Grumper

It always amazes me how different four kids, with the same parents, can be. Zekers has always been sweet, sensitive and cuddly . . . unless you try to take a picture of him. He's good for about 2 shots (which never seem to turn out right); then, he just turns into a grump and absolutely refuses to cooperate.

So, for your viewing enjoyment, here are just a few of many, many attempts to get a decent picture of him at the park on Friday.





After only a few seconds, we realized the "all 4 kids together" shot was not happening that day.




But, to give him some props for good behavior, we did get a couple of OK pics on the bridge. Of course, my bright idea to get him with the pond in the background was destroyed when we saw that someone had decided to drain all the ponds, leaving him standing on a bridge over a bunch of dirt and dead fish.





While at the park, a couple of very nice older gentlemen let the kiddos play with and feed their dogs. It took Malachi a while to grasp the fact that the dog treats were for the dogs and not for him, but after downing a few of them, he finally got it.




Last but not least: a sign we pass often on our way home from Richmond. If you ever find yourself in need of both cheese and fabric, this is the place for you!

Good News!

Yes!! I'm allergic!! I don't know to what, and right now, I don't care . . .

After meeting with the GI specialist again yesterday, Danny and I both felt like we were absolutely walking on air. I've had a couple more attacks since we saw him on May 1st with even more additional symptoms, and this, together with all of my test results coming back normal, points to an allergic reaction. My histamine levels are typically normal, but during an attack they increase dramatically, causing itching/burning and swelling throughout my body; and may be responsible for the intestinal inflammation and other nasty symptoms I've had since February. The last time I began having an attack, I took an antihistamine, which stopped it in its tracks.

I have an appointment with an allergist on June 3rd, and I'm praying they are able to pinpoint the problem (literally!). Since several of the attacks have hit in the morning, sometimes 12 hours after I've last eaten, I don't think it has anything to do with food, but could be environmental. Who knows - maybe we'll end up having to move into a different house.

So I at least know that I will (if God wills it) be around to watch my kids grow up. And I know that I have a perfectly functioning gall bladder. What more can I ask? :) I feel as though I've been handed a second chance at life. Is it me, or is the sun shining more brightly than usual today??

All in a Day's Work

We spent Thursday evening with Danny's sister Robyn, her husband John and their boys, Quinn & Ian. The kiddos thought it was just about the greatest thing in the world that they got to take turns riding on Uncle John's scooter.

Rachel and Zeke took a turn, then Karis got to ride. The helmet was a little large, but it worked!



Poor Mr. Moo. It just wasn't happening with the helmet . . .



But that didn't stop him from taking his turn!



More Mr. Moo craziness. He's as strong as a little ox, and we've discovered that he loves to hang on things, including basketball hoops.




I know he looks totally unhappy in both pictures, but honestly, as soon as we get him down he wants to go up again!





Friday was such a perfect day, we took a family trip to Carriage Hill. Our original plan was to go to the "Me Zoo" in Indiana. But as we got ready to take off, Danny checked online for the hours and found out it's CLOSED on Fridays. So . . . on to Plan B. The kiddos loved seeing the pregnant pig, chasing chickens, petting little lambs and especially playing in the old-time schoolhouse / kitchen area. They made us all kinds of interesting meals with the fake food.




Mr. Moo walked around sporting not one vest, but two!




I love this picture of Moo & Danny - matching strides.



Fun on the swing




We let Rachel try her hand at photography.



We ended the day with a family bike ride, which lasted until Danny got a flat tire. But for the first time, Rachel was able to ride her bike and keep up with us. (She kept passing us and got pretty cocky about it until she had a big wipe-out!)

Now we just need to find a day when the Me Zoo is actually open!

Thoughts from a Random Child

Today I received the following Mother's Day card:


Front (picture of cat, dog, Zeke, Mommy, trees)


Inside


Back



Danny said he didn't know anything about the message on the back until Zeke asked him how to spell "chicken."

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Bits & Pieces

After seeing the specialist this afternoon, there's not a whole lot to report. He asked a lot of questions and typed away furiously as I talked. Next week, I'll have three different tests done, including a CAT scan and one that involves radioactive fluid. Just call me the "human night light"! The dr. said that most likely the inflammation is not the main problem, but a "side effect" of something else - he thinks it may be my gall bladder, since a lot of the symptoms seem to fit and women my age who have had multiple pregnancies are most at risk for this. There are also a couple of extremely rare conditions he wants to rule out. The results will take a couple of weeks to come back.

For now, I'd rather think about all the incredible deals we found at a couple of thrift stores earlier this morning! Between the roller blades I found for Rach, and the bags of toys from Aunt Robyn, the kiddos are all happily (and quite noisily) playing. You know, I find that I don't mind noise at all, as long as it's happy noise.

Here are a few pictures of some "firsts" for the kiddos:

Rachel's first school performance, Literacy in Motion


Zekers' first soccer game, last Saturday. He and Rachel are on the same team and Danny is coaching again. So far this "season", 2 practices and 2 games have been rained out, but Saturday the weather was just about perfect.


Karis got to attend her second princess party - but the first one she's gone to all by herself without Rachel - for 2 good friends, Hannah & Grace. They played so hard that she informed me on the way home, "Mommy, I'm exhausted."