tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75820150290115095382024-03-13T14:15:34.995-07:00Who am I kidding?Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-54274749984029984992021-10-30T08:15:00.000-07:002021-10-30T08:15:40.308-07:00Paperwork<p> Did you know when you become a parent you're signing up for a whole lot of paperwork? It starts at the hospital, where they won't let you leave until you fill out all the forms that prove you had a baby. And then it continues at every doctor appointment. How a parent could ever forget her child's birthday, I don't know, since it has to be written on three separate forms every two months (or more, if you're lucky enough to get a baby prone to ear infections). And then they start school. That's when wise parents should invest in a pallet of ballpoint pens. </p>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-48289546014669199322021-06-07T11:18:00.002-07:002021-06-07T11:18:49.022-07:00Paper<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qe-UAUF2L3c/YL5hMCULneI/AAAAAAAATBc/v0AdYJYfFYkH5KxhaE2y4RFqdNVPq_mrgCPcBGAsYHg/s4096/IMG_20210522_094509148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qe-UAUF2L3c/YL5hMCULneI/AAAAAAAATBc/v0AdYJYfFYkH5KxhaE2y4RFqdNVPq_mrgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210522_094509148.jpg" /></a></div><br /> One day my dad brought home an enormous roll of cardstock paper. As a kid it seemed unending, and we used it for anything we could think of, from school projects to giant paper dolls to race tracks. So when Lizzy and I found a big roll of paper at an estate sale for $3, it seemed like an obvious purchase. So far the kids have used it to make fantastical maps, trace each other, create a rainbow runway for a fashion show, and write out stories. I love, love, love when I can share a little piece of my childhood with my kids. <p></p>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-21689014824266261852021-05-12T12:49:00.000-07:002021-05-12T12:49:14.221-07:00Making time<p> The funny thing about me and blogging is that when I have a lot of ideas to write about here, it's because there is a lot going on, which means I have very little time to write. But when I have plenty of time to write, there is nothing to say, because not a lot is going on. Right now, for instance, I find myself in a quiet house with one napping child and one husband in a zoom meeting in the other room. The laundry is mostly folded and put away, and the cleanliness of the house is probably a 7 out of 10. (Why bother trying to improve on a 7? Three elementary children will bust down the front door in about 10 minutes spreading chaos and crumpled papers in their wake. Really, what would be the point?)</p><p>And yet, the only thing I have to say for myself today is that I played dinosaurs with Gus this morning, and it wasn't even particularly interesting at the time. So here's a cute picture of Henry, because that will make this post worth something. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nzjVbShdYNM/YJwxCe9PN6I/AAAAAAAASzM/5sNLuVYBzKoKRJILetRKkL-oRLoJ6kSQwCPcBGAsYHg/s4096/IMG_20210501_100740986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nzjVbShdYNM/YJwxCe9PN6I/AAAAAAAASzM/5sNLuVYBzKoKRJILetRKkL-oRLoJ6kSQwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20210501_100740986.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-83301821925635970742019-09-03T12:39:00.000-07:002019-09-03T12:39:03.067-07:00Road Tripping 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you ever need to drive 1,892 miles (one way) across the country, dragging six children through eleven states, I recommend finding someone like this guy:</div>
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He'll get you up well before what any sane person would consider morning, pack the car, and drive every single mile himself. He'll gas up the car and run into the convenience store to buy the kids a candy bar in order to keep them smiling. He'll pull over in the middle of nowhere to let a kid throw up (or pee) on the side of the road and not even complain about the smell they bring back into the car. He'll get you to the 4th of July parade of your childhood on time, and catch a pepperoni stick while he's there. He'll build sand castles on the beach with your sisters and teach your kids to body surf without losing a single one in the ocean. He'll take day trips to Mt Hood or Mt St Helens, leading kids through dark caves and starting snowball fights. When you say, "On the way home let's stop at Four Corners! Or Mesa Verde! Or Santa Fe! Or the Cadillac Ranch!" he'll drive hours out of the way to take you to those places and make those memories for your children. He'll make a month long road trip the Best Summer Ever. </div>
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Did I say I recommend finding someone like this guy? </div>
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Good luck. </div>
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He's one of a kind.</div>
<br />Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-55851536840358699812019-09-03T12:12:00.002-07:002019-09-03T12:12:37.139-07:00Easter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I really thought I was going to do better this year and update my blog more often. I feel like I could use the writing practice, if nothing else (because I write very well thought out clever, elegant posts, right?)</div>
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Anyway, these are the pictures I should have posted at Easter. </div>
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<br />Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-5021362863370913032019-09-03T12:03:00.002-07:002019-09-03T12:03:59.700-07:00First Day of SchoolThe two littlest are sleeping, and I really don't feel like climbing Mt Laundry right now, so instead of wasting time on YouTube, I thought I could do a little blogging. See where my priorities are?<br />
School has been in session for two weeks now and it has been good.<br />
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Lizzy is in middle school this year, starting sixth grade. There are so many things that I could say about this, but I suspect they are the things that all parents say when their oldest child reaches this stage, so I will forbear. Did you notice how her glasses are taped together? She broke them two days before school started. </div>
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Barak is in fifth grade, top of the school and cool as can be. </div>
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Sebastian is in third grade. He is excited to enter the world of state testing.<br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2T4KfSu2BE/XW61b35hV4I/AAAAAAAAMQY/Xm615_-q25E9WbR4zd1NV_AeD2c_UhmvACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF6208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2T4KfSu2BE/XW61b35hV4I/AAAAAAAAMQY/Xm615_-q25E9WbR4zd1NV_AeD2c_UhmvACLcBGAs/s320/DSCF6208.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Henry is in first grade. He does not love school so much. He tells me there is too much work involved. He would prefer to just play. Or watch TV.</div>
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Ivan started PreK. Again there are So Many Things to say about this. But regardless of how I am feeling, he is happy and loves school. He's so happy to be one of the big kids. </div>
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Baby Gus and I spend the mornings ... actually, what do we do all morning? I feel like it's time to pick Ivan up before I've ever gotten anything done. Mostly I suppose we go grocery shopping or crawl around and eat things off the floor. Anyway, we stay busy.</div>
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Aren't they a handsome bunch?</div>
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Why yes, three of them did pick out the same shirt for the first day of school. I don't usually buy them all matching clothes, but this is what they each wanted to wear. Which I think is awesome. :)</div>
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Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-12271843230762939982019-02-25T10:32:00.004-08:002019-02-25T10:32:47.622-08:00He is cute, though.Ivan and I were having an argument about whether or not he is cute. I could not convince him, so finally I asked him how he would describe himself. To which he responded, "Rich. And famous."<br />
So here is my rich and famous boy:<br />
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Hot chocolate and peanut butter toast. Living the high life.</div>
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Admit it, you'd give yourself a fake beard, too, if you had bath paints. </div>
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<br />Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-26966248909403157752018-10-24T08:28:00.001-07:002018-10-24T08:28:56.687-07:00August Tain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Monday morning I looked like this:</div>
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And then this happened at 2:15 ish. Except actually this picture was taken the next day, when all the bruising on his face was gone and he was a lot less puffy. I'll spare you the brand new, before-his-bath, newborn pictures. </div>
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Finally we were able to go home on Tuesday evening. After getting him dressed in his first outfit, adjusting the car seat belts and strapping hm in, he decided to fill his diaper, and we had to start over. Babies have great comedic timing. </div>
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The kids all love him and fight over whose turn it is to hold him. We are very happy to have our Baby Gus. :)</div>
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Oh, I almost forgot to add his stats:</div>
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10lbs 2oz</div>
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21 1/2 inches</div>
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Good, loud cry</div>
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Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-3761571766212574822018-10-24T08:14:00.000-07:002018-10-24T08:14:20.030-07:00First day of schoolSince it's been a couple of months, it's probably time to post pictures of the first day of school.<br />
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Four Washburns at one elementary school. </div>
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Fifth grade is the top of the school! Neither of us can believe the day has finally arrived. </div>
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Fourth grade</div>
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Second grade</div>
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Kindergarten</div>
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He was so excited about the first day of school. And then he spent a couple of weeks tying to talk us into letting him stay home for various reasons, or flat out refusing to go. But things have settled down into more of a routine, and he loves his class and his teacher. He has already made amazing progress this year, and I am so proud of him. </div>
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Ivan started a little preschool, too. Five of my friends and I rotate hosting once a week for a couple of hours. He wasn't too sure about it at first, but he loves having regular play time with his friends. He has started telling me, "I won't cry at preschool today," which is both a little sad and encouraging. </div>
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We are off to a great start this year!</div>
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Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-1868287233575236872018-08-16T17:01:00.000-07:002018-08-16T17:01:05.774-07:00ChristmasIt is August, and not at all the appropriate time to be thinking about Christmas, but I was uploading pictures from my camera, and I found some pictures from a couple of Christmases ago. They made me think of all the Christmas pictures we have taken over the past (almost) twelve years, and since this is my blog and I'm the only one who reads it anyway, I figured I would compile all those Christmases into one place. Even if it is August. And the first day of a new school year. And actually I should be posting those pictures instead.<br />
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2006</div>
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This is roughly our first Christmas together. We didn't actually own a camera until after Christmas had passed, but this is close enough. I think you can see the Christmas tree behind us if you squint, but don't let that fool you. We left that poor tree up until February.</div>
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Also not really a Christmas picture, but it's in November 2007. This is actually the ONLY family picture I could find from that time period. We look awful, because we were brand new parents and didn't know how easy having only one child is. </div>
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2008</div>
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2009</div>
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We look tired, because we were tired.</div>
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2010</div>
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2011</div>
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We had just moved into our first house, and since we went to Colorado for Christmas, we might not have even had a tree.</div>
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2012</div>
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2013</div>
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I could not find a complete family Christmas picture from this year, but it's the year we moved halfway across the country, and I know I was pretty stressed at this time. That's not even our Christmas tree the kids are standing in front of. </div>
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2014</div>
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2015</div>
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2016</div>
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I actually do have a family picture in front of our Christmas tree for this year, this one is just so much cuter.</div>
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2017</div>
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I thought I had a pretty consistent picture taking tradition, but looking through them all together, I can see it's pretty hit and miss. And we didn't even start taking these pictures until 2008. Oh well. It's still fun to see how our family has grown over the years. I can't wait to see what our 2018 picture will look like!</div>
<br />Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-24884403213311569072018-02-23T10:21:00.001-08:002018-02-23T10:23:55.897-08:00Henry, who is four, wanted to write a blog post with me. This is what he had to say:<br />
"I love to play with my mom. I love my mom. Sebastian is my frenemy. My heart is beating when mom is here. I love mom."<br />
He said he needed a picture to go with it, and this is what he chose. :)<br />
<img height="237" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/KcoAs8Zh10vgIB6aGXteyQ3h2IA-XwK1gl8WsPsNco6k05onu_OLXM-Gyq4d07304VdbXkC-40xt9HFd6-8fxc9bJul32jf0-l5E68WXoxlbvcPRacLGC2qC4sOnOGFo0Qvtge2mwKRK0IFiAdnwKgm2rRV_g3eMp0nSPb1GBYJ0I1PChxvcx4D4OL6fK1NEED64CCMxduPkNh2clgTQFWEE6Kx_66CqAIFB0aRQWj6IHxJZYi7CMwXLCqpTyCZP3GKajjA46UiD5Q6lPKXdAIFoLezA7uuxfNo3KQXLLIUJWIB2c-GZHr6i4dgZPKihL_DvnF8nyU0ZEtEIBCpTbVCPNyxNr2CUe8c-iCK0uv6JATTTJThf6o-UEXT3m7_qonRWGyA6Sk4ivylTwx9wHQyxMAwFHmwDkpIenHRzX0v8k77889BRymOVlawctIC1SRf9ZoGMi310KagSQF9ix9xVdPN0qLuW77Nxu-lv6r7AUYhwYm4zh28dgXh-qqmW8fSiCG_Vvhbb4FiXtfbUcw6qzxIive9mY80HZKK3KtBDfiMZpeCeTSxK62ub0tcALuoDBx_mZxjsgBnEtxj8qr8zxx5gTTzVZOIBPxg=w1191-h893-no" width="320" />Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-950712885090299612017-11-10T10:43:00.001-08:002017-11-10T10:43:57.504-08:00TreasuresToday Ivan and I went for a walk. Normally I would say that Oklahoma fails at fall colors. Dismally. In fact this is the first autumn that we have been here that I have not felt like I completely missed the season. I'm not sure whether there really is something different about this year, or whether I've just gotten used to seeing a lot more brown, but I have loved every pop of color I've come across, and I'm convinced that this has been the best fall yet. Just look at this tree!<br />
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It was a beautiful morning, in a beautiful place. Recently I've really learned to appreciate the beauty of Oklahoma. It is rather different from where I grew up, but I really do like it here. There may not be mountains or tall trees, but you can't argue with that sky, and prairie grasses make a music of their own.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GC7NTyXNgsU/WgXt_9f2RTI/AAAAAAAAGrg/NS74ektTF0wapErGvmHdalGeT3QUjkqJwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20171110_100502874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GC7NTyXNgsU/WgXt_9f2RTI/AAAAAAAAGrg/NS74ektTF0wapErGvmHdalGeT3QUjkqJwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20171110_100502874.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSFw6Vw7mEM/WgXuEbg9aTI/AAAAAAAAGrw/pX1utKDlCjAxPUz4kKyHN-nmyL4YiZ4uQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20171110_100043779.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSFw6Vw7mEM/WgXuEbg9aTI/AAAAAAAAGrw/pX1utKDlCjAxPUz4kKyHN-nmyL4YiZ4uQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20171110_100043779.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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I was a little early to pick up Henry at school, and his class was outside on the playground. He saw me pull in and ran to the fence, jumping up and down, waving and shouting, "Hi, Mom! Hi!" Pretty soon there was a whole swarm of four-year-olds at the fence saying, "Hi, Henry's mom!" I said hello to them all and gave Henry a high five, but before I could walk away to wait on the bench by the school entrance, a little boy poked a piece of bark through the fence for me. "Here you go," he said. "It's school bark." Of course that meant I received several more treasures as other classmates joined in the gift giving. I was even given a tattered leaf.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zcwyRu0UpJU/WgXuBm7oPQI/AAAAAAAAGro/xWJGf5ehwv8xBaorfb-b2S7GGTCVftlfwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20171110_121646027.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zcwyRu0UpJU/WgXuBm7oPQI/AAAAAAAAGro/xWJGf5ehwv8xBaorfb-b2S7GGTCVftlfwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20171110_121646027.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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This was probably the best moment of my whole week and made me so happy in ways I cannot express. I loved how happy Henry was to tell his friends, "That's my mom!" I loved the innocent generosity of children who were immediately ready to accept me as a friend.Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-1254873809757563122017-08-30T12:19:00.004-07:002017-08-30T12:19:22.434-07:00Barak's baptismBarak turned eight this month, and so he was baptized. :) I think he was excited about it, and I hope he felt how loved he is. Isaac's parents were able to visit us for a couple of days, and we took them to the science museum in OKC and the splash pad in town. I can't wait for our family reunion next summer, and now I'm trying to figure out another scheme so we can see them again sooner...<br />
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How we pretend we are:</div>
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The real us:<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s_qWR-qzUh0/WacPLPUqVNI/AAAAAAAAF3M/aqi8N05pvao6H5irFPuTmv5_mqEKbMrbgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20170812_133409713.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s_qWR-qzUh0/WacPLPUqVNI/AAAAAAAAF3M/aqi8N05pvao6H5irFPuTmv5_mqEKbMrbgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20170812_133409713.jpg" width="320" /></a>Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-33645045735860336552017-08-30T12:10:00.003-07:002017-08-30T12:10:30.288-07:00The first day of schoolSchool started a couple of weeks ago. I was not quite ready for summer to end, but also I was.<br />
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Lizzy started 4th grade</div>
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Barak is in 3rd grade</div>
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Sebastian is in 1st grade</div>
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Henry started Pre-K. </div>
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And Ivan is my only friend home with me in the morning. We have a good time, just the two of us, but sometimes we miss the little crazies who are at school.</div>
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<br />Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-70542120277953493282017-08-30T11:59:00.000-07:002017-08-30T11:59:14.828-07:00Giant SequoiaWhile we were in California we were able to spend a couple of days with Isaac's brother and his family. I wish we could have stayed longer. They took us to the Trail of 100 Giants, where we saw the most enormous trees. I think my soul needs big trees and the ocean. Besides my family, I think these are the things that I miss most about the west coast.<br />
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We need to convince some of our siblings to move out to Oklahoma. We need cousins nearby!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7Tei1s9p58/WacKHz__IfI/AAAAAAAAF1c/QMKalS-g5OkYtO7Vijy8pQgzU_Zys8cHQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20170621_145825558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7Tei1s9p58/WacKHz__IfI/AAAAAAAAF1c/QMKalS-g5OkYtO7Vijy8pQgzU_Zys8cHQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20170621_145825558.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-18020834158082961452017-08-30T11:48:00.000-07:002017-08-30T11:48:18.121-07:00Robber's CaveAlso this summer we were finally able to go camping at Robber's Cave. This has been on our list of things to do since we moved here, and I'm glad we finally did it. Camping in Oklahoma is very different from where I grew up. We did not need to pack any sweatshirts or long pants. The campfire was strictly for cooking and was extinguished before we were even done eating, because it was a little unbearable to sit next to it. We brought fans for the tent at night, and Isaac still couldn't sleep. We were covered in sweat all. the. time. However, there were not too many mosquitos, and the hiking was beautiful. On our second night there a thunderstorm rolled in and dumped quite a lot of water on us, but our tent was perfectly dry on the inside, and the storm brought the temperature down just a bit.<br />
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Lizzy loved crawling up these rocks.</div>
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Sebastian refused to stand with everybody else, so he looks like he's creeping up behind the tent. I promise we let him sleep inside.</div>
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I almost forgot the chickens! There were three chickens that must have lived at the campground, because they kept walking through our campsite, inspecting everything. I hope they didn't get sick from all the cheetos they found on the ground. Ivan was completely delighted and chased them every chance he got.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9z6nqdd01Dg/WacFrwc1pfI/AAAAAAAAF0w/dsbRuiO-dIIAnJE5Y_pLuCn0XFk1Y0scQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20170728_181341673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9z6nqdd01Dg/WacFrwc1pfI/AAAAAAAAF0w/dsbRuiO-dIIAnJE5Y_pLuCn0XFk1Y0scQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20170728_181341673.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Isaac and I are terrible at taking selfies. I don't think we've ever taken a picture together where we both look like normal people. But maybe that would be expecting too much...</div>
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<br />Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-81854658344123974832017-08-30T11:17:00.001-07:002017-08-30T11:17:15.223-07:00Disneyland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This summer we went to Disneyland. All of my sisters we able to join us there, and we stayed together in a house which was about a ten minute walk to the trams that took us to the front gate. I don't even know what to say about this trip. It was just so, so fun.</div>
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Dumbo was a big hit, especially with the youngest two.</div>
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The first thing we did when we got to the park was Space Mountain, and Henry... was not a fan. It was probably not the right first ride for him, and he was nervous about trying new rides for the rest of the time we were there. In fact he threw many screaming fits and refused to go on anything that he couldn't see from the line. He loved the teacups, though. I think he rode on this one at least six times.</div>
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Ivan was willing to try everything, and loved it all. He would have ridden on the Winnie the Pooh ride all day if we had let him.</div>
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The older kids wanted to do everything. Twice. I think they had a pretty good time.</div>
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But how could they not, with all their amazing aunts there?! Seriously, everybody who goes to Disneyland should bring their sisters with them. </div>
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We were there for a week, and most days we came home completely exhausted, but I think it was worth it. </div>
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We also got to see the ocean! I miss the Pacific. </div>
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This blog post is such a lame representation of an incredible trip, but it's all I have time for right now, so you're welcome.Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-90529335263144283382017-04-05T18:28:00.000-07:002017-04-05T18:28:57.920-07:00New MomIt was bedtime, so Henry was mad at me. Also, he had filled the bathroom sink with water, and I caught him before he completely finished splashing it around. I suppose he felt his anger was justifiable. He responded in classic three year old manner by hitting me repeatedly, saying, "I'm not going to stop until you're dead!" (We have a very loving relationship.) <div>
"Henry, what would happen if your mom died?" I asked him. (I'm sure he and his therapist will have a nice chat about this conversation someday.) </div>
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He just shrugged, utterly unconcerned. "I'll just get a new one." Then he paused. "Probably a stripey one," he added.</div>
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Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-13044081530249379402016-08-23T12:02:00.002-07:002016-08-23T12:02:37.149-07:00A picture's worth a thousand words.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I took this picture so that one day when my kids are grown up and gone and I am feeling sad and missing them, I can look back and remember what my kitchen floor used to look like and maybe not feel so sad that they grew up.</div>
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Excuse me while I go take some photos of the laundry room.Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-52558035791362333172016-08-23T11:58:00.000-07:002016-08-23T11:58:20.391-07:00This SummerWe had a great summer which included a lot of playing in the backyard, some fence building (still not done with that project), and a massive road trip with two family reunions. I did not take a single picture while we were with family. Not one. I guess I was too busy soaking up family time to bother pulling out the camera, but I regret that a little now. We had such a great time with such amazing people, and I wish I had something to look at now to help me remember it all. I did take a few pictures of some of the things we saw on the way, though.<br />
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We went to the Grand Canyon, and were definitely impressed. I thought we could see it and be done with it in less than an hour, but we spent all morning there, and could have stayed longer.</div>
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The vastness of it was a little hard to take in. </div>
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After we took this picture, Barak said, "I don't ever want to go that close the edge again." We were still on the regular trail, but he didn't like how low the wall was.</div>
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I think this is called the Navajo Bridge, and we've crossed it a couple of times, but never taken the time to stop. It is very, very beautiful. To me it felt like the Grand Canyon, but on a level that I could comprehend.</div>
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We also stopped at Shoshone Falls, which was incredible! Why don't more people talk about Shoshone Falls?!</div>
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And of course Multnomah Falls. Because how can you just drive past that?</div>
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Isaac did ALL of the driving. He packed the car by himself, too. </div>
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I wish I could add pictures of Lizzy fishing with her Uncles, the hikes we went on, the campfire s'mores, playing in the dunes, the kite festival in Lincoln City, playing at Chuck E Cheese, and all my favorite people, too. Maybe next time. </div>
Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-28984371325217020042016-08-23T11:24:00.002-07:002016-08-23T11:24:59.584-07:00First Day of SchoolThe first day of school is rough. Not for the kids. I completely forgot to take the usual picture until we were almost to school and it was too late, so these are from the afternoon. As I am writing this post it is 1:15 on a Tuesday and the house is very quiet. Henry and Ivan are napping, so the only sounds I hear are the click, click, clicking of my keys and the ice maker filling in the freezer. (Why is that so loud?) Usually I find a quiet house restful, but you know what? I miss my kids.<br />
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I think we need bigger front door.</div>
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Third grade, here I come!</div>
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So excited for Kindergarten, but maybe even more excited for his new lunchbox.</div>
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Too cool for school.</div>
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Just kidding. He was just in a hammy mood.</div>
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Second Grade!!</div>
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<br />Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-75494997490841557532016-08-23T11:13:00.001-07:002016-08-23T11:13:13.782-07:00Now My Butt is Even Bigger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you have a moment, you should go back and watch a video that I posted here on September 1, 2010. And then watch this one and marvel at how much my kids have grown up.<br /></div>
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<br />Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-74351975859480568902016-05-16T10:56:00.002-07:002016-05-16T10:56:57.522-07:00YellowWe have these little tabs that change your bath water different colors. Yesterday, I made the boys' bathwater yellow, and they splashed happily for a time. After awhile I thought I would tease Sebastian about the color of the water, so I said, "Sebastian! Did you pee in the bathtub?!" <div>
Without even looking up he said, "Yup." <div>
Well. </div>
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I guess that <i>was</i> a silly question to ask a four-year-old boy, potty trained or not.</div>
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Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-17787163572133773702016-05-16T10:40:00.000-07:002016-05-16T10:40:15.651-07:00This is what it looks like<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is what it looks like when your dad has an awesome lawnmower (which he has already had to fix three time).</div>
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This is what it looks like before a mud run.</div>
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And this is what your team looks like after the mud run is over.</div>
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This is what it looks like when too many kids try to ride the tricycle at the same time. </div>
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This is what it looks like when the tornado sirens go off on the way to soccer practice. (Please note the NOAA radio, the iPad tuned into a local weather station, and the scattered boxes of raisins that were intended as a team snack. Missing in this picture is the Gatorade stain that was the obvious result of allowing Sebastian to drink something red on the carpet.)<br />
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And finally, this is what it looks like when you have the world's cutest baby.</div>
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<br />Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7582015029011509538.post-87515344317156054052016-05-10T15:08:00.001-07:002016-05-10T15:08:28.086-07:00Sandbox<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ever since we moved in, we've had a hard time keeping our children from digging in the backyard. Isaac and I are not completely opposed to the kids playing in the dirt, but Sebastian liked to pick random places in the middle of the yard. A friend of mine loaned us this ladybug sandbox, which the kids loved, but as you can see, it's kind of a one-kid thing. I'm not exaggerating when I say that all four of the older kids tried to fit into it at once.</div>
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So I found some <a href="http://www.ana-white.com/2011/10/plans/sand-box-built-seats">plans</a> online, and we got a pile of wood.</div>
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We also had to buy a couple of power tools, which is awesome. I've been dreaming up new projects to use them on ever since. I did a lot of sanding, and I painted on the seal, but Isaac pretty much did everything else. </div>
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It fits our family much better. </div>
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Almost every day after school Sebastian runs outside and sits in the sandbox. Sometimes he builds sandcastles, sometimes he tunnels, and sometimes he just sits, letting the sand run through his fingers. One time I stepped outside to check on him, and I didn't see him, so I called his name. His little voice answered from inside the sandbox's closed lid. He was just lying there relaxing. Anyway, he doesn't dig up the yard anymore. Much.</div>
Katrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16781521249186399496noreply@blogger.com0