Moments

I've been a little quiet on the blog lately.  So I thought I'd take a few posts to get you caught up on what has been going on.

The kids and I spent a weekend at my parent's house the end of October.  It's always nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and just slow down.  First on the agenda: a mini manicure.  It's a must for Molly every time we are there.

The kids and I also went to see Hotel Transylvania.  What an adorable movie!  We are still quoting lines.  We also hit the mall for a little shopping and playtime.

My favorite part of the whole weekend:  the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur Illinois.  I hadn't been there since I was a kid but had heard it was a lot of fun.  I was not disappointed.

There was so much to do!  Petting zoos, shops, hay mazes and even a semi-haunted house.  Plus thousands of mums and pumpkins and gourds to choose from.  We left with some pumpkins for decorating and an acorn squash.  I baked it up the next week and it tasted amazing!  If you're ever in central Illinois, check it out!  Definitely worth a trip.

We ended our weekend at Yoder's Kitchen for some great Amish home cooking. 


I love Amish country.  Sometimes I'm a little envious.  Don't get me wrong.  I'm not talking about necessities like a dishwasher and laundry units.  And I'm spoiled with Facebook and Twitter and social media with instant access to the entire world.  But I wonder.  What would life look like with less distraction?  Do their kids whine about chores like mine sometimes do?  Would I get more accomplished through the day so I could actually do something I enjoyed?  Or would I just find something else to suck up my time? 

As we traveled, I saw a group of Amish children in the front yard with wide open spaces playing baseball.  I guarantee their Mother didn't have to peel them away from the electronics to get them out there.  I feel like that can be a daily battle in my home.  My kids have gotten the idea they have to constantly be entertained.  Imagination has to be encouraged.  Self-play has to be spurred.

But if I look at myself, they get it honestly.  I have to consciously 'put my butt in the chair' (as Jeff Goins says), and write.  When I open the laptop I have to be intentional about not opening Facebook or Twitter or Pinterest so as not to be distracted.  My imagination has to be encouraged and creativity spurred.

As the Holidays approach, distraction and busyness only increase.  But instead of diverting my attention, I hope to live in the moment.  The moments that make memories.  Moments that matter.  Because that is where real life happens.

Spring Break 2012

Wow, what a whirlwind the last 3 weeks have been!  Between sickness, spring break, a surprise birthday party, a wedding and Easter, we have been busy!  I'll do my best to catch you up on our spring break in Illinois.

My big sister turned the "big five-oh" on Easter Sunday.  Her hubby planned a surprise birthday party the weekend before.  She was totally clueless and we had so much fun!  After she arrived, Jensen's showed up with yet another surprise...a new recliner!  Laughter and tears was all she could muster!  Good times!

The kids on Palm Sunday

We decided to head to the Children's Museum of Illinois with Catherine, Hunter and Ryleigh.  I was pretty impressed with this Children's Museum.  It was lots of fun.  Of course, when we pulled up, my kids commented how small it was.  They are used to the monstrosity in Indy, but once inside, we had a good time anyway.

I did manage a picture of Ryleigh.  She did a lot of smiling and hanging out while we were there.  She is the best little girl!  So proud of my niece and her beautiful children.  On a side note, all my pictures of Hunter are blurry.  We couldn't get the little guy to hold still long enough! 

Love her!  How can you not smile at this?

 We did have a little mishap that warranted a trip to the E.R.  One night before bed, Madelyn and Molly were playing and running through the house.  Molly fell and hit her chin on the pull-out couch in the back bedroom.  Some glue, Elmo stickers, a color book and some suckers later, we were on our way home.  I was so proud of how well she did.  She was a little reluctant but had no tears and even told the doctor 'thank you' after she was done. 

Molly being brave!

Easter Sunday, we went to church then had dinner with my parents and my sister and her family.  Then after, we did an Easter egg hunt!

Dressed in our Easter best!

The kids also went train hunting with Papa several times, had fun watching the momma and baby bunnies in the back yard, played with the neighbor kids and made numerous trips to the park.  Thank you Mom and Dad for letting us come hang with you for Spring Break!  It was nice to get away and relax!

A catch!

I can remember fishing with my Daddy vividly.  I think in the beginning, I was more interested in everything around me than watching that bobber for a bite.  But none the less, he continued to take me and we made some good memories.  Well, now Dad was able to carry on that tradition with David.

 

David caught several fish that day.  Dad said they had been there about 5 minutes when David spotted the playground across the way and wanted to go there instead.  Like mother, like son.  David was the official worm-er, which if I remember right was always my job too.  He was a little skeptical of holding one of his catches.  After some coaxing, pleading and finally a napkin protecting him from the slimy fish......

I think he's having a good time.  Don't you?

Spring Break!

In desperate need of a mini-vacation, the kids and I took off Saturday and spent the majority of our spring break in Illinois at my parents house.  The weather turned cold and we were not able to enjoy the outside as much as we would like, but we had a good time anyway.  The first night there, we got to enjoy Dad's famous home-made pizza!  Mmmm!

Molly made herself at home quickly playing with the toys Momo and Papa have collected over the years.  Here's Dr. Molly.  By the way, she put this around her neck on her own.  We didn't do this for her.  :)

Day 2: Madelyn, PJ and I headed to the movie theater.  We saw Gnomeo and Juliet.  It was an OK movie.  It really wasn't as funny as I thought it would be.  I definitely will not buy it.  But the movie theater popcorn was good and the company was even better, so it was all worth it!  David did not join us for the movie as expected.  He wasn't feeling too well and had a runny nose and a cough.  Molly also was not feeling well, but finally got some rest with Papa.

Day 3: Dad and I along with the kids headed to Decatur to visit my Dad's brother Gary.  The kids loved chasing the 2 cats around.  David, my brave boy, started the steep climb up the stairs to the attic.  Madelyn reluctantly started to follow.  Uncle Gary teasingly told them to watch out for the boogie man.  They changed their minds and headed back down.  But after a little talking between the two of them and David assuring Madelyn she would be fine, they headed up again and opened the door to the attic.  Funny to me....my Uncle Gary lives in my Grandma's old house and I too remember as a kid the long scary climb up the stairs to the attic.  I joined them upstairs and reminisced what it was like to visit this same house when I was their age.  Such great memories!!  In the afternoon, Mom and I sneaked out to do a little shopping.  Always a must.  This day Molly also started with a runny nose and a fever.  Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep this night.  Good times!

Day 4: David felt much better so he and Papa went on a train hunt.  After burning up about $30 in gas, 2 hours of time that included a Happy Meal, a trip to the park and 2 bathroom breaks, they finally saw a train and chased it 5 miles to Blue Mound.  Success!!  Meanwhile, my sister came over to visit.  Mom, Lori, Madelyn and I visited while Molly took a nap.  Later that evening I went to Taylorville to get my hair done.  A girl I went to high school with now owns her own salon on the square.  It was good to see her and reminisce about old times.  Molly started to feel a little better and slept much better.

We headed home on day 5.  By this time, David was perfectly fine, Molly just had a runny nose and I was starting to feel a little run down.  Sure enough, when I got home I had caught the cold.  And the next day it was Mom's turn.  Luckily whatever this is doesn't last long.  The first day and a half are the worst.  So far, Madelyn and Dad have escaped it.  And Daniel....well, he left for Illinois the day after I got back and will not be back until tomorrow.  So maybe he's escaped it too. 

John 14:27 (NLT)  “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give."


#34-42 of my ONE THOUSAND GIFTS.....of endless grateful love......

Spring buds on the trees

connecting with Mom through Him at that table over coffee and newspapers

fresh sudokus

listening to stories of old - reminiscing by my Daddy

her sitting next to me in the van and then in the movie theater. 

my parents and my children - strengthening and loving

catching up - the way sisters do

HIM pulling me back to HIS love using his words of wisdom and leadership I've so longed to hear.

His Word breathing new life into my soul - truth, love, passion, joy

to Sullivan to Avon

Late Christmas Eve night we headed to Daniel's parents house.  Molly had not taken an afternoon nap, so she instantly crashed in the van late that night.  When we arrived in Sullivan, we set up her bed and put her right next to the Christmas tree.  She cooed and talked and jabbered for at least an hour at the lights.  Such a happy baby when she should be sleeping.

We work up the next morning and Christmas ensued! But not before some horse play. 

Molly with her stocking loot!

Here's Madelyn and Rachel caught with some cookies right before dinner.  I told you she had more cookies this weekend!!

 

After dinner, Heidi and her gang and Peter and Mychele headed off for more Christmas.  We spent the rest of the day relaxing and playing with our new toys.  The next morning we headed off to Pa-paw's church.  Then we came home to some more playing!

I think Molly enjoyed her first Christmas....don't you??

After lunch we packed up and headed back to IN.  This was the first Christmas that we weren't able to collapse the 3rd row in the van because of Molly.  Is this even safe???

And off in our sleigh we flew!!

Christmas recap - Avon to Stonington

Well, we started out with Christmas at home.  Santa came to the Lusk household a little early this year because he knew we would be out of town on Christmas Day.  Do you like our fireplace?  I wish we could hang our stockings on it. 

We then packed up and headed over to my parents house.  That evening, Madelyn and I decorated our cookies we had made.

She did well decorating.  She even got to enjoy a couple.  I think this was her first of many cookies this week.  :)

 Christmas Eve night we opened presents.  For Molly, the paper was just a flying!!

 

My great nephew Hunter enjoyed the present I gave him.  It sang a little tune and every time he pushed the button he would dance.  So cute!!

We had a great time getting together with family.  I wouldn't change it for anything.

My sis Lori and niece Catherine

Here's my Dad with the present we made for him.  It's a mouse pad that says "Papa's good luck charms".  To help with his poker games online of course.  :)

And of course Christmas would not be complete without singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.

My Mom's best friend Marge.

Always chaotic, always too short, but a great Christmas with family and friends!

Down on the farm

While we were in Illinois, we went to visit Grandpa Lusk at the farm.  We found Grandpa taking a little break from weed eating under the shade tree in the swing.  The kiddos joined him right away.  Grandpa loved being able to meet the new Molly for the first time.

David and Madelyn loved to explore the farm.  They mooed at the cows, chased the calf around the pen and attempted to pester the dog to death.  We really enjoyed our visit with Grandpa Lusk!

Elm River Chowder

Labor day weekend we went to Clay City Illinois to the Elm River Chowder.  This is something Daniel and his family used to go to every year growing up.  As Daniel would explain it, you park in a cow pasture, watch your step and walk into the woods.  Where you would gather around waiting for soup that was cooked outside in big cauldrons under an open fire.  Then gather as a family to eat and talk.  Then scavenger other family plots for dessert.  After which all the kids would go down the big hill and play in the creek.  Well....with Daniel, being known for his "fuzzy memories", I didn't know quite what to expect.  Sometimes he is a little exaggerated....but with this.....not so much!  In fact, I almost think he didn't quite exaggerate enough.  :)

Here are the country folk waiting.....

for this.....

So they can sit around and do this.....

Then climb down the hill to do this...

And finally sit around and listen to some blue grass music like this....

I honestly had a great time at my first Elm River Chowder.  In fact, I would love to go back again next year!  Someone, asked me recently if I was from the south.  And the answer is not really.  The south I think of a little more "sophisticated".  I am really just a simple country girl at heart.  Some might say a little "hick".  And that's OK too.  I wouldn't trade it for the world.  :)

And she's off!

OK...so I'm a little behind in blogging.  I guess it's time to get caught up on what's happening around here.
Last Friday my Dad came and spent the night.  On Saturday, he took Madelyn home to stay with them.  On Thursday when I told Madelyn she was going, she said she needed to pack and ran off.  I found her in her room packing her back-pack full of toys.  She claims that was all she needed and she was ready for Papa to come and get her now.  HAHA!  I convinced her I still needed to pack her some clothes and it would be a couple days.  She wasn't happy, but she obliged.  However, as soon as Papa was here and claimed he was ready...there was no way she was going to be left behind.

She has her back-pack full of toys, her baby, a purse, a hat and a stuffed flower.  What else does a girl need to travel?  :)

Back home in the Country!!

The kids and I went to Illinois to spend a few days with Mom and Dad. We had a great time! I was able to visit with an old friend from High School and College I haven't seen in years. So good to see you Darla. Why in the world did we not get a picture?? I also spent a day shopping with my Momma and Sister. That was a great time! We haven't done that in years! Of course Molly was the center of attention as she traveled for the first time to Illinois.

Molly and Aunt Lori

Papa and Molly hanging out on the porch...

Mom and Dad and all the kiddos...

I was also able to visit with my Great Nephew Hunter! Isn't he just the cutest??!


Molly, Madelyn and I headed back to Indiana leaving David to spend a few days with Momo and Papa. So far he's having a great time! Dad has taken him to see some trains up town as they load grain, he's gone shopping a couple times, and he's having a great time playing with the neighbor kids next door. I don't think he's going to want to come home anytime soon. Especially when there's a promise of fishing with Papa coming this week!

Just one more Christmas post....

Christmas Eve at my parents house.

I love this picture of Dad and Hunter. They're both in plaid!!

Madelyn, David, Gracie, Josie and Anna

David's a little out numbered with girls. They spent most of the night running from him. And then at one point they were playing beauty shop in my Dad's computer chair. David was getting sprayed with perfume and getting some lipstick and a new hair do. Poor guy!!


Madelyn at Memaw's. Notice the sparkly pink purse on her shoulder and purple sparkly mirror she found in her stocking.

Putting on make-up with Mom before church.

And caught admiring herself in a mirror....that girl is such a Princess!


The Sunday after Christmas was the last Sunday at Ashmore for Don and Ruth Ann. We were dressed in our Christmas outfits and had to have a family picture.