Frick Family Five

2012-01-09T18:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas Festivities

Here are several photos from Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Christmas Night. We got to see so many family members, and that was our favorite part!

Grammy and her boys on Christmas Eve

Grandma Virginia is laughing at Dad's smile :)

We got to see Brad and Carissa for Christmas! (And Chuck and Blair).

Me, Mommy, and Sissy

Sher, Jon, and sweet, sweet Peaches before bedtime Christmas Eve. Aaahhhh........

Santa came! What a miracle...

The best Christmas gifts I've ever received. Totally serious.

Christmas Day at Mom's. It looks snowy in the background. ?!?!?! We wished.

Coughenour/Kramer cousins - Jaylene, Jenny (due in April), me, and Carrie

Cammy and Carrie Christmas Morn.

Christmas Night at Christie and Todd's house for the Fricks' Christmas! What a way to end our day - the kids all had SO much fun together!

Precious cousins all opening gifts together.

Someone said, "A little of Amy and little of Phil".... get it?

Christmas Dinner - probably the best turkey I've ever had. Seriously.

Every year I grow more and more gracious for what our families and ourselves have. We 'adopt' 2 or 3 children every year that just want simple things like hair ribbons or games. I love teaching my children about being gracious and that it's far more important to give to others rather than receive for themselves. I think Sheridan really got it this year, and it's the first year Ethan has been able to understand it. Sher loved picking out things for other kids who were less fortunate. I love that my kids are getting old enough to grasp empathy and compassion for others. I think, hopefully, it will pave the way for more kind-hearted, selfless, sympathetic adults. We need a little more of that in this world.

2011-12-17T05:01:00.001-08:00

Preschool Program

There is nothing cuter than watching preschoolers sing Christmas songs. Thank goodness the program was short and sweet (considering the average attention span was counted in seconds).

Walking in....

...lining up....

....beginning to sing....inserting hands under shirt to rub belly...

...spotted Mommy.....hands still rubbing belly....

Thrilled to be sitting on Santa's lap. :) Actually, he later on realized his blunder of refusing to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas and wanted to go back.

Merry Christmas everybody! The next posts will be of Christmas Day!

2011-12-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

Candy Day at Deb's

I know you've all been dying to hear about candy day. Ha. OK, most of you don't even know we do it, but let me educate you. Grandma Bettye (the lovely lady on the left) started the tradition in 1966 - she did it by herself while her mother washed all the dishes. After several years the daughter and daughter-in-law got coerced (Mom and Aunt Debbie), then they had daughters (Amy, Carrie, and Jaylene) who were also coerced. Also the sons got married and now the sisters-in-law are involved by no choice of their own - the Queens apparently needed more Workers to slave over the tedious task of dipping. I digress. Now I have a daughter (Sheridan) who started helping last year. Fourth generation candy-makers! Move over Russell Stover!

Anyway, Aunt Debbie and Mom decided that a hierarchy was in order - she divided us into "Queen Bees" and "Worker Bees". Here's how it works: the Queen Bees (Grandma, Mom, and Deb) stand around and direct kitchen traffic, test consistency, and manage quality control. The Worker Bees do everything else. HA! That's how the Queens would like it but there are more Workers, and if we go on strike, they have to do the dipping....the lowliest job in the kitchen. By the way, gold trim on the apron labels you a Queen, red is Worker. I tried to switch this year, being the eldest grandchild, but got caught and was handed back the red. :)

This is WAY too long but fun to type at any rate. Here are pictures....

Cammy helping me crush pretzels for pretzel bark, one of my favorites this year.

Sheridan felt bad for Debbie's horses and gave them apples and horse cookies. I love her outfit!

Worker Bees dipping. The smiles are fake.

Mom and Deb gave in at the very end of the day and helped dip pretzels.

The children, boyfriends, and husbands just meander around all day, playing with toys, playing cards, and hoping to sneak several peanut butter balls when no one's watching.

2011-11-27T20:15:00.000-08:00

Many Thanks

We had two Thanksgivings this year - one with my family the Sunday before, and the other with Judy and Phil on Thanksgiving Day. Let me tell you, I could not be luckier to have the families I do. I just happened to be born into a really awesome family, and then I married into another great family. I try to keep this in mind as I hear all the awful things that happen all around me. And I am truly thankful.

Here sit Taylor and my Mother, the Wild Huntress (inside joke). Mom fixed a brunch to die for. She brought and prepared all the food. All I had to do was host! It was SO good, Mom, thank you again for all you did!

Aunt Carrie singing Thomas the Train songs. Because I simply refuse to do it anymore. :)

.........Thanksgiving Day...........

Ethan and Sheridan were both a BIG help setting the table! Ethan said, "we have to do it proper 'cause Juju's here." Actually I was the one who told him it had to be proper!

It was a gorgeous afternoon, so after our Thanksgiving meal we went to the park for awhile.

2011-11-13T01:34:00.000-08:00

Hermann

Phil has two good buddies, Brian and Craig, and they both have really cool girlfriends, Tiffany and Jill. So, we all loaded up and zoomed to Hermann last weekend. It was an awesome-good time and the leaves and fall color were still kickin'! We miss you, Turi and Nate! We've been to Hermann with Turi and Nate numerous times. But no matter who we take, there is always good wine, excellent friends, lots of laughs, and more German sausage and cheese curds that one person should consume at one time. Trust me.

In order: Brian and Tiff, Phil and I, Craig and Jill. This is at Oak Glenn Winery. All of our Hermann wine groupies (Turi and Nate included) conclude that it offers the most gorgeous view and the most awful wine.

The Queens of Hermann . This is right next to the Deutscheim Museum where my great-great grandfather's picture and belongings reside. He was a judge in Gasconade County for many years. By the way, his name was Ransom Breuer, which is where we got Ethan's middle name.

Guenther and Brunhilde. The funniest thing that day was seeing Tiffany's Asian face on the honky-white German. She rocked it. Lots of laughing ensued.

Touring Stone Hill's cellar

Phil and I found a tried-and-true restaurant in Hermann called The Cottage. It is a refurbished home that displays local art and makes awesome food! The peanut butter pie is perhaps the best dessert I've ever had. Should any subscribers to my blog ever come to Hermann with us, you will be eating said pie whether you want to or not.

So anyway, we had a great time and were happy to induct more friends into the Hermann Hall of Fame. Prost!

2011-11-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

Halloween, 3-year olds, and Other Scary Stuff

First we had a bonfire for Brad and Carrie's 30th birthdays. Then later in the month came carving pumpkins and TOT'ing!

Peaches took Sheridan for many long walks.

I love this picture of my Dad.

Carving Jack!

Final products, in order of age....

TOT'ing at Grammy and Grandpa Tracy's!

Cammy was Frankenstein. And it was Carrie's 30th!

Obviously trying to irritate Grandpa somehow...

Found the cand bowl at Grandma 'Ginia's! FYI, Evan would NOT leave his costume on, he fought it for 2 days.

Finally! Halloween night he at least wore part of it. I took a pillow case and made the bottom, then there was a head piece to go with it, but no such luck there. He looks like a homeless ghost.

Mario, his Egyptian girlfriend, Cleopatra, and the Hobo Ghost. It was great weather and we had a really good time TOT'ing with the kids!

2011-10-17T20:07:00.000-07:00

Fall So Far!

This is a hodge-podge of stuff we have done so far this fall. Halloweening activities to come!

We have had Cam over to spend the night a few times and the boys just have such a good time. Here they all are on their various battery-sucking toys. Evan is the best driver of them all, honest to God. Thank goodness for Jon and Taylor's house-building materials...we have boards and rock piles galore!

Oh my gosh, he is actually trying to run down this random cat in our driveway. You should have seen the look on his face!

Cutie

Grandpa Tracy is looking good at 61!

A rite of passage in the Kramer family is to ride in the back of the truck - dust, wind, and all.

That truck-ride ended in a pumpkin patch outside of Wellsville at the Taylor farm.

Ugh. No rain for 2 months. Very dirty.

Quick picture of Ethan and friends at his 7th birthday party. They were hanging out up in the playhouse.

Kerby Farm near Bonner Springs. We had great weather!

Carrie and Cammy came with us this year. Cam was obsessed with all the tractors and even got a ride with a driver!

Sher is still all things horses. Even lasso-ing wooden livestock from a wooden horse. :)

Our cutie boys on the little tractor ride.

He liked this pumpkin because it had a good 'handle'.

2011-10-09T05:14:00.000-07:00

Master Frick is Seven

Whew! Seven? Really? In many ways Ethan acts about 12; yet others reveal him to function on Evan's level at times. Particularly when it comes to sharing his prized cars with said preschooler, and pestering his older sister nearly to death. I am told this is normal for a 1st grade boy. We love him like crazy anyway! Happy Birthday Buddy!

**an aside to posting: Evan has jammed something tiny in the little slot where I insert my camera card to download pictures. Until it is removed I'm afraid there will be no pictures. But alas! I will request that Phil kindly oblige to retrieve the wee blaggard (item, not Evan) so I may continue my writing forthwith. (It's early and I've been reading Jane Austen).

He got a camera from Grammy and Grandpa Tracy and is now number-junkie-turned-photographer.
His beloved annual KU sweatshirt from Christe and Todd!

Sher, Kate, and Reed watching the present-opening. Kate and Reed will be SIX on the 18th!

This month was also Taylor's and mine birthdays (grammar?) Happy Birthday Tay!

*By the way, Ethan told me he wanted "nonfiction" books for his birthday. He had recently read a kid-friendly 'Titanic' and wanted more like that. Juju and Grandpa Phil got him those books and one is about what life was like 100 years ago in America. He loves it! He marks pages with sticky notes if he stumbles over a hard word or idea and then has us go over it later. I marvel at his creativity sometimes. Anyway, thanks Juju and Grandpa Phil, good choices!

2011-09-14T20:13:00.000-07:00

Lessons In Business

Sheridan and Ethan shared a good lesson in entrepreneurship this weekend. On Sunday they decided to have a 'sale'. Now, we live at the end of a half-way developed cul-de-sac; traffic doesn't come our way often. So I wanted to ease their disappointment ahead of time by telling them they may not sell much, and not to be discouraged.

Well, I felt bad for them so I took out some money and bought fossil rocks they had found. Then Phil came home and did the same. They were starting to get excited so they went inside and confiscated items like new pencil erasers, bows, a plastic tiara, silly putty, magic markers, etc.

And bless the sweet hearts of our Portuguese neighbors - Maria bought the tiara and bows for her little female dogs and Frank bought some stuff too from Ethan. Then came Tessa, Keegan, and Emma and Karol (all neighbors). They bought a few things from each child and they ended up with about $4 and $6 a piece.

Ethan learned that he had his items marked too high at first. He discovered that a baseball-sized rock was not going to sell for $15, and told me, "I'll sell it to you for your garden, Mom. You can just give me $5. Actually $2 is fine." We need to discuss bargaining apparently, I didn't even get a chance to talk him down. Ha.
Sheridan did well and presented her items with interest and ideas on how to use them. She ended up with more money. That's good business sense there. By the way, they spent over 4 hours sitting at their stations that they nailed together out of scrap wood from Jon and Taylor's house.

Anyway, my kids proved me wrong and I was happy about that. It's fun to watch them grow up and discover these things on their own. But watch that Ethan, he'll try to swindle you into buying a rock you can probably find in your own backyard. :)

2011-09-12T20:22:00.000-07:00

Ethan's soccer game

Now I've done it. I've become a suburban soccer Mom and I drive a Minivan to the games (I can't even find my van after games because there are 50 just like it). I hated the thought of this a few years ago because I didn't like that devote-my-life-to-kids-and-soccer-and-drive-a-minivan reputation that 30-something women in Johnson County seem to have. But you know what? I love it for my kids' sake. They both have a lot of fun doing it and Phil and I approach the whole thing as "bettering yourself" and "playing as a team" rather than the win/lose focus. Just don't put a soccer bumper sticker on my minivan. That's where I draw the line and Phil would actually faint from probable paint damage.

This is Ethan's first year to play. He was reluctant at first but now he loves it all and says, "Well....I'll probably play until I'm like 28 or 30 or something." He's the blondie in the front.

Discussing soccer plays? Unlikely.

On the far left...

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Sheridan's soccer game

Sher has really come around this year. She mostly plays defender but she has also carved out a nice little goalie position for herself and does a great job. (Now I sound like I'm bragging about my kids...a big no-no in my book of soccer-momming.)

In the light blue on the left...

Giving me her goalie-glove thumbs up!

So you've all heard me talk about Annie, Sheridan's best friend who now goes to a different school. They didn't know they were playing each other and so it could only end with Annie trying to score on Sheridan.

She can drop-kick now! She calls it cherry-bombing. Nice form!

Best buddies after the game.

2011-09-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

Labor Day on Grand Lake

And my 27th birthday. (That's not a typo)

Evan's favorite, driving the speed boat..

Cammy loved the boats too! It's a preschool boy thing I suppose.

Gram and Cam. My mother looks so young!

Ethan caught his very first fish on his own, look how proud of himself he is!

Proud new parents (of a 30 lb, two-month old St. Bernard), Jon and Taylor

Ethan told me that he and Daddy had gone 56 MPH. Not to be outdone, we went 60, which is terrifyingly fast on a little wave runner. Look how freaked-out he looks!

Riley and Sheridan loved Uncle Jon and his dog, and he was such a good sport about it!

Evan rode the wave runner this year which surprised me. But this is so Evan: he only whined about being sprayed by tiny droplets of water. He's such a princess!

Sheridan "training" Peaches. She was a very good girl (the dog) and is my favorite non-human niece!

2011-08-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

evvie is three

Monster trucks are the toy du jour. In his vocab they are called 'tractor-trucks'. Oddly fitting.

Oops, out of order. Later on, washing the "four wheewer"

My baby and me

Are all boys this age obsessed with Thomas? Mine were.

Cammy with cake

Grandma 'Ginia (Virginia) entertaining the birthday boy. She's so funny.

The Great grandmothers

One of Ethan's best friends and neighbor, Emma. She's just "one of the boys" to him. He says, "Mom I'm not, like, in love with her or anything!"

Cousin Reed. Who, by the way, completely soaked me in a water gun fight. Good thing my shirt was dark!

Swinging brothers

Kate on the Slip'n'Slide. With an August birthday, we've decided Evan's parties will be "water parties". We do all things water and water toys!

Sher

2011-07-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

New Mexico
(New Meh'-hee-ko)

Phil and I took a little trip to New Mexico last week, just to get away and not have a schedule, kids to bathe, or arguments to break up. We stayed in Red River, about 8000 feet up, and traveled into Taos, Dixon (wineries), and mostly out into the middle of nowhere.

View from our little back porch early one morning....

Hike down to the convergence of the Rio Grande and Red Rivers. It was hot in the canyon!

See that itty-bitty path between the two rivers? That is where we hiked down to. I actually sat on a rock in the middle of the Rio Grande. It was a 2-hour round-trip hike.

The two Rivers combine into the Rio Grande right here.

Rio Grande Gorge

Beautiful formation

Sacred mountain. And right by the Vivac Winery.

Thunderstorm in the distance

Pretty little cactus flower

Sangre De Cristo Mountains near Taos

I found a shady spot!

Volcano in eastern NM that erupted 60,000 years ago - we went down in the crater - you can see a tiny building up top that we drove up to.

View of New Mexico from the top of the volcano

Pretty Kansas sunset taken on the drive home. :)

2011-07-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

Frick Family Five & Our Not-Bummer Summer

Just a few pics of July 4th, which to me is the epitome of summer fun. Also our Colorado trip we just had was awesome. Then Phil and I head to Red River, New Mexico, next week for our OWN trip. I am truly beyond excited for this trip! Truly a Not-Bummer Summer!

Ethan firing up the water guns

Evan just likes the sprayer, finally he's past that fear-of-water age

Sheridan dousing Uncle Jon

Pampa Tracy was a bit hit with Evan

Grammy!

Cousins Kate and Reed, Sher and Ethan, all holding their ears

New Mexico pix to come....

2011-07-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

The Rockies

MAN was this a fun trip! Phil and I have been to Colorado many times but this proved to be one of the best. These pictures are also posted on Facebook (plus about 100 more) as well. Evan stayed with Juju and Grandpa Phil. We missed having him there as part of the family, yet activities like caving, mine tours, rock climbing, and long hours in the van were sure easier to deal with!

We ate lunch right here as soon as we got into Summit County!

Breckenridge carriage horses (and Sheridan asking the driver all sorts of questions)

On a gold mine tour 1000 feet into the side of a mountain near Breckenridge - it was very awesome! We learned that most men made $1 per day and that was considered good pay a century ago.

2.5 hour hike at 10,000 feet - it was one of the prettiest days I've ever experienced. We hiked through snow, mud, and water.... in June! I know!

Same hike - look how high the water is over this "bridge"....at the end of the hike it was running over the boards which made crossing scary!

The hike was more difficult than we anticipated, though this vista was our reward! The water is all run-off.

Sher and I riding outside of Leadville at this breathtaking Ranch!!!

With our cowboy chaperones, Austin and Andrew. They were so much fun!

Driving through Phantom Canyon. The kids have never seen a real cactus before. Ethan got little stickers in his finger and was so worried they were going to soak in his body and sprout somewhere else. :)

Cave of the Winds by Pikes Peak. This cave was a cool one! You can also take these lantern tours where there is no guide per se and no electricity....spelunking 1800's style!

At the tip-top of Mount Evans - 14,000 feet!!! It was cold and windy but somehow there were still plants and a plethora of wooly, stinky mountain goats.

God's creation! (Not me, the view!)

Gorgeous of view at 11,000 feet near Mt. Evans

I love all waterfalls, big and small. These beauties were everywhere!

Sher and Eth, still dry. Five minutes after this Sheridan fell in the creek after slipping on a mossy rock. She wasn't hurt and we had quite a laugh at her expense! Love that girl.

Intense greens and blues in the forest.

The second oldest fish hatchery in the U.S. is near Leadville. It was actually a very pretty, rather stately building and grounds.

Playing near a ghost town - they are everywhere where mining is concerned.

Hiking to one of the most gorgeous waterfalls I've ever seen - to get there was about an hour of dirt, rocks, slopes, and 93-degree heat. And 9000 feet elevation.

Here's the bottom of that waterfall. It was too big to fit all of it in.

Ethan wanted his picture by a little Ethan-sized stream. By the way, he lost a tooth while there and got $2 and a rock. :)

As I said before we REALLY had a great time in Colorado and plan to make it back yearly if at all possible. I continue to be sincerely thankful to have family that always helps us out and makes trips like these possible!

2011-06-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

The heat is on. Which means my spring babies will be put to rest soon and my heat-loving big kids (I'm talking plants here) will try to brave our stifling Kansas summer. This could be a potentially boring post, but the hours and money put into my garden make me give a care or two. miniature Columbine

veronica

Front 'woodland' bed

goreous purple salvia

yellow knockout rose

pure white dianthus

pink knockout rose

Beverly Sills iris

vibrant 'Mardi Gras' rose

'Firewitch' dianthus

2011-06-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

Kids' Updates

Just quick updates 'n' things....

Sheridan's art talent has suprised me. She just turned 9, and what I thought started as a typical girl's obsession with the arts has blossomed into some impressive works.
Above is a horse model she painted. It started out plain white and she made it into a Pinto. Below is a sketch with painstaking bridle detail. :)

Last day of Kindergarten and 3rd grades. Ethan wanted flowers for Mrs. Smith so we cut some from the garden that morning.

Spring has drug its feet this year. The end of May was cold and rainy. But we got a few warm days that ended with outdoor bicycle washing, minimal clothing, and an indoor picnic.

2011-06-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

TO MOM

Wanted you to see how the planters turned out. I love using antique items for flower pots - these came from Grandma Bettye's and Great-Grandma Turner's houses.

old coffee pot

large bronze pot planted with orange-bronze celosia and marigolds

hen-shaped egg basket

2011-05-18T20:04:00.000-07:00

***I can't get these to move to the end of my post, so here are 2 that Judy took that I like....

Mega-Blog

OK OK OK. I know I haven't blogged in awhile. But for pete's sake I had a butterfly garden to create! Oh and my computer crashed and was down for two weeks. It really was!

I will now catch you, my constant readers (that's a Stephen King-ism), up on my life:

In early May we celebrated four birthdays - Camden (April 27th), Sheridan (May 9th), my Mom, (May 2nd), and my MIL Judy (May 19th). PLUS we celebrated Mother's Day! I felt so, so blessed and lucky - I had all the women in my life there that have shown me what it is to be a good Mother. Moms, Mothers-in-law, and Grandmothers, you are my idols! So here we go:

My Dad with his Mother, Grandma Virginia. I really love this picture.

Auntie Taylor and Sher :)

Sher and AC

Phil's sister, Christie, and husband Todd

Opening gifts.......

Judy and Phil - Judy's bday was May 19th!

Big Boy blowing out his candle!

Sher and her strawberry pie I made

All the women in my life I love dearly for being daughters, mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers!

Yes, I made pie. Strawberry with graham cracker crust; and a very delicious lemon pie with blueberries.

Carrie provided all the entertainment we needed.

The boys learned how to drive in our yard. Only a few shrubs got run over...

2011-05-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

Easter Day

We woke in the morning to some Easter Bunny surprises (and, wierdly, a little rabbit resting on our patio). After cleaning up a bit we headed to Christie and Todd's for Easter celebration and to hunt eggs with cousins Kate and Reed.

We clean up pretty well.

The Frick cousins with Juju's Easter Bunny cake. And the head stayed on this year.

Racing to swipe some of the 36 eggs hidden in the yard.

Evan got the hang of egg seeking this year...he was happy just finding a few!

Easter dinner

2011-04-25T19:15:00.000-07:00

A little egg fun before Easter...

2011-04-25T18:28:00.000-07:00

Finally Coming Around

It felt like Spring was a little slow coming around this year. But suddenly Mother Nature hopped in her GT 500, stomped on the gas, and came screaming into KC with Carbotechs a-blazing and Dunlop Star Specs screeching (that's for you dear). Point is, a few days were over 90... in early April? Nonsense. But it happened, so there was a lot of outdoor activity THANK GOD.

Kite-flying with Emelie, who is part Swedish. Can't you tell?

I caught a blue-tailed lizard, properly called a blue-tailed skink. As you can see it dropped its tail in alarm, but I swear the tail was already off when I lifted the rock and saw him. We put him in our habitat, fed him bugs and and water, then let him go several days later, healthy as could be. Evan couldn't say "lizard", so he called him "wizard". And thus we had a dear friend named Wizard the lizard.

Evan adores following Phil around with his plastic lawn mower. And Ethan follows close behind. They just drive right behind him, concentrating on staying in the lines and wondering at their various mechanical toys.

Sheridan loves my bleeding hearts that came up this year.

2011-04-03T09:51:00.001-07:00

Of Pansies and Potty Training

These were the two things I thought would occupy most of my spring - planting flowers and potty-training my last child, who has just crept past 2 1/2. I say "were" because it would seem I no longer have to deal with potty training much. To my intense surprise (and I may be celebrating early here) Evan potty trained in just a few days. Sheridan was mildly difficult, Ethan was a very frustrating three before it clicked for him. So is it actually possible that I have one of those mythical creatures that potty trains over the weekend? Boy wouldn't that be great. Now, to clarify, he still doesn't tell me when he needs to go. I am taking him every hour or so. But he never argues, he just chants, "Potty time, potty time!" and then he just goes. For the most part he stays dry throughout the day and overnight. Now put down your hackles mothers of 2-year olds who still are wetting! He isn't completely there, but I consider it a massive accomplishment on his part. I'm sure there will be some back-tracking, and that's OK. We started Friday morning, he had it down by Friday night, and that's more than plenty to keep me happy....for now.

OK! Out to the garden to plant today! My radishes, lettuce, Swiss chard, and spinach are all up. I have new asparagus tips just poking through. I am going to plant my pansies (they can take a little frost) and some other frost-hardy annuals. AND I am so excited because I bought a magnolia tree yesterday - I've been wanting one for years! I lost a few rose shrubs over the winter as well, so will be replacing those eventually. Ahhhhhh....gardening season is here and I feel rejuvenated!

2011-03-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

Sher and Ethan spent their Spring Break week with Juju and Grandpa Phil. They apparenlty did all sorts of things, but the favorite was Wichita Zoo. And it was so warm that day! I was a little jealous... to take a whole, warm spring day and spend at the zoo? Glorious.

Juju sent these so we could see what went on. Thanks Judy! The kids really had a good time, especially the zoo and EP!

2011-03-12T06:15:00.000-08:00

Kicking off Spring Break

Friday was our first day of Spring Break and it just happened to be about 70 degrees. All three kids stayed home with me and we had a very enjoyable day! "Outdoors" was the theme and we all felt renewed and excited. Here are just a few snapshots throughout our day. Kite-flying was the highlight!

Evan held a stick way up in the air and declared proudly, "Mom, I fly kite!!!"

2011-03-03T20:31:00.000-08:00

Great Wolf Lodge

We recently embarked on our annual winter trip to Great Wolf Lodge. We go with the Kohnen family - I posted just our family pics here, Kohnens made Facebook however. :) We had an awesome time - lots of swimming in heated pools, water slides, pizza for dinner pool-side, donuts for breakfast and Cheeseburger in Paradise for lunch. Oh and the Arcade where we accidentally on purpose pulled 1200 tickets out of a broken machine.

You know what's a real eye-opener? Putting on a bathing suit in the middle of winter and looking at yourself under fluorescent lights.

Ethan and his fellow Kindergarten friend, Audrey Kohnen. Look, you can see where he put his sweet little arm around her.

Sheridan only emerged from the water to eat and breathe.

I mean to tell you, Ethan was absolutely exhausted by the end of the day!

A psychologist would call this photo "Manic" and "Depressive". My bipolar children.

I missed Sher and Phil shooting out of the Triple Twister chute, but here they are shortly after!

2011-02-12T08:46:00.000-08:00

Just a quick video of Sher riding horses - she really loves it and improves every time. The significance of this video is she was terrified of trotting this summer and is doing so much better now!

2011-02-05T06:24:00.000-08:00

The Great Snowpocalypse

I'm making fun of the media in Kansas. While it was a rather remarkable blizzard and nearly every person reading this was affected by it, I was secretly entertained by the TV and radio. The way they forecasted, it was to be the end of civilization. I'm sure people in Wisconsin are rolling their eyes at our "blizzard". Meanwhile, Atlanta gets 1/2 inch of snow the the city shuts down. It's all relative. The worst part was the kids missing 3 days of school and Phil and I missing 2 days of work. That's ALOT of family time indoors.

Well here's how the FFF coped in Shawnee, Kansas:

During it's worst; it was beautiful to watch. Remember, I'm the Severe Weather Girl.

From Ethan's window

From my bedroom window. You couldn't even see the timber line or Johnson Drive.

I have a tremendous recommendation for passing time. I found these 3-D wooden puzzles at Michael's. They take about an hour+ each and we did three. Sheridan did a shark and....

This really cool skeleton that is anatomically correct. We reviewed bone names as we put it together.

Ethan's was the hardest - a train. To assemble these you had to punch out about 50 - 60 pieces, sand them, then they give you a sort-of diagram that basically instructs you to 'figure it out on your own.'

The next morning: I think on average we got just under a foot, as you can see our lawn chairs were buried to the seats. We did have some 2+ foot drifts that covered are deck entirely and blocked our garages.

There was a cool blowing-snow pattern

Don't be fooled, it was only 10 degrees here. But at least it was bright and sunny.

Happy winter everyone! Appreciate each season for what it is.

2011-01-30T19:40:00.000-08:00

Saturday Night Party

Sheridan's best friend, Annie, is at a different school this year but the girls are still close as ever. They spent the first hour reading about cats and talking about school.

A little MarioKart to kick off the afternoon...

Carrie and Cam came over to party with us. My sister brought popcorn and ice cream. Phil and Ethan were out test-driving a Mustang at this point, so the little boys went upstairs to hang out with the Big Girls.

The two trouble-makers try to make their escape.

I couldn't believe it. We have a million Nintendo games and they decide to do Wii Fit yoga. It was hilarious. This is what I had to stare at half the evening. That's Ethan on the end.

Yep, here are the beauty queens in the morning eating chocolate chip waffles. Lovely.

2011-01-27T19:15:00.000-08:00

Introducing art and horse-riding.

Sheridan is a terrific artist for her age. She has inherited good art genes from both sides of the family - Aunt Kay, my Dad's sister; and Grandma Bettye, my maternal grandmother. Both are so talented.
So here's how art and horses tie in. Besides the visually obvious, Sheridan has started taking horse-riding lessons once a week. She is absolutely in love with her new best friend, Red, a red roan (she tells me). She loves him so much she painted a picture of him and is taking it tomorrow to hang by his stable.
I thought she might just paint him brown with a touch of red. But she said, no Mom, he has just a bit of orange in him, so she incorporated that as well.

A few weeks ago the two older kids stayed with Grandma Bettye for the day. Grandma sketched out the horses on her canvas, then Sheridan brought it home to paint. I am once again impressed that, at 8-years old, she was able to make this actually look like two distinct horses.

Sher kindly shared her precious canvas with Ethan, who was as proud as could be about his snowman he did all by himself on her easel, and with her "real" artist paints. :)

2011-01-21T08:06:00.000-08:00

Winter Blues

FrickFamilyFive has created, painted, watched, Wii'd, computed, chased, wrestled, and coughed recently. And there's been a little squabbling too. We are in the heart of winter and Phil and I are constantly coming up with things to do to keep everyone balanced and somewhat happy. Since January 1st a child or parent has been sick and coughing all night; and we've had lots of snow, effectively sealing us in our home. I think I've about reached my limit. But we do have outings planned, slumber parties, and a Super Bowl Party (for me its all about socializing).

In the meantime I have been experimenting with my telephoto lens. This is great because I can peek out my back door and take pictures a long way away!

Ev looks bored doesn't he? He actually was quite happy about his little safe laundry basket that he stays in most of the morning. Sweet. Great Wolf Lodge trip is in a few weeks - will post pics then!

2011-01-13T19:45:00.000-08:00

Winter on the Great Plains

Finally. Yet after last winter's record snow and cold temps, missed days of school and work, and weary parents and kids, indeed it is blasphemy to utter such a word. But we have waited patiently, patiently for some sign of winter. We were grateful for safe travelling weather over the Holidays, but come January 1st the Frick Family Oath (not Uncle Bill Frick's, that's not printable) was, "Bring It On!"

Winter sunset on New Year's Eve

Evan with his new riding doggy!

Our backyard. I could stare at it for awhile. It's nothing special, just a tranquil place we get to call Home.

As far as he's concerned this is the first snow he's ever seen. He wasn't thrilled with the cold and couldn't stand to have the crystals melt on his fingers....

But he did like kicking it around.

See their scarves? Those are the ones Grammy Jo made! I love practical gifts, especially homemade ones!

2010-12-31T12:32:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Marathon

Christmas Eve was spent with Phil's family. It was a particularly special occasion - Aunt Marilyn (Judy's sister) flew in from Chicago to spend the evening with us. Also Cecil made the trip with Judy and Phil - it is his 94th Christmas and that is definitely something to celebrate. It was a really nice evening; I am blessed with wonderful in-laws who, years ago, accepted me as one of them! By the way, this winter Phil and I have been together 16 years - married for over 12 of them.

Christmas Eve dinner

Sher and cousin Kate, who really looks more like her sister!

Brother-in-law, Todd, with stinker Kate, and Reed :)

Opening gifts after dinner...

The entire Johnson-Frick Family

Dearest Grampa Cecil

Phil, Judy, and Marilyn

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christmas Morning

Santa came! Sheridan wasn't really sure he would - she thought Ethan and herself fought too much lately. Thankfully they really are very good kids!

We clean up pretty well. The flash reflection from behind looks like Phil is holding a little angel. Right.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Christmas Day

"Santa" gifts at the Kramer household. This is so awesome..... see Jon's scarf? Mom knitted ALL of us scarves for our "homemade" present this year. They are SO neat - much better than your average crocheted scarf! We all got different colors and textures and were all so touched by her thought!

I swear Grandpa Richard smiles more and more every year. He actually has a pleasant look on his face this Christmas. It only took 93 years! That's cousin Heath (Jaylene's hubby) on the left.

The family was serenaded by Peyton (Jay and Heath's son) and Cammy. I don't think they were playing Silent Night! :)

The Kramer and Coughenour Matriarchs

Opening presents with the Coughenour family! This tradition has occured for the last 40 years.

Grandma Virginia's scarf from Mom. It is such a beautiful snow-white color!

Carrie and Cammy, Dad, and Jon and Taylor opening gifts! Brad and Carissa were in Wichita for Christmas Day this year - they visited Mom and Dad on Christmas Eve.

It was a great Christmas! My Dad pointed out that every year is great, but the memories seem to get better and better. How true!

2010-12-22T19:14:00.000-08:00

Glad Tidings

Pathetic. That's what my blogging has been. But I don't feel that bad about it because in its place I've been preparing for lots of time with family and friends.

A patient told me yesterday that Christmas is not a favorite Holiday of hers. She views it in the non-religious sense, which is why I think it's lost meaning for her. But she did have a good point. She asked, "Why do we wait all year to show someone we love them by buying them things because we're obligated to?" Hm. Good point. Puts the gift-giving in perspective.

Show those around you how you care for and love them year-round. Do not wait until the very end of another Season. Can you imagine how a life-time of "waiting until the end of the year" may cause regret?

So anyway, have a very loving and memorable Christmas. Hope you had a great Hannukah, Kourtney!

More blogging to come...

Here are just a few shots of us putting up the tree 2 weeks ago.

2010-11-25T06:01:00.000-08:00

Giving Thanks

When life hands you so many good things so often, it is tempting to just take those things for granted and go about daily life. One thing I attempt to do, at least daily, is remember how good I have it. There are days when I am stressed, exhausted, and rather negative in thought. I try to picture my life differently, without my family, without Phil and the kids, without gainful employment, without my house, without friends, and without hope. Only then do I realize that in the grand scheme of life, I am, without a doubt, in the best place I can be in my life. And then I am thankful for all I have worked for and been given.

On a lighter note, Ethan had to write up a recipe in Kindergarten. His assignment was to write down his mother's turkey-making recipe, as he saw it. It was so cute and so Ethan that I had to share:
"To cook a turkey, we go buy a 6 lb turkey from Price Chopper. We bring the turkey home and put it in the freezer. When my mom starts to cook the turkey she takes the feathers off. My mom then puts a little salt on the turkey. Next, my Mom cooks the turkey in the microwave for 15 minutes at 300 degrees. Finally we get to eat the turkey with bread and butter."

I am impressed. Think I may try that. I am very interested in microwaved turkey, it would be SO much easier!

Happy Thanksgiving to every important person in my life.
Amy

2010-11-17T20:36:00.000-08:00

Family Means Everything

First off, my Photoshop is down, so pictures are uncropped and unedited. I don't like that!

Anyway! Every late November for the past 40+ years my Dad has gone hunting with the guys and missed Thanksgiving all this time. Last year my Mom came up with the idea to start a family brunch tradition in mid-November so Dad can be a part of things. I host, she cooks.

I felt like this year was very special. Every single person in the family was able to come: Brad with his fiance', Carissa (the family has been dying to see pictures); Jon and the much-loved Taylor, and Carrie, Cam, and Phillip (we are grateful Phillip is back in our lives). I was very touched and kind of emotional. Family has always been very important to me. Though we kids have gone our separate ways in life, we can still find time for each other; and when that time is spent well and we create new and good memories, that, to me, is the meaning of life.

Phil and I moved around furniture and put one long table in our family room so there'd be room for everyone! I am so proud that this is my family.

Carissa and Brad - there she is everyone! They are getting married in June and it was exciting to talk wedding plans!

Carrie and Phillip - welcome back P! I was happy to note you have not changed at all. :)

The chronically-ready-for-a-photo-op Jon and Taylor. Taylor takes the LSAT soon - we have supreme confidence in you dear!

The Host and Hostess - I love doing this! It gives me a chance to use China and Silver that I rarely use.

The Queen of Brunch! This lovely Lady made ham/cheese/egg casserole, spinach and mushroom strata, coffee cake, pumpkin-chocolate chip muffines, and sausage; AND brought it all to my house! See? Hosting is easy when this is your Mother!

Evan's favorite spot among the Kramers is with Grandpa Tracy.

Cammy and Evan having fun together. Sorry, got no pictures of Sher and Eth, I think they were upstairs playing most of the time.

Thanks for a really wonderful brunch, Mom, and thanks to you all for coming over!

2010-11-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

A Little Peek at our Halloween...

Carving pumpkins always grosses Sher out, but she is also the first one to dive right in every year.

Evan thought it was funny that Ethan was trying to force his hand into the pumpkin's guts.

We met up at Grammy and Grampa Tracy's to do our Wellsville Trick or Treating. This year was "The Year of the Tails".... all of their costumes had little tails dragging behind them.
Cam is the little Angel/Devil - he is 1 1/2 now!

First we went to Gramma Batty's. Nice Kitty!

Evan giving Gramma Batty some love (instead of screaming, like earlier).

Next we visited Grandma 'ginia and Grampa Richard.

Digging into their treats!

Ev messing around with Grandpa Richard - he knows just how to cause Grandpa grief! It runs in the family.

Finally back in Shawnee, getting ready to head out and rake in the sweets!

2010-10-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

Hotdog Roast and Hayrack Ride

I posted way too many pictures. But every October we get together for Brad and Carrie's birthday in the form of a bonfire; and depending on Kansas' bipolar fall weather, Dad will pull together a hayrack ride after dark. This year the weather was fantastic and we all had so much fun!

Getting ready to leave for the farm. See my pretty mums and purple aster? Oh and my children are in the photo too I guess.

My sweet Ev

My tree-climbing child. I think she got some three-toed sloth in her (family joke).

Anything that irritates Grandpa goes, and that certainly includes a picture with Jon in the background mimicking Grandpa when he talks.

I get tired of our posed photos. So how about this?

Ethan has claimed Taylor as his girlfriend.

Rarer than a picture of a do-do bird. We haven't all been together for over 10 months!

Perpetually good photo-taking material

I thought this was different - we were on our hayrack ride and my camera did some weird flash thing... and here we are. Appropriately odd.

Me, AC, and SEF on the ride

Grandpa helping Evan roast his marshmellow.

Probably about Ethan's 3rd s'more...

Excited riders! C'mon Grandpa!

Gram and Cam - Cammy got to ride the tractor which was big stuff for him!

2010-10-12T18:07:00.000-07:00

In Search of Pumpkins...

On a little farm in Bonner Springs we scouted for big orange squash with green handles. And found some!

Kerby Farm had some small animals to pet. Evan called the geese "ducks" and the ponies "cows". Grandpa Tracy would have hung his head in shame.

Of course Sheridan was glued to this spot half the time we were there!

Our own little pumpkins

Walking in the corn field...

His new words just in time for fall, "Beeg punkuns!"

Hitching a tractor ride out to the patch.

Mission accomplished. Content and tired from lugging 20 lb pumpkins around!

2010-10-05T04:06:00.001-07:00

We Have A Potential Nudist

Sorry folks, it's not Phil. It's the toddler.

It is completely frustrating and hysterical all at the same time. Evan is a wee bit past two and has been dabbling in nudism for a few months. He at least experiments in the privacy of his crib.

At first it started with shirt removal. Well he was shy you know, had to test the waters. Then he brazenly started removing his pants, and we were finding him snoozing sans jammies (but with diaper).

But lately he has found his moxie and started going full-on nude. XXX stuff. We find him at night, sleeping completely naked. In the morning if we don't get him out of his crib fast enough, he will strip down to his Birthday Suit (you're two months late buddy) and then proceed to wet everywhere.

In addition, bathtime has gotten beyond entertaining. After toweling him off, he darts down the hall, so proud of his nakedness. It's like his own personal Discovery Channel down there. I guess when it's been covered your whole life, that would be a pretty cool thing to find. We just try to redirect with a book (full of clothed children) and hurry to get him dressed. I suppose he will outgrow it soon enough. I will bid it good riddance and miss it all at the same time! Who ever said parenthood was easy?

2010-10-05T03:51:00.000-07:00

Ethan's Buddies

This was Ethan's 1st friend birthday party. We decided to keep it small and simple. I had no idea what to do with all boys, so we mixed in a little (OK, a lot of) outdoor play, tag, pizza-making, brownies, and prizes (which contained whistles, army cars, and parachute guys). I won't be buying whistles again.

His buddies right now are Erik, Caden, and Andrew (known since birth). There were a few other boys in his Kindergarten class that I think he wanted to invite; I have observed said boys and kindly coaxed Ethan into "maybe another time". Am I a bad parent?

Making pizza...

Lots of help opening his gifts....

His friends know him well - they got him all cars and Legos!

They wanted to do crazy faces for every picture I took. I finally caved at the end and said go for it!

2010-09-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

The Cheetah Girls

....is the official team name,"'cause we're fast like Cheetahs" is what Sher tells me. They have games every weekend and she gets better with each game.

Warming up....

A little Daddy-Daughter coach time...

Throwing in....

The "Little Brother Fan Club". Inspiring aren't they.

Action shot....

Running back after congratulating the other team, Sher on the left. There's Coach Steve in the white shirt.

2010-09-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

Ethan is Six!

Almost. His birthday is September 29th, and he's been counting the days for a few months now.
What I love about birthday parties is that they're really just an excuse for all the family to gather. We have a rare situation where all the in-laws get along well so it's a pretty fun deal. I try to include pictures of almost everyone but there is so much random activity, inevitably someone doesn't make the cut. Like me, for example, because I'm always behind the lens!

I made Ethan's cake this year. Actually, Sheridan baked it, Ethan designed it, and I put it all together. The theme was jet-fighters. Or in this case, melty jet-fighters. It was 86 that day!

The opening of gifts went as expected - he tore through everything and loved it all!

Evan has a particular affinity for the men in his life - his father and both grandfathers are the front runners.

What was cool was Christie and Todd brought a big styrofoam airplane that everyone loved playing with, and it fit the theme!

Cam after cake. And Cam was after a lot of cake! :)

Sweet little cousins Reed and Kate who will, incredibly, be FIVE next month!

Krucks and Fricks all at one table

Who even knows what Jon was describing. Maybe how he was going to go shave his Jesus beard?

Sher throwing the airplane. Wait, that's awfully close to me!

Well, we were at Train Park after all....here comes one now!

Thanks to all the family and friends who came out and celebrated with us. It really, really means the world to Phil and I that three times a year you all come out to make our children feel so loved!

2010-09-08T20:24:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma

(Warning: long post!)

My Aunt Kay and Uncle Ron own a beautiful lake house on Grand Lake, and we have been going there on and off since I was about eight. It was the one chance we got to visit our cousins from Tulsa every year, and now we cousins all have children of our own. So every Labor Day the Kansas and Oklahoma Kramer cousins flock to Grand Lake with children in tow. Whew!

Oh, I just love this of Mom with Cam and Evan!

The kids loved sitting at the front of the boat whether it was moving or not.

Ethan's first dip in the lake (willingly this year), and being silly as usual.

Sheridan discovered fishing this year and it was actually her favorite thing to do! She caught about 10 fish, their total weight about 1 lb. And guess who wouldn't bait her own hook or take the fish off? No daughter of mine will do that for long!

Sher and Riley - they were so cute together! They were always hugging and having fun.

Evan liked sitting on the "boat boat boat". I spent the better part of the weekend with food in my mouth - it was how I coped with the craziness!

My sweet little one

Evan and Cam looking at the "shish" that the big kids caught.

Pretty sparkly water

Looks like some pretty serious fishing going on...

Evan and Daddy chatting about boats and water.

All the big kids - the babies were all back at the lake house asleep!

Ethan finally got on the waverunner this year, but under one condition... that he go under 3 MPH. So he did and was very satisfied.

Grammy and Sis

If you know Grandpa Richard you know this photo to be rare. He turned 93 in July. More than ever he and Grandma Virginia just love watching all their little great grandchildren run around and play.

Here is the whole crew except for Steven and Kayla, who are 11 and 13. Between Nathan, Carrie, and myself, there were 8 kids under 8, nearly every age represented!

2010-08-23T19:06:00.000-07:00

Lightning Photos
(aka ChiggerFest 2010)

The past two Friday nights (precisely at the same time and along the same paths) a light show like none other graced my presence. I got so many pictures of lightning and storm clouds, about 75, it was just plain ridiculous. So here are my favorites. I think you can enlarge them and look at them in detail, if you're in to that sort of thing. :)

This was the actual color...reminds me that fall is right around the corner with the reds and oranges

One of my all-time favorites

Just....wow.

Bolt starts in the lower left corner and stretches all the way to the right upper corner

Doh! Too close....running for the house!

So was it all worth the chiggers and mosquitos? I'd say yes. There was some serious picture-taking to be had for weather freaks like myself.

2010-08-10T13:36:00.001-07:00

First Day of Kindergarten

This morning I woke him up at 7:10 and he was dressed and ready to go by 7:12 he was so excited. He had extra time to do his hair, which he never does. He said to his father, "Move Phil" so he could get in front of the sink. :)

Sher really tried to take good care of him his first day. She introduced him to some other boys to "help him make friends". They go to a before-school program and eat breakfast there....she went over and sat by him while she ate instead of her friends so he wouldn't be by himself.

He lost his first tooth while staying in Wichita with Grandma Judy and Grandpa Phil. He bit into a sandwich and it just fell right out! Of course Juju had to dig through some chewed up bread to find it. Mmmmmm...

2010-08-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Evan!!!

Evan had his 2nd birthday party this weekend. My baby isn't really a baby anymore.
What else do you do for an August birthday besides eat ice cream and play outside in the water?
Family and good friends all came over to celebrate and play. The weather did not disappoint. There was a heat warning and never did a cloud grace our presence.

Not as messy as last year! Only because ice cream doesn't crumble! I don't have any pictures up yet of him blowing out his candles - he actually did it though. I told him they were hot and to blow on them. I think he looks SO much like Ethan at this age.

Sissy on the swing

Crazy Ethan and Drew

Kate and Reed brave the slide!

Eating ice cream cake with cousins and friends!

Opening his presents. He got clothes, toys, new books, shoes, and stuffed animals!

The kids (and Brian) played in the water afterward. Evan's favorite game was to pour water on Grampa Tracy - he dumped it in Grampa's shoe when he wasn't looking...quite funny!

Ethan on the Slip-N-Slide. What's with the cushion at the end now? Grass burns were part of the fun in the day! Today's kids aren't allowed to get hurt....they still flew past it, always out of control, and got grass burns anyway. I think that's excellent.

Tormenting poor Brian

Evvie and Cammy finally got into the splashing. They didn't like the cold water. Whatever. Look at their blubber!

It was such a fun day despite the heat! Anytime you get together with friends and family you can't go wrong. Thanks everyone for a great day! Happy Birthday little Buddy!

2010-07-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

Back to Branson

The Frick Family "Four" headed to Branson again this year. Frick Number Five stayed with his Grammy and Grandpa Tracy to give the rest of us a break (sorry Buddy but your little toddler brain is not ready for this yet).
Of course we started with Silver Dollar City; the kids had so much fun but it was darned hot and humid. Here is the progression of things:

With Ethan being almost 6 we thought he'd like the big kid coaster this year. Nope, he still loves the little one and rode it about 400 times....

....unlike Sheridan who wanted to ride Powder Keg all day. It goes from 0-60 in two seconds. Look at our hair and faces as it leaves our stomachs behind!

There was a new water ride this year - Huck and Tom's Riverblast or something horrendous-sounding like that. Basically it's an enormous water fight between boats. Sher and Phil stood up on dry land and just absolutely doused people down on the boats.

At this point we met up with Brian, Drew, and Erin Kruckemyer, and Brian's folks Marty and Alan. Yay! We took a scenic tour of the area surrounding Branson and into northern Arkansas. There was very little scenic about it unfortunately.

Mrs. Cool on the train

Marti and Alan Kruckemyer. We did get to sit in a second-level "dome" car and that was really neat!

Ethan's favorite part was the train of course.

The kids are all such good friends and get along so well! This is on Branson Landing - I highly recommend it.

Mr. and Mrs. Frick :)

What a gem of a picture. It's very difficult to interpret their orientation.

The last day we went to Talking Rocks Cavern. Before the tour we "sluiced" for gems in sand.

Looks to me like a good excuse to play in the water.

The cave goes down 125 feet and was very awesome. No old ladies to tend to this year, thank God.

2010-07-19T17:20:00.000-07:00

This week I have a guest blogger... my mother-in-law, Judy (aka Juju)!
Usually when she watches the kids it is rather uneventful. Not so much this time....

"A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to spend the evening with Sheridan, Ethan, and Evan while their parents went out for dinner. After our dinner Sheridan, Ethan, and I played Sorry at the kitchen table while Evan was toddling around. At some point he came up to me and held his finger up, which was covered with a suspicious brown substance. Well, I knew immediately what it was----straight from his diaper. My reaction was so immediate that I whirled around and knocked over my glass which contained a very small amount of red wine. That very small amount splattered everywhere - Evan's blond hair and down his tummy, on the floor, chairs, and all over my white jeans. A total disaster. I raced for a towel and paper towels to clean it all up. Sheridan surveyed the mess and said, 'As a babysitter, you could be fired.'

"After taking Evan upstairs for a bath---the only solution--I came downstairs and used a stain marker on my white jeans. At this point Sheridan asked me for some ice cream which didn't seem like a necessary request to me at this point. I told her I was pretty busy at the moment. So she and Ethan started to squabble. That was my limit. I pointed my finger at both of them and announced, "If you two don't stop fighting right now, you will go straight to bed!" Since I rarely speak to them in that manner, it was quite effective. When I came downstairs after putting Evan to bed, Sheridan and Ethan were quietly coloring at the kitchen table, perfect angels. I concluded no more drinking on the job (or at least make it white wine). I am also sure that I am no longer in the running for Grandmother of the Year if I ever was!"

2010-07-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Our Freedom

I love getting together at Aunt Debbie and Uncle Jimmy's for the big July 4th party. Rain or shine, we tough it out (usually we sweat it out). This year was rainy and cooler. We all needed sweatshirts by evening and it rocked my heat-intolerant world.
I will always love gathering with my family and friends for this event. It reminds me to greatly appreciate the country we live in; and that we have friends and family nearby whom we can celebrate with in whatever manner we please. Let us all be thankful for those who have fought and died so we can live free.

Evan: not such a big fan of all the popping and cracking. And I don't mean of my joints. But he doesn't cry, he just buries his head in my shoulder.

What Evan does love are the men in my life - Uncle Jon and Grandpa Tracy take the cake.

It's not the 4th without watermelon dripping everywhere and Kramers spitting seeds at everyone.

As we shot off rockets the parachutes landed in the cornfield. Our cousin Darren and his wife Jenny were good enough to guide the kids. AND my cousin Jaylene was good enough to take all the pictures because I forgot my camera!

Sher and Zoe Scott - she is just the cutest thing ever.

Jon and his friend, Rob, seriously kept the children entertained by doing the above continually. The little boy is Peyton Freeman, Jaylene and Heath's son - adorable!

Taylor is a natural with children. She helped Evan with his sparkler (which he clearly enjoyed) and sat with her during some loud booms!

See??? Sweatshirts in July! Unheard of!

Us with Grandma Bettye. Ethan threw in a cross-eye at the last minute - this is his sense of humor.

2010-07-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

Horse Lovin' Girl

Sheridan has a shirt that says this and boy is it true. She has been taking riding lessons with my Aunt Debbie in Wellsville this summer. Even though she fell off last week, she got right back on and rode. Yesterday she trotted in the ring, but not without a few tears and I-want-to-get-off's.

She rides Peppy, her first real horse friend. Despite his name Peppy is a nice, even-tempered boy.

Giving Peppy a little sugar. Aaaaahhhhh...

Trying to get him to trot. He did a little but she doesn't kick hard enough for him to feel it.

Backing him up!

Peppy and the others get a little shower and squeegy before being turned loose to go roll in the dirt! :)

2010-06-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

Water Babies

This year's spring-to-summer weather has gone from wet and cool to hot and dry. So my babies have been doing as many water activities as I will let them.

These two got the idea to set up the sprinkler, then place their chairs close and wait for the stinging spray. Nice crack Ethan.

Whoo!

Ethan cannot resist a chance to irritate his sister...

Evan is happy staying away from sprinklers but splashing in everything else.

Ethan and I at the neighborhood pool...

Juju playing with Evan in the pool. Phil's family came for a visit over the weekend, and since it was like 95 degrees we swam of course!

The girl has figured out flips.

Sher and cousin Kate. These are our true water babies.

Cousin Reed and Uncle Todd invented water baseball - Todd would toss him the ball from across the pool and Reed would try to nail it with all his might!

My silly Ethan, as usual

2010-06-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

Honoring Thy Fathers

On this Father's Day I'd like to give all the Dad's in my life their due.

My own Daddy, who is always glad to see me and my family. And loves the little, simple things in life. And works hard every day of his life. Love you Dad!

My father-in-law, Phil, who I can sit and talk to like my own father. Who is always there for us with good advice and encouragement. Love you Phil!

To Grandpa Cecil and Grandpa Richard - fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers. They have been on this Earth for 90+ years working hard to provide and care for their families.
And in memory of Grandpa Jim, whom I have not forgotten.

And lastly, to my Phil, who really is the best father. Don't think I take him for granted. I know how lucky I am and will never forget it!
The kids got to pick out whatever they thought Phil wanted for Father's Day. So he ended up with cloth shop towels from Evan, a hack saw from Sheridan, and a hanging work light for the garage from Ethan. I did guide them just a little, otherwise he would have ended up with paint brushes, a pipe wrench, and wheel cleaner. I love you honey!

2010-06-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

OMAHA - Family, Fun, and Freaking Exhaustion

Eating at Rivera's - very authentic and very spicy. Ethan is drinking root beer by the way - but I think the muchachos that worked there would have given him cerveza had we asked.

Happy 40th Anniversary Mom and Dad! The official date is June 20th. We all love you!

Union Pacific train - call Ethan for details of weight, fuel tank stats, and speed ratio inquiries

The Omaha Zoo really is the greatest. I can't believe the work they have put into this place. Sher and Ethan thought nothing was funnier than sneaking up on a peacock.

Getting ready to peck I'm sure

Jon and Taylor

Ethan cried because he was afraid of the train whistle before we even got on. Then about half-way through he announced (to God and everyone), "I LOVE this train guys!!!"

Here we all are, me sitting with Jon like we're a couple

The eldest Kramer men

Big, shiny fish with big, shiny Sheridan

Mom getting nervous about potential snake encounters at the Missouri River

Beautiful pic of Sher, Phil and downtown Omaha

Walking the two (aka 20) miles to the River. That's Phillip throwing Cam in the air.

The Queen and King of the Frick Family Five

The Princess, Prince, and Court Jester

2010-05-31T17:56:00.000-07:00

Trip to Wichita

Over Memorial Day weekend we visited Grandma Judy and Grandpa Phil (Phil's parents) in Wichita. We stayed busy! Saturday morning we went to Exploration Place and saw the Grossology exhibit. And it was gross. Smells, sights, and sounds to offend even my medical sensibilities. I couldn't do the olfactory exhibit where you had to guess which odor you were smelling - it wasn't flowers and perfume, let me tell YOU. The Toot exhibit was interesting; the kids couldn't quit laughing. OK, the parents and grandparents couldn't either. Anyway, there was also swimming and hanging out with family as well!

Grandma Juju opening presents for her belated birthday....thanks for the help Aunt Christie!

Sher looking at dust, dust mites, and fibers under a telescope at Grossology.

Daddy and his shadow playing on the floor.

Picture of Great-grandfather Cecil, Phil, and the kids - precious!

At the pool: Evan was less-than-thrilled with the splashing and frolicing about.

I paid Ethan 25 cents for every time he put his head in the water. The boy made out with $1.25 on the day.

A little Daddy/Daughter antics, above and below

Thanks for a great weekend Phil and Judy!!!!

2010-05-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

Talent Show

Sheridan and Annie sang in the Mize talent show today. I cannot relay to you what a big deal this was for Sheridan; well actually for me. This is something I would never have thought she would do. But she did it and we are so proud of her! They got up and sang in front of the entire grade school, teachers, and parents.

2010-05-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

Creole Night, Part Deux

Well everyone loved the first Cajun theme night so much that they lobbied for a second one this weekend. Mostly it stemmed from having watched The Princess and the Frog, which takes place in New Orleans. In the movie Tiana boasts frequently of her gumbo and Sheridan asked what it was. I explained it and said I would fix it, minus the spice. She wanted to do most of the cooking so...

Here she is cleaning the crab, much to her dismay...

Peeling and cleaning the shrimp...

Cutting up the Andouille sausage. And yes that is a huge knife but she had much instruction before-hand...
So the recipe was: shrimp, crab, and sausage gumbo - I made it with the white roux, minus the spice. It was quite lovely!

After dinner antics - unfortunately the jumping-off-the-couch pictures went over well. Why not? You only live once. Holding Evan and doing this felt like jumping ship while holding a torpedo.

Just an extra picture....Evan has discovered the freedom of undressing. We should all feel so free.

He started doing it just at the end of nap or when waking up in the morning. Now he does it as soon as he gets in bed and sleeps half naked. There are usually various items of clothing outside of his crib.... shirt, socks, blankets. Next will be pants and diapers I'm afraid.

2010-05-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

Ethan graduates from Pre-K

Last night Ethan had his Pre-K graduation. It was short and sweet, just like the kids. He is so excited to start Kindergarten in three months. He reads his word cards every night, trying to learn spelling and reading ahead of time. Hey, if he is interested on his own, I say go for it!

His best preschool buddy, Eric

I can't believe I found this...it's Eric and Ethan at Sheridan's Pre-K graduation when they were 2. Awww....

Getting his "diploma" !

2010-05-12T19:33:00.000-07:00

Kicking Off Storm Season
(AKA, I'm An Idiot)

It is May 12th. We are just now getting storms worth a poo. Unlike our exciting winter, it has been a very slow, boring spring; not conducive to much but disappointment.
But tonight the weather watchers in the family were busy texting our excitement and jealousy - it seems that I had the good stuff up here in NW Johnson County.

I started off kinda lame - the views are not great at our new house and I had to stand out in the yard under an umbrella to see anything. This is why I'm an idiot. Who does this stuff? Under an umbrella near an open field during a severe thunderstorm? So this is what they mean by natural selection... I'm apparently just lucky.

As it grew darker I captured more interesting shots.

Then the bright lightening got closer! The mosquitos were biting but I barely noticed... somehow both of my kneecaps got bitten by the way. (And when I came inside Sheridan had Bandaids ready for them. And warm water because she thought I'd be cold... sweetie).

This one was loud, even the mosquitos buzzed away...

Then there was this one just to my south and out of view. I call it "Armageddon". It was taken in pitch black but was bright enough to look like noon. And loud enough to cause me a mild panic attack. I didn't even look at my screen...I just picked up my camera, tripod and all, and high-tailed it outta there - I had tempted fate long enough.

2010-05-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

FRIENDS

Sheridan has such good friends. For her 8th birthday she had Madison and Morgan over to play during the day and they bought her a gift certificate for a pedicure - great idea! Then that evening she had some friends over that she doesn't see much - old buddies from preschool and Kindergarten. They are Jolie, Annie, and Sydney.

Yes, I actually let them jump off the couch for a picture. They loved having their picture taken doing crazy things.

They have all done gymnastics at some point...some are more limber than others..... :)

I walked downstairs to find them doing each other's hair. Fun times for Sheridan!!!

2010-05-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

Mom's Day

I somehow didn't get any pictures taken for Mother's Day. But I wanted to share what I got and how very, very fortunate I am to be me.

Phil sneaked the kids out to Earl May on Saturday and they all bought me what they thought would be my favorite flowers. This has become a yearly tradition and I love it. Sheridan always gets me something in my favorite color - purple. Ethan always reads the tag and buys the most interesting-sounding plant. This is so Ethan...he bought me "Catmint" this year because he liked the name. Evan pointed to some bright red petunias, so I got those from him. And Phil gave me a gift card so I could get my bird feeder.

I had also wanted a bird bath, which I had apparently mentioned to my mother at some point, so she got me a gorgeous bright blue one for my backyard. I love it! My sister bought me an enormous margarita on Saturday which was much-needed and deserved. :)

And though I didn't see my mother-in-law for Mother's Day, I want her to know that I value our relationship and I think it's a rare one! Truly! Happy Mother's Day Judy! You did a terrific job with your son by the way. He is so well trained. And to my sister-in-law Christie, you've had a tough job for the past 4 years but have done awesome. My niece and nephew are just the cutest!

I will never take my family for granted. I know how fortunate I am to have these women in my life, and I will never assume that everyone else is just as lucky.

2010-05-02T14:39:00.000-07:00

Spring Birthdays

The Frick Family Five hosted the spring birthdays this year - Sheridan (May 8th), Camden (April 27th), and Grammy Jo (May 2nd). There were a couple of "big" birthdays this year, so we did it up in style...cake, cupcakes, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, beans, veggies, and berries with angel food cake. The food list goes on, and so does my gravity-challenged rear-end from sampling it all.

Sheridan is happy to be eight!

Cupcake horse with 8 trick candles that didn't do their job. The frosting was irrestible though!

Present from Grandma Bettye - a book of cloth dress-up dolls that was so cute!

Cookie decorating set from Aunt Carrie and Phillip.

Patsy Cline with her new cowboy boots from Grammy and Grandpa Tracy, and guitar from Uncle Jon. To go with the boots she will be getting a saddle from Juju and Grandpa Phil so she can ride this summer with Aunt Debbie.

Sher opening presents while Juju manages multiple grandchildren.

Part of the Kruckemyer clan - three generations Marti, Brian, and Erin. What great friends these people are!

Another generational picture on the Frick side. Nice smile Phil. Sorry ladies, he's taken.

Cam Turns One!

Making a big mess with his cake, which he loved. Does it maybe look like Carrie's chin is very smooth and even? That's because I had to airbrush the chocolate frosting off her face.

The Prince on his 1st birthday. Love you buddy!

Opening his presents...

What a beautiful day!!!

Keeping the birthday boy happy by spreading dandelion seeds all over my yard.

Who turned the big 6-0?

Mom wanted to be "passed over" on her 60th birthday. It was nice of her to put her grandchildren first, but do you really think I'd let her birthday go without some sort of fuss? I'm obnoxious if nothing else. Here she is eating her birthday "cake"....

which was mixed berries on angel food cake with whipped cream.

Mom getting her present from Jon - a coupon for "date night" sometime soon. It was very sweet!

Mom and her Mom, Grandma Bettye

Grammy with a snuggly Evan

2010-04-24T18:08:00.000-07:00

A Little Cajun Cookin'
(Heavy on the Southern Accent with a little Backwoods Hick mixed in)

We wanted to do somethin' totally different for dinner. It gets old doin' the same old thing all the time. So I decided on Creole food, though we kept spice to a minimum as to not offend our mild Midwest tastebuds.
Phil bought shrimp, crab, and corn-on-the-cob. I threw it all in one pot with Cajun seasonin', salt, and lemons. Then I served it up with bread and butter on the side. And a surprisingly good dry, but fruity, Chardonnay for those of legal age. Which was two of us. There was nothin' left but cobs, shells, and empty claws at the end.

During the cookin' process I explained Southern Louisiana cookin' and Cajun food to the kids. Then we listened to DMB sing "Alligator Pie" and "Down on the Bayou" to get us in the mood.

Crab boiled for 5 minutes, shrimp for just a few. I put the corn in for 10 minutes total.

After drainin' the water I slapped the whole mess in the middle of the table.

The Frick Family Five goin' for it. Sheridan was tryin' so hard to break the crab legs on her own. We capped the night off with frozen custard. Then returned to our slightly more civilized suburban lifestyle.

2010-04-17T20:05:00.000-07:00

Weekend(s) Project

The cedar tree below has bugged me since we moved in seven months ago. It is old and quite tall - about 50 feet. But it is ugly. I know, I know, the picture compliments it due to the white snowy background; but trust me, it is an eyesore up top. I have complained and hinted about it until finally my husband and father orchestrated a tree removal most likely to shut me up.

A few weekends ago Dad came up and brought his new deadly chainsaw that looked like it could be fueled on testosterone. We had a few things against us that day: 1) the wind was blowing to the East, we would have preferred the West; 2) the tree leaned towards the house; 3) the tree was only 10 feet from the house.
Great odds I'd say.
Scroll down....

We tied a rope to the tree, the other end to the truck, which was out in the field behind the house. Due to above counter-conditions, dad notched out the tree and hoped that it fell away from the house. Dad started sawing the tree as I waited in the truck on full alert, ready for action. Suddenly Dad and Phil are yelling, "Go, go, go!". A burst of adrenaline caused my foot to basically floor it, which actually was good because the tree was starting to fall towards the house. So a few creaks and one very loud crack later...the thing was down with a fairly anti-climactic whoomp.

It took two hours to disassemble the whole tree and haul it all off. By the way, the rings were very difficult to count because they were so close together - but there were around 90.

So here is the view the next day sans big ugly tree. I then added some of my new plantings. I was too inpatient to wait several more months for another tree so....

This weekend's project was planting a 10-foot white birch, adding more perennials, and mulching. Typical me, working into the evening hours.

Finished project. Now time to rest for a few weekends. Yeah right.

2010-04-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

More Artifacts

While digging in the bed you see above, I pried up more tools like the ones a few posts down. It is becoming a bit obsessive, these items of old. This time I pulled up a few lengths of barbed-wire fencing that fell apart with no effort, and a large crow-bar type item with a lot of heft to it. There were also many, many pieces of glass. But I'm not talking regular glass; this stuff was about 1/4 inch thick - there were several green pieces (like in the picture) and several more clear pieces. I'm sure they were from large bottles or jugs.

All this was found right beneath that tree we cut down. The interesting part of this find was that the tools were actually located under tree roots so thick we needed a power saw to remove them, meaning they were about 10-12 inches down. My friend at Earl May said they are probably quite old, maybe nearing 100 years or more, based on the depth they were buried. But who really knows?

I also found these two younger items in the backyard the same day, just riding around without a care in the world. Cute.

2010-04-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

Short and Sweet
(The bulbs and the post)

It is beyond me how a bulb the size of a golfball (or a grape in some cases) can produce such a bold display of color. They're like little powerhouses that explode out of the ground every April...

2010-04-04T18:34:00.000-07:00

Easter Festivities

Coloring eggs all together. We did it the old-fashioned way with vinegar and food coloring. Who needs Paas?

Egg-dying complete

Easter morning; I've never seen them get up so fast in my life...they still look a little bleary-eyed.

Here we are all gussied up.

Brad and Mom in Wellsville for the big Easter Dinner

All the cousins - Ethan, Sheridan, Cam (11 months), Evan, and Peyton (2 1/2)

Gram and Cam

Grandma Bettye watching her great-grandchildren hunt for eggs. We had such a great day! It was windy but warm, and that's certainly a rarity around here on Easter Day.

2010-04-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

Retro Post

The Infamous 60th Birthday Party

How our evening started...this was just the beginning. Had I mentioned it was the first day of Spring?

A wonderful picture of Grandma and Grandpa Kramer, my Dad's folks.

Grandma 'Ginia and Cammy

When it was time to go early in the evening, all the men helped push the Grandparents out...and this was nothing compared to 2 hours later!

Dad expresses his true feelings about being a sectegenarian. I just made that word up.

Sher and Eth enjoying birthday ice cream.

Grandpa playing ball with Cammy and Evan. He hiked Cam's pants up to his chest.... we were all laughing at that poor baby.

This is after the Frick Family Five tried to make it home and failed miserably. Almonds and cards - who needs home when you have that? Pictured are Carrie and her boy, Phillip (across the table from Carrie trying to look at Mom's cards), then Jonner and his card prowess. Lastly pictured is Jon's Californian friend, Rob, at the back. This was Rob's first snow storm. He looks thrilled doesn't he?

Aunt Carrie and her niece.

A shot in the morning - Sheridan trying to get Uncle Jon up after his 2 hours of sleep.

2010-03-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Old Things

Today was rainy and a little cold but I wanted to get my asparagus crowns in so the rain could water them in tonight. Planting asparagus requires spading about a foot down into the ground to loosen the dirt. Then you backfill to 6 inches, etc.

While digging over a foot into the ground in one area of the garden I turned up an "X" shaped object made of iron. Then about 2 feet to its left I hit something much heavier and pulled up some sort of tool, also made of iron. It was quite heavy and neither Phil nor I could figure out its use. They were both quite rusted and probably several decades old. There was an old farm nearby before Shawnee was developed. Can you figure these out?

The other object above is a small doll arm. CREEPY. Last fall I was digging about 15 yards to the west of my garden and flipped up this little porcelain doll arm.
I feel like maybe the rest is buried close by and will come to haunt me, begging for its arm back. I would gladly give it by the way. No argument here.

Who knows what else I will dig up? I'm kind of addicted to finding more things now. I did uncover large amounts of broken pottery near the dug-out foundation of our house last year, but it was too shattered to collect. For being a supposed former pasture, I sure have found varied and personal items. I wonder if there was a house here long, long ago?

2010-03-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

SURVIVOR: Spring Sucks in Kansas So Far

(Or, My Dad's 60th Birthday)

Some would say it jazzed up an otherwise mundane routine. Others quip it threw a big cog into their weekend plans. Whichever one chooses, the story must be recounted. To what am I referring?

I'm referring to the First Day of Spring in Kansas. This glorious day brought several inches of snow, howling wind, and an entire herd of Kramers, et al, to my parents' house. Said Kramers embarked on the Wellsville Farmstead on Saturday afternoon for my Pa's 60th birthday. We had lasagna, ciabatta bread, salad, this delicious jello that Evan OD'd on, and the best chocolate crockpot cake ever made. There was fun. There was merriment. There was sarcasm and laughter thick enough to cut with my dad's 45 year-old dull pocket knife.

Allow me to now present the cast of this circus. There was Jo "How Many Gross Jokes Can I Take" Kramer, Tracy "I'm Spending My Entire Birthday Pulling People Out Of The Snow" Kramer, myself, Phil "I'm Going to Sulk All Night Because I Didn't Bring My 4Runner" Frick; then Sheridan, Ethan, and Evan, who all thought this was totally awesome.
My sister, Carrie "I've Been Up For 2 Weeks Straight" Kramer, little 11 month-old Cammy, and Carrie's new boy, Phillip "I'd Cut My Toes Off For A Toothbrush" Pearson. Consequently this was Phillip's first time to meet the family.... he had to sleep on the hard floor and had almonds stuck in his teeth all night. Way to show him a good time guys.
Lastly, let's not forget Jon "You Look Like I Smell" Kramer, and his very funny friend, Rob "I'm Stuck In Hell" Christianson. By the way, Rob, thanks for playing Name That Tune with me.
The Grandparents were also there but thankfully made it home safely earlier in the evening.

Phil and I tried to leave at 7:30 - it took us 30 minutes to get out of the driveway, and after 30 minutes of all the men pushing, my Dad towed us out. We got a mile away and plowed into a 3-foot snow drift. Dad had to come pull us out again, only for us to get stuck in another 200 yards. By now Phil was in a great mood. The minivan was left behind as we piled six Fricks into the cab of Dad's truck, then went back to the farm to settle in for a long night. Card-playing and snacking passed the time quickly, and by 1:00 in the morning, the house looked like remnants of some wild frat party; there were bodies, cans, and food scattered wherever there was room.

By morning we were the sorriest-looking bunch you've ever seen. We all awoke about 7:30 and were napping again by 9:00. Thankfully it warmed to 45 degrees later on and the snow turned slushy. By afternoon we all headed home and, other than being tired, were no more worse for the wear.

All in all it was a good time and, while I wouldn't do it again, it was fun to remenisce about old times and good times, and in general spend quality time with my family. By the way, Brad couldn't come because he fell off a pump jack and broke several ribs. He needed the rest and the sleep, neither of which he would have gotten. Pictures to come later, I left my camera in Wellsville.
Love you Mom and Dad, thanks for a great weekend!!! Happy 60th to my Daddy who hasn't aged a bit.

2010-03-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

"I Got My Garden In"

I am writing to announce that, with a lot of effort, "I got my garden in".

These words echo through my head, a distant memory from my childhood. From the time I can remember that I could remember things, my family had a garden. My grandparents had gardens. My aunts and uncles had gardens. I believe I inherited this green gene from both sides.

Friends and other family members would always ask my folks (when I was little) "Did you get your garden in?"
See, it was a race against time and weather: greens in by St. Patrick's Day, summer veggies in after the last frost. But what if there was a late frost? Too wet? Too dry? Hail? Deluge? Winter drought? You had to sneak those little seeds in the ground at the most optimal time. Anyway, it gave them all something to talk about for weeks. That's country life people. It was our way of life.

My delightful husband rented me a tiller (at my persistant request) because I was absolutely killing myself with digging and hoeing weeds. It helped a lot but my arm and back muscles are protesting today.
So I tilled yesterday, then tonight after dinner planted spinach, lettuces, arugala, radishes, and purple carrots; asparagus crowns to come soon. It was finally a gorgeous evening! I also introduced Ethan to the world of gardening and planting...just like my parents did when I was five. Ethan was a little heavy-handed with the carrot seeds - there's going to be an area of about 20 growing on top of each other. Sweet boy.

So Mom and Dad, if anyone back home asks, you can tell them "Hey, Amy got her garden in!" They will understand exactly what you mean, and they may even sympathize with my upcoming hardships!

2010-03-12T09:09:00.000-08:00

Kicking Off March

My Cereal Thief

As promised, here are two pictures of Evan sneaking cereal. I tried to get a covert photo-op but he saw me and, of course, smiled because he knows he's cute and will get away with it. I am noticing in these pictures he snatched the Corn Pops and Froot Loops. Like he's going to swipe the healthy Cheerios or fiber cereal! The boxes only fit on the bottom shelf of the pantry; I guess we'll just have to watch him like a hawk...

Evan is 1 1/2!

His mouth and feet never stop moving. He can say about 20 words and is starting to climb and stand on everything. And screech and throw and laugh and flush every toilet 18 times. We love and cherish him. He still has his dimples and his temperament is right smack-dab in the middle between Sheridan and Ethan.

Spring Break

Today starts Spring Break in the De Soto school district. All three kids are home today with me. You think I'm going to let them run around and play ALL day? Nope. First they had to make their beds, bring down dirty clothes, help with laundry, and then they helped clean the kitchen. This was all by 9:00 a.m. by the way.

THEN they got to play and all jack around together. Evan is almost out of his sock-on-hands phase and has graduated to the glasses-on-face phase. Tomorrow Sheridan will go to Wichita to stay with Juju and Grandpa Phil over Spring Break - she is excited to get to do something special!

2010-02-28T16:35:00.000-08:00

Great Wolf Lodge

Several weeks ago we decided to get together with some friends and meet up at the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City, Kansas, for a weekend. It felt like a mini-vacation; a much-needed getaway to a warmer (albeit totally fake) climate. The kids were completely exhausted by Sunday afternoon, so after a quick lunch at Panera we drove the 15 minutes home (another good part of this "vacation") and took naps.

Sher and Ethan bathed in some strange, green glow - if you had smelled the chlorine fumes you would have thought their fluorescence was genuine. Mostly I just wanted to show what it looks like inside the waterpark.

There was an enormous bucket of water that dumped thousands of gallons of tepid water onto people below.

A view of the slides - Ethan got up the courage to try the yellow one with Phil and his "girlfriend" Lauren (that's Ethan's girlfriend, not Phil's). What must she thought of him at the top when he got scared and started heading back down? At the last minute Phil practically tossed him in the raft and set off before he could change his mind. He loved it!

The other couple we met up with, Dan and Brooke. They were the most fun we'd had in awhile!

Sheridan, Claire, and Lauren swimming.

Phil in Lazy River with the kids, which is aptly named because it would seem that you lounge in a tube while your kids do all the work.

Ethan and I in the Monitoba Tub - a family hot tub that feels just like bath water.

Sheridan trying to make it across without falling in.

Messing around and just having a good ol' silly time.

The whole crew of Kohnen/Sorrell and Frick kids: Audrey, Ethan, Lauren, Claire, Emily, and Sheridan sitting in front of the fireplace before we left. Thanks guys, we had a great time!

2010-02-21T16:47:00.001-08:00

Breathe In, Breathe Out

This winter has been so trying, not anything like previous winters which were dotted with warmish days and peeks of sunshine. Not so this year. It's been continuous snow and bitter cold since Christmas, and that's not an exaggeration.

Today has been typical of this year on the outside - 30 degrees, winter storm warning, ice, snow, sleet, and wind. And no playing outside. But today was not perhaps as typical inside. We are having to find more and more to do. I got out Moon Sand, which is a wet moulding sand, and let Sher and Eth play with it all morning. Our kitchen was a mess and sand was tracked everywhere. But I smiled, cleaned it up, and was gracious that it all took up a chunk of time.

Then came the afternoon. During "rest time" (I was napping and Phil was working on taxes), Phil heard things going on in Sheridan's room, like water running and the blow dryer blowing. We thought nothing of it until the two eldest Frick children emerged about 2:30 and woke me from my nap. This was not the source of my utter frustration. The source of my frustration was the fact that they had been playing "Beauty Shop" and cut their hair. That' right.

Ethan was missing a little chunk from the front, but would be easily fixable; plus he claimed, "I was just trying to be handsome". He also reeked of Phil's styling gel.

Sheridan was apparently tired of the long bangs hanging in her face and proceeded to cut a chunk of them off. About 1 cm from her scalp. I was mortified and she was immediately tearful. I couldn't believe she had done it! After all, she is my responsible, conservative child. She also smelled of styling gel and my hairspray. It took me an hour to get calm and get things in perspective. She was in her room reading when I went up to talk to her. I calmly explained it would take almost a year to grow it back out, and we experimented with styles to cover it up. There were very few.

I have decided this is just one of those things parents and kids go through, and will be quite funny someday. I am angry at the weather mostly. If it had been nicer out, none of this would have happened. At the end of the day, nothing was truly harmed, and I am still thankful that I have children who can walk, talk, and play creatively together.

Tonight I fixed a good, hearty dinner to soothe everyone's minds and souls. Now we are doing dishes and listening to "Hotel Yorba". Life really is truly good.

Sheridan's new lovely 'do...

This is such an Ethan pout. All this attention got him down I guess. You can see the notch taken out of his hair.

2010-02-18T18:33:00.000-08:00

Books Trump Everything

Evan is in a phase where all he wants us to do is read books. Anything will do. I mean books come before everything but eating (actually this title should be "Books Trump Everything But Food"). He must have about 25 books in the family room and every night (and day and morning and bedtime) he picks out book after book to read....and we oblige him. Thank goodness Sheridan is an excellent reader and can take over for awhile, because as wonderful as it is, sometimes it's all you get done in an evening! Read on Little Guy!

2010-02-12T07:38:00.001-08:00

Domino Effect

A slight change in my daily routine today has had a more dramatic effect on my day! Today Sheridan is home with me because of parent-teacher conferences. And Ethan is at his pre-K Valentine's Party. Usually I just have the boys and neither of them are very helpful.

But Sheridan has already helped with half the housework. Evan has been a snotty, stained, feverish mess so I stuck him in the bath and asked her to watch him. Then I asked her to wash him. Next thing I know he was all clean. Then I hear this yelled from his bathroom upstairs, "MMMooooommmmm! Do I have to wash his bottom?"
Me: "No! Not unless you want to!"
Sher: "Noooo thaaaanks! You can do it! It would feel too weird!" Haha.

Anyway, then she came downstairs after we dressed him, helped me with laundry, then washed the counters and tables.

N0w it's only 9:45 and a good chunk of my chores are done! Thanks sis!

2010-02-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

The Boy Talks

I am home with sick Evan today - high fever and cough for past 2 days. Anyway, once he gets his Motrin he's in better shape and chatters away like no one's business.

We have waited for months for Evan to start talking. We waited until Ethan was 2 before he talked a word so 18 months is good enough for us!

Finally the jabber is starting to make sense, or at least we are interpreting it better. I have learned that one word has many different meanings. For instance, "ba" can mean ball, bath, or vacuum. The intonations are different though: ball is "buh", bath is "ba" with a short a, vacuum is "baaaaaah".

Anything with wheels is "cars", except for a bus, which is "bus". Light is "la-la-la" while pointing upward.

Then of course there's "mama", "dada", and "Sis". Nothing for Ethan yet though. Oh yes, and the ever-present "uh-oh" for anything dropped by anyone.

2010-02-05T09:05:00.000-08:00

Stuck Inside Again!

We are happy it's February because we know Spring is thinking about making an appearance in another few weeks. It also means I need to start getting my seeds together to start in mid-Feb. I probably will try tomotoes, zucchini, broccoli, and okra seeds, plus I usuall try to throw some perennial seeds in as well. Then in mid-March I will go ahead and plant my spinach, lettuce, carrots, and maybe peas. Gardening will be a challenge this year - I don't know what kind of soil I've got, I am nervous about the potential lack of sunlight, and we have a major deer problem. My green thumb will get a work-out this year and there will be lots of trial-and-error.

Stuck inside for another morning of playing and listening to "I'm bored". Time to get out the arts and crafts.

Taken last weekend - Evan is crazy about wearing socks on his hands. I mean for hours at a time.

Snow pics from this morning - got another few inches. It's pretty and such a quiet snow that it just floated onto anything.

Pretty winter scene in our backyard

2010-02-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

Winter Program

Sheridan's school had their 2nd grade program last night. The music teacher and a friend of hers wrote the entire thing - songs, speaking parts, dance parts, and all. AND they had to incorporate almost 100 children into it. It was really neat! It was titled "Lullaby and Goodnight. Or Not" and was about how children that age use every excuse possible to keep from going to bed. And it was so true!

Sher is on the right, between the 2nd and 3rd stars in the polka-dot robe...

We were so proud of her...she played the glockenspiel (yes that's what it's apparently called) for some of the program - again, in the polka-dot robe on the right.

Her best buddies in class, another set of twin girl friends Madison and Morgan. They are crazy about horses like she is and they formed a little "horse club".

2010-02-05T07:59:00.000-08:00

Happy 30th Jon!

Isn't he just fabulous?!

Jon turned the big 3-0 yesterday!

2010-01-17T18:42:00.000-08:00

A Little Bit of January Goes A Long Way!

Like most families in the Midwest right now, were are scrambling for things to do during days and days of cold weather. Finally! Today was 47 and sunny and we all went outside to receive warmth on our faces and fresh air in our lungs.

We still needed to dress warmly, but it was a comfortable warm, not a struggling-not-to-freeze type of thing. This is a big deal in mid-January here.

Do NOT throw snow at the photographer!

Sissy and Evan - he looks cold, but he was perfectly happy being outside after 1 month of frigid temps kept us cooped up.

47 degree temps still did little to melt our snow piles.

Sheridan wanted to help Daddy break up ice.

Our January in-door time has included many activities. Ethan put together his Lego truck all by himself.

Sheridan had her best friend, Annie, spend the night Saturday night. They both have two younger brothers and like to pretend they're sisters. They even look a lot alike!

You can't even tell who's who from the back! Sheridan is in the purple. Funny they look more like siblings than Sheridan and her brothers!

2010-01-13T20:49:00.000-08:00

OK, I'm Bored....

I just don't have much to post this time of year. So I decided to find random pictures of the kids, starting with Ethan. It's not that I favor him, he just gives me a lot of material. These are only 1/10 of what I could have posted.

Ethan is not a mama's boy. He is a daddy's boy and they do a lot of stuff together. They were actually like this when I walked downstairs!

In Galveston. His sense of humor is to smile like this for pictures all the time.

He said, "Mom take a funny one for me to look at!" Here he was 4.

Awww. Ethan was barely a week old here. Sheridan was a remarkable big sister who was never jealous.

He did it once when he was two; everyone laughed, so it unfortunately became a regular stunt.

He snatched that hat right off Grandpa's head and it just made Grandpa's day.

Four-month old sweetie-pie

Now we enter his dress and sparkly shoe phase - he was 3 and 4 for these. Sheridan would say, "And now here is my lovely assistant!" and Ethan would ran out in her dresses and shoes. He, of course, always got the reaction he wanted, which is why it continued until he was 5!

2009-12-26T18:18:00.000-08:00

Careful what you wish for...

I think Mother Nature got tired of everyone Dreaming of a White Christmas and said, "Here you go America!"

I don't think a person reading this blog went unaffected by this snowstorm. People in the East are laughing at our wimpy two-foot snow drifts, but that's OK, our mini-blizzard caused problem enough.

We went to Wellsville to spend Christmas Eve with my Mom and Dad, siblings, and grandparents; which worked out REALLY well because no one was able to get to Mom and Dad's on Christmas Day...the roads were drifted shut.

The ice storm moving in on Christmas Eve in Wellsville

Blizzard winding up to dump about 9 - 10 inches of snow and enormous snow drifts. It took us a long time to get home (complete with nail biting and Ethan playing 1000 Questions about driving in blizzards) that night.

The result 48 hours later, when it FINALLY quit snowing!

Ethan said, "Mom I'll scoop these snow drifts out of the driveway!"

Our Portuguese neighbors got stuck as much as we did trying to get up our cul-de-sac. So they towed the Odyssey up to our house, then Phil showed said neighbors what a redneck is by doing donuts in the cul-de-sac (under the pretense of "packing down the snow").

Christmas Eve

What's a little Kramer Christmas Fun without harrassing Grandpa Richard? This is what he always calls a "knuckle sandwhich".

Ethan got his remote-controlled buggy

Grandma Bettye brought out bags and bags full of awesome presents!!! Thanks Grandma!

Brad and Carissa were lucky enough to make it to Wellsville that evening before heading on to Wichita

Grammy and Evan (and Evan's messy face)

Sheridan got her horse stable from Grammy and Grandpa Tracy. Excited is an understatement!

I made them take this picture three times because Grandpa was scowling so badly in the 1st two. They gave us all scarves, mittens, and baked goods - Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Little Cammy (8 months)

Jon, Gramma 'ginia, and Sissy

Christmas Day

Bikes from Santa...

We had the Frick Family over for Christmas Day this year. Here is Grandpa Cecil with Evan (who was being a good sport about pictures so had several taken). This is Cecil's 93rd Christmas.

The whole crew: Todd, Christie (Phil's sister), Phil III, Phil IV, Evan and myself; Kate, Sheridan, Cecil, Judy, Reed, and Ethan

Dancing to Trans-Siberian Orchestra with Juju

All the darling Grandchildren....

Opening presents

Grandpa Phil with Evan

Aaahhhh. Sitting down after a long day of cooking, eating, and celebrating. What a great life we have. I am sincerely grateful for the good things that have happened to me. I look at the bad things as a way of keeping me from taking those good things for granted. Somehow, despite nasty weather, we still got to see every single family member and spend time with loved ones.

2009-12-20T18:55:00.000-08:00

Fun Weekend

This weekend Juju and Grandpa Phil (Phil's parents) came up for Phil's 35th birthday. In that time the grandparents: read to grandkids, played with grandkids, brought millions of presents, and made gingerbread houses...

Reading a noisy Thomas the Train book. Kate and Reed (4-year old twins) are on the right; they are my kids' 1st cousins.

Evan playing with Juju (Judy) and Grandpa Phil.

They brought all their gifts and my tree was totally surrounded!

The older kids all made a gingerbread house with Grandma Judy. It was all we could do to keep the candy out of their mouths!

Ethan and Reed working on the roof...

Kate and Sheridan

The finished product!

2009-12-08T18:27:00.000-08:00

Oh To Be A Kid Again...

We finally are getting measurable snow tonight...of course the weathermen promised 3 or 4 inches, but I think we'll be lucky to see two. Sher and Ethan were not shy. They grabbed whatever shoes they found the fastest and headed out before BED to play in it. It was so peaceful and quiet. Even little Evan was mesmerized by it and cried when we came inside.

I was confused which setting on my camera to use. This picture is with a flash....

The flash was turned off for this one and the effect was kind of neat.

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Oh, Tannenbaum!

The Christmas Tree has been chosen and decorated! Sheridan and Ethan were most helpful this year and though most ornaments were mysteriosly hung about 3 and 4 feet up. Well after a little re-organizing (and much chasing of the youngest child), we finally have it just right!

Trying to find a place to cram one more ornament - it was a packed house this year!

Actually, they are done decorating and trying to find the "Christmas Pickle". This is a tradition in my family - I think it's a German thing but I may be a bit idealistic on that.

Evan being uncharacteristically gentle with the ornaments. The newness of it has already worn off and he pretty much leaves it alone. Now getting him to leave presents alone will be a different story.

Ethan was in charge of hanging up all the sparkly ornaments .

The finished product!

2009-11-29T15:12:00.000-08:00

Sad times....

We are a little heart-broken. Mittens' owner came by looking for him. The little girl showed a picture and description of him and there was no getting around it. She scooped him up, thanked us, and left.
So now he is gone.
Sheridan is being such a big girl about it: "Mom, it's only fair, that was her cat". No way did a 7-year old say that!
I told her how proud I was of her and that I loved her, both of us a little tearful. Phil's going to have to move the cat box. It is too sad a reminder. Good grief, my daughter has been better about it than me.

2009-11-28T15:12:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving.... And Friends!

Our dearest friends from Boston came to stay with us Wednesday and Thursday. These special people are Nate, Turi, Elyse (3) and Tavin (9 months). Turi and I met at KU in 1995 and went to KU Med together. They lived in Germany for four years, then moved back to Boston a few years ago. We thankfully still get to see them yearly!

Turi and I have been friends for almost 15 years. We still laugh over everything!

Sweet little Tavin

Phil was excited that Elyse brought a "Machines" book to read!

Still jacking around like we all did over a decade ago. We spent the turn of the Millenium with these fine folks!

A shot from Nate's "rooster cam". Don't ask.

Thanksgiving morning, getting ready to leave to see their families

And finally.....US!

2009-11-24T11:04:00.000-08:00

Mittens

Probably most of you have seen my updates on Facebook about our new pet, but for those who haven't, well....we have a new pet.

A few weeks ago a stray kitty came 'round our 'hood. Neither Phil nor I fed or gave it attention for a few days because Phil is allergic to cats and he didn't want to encourage allergic activity on purpose. We thought kitty would wander back home but before that could happen...

Alas, and I predicted this, my 7-year old, soft-hearted Sheridan came out of her bedroom at 10:00 one night last week. She was sobbing, tears running down her cheeks. I knew what was coming and then it was out of her mouth: " But MOM, the kitty is HUNGRY!".
Me: "Honey, he can catch mice and feed himself, that's what cats do".
Sher: "but MOM what if there aren't any mice around? And what if he gets cold and can't find somewhere to SLEEP?!".

And that was it. I broke like a dam in a flood (a flood of tears that is). He was christened "Mittens" by Sheridan because he has white feet on a black coat. Phil agreed he could be fed but he would have to find somewhere else to sleep besides the garage due to said allergy. Mittens is probably only 1 or 2 (as determined by our cat-expert friend Craig) because he isn't really big yet and is very, very playful and entertaining to watch.

So Mittens has been getting daily meat and warm milk, plus I really hope he does go mousing since we live by a field/woods and could stand to have the rodent population thinned a little. Then the issue of where to sleep came up. Well as it HAPPENED to turn out, Phil wanted to work on his wood-working skills anyway, so, "I'll just build him a little cat box". So Sunday Mittens got a raised cat box on our back concrete slab. He is actually using it every day and night.

Our latest problem? Where to put him when it gets really, really cold outside. (No, Rhonda, he CAN'T come in the house - haha). We'll work on that, but for now the whole family is in love with Mittens, and Sheridan finally got the kitty she always wanted.