Vacation 2010: Long, picture-filled post follows

To say we needed a family vacation was an understatement. I know some of you will read "need" and think I have that word mixed up with "want," but I'm here to tell you that I don't.

We'd never had a family vacation. The last time any of the six of us vacationed, Peach (who is nearly 5) was 9 months old, I was 5 months pregnant with Brownie, and Matt was still teaching. 'Nuff said!

So we packed up the car and headed to the land where it looks like you can jump among the clouds. We had a nice time on the ride there--we left at 2 am--- but the ride home was a different story. More on that in a moment.

We did several fun activities, but we did not do any activities I set out to do. Instead of kayaking, hiking, white water rafting, or horseback riding we decided on more family-friendly activities.

There was a BBQ. This gal chowed on an entire smoked chicken. I knew she liked food, but this chicken was as big as her belly. No doubt she could have eaten it all had it not been for the fact that she had to share with sisters.



At the BBQ were several kid-friendly activities such as this obstacle course that ended with a giant slide. I was proud of my Peach for climbing it all, all by herself. She did love that slide!




And of course they had pig races. That was fun to watch. I'm sure those pigs felt awfully welcome at a BBQ!



This Bug talked a gentleman into giving her a strawberry covered in chocolate. Yes, I did indulge in one too.


We really did several activities the same way we do them at home. We napped, changed diapers, did dishes, washed laundry and even visited parks. These two were quite pleased with this particular teeter-totter.


To me, the whole dang town was like a giant park. It was quite a beauty! We had to watch out for wildlife---bears, not my kids. This bear proved to be quite friendly, though!


We did do a little hiking in the mountains. Yeah, even I'm jealous looking at this picture.


We went trout fishing one day. I do not have squeamish girls to my amazement. This one was ready, net in hand. Daddy would catch the fish, and his girls would help bring them in.


These two loved to participate as well. I just happened to ask them to "freeze and pose" while Daddy was working on catching one.


In fact, here's Bug touching the fish. Every time Daddy caught one, this little girl asked to touch it. Each and every one of them. I don't even touch fish. I can hardly stand to touch it when I marinate salmon for our dinner (which is why Matt usually does it).


And here's the end prize. I believe there were 7 in all. Maybe 6, I really can't remember. We went on to cook these bad boys, but I had already vowed not to eat any. I discovered a problem I have that involves seeing my dinner alive a few hours before I plan to eat it. Not to mention I'm not much of a trout fan--usually tastes too fishy to me. But Matt said these wouldn't, still I could not muster the courage. So I got some Chipotle while the hooligans and Matt dined on fish. I have to admit, I tried it and it wasn't horrible. Matt was right--not terribly fishy.


The whole family visited an old mining town and rode an old train. It's a great trip around the mountains and the girls really enjoyed it. Here we are in front of something old. I think it was an old train car.


And of course we snapped some photos while the train was in motion. I was in charge of the two "big" girls.


And Matt was in charge of the two "little" girls.


And, yeay, another family picture. Merry Christmas, this just may show up on your card this year!


Or should it be this one? Do you think that giant fossil looks anything like Matt?
I didn't think so. This was at the Natural History Museum. The older girls are way into dinosaurs right now, so this was a great find after the planned zoo trip was rained out.

But I'm much more of a natural history museum gal than a zoo girl. I still avoid the zoo--yeah, not a good mom, I know. I take them, just not often. How many times can you see the same animals in the awful humid heat of Kansas? Not my idea of a blast!

But dead animals that look real, behind glass, in an air-conditioned building.... okay by me! The youngest speaker of our family, Bug, swore up and down these were Jesse dogs. Yes, our dog is part huskie and could easily be confused for a wolf by a two-year-old.

There were several different rooms in that wonderful museum, but I think the kids' favorite was the discovery area. It was KIDZONE! These are two of my future musicians.


And since I managed to sneak in a museum stop, you can rest assured I sneaked in a history tour as well. This is a very old house, and it was certainly cute and quaint. Of course it was staged with historically accurate details and furniture, but I found it quite charming. I was ready to have Matt build a duplicate for us to move into. It was simple, functional, and brought on a sense of nostalgia. Yes, I yearn for simpler times-- often fantasizing about decades before I was even born--- and this house fit the bill for this particular fantasy.



Just look at this little attic bedroom/play room. Excuse the blurriness, not the best lighting, photographer or camera!


And here's part of the gathering room with a family picture--not my family of course, but of the pretend people who live here. Actually, I think these may have been the real people who once lived there.


And just look at this old kitchen stuff. We were actually on city property that had a ton of old buildings open for tours. In all the ones that had "food" in them, there was always a White King container. Is it just me, or would anybody else like to have an old kitchen, with old kitchen stuff in it? This would be adjacent to my modern looking/functioning kitchen, of course.


And check out this big daddy. Not sure I'd like to trade in my modern stove for this one, but in that adjacent old-fashioned kitchen I've imagined, I would certainly have one of these things. Can you imagine using this everyday?


So, as you see, we did do quite a bit. We also swam a few times and shopped quite a bit. And we did a good amount of eating out. Breakfast was everybody's favorite. There were two places that I wish I had gotten pictures of. They both had delicious pastries, fresh coffee, organic produce, and friendly service. Specials included trout and eggs with home-fries, and an eggs benedict with a pesto hollandase twist. Yes, delicious indeed.

And so was this little diner we stopped at on our way home. It was odd because Matt and I were just talking about how we wish our part of the country had diners, and then BAM! we come across this place. Thank goodness it was lunch time because I insisted we stop. It too, was quite yummy.



And after we finished our lunch, we headed back to the car to finish our trip home. It took us 12 hours to complete an 8 hour trip; I'll let your imagination wonder what happened in those extra four hours. Overall, though, we really did have a great time. Now Matt and I would like to take a couple's vacation. HA!

A Little Bit of This...

Good news-
My sister made it safely to her destination yesterday. I just pray she remains safe for the next year-- no matter where she is!

Yesterday was a holiday for my husband--since he also took off Friday, we had a nice 4 day weekend with him. I gotta say, it was a rather busy weekend.

We had two dinners with my family in these four days-- one for Allie's goodbye and one for the 4th!

We got a new sleeper sofa. We recently sold our futon and needed some new sitting furniture. Since I have claimed all rights to the bedroom in our basement (for crafting and office stuff), we also needed some place for guests to sleep; hence the sleeper sofa. It serves both of our needs. It's chocolate brown leather and matches our few other grown up furnishings in the room (our basement rec area is made up mostly of toys and kid furniture).

Since the store where we bought our furniture was doing a buy 1 get 1 1/2 off deal, we decided to go ahead and get the big girls (who share a room) bunk beds, too. They were little more than just excited. It will be a few weeks before this is all delivered, but I am excited to get this stuff in our house and use it!

Jumping around a bit...

As you already know, we celebrated my sis and our freedom on Saturday and then said goodbye to her on Sunday. The rest of those days were spent catching up on house work--pathetic, I know. And then yesterday hit.

It was quite a sluggish day for me. No matter what I did, thought, tried, ate, drank..., I just couldn't keep from falling asleep. I really didn't even feel that tired until I sat down. Then, I would just pass out. So much of yesterday was spent with me falling asleep for 20 mins, then waking to find that my husband had somehow managed to do more in that time frame than I sometimes do during a day. Of course we all have our own ways of doing things--I guess his are just more efficient. Anyway, it was quite wonderful. One time I fell asleep knowing that I should be doing laundry--well, I must have sent an ESP message to Matt because when I woke up (on the couch) I was surrounded by folded/organized, clean laundry.

Thinking I was dreaming, I wandered into the kitchen and discovered that the dishes had been cleaned up and loaded, everything wiped down--- including the highchair. I was in complete shock and very much in awe! But I was so thankful that when I need to be less that his better half, he picks up my slack and is way more than my better half! Thanks again, honey. By the way, this pretty much lets you off the hook for an anniversary gift. But since you never really check the family blog, I'm crossing my fingers you read this after July 9th (if ever at all), and you still surprise me with at least a card--- complete with a meaningful message, of course!

Today was much better as far as energy goes, and the whole house was back into our normal summer routine. After Matt left for work, the girls and I joined other moms and kids from our mom's group for a tour of an ice cream shop in town. This ended with the girls all making their own ice cream mixes and eating them... at 9:30 in the morning. Proof that I can be a cool parent!




We then headed out to the store. Of course I chose this particular store because they have the best selection of organic produce around; they didn't today. I needed a couple yellow and/or red bell peppers---they only had green. And usually I wouldn't be too picky, but I'm trying out a a recipe for the first time-- In which case I make the dish as close to what the recipe calls for as I can. It's only after I've made it at least once that I tweak it to my liking. Anyway, the recipe is the one off the cover of the Food Network magazine. We'll be trying it later this week and I'll let you know how it goes over!

We then headed to another store and found that they in fact had organic red peppers, but no yellow. We'll survive. I was just happy to find one or the other!

We came home for lunch, playtime outside, and naps (I use this term loosely). It turns out Boushka needed some cuddles after sleeping only 20 mins. Since I couldn't remember the last time I got to stare at her while she slept, I jumped at the chance to cradle her in my arm and stare at her between my little cat naps. I'm soaking up that time because before I know it, she'll be telling me "No" and running away from me.

After naps, the hooligans (I call my kids this regularly, but it is a term of endearment) and I took a very HOT walk for about 40 minutes. By the time we got back, I looked like I had just showered. GROSS!

And my poor hairdresser. I had a hair trim appointment at 5:15, just a few minutes after my shower walk. Needless to say, I apologized-- but she was going to wash my hair no matter what anyway, right? But still, I didn't plan on going in there having just sweat it out. Since I'm trying to grow it out, she just shaped me up a bit. Here I am after the trim--excuse the bare, no make up look. That's what I wear during most of the summer.



Wow, other than dinner and some family time outside, that's my day in a nutshell. Pretty exciting. Okay, so it is exciting to me. But that's how it is for anybody who is doing what they love, and I love being a mom. All the fun we get to have trumps the downs of being a parent. We have plans keeping us busy the rest of the week. We'll be touring the fun summer stuff around town since this is about our only week where we aren't involved in some kind of class. Can we say library, play groups, and swimming?

Our Fourth, etc., etc.

There are many things to celebrate today.

The fact that I practice religion freely.

The fact that you have a right to "plead the 5th."

The fact that I, as a woman, can practice free-speech on my blog.

And by all means:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Of course this is one of the most famous lines in American history, and it is certainly a favorite of mine.

Our family celebrated the holiday with my little sis yesterday. Good thing too, because it has been raining today. We partied with music, burgers, beans, potato salad, chocolate and lemon cake (two cakes, not one) and plenty of fireworks. We were soaking up our time with my sis, a.k.a. Auntie, because today is the day she left for her mission trip.

She'll be gone for nearly a year.

While I am so very proud of my little sis, I can't help but be a little sad. Okay, A LOT sad. For now, all my sadness is sitting inside me somewhere, but come Christmas my tears will be everywhere.

Actually, I'll be sad when my girls celebrate their birthdays this fall without their Auntie. I'll cry at Thanksgiving, who knows, maybe I'll even cry at Halloween. But Christmas will be the super-awful ball fest.

I'm used to not seeing her on birthdays, smaller holidays, and even a Thanksgiving or two (I really hate not seeing her for Turkey Day). But NEVER can I EVER remember a Christmas without her. If there is one person that I have always been with on Christmas, that is my sweet sister.

I'm going to miss the way we open presents. Our shopping trips. Splitting "Santa's" list for mom's stocking. Seeing who gets the wishbone. Watching Christmas Story. EATING TONS OF FOOD! And just chatting. But I'll miss the chatting everyday of the next year.

There are a few other dates that I will miss her, but I don't think they compare to Christmas. Well, maybe one. But that's another story, another time.

So for now, I'll leave you with some pictures I snapped of us today. Please excuse any puffiness, redness, or tear-streaks.









Ah, just seeing these pictures makes me want to cry. It's one thing for me to feel sad about my sister leaving. But as a mom to those little girls in the above pictures, it adds an entirely new level to the sadness. Not only do I see the sadness in the faces of my babies, but I see it on Auntie's face when she is leaving my daughters. I hurt for them all. Maybe I'm just sensitive, but this is all new for me. So tears can be expected, right?

Well, despite my pity party I am very excited for my sister. She is embarking on what I can only imagine will not only change her life, but quite possibly define it. I don't know how she can travel all of the countries she'll be traveling to and not be a changed woman.

She'll learn more about herself and others than I probably ever will. She'll gain wisdom that some of us never have the opportunity to gain. I know she is nervous, excited, scared, sad, and happy all at once. I am too. But most of all I am proud.

Allie-
I'll think of Sista Boom Boom, Beady Beady Loopy, and WHAT (the way you say it) when I'm missing you. That way I'll be laughing instead of crying.

One last thing Allie, I just have one mission for you (of course, this is aside from the mission you are truly there for), find a strapping young chap, charm him, bring him home for approval and give me some nieces or nephews.

Ooops, I also meant to say marry him between bringing him home and giving me some nieces/nephews. I know that is more in tune with your plans.

Love ya Boom!
-Lara

Zoiks!

Yes, I actually use this expression in real life. Sad, I know!

But I say this because it was been over a month since I sat down to write... anything! And that just makes me sad. And not that I plan to do much actual writing, here's my lame attempt to show you that I have not been hibernating under a rock the last month.

I do have tons of pictures to share, but those will have to wait. They are in the process of being edited, and not to mention--- I have about 1200 to go through.

In the meantime, I can catch you up on all things Cuspy and Copelandy.

- School ended.
- Boushka crawls everywhere... finally!
-Boushka is weaned.
-Boushka had 4th ear infection in less than three months (so much for nursing for 13 months)
- Bug had several ear infections as well
- Completed teaching my class
- Painted our kitchen (we've hated the coloring for 2+years now.
- Made dinner and cake for mom's birthday
- Scheduled and canceled my foot surgery
- Peach completed soccer camp
- Loaded the whole fam damily into the van and headed on vacation for a week
- Came home with very tired and cranky kids
- Sis is home for two weeks before a year-long absence
- Brownie and Peach started swimming lessons (in the middle of it right now)
- Got the all-clear on Bug's eyes-- we don't have to go back for an entire year

And now we get ready to start our busy season. But really, I'm beginning to see that we'll have to forgo the season aspect of it; who am I trying to kid, we are always living in busy season!

Soon, July will begin. And with that comes several birthdays (including Mama's and Dada's), our anniversary, school supply shopping, ballet and tumbling classes (for the kids), art classes (for the kids). And I refuse to go much beyond July because that just means school is nearing. And I'm just not ready to let go of my kiddos yet. I'll have three in preschool this year! CRAZY! I know!

Inevitably, September will roll around and bring us into birthday mode. It seems we no more than get passed July 29th (mine and hubby's birthday) and suddenly Peach turns 5 (9/2), Brownie tuns 4 (10/2), and Bug turns 3 (10/22). And by the time I do some early Christmas shopping, I find myself sitting down to turkey dinner! And we all know how fast the time between the big holidays goes. Too fast! ZOIKS!

See, told ya' I used it for real.

Boushka's to-do list

I came across my youngest daughter's to-do list the other day. Really, I'm not surprised at the things she included. Okay, that's because I am the one who included them. Yes, I made this up. But really, it's quite an accurate description of my girl's day.

- wake up earlier than mom; nurse/cuddle/etc... whatever she'll let me get away with
- refuse most diaper changes
- NEVER let mommy set me down
- laugh at sisters
- beg for snack while sitting in grocery cart
- fuss while mom "cooks" lunch
- complain a little about napping, but give in anyway
- perfect my crawling & holding on to furniture
- get excited when daddy comes home
-point and say that
- stick out my tounge
- give mommy kisses
- eat my avocado
- rub my eyes and shake my head no
- lay my head down on mommy's houlder and pat her back
- nurse
- sleep

Gotta love her!

Happy Birthday, Boushka!

My sweet Boushka had a birthday today. She is now a one-year-old. She is still my baby, but now she is going to be my big girl. Could you say that I'm a little torn about this, um... yeah! I'm thrilled that she's growing, and thriving, and living a happy life; but, in the same breath, I must also say that I am sad to see her first year gone.

Those days shortly after she was born, the two of us were getting to know each other. I looked her over. She opened her eyes to stare at me. I loved touching her hair and her soft skin. She just loved snuggling close. She liked to be held. I liked holding her. What can I say, we are both quick learners!

I learned that she was certainly a fourth child. She loved having the her sisters' attention. She captivated us all, and she loved every minute of it.

I learned that diligence pays. We worked hard to nurse those first days, and then our time together was interrupted for three days in her first weeks of life. When we were allowed to resume normal nursing activity, we gave it another shot. Here we are today still sticking with it (even if one of us is ready to claim her body back).

I learned that I have enough room in my torso to actually have four hearts. Never in my wildest dreams did I realize that each new baby would give me a new heart, but it's true--metaphorically speaking, at least.

This little gal has rocked our world in several ways, all of which I am thankful for today. She has brightened our home. She added another (sweet) dimension to our ever-expanding family. I'll even dare to say that there is strength in numbers. The 6 of us fight the same fight, and we strive each day to make the most of our time together. And I can't help but be reminded as the anniversary of my baby's birth comes to an end that time goes by fast. Too fast.

Boushka-
I love you with all of my 4th heart! You are such a doll and a pure joy to have in our family. God has such an amazing plan, and I know that is why HE gave you to us. It feels as if you have always been a part of this family, and it is hard to imagine life before you were born. I treasure each moment with you, and I will always love you more than I know how to put into words. Someday, I pray that you will feel this undying, unconditional, pure, unadulterated Mother's Love. It truly is the best gift in all the world. Thank you for being you, sweet doll baby!

Happy Birthday. May you never want as long as you live, and live as long as you want!
-Love , Mama

We Do Get Out... Sometimes!

There are a few times every once in a while when some or all of the kids and I actually get to sneak away from the daily grind of cleaning, driving, schooling, and cooking to get out and enjoy an activity with each other!

Sometimes the younger two and I will head out to one of several play groups we belong to. On Fridays, the younger three and I can usually find something fun to do. Recently it involved a trip to and tour of a fire station.


We were able to sit in the truck, spray the water and even see it take off on a real call.

My girls and I were the last ones to part with the truck, and as I was getting my last gal out of the vehicle they received a call. My car was parked on the opposite side of the truck and I had no idea if I could cross safely before they left. I started to panic, but these calm, cool, and collected fellas said, You've got about 30 seconds to cross!" when I asked if I could cross real quick or if I should stand back. Of course it wasn't like I could just run across the path the truck was about to take. I had a diaper bag on my shoulder, a stroller, a baby in my arms, and two preschool stragglers. I did as I was told and said Come on girls, let's hurry over here so we can see the fire truck take off to go help somebody!

They were happy and eager to please, thank God!

We ran by the preschool to pick up big sis (Peach) and then we were off to our picnic at the park!

Happy to be reunited!


Being goofy with my Brownie!


Posing with her official firefighter badge on!


My stair steps on stair steps!

She loves to eat bananas!

And then she got fussy and tired.

Sometimes we need to improvise nap-time. I love this particular instance of such a time. And no, it's not Brownie who is napping. Can you see the baby?



Is that better? I used my nursing cover to shade her face and exposed belly (so not to disturb her, of course) and then I just let her rest!




Following nap/playtime we were headed for some sweet treats. To Daddy Cakes we went. These cupcakes/cakes are so delicious. My favorite thus far is margarita. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is coming from a self-proclaimed chocoholic! If you're in the area, you must try these!

Unfortunately, the only photo I was able to take on this part of our adventure was of the aftermath. There was way too much goop on all 10 hands in order for me to snap a shot of the generously portioned cupcakes we consumed. Do you see the little bit of evidence on her face?



Delish!

We then came home to lounge around in our front yard until daddy came home. Once he was home we started our Family Fun Date. Usually, on Fridays, we like to do a Family Fun Night. In the winter this involved homemade whole-wheat pizza and a game, movie, or story. But now that it's spring and the weather is wonderful to be out in...,

...ummmmm, we went bowling.


Sounds awkward, I know, but our intentions were to let the girls play on game of bowling and then to visit the adjoining put-put golf. Well, the put-put didn't open until the next night. So we decided to head out to a local, favorite patio for an appetizer and drinks (sprite for the kids, a local brew for the adults). Needless to say, the kids were tuckered out by day's end.

I hope we see many more days like this one. It truly was an exciting and fun-filled day for all involved!

No Nonsense!

This is not just a picture of my back yard. This is where I begin my very short story about me being a no nonsense mom. I know it seems random, but just follow along closely because this may be too stream of conscious for some of you, at least those of you who don't spend much time in my head. Good luck!



We were having a normal, run around the yard kind of evening the other night. Everyone was scattered across the yard playing with whatever it was they wanted to play with. Even Dad got in on the action with Boushka in arms.


The kid zone was abuzz with wild, running children screams.

Skipping from one activity to the next as if they were practicing the ADD they may have inherited from me (no, my case is not confirmed, just self-diagnosed).

Singing silly songs.

Laughing loudly.

Chasing cheese-covered chatter-boxes.


Oh, except for her. You see, this little one can't won't walk. She is perfectly content to scream until she is held.

To ride solo on your shoulder.

Sit, wrapped in your arms.

Or perched on her grassy throne saying, "Mama, take a picture of my yummy toes in the grass!"

I oblige.




Seriously, look at that face. Wouldn't you be happy and willing to please this cuteness?

Well, it may be true that I have a bad habit. I have little strength when it comes to my girls. Sure, I'm a no nonsense kind of mom.

They know (or are starting to know) that I can sniff out a lie from a mile away.

They don't bother with arguing--most of the time.

They know the chores they are expected to assist me or daddy with.

But they also know that a smile goes a long way with me.



Yep, I've been suckered by this face! And her little freckles on her nose-- they totally help her plead her case, you know, when she's making one.



And this one has me wrapped. Some nights I think I may be able to sneak away from her crib after a hug, kiss and back rub; but oh no. All she has to say is, "Rock me?" and bat her sweet eyes and I'm mush.

A softie.

A spoiler.

A bad parent? No, just easy when I choose to be!


And would ya look at this one? There's just something about her pout.

Her big brown eyes.

Her smile.

Yeah, it gets me, too! She has such a sweet way about her. The kind of sweet way where she just comes up to me randomly and says, "Mama, I wuv you!!" as she puckers her lips for a kiss.

Simply irresistible! Except, of course, when I'm being no nonsense mom! Then I'm totally focused and never cave (nudge, nudge; wink, wink).