Jaws

This is the newest addition to Anika's mouth.  There are two metal hinges on the outside of her teeth - it makes talking and chewing an interesting adventure.  Its been a week and she is doing much better, but she is still a little tricky to understand some days!

JJ Water Park

We were sent off from MN with much love and well wishes.  We used one of the last gift cards of love a few weekends back.  We were gifted with a card to JJ resort.  They have an indoor water park, a tubing hill, and  horse back riding. We also were given a few buy one get one free coupons when we arrived here in MI.  Together they made for a very fun day.

We got all our work done on Saturday morning and headed out after lunch.  It took us a bit to find this place: literally back in the woods down an old country road.  But we did find it.  There were three slides you needed a tube to ride down, a lazy river, a small wave pool, two toddler pools, a toadstool/net walk, and a body slide.  None of us got to go down the body slide as it was closed when we checked and by the time we knew it had opened up, we were on our way out. Maybe next year.  The hot tubs were also closed which made us a bit sad, I could have used a few minutes of hotness and rest.

We all played for quite awhile. After seeing that the kids were on top of how to get where, they paired up and Matt and I went to relax on the chairs and watch.  We all played some more before deciding it was time to go.

While in line at one of the tube rides, Maria and I were standing behind two girls who were wearing triangles and strings for swim suits.  Maria looked at me and declared 'THAT is inappropriate.'  I thought I was going to bust up right there. I assured her she was correct, but that she didn't need to tell me out loud.  I don't even think they had a clue what she was talking about!

It was a fun family adventure - and because of the coupons, we can have more adventures there - we still have money on the card. Now I just have to find more coupons! Thanks so much for a fun day out!

the camera kept fogging up when I wanted to take a picture

Church Retreat

Anika went off to her first church retreat.  Really, her first weekend away from home alone.  She has always been a bit of a home body.  There are less than 10 houses she has slept in without me being there and for years it was only three - her two best friends and grandpa and grandma's.  She did manage a few over nighters with the GEMS at church.  I'm still holding out hope for Bible Camp someday, but we'll see.
So, she went off to a camp called Grace Adventures.  It promised much fun - but most of it was promised if there was snow - and there wasn't any.  They managed to still find lots of fun things to do.  She went horseback riding, played a game similar to paintball or airsoft (she wasn't so impressed with the welts, but enjoyed the game), had many stories to tell about the speaker, the cabins, the pranks, etc.  Actually, her coming home reminded me of when Matt came home from Middle School retreats and events. BOUNCING OFF THE WALLS.  I was quite ready for her to go somewhere and relax for a bit.  But the crash does come when one is so tired, oh joy!
She was SOOOOO excited to go.  She had been packed for over a week - which, with the whole head lice thing was perfect - her bag was packed and anything that had been alive when it went in, wouldn't be when she took it out!
When it came time to leave she had three bags, a sleeping bag and a blanket.  It was her father's worst nightmare - he now had one of those girls who packed the whole house for two nights away.  Matt dropped her off and talked with the youth director.  Matt and I have had a theory for years.  Parents whose first born is a daughter have LOTS of questions.  Parents with an oldest child as a sixth grader have LOTS of questions. Knowing these two things, Matt and I deliberately have not asked any questions.  Quite honestly, I had no idea where she was going or how she was getting there.  I knew when to drop her off and when to pick her up and from Anika, I knew a few of the other people that would be there.
All the kids gave her a hug.  Brandon was quite sad and told her he would miss her.  Her being gone meant he had to sleep in his bedroom alone - something I don't think he has ever done.  Later that evening, I realized I missed her, too.  I like it when all the kids are down for the night - for many reasons, the first of which is peace and quiet - but I realized that night that I like knowing we are all together and safe.  With Anika missing, I had no idea if she was sad, missing home, having a great time, safe or not and I didn't like it.  I wanted her home.  The peace part of the peace and quiet was missing.  I had that feeling a bit whenever she was with a friend, but when my kids are with friends, I LOVE that they are experiencing something I can never give them.  There are so many people in their lives that love up on them, and I love that they have those relationships.
But I also realized she is growing up, and so beautifully.  And my job as a mom is to make sure she can leave  knowing that home is some place she can always come back to.  Being a mom is the only job you are intentionally working yourself out of.  I am trying to raise her to leave. Truthfully, I'm looking forward to the time Matt and I are back to just us and all the travel we will do.  Notice I said WILL do.  Positive Mental Attitude! =)  But, I'm not looking forward to it coming so fast that I wish away today and all the milestones that come with it.  I have a large list of travel plans though, and some don't even include Matt!
There is a children's book by Karen Kingsbury called 'Let Me Hold You Longer'.  I cry every time I read it. Its all about how, we as parents mark down the 'firsts' of our children's lives... first tooth, crawl, walk, day of school, etc..... but how much more special are the 'lasts'.  The last time they run to you and jump in your arms.  The last time they want a hug before going to school.  The last time they fall asleep in your arms. The last nap they take as a toddler.  Wouldn't it be great to know when it was the last.... and you would hold them a little longer?
Anika going on a retreat was definitely a 'first' but it made me realize once again, how quickly the 'lasts' are passing me by and how much I love being her mom.

Lice, Laundry and Leftovers

January has been a wonderfully slower month.  After being gone all but three nights the month of December, we were ready for a slower pace.  Don't get me wrong - Monday: Jessica and Maria have swimming lessons and Brandon has Karate - Tuesday: Brandon and Anika have swimming lessons - Wednesday: church night - so its not like we're bored.  Its just been nice to not rush out after every supper- or skip supper  - or eat a sandwich in the van - and be home a few hours.
UNTIL-
8 little bugs.  8 very small bugs.  Six legs. One mouth.  A parasite that needs human blood.
Its amazing how such small animals can wreak such havoc on a fairly 'normal' house. Granted, I rarely, if ever, refer to us as normal, but we were enjoying our slower paced January.
I should have taken a picture of the piles of laundry that overflowed the rooms, the hallway, the laundry room.  But, I was in no mental state for pictures.  For two days, we just walked all over it.  By day 3 there was a path, and by day 5 it was pretty much contained to the laundry room.
8 bugs - head lice.  The story starts before Christmas.  Jessica and Maria were scratching their heads constantly and vigorously.  Jessica even had little scabs on her scalp.  I was sure they had lice, and I checked often, but never saw anything.  Of course, I had no idea what I was looking for either!  Why oh why didn't I go to our friends in MN when they had it so I could at least have seen it and known!  But I digress.
The itching subsided a bit, so I figured it must have been the chlorine and cheap shampoo from swimming lessons - of course - problem solved - on to New Year's - and company and sleepovers - oh joy.
January 7 rolls around and we get home from our YMCA swim lessons and karate.  I decide to check yet again.  Their hair is clean and we just left the Y so if they are getting a red scalp it must be the chlorine and shampoo, right?  WRONG!  I find a bug.  And after more inspection, I find the nits - eggs - on the hair shaft, 1/4 inch up and looking like a speck of pepper - just like everyone says.  You have GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!  So begins three hours of inspection and chemicals and pulling out of 4 bugs off each head.  I dropped one - still don't like the idea that there could be one lurking up there somewhere.  Supposedly they die within 48 hours of being away from a head.  We're going to go with that.
So, that has been my last two weeks.  Laundry, Lice and Leftovers.  I was too busy cleaning to cook.  Too busy combing out hair to do much of anything else.  We've all been treated twice, the girls and I three times. I've learned LOTS - like don't even bother with the over the counter chemical crap in the stores. Its harsh and nasty.  There are some wonderfully natural - albeit expensive - alternatives that are much better.  And they are oil based, so we have smooth shiny hair here now!  The kids are still sleeping in sleeping bags, there are still 12 garbage bags full of pillows, stuffed animals and bedding in the basement, we have no extra blankets lying around which I get complaints about often, but we have survived and may even be better for it.
We still aren't completely sure where we got it from, but I am leaving things packed up until all is back to normal at school for a few weeks.  If we get it back I want to start with everything still bagged up!  Its really cold outside now, maybe that will help!

Orthodontist begins

And so begins the regular appointments, monthly withdrawals, shiny smiles and limits on eating and drinking. She was pretty sore for a few days, but is getting used to it.  Next up is a contraption to shift her jaw.  That ought to feel great!

Anika is 12!

Donuts for breakfast.  We decided 12 was the limit on candles. Next year - its just one.  I don't want the house to burn down before the birthday can be enjoyed!  Then off to an orthodontist appointment to get molds made of her mouth and her first set of braces put one - doesn't that sound like fun on your birthday.  Next off to school.

A scavenger hunt and presents when you get home only to be left home alone while your dad has a meeting and your mom takes your sisters to swimming lessons and your brother to karate.  Oh yeah, and when we gt home, we find head lice on her sisters.  Wow, that's a great birthday.  We hope to do a bit of a redo someday soon.  Take a few girls sledding and have cookies and cream ice cream! Sorry girl, the first day of 12 wasn't go great but here's to 364 more that can be better!

I'd actually thought a lot about her birthday heading into it.  She's 12 years old. I've been a mom for 12 years.  In 12 more years she'll be 24 - the age I was when I got married.  She's halfway there - oh my word!  In 12 years, her little sister will be 18 and headed off to college and my 'at home' parenting will be complete.  That means I am halfway through having kids in my home on a full time basis.  That's crazy.  Don't get me wrong, some days I long for the peace and quiet, but that means that this huge change in my life that happened 12 years ago is going to be gone in 12 more short years.  I cried when I found out I was pregnant with Anika - mainly because I had no idea what I was doing and I'm sure the raging hormones played a part.  But she is so much a beautiful daughter and so worth spending 12 years parenting.

She is a firstborn girl in so many ways.  She is motherly to small children.  Totally empathetic when someone gets hurt and immediately trying to think of a way to make the pain go away.  Loves to play with kids - ok - other people's kids, but sometimes her siblings, too.  For the most part, she is a rule follower, never pushes the line much.  She loves to banter and roll her eyes at her father's crazy comments, and he can always make her laugh.  She is playing the flute and piano.  Plays soccer, basketball and volleyball.  Loves to be outside and loves the winter, and summer, and spring, and fall.  She just loves all the different things you can do in each season. Sixth grade hasn't always been easy.  Moving here hasn't always been easy.  Some days we smile, some days, not so much.  But, she wakes up and tries again the next day, and we are oh so proud of her.  She does not rush through anything.  She takes her time and thinks it through.  She would much rather observe something going on before trying it out for herself.  She doesn't read fast, but her teacher pointed out, she reads how she talks.  A steady pace -no rushing.  When you give her the time she needs, she is just fine.  She loves art and drawing. Her favorite colors are blue and green. She writes easily and beautifully - although the spell check is a necessary wonder! Happy Birthday beautiful girl.  We can't wait to see what God will work through you in the next 12 years - and more.

Birthdays and the basement

Matt is a man on a mission. He is bound and determined to get our basement finished.  If only time and money didn't get in his way.  My parents came to visit and my dad was commissioned to wire the basement my mom was commissioned to kids, cooking and ironing.  My dad came armed with his know how and his 1970's how to book.  Two friends from church also came by.  Between all of them and the book, we are proud owners of a mostly wired basement including outlets, light switches, and lights.  NICE.  Matt was so inspired he wired his shed the following weekend.  I told him I'll never see him now, he'll put a TV and a heater in his little 'man cave' and never be seen again.

Anyway, back to the basement.  We are hoping to make a bedroom, living room and a bathroom down there.  Some of it has been insulated.  We still need to add a drop ceiling in part of it and sheet rock it all. Plus the bathroom hasn't been started, so if you want to come by and lend a hand - you are welcome ANYTIME!

While my parents were here, we celebrated both Jessica and Maria's birthdays. Good times were had by all.  Thanks for all your work.  It was great to have you here!

Oreo ice cream cake - Anika's choice

Anika's presents: split skirt, leggins, two shirts and lucky charms

Jessica in her new sweater dress and  chocolate lucky charms

Grandpa and Grandma and Aunt Kathy