Baby Culver is Here!

Olivia Marie Culver was born last night at 7:00. She was 6 lbs. 14 oz and 20 inches long. Mom is a hero- no epidural for her!!!!!! Please keep Olivia in your prayers- she is doing fine but will have an ultrasound to determine if one of the tubes leading to her kidney is enlarged. In an ultrasound 2 weeks ago, this tube was enlarged. They will just check it again to make sure it is normal. Liz is doing well!

I was tagged....

by Wendie

• I am: a mom, wife, friend, daughter, sister, friend, Christian, teacher
  
• I know: how to solve crossword puzzles and Sudoku puzzles
  
• I want: someone to buy my house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  
• I wish: someone would buy my house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  
• I hate: that some children suffer at the hands of their own parents
  
• I miss: seeing my mom whenever I want to
• I fear: my children getting hurt
  
• I feel: great right now
  
• I hear: Brooks in the bathroom next to me :-)
  
• I smell: the spiced orange tart burning in the kitchen
  
• I crave: a day to stay in my pj's all day and not having to go anywhere
  
• I search: for my misplaced cell phone several times a day
  
• I regret: nothing- it's not worth it.
  
• I love: my family
  
• I ache: when I don't get enough rest
  
• I care: about teaching kids- at school and church
  
• I always: floss and brush several times a day
  
• I am not: brave when it comes to pain
  
• I believe: that this tag is never-ending
  
• I dance: all the time and for exercise
  
• I sing: all the time even though I'm tone-deaf and it sounds like "someone is skinning a cat" according to Ryan
  
• I cry: when I get stressed and overwhelmed
  
• I fight: never b/c I have a husband who refuses to!
  
• I write: on my blog, for my students and grocery lists
  
• I win: or else I cheat! :-)
• I lose: brain cells everyday b/c I no longer have a memory!
  
• I never: say never b/c then I"ll end up eating my words
  
• I confuse: geographical locations when driving- haha! I GET LOST!
• I am scared: about Lasik eye surgery
  
• I need: my family to stay healthy and safe
  
• I am happy about: where I am today in my life
• I hope: that those I love are happy as well
  
• I am tagging: Lynette
  

INTENSE!!!!!

WOW! I just starting liking baseball tonight! I have always thought baseball was super boring to watch- not after tonight! Little League is quite different than the Zeeland Rec teams Cobe has been on. I felt like I could throw up the whole game- the score was close the entire game. Cobe struck out his first time up to bat, so I felt horrible for him. He redeemed himself the second time up to bat- only because he got hit by the pitcher so he got to walk to first. But then he stole a couple of bases and made a run. Yay! I was so proud of him for his first game. His team was down 3-1, then they tied it back up. They went up 5-3. The last inning the other team went ahead 6-5. Cobe's team tied it up 6-6, and it was Cobe's turn up to bat. Oh no! I was a wreck!!!!! The pitcher threw a ball, and the guy on third stole home! Yay! Cobe didn't have to hit that time b/c since it was the last inning, they won 7-6!!!!! He had buddies on the other team- Chase and Zach, so it was so much fun to watch. I hope the other games aren't this intense or else I might pass out. I have never felt like this at one of his soccer games b/c it is so much more a team sport. I feel like when he is up to bat- it is all on his shoulders.

A funny story that I have to share.... Cobe was on 1st base when it was time to change pitchers. The other team called a time out so the new pitcher could practice pitching. Cobe ran to 2nd base thinking he was stealing a base when the pitcher was just warming up. The entire stands of people were cracking up! I was so embarrassed for him. Ryan started motioning for him to run back to 1st and trying to be sly about it so nobody would see him motioning to Cobe, so that was cracking me up too! Because everyone had already noticed what he had done and lots of people were yelling at him to run back to 1st. At least Cobe is laughing about it now with Ryan in the other room. Ryan has teased him RELENTLESSLY as only Ryan can do!!!! Aaaahhhh, I'm glad the first game is behind us- can't wait til the next one!

Concert Recap

We headed to Warsaw, Indiana last night to the Sawyer Brown concert compliments of my brother- thanks Brent!!!!!! We hit Bennigen's first for dinner then went to the Meet and Greet to talk with the band. After that was the concert- they have quite an older crowd at their concerts, so they are pretty mild, but I love them b/c I know most of their music. And.... Mark Miller puts on quite a show!

Here are the girls (Amanda, me, Lisa and Missy) with Shane (lead guitar) and Hobie (keyboardist)
I took a thousand pictures of Kyle and Amanda and got some really good ones. Here is one.
Lisa and I enjoying the show.
Hobie and Shane before the show.
This is Mark Miller (lead singer and good friend of my brother's) wishing a 95 year old lady a Happy Birthday. She has been going to his concerts for 7 years. It cracked me up to think she STARTED going to the concerts when she was 88!!!! She clapped the whole concert. Told you they had an older crowd at their concerts! :-)
The girls waiting to go to the Meet and Greet.
Us with Mark Miller- ain't he a cutie?????? Super nice too!
Missy and Rob with Mark.
Chad and Lisa with Mark.

We had a great time with good friends, good food, and good music! Thanks for going gals!

And a bonus perk- my kids slept in until 9:00 this morning!!!! YAY for grandparents who know how to wear out your kids so they sleep in!!! Thanks Mary Jo and Jim! We could have a good time knowing our kids were well taken care of- you are greatly appreciated!!!!!!!

Quick Baseball Post

Lynettte was kind enough (like she always is!!!!) to take some pictures of Cobe at his first scrimmage last Saturday. His first real game is Monday.





The weather has gotten quite chilly today- I think it is the first day that hasn't been in the high 70's/80's in about 11 days I heard the news say. It is supposed to be 57 degrees- feels colder to me. We are off to Brooks' bike-a-thon in a little while. He is SUPER excited to finally have an event that revolves around him instead of his big brother! :-)

Bad Mom

Well, I forgot to take my camera on the fieldtrip. No cute pictures of Brooks after all. Too bad- because all those kids with the baby animals and riding the ponies would have made some great pictures. Brooks is too funny when he is with his friend Evan and his "girlfriend" Kennedy. He really acts silly which is weird for me to watch since he is usually our calm, shy one.

I ended up making quite a haul at the "impromptu" garage sale I participated in. THANKS Tonya and Lisa for doing all the work and handing over the cash! I hardly had to bring anything back home with me. It was the easiest $277 I have ever made! And my storage room is a little less cluttered. I need to go out now and unload the few things I did bring home.

Anyone need a breast pump? I have a Medela Pump N' Style that I used with Sadie that I obviously no longer need. It was $277 brand-new, and I'll sell it for $100 OBO. (hospital grade- double breast pump in a black carrying case- all accessories included) Pass it on to any nursing/pregnant moms that may need one. Amanda returned it to me last night because she is done using it as well.

Haven't made it over to Knollwood lately- I feel like we run, run, run all day. Hope to make it over there this weekend to see the progress. We had another showing today. It was the 3rd time through for these people. They were supposed to come tomorrow, but decided to come today instead. It was a late showing, so I am hoping we hear something in the morning.

I am calling in the morning to schedule my Lasik eye surgery. My brother had his today, so I need to find out how it went. My mom said that he was in a lot of pain, so if that is the case, I am NOT doing it!!!! Missy and I are going to try and go the same day. I am the world's BIGGEST baby though when it comes to pain, so Missy, I hope I can go through with it!!!!!

Tomorrow night Cobe's school has a carnival, but he also has baseball practice. He said he'd rather go to practice which shocked me. We may try to squeeze in both. Saturday morning, Brooks has a bike-a-thon which he is pumped for! His "girlfriend" Kennedy invited us to the park with her after the bike-a-thon so he is a little giddy about that. Her mom wants us to pack a lunch and meet them there. I told Brooks he could invite Evan as well for moral support. :-) Then we'll head to the Sawyer Brown concert for the evening. I am looking forward to all of the activity, but I am also craving a day where I can do ABSOLUTELY nothing and not even leave my house if I don't want to. Unfortunately, that doesn't look like a reality in the near future.

I am off to bed- looking forward to a good night's sleep!

Oh the beautiful weather!!!!!!

I can't remember an April so gorgeous in Michigan. This is the kind of weather I thrive on! I so hope it is here to stay. Jen's boys came over today b/c she had an appt., and the kids had fun playing outside with Jake and Ella too all afternoon. Love when the neighborhood comes alive again and my kids can meet up with all of their neighborhood friends. I brought my kids in around 6:30 and now they are all showered and fed and in their pjs. I am hoping with all the playing they did, it will be an early night for everyone!

Sunday was a great day- after Sunday School and church, we got to hang out with Lynette and run some errands, see her new house, tour some new houses, and the kids all got to play as well. We were really needing a Baby Elliot fix around here (my kids, me and Ryan too!!!!!). And Cobe had been missing Landon.

Yesterday, I dragged some stuff to Tonya's for a garage sale. I had not planned on selling anything this year because to start getting stuff out was overwhelming, so I just thought when we move, we'll donate everything to Goodwill. But we got called for a showing at the last minute Monday morning, so lots of stuff ended up in the back of my van b/c I didn't have time or a place for it to go. When I rode by Tonya's in the afternoon, she suggested I leave it at her house, and she and Lisa even priced it for me!!!! YOU CAN'T BEAT THAT!!!! Thanks a ton girls! I made posters to take to Wendie's for some furniture and Ryan's truck that is for sale, and I still need to get them to her house. I may do that now. Tonya had people go through her stuff last night and I have already made $121.00. I couldn't believe it!

We had yet another showing today, and supposedly have one Friday as well. We already heard back from the realtor, and yesterday's couple made an offer on another house, and today's couple decided that they want to build a house instead. Hmmm.... once again, a lot of cleaning/packing up for naught! But the couple that is coming on Friday has already come through twice, so our hopes are on them!!!!!!!

This morning Ryan and I got to pick out our hardware for our kitchen cabinets and bathrooms. An easy task that we didn't need the decorator for. We drove by our new house, and they have built on the front porch. I'll have to go by tomorrow and take pictures. Thanks to Lisa (Spottie) we didn't have our kids with us, so then we went to visit Ryan's grandmother in the hospital. She had her gallbladder removed yesterday and was supposed to go home last night, but they kept her a little longer b/c she was a little dehydrated. She seemed to be doing well when we visited and was going home after lunch.

Tomorrow morning I'm going with Brooks' preschool to a farm. He is so excited about his fieldtrip. They get to ride ponies, so I'll be back tomorrow to post pictures.

Everses' Get-together

Fun times last night at Everses.... the kids all had a blast, and I enjoyed chatting with the girls. Here are a few pictures:

Missy and Sadie- Sadie was attached to Missy and was giving her love all night.
12 out of the 13 kids. Brooks wouldn't cooperate. Imagine that. L to R back row: Ella, Noah, Cameron, Kendall, Jake, Tyler and Cobe L to R front row: Hunter, Cole, Chelsea, Haylie and Sadie
Some Wii action kept the kids and adults entertained all night


Sadie and Jason- he was puckering up for a kiss, but Sadie wouldn't give in.
Ryan became the entertainment for the kids for awhile. They all jumped on his back.
Alix and Chelsea looking cute!

Noah... those eyes are GORGEOUS!!!!!

The kids piled in Missy's bed for a little tv- it didn't last long though.

Last Night and my little Pirate

Last night was an absolute blast! I have not had a night out like that in awhile. We tried to go to Phil's for dinner with the Bedollas and Kraals, but the wait was so long for a party of 6 that we went to Wally's. We ate there and hung out for awhile. Lots of laughs! Then we all went to Corner Bar to meet up with Boeves, Grotenhuis', Koopmans and Overwegs. They were having karaoke so of course we had to partake! We sang and danced and had a great time . We stayed out later than usual, so I am a little tired today.

We went swimming this morning and hit Pizza Hut for lunch to use some Book It free pizza coupons. The kids were starving and ate everything in sight. We made it home just in time for Cobe to turn around and go to his practice and game. He is just walking in the door- with his practice and game combined, he was playing baseball for almost 4 hours. I never went to watch b/c Sadie slept most of that time and Ryan ran Brooks back home because he got sick of it, so when she woke up, he didn't want to go back. At least there will be plenty more to see this season. He got to scrimmage against Landon's team so I am sure that was fun for them.

While Sadie was sleeping, I baked some things for tonight's gathering. We are going to order pizza once we get to Everses, but I wanted to take a few snacks. Onstotts, Overbeeks and Freriks will be there too, so there will be 13 kids running around. I am sure they'll have fun! Off to get ready to go!Cobe getting suited up for the first time in his Pirate's garb.

Shout out to my girl Tonya!

Here it is Tonya- the infamous blog post. It is 12:43 and I just got home. You go girl! Too bad we don't have pictures to capture this night in our memory!!!!!! I had a blast tonight- I'm thinking once a week all summer would be a good thing, what about it? Lisa, are you going to comment for once? Fun, huh? Thirsty Thursdays are calling my name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Day at the Park and More House Progress

What a beautiful day! After picking up Maya and Brooks from preschool, we headed to the park for a picnic and playtime. The kids had so much fun. I hated to have to stop their fun for me to go to work.

Also, I ran by our house this afternoon, and it is almost completely sided! The cedar shake is up in the peak already as well. Looks like they have a little to do on the front still. Here are some pictures of our park time and the house. (they got out of order)












Last night, Crazy Bounce was a blast. Of course the highlight for Cobe was getting his first trophy. He has wanted a trophy for years. He even slept with it last night- too cute!

Tonight we are heading to Saugatuck again to Phil's for dinner and Wally's afterwards with the Kraals and the Bedollas; tomorrow morning we are going swimming and out to lunch with the Boeves, tomorrow afternoon Cobe has his first baseball scrimmage and practice, so I told Brooks he could have his buddy Evan over, and then tomorrow night, we head to Everses for some grub and Wii action. Can't wait! Hope the weather cooperates tomorrow for Cobe's sake!

Crazy, Busy Week!

This week has been packed full of activity. I kept thinking when soccer season was over for Cobe, we would be bored because we wouldn't have scheduled activities. Good thing we had a week of spring break before baseball season started because now it looks like we'll eat, breathe and sleep baseball until July! I could have used another week to ease into this running around, but it's already here. Monday night we ran a few places to get stuff we needed to make it through the week, so I didn't go to BSF. We hit Walgreen's, Sam's Club, Crazy Horse (not to eat unfortunately, but for gift cards for Cobe's soccer coaches), Wal-mart, and maybe a few other places that escape me now.

Tuesday was my 30- something ;-) birthday and that day was wonderful! My doorbell rang at 8:00 and I wondered who in the heck would be visiting me at 8 o'clock in the morning???!!!??? Much to my surprise, my MIL had baked me a chocolate cake and was delivering it. The kids were excited because who gets to eat cake at 8 am? Not them usually, but they sure did each enjoy a piece of cake for breakfast! It was a great surprise and started my day off right! Then Lisa came over with her kids and brought me gifts. Another great surprise! When I got to work, I had 2 flower arrangements delivered to my classroom- one from my parents who had already given me gifts while I was in NC, so that was even ANOTHER great surprise, and one from Lisa who had already given me gifts as well!!!!! Thanks to all of you for making my day a birthday to remember. I can't remember having a birthday filled with so many thoughtful gestures.

This arrangement was from my mom and dad. It is so pretty- cut flowers with calla lilies which I love!!!!!
This pink gerber daisy was in the arrangement Lisa gave me and I had to get a close-up to show how pretty the pink flowers were.

After work, Ryan's grandparents stopped by and gave me gifts as well. Who would have thought getting old would be so rewarding... literally? Haha I loved all of the comments, emails, phone calls, blog headers, gifts, cards, cake, etc. that I received from all of you- thanks a ton!

Let me jump back to Tuesday morning... I got a call from Cobe's school saying he had been hit in the mouth at recess and his tooth was bleeding. I wasn't too worried b/c he had a loose baby tooth anyway. The secretary said he was pretty upset and wanted to come home from school. That isn't like my social butterfly, so Ryan ran to his school to check on him. He said he was bleeding and under his tooth, his gum was bruised. He stayed at school, but when he got home, he wasn't functioning at all. He acted like he couldn't close his mouth or even talk, so he was drooling, crying, starving, pretty much a wreck all over. My dramatic child! I felt badly for him b/c he never ate lunch, couldn't eat dinner, couldn't drink anything because his mouth was so sore. He had his first night of baseball on his new Little League team, so I made him go. He was intimidated b /c he is the only 8 year old on his team- he has 1 3rd grader and the rest of his team are 4th graders. He looks like the tiniest little peanut next to all those guys. He managed pretty well during practice, then the parents had a meeting afterwards. It was a late night! He got some food in his stomach somehow and went to bed. This morning at 6:30, he came into our room to let me know his tooth fell out. Praise the Lord!!!!! He could talk and eat again. I was dreading trying to make it through this day with him acting the way he was yesterday. I'm sure it hurt, but really!

So today after walking, Sadie and I went to Missy and Kendall's for a playdate. The girls were cute together. Sadie told Kendall she would stay there after I left, but then changed her mind, so Kendall got a little upset. Poor Lovie! But Kendall gets to come play at our house in the morning, so hopefully that will be some consolation. Sadie is very excited for tomorrow to come! Here are the two divas together:


I went to have lunch with Cobe today (I went once last year and vowed I'd NEVER go again because my child ditched me for his friends), but Cobe actually asked me to come today, so I couldn't pass up that opportunity. He probably wanted the Burger King more than he wanted to see me, but oh well, I'll take what I can get from that stinker. He even seemed pretty proud that I was there. Warmed my heart! And tonight before he went to bed, he thanked me for bringing him lunch! Well worth the running around I do for him! Tonight we headed to the Jim Kaat fields, and he had his second practice. He couldn't stop talking about the guys on his team and the plays they made, etc all night, so I think he is past his intimidation. Poor little Brooksie though- tonight it was his turn for an injury. He and Sadie had been playing on the playground for an hour, and I finally convinced them to go watch some of the practice with me. He was sitting on the bleachers and saw a friend of his. In his excitement to get me to look, he somehow propelled himself off the bleachers. He hit his side and his thigh on the corner of the bleachers on the way down. It was one of those horrible cries where he turned purple and didn't breathe b/c it hurt him so bad. His side seemed to get okay, but he was still crying about his thigh when he was taking a shower tonight. He cashed out hard and fast after his shower- whipped little boy. Ryan and I wonder how he gets through life- he is by far, our clumsiest child. His thigh bruised up right away, so I am sure he'll be sore tomorrow as well.

Tomorrow is another busy day... Cobe has his soccer banquet/party/dinner tomorrow afternoon and night. I am sure it will be fun- it is at Crazy Bounce. His team has gotten so close this year, so he is really looking forward to it. I like all the parents too, so I think it will be fun as well. Off to bed before this short story turns into a novel!

Just so you'll know...

Okay, I was wondering how I was getting comments emailed to me of people wishing me a happy birthday. I was surprised so many people knew it was my birthday. Then I hopped on over to my blog, and saw why. Lynette did the header (if you'll remember, she is my resident blog guru). So thanks Lynette!!!! I'm just glad you didn't post how old (young) I am today!!!!!!

:)

Picture Overload and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MOM!!!!!!!

Suzanne got such a kick out of Sadie being able to put her toe in her ear. The funny thing is... Michele could do it too!!!!!
Cutie pie Miles!!!!
Notice Ms. Lauritzen that Cobe is keeping score (and playing) Scrabble- that is how he got some of his addition practice in for the week! :-)
Nana's 2 little ones
Kissing cousins- Cobe and Brooks got such a kick out of the fact that Sadie and Miles would kiss.
Our first day at the lake- it was chilly, but the kids couldn't wait to get in.











HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!! (NANA) Today is my mom's birthday!!!! Glad we could spend the week before your birthday with you and wish we could be with you today! Hope you have a great one!!!!!!


Ms. Lauritzen- the above photo was taken JUST for you. Cobe said for me to take a picture of him with his book on his face so you could see that he read over spring break! Haha