Kershner Chronicles

Labor Day Weekend: Lakes and Families and Fairs, oh my!!!

2009-09-07T23:11:00.001-04:00

Well, we just got home from Cleveland a few hours ago and I think I can safely say all the kiddos are asleep for now :). What a fun, fun weekend we had! Good grief! We had a great visit with Brian’s dad at the fair (see further down the post) and we got to spend a lot of good times with his mom and step-dad, brother and sister, Meg… made me miss Alli, but Cameron is better because she’s there. We went down to Rocky River park and there is a little beach there where we played for a bit yesterday and today…

this is what happens when Dad turns his head for a second… at least they are happy…

Lots of firsts happened this weekend…

1. ABIGAIL is walking !!! She started on Friday and is so fun to watch. She is very proud of this new accomplishment and proceeds to clap after every walking excursion. Adorable. I’m trying to get it on film, but she’s still a bit touchy with it so.. watch for it!

2. I went to my first county fair. All I can say is wow. Here’s what I can tell you I learned from my first county fair…

a) I used to think that I’d enjoy living in the country- yeah, not so much… wishful thinking- think Green Acres… disaster.

b) Apparently a vegetable still counts as a vegetable even if you deep fry it… seriously?!

c) People watching is taken to a whole new level at a county fair. The best part was the Amish group of teens who were there and watching them try their hardest to fit in. The best part of the day was when we were leaving and we passed the area where the Amish park their buggies and there was a group of like 10 boys hanging out with like 3-4 girls (TROUBLE) and one of the boys must have been a part of a new reality show called “PIMP MY BUGGY” because the thing was literally shaking from the rap that was BOOMING out of the stereo system inside of it. I almost wet myself. Seriously.. so not expecting that.

d) Gabora is alive… I’ve just got nothing else to say about this.

e) Apparently, men come up with better ways of showing off than in the city.. who really thinks sitting on a seat that is on a piece of 2x4 behind a running a pooping horse is a good idea? All the while racing with your feet up in those little stirrups- well, I guess it’s good for the men to empathize with the women folk for a spell…

f) one word- Buffo.

g) not for a million dollars could I do this…

h) my kids are pretty cute…

One of the best things about this trip was that it forced me to just stop and rest. Between Whiz Kids (which I’ll write about tomorrow) and all that the kids have going on, I get so caught up in getting everyone from here to there, that I forget to just stop and enjoy the trip. I definitely enjoyed this trip.

August 2009

2009-09-07T22:46:00.001-04:00

Well, August has come and gone and we’ve been pretty busy here in the Kershner household, but then again, what else would one expect?!!!

The first big celebration in August was Abigail’s FIRST BIRTHDAY!! Can you believe she’s ONE already? We had a fun little party for Abigail where my friend, Angie, made what I think are some of the BEST cupcakes and cookies that I’ve ever had.

It is hard to believe that just a year ago, we brought Ab home and that she became so much a part of our family that things would be so different without her around. We love our Abigail!

Abigail had a wonderful day and thanks to all of you who came and helped the day to be so special for all of us. It definitely has been an eventful year with her and we truly are richly blessed…

Soo… after celebrating Ms. Abigail Renee, we did all sorts of things to get ready to start back to school… I took the kids to COSI with a family of Zach’s friend Curtis, and just realized that I didn’t even get a photo with the 2 of them- BAD MOM!!! On the other hand, there are some more of my kiddos. They had a blast.

One of the funny things that we discovered while we were there is this whole water area where kids can play in various water activities.. It’s set up like a lost cave of Posiden or something. We’ve been to COSI like a half dozen times and this was our FIRST time even knowing this part of COSI even existed!

Cosi has a static show that they do and thy have the kids line up and show how kids conduct electricity. There Zach is getting the ‘shock’…

Abigail is a Kershner! She LOVES the water table and was quite content to just sit there for 30 minutes and play…

No- Zach is not in Egypt, but a mummy from Egypt was at COSI and this is part of the exhibit where you were allowed to take photos. I learned the hard way from the not very nice security man that there are other parts you are NOT allowed to take pictures in.. oh well- there is probably some horrid curse that is going to come upon me from the mummy…. ha!

Hannah insisting on riding Sidesaddle like a proper young lady… no idea where she learned that- wasn’t me.

So, COSI, as usual was fun and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Drive back, ehh. Little long, but all in all we survived!

So, this leads up to the annual Kings Island trip right before school. Abigail got pretty sick, so I joined up with the kiddos after 6 (and by the way on weeknights after 6- there is hardly anyone there- I got my $25 bucks worth!)… and had a wonderful time with my family. Just sad Brian and Ab couldn’t make it :(…

The Wild Thornberry’s Log Flume- at 9:15 at night- not so much fun, especially after being told repeatedly that I wouldn’t get wet. Does it not look like I got a bit wet to anyone else?!!!

All this leading up to the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!! Yay!!!

Kings Island 2009

2009-08-15T23:47:00.002-04:00

For the past few summers, my mom and dad have graciously taken our kiddos to Kings Island each summer. This year was Elizabeth’s first year going. She had a GREAT time. Here are a few pictures that my mom took. While E had a great first trip, Hannah’s debut on the Beastie was a hit as was Zach’s on the Vortex.

Finally, here is a video of E on her first rollar coaster.

Summer 2009

2009-08-09T23:23:00.001-04:00

Well, as school approaches rapidly for us (one week from Tuesday, I decided to post some of our fun summer!) It seems that time is going by quicker and quicker and I don’t want to miss any opportunity to love my kids into good relationships with one another, with those around them and with God. This year I have come to appreciate my family, my children and my role as mom more than I’ve known was possible. I am truly one blessed woman who is so amazed by the love God has shown to me through the BOUNTIFUL blessings, it’s overwhelming to me most of the time.

ANYWAY, here are some of the pics… enjoy! I’ll post more this week.

Hilton Head Island 2009:

Palmetto Dunes

Zach sang “Hello Mudda, hello Fadda “ at the Shannon Tanner concert… oh my.

Pirate Putt Putt 2009

We had to play ‘Beauty Salon’ with Hannah because the pool was turning her hair green. We read that if you mix baking soda with conditioner, it will help neutralize the chemicals and will help hair not look so green- what do you know, IT WORKED!!!!! Baking powder is amazing stuff. If I was stranded, I’d want it.

Hannah’s FIRST ballet recital…

Pictures from Abigail’s First Birthday

2009-08-09T16:34:00.001-04:00

Well, here are some pictures from yesterday’s festivities. I’ll post some of the beautiful cupcakes and cookies my friend Angie made for her. They were delicious! Brian did a great job on the burgers, hotdogs and corn (one word- yummy) and God came through with the albeit hot but wonderful day.

Ab wasn’t feeling too great and last night saw Brian, Ab and me getting around 4 hours a sleep each, but we’ll make it. She is MUCH better today and we’ve enjoyed celebrating today as well!

Thanks everyone for coming over and hanging out and making the day great. We are so blessed.

Huh, I wasn't expecting that...

2009-08-08T22:37:00.002-04:00

When we had Elizabeth, we were pretty sure that her first birthday was going to be the last first birthday we were going to have. We were pretty sure that the end of baby-dom was occurring when E turned 1 and as she got older.

I need to confess that tonight, I got teary and well, I cried, when I had to figure out what to do with the 1 year candle. No more kiddos to keep it for. It's time for me to let my baby girl get a bit bigger, but I'm discovering that I think it is ending too soon. I don't think I am ready nor do I think I was ready for baby Abigail to no longer be baby. I don't really even think I realized that I even felt sadness about her turning 1. I'm a bit surprised how much it caught me off guard. Once mom sends me the pics, I'll send pics.

Thanks for all of you who came- it meant a lot to me.

Lakewood

2009-07-31T08:56:00.005-04:00

We were suppose to go camping with Zach's cub scout den last week, but it rained and rained and well, rained some more, so we headed out to a cottage that my Grandpa and his wife bought a few years before he died. It was AWESOME!!! It was such a nice retreat after running around crazy the last few weeks (see yesterday's post). We swam, canoed, SMore'd, laughed, crafted fun pictures and had a great time reconnecting and enjoying God's creation. Here are some of the highlights...

Swimming in the lake

Norm and the kiddos

More canoeing

Before the adventure

The family at the lake

The turtle we made from the
hickory nuts and bark

The butterflies we made from
the freshwater mussels at the
lake

Ab

Nanna and Z

E in the 'fat suit' before jumping in at the lake
o

Mom and the girls canoeing

Hannah...

Brian fixing one of the fishing poles
for the 100th time

Lakewood Cottage

What are YOU going to do?

2009-07-30T23:33:00.005-04:00

Well, a lot has been going on since my last post of wrestling with poverty and justice. I'm still not sure I know what the answers are. I don't think I am really suppose to know :)... What I do know is that those that are stuck in the cycles of poverty are in just as need of love and mercy and grace as any other. Each of us is loved and each of us has been created for a purpose. I don't believe that we are here by accident. I truly believe that each of us has been created and that God has a plan for each of us. Now, whether we make the choice to go with the plan is another post.. But, the point is that in seeking that plan and knowing that we've been created for a purpose gives each of us worth and value.
This has become an issue of the heart for me. I'm not sure all the precipitating factors, but the fact is that I live in a very diverse community where there are neighbors who are part of the working poor and cannot buy their kids food, nor clean their school uniforms. I live in a community where young 14 and 15 girls are becoming moms and while they are trying to figure out how to grow up they are stuck in a position where they have to do it too fast and don't get basic knowledge in how to love themselves nor their baby. I'm living in a community where there is wealth and poverty. There are those and those who have little. The question becomes- not what is the church going to do about these things, but what am I going to do about it...
To make a LLOOONNNGGG story short, there came to my attention that 20-30 kids each day go to the neighborhood library to get food from the library because they don't get it at home. Now, 20-30 lunches are being delivered to the library by mostly neighbors and friends. The community's outpouring has brought me to tears, the library staff is overwhelmed (positively)and there are kids who are being told in a very practical way (and with notes) that they have not been forgotten.
There is a school that my kids do not attend in our neighborhood and its population is about 73% economically disadvantaged: 4 person family making $47K(reduced lunch)-$28K(free lunch). These kids have no advocate. They come to school hungry and dirty and not able to learn. These kids are struggling. They didn't ask to be born into the circumstances. Their parent(s) don't know any better and something needs to be done. There is a sizable population that needs desperate help with their reading and math skills in order to stay at grade level. They don't have the parents' support and to be honest parents don't know how to support their kids. SSSOOOO....
Whiz Kids is brought in and I'm running it. Whiz Kids is a tutoring program where a caring adult is paired with a student for a 1 hour tutoring session. The tutoring program is a reading and math curriculum that has been helping kids improve at least a half grade level. Studies suggest that kids that get their diploma and have a caring adult in their life and break the cycle of poverty. This program gives them a leg up on both fronts.
Whiz Kids is just the catalyst. We are planning on doing parent evenings and free dinners and uniform drives. We need these kids to know that God has not abandoned them nor are they forgotten. They are LOVED by the SAME GOD that created each star. And if God knows each star by name, if He knows how many grains of sand there are, God knows their name. That is love. That is the kind of love I want these kids and their parents to experience.
I don't have all the answers. I'm nothing special. I'm just one person who is looking around at the pain and suffering and lost of this world and wanting to love them into a relationship with the God who loves them more than anything else in all creation. Be it a lunch, a kind word, a tutoring program, a financial donation, sponsoring a child in Africa affected by Aids, or a dinner for a single mom- we each have the opportunity to tell someone they have not been forgotten.

Justice and the poor

2009-06-25T01:30:00.002-04:00

okay, so the question of justice. Webster's defines it as " the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness: to uphold the justice of a cause." So what does that mean and what does it look like to me? I think that justice is more than just what we see in court and what we think we deserve or don't deserve when we've done wrong to others or they've done wrong to us.

When it comes to Christ and justice, I sense a deeper prying in my spirit and it's not always one that I am comfortable with. I do deeply believe that each of us have been created in the image of God. Why God has some of us here in the US living well and some on the streets barely making it- I don't know. At times I have to be reminded that this isn't the original plan for His creation. It was a perfect place and we messed it up. I'm processing what is social justice. Is it those who have being forced to give to those who dont? And even if they do, will it solve the problems that those in poverty or in socially unpopular positions are in? i think throwing money at these problems tends to perpetuate the problems.

I also tend to see that those in poverty need not just their physical needs met, but there are spiritual needs that need to be met as well. If we as Christians are not willing to step in and being a part of these peoples' lives, are we really helping them? Are we really being part of creating a more 'just' society or are we just throwing money at a problem and hope they find their way?

If justice is truly about leveling the playing field and giving others the same chances and opportunities... then we've got a huge responsibility. It's not just about changing the systems. That such a small portion of it. We need to get messy and help change people. We need to love and value them. We need to gain trust and we need to walk alongside and help people walk through the system that treats them like dirt and let's be honest- doesn't help them to get out of the system.

If justice is about giving all equitable opportunities- what is the cost to me and are they fair- both personally and in my political thoughts. Am I willing to make them?

I think we throw around the word justice way too often and we don't really think about the implications of it. I think we need to stop and think before we speak.
Justice is a powerful word and has powerful and deep ramifications. One must be fully aware of the full extent of its use before diving into the realm of 'social justice'....

Micah 6:8- Do justice and Love mercy and to walk humbly with my God. This verse is so challenging to me. For me, it's easy to do these things when it's not my neighborhood. It's easy to send money overseas and write letters, make smart purchases and try to help change systematically what is going on in places other than the US. But what about the injustices done down the street. Why is that a bit harder? Am I able to love mercy when it's me having to show mercy?

Just some thoughts... what do you think? Oh, here's a link to an interesting quick article I read. I like some portions of this magazine, but how we get to some the proposed solutions is where we differ.

http://blog.sojo.net/2009/06/24/why-are-people-poor/

What is Justice?

2009-06-05T10:16:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm still on vacation and I don't want to just sit in front of the computer all morning rambling- I'll save that for when I get home. I have done a lot of reading and it's caused a variety of issues to start to stir. I will address the majority of them in the next few days, but there is one question that I've really been wrestling with- What is justice- both from a Christian and secular world view? I've been reading a lot of books lately dealing with a variety of 'social justice' issues and the way in which justice is thrown about and defined is so varied, that I wonder if I've forgotten what justice truly is or if it just being used in ways that justify or intensify points being made by the authors. Now, this is not to say that the issues and the passions and points these people are making are not valid. They are. Very much so. And there is part of me that thinks maybe I'm falling prey to semantics. However, as the CHURCH universal changes (and I'll address this once back in Cincinnati) if we younger ones want to be agents of change, we have to respect and engage those in the generation before and after us. Justice, as I'm seeing, has so many varied implications, that I think it critical to have a good working definition.
What do you think?

Ah, yeah... Sorry about that.

2009-06-01T20:19:00.002-04:00

Well, here we are another month gone by and not a peep from the fearless leader of 5 (yes, I include my husband).

Since when did May get about as crazy as the 2 weeks before Christmas? Who said that could happen and that was a good idea. I really want things to slow down, not spend up! AAGGHH!!!

Well, May has been full of life changes for us (imagine that). Brian finally was able to celebrate his MBA completion with a good old fashion cook-out at the Kershner abode. It was really nice and it was so good to see and visit with people. Well, let me clarify. It was good to see B visit with people, I was doing what I normally do running around making sure my kiddos weren't about to parachute off the roof of the house.

May has also brought about lots of visitors. Some of our favorite people from Cleveland- the Anthony's- came for a weekend visit during Memorial Day weekend. And between the 8 kids, sleepless nights and yummy food, I think we had one of the best weekends I can remember in quite a while. It is amazing to have people in your life who feel like your favorite jeans. They are comfortable, loved, precious and perfect for you. That's how I feel about the Anthony's.

May also brought about one of the more stressful things we as parents go through- new teachers. Our kids are going to a Montessori public school and they change people every 3 years. This is a transition year for Hannah. The precious soul, Joanne, who has loved and nurtured her for 3 years is having to pass her on. I don't know how parents who go through this every year do it. Every 3 years is more than enough for me. The night before her last night of school, Hannah was in bed and just broke down and cried about not being in Mrs. Meyer's class anymore. She cried because her friends wouldn't be in her class anymore and she was in hysterics about not knowing if she would like her teacher and if she'd know anyone in her class. I was almost in tears with her.
We talked for a while and then we prayed together for peace and we prayed God would let just 1 friend to be in her class next year. She finally calmed down and fell asleep and then I was up. I couldn't sleep because I was so anxious (not to mention I still had to pack for vacation).
The next day, I stopped by the school to help with FIeld Day and to drop off gifts to the kids' teachers and ran into Hannah and she was so excited. She said that she had 1 friend in her class and it is a good friend (Thank God for answering the prayers of a child). Hannah's teacher caught me and told me that she really pushed for Hannah to have the teacher she is paired with b/c she felt that the teacher relates well with kids and would do a good job in helping to create an environment in which Hannah can be Hannah. It is hard to entrust our kids to others. I am thankful for teachers that my kids have had and I am grateful that even in my fear and uncertainty, God continues to give me peace that all is well.

Little Abigail

2009-05-09T09:43:00.001-04:00

Happy Thursday!

2009-04-30T17:29:00.001-04:00

Okay, so a few months ago, before Bri was finished with Grad school, the Knuevens asked us if we’d run the Pig Relay with them. The Pig is a marathon here in Cincinnati and not knowing any better, we agreed. Silly, silly us :)! So, here’s what I’ve learned since February about running and training…..

1. Training and running will exclusively nursing a 5 month old doesn’t work too well. I know I was bit out of shape, but seriously? I felt like I was 90!

2. Training while you have 4 kids 7 and under and a hubby in Grad school is tough. I don’t think I really started training for this until about 5 weeks ago. Mental note- I need more than 5 weeks to train for a 6.5 mile leg of a marathon. Especially since I’ve never run before

3. I’m getting old. My body is SO ridiculously tight battered when I wake up the morning after a longer run. Really. This is sad. I want to be 18 again.

4. I can do this. I think. There is a super hilly and somewhat steep road next to our street, Kipling, and my goal was to run it prior to the race and I did PLUS I ran to the park a bit further and then did the 1/2 mile loop there. I was proud of myself and it was at that moment I decided I really could manage this.

5. I ran 5 miles (which I know is a bit shy of the 6.4 miles I have to run) and didn’t die. :)

All this to say, that I am really proud of myself for working hard and doing this. I’m excited for Sunday and hopefully, I won’t make too big of a fool of myself :)!

Dinosaur Poop

2009-04-28T22:04:00.001-04:00

So tonight, Zach had Cub Scouts and I was informed at like 3 that it was the annual cake auction and the baked good was to be in the theme of dinosaur stuff, so I did the best I could and Zach and I made dinosaur poop. It was awfully hard… We had to drive all the way to Dunkin’ Donuts and we had to buy chocolate munchkins and them dump them in a bowl with a sign that said Dinosaur Poop. :) The boys loved it.

E 's hospital visit

2009-04-15T00:48:00.000-04:00

Oh, I did forget to mention the trip to Phoenix Brian and I took with Abigail. While we were there, E broke her clavical and had to go to the ER. That was one heck of an expensive sling.

Catching Up Edition No.1

2009-04-15T00:31:00.002-04:00

Okay, so a month has gone by and I'm just getting ready to do the first installment of updating. It's late, so I'll get to it and add more this week.

Let's see... Oh yeah, BRIAN FINALLY IS FINISHED WITH SCHOOL !!!! Thank goodness. It has been a long 2 and a half years and words cannot express how nice it is to not have that stress in our lives. Now to pay off that student loan...

We have moved from one crazy to another with the upcoming Flying Pig Marathon. No, we're not insane enough to run the full one, but we did sign up to do the relay portion with some good friends of ours. So right now, finding time to train has been close to impossible. What were we thinking?!!! I'm running comfortably up to 4 miles, so I've got 2.5 to add on in the next two weeks. I'm hoping beyond hopes that God will bless me with the ability to finish this thing without 1)hurting myself 2)embarrassing myself.

Funny thing about the training (short version) I did get bit in the rear end by a dog. It hurt. I think I nursed the excuse my butt hurt for a bit longer than necessary, but hey, it's not everyday when you get bit on the rump by a big dog.

To add to the chaos, we are in the midst of redoing the first floor of the house. We figure we are outgrowing our home and we're hoping that we'll be able to upgrade a bit in the next few years, so we are doing some paint and minor repairs to upgrade the house so we can enjoy it a bit before we move. So, we painted the living room and what was the kid's play room. Right now all those toys are in the basement (along with all the stuff in the basement in general) and we're transitioning rooms. Being one that needs order in her life, this has been very hard on me and it is starting to wear on me a bit, but we're almost done. It'll be nice when it's finished.

The kids are great! Abigail is sitting up and crawling and starting to hold onto things and wanting to stand. She is the cutest little thing. Just thinking about her makes me smile. She is a very even tempered and smiley baby. Not much seems to bother her and I love being around her. She definitely tangibly reminds me that life is okay. Elizabeth is turning 3 tomorrow. I cannot believe it. She is HILARIOUS!!! Everyday there is something new. Today she was telling everyone that today is the last day that she will be 2. She loves music and is very excited about going to school with Zach and Hannah in the fall. Hannah is Hannah. She is so smart and is such a sprite. She loves gymnastics and even enjoys playing her violin. She has been enjoying school and is looking forward to being in the first grade next year. Zach is doing well. He's playing baseball and just became a Wolf cub with Cub Scouts.

It's getting super late so I'm going to post a few pics and call it a night, but I've got more to say and will do it later this week.

It's Coming!!!!

2009-03-11T00:05:00.001-04:00

I've not forgotten you all! I've been busy being eaten by dogs, babies and life! Brian has 9 days left of grad school and I've got a whole lot to post! So, just relax and in a few days, there will be updates galore!

Friday 5

2009-01-16T00:50:00.003-05:00

1. Among your friends, who could be blown over by a strong wind?
Easy- Sarah Smoker

2. What’s something in your house you occasionally wind?
My wrist watch

3. Is there some significant gossip you’ve recently gotten wind of?
Not really.. not true- some stuff at the kiddos' school.

4. Where is the windiest place you’ve ever been?
I've been to a few. Cincinnati in September by far was the windiest- b/c
it didn't fair so well for our family, I hope it's the worst I'll ever see.

5. What do you do, on a typical day, to unwind?
Are we talking before of after a Blue Moon? :) HA!!! Facebook and reading. If I'm feeling inspired I'll go exercise.

Yeah, well, umm....

2009-01-16T00:33:00.004-05:00

okay, so I needed about a month to recover from the holidays seasons... ho. ho. ho.

As usual, life is very full around here and it's amazing I get anything done half the time. I've got some fun pics and videos of the kids- mostly E. Enjoy!

17 things....

2008-12-07T00:18:00.003-05:00

Okay, so it took me a few days (sorry sarah) to come up with 17 things that people probably don't know about me....

1. When I was a kid, I really thought I was going to be a lawyer when I grew up.

2. Before Brian and I got married (and even after we were) I didn't want to have children. (yes... i see the irony:))

3. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE CHOCOLATE. I will eat it at any hour of the day.

4. I was a cheerleader in high school.

5. I was Annie in the school play my junior year in High school.

6. I do not like feet touching me. ever.

7. I really like Dr. Pepper.

8. I'm becoming more of an introvert the older I get.

9. I do not like my minivan. The only reason I drive it is for practicality.

10. I love to travel (and am sad that I don't get to do more of it).

11. I like 80s music.

12. I am sad that they closed the closest Don Pablo's. It might be one of my favorite places to eat.

13. I hate heights and bridges. I think it is more a fear of falling.

14. I don't enjoy addressing christmas card envelopes.

15. I dressed up as Cyndi Lauper for Halloween in the fourth grade.

16. My favorite book is To Kill A Mockingbird.

17. I do not like horror/scary movies.

That's it for me... I suppose I should tag a few people...
so. Sarah Wilcox,
Lori Cramer
Jennie Key (you can do it on facebook)
Meggers (you can do it on facebook too)
Jilly bean (it was good to hear your voice and laugh)
give it a go!

Friday 5

2008-11-16T00:46:00.002-05:00

When did you last use the edge of a coin (or a knife blade) as a screwdriver? yesterday i tried to use a coin to dislodge plastic books out of a plastic bookcase that is part of a dollhouse
When did you last use a wire coat-hanger to break into a car? never. i just call the cops to pop the lock.
When did you last use food or drink as medication? ummm... yeah.
When did you last use your cellular telephone as a flashlight?ha! i've never done it but i saw my friends Sarah do it while trying to find a pacifier!
When did you last use a paper clip for any purpose other than to clip paper? every day. i think i used it for #1 after the coin didn't work.

Friday Five

2008-11-08T23:25:00.002-05:00

What usually marks the middle of your day? Usually in the middle of the day, I am in the van waiting at the kids' school to pick them up for the day. I get to read for a bit while E takes a nap as does Abigail. Works out well for us!
From whom (or to whom) was your most recent middle-of-the-night phone call? I have no idea. I think we've had a hang-up call. No sugar daddy calls here!
On what social, political, economic, or moral issue are you in the middle of the road? ahhh... right now I've been wrestling with poverty and the poor. It seems to me that the church is not doing all it can to help them and has allowed the gov't to do it for them. I struggle with that. I don't know if it is right for a follower of Christ to rely on gov't to do what the church was commanded to do. I understand the idea that at least someone is doing something- but is it right. I just don't know.
How likely are you to give someone your middle finger? not very. unless i'm picking my nose :)
When were you last caught in the middle of a disagreement that really had nothing to do with you? when am i not- I've got 4 kids!!!

Fall Fun

2008-11-08T23:09:00.002-05:00

We've been busy little beavers the past few weeks. We moved my Grandma into an assisted living residence last week. The top pic is from move in day. She and Abigail were playing and Grandma was getting Abigail to laugh. It was so precious. Grandma turned 84 yesterday and is doing GREAT!!!! I'm so glad that we moved her. She is a different person- she looks great and seems much more rested and alert than I've seen her in a long while. This week I'm taking her out to buy her a hat for the Red Hat Club (whatever that is). That should be interesting!

Elizabeth and I along with Abigail took advantage of the beautiful weather last week and went to the zoo. We took a lot of pictures of the animals and trees and flowers. While at the elephants, we watched one elephant eat another elephant's poop. Gross. Elizabeth wanted to take a picture. Luckily, you can't really tell what the elephant is doing. Typical 2 year old. Maybe it's a sign she's ready for the Everybody Poops book.

Today was a bit cooler and Brian had the kids outside raking leaves so I could work on a baby quilt for a friend of mine. I got a lot done which was good, but I still have a fair amount to do. I'm hopeful it will get done!

Halloween Wrap Up

2008-11-08T23:02:00.003-05:00

So, here are all the munchkins dressed and ready to go for Halloween. Thanks to Sarah for letting Elizabeth use the monkey costume. She loved it! She was so excited to be a monkey. We went to my mom and dad's and made a fire in the firepit (had to do something with all the extra wood we've had from the storm) and I handed out candy while dad and Brian took the kids out. I do need to say that Abigail might just be the cutest thing I've ever seen- not that I'm biased.

Packin' up

2008-10-26T23:07:00.002-04:00

Well, since Ike blew in life has been really tough, emotionally. With a newborn, my aunt's crazy accident and death and not having power- it was really overwhelming. Just as I thought I was seeing light, my Grandmother started to not do so well, so my dad and his brother made the decision to move her to an assisted living place in Finneytown. It's been really stressful. My folks are hoping that they are making the right decision, worrying about how long they can afford her to live there, driving over to her house and calling her everyday to give her medication to keep her stable. It's really crazy to see all that they are going through.
This past week I've been over at her condo a few days this past week starting to pack her up and get her ready to move on Sunday. We got rid of 5 huge garage bags of stuff to donate from ONE closet. This week I need to get her clothes all boxed up and ready to go. It's been a mixed can of nuts. On one hand I've thoroughly enjoyed hearing the stories of where she was when she wore some of her evening gowns that are now in my closet; it's been great to see old photos of my grandparents and to see them in a different light. It's been fun to hear stories that I've never heard before. At the same time, it has been difficult to watch her make decisions about what to keep- she kept saying that she didn't want to get rid of it because she didn't want to forget the memories. It was hard to throw things away that she felt were treasures. It was overwhelming to start to pack up and give away a life's worth of memories.
It's also motivated me to start going through our house and declutter it and start getting stuff out of the house so that our home isn't quite as overwhelming.

The 5 questions of Sarah

2008-10-25T00:05:00.004-04:00

Thanks to Sarah Smoker, I've been asked to answer these 5 Friday questions. I tag anyone who reads this to either 1. Answer these 5 questions in your own blog or 2. Answer these questions by posting a reply to this post.

1. Where's your favorite beach?
Hilton Head Island- Palmetto Dunes although I will say that there was a beach in Belfast Maine that Brian and I visited many moons ago that was breathtaking. We had to walk through this field of wild flowers to get to it.

2. Where's your favorite place to spend money?
Target. They have way too many cute things that I don't need so I try not to go there much anymore.

3. Where's a good place to watch people?
It depends on whom it is you want to watch- there are so many different types of people. Kings Island is a study in anthropology in and of itself (those of you from cincinnati know what i mean).... I also enjoy people watching in Clifton.

4. Where's a good place to be totally alone?
The shower.

5. Where's a place outside of work or school where you're likely to run into people from work or school? The Clippard YMCA. I've run into more people that I went to high school with there. I just stopped going there and go to Powel Crosley now. No offense to those of you I went to high school with. :)

So, Sarah, here are your five answers! Sorry I'm not a bit more witty. I'm tired.

For those with facebook, I posted some new pics of the kids tonight. I'll try to take a minute and post new pics of the kids and stories tomorrow.

Newish pics of Abigail and the kiddos

2008-10-15T21:57:00.003-04:00

Just thought I'd post a few newer pics of the kids. They are all doing really well. Abigail is growing up so fast and is such a great baby. We love her dearly. Elizabeth is so cute with her and is constantly looking out for her. If Abigail isn't within eye sight, E is asking where she is and wants to be sure she is okay. It's very tender. Abigail still isn't doing a whole lot: she smiles, she coo's, she eats, she sleeps, she poops, and she likes to look at the little birds on her swing.

Elizabeth is doing great. It is fun having her home with me and getting to spend so much time with her one on one. She is super smart and reminds me a lot of Zach. She is really into letter naming and sounds. She is also wanting to wear lots of twirly dresses and today told me that I had to call her Princess E.

Hannah is blossoming into such a joy. She is a special one. She loves gymnastics and ballet and is doing well at school. She just started violin lessons a few weeks ago and that has been going pretty well. The first lesson she was pretty shy and wasn't too sure about what to do but she seems to be blossoming each lesson. She seems to be picking things up pretty quickly. It's fun to do that with her...now if I could only figure out how to get her to practice. :)

Zach is doing great as well. He's excelling in school and seems to really like learning. Each day he comes home with a 'Rosy Reader' book and reads it to the girls. It's so fun to watch that (and it buys me 5-10 minutes to get ready for the rest of the day). He started cello back up with a new teacher and seems to be liking it and I am SO happy. Eric (his teacher) and I were in youth group together and he seems to be a good fit personality wise. I'm learning how important that is. He's also playing flag football and is a demon on defense and is getting more comfortable with the offense. He's loving grabbing others' flags, but not so happy when they are all chasing him trying to get his!

I'll make sure to update after the big camping trip this weekend. I'm sure it will all go well. :)

Busy creating fun things

2008-10-15T21:51:00.003-04:00

Well, every few months I get bit by the 'crafting bug' and as of late, I've been a bit too busy to do much, but I've found some great sewing books full of quick and easy ideas and now I'm thinking I'm Martha- okay, so not really. But, I did just make this really cute blanket for my new cousin. I love the fabric. I also bought some fabric to make a quilt for Abby as well as fabric to make a quilt for another friend of mine who is having a baby early next year. Since I've still to finish the binding of Elizabeth's quilt (it's only been 2.5 years), I thought I'd start the other two and then finish them all off at the same time. We'll see how that goes for me!

I've also got some fun bibs almost finished and ready to show off too. I'll post pics of those when they are finished. Hopefully this weekend, since Brian is taking 3 of 4 kids camping with my dad on Saturday. What a good husband. I'm excited yet I'm not sure if I'll know what to do with myself for almost 24 hours with just a 9 week old little one!

Lions and Tigers and Bears- Oh my...

2008-10-15T21:43:00.002-04:00

Okay, so it's not really that bad, but for poor Elizabeth it seems that way. Elizabeth is not exactly overly excited when it comes to animals, especially if it is fuzzy or moves- so that just about includes everything. As you can tell, she's not too keen on the bunny and she entertained the idea of the pony ride for all of 20 seconds. We were at the College Hill Pumpkin Patch this past weekend and while E likes the idea of animals, it's the reality that isn't so great. Two weeks ago we went to a festival at one of the forests near our house and she did touch a pig- a shocking development. I took the photo to prove it.
I was pretty proud of her for getting on the pony. She was pretty good until it moved and then she was done. I give her points for trying!

As you can see, Hannah is the complete opposite. She wants to be a vet. when she grows up and if she had her way, we'd live in Noah's ark.

Photo catch up

2008-10-15T21:36:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday!
Here are a few pics from celebrating Hannah and Brian and my mom's birthday. I made the cake and Hannah and Zach and Elizabeth helped ice and put the candy on it. They had a lot of fun and it was pretty easy to make (much easier than the famed giraffe cake and the baby carriage cake). I'm learning as I get older. Hannah had a great time as did the rest of the family.

2008-10-02T08:32:00.002-04:00

It's been busy at the Kershner household. I think I'm getting used to that fact that from here on out, it's just going to be that- busy. I've been trying to figure out how to balance the 'busyness' of the family with my own needs and when is it okay to put myself first and when is it moving into selfishness. I'm learning that it is a hard balance to strike. I'm not very good at it- I came from a small family, as I'm an only child. I'm trying to figure out what's normal and not normal for siblings. Hopefully, as we continue on this journey, I'll feel more comfortable in my role and the boundaries that I have to keep to stay sane.

Last week was birthday week in our family. Wednesday, Hannah had a birthday; Friday, Brian had a birthday and then on Sunday, my mom had a birthday. We celebrated with Hannah with an ice cream cake and then on Sunday the girls helped me make this so cute cake for all of them. Minus cutting out all the pieces on Sunday morning before church, it was pretty painless. I found these really cool decorating icing things. They look like accordian bottles and you just screw the cap with the icing tip on them and off you go! I find that they don't break the line as easily as icing bags do. They are my new find and friend! Hannah and E were extra 'helpful' on Sunday morning and rolling and cutting out their own cookies. Really, we just made a big mess, but it was a lot of fun.

Hannah also started takin violin lessons last week. She seemed super nervous, but I think it was just the new place and new person and trying to figure out what to expect. She can be more introverted than I realize at times. She may process verbally through things (and my goodness does she do a LOT of it) but she is more of an introvert in every sense of the word. She was more comfortable this week and seemed more confident. Her little (and it is little) violin is SO CUTE!

Zach has started playing flag football and he is a beast on defense! His team is mostly city kids and it was awesome to see them whoop up on the Mason teams last week (not that it is about winning... I know, I know!). They are playing up in Mason again this week. Brian's dad will be in town and so Z is pretty excited. Brian is coaching- I know, no reason to state the obvious (we're WAY too busy to have Brian coaching)- and it is going pretty well. He seems to be enjoying it and we're trying to figure out how to take this experience and turn it into ministry opportunities for the kiddos in College Hill. Brian's dad was a commissioner for a league in Cleveland and Brian has been talking with him about what to do to make it sucessful. We'll see where that leads.

Tuesday was eventful in it's own right as Hannah had a tooth pulled! When she was 2, she fell off a bar stool and knocked one of her teeth loose and there was some damage to the tooth and to the root. I've been praying that it would stay in until she was 5 and less than a week after she turned 5 it finally came out! She was stupendous at the dentist's office and was super excited to get to have a visit from the tooth fairy. She's pretty cute with a missing tooth as well. She has a little lisp which makes it even better.

Abigail is great! She loves the little birds on her swing and when she gets fussy (which honestly, is like once every few days) we pop her in the swing and she gets all happy because she can see the birds. It's pretty cute!

Elizabeth is wonderful as well. She's growing up so much. Next week is potty training week. I'm not sure how ready I am to do it, but I'm definitely ready for the result! We'll see how it goes.

Picture Updates

2008-09-23T23:18:00.003-04:00

Hannah and Zach at the Drive-In

E's ruby red slippers that she loves!!!!

Abby's first trip to the zoo! Elizabeth was so excited to show her all the animals
and of course the train ride.

Hannah's first ballet class. Isn't she adorable?

This would be the reason why I didn't have power for a week. Not cool.

I'll post pictures of the tea party in the next few days. They are ADORABLE!!!!

what a week...

2008-09-20T22:38:00.002-04:00

I'm not even sure where to begin. It's just been one of those weeks. On Sunday, Hannah celebrated her birthday (which isn't until the 24th) with a tea party for her and a few of her friends. It was so much fun with lots of really yummy food. They dressed up in hats and gloves; made cute crafts and seemed to have a really good time.
Last Sunday, the 14th, also was a strange day in that Hurricane Ike mixed with a cold front and produced unprecedented winds and gusts- some up past 70 miles an hour. On the half hour drive home, I saw trees snapped in half, whole portions of the city without power, trees falling in the road and on the Interstate- it was nuts. I kept telling Hannah and her friend in the van with me that it was just snowing leaves and that we were safe and all would be okay.
Well, as we got to the exit to get home, the interstate was closed because of an accident and as we were waiting my mom, in her car a few ahead of me called to tell me that she and Elizabeth were okay, but that there had been an accident and that a tree had fallen on her sister's home and they weren't sure if she was going to make it. I told her to get over there - quickly and I'd have Brian meet her and get Elizabeth. Well, I ended up being able to get to the meeting spot, by my aunt's home and as I waited I asked the neighbors how bad was it- they said it was pretty bad... and indeed it was. A tree, a HUGE tree that for years Aunt Min hated and always feared would fall on her house, did just that and she was killed instantly.
To top it off, the power in the entire city for the most part was knocked out and we were without power until Saturday morning at 1 am when it finally popped back on.
As we've been trying to deal with the electricity problem, our church allowed us to stay in the house they have for missionaries on furlough to stay at until we had our power back. What a gift that was. I'm not sure what we would have done- found a hotel or something I suppose. The kids didn't have school until Thursday so for 3 days I had to entertain the kiddos, try to deal with the power thing, watch ALL MY BLUEBERRIES SUFFER A HORRIBLE FATE (i'm a bit bitter about having to throw my precious blueberries away) and try to absorb the random tragedy that my family had on its hands- it's been a long week.
In the midst of it all though, I kept seeing God's hand and there are already things I'm understanding that I need to walk away from this week with...
1. Tell your family and friends that you love them as much as you can. Don't assume they know. I wish I had told Aunt Min more often that I loved her.

2. Nobody is perfect and those who seem to drive us insane the most are usually broken and hurting people who need more love to help heal the broken parts. As hard as it can be, I need humility to love those who are hard to love.

3. If you don't have a will and your stuff in order- DO IT NOW!!! WHATEVER THE COST- IT IS WORTH IT!!! Be sure to tell at least two different people (one family, one not) WHERE the will is and WHO YOUR LAWYER IS just in case. Keep all those important papers together and in ONE place.

4. The body of Christ is created to reflect God's love and mercy and grace and abundant provisions. IT IS OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP and EVEN BETTER TO RECEIVE IT!! (still not an easy thing to do- but I'm getting better at it.

I don't think that it was God's will for this to happen. I think it was a result of the fallen state of the world. God didn't create us initially to suffer and have us die- he created us to be a reflection of him and to have life. I believe that in all this, God is good and that there will be good found in it. While I'm not too sure exactly what that is now, I do know that I love God and it has been my faith and trust in His goodness that has allowed me to have grace upon myself and has allowed me to grieve for my aunt without losing my love for Christ.

Let's All Go to the Movies...

2008-09-07T22:40:00.002-04:00

Oh, boy. So, yesterday I thought , hmm... I've not had enough chaos, let's see what I can do to change that. Let's take everyone to the drive in movies and load them up with candy, popcorn, sugar, glow sticks and let them stay up until some ungodly hour watching old Disney films. Okay, so I didn't say that, but that is what happened.
There is a drive-in about 25 minutes away that was showing Mary Poppins and Swiss Family Robinson- two of our family's favorite movies. So, we loaded up the van and off we went. My parents followed suit behind us and after getting the back seat flipped for the kids we settled in for the movies.
The kids actually were really well behaved and after Mary Poppins, I was ready to leave (I was tired and COLD- I'd been sure everyone had warm stuff, but myself- typical), but the kids wanted to stay so we decided to just stay and we'd leave when they fell asleep.... 1:30am and AFTER the second movie was over. I took a nap on the floor of the van while my mom slept in her car with Abigail on her lap during the movie.
God blessed us with two sleepy heads (the girls) and then there was Zach, who decided to be up at 6:20AM... he's nuts.
All in all, it was a bit crazy and it wiped both Brian and I out, but it was so much fun and CHEAP (it was retro pricing night with free kid's admission!). We'll do it again, but not until next summer.

school days

2008-08-24T18:09:00.003-04:00

Well, it's that time of year again- SCHOOL!!!! Hannah is starting kindergarten this year and had 2 half days last week and will go all week this week. Zach is in the second grade (that just doesn't seem possible!) and absolutely LOVES school. The first day, he was up at 5am and coming into our room every 20 minutes to see what time it was. At 6, he ran downstairs, got breakfast, got his backpack all together, sharpened a pencil (to be ready as soon as he got to school) and was ready to go by 6:10am. The rest of the week went similarly- with the early bird getting ready to go to school!
Elizabeth and Abby and I will be hanging out at the house next week and I think she's looking forward to it. She is so funny. My grandma gave the girls a bunch of her old jewelry and they had so much fun getting dressed up and playing- as you can see E was having a blast.
Abby is doing swell. Last night Brian and I took her to a wedding in Lexington and she did great! She even slept through the whole night. What a difference a whole night of sleep makes. Brian's mom was in town last week and stayed with the other kiddos so we could go. THANKS BARB! JT and his mom were so grateful that we made the trip and we were really glad that we were able to see JT get married. It was a beautiful night!
Zach has started flag football (I'll take pics this week at practice) and Hannah starts dance and gymnastics in the next week, so things outta get busy! I'll post more pics later this week.

One week down....how many more to go?!

2008-08-16T20:38:00.001-04:00

As soon as I find the camera, I'll post some pics of the baby and the kids. It's been a good week all things considered! The kids have been great this week. We've been blessed by great people stepping up and taking them on so that I could just sleep and take care of me and Abby. THANK YOU SO MUCH SUSAN, JANET, VAL, KAREN and NIKKI!!! Brian and I would not have survived this week without you!
Speaking of Brian, I'm going to brag on my husband for a sec to say that he has been GREAT this week. Not only did he survive labor and delivery with me and no medication, he's gotten the kids up and fed and where ever they have needed to be be each day. He's come home at lunch to get them, feed them (and me some days) and then took care of all of us after work. I don't think he realizes how much of a gift that has been for me.
Zach and Hannah start school on Tuesday. In the midst of the summer, it seemed to be going on forever and ever and now that the kids are starting back I am finding myself wondering where in the world the summer went! They went to the building where they will be for the next 2 years while their current school building is being torn down and rebuilt. They ran into friends and Zach is all excited to be going back, Hannah is a bit apprehensive and shy, but I think once she gets back into the swing of things, she'll be good to go. At least, that's what I'm telling myself!

She's here!

2008-08-11T20:07:00.003-04:00

Saturday night, Abigail Renee joined the Kershner family in true form! We got to the hospital at 7pm and she was born at 10:11pm. Our doctor was stuck in Chicago and the doctor covering didn't get there quite quick enough, so the nurses ran and got the resident who literally walked into the room and delivered one of his first babies. She already has a flare for the dramatic! I'll give her that.

Abby weighed in at 7 lb. 15 oz. and was 19.5 inches long. We are home and doing well. The kids are besides themselves. Zach is great and has been doing a good job of trying to maintain the stability of girls and is holding Abby and being a quiet presence. Hannah is just Hannah. She is very excited and I think is still trying to figure all this out. She is intrigued by absolutely everything that Abby does. Then there is Elizabeth. I wish I would have thought to videotape her reaction to coming home. She was running around saying "I love baby!" and "Baby Abby home!". Then she was literally jumping up and down yelling "I'm so happy! I'm so happy!" It was precious.

It has been an interesting and introspective last few months for all of us. Now that all is said and done, I can saw that I have not only experienced God's people prayers (THANK YOU TO ALL WHO WERE PRAYING AGAINST KIDNEY STONES!!) but I've also experienced how God can truly change calloused hearts (thanks again to all those who have been praying for that!). This isn't the road I wanted to go on, but now that we've been on it for a while, I cannot imagine being on any other.

Still waiting

2008-08-08T17:20:00.002-04:00

It's been a quiet week this week. We're in the final countdowns of baby Kershner's arrival and we are trying to hold out until the doc gets back from vacation (today). So, Saturday or is fair game we'll keep you posted!

The kiddos are all doing swell. I think that they are getting the end of the summer blahs and are getting into school mode. We've got Zach's school supplies all ready to go and we'll get Hannah's list in the next few days. Fun... I think I'll let Brian take Hannah shopping for all that stuff. I took her (and my mom) out last night for some new shoes- one hour and 15 trying-ons later, we got back with 5 pairs of shoes (thank you grandma)- one of which is not my favorite and well, to be honest, I never thought that I'd allow my kids to walk out of the house with- they look like 2 disco balls attached to her feet. But, they are her fancy sparkling shoes- so what can you do? Now that I've found the camera (it was playing hide and go seek for a few days) I'll post pics of the shoes and of the rooms.

The Waiting Game Begins

2008-07-30T16:01:00.002-04:00

Well, it's been another hot week here. We've been taking it easy. Hannah has been at zoo camp this week after being at gymnastics camp last week. She's enjoying it and I'm enjoying the beginning of the proverbial calm before the storm.

We're shoring up the house now. Last Sunday, we did a bunch of yard work and are almost done with mulching. Why is that a bag seems to cover only half of what it seems it should? ANYWAY, I planted some hosta today and there are some other flowers for Brian to plant tonight since he's done with Capstone paper (thank God). The garage is almost all painted and actually matches the house now (BIG improvement!). This weekend has a lot of cleaning in its future I suspect.

We went to the kids school this week to figure out where they will going when they get inside (their old school building is being torn down and a new one will be built, so we're in a 'swing space' for 2 years). It's really nice, but I need to say that if I were teaching there, I'd probably have walked in and then turned around and walked right back out. Zach's teacher had at least 1/2 of the room floor to ceiling boxes. Hannah's teacher wasn't in a much better position. It seems way overwhelming and I'm glad it's not me!

Me too, aka Elizabeth is doing well and is well on her way to being just like Zach and Hannah. Whatever they are doing, she has to do too. The other day I asked her who gave her permission to be so cute and she looked at me and said "God". It will be interesting to see how she does when Zach and Hannah are gone off to school all day. I think she's going to really miss them. Truth be told, I'm going to miss them.

As far as baby watch, my doc is out of the country until the 9th, so please pray that nothing happens until then. The doc that is covering for him doesn't deliver at the hospital that I want to go to and my experience at the hospital he does deliver at wasn't great. So, we'll see. Until then, the waiting game begins!

What was I thinking?

2008-07-21T19:20:00.002-04:00

So, I thought it would be fun to go camping. What?! I'm only 37 weeks pregnant... Well, it was quite an adventure.
First, it was like 90+ degrees with humidity added on just for me. I felt like a peep in a microwave (let the swelling begin). After taking an hour to get the tent up and everything ready (it all takes longer when kids are young- should have thought that through a bit more) we were ready for the day. We spent the afternoon at the water park and then went back to camp where it took us another hour to get the fire going and cook hotdogs (a microwave would have been good).
After that we spent some time with the Cub Scouts we were with. If only my camera was working for this next part. The girls and Zach went creeking with Brian and the other Cub Scouts. Zach jumped in, Hannah followed and Elizabeth (aka- ME TOO!!) jumped right in to her waist! They had a blast. My daughter- Hannah- CAUGHT A FROG!!!!! I wish I could have been there to see that, but the climb down was comparable to jumping off a cliff, so I made a S'More instead.
I took the E home and slept in the AC and went back Sunday morning at 6:45 to get breakfast underway and break camp. Goodness. By 10am, we were ready for a quick hike. The kids found vines hanging all over the place behind our site and so the pics are of the kiddos swinging their little hearts out- even little E. There was also a log bridge that we all crossed. I wasn't aware that being pregnant throws your balance off so much. I almost didn't make it across. It was one of those things where I thought afterwards...'hmmm.. that may not have been the best ideas I've had...'
After that we made it back home in one piece and the kids slept really well and so did mom and dad. I'm not sure who was more tired- them or us. Definitely could have used a beer after that one!

no love for the mom

2008-07-17T23:46:00.002-04:00

Well, I thought that maybe since I finally found that cord that connects the computer to the camera to allow you to upload your pics, maybe I should post a few. The first bunch are from our adventures blueberry picking and the others are from our recent trip up north to Cleveland.
The girls really enjoyed the pool and Elizabeth especially enjoyed the slide. Allison was such a dear and went down the slide with her about 100 times. Zach was all about the big zoom flume slides and was pretty much on them nonstop for 2 hours. The other photo is at Lake Erie shore in Rocky River. There is a great park and it was beautiful to spend some time there and with the Mackay and Kershner family up in Cleveland.

Today, I dropped Zach off at an overnight camping thing through our church. We spent the morning at Ft. Ancient (which is a state park full of American Indian stuff and earth mounds). It was really fun. There was a team doing a dig at a site near one of the mounds. It was really interesting to watch them work and to go through the museum and they also have a great kids room full of stuff that the kids could touch and play with and try. They also have a model of a Hopewell Indian hut that the kids really liked.

So anyway, I digress... I dropped Zach off, took him to his room and asked if he needed help getting his sleeping bag out or anything. He looked at me and said nope- are you going to leave now? I said "well, I guess I can". He said "okay. that would be good. love you. bye." No hug, no nothing. Boys.

Time Tickin' Away!

2008-07-13T17:09:00.002-04:00

I can hardly believe that it is possible that we've got less than 30 days before the baby comes and the three ring circus becomes four. I've been in Cleveland with the kids for the past few days visiting friends and family and when I get back; I'll post the pics of the rooms and of our trip to Cleveland.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

2008-07-06T22:57:00.002-04:00

Saturday was a busy day for the Kershner family. We went blueberry picking (along with a quarter of the city I think) in the morning and then a friend of ours, Nayt got married that night. Zach was in the wedding and as you can see it was a theme wedding. I've got more pics that as soon as I download onto the laptop, I'll post. (btw- Donn Brooks, Nayt's dad took this pic).

Zach was so excited about being barefoot and about the guys in the wedding thinking that he too needed a REAL sword, so he's got a nice, sharp sword swinging by his side. He was so excited. It was the first thing he wanted to show me when I got there with dinner for him. Yes, the sword was sharp, very sharp and apparently none in the wedding party has kids- or little boys for that matter. Who gives a 7 year old a sharp sword? In all respect for my kid, he did show a great deal of self restraint and while he pulled it out a few more times than were necessary, no animals were harmed. So, that was good.

Rounding Third and Heading Home

2008-06-29T23:37:00.003-04:00

Wow. It seems to have been a whirlwind of a weekend. Brian's dad came down for a visit and the kids were SO EXCITED to spend time with him. Friday, I finished painting the girls room and we did a quick shopping trip for curtains, rugs and other things for the rooms. We've been busy! The rooms are almost done- a few things to hang on the walls and a few places to touch up and cosmetically, they are finished. Now, I still have the closet to attack and maternity clothing to send to the wonderful people who lent them to me! There also seems to be a large amount of toys that the kiddos don't play with that I'm trying to figure out how to get out of the house without permanently damaging my kids' psyche.

Saturday, Brian surprised his dad and Zach by taking them down to Great American Ballpark for a Season Ticketholder's Special. They got breakfast and Brian's dad got to take 5 pitches ON THE FIELD and was up on the jumbo screen. Dan's dad played ball in Philly back in the day and it was really meaningful to Dan. Brian got to do batting practice inside and Zach got to throw some pitches and do some other fun stuff. They had a lot of fun and really enjoyed the morning together. Brian forgot the camera and so we need to wait for Dan to send them to Brian this week.

The BMV has been an interesting experience. We are still trying to get the title work straightened out and all the proper paper work signed and notarized in order to get the plates and have the car be ours.

So, all in all, it seems like we've got a lot that isn't complete, but is close. We're rounding third and heading home. Being a task oriented person, this would drive me insane and I'd not have any peace and would be so uptight that I wouldn't be able to relax, but I've been surprised how much I've been able to give up and just take a deep breath in and just allow it to get done when it gets done- even if it isn't in my timing. Funny how God teaches us lessons and then shows us how we've grown (or haven't).

Moving without boxes

2008-06-25T15:21:00.002-04:00

Well, for the past week, we've been moving rooms, painting, creating chaos (as if we don't have enough in our house already) and in general, staying up way too late and waking up way too early.

We got our bedroom furniture moved into the old nursery and we've painted Zach's room and for the most part have moved him in. We're waiting for all the cool Cleveland stuff we bought for his room to decorate it with. His favorite is the Cleveland Browns Helmet Fathead we bought him for his wall. Hopefully in the early part of next week, we'll be completely finished with his room. I think he likes it and he's been a good sport about letting the girls bunk with him while we paint their room- who am I kidding, while Brian paints their room.

All the furniture for the girls is in the middle of the floor with tarps all over it. I should have thought about clothing before I moved and tarped and taped it all up. Hhhmmm.... that would have been good. Anywho... we've got one closet (the girls) to clean out and then we've got about 4 boxes to move out of our room into their closet and we'll be finished! Hopefully, we'll be done by Friday. We'll see. We'll post pics once all the rooms are somewhat presentable.

Brian starts back to school tonight and while I'm not so happy about it, it is a necessary evil for him to get finished (which we have decided will be in March instead of December so Brian can take only one class a quarter as opposed to two at a time. While this isn't my favorite decision, I see the wisdom of it and am willing to do it).

Tomorrow we get to pick up the Pilot we decided on. We are really excited about it. We were looking for just another Accord, but after learning that the insurance was $1 different and after finding an incredible deal on a 2004 Pilot with towing package AND bike rack (YEAH!!!)AND after calling on 4 different Accords and having each one tell us that it had just been sold or traded in we started to think, huh, maybe we are being given an okay to get the Pilot. So we did! We're very excited that we can get the whole family in it and if necessary, we can also get a set of Grandparents in there with us. What a blessing.

Well, I need to go back to cleaning and keeping the chaos under control (or at least giving the impression that the chaos is under control). Post more later!

Nature Hikes, Cub Scout Camp, Painting, car buying, oh my!

2008-06-20T10:21:00.004-04:00

We took a little nature hike on Sunday, here are some pics. It was quite good, actually. It was a mile and a half and Elizabeth did at least 78% of it herself. There was a place towards the end where they hopped down into the creek and threw rocks. At one point Hannah slid across the mud on the rocks and how she didn't fall neither of us knows- but she caught her balance and made sure to tell us that she was okay!

This week Zach spent the week at Cub Scout camp where he got to do crafts, learn boy things, like knots, folding flags,etc... and don't forget about the fishing, shooting off arrows and the BB guns. Today was the last day and they had a special thing for the BB gun range and each boy was given 5 shots and if they all got on the target and added up to 35 points, they would be eligible for a junior US shooting badge or something. Well, Zach has 3 bulls eyes, a fourth was right on the line, so they gave him 9 points and an 8 pointer. He had 47 out of 50 points! I was really impressed! Yes, he is now asking for a BB gun and so is my dad- we've told them both NO!!!! (plus Brian and I deserve to give the cool gifts from time to time- we are the parents are we not?)

We are still in the throes of painting and prepping. As I am typing away, Brian is up sanding and cleaning up dry wall so he can paint trim. We moved all the furniture around and now Zach's old room looks like a storage closet. We moved our furniture into Elizabeth's old room (she is QUITE confused why our bed is in her room) and it is chaos up there. The sooner this is done, the better!

We also found a car. We were looking to buy another accord and we found a Honda Pilot that a family is selling as they are moving out of the country in a few days. While it was a little more than what we originally wanted to spend, we decided to take a look and sleep on it. WELL, that was on Saturday. On Sunday, we still had no direction as to what to do, so we decided to call on a few more accords and call the insurance and maybe look at it one more time and go from there. Interestingly enough, the insurance is $1.00 more than the Accord. Then, I started to call about the Accords. Each one of the 3 had just been sold or traded. It started to feel a bit more than odd. We went and looked at the Pilot again and they had gotten an offer that day but didn't take it because the guy was going to just sell it to make money. So, we told them we'd buy it. They leave on Saturday, we didn't have the heart to take away their car until they were a little closer to the move, so we close the deal Wednesday/Thursday of next week. Can I tell you how excited we both are. When we went to buy the van, I really wanted a Pilot, but they were still so new that they were out of our budget, so I had to skip it. Funny how things happen!

Well, once we get the rooms all situated and clothes moved in and furniture as well, we'll post pics.

The Week in Review

2008-06-15T15:00:00.002-04:00

Wow. What a full week we've just been through!
-We managed to get a more than fair settlement from the insurance company for the Accord. The cops called Brian on Friday to let him know that they had not only found the owner of the vehicle (and she has insurance!!!) but they also found the driver and cited her. Hopefully, this will mean we'll be more likely to get our deductible back. That would be great!

-We started the wonderful world of car shopping. I'll be glad when that is over.

- Hannah spent her mornings this past week at Nature Camp. Her favorite things were making lady bug cookies during Red Day and getting to pet and play with the box turtle.

- Zach spent the week at Zoo Camp! His favorite part was getting to see the Red Tail Hawk. He didn't like the lorikeets so much, as one of them mistook his finger for a branch and nibbled on it- drawing blood. He got a certificate naming him the "Most Adventurous Camper".

- I chased after everyone and spent a good portion of the week spending time with Sabina, Dori, Andrea and Borah. (Sabina is my friend from Albania) We had some really good talks this week and they were very encouraging.

-Thank you to Sarah and Janet for throwing me a wonderful and relaxing baby shower yesterday. I had a great time and it meant a lot to me.

- I FINALLY GOT ALL THE WALLPAPER OFF THE WALLS IN THE BEDROOM!!!! Now, it looks like a rehab project I use to work on in highschool. Nothing like living in a bit of chaos.

I'll post pics of the room in a few days and I'll post after pics once we've got it done. Zach is very excited about fatheads. We're going to put a huge Brown's helmet on his room's wall. He is going for the Lebron, but I don't think a lifesize Lebron James Fathead is going to fit in the room. We'll see. Well, we're off to go on a hike and spend the rest of the day and dinner with my family at my Grandma's house. Should be fun!
BTW-
Happy Father's Day to all you dads.

When it rains...

2008-06-10T16:54:00.002-04:00

So this morning, I dropped Zach off at Zoo Camp and guess what. SOMEONE HIT MY VAN AND DIDN'T BOTHER TO LEAVE A NOTE! WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE? Twice in 4 days. The only good thing was that the body shop got all the paint off and buffed it all out for free for me. There are a few scratches on the bumper, but it's plastic, so no biggie. But still, WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

2008-06-06T18:44:00.001-04:00

THE GOOD: So, the beach is still great. I have not been this relaxed in a long while. It has been really good for me to be away from all the things that I allow to distract me from just enjoying my kids. As you can see, they've had a blast as well. We've continued our animal hunt and have added a sea urchin, sand crabs (which Elizabeth was NOT too happy about), lizards and snakes. Dad and I took Zach and Hannah to an arcade down the street and Hannah was playing a game and literally hit the jackpot and like 250 tickets. She did the same thing last year. I'm taking her to buy some lottery tickets, so if you want in.... :)
Last night I just sat outside and looked at the stars- a real treat for us city folk. It is easy to forget what the nighttime sky really looks like and b/c Hilton Head has such strict laws about nighttime lighting, the stars really shine. It was beautiful. I am going to let the kids stay up late and take them out to look b/c I just amazes me that God can call each star out by name. It's sort of like in Isaiah where God is described as holding the mountains in his hands as well as the sand. It is immense and amazes me.

THE BAD:
I am not going to write too much about this right now b/c I'm still processing and I'm still wanting to get more information from B, but Brian was in a pretty bad car accident this morning and it is looking like the Accord is totaled. B is sore, but okay. The airbags deployed and he hit is head on the one (thank goodness he didn't break his nose or worse). The lady who was at fault and hit him... ran. Literally, ran away down the street and left the car just sitting there. Brian called the police and they are trying to find the person that did it, but reality... We'll blog more on this later.

THE UGLY:
I have to leave the beach tomorrow morning at 5:45am and endure a 12 hour van ride with my parents and 3 kids. Need I say more?

Life is a Beach!

2008-06-04T21:02:00.004-04:00

Well, after a 12 hour van ride, we made it to Hilton Head Island South Carolina. It has been awesome! We have been having a great time hanging out as a family and relaxing and just enjoying one another. Brian had to leave this morning because of school and that wasn't my favorite, but we'll be okay. My mom and dad have been awesome and I've been able to relax and take a bit of a break.

We had our annual pirate night on Monday and the kiddos enjoyed dressing up and playing Pirate putt-putt. E was hilarious! She really liked the putt putt holes with tunnels and was horribly disappointed when we would get to one that didn't have one. At one point, she was so distraught, she just put her head down on a rock and cried.

We've had our National Geographic encounters while here. We've seen lots of jelly fish (yuck), dolphins (cool), sea stars and horse shoe crabs. Yesterday, some guy was trying to catch a stingray with a beach towel (i didn't say he was the most intelligent guy). Apparently we are here during sting ray mating season and I've heard of 3 people being stung by the things this week. What the kids don't know... (they'd never get in the ocean again!)

Here are a few photos to either make you jealous that we are here are you're not or thankful that we are here and you are not!

Yeah, it sounded like a good idea...

2008-05-28T16:18:00.003-04:00

Well, the countdown to Hilton Head begins. Well, it began a few days ago, I just got on board and realized we leave in 2 days and I'm still thinking I've got all the time in the world. Why is it that it takes more time to get ready to go on vacation than it does to enjoy vacation?!

Everyone is done with school as of today. Hannah and I dropped off Gerbera daisies and Strawgrass flowers to her teachers. Granted, we picked up all the supplies on the way to the school and were potting plants in the parking lot (oh the things I never thought I'd do). Hannah told me that she is going to miss seeing her teachers the most over the summer (which makes it a bit easier to let her go full day next year- an aside- is it really possible that she's able to be in Kindergarten?). She also said that she's going to miss Nathan (her little friend with Down's Syndrome that she loving looks after during the day). Luckily, Nathan has a brother in Zach's class and a brother E's age and we're scheduled for some play time here pretty soon.

Zach had field day today and I picked up a mini Flash (i love face paint- and arm paint, and leg paint). He tie dyed (one more thing for me to take care of before we leave- thanks!) and played and had a great time at Field Day at the school. He got his report card and got straight E's (which is like straight A's). He was very excited. He also got to meet the incoming 1st graders to his class. As he is in a Montessori environment, there are kids in 1,2 and 3 in his room. He will be in second grade next year and found out that one of his friends from Kindergarten, who is a year younger than him, will be in his class. He was so excited. He told me that the best part is that there are more boys than girls in the upcoming 1st grade class. Right now, the poor estrogen overloaded boy is stuck being the only 2nd grade boy in his class due to a series of random events. Hopefully, he'll pick up one or two more.

My friends from Albania are in town too trying to raise support, so as I've been trying to do all those things you are suppose to do to get ready for vacation, I've been getting the kids ready to be done with school and helping them out as much as I can. If you know of anyone who is interested in supporting overseas ministries, let me know. As there are few they can raise support from in Albania, they are truly in need of help from us. They are wonderfully committed people and I wish we had the money to just give them everything they need!

I suppose I've procrastinated enough and should go finish folding laundry, putting it away, getting it out to pack, making dinner, praying that E doesn't have an ear infection, etc... I know that while we are in Hilton Head, it will all be good, but right now... I could use a drink (of water of course! :) ).

Stop the Crazy Bus, I Wanna Get Off!

2008-05-21T21:12:00.003-04:00

whew. It has been a really busy past few days and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight until we leave for Hilton Head. I don't know if that is good or bad. I'm still deciding.

We took Zach and Hannah to the Reds Game on Friday night to see the Indians get destroyed by the Reds. Zach was so excited and Hannah, well, Hannah made it to the Cotton Candy then crashed. She woke up in the 8th inning for the walk and the fireworks. Brian got tickets to the game on Saturday afternoon and after going to Zach's soccer game and a bridal shower, we kicked back with my dad and watched the Indians get destroyed by the Reds again. Brian was beyond frustrated. I won't even go there- the guys understand I suppose.

The kids have been in a funk the past week and just picking at each other and me and we're just tired of each other not being perfect (which creates all sorts of problems). They are crazy right now and I'm trying to keep it together. Yesterday was pretty rough and God just encouraged me with a verse from Isaiah that in essence says "I will sustain you and carry you" which is good because I feel like I weigh a ton and am tired of carrying myself around.

I've also started feeling overwhelmed by this whole getting ready for the baby thing. My friend Sarah is throwing a shower for me and I've been registering for stuff that we've given away or is just so old it is embarrassing to go out in public with. There is just so much stuff to choose from. It is overwhelming. The advantage of having done this 3 times before I know what we will actually use and what will not get any use other than a space collector. I found a stroller online for less than half of what it normally retails for and we bought that and it came today. The kids helped (if you can call it that) me put it together and then made a rocket out of the box.

I think the biggest challenge is the room situation. Brian's mom and stepdad and sister are coming down this weekend to help us strip wallpaper and patch walls and try to get a good start on what will be the girls' room, but I just don't see how this is all going to work. It stresses me out and then I just decide I'll worry about it later and eat some sorbet.

Well, I'm going to watch the end of American Idol. I'm a sucker, I know.

Just another day in the life of a Kershner

2008-05-12T23:13:00.002-04:00

Sorry, I haven't posted pics of Zach's modern artwork of the lawn, nor have I posted anything new. I've been pondering the meaning of life... no, I just haven't had much to say. It has actually been quite nice not to have any crazy nor funny things to post. Sometimes quiet is just good.

Today, however, was one of those days that seemed to make me wish I could have spread it throughout the week last week. It started when I was summoned to make to PTO budget for next year as the governing money people were handing out money tonight and needed it like, yesterday. I am a letter person- not a number person. So, being me, I of course did it and tried to not forget something important.

Then the phones just stopped working. No dial tone, no nothing. After walking up and down the stairs like a million times and taking phone cords in and out of filters and jacks and phones and calling my husband- who is by the way suppose to know HOW TO FIX ANYTHING, had to leave to get Hannah. I am a task oriented type person and this just wasn't cool. So, after getting Hannah and realizing that because I had to use the morning to do the budget for PTO (which I am not even doing next year) and to try to fix the phone we had no food in the house because I couldn't go to the store; I took both girls to the store. I've not taken 2 kids to the store for a REALLY LONG TIME. I remember why now.

I'm not going to go into the details, but having 2 kids and being pregnant, not having to bag my own groceries would have been nice. By the time I took away the candy bars and the junk they tried to get into the bag home, I was ready for a drink.

Getting home, I had to unload the van, get lunch and still fix the blasted phone. By the time that was done, I got to pack the girls back into the van and drive back to the school to go get Zach. I hate the van some days.

Kids are good, Brian and I are here, life isn' t that bad. Hopefully nothing too exciting to report later!

Breaking Child Labor Laws?

2008-05-04T15:47:00.003-04:00

As Brian and I were getting ready to do some work outside today, Zach announced to us that he was ready and wanted to cut the grass. He's only 7. I'm sure we're either going to have children's services called on us or else no one will ever let their kid come to our house again- because we let him. One of us stood/sat and watched as he powered his way through it. God bless him, he did it. Granted, the first attempt was full of places that needed to be 'helped'- but Z wouldn't let us help- HE FIXED IT HIMSELF. So, I just sat and watched. Once I find the cord for the computer, I'll download pics of Zach owning the lawnmower.

RIP Petey Fast Fish

2008-04-30T08:49:00.003-04:00

Okay, so Zach has had this betta fish for like a year and a half or so. It's been a good fish- biting the heads off of other fish, swimming in his little aquarium, doing the fish things fish are suppose to do. About 2 weeks ago, Petey stopped eating and wasn't quite as Red as he had once been. We knew the end was in sight. For literally the past 10 days this fish has been lying on the bottom of the aquarium willing itself to live. It refused to die. It was starting to get to the point where I thought the blasted thing wasn't going to die- ever. It was doomed to just lie on the bottom of the tank.
A friend of mine told me to put the thing out of its misery, but I started to think about having the conversation with the kids about euthanasia. I decided we're not ready for that yet. And, I cannot lie and just do it. I've been stuck with this 98% dead fish in my kitchen for the past few days.
Well, last night, Petey finally bit it- I mean he died. He was lying in his favorite spot in the aquarium and looked as peaceful as a fish should (???).
So now since Brian has school tonight, I get to fish the thing out of the corner of the aquarium and then bury it in the yard- because fish deserve the same dignity as any other pet.
Zach is doing well and informed me today that he would like a gekko. I told him to start saving.

Big Ahh-Ahh Poop

2008-04-28T22:11:00.003-04:00

I made a quick jaunt to the zoo today to buy some cheap tulips ($5 for like 40 tulips) to replenish my poor ravaged flowers today and we stopped by a few animals. I need to say I don't understand Hannah. Hannah for those of you who don't know is DEATHLY fearful of ants. This is the same girl that is willing to jump off anything, hug any strange dog and will probably lead us to have a farm before it's all said and done full of homeless animals. Anyway, Hannah wanted to see the snakes of all things- and the more venomous the better.

Then Elizabeth wanted to see the gorillas aka big ahh-ahh's. So as we are watching them, there is one that is hiding and there are some that are playing. The funniest was that she saw the tailbone of one of them and started yelling Big Ahh-Ahh poo!
They aren't really doing anything spectacular, but for whatever reason, from the time we left (2:00) until she went to bed 9:30 (she was a bit stubborn) all she would talk about was the big Ahh-Ahh's. Bigg Ahh-Ahh's hiding. Big Ahh-Ahh's poo NON-STOP.
At one point we were getting ready for a bath and she said Bigg Ahh-Ahh poo I poo too. She then took off her diaper, sat on her potty and pushed so that her face was all red. Nothing came, but God bless her- she tried.

Breakfast discussion

2008-04-26T22:22:00.002-04:00

The kids were up early this morning (as usual for a Saturday). Zach had made toast for everyone before I got down, but at least waited for me to help with the butter and jelly. We had some blackberry jam which Zach was trying to explain to Hannah tastes good. Somehow we got on the subject of blueberries to which Hannah replied, "Blueberries are my favorite. I like them even more than hummus and salami."

It just struck me kind of funny. Other than that I am off to Baltimore tomorrow for a certification for work. I'll be back on Tuesday night.

Tiptoe Through the Tulips...

2008-04-26T20:27:00.002-04:00

I love my tulips. It verges on not healthy. It is my favorite part of spring to see the tulips that I have planted along the side of the house in full bloom. Each year after the zoo finishes their zoo bloom, I buy a bag of bulbs and plant more. I cannot get enough. It makes me happy every time I pull into my driveway.

The kids and I have been weeding and watering around them and getting the garden ready and planted and it has been wonderful. I love it. Everything but the pollen, but that's soon to end...

So, back to my tulips. As I was lying on the couch after dinner, my mom got a curious look on her face and said "uh, miss, aren't those your tulips that just went by your house?" I jumped up to the window to see a little boy about 5 holding 10 of my precious tulips in assorted disarray and about another 6 in various forms of carnage near the yard and driveway.

I did what anyone would have done, I went after him- barefoot and pregnant. I caught up with him and learned that his sister had wanted to put the flowers in her hair. She had taken off to let her brother deal with the consequences (typical older sibling). I found their older sister and eventually got to their house. The little girls mom was embarrassed as I told her what had happened. As angry as I was about my flowers being ruined, I couldn't help but soften a bit to think that this little girl couldn't help herself. When she finally appeared at the end of the driveway, I told her I wasn't angry with her, just disappointed. I pointed out that not only had she taken flowers that hadn't belonged to her, but she RIPPED OUT THE BULBS and those flowers couldn't grow back. She felt bad and apologized. I told her if she had asked, I would have cut flowers for her to take, she didn't have to steal. I then gave her mom the flowers and left.

The sad thing is that up until the moment the words left my mouth, I'm not sure what I would have done if she had asked if she could have one of my flowers. Yes. I am that selfish.

I'm blaming it all on the earthquake

2008-04-18T16:19:00.004-04:00

I just need a second to vent and then I'll feel better. It's just been one of those days. My dad says that if an earthquake in Cincinnati wakes you up, it's a strange day If I weren't pregnant, I'd have had a beer by now, heck, I just might go ahead anyway....

First off, at 5:40ish this morning I was awakened from a dead sleep to my bed moving, the windows shaking and this strange sound outside. I thought I was completely going insane. I asked B if he felt it and he said yeah. It made me feel better. What did not though, was Zach being awakened by it and Hannah being awakened by it and starting the day off at predawn hours. That just isn't right.

So anyways....

Tuesday, I was taking Elizabeth to the Y for a gymnastics class and THOUGHT I was out of the school zone. I got a ticket because I was literally 10-15 feet away from where it ended. Mind you, there are NO SIGNS telling you where it ends. Luckily, I wasn't even going the regular speed limit, but it's just the principle of the thing... So then yesterday, I was at an intersection and there was a bus that was trying to turn so I had to back up so it could make the turn. I checked the mirrors and all I could see was a truck slowing down so I put the van in reverse and my foot off the brake and a second later BAM I hit a very SMALL vehicle that was pulled up too close to me so I couldn't see it out the mirrors. Luckily the guy was really nice about it and no harm no foul. Today, as I was taking Zach home from school (remember- Hannah is still sick) our tire blew up as someone cut me off in my lane and I nicked a curb to avoid the accident. So, Brian, my knight in shining armor, came and put on the spare (could you picture me doing that? I'd have needed the beer for sure). I then had to take it to Sam's where if it had been one of the other 3 new tires I put on 4 months ago would have been replaced for free/very cheap, and pay to have the rouge thing replaced. It's just not been a good car week. I give up.

my favorite thing about being mom...not.

2008-04-18T00:24:00.003-04:00

Okay, so that title is from the 80's. Sorry. Today, Hannah was sick. She's been coughing a bit, but last night she burst out with a massive fever and it wouldn't break and her throat hurt, so I figured strep. Seems reasonable.... sooo, I put her (and she is PITIFUL when she's sick) and E in the car to go to the doctor's office. We are half way there when Hannah starts to throw up mucus. I have nothing to give the poor child. I am on a 4 lane road and was finally able to pull down a side street, haul Hannah to the side door of the van and allow her to puke more mucus up... all over herself.

So, we finally make it to the doctor's office to find out she just has a virus. I hate throw up. As we're getting ready to leave the doctor's office, she has more to get rid of. It has to be one of the most hopeless feelings (not to mention crushing experiences realizing you have to clean it up) to watch your child be sick and not be able to do a single thing about it. She slept most of the day away and hopefully will be fine tomorrow.

The shocker of the day is that Zach not only told her goodnight, but told her he hopes she feels better. I almost fell off the couch- almost.

2008-04-14T22:09:00.002-04:00

Sometimes life just creeps by and other times it seems to be going so fast that it seems like it's never going to stop to let you off to smell the stinky diapers, I mean Roses.

I feel like we've got about a zillion (okay, so that is really impossible, but it can still feel like it) things to do around the house before the baby comes. I am a planner and so having this looming list is driving me crazy and I need to vent, and since you're reading....

Brian has multiple projects in 80% done phase (some of which have been in 80% done phase for 9-12 months) and that is what happens when you have a wife, three kids, a job and grad school. Duh... ANYWHOOOO.... right now I am trying to convince the kiddos that we have too much stuff in general (yes, all of us) and that we need to give some of it away. Zach, being the ever financial conscience youngster (aka Alex P Keaton for those of you who remember Family Ties) keeps telling me that we should sell it on EBAY. Hannah, the compassionate one who wouldn't hurt a fly (unless it tried to fly too close to her) keeps saying we should give stuff to boys and girls who don't have anything so that they'll feel good. Talk about polar opposites- no wonder they fight so much. Yet again, I digress...

So, I've got it in my head that we need to declutter this month so that next month we can make a full on attack at tearing out wallpaper, paint rooms,buy furniture and move bedrooms around so that we aren't doing it the week before the baby comes. That would suck. Then we have the wonderful world of landscaping. It's the mulching, the fence that needs 5 posts replaced, the deck that needs to be power-washed and restained, the mulch (we have a lot), the garage is looking bad and the concrete on the back of porch is falling off in random chunks (and I'm waiting for it to conk one of the unsuspecting kiddos in the head at some ordained time when we're trying to get out the door to go to church or someplace where it would be really inconvenient for it to happen) and I can't forget about the steps and the sidewalk- although Brian has friends that are excited at the opportunity to smash up concrete- well, so is Zach for that matter- it must be a boy thing.

On the upside, I went today to get an ultrasound for my kidneys (as I have a propensity for kidney stones during pregnancy) and it looks all clear right now. That's super good because the boogers can't form and be passed overnight, although, just for me that might begin to do so.

Well, tomorrow is E's birthday and I just realized I have NO TAPE TO USE TO WRAP HER PRESENTS WITH because one of the other lovely souls decided a tapeball was more important. Yes, I am saying bad words. I need chocolate. I'll post pics of the kiddos tomorrow.

Sibling Rivalry

2008-04-11T15:32:00.002-04:00

As most know, I was an only child, so this whole brother/sister fighting thing is still new to me and I'm not sure where all those boundaries are- obviously, physical harm to a certain level isn't good.
Zach has really seemed to have a lot of animosity towards Hannah and it seems he can't help himself. He picks on her continuously. He does anything and says anything to get her fired up. It is driving me to the brink and I don't know how to help either of them. I keep hoping that it will get better and I've been doing a lot of praying that one day,yes, they will like each other, but it's hard to see that right now.

All's Quiet In The Western Front

2008-04-09T00:06:00.003-04:00

No, we don't live on the west side, I just couldn't think of anything else humorous ( minus Hannah Ruth telling me that she was the smartest kid in all our universe and Zach too- and not because she's not smart... oh, I'm digging a hole). Things in the Kershner household is quiet (as it is midnight, it better be quiet). Spring fever is setting in and Zach doesn't really see the need to do homework or practice cello or do much of anything other than eat, play soccer, play outside, bring earthworms into the house... Hannah is happy to be wherever she is. Yesterday, while they were all playing outside and I was making dinner, I heard Hannah say "mom... come to the door". When I got there, Hannah is standing there soaking wet from head to toe, as is Elizabeth from where Zach had decided to hose them down. Needless to say, trying to get dinner ready before the sitter, this isn't what was needed. So, after stripping them naked and letting Hannah TRY to put a diaper on Elizabeth, I had a talk with Zach while reeling up the hose. During the conversation, I was really trying to keep my cool, but I was pretty hot, well, I was until I unloaded the hose on Zach. I felt better. Then, I went to the basement and turned off the water source from inside. He hasn't figured that out yet.
Today, I took E and Hannah to the zoo. Okay. There is a difference between going to the Cincihilly Zoo not pregnant and going when you're caring an extra 20+ pounds because you're knocked up. It was a long walk up the hill by the bears, complete with whining from one of the girls who can talk (hint.hint) about having to walk but not being able to because her back hurt and so did the bottom of her feet b/c she was having a baby. I could have done without that.

Think Pink

2008-04-03T20:34:00.002-04:00

Well, it looks as though we're having another girl. I think simultaneously we both thought- dear God- 3 weddings...

Zach is okay with this- he is content with having his own room and not having to share it. Hannah is so excited she can barely get words out of her mouth in a coherent thought. The idea of a baby is just her heart's delight. E, well, she's just along for the ride. As long as we're singing The Wheels on the Bus, she's a happy camper.

This week has been trying. The kids didn't have school on Monday, Tuesday afternoon after finding out that Brian may not be able to go to Hilton Head with us because of school, I realized Zach had a project due on Thursday- not Friday like I originally thought. And of course, it couldn't be something small. He had to prepare a minute to two minute speech on someone from America's history that fought for freedom and dress like them and then present the speech to the class along with a timeline complete with sketches(which I failed to notice until 7pm Wednesday night). He is only in first grade. Not cool. So, between finding a costume of a Navy Commander from the War of 1812 (he was James Lawrence- they guy who coined "Don't give up the ship") keeping the house from falling apart, keeping Hannah and Zach from killing each other, I'm pooped and need a chocolate shake. I think I'll send Brian.

Just when I thought we were done with snow....

2008-03-23T16:40:00.003-04:00

Happy Easter. We've had an adventurous time in Cleveland, visiting family, being family, driving through snow storms, getting kids in and out of snow gear... What? Yes, on the way up on Friday night, we drove through a snow storm that dumped like 6-8 inches of snow at Brian's mom's house. I was wearing my birkenstocks. There should be some sort of cosmic law against going from 64' weather to 32' weather in a 12 hour period. We built a snowman and had a snowball fight yesterday at Brian's dad's house. Again, lots of fun, but the time and effort to get 3 kids and myself bundled up for the snow seemed anticlimatic. I had just put it all away for heaven's sake.
Oh well. Last year, it snowed 10 inches the day before Easter while we were here, so it must be us- or global warming....

The Day After...

2008-03-15T13:51:00.003-04:00

As most of you know, Zach's birthday is Monday and so he asked if he could have 2 friends from school spend the night instead of having a party. For obvious reasons I thought that this was a good compromise(besides the fact I can't keep a birthday party simple: for those of you who don't know- last year I turned our basement into a castle and dining hall complete with costumes for all the guests and proper weaponry...the year before that we did pirates...

So, we had the boys over (big difference of 3 boys- good lord are they loud) and we went swimming, had pizza, shot paintballs (the highlight of the evening)and then they watched Return of the Jedi- complete with more junk food than our entire family has consumed in like 5 months. Bri and I got them down around 10:30 and were in the kitchen when Zach came up with a sheepish smile and says "Um mom, Curtis was sleeping and got up and got the shaving cream and put it all over his face and sleeping bag". To his credit (or due to exhaustion) Brian burst out laughing and went downstairs. Poor Curtis, who had fallen asleep earlier had shaving cream on his face and sleeping bag. He didn't stir as Brian cleaned him off and Brian laid the smack down and that was all we heard from them until morning.

It's so hard to think that Zach will be seven. It seems like just the other day I was bringing him home from the hospital wondering who thought me having a child was a good idea! While I still wonder that at times, I'm glad he's ours. I'll keep him around!

Elizabeth is a big girl

2008-03-14T00:17:00.002-04:00

Tonight while we were making dinner (grilling out to take advantage of the warm weather), I had Zach and Hannah outside with me. Missi was getting things ready inside and got a phone call. Elizabeth had apparently decided that she needed to eat. She got out a bowl and some cereal and managed to get most of it in the bowl. She called to Missi, quite proud of herself. She then opened the refrigerator and got out a glass of milk that had been unfinished from lunch and poured the milk into the bowl. Since the damage was done, Missi set her up at the table to eat her cereal. When I came, Missi told me what had happened and I said to E, "Did you get out some cereal like a big girl?" She gave me the biggest, proudest smile that a almost two year old can. It was precious, but we are now aware how close of an eye we must keep on our precocious little E.

Milestones

2008-03-05T20:56:00.003-05:00

Well, we're finally healthy and chicken pox free (hopefully E won't get them) for the past few days. YEAH!!!! Although, in all honesty, it wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been.

The past few days though have shown me a lot about my kids. It doesn't seem possible that in just 2 weeks Zach is going to be 7. I still think the math is somehow off there. In case I've not mentioned it, I think Zach is one of the best kids around- I know I'm a bit biased, but he never ceases to amaze me with his heart, his intelligence and his whole being. We've been struggling a bit with his cello playing and the relationship with his cello teacher and the past 2 weeks have been a complete turnaround. He is doing great and for the first time actually wanted to play for people other than me (he's not EVER done that before- he'll play in concerts and such, but not for others outside of performances). One of my favorite things he does is reads to E for however long she'll endure it. It's very tender. In the mornings E wakes up and starts squawking for Zach and Hannah. When they come in, she jumps up and down and can't wait to hug them.

ANYWAY... so the big milestone the past few days is Hannah has started to read! We have a series of books we got for Zach that are all 3-4 sounds words and are perfect for a beginner. I can not believe how quickly she's picking up on it. Tonight, with just a little help, she read an entire book (8 pages). Zach and I both were so proud of her. It was good and encouraging to hear Zach tell her that he was proud of her. That doesn't happen too often.

Elizabeth is doing great. She's such a fun kid and I enjoy her immensely! She is talking more- still in Elizabeth language, but you have to start somewhere! Her new favorite thing is to sing. We have a rotating playlist that we do in the van and right now we're listening to David Crowder- The Lime CD purely for song #5- "Undignified". Zach and Hannah LOVE this song and sing it as loudly as they possibly can. Elizabeth just claps and then yells "HEY" (or something like it) during one part of the song that David Crowder yells Hey. It makes me laugh. She's also started singing Elmo's World. Every time she does it, Brian and I just laugh and make her do it again because it's so darn cute.

Wow. This is a little long. Milestones are good and fun and unfortunately a reminder that the kids are getting older.

Did someone say Boc?

2008-02-28T17:15:00.002-05:00

Well, today has been eventful to say the least! Today was Hannah's first swim lesson for this session and when I was changing her after the lesson was over, I noticed these curious little dots on her belly and armpit. HHMMMMM?!! Sure enough, Hannah has the Chicken Pox (btw- there seems to be a running theme of drama revolving around this child for some reason). So after taking all the kiddos to the doctor and after calling my midwife to find out what I need to do, I was told that my midwife was no longer with the practice! So, just as I was a few months ago, I have to now find a new provider as I'm not crazy about the doctor.

We'll post pics of our connect the dot wonder later this weekend. Hopefully it won't be as bad as I'm making it up to be in my head right now.

On Your Mark... Get Set... Go!

2008-02-24T20:27:00.005-05:00

Today was the big Pine Wood Derby. Okay, so I didn't realize how big of a deal this thing is. They had a special race track with a motion sensor that showed the order in which cars finished electronically. They had some crazy software that put all the kids in heats and would tally their scores from the races. Good grief.

Zach is only 6 and so his attention is that of a 6 year old. Brian did a great job of not forcing him to do more than what he wanted. When Zach said he was done- Brian would say okay and let it go. So, for the past 12 days, Brian and Zach have been working hard to get this car shaped, painted, wheels set, axles smoothed and graphited up. For being his first go at it, he did well. He came in 5 out of 10. There were definitely some cars that had dad help than others, but for the most part it was fun.

I asked Zach tonight as I was putting him to bed how he felt things went. He said, really well mom. I am happy for the kids that won the races that I was in and that won the race overall. (no- I swear I'm not making this up)

So, here are some pics of the car and the kid. There are also some of the kids bundled up for playing in the snow. They've been sled riding everyday this week and I must say that I am sick of getting kids in and out of snow gear. But that's another blog.

Finishing jury duty

2008-02-24T09:37:00.002-05:00

Jury duty was an interesting experience. My case was settled last Tuesday. It was pretty divided and we deliberated for two days. It was an aggravated robbery case, but the evidence just wasn't enough to say beyond a reasonable doubt. It was a little stressful as there was evidence to tie the defendent to the crime, but there were a lot of holes and only one witness who could tie him to the crime and her story did not match up in every way.

It was a hard thing to do considering you could be sending someone away for 8-12 years.

My Kid Rocks

2008-02-20T15:48:00.003-05:00

Today was snowy. It was calling us to go play, but being the 'good' mom, I dutifully sent my kids off to school, mostly so I could get a little extra sleep. Well, Zach and Hannah had dentist appointments right before lunch and so we went and I just didn't feel like driving all the way back to the school and then back a third time to pick him up, so, I took them all sled riding.
This is why my kid rocks. As we were getting ready to go, Zach looks over at me and says "Mom, I am so lucky to have a mom like you. Thanks for all the fun and crazy stuff you do with me". And that is why my kid rocks.

btw- Hannah's tooth root is dissolving (which is what happens when the permanent tooth begins to descend to push out the baby tooth). If a baby tooth has trauma to it, it can jump start the process, which is what is happening. The last time we had an x-ray, there wasn't any dissolving of the root, but now there's not a lot of root left, so as long as the ligaments hold it in place, it will stay. I'm going to have the only 4 year old loosing teeth!

Anyway, enjoy the snow (for those of you in town)

Poor Hannah

2008-02-15T21:03:00.002-05:00

Well, as usual, little Hannah is the center of most of the drama in our lives. We were on our way to the Museum Ctr. which I think, a quarter of Cincinnati's population was there. Anywhoo.... as we were walking up the sidewalk, Hannah fell and gracefully fell on her face. Due to the fact that I had E in the stroller and I'm pregnant, carrying Hannah was not an option, sooooo, Hannah cried the entire walk into the museum, all the way to the bathroom and all the way to the giant sandbox. More than a few people gave me that 'how could you dare do whatever you did to make her cry look.

Now, E. doesn't like sand and so I've been taking them to the sandbox to have E get used to the idea of the sand so when we go on vacation, it won't take 1 1/2 hours for her to get used to it. So, with Hannah still wizzeling (which may be my favorite sound , okay, not really), I was sweeping aside sand to give E a 'sand free' zone in which to play. Yes, more bizarre looks were shot my way.

So, with E playing in the sand in the sand free zone, Hannah on my lap, I discover that her tooth is loose. Now, when Hannah was 18 months, she fell off a chair in the kitchen and landed on her face (not the most graceful thing, is she?). We had to take her to the ER and they literally had to move one of her teeth back into place as she had knocked it backwards. It has been a lovely shade of gray since then and the dentist has told me that the x-rays show that the root is fine, the tooth is just had a great deal of trauma. So this is the tooth that is loose. Part of me hopes that the root was beginning to die and this is God's way of saving us the drama of having to get one of Hannah's teeth pulled. I know you're not suppose to drink while pregnant, but the thought of having to go through that with her makes me want to stop and have a few glasses of wine right now!

All kidding aside, poor H. has some scrapes on her face and nose and hand, but she's doing okay. She is constantly playing with the tooth. I keep encouraging her to stop- but she's obsessed with it. Tonight at gymnastics she couldn't focus on anything because she was playing with it so much. I finally pulled her aside and asked what she needed to hear from me to help her be okay with the tooth. She asked me if it fell out, if I had someplace to put it. I told her of course and then she said okay and ran off- completely fine for the rest of class. Honestly, I don't know where I would have put the thing- which begs an interesting question- what are you suppose to do with the teeth your children loose?

Just when I thought I'd seen it all

2008-02-12T17:02:00.000-05:00

I don't even know what to say about this.... you'll just have to take a look at it for yourself- and if any of you buy it for my kids or me, we're going to have words!

Jury Duty

2008-02-12T13:37:00.000-05:00

This week and next I have to report for jury duty. Yesterday, I did not get seated on a jury, but today about a half hour before they would let us go, I got called. I'll report back on the experience later (after the case is over of course, and no details).

motivation for $100, Alex

2008-02-11T16:45:00.000-05:00

Today is a very gray day. It is suppose to snow I guess 3 to 5 inches of snow tonight. It's really cold and slightly windy. It's a good day to stay inside. The kids are all off in different parts of the house playing (i hope) and it's nice to have a few minutes of quiet. It's funny, the past few days I've desired quiet and calm more than normal.
Anyway, I'm trying to get motivated and just can't seem to get myself there. There are some things with the PTA that I really need to get done- I just don't have the discipline to do it yet. There are stacks of things at the house that need to get put away in files and shredded- don't feel like using up energy to do that either. I won't even embarrass myself mentioning the laundry (it's bad when there is more in the baskets to get folded than in your respective closets, I'll leave it at that). I want to go and work out so that I am in shape during the pregnancy- don't feel like doing that either. It's just one of those times.
So, I'll just sit and try to figure out how to motivate myself to get the kids fed, washed, brushed and off to bed, because right now, the the thought of that makes me want to go take a nap.

Hannah Hannah Hannah

2008-02-06T21:17:00.000-05:00

A few days ago my mom shared a conversation with me that she had with Hannah. They were talking about the baby and being excited for the baby and all that. Well, the conversation turned to Elizabeth. Mom said something to the effect that Hannah was such a good sister for letting Elizabeth do the things that she does and for letting E 'copy' her. Hannah got her 'sprite' smile on and said in all seriousness.. "I know. Elizabeth just wants to do everything that I do. She is just practicing to be me".

I think this might be one of my favorite things she's said.

Kids Say the Darndest Things

2008-02-01T08:16:00.000-05:00

I'm going to share a conversation that occurred in my van last week between Zach (6) and his friend Curtis (7). It needs to be stated that Curtis is African American to understand why the exchange caused me to almost wreck the van off the road.

Curtis: "i wish there was still slavery"
Zach: "fool, then you'd be a slave!"
Curtis: "no way- ohio was a free state"
Zach: "well, we would just paint your face white".

My Weirdness is Normal

2008-02-01T08:07:00.000-05:00

Okay Smokers, just for you- the list...

1. I hate being touched while I am in the process of falling asleep or am sleeping.

2. I hate feet touching me. It just grosses me out. Period.

3. I cannot cook in a kitchen unless I clean it first.

4. I like syrup with smoked sausage (not the breakfast kind- but the dinner kind) and fried hotdogs.

5. When I take the kids anywhere, we have to organize the van and get all the garbage out of the van. I cannot stand the clutter. It bothers me.

6. All my shirts/sweaters/dresses (yes, i do own a few)- anything that hangs up has to hang in the same direction.

7. I have a specific way to clean the bathroom. If it isn't done that way, I don't think it's clean and I'll reclean it (I think B finally gave up and now I just clean the bathrooms).

Nothing overly exciting or strange- I'm pretty normal.

The Challenge of Prayer

2008-01-29T10:12:00.000-05:00

Over the past few weeks we've been talking a lot about prayer at church and during the Adult Sunday School. It's been interesting to hear the very theological points of understanding on prayer, the practice of prayer, and discussing and wrestling with our own reasons for not praying.

I've always prayed. I've at time wrestled with if God is all-knowing and if He already has this planned and if God is outside our understanding of time- why do I need to pray? What difference can it make? I've come to believe that prayer is more for me and my Spirit than for God. But then I'm stuck with passages like in Exodus when God is ready to wipe out the Isralites after they've been worshiping the golden calf and Moses begs God to have mercy- and He does. Does this mean that the character of God has changed or that God made a mistake? I question how I feel about the idea that my requests, my interactions with God can affect Him. He is God for crying out loud!

We've also some friends whom I admire a great deal and I look at their lives and the way in which they live and I see how big a part prayer plays in all that they do. The thing I love about them is that they just ask for things in boldness with no reservation. They really feel that they are to move and they don't have the resources but they just pray that God would work it out and it is. It's like this for them ALL THE TIME. That type of boldness is amazing. I think I am reserved because somehow I haven't earned whatever it is that I am desiring or I don't want to set myself up for a major disappointment.

In any event, I've really been challenged to prayer bolder and more- not just for my physical needs but especially for the spiritual needs I have and that I see in my kids. This whole pregnancy thing has been showing me that God will answer my prayers. As I've been praying for contentment and PEACE the past two weeks; everyday I have a deeper sense that all will be okay. It might get a bit crazy, but it will be taken care of and not to despair or be discouraged.

Prayer is one of the most intimate and vulnerable spiritual practices that I think I engage in. It scares me a bit, but the closeness and peace that I feel during and after is something that I want more of. Now, if I could just find the time.....

Tiger Cubs- Roar

2008-01-25T20:27:00.000-05:00

Late last spring, Zach started to ask about Cub Scouts. I listened and we talked about it and looked into it and after looking at how things in the schedule were looking I sort of didn't answer him, hoping he'd forget.
Imagine this- he didn't forget.

So, we are going to start Zach in Tiger Scout Den 4 over at Monfort Heights. To say he is excited is an understatement. We're coming in right at Pinebox Derby and he and my dad are already shooting ideas out about how to make it work well. Tomorrow, I have to go to the Scout Store to go get his uniform and Tiger Cub handbook. I can't wait to get his picture in his uniform. I'll post when we get them.

I'm sure that this isn't the most sane thing I've done, but we're going to run with it and see what happens.

The New Year Begins....

2008-01-25T02:13:00.000-05:00

Well, life in the Kershner household has been interesting to say the least. We found out that Kershner #4 is on the way and talk about being upended!!!! Baby is due in August and the kids are SO EXCITED. Hannah, of course, wants to have another baby sister (and name her Sarah) and Zach wants a boy (so he doesn't feel outnumbered).

I've been feeling pretty good and am slowing getting more used to the idea of having another baby. It's hard when you see your life going in one direction and then it takes such a dramatic shift that you can hardly figure out where you are anymore.

Kids are great and we're all healthy and life is really okay.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T12:51:00.001-05:00

I've seen a lot of interesting gift ideas, but these just left me speechless. I'm not sure how exactly I feel about it. Take a sec and take a look at
http://www.wearefishermen.com/splash.html

The kiddos are well. The other day Hannah told us that her little friend Nate has a 'crunch' on her. I thought I was going to fall off the chair I was sitting on. Later on she told Zach that he had to let go of her diarrhea- she meant diary- a bit of a difference there.

E last night gave us a scare and a trip to the hospital. We were at some friends house and she was playing with Brian and my mom and suddenly wouldn't use her right arm and just whimpered. After a call to the pediatrician, we were off to the hospital for 'nurse maid elbow'. They did this quick little thing to her arm and she was all better a few minutes later. She wasn't too happy about any of it. After they fixed her arm, anytime a nurse would come by, she would yell and run to Brian.

The highlight may have been the flying monkey that the nurse insisted I shoot down the hallway of the hospital. The kids all got these flying monkey slingshot things that when you shoot them, they yell like monkeys as they fly a good 15-30 feet at minimum. They may have been my favorite thing the kids have gotten this year. You can see what I'm talking about at
http://www.officeplayground.com/flyingmonkey.html

Anyway, Merry Christmas and blessings beyond me

Funny funny things

2007-12-21T22:19:00.000-05:00

Well, I've been needing some intelligent humor to tickle my funny bone. I started to reread The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore. I think he might just be one of my favorite writers because some of his stuff is so ridiculous that it's hysterical. I will warn that some might be offended by his works (he's no choir boy), but being the English major, some of his stuff is so well written that I can't help myself. There are times when I am reading his stuff and literally have to put the book down because I am laughing so hard. In his last book, You Suck, he has a teenage character in it that is so well articulated in mannerisms and vernacular that it is almost scary. I think my favorites by him are in no particular order... The Stupidest Angel, Lamb, ,Bloodsucking Fiends and You Suck .

ANYWAY... I stumbled upon this link the other day and was crying at some points because it was so true and funny.

Enjoy and I will post some pics of the kids tomorrow (cause it's my birthday).
- M

http://www.thingsmygirlfriendandihavearguedabout.com

stop to smell the roses

2007-12-15T15:31:00.000-05:00

There has been so much going on and so much that I've been trying to process about such a variety of things that I have been getting overwhelmed and then ignore all of it. I guess I keep hoping that it will just disappear. I do know that doesn't happen, but...

Life seems to happen so fast and trying to learn from life and the experiences and trying to keep the family together while Brian is gone with school is just hard. Something has to go and it has been that ability to just stop and think and contemplate.

While I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions, I do think that I might try to do it this year. I keep feeling as though life is just happening to me and that I don't really have any power to make choices or navigations to what will happen. I don't think that is how God wants for any of us to live life. We're not learning, we're not able to become a more perfect image of God and God's love. If I don't stop to sit and contemplate on my experiences and on that which is going on around me, then I am wasting the gift of life that God has given to me. I think I need to stop and smell the roses a bit more.

It's about time

2007-12-08T00:35:00.000-05:00

We figured with so many out of town and busy raising families, a quick glimpse into what is going on at the Kershner household wasn't a bad idea. I'll try to keep pics of the kids updated (i guess it would help if i changed the battery in the camera) as much as possible since they are the ones people really want to see anyway.

Brian is currently on break until Jan. from the MBA program. 1 more year. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's been nice to actually feel like a family again and it gives us a glimpse at normalcy- whatever that is.

The kids are awesome! Zach is in the first grade and Hannah is in preschool. Elizabeth just goes along for the ride. Zach is really enjoying soccer and swimming. Hannah has taken to gymnastics and she is a little fish as well. Elizabeth just thinks she can do these things, so it can be interesting at times.

We're gearing up for Christmas and trying to keep the chaos down to a minimum. We're off to get a tree this morning and if the weather holds, we'll go to The Festival of Lights tonight. The kids are really excited about Christmas and all that comes with it. It's getting more and more fun the older they get.