Beach days

Before Abigail gets here our family decided to venture to Fort Morgan, AL.  It was quite a trip!!

The drive to and from the beach with three children actually was quite uneventful. Luckily, John bought new (to them) dvd's of Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers and we watched over 600 minutes of that on the trip.  Needless to say when I walked through various places and am singing Rescue Rangers theme song you know why.

The beach itself was quite fun.  Linley didn't scream at each and every wave so that was a major plus.  It wasn't burning up so that was also a blessing. However, it was quite windy and we didn't get to in the waves as much.

The seagulls were very entertaining.  I would say there were anywhere from 50-100 on any given day.  They were staying a little bit in from the beach due to a low spot where alot of water from the monsoon they had the week before.  So, we had to walk through poop infested water to get back to the boardwalk.  That was quite interesting.  Ethan and Caleb didn't enjoy walking through poop everytime we had to go back.  You can imagine the conversations and funny runs through it.  
Speaking of seagulls...  we were sitting on the beach building sand castles when the kids wanted snack time.  So, we get out our snacks and enjoy ourselves. Of course, we had a couple spills of cheeze its and graham crackers  but no biggee.  Then, all of a sudden I notice the sea gulls getting closer and closer.  They are no longer walking on the beach but are starting to fly overhead.  Then, they swoop in lower and lower to where they are about 10 feet above us.  Squawking warnings at us.  Side note: did I mention I'm not a fan of Wizard of Oz because of the flying monkeys?  Yes, this is what those seagulls reminded me of.  Back to story: Caleb, Linley and I start noticing how close these are when they suddenly start swooping down right at us trying to get our snacks, especially the ones that are scattered around us on the sand.  They take turns squawking and swooping as fast as they can getting pieces of snack.  I, of course, do not play it very cool.  Picture 7 month pregnant woman, surrounded by three children, and angry, menacing seagulls swooping down at us.  I jump up and run as fast as I can in circles screaming at John.  I'm sorry, but what can he do? He's right next to me building a castle.  So, Ethan and Caleb jump up and start grabbing sand and throwing it trying to deter those mongrels and Linley is just sitting there watching all this happen.  I am running around like a raving lunatic screaming while I just left my two year old sitting in the midst of it all.  John then brings that to my attention. I then muster as much courage as possible and enter the ring of flying seagulls and retrieve Linley while the boys are trying to chase them. Those flying monkey seagulls stayed flying overhead of us for about 20 minutes...as long as they could see the snack bags!!!!!!!  If we even put a hand in the snack bag they would all fly over to us thinking it was treat time.

Needless to say, the beach was wonderful and we had a great time...all except for the seagulls.

We also went put-put golfing.  Ethan and Caleb were Tiger Woods with 3 hole in ones between the two of them plus a couple Happy Gilmore shots.  John and I were the only two who landed our golf balls in the water stream, with all three kids missing it. How is that possible?  

This is not the Dominater.

Yes, this post is a long time coming.  And let me begin by letting you know that John aspires to be a tornado chaser.  One of his favorite shows was on Discovery called Storm Chasers with Reed Timmer.  If you know about Reed, he invented a car called the Dominater that can withstand some tornadoes.  It actually goes inside the tornado.

A couple weeks ago John and I were on our way to his parents house for a quick dinner before I had a meeting.  Typical spring day here, threats of storms and tornadoes had just been through further south.  John and I had a discussion on the way over about how many people who watch live Tornado chasing videos online.  Reed has a website-www.tornadovideos.net, that shows their live feeds from their cars chasing tornadoes, and it shows on there how many people are viewing the different chasers.  We were also discussing how people are looking for something exciting in their lives to happen.  We then eat a quick meal and start heading back so I can make it to my meeting in time when we are driving are a back road.  Discussion:
Me: John, do you see that?
John: That looks like a funnel cloud. (As we are driving towards it)
Me: It IS a tornado!!!!! (In the short span of time as we said this it literally dropped down about 3 miles away from us).
John: Get your camera!

John stops on the back road and we start filming.  Of course, I am not as adventurous as John, especially when it comes to tornadoes, and I give him a look that says, YOU ARE CRAZY DO NOT STOP HERE!!!!  But, of course, John calmly says that it isn't coming our way and we sit and watch.  The commentary that followed was very interesting:

John: Boys, do you see that tornado?
Caleb: YEAH! A tornado!!
Ethan: I don't see it.
Caleb: It's right there!!
Ethan: I don't see it.
Caleb: It's right there!!
Ethan: I'm scared.
John: don't be scared. It isn't coming this way.
John-looking at me: Can we turn around, cut back towards it, and get a better view?
Me: With a look on my face that says, ARE YOU CRAZY? But in a calm voice, replies: No, we have kids in the car.
John nods. He knew it.  But still wanting to be in the Dominater and intercept this tornado.  The tornado then goes further down and touches ground, heaving up a steeple from the church he grew up in, as well as a trampoline of people living next door.
Me: DID YOU SEE THAT?
John: Yes!!!
Ethan: Mom, I'm done with my pickle.  What can I do with it?
Me: Throw it out.  It's a pickle.  The birds will enjoy.
Ethan: Can you just open the door so I can jump out and throw it out?
Me: No, just try and stuff if out your window. We are on a road. We can't just open up the doors and let you jump out.  (As two sheriff vehicles go flying by with their sirens on, apparently they are secret tornado chasers too.  Did mention that there is a tornado only a couple miles away?)
John: Boys, watch the tornado.  You may never see this again in your life.
Caleb: Can we go yet?
Ethan: I can't get my pickle out the window.
Me: Ethan, just squish it down.
Caleb: Is it over? Can we go now?
John: Just watch the tornado.

John calls his family and gets them on the phone informing them a tornado is on the way, (it did go directly over their house but it was not down on the ground).  We go by the church and see the steeple as well as the people next door and praise the Lord all were safe.  So, John actually got a tornado chase in, even though it wasn't on purpose and he didn't get to lower the spikes in the minivan, he did get to  watch a real tornado only a few miles away.  A few miles away is too close for me.

http://youtu.be/_me50jHoM-Y

Ethan is 7

I can't believe it I'm one of those mom's now. I have a seven year old.  Not a little kid anymore. But a 7 year old. That moves me up in a category...of age.  I remember grouping those Mom's whose kids I taught at this age. I thought they were "mature".  Hmm, I don't know that I'll ever consider myself mature, or anyone else can either :P So, Ethan, here is your letter:

7 Things I love about you:

1.  You are loving.  I don't know if I've ever seen someone care about others so much.  The way you take care of Linley literally melts my heart almost every time I see it...when I'm not about to lose my mind due to her screaming.  You can calm her down easier than anyone else.  You care for others.  When you meet a kid you don't know, you don't judge them, you just take them in.  You don't want people feeling like they are on the outside.  Jesus loves that and so do I.

2. Your perfectionism.  Yes, I'm sure it will be a hindrance in some areas and an area God will use to grow you, but I can tell God is going to use it to do mighty things for Him.  This is a trait I have trouble with sometimes, since I don't really have one ounce of this in my body, but you do.  The way you take care of your toys is immaculate (legos mostly).  This ties in with number 3:

3. Your creativity. I'm sometimes amazed about how creative you are. I know that "you are fearfully and wonderfully made," and God has made you to think this way. Once again, not how I would think but you are blessed with this from your dad.  Your designs are flat out amazing when it comes to your play with Lego's or solving a problem...even if it means I said you can have a piece a candy and I can't get it for you at the moment, you somehow always figure out how to get it.

4. Your work ethic.  This is an answer to prayer.  I have prayed for you to "work for the Lord, and not for me, for it is the Lord Christ you are serving!" and to work with all your best efforts.  The fact that you can do and choose to do you and your brother's laundry for me shows initiative (and a desire for an allowance) but you get it done.  Last week you made everyone lunch. Including using the microwave, which you can't even reach. Of course, you figured out how to reach it and what to do and then delivered the meals to everyone. Seriously, your work ethic is something I am proud of. Of course, it is not perfect yet, but you are making great strides.

Here is your work ethic in action, not only did you want to wash the van, you and Caleb then washed yourselves!

5. Your respect and obedience.  I am sometimes amazed at the fact that you are such a rule follower.  Now, this is not always 100%, but when I tell you No for certain things, I have heard you tell others who are trying to coax you into it, "No, my mom said No." and that is that for you.  I am blessed for that.  Ephesians 6:1-Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.  You tell your brother and sister, "Don't do that Mom said No."

6. Your gentleness. You aren't aggressive, except with Caleb of course.  Teaching you to play basketball is interesting, I don't think you will ever be a center or ball-hog, it's just not in you.  When Caleb is hurt or Linley, you always have to go and check on them.  Your gentleness is definitely evident.

Caleb was scared going to bed so you got in bed with him to help him go to sleep.  

7. You are full of joy and faith. Even when school is going bad or we've had a rough morning, you quickly get over it. Now don't get me wrong, you sometimes dramatic and it takes a little bit to get over some things, but generally you get over it and just go about the rest of the day.  Reading right now is definitely not your favorite subject but a quick remember, and even a prayer, and we make it through it and move on about our day.  Today we were able to have a Mom and Ethan day.  I don't think I can tell you how many times you told me what a fun day you are having and how many times you said thank you and I love you.  I love you too my Bubby Bear.  And yes, I said that out loud at the baseball game last night when you were catching and you didn't even flinch.  I'm thankful for that. The way you talk about God and your faith in Him shows He's working in your life.  Yesterday you said, Mom, that made God smile didn't it (helping Caleb). Yes, it did, and me too.

Things I've been praying for you-you'll see most of these on your list:
1.Work ethic
2. Obedience
3. Respect
4. Servant's heart.

I love you Ethan Bear!!! God has given me one of the greatest blessings in you!

Ice days

Well, we survived our ice storm of 2014.  Praise the Lord we had no power outages, but we did have lots of sleet...that made for interesting snow balls and general getting out of the house.  We homeschool, and much to Ethan's dismay, we don't have "snow days" at the Cole Family Homeschool.  We do school.  It's not like we can go outside and enjoy ourselves much anyway.  So, here are a few things that happened in ONE DAY of the ice storm.

We are sitting at the table doing our Bible time.  We are talking about the Ten Commandments.  One question asked is how do Christians in today's world break the Ten Commandments?  Oh, here you go:
Caleb:  I don't covet.  I don't want anyone else's toys.  I just want to go to Wal-Mart and buy my own.
Ethan: Caleb, you break the ten commandments.  You lie.
Caleb: I don't covet though.

Ethan was more worried about pointing out Caleb's sins than he was his own and Caleb was very proud of himself for not coveting.  Round and round they go when I finally have to tell Ethan:
You have enough sins of your own to be worrying about, quit pointing out his.  (Yes, we do need to help others overcome their sins, but when he is not even thinking about his own, it's starting to raise the blood pressure of everyone in the room, especially the 4 year old whose sins he is pointing out.)

John is home for his spring break so he is entertaining Linley Claire and Caleb in the hallway.  Ethan and I are at the table doing math. Normally, Ethan's favorite and easiest subject. Today was no different.  His math skills really do amaze me, I know I didn't teach this stuff to 1st graders when I was teaching and he literally flies through it.  However, this day, he wanted to be in the hallway wrestling with Dad and Caleb.  So, adding two digit addends came super easy, but major time consuming because all he wanted to do was go join in on the wrestling.  Enter, melt-down mode and voluntary time-out on his part.

I move to the hallway and start writing down all of the spelling words for our spelling activity,  Here comes Linley, grabbing more chalk and writing on the same board.  And here comes Caleb, grabbing the eraser, erasing Linley's work, trying to fix my words. Enter Ethan, standing beside me pouting ready to do the fun spelling game.  Me, in the floor, surrounded by three kids, all with different agendas on the chalk board.

After spelling, it's time for lunch. (Note here: I am terrible at potty training. I will not potty train LC until she begs.  Lately, she wants to take off her clothes and sit on the potty.)  All of a sudden Linley is walking around with no diaper on.  I go to get her diaper back on...enter melt down.  We make it half way down the hall, and I realize there is something on my arm, enter my melt down.
Me: Screaming hysterically: THERE IS POOP ON MY ARM!!!  AAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!
John comes running up the basement stairs once he hears me screaming, Ethan and Caleb run to Linley's room to see the cool poop on Mom's arm.  Linley is still screaming because I have to put a diaper on her.  Then begins the hunt for the poop.   Be careful where you walk boys.

Lunch is finished now to finish up reading.  We are discussing a story on a brave soldier who went to war. He had to fly in a plane to make it to Qatar.  Ethan is into it.  Then begins the questioning:
Me: So, how did the soldiers get to the war?
Ethan: on a plane.
Me: And how long did the story say it took to get there?
Ethan: Long enough for sleeping on the plane.  What did they eat on the plane?
Me:  Well, it took around 8 -12 hours to get there so they probably had a couple meals.
Ethan: Did they eat supper?
Me: I don't know.
Ethan: Was it good?
Me: Probably not, airplane food isn't usually good. (Not to mention this is United Airlines we're talking here.)
Ethan: What did they eat for lunch?
Me: I don't know, probably sandwiches.
Ethan: What about breakfast?
Me: At this point I'm starting to lose it and laugh hysterically because we are reading about a brave soldier and we're having a 5 minute discussion on what he ate on the plane ride. Oh yeah, did I mention I'm pregnant so my head isn't screwed on right anyway.
Ethan: In my face now, PANCAKES!!!! DO THEY EAT PANCAKES?
Me:  I doubt it, probably biscuits.
Now, trying to redirect back to the point of our lesson was a quite a challenge but once we figured out the eating situation he was ready to move on.

The kids finally go outside to play in the snow/ice. I'm working on dinner and run on the back porch to place the scraps out.  All of a sudden I hear a "WHOOOSSHH!" And something goes flying beside me and lands on the porch.  Then I hear in a whisper:
Man, we almost got her.
It's Ethan talking to Linley. Of course, I laugh about it and told him he was pretty close as I'm walking back into the house.  I turn around to say something to Ethan and am holding the door when something comes flying at my head. Enter evasive action maneuver (as Ethan stated today)... and 007 music:   I grab the door to block, I stealthily duck and do some sort of dance, you know-because of my cat-like reflexes, the ice ball sails by and hits the door and explodes into the kitchen.  Of course, I scream which makes it even funnier that they almost got me, in the head, with an ice ball, and ice is now all over the kitchen.

I'm thankful we survived the ice days, but man.  I thank God for bringing on the spring.

A day of tantrums

Today, it seems everyone wanted to throw a tantrum.  I wish I could have. I nearly did.   I realized what I didn't pray for during my devotion time...I think they probably will figure out what I didn't pray for as well.

Today was our MOPS day, a day that is not an ordinary day at the Cole house. Our school schedule is changed for the day and moved to the afternoon. So, we had to get moving.

Enter tantrum 1: Linley
The boys are getting ready and I have to change her diaper and get her clothed.  I get her diaper off, get her laid on the changing table and the poop hits the fan.  For at least 5 minutes she screams about putting on a diaper.  Now, don't get me wrong, I know that it is probably uncomfortable, bulky, not fashion forward, and gives you a large rear-end when looking in the mirror. However, when you choose not to go to the bathroom in the toilet and I will probably step in it somewhere around the house, you WILL wear one of those things in this house.  Finally, the diaper is put on, after several, "What is your deal?" And Ethan standing right beside me making sure I'm not doing anything to her and she is crying of her own free-will (Can we say protective big brother and making her a Diva?) we get her clothes on, which surprisingly she never mentioned that part of the process. Shocker I know.

Enter tantrum 2: Ethan
Time to get shoes on and hit the door.  Ethan, however, has literally destroyed his cowboy boots (his fav right now since he doesn't have to tie them) and now has two holes in one boot.  Of course, like any Mom, I say, "No. You can't wear your boots. Wear your tennis shoes."  And the crying begins. Seriously?  You're toes are going to freeze off because it's 20 something degrees outside and not to mention you look homeless wearing those shoes. God has blessed you with another pair of shoes, put them on.  And the fit continues, and continues, and continues.  I am trying to get ready and this child normally does not need me to "help him" get dressed.   After several threats, all bad parenting on my part since I had somewhere to go at a certain time, we make it in the van with tennis shoes.  Now I will admit,  my voice did not have the most pleasant tone by the end of the altercation.  And yes, I remember my serious face coming over me, my eyes bulging, and my voice level raising.   If it was possible for steam to come out of my ears this would have been the time.  So we are in the van traveling to MOPS and Ethan starts in on his discusison:
Ethan: Mom, you raised your voice at me.
Me: Silence.  (I am having a hard time controlling my temper at this moment along with pride admitting I lost my self-control and running the whole altercation through my head that the REASON I lost it is because YOU DID NOT PUT ON YOUR SHOES!!!!!!
Ethan: Mom, why aren't you answering me?  You need to ask forgiveness from me.
Me: Ethan, you are right. I am sorry I lose my self-control and raised my voice at you.  I lost my patience and I am sorry.
Ethan: I forgive you.  I'm not going to tell you sorry.
Me: Silence.
Ethan: Do you want me to say sorry?
Me:Sure.
Ethan: You won't forgive me.
Me: Yes I will. I already have.  Jesus forgives us and I already forgive you.
Ethan: Well okay then. I am sorry.
Me: Thank you.  I forgive you.
Ethan: Can I play Batman when I get home now?
I don't think he saw me roll my eyes at that moment.

Tantrum 3: Caleb
We pull up to the church where MOPS is.  Caleb starts the conversation:
Caleb: Mom, you did NOT tell me this was where we were going.
Me: Yes I did Caleb. I told you we had MOPS today.
Caleb: I am NOT getting out of this van!!!!!!!
Me: That's your choice, but it is freezing out here and we are all going in.
Caleb's fit escalates in decibels. He gets out of the van and we start walking in.
Caleb: I do NOT like this TERRIBLE CHURCH!! This church is HORRIBLE!!!   (and it continues)
Note here: the youth minister of this church and his family are getting out of their van to go to MOPS as well as Caleb is talking about this.
Me: Caleb, you need to be quiet. This church is not horrible.
Caleb: (Holding the door for me as we enter the church) This is a TERRIBLE BUTT day.  This day is HORRIBLE.  As he is stating this assessment of his day a line of about 20 2 years olds are walking out of the sanctuary of this church to their daycare room.
Me: Caleb, change your attitude.
And that was the end of it.

So, everyone had to get at least one tantrum in for the day just so not to be left out.  I should have thrown a tantrum.  See how they reacted.  That would have been entertaining.

Side note-tonight was Super Hero night  at church.  Linley wanted to be Batman but Ethan convinced her otherwise (so he could wear the cape) and she wore her tutu. Once we got her tutu on her, we needed to leave. But she goes up to Ethan, stops, and says "DANCE!!"  Ethan stops what he is doing, puts everything down, and they literally waltz in the hallway.  Then, it's time to go.  Yes,  I would say she is spoiled.

Even though we had a tantrum day today,  it was a blessing that everyone is healthy enough to throw themselves into the floor, or voice their opinions at a high decibel.  Thank you God for these blessings.  Now, as I am typing this, they are all three sitting in the floor at my feet playing a Lego game together as happy as  can be.  And, they shared their popcorn. Even Caleb did.  Oh how they do love each other.  Thank you Lord.

It's a GIRL!

Hi Everybody!! I'm little sister Cole!!!
Yes, it's a girl (and she is healthy which is the most important).  Called that one.  Ethan wanted that one-to make it even of course-3 boys 3 girls. Today was the day we went to get the ultrasound.  This morning we were all talking about it at the table.  Ethan asked how they would know if it was a girl or boy.  To be a fly on the wall in that conversation.
Me-well, what is different between you all and me and Linley.
Ethan and Caleb-silence
Me-your peepee.  Boys have a penis girls have a vagina.
Caleb-huh huh, vagina
Me-you know, what we do to tell the difference in the kittens.
Ethan-oh, that's what you were looking at.
Me-yes.
And then we resumed our lessons in school.
After we found out we had to get back for Ethan's basketball practice.   After John took the boys to practice Linley Claire and I went outside to tend to the animals while I had dinner on the stove.  First, we did the chickens. LC sat there and talked and talked to them while I got their water then she flipped out, I SCARED!  next we moved to the turkeys.  LC bit the dust, I mean mud, when she sank into about 4 inches of mud when I pulled her out.   Needless to say though, she doesn't mind the mud, she just kept right on going.  Then, we came face-to-face with Tom Turkey. I think he wants to come to my freezer.  He likes to now start charging the door when you go to feed him or water him.  My thought, don't bite the hand that feeds you....OR YOU WILL HAVE HIM FOR DINNER.  I think he will be dinner this spring.  Then we moved to the cows, where LC didn't want to walk so I had to carry the muddy child down the field.  We then dealt with a sick cow where she and I pushed and pulled on him trying to get him to stand and she even let him eat out of her hand.    We made it back up but, I smelled something...SMOKE!! Uh oh,  I'm over 20 yards from the house and the doors are shut, I should not be smelling it.  I run in, I had rice on the stove and it had now burned up and the entire house was completely filled with smoke,  I mean the whole house.   So, now all the doors of the house are open, most of the windows, and she and I eat dinner.  With only now a vegetable, bread, and a little meat, I fed LC and we were off to a friend's house.  When John picked up LC at the friend's house while I was at a meeting, the boys made an observation.  Linley smells like those people who put those sticks in their mouths.  Oh boys, you should have been here. What a celebration dinner!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Linley!

Today marks the day our Little Girl turned two.  Two years ago we welcomed our precious little girl Linley Claire Cole into our lives.  Who knew you would have all of us wrapped around your finger?

Linley Claire, you seriously crack me up.  The fact that you have the wildest blonde hair, unruly just like mine, is hilarious in itself.  We have a constant fight with it, and I can foresee how we will be fighting with it in the future-sorry but you have my hair.

Your temperament is unique.  You are dramatic and high strung and so sweet at the same time.  In one breath you will scream at the top of your lungs, push your brother, and then say "Sorry!" in one the sweetest voices I've ever heard.  Alot of this has to do with that you have to fend for yourself with two big brothers.  They have taught you a few bad habits that I am having to pray to break you from, not to mention still working on them. You will probably be one of the toughest kids on the block for sure. But, they have also taught you kindness, hugs, kisses, been your dance partners while being Cinderella,  and  shown you how to just do life.  You are always exciting, never dull, and fun.

You are a perfectionist, which I don't see how.  You put items back in their place without me ever telling you to.   I love the fact that you are my helper all the time. If I'm cooking, you are there, cleaning, you are there, laundry, you are there.  I think by age 5 you may be able to cook the whole family dinner including cupcakes, which are your favorite.

You love your pacifiers, which we are going to have issues breaking I can already tell.

You are so smart, sometimes too smart for you own good.  

You are a girly girl. You have an opinion on your clothes, bows, shoes, jackets.  You get so excited with a big "O" on your mouth and you cover it with your hands even when you get a new bow to wear. You love doing your nails-which is so much fun for me.  You sit absolutely still in my lap while we paint, sometimes multiple layers of different colors, on your nails. Then you run to your daddy and brothers and wait for them to gawk over you, which they always do.

You are a people person.  You will talk to just about anyone, you bless them with the attention from a little child which lights up people's faces and hearts.  

You shine show much love in our hearts. We are so thankful for you and God blessing us with two years with you already.  I'm going to cry thinking about you growing up, but I cannot wait to see the woman God will mold you to be.  We love you Linley Claire!!