Ladybugs and Peanuts

so it's been a while huh?!

2011-01-29T22:17:00.003-05:00

Been gone from here for almost an entire year. Seems like it was just the other day. Time really is flying by. It feels like I haven't had time to breath lately, much less blog. But I thought this was cute and y'all might enjoy seeing our newest little one, Miss Hannah Marie, so I added the announcement that I finally made tonight. Hope everyone has a wonderful night and rests well. Off to sleep while the little ones are too! :)

hannah's announcement

2011-01-29T22:16:00.001-05:00

Tiny Dressing Birth Announcement

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Greetings

2010-02-07T17:37:00.003-05:00

Since before Bethany's birthday, she has had a special greeting for Grandpa. She would lean in and give him a head bump hello and when it was time to go, a head bump goodbye. The other day she was "talking" to Pa on the phone and it was time to hang up so Grandpa said, "Give me a head bump" and well, watch the video to see for yourself how it went down.

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Locks of Love

2010-02-06T15:26:00.003-05:00

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Rebekah and I both had our hair cut in order to donate to Locks of Love. Rebekah had never had her hair cut and as long as she could talk said she "NEVER! Wanted her hair cut." Well, with A LOT of persuading, she did it. She wasn't very happy at first, but thought it was very funny when we went to Walgreens to pick up a prescription for a friend right after getting our hair cut and I couldn't find her (even though we were the only people in the store besides employees and she was 2 steps in front of me.) We laughed about that and then she fooled her brother and daddy at McDonald's that night! It was a nice way to cushion the blow. I was excited about her cutting it, but once she did I have to say I was sad that I had her do it. She looks SO much older now! :( They grow too fast and if I'd know that was going to make her "older" I would have waited longer. Anyway, it's already happened and I'm coping. A little girl will be happy to have some hair one day because of her. (They will be getting 3 pony tails each 10" long from us!) Such a worthy cause and hey...it will grow back. right?! ;)

SNOW SNOW and more SNOW!

2010-02-06T14:06:00.005-05:00

I can't believe that we are sitting here in the middle of another snow storm this year. I don't think it's snowed this much in the last 5 years combined. :) Right now, as I look outside my front windows it looks like we are living in a snowglobe and someone shook us up! Snowed yesterday morning and then rained most of the afternoon and evening. Woke up this morning and there was a new dusting on the driveway. Now, there is atleast 3 or 4 inches out there. The kids are loving watching it snow and Ethan is ready to go out and play. Maybe tomorrow, or if we get brave enough this afternoon. Bethany is excited about seeing all the snowflakes flying and the birds sitting on the birdfeeder. Rebekah is happy to look out and see the giant snowflakes and see just how deep it is getting. Maybe Bill will take us sledding tomorrow. :) Following are some pictures from the past snow storms!

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Where has the time gone?

2009-10-27T12:27:00.004-04:00

Well, I knew it had been a while since I'd been on here, but 2 months! WOW!!! Where did the time go? Well, we went to Myrtle Beach for a week. While we were there Bethany decided walking was her preferred method of transportation. After the beach, we had 2 birthdays to celebrate! Unbelievable that Rebekah is 7 and Bethany is already 1!! We have had another fun soccer season. At the 1st game, each of the 3 little Bollanders got hit in the head with the ball. Ethan in the face, Rebekah in the back of the head, and Bethany in the back of the head too. The game came to a S-C-R-E-E-C-H-I-N-G halt when it hit Bethany and there was an audible gasp from both teams too. Bethany looked around as if to say, "What in the world is going on? Why did the kids stop running around chasing that ball and WHY in the world is EVERYBODY staring at me?!" Finally, I waved her hand in the air and said "We're ok!" and the game resumed. There weren't any tears from Bethany, by the way. And once we gave the "I'm good" sign, the game resumed and Bethany was ready to start walking in the field next to the game.

October has come and gone too. Ethan is reading! Can you believe it?! My little boy, reading. I mean reading! His Sunday School teacher came up to me and said, "Ethan is reading! I hold up the memory verse and he just reads it!" I wanted to say, "Why are you so surprised?! He is in kindergarten. Aren't ALL kindergarteners reading?!" :) (Just a bit of sarcasm). Bethany is running throught the house squealing and chasing Rebekah, Ethan, and Daddy-O. Rebekah is about finished with the math curriculum I had for her to use this year, only 2 lessons left. Looks like we need the next level!

I have been bitten by the running (and I use that term very loosly) bug. I woke up one morning and wanted to go for a run. That was a couple of weeks ago and I have been running every other day since then, increasing in time and milage. I'm considering running in the Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis November 21. But, I want to be able to do it quickly... under/around 30 minutes. If I can't do that, then I don't really want to sign up. SOOO, all that being said, looks like I need to try to get my run in today! :D It's overcast, and supposed to rain like mad tonight. Maybe I'll just have to go 2 days in a row.

I'll add some new pictures in a bit. Need to get some housework done while things are quiet here. What I really want to do is just crawl into bed and curl up under the covers. Looks like winter outside and it doesn't look like I'm going to be getting much housework done this winter if I cave to this feeling. (What's that song... I can't fight this feeling..deep inside of me...to curl up in my cushy bed and dream?!)

Got to love impressing the neighbors

2009-08-22T20:22:00.003-04:00

Got a call the other day from a neighbor asking if I'd be available to babysit her grandson while mom went off to work as a teacher. I thought for a moment that the money would be nice, and then I woke up and realized that adding a 7 month old into our mix probably wouldn't be the wisest thing to do. So, I told her no. :( I think she was disappointed, but I can't please everyone. Anyway, just yesterday I saw her driving down the road and I stopped her to make sure she had gotten a message I left for her. While we were talking, Ethan walked over to the car and started reading a card that came in the mail. The look on her face was PRICELESS! Her jaw dropped and she said, "Can he read?!" I looked at her, smiled and said "Well, it is the 3 week of Kindergarten. Yes, he can read." You would have thought that I told her he could fly. I then told her that he can read a few words but is working very hard and enjoys what he is doing. At that point Rebekah came over and she asked about the grade she was in and I said 2nd and she'll be 7 in September. Again, the look of "Did you just say she had x-ray vision and can melt steel with by looking at it?" She wanted to know if she could do math. I said yes addition and subtraction and beginning algebra (finding the missing number). That made her feel a bit better because she thought division was on tap for her. :) Just before they drove off she grinned and said, "Is she going to Harvard next year?" Well, looks like according to the people around us, we can call ourselves done for the year over here at the Bollander Academy. Guess those extra lessons they were doing is paying off. :D

A trip to the mountains

2009-08-22T17:09:00.003-04:00

Last month, the kids and I went to visit with my parents at their house in the Mountains. What a great time we had. The big 'uns rode on a rope swing with a little wooden circle seat, went on a bunch of hikes with Grandpa (probably 1 mile a day), had a treasure hunt, and took showers in the outdoor shower. Bethany spent some time swinging on Oma's swing and playing in the house with her toys. They can't wait to get back up there! Thinking we'll be heading back up in a few days! :) Sadly, Daddy-O will be left behind again to work.
:( Maybe next time Daddy-O!

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First week of school....

2009-08-01T09:36:00.004-04:00

The first week of school was wonderful! The kids were excited to do their school work and often times would do more than 1 day's lesson! Guess we are ahead of the game already! :) Hopefully it will keep up!

A Busy Day

2009-07-27T20:03:00.007-04:00

Today wasn't just another busy day at home. Oh no, we had some excitement. Today was the first day of another school year! Ethan started Kindergarten, Rebekah started 2nd grade, and Bethany is along for the ride. We also went and ordered Rebekah's glasses. (Something she has been looking forward to for a while now.) Also, on the first day of 2nd grade and the day we ordered her glasses, Rebekah lost her first tooth! We knew it had to happen sooner or later, but with the big tooth almost all the way in, I really wasn't sure it was gonna come out. With a gentle tug from Oma, out popped "Whitey". He is securely placed under Rebekah's pillow right now and it will probably be hard for the kids to go to sleep. We must wait for the tooth fairy!!! Rebekah was quite the trooper during the tooth pulling. A few tears before (fear of the unknown) and a few after (trauma from Oma ripping a part of her out.) It was literally hanging by 1 tiny piece. :) Now hopefully the rest will loosen up and fall out quickly. Now for a tough question.... Do we tell her about the tooth fairy? Or do we leave it up to their imaginations? Ethan had some pretty imaginative ideas about how the tooth fairy knows where to go [She has a tooth shaped computer that tells her.]; where she lives [In a white tooth house or maybe it's a house made of teeth.] It was so sweet to see how excited Ethan was for Rebekah. I LOVE IT! He wanted to see the tooth, to hold it, to tell everyone he saw that his sister had lost her first tooth! :D Rebekah's only wish was that her other tooth wasn't in yet so she could have a real hole! :( Lord willing, she'll get that wish with her top teeth. Ethan really seemed to enjoy school. He was eager to do his work. He worked hard and did excellently. He is so proud of himself and told me today, "I am ready to read." Then he proudly announced to Grandpa "I already know how to add and subtract." Which is true! He is quite the little fellow. God has truly blessed us with wonderful children. (Who are upstairs right now playing instead of sleeping, so off to set them straight! A mother's work is never done! :D ) Bethany's accomplishments: crawling around like a woman on a mission; eating pretty much whatever I give her; grapes, green beans, potatoes, apple, black eye peas, noodles, cheese ravioli, cheerios (this is very unusual for Bollander children and to be honest I LOVE IT!!); pulling up and then letting go (and staying up for at least 20 seconds.) Sad to say that I don't think it will be long before that little one is walking around. I had wanted this one to "act" like a baby for a while, but she is just like the others and likes to do things quickly. Now, if she'll just start sleeping a bit better at night.... ah, sleep. One day I'll be able to sleep again and I'll be missing getting up with her I know, so I'll try to enjoy this moment and not wish for the next.

Ethan the Comedian

2009-07-17T21:21:00.004-04:00

Tonight as I was putting the kids in the bed, there was a discussion started and ended by the Rebekah and Ethan about wanting more kids in our family. Ethan was hoping at first to have 6 kids. Then we'd get to have 2 beds in each bedroom. From there it was all downhill. Then they wanted to have 9 kids, then 12, then Ethan comes up with an outrageous idea...."What if every time you burped you shot out a baby!?" (His EXACT words!) That sent me and them into hysterics! I know, crazy to encourage that kind of humor, but hey it was late and honestly funny the way he said it. Then he said "We'd have sooo many Mama!" Not wanting to be out done by her younger brother, Rebekah thought we could make machine like me and it would have a lever on it. We would be able to pull down the lever, make a burp, and spit out another baby. (All of that are pretty much her exact words! I only had to make it fit me telling the story and not her.) After all that I said, guess I'll never burp again, immediately followed by, you guessed it a burp, which sent the kids into hysterics again. (oh, in case you were wondering...no baby!) And I wonder why it's hard for them to go to sleep. Anyway, now you know what we do just before bed, right after prayers. :) NEVER a dull moment.

My Mama is going to be so embarrassed by this... I raised you better than this, or at least I thought so. :) Sorry Mama!! I Love ya!!

Too Cute

2009-07-15T16:38:00.004-04:00

Today I was sitting at the computer doing some work and heard from the other room, Rebekah reading a history textbook I picked up, for free at the homeschool convention, to Bethany. It was great information about the Statue of Liberty was clearly being presented to Miss Bethany and then there was info about the White House and at that point I think Bethany had had enough because she began squealing and Rebekah decided to hop into "the cage" with her and play. Love some girl time. :)

Where was Ethan during all this you ask? Well we had a shift change at nap/rest time today. The girls took a nap from oh, 1030-100 and then it was Ethan's turn. He just rolled out of the bed about 15 minutes ago. Usually it's a shift change with bigs and little, but not today, girls and boy. :)

Virginia Beach Pictures

2009-07-15T14:48:00.001-04:00

Here is a montage of our pictures from Virginia Beach. Hope you enjoy! :)

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Souvenirs

2009-07-14T17:44:00.003-04:00

Most kids when they go on vacation want a souvenir to take home with them. Well our kids got more than they (and we as parents) bargained for. For starters, Bethany got her 2 front teeth. :) NOW what are we gonna get her for Christmas? Under the bed in our hotel room, Ethan found a bouncy ball that lights up. According to him, it is THE best thing ever. Rebekah walked away with the best souvenir of them all, a personalized bracelet, courtesy of Virginia Beach General Hospital. Bill and Rebekah made a late night trip to the ER for tummy troubles. They spent 4 hours waiting to find out that they couldn't tell conclusively what the problem was. They did give her some medicine and it seemed to work. She also came home with a fever, which she is still battling. All three of the kids got some sort of eye gook while we were there too. Seemed like we were battling sickness after sickness.

Just when you think that's enough... Bill woke up this morning with the eye gook and congestion, a sore throat, and ear ache. Ahhhh, vacation. Next time, I think I'll bring some extra cash and buy tee shirts for everyone or something. What do ya think?

Another First.. The Beach

2009-07-06T16:20:00.003-04:00

So hard to believe that a month has already passed since I last posted. Time really does seem to fly by faster and faster. We are sitting in our hotel room at Virginia Beach enjoying some family time. Bethany LOVES the beach. I think we will be in trouble when she gets totally mobile. She LOVES the ocean and almost jumped out of my arms to get into the pool this morning. (I think she thought it was a giant bathtub.) :) Rebekah and Ethan were so excited to be here that they couldn't hardly get to sleep last night. They are about to hit the beach again while I get Bethany ready for bed. Rebekah has been boogie boarding and Ethan has been out over his waist jumping waves, a HUGE change from the first few times we took him to the beach. I remember the 1st time we took him to Myrtle Beach, he was 16 months old and SO afraid of the ocean it was absolutely adorable. He loved to run along the shore (north and south) and we'd let him ruuuuuuuun as far as "he'd like" to the north because there was a small "river" running back into the ocean that he would NOT cross (maybe 2 hotels up the beach). An elderly couple was very concerned about us letting this tiny little fellow run so far ahead of us, especially since we didn't seem too troubled by it. On one lap up the beach, they said you'd better hurry up or he's going to get away from you. I laughed and said, "No way! He'll stop riiiight..." and he did stop right at that moment. :) I'll add pictures when I get them on the computer. We are having a terrific time and are looking forward to our annual September beach trip.

Little Miss Bethany

2009-06-10T13:32:00.002-04:00

Well, that little booger is 8 months old and is trying her best to get those legs and arms working together to move around. She can sit herself up from laying on her belly and has been rolling (front to back and back to front)like a mad woman for months now. She can twist around in a circle while sitting up so she can see what is going on around her at all times. She is the first of our children to enjoy being alone. Maybe it's because it doesn't really happen that often. :) Right now she is sitting in the pack-n-play playing with toys while the "Big Guys" are outside playing in "Chips Ahoy" (the new pirate ship pool we have). Anyway, for lunch today Little Miss Bethany had a few stewed potatoes, an itty-bitty tea-niney piece of meatloaf, and a couple of pieces of toast crust. Then of course she didn't want the "baby food" that I was offering. Looks like we won't have to serve that stuff much longer. She just wants what everyone else is eating. HMMMM....guess everyone else will have to start liking good stuff so she will have a chance to enjoy real food.

Too cute

2009-05-24T21:34:00.002-04:00

Ethan cracked me up tonight. He was getting ready for bed when he began talking about going fishing tomorrow morning with Popa, Daddy-O, and Rebekah. He asked me, "Do you know which Popa?" and I said "Yes, Grams and Popa Popa." "YES!" he said. "We have 3 Popas. Popa Bo in Florida, Grams and Popa Popa and Nana and Popa Popa. Now, why did their Mamas name them all Popa?" (How cute is that?!) I just smiled and said, I don't know. Too sweet!

A Great Week

2009-05-18T20:55:00.002-04:00

So much happened this past week that it seemed like 2 weeks went by.
Monday we had our art class with our homeschool friends. I had no idea Rebekah and Ethan had such artistic abilities. Rebekah sketched and painted a beautiful flower and Ethan did a nice abstract painting.
Tuesday, Rebekah went to take her end of the year test (to make sure I was doing my job!) She was so nervous but held it together. When we got to the door, she said her tummy hurt so we stopped and prayed before she rang the doorbell. After being nervous (and rightly so since she had never taken a test before, nor had she ever met the lady administering the test) she passed with flying colors!
Wednesday, Ethan Michael had another birthday. THE BIG 5! So hard to believe that my little man isn't so little anymore. I mean once I get the curriculum, he'll be in Kindergarten. SAY WHAT?! Anyway, he had a great birthday with his friends at JumpZone. They jumped for hours and then went to Chick-fil-A for lunch. After that we made a quick run home, ate supper, and then off to the last AWANA meeting for the year. :( Whew!
Thursday, we recuperated and did some cleaning up for Ethan's party which was Saturday.
Friday, we cleaned, went to a birthday party for our sweet friend Sarah Grace, and had a delicious birthday supper for me prepared by Daddy-O.
Saturday, we put the finishing touches for birthday party, t-ball game, PARTY!, baths, and zonk city. (And for the record, this was not the first bath of the week for those of you who might be concerned.)
Sunday, we had a GREAT day at church celebrating the Lord's Day, and then some much needed rest before the beginning of another week. (I just got tired reliving that.) Maybe this week will be a little slower. I'll try to add pictures of Ethan's birthday soon.
Bill's at a ball game and everyone else is asleep! Gonna hit the bed while it's quiet and I can.

Unca David and Aunt Reba's Visit

2009-05-02T15:16:00.003-04:00

It seems like forever ago, but it was only last week that Unca David and Aunt Reba flew home to Oklahoma. They came to visit for 9 days and we all had a blast! We hadn't seen them in a year and the time with them went too quickly. Rebekah and Ethan thought it was great to have them to play with. There were some mean games of kick ball, egg hunts, and some t-ball practice in the front yard, and I think I remember someone riding a bike down the road with them. Rebekah and Ethan wanted them to stay forever. Bethany had a good time with them too. I think she was a little confused with two Grandpas. :) There have been several requests already about when they are coming back. Hopefully they'll read this and get some plans started to come back and visit! We miss you guys and hope you'll be back before another year! Beach trip?! Think about it. Can't you hear the ocean calling you? How long has it been since you've touched your toes in the Atlantic?! Too long, I'll bet. I know, bring the boys (and the girls) too! Maybe Brian and I could try out the pools in the area and elevators too? AH, memories. Anyway, we had a great time catching up with Unca David and Reba. Miss ya!

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Last night's t-ball game

2009-05-01T15:36:00.002-04:00

Take me out to the ball game....
Ethan had an AWESOME game last night! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to be there. :( Bethany was fussy-fussy and I had a terrible headache and sore throat. Anyway, the following stories were told to me by Ethan when he got home.

Hey Mama, I hit the ball one time and made it to third base. In one hit! (WOW!!)

I got hit in the head with the ball once too. I was running to second and the boy threw the ball and it hit me right in the head. The other coach asked me if I was ok and I said yes I'm ok, I've got my helmet on. (Ouchy right?!)

Bill told me about two other things that happened to the little guy. He fell twice on his "skint up" knee. The first time he took it like a champ. The second time, not so much! They were running in to the dugout, heading in to bat, and another player on his team bumped into him and knocked him down. Bill had to carry him into the dugout. Ethan was first batter, so after Coach told him at the plate to wipe away the tears, Ethan hit that triple! Guess he wanted to show everyone that he's a BIG guy anyway! Now about that knee, before anyone out there thinks it's a tiny scratch we're talking about we're not. Look at you knee, imagine 3/4 of it is a NEW "boo boo" that hasn't quite scabbed up all the way. That's what Ethan's knee is like and he fell on it twice within 15 minutes. What a trooper!

I didn't get a report from Rebekah about her game, which means she probably didn't feel like she excelled. I know she was pitcher for one inning which is always a fun position. Other than that, it's a mystery. And she's still "resting" (I really think she's asleep, but we won't tell her. wink wink) so I can't ask her.

Another game tomorrow at 9:00 AM! Woo hoo!!

Anyone need my help with their laundry?

2009-05-01T14:30:00.006-04:00

Before you agree to quickly to the question, "Do you need my help with your laundry?" read on....

Looks like I've tried to do too much at once. Yesterday when I went to move the laundry from the washer to the dryer, I had a HUGE surprise! There was some lint. At first I thought, "Oh bummer, a tissue must have fallen in." But then there was more! It was everywhere! TONS of it and when I say TONS, I mean T-O-N-S! After vigorously shaking the clothes out before throwing them into the dryer, the laundry room looked like a precious little snow globe, just waiting to be shaken. Wadded up in one of Bethany's little outfits was the culprit....8 Spidey-rific little birthday party invitations and their envelopes. (I really only found this much.) So here's the after of a set of invitations and envelopes going through the wash.
Of course I was tracking the bigger pieces of paper all through the house and basically made about an extra hours worth of work. So.... does any one out there want me to help with their laundry?

The Little Big Girl

2009-04-29T20:39:00.003-04:00

Bethany has a tooth! She's been working soooo hard on getting that first one in and she's done it. I could feel those sharp daggers about a week ago pushing through and today I saw it!!! Now, if she'll only keep her tongue out of the way so I can snap a picture of it. I saw the other day Ethan's 6 month picture and he had 2 little teeth sticking up. Couldn't tell when Rebekah's came in but Bethany's decided to make their official apperance on her 7 month birthday! Happy Birthday!!

check out this blog

2009-04-20T20:58:00.002-04:00

My friend Miriam is one super saving chick. I think I can call her a chick, because she's so young. And I guess that makes me an old hen. Anyway, she has an open giveaway that she is drawing for tomorrow at noon. Take a look at it and enter if you'd like. There are 3 ways to enter and they are super simple, tell her your cleaning schedule, post the info on facebook or your blog, and finally tell her what type of laundry detergent you use and why. The giveaway is a book, that would be awesome for me to have (especially if it works just by reading it), is called More Hours in a Day. Anyway, check her out at www.mycountrycupboard.blogspot.com She's got it together!!

Sports Headlines

2009-04-18T18:16:00.003-04:00

6-year-old girl hits homer!

4-year-old boy throws 1 kid out a first and tags another out at 3rd!

Both get a chance to play pitcher! They were amazing!!

Busy day at the T-Ball field! :) Y'all come on out and watch sometime. I'll post the revised schedule once we get it.

Ethan rides a 2 wheeler!!!

2009-04-18T15:20:00.003-04:00

Let the Games Begin!!!

2009-04-15T22:11:00.003-04:00

Well, we all knew the day would come when the Bollander children would be out on the baseball field. That day arrived on April 4th at Opening Day for Varina Little League. Rebekah and Ethan are both proud members of the Advanced T-Ball Athletics! They have had a great time at the games they've played (3 so far) and are so proud of themselves. They are working hard, having fun and are so stinkin' cute in their uniforms. (what more can you ask for?)
Bethany loves going to the games, so much to see and so many people to entertain. :)

And The Race Is On

2009-04-15T20:46:00.004-04:00

Rebekah and Ethan participated in the AWANA Grand Prix a few weeks ago. They sanded, painted and put numbers on wooden race cars during classtime. (When I was in AWANA, we were given a block of wood and some wheels and told to make our own cars. Thankfully Daddy was handy or I'm pretty sure I would have had the least areodynamic car ever made. So much for feul economy, right?!) Anyway, I thought it was a hoot that both Ethan and Rebekah put the number 34 on their cars. Anybody guess why?! Well, the numbers are significant to 2 "old" family members and they will be changing again all too quickly. ;) They both told us about the numbers with grins on their faces. Ethan said, "Mama, I put your number on my car!" How sweet is that? I'm just glad he didn't put 90 or something. They had a great time at the race. Ethan's car was so fast that it took flight in the last race for the Cubbies. Why did it go so fast you ask. According to Ethan, "The harder you sand the faster the car will go. I think mine will go really fast because I rubbed it really hard!" Rebekah's car was also fast, but thankfully it didn't sprout wings. Both of them were in the finals for their club! Way to go!

Bethany and the Solids

2009-04-07T20:14:00.010-04:00

We began to think that Bethany might need to eat some cereal when she kept shoving her fist and fingers into her mouth. So, we gave it a try and here's how it turned out.

ALREADY 6 MONTHS OLD!!

2009-03-31T21:09:00.003-04:00

Really, where does the time go?! I remember "little old women" telling me when I was "young", you know like, 30, to "enjoy this time because they grow up so fast." And of course, in the thick of things, I was thinking these ladies have lost their minds, I mean they are "old". Well.... looks like I'm one of them now. I agree with them 100%. They do grow up soooo fast. Bethany turned 6 months old on Sunday. Unbelievable! She had a very busy day too. 1st time in the nursery at church, she rolled over in the crib after her nap at church, she sat straight up on the couch while watching this furry 4 legged creature walk past her. SIGH. She's so big! A super sweetie too. I feel so blessed to have her as my baby, just wish she'd stay little awhile longer. =)

It finally came...

2009-03-03T20:41:00.006-05:00

We have waited and waited, been teased more than once this year, and Sunday night, March 1st, it finally made it to Richmond, the snow that is. We rushed home from our trip to Oma and Grandpa's mountain house Sunday afternoon to beat the winter weather and boy am I glad we made it! We woke up Monday morning to about 7 inches of snow! :) Rebekah and Ethan were so excited it was hard to keep them inside until 8:30. They were in and out all day long and were exhausted by the early evening. Everyone in our house was asleep by 8:45 that night! Just another good thing about a snow day, everyone goes to bed early! I LOVE SNOW! (At least this type of snow that is here at the beginning of the week, but by Sunday it should be gone because the high is forcasted to be in the 70's.) Crazy Virginia weather!

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The Past Few Weeks...

2009-03-03T17:18:00.006-05:00

Two weekends ago we went to North Carolina to visit with Granny and the gang down there and to meet Miss Sarah Carrol Phelps and her Mama Beth for the first time. Michael and his family drove from Louisiana to visit with everyone up north and we thought we'd better run down for a few days to see that precious baby girl. The "Big Guys" had a great time, but little Miss Bethany struggled, not feeling well most of the time we were down there. :( Oma and I decided to drive home Sunday night after Bethany was down for the night, which meant we didn't leave until after 8pm. We made the right choice for the whole group because all 5 of our passengers were asleep 15 minutes after we left and slept the whole trip home. Now some of you are saying, "Hmmmm, when did she have 2 more children?" We haven't been out of touch that long and I still only have 3. Chad flew down with his 2 children on Saturday, but wasn't able to take them home because of a mechanical problem (something about no brakes) and the weather wasn't very good. He flew through HEAVY snow on the way home and the temp was just about freezing, not a good mix if you are flying. Anyway, we made the long haul home and although we were tired like you couldn't believe Monday, we made the trip non-stop! AMAZING!!!

This past weekend we made a much shorter trip, to Nelson County VA, to "Oma and Grandpa's house in the mountains". It was a long awaited trip. We hadn't been there since last May and what a difference there was! The house looks finished to me, but I know they are still working hard each week. It is awesome! Can't wait to get back up there.

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Where'd they go?

2009-02-15T19:18:00.005-05:00

Bethany is always looking for "The Big Guys". The other day we were at Chick-fil-A and they walked away, so being the kind Mama that I am, I turned her stroller around so she could "talk" to me. As soon as I did that, she stuck out her bottom lip as far as it could go and began crying. Sobbing even. It was pitiful and heartbreaking as a mama. "The Big Guys" came running over to see what was wrong and as soon as she saw them.... all was right with the world.

I didn't have a camera that day, but here are a few shots from right here at home. (Although they aren't nearly as dramatic as that day, she was without them in the swing and then... there they were talking to her. Amazing!)

What a difference a day makes!

2009-02-15T18:49:00.006-05:00

Well, one day we were out in our shirtsleeves playing and the next we were in our snowsuits. Really the big kids were out in the snow while Bethany and I watched them throw snowballs at the door. As they say, if you don't like the weather in Richmond right now, just wait a few minutes and it will be different.

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The Christmas Season is over....

2009-02-02T15:28:00.003-05:00

Threw it out last week. Need I say more?

Skating

2009-02-01T20:35:00.006-05:00

Here is some footage from this past Thursday at the homeschool skate day. Enjoy! Rebekah is showing how quick she has gotten on her new skates she got for Christmas and in Ethan's movie he is showing a skating race at the end of the skate time. (He is on the line in front because he is only 4. Check out his determination.) After the races they all enjoyed a treat.

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Thanks for the new background!

2009-01-31T19:37:00.002-05:00

I have one guess who fixed my background and if it wasn't Jamie, I need to change my password. :) Thanks! Hope everyone enjoys it. I do!

I finally posted the Christmas Update

2009-01-30T22:17:00.003-05:00

Take a look under January 13 to briefly see what happened over Christmas. Also, if anyone can help me change the background to the blog that would be helpful. Again, baby brain at work here, or maybe I should say brain not at work here. :)

Telemarketers....

2009-01-30T14:07:00.002-05:00

UCK! I think I can say that because for 2 summers I was one. Anyway, today I decided to finally answer the phone to try to get this one particular number to quit calling. Usually I just pick up and hang up, but today I felt like I could handle it. So, here's how it went....
"Hello", I said in my sweet sing songy voice.
"May I speak to Cynthia?"
"This is she."
"This is the credit card company. We'd like to offer you XYZ security for you identity. There's no obligation. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH."
I let them finish their spiel once because I know the drill. Someone is listening to them or they have so many people they have to present it to each day. After she finished, I say, "I'd have to talk to my husband about that." And she interrupted me before I could finish.
In my mind.... GAME ON GIRL!
So, I try to tell her that I need to talk to him first even though I can cancel at anytime during the trial, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH when she says (again interrupting me)"All I'm asking for is to verify your address."
And I said, "All I'm asking you for is a number to call back with my husband so he can hear the details and make a decision so we can save you some postage." click...(Back in the day of all corded phones I'd say SLAM, but today I clicked that button as hard as I could. Bet her ears are still sore from it.) Needless to say, the last statement I made had quite a different tone than the opening of the call.
It is so irritating, but I guess she was trying to do her job. Maybe they'll be able to use this for training purposes. Next time they call someone and the person says they are homeschooling 2 and have a 3 month old, the telemarketer will say "Ok, here's the number to call us back at. Have a great day." Maybe today wasn't the day to answer. :)

December in Review

2009-01-14T14:18:00.013-05:00

So much happened in December that I didn't have a chance to tell you about or show you. I'm attaching a montage of the events so you can see all the fun we had.

At the beginning of the month we went to Daddy-O's work for a Family Fun Day. Uncles Bob and Jimmy went with us and brought along Brady, Chloe, Dillon and Gwen. Rebekah and Ethan had a blast with the cousins and talked about it for days and days.

We went to get Rebekah's hair cut. It was the first time ever! I took pictures of it, even though there were many pleas for me not to, just like I did when we got Ethan's 1st haircut.

Try not to take off too much! :)

We made a trip to the park and we didn't need our heavy jackets. Everyone had a GREAT time!

We also went skating again with our friends and I remembered to take the camera out of the bag! That made the day a success even if nothing else did. :)

Daddy-O and the big kids had fun riding their bikes in the freezing cold. They looked like bandits, but hey, they had a great time!

Bethany and I took a walk and then Rebekah, Ethan, Daddy-O and I played soccer in the yard while Bethany cheered us on.

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Christmas Update

2009-01-13T21:14:00.004-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. The time with our family, extended family, and friends was great. Rebekah and Ethan got tons of games this Christmas and we spent A LOT of time playing them. Two of our favorites are "Pretty Pretty Princess" and "Mouse Trap". Bill graciously played them both and was a quick winner in one and struggled to win the other. I absolutely love his winning photos and hope you do too. We traveled to Midway, North Carolina, with what felt like a vat of antibiotic, but we had a great time with Granny, Gina and So-So, Connie and Roxie, and Vivian.

While we were down in Midway we made a trip to Concord to visit with Bill's college roommate and Best Man, Karl and his family. Jason, Karl's twin brother was there with his family and we had a really good time with them. It was terrific to see them and Rebekah and Ethan had a blast playing with the other 5 kids their age and Bethany wasn't the youngest one there. Karl and Leigh Anne have a new baby girl too, Tori, who is I think 7 weeks old. Jason and Sara have twins on the way and if my memory is still with me today is the day they were to find out the sex of the babies. Oh, I can't wait to hear. I think I failed to mention that everyone at Karl's had 3 children already and with Jason's twins on the way, they will be blessed to have 5. :) Leigh Anne and Sara thanks so much for the delicious meal! I would love to have the recipe for the chicken. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures while we were there. As usual, I had the camera, it just never came out of the bag. Hope to see you all again real soon. Heading north anytime?

I'm sure there is something else I was going to say about Christmas, but I can't seem to remember things very well these days. How long can you blame things on "just having a baby?" I'd like to use that "reason" as long as I can.

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Just a QUICK note!

2009-01-13T15:33:00.003-05:00

Well, I have about 5 minutes before there is more than 1 child up from their rest time so I thought I'd fill you in on what we gave up in order to put Christ back into our Christmas thinking. Before Ethan and Bethany got sick, we decided we needed to spend more time thinking of others and less of ourselves. So, Rebekah and Ethan gave up their Leapsters and all the new games they got for Christmas for 2 days. (Now for those of you who don't know, they have a gaming gene in them that is strong... and it doesn't come from me. ;) So, giving up their new games was a BIG deal. To fill the time they had we made cards for several different people and sent them off in hopes to give them a nice surprise. We heard back from 2 people that they got them, we are trusting that the others made it too. Well, I was wrong... it was about 30 seconds before both the big kids were up. Now it sounds like Bethany is up too. AUGH time flies!

And the verdict is in

2008-12-30T12:46:00.002-05:00

Ethan has strep throat! So now #2 and #3 are on antibiotic and we are hoping and praying that #1 doesn't get sick. That's all I have time for now... More later.

Poor little girl (and boy)

2008-12-29T21:15:00.004-05:00

Well today I took Bethany in to the doctor. She had developed a cough before Christmas and it steadily got worse. Last night, our sweet little girl, who never cries mind you, had a terrible time crying and not being able to be consoled very easily. So this morning we made the appointment and found out that she has her first ear infection. :( She did manage to stay healthy longer than Ethan (first ear infection at 7 weeks) but not as long as Rebekah (first cold at 4 months). So on her 3 month birthday we were at the same hospital she was born in (at the exact hour she was born too.)
Anyway, we were planning a trip to Winston to visit with Granny for her birthday on Saturday, but I'm not sure we'll make it. Ethan has a fever now of 101.7 (oral for those of you who are wondering.) and is complaining about his throat hurting. So looks like we'll be making another trip to the doctor's office tomorrow. Don't think the doctor's office will go under, we are back in the business of keeping them in business. Ahhhh, the joys of winter.

Keep us in your prayers that Rebekah, Bill and I stay healthy and Ethan and Bethany don't swap germs. Also, we need to find a way to get the antibiotic into Bethany... she likes to see our eyes widen as the pink slime comes trickling out and she gives the big wide open smile after she makes it explode out like a volcano erupting! Really that's what it looked like. I gave it to her the first time, just a little bit and out it rolled. So I thought, "Ok, I'll just stick the "shooter" in further and to the side and let it rip." I did and she gave it back just as forcefully and quickly as I gave it to her. sigh

Oh, Bethany seems to be in better spirits today (even before the doctor visit) Can't wait until she is ALL smiles again. :)

Now I am off to bed so that when the sick ones need a nurse in the middle of the night, I'll be ready to hit the ground running.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-25T22:29:00.002-05:00

Just a quick (and late note) to say Merry Christmas! Things have been so crazy lately that I haven't made time to sit down and let anyone know what is going on. I am glad that the hustle and bustle is over and for the rest of the week I am going to try to help my family remember what this season is all about, CHRIST and the sacrifice He made when He left Heaven for me and came to live in a sinfilled world. I am not quite sure how or what we are going to do, but I am going to be praying about it and I'll let you know what we come up with.
I'll be sure to fill you in on the fun we've had in this busy season so far too, but for now my weary bones are ready to hit the hay. As the old story goes.... MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!

How much is too much?

2008-12-17T16:20:00.004-05:00

Is it too much Tom and Jerry when you walk into you son's bedroom at 1am to cover him up and out of nowhere he staggers to barely an upright position, turns around, lays back down, grins, and says "Moushe Pussycat!" as clear as can be with his best French accent, and is then peacefully sleeping again? (To translate moushe, he's trying to say "Touche" like fencers say.) Think we should lay off the Tom and Jerry for a while or consider it our foreign language time?

Thanksgiving

2008-12-13T22:07:00.006-05:00

Fall is such a wonderful time to sit and enjoy the weather and think about all the great things the Lord has done for us. This year I am loving every minute of my time with Rebekah, Ethan and Bethany. I have spent a lot of time thanking God for the things He has graciously given to me, primarily my salvation and my family and friends. God is good and even though there are many days when I think to myself...."WHAT is going on?!"... I know that God is in control and that He works things in HIS time, not mine.

Not only is fall a nice time to sit and reflect, but it's the beginning of a hectic time for a lot of people. Our Thanksgiving season started with a nice Thanksgiving party with our friends Carson, Sarah, Emily, Kendall, Micah, and Zachary. Jamie did a terrific job (as usual) in hosting the get together. We made the cutest turkeys and the kids LOVED jumping on the trampoline. Again, no pictures... had the camera, but no time to take pictures. Maybe I need to have a personal photographer to follow me around like they do on Jon and Kate + 8... Would I really have to have 5 more kids though?! Maybe I'll just try to get my camera out when we are doing things.

Bethany got to meet another set of "Greats" over Thanksgiving. My Uncle Jerry and Aunt Blenda came to visit from NC. It was so nice to see them and for them to meet Bethany.
Still waiting to meet some greats!

We were able to spend time with each of the grandparents this Thanksgiving too. We had a nice time at Grams and Popa the Sunday before Thanksgiving and were able to catch up with Scott, not a blood relative, but one of the family nonetheless. We don't see him nearly enough.

Oma and Grandpa came and celebrated Thanksgiving at our house with Jerry and Blenda, and Chad, Elizabeth and Matthew. Missed you Audrey. :( Maybe they won't make you work next year. For those of you who don't know me very well, you'll need to know that that was a lot of people for me to be responsible for. Hospitality is not my strength. I'm friendly, but not a good hostess. Thankfully Mama was around and willing to help me with things. Overall, I think it turned out well, but who knows. If they let me "host" again, I guess I'll know it was a success.

Saturday after Thanksgiving we ventured across town to spend the day with Nana and Popa, Jimmy, Kelly, Dillon, and Gwen. We had fun playing games and Daddy-O had a blast playing with his old Legos. (He's pretty amazing with those things. I've never seen such an intricate helicopter before. It's the first time I've seen him design and build something, which is what he does for a living as a design engineer. He's really good at it!) Bethany briefly met her Great Nana Goodloe that day too. Jimmy is the new Bop-It Champion!

What have we been up to?!

2008-12-13T21:54:00.007-05:00

So much has happened since I last posted. I've had several people ask me what's going on and why haven't you posted lately. Well, to be quite honest, I've been enjoying my kids and adjusting to life with 3 sweet blessings. We are trying to get our home in order and set up for the celebrating the birth of our Savior, trying to figure out how this school thing works with a newborn, trying to enjoy each other.

With all that being said, we've taken a day and gone skating with our friends, Carson and Sarah. No pictures from that trip, but we're going to attempt to go again soon and maybe we'll get some nice shots. Ethan and Rebekah both made tons of progress from their first try at it. By the end of the skate session, Ethan was skating around the rink by himself with only a few falls and Rebekah was having a great time practicing closer to the exit and the carpet.

Rebekah's made a tremendous accomplishment since I last posted. She can.... TIE HER SHOES! One day she wasn't close and literally, the next day, BAM! she was tying and hasn't looked back since.

Ethan is trying to sound out words and can spell simple words already. He has that love of learning that I hope never stops.

Bethany is smiling all the time now. "Smiley Bollander" is her new nickname. Again, if I could only get that camera out and snap a few non blurry pictures of those smiles.

Meeting for the 1st Time

2008-11-22T20:23:00.005-05:00

While we were down for Mack Mack's funeral, Bethany met LOTS of new family members. Sunday just before we left to come home Granny, Regina, and Connie got to hold her for the first time. Here they are....

Where's My Ticker?!

2008-11-22T20:19:00.002-05:00

Daddy-O took some time tonight to look at the blog and was concerned that he didn't have a ticker to let everyone know how old he is. So, I looked into it and well, basically he's just too doggone old to have a cute ticker. (Guess they thought at his age no one would be counting the minutes till the next number.) :) I tried, but it's a no go Daddy-O.

Mack Mack

2008-11-17T21:19:00.011-05:00

This past Wednesday night I received a call telling me that my grandpa, lovingly known as Mack Mack by Rebekah and Ethan, had passed away. This was a sudden and unexpected call. He was doing what he loved best working outside, when the Lord called him Home.

Rebekah and Ethan loved Mack Mack very much. They often asked when we could go to Granny and Mack Mack's house and see them. One of their favorite things to do with Mack Mack was feed the cows. While they were both very upset by the passing of Mack Mack, Ethan was especially sad because "Mack Mack is my friend and now I only have 1 friend left." It was difficult to see my children this sad, but we remembered the fun we had had with him just a few months ago when he came to visit. We also talked about the cows, playing ball with Mack Mack, and playing at the park.

We made arrangements and left early Friday morning to head to the funeral and spend some time with Granny. Rebekah was very concerned about Granny and wanted to take her something, so she called our neighbor, Resa, and asked if she had any flowers left. Resa has the most beautiful roses at her house. Resa said sure and Friday morning helped Rebekah and Ethan get 3 gorgeous pick roses to take to Granny. (Thanks Resa! It was a touching moment to watch them give Granny the flowers Friday night.)

While we were down there the bull got out of the pasture and was standing on the side of the road. So, with no one else to get the bull back in... out go the city boys... Grandpa, Chad, Daddy-O (Bill), Michael, and Ray. As they went out, a small voice said, "If Mack Mack were here he'd get that bull in!"

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We will really miss Mack Mack's smiling face and the happy songs he sung all the time.

A Contest

2008-11-12T12:46:00.002-05:00

Rebekah entered a writing contest for "Chickalay", aka Chick-fil-A. The instructions were to tell in 100 words or less why you are thrilled to have a Chick-fil-A in the neighborhood. So, she decided to write a few sentences and since she loves making hearts, she put her story on one. Hope you enjoy it! I'll let you know if she wins!

A busy day today

2008-11-07T20:57:00.017-05:00

NEW TOYS FOR ETHAN (BUT WE'LL ALL ENJOY)

Last night, Matthew brought over some new to us toys for Ethan to keep, a BIG bag of Rescue Heroes. Today, Rebekah, Ethan, and I had a good time playing with them while Bethany slept. It was such a gorgeous day that we took them out on the brand new deck Daddy-O built and played. Looking forward to more days like this to spend outside on the deck.

PICTURE DAY FOR BETHANY

A friend of ours came today with her photography equipment and took some pictures of Bethany. She was great and stayed here for about 3 hours working with us. Bethany did well, but seemed to tire quickly. We knew the end of the shoot came when she kept on putting her hand in front of her face and turning away; a baby's way of saying "NO MORE PHOTOS PLEASE!" Look at how tired she was at the end of her 1st professional photo shoot!

REBEKAH

While we were outside today, Rebekah struck a pose and said "Look, I'm standing like Mama!" So I snapped a picture and thought I ask you guys, "Do I really stand like that?!" She continued standing in different positions that I supposedly have. I caught a couple of them. Really?! If so, I need an intervention! I'm taking the first step and admitting I have a problem standing properly. Now the healing can begin. :)

Aunt Kelly, Dillon, and Gwen come to visit

2008-11-07T20:52:00.002-05:00

We had a great time with Dillon, Gwen, and Aunt Kelly Wednesday morning. Kelly and Rebekah played a couple of very intense games of Sequence. Gwen and I cheered them on while Dillon and Ethan played in the school room, doing guy stuff. Bethany was busy sleeping. Unfortunately, we were having such a good time that I forgot to get out the camera. SO Kelly, you and the gang need to come back soon so we can add your pretty faces here!

Election Day!

2008-11-05T16:51:00.006-05:00

We started our day yesterday with a lesson in government...ELECTION DAY!

As we pulled into the parking lot to vote yesterday, Ethan asked who was on our team. (The question we get everytime a sporting event is on tv; and at our house that's pretty often.) So, I proudly told him it is Senator X. Before I could get it out of my mouth completely, he says "Well, who's on Satan's team?" Wisely, I put off the answer until we left the polling place so as to not have it proudly proclaimed while we waited in line.

This morning Rebekah asked if our team won and when I looked up she could tell the answer and said "Looks like Satan's team won, huh?"

Praise the Lord, that Satan won't win in the end! Christ WILL prevail!

We ran into the future president while we were out. I think he could do a great job don't you?!

The One Month Visit

2008-11-04T21:16:00.003-05:00

Bethany went today for her 1 month check up. The doctor was pleased by her growth and development. She is weighing in at 9 pounds 11.5 oz and is 21 1/4 inches long. She falls between the 50th and 75th percentile in both categories. Looking good Bethany!

My, how time flies

2008-11-01T21:57:00.005-04:00

Well, Miss Bethany Paige is 4 weeks old. Where has the time gone?! She started out at a whopping 6 pounds 11.5 oz and according to my scale at home she is already at (drum roll please) 10 pounds! WOW! From a sack of sugar to a sack of taters, just like that! If she keeps this up, I won't be toting her for long... she'll be toting me!!

I'll report the actual weight and length from the doctor after we go next week!

She is such a sweet baby! She loves to take at least one nap on her tummy. Good news for me since neither of the other two wanted anything to do with their tummies.

Halloween

2008-11-01T21:22:00.007-04:00

We had a nice time last night Trick or Treating. The big kids dressed up as a princess (as if there was ever a doubt as to what Miss Rebekah would be) and an astronaut. Bethany decided to be herself, but with her eyes open. (That is still a rarity but she is starting to stay awake more and more and Rebekah and Ethan think that is still super funny that she is awake.) Ethan will say LOUDLY followed by a giggle, of course, "Her eyes are open! She's got her eyes open!" and Rebekah will run into the room where Bethany is just to see her eyes. Which is quickly followed up by "Hi, Miss Eyes!" or "Hi, Miss Wide Eyes!" in her sweet little southern accent she uses every so often.

After we walked down our street to introduce our 3 trick or treaters to our friends, we headed up to Mechanicsville to see Great Nana and Popa Bo from Florida and all the cousins. It was crazy to have 8 children under the age of 6 in one room, including 3 little girls under a year. Needless to say, it was a busy place. After a few quick photos, the "big kids", everyone over the age of 1 month, went out in the night air to gather some treats (and possibly play some tricks on the neighbors).

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and they came back with bags full of candy. Wasn't that sweet of them to get me something to help me through the tough days? With sweet tarts, m&m's, and kit kats in hand, anything seems possible!

The end of a season

2008-10-27T11:20:00.005-04:00

Saturday marked the end of Rebekah and Ethan's 1st sports season. They loved playing soccer this year. During the last game of the year Ethan scored 2 goals and Rebekah scored her first! What a way to end the year.

Sunday Ethan's soccer team had a skating party to celebrate the end of the season. Another first for Rebekah and Ethan (and a first in a long time for Daddy-O). The 3 of them had a blast on their skates (and I enjoyed watching them try!) We'll have to go skating this fall with our home school friends to keep up this new skill that they learned yesterday.

Rebekah mentioned as we were leaving that the next time she skates, she'd like a pillow for her bum bum because it was sore from all the spills she had. (Definitely a good idea!)

FREEDOM!

2008-10-27T11:11:00.002-04:00

Last Monday, October 20, I went back to the doctor for a blood pressure check. I was thinking there was no way I'd be cleared only because of all the hustle and bustle of the morning trying to get 3 little people dressed and out the door in time. However, God is good and I passed with flying colors! 120/80! How amazing is that?!! The doctor thought I had put the nurse up to telling him a low number. (HMMM, guess after 2 meetings this guy's got me figured out.) ;) Now we are back to normal around here. School is back in session and Rebekah and Ethan are getting back into a regular routine with Mama back.

We have a new shopping center in our little town (including a Target, Lowes, Sam's) that opened while I was "down and out" and we made sure to make a run there last week. I had to do my part to help the economy right?

The Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-26T17:40:00.003-04:00

After their soccer game, Rebekah and Ethan took Daddy-O to the pumpkin patch! They showed him the maze and picked their own pumpkins. They even came home with a small one for Bethany! I think all 3 of them had a great time. Maybe next year it will be a trip for 5!

Still trying to get "officially" out of bed

2008-10-18T17:24:00.002-04:00

Well, it's been almost 3 weeks since we welcomed Bethany Paige into this world and I've been on restriction since before she got here because of my blood pressure. While it's coming down slowly, it's still high. I am going back to the doctor on Monday in hopes that I'll be released and not have to take any more medicine. I haven't been stuck in the bed the entire time, for the last few days I've been getting up and moving around more in an effort to get some strength back before I get the go ahead to get back to normal. It's nice to get up and move around a bit without feeling terrible. Thank you for the prayers you've offered on my behalf and I ask that you continue as we all adjust to our new "normal".

Our 3 Gifts!

2008-10-18T17:11:00.003-04:00

Things have been so crazy lately, that I haven't been able to let you know what's going on around here. Rebekah and Ethan absolutely LOVE Bethany. Ethan has given her a new middle name "Sweet Love Hope you don't get sick". Which is a step up from where he was earlier, when he wanted to name her "Motorcycle Road Stinky Foot". His other name was "Ethan Girl" which has come true in a way since Ethan is right in the middle of her name. :)

Rebekah can't get enough time holding her little sister and is always wanting to make sure she is ok. She checks on her all the time and when she starts fussing, Rebekah is right there to talk calmly to her and tell her "It's ok, Bethany."

We are truly blessed by these 3 precious gifts God has given us.

We're Home!

2008-10-03T15:23:00.002-04:00

Well, we made it home Wednesday afternoon. We weren't sure Wednesday would be the day we'd be able to leave because my blood pressure was still high. The doctors prescribed some meds and said go home and get in the bed. So, that's what I did.

We took Bethany to the doctor today for a weight check and she's up 2 oz. since we left the hospital. The doctor was very pleased with her growth and said he'd like to see her again next week, to see how much bigger she is. :)

While we were there, I had the pediatrician check my blood pressure and it was HIGH! 158/98 in one arm and 150/96 in the other. So, Bill, Bethany, and I walked down the hall and gave the information to my doctor. She checked it there and it was (as best as I can remember) something really high/110. Needless to say, it looks like I'm stuck in the bed for a while longer. I was given a different medicine to take and I get to go back on Monday.

I know that there is a reason for this and that God is working His perfect will through all of this. I would ask that you pray that things will resolve themselves quickly and that I would be able to get back to "normal" or at least have a chance to see what the new normal might be. (Of course once I see what the new normal is I might want to be back on bed rest. hee hee)

I'll add some pictures in a while, once I can get the camera brought to the bed. (Ahhh, the life of a queen...everything brought to you with a smile.)

New Pictures of Bethany

2008-10-01T09:11:00.003-04:00

Here are a few more pictures to share from yesterday (Tuesday). Bethany smiling and Mommy and Bethany having some special time together.

(Scroll down to the bottom of this page for a montage of a few more pictures)

Bethany Paige Has Arrived!!!!

2008-09-29T16:13:00.009-04:00

Bethany Paige

6 lbs 11 1/2 oz

20 1/2 inches

Born September 29th (1:48 pm)

AHH Bedrest?!?!

2008-09-26T19:44:00.003-04:00

Well, I have been sitting on bed rest since Monday afternoon, and I have to say I am really running out of patience. I thought it would be nice to hang out in the bed for a few days, but wow! How quickly I have become bored and sore. I am looking around and thinking of all the things that need to be done or that I want to do with Rebekah and Ethan before their little sister arrives.

I am trying to enjoy this time alone and rest since I know that in just a couple of days I won't be resting for quite some time. :)

Also, I mentioned earlier, that my feet and legs were like tree trunks and that I wanted to take a picture of my feet. However, I didn't take a picture that night and in the morning...I had my "real" feet back! Bummer. Now those of you who didn't see them, won't believe how gigantic they really were. Oh well.

Monday sometime, hopefully early in the day, we'll meet our little "Thumper". Stay tuned for pictures of her.

"Thumper's" New Due Date

2008-09-24T17:38:00.002-04:00

I went to the doctor today and was put back on bed rest until Monday at 6:30 AM when I am to report to Labor and Delivery. I want to know why in the world they want you to be there so stinkin' early in the morning. You'd think they'd give you a few minutes peace the day you are having a baby instead of rushing you in. Anyway, the new date is September 29th instead of October 15th. Now, if we could only figure out a name. :)

Another Day of Fun

2008-09-22T22:54:00.004-04:00

There is never a dull moment at our house. Rebekah and Ethan always keep themselves entertained. On this day, they were measuring and building houses with some left over pieces of wood from the deck Daddy-O and Grandpa built. When that became boring, they decided to move on to something a little more challenging to measure, Spike Dog.

So what do we name this sweet baby?

2008-09-22T22:03:00.003-04:00

Any suggestions? I am looking for a Biblical first name, since our other 2 children have Biblical names, and we don't want this one to be left out. Some of the names that have been thrown into the hat are.... Bethany, Hannah, Joannah, Rachel, and Jessica. If you have any suggestions, or want to put your vote in... now's the chance. Time is ticking and we can't decide. :)

The Latest on "Thumper's" Arrival

2008-09-22T21:51:00.003-04:00

Well, as most of you know, Rebekah and Ethan didn't wait until their due dates to make their way into the world. My blood pressure decides to creep up the closer I get the expected date. For the past 3 weeks it has crept up...120/70 (normal), 130/80(hmm not so good), 136/84 (look out!), and today 144/94 (YIKES!)! So, I am now on bed rest for the next 2 days until I can go back to the doctor and have it checked again and go over the blood work they did today. I knew it was going to be high, since my legs are now officially tree trunks. (They feel like they are the same size from hip to ankle and the feet aren't far behind.) I can't wait until I see MY feet again and not the ones that someone swapped with me. I think I'll take a picture or two of these things, just so I remember when they are gone.

Tomorrow Rebekah and Ethan will get to spend the day with Daddy-O and Popa while they work on the yard and I work on staying calm to see if my blood pressure will go down.

Through all this, God is in control and I marvel at how He works things.

Should we add another activity? Sure why not?!

2008-09-19T23:03:00.016-04:00

As if soccer and having a new baby sister this fall wasn't enough, we decided to put the kids into an AWANA program close to home. AWANA stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed and is a Bible based program that helps the children memorize Scripture, learn about Missionaries around the world, and interact with children their own ages in game time and craft time. Rebekah and Ethan have been to the first 2 meetings and have really enjoyed it and are excited about learning their Bible verses and going back to see their new friends.

Rebekah is a Spark this year and Ethan is a Cubby. I am really excited about this program because I was also in this, let's just say several years back ,when I was Rebekah's age. ;) We are proud of what they have learned so far and can't wait to see how much more they will learn this year.

SCORE!!!

2008-09-19T22:56:00.005-04:00

This fall we are playing Soccer!!! Rebekah and Ethan are both playing for the YMCA down the street. Rebekah is a proud member of the Panthers team and Ethan is an equally proud member of the Dukes team. They started their first practices last week and had their first game on Saturday, September 13th! They are starting to get the hang of it and Ethan really enjoys it! Rebekah is taking a while to adjust to it. She likes to do things "just right" before performing in front of others. It is great to see them try new things and Daddy-O and I are so proud of their effort.

Daddy-O was recruited to be Rebekah's coach this year. A first for him too! Never did I think I'd see Daddy-O on a soccer field, but he's doing great! Way to go Team Bollander!

From Ladybugs and Peanuts

Rebekah is 6!

2008-09-19T22:49:00.004-04:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Just 5 days after our return from the beach, Rebekah turned 6! Hard to believe that our sweet little baby girl is 6 years old.

She had a great time at her party with lots of friends and family there to celebrate. She took her friends over to the park to play after cake and ice cream. It was like a little parade going down the street as everyone brought their scooters or bikes to ride to the park.

After the party, Rebekah told me that she wanted Thumper to be born in September too. Now we are anxiously waiting to see what the Lord has planned for her arrival.

Our Myrtle Beach Vacation

2008-09-18T22:39:00.017-04:00

We made our annual trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina this September. We go every year the week of Labor Day. (Consider it our 1st field trip of the school year.) ;)

This year was interesting as we watched and waited for Hanna to show up on our doorstep and just like they promised...she did. Our lights went out for about 45 minutes in the middle of the night, mid night to be exact. Not terrible in normal circumstances, but when you are almost 8 months pregnant and your hotel room is on the 14th floor... well you can only image the thoughts that immediately flooded my mind as I tried to figure out how I was going to "waddle" down that many steps in the dark, with 2 children, and sweat falling into my eyes. Needless to say, I spent the next 44 minutes and 30 seconds praying to our Almighty God to provide a way to make it bearable. At 12:45, the lights came back on (along with the air conditioner!) and praising God I drifted off to sleep again, without another thought about the Tropical Storm.

Another thing that I thought was going to come out of the Tropical Storm knocking our lights out was that we'd actually have a name for this sweet little girl who we'll be meeting very soon. But that didn't work out, or at least not yet. :)

Hanna wasn't the only excitement we had! Rebekah and Ethan had a blast and kept us on the go! From diving for rings in the pool, to floating in the "Lazy Crazy River", to throwing the football on the beach, to splashing in the waves, these 2 didn't stop until they were pulled upstairs for lunch and rest, and then for dinner and bed.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Caring for God's Creatures

2008-09-18T22:39:00.011-04:00

One sunny Sunday morning, Rebekah and Ethan were outside almost ready for church when they saw Raven, Audrey's cat, smack a butterfly. When they saw the butterfly get injured, they ran to it, chasing away Raven, and picked up the butterfly. Ethan and Rebekah knew they needed to get it to Resa's Butterfly Bush so it could get some food and try to heal. They carefully carried it over to the bush and left it there to "get better" as we left to finish getting ready for church. We didn't see the butterfly fly away, but we also didn't see it there after church either. Amazing how 2 small children care so much for the world God created.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Kings Dominion

2008-09-18T22:39:00.009-04:00

Daddy-O planned a day trip with Rebekah and Ethan to Kings Dominion, while I went to the Home Educators Association of Virginia's Homeschool Convention, to plan for this school year. The kids had a wonderful time at Kings Dominion, despite the 100 degree temperature that day. It was so hot that the double stroller Daddy-O took to cart the kids around in literally had a melt down. The wheels got so hot that they melted and broke. Now that's a hot summer day!

Painting Day

2008-09-18T22:39:00.008-04:00

Everyone wanted in on the fun as we painted "Thumper's" room. Rebekah and Ethan were excited to help Daddy-O get the room ready to move in the furniture, which took a few days longer to get set up.

Cinderella

2008-09-15T16:58:00.007-04:00

I chose the song Cinderella as my opening song because how important I feel it is to spend time with your family and friends now. After hearing the tragic story about the singer and songwriter's family, in the sudden death of his 5 year old daughter, the song means even more. As you look at the blog, listen closely to the song and remember, only God knows how long each one of us has here on Earth.

Here is the link to his site if you'd like to see the story about this little girl.
http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/

A Word from Mama's Grateful Heart

2008-08-15T15:00:00.013-04:00

I feel truly blessed to be able to be with and teach these precious gifts God has given us each and every day. While some days seem like they will never end, others fly by. :)

It is hard to believe that in a few short weeks Rebekah Anne will be 6 years old. It really does seem like just the other day she was a tiny baby. [a moment to dry your eyes from my sentimental moment]

And Ethan Michael, wow! What a change in the past few months, from "baby" to "Big Boy"! What you're 4?! Where did the time go? [again, a moment]

I don't know what I would have done or how I would have coped if I hadn't been able to be with them to watch them change. I praise God for the jobs He has blessed Bill with, enabling him to be the sole provider for our family, and for the support and encouragement (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) we have received from family and friends to help us through health crises, daily life, getting ready to homeschool, and now getting ready for our newest addition.

You guys all know who you are and THANKS from the bottom of my heart!

School is FUN!

2008-08-15T14:45:00.012-04:00

Rebekah and Ethan really enjoy school. Since we started this year Rebekah is showing her love of reading. She is excited to read to her Daddy-O. Her favorite book to read right now is Cinderella.

Ethan has a love of learning too. He is working on math and writing. His favorite thing to write about is rabbits. He draws a picture of a rabbit in his journal and then loves to tell what happened to the rabbit.

PE is always fun right? Around here it ranges from running in the back yard, to riding bikes, to swimming, to a quick game of tag with Daddy-O. (I'm far too slow these days to participate, but I do try to live through them.) :)

In the few short weeks we've been in school this year, they have learned so much. One of their favorite things they've done this year, so far, is learn the names of the continents and a little song to help them remember them. (If they don't have on their shy pants, they might just sing it for you; if you ask.)

First Day of School

2008-08-15T08:55:00.006-04:00

It's hard to believe that we are already back to work, but we are (and loving every minute of it!) Rebekah and Ethan were excited to start their new school year. Since we are so formal around here, our dress code is very strict.

A New Addition

2008-08-14T08:47:00.007-04:00

In just a few short months, there will be another baby at our house. :) This new Baby Girl is due to arrive in mid-October. Rebekah and Ethan are so excited. So much so that they wanted to have their picture made with her early. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Rebekah Rides Off into the Sunset

2008-08-10T20:25:00.006-04:00

Although she had a wobbly start, Rebekah learned how to ride her bike without training wheels. After 1 lesson she was off to the races.

Beach Trip

2008-08-10T18:42:00.011-04:00

In June, we went to Virginia Beach. Ethan had a blast flying through the air with Daddy's help.

Rebekah boogie boarded solo for the first time

and LOVED it! Poor unsuspecting girl in front. :)

The Rudy Run

2008-08-09T20:19:00.003-04:00

Rudy, Rudy, Rudy!!!

Daddy ran in the Navy Seal Challenge in Norfolk in June. He did the Rudy Run, hosted by Rudy from Survivor. Daddy thought it was a great way to train for the Richmond Marathon. Stay tuned for that!