Saturday, June 28, 2008

Moving Auntie Lorie

So, our kids are movers.


















Lorie Pukenis, aka "Auntie Lorie" to our kids, was blessed to move into a home three times the size of her previous place. It is really nice. I believe that she'd been wanting this place and praying for God to make it available for months and...he did!

As Lorie has three children and a grandchild of her own, she is a busy lady, but is often eager and makes herself "open" to watch our four children. She constantly reminds us of her desire to serve our family in this way - and fortunately we've been able to take her up on it regularly.

With Mark at the Brewers vs. Twins game in Minnesota, I wasn't sure I'd be able to rally the troops to help Auntie Lorie move. But God is good and our kids, especially our boys stepped up. We hopped out of the van to see almost all of her items laid out on the lawn. She had to return the moving truck to avoid accruing additional fees, so we looked at one another and the other movers (all non professionals) and Taylor started lifting things and taking them inside. He was all about getting the job done, setting a great example for Dylan, Sabrina and Veronica (and me too!).

This was a great opportunity for us to live out the scriptures that urge us to "spur one another on in good deeds" and having hearts to serve. Every child helped carry something and helped encourage our sister in Christ. For us, it was another chance to bond together in teamwork, helping work on something bigger than us. That is one of the best feelings I get when spending time with our family...the togetherness I sense that is weaving us into a stronger family unit.















I'm so grateful for relationships in the church. I got to know some other folks that I don't normally get to talk to and I got to see God in our children's hearts.

Thank you for moving Auntie Lorie!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Climbing Mount Laundry

So, I can finally say that I've climbed a mountain.After returning from the Rushes, we had dirty laundry that hadn't been washed from before we left for our trip and of course the stuff we'd brought back with us...11 loads later, there is a mountain of clean clothes on air hockey table and couch. I have come to the conclusion that I need some routines and organization in this arena. Partly so that it goes more smoothly and partly so that I don't dread the task of keeping my family in clean clothing. Here are the ideas I've come up with.

I will run the washer and dryer every week day (taking the weekends off).

I will fold all of the clothes that I wash and sort them into each person's individual laundry basket. My husband has agreed to oversee the putting away of clothes, which I strongly dislike. I won't even tell them that they have clean clothes, I'll let the natural consequence of running out bring them to the conclusion that they ought to retrieve their basket and put their own clothes away.

I will label each person's white socks with a Sharpie. Thankfully we all have different first initials. And since our last trip to Wal-Mart (forgive me Aim), we bought white socks specifically geared toward each individual and it'll make it easier to label and then reconnect separated socks when they're clean.

On days that the laundry pile seems higher than I might have liked, I will put in a movie, watch a recorded television show or listen to some music to pass the time.


Having to take time to tackle something like this keeps me from enjoying the things I really want to do and be with the people that I love most. Dylan is illustrating my frustration in this photo. A great reminder of how I do NOT want things to be. I'm so glad to read in the Old Testament about how God is a God of order. I don't need to go OCD on it, but it's okay to take organization of something like this to "Regina level" so that I can be about my purpose without stressing myself and my family to pieces.

In implementing my new bylaws (he, he), I'm freer to climb other mountains.


Tuesday, June 24, 2008

The Rushes

So, I've finally been to Door County. It was mine and Dylan's first time and it was as a family with our four children (E6) and Mark's parents (Roger & Pam) and two of their other grandchildren, Jackie (12) and Jessica (9). We had a lot of fun. We were only there for one full day (that's a long story), but we made the most of it. We experienced some softball as a family, swimming keep away, watching "America's Funniest Home Videos", "Family Feud" and "Are You Smarter than a 5th grader?" and the activity that needs the most work: our family sing along. Taylor played the guitar, but only knows one song right now (They'll Know We're Christians By Our Love), but we didn't know the lyrics and the kids were a little shell shocked. It turned into an impromptu family talent, variety show. We have very entertaining kids!
This is the view from Roger & Pam's condo - they've been going to this same resort since 1980 something. I walked down to the lake and spent 20 minutes sitting, watching, listening and thinking. It was wonderful to sit and let God love me in my stillness. This view reminds me a bit of Eagle River. The mosquitoes liked this view too; we got eaten up, but it did not stop the kids from being outdoors virtually every moment of the day.
I woke up early and read with a cup of coffee outside on the deck. Dylan woke up right after me, so I invited him to join me for some quiet morning reading. I really hope to pass my love of reading along to all of the kids, but for now, he's the one that it's sticking with. In the photo, he's joking about being asleep. Between reading and telling me about the story (it had vampires in it), I got to do very little reading of my own. Never mind that; I got a little quality time with my shorty and it was divine.
And then there was 10! (left to right) Jackie, Dylan, Roger, Sabrina, Pam, Taylor, Jessica (I think she's sad that we're leaving when the photos are finished), Mark and Veronica. Is it me or are the adults the only ones smiling? We had a great time. Mark and I took all 6 kids out for lunch and ice cream one day to give the grandparents a little rest - they are good servants to their children and their children's families. Kangaroo Lake proved to be a relaxing, fun getaway - I don't call this a vacation - and I hope we'll be able to do it again next year, maybe even for the entire week. I am so thankful for Mark's parents and how inclusive of Dylan and I they are, it's as if I've known them for years.

It was a good trip for E6; ironic though, we went to "the Rushes" to slow down and relax. (get it? rush, slow..., I need some new material...)




Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Hide the boys...

So, soccer season is over.

It was a fairly successful season. Dylan was told by his head coach (Tom, in the gray shirt) that he'd improved tremendously over the few months that he'd joined the team. I'm so proud of him. He learned terminology and skills and how to think about how to play the game. I hadn't expected all of that, but am excited about it. It makes me consider how important it is for him to apply the skills learned in a team sport to life and his journey with God. We need other people, some more knowledgeable, others at the same level as us and we need to work together. I'm hoping he'll stick with soccer. I finally signed him up (way to go Regina, having to pay the late registration fee) for the 08 - 09 season with the Kingfish, so my status of soccer mom is still on the books.


















If you tend to be a bit more conservative, you may want to skip this paragraph about one of the practical lessons he's learned in playing this sport. There are no "cups" in soccer...at least not at this stage. So, one of the things Dylan's coaches taught the boys was to "hide the boys". Think about it, look at the picture, uh huh, yes, yep...that's it. It cracks me up. A little out there, but when a kick is being made, it's important to know what to do and how to protect oneself.

It's not the exactly the same, but I believe God wants us to play, enjoy life to the full, but He also wants us to be protected...in Him.

I don't think I've totally lost my mind. There are a lot of transitions to our new family, so if you see me "hiding the boys" don't laugh or judge, just know that I'm under protection. (he, he)

The Well Accoladed 12 year old...

So, our 6th grader IS smarter than a 5th grader. We made the rounds like crazy the last couple of weeks of school. Between Dylan's performances and Folk Fair and Veronica's award for most improved reader (only 3 in her class) and now Taylor's middle school awards ceremony, we felt that with all of these events, we were walking the red carpet. I'm not a fan of celebrating mediocrity (kids have a graduation ceremony from elementary to middle school just because), but I think if we're going to recognize our kids, let's make it fun, let's make them feel like the stars that they are.

Both Mark and I commented at how different this awards ceremony was than the one for the elementary school children we'd been to the week before. There was little enthusiasm from the teachers reading the awards and a stoic, guarded response from us as parents. We were unsure whether we could give a loud "shout out" to our kids; partly because no other parents were doing it, but also trying to determine if our moody pre-teen would be embarrassed and later burn down the house...so we clapped with reservation to show our child our excitement for achieving something great.

Taylor is a brilliant 12 year old and I'm not just saying that...he truly is. After going through his parent's divorce and still trying to figure things out and now hormones and girls and trying to determine his level of commitment to God, he's got a stepmother and stepbrother and lots of rules added to his responsibilities. There's a lot. Often you see children in this type of situation really struggling to do what is right or best. He finished the end of his 6th grade year with many earned accolades...some of them are so fancy, I don't even know what they mean (but clap and smile anyway, they're impressive).

His Awards:
Continental Mathlete
Music Contest
Pep Band
Track
Scholastic Achievement Award (3.67 GPA)

What a blessing to see his achievements. I wanted to stand and shout for him like we do at a Packers or Brewers Event. I wanted to take pictures like the paparazzi does of celebrities doing far less interesting things. I wanted to make it a bigger deal than what the school was doing. But I stopped remembered that both of us (and his mother) were there during a workday and calmed myself in knowing that our presence had to have made it special for Taylor. Kids need to know that their parents are there for them and thankfully we all were.

Please pray for his 7th grade year to be as successful in these academic arenas, but that it'll also be a year that brings him closer to making a decision about putting God at the center of his life. That is the most important honored place to be.


Sabrina's Birthday Party!

So, Sabrina turned 9 in June too!
In the picture at the top is Sabrina and Dad (aka Mark) at Fun World! She loves the place. Never mind that it smells like smelly feet, she is queen of this place while celebrating her birthday. It was a great turnout from kids in her class and friends from church. I believe that she was truly encouraged.

The biggest birthday miracle was that I baked a cake. Yes, for those of you who know me...you're stunned. It's alright, close your mouth and take in a full breath. I baked the doll cake. Barbie is a lot like working with a celebrity though because things need to be done properly to make this work. A sister from church had just made this cake the day before for her daughter's birthday and inspired me to try it. I looked up the recipe on the Pampered Chef web page and really got into it. It was a great first time as I read a lot of the advice from previous bakers about how to make a great girl cake like this one. One of my favorite tips was to be sure to insert Barbie slowly into the cake because her hips would tear the cake (and mine did a bit). This tip was endearing to me, because it made Barbie more of a real woman...those hips, they can make it hard to find an outfit that is just right, ya know?

The work and experimentation was well worth it, because it brought a big smile to Sabrina's face. She is such a good helper in the kitchen, I fully expect that she'll be an asset when we make one for Veronica's birthday in August.

Happy Birthday Sabrina!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Erickson up for the Brewers



Dylanpalooza - SuperHero Slumber Party

So, my husband's mom is a professional clown.















Her professional name is "Lotta" and her she is in work mode preparing Mark (and eventually the rest of the kids) to really own their characters for the SUPERHERO SLUMBER PARTY! This is what Dylan asked for. So, we attempted to deliver.

Mark arranged for his mom to paint faces, we had superhero music as folks walked in and I even greeted parents at the door as "Super Mom" (notice there are no photos).
















Here is Mark, oops, I mean the Hulk...or as he later introduced himself to our neighbors and the kids, as "The Hunk".




















The Hulk and Indiana Jones team up - watch for the movie (Hulk Jones: Indiana or Bust) coming out at Christmas.
















Lotta put in a lot of time (ha) painting faces and if you look carefully, you can see the superheros as they meet to plan their next escapade.

(Counterclockwise) In the front you have, Super Silent Ninja, Speed Racer, Junior Hulk, The Bandit, Mr. Monkey Mouth, Indiana Jones, The Hulk, Lotta, and Another Hulk without his gear on - pretend that he hasn't revealed his secret identity. He's new and in training, cut him a little slack.

There was food, cake and ice cream, some relay races a movie and sleep. Even Superheroes need to recharge their batteries sometimes...

The 3 Musketeers Reunited!

So, the party continues.... This is Keith BEFORE the birthday party begins. He was smart to get a nap in, there was a lot on the party agenda for the weekend and he would need all of his energy and then some to keep up.
Trey, Dylan and Keith. The 3 Musketeers as I sometimes call them. One could say they'd make a great advertisement photo for diversity, but more than that, they've been friends for years through our friendships as adults. They've traveled together, sometimes lived together and have definitely been disciplined and corrected by the other pal's parents. This picture brings hope in my heart for them and their futures. I hope that they'll stay connected over time, though we all know how life can pull and tug on even the most solid relationships. They know each other's likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses and I believe that it's a safe place for them to be themselves, when they are together. They look out for one another and encourage the other and they know us as adults, that there is very little differences in our outlooks on what is most important in this life and the goal of reaching beyond this life into an eternal life with God.

Their relationship signifies to me the value of my friendships and how they take work and time and energy. Keith lives out of town, but we make efforts to get Dylan to his friend's house near Madison and him to ours. Trey and Dylan are in school together this year, but will be in different ones next year and maintaining their connection will take sacrifice on the part of us as parents.

Maybe Dylan will be ousted from the friendship if he keeps this up. This is him at the top of the stairs at the laundry chute throwing things down. Below, Trey and Keith sit covered and giggling as the items come crashing down on their heads. I really can't say more about this, it really does not make any sense to me, but they had fun and no one got hurt. I never watched the 3 Musketeers, the closest I got was "The Three Amigos". But, I saw a desire for adventure and a lot of laughter and bonding. Hey...whatever it takes, right? Whatever they choose as their career or paths in life one my biggest hopes is that as long as it makes sense to them, that they remain friends.

Dylanpalooza, Part 2 - Birthday Dinner

So, we continue to celebrate the 9 year old boy by having dinner with our family. Dylanpalooza continues with him having spaghetti and eating it with chopsticks. Then we had individual cupcakes (his being the biggest) with ice cream and the traditional song. We sat around and shared stories about this growing boy and smiled and laughed, expressing our gratitude for having him in our lives.

I shared about the time that he took the rubber cobra snake that I'd bought him and wrapped it around a container of milk before going to bed. The next morning, unlike every other morning, he stalled in his bedroom claiming it was important for him to get dressed first. With great manners, he asked if I'd fetch him his bowl of cereal (he didn't use the word "fetch" but I like British vocabulary and it tells the story a little better) and I did. When I went into the refrigerator to get the milk, there was the cobra carefully wound around the milk container, eyes and head looking directly at me. It scared me senseless. At the same time, I was encouraged at the thought and planning that had to go into that and the patience in waiting out the delivery. So funny...

Roger & Pam joined us for dinner. Mark makes a great, meaty spaghetti sauce. We had cheese bread and veggies and drank water and just spent time together which I believe really encourages Dylan. He got a couple of his gifts at the table, a Brewers hat from Mom & Dad (bought earlier in the day on the field trip) and then cash from Roger & Pam. Needless to say, the money was a big hit.

















Here we are together as a family, but the only thing missing is my parents. These are some of the things we miss when living so far apart. But, their thoughts were with him and he knows that he is loved from Wauwatosa to Stone Mountain and beyond.

Thank you God for family.




Dylanpalooza, Part 1 - Miller Park

So, seriously...the COOLEST FIELD TRIP EVER!

Dylan, Mikhail and Trey are showing their excitement even before we head inside for our group tours of Miller Park. It's such a cool way to start the celebration of Dylan's 9th birthday and we were blessed to both be able to chaperone the trip.

Mark and I are both big fans of the Brewers. To be able to join Dylan on this field trip and be eager to learn about our home team was a delight!

The weather held out for us to be able to enjoy this trip inside and out.





















This is the view from Bob Euchre's announcing seat. During the games, the windows are open so that radio listeners get the vibe of being in the park. You can't see it, but there is a little black box - the "cough box" - that they have to push the button on in the event of swearing or other inappropriate things to help keep the event clean for the listeners at home.

We got to walk along the "warning track" you can see it in this photo. It is the gravel between the grass and the seats. It is 15 feet of special dirt that lets the fielders know that they have a limited amount of time to catch the ball and make the play. I never knew that.















On our way out to the bullpen, Dylan goes up for an outfield catch. Jump boy jump! Do you know why it's called the Bullpen? There are many theories, but our tour guide told us that it was basically due to Bull Durham Tobacco Pen and them advertising their products during the game. Instead of saying all of that with each time they wanted their pitchers to warm up, they shortened it to Bullpen. Sounds good to me.















This is my favorite picture of the day. It's symbolic of him looking out into his future and all of the people he'll likely interact with and impact over the years. It's a blank slate for a new year. A small kid in a big world, I pray desperately that we're preparing him for it.















After the tour, we got to tailgate in the empty parking lot and a few of us had a pick up game of softball. Here's Mark claiming his home run. I got a couple of great hits and got to be a kid. Dylan went off and played on the playground with his friends after awhile of catching. I really don't think that baseball is his sport.

This fieldtrip went from 9:00 to 2:00. We were all exhausted at the end of this day, but oh, it was only the beginning of Dylanpalooza for us.












I Know My Kid's a Star!!!

So, I think that Dylan is going to be a musician.

Here is a video of him and his classroom performing a mini-skit/play called, "Inventive Minds". One class did all of the acting (Dylan's class) and the other class did the majority of the singing (Trey's class). It was great. They were totally into the fact that we have to use our brains to think and that is how we've been able to enjoy great inventions such as rollerblades, refrigerators and microwaves.

Dylan strikes me as a kid who likes to perform for others. When asked what he'd like to do when he grows up, a job that has recently stuck over the past year is "giving puppet shows to poor people for free" (do I start crushing his dreams now or later?). Throughout their play, whenever there was singing he was rocking back and forth, totally into what he was singing about.

He has held firm to the idea that passing up a year of strings (they start in 4th grade in WI) is best in order to re-commit himself to drumming and being a part of a band. Him and Trey have already named their band "The Never Quitting Brother Band" (catchy hunh?) It's great to hear them talk about it; it seems that all/most boys consider "rockin' out" at some point. So we'll see how far they go. I hope that he'll get to a place where he could play for the church band at some point.

It'll be so interesting to see how many years from now "spots" like this one will have to do with his choices his makes in how to display the talents that God has given him. I hope that whatever it is, Dylan will give his best to God and allow the light of Christ to shine from within him.

Monday, June 2, 2008

I heart ribs

So, I guess you could say I'm kind of a "rib snob". My dad, Willie Collins, is an extremely great rib chef - if you've been around when he has fired up the grill, you know it to be true (your mouth is watering even now isn't it?). But, we hadn't been out for a nice meal in a while and though I hardly like to eat other people's ribs without making a stink about it, these were good.

I'm writing this post almost two weeks after this double date with the Einseidels (our first double date since we've been married) and can't even recall the name of the restaurant. I wanted to have this picture taken to prove that we'd gotten to go out as adults and eat some good food and laugh and have a good time with good friends who would have been just as content to call it a night at 6:30 on a busy, hot Saturday.

We had a good time and talked a lot about Loren's elementary school teachers...you've gotta ask him about them sometime, prepare yourself for a gut-ache though, his delivery packs the punch. Though the night was light and fun, it got me to thinking about what my students would say about me as their 5th and 3rd grade teacher; what they will recall or dislike or retell to their children or out on dates with their friends years from now. I started to get a little wrapped up in all of that and then got quickly back to finishing my plate of ribs.

Umm, yummy, but dad, I miss you and your delicious ribs too!

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad (June 5th; 37 years)

Jammin' with Jimmi

So, I live with Jimmi Hendrix! Well not quite...

Taylor, my stepson just got an electric guitar. Yes, an electric guitar. He is 12 and really, really into music. His favorite band right now (much to my chagrin - I've always wanted to write that phrase) is the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

I'm reading a lot about the life of a middle schooler from someone that researched from within one about 6 or 7 years ago (see my "Shelfari" bookshelf). Man, there is so much to brace ourselves for. A great thing is that as Taylor fights to discover himself through this awkward growth spurt, he'll really do well if he has many opportunities to express himself through the many changes to come.

I feel ill-prepared to jump into this stage of development. As the mother of an 8 year old boy, I was really feeling I had much more time to get prepared, to get ready for this. But, I believe now is the time to get ready. NOW!!!!

Sex, drugs, politics, good looking clothes, explaining girls. He's got thoughts and questions about all of these. I've gotta do my homework. I can freak about this because I want to be ready with the best answer for him everytime he talks to me (and he does initiate conversations with me). But, I can relax knowing the most important thing that I can do is remain in Him. After that, I believe it's to be available and to really listen when he finally decides to open up. Don't get me wrong though, I want to be there for him, but I have not and will not lose sight of my most important role as parent.

My parents were rough on me, they had rules and were strict and though I did not appreciate the discipline then, I'm grateful for how consistent they were. I knew that I wasn't going to be able to indulge in things like alcohol, sex or any of those things without the natural consequences of the act and then their wrath too. My parents were no joke. They tag teamed and tagged our tails when we stepped out of line, but I knew that it was in love (years later).

I've often spoken to my friends with boys about how great it is to be the mom of a boy and it is great. But to be the mom of a soon-to-be teenage boy, hmmm...that's a bit different. How different, I'm about to find out, but I'm excited and assurred in God's promises that He will NOT give us more than we can handle. Even if it comes in the package of a 12 year old...with an electric guitar.


We be jammin'!!!!









Beautiful Brina

So, this is my stepdaughter Sabrina.

Isn't she beautiful? She JUST got these glasses a few days ago. Most children with Down Syndrome need them and Sabrina is no exception. There was a lot of hype with these glasses as she does not care for them at all (this is the second big attempt in years). I decided to make a big deal by taking a dozen photos of her with them on, she loved it. Sabrina will be 9 later this month, almost 2 full weeks after Dylan. She has thick, brown hair, is highly intelligent and loves dancing and bubbles.

I did not know much about Down Syndrome, before falling for Mark, but am certain that I will learn a lot about it over the rest of my lifetime. I joined the Down Syndrome Association of WI, Inc (DSAW), earlier this month and am preparing to be a part of a community of others living with the challenges of this handicap. It is considered a birth defect caused by a chromosomal disorder by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. The disorder is named after John Langdon Down (a British doctor) who described the syndrome in 1866. (The chromosome was first identified in 1959, by a guy who's name was French looking). The syndrome most consistently shows impairment of cognitive abilities and in physical growth as well as facial appearance. Sabrina, and others living with Down Syndrome, are at a higher risk for congenital heart defects, recurrent ear infections, sleep apnea and thyroid dysfunctions. For now, we can only praise God as Sabrina is a fairly healthy little girl.

There is a lot of support for children/adults who have the Down Syndrome. Sabrina is "mainstreamed" into her 2nd grade classroom and is very capable of performing many of the social skills appropriate for her level. (Mainstreaming in the context of education is a term that refers to the practice of educating students with special needs in regular classes during specific time periods based on their skills. This means special education is delivered outside the regular classroom, where the student with the special need leaves the regular classroom to attend smaller, and more intensive instructional sessions. Schools that practice mainstreaming believe that special needs students "belong" to the special education environment. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mainstreaming_in_education ).

Of course her reading, writing, math and speaking skills are quite limited in comparison to her peers, but anytime spent with Miss Sabrina and I promise you, you'll see her bright light.

She is able to say several three syllable words, most of which have something to do with tasty foods (cheeseburger and watermelon are imprinted in her vocabulary). She can comprehend straight forward requests; Sabrina, would you please clean off the table, put your pajamas on or turn off the TV). Much of which she is able to do without much prompting or without someone standing over her...IF she feels like it. This little girl is quite intelligent. I say this because she reminds me of every other kids' brilliance when they figure out that they have choices and find creative ways to do the opposite of what their parent asks of them. She's got that down pat, like every other kid I've ever met.

If you get to spend time with Sabrina, be prepared for lots of juicy kisses. We're working incredibly hard to get her to have a 100% success rate of kissing on the cheek (except for daddy right now). She can at times be incredibly sensitive to the others around her; grabbing Dylan's shoes after she's put her own on, patting Veronica on the back when she's coughed and had some liquid go down her throat the wrong way, or even within seconds of hearing an "ouch", she will ask, "kay?" in a loud and demanding voice. She wants to take care of others. She has an amazing heart.

I look forward to learning a lot about God from Sabrina. Our Creator knows what He's doing...always. And Sabrina is no exception.

The DSAW has 1500+ members at this time. That means that many, many people in our crazy weather state are living with or supporting those of us with a Down Syndrome person in their family. It's not meant to be something that divides, but unifies. Don't get me wrong, this cute little button can sometimes make me want to scream out loud, but she is trainable like every other child is and is growing leaps and bounds in what she is able to do.

If Sabrina never changed another thing though, she's beautiful and loveable just as she is. Beautiful Princess Brina.

All information about Down Syndrome was collected from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_syndrome