Abby's Wedding

Me, Stephanie, Abby, JoniKay, Jennifer, & Lindsay

Kinnick got to come with us, Sadie went to Carson & Megan's (and was VERY excited about it!)

Lindsay, Me, Jennifer, Stephanie, JoniKay, & Amy

Abby's wedding was absolutely beautiful and she was a gorgeous bride. It was so good to see all of my girlfriends... I wish we lived closer.

Memorial Day Weekend

I know I'm a week late, but I wanted to share some pics from Memorial Day weekend... We had a great few days with lots of activities!

We stared Friday night with the Streator Carnival. We always have a carnival a few different weekends each year but this is the first time Sadie was really big enough to go. We went with some friends from our small group--the girls had a blast while Kinnick and his buddy Eddie hung out in the double stroller... Sadie was able to do several different ride including her first roller coaster! She was a little hesitant, but also excited. She also played her first carnival game with her dad resulting in a $5 fake flower.

I took Sadie down this bouncy slide--I wasn't sure if she'd be able to climb it by herself, but I was wrong. It went really fast and as soon as we hit the bottom Sadie yelled "Again!" We got to go twice and then the carnival worker let her take Maddie's 2nd turn b/c she didn't want to go again. The third time up Sadie said, "No Mommy, I not sit with you. I go by myself!" I asked if I could hold her hand and she wasn't thrilled about that idea, but she let me. That's our little "Miss Independent!"

The last "ride" we let the girls go on was the bouncy house and they LOVED it! We laughed hysterically watching the carnival lady try to wrestle Sadie out when her turn was over. Sadie was giggling and running away. Luckily the woman thought she was pretty cute and said that she was used to wrestling kids out.

Andy and Lindsey came for the weekend. On Saturday Lindsey and I took both kids to Sarah W.'s baby shower and the guys went golfing. That night our neighbor had a Luau. I wish I had pictures b/c she bought grass skirts for all the little girls and Kinnick looked way cute in his little Hawaiian skirt (which I happened to pick up last year on clearance!)

Sunday after church we went to Cracker Barrel for brunch then went for a hike at Starved Rock. The park was PACKED and MUDDY. After driving around for probably 10 minutes we finally got a parking spot and then maneuvered our way through the muddy parking lot. We had a good time. Wrigley and Oliver had a blast--they were both very tired and very dirty at the end.

"Lover's Leap"

Enjoying some ice cream on the way home!

Sunday night we had some of our friends over for a cookout. It was great weather! The kids had a blast playing and Sadie decided to eat sand--twice!

We also got to try out our new fire pit. We loved having smores then putting the kids to bed for a relaxing evening... Great weekend!

Kindergarten Sayings...

It's pretty much a guarantee that I'm laughing at something everyday in Kindergarten... I guess that helps relieve some of the stress that comes with the job. These are some of my favorite sayings from this year... I've tried to jot things down that I find especially funny!

• We did a study on Antarctica and students were listing winter clothing... "Don't forget your ear muffins!"
• As we were listing the seven continents a very excited hand popped up "Europe rhymes with syrup!" "Yes, yes it does..."
• When we studied Abraham Lincoln, we talked about how he worked in a general store. I compared it to a grocery store. Later as we listed facts about Lincoln, one student said "He worked at Kroger."
• Overheard one student saying to another--"My mom makes us drink soda, buy my dad really likes to drink beard."
• Each day we do "Daily Fix-its" to practice sentence conventions. The students really like doing these--one day a student was begging me to do "Daisy fix-its."
• Overheard a conversation between two students--"Hey, you know that big boat the Titanic? The one in the movie? My Mom told me that it's really for real and it really crashed!"
• My favorite responses to the question-What would you do if the cat in the hat came to visit your house? "I would punch him." "I would take him to watch Monster Jams." (I loved these responses b/c they matched their little personalities perfectly!)
• A recent conversation with a student in regards to the swine flue... "Mrs. Gorsch my Mom told me something VERY important last night." "What's that?" "If someone coughs on me I could die!"

I could go on, but I will spare you the alternate meanings of corn dogs, chicken nuggets, and donkey kong... Never a dull moment!

Taco Pie

We tried a new recipe from "Light and Tasty" on Sunday... it was pretty good. It's kind of a twist on taco ring, but I liked it better!

• 2 cans crescent rolls
• 1 lb. hamburger
• taco seasoning
• onion
• 1 can black beans
• 1 c. shredded cheddar
• 1 c. sour cream
• Doritos
• lettuce & tomatoes

Brown hamburger w/ onions (I used dried) and taco seasoning. Add beans and 1/2 c. cheddar, stir together. In a 9x13 pan, roll out crescent rolls--they should cover the bottom and make an edge around the pan. Spread hamburger mixture over crescent rolls, top with remaining cheddar. Spread sour cream over top and top with crunched Doritos. Bake @ 375 for about 20 minutes. When it comes at of the oven top with lettuce and tomatoes. (I made this in an 8x8 pan w/ 1 can of crescent rolls, 1 lb. hamburger, 1/2 can beans, and less cheese & sour cream.) I also whipped up some guacamole to serve on the side (2 avocados, 8 oz. fat-free cream cheese, 3 garlic cloves, and 2 T. lemon juice--mix in a food processor!)--very yummy!

Playing Dress-Up

I have loved watching Sadie's imagination develop! It's so fun to watch her cook us "dinner" (even if it is a cookie and ice cream!), I love watching her take care of her baby dolls (even if she is putting them in time-out!), and I love watching her play dress-up. For her birthday she received some jewelry, dress-up shoes, tu-tus, and boas from her grandmas and she LOVES playing with them (as do her friends, boys and girls) when they come over to play.

This is some of her play jewelry-she LOVES to wear it! (This picture makes me a little sad b/c I love this dress and now that it's getting warm, I'll be putting it away and next fall it won't fit her anymore...)

This is her dance outfit. She can put it on all by herself!

Her tu-tu and one of her boas..

Another jewelry picture--I really like this picture.

A super-hero cape and mask from her cousin Emmy... this one has been a BIG hit. Didn't the mask have sticker stars on it? (Those didn't last too long.)

Crazy Pics

Anyone who has tried to take pictures of a toddler and a baby together can probably relate to the difficulties... Add to the mix an extremely crazy toddler who doesn't really like to get her picture taken and it makes it even harder. This was my attempt at getting some pics to send to the grandmas for Mother's Day...

It never fails that your first picture is usually your best so why try for more?

Don't Smile

Sadie is going through a reverse-psychology phase... It's kind of funny. We'll say "Don't Smile!" to get her to smile. Lately it's been working on "Don't eat your _______." She will grab the veggies and shove them in her mouth when we say that. I guess I'll enjoy it while it lasts!

She's developing her "cheesy smile"!

Her first french braids--we were going to visit Daddy's bank. She sat really well while I braided her hair, but her hair is so fine that they didn't stay in too great, especially riding so long in her carseat.

Happy Mother's Day

I had a WONDERFUL mother's day with my two precious kiddos and my amazing husband. Here are some bits and pieces from my day:

• I had some snuggle time with Kinnick in bed before we got up. (I've been missing this time since he started sleeping later in the mornings.)
• I enjoyed "hot chocolate milk" with Sadie.
• I loved going outside for my "surprise"--a fire pit for us to enjoy this summer! Sadie was so excited to show me b/c she helped daddy put it together.
• I also loved reading my picture card made by "Lil Gorsch Card Company."
• Both kids screamed their heads off for about 5 minutes as we were trying to get out the door to go to church. (Kinnick was tired and Sadie was mad about her wardrobe choice.)
• Sitting in church I discovered strawberry jam smudges on my necklace and I had to smile thinking about the little fingers that put it there.
• I tried to time Kinnick's feedings so we could make it through brunch w/out him needing to eat. He started fussing the minute I sat down at the table with my plate of food...
• Sadie charmed a waiter (not even our waiter) into getting her a refill of juice while I had my back turned.
• Sadie and Carson played "King of the Hill" on a chair after we finished eating.
• I think I made about 5 trips to the bathroom with different kids before, during, and after brunch.
• We went for a hike and Sadie pretty much did the entire trail by herself. She ran ahead of us the whole time and I LOVE watching her run!
• Sadie got to pet lots of different dogs--she had so much fun. My two favorite puppy encounters were watching her shake hands with a golden retriever and watching her pet two little poodles. As the poodles walked away she yelled, "Bye puppies, Bye Lily, Bye other dog."
• I got to take a nap when we got home.
• Sadie and I went for a bike ride to Wal-Greens to pick up pictures and buy licorice.
• We went on a family walk to end the day... We didn't even make it a block away from our house when Sadie requested to go home b/c she wanted to go to bed.

I feel so blessed by the family God has given me!

Sweet Words from my Little Girl

I love listening to the things that Sadie says... She's talking a lot now, but she's still learning so many new things every day. It's fun to listen as her thoughts become words (and to imagine just what is going on in her little head!

Sometimes her words just make me laugh...

• Last night as she was laying in bed, we could hear her talking, singing, and laughing. After awhile, she started yelling "Stina, Stina... come in here. Daddy's home! Carson and Megan are here!" I guess she was having a party in her room.
• As she was playing with Kinnick I heard her say "Pologize Buba!" Hmmm... I wonder what he had to apologize for?
• I love when I hear her scolding her baby dolls. "Don't do that Emmy! Emmy, listen & obey. Mommy, Emma not listen, she have time-out."
• Last weekend she came running out of two different public bathrooms (Sears & Applebees) and proudly announced "I go pee!" to anyone right outside.
• When she doesn't need to go to the bathroom, she tells me "My pee's all out."

Sometimes her words make me proud...

• "Daddy, put your seat belt on so you will be safe." (She knows that the beeping sound means Daddy's seat belt isn't on!)
• I love hearing her read stories to herself or especially to her brother. "Buba, let's count." (As she takes his little hand and touches it to the pictures.) Reading her David & Goliath book... "David got that giant. Yeah David!" (clapping) "David trusted God."
• "Mommy, I will take good care of Buba today." (As I drop them off at Jennifer's.)
• "I help myself, Mommy." (She says this one ALL the time!)
• When she goes potty--"I so proud of myself!"

And sometimes her words just melt my heart...

• Completely unprompted during dinner... "Thank you Daddy/Mommy for making dinner for me."
• "I will marry daddy." Marc asked her if there is anyone else she wants to marry... "I want to marry Jesus."
• "It's okay buba." (As he's crying.) "You're my brother and I love you."

5 Months

Time flies--Kinnick is 5 months old! I'm not sure that I'm ready for sitting up, solid food, and crawling--but I'm enjoying every minute. I love being the mommy of a little boy! Here are some highlights:

Kinnick loves holding onto toys now. He loves grabbing the toys hanging on his carseat and if he sees a toy he wants he will roll or creep on his belly until he gets it.

He has starting sucking his fist/thumb alot! He still takes his pacifier, but soothes himself just as easily by sucking his thumb or fingers.

He loves sitting in his bumbo and exersaucer. We haven't gotten out the jumper--but I think he will like that also... He sits in his exersaucer alot while I'm getting dinner ready. (One night this week Sadie climbed into the saucer WITH Kinnick!)

He loves being down on the floor. He scouts his knees under himself and straightens them to move himself across the floor.

Potty Update: Sadie just finished her 2nd week at the sitter's since we started potty training. The first week was tough, but Jennifer thought she was making progress and we both wanted to keep trying. This week went much better! Sadie only had about three pee accidents all week and she has started telling us when she needs to go. She is also staying dry at nap time most of the time. Our biggest challenge now is pooping on the potty... She often goes during her nap time but went twice this week in her undies and once in the bathtub--yuck! She went on the potty for the 1st time Friday, so I'm hoping she will keep it up!

Date Night

On Friday we had plans for the kids to go over to play with friends while Marc and I went out. Sadie was SO excited for this all day. When I picked her up from Jennifer's I told her we needed to go home so Kinnick could eat, then we would go over to Emma's house. Sounds simple enough, Right? It turned out to be a bit more interesting...

We got home and carried school bags inside. I asked Sadie if she needed to go potty (she's been doing really well!) She said yes and we were on our way to the bathroom, but didn't make it. I laid Kinnick down--he was ready to eat and NOT happy. I striped Sadie's clothes and sat her on the toilet. I cleaned her off and left her sitting there while I cleaned up the mess. I made it back to the bathroom to see her (still sitting on the potty) grinning. "Toilet paper all gone, Mommy." There was about 1/2 a role on the bathroom floor. (Luckily she doesn't do this regularly.)

I got Sadie into clean clothes and sat down to nurse Kinnick. I read Sadie a couple books and then she went into her room to fix us some food in her kitchen. Next think I heard was a little gasp followed by "Potty Mommy!" She had another accident! I was shocked b/c she hadn't had any accidents for 3 days and she usually only goes every few hours. I laid Kinnick down (VERY mad at being interrupted) and carried Sadie to the bathroom. I put her back on the potty and then sat on the floor to finish feeding Kinnick. When he was done and Sadie had on her last pair of clean undies, I ran up stairs to get Kinnick a clean diaper. I heard him start to fuss and ran downstairs to find Sadie with her shirt pulled up and Kinnick's face pressed against her tummy. "He's not done eating Mommy."

At this point I was just ready to drop them off so I get ready for my date in peace. I took Sadie to her room to get new clothes. On the way she found the shirt she wore Thursday in a laundry basket and asked to wear it. You can't wear that, I need to wash it. "Mommy, this doesn't have pee on it, you don't need to wash it." I finally convinced her to wear something different.

I finished getting her dressed when she informed me that she needed to go potty--What?!? You just had two accidents! Nevertheless, back to the bathroom we went. Amazingly enough she did go! She wanted to wash her hands, so I turned on the water and ran back upstairs to change my shirt. (At this point Kinnick was playing happily in his pack-and-play.) I came back to find that she put the entire hand towel into the sink and was trying to put the soaking wet towel into the hamper. Oh, Sadie!

I was finally ready to load the kids into the car when Sadie requested to take her doll with her. Okay, easy enough (so I thought!) "Mommy, Emmy needs undies." (We had just taken Sadie's undies off the doll for her to wear b/c they were the last clean pair!) Emmy is a "Baby Alive" doll and she just comes in a shirt and diaper. Sadie was okay with her wearing a diaper, but she wanted to put Kinnick's diaper on her. I showed her that Kinnick's diaper was too big. "Mommy, Emmy needs pants." As she said this she had her drawer open pulling out a pair of jeans. I told her that Emmy had to go in her diaper or stay home and take a nap.

Kinnick is in his carseat and we're finally headed out the door. I have the diaper bag and Kinnick--Sadie has Emmy. As Sadie approaches the stairs to go down to the front door, I hear whining. She says "Mommy can you carry Emmy, she's too heavy for me." Never a dull moment... We enjoyed every minute of our peaceful dinner!