Groundhog's Day

Happy Groundhog's Day!

Actually I forgot it was until I went to yahoo news. I don't know if it saw its shadow or not, but hopefully spring is near.



Two weeks ago my Mom was able to hitch a ride up and visit us for a couple of days. We had a Schaefer funeral and some Tremont Schaefers drove up for it. It was short and sweet. The first evening we played Phase 10, a family favorite. Mom babysat Grace while I waited a table at the funeral, the next morning. In the evening we went to the Peterson's to begin a half week of baby/house sitting.

We have found out what it is like to have four kids ages 15 months, 3, 6, and 10. It is alot of work. (The sad thing is we were only with them in the morning and evening.) Rustin's coworker and his wife went to Mexico for a week so we stayed at their house and took care of their children. The mornings usually started around 5 with Grace crying because she was hungry and in a strange place. (We put her in a pack n play in the walk-in closet.) We tried to calm her down asap so the other kids wouldn't awake. About the time we got back to sleep the alarm would go off and time to get up for work and school. Thankfully they already had a routine of going to school or Grandma's so this didn't change. I forgot how hard it is to get kids up and ready to catch the bus. After work, Rustin picked up the kids and I got home around 6:30 to make supper. Grace cried herself to sleep everynight. (only about 5 minutes worth) She is becoming more picky as to where she sleeps. The three year old is a girl and she loved playing with Grace. Grace liked being mothered for the most part. The last day we were there Grace threw up in the hallway. I asked Rustin to watch her so I could clean it up. He must of smelled too close because pretty soon he was running to the toilet. At least one of them hit the toilet. I always said I would never clean up puke. It looks like I am going to have to eat those words.

While we were babysitting we heard from Bob that he is engaged to Jenny Wyss from Washington, IL. We are very excited for a newcomber to the family. We are extremely excited that we know and like her already! Our spring and summer is already filling up with wedding trips to IL and Missouri. The only thing I wish I could observe is Bob as an engaged person. I get a pretty good sense though just by talking to him.

Grace took her official 'first steps' the other day. Some day I will get it on video, but it happens not very often, almost accidental. She gets pretty excited though. She knows where her belly button is: she lifts her shirt and points in the general area and says something that resembles belly. She'll find yours too if you let her! It is enjoyable to listen to her babble away.

This Sunday we are serving church lunch for the first time ever. Everything is baked and ordered. All I have to do now is wait for Saturday and set tables and prepare things. I'm not too nervous, but I'll be glad when it's over.