KNAPPFAM

Isn't she lovely....

2010-10-05T11:06:00.004-05:00

Eve has lived and breathed and moved and had her being here on this side of heaven for over 377 days. She is sprouting new feathers of hair on her head, taking 7 steps at a time, clapping, praising herself, shouting "I didit!", laughing, taking interest in baby-dolls and eating cheese stix. She Loooooooves music and dancing and eating legos. (who doesn't!?) jk, mom.

She is also the muse for my attempt to make children's clothing: Eve. In such a short time, you are *so* much to us.

So looooong Suckers!!

2010-09-02T14:52:00.003-05:00

So, our oldest son, Jackson- (age 5) started Kindergarten this year. Like any mother I felt a certain level of responsibility to walk him thru all the emotions that might come with such a huge transition. I would find myself probing for emotions leading up to the actual day; I'd say things like :"So, ... how are feeling about school?..." Jack: "Good." Period. The end. Nothing further. And I didn't want to MAKE UP emotions for him to feel, ... I just wanted to help him process them.

Well, the day DID come- and Jackson looked ready: Lunchbox, back-pack, clean outfit, new socks, and some shiney Iron man velcro shoes. (I was pining for the blue canvas LEVI sneakers- but Iron Man won out, ... )

Brian was gearing up the car to take him the 14 minute drive across town, and I wanted one last hug- which Jack obliged. I sat on the couch waving as he walked out the backdoor, ... then in one last swoop - he opened the door, gave an exaggerated-hearty wave and shouted: "SO LOOOOONG SUCKERS!!!" and quickly vanished.

I laughed so hard I almost left a wet spot on the couch. Here I am, prepared to comfort a sullen child- ,... not once did I really prepare myself for the kid who takes it by the horns. That's our Jack- taking life by the horns.

Bigger Pictures

2010-09-02T10:56:00.003-05:00

Had the Bigger Munchkins pay us a visit while in town recently. Man, alive. Love those kids- sweet enough to eat!

barrettes

2010-08-16T13:41:00.003-05:00

Yep. She's sporting a barrette. How can one little peice of metal transform an infant into a little girl with a peachy face!? Oh, ... eve. Ohhhhhh. Eve.

summer kiddie pics- for grandpa and grandma knapp

2010-08-05T07:10:00.004-05:00

The sun found all our kids this summer; Jack and Em running against the wind with moppy, beachy, sun-scorched hair, and Ryland recently shorn (from certain "pedro" syndrome) Eve sported her first barrette, and her first bathingsuit.
Jackson has found his boyancy working to his advantage in the pool as he has learned to swim, dive, float and rage around like a shark in the water. Emerson is well on his way - close behind- ready to take on the world of water.
Ryland now has a healthy fear of water (no holds-bar for him in any type of adventure) but after stepping into the deep end of the pool a couple of times and being snatched out (very immediately) I think he's done the math- and frequents the shallow end now.
Eve is amazing. period.
We had a blast on the river in WV- canoeing , kayaking, swimming, building sandcastles, playing with dogs, throwing sticks, roasting marshmallows, -

Now - just settling in. love you.

Trying our hand at...

2010-04-20T22:25:00.003-05:00

So, it's the limbo of spring, when you never know whether to wear longsleeve thermals or flippy-flops, ... so i usually just wear both.

Aside from building our "L" shaped raised bed for our vegetable, herb, and flower garden this year we've been blustering about in our basement, making "stations" for our potting, germination, and irrigation of all the seeds we've taken under wing to nurture and hopefully see grow. Still too cold outside to release them into the wild, but I *have* concocted a "potion" of sorts in preparation for keeping our squirrel friends off our beloved vegggggg.

:1 gal H2O to 6 capfuls of Murphy's wood cleaning solution, to 2 TLBSPN Cayenne pepper. Doesn't hurt the plants and electrocutes the squirrels taste buds long enough to keep them out of the garden. Here's some before pictures (which I'm praying will be followed up with some very green and colorful "after" pictures in 10-12 weeks)

Play Room On-goings

2010-03-15T21:51:00.005-05:00

This last week has been a paint swirling whirlwind of room face-lift extravaganza. Dustan and Betsy have thrust their stake in the ground here at our home. (almost quite literally). Sawing, cutting, scraping, gluing, painting, climbing... this may as well have been OUR very own clubhouse. After several nights of working until crazy hours (for this old bag of bones anyway) and going to bed intoxicated by paint vapors, and tripping over ladders to get there- we have nearly finished this fantasy world of a room for our kids!! Just wanted to throw some of our recent pics up on the screen so everyone we ditched to get this done feels a sense of "at least it wasn't for nothin' ..."

And now, ... everyone can come and PLAY!!!

And if you're wondering if my kids are in their underwear.... well, yes, - they are. But it's actually their costume of choice as of late if that makes it any better. You can't show off all your bulging muscles in a shirt, and apparently you are not a true warrior unless you have bum-hugging shorts to wear while practicing moves. So- don't let the white, pastey, lanky legs and barely-there chests subtract from the world we created for these little muscles to live in. Look at the walls! Look at the TREEHOUSE!! Look at the stage!!! (complete with chalkboard paint for drawing their own backgrounds....)

Spit up on my sweatshirt

2010-03-02T12:56:00.004-06:00

I get spit up on,... every day. Not just once a day, ... consecutively and consistently through out the day. So, I dress accordingly. I live most of my day in the scrub-dubbiest of clothes that I own, hair slung back in a ponytail, and layered shirts, so I can peel one off after it's been marked with cottage-cheese chunks. I really despise the stereo-type of "mother of four"- but I can't get around it. There's no point buying great clothes only to ruin them. So, I'm just embracing this season of bodily functions and fluids and not even glancing in the rear view mirror of trendy-days. My day will come, and a few days inbetween where I clean up real nice-like. But, ... just putting it out there; it's a pointless pressure for me to look great all the time. Blah. And if you're reading this and you have kids, ... you shouldn't either. Your day will come. Until then, enjoy all the messiness that life offers you in this season: baking with your kids, eating what you bake with your kids, painting projects, offering a hand to your teething baby- ... just let the drool coat your arm (it's probably as good for your skin as aloe)...

8 Thousand Years Later....

2010-02-25T20:08:00.002-06:00

We haven't even posted since Eve's been born and she's coming up on 5months! Honestly, I scratch my head and wonder where the heck time goes, and if Time is ever polite enough to knock on my door- come into my house and stay for a spell. But He never is that polite... he's always moving, and we are forced to run alongside him.

So- here's a couple of Eve's latest photos: she's sporting her latest swim-suit edition. (Can anyone see the ballet arms here!?)

I'll be back. Promise. Sorry it's been 8 thousand years.

Shenanigans that really happen here

2009-12-10T09:32:00.005-06:00

Turkeys are fried. Beer is brewed. Fat squirrels feast.

I never know how to go back and systematically report on all the goings-ons that have happened in sequential order. I'm not journaling daily these days and for sure not taking pictures as much as I'd like. It seems easiest to lump a bunch of events into one big hairball and throw it out there. Here's the scope as compacted as I can make it:

Brian and Dustan are brewing for the first time this year, 2 different ales and thoroughly enjoying the process of beer chores. They've joined a local home brew club (see link for sweet article) and are turning our basement into quite the workshop. We'll test the beer right around Christmas- cheers!

Brother James and g-friend Britt came out to join us for thanksgiving, along with the moores, balkcom fam #1 and balkcom fam #2 (Dustans' parents were in for a visit) AND we deep fried our bird. Yep. Right there in our incredibly flammible wood built garage.

We're in full gear holiday style. The boys - Jack and Emerson have their first christmas performance- a silent nativity scene- where Jack plays Joseph and Emerson landed a spot as a wise-man. This will be interesting. And i'll have every second on video.

My days still consist of face-painting sessions that turn regular boys into star-war heros, dish-washing, meal planning, LEGO playstation video game domination, baby-feeding, diaper changing, refereeing madness. i love it. I haven't taken up any new hobbies, although I have a P90X dream and guitar lesson wish list. Everything is beautiful in it's time.

Back to Life... Back to reality

2009-11-18T09:24:00.003-06:00

Those are the lyrics that effortlessly float thru my head whenever I'm attempting to update over a long period of time. Truth is, we've been back in the swing of life and eating our dose of reality for quite awhile now. Life is good. Not seamless, ... but still full of a certain magical grace that keeps our feet on the ground, consistent in childrearing matters, and generally happy. Some pics- for fam. I've blanked on good stories to tell, and am honestly just trying to cross off my list "Update family blog" - so here it is. Sortof half-hearted but with good intentions. Sometimes you just need to break down the wall before anything productive comes out... so here ya go! Wall - breaking time. And what better way than will fresh photos?

Ogallala-la-la-la-laaaaaa

2009-07-16T08:59:00.003-05:00

A few pics from our trip out west to visit G'ma and G'pa Knapp over the 4th of July. We loaded up on black-cats, snap-dragons, tanks, rainbow something rather, and parachute firecrackers....

Had a blast soaking in the revived Lake Mac, boating, drinking in the night-life of ogallala (Ice Age 3 featured at the downtown movie theater) and watching the boys enjoy our days spent in Nebraska. Jackson, per usual, made friends everywhere he went, - but kept forgetting their names and reverted to calling everyone "Jeffrey"???? We don't even know a Jeffrey.

Before and After

2009-06-11T13:28:00.003-05:00

PS- for those who don't know... we went from the thrown up babyshower colors to more subtle earth tones. Check out the change.

I love transformation, ... but honestly, all props to Brian for his passion to continue to improve everything he sets his hand to. And shout out to "uncle Jesse" and his crew for all their hard work and excellent customer care.

Let's go fly a kite....

2009-06-01T14:16:00.002-05:00

Just a few photos from our Sunday afternoon for Grampa & Grandma. Thanks again, for the kite!

crazies.

2009-05-30T21:37:00.000-05:00

5 things to do when your held hostage in hotel living....

2009-05-26T09:10:00.001-05:00

Just to clarify, we have been living in our home for the last two weeks- but due to the overwhelming response of deep sighing and pitiful looks I received when I told my friends that our family was being relocated to a hotel for a week, I've decided to journal our adventure and encourage anyone out there that thinks hotels with small children are the equivalent of dangling your toes over hell's flames.

We had a blast! Don't go too upscale, or you'll be panicing the entire time- just something moderate will do the trick. Anything novel is exciting. Our kids favorite part (aside from having the pool to ourselves 24/7 was the continental breakfast room!) Jackson couldn't wait to go to sleep so that he could wake up and "have fruit loops and a bowl and milk and a spoon and a cup and juice?! PLEEEEEEase!!!???" Some itches aren't hard to scratch at all.

#1 Read the Dictionary - front to back. This activity held Emerson over for about 14 minutes and then I couldn't understand anything that his far superior brain was trying to communicate with me, so I took the dictionary away and burned it. jk. I didn't burn it.

#2 Go for a swim!- We literally swam at least 2xs a day- and began to feel like we were parenting whales.

EAT OUT. It's not something we do often, so among getting to know what we need to work on with our kids table manners in public places, ... we stuffed our faces with food that SOMEONE ELSE made and come "home" to a room that SOMEONE ELSE cleaned.

#4 Play-place escapes. God Love Mcdonalds for the forum that they care enough to create. What else could we have done on a rainy day? Okay, maybe a hundred things... but it served its purpose and I was thankful.

#5 Pack picnic lunches and head to the park. ** Sorry, its getting late for this pregnant lady, and I'm running on low-wit. (In fact, I just changed the title of this post to 5 things to do from 10) I guess you all will just have to get creative. WAIT! That can be #6... Get creative.

Attempting to celebrate...

2009-05-26T08:35:00.005-05:00

I flopped this year. I'm no idealist, but I *do* have something in my heart that really believes people should be celebrated. Birthdays seem to be the most opportune time to do that in our busy culture, .... or.... not. for. me.
Pregnancy and temporary relocations, the breathing in and out of company and the fact that we are too old, and our kids are too young can all justify reasons why we didn't do much this month to celebrate 3 out of 5 of the birthdays in our immediate family, but truth be told, I just don't have a handle on planning for these things yet. And I'm learning that I'm not great at "throw it together last minute" kind of stuff. Blah. So, although there were no streamers, people jumping out of cakes, or bouncy castles, here's the birthday announcements for this month.
Ryland David, age 1

First cupcake, ... first beard.

Lindsay's Birthday Celebration (age 29) at ztrocadero brunch with a stash of great people:

And lastly, Brian's birthday cake which was neither made nor consumed on his birthday. (He left for business trip on the morning of his actual b-day... so we stumbled thru a celebration after he got home :

D&B stay at the B&B

2009-04-21T10:26:00.005-05:00

Our friends, Dustan and Betsy recently visited from Virginia. Even now, I've got a storm abrewin in my brain... possibly a book compiled of peoples experiences at our home B&B. Anyway, during their stay- we FINALLY made our way out to Waves, a local hole-in-the-wall joint that serves out of this world food! http://www.wavespub.com/

IF YOU LIVE IN RACINE: You *Have* to eat here. It's the hidden glory of our city.

Dustan and Brian power-washed the ENTIRE house over the course of Saturday while Besty and I dined at one of my other favorite sit-ins: Red Onion Cafe

Updats

2009-04-21T10:05:00.003-05:00

Ryland and Dad- possibly the 2 best looking creatures on this planet

Jackson and Emerson, - the best looking creatures from another planet.

Jackson, MAYBE, has 4 pictures on record of him *not* making a weird stretched out face. This is one of them. I would save it to your computer-- may never see something like it again (well, for the next 2 years at least)

Cuteness that cannot be contained by clothing.

Community Garden 2009

2009-03-27T09:09:00.002-05:00

Our family has recently come into a great opportunity to participate in our friends community garden! I'm stoked to try my hand at canning this summer and love that we're working the dirt with other families to produce healthy, savvy veg. Jackson and Emerson have already helped me draw up plans for what they want to grow in our garden: corn, tomatoes, carrots, peas, beans, cucumbers, and strawberries...

This is also our first opportunity to teach the boys about money and tithing and saving! We'll be helping them manage their piggy-banks as they earn their first bling by weeding, watering and caring for our garden.

Closet doors, spring breaks and baby fat.

2009-03-24T11:17:00.002-05:00

Check out the color Brian painted the closet doors in my new office. It makes me want to order bubblegum icecream by the pound. James and Britt came out to catch their breath over spring break. Enjoyed 4 relaxing days of body slamming the boys, wrestling, sleeping in until 6:30 am and all the amenities of the Knapp B&B (legos under their pillows and crayons in their socks)

All in all we had a fantastic time watching these college kids brave the big world of child-rearing. Good job guys! We miss you.

And this, ... well- it's just too edible to exclude. I want to chomp those shoulders to shreds.

Most of you may know...

2009-03-16T14:16:00.002-05:00

In addition to our strapping chaps: Jack, Emerson, and Ryland we are expecting baby Knapp #4!!

So- good thing we have a big bath-tub??

As of late....

2009-03-16T13:44:00.002-05:00

http://www.thepfister.com/index_2.asp?sourceid=

Our homegroup recently sent us away on a scavenger surprise: Overnite, all-inclusive trip!! We dined like kings, spent the evening at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee and enjoyed a gourmet breakfast to the symphony of snowfall outside. On top of luxury, we came home to a spic-n-span house and kids completely cared for. Check out the website of the hotel!

Hey Grandma and Grandpa Knapp!

2009-01-15T15:47:00.002-06:00

Jackson, sticking his face in the water and demonstrating a "float" technique.

Emerson- clinging to the wall.

The boys are doing really well in their swim lessons: they've had 2 so far and Jackson is already almost floating all by himself. He is learning to concentrate and Emerson is learning to trust. Em is a bit more cautious in the water and I call it a success when I know he's been brave enough to try something new.

Ry-guy

2009-01-15T15:35:00.001-06:00

I love fat babies in skin-tight jammies.

The greatest cupcakes I've ever made....

2009-01-15T14:58:00.004-06:00

Thanks to my brother, Dan, who indulged my pastry chef dreams over Christmas by buying me 2 cupcake cookbooks, the birthday cupcakes of a life-time were born. (Happy b-day to Emerson... may your teeth not rot until your well past the age of 94)

Here they are in the making:

Winter in Wisconsin

2009-01-15T13:08:00.003-06:00

Negative three is the high temperature for today's broadcast. But aside from the frigid potential for frostbite upon walking out the back door for 4 minutes, there are some beautiful sites on the lake during the coldest of the cold seasons:

Christmas Parties and Holiday Brunches

2008-12-29T15:16:00.005-06:00

Nick and Lauren opening for the white elephant

Lindsay (virgin Mary- soon expecting) with Lauren

The Moores- (Dana REALLY IS expecting) Nate and Olivia

All the Homies.

Reese, Emerson and Jackson - Candy Land

Mike and Rowan

The Reynolds: Evan, Jonathan, Reese, and Teresa

Rowan, Olivia, and Ryland -

We purposed to keep our calendar as clean as we could this holiday season so as not to take on any extra stress; but 2 things we have been looking intently forward to- our Christmas part with Homegroup and our holiday (post-christmas) brunch with near-and-dears.

Handsome, Handsome- Ryland

2008-12-29T15:05:00.002-06:00

He's growing into quite the boy! Props to Heather for my beautiful new apron, and Ryland's amazing new threads. They are honestly my favorite outfit I've ever outfitted any of my kids in! Great job, Heather! check out more of her sweet baby gear at www.bagmamas.com

xo- Linds

Happy Birthday Betsy

2008-12-22T09:50:00.002-06:00

Shout out to Betsy on her birthday:

December

2008-12-18T09:45:00.006-06:00

December has sent us full swing into holdiay celebration and warm hibernation. Daily injections of hot cocoa, pathetic looking forest creatures sculpted from the early snow, cookies with the amount of sugar that only kids can hack, and tickets to see Harry Connick Jr.

Ate at http://www.ztrocadero.com/ and enjoyed French cuisine, complete with escargot catalan -(These are days when I literally thank God that he thought to give us tastebuds) followed by an outstanding time busting thru the doors of Milwaukee's theatre from a blistering cold. the big-band trumpets and Harry's rendition of the "Most wonderful time of the year." I have to agree, Harry.... it's simply wonderful.

Hmmm

2008-12-12T10:54:00.004-06:00

Sometimes people ask me, "So, ... do you think you're a good mom?" And I take a deep breath, slowly nod my head and resolutely say, "Yes, ... I think I am."

so.... yeah.

Petrified Springs Park -

2008-12-03T11:36:00.006-06:00

Removeable Mural

2008-12-02T15:14:00.003-06:00

Nearly finished with the mural that I'm making for Jack and Emerson's room for their Christmas present. It's a 8ft by 4ft foam canvas (light and moveable). It makes sense to do something re-moveable 1) because they are not going to love this choo-choo theme forever, 2) it doesn't break my heart to paint over (and lose forever) something that cost time and ($) and 3) I can work on it whenever and wherever I want ...

So* here is the nearly finished product. Names to be added...

"LyndaLou" will ROCK you.

2008-11-27T12:09:00.005-06:00

http://shoplyndalou.mybisi.com/

I just received a handmade half-apron from Lynda Lou's boutique. I *LOVE* it! Sometimes I wear it just to feel hip and unique (like Natalie Portman on Garden State) It is BY FAR my greatest motivation to be in the kitchen : (It's not like it takes a whole lot of coaxing anyway- but STILL!...) When I wear my apron, I am Urban Outfitter's Aphrodite. I am Queen Victoria of Bon Appetite- I am anthropologie's covergirl. Check out other trendy beautiful housewears and homegoods that Lynda lovingly creates. And look for my photo in the upcoming edition's of

http://www.bonappetite.com/, http://www.urbanoutfitter.com/,

http://www.anthropologie.com/

For now... feast your eyes on THIS!

Fantastic Date Night Idea/ Christmas Gifts

2008-11-26T11:33:00.006-06:00

http://www.cedarcreekwinery.com/

Vidal is a crisp and refreshing semi-dry with aromas of pears and apricots that finishes with a wisp of sweetness. This wine has 1.6% natural sweetness and 10% alcohol and is very well balanced. Vidal continues to make us proud! This year, Vidal received a Double Gold medal at the International Eastern Wine Competition in New York. This wine has also already earned seven Gold medals so far in 2007 and has received a total of six Double Gold medals in the last six years.

You can order their amazingly priced award winning wines right online- but if you're in the area, you should really make the trip up to Cedarburg for their winetour and taste for yourself. These wines are quite possibly my favorite EVER! Brian and I are planning a trip during one of the 5 themed Friday Festivities: Information for a sweet date night www.cedarcreeksettlement.com

Blogging the Christmas List

2008-11-26T10:43:00.005-06:00

www.broadwaypaper.com

www.freepeople.com

http://www.kitchenkrafts.com/

www.freepeople.com

http://www.broadwaypaper.com/ (watch out. You'll lose 2 hour EASY browsing this sight.)

Brian: http://www.sweetwater.com/ He's got 9 items he really wants to buy.

School's back in session

2008-11-20T14:26:00.004-06:00

Well, sortof. We just re-arranged our set-up, and so far, it's my favorite.

Starting to get Christmas lists in order, ... if anyone is looking for creative baby-gear... check out my sis' website: http://www.bagmamas.com/

Haircut- Before and After

2008-11-14T13:33:00.003-06:00

When there are more dreadlocks on your child's head than patches of free-flowing hair... it's time for a trim. Ryland, sporting his new haircut.

Inspired, once again...

2008-11-10T13:49:00.003-06:00

I've begun to name the delicacies that are born from the womb of my kitchen, in the event that a bakery is given to me one day--

Waking up to Swirls of Color

2008-11-06T11:41:00.005-06:00

We're in full-fall-swing. This is the season that makes me take deeper breaths. The mornings whisper to me, and I find myself outside every morning for a couple of minutes just to inhale deep clean breaths, warm coffee in hand. Energized by the way cool wind kisses my cheeks I retreat into our cozy home already full of life at 6AM. We're emphasizing a quiet hour from 6 to 7 AM (which trips and fails countlessly) but I love that our home is full of children and chatter and coffee brewing and teapots steaming. I know that we will look back on these years as the cinnimon buns of our lives- sweet, gooey, sticky goodness.

There is no other season that colors life the way autumn does, and I feel my soul awaken with new colors.

Happenings

2008-11-05T18:02:00.002-06:00

Just a few highlights from mom and dad Knapp's trip out to WI (and Jess and Kenny too)

Roasting Marshies, Hanging out with G'pa and roundin' up the possie at the Laughter and Light party.

Feed the Birds

2008-11-05T11:57:00.004-06:00

Quick idea for the remainder of the fall: you probably have everything you need right in your own home. Peanut butter is a nice sub for the shortening.

Week of Birthday Bliss

2008-10-28T13:35:00.002-05:00

Jackson turned 4 on October 26th. I know to many of my readers, that sentence is nothing more than information. But to me-- that sentence falls like a hammer. We just breathed our way thru 4 years and he is entering a scope of life with friends and social functions and hand-eye-coordination. I love knowing this boy. For those of you who don't, nutshelling a description of his personality will do no justice. But proud moms always attempt anyway:

Jackson needs daily doses of tickle-juice in order to survive. His expressions are worth wrapping up. Excitement that sings soprano, and giggles like the sprinkles on your favorite cupcake. He's a chef, an engineer, and a bed-hopper. He makes friends better than wallstreet makes money. He begins every morning with a happy hello, asking if I slept well. He protects Ryland and pummels Emerson- but loves them both. He's a champion and a broad avenue of joy in my life.

Broken...

2008-10-20T10:47:00.005-05:00

Well, it's fractured, actually. Which is sortof how I feel too. I'm not ignorant to testing coming to our lives- in order to produce faith that is of more value than pure-bling-bling-gold...

Any Ol' Saturday

2008-10-19T16:33:00.004-05:00

Just getting acclimated to the new season. Nights are increasingly chilly and darkness sets in much sooner. Loving the brisk outside air (before it turns bitter)

We just finished our annual "turn-over"- a day we set aside to boxing up the summer linens and breaking out the fall wools. (I should've taken a picture of our bedroom - peppered heavily in clothing during the organization process.- but we'll leave something to the imagination)

PS- Karri, I have a whole slew of clothes for your first clothing swap party. (Check out Karri's link below to find out about their endeavor to live "simply" for one whole year.)

Jerry Smith's Pumpkin Farm

2008-10-19T16:15:00.004-05:00

I love people like Jerry Smith. I don't even know him.

We visited his pumpkin farm on Friday - and thus began my appreciation for the business man with kids on the mind; wide open spaces to run, mazes built out of hay bails, a play yard, and a museum of pumpkins, and Tractor-trailer rides all for FREE- open to the sticky fingered (generally under 4) public.

Highly recommended place to let the lead out.

http://www.smithpumpkinfarm.com/

Octoberfest 2008

2008-10-19T16:07:00.002-05:00

Some pics from the Octoberfest party we hosted this past weekend. Great to see scarves and sweaters being sported (as well as the occasionaly winter boot- Karri) GRIN.

Delighted in fantastic food and brilliant brew for the season. Grand times.

Get-Aways and Come-backs

2008-10-16T14:24:00.007-05:00

Brian and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary last Sunday (the 12th) in Cadillac, MI - during peak foliage.

Betsy, planning to leave our 3 kids with a myriad of other people was probably as complicated as 6 months worth of Appilacian Prep; from the meal plans to survival packs. No, actually it probably doesn't even dust the term "hard-core" comparitively... so, nevermind.

Time with friends, a night out on the town, finding God, listening long enough to actually finish thoughts, and watching Project Runway back to back episodes - guiltlessly. We purposefully didn't bring the laptop, iPod, the cell-phone was lucky to get reception, and we refused to digest any politics ... just a couple of days to live below the noise. ANd you know what!? I remembered how funny Brian is. I felt like Billy Crystal's character in City Slickers when he comes home to his wife and evidences with a big grin that he has indeed found his smile...

** AND
Found a sweet new beer that I like:

http://www.pyramidbrew.com/beer/beerguide/apricot_weizen.php

Now, coming back was a bit of a shocker. I really felt like I had prepared my mind well enough to engage the fast-pace of life awaiting us. And while the first 10 minutes of tickles and giggles and hugs and kisses and gifts was GREAT... I am still gaining my footing 4 days later. I've decided to give myself a full week.

Marshmallow Madness

2008-10-07T13:03:00.003-05:00

Don't need anywords: Our science project for today....

Well, okay. I CAN say something. Like, *when* did I start thinking science wasn't cool? If I could go back in time, ... I'd re-take all my science classes starting with 3rd grade- all the way up thru highschool (except disecting cow eyeballs-- somehow I think that would go *worse* now than it did then). Mrs Inderbitzen, if you ever read this blog- please know that I genuinely *LOVED* chemistry class- (most the time) but was too cool to show it. You are a genius - even if you have a fuzzy upper-lip.

I love having kids- ... it's like taking science class all over again.

Today...

2008-10-03T13:17:00.003-05:00

1) We made donuts. (Heather, you have to try this recipe-- it holds the white powdered sugar... and kind of tastes like a mini-fried dough but cakey-er)
2) We ate donuts.
3) We made a larger-than-life size spider web in our laundry room and a couple of dancing spiders to boot
4) Terry, the turtle made a guest appearance to help us learn to write the letter t in our cornmeal -
5) I watched Shannon Etheridge on the Today Show- talk about her new book : The Sexually Confident Wife.
** I totally know Shannon, and seeing her on TV is so crazy. She was this lightning bolt in my life that discipled me before she ever wrote her first book. (One that I proof read!!) Anyway- to check out more of her stuff - check out: http://www.shannonethridge.com/

This Blog is for Besty

2008-09-29T08:13:00.003-05:00

http://walkingtomaine.blogspot.com/

For those of you reading that haven't used the link I have for my wonderful friends Dustan and Betsy - they are finishing the Appalachian Trail -- (yes, the whole freaking thing!) And I just have to give a shout-out to them! (for more on their wild adventure -- click on the dang link!)

Bets, I remember when you won that award at the Honor Academy and gave that rocking speech about building monuments at defining points in our lives- like when Joshua took the people across the Jordan River and they built this sweet pile of rocks that the priests had stood on in the river- where they carried the presence of God in their backpacks.... yeah, well, ... at the end of that speech that inspired my whole community of microwave-mature friends- I stood and clapped and cried and rejoiced that you were the one who had been honored to speak to us that night. There is something of 100%maplesyrup love when you feel rewarded when your friends receive their reward. "...we will rejoice when you are victorious!"

Can't wait to catch up after you spend some time acclimating back to bath and body work showers and electric vegetable choppers.

Appeal to comment

2008-09-28T09:41:00.002-05:00

Does anyone read this blog?! Really missing the comments lately....

PS- I Love these shoes from www.freepeople.com

Hey Mom

2008-09-26T14:34:00.003-05:00

I made you some apple-bread. But, you're going to have to come over and get it....

Flushed Away

2008-09-26T13:57:00.004-05:00

The boys have this new game they play for seemingly wide spans of time: They got it from a movie called Flushed Away. And they basically pile all of our well-worn couch pillows up into a giant toilet and pretend to "flush" each other down the toilet, toppling from the peak of the cushion mountain to the floor as they make a roaring flushing noise. It's quite amusing. ... so long as they are keeping all they're limbs out of the real thing.

Thanks Grandma... and Auntie Heather

2008-09-25T09:39:00.003-05:00

Hey ladies, (Grandma and Auntie Heath)

I'm just sportin my new threads that Grandma just sent me... feeling so cool and hip and wearing out my little play mat that cuz passed down to me. Muchas Gracias lovely ladies in my life! I can't wait to see you!!

Love,

Ryland

on my day off...

2008-09-23T14:18:00.002-05:00

I had the afternoon off last wednesday and i drove to a park and fell asleep in the backseat of my mini-van.

The pic of this guy off flickr- is a close truth to my reality minus the wendy's soda.

Tis the Season...

2008-09-23T11:11:00.005-05:00

The baking fiasco has officially begun with the ushering in of Fall. It doesn't matter that it doesnt "feel" like fall. It is. By the book. Fall. And I'm hoping to get the season to kick into it's true identity by baking and wearing cordoroys. I may be sweating my face off... in this July-like weather... but ... it's fall. dang it all.

Pics of me studying under bread-baking master- Lauren. And the kids doing what they do... while we ... bake bread.

Ry- unedited

2008-09-17T20:26:00.005-05:00

I just love this juicy little kid. He's vocal and happy and pretty self-sufficient (apart from the obvious can't feed himself, dress himself, or change his nappy little diapers by himself) but he's just so likeable! I love getting my nose into his neckline- even though is almost always dunking my face into a puddle of drool. It's clean smelling drool, ...

I don't really even care. I suddenly turn into a dog, lapping up his face to show affection. Kisses don't really even exist to kids this age yet- closeness does and skin to skin... but kisses are just a weird version of the mouth to mouth action that they really want: chomping on your chin or drooling on your cheek or sucking on your nose.

Jackson Jude Song

2008-09-17T12:42:00.002-05:00

Click on the title to access the sweet song that Dan just wrote for Jackson. (There's a version II as well)

Dan, seriously great job. Jack and I listen to this song all the time- So proud of you.

Love,

Linds

For more of Daniel's greatest hits: check him out @ http://www.youtube.com/user/jonesportman21

It's a Zoo in here... my minivan, that is.

2008-09-16T16:11:00.005-05:00

Spent the day at the Milwaukee Zoo with friends on Tues : Shanon is a heroic mother of three. But since Judah was in school today- we only had Arden and Avery. All 5 boys fit into Shanon's van. To think , so much untapped potential in our vehicle. I know that we can at least fit 2 more!!

As we made our drive north into Milwaukee- I turned around and notice everyone of our kids was wearing blue- funny. (see pic of kids crammed into van to validate) And on top of it all.... me and Shan were too. Prone to the blues?? Never!

Bear

2008-09-12T14:47:00.002-05:00

Dear Lorraine,

Remember getting me "Bear in a tent" for my baby shower for Jackson about 4 years ago?? Yeah, well, he's one of the most instrumental parts of our school day. He makes an appearance for story time and handwriting and Jackson adores him. He uses kind words, hugs, and amazing levels of obedience for Bear...

Just wanted to say thanks. And THANKS for the amazing shirt you and Emily sent to me. I'm feeling quite lovely and loved!

Love, Lindsay

Rocket Science...

2008-09-12T13:58:00.003-05:00

Went to the library to spend some time writing and grab a couple fun items for the kids. I almost always get a little insecure going thru the check out since my file history has a running tally of kids books and videos and ZERO content checked out for anyone over the age of 4- ... The insecurity has to do with wanting to walk out of a library feeling more intelligent than when I walked in, but the reality is- 9 times out of 10 I feel slightly more frazzled (especially when the kids are with me) and 2 knotches more simple-minded than when I walked in. So- anyway, the woman who checked my material out at the counter didn't smile at all- she just raised her eyebrows, let out a sigh, and silently vocalized her judgements. But, I'm over it- she has no idea that Jackson and I spent the day today learning about reversible change (made ice-pops) Newtons third Law (for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction), and Bernoulli's Principle (physic's principle implying airlift).

The name of the book for anyone interested: 50 mind blowing, eye-popping science experiments, Rain newcomb and Bobby Mercer. Oh. And I made a phenomenon of a carrot cake in my kitchen. If I made any spelling errors during this post, ... don't be quick to judge. I AM doing rocket science over here, and making cakes to boot.

potty-training

2008-09-10T12:51:00.003-05:00

Okay- I just have to say that the reward book that my mom-in-law got me for Emerson's potty training is superb and has really helped with the process. That being said, I have to expose how ridiculous some of the stickers are that we use on his chart. It makes me wonder who these kids are and what they are doing today, and if they feel bitter about having their faces photo-shopped into a toilet-training course.

"F" is for...

2008-09-09T13:23:00.004-05:00

Face-painting. Okay, ... let's all take a minute to snicker at my attempt to face paint TRAINS on Jackson's face at his request. And applaud the effort to learn the letter "f". Sitting down and cutting pictures out of magazines of words starting with this letter was a disaster- so we're opting for more "out of the box" ways to remember our letters.

School is in Session

2008-09-09T08:20:00.003-05:00

As many of you may already know, we've purposed to take Jackson and Emerson thru a pre-school cirriculum this year as part of a small coop with another mom in order to instill some "school readiness". Yesterday was our first official day of school (thought the grandparents would like to know) and although each day presents its own challenges, I am so encouraged in how God will change each of us this year. I would love for each of you to join our morning "coffee clatches" as we discuss the weather, and our plan for the day. And to take up your sword as we memorize our scripture verse for the week- (Proverbs 4:20)- both the boys already have it memorized.

This week we're learning what it means to be attentive: to listen with our eyes, our ears, and our heart.

Here's a few pics of our new "stations": play areas, book nook, art and dramatic play areas etc...

GreenLake Goodness

2008-09-05T16:30:00.004-05:00

(Click on my title to go to the Green Lake Conference Center link)

Had a fantastic time at Green Lake this year. It was the first time we brought all the kids and although most of our spare time in the evening was spent huddled in the hotel hallway with other couples of young kids to ensure no one under the age of 5 was breaking out, ... it was nonetheless refreshing and encouraging. Here's a few pics of the boys:

Ryland -

2008-09-02T20:00:00.004-05:00

Just a few fresh photos of Ryland:

Hey mom, got my haircut.

2008-08-29T11:50:00.004-05:00

Had 3 ideas in mind-- genius best friend gave me a fantastic combo.

Funny Faces

2008-08-26T18:52:00.005-05:00

Just a couple shots from our day today. The one of Em holding his -- you know... yeah, he just finished peeing in his pants. We're still workin on it.

From Patio to Poolyard

2008-08-23T17:43:00.003-05:00

Our cure for hellish humidity is an oversized spiderman kiddie pool. Kids are all charged up. I wait with baited breath wincing at every flighty move they make, in the event that the intended dropkick lands them somewhere upsidedown on our brick patio. ugh.

Toddler Mess Playdate

2008-08-20T19:30:00.004-05:00

Rachel has excellent ideas and execution when it comes to creative fun time for kids:

Somehow a scheduled mess is a totally unstressful mess... that being said, all did not end well. Our clan left in fits after Jackson couldn't seem to understand that blow-up alligator toys are not for biffing people in the head, Em was outta control with the sprinkles, and poor Ry-Ry had an explosion in his pants. Aside from a disasterous departure, the planned disaster was quite fun

SHOUT OUT!

2008-08-14T12:25:00.003-05:00

*HAVE* to plug some of the most clever handcrafted shoulder bags EVER! I hand picked the material for this bag, but BagMama's has bags that scream out every personality you can think of.

Check out their website: www.bagmamas.etsy.com

They keep broadening their base too. Sweet babygear, diaperbags, shoulder bags, clutches...etc...

AND! I have the insane priviledge of getting to squawk about my own sisters business. That's right, ... Heather is the madness behind this machine. And she's doing a pretty spanking good job, if I do say so myself. SO check her out. Make her rich.

Ryland... is that YOU?

2008-08-13T20:56:00.002-05:00

My, my... how you have grown.
Oh wait. It's you, Emerson.

He thinks its his own personal rocking chair and disregards the idea that you have to be a certain size to use a carseat.

Finger paints-

2008-08-06T11:23:00.003-05:00

2 Cups of flour

1/2 cup salt

3 Tblspn oil

3 Cups boiling water

food coloring

Disclaimer: It doesn't come out as the same texture you would buy at the store - but it is unequivically easy to clean up and looks great on paper. The batch makes a mother-load (which is easy to store) so you shouldn't have to make another batch for awhile- unless you have 12 kids.

People Have Asked....

2008-08-05T13:05:00.002-05:00

How we travel so well with our kids... one word:

2008-08-05T12:49:00.002-05:00

The community on the river in Fairmont is dynamic. These people all grew up together and there's a sense that everyones property is just there for everyone else's enrichment. Dolly and her sisters opened invitations for the swingset all week long and Charlie, well....
This is Charlie. He's a legend in our family. That's what happens when you take the kids for a ride on your tractor and show them the boats you build in your basement. And just thought I'd get a shot of Rylands bath in, yes, a wheelbarrel. This is how we roll in WV.

What happens at camp... stays at camp.

2008-08-05T12:32:00.003-05:00

There are things that happen at camp that... well, don't happen anywhere else: 1) Bathing suits live there for whoever is going to be using the property- so the one you see me sporting with Ryland is probably a 10 yr old resident and shows the early 90's razor stripes. Heather, on the other hand has an outfit that even makes camp look good. I'm sling jealous.
2) Guitars get pulled out of corners and plucked around campfires.
3) Firemaking requires the use of a hatchet.
4) Brian sits in a kyack.

Some of my fav's from WV

2008-08-05T11:50:00.002-05:00

Outdoor showers, screen doors, porchswings and optional clothing most the week:

Home away from home

2008-08-04T14:05:00.007-05:00

It's taken me awhile to translate this post from brain to cyber-world. We just arrived home recently from a vacation on child-hood pasttime river banks in Fairmont, WV. I can't remember what age I was when I last swam in the Tygart river, hunted for turtles the morning after a "clapper" thunderstorm, or lay tuckered out on the squeaky mattresses awaiting sleep to come and take me under the mozy rhythym of a floor fan: a pathetic attempt to cool the room in late-July's raging humidity.
Mom thinks I was 15 or so,... I can only think of being 9 yrs old there. My family, on the otherhand has been a faithful visitor to our camp, old Glen. Every year, pockets of our distant family gather to unwind in the sticks of WV- on the old Tygart river, who gains more conversation than the weather; "How's the river looking this year?" "She's a bit low today"... or "She's a bit high". They rally to enjoy everything beautiful about this timecapsule paradise: The ropeswing, canoe trips, swimming thru narrow daredevil tunnels of rocks as old as the sun 8 or so feet below the surface, fishing, exploring, lazy hammock swings, campfires, tasting the local brews, funnel cakes in town and taking ruthless runs down Pinchgut Rd.
We took the whole fam this year: The first time for Brian and the boys. We met up with my immediate family, who traveled from Maine and New Hampshire in the stead of a trip out to New Hampshire (on our part). I'll have to split up the pics into different events since so many lovely things happened in short days. For now, here's just a glimpse of camp.

Ryland on the Runway...

2008-07-17T08:59:00.000-05:00

I have to sport some of these clothes; Brian's mom sent them to us for Ryland- 27 yrs after Brian was born. I'm inlove with this scarecrow vintage tank. it's as thin as paper. And this dinosaur bib is a patch of fabric that she used when Brian was a baby to sew his blankets and towels. Ryland seems pretty comfortable in it all in all... and it suits him. His bed-head "do" and vintage muscle tees seem to do his laid back personality justice-- and may be indicative of any rockstar career options for the future. xoxox Thanks so much, mom, for passing these treasures along.

Barnum and Bailey Circus

2008-07-11T21:51:00.001-05:00

This is pretty much what was happening in and around our house today...minus the giant elephants.

Josiah, Noah, Emerson and Jack had a wild day chomping down pancakes, shooting each other in the face with water pistols (and fighting off the mommies) and tuckering out infront of a movie.

I love the whole lot of them together. I see a bright future here.

July Visit with G'ma and G'pa

2008-07-10T15:15:00.000-05:00

From ice-cream shoppes, to trainplay at B&N, to humid 10 visits to our favorite parks... i'd say, all in all-- we painted the town red.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Knapp. We had such a fun time! See you in October

2008-07-10T14:52:00.000-05:00

Digging sand out of his SANDals. I get it... but I don't.

Flying leaps- Action Emerson!
Wading in Lake Michigan with Grandpa
Daddy and shoresafe Emerson.

We're creeping into mid-way July; have just had Ma and Pa Knapp in for a full and delicious vist and will be heading out in 2 weeks to reunite with the Garnett side of this wild family in Fairmont, WV.

The humidity of the past few days, some early mornings, mixed with an eventful week had me and the boys all snoozing this afternoon. Here's a few pics of our time with grandpa and grandma

Happy 4th Cake

2008-07-08T10:01:00.000-05:00

My first Red Velvet Cake, ladies and gentlemen~
Well, it turned out kindof like a Pink Velvet Cake* But tasted fantastic!

Ryland Look Alikes

2008-07-06T14:50:00.000-05:00

We're just trying to nail down the closest resemblance we can find to Ryland's hair. Let me know you're thoughts: Exhibit a)

Exhibit b)

Exhibit c)

"Chip, I'm gunna come at you like a spidermonkey...."

Exhibit d)

This conclusion will completely affect a life-time nickname and how we describe him to other people in these early childhood years. So choose wisely.

Dear Daddy,

2008-06-30T16:54:00.001-05:00

Ryland:
Hey Dad- i sported my cloth diapers all day. I'm going green. Mom says she doesn't care about that... we're saving some serious cold, hard, cash.
Love you

Hey Dad, Emerson here. Just wanted to fill you in on some key moments of my day. Eating the blue cookie that's been looming in the kitchen

Yes, ... this is my smile. And yes, ... I am so happy.
oh my gosh...
Photo opp for all the boys... Mom didn't include all of them here- but there are some killer shots of me.
Me... completely dominating Jackson in our wrestling game. Kay- have fun. I'll keep you posted on our life while you're away. xoxox

Jackson's turn:

Hi Dad,
Just wanted to show you some of the stuff we've been up to today (just incase you were missing us in a bad way)

Dress up time.... I know these boots are a little fem- but they're the only pleather I can find in the house. Dad, seriously, I need some real super hero boots.
Just pickin the frosting off my cookie...

Okay-- I just found out, I have to eat the whole thing... not just the frosting, mom said.
Me and Ryland. I dont' know why his shirt says "I love puppies"-- he's never even seen one... Cheese! We love you and miss you...

Where we live....

2008-06-29T17:51:00.000-05:00

It's going on 5 years....

This place consistently embraces me:

Red Onion's gourmet french toast and Monument Square with live music over lunch breaks; public fountains where kids fill their bathing suits with water; white sand on a windy beach. Sailboat population higher than mo-ped owners and harborside restraunts where the annual boating vacationers dock to eat.
People break out of the woodworks during the summer to attend pancake parties and firework displays and downtown festivals.
We live here. Yes, ... we do.
For more information on things going on this summer in Racine, check out:
http://racine.wi.net/events.php3

"Your Better than Drums"

2008-06-24T10:54:00.000-05:00

Jackson loves rocking out to Skillets Comatose CD-

He thinks the song "Better than Drugs" is really "Better than Drums"

For a real appreciation for what Jackson is doing- check out:

http://www.skillet.com/

3 stooges

2008-06-24T10:38:00.000-05:00

I know it's fairly ridiculous to have this be the first post of a pic with all 3 kids in it-- but truth be told, in 2 months, these are the first pics I've taken.

Jackson: *flubbers* over this new baby. He thinks he's the coolest thing since the discovery of earthworms

Emerson: still pretty unsure of his own ability to hold Ryland- so instead reverts into his own world of dress up... a couple pics of Racine's affect on a white boy. holla.

Ryland: Bliss-ville

Ode to Brian

2008-06-17T19:44:00.000-05:00

Brian has an innate ability to smack into one of his 4 different personalities every time a camera is pointed in his direction. These are a couple of my favs that we've taken over the years....

Just thought you should know...

I love who I married. I love this man. He dances like a drunken fool in the privacy of our kitchen. He is a sponge to all things creative and beautiful. He is aware of his weaknesses and listens to his conscience. He's the guy that takes the cart back to the designated area and pays all his taxes, and plugs the parking meters. He puts stuff back at the grocery store if he goes over budget. He can take a lot of nothing and turn it into a haven. He will research paint colors for 2 months before choosing the asparagus green over the apple green for the bathroom. He loves "deglazing the pan" when he cooks and keeping extra cleaners on hand just incase he has time to detail our cars over the weekend.

He fills his free time with productivity; like mowing lawns and fixing drains and building arbors and drylocking our old basement. He wants a motorcycle from the mid-seventies and he is faithful to the Nebraska Husker football team. He compliments me on every meal I make infront of our kids and then tells me later the truth about it. :)

He loves the cold and crisp weather and wants to master the fly-fisher rod. After nearly 6 years of marriage I am truthfully claiming to like him more now than ever.

He's not perfect, ... but he's humble... which means he's on his way to perfection. And... he can throw me into fits of laughter that put my Billy Blanks workout to shame.

Ryland Smiles

2008-06-17T19:38:00.000-05:00

Hair

2008-06-16T18:41:00.000-05:00

Ryland - as many know was born with a noggin-full of hair... and this picture shows the progression of such a fine feature; it's uncontrollable, (even after douced with tablespoons of oil) and wild.

"I've got Worms"...Llyod Christmas, Dumb and Dumber

2008-06-12T14:09:00.001-05:00

I can't even try to monologue emerson's thoughts on his new friend. It's been so long (if ever) that I've loved something so ... wormy. Emerson, however, literally loved this thing to death.

After petting the life out of him, he soon informed me that he thought the worm was "tired" as he realized that he had stopped moving. Here are some photos of this worms last precious moments on this earth.

Mudbath

2008-06-09T16:33:00.000-05:00

It was all Brians idea....

Arbor Updates

2008-06-03T12:26:00.000-05:00

A quick update on our Patio Project :

Brian has done a fabulous and detailed job with each step we take toward our outdoor haven. It's getting there. Brian hand-crafted our chunky table from leftover scrap wood (a table like this would have otherwise cost in the high- hundreds and thousand).

Great job, Brian. xoxox

Closeups

2008-06-03T11:59:00.001-05:00

I can't think of any thing clever to say- so... thankfully, these pictures speak for themselves.

Thank you Auntie Heather

2008-06-03T11:12:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of Jackson - writing Heather a thank you message on her myspace account: (so, Heath- if you haven't checked it-- check.)

Graffiti Cupcakes and the likes...

2008-06-01T14:59:00.000-05:00

Pics of our last cupcake project... I went over board- but there's a story:

I've never owned food coloring before. I know, I know- it's a MUST when it comes to raising kids- but I have some for the first time and this is my first project- graffiti cupcakes. I felt so inspired and started talking about opening a posh bakery- like the one on newbury street in Boston:

http://www.johnnycupcakes.com/blog/

but at the rate that my kids (who are we kidding??, and ME) eat these things-- I'd never get a business off the ground.

Everyday Life

2008-05-29T13:58:00.000-05:00

Might be wondering how life is in the Knapp lane. I can't make up my mind most days whether its slow paced or fast.
In the fast-lane: I have 2 super hero sons: Peter Parker and Clark Kent. They are endlessly perfecting their "moves" and stunts- humming the superman theme song around the house and on the search for a pair of boots to wear at all times. (How can you truly be a superhero without a pair of boots??) So- they are my fast-laners... and I often feel like I don't have the horse power to keep up--

In the slow-lane: Is everything else. I'm incredibly behind on recognizing important dates: ie- birthdays, graduations, thank-you cards. It's all scribbled on my "to do within 2008" list. And honestly, not even sure if that goal is attainable.

Also- Ryland is sitting next to me in the slow-lane. An avid sleeper. (something I wish I was)