Dear Daddy,

We sure miss you. We wanted to write to tell you that everything is going well at home. Doodle has become a "reader rabbit" while you've been away. He read 2 whole books yesterday!



Bella has been strengthening her leg muscles continually...



Noodle has been climbing higher than ever...



And lots of things are growing, like the plants:



and Mama:



We can't wait for you to get home. Mom makes us work a lot more than you do.
Love,
Noodle, Doodle and Bella

High Aspirations

So in school the past couple of days Doodle and I have been talking about jobs. Yesterday we focused on how every job is important. After all, what if garbage collectors and firefighters didn't do their job?

Today we talked about how there are some jobs that most anyone is able to do such as a store clerk, dog walker, or cleaning person. We talked about how some people have to have a lot of specific training for their job such as a nurse, electrician or teacher. (I'm not meaning to start a fight over which jobs are harder or anything... after all ALL JOBS ARE IMPORTANT!!!)

So they had a page where Doodle then had to draw a picture of a skilled field he may want to work in someday. Their examples were a dentist, juggler (Special talent/skill?) and a police officer.

He came to me with pride in his eyes and said, " I came up with a really good one. I really want to play football or work in a bait shop, but if I have to go to special training I want to work here!"

And showed me his sweet little drawing of a red building with golden arches.

"Cause not everyone knows what a double cheeseburger is!"

Our Weekly Update

I promised a break from the fruit venue and here it is... the baby is a jumbo shrimp this week. Three inches from crown to rump. I'm sad to say that I think this is where BabyCenter breaks from the food analogies and just gives length and weight approximations from here on out. We'll continue to keep you updated, as I am sure Thursday brings anticipation throughout Blogland as to the development of our little fetus. :)

In other news we had a great Easter!


Though the boys look less than enthused, I assure you their Easter baskets were found, and not filled with coal, or rabbit pellets, or whatever the bad Easter omen would be.

We are headed into the weekend again! Where does the time go? I'm off to tidy the house. And that only makes it sound like a small, pleasant job.

Happy Thursday, All!

And the fruit salad continues...

Well, the fig has now hit lime status, but I guess not the girth of a lime, but rather the LENGTH of a lime (Knowing our Dahl babies, it very well COULD be the girth of a lime as well). All is well. Still haven't had a lick of "morning" sickness (Thank you, Lord!) and am not to worried about it hitting as we begin week 12! I see the doctor next Tuesday for the first of many in and out visits, Lord willing. Stay tuned as next week we break out of the fruit comparisons!

In other news, the rumor is true and I turned 31 on Tuesday. I have great friends and a great family and that's about all I have to say on that.

We are excited for the coming Easter weekend. A time to see extended family and celebrate the Lord's resurrection! Bella and I are having a packing/laundry extravaganza tomorrow as the guys all party at school. Doodle was invited in to our friend and Pastor's wife's 1st grade classroom for the day. He is thrilled. He and Noodle both get to attend a birthday party following school. Can the day get any better? Jake has to say farewell to his first student teacher tomorrow. He was thankful to have him and I'm sure will be sad to see him go.

We wish you all the happiest of Easter weekends! Travel safe, enjoy family and eat the ears first!

An eight-year hickey

So my driver's license expires tomorrow and I loaded up the troops and headed to the DMV. I hurried them through lunch, hollering into the dining room as I primped- determined that the notorious "nightmare photo" wouldn't be so bad. At one point, while craning to keep the kids on task I burned my neck with the curling iron, but didn't think much of it as I packed books, snacks and sleeping bags for the full afternoon wait I was sure was awaiting us.
We were pleased when we took number 98 and they were on 86. Two chapters of Little House later I was up to bat. All went very smoothly. I got to take the vision restriction off the back of my license, "yes, I will give my organs," "yes, I weigh that... usually," and then off to the little photo curtain, "Cheese" and "Here you go, Molly. Your photo turned out nice!"

"Whew," I thought, "cause I don't renew this for eight more years!"
Then I looked.
And maybe it's just because I'm not into the whole public-display-of-vacuum-like affection thing, but I just don't think the burn gives a "nice" look to the photo.

Contest plug

I have to admit that I sign up for contests. Not like hundreds or anything, but here and there. I think I get it from my dad who religiously entered the Readers Digest Sweepstakes, and more recently that Dream Home one on HGTV. He hasn't won yet, but ya know... SOMEONE has to win, right? The Lord provides. It's not a desparation thing- but just entering a contest here or there for say, a $1000 Gap Gift Card Drawing. I won't even have a chance if I don't enter. I see it as opening the door for His provision. :)

So here are two that are too good to keep to myself.
Try not to laugh when the title for this one pops up! It's gas(oline) for life! Over $50 worth of gas each week for I think like 35 years!

And here's one for the "all the rage" Dyson vacuum.

After all, someone's got to win!

Wrapping up the Week

Well, here you have it. I am carrying a wee one the size of a fig this week. That translates to T-202 days until the addition (physical house addition) must be finished! Ahhh...

For those who don't know the minute-by-minute plans of the Dahl family... We had been looking to do a kitchen remodel this summer and after news of the fig hit, decided quickly that an additional bedroom trumped the need for pretty countertops and floors. So we are looking at (and praying for) putting on an "east wing" master bedroom. Your prayers for wisdom would be greatly appreciated as we begin this project. We are newbies at the building process and it seems a bit daunting at this end.

This weekend holds some time with my mom as she is headed up for a short visit. We hope to shop in the morning and she'll spend some time with Jake and the kids as I head into work tomorrow night.

We've had a rainy, cold end of the week. The days have rushed by and I've spend most of my time in the kitchen, it seems. My aunt had sent me a subscription to "Cooking Light" for about 5 years and I recently compiled two cookbooks of what I thought our family would enjoy from them. So far we have not been disappointed... Mango and Raspberry Crisp, Chocolate Zucchini Bread, Cuban Picadillo, Beef and Barley Soup, Pork Tenderloin Enchiladas, Chicken/Cheesy Noodle Bake... they've all been very good. And what better place to be on a rainy spring day than a warm kitchen? (OK, a comfy chair in front of a fire. Or bed. There are better places.)

De- I am contemplating the Real Moms post. I'm not ignoring you! :)

Take Care. Happy Weekend.

Spring has sprung

Ahh, we enjoyed the beginning of this week when temperatures soared into the upper 70's!! Doodle pulled out his bat and ball and gave me a lesson on the "correct stance" to take when at bat. The poor guy needs to pull up a better pitcher from the minors. He stayed calm and kept giving me pointers. "Mommy, maybe I should just stand over here (moves four ft. to the right), cause it seems like that's where your pitches usually go." I could just squeeze him!! (And did!)



OK! WHO KNOWS HOW TO FIX THIS! I CAN'T SEEM TO "BLOG THIS" FROM PICASA, AND WHEN I LOAD IT FROM BLOGGER, THEY ARE UNALTERED- EVEN UNTURNED! HELP? ANYONE?
***Edited*** Thanks, Tammy!

This is Bella on our beautiful Monday. Contrary to how it appears, she is covered- she just had her leotard ("dancing outfit") on under her poncho. "Cause it's kind of like shorts, right, Mom?" Yeah, kind of. Like the kind you don't wear in public... unless you're five and in your own yard.

Bwhahahaha!

Ok, Shannon linked to this, but if for some sad reason you didn't catch it there- and are in need of a deep abdominal workout... ENJOY.

In which I compare my child to a citrus fruit

This is the size of the baby this week- we're back up to ten weeks. :) She/He is a kumquat. the kids are amazed at the updates in physical development we get each week from Babycenter. Ellie always gushes, "OH, Awww... I just love our baby!!" and gives my very normal abdomen a big cold kiss. I hope the love continues.

Jake and the kids are off to the Basketball banquet at school- a pizza buffet for which I am grateful (not to be in the midst of supper preparation, I mean). After a busy day I am staying home! I hope to go for a walk and then return to pack for a get-away this weekend! Me, and as De put it, forty of my closest friends! :)

We did school today from 8 -10:30!!! Now to some that isn't a biggie at all, but lately we've been starting so late that it takes the whole morning. We're getting down there... 25 lessons in the curriculum to go, but much reading and writing and spelling to teach in the "off-season." (Oh, and gestating and building on an addition, and spring cleaning, and purging of junk, and...) Yeah, we're really never "done."

Life is rolling along here at the Dahl house. We have friends visiting today and you wouldn't know there are any kids here. A gray, drizzly day + Little House + Pollys = quiet. Ahhh.

I am off to get Teriyaki Chicken prepped for supper.

Oh- I got these for my kids for Easter today. Check out the website... The words on these CD's are straight from Scripture, yet a bit more appealing to a little bit older kids than Steve Green's classics "Hide 'em in your Heart." I'm excited to get them! Thank you, Girltalk ladies for the suggestion!

A Wicked good time

We had a great time in Madison. My sister had lots of fun on the agenda for the kids. We mini-golfed, visited the library, went bowling and went to a movie. I got to catch up with my best friend from high school one evening while the kids were in my sister's care. Jake watched more basketball than I previously thought was possible between the State Tournament and NCAA Tournament.

The highlight however came on Saturday when my mom and sister, aunt, cousin and I headed down to Chicago for Wicked. It was SUCH a fun day! We were seeing green and loving it!


Lottie and I and the St. Patty's Day fountain


Lottie, Sara, Me, Mom and Char right after the show!

In which I apologize for neglect- the 18 step plan...

1. I apologize for my delinquency as a Blogger in the past weeks.
2. The ticker at the very bottom of the page is the accurate one.
3. I am at the "tree trunk," "thick middled" stage of pregnancy which feels yucky.
4. But I'm not sick!
5. Doodle was invited to go to school this morning for "Waffle Wednesday."
6. That is why I am blogging at this time of day.
7. I went out late last night and slept very hard upon my return.
8. I am still in a bit of a zone.
9. I need to get out of this zone as I need to pack to get 5 people out of the house in T-minus 8 hours.
10. Here I sit.
11. Thinking surely a milked-down latte wouldn't hurt the kidney bean.
12. The baby is kidney bean-sized this week, moving into a grape on Thursday.
13. I get to see my sissy tomorrow!
14. We are invading her house for FOUR nights!
15. It doesn't seem like I missed telling you about much over the past two+ weeks.
16. It just really flew by.
17. And I'm sorry.
18. For being a delinquent Blogger.

A Winter Wonderland

The kids spent a long late afternoon in the snow yesterday after God dumped us with a foot of fresh powder. Their specialty was "tunnel creation." Here they are with their handiwork!

Delayed Gratification

Well, a visit to my OB and an ultrasound of this peanut brought to light that the peanut is actually lentil-sized yet. Dr. Bob pushed the due date back (insert shrieking "Nooooo...) to Oct 18th, and scheduled another ultrasound in two weeks to check on the little legume. Not exactly the words I was going for. I was hoping more for, "Man, I think you're about 6 months along! No weight gain yet."

On another note, little Bella had her 5-year-old shots. She is terrified of medical procedures. It wasn't pretty, but our nurse was good and for now Bella is completely vaccinated. Hopefully at 12 it won't be quite as traumatic.

I could curl up and nap, but have things to gather for church tonight.
And a lasagna to pop in, thanks to De. What a treat! Thank you so much!!

Well, all is well at the Dahl house. Everyone (Daddy especially) is excited about the baby. Bella and I are headed to the doctors' offices tomorrow. Her to the pediatrician for her 5-year check-up and I to the OB. At least at this point we all have a great relationship with him and there is little anxiety. I'm thankful for our doctor.

Bella had a grumpy day. She has a bit of a cold and just wants her daddy on days like today, which leaves us all wishing he were here. She went to bed early, so hopefully the morning will bring a more chipper Bella.

Doodle and I have been plugging away with school. We are working hard with some high-frequency words. Reading them is easy for him, but spelling is a totally different story. A couple of times I have said, "Close your eyes and picture it," and he seems to do better. I do not learn like he does. He's got me stumped some days. I'm not giving up on him, though. The day will come too soon when he doesn't WANT to curl up in a ball on my lap and "do school just cuddling." :) I'll be sad when it does.

Noodle is doing well in school. He's been jumping rope with a bunch of other 3rd graders at recess for quite awhile now and really seems to enjoy it. Ahh, the sweet innocence. I'd like to bottle him up. :)

I'm off to bed. I'm trying to plug my way through Wicked before we go to see the show in Chicago in March. Very different book. I'm interested in how it will be done onstage.
Good Night for now...

The big news

I'm putting this ticker on the bottom of our page, so you can keep track of where we are at!

Happy Birthday, my Bella!

Our sweetheart, our valentine!
We love you so much, precious girl.
For now, enjoy the thought that all the pink and red, hearts and flowers of this day are all about you.
I won't tell you otherwise.
You are loved.
You are cherished.
You will always be our sweetheart.
We love you, Bellagirl.
(even though you're sideways and your mother can't seem to get you upright.)

A princess and Her Tea Party

Bella had a tea party with her friends this weekend to celebrate turning *FIVE*. Here she is with her fine maidens- in a sea of pink and purple...

And here they are enjoying "tea." We had juice (some had real tea- OH, the faces!), finger sandwiches, grapes and pink cupcakes! What a beautiful group of princesses! Thank you for joining us, beautiful princesses!

A little update

Ahhh... It's Friday.
It's been a weekful! We were busy every night this week. Good things, just busy.
Add together one truck that didn't start (circa 1985, windchills of
-20- it's no surprise, just inconvenient), two away games, one church night, one "working-mama" night, and parent-teacher conferences (1 parent + 1 teacher/parent)- well, that all equals one wife and one husband that didn't see much of each other!

The kids are tucked snugly in their beds. I drank a hot mug o'joe TOO late in the evening (which leaves me able to be awake for my DH's arrival home).

Tomorrow is Princess Bella's FIFTH birthday tea... We did some preparations today and I really should do a little more cleaning in the morning (but I might not- consider yourselves warned!:)). Tomorrow's the boys' last morning of basketball, though. Excuse? maybe. Priorities? definitely. :) (I'm learning, people, I'm learning!)

I really need to post photos soon. Is it bad that I think Noodle's birthday photos from a month ago (Has it really been a month?!?) are still on the camera? Ooh- I'll get on that.

G'night all.