Wednesday, August 19, 2009

94 and Still Groovin'


Sarah's dad's mom, Coleton & Sarina's great-grandma, is almost 94 years old.  
Paul knows how to make Grandma's day by playing 
some of those old-time favorites on his guitar.  
Here's grandma, during the family reunion in Wisconsin Dells, 
teaching Coleton "She'll be Comin' 'Round the Mountain".

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Sarina's 1st Birthday

We had a princess them party for Sarina's first birthday.  It was so fun to decorate and prepare everything with pink and glitter.  Here, Sarina is about to dig into her teddy bear birthday cake, made with love by her great-aunt Brenda, an Elgard birthday tradition.
A "boys against girls" lawn game of kubb.  This is a swedish game we first played up at Fjelstads' cabin.  Chase studied the wooden pieces and made a set for his brothers for Christmas.
Lydia, with her princess crown from a previous girls' princess party, and Sarina with her crown, part of a present from Grandma and Auntie Jennie - an incredible garage sale find of princess dress-up clothes and accessories!
Coleton thinks he might be able to get into this princess stuff...
...but we made Coleton and Clayton "Princes in Training".  As you see here, Clayton, true to character, has his crown on backwards.  Yes, they are still in training, but we do rejoice to see those glimpses of a prince in them.
Mommy thinks this girl is too kissable!
Daddy loves his little princess.  
Sarina is checking out the toile on her princess hat.
Sarina and Tanner - Sarina loves her uncles!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Cousins

Chase's sister's (Briana's) kids, Clayton and Connor (on the left), were over for a playdate, while their dad and mom went on a date.  We worked it out to watch each other's kids once a month, giving each other a date night with our spouse.  Coleton and Clayton are 4 months apart and great buddies, though they like to get in a tussle now and then, but I'm told that's how boys show their love for each other.  Sarina and Connor are exactly 1 week apart.  Connor tackles Sarina, and Sarina immediately lays flat on her tummy, head down, as if to say "I submit", but I think she's really just figured out that's the fastest way for Connor to become disinterested in wrestling with her.  4 kids under the age of 3 make for a wild night, but it's fun.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

May 23, 2009



Coleton and Sarina had a blast at Grandpa and Grandma's house, 
while Daddy took Mommy out for a day on the town for her birthday.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Growing So Fast!

Sarina loves pulling herself up now. Naptimes can be challenging, because she keeps pulling herself up in her crib and "talking" to Coleton, who is across the room in his bed, and then they get to laughing at each other. Though I know they should be sleeping, I just love to hear them in there. Here is a rare shot these days of Coleton smiling at the camera. He loves to smile, just not when I have the camera out. I "tricked" him into this shot. He was hiding from me (rather, my camera) in the closet. I had the camera focussed and ready for when he decided to show me where he was hiding.
Even more elusive, though, is my husband. We have no pictures of him on this blog (well, one side-angle shot). Sure looks like we're child-centered. My next goal is to get some pictures of Mr. Good-Lookin' up on this blog. If you think the kids are cute, wait until you see...
We are so grateful for all of you who have been praying for Coleton's healing and continued health. He has been doing great. He's had no need for factor since his surgery. The only issues since then have been bumps and bruises, which are just a part of daily life, and they don't bother him much.
I have a new favorite recipe to share with you! We have been trying to eat healthier, but finding healthy food that tastes good can be challenging. We weren't sure about this recipe, but since we first tried it, we have been having it for breakfast about every other morning.
Green Smoothies:
Blend in blender: 1/2 c. kefir, 1/2 c. coconut milk, 1/2 c. water, 2-3 T. orange juice concentrate, about 3 c. fresh spinach.
Add to blender and blend: 1 banana plus about 2 c. fresh or frozen fruit (strawberries, peaches, blueberries, pineapple, apple, etc.)
You can alter this recipe however you want, but the main thing is to get that spinach in there - a great way to eat your greens without realizing it! Enjoy!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

There's No Place Like Home

Coleton was a trooper during the 4 hours we were at the hospital before surgery. With a pre-surgery diet, consisting mostly of jello, he was in an especially happy and energetic mood. He loved playing with all the toys at Children's. I think, for the most part, he was having the time of his life.
Just after surgery, Coleton was not a happy camper. His throat was soar from the tube he'd had down his throat due to being under general anesthesia, and he just seemed very uncomfortable. It made for some special cuddle time.

By day 2, Coleton was unhooked from i.v. fluids and we were in the playroom more than his hospital room. Here, he just finished making "coffee" for Daddy at the play kitchen.


Just before I got this clip, Coleton was really singing away with "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart." With a plate full of french fries, I think Coleton has only good things to say about hospital food.
We got home yesterday afternoon, and Coleton is doing great. His port is accessed with a line so we can give him factor twice a day for about a week to keep the bleeding under control. Other than that, he is actively playing and back to normal. (Of course, "normal" takes on a whole different meaning in Coleton's case. ;)

Monday, March 30, 2009

Thanks For Your Prayers!

Coleton's surgery went very well and he is resting comfortably tonight. We will try to get some pictures up tomorrow but I wanted to give a quick update. Please continue to pray for the bleeding to stay under control.
Chase