Five-Toes

That was strange. . ..

2011-08-23T14:23:00.002-05:00

Had grand intentions of updating this pathetic blog today, until our whole house shook. Tremors from an earthquake in Virginia! So, in the midst of all the chaos and uncertainty the kids had a huge mess of toys out, my pictures weren't posting correctly, and I had forgotten to start my crock-pot dinner! So, this is my update, short, sweet and to the point!

Ezekiel's 3rd Birthday (April 2, 2011)

2011-05-06T16:47:00.001-05:00

Brotherly Love

2011-05-06T16:37:00.002-05:00

Zeke adores Silas, but they do NOT usually play well together! They have their moments, but they are few and far between. Hoping one day these two will be each other protectors, rather than instigators!

This is a rare sight in our house!

Accessorizing

2011-05-06T16:34:00.001-05:00

This is what happens when you have a big sister. . . .

School Days

2011-03-14T19:20:00.002-05:00

Zeke practicing his "letters."

He was very excited he figured out a word he was sounding out-I just happened to capture his expression.

PHONICS

She really isn't this miserable looking all the time. . .

But she does get rather intent on her work.

The effects of having a big sister. . .

2011-03-14T19:19:00.000-05:00

When you get a haircut. . . .

2011-02-28T14:01:00.004-06:00

BEFORE

All Ready To Go!

Zeke is extremely cooperative during his haircuts.

Silas used to scream and cry during his haircuts at this age!

Glad we aren't fighting that battle again.

Bathtime after his haircut. . .

Looking good little man!

Time Well Spent

2011-02-19T18:43:00.007-06:00

Matt was away for an Winter over-nighter with our teens at the beginning of February. It was an all-nighter and tubing event, so we both decided it didn't make sense for our whole family to attempt that together! My mom was willing to drive down from PA to keep me company and help me keep my sanity. We had a crazy but enjoyable time with the kids, and my mom and I even managed to sneak in a BBC chick-flick after the kids went to bed. . .accompanied by icecream of course. We had a good time together!

Cuddling with Mom-Mom on Dad's comfy recliner

Getting ready to make and decorate sugar cookies for Valentine's Day. I told my mom I would NOT have attempted this chaos of 3 small children gathered around one cooking area without an extra pair of hands. So . . . she took pictures and laughed A LOT!

Zeke and flour--NOT the greatest combination in the world!

Everyone loves licking the beaters

She looks like she is in PAIN!

This picture makes me laugh--Ezekiel looks just as concerned as I do!

First batch out of the oven

FINISHED!

Now, on to the decorating. . .mom braved helping little man

He actually did pretty well. . .

SO proud of his cookie!

Meticulously placing one sprinkle at a time

Sara's Valentine Hearts

Silas's Valentine Hearts

Bedtime Routine

2011-02-07T12:04:00.002-06:00

This kid LOVES brushing his teeth! Anytime someone else is brushing and he is aware of it, he starts saying "teeth, teeth" while signing right along with it. Now, if I could just get him that interested in the potty, we might be moving forward!!

The Unexpected!

2011-02-07T11:56:00.002-06:00

Matt called one day from work to tell me that someone from our church bought Sara and Silas brand new bikes for Christmas!! What a wonderful blessing and such a generous gift! The kids were VERY excited--they started riding them through the house;)

20 weeks

2010-12-29T15:13:00.003-06:00

Here is the newest member of the Tolosa Family; due on May 18, 2011. We just had our level 2 ultra sound and all is well. We are so thankful for the good report and excited to be adding another little girl to our family. It has been almost 8 years since I got to shop for girly clothes. Sara Grace and I will have lots of fun shopping together for her little sister, which,I might add she is very excited about having!

It looks like she is laughing here! She'll fit right in.

Well, here's to a new start to the New Year. I am hoping to stay caught up on blogging this year--we will see how well that goes with a newborn coming and attempting to potty train my 2 1/2 year old. Stay Tuned . . . .

Saying Goodbye

2010-12-05T21:51:00.002-06:00

I have not blogged in nearly 2 months. I posted about the move and the emotions of it, but skipped all the pictures in between. Homeschooling has kept me busy-WOW! I don't run and go and do like I once did, but somehow life is busier without the running. However, my busyness now involves my children more than it once did. Zeke and I were a duo for quite a while there-at least during the school year. Life changes so quickly and what once was a part of our daily routine, is now just a memory.

It was hard saying goodbye to so many good friends in Minnesota. We were blessed by God to build some lifelong friendships during our 7 years in Minnesota. God is stretching me and growing my dependance on HIM here in Delaware. I have taken with me many words of wisdom and Godly counsel from the mentors and friends God gave me at Fourth. I am thankful He often brings to mind those nuggets of truth that were taught to me and lived out before me during my time in MN.

So, I am hoping to backtrack a bit and catch up on some life from Oct. until now. No promises, you may not hear from me again for another 2 months. We'll see.

Our dear family in Minnesota.

The Stuckey Family adopted us into their own family and we have blessed beyond words by their love to each of us!

Lissa Sue with all her buddies!

Our Bible Study group from way back when got together with all of our brood one last time before we left.

Here we are!

Love you guys

New Beginnings. . . .

2010-10-18T19:52:00.004-05:00

Here I sit, in our new home, in Georgetown, Delaware. It feels so strange. . .like I am living someone elses life. Matt and I have been married almost 13 years and this is our 9th place of residence. This should be old hat by now, but in reality it is the hardest move we have ever had to make. We left behind many incredible friendships that God allowed us to build during our 7 years of ministry in Minnesota. We are now beginning a new ministry and meeting new people and all of it seems so surreal. I know there are many dear friends praying for us during this transition and we are grateful for their faithful prayers! It is another reminder to me that this world is not my home. My heart aches right now, and although I know God will use this time to transform me into HIS image, the transition is still so difficult. So thankful that God gives us grace for each new day!

They're Everywhere!!

2010-09-17T13:59:00.003-05:00

Boxelder bugs are quite popular in this area. They come out in droves at the end of summer and early fall. We have discovered that we have a boxelder tree in our yard and the boxelders are out in abundance! I went online and found out why:

In Minnesota, boxelder bugs emerge from overwintering sites during spring as the weather starts to warm up. Adults feed on low vegetation and seeds on the ground during spring and early summer, and begin mating a couple weeks after they started feeding. Starting in mid‑July, they move to female seed-bearing boxelder trees (fig. 3) where they lay eggs on trunks, branches, and leaves. They are rarely found on male boxelder trees. Boxelder bugs may also feed on maple or ash trees. There is no noticeable feeding injury to these trees. During years of high populations, you may find nymphs on the ground or in gardens feeding throughout the summer.

During late summer and fall, boxelder bugs start to leave the trees from where they were feeding to find protected areas for the winter. Although nymphs may be present in the fall, only fully grown adults survive the winter. Adult boxelder bugs typically can fly several blocks, although in some cases they can travel as far as two miles.

OUR BUG BOY!!!

Transition

2010-09-06T21:19:00.002-05:00

We converted Ezekiel's crib into a toddler bed. He started climbing out and I didn't want to take the chance that one of these times he would end up with an injury. I wasn't expecting to have to fight the staying in bed battle quite this soon with him, but he had other plans. Thankfully, we haven't had too many escape attempts. He has learned his boundaries quickly;)

School Days

2010-09-04T15:15:00.004-05:00

Our school year is going to be rather different this year for several reasons:
1. I now have two in school all day every day
2. This is the first year since Sara has started school that Matt is able to be home with us in the evenings.
3. Sara and Silas are only going to school at Fourth until the end of September.
4. We are moving in October so my children will have a few days off.
5. I will be homeschooling Sara and Silas when we get to Delaware, which will be whole new experience for all of us.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to have Sara and Silas at Fourth this month. I am glad they have some normal routine for a while and some extra time with their friends. Plus, I have enjoyed running errands and packing with just one child for the majority of the day.:)

So excited!

My big helper

K-5

Silas and Ella Stamper

(They get to sit at the same table)

My little girl is growing up TOO fast!

2nd grade

Little Man gets Mama all to himself for part of the day!

The Great Minnesota Get-Together

2010-08-29T21:30:00.009-05:00

This is our last year going to the Minnesota State Fair. We only went once before the kids were old enough to enjoy it. But we have been the last 3 years and it really is a fun day as a family. . . a tiring day, but lots of fun. We always take self-taken pictures of all of us, but this time we asked another couple to take one for us.

They had a "hands-on" farm for the kids. They could pretend to feed chickens, gather eggs, milk cows, gather fruit, plant vegetables and then sell their produce at the farmers market. At the end they each got a box of cereal or bag of chips with the money they made selling their goods. We have never done this with them before, and I think they really liked it!

We had to wait in some long lines along the way. . .it was hot!

Zeke was contemplating a second ride on the tractors while we waited.

"Feeding the chickens and gathering the eggs"

More ways to pass time while waiting in lines

Silas "milking" the cow

"Picking Apples at the Orchard"

"Delivering our goods to the Farmers' Market"

After the "day of work" at the Farm, (and waiting in long lines) We were all ready to eat. Which of course is one of the few reasons we go to the state fair! We tried some new things this year--I just realized I should have taken a picture of all of the things we ate.

Here is our "Texas Tater Twister"

What else do our kids love about the state fair?

The Rides, of course!

Zeke watching Sara and Silas on the airplanes.

(yes, he is wearing Sara's hat, it was the closest one I could grab)

Silas got a little TOO excited on this ride and the ride operator had to yell, "Hey, kid, sit down!"

TIRED! But happy to have food--again!

This time--foot long corn dogs--sorry, no picture.

Next, on to the Animal barns. One of the last reasons my kids love the fair. We watched a sheep judging competition. We found it ironic that amongst all the jeans worn by these farmers and

4-H members, there was one lone man in the competition NOT wearing jeans.

Guess whose sheep won?!!

Yup, you guessed it. . .

The man in the bright yellow shirt and plaid shorts!

Petting a calf

The Cow Barn

This cow kept looking at us--I figured she wanted her picture taken.

The largest Boar in Minnesota--sorry, it was too crowded by his head.

Zeke thought the pig felt strange. He had a very funny reaction and then he giggled.

Signing "PIG"

NOT TOO SURE!

TOTALLY EXHAUSTED!!

Ezekiel fell asleep with in the stroller with his cochlear ON.

Reading Group

2010-08-29T17:15:00.002-05:00

This video is a little long, and somewhat chaotic, but the Grandma's will appreciate it, if no one else does. I never thought I would hear Ezekiel "reading" like this so when he sat down with Sara to read with her, I wanted to capture the moment. As it is, Sara is reading like crazy! I will have to video just her sometime here soon. She has read over 40 chapter books this summer!

Indoor Camp Out

2010-08-24T21:08:00.001-05:00

Peek-a-Boo

2010-08-24T20:49:00.001-05:00

FAMILY

2010-08-12T21:51:00.005-05:00

Those of you who know me well, know that in the last seven years of living here in Minnesota, our family has been adopted. We have been blessed in an amazing way through the love of the Stuckey's who have made us a part of their family. It has been a privilege to know and love EACH of them, and to be accepted into this family of seven!

Molly, their 3rd, is getting married tomorrow. We affectionately call each other "sisters", as do all of us girls. We have shared long talks, tears, and lots of laughter. I love her dearly, and am overwhelmed with joy at this new life she is beginning!

Congratulations, Molly Jean Stuckey~ We love you very much!

Memories:

Molly's Graduation

Sr. Trip-2007

(some people say we look alike)

Molly was my navigator

Molly and Sara Grace getting their pedicures for the wedding.

LOVE THESE GIRLS!!

~SISTERS~

The Bride and Groom, almost two years ago.

(This was the first time we met Patrick)

Tomorrow at this time. . .Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Schoonhoven

Capturing Sweet Moments

2010-08-09T15:06:00.004-05:00

Our Climbing Tree

2010-07-02T22:49:00.003-05:00

Our little monkeys

Most of the time, when Sara and Silas are outside, this is where we'll find them!

Brotherly Love

2010-07-02T22:43:00.002-05:00

Our two boys love being outside, eating and being together. . .they are perfectly contented in these pictures!

Minnesota Zoo

2010-07-02T22:34:00.002-05:00

The Lord blessed us with a free trip to the Minnesota Zoo this summer. We had never been before because it is an expensive family trip. Ezekiel's clinic where he attends therapy was offering a free night at the Zoo for all patients and their families. We had a fun night together. Parking, Meal, Tickets, Monorail Ride, and souvenir--ALL for free!

Playing Dress-up

2010-07-02T22:28:00.001-05:00

Always into something!

2010-07-02T22:21:00.000-05:00

Yellow Stripe

2010-06-10T21:27:00.003-05:00

Silas started Karate in April. So far he has earned his yellow and green stripe and is working towards his blue stripe right now. His instructor, Mr. Salas, does an awesome job with these kids, and Silas is really enjoying his class. It's a much-needed outlet for him!

"Shades"

2010-06-10T21:22:00.001-05:00

Thoughts--unedited

2010-05-13T14:35:00.003-05:00

So, I don't usually journal on my blog. It's just always been a way for my family to keep up with my growing kids. I have my own journals that I keep, although, I am finding that things like facebook, blogging and e-mail, crowd out time for other things. . . sad to say. I enjoy journaling, and for me it has always helped to put my thoughts on paper, but other things demand my time, I end up neglecting things that are more worthwhile. I'm not sure how many times I have thought to myself, I'm just going to be done with facebook, it's a time waster for me. But then, of course, I never do it. I just keep sitting in front of the computer, like a zombie, unmotivated and amused by others life happenings. . . .sad, I know.
So today, I was listening to a message by John Piper. I have come to appreciate this part of the internet--the online resources and messages of Godly leaders. He was preaching out of John 6. I am supposed to be reading through the book of John right now, and a friend is helping me to stay accountable, but I am not staying faithful. I have hit a dry spot in my devotions, and feel refreshed to hear the Word of God preach when I feel stagnet in my reading. . .I am supposed to be in John ch. 13, and I am 7 days behind. (I digress) The message was about the phrase Jesus speaks in chapter 6, "Do not labor for the food that perishes." I don't know that I can sum up Piper's thoughts b/c although I enjoy journaling, I don't put my thoughts into words well. . .but, I will say this, I was rebuked! Humiliated. Ashamed. Challenged. Refreshed. Is Christ my treasure? What really, is most important in my life? "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
I hate that so often I am convicted by a message only to walk away and fall back into the same sins I was convicted about. Perhaps that is because I am too busy laboring. Too preoccupied with the "doing." Labor Not!
"When we believe, (truly believe), a new treasure dominates our hearts, JESUS --and that changes everything!" (J. Piper)

Silliness

2010-04-20T22:30:00.001-05:00

Where Does the Time Go?

2010-04-20T22:23:00.003-05:00

Sara's 7th Birthday

A cute nightlight for Sara's new room. . . . now that she will be in there all by herself.
Sara's personalized water bottle (from Silas)

Dairy Queen Icecream Cake

BOWLING

2010-04-20T22:13:00.004-05:00

SO EXCITED!!

Deliquent Blogger

2010-04-20T22:10:00.003-05:00

This was the condition of my bedroom for about a month while we were packing to move. Need I say more?!

Laying Low

2010-03-18T21:14:00.002-05:00

Wanting to sit like the big kids. . . .

Silas got some kind of stomach bug, and I couldn't keep Zeke away from him. . .no wonder he got sick next!

He is always SO calm when he is sick--it's nice!

Home Sweet Home. . . .almost!

2010-03-18T20:52:00.002-05:00

After living in our current apartment for 4 years (end of April), we are moving to a duplex. We are renting out the top half of this house. It is an answer to prayer and it has been so neat to see God open and close doors along the way, as we were looking to BUY at this time last year. We are so excited about a THIRD bedroom, a washer and dryer in our home, (NO MORE QUARTERS!) and a fenced in backyard with TWO climbing trees!!

So, I am up to my eyeballs in boxes, bins and cleaning supplies. We have time to move which is nice, since we don't have to be out until the end of April and we can get in at the beginning of April. I am taking a break from packing tonight so that I can get some blogging done.

Oh, and all that snow is GONE now:)

Normal, Everyday Life

2010-03-18T20:45:00.001-05:00

I know he has red-eye. I don't take time to edit my pictures before blogging them. It is accomplishment enough to blog!

Elementary Spring Program

2010-03-18T20:39:00.002-05:00

How do they grow up so fast?! How can I possibly have two school-aged children?

Silas in his k-4 classroom trying to keep busy before the program

Sara in her 1st grade classroom in front of the March bulletin board. She turns 7 this month!!

He's just SWEET!

2010-03-01T20:57:00.002-06:00

I am still in awe over the amazing gift this little boy has been to our family! Hard to believe we have been on this journey for almost 2 years now!

His smile is infectious!

Focus, Discipline, Respect

2010-03-01T20:43:00.002-06:00

Those are just three of the qualities they are stressing in Silas's karate class. We signed Silas up for Karate a couple of weeks ago. We tried this last year through Park and Rec, and we were not impressed. This year, we are trying a place called Dojo Karate near our house as they were running a GREAT deal. Eight lessons and a free uniform for $14.95! He is really doing well, and he really likes it. His instructor is great! The class is structured and under control and yet they have fun. We have been to 5 of our 8 classes and this past Saturday, Silas earned his white belt! It's been great for him to have a way to release some of this pent up energy, especially during the long winter. I am glad we came across this great deal, and encouraged to see Silas so excited and involved each time he goes to class!

It's not always this peaceful in our house. . .

2010-02-24T21:19:00.002-06:00

but I try to enjoy it, when it is!

(Sara is mis-matched on purpose--it was clash day at school)

Can't get enough of these books. . .

2010-02-11T17:29:00.003-06:00

Sara is addicted to reading these days! She constantly has a book in her hands. We just came home from the library and she has been reading ever since we walked in the door. I remember when Sara was itty-bitty and she would sit and sit just looking at books. It's neat to see her love for books continue and so fun to hear her read!!

Special Delivery

2010-02-11T17:04:00.002-06:00

Silas just learned to ride a two-wheeler without training wheels this summer--Exciting thing for a four-year-old! His bike was a very generous gift from our previous landlord, but it was stolen at the end of the summer. Silas has been asking for a new bike for some time now, and even prayed about it a few times. We started pricing bikes and realized that bikes for little boys can be just as expensive as big-kid bikes. . . .Enter Pop-Troy and Mom-mom who offer to buy Silas a new bike for Christmas, one he can grow with for a couple of years. So, we found a good deal on one at Walmart.com and ordered it. Mom-mom sent a note telling Silas she had one more present that she couldn't give him at Christmas because it was too big to send back on the plane. Matt went and picked it up one Saturday afternoon after work and brought it home for Silas after his nap. He was SUPER excited! These pictures were taken while he called to say "thank-you" to Mom-Mom and Pop-Troy for his new bike!

BRIGHT YELLOW--(we named it bumble bee)

Our Own Winter Wonderland

2010-02-10T13:43:00.003-06:00

I have not blogged in over 2 months! I am not even going to attempt to catch up now that I am so far behind. I took Ezekiel out in the snow this week, while it was still snowing outside. He absolutely loved it. He has always enjoyed being outside and has been cooped up so much this winter; He was glad to get outside again.

Silas' 5th Birthday. . .

2009-12-06T15:08:00.004-06:00

Army Style

WOW!! Four 5 and 6 year old boys. . . .and Sara. Yikes!

Them Bones. . .

2009-12-06T14:53:00.002-06:00

These glow-in-the-dark P.J.'s were a gift from friends of ours and Zeke looked so cute in them. .. course, I think he looks cute in anything, but. . .

Ezekiel's 1st Haircut

2009-11-22T17:04:00.001-06:00

His looks are changing. . .

2009-11-22T16:59:00.002-06:00

Feeble attempts to get one good picture of his haircut!

October Snow

2009-11-22T16:52:00.002-06:00

Winter came early for a sneak peek this year. I thought for sure we were doomed for having any kind of fall. The leaves were still on the trees when this snow hit! However, November is almost over and we have had the perfect fall days this month. I am very thankful to have my fall back, because I know winter is right around the corner!

Cochlear Implant Picnic

2009-11-22T16:23:00.002-06:00

We had the opportunity to see alot of other people, adults and children, who have cochlear implants, and were able to meet a few as well. I had the chance to meet another mom whose child also has CMV. It was a very sobering conversation as I was reminded, again, how well Ezekiel is doing with this disease. God has been gracious to us!

Ezekiel's Audiologist, Melissa. She is WONDERFUL!!

Enjoying the Great Outdoors

2009-11-02T22:24:00.004-06:00

taste-testing some crab apples

Random Shots of my crazy kids!

2009-11-02T22:16:00.001-06:00

Good Hygiene Starts Early

2009-11-02T22:03:00.001-06:00

Out and About

2009-10-22T21:35:00.007-05:00

I think the greatest perk of living in our apartment complex is having a bike trail right behind our building. The kids love to ride their bikes while I push Zeke in the stroller. There is an elementary school on the way, so we have access to the playground as well, which is nice. So, here is what a typical walk is like for us and our view along the way. . .

Canadian geese--they are everywhere!

The paths we ride on are beautiful!

A lot of road construction along the way, so for a while our path was detoured.

A man-made pond we pass entering one of the neighborhoods

He absolutely loves being outside!

Stopping for a drink

Soccer and Baseball fields

The playground where Sara broke her arm

Yes, she's still climbing--arm brace and all!

Mischief Maker

2009-10-22T21:27:00.001-05:00

School Days

2009-10-22T21:16:00.001-05:00

Silas's first day of K-4

The Great Minnesota Get-Together

2009-10-16T21:36:00.007-05:00

Joe Cool!

2009-10-16T21:34:00.000-05:00

This kid thinks sunglasses are great!

Adjusting to his "new ears"

2009-10-16T21:21:00.002-05:00

I LOVE how his little ears stick out on the sides:)

Ezekiel's new hearing aid.

He now has the implant on his left side and a hearing aid on his right.

Cochlear Implant

Sara's loses her 1st tooth!

2009-10-12T21:57:00.001-05:00

Summer

2009-10-12T21:50:00.001-05:00

Fresh from the tub

2009-09-21T21:54:00.002-05:00

Happiness is. . .

2009-09-21T21:46:00.001-05:00

being outside!!

This kid has CRAZY hair!

Who needs toys?!

2009-09-21T21:33:00.002-05:00

He's really NOT strangling his brother. . .

Officer On Duty

2009-09-21T21:20:00.002-05:00

Climbing, Climbing, Always Climbing!

2009-09-21T21:12:00.001-05:00

So proud of himself!

"KIT"

2009-09-21T20:59:00.001-05:00

So, the process is backwards in the picture. . .oops!

Predicaments

2009-09-21T20:49:00.002-05:00

He got IN by himself, but just couldn't manage to get OUT!

Date night with the kids

2009-09-17T21:35:00.003-05:00

Life for the last year and a half has pretty much revolved around Ezekiel. It's just the way life is right now, with surgeries, appointments, and therapy, we are pretty tied up these days. Matt suggested we take the kids out on a date and leave Ezekiel with a babysitter, so that we could have some focused time with just the two of them. It was a great idea and we had a lot of fun with them. We went bowling and then out to eat. This is the second time we have taken the kids bowling and they were very excited!

So focused--this kid is serious about bowling!

Pretty sure he was gloating!

Somebody is just a little competitive!

Hmmm . . . .wonder where he learned that?

I Just Need to Freshen Up a Bit

2009-09-04T14:18:00.003-05:00

Every time anyone of us is getting ready in the bathroom, brushing our teeth, washing our hands, or when the kids are taking a bath, Ezekiel feels the need to be right there in the middle of it all. He loves climbing on the kids' stool with them while they are brushing their teeth and if they leave the stool out, he will climb right up. Sunday mornings this bathroom is a high traffic area and this is usually where you will find Ezekiel!

Visiting with Family

2009-08-18T21:49:00.006-05:00

Checking out her signatures
Sara's RED cast--she was glad Uncle Tony and Nick got to sign it!

POOR NICK!

LOVE this kid!

Crazy kid!

(this is what happens when Uncle Tony is left in charge)

I gave him a taste of my roasted marshmallow

My nephew Nick being, well. . .NICK:)

Silas and Uncle Tony after lunch at MOA

Sara's lego creation at Lego World

Ezekiel was trying to eat the legos

So happy to see my big bro' again after 5 1/2 years!! He and my nephew, Nicolas, drove out here from PA to see us and meet Silas and Ezekiel for the first time. We had a great visit!

Hangin' out with Tyrone and Uniqua at MOA

Silas loved seeing Tyrone!

Ezekiel loving the playground

Fun on the 4th!

2009-08-18T21:40:00.002-05:00

Heidi and Zeke

Silas loved playing with Mr. K

Mrs. K listening to Sara read, and helping her along the way:)

Some kids get candy at the parade--our kids ended up with two football jersey's from Edina's football team:)

Edina Parade

2009-08-08T16:49:00.002-05:00

Ezekiel's first lollipop, and I can tell you for a fact, Sara and Silas NEVER would have had one this early on. . .Apparently, I am getting soft!

Faces

2009-08-08T16:44:00.001-05:00

Mr. Personality

2009-08-08T16:38:00.002-05:00

This kid LOVES hats and sunglasses--he doesn't leave them on, mind you, but they will keep him entertained for quite a while.

Who wants S'mores?!

2009-08-08T16:22:00.002-05:00

Pop-Troy liked his charred! I prefer light brown and perfectly toasted all over!

Can't get enough of this kid!

2009-08-01T22:14:00.000-05:00

Summertime

2009-08-01T21:54:00.003-05:00

The RV my parents rented-the kids were very excited to ride in it to the campsite and sleep in in overnight!

So excited to ride in the RV

Collecting sticks for the campfire

Camping

2009-07-23T21:18:00.006-05:00

"De-sanding" his shoes after playing at the park

This kid moves non-stop! Apparently he is following in his big brother's footsteps!

Yummy S'mores!

KOA in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

This kid doesn't miss a thing!

My little sister, Emily, with her neice and nephews

S'mores seem to be a theme for our family this summer!

My step-dad's words BEFORE he handed Silas the sparkler went something like this. . ."this is against my better judgment, so don't let me down."

P0p-Troy had no idea what he was in for when he came out to visit the Tolosa Family!

Pop-Troy and Mom-mom with the kids

Silas does not believe in personal space

Summertime

2009-07-15T14:19:00.002-05:00

It is a rare thing that I manage to get a truly good picture of these two without silly faces, forced smiles or squinty eyes. . .Oh well!

Water Baby

2009-07-10T22:10:00.001-05:00

Let me outa here!

2009-07-10T22:06:00.001-05:00

Pickin' Strawberries

2009-07-10T21:14:00.004-05:00

I have wanted to go strawberry picking for the last few summers here in Minnesota, but we just never managed to plan ahead for it. This year, we finally did it. I could have stayed for at least another hour, although, I can't say the same for the rest of my family. The highlight for the kids was the "cow train" pulled by the tractor, and the giant chocolate chip cookie we ate at the little country restaurant. My kids love strawberries, they don't last long in our house and I will only by them in the summer when they are in season and on sale. These berries were delicious--so much better than store bought. We picked enough to eat, freeze, and make Matt's favorite, strawberry pie. I would like to go again next summer,I just wish the picking season was longer. My pictures are all out of order, but you get the idea.

Getting ready to cut 'em up and make some pie!

Being silly at the orchard, while mom is still in the fields picking

The "cow train"

Yummy Strawberries

This kid climbs everywhere--mind you, he isn't walking on his own yet! He wanted those berries so bad. I made the mistake of feeding him one while we were picking and then I couldn't move them away from me fast enough. I tried to contain him, but that, as you see, was NOT happening.

It was only the second day of the season, so the berries were small and some still had white on them, but if you looked hard enough, you could find some good ones!

Our little strawberry scavenger

Experiencing Sound

2009-07-06T21:42:00.003-05:00

This is one of the videos we took of Ezekiel on Activation Day. We were told by the audiologist that right now, sounds are just noise to him--it will be that way for some time. It was neat to see him hear for the first time!

Activation Day

2009-07-05T16:36:00.002-05:00

May 27, 2009, We head down to the audiologist for Ezekiel's cochlear implant hook-up. What a morning of emotions that was. I have a video posted on facebook and will put one on here in my next post. So much I could say about this whole journey, but I prefer not to type a book. If you are interested you can read more on my facebook notes.

A little uncertain about this new world of hearing that has just begun.

His new "ear"

WORN OUT!

2009-07-05T16:24:00.002-05:00

Our lives these days are filled with more running than normal. Ezekiel has therapy twice a week, plus a visit with the audiologist once a week right now. The deaf and hard of hearing teacher comes to our house once a week to work with Ezekiel, so some weeks we have four appointments in five days not counting the normal day to day errands that I need to run. This particular day we had Ezekiel's regular speech appointment at 11:00 and then some running to do afterwards. I needed to get some things taken out to the car before I loaded up the kids, (I'm always finding myself in need of a couple more hands) so I gave tired little Zeke his pacifier and ran out to the parking lot. I was literally only out there for MAYBE 3 minutes--tops, and by the time I got back inside, this is how I found my little man. Sprawled on the carpet, fast asleep! Poor Guy!

Healing

2009-07-05T16:18:00.001-05:00

It is amazing how quickly Ezekiel has bounced back after his surgery. His swelling went down completely after just a few days and his incision looks great. He is one tough little guy!

HATS!

2009-06-22T22:40:00.002-05:00

Old Maid

2009-06-22T22:29:00.002-05:00

"Hmm. . .I'm not too sure I want this card."

Residency

2009-06-22T22:23:00.001-05:00

Slowly Improving

2009-06-22T22:16:00.000-05:00

A Little Loopy

2009-06-21T23:17:00.002-05:00

They gave Ezekiel a medicine to help him "relax" shortly before we took him back to the OR. This medicine made him a little loopy and he became quite amused with the red light on his toe that was monitoring his oxygen levels. He was keeping us all entertained in the process!

Gearing up for Surgery

2009-06-21T23:07:00.001-05:00

Exhausted!

2009-06-21T22:57:00.000-05:00

Waking up a bit

2009-06-21T22:48:00.000-05:00

Headed Home

2009-06-21T14:39:00.002-05:00

Ready to head home

Ezekiel's incision. . .he really did heal fast!

Recovering at Home

2009-06-21T14:30:00.000-05:00

Plum Tuckered!

2009-06-20T16:00:00.001-05:00

Memorial Day Picnic

2009-06-20T15:44:00.003-05:00

This was Ezekiel's first experience with Watermelon--he loved it!

A much needed get-away

2009-06-16T21:56:00.003-05:00

Well, we made it! Matt finished up his Master's program in May and it was time to celebrate! I surprised him by booking a room overnight at a hotel downtown, (Matt loves the city) and kidnapping him from work at lunch time. I was SO excited I actually pulled it off--he had NO idea!! This is the longest amount of time Matt and I have been away together without the kids (not counting the Sr. trip we chaperoned).
We headed downtown at noon on Friday, and returned Saturday evening at around 5:00. We went to Comedy Sportz Friday night, the Mill City Museum Saturday morning, and walked around Lake Calhoun that afternoon. We spent quite a bit of time in Uptown trying different restaurants and checking out the trendy shops.
A BIG Thank-you to the Stuckey's and the Calcamuggio's for keeping our kiddos for us. We had a great time!!

Lake Calhoun-It was the PERFECT day for a walk--the weather was beautiful!!

Mill City Museum

Downtown Minneapolis

The Westin