7 Quick Takes

[ 1 ]

The boys have discovered Mr. Bean: The Animated Series on Netflix.  Hilarious.  Need I say more?

[ 2 ]

One of my favorite authors, Matthew Kelly, has a new book out--The One Thing.  "If I could teach my son one thing that would ensure his appreciation of Catholicism, what would it be?"  I plan to order it.  Soon.

[ 3 ]

Kolbe is in the midst of tennis lessons.  It's a daily activity for 3-weeks straight.  I have to admit, it's gotten us up (!) and out of the house each day.  That's saying a lot with a 1-month old in tow.  It's been good for him and the rest of us.  I hope we can continue to get out a lot when the lessons are over.

[ 4 ]

On our trip to Rushmore, the boys played the DS.  A LOT.  After coming home they acted like children addicted to sugar.  "When can we play the DS?"  "He's been playing for a loooonnng time, it's my turn!"  On and on.  Dad and I agreed, no more DS until Labor Day.  It's amazing that they boys have calmed down about it have not asked even once since we made that proclamation.  Thank goodness.

[ 5 ]

Nate's parents came to SD to visit us this past week.  Upon arriving they declared, "That's a long drive!"  We were so glad they came and played and swam and shared time with us.  Thanks Grandma and Papa!

[ 6 ]

Nate wants to see Transformers 3 in a bad way.  All the "guys" at work have been to it and exclaim, "It's awesome!".  And, it's a blow 'em up movie and that totally appeals to guys, no?  Trouble is, our favorite babysitter is home for the summer (she's a college gal and lives here during the school year).  I'm hoping to find a way to get to the flick before it goes out of theaters. 

[ 7 ]

Gemma is beginning to smile.  Each day she selects two random times to really bust out in a smile.  And, it melts the heart of whomever is the recipient of said smile.  We are all in love!

Update

[ 8 ]

I almost forgot to share this story!  After attempting to "liquidate" our pet bird last week (see #4 here), Jerzy turned his sights to the lone-goldfish swimming in the bowl.  As I sat, chatting with my in-laws, Jerzy stared at a bar stool and started to scream.  I asked what was the wrong and he said, "The fish is out of the bowl!"  It seems our toddler scooped the fish out and sent him flapping around on the bar stool.  It took a few attempts for Mom to scoop him up and put him back in the bowl. Now, he is swimming merrily and doing well.  Thankfully, we have hardy pets in our home.  Toddler-proof, even.

All Dressed Up

A picture for Jen.

And a close-up from big brother Kolbe.

7 Quick Takes

[ 1 ]

Gemma is 3-weeks old. It is bitter-sweet to have a newborn again. She is all sweet-ness. The additional stress is trying at times, but I am truly thankful to have been given this gift. The boys LOVE her unless she is crying. Short car trips to gymnastics or the pool are stress engulfed when she cries the whole way. They each get frustrated with her. Today, I pulled out some of their baby pics. I have pictures in which each of them are newborns and screaming their heads off. I'm not sure they're convinced that ALL BABIES CRY sometimes. But, I hope it's a start.

[ 2 ]

We spent the 4th of July with my parents in the Black Hills of South Dakota. What a beautiful place! We toured Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park, The Corn Palace (of course) and Bear Country USA. Here's a photo recap:

All photos courtesy of Papa--our resident Shutter Bug.  =)

[ 3 ]

I came across the Top 100-Movies for Boys and the Top-100 Books for Boys this week.  I subscribed Kolbe up for Boys Life magazine, the magazine of the Boy Scouts.  On their website they had these two listings.  As with any compendium of books or movies, we should discern as parents if it is truly a good fit with our boys.  We're beginning with The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart.

[ 4 ]

The saga with our pet-birds continues.  This week, Jerzy grabbed a spray bottle and doused the bird while the rest of us were finishing our lunch.  Birds typically like to be sprayed with water periodically.  It helps give them moisture and keeps them clean.  However, when Jerzy sprayed the bird, the bottle wasn't full of water.  Rather, it was a multipurpose cleaner.  After FREAKING OUT Kolbe and I sprayed her with plenty of water and wiped her off.  Thankfully, she is doing just fine.

[ 5 ]

My sister made us a new sticker for the back of the Suburban.  Gemma is officially included now.  A gentleman that is involved with Nate in Cub Scouts shared some wisdom with us last night regarding our "large" family size.  "When people ask how many children you have, just say, 'Only five.' "  I think I may use that one.  Usually, innocent bystander's are at risk of heart failure when I pronounce that Gemma is our fifth.

[ 6 ]

A huge shout-out to the Catholic Mom's Bible Study here.  We have received a number of homemade meals from them since Gemma was born.  Truly, these are a life saver.  Housework and cooking aren't as easily accomplished during this transition period.  We feel blessed to be part of such a great network out here.  What a simple, yet important, gift!

[ 7 ]

Jerzy can't quite pronounce Gemma's full name.  When he wants to soothe her crying he'll say, "It's okay, Gemma Roof."  It makes me smile each time he pronounces "Ruth" that way!