So the Twin Cities set a high today. I don' t think it was a record, but this was the first time since 1995 that the temp has been over 100 degrees. This was the ninth day in a row above 90. Kind of warm don't you think? So how did you stay cool? How do you beat the heat? Well the boys and I had some fun playing with the hose last night. It was amazing that I was soaking myself with cold tap water, but it really didn't feel that cold. The boys were having fun with the water, throwing it around. Their diapers became quite water logged and droopy. I had an idea to move our new play structure to the pool so the boys could slide right into the water. Josh went down several times but Jakin only once. Jakin started out on his trip down and managed to roll to his stomach. He then shot down the slide and landed face down in the pool. He wasn't all that happy about it. He was rather upset. I gave him a hug and as he was still wimpering I said "wasn't that fun?" Jakin responded, "yeah"!
Stay cool!
The Fish Were Biting - But We Weren't Fishing!
We made the huge committment of going swimming on Sunday. We thought that with it being so hot that we could get out and cool off. After having the preparations take approximately 45 minutes, we said "hey let's go to the pool instead of the lake". It was already after 6:00PM and the pool was only minutes away. We had checked the info on the pool earlier. I was commenting on how expensive it is to go to the pool. I started saying stuff like, "It wasn't this expensive when I was a kid". I had to stop myself from continuing for fear of feeling even older than I am. So we got to the pool, ready to fork over approx. $17 for our family to go swimming. We unloaded, got the stroller out, headed for the door. Everyone is excited, including me. We walked in the front door and the clerk said, "are you here for the party"? I said "what party?" She then proceeded to tell me that the pool is closed on Sunday nights and is only open for private rentals. This pool was pretty packed and I certainly didn't think it was a private party. So we walked back to the van, in the mean time Josh is balling and stating in a crying, very upset voice "I want to go swimming!" I told him I felt the same way and that I was about to cry too!
So back in the van - on to Ft. Snelling State Park and the beach. We arrived, ready to try out our new swimming trainers for the boys. We had new kickboards too. The lake has a very nice, shallow swimming area. It is pretty cool because you can see lots of little fish swimming around by your feet. I remember having minnows peck at my feet at Lake Miltona during our many summer vacations there. The minnows are quite nice and tickle.
Ft. Snelling has different kind of fish. They are not shy and quite aggressive. They are considerably larger than a minnow. These fish vary in size between 2 - 4". So I am playing with Josh and I no sooner did I fall over in the water on my chest, did one of these "pirahnas" atack me. No it didn't go for the juggular, it attacked my left nipple. I gave out a yelp, which Josh found quite amusing. That little fish struck me hard, it made my nipple bleed. It wasn't alot of blood, but nonetheless, it drew blood. I did have another one take a crack at my little toe later in the day, but no other incidents to report. This is very similar to our trip to the beach last year. One of those fish struck Josh in the back while he was laying in the water. Josh didn' t like that so much. He definitely likes it better when it is someone else getting bit.
We just may rethink this public pool thing after all. I just wish it wasn't so expensive. Our West Saint Paul pool charges $4 for adults and $3 for kids under 42". Those are the rates for the 6:00 to 8:00PM session. Add a buck to those prices for the afternoon session. A family membership would cost our family $185 for 3 months of swimming. Yikes! Now I realize my old stomping ground's prices have gone up too, but WSP seems very high and it doesn't seem like they are open much either.
Just for comparison - Holgate pool - Holy Cow! I just looked up the prices. They are still cheap. Excellent. Family season pass $60. Daily admission for family $5.50. Don't you think $17 is a little steep to use your local pool?
Ok, I am done venting and I still love swimming!
So back in the van - on to Ft. Snelling State Park and the beach. We arrived, ready to try out our new swimming trainers for the boys. We had new kickboards too. The lake has a very nice, shallow swimming area. It is pretty cool because you can see lots of little fish swimming around by your feet. I remember having minnows peck at my feet at Lake Miltona during our many summer vacations there. The minnows are quite nice and tickle.
Ft. Snelling has different kind of fish. They are not shy and quite aggressive. They are considerably larger than a minnow. These fish vary in size between 2 - 4". So I am playing with Josh and I no sooner did I fall over in the water on my chest, did one of these "pirahnas" atack me. No it didn't go for the juggular, it attacked my left nipple. I gave out a yelp, which Josh found quite amusing. That little fish struck me hard, it made my nipple bleed. It wasn't alot of blood, but nonetheless, it drew blood. I did have another one take a crack at my little toe later in the day, but no other incidents to report. This is very similar to our trip to the beach last year. One of those fish struck Josh in the back while he was laying in the water. Josh didn' t like that so much. He definitely likes it better when it is someone else getting bit.
We just may rethink this public pool thing after all. I just wish it wasn't so expensive. Our West Saint Paul pool charges $4 for adults and $3 for kids under 42". Those are the rates for the 6:00 to 8:00PM session. Add a buck to those prices for the afternoon session. A family membership would cost our family $185 for 3 months of swimming. Yikes! Now I realize my old stomping ground's prices have gone up too, but WSP seems very high and it doesn't seem like they are open much either.
Just for comparison - Holgate pool - Holy Cow! I just looked up the prices. They are still cheap. Excellent. Family season pass $60. Daily admission for family $5.50. Don't you think $17 is a little steep to use your local pool?
Ok, I am done venting and I still love swimming!
Tummy Time for Jude
Jude is getting quite strong. Laura plopped him on the bed the other night and he held his head up quite high. Despite the fact that he has been ill lately. Too many runny diapers. The doc says he must have caught a summer virus. So we have to change formula (soy based) so his tummy can adjust and heal. Jude seems to like the soy based, but then again he just likes food. I don't think there is much difference with the new formula except the ripe smell. Hopefully in a few days, Jude will be back to normal.
Jude on a Morning Walk
Jude and I went for a walk at a little before 6:00 this morning. The weather was quite nice and Jude seemed to have a good time. In other words, he stayed awake. I am amazed at how time flies so much faster when you get older. I remember waiting to be older when I was younger, now that I AM older, I wish I was younger. With kids, time certainly speeds up. Jude is 4 months old, Josh is now 3 and Jakin is pushing 2. My, my life is an adventure and Laura and I are sure enjoying it!!
At the Park
Here is a photo with me and my oldest sons. Jude was sleeping in the stroller. We are trying to make the most of the summer. Summer always seems to fly by. It is almost August. I usually get depressed about mid-June when I know the days are getting shorter. Oh well, ice and hockey are just around the corner.
"Jude The Squaker"
I took some video of Jude this morning. Now the video is not too great because I didn't want him to get camera fright. I was trying to capture his squaking while playing on the floor. I think the video does that justice.
I took some video of Jude this morning. Now the video is not too great because I didn't want him to get camera fright. I was trying to capture his squaking while playing on the floor. I think the video does that justice.
1 Assumptions 2:5
“Daddy’s Bible says that I get two M&M’s when I share.”
I am not sure what Bible version Josh says that I am reading. But he said that very matter of factly. I can assure you that my Bible doesn't say that. Maybe Josh was thinking of some foreign Bible that has some extra books. I could also have been a translation error from some obscure Bible. That is highly unlikely. I don’t think M&M’s were around when the Bible was written and besides, Josh can't read. How would he know what the Bible says unless I tell him. And I certainly never told him that. Kids say the silliest things!
I am not sure what Bible version Josh says that I am reading. But he said that very matter of factly. I can assure you that my Bible doesn't say that. Maybe Josh was thinking of some foreign Bible that has some extra books. I could also have been a translation error from some obscure Bible. That is highly unlikely. I don’t think M&M’s were around when the Bible was written and besides, Josh can't read. How would he know what the Bible says unless I tell him. And I certainly never told him that. Kids say the silliest things!
Tough Guy!
Jakin has quite the personality. He is always hamming it up. He has the best laugh of all our boys, so far. We haven't heard much from Jude yet. This smile was after a nice cool frozen drink. Note the very nice mustache he is sporting. We took this picture and it is probably the best smile Jakin has given. Usually his eyes are closed and mouth wide open. His teeth usually don't line up either. Jakin is a tough guy. He is always falling down, bumping his head, legs, body etc. I am concerned that he will either become Tough and Ruthless or Rough and Toothless. Jakin came over to Laura the other day and was saying "mouth, mouth" but she couldn't see any blood or injury. Somehow, someway Jakin managed to chip his tooth. Funny kid and certainly tough guy!
Look at the Dude!
Look at this dude! No, not me, Jude. He is getting so big. He is working on his 3rd chin and 2nd crease on his knee. Laura and I have been trying to figure out who he looks like. Our families have been doing the same thing. Jude has blondish red hair and blue eyes. Laura and I don't have those traits. So, somewhere in our family line their are some genes for what this boy has got. One thing for sure, he is a cutie, but then again, I am biased because I am his dad.
Josh's Birthday
Wow, our oldest son turns 3 today. How exciting! I sure feel old and I often wonder, “Where did the time go?” We have a full day planned for Josh. It includes a trip to the MN Zoo. We have a date to feed the Giraffes. A couple of his buddies and their families will join us at the zoo. It should be a super fun day.
UPDATE
It was certainly a super fun day at the zoo. Josh really liked feeding the giraffes. Did you know that a giraffe has an 18" tongue? It also can reach and grab things, like an elephants trunk. Anyway, Josh enjoyed his birthday and so did his buddies Isaiah, Dylan, Rowan and his brother Jakin. We also enjoyed the time with our friends too!
4th of July
Happy 4th of July!We celebrated the 4th by sleeping most of the day. This afternoon everyone was down for a nap except me. Then Jude got up to keep me company. That was very nice. We were all kind of sleepy from last night. Laura and I went on a date and got home at a very late hour, 8:30. We then chatted with our baby sitters (Seth and Ann) for a while. At around nine we got our boys up and got there shoes on and headed out to the High Bridge and the Taste of Mn Fireworks. We got there pretty early, 9:30ish. The show didn't start until close to 10:15. The boys did fine. Jude slept. Josh was working the crowd, getting held by Seth, Mom, Nana or Dad. Jakin was taking plenty of pretzel bribes, but he did just fine. They enjoyed the show and we carted them back home and to bed. This morning the boys slept in, except Jude. We asked them if they enjoyed the fireworks and they said yes. So I guess it was a success!
Thank goodness.
Jakin on the Potty?
So yesterday Laura had a hunch Jakin needed to go poop. So she scooped him up and put in on the potty in the bathroom. After a few minutes of coaxing by Laura, Jakin went poop on the potty. That is pretty cool, although I think it is a fluke. Jakin is not even 2 yet and I think he is a little young to grasp the concept. Later in the day, Laura put Jakin on the potty again. Another surprise – he went poop again. This is quite remarkable for our 22 month old. Jakin thought it was pretty cool since he got the standard reward of 2 M&M’s for going poop on the potty. So today, Laura tried again with Jakin, this time it was to no avail. Jakin was not co-operating. Afterwards Jakin came downstairs and was pointing at the M&M’s, but without going poop, he doesn’t get any. So, that confirms my theory that Jakin isn’t quite sure of what to do and what actually gets him his reward. Hopefully with big brother Josh showing the way, he will get it soon. That would be nice to have only Jude in diapers. Very nice indeed.
I WAS LOOKING FOR YOU!
Last evening we put the kids to bed and we went outside for some yard work. Laura was out back and I was in the front yard pulling weeds. You see, the weeds are quite tall and are easy to pick out since my grass is really yellow. So I was taking advantage of the situation and plucking them out.
I heard the front door jostle a little bit. I thought maybe Laura was back in the house, putting something away, and bumped into the door. Anywho, a few minutes later Josh appears out of the garage door. Did I mention that we put him to bed already? Josh then says, "I was looking for you Daddy." By looking at him I could tell why he was looking for me. But he continued on and said, "I went poop on the potty." Now I don't know if I am really good, or have a keen sense when it comes to my kids, but I just knew that is what he wanted to tell me. On the other hand it could have been the fact that Josh was standing outside wearing his birthday suit from the waist down.
I went over to him and said good job. He then took me inside to show me what he did on the potty. I must say it was awfully big and stinky for a little boy.
It is amazing how kids always look to their parents for approval. I told Josh that I am really proud of him. He is doing a fantastic job at going pee-pee and poop on the potty.
I don't know if the desire for parental approval ever goes away. My mom sent me a fathers day card and it was awesome. In summary, my mom is very proud of me and my family. That's so cool!
I heard the front door jostle a little bit. I thought maybe Laura was back in the house, putting something away, and bumped into the door. Anywho, a few minutes later Josh appears out of the garage door. Did I mention that we put him to bed already? Josh then says, "I was looking for you Daddy." By looking at him I could tell why he was looking for me. But he continued on and said, "I went poop on the potty." Now I don't know if I am really good, or have a keen sense when it comes to my kids, but I just knew that is what he wanted to tell me. On the other hand it could have been the fact that Josh was standing outside wearing his birthday suit from the waist down.
I went over to him and said good job. He then took me inside to show me what he did on the potty. I must say it was awfully big and stinky for a little boy.
It is amazing how kids always look to their parents for approval. I told Josh that I am really proud of him. He is doing a fantastic job at going pee-pee and poop on the potty.
I don't know if the desire for parental approval ever goes away. My mom sent me a fathers day card and it was awesome. In summary, my mom is very proud of me and my family. That's so cool!
"Eegh! Eegh! Eegh!", said Jude.
Eegh! Eegh! Eegh!
Jude has got a new habit.
He wakes up around 4:00 AM for some play time. He grunts and scoots on his tummy until he gets to the end of the crib. At this point it is usually 4:15 AM and he is stuck. My theory is that once he gets to the end of the crib he works hard to go further, but can't. He pulls out all the stops and in doing so his right arm gets stuck outside the crib. Now he has got a problem, his head is in the corner and his arm is outside the crib. So what does a 3 month old do?
Eegh! Eegh! Eegh! Until we come and rescue him.
It was 4:14 AM this morning. I moved him back to the center of his crib. A little crying and Jude was back to sleep after his morning workout/playtime.
So what is Eegh? It is a little grunt he does in bursts. He will give this grunt when he is getting tired. He will give this grunt when he is uncomfortable. It is usually a warning sign. If we don't heed the warning, little Jude will start crying.
Jude has got a new habit.
He wakes up around 4:00 AM for some play time. He grunts and scoots on his tummy until he gets to the end of the crib. At this point it is usually 4:15 AM and he is stuck. My theory is that once he gets to the end of the crib he works hard to go further, but can't. He pulls out all the stops and in doing so his right arm gets stuck outside the crib. Now he has got a problem, his head is in the corner and his arm is outside the crib. So what does a 3 month old do?
Eegh! Eegh! Eegh! Until we come and rescue him.
It was 4:14 AM this morning. I moved him back to the center of his crib. A little crying and Jude was back to sleep after his morning workout/playtime.
So what is Eegh? It is a little grunt he does in bursts. He will give this grunt when he is getting tired. He will give this grunt when he is uncomfortable. It is usually a warning sign. If we don't heed the warning, little Jude will start crying.
Knepfla
This is what you will need:
4 Cups of flour
1 Cup of water
2 Eggs
1 tsp of Salt
Mix 1 Cup of water, eggs & salt. Then add flour, 1 cup at a time to make a firm dough. Roll out & cut into 1 inch strips on floured surface.
Cook in boiling water. Check at 20 min to see if firm. Drain. Heat 1 stick of margarine. Add saltine crackers crumbled. Brown crackers. Pour over Knepfla and stir. You can fry all together to get it all crispier.
For those of you who don't have German ancestry, Knepfla is a basic homemade egg noodle. Knepfla is certainly good to eat and thoroughly enjoyable to make.
Thanks for the help Josh & Jake! They had fun and so did I!
Ryan
4 Cups of flour
1 Cup of water
2 Eggs
1 tsp of Salt
Mix 1 Cup of water, eggs & salt. Then add flour, 1 cup at a time to make a firm dough. Roll out & cut into 1 inch strips on floured surface.
Cook in boiling water. Check at 20 min to see if firm. Drain. Heat 1 stick of margarine. Add saltine crackers crumbled. Brown crackers. Pour over Knepfla and stir. You can fry all together to get it all crispier.
For those of you who don't have German ancestry, Knepfla is a basic homemade egg noodle. Knepfla is certainly good to eat and thoroughly enjoyable to make.
Thanks for the help Josh & Jake! They had fun and so did I!
Ryan
New Morning Ritual
A while back I had a really good habit of reading my one year Bible, embarking on a prayer walk, then coming home to prepare breakfast before the rest of the family is out of bed. Well something happened 3+ months ago, we had our 3rd child and 3rd boy. What a blessing Jude has been in our lives. He is such a treasure just like his older brothers Joshua and Jakin. But my routine was messed up a bit with Jude's sleep habits. I used to love getting up early and carving out that time, just me and God. It was some really good times for sure.
So now that Jude has been sleeping through the night, we can get on a more normal schedule again. Or so I thought... Jude gets up at 5:15AM, now being the good dad and husband that I am, I retrieve the little tyke and feed him. This had been the New normal routine. I would feed Jude, read and then we would go on a prayer walk. Fast forward to yesterday.
Did I mention that Josh is now potty trained?
With Josh's new found freedom by being able to get out of bed and go pee-pee, he has pushed the limits of his old rules of having to stay in bed until we come and get him. So for the second day in a row now, Josh has joined Jude and I for our morning ritual, minus the prayer walk. On Monday I had to explain to Josh that this was quiet time in the morning and that he needed to be silent and read if he wanted to stay up. I had to give him quite a few reminders, but overall he was really good. Today, he was up with Jude and I at 5:15. Josh came down with all 3 of his blankets and plopped himself in the chair. He was really good. I hardly heard a peep out of him. I finished reading and feeding Jude.
After I put Jude on the floor for some play, Josh came over to cuddle. Daddy was pretty tired this morning, so I was trying to get some more rest. Josh placed my Bible in my open hand, I then told him that I had already read this morning. Josh then told me he wanted to read about cheeses. I took me a second to comprehend what he was saying (might I remind you this was before 6:00AM). Then I realized he wanted to read about Jesus. Seriously, Josh is almost 3, but I would swear he said cheeses, or that is how he pronounced it. So Josh and I read in the New Testament and had a grand time. It was really precious to be able to spend 1:1 time with him. I mourn the loss of my cool morning 1:1 time with God, but to have Josh want to spend time and read about Jesus - how cool is that?
No worries - I have a lunch hour that is perfect for reading and prayer.
Ryan
So now that Jude has been sleeping through the night, we can get on a more normal schedule again. Or so I thought... Jude gets up at 5:15AM, now being the good dad and husband that I am, I retrieve the little tyke and feed him. This had been the New normal routine. I would feed Jude, read and then we would go on a prayer walk. Fast forward to yesterday.
Did I mention that Josh is now potty trained?
With Josh's new found freedom by being able to get out of bed and go pee-pee, he has pushed the limits of his old rules of having to stay in bed until we come and get him. So for the second day in a row now, Josh has joined Jude and I for our morning ritual, minus the prayer walk. On Monday I had to explain to Josh that this was quiet time in the morning and that he needed to be silent and read if he wanted to stay up. I had to give him quite a few reminders, but overall he was really good. Today, he was up with Jude and I at 5:15. Josh came down with all 3 of his blankets and plopped himself in the chair. He was really good. I hardly heard a peep out of him. I finished reading and feeding Jude.
After I put Jude on the floor for some play, Josh came over to cuddle. Daddy was pretty tired this morning, so I was trying to get some more rest. Josh placed my Bible in my open hand, I then told him that I had already read this morning. Josh then told me he wanted to read about cheeses. I took me a second to comprehend what he was saying (might I remind you this was before 6:00AM). Then I realized he wanted to read about Jesus. Seriously, Josh is almost 3, but I would swear he said cheeses, or that is how he pronounced it. So Josh and I read in the New Testament and had a grand time. It was really precious to be able to spend 1:1 time with him. I mourn the loss of my cool morning 1:1 time with God, but to have Josh want to spend time and read about Jesus - how cool is that?
No worries - I have a lunch hour that is perfect for reading and prayer.
Ryan