artsy fartsy snow pictures

Picnik.com is closing.  I know! TRAGEDY!! Just in time for me to have learned what all it offers and how to use 99% of it without taking 20 minutes per picture, and *poof* it is goona be gone in a matter of weeks.  So I did the upgrade.  I got Photoshop.  I have to admit it is quite intimidating.  There are so many tabs, and tabs on tabs, and tabs on tabs on tabs..... And maybe I am doing something wrong, but it seems you have to really search to find tutorials on how it works and what menus mean and what toolbars do and on and on.... So I have my work cut out for me!  In the mean time, I was introduced to the world of actions.  Basically a short cut to get your pictures to look a certain way.  I love all things vintage and here are a few pics using Florabella's vintage action set. (Thanks Mandie :) )

Lucy eating a 'snow cone' after all her hard work

And while the clarity isn't the greatest, I love how they turned out.  These pics were actually taken with my powershot, because I was afraid to take the rebel out into the snow.

a little perspective

I had a whole day to try to get a few shots to give some perspective as to how much snow there actually is out there.  Above, look for the plow's tires... they are hidden.  And that small dark object in the snow behind the plow is all that shows of our mailbox.  And notice how much snow is coming down!

I crouched down to be at an angle where you get an idea of the height of these snowbanks.  Lucy is a little hunched over but the snow over there is probably about neck level for her. CRAZY.

And here I am in the back yard.  My hand is resting on the top of the now.  Waist height. That even may be a little bit short, because I am not standing on grass.. there are a few inches of snow beneath me.  And I though it was drifted that high, but it was level all the way back to the trees. 

Jack is up on the deck here trying to help shovel it off.  In the previous post you can see how high the snow was up on the doors.

snow day

 We woke up to a phone call at 5:25am this morning from the superintendent.  NO SCHOOL! Let me tell you- we have A TON of snow!  13 inches so far by 7am and 6-8 inches more today.  The weatherman, a north woods native said he had never seen nor heard of a storm like this before!  As I watched a plow earlier, the snow was nearly covering its tires. And as Andy braved the storm to go call patients, the snow was over his back bumper. As I look at the mail box right now, the snow from the street side is plowed higher than it stands.  And check out the deck doors and window below!  The snow drifts bad in our yard and it is up to the back window.  If I were to stand on the ground and look into the window in summer, it would be up to my chest; snow there it is probably about 4 feet high.  More pictures to come!

St. Paul Temple Trip

 Friday night we headed to St. Paul, MN for a temple trip with our friends the Bitters.  We switched off watching each other's kids so we could each go as a couple. Before Andy and I went Friday night, we took the kids to the pool.  They were quite the little fish, all except for Isaac who lasted .5 seconds in the water before he had had enough. 

 Isaac looks ready to hit the pool here, but he was not fond of the cold water.  He did love the excitement down at the pool because he was a spit bubble producing machine.  He wanted to be standing on my leg and was watching all the fun the whole time we were there. 



Like Isaac's man diaper?  It didn't dawn on me that the swim diapers that were in the closet at home were from when Cassidy wore them last year and might be a little big on him.  He actually has a regular diaper on under the swim diaper to keep it up. 



While Andy and I were gone, Becky and Andrew kept the kids busy with movies, games and fun activities.

The next morning we watched the kids.  We had bribed our kids the night before (at like 11pm!!) telling them if we didn't have to tell them to go to bed one more time they could have some Reese's pieces with breakfast.  It worked and of course they didn't forget.  Hannah had her first breakfast ever of pop tarts and Reese's (Grace slept in), and I think her eyes about popped out when we offered the candy to her. I wonder if her parents will ever want us to watch them again!

We had an enjoyable weekend ... but it was just a taste as we will be going to the Chula Vista with them and Macie and Vijai's family for spring break!

shhhhhhhhhhhhh

don't tell Daddy these two fingers taste so good...

Bowling

 We took the family bowling last week for FHE. Monday night is $1 night.  Games, shoes, burgers, fries, sodas: all $1.  We had them pop the bumper up and away we went.  Then we realized it had been a long time since we were bowling last.  Our scores started out bad.  And contined to get worse. All except for Lucy, who had us all beat until I edged her out with two spares in the 9th and 10th frames.  (She tried to catch me with a strike in the 10th but it was not to be.)  The little snot made her parents feel quite inferior in the field of bowling. I mean look at the scores. AND THIS IS BUMPER BOWLING!

check out that form

Isaac is about the size of a bowling ball when hunched over sleeping. Random. I know.

eavesdropping

The other day I had one of those moments when you stop everything you are doing to eavesdrop.  I was heading out of our bathroom after showering when I found Lucy reading Isaac one of her favorite Dora stories on our bed.  It was the sweetest exchange.  As she read to him, he intently watched her.  Every once in a while he'd coo at her and grin.  Of course I ran down got my camera and started snapping away, hoping not to disturb their moment.  Part way through Cassidy joined in with them and I just had to soak it up.  Lucy is such a great big sister and takes the initiative to help me out alot.  It is so nice that she genuinely wants to spend time with her little brother.  She'll be such a good mom someday:)    

road trip

Last weekend the kids and I went on a roadtrip to Milwaukee to see Jenny and Matt and the kids.  No, I am not crazy taking 4 kids by myself to Milwaukee.  I wanted a long weekend.  And more than that I wanted to have more time to spend with my sister that I miss so much and her adorable family.  On our way down, we made a stop in Menasha to introduce Isaac to Great Grandma and Grandpa Rodgers.

 Great Grandma is one of those ladies who was made to take care of babies. She has always had 'the touch' (a kind of a baby whisperer) and raised 8 babies of her own, my father being the oldest.   From the moment we arrived I could see the her excitement to get her hands on Isaac and the twinkle in her eyes when she did get a chance to love on him.  (He was happy to return a few bubbliy grins.)  The kids were happy to see them and while I had to remind them to tone it down a few times (Gma and Gpa are almost 90!) Grandpa was happy to play rough with Jack.  I have fond memories of Grandpa tickling and goofing around with us when we were little.  It sure was good to see them.

We spent the rest of the weekend at Auntie Jenny's house.  By some miracle I was able to get all 4 kids to sleep in the same room.  Jenny hadn't told Elaina and the boys that we were coming, and since we arrived past their bed times, they had a royal surprise the next morning. Utter delight. 

Over the next few days we had a ton of fun.  We hit Mayfair Mall and I got my mall fix. (Despite the fact that we had 7 kids age 7 and younger who liked to play hide and seek in the racks, to sample the bath and body works scents and lotions, and to squeal in utter excitement when they realized they were finally together).  We did get a few looks from the mall onlookers but left without losing anyone.  On Saturday Jenny took me to Zumba Milwaukee style while Matt took ALL 7 CHILDREN for 2 hours on his own.  I believe I owe that man something. When we returned he was holding both babies while the little kids happily buzzed around him and Jack blissfully played video games. 

We enjoyed some yummy Mexican takeout and a Cousin's sub because there are no Cousin's anywhere in the northwoods.  I got to take a few pics of Jenny's adorable crew and spend a little time with each of them one on one while doing so.  What angels.  Jenny sure does a great job as a mother.... she has such sweet, caring, growling (Carter) kids. 

We had such a great trip visiting them.  And while my return to the city overall left me with the impression that the pace of city life is faster than I prefer for daily life, I will always need my sister and wish we could be closer.



Elaina



Carter



Brady





service

Recently at church we have been counseled on the importance of serving others.  I have made it a goal of mine to try to follow through with this counsel and have found that when I am thinking of others, I am less likely to concentrate on little things that don't matter and more likely to keep my mind focused upon the important ones.  I also find I have a more positive outlook and generally just feel good about life. I think it is an important lesson to teach to my children as well.  It is all too easy to be focused upon 'me me me' otherwise.   In verse 17 of the second chapter of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon we learn, "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." Last week for FHE I came up with a way for our family to do a little service.  (FHE stands for Family Home Evening, which is family time that we have each Monday night.  It serves as a chance for us to conduct a kind of family meeting where we share a gospel message, sing some fun hymns, do an activity and enjoy a treat.)  Well, last week Monday was the day before Valentine's day.  The kids were anxiously awaiting their valentine's parties at school.  It started me thinking about those who may not receive a valentine.. then one individual came to mind.  A single individual who has very little family in the area; who despite a bit of quirkiness to the outside observer is a genuinely loving, faithful person that my children have come to look forward to seeing; someone who may otherwise be overlooked.  I brought the idea before my kids, and asked for anyone they could think of that they might like to make some cookies and a valentine for.   We all agreed on this same special individual.  We mixed up some of the best chocolate chip cookie dough you've ever tasted (I will have to post that recipe sometime) and created a pretty valentine to go along with them.  Then the next day (Valentine's Day) Cassidy and I delivered them.  I had never been to this person's house before and had a little difficulty finding it.  After about 45 minutes of looking, and a failed GPS attempt I was getting frustrated and ready to call the whole thing off.  I felt a prompting that this really did need to get delivered, and decided to go google some directions at home.  We found the house.  Cassidy crept up to the door.  I helped her knock since her hands were full of cookies and valentines and I didn't want her to drop them, then ducked over back by the van.  The door opened, and a smile of gratitude, happiness and almost disbelief  made every last ounce of frustration that lingered from the difficulty in finding this destination vanish.  I felt a warm feeling inside and knew that this simple act of service was exactly what this individual needed.  It makes me feel so good to know that I can be an instrument in the Lord's hands... that I can follow promptings to make someone else's load perhaps a little easier to bear, or to help them know that they are loved when they may have otherwise felt forgotten.  Having been the recipient of such service, I know how good it feels to receive it.  But I have to say that I think the feeling associated with being the one providing the service is even greater.  Later that day we received an unexpected knock at the door.   There stood one of the biggest smiles I have seen in a long time.  This person decided he needed to thank us again, and that the most appropriate way was to give a hug to Cassidy.  My heart soared at that moment, knowing that we had succeeded that day at making someone else's day extra special. 

chocrate peanduts

I love me some chocrate peanduts.  That is the Rodgers code for chocolate covered peanuts.  I happened to come across a bag at the store the other day.  I let them sit there and kept walking, resisting temptation.  Then I ended up walking back to the aisle where I saw them when I was done shopping because I could not stop thinking about them.  I think this love of chocolate is a hereditary condition. My love of chocolate covered peanuts is not only because they are such a taste treat.  It is also because they make me think of someone I don't get to see often enough anymore.  My Dad.   When I was a kid, whenever my Mom and I would be getting ready to go shopping we'd ask Dad what he wanted.  His response, no fail, was 'chocrate peanduts!' That is unless he said 'em zems', which in Rodgers language is M&M's :)  I can't think of a better trait to have inherited.

Conversation Hearts

Happy Valentine's Day!

brothers

Sometimes being a brother

is even better

than being a super hero.

-Marc Brown

3 months

at birth                                                    1 month                                                  2 months

And here is the little bug at 3 months.  3 MONTHS!?  And you wonder why I take so many darn pictures.  Time just goes too quickly.  I can't believe my snuggly little baby is three months old already.  Isaac likes to smile and coo, kick those little legs, laugh occasionally, click his tongue, and get this... suck on the first two fingers on his right hand. Which Andy just happens to love!  He is starting to bust out of a swaddle but is a good sleeper despite this fact. His hair started falling out in a most interesting pattern... around his face first.  And there are little blonde hairs coming in :)  He actually put himself on a schedule (I know... am I lucky or what?).  He fusses about 9, 1 and 7. So I put him down. And he sleeps.  Do you know that I read books and re-read books on a scheduling strategy with the others and it still took waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay to long to get them on track?  I am finding now that the he is past the crying from 5-11pm stage, Isaac is a pretty easy baby.  He comes to zumba with me for an hour 3 times a week because I am not ready to put him into the germ infested daycare just yet.  He usually sleeps through the majority of classes but lately has decided to sit and watch at the sidelines occasionally.  He eats up the attention he gets from all the ladies that ooooh and aaaaah over him, flashing that dapper gummy grin.

Think they are related?

As Isaac grows and changes it seems I am finding myself saying I think he looks like someone different all the time.  Well, my current vote is for Lucy.  Look at those eyes and noses!  (I still think the mouth is Cassidy's.) Maybe I spend too much time thinking about this.  Oh well.

bikes and puddles



Remember the days when rather than a kleenex, a tongue is the preferred method for wiping a runny nose?

 Although today's high temp was 10 degrees, we have had a few warmer days. And by warmer, I mean warm enough to melt the snow on the driveway but still cold enough to support a foot of snow on the grass, and to necessitate a hat and mittens. It seemed the sun was beckoning the kids because when we got home from running errands, they went to get their bikes and to play outside for awhile rather than coming in the house and nagging me to watch TV. They loved that silly puddle.  What is it about kids and puddles?  I have to say I am proud of myself because I didn't even rag on them to stay out of it.  I just let them play.  I am finding a deep breath helps me to mellow a bit when it comes to just letting them get a little dirty. 



TV trance

What does it look like early in the morning at our house, when Dinosaur Train is on?  Love the dazed stare.  I think Isaac was the only one who even noticed I was taking a picture of them!

wrestlemania

I am sure glad that Andy likes to wrestle and play rough with the kids. This time of year there is an awful lot of pent up energy by the end of the day and I am not one for this rough type of play. Besides if I had all 3 kids hanging on me like this I would be flat as a pancake on the ground with Cass probably standing on my back with her hands on her hips.  Andy on the other hand believes it is good practice for his 'hand to hand combat' dreams.

testimony

I don't like to seem 'churchy' to people.  I tend to keep a lot to myself. I lead more by my example than by piping up about something. But inside there is often a lot that I am thinking but choose not to say for fear of offending, or scaring someone off who may think I am preaching or just simply because I am afraid.  The first Sunday of each month at our church we have a Fast and Testimony Meeting.  It is a chance for members to fast about a particular concern (or many) ahead of time and then when they feel so prompted during church, to get up and share their gospel related thoughts, stories, and testimonies. Yesterday was a Fast and Testimony Meeting.  Saturday night I had thought to myself how it had been a long time since I had gotten up.  For a second I told myself I was going to do it.... then the fear started creeping in.  Sunday morning arrives and as usual Andy is at church meetings early.  I am getting everyone ready and when I look at the clock I have 25 minutes to get myself showered and dressed.  This is usually not an issue, but lately it is that dressed part that gets me in trouble.  Before I know it half of my closet is on the floor because it just doesn't fit comfortably yet- or because it doesn't look how I want it too.  I know it has only been 3 months since Isaac was born, but I'll be honest. I have been spoiled and haven't had to work that hard to stay the size I am comfortable in.  Well I am not there yet.  Frustration sets in and I finally just put something on because we have 5 minutes to get to church.  We walk in late and I feel like all eyes are on me.  I know how it annoys someone (who I hate disappointing) to no end that I tend to run 5 minutes late consistently and I feel bad about that.  I finally get to my seat, then Isaac starts to fuss because he is hungry. So I tell the kids to sit reverently, grab Isaac and the diaper bag and head back out of the chapel to the nursing room. On top of this rather shallow pity party, it had been one heck of an overwhelming week. By now self-degrading thoughts are bombarding me.  'You yell too much at the kids' 'The house is always a mess' 'You are always late' 'You didn't get to reading your scriptures again' ...  I sit down and nurse Isaac and the tears start.  I am not in the chapel and realize that I will miss taking the sacrament, something I feel I really need.  I am wallowing when there is a sudden knock at the door... and he is there- with a smile- and a comforting look- and the sacrament.  Andy is helping to pass the sacrament and he must have seen me leave with the fussy baby.  I take the bread, give him a smile, and he leaves.  I sit back and close my eyes and feel the weight starting to be lifted.  He returns with the water and I am feeling much better, spiritually and emotionally.  I finish feeding Isaac and head back to the chapel to sit with my family.  I decide I need to share how I am feeling but it just seems like I am glued to my seat.  My heart is pounding but I never get up the courage to share my testimony... But I feel I need to. So here it is now.  I know without a doubt that we are not alone... that our Father in Heaven is aware of us... aware of what challenges we need to become better people.  I am thankful for those even though they are hard.  He is also aware that we are not perfect people- and he doesn't expect us to be.  That is why he provided a way for us to become perfect again.  The greatest gift he could have given us: our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  We don't have to be perfect - what matters is that we are always trying.  And believe me I try. And believe me I fall short. But it is in those moments when I am feeling utter despair, that I know he is there ready to lift me up... just like he did in that nursing room.  It will be 12 years ago this February 27th that I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I cannot imagine my life without the gospel.  My faith and testimony provide the strength and direction I need to keep on the path both for myself and for the little ones that I lead... and this is something I will forever be grateful for.

a few of our favorite things...

Squinkies, Disney princess dolls and cherry red Crystal Lite!  I was watching the girls play with their little toys at lunch the other day and loved the cherry red grins they had.  Cass especially savors her drink which she obviously can't get into her mouth fast enough, as evidenced in that Ronald McDonald smile. It brings me back to the days of summer when I was a kid- when Cherry Kool-Aid was the refreshing drink of choice. 

spit bug

Isaac is my little spit bug.  He sits contently in his bouncy chair, kicking his little legs, making little bubbles.