2 Kids, 2 Fish

This weekend the state of Iowa offered free fishing and we took advantage of it. We say it all the time, "why don't we go fishing more!?"  We all enjoy it and we are so fortunate to live less than a mile from the beautiful Pine Lake State Park. 


Ryan's been talking about taking the kids fishing for a few weeks now and today was the day!  We went to church, Pizza Ranch then to Pamida for worms.  We parked at the boat ramp and walked down the hill to the spillway.


Within moments of arriving, we saw about 40 goslings and their parents walk/fall down the spillway.  The little geese were still full of fluffy down.  They just hung out near us eating and eventually walked up the hill.  Lane was the first to catch something.  It was quite the afternoon for Dig.  He's petrified of worms...they were on the end of his pole.  He's scared to death of snakes...there was one swimming on top of the water right behind him.  He was a trooper, just was always keeping his eyes out for anything creepy/crawly.  He even touched the little Blue Gill he caught and has been saying, "we need to go fishin' more often so we get really good at it!" 

DD loves worms, loves dirt, and had a great time fishing.  She informed us we weren't leaving until she caught something.  Luckily, a few minutes after her brother caught his, Drue also caught a little Blue Gill.  Phew.  That's all Ryan and I hoped for...for them each to catch ONE! 

It was such a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. I see a fishing license and a lot more fishing in our future!

To Do:

Our kids have a thing for charts.  You know the saying, "build it and they will come" ...well my saying goes, "make a chart...and the kids will do it."  No kidding.  Noticing kids aren't brushing their teeth like they should? Make a chart.  Want them to read more books?  Make a chart.  Count down to holidays?  Make a chart.  There's just something about crossing off or filling in boxes of a chart that gets them to do what they are supposed to do. 

I thought summer break would be a good excuse to make another chart.  D & Dig are usually very good about helping when I ask, but I don't want to have to ask.  It's nothing fancy, something the three of us made together in about 5 minutes...but so far...it's working like a charm.  Ok, we've only been home on summer break for two days, but we have to start somewhere.

Drue even came into the kitchen the first morning and said,
 "Mom, I think this summer is going to be better."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, last summer, I didn't want to help pick up or anything.  This year, I kinda do."

She's always honest!

We Luikens want summer to be F.U.N. but my inner teacher manages to come out when the kiddos are home, and they happily oblige. 

So, as you'll see, on our kitchen pantry door, we have the chore chart, a list of choices, and some important facts ( our address, phone # and his birthdate) I made when school started that I knew Lane would have to know for Kindergarten. The chart's just a cookie sheet, fun duct tape and chores that I had mom laminate and I stuck on a magnet roll.  I think I'll have my dad cut me a piece of metal so it's a little more decorative...that is, IF the kids continue to use it.  =)

The chores are *very* complicated.  Very strenuous. 
You know...things like, brush your teeth - it's on there twice...because you need to brush  your teeth twice a day.
Other items on the chart won't necessarily get done each and every day, they include---
*Bedroom (check if it needs picked up)
*My Things from the Living Room (because we have a huge toyroom and things still end up in the living room)
*Feed Cash (DD) and Feed Penny (Dig)
*Fun Exercise (can be dancing to the ipod, any sport, play outside, swimming, taking a walk, going to Karate, Volleyball camp, riding bikes, you get the idea, just get up and get movin'!)
*Put clothes in Drawers (after Mom folds them, of course, and Mom will hang clothes up)
*Farm Chores (the sheep, chickens and bottle calf need fed twice a day!)
*School Activity (there are many fun things on the list or make up a new one!)
*Act of Kindness (Do something nice for someone without being asked)

The first day, the kids were excited to find something that counted as an Act of Kindess.  I had them round up any shoes they could no longer wear so a friend of ours can take them on a mission trip to Honduras, where shoes are as treasured as gold.  D & Dig were so proud, they found 25 pairs of shoes in garage sale boxes and closets that children of Honduras can wear! Today's acts weren't quite as meaningful, but kind all the same.  DD offered to sweep up cat food that had spilled and Dig brought dishes in from the living room without being asked. 

The School Activity includes all sorts of things...we got new workbooks for the kids for the grade they'll be in in the fall and both have busily worked on completing several pages already.  Anything goes for a school activity...things like workbook pages, playing games on the school website, games on the itouch, journaling, reading to yourself or to someone, listening to a book on the computer or Leapfrog or a CD, doing math flashcards, something crafty, going to the library story time, playing school or make something up!  I'm not teasing myself.  These things won't get done everyday, but I want to have things to reference when I hear, "I'm bored!" or "What can I do?" 

One thing I've noticed is that the t.v. hasn't been on AT.ALL. befrore noon! The kids don't turn it on first thing when they wake up, instead, they run to the chart and start finding things to do.  DD noticed, too. "Mom! I haven't watched a show in two days!"  We do have it on once Ry is home...and of course, I couldn't miss The Hatfields & McCoys but it's waaay less than usual. Which is a step in the right direction.  Nothing's wrong with a little t.v. but now we're too busy having fun to care if it's on or not!

So far, the kids are eager to move things from the "To Do" to the "DONE!" side of their charts, and they've been so well behaved and friendly to eachother.  We'll see how long this works!

Last Day

I can't believe it! Today is Drue's last day of SECOND GRADE and Lane's last day of KINDERGARTEN!  I just can't wrap my heart around it.  Where in the world does time go?
We have a crazy busy and fun summer ahead.  Looking at our calendar, it seems as if things will start to slow down about July 15. =) 

I'm so excited to have the kids home for the summer! Here they are this morning, on their last day of school!!

And, just for fun, here they are on the FIRST day of school this year.  My, how they've grown, both physically...(Dig seems so tall!) and mentally (DD's already doing multiplication!)

We are so proud of you D & Dig!

Ubba!

Welcome to SUMMER VACATION!

Mother's Day

Hard to believe that this was my 9th Mother's Day! And, now I realize I didn't get a picture of me with my monkeys on the big day.  Bummer.


I'm beyond blessed.  I have never wanted anything more than to be a momma.  I've never taken motherhood for granted and even on days (like today!) when I can't see the kitchen counter, have more laundry piles than I care to count, and a living room that definitely looks lived in...I wouldn't change a single thing about my life.  Not one thing. 


DD & Dig are at such fun ages and get so excited for any special occasion.  There's nothing I love more than handmade gifts from my babes.  My mom is so good about helping them make something special for me.  This year they made the most adorable canvas portraits.  I just love them!  The kids worked very hard for several nights on them.  Mom would come pick them up and they'd work and have a snack...or go to the fish store and buy fish!


This year, Drue also came up with an idea of her own.  The kids each get a Highlight magazine monthly.  Last month, DD's had Mother's Day gift ideas and she immediately saw one she deemed appropriate for me.  She had Nanny buy iced-tea bags (orange-spice, one of my favorites!) and got a glass jar and wrote "You're a Tea-rrific Mom!"  on it.  It's the perfect size to keep in the fridge and grab for car trips or out in the yard.  My kids are so thoughtful. 

DD with her dog, Cash

Dig with his curls!
(That got cut off on Mother's Day!)

Not to be out-done, both kids have decided that we need to celebrate Brother's Day and Sister's Day, too!  As if the other 364 days in a year aren't already KIDS' DAY!!?? 


So, in the Luiken house, June 1st is officially Brother's Day, followed closely by Sister's Day on June 5th...or so I've been informed.

How It All Started

Eleven years ago yesterday, Ryan asked me to marry him.  That means it was eleven years ago today that I met his parents.  Yes.  I met them the day after we were engaged.  Can you say, 'awkward!?'

I thought it would be fun to share the story of how Ry and I met.  I'm still amazed (but not surprised) how God placed Ryan in my life at just the right time.  I was living back in Eldora and working at the bank.  It wasn't my dream job, by any means, but it was a job.  A "don't have to think about it, don't have to worry about it at home" kind of job.  And, after the year I had just experienced and working as the Director of Social Services in a long-term care facility, it was just what I needed.  Plus, I got to work with my Mom and bank hours aren't too shabby!  I was in the data processing department, but I loved any chance I could get to work the teller line.  I like people and I enjoyed interacting with the customers. 

One day, a boy...well, I guess he was a man, walked through the East door.  He was wearing a black hooded Carhartt sweatshirt, cowboy boots, jeans and a black Hawkeye baseball cap that was pulled down far, just like I like it...but I could still see his blue eyes. 

"uh, could you tell me where I could find Clint?"

"yes, he's right over..." (Then I remember we were taught to never just point and tell the customer where to go...we needed to walk them to the office they are needing.) "Actually, just follow me, I'll take you to his office."  (Turns out...that's a pretty good rule!!)

I remember thinking the whole time, which was a whopping 40 feet, "he's checking me out, he's watchin' my butt."  Later, he informed me my thoughts were correct.  I still remember what I was wearing, too.  A short black skirt, black tights, and a lavender button up shirt.  Truth be told...that outfit still hangs in my closet.  I know it will never fit again, but I can't seem to part with it.

I returned to my window at the teller line and went about my business.  This young farmer had come in to borrow money to buy calves...that should have been a red flag, I suppose. But hey, at least I didn't pick a guy off the over draft list! 

Some time passes and that boy walks out the same door he came in.  It was then I realized he was wearing Wranglers...if ya' know what I mean! =)  Not two minutes after he left, the loan officer, Clint comes to my window.

"Who was that?"
"Funny you should ask.  He was asking about you, too."
"nuh-uh."
"yup. And I gave him your phone number."
"What!?!? You did not! Oh my gosh!"
"His name's Ryan Luiken and he'll be calling."
"You are crazy! Why did you do that?!"

Well, the following night, Thursday, March 29, 2001, the phone rang.  Dad answered.  Mind you, I lived with my parents.  I had a cell phone but it just wasn't that common to use for "regular" calls.  Seems so weird now.  Anyway, I'll remember the way his voice sounded that night, forever.  The way he sounded kind of nervous but brave all at the same time.  Infact, there are still times I hear him laugh in a certain way that takes me back to that first phone call. I don't remember much about the call but that he had been at the sale barn and purchased his calves that day, with that borrowed money.  Then he had a few beers before he called...maybe a few too many.

The next night, this Ryan boy called again. 
We talked for 4 hours. 
About what?...I can't recall.
But we set up our first date.  I'd meet him at his house in Steamboat (I wasn't quite sure how to get to Steamboat...seriously) Saturday night.  Then, we'd head to Ackley to go to the Pony Express dance.  (Happens to be the building Dig takes Karate in now!)  I warned him that he best be waiting at the door so I didn't have to walk in to his house full of guys feeling like a fool.  First, who in the right mind would agree to meet at the guy's house, knowing it was going to be only guys there? Dangerous! Drue will never! 

Since I wasn't sure I knew how to get to Steamboat (yes, seriously!) I took a practice drive out earlier in the day.  The Rock Stop looked vaguely familiar.  Dad taught me how to drive the Jeep in Steamboat because it has lots of stop signs...and little traffic. =) I found his house and headed back to Eldora.

That evening, Saturday, March 31, I pulled up and walked in the big ol' farm house (that I would later share with this Ryan Luiken fellow).  The first room I walked into, the porch, was a pit! There were beer cans piled as high as my armpits! At least that's how I remember it.  I walk through the kitchen to the sound of Nelly's "Ride with Me."  For my mom...it's a rap song.  There sits 7 or 8 guys in Wranglers and cowboy hats listening to rap music.  I remember thinking that was the funniest thing! But that's kind of  'our song' now.

We drove to Ackley and danced our hearts out. Ryan Dean can swing and tried to teach me the pretzel.  We sat in a booth and talked and I remember he looked at me, mentioned my freckles and told his best friend, "Isn't she the cutest thing you've ever seen?" 

That was it. 
We've been together every since.

I don't think we went a night without seeing eachother.  For sure not without talking.  We went to several small town dances, bars, that kind of thing but most of our 'dates' were just spent at either of our houses. 

About 4 weeks later, yes, 4 weeks, Ryan started talking about "buying a ring." I think he was feeling me out to see what my reaction would be. Would I freak? Would I say, not yet?  Would I leave? I actually didn't think he was serious. But, he proved me wrong.

Five weeks after we met, on May 5, 2001, Ryan asked me to marry him in the living room of his house. 

We went out that night to celebrate with some friends and called our parents from his big red Dodge truck.  When he told his mom, I could hear her say, "well you guys better come over for dinner tomorrow then!"  I hadn't met them before! It was different because he lived on his own.  I still lived with my parents so he had met them. 

The next day, I walk into the Luiken home and met my in-laws for the first time.  Linda made delicious chicken enchiladas and her famous corn.  I told them about myself and showed them the beautiful ring their son had given me.  His mom and grandma have both told me that "everyone knew when Ryan found the right girl, it would be quick!"

They were right.  Six months later I became MRSLUKE.   

Looking back, five weeks sounds like a crazy-short amount of time...but the truth is...

He had me at the Hawekeye cap! :)

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Excuse my double chin or neck or whatever!
This made me realize we need to take more pictures together!
I think this is from 2009!

Night Owl

DD loves to read.  She reads all.the.time.  She reads at least one chapter book a week.  Sometimes, two.  This week...FOUR!  When Drue reads, she wants it quiet.  Like, not a peep, quiet.  Like, "turn down the t.v. DAD!" quiet and "don't talk, DIG!" quiet. 

Well, last night she couldn't find a place in the house that was quiet enough.  I should clarify.  The fun places that I suggested weren't good enough or too far away from me or too scary.  The boys were watching the NFL draft in the living room.  I was cleaning the kitchen and doing dishes.  DD was now in tears because she needed to read! And truth be told, it was 8:15 p.m. and she was getting tired.  She had already read for at least an hour since coming home from school.

I suggested her bedroom...too far from the kitchen, too many windows, too scary at dark. 
I suggested making a nest out of blankets in the kitchen...evidently, I wash dishes too loudly.
I suggested sitting on a basement step...nope.
The sectional in the family room downstairs?...not havin' it.
How about MY bed?...mmm.no.

Outside?
"Ok."
Seriously, like it's not dark and scary OUTSIDE?? whatevs.   

Mind you, it's 8:20 p.m. and 50 degrees out, if that. 
So I made the nest of blankets in a chair on the front porch and the girl read out there for 25 minutes!
She knocked on the door and mouthed "I need a hat."

Her ears were cold.  But she got her book finished.  Fourth one of the week!

Dig with his popsicle, wondering, "what in the world?"

Promotion!

Lane Ryan was promoted to BLUE belt tonight!  We are so proud of him!  He works so hard.  Lane loves going to Karate and he has a wonderful Sensei who is very impressed by his talent  and ability at such a young age.  By this rate, he'll be a black belt before he's 14! Watch out Karate Kid!

Congratulations, Dig! 

Ubba!