Giving Thanks (inspired by)


Thanks be to God, Father, Son and Spirit, for the abundance of good things he pours on His children.
We are but few, but His blessings are many.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

home again home again jiggidy jig

The kids and I made it home last night around seven. The car ride actually went pretty well, even though their naps were over with before we crossed the Indiana border. I am learning new strategies: annoying kid music makes them generally more cheerful, and earphones have the same effect for me. Also, Eldon is MUCH happier when he is in the waaaaay backw and cannot see his mama the whole time! Aggie suddenly turned into a fantastic big sister helper/entertainer for him and the other boys!


Marcus at Playworld in Grand Rapids- what a great place to tire the kids out before a long car ride! He woke up in the night crying for his Nana early this morning. When I told him Nana was at her home in Michigan, that it would take another looooong van ride to go see her again, he said, "Ok mommy, let's go right now."

Here is Bump holding his two youngest grandsons (at the moment!) Baby Theo is a sweet, cuddly, seemingly very mellow baby! Seth kept calling him "Uncle Theo the baby" and "Baby Uncle Theo." He still doesn't quite understand that the "Uncle" part of Theo's name was not passed on to his son!

Here is Seth at the record player. And, below, Seth operating the CD player for the book walk at family fun night. I am not sure if it is the music or the technology he appreciates the most, but I am pretty sure it is the technology.

It is very nice to be home in White Creek again! When we left it was 80 and muggy- got to Michigan and it was mid-30s and raining (of course it was 2am.) It felt like November for most of our visit! Now it is 75 again in Indiana, with 100% humidity, and the kids are playing in the pool while I hide in the air-conditioning! I do like it warm... just not much warmer than this!

Saturday, May 8, 2010

"You're coming with me buster!"


Marcus loves his new baby cousin! I think he wants to take him home!

We made it to MI safe and sounds at 2am this morning. 5 1/2 hours of QUIET and talk radio... it was great. The kids slept all the way, slept in this morning, and took three-hour naps this afternoon! (So did I!)

Thank you God, for safety and sleep!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

bad ideas

Lessons learned this week (I hope...)

No kids, it is not a good idea to walk through the house to tell me you stepped in dog poo!

No kids, it is not a good idea to run out into the garage with no clothes on to get your bathing suit!

No kids, it is not a good idea to spit on your baby brother even if he thinks it is funny!

No kids, it is not a good idea to try to squish each other under the gym mats!

No, Marcus! It is not a good idea to take your sister's anti-seizure medicine for her!

No Eldon, it is not a good idea to scream as loud as you can just to get out of your carseat. I don't care if you can keep it up for an hour without stopping!

On account of that last one the kids and I will be leaving for MI tonight after family fun night (so around 8) I am hoping, praying that Eldon will sleep the whole time if we go at night! If you think of us please pray for safety, and remind God that we are all much safer and saner when Eldon is quiet!

Got Charcoal?


Marcus is trying to start a new trend in the Cook house this morning...

Saturday, May 1, 2010

new mommy joy!

My heart is bursting for my dear sister and brother-in-law today!
God has richly blessed them!!!


Meet Theodore Thomas Orban, born early Wednesday morning.
Praise God, who knows how to give good gifts to His children!


It is so amazing to see my sister experiencing that awesome new-mommy joy!

Congrats you guys, and may the Lord continue to bless you with joy and health and life!