And I'm not talking roofing!

Saturday, as Jaker was getting ready for his cousin's wedding I noticed an inch and a half sized spot on his back. It looked like about 20 mosquito bites clustered together, but he said it didn't hurt or itch. While talking to his mom about it she mentioned that it could be shingles and a trip to the clinic confirmed the diagnosis. He has a terribly sore throat (which I read is usually an early symptom) and has now started aching, but it hasn't slowed him down. Poor guy looks like he's been raked over the coals. The blister area hasn't spread any further and is covered by his clothing, so he's able to teach through it. He's on a five horse-pill diet of antiviral meds for a week.

So between Lyme Disease and Shingles are we in the running for weirdest skin/neurological diseases of the year? Life is always interesting at the Dahl house!

Lanman is quickly becoming the busiest baby on earth. He can stand for ten to fifteen seconds easily, so I know he could probably walk, but chooses not to. I am really very OK with that. :)

His choice food lately is dirt, which makes the small landscaping projects I've been trying to tackle in this beautiful weather "challenging" to say the least. I came in frustrated twice with a muddy-mouthed boy. Then I realized that I was pushing to get done what I wanted. When I let it go, God opened up more time than I hoped when the Lanman fell asleep in his stroller during our walk. It ended up being a good day all around.

It must be the time of year that has been making me think "LAST YEAR at this time..." a lot lately. Whoo, I'm glad I don't have to relive that fall. But this is what our peanut looked like at two weeks...

Crazy how fast the year has gone and all the changes that have occured during it. Amazing how God carries you through.
I'm going to go grab a book and a cup o' tea and wait for Jaker. The poor guy had a coaching meeting tonight in Stewartville. (Miss you, Holl Doll!)

First off, these are the eyes that melt my heart each day:

He's getting into just about everything these days, so that is the look I see quite often. "Who me?"



And here is our Sunday afternoon in a nutshell:
In the middle of our FB game yesterday (I was the distinguished all-time QB playing with each of the big boys), Noodle says, "I think I want you to cut my hair today."
When I woke up, cranked on my ears a bit and said, "Huh?" he confirmed that I had heard the impossible.
This from the kid who has spent two years growing his hair long and has laughed at the mere mention of a trim.
I ran towards the house for the clippers and was quickly reprimanded-- "AFTER the game, Mom."

So, we did it.
I asked at least twenty-two times before I turned the clipper on if he was sure.
Yes.
Positive?
Yes.
Wouldn't blame me for the rest of fifth grade?
Nope.
So, here's the before...

And the after...

And, as I was afraid of, this morning brought tears of regret. He made it through the day with minimal damage and says he's going to eat Jello everyday to encourage regrowth (It was the only ante dote I could think of. Being faced with an out-of-sorts 10-yr-old caused me to grapple some, I'm afraid. Maybe he'll just have strong nails a month from now.)
He had full support from the rest of us:

Jake did a little happy dance when Noodle's back was turned...I returned fist-pumping, silent screams of joy when he turned towards Jake. We're mature like that. :)

It's late.
I've got Jello to make.
Good Night.

The fat lady has sung

And by that I mean I am not going to can one more thing.
Until next summer.
I don't even want to give the totals of things, which is usually kind of fun. I love the results, like the process, yet am relieved when the chore is finished.

Last week as I was slaving away over bubbling pots of tomatoes I was lamenting the fact that the sun was shining and the temps were gloriously high in MN. The forecast said this week was to drop into the 60's with a chance of rain. Lo and behold this morning I looked again, and it seems as though the Lord is blessing us with a repeat of last week's weather-- 70's and sunny-- which for this girl is perfect. I am beside myself with excitement.

So, Lanman and I are off for a bike ride. He sits in the trailer cute as a bug and spends the entire ride trying to rip his helmet off. It keeps him entertained, at least! I hope to tend to some wayward bricks in our landscaping and soak in the last of summer's glory.
And love on my baby boy.
Who is SO close to his first steps.
Which I am not encouraging AT ALL.

Enjoy the sunshine!

This blog will resume...

...right after canning is done!

I've been up to my elbows the past two weeks in tomatoes, applesauce, peaches and pears. I just love the feeling of having all this home-grown, organic-at-its-best food in our cupboard for the year but-whew- it's taking its toll! Today Lanman and I will be canning the applesauce and then spending the rest of the day outside. It's a day to savor- 75 and sunny. :) My fave.

Our little cherub is getting busier with each passing day. More determined and into whatever he can find. He's not walking yet, but can stand on his own. He's also considering the idea of giving up his morning nap. I knew this would be coming soon, but am not quite ready! He fusses when I lay him down in the a.m. and sleeps a little shorter each day. I guess there are pros to one long afternoon nap, too.

The older kids are just loving school. All three of them. Bella not only shows, but explains to me each problem she does on each worksheet she brings home. It's precious! Part of me soaks it in and part wants to shout, "OK! I get it! I know what patterns are after the tenth one!!!" (The first instinct is the external one.)
Doodle is his Daddy through and through. Nothing phases the boy. He's LAID back and goes with the flow. He's doing great with his school work and loving recess kickball games.

Noodle is really enjoying being in Jake's class. He told me that yesterday the two fifth grade classes opened the dividing wall for a science experiment. He said, "Mom, I just can't imagine being on the other side of the wall knowing my dad was over there spending time with the other kids and I didn't get to be one of them." We let him think about his initial assignment to the other class over the summer and were OK with him being in it- we LOVE the other teacher like an adopted grandma. Noah came to Jake and said he thought he'd rather be in Jake's class since this would be his only chance. It was a decision he got to make and the school didn't have a problem with it. This morning he said, "At first I just wanted you guys to decide for me because it seemed like a really big decision, but I'm glad you let me think about it and decide where I wanted to be. I'm glad I'm with Dad."
He's growing up so fast, but still our little boy.

Well, here I sit, the best procrastinator ever. I should be packing to go on a road trip- Whoo Hoo- but I'm not. I have to gather things for me and the four chitlins: clothes, eats, entertainment. I have to pop the last seat in the van (sometimes it's just easier to leave it out... for Lanman's chariot to fit, ease of in and out, etc.), straighten out the house and pack the van. I did my anal van vacuuming and Windex "detailing" (Sorry, Buddy, I know you're shaking your head at my product)two days ago. I love road trips- but NOT in a dirty van! I need to go spray a little Febreeze to rid the stench of commercial strength carpet spot cleaner and sweaty boy feet. Then we're good to go.

Can't wait to arrive at the cousins' house! We are looking forward to a weekend of football and soccer games and late night giggling. Can't wait to see the new house! Now if I can just get some packing done...

How Do I Love Thee? *updated edition*

1. I love your dimples, your humility, your constant support and fun-filled "true companion"ship. :)



2. I love your inhibition, your love of life and your sweet heart (You know your Mommy's love of frogs, rocks and daisies.).

3. I love your thoughtful ways, your playfulness and your kind spirit.

4. I love your attentiveness to everything around you, your budding sense of humor and being your very favorite person.

5. I love your glow, your excitement and the fervor with which you lap up life.

Merely a Sideshow

Fall is a time for fresh starts- more so for me than the New Year is. Probably because I have always lived with the school calendar as my guide due to my teacher husband.

So this fall I promised myself a regular exercise regime. Yesterday I tried a "Post-baby Rehab your Abs" workout I tore out of some magazine and I really liked it. Lanman did, too as he thought it was completely for his entertainment. He sat about 3 feet away clapping and laughing until he could take it no more and laid his head on my chest- belly laughing. Which caused me to laugh at him laughing... and well, they say laughter is good exercise, or the best medicine or something that's good for you, right? I eventually finished the workout, and am happy to report sore abs this morning. All further toning will be done at nap time.

Off for our walk!

Such a privilege...

I've been thinking lately. This blog is somewhat of a journal for my kids. A journal with big gaping holes :), but there are some things I want them to know. This is the first:

I love being an at-home mom. I love the privilege of raising my kids. Of being able to be here with them as babies and preschoolers. I don't mean to offend, but I can't fathom dropping them off with someone else for the entire day. It would kill me! I can handle used cars, no cable and whatever else for this season-- just let me be the one to raise my babies! I have loved this season of life. Of being the first one to see their firsts. My mom has done in-home day care for 32 years now and countless times she has seen a baby's first steps, heard their first word, etc., only for the parents to come two weeks later announcing what they think to be a first. She's never told. A secret better left kept. (Yes, I know the big ones are off to school now, I'm slowing loosening my apron strings. :) )

I love being able to make homemade meals. And keep our house in order. Yes, I probably have more cleaning to do because we're in and out all day, but it's well worth the effort. I love the pace of our lives right now. (This week, any way!) I work outside our home two evenings a week and the first weekend of the month. I really like my job. I love the people I work with. Side by side, though, there is no comparing it to my day job- my real job- of being a mom. I'm so glad that my husband and I share this priority. He is so wonderfully supportive of my being home with our kids and investing in their lives. Jobs will always be out there. Someday? Maybe I'll work outside our home full-time. At one point I would have said definitely. Now? Maybe. I love the season we are in. I love my mission field- my family and community. I thank the Lord for where He has put me and I'm treasuring the "little moments..." because they all goes by much too fast.

So there you go, kiddos. I love ya.

A new season begins

Well, the long awaited day has flown past. School has started again. No one has looked more forward to this day than our Bella, who began her first day of public school in the First Grade.



Everyone had a great day. I loved hearing all the details upon their return home. Noodle had homework (Darn 5th grade teacher! :)), and Doodle had a large scab due to a playground wipe-out, but all in all it was a good start.



Lanman and I had a great day. After teaching one of the kids in the mornings for the past 5 years I couldn't believe how productive our morning was! We read together, and he took a great nap in a quiet house. We took a walk to the hardware store, grocery store and post office, and learned an important life lesson about the dog dish that I am sure I will have to repeat daily. :) ( I would say, "No, Lanman." to which he would heartily shake his head "Nooooo..." as he climbed in with that chubby little fist for more Kibbles.) Oh, what a treat he is, naughtiness and all. :) I loved my day with him.
Here's a photo from the bath Noodle offered to give him the other night... Entitled, "Mom, you've gotta see this!"



Oh, and I leave you with our newest portrait:



Have a great week!