From the Luiken Kids...

Merry Christmas

and Happy New Year!!

That's What He Said.

Our little guy has said some funny things lately..and I don't want to forget them, so you get to read them!

~ After deciding he really, REALLY wanted a Nintendo DS for Christmas (way back in October) Lane would ask for one every.single.day.  I explained to him that that would be something he could ask Santa for but that it was expensive and it wasn't something we would purchasing that day while we were shopping at Wal-Mart.  When we were done shopping, the cashier told me the amount due, I paid, we loaded up the truck and were on our way.  From the backseat Lane spoke up, "Mom, the lady at Wal-mart said 194 dollars...that's more than a DS.  You could have bought me one today!"

~ "Dig, what's your job this week at Preschool?"  Lane:  "I have to wash the weasel!"  {He meant art easel!}

~  Ocassionally, we have cherry or apple turnovers for breakfast before school.  Lane didn't want his right away but later in the morning said, "Mom, I am ready for my apple make-over now."  The funny thing is that Drue asked for an apple flip-over that same morning!

~"Peanut butter sandwiches are so good!  Especially when my best cook, my momma makes them!"

~ While overhearing Ryan and I discuss what kind of carpet we want for the basement, Lane piped in, "Mom, do you want the pokey kind of carpet or the kind that looks like you mowed it?" (berber)

~ While I was washing dishes, Lane runs into the kitchen and yells, "Tanzania's in Africa!"

~ While watching an episode of Little House on the Prairie...Laura dressed up like an orphan and went around to people asking for money to replace the money she was given by fellow Sunday School students but spent before giving it to the pastor. She told the people her mother had died. One of the people she asked for money from recognized her.  "I just saw your mother this morning," said the lady. Laura was caught ina lie. Lane said, "Laura lied.  But she could have just said her mom died after lunch!"  Great.  He's already figuring that kind of stuff out.

~ Drue was talking about a new Junie B. Jones book she brought home. It was called Aloha-ha-ha. Lane heard the title and said, "Speaking of Hawaii...the kids in the Dramatic Play Center, which that means kitchen, were playing they were in Hawaii today." 

~ Working in the basement keeps leading to one project after another.  I told the kids after Ryan had a little plumbing issue that "Daddy opened a whole new can of worms down there."  Dig doesn't like worms.  At all.  "Ok, what about the worms? There are worms in the basement?  What kind of worms?  Where did you open the can of worms? How big?"

~  This morning, I was in the bathroom putting my make-up on.  I was only in a t-shirt & undies.  My 5 year-old little man came in and started poking on the "excess" bum sticking out of my undies and said in a most serious way..."looks like someone needs bigger underwear."  A little too honest there, sweetheart. 

Seriously, what a hoot.

Excuse This House

This poem used to hang in the kitchen at our farm while I was growing up.  Mom gave it to me yesterday and I too, hung it in my kitchen.  I think this sums up how I feel.  

It's kind of the 'grown-up' version of my other favorite, "I'm Rocking My Baby & Babies Don't Keep" poem.

There's definitely no better gift than becoming a MOM!

Excuse This House

Some houses try to hid the fact

that children shelter there;

Ours boasts of it quite openly,

The signs are everywhere.

For smears are on the windows.

Little smudges on the door;

I should apologize, I guess

For toys strewn on the floor

But I sat down with the children

And we played & laughed & read;

And if the doorbell doesn't shine,

Their eyes will shine instead.

For when at times I'm forced to choose

The one job or the other;

I want to be a housewife

But first I'll be a mother.



Shutterfly Christmas Cards

For the past few years we've used Shutterfly to print our Christmas cards.  This year will be no different.

The only real difference this year...I have helpers!   The kids think they need to be part of the decision making in regards to this year's card design and picture choices.  I've obliged. The last couple of nights we sit all cozied up on the couch searching through pictures and card options.  We've come up with three as of today...

You'll just have to wait until closer to Christmas to see which one we choose! See all of the designs here.  I have so much fun designing different cards that now I can't decide which one to use! 

My mom also has made photo books for the kids.  They love having 'real,' hardcovered books with their pictures in them.  I love displaying them, the book about Dig's first time in the combine in the fall and the ones of the kids helping Nanny make homemade cinnamon rolls in the winter. 

Check out shutterfly.com and if you're a blogger go HERE for a great deal!

Time to 'Ketchup'

I remember in Elementary School, (I can't remember the teacher) running back into a class and seeing a poster of a big red bottle of ketchup leaning up agains the chalkboard.  That was our clue that we had  a few minutes to 'ketchup' on unfinished work...well, today, I am playing ketchup.  I was without a computer for nearly a month and have lots to blog about, hopefully, I'll get up to speed shortly!

Here's another "Kristy-Doesn't-Quite-Have-It-All-Together" story for your enjoyment...

As usual, Ryan helped his dad with harvest this year.  I love harvest time. I grew up taking supper to my Dad out in the field.  I loved it.  Something about the cool air, the sound of the combine, the smell of corn dust, I just can't explain it.  Since Ryan wasn't able to be home for dinners every night, the kids and I took dinner to him. 

This particular Saturday, the kids were excited to pack their own lunchboxes.  They wanted to be responsible for their own, I would pack Daddy's and mine.  We drove out to Ryan's parents' and put our blanket on the still-green grass.  The kids started chomping away, while I got Ryan's lunch.  Or should say, while I looked for Ryan's lunch. 

My heart sunk.  I had forgotten Ryan's lunch on the kitchen counter!  I had packed myself some leftover potato soup...so handed that over to Ry and promised I'd go back to town and get his.  We let the kids eat and then went for Dad's food...



So, here is a wonderful picture of my besties on the, as I like to be reminded,

 "Day I Forgot Dad's Lunch."

Phew!!!

I made it.  Three WEEKS without a computer.  Hard.  Surprisingly hard. 

Alot of things to blog about from those three weeks,  I'll get on that soon... but for now here are just a few pictures from our weekend in Kansas City for Trudi's wedding. 

My handsome men & gorgeous girl!

The kids and their cousins + Aunt Trudi's new niece, Trella.

The dancing queens!

THIS is My Award

Remember a few days ago, I admitted I will not be receiving the Mom of the Year Award? 

Well, I may not get an award...but I often do get a reward.

Rewards like...

"Ubba Mom!"
"You're the best cooker Mom!"
"Let's read a book, Mom."
"Mom, I love it when I come home from school and my room is picked up!"
"Mom would you love to rock me?"
"Mom, come sit by me and hold my hand."
"Wanna go play baseball, Mom?"
"Come lay on the floor with me, Mom."
"Want to go play with my dollhouse?"
"I will go to the store with you, Mom!"
"Mom, pretend we are the kids and you are the mom, let's play house."  {I know...it's a   s t r e t c h!}  =)
"Want to color with me, Mom?"

and...
Kisses without asking,
Tight hugs,
Little fingers patting my back as I carry a baby to bed,
Big smiles...

Sometimes, I even get acknowledged publicly...like in a certain-someone's First Grade Journal! 

This entry is now copied, colored, framed & hung in the kitchen! Doesn't it sound like she thinks she is supposed to be doing the laundry...but I'm doing it FOR her!?  Breaks my heart.

This is the entry the day after the 'Early Dismissal Mishap."  She 'drawed' rainbows on the board and had Winnie the Pooh cupcakes for Dig's birthday after school.

This one is from the day I left to go to Ryan's sister's bachelorette party in Kansas City.

When she says 'I get to sleep with my Dad and stuf amanals,' she means ALOT of 'stuf amanals!' See for yourself... this picture is from February, but it's what happens everytime I'm gone overnight.  Somehow 3 people also sleep in there?!

Oh, P.S.

So as you can see... I'm rewarded Big time.

Mom of the Year Award

I will not be the recipient. 

It all happened on Dig's birthday.  It was Wednesday, Lane doesn't have school on Wednesdays.  Once a month South Hardin Schools let out early on Wednesdays for Teacher In-Services.  I knew this.  I even knew what time Drue was going to be let out.  1:55.  It said so, right on the purple weekly calendar Mrs. Bronzynski sent home. 

That morning Lane and I were busy making frosted cookies for his birthday snack for AWANA.  Ok, he was busy playing with new toys the UPS man delivered to him from Uncle Steve, I was busy making cookies.  We went to Mom and Dad's for lunch and birthday cupcakes.  I stayed around talking to Dad, all the time knowing I'd need to get Drue in a little bit.  I usually set the alarm on my phone to make sure I leave on time.  Today, however, my phone was dead so I left it in the car charging.

1:15 the phone rings.  Dad answered, "oh geesh!" and hands me the phone. It was Ryan.

"Do you know your daughter is the last one at school.  Did you forget she gets out early?  They've been calling you and left a message at home and finally got a hold of me in Algona!"

I explained that, yes, infact, I did know she gets out at 1:55.  The calendar said so!  He corrected me and said they got out at 12:55.  Lane and I walked to Mom & Dad's so I hung up the phone, yelled that I'd be back to get Dig.  I guess my brother told my dad, "the school better hope the calendar said 12:55 or they're going to have one mad mom on their hands!"  He knows his sister! 

I ran across the yards to our house, jumped in the car and drove way too fast to get to my baby.  I envisioned lots of tears and anger towards her momma...she'd been waiting for me for TWENTY minutes, which to a 6 year-old is all the time in the world!

I ran in the school, scanned the office, asked the nurse, since I guess she is who called.  She told me Drue was down in her classroom with Mrs. B.  I ran down the stairs and was met in the hall by Mrs. B and DD.  I apologized saying, I must have read the calendar wrong, blah, blah, blah.  My adrenaline was pumping away, I was so sad that I had messed up and let Drue down.

Then Mrs. B. told me it was actually her fault. 

Thank goodness!  I was feeling like a terrible mom!

Evidently, Mrs. B copied the weekly calendar on purple paper and passed them out to the kids.  Somehow, she realized there was a mistake on it and made new calendars with the correct dismissal time on GREEN paper.  She said there were a few girls that thought they liked the purple paper better and didn't 'trade' for the new, correct green one.  Drue wasn't the only one.  At least one other girl had to wait for her mom to get her also.  Mrs. Bronzynski let the two of them draw rainbows on the white board and gave Drue hugs to ease her nervousness. Drue had cried a little when she ran outside and realized I wasn't there. Then she waited outside for me, which she usually doesn't have to do.  I'm always waiting in line for her at least 15 minutes before school dismisses and she is ALWAYS the first kid (other than those who ride a bus) out of the building...never fails! 

Mrs. B. made sure it was not a scary situation and Drue actually enjoyed her alone time with her teacher....but I couldn't stop apologizing!  Drue finally said, "Mom!  It was really a mistake.  I know you're sorry!"

Mom of the Year Award?  Maybe next year. 

{Almost} Wordless Wednesday

I can't stop giggling when I see this one!  =)

Dayton Rodeo

Labor Day isn't Labor Day if we don't go to Grandma & Grandpa Larson's house in Dayton.  This year we went over Sunday for lunch and stayed for the Rodeo at 7. My aunt & uncle were home from Texas and it was my aunt Aimee's first rodeo.  We sat on the steep hill watching crazy men ride crazy bulls and the kids drank pop and ate popcorn.  Uncle Shawn and KK were there, too. 

We drove home and woke up early the next morning to get back to Dayton for the parade Monday.  Good grief do the kids get candy! It also helps that your great-grandpa knows everyone in the town and parade. In fact, our kids don't have to work very hard to get any candy. He literally stops the parade to talk to the person in it and asks for candy, they hand it to Grandpa John, he dumps it in the kids' bag!  Easy as that!  The kids made out very well!  So will our dentist, eventually. 

See who is closer to the parade...not the kids.  =)

Another fun thing about Labor Day is we usually run into some of our extended family.  My Uncle Ted's  ( grandma Ilene's brother...the Semprini's) family was all home and we tried to get a goup picture....can I tell you that we are one LOUD bunch!  Holy Cow! 

Cousins:  My Aunt Cindy, Cousin John Semprini, Cousin Jill Semprini Nehman, Uncle Mike standing on his tip toes, Mom, Cousin Joe Semprini and Cousin Julie Neal.  We were missing Uncle Jim and Cousin Jeff.

This is just Uncle Ted's & Grandma Ilene's family...and we're not all here...

and yes, I could name everyone if you asked.  =)

We're going to plan a big party for next year's get together...Watch out Dayton!!



Hearing Voices

Dig decided to take Rainbow Sherbert cups to Preschool for his birthday snack.  New rule, "no homemade snacks.  Everything must be prepackaged and whole."  Boring.  I was bummed we couldn't make fun cupcakes for fancy cookies, but Lane was happy taking sherbert.  Anyhoo...Lane was so excited to take them that he ate one on the way home from the grocery store.  I just happened to have a few extra Sporks in the console...always prepared. 

The checkout lady had been talking about how it won't be long before we put our Christmas decorations out. 

Lane says to me, "Mom, I just heard a little kitty in my head, it said, 'ChristmaaaaaS!' (in a high pitch)  and do you know I've heard Jesus talking in my head before?"

I begin to tell him how I think that is very special and ask him what Jesus said...

then Lane said,

"Well, I think it was Jesus, or maybe it was Darth Vader...I get those 2 voices confused." 

Dig's Party

Dig had a long day of waiting for his party.  By 9:00 am he was asking, "when are my guests coming?" 

"Only 8 more hours, Buddy!"

I failed to get any pictures of those guests...but here are some of the Little Man on his Big Day!

When the UPS man showed up at our door...Dig knew it could mean only one thing!  Uncle Steve & Lisa's presents!  Later that day the Speedy Delivery man brought a gift from cousins Cali & Clay and the Postman brought cards!  Dig made up a new rule on his birthday..."If the UPS man brings a presnt for you and the person it's from isn't going to be at your party, you can open the present when he brings it, even if it isn'tyour birthday."  So, I had to follow the rules. This really was his lucky day! 

Nanny's chalkboard counted down the days until Dig's birthday!

Lunchtime party at Nan & Pa's with Uncle Shawn, too!

Saturday was PaRtY dAy!  Dig & Daddy went to Wellsburg to pick up his cake.

Mario Brothers Cake

The blanket KK made just for Dig

Colorful markers!

A little embarrassed when we sang to him

The Luiken family-  DD age 6, Daddy 35, Dig 5 and Mommy 33.

Dinner Guest

Ten years ago this Fall, I had just moved back home to Mom and Dad's after spending the summer in Dallas with my aunt & uncle.  One cold morning my dad brought in two orphaned kittens.  I quickly took to the runty little boy, the fuzzy little girl bonded with Shawn.  Those of you who know me well, know that I do not like baby animals of any kind.  Kitties especially.  Thomas was right at the stage where he was starting to run around with his little tail straight up in the air.  He was just what I needed. I always wanted a big, fat cat...and Thomas grew up to be just that!

When Ryan and I got married, Thomas moved with me to our acreage.  He stayed inside until Drue was born, then he thought it was getting too crowded inside with a baby getting all of the attention so he became an outside farm cat.  He loved exploring and playing in the barn with the wild farm cats. 

Three years ago, when we moved to Eldora, Thomas decided he didn't like our new house.  We tried.  He would come in and meow to go right back out.  So, he went and lived in the pasture behind mom & dad's house.  He was familiar with the area and mom fed him every morning. 

Occasionally, Thomas will mosey over the whopping block to our house for a visit...usually when he can hear the kids playing in the back yard.

But, this entire week we've had a nightly dinner guest...I guess I should say, Cash has had a dinner guest. 

He doesn't mind, he must remember Thomas from our days at the farm. 

It's been two days now that Tom hasn't left our yard...

I think he's wishing he would have stayed three years ago! 

Happy Birthday to My Little Man!

I cannot believe Lane Ryan is F-I-V-E!! It was 5 years ago today that I went in for my routine 37 week appointment.  Mom took the morning off so Drue wouldn't have to go with me.  This was going to be the first time my Midwife would check me to see if there was any progress, dilation, etc...  Mom had just finished painting Lane's room two nights prior and the evening before my appointment, she came over to help move his furniture around.  The room was finished on September 14...which happened to be not one day too soon!

While Kim Boote was checking me, she got a funny look on her face.  "Well... um.  You were at a 6 and while I was in there, I made you a 7! So, unless you want to have your husband take a crash course in 'How to Deliver a Baby in the Car,' I suggest you stay in town."  What a surprise!  Lane wasn't due until October 7th!  Fortunately, I had bags packed and the house was ready for us!  I decided to go shopping at Target until 1:00 when I was going to have my water broken.  (Didn't really end up happening until 3:00) 

Meanwhile, I was trying to get ahold of Ryan Dean.  I knew he was with Shawn, ironically, preg-checking cows.  I couldn't get him to answer the phone.  I figured he'd like to be present for the birth of his son  =) so I called up my dad and told him that I wasn't going to be coming home today and needed him to tell Ryan that after they were done, he should meet me at the hospital.  He actually met me earlier than I expected and we sat in the parking lot of the hospital putting together Drue's "Big Sister" gift, a stroller for her own babies. Hmmm... That makes me think...how did we end up with only one car at the hospital if Ryan drove separately? I think Shawn must have driven Ry's truck home that night after visiting us in the hospital?  I also remember Ryan pushing that little tiny stroller in to the hospital like it was a real one.  He looked at me when we got on the elevator and said, "I bet people think this is a real stroller and my wife is a midget!" 

There was a scary moment in the labor process, the Midwife didn't communicate with the nurses about the amount of pitocin (sp?) she was giving me and both the nurses and the Midwife upped my dosages without telling the other so I was getting way too much and Lane's oxygen and heart rates went either too high or too low, I don't remember.  All I do remember is that all of a sudden a bunch of beepers went off, nurses, even doctors rushed in adjusted things and gave me and the baby oxygen, not exactly sure how they did that, by the way. This all happened while Ryan had left me to go grab a sandwich.  He had no idea any of it happened. 

Later in the evening the nurses told us that things were progressing slowly so around 7 pm we called Drue at Mom & Dad's and told them it would be late, probably early morning before Lane would be born and they might as well go to bed. Well, I don't remember exactly how the next few moments played out, but Dig was born at 7:23 weighing in at 7lbs and stretching 19 inches... three weeks early.  So...Ryan called Mom back and said, "You have a grandson!"  She didn't believe him since just moments ago we told her it would be a while before he entered the world.  We are so thankful that God gave us a perfectly healthy little man that day.  Our families all came to Covenant to meet Lane Ryan Luiken that night.  DD was not impressed and all of a sudden, at 19 and a half months old...looked so grown up. 

Lane Ryan has been a blessing to our family ever since.  We love you Dig!

Someone woke up a little earlier than normal today!  Wonder why?  Dig got to open one of his gifts when he woke up, but has to wait for the others until Daddy gets home from work.  Could be a long day!

Luckily, we will be kept busy doing one of his favorite things!  Making frosted cookies! He takes snacks to Awana tonight.  Here he is making the dough last night! 

More birthday pictures to come!

Cy-Hawks

These two always have so much fun when they are together!  Lane took both his ISU and Iowa jerseys to Mimi & RahRah's this weekend so he could share with Cade and they could have their very own Cy-Hawk game.  After a Mr.Freeze break, they returned outside for the rest of their game because, Cade said..."Lane was making too many touchdowns!"  Sounds like the Cyclones might have won a game Saturday, after all! 

These two, even dispite the age difference, can play all afternoon together!  They find Aunt Trudi & Aunt Traci's clothes from when they were little and dress up.  Here they are being farm girls on their horses!

Favorite Time of Year!

Although windy, today's weather is my favorite.  Cool enough to wear 'cozy' pants as we call them in our house.  I have windows opened to accentuate the crispness in air because we're having chili for supper, whether Ryan thinks it's too early in the year or not!  It's chilly in here!

The kids and I were talking about how this is my favorite time of year.  How I don't think their dad wants to hear it, but I even love winter.  I'd much rather be cold than too hot.  You can always put more clothes on...you can only get so naked.  We named off things we love about this time of year...cozy pants, fuzzy socks, warm soups, football games, the Hawkeyes, walks at Pine Lake, pumpkins, we could have gone on and on...

 Today, after school, Drue ran to her room and put cozy pants on and her favorite pair of fuzzy socks.  While watching her brother play the Wii she pulled off a sock.  I noticed how FULL of colorful fuzz her toes were already, then I heard her say, "Ah! This IS my favorite time of year!  I LOVE to pick my toes!"

That girl has loved to pick toes since she's had toes! 
She still sits on the bathroom floor naked every night before her bath to check for gunk between the piggies.  The more the better...

"I Don't Get This?!"

On our ride home from school this afternoon, I asked Lane who he played with. 

"Well.  Not Hayley or Owen.  I played with Abby...and I don't get this!-----

She said, she LOVES me!"

Oh boy!  I have to admit, this isn't surprising... Drue had a crush on Abby's brother when they were in preschool together!

Just as long as he remembers the only girl he can kiss is his Momma!

Wordless Wednesday

Penny Cutie Luiken

Do you know Penny Cutie Luiken? She is our kitty...well, actually she's a cat. A fat cat.  She was born last May.  She was born in an old oil barrel at my Dad's farm shop.  That Spring we frequented the shop often to check on the kids' bottle calves.  Pa showed the kids the new batch of kitties and Dig fell in love.  They were too tiny for me to even pick up...I have an issue with baby-baby animals, especially kitties...eew.  Dig would ask to go see the kitties and always held the same one.  I asked him why he liked the little tabby the best and he would say, "because she has a chubby face...and she's so cute."  He named her Cutie. 

Penny Cutie's birthplace...

She's in there somewhere, with her siblings...

That same Spring DD was dead set on getting a turtle.  She wanted one bad.  We looked for one, went shopping for one then saw how much the 'safe' turtles were and decided that we really didn't need a turtle.  So...her daddy said they could pick out a new kitty from the farm and bring home as a compromise. 

We headed right to Pamida for the supplies since it had been a couple years that we had an indoor kitty.  Ryan and I had Thomas, well actually, he was mine, Ryan got him as an added 'bonus' when he married me!  ha!  Actually, Tom is a very good cat.  He is huge and he meows loud...I love that.  The only thing is that when we moved he freaked out and decided he'd rather live in the pasture behind my parents' house.  He sits around outside all day and we see him often.  He just didn't like our new house, evidentally.  Anyhoo...after Pamida, we ran to the farm, toy pet carrier in hand and found Cutie. 

June 1, 2009 "Daddy said we could get a kitty!"

You have no idea what you are in for, but Pa said,

"if she plays her cards right she'll have quite the life for a farm cat!"

She hid under the tv armoir for the entire first day we had her.  She has quite the attitude, as I would if I had 2 kids chasing me, trying to dress me up, stick me in boxes and push me in little grocery carts. Today, she grabs your leg when you walk by and bites if you try to pet her and she's not in the mood. She chases...and I mean chases the kids down the hall.  They run up on the couch for safety.  She's our Tiger.  Dig says she's evil. 

Hiding out

Dig stuck her in the little dollhouse...

and in his cowboy boot box...

She was (and still is) swaddled like a baby...

and squished by two little people who love her very much!

Penny (we added Penny to go with Cash our dog...but not really because he's named after Johnny Cash...not money...ridiculous, I know) usually stays hidden during the day, until of course, someone comes over.  She will usually stay where she can see us, but we can't touch her.

Well, Ms. Thing has a new hangout.  My grandpa Larson built this doll house for me.  He built all 3 grandaughters one.  I was actually a little old, past the Barbie stage when I received mine.  But, thankfully, mom and dad kept it for me.  We brought it home a couple of weeks ago and us girls have already spent many evenings redesigning rooms and buying carpet samples from the local decorating store.  Penny has claimed the sun deck. 

See her up there?

Keep your distance!

If you can't find her...look there. But don't touch...the Princess doesn't like to be disturbed.