Oliviaisms

-"What matters?"

-"Seriously"

-"lame"

Before taking this photo, I asked her to explain what she was doing.  She responded, "Trying to figure out which worm is the squiggliest!"

Parenting Isn't For the Weak

Don't be fooled by this sweet, innocent, adorable face.  IT HAS BEEN A LONG AFTERNOON!  In fact, I snapped this photo as she was sitting on the porch debating whether or not to run away.

I was in need of a few things for our newly decorated guest room (photos to come soon).  We stopped by Target, and she wanted everything.  The whining and mini-meltdowns continued as we walked down every aisle.  I let them each pick out a lunchable for the last day of school.  This is a true treat in our house.  Seconds later, I gently informed her that if she complained about anything else, I would return her lunchable to the shelf.  Sure enough, there was drama over picking out a toothbrush.  I learned a long time ago that as a parent, I must follow through.  Well...that really set her off.  Her actions embarrassed both myself and Andrew.  She started screaming, "You are a mean, mean, mean mommy, and I am going to run away!"  I assured her that she would be deeply missed.  Andrew said, (and I quote) "Oli, I learned a long time ago that doesn't work."  We could not get out of Target fast enough.

I thought that such tantrums were a thing of the past.  Bummer!  Anyhoo...thankful she decided not to run away.

Andrew did tell her, "Mom is taking your last photo before you run away!"

Olivia, even in Target, I thanked God for the opportunity to be your mother.  It is a privilege to train you in the ways of the Lord.  And...I am not mean!

Tuesday night was photo night at Olivia's dance studio.  I did feel a little like a pageant mom caking the make-up on her face and plastering her hair with about a can of hairspray.  However, she loved it.  In fact, she begged me not to wash her face before bed.  

I simply love the following photos.  I couldn't decide on just one...so I posted all of them.

 Simply fantastical if I do say so myself!

10 Memorial Day Memories

1.) Listening to my children splash in their new swimming pool.  

We purchased an Intex 14ft swimming pool and installed it in our backyard (true hoosier style).  This is one of the bonuses to living in an older subdivision.  

2.) Playing a game that Andrew and Olivia made up called "anything, anything, anything."  

Together you say the words anything, anything, anything.  Then you shout out any noun.  The judge decides which word is more powerful.  For example: travel trailer or tall metal pole?

3.) Mud pies and muddy toes.

 4.) S'mores made with Reeses' Peanut Butter Cups
 5.) An evening spent catching (or trying to catch) lightening bugs

 (notice the left-over chocolate on her face from the s'more)
 6.) Listening to my parents play bank with Olivia and Andrew.
 7.) Finding a few hidden treasures in my dad's barn.
 8.) Removing a hook from grandpa's shirt AND leg.  
 9.) Biscuits and gravy for breakfast.
10.)Watching Skipper discover that he can swim.  

A day spent in the country was exactly what this exhausted family needed.

Last Week of School

It has been an incredibly busy, but fun, last week of school.  

On Monday, Andrew's class visited Grant's home.  It was very interesting.

 On Tuesday, we participated in the celebration of this beautiful, passionate, eccentric teacher.  I cried through the entire celebration.  The words spoken about her were absolutely beautiful and accurate.  I want to be Mrs. Cordes when I grow up!

On Wednesday, Scott had the opportunity to share God's word at the last chapel of the school year.

Of course, he had to explode a bottle of Diet Coke (or two).  He won countless "cool" points with this visual demonstration of the Holy Spirit.

I then walked with Olivia's class to the park for a picnic and several hours of play.

 Today, I led a team in organizing the annual Fun Day.  The super size slip and slide is always a favorite.  They both seemed to really enjoy sponge dodge ball too.  You can never go wrong with spray bottles, water balloons, sponges, and lots of water.  Based on the number of smiles, it was a complete success.

 Yes.  Andrew is looking a little blue.  He had a big ole blue snow cone.

 Then we said "see ya later" to this jewel of a woman.  Scott said, "Don't worry.  We will be dropping a few things off at your house soon."  She replied, "I will know it was you because I have a photo to remind me!"

 And we said, "See ya next year to this beautiful kindergarten teacher."

I am so thankful for these 2 woman who shared my kiddos with me this school year.

However, now they are all mine!  :)

The last 2nd grade treasue...

Yes folks!  That is a real stuffed mallard duck that has been hanging on the classroom wall for years.  It is covered in an inch of dust.  I find it absolutely disgusting, but little man thinks that it is the coolest thing EVER.  

The question of the week...Will I let him hang it up in his room?

I don't think that I can do it!  Mrs. Cordes wins!

My Sweet Scotty has hit it big!

My Sweet Scotty (and 19 other security professionals) were featured in an article in Security Systems News as the "top 20 under 40".  I am so proud of him.  I know that his momma will be too.  Here is a link to the article.
http://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/20-under-40-2012-scott-holman

What did we give the world's best 2nd grade teacher at her retirement party?!?

I have been warning Mrs. Cordes, Andrew's second grade teacher, that I will pay her back for all the "treasures" that have taken over my intentionally decorated home.  We brought out just a few of this year's treasures and took a few family photos.  We struggled with choosing just one.

 However, we settled on this one!

I had the photo printed, and Andrew used 8 (of his 159) counter top samples to decorate a wooden frame.  It screamed tacky.

How did this super positive, super funny teacher respond...
"I must say that I have nothing like this!  It is perfect!"
A real treasure for sure!  I will be sending her a bill for the new addition that we will have to add to our home to store these jewels.
On another note, my family has issues!  This photo is proof!

Andrew's Baptism Photos

It was a special day for a special boy!

I put together a display for Memorial Day/4th of July using all garage sale/thrift store treasures.    

 Olivia even participated in the decorating.  She independently wrote "Weckum" (aka Welcome) on the outside chalkboard.  So sweet!

Scott participated in his very fist mini-triathlon on Saturday.  He swam 150 yards, biked 9 miles (up hill all 9 miles), and ran 3 miles.  He was nervous and not overwhelming proud of the outcome.  I, on the other hand, was extremely proud of him.  His overall heath is at an all time high, and his motivation is inspiring.

I did have to remind Andrew and Olivia to only speak positive comments in response to their father's lack of winning because he is a winner in our book.

He just informed me that he has already found his next race.  He is driven by goals.

So proud of you Sweet Scotty!

Sunday Afternoon at Dale and Jill's House

I should have posted these photos with my Mother's Day entry. Gotta love hindsight.  We had such a fun afternoon in the woods at Dale and Jill's house.  Needless to say, I felt the need to document the day in more detail.

Brenda and the kiddos made these adorable stepping stones for me.  Their footprints and fingerprints make a butterfly.  I love them!

The kiddos were determined to feed the chickens out of their hands.  It took patience, persistence, and a lot of bread, but it happened.

Trust me...there were a number of safety steps and lectures involved in making this photo, not to mention an incredibly anxious mother.

I just may be in a lot of trouble for posting the next photo.  It is worth the risk!

Scott is showing Andrew where he hit the target!  I hope that it made you laugh too because I just might be sleeping in the dog house tonight!

Sweet Scotty and I went to see Memphis.

Scott and I had a much needed date night last Friday. We went all out and headed to the Fox to experience the Tony award winning musical, Memphis.  It would be an understatement to say that we loved it.  The music was spectacular, and the acting was dynamite.  And, my date was absolutely perfect!

Scott and I are in the process of adoption!

We have been praying about, researching like crazy, and contemplating this decision for years.  The process was officially started at the beginning of March, and we are now days away from scheduling our first social work visit in order to complete our home study.  We are incredibly excited and nervous all at once.

Here are a few of the questions that I am being asked often:

Domestic or international? Domestic

Foster care or adoption agency? A local, Christian adoption agency

Age? Infant

Race? Any

Boy or Girl? Either

Closed, semi-open, or open adoption? Open

When will this happen? It could happen as early as November or never.  A birth mother will have to select our profile.

What do Andrew and Olivia think?  They are super excited.  This has been a topic of conversation in our home for a very long time.

Have I put together the pictorial journal? Not yet, but that shouldn't be too difficult.

Have we really thought about this?  Have you met me?  :) I have thought, analyzed, researched, and prayed about this for a long time.  We are aware of the risks and potential difficulties.
 
Scott and I desire to grow our family, and God has made it very clear to us that this is His plan for our lives. His hand has been ever so present in this entire process.  Please be praying for us!

This week's second grade treasure...

That is a real cow skull folks!