have that orange cast!!

Julia Carving

Caroline Carving

And the chili supper...I think the kids ate more cornbread, cheese and noodles than anything.

The classic line was when one kid came up to me and asked "what's for dessert?" Umm...all the candy you are going to be getting in the next few minutes!

Caroline and Ally

Ah yes...crawling on the money bars the safe way.

Sarah Grace and Libby

Hannah, Grace and Julia

Caroline and Alex...the sock monkey!

Finally...CANDY!!

Cups

2011-01-08T08:42:00.000-06:00

Mom turned her back for a few minutes and I had fun with some cups. The cups were her "kids".

"You line up. All kids."

Mom noticed me and I decided to start dancing.

Potty Training

2011-01-07T07:00:00.002-06:00

On my least-favorite-things-to-do list is potty training. While I love having the kids in underwear and not paying for diapers anymore, getting to that point is what I dread the most!

Well, the people at daycare "thought" Sarah was ready. I wasn't so sure, but we started anyway. From what the day care workers said she wasn't going to do it on her own. Sarah had never gone in the potty and was content in diapers. That meant the "cold turkey" approach was hopefully going to work the best.

You could tell she had older sisters when she picked out Hannah Montana underwear and not Elmo or Winnie the Pooh!

The first weekend went relatively well. Brian and I went out for an anniversary dinner (while Grandma Weber watched the kids) and came back to hear she had gone on the potty for Grandma. Of course, for that she got a HUGE stuffed bear from Grandma's snowman collection.

To sweeten the deal ;) she gets two M&M's every time she goes in the potty.

On the Wednesday following us starting this adventure, I found her here when I came downstairs.

Yes, I pushed the kitchen chair over to the cabinet, stood on the counter and got these out by myself.
No, I didn't go potty and ate WAY more than two!

You might have a camera Mom, but I'm not looking at you.

Nope, still not looking!

I can say things are going pretty well. We did have an underwear strike on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but those were actually good times for her to be wearing diapers! Can you imagine me running out of church during Silent Night because a little girl says very loudly "I go potty"???

I have to say Brian is much calmer and deals with this better than I do!

I'm very happy to say that once we are done with Sarah we will never have to potty train again.

Julia's Dance Recital

2011-01-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

As you know Julia is our dancer. The group she dances with has a recital every year and it is fun to see how much progress they have made.

Sarah Grace was sick the day before and wasn't feeling that well the day of the recital. This was actually a good thing to have her just sit on our laps for the entire recital. If you know Sarah's energy level that is almost never heard of!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-05T07:00:00.001-06:00

Happy 9th Birthday Caroline

2011-01-04T07:00:00.002-06:00

It is hard to believe that you are 9 years old. Daddy and I don't want you to grow up anymore...

You are such a great daughter and big sister.

We love you so much.
Daddy and Mommy

Back to School

2011-01-03T07:00:00.003-06:00

After all the Christmas presents...

And celebration of New Years with the Harlem Globetrotters...

It's BACK TO SCHOOL!!

Apple Picking

2011-01-02T07:00:00.003-06:00

Sarah Grace and I went apple picking with one of her friends on a Wednesday morning.

Sarah Grace and friend Breleigh

We thought it would be fun to try as a family! It was a great time and we got lots of apples.

Thanks Caroline.....

Thanks Julia...

Now that they are gone, I get to try one!!

Moms attempt at a Christmas Card picture....not so much...

At least we got 2 out of the 3 to sit still.

Mom and her girls...yes, Sarah still isn't into the picture taking thing.

Chumley

2011-01-01T13:00:00.001-06:00

Our girls are afraid of dogs. We've tried for years to get them more comfortable around pets in general. The house behind us got a Golden-Doodle in the fall. Caroline met the dog and loves to play with it. The owners love how she tires Chumley out!

Warm Friday

2010-12-31T13:11:00.001-06:00

Temperatures are so warm here for this time of the year. We thought the kids should play outside and enjoy it!

Wow, was there a lot of mud!!

We are enjoying it knowing that by the end of the week it will be in the 30's again...and that isn't even cold for this time of the year!

I think I'm the only one that isn't sad the snow is gone. I always tell people that snow is great for Christmas, but then it can get warm and the snow can melt. :)

Fall Fun!!

2010-12-30T20:33:00.000-06:00

Playing in the leaves is the best!!

Nothing better than dumping leaves on your little sister!

Sarah looks just like Caroline in this picture!

With Charlie and Hannah, friends that moved to Texas.

First Day of School

2010-12-30T19:00:00.000-06:00

School started back in September. Here are the first day of school photos. It's hard to believe we have a 2nd and 3rd grader this year!! Where does the time go...

WOW!!

2010-12-30T13:55:00.000-06:00

I guess I should take more time to update this blog if I'm going to do it! There are many times when I feel like no one reads it, but we do find it fun to look at as a family so I'm going to try and keep it current. :)

Anyway, we've been busy since I last posted. Kids are in school, dance competitions, soccer games, piano lessons, Girl Scouts, choir at church, Thanksiving, Christmas....

So, I hope to have a few posts out in the next few days to start filling in the gaps over the last three months.

Enjoy!!

Brian, Laura, Caroline, Julia and Sarah Grace

First Haircut

2010-09-02T11:00:00.001-05:00

Sarah Grace had her first haircut right before her 2nd birthday. It went very well. Ms. Dawn, our hair dresser, is awesome with kids and does a great job.

All done! So pretty.

Fun with Paint

2010-08-29T11:00:00.001-05:00

Sarah Grace started it all by painting herself with sidewalk paint. Well, Mommy decided it was ok for everyone to get messy...her included!!

Wow, that was lots of fun! All the girls got a bath that night.

4th of July

2010-08-26T11:00:00.001-05:00

Both girls walked in the 4th of July parade in Brookfield.

Julia walked or danced with B'Dazzle Dance group.

Caroline walked with girl scouts.

Both older girls went to the fireworks with Brian. It was too late for Sarah Grace. Maybe next year.

Vacation Bible School

2010-08-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Our church does VBS (Vacation Bible School) every summer and the kids have a blast. It is great watching them dance, sing, and do activities related to how awesome God is in their lives.

This year we did Babobab Blast. It was a blast :) Here are our three at the front of the church with the different animals they met in the Babobab tree.

Packer Family Day

2010-08-24T16:00:00.001-05:00

We took Caroline and Julia to the Packer Family Day at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. They had been wanting to go to see the "Go Packers" (as they call them) play. Because they can never make it through an entire game, we thought this would be perfect. And the tickets were only $10 each!!

They have fun family activities all day and then the team plays a scrimmage against themselves. The night ends with fireworks.

This was cool because you go to try and jump up and do the Lambeau Leap. It is higher and harder than it looks!!

Been Bag toss before we went into the stadium.

I keep remembering back to the first time Grandpa Jim saw Caroline in the hospital as a little baby. He had his denim Green Bay Packer shirt on. These girls were destined to be Packer fans!!

We got the posters and pom-poms before we got in the stadium. The side Julia is holding says "Use your Outside Voices".

One of the best parts was watching the fireworks around the stadium to music. It was a great way to send a fun day. We will be back next year...possibly with Sarah Grace. Thanks Grandma Weber for watching Sarah so we could enjoy our time with the big girls.

Julia's Birthday

2010-08-23T20:00:00.003-05:00

We had a family lunch at our house before Julia had her "friend" party at the Y. She got lots of cool gifts!! Mom and Dad even made the cakes!

We played in the rec room, went swimming and had cake. It was an awesome birthday party.

Happy 7th Birthday Julia!!

We love you lots.

Lunch at Grandma Mary and Grandpa Jim's

2010-08-22T16:37:00.007-05:00

Before heading back to school, Grandpa Jim and Grandma Mary had our family and my sister's over for lunch.

Grandpa Jim and Grandma Mary with their 4 Granddaughters.Mara, Erik and Natalie.

Cousins.

Us.

The Branchs and Webers.

Hard to believe the kids will be back in school soon. Thanks for a great lunch!

Julia Dancing

2010-08-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Julia is our dancer and loves being in B'Dazzle. These are pictures from a performance in the spring. I've got video a performance in the summer that I will post soon.

Swinging Sarah

2010-08-19T09:50:00.000-05:00