A Kate Update

A few things I've been thinking about blogging regarding Kate these past few weeks.

MYSELF! Has been big in the life of this budding two year old. Where does that come from? One day she's needy as can be and the next Miss Independent has entered the scene. I have an appreciation for this new found freedom from help on most days. But there are other moments it gets quite exhausting (and I'm supposed to not be doing anything, how can that be?). Regardless, we've started to go the the bathroom, MYSELF. Get dressed and shoes on, MYSELF. Get a snack, MYSELF. etc, etc. MYSELF!

Since its t-minus 5 weeks till the baby's arrival we've been talking about it more frequently. Kate has been with me to nearly all of my drs. appointments and really has down the concept of the baby having a heart (she'll listen for it like the doctor does). She also knows it kicks and moves. Early on this concept was kinda funny. Especially when she went up and felt Kurt's belly and asked if his baby was sleeping. ;-) LOL! She's also been cued in a bit on our plans for the baby's birth. She knows that Gramma Ann is coming down to be with her at that time. Since Gramma's visits are so special anyway she's been talking non-stop about things that she'll do when Gramma comes. "Gramma cut my hair!" Gramma, Pops, Trevor, Kaylee, Uncle John and I sleep in the big bed." "I, Gramma's girl!" Now how on earth my mom's visit became a family sleep over is beyond me. It makes me laugh to think of my parents, niece, nephew and bachelor brother as well as Katie in the king size bed down stairs. But I too am getting more excited for Gramma's visit- especially since that means that the baby is on its way out!

In another baby realm, I've been having some intense sciatic nerve pain with this pregnancy. It has been disabling for travel since just after Easter. One of the 'solutions' to deal with the pain is laying down and icing which I try to do at least once a day, most recently. So Kate of course if she's up wants to "ice my bum, too" She's such a copycat in word and deed. I can certainly see how bad habits could be taught instead of good! As an aside, I have really struggled being 'stuck' in the area and not able to travel as I'd like. Prayers are certainly appreciated. I know that many women have things much more difficult in pregnancy and in life- I've just got to keep things in perspective.

Well it is beginning to storm here so I'm going to close for now and shut down the computer...more later. Happy Friday- and weekend!

BBQ Champion!

That's him in the yellow!

Yes, you read right...I am married to the John Deere Dubuque Works Barbecue Cook-off Champion!

This just in, Kurt's FABULOUS Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork won this year's competition. I know many of our friends and family have experienced and enjoyed this dish in the past. And now we know how good it really is! ;-) So it was well worth Kurt getting up at 1 o'clock in the morning to take it off the smoker and shred it.

Congratulations Kurt! You can cook for me anytime!

Another Quick Journey

Well, this year's Lenten/Easter Bible Study has wrapped up for the season. You may recall my mentioning it in a post back in February when it began. Our last session here in Kieler was this evening. It was (as last year was, too) a real joy to lead. We had nearly 25 participants again this year with some that had returned for a second season. My friend JoAnn and I worked together to get things going. I was once again in awe at how God works all things for His plan.

I have used The Bible Timeline in the past and it continues to be a great basic resource in cracking open the Scriptures for adults. Since we've done the 'quick' version at our parish the last two years I have taken the liberty to add a few Bible Basics to the evenings and open things up to other questions that folks might have on their minds. It is always humbling to have to go back to the Word and the Tradition of the Church and recall answers for others (including myself) to grow in knowledge and faith. I am so pleased to see how the Spirit continues to burn in the hearts of so many! Hopefully there will be much fruit that comes from these evenings! All glory to Him of course with much gratitude for the gift of sharing faith.

In thinking about this, I am so thankful to Kurt for allowing me this teaching opportunity and outlet. I don't know how long I'll be able to balance this addition to marriage and family life but at the moment these evenings have been counted as treasure. A needed break. Some quality adult conversation. An opportunity to share what I have been given. In short they bring me joy! And none of that would be possible with out my love and his willingness to take on Kate for the evening solo.

Anyway, tonight, I arrived home to a sleeping house with so much joy and such energy I had to wind down by sharing a bit here. Continued Easter Blessings! And thanks for reading!

Post 100- Katie's Birthday and Easter Weekend

Kate's birthday cake, made on Good Friday in preparation for the festivities.

Gram reading one of the books she received for her birthday (Her favorite book, "Katie Can!" written by Gramma Ann for her birthday).

Modeling her gift from Mom and Dad- a monkey sweatshirt that she continues to wear frequently.

Opening her gift from Gramma Helen a Magna-Doodle for those car trips north.

Our parish hosted an Easter Egg Hunt for kids the morning of Kate's birthday. She and Gram ran fast to find a few. It was a big hit!

Finding an egg!

Kate and her friend Miriam after the hunt showing off their treats.

They also had a bounce house and crafts for all the kids to take part of that day. Here are the girls crafting it up.

Thought you'd enjoy the belly shot in this one. As an aside I'm measuring right on and continue to count down (7 weeks +/- to go). More on that in another post.

Kate in Pop's glasses- too cute of a picture to exclude.

Getting ready to blow out her candles.

Unwrapping presents, one small piece of wrapping paper at a time.

Gramma Ann helping with the gift from her godparents.
Showing off her 'new' boots and her birthday suit, later that evening.

Kate's summarizing of the weekend-
Her favorite gift- boots from Aunty Trina (seen above)
Her favorite moment- sleeping with Gramma
Her favorite food- Big Bird Cake
Her favorite song- ALLELUIA!

It was great to have some of our families here for Easter. I wish I'd have thought to bring the camera to Mass Sunday morning to see Kate and all decked out for the celebration. My folks and John left Sunday around noon. By that time Kate had crashed on the living room floor of her own accord. Easter and company was exhausting!

Happy Easter from all of us here in Kieler!

We're getting ready to celebrate...

Easter and Katie's 2nd birthday! I'm super excited for Triduum services these next days! And Kate's birthday falls in the midst (Holy Saturday). My folks and brother John are headed down tonight for the weekend. Today we got to practice blowing out candles (she wasn't able to do it a month ago) at our Mom's group gathering. And of course all the kids sang. She thought it was great. We also go her pictures taken this week. We usually have my SIL take them but it didn't work out to do it on our last visit and I wasn't sure when we'd visit again so I bit the bullet. Portrait Innovations had a special and we got plenty of pics of this one shot. Though I sure had a tough time choosing.

You can't tell from the picture but she was less than thrilled to be getting her pictures taken. The studio frightened her and she was just not about it. That says a lot for Aunty Trina doing them next time. ;-)

P.S. My next post will be #100 can you believe it!?!?

Monkeys at the "Ooeseum"

Last week Wednesday, Kate and I went to see the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the Milwaukee Public Museum. As you may (or may not) know in a former life I taught Old and New Testament and reveled in Scripture study. When I'm not doing alphabet puzzles or playing with Elmo and friends these days I do reminisce and try to dig my Biblical knowledge out of the dust of our basement and my brain. My dear friend, Mary Beth (we were classmates and roommates in graduate school) invited us to meet her in Milwaukee on her day off. I couldn't resist as in 10 weeks I don't know that I'll be able to travel on a whim.

To prepare, I was talking to Kate all week about going to see Mary Beth and the museum which she pronounces ooo-see-um. I also found our newly acquired monkey harness (thanks SIL!) and pulled the umbrella stroller out the garage. Katie was utterly excited about the monkey harness and also bringing her sunglasses for the drive. I mentioned this to MB on the phone that morning- I'm bringing the monkey. ;-)

The trip is going down as a success. Though I wish we lived closer to MB so we could have more chatting time. She is such a good friend in Christ!

Here are some shots. The camera wasn't allowed in the Dead Sea and Bible exhibit. :-(

Kate's favorite was the butterfly room. These pictures don't do it justice. I was wishing for a video camera to capture her reactions.

There went a butterfly to the left of mom. ;-)

Kate and MB in the butterfly atrium.

These butterflies are fun!
She knows she's cute.
The makings of a butterfly.

One little cocoon in another cocoon.

We came all this way to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and drink coffee with MB.

The drive home was quiet. ;-) All in all a great trip.

A Beautiful Day Out

Well, it seems that spring has at least temporarily sprung here in Kieler. Today (like the two days previous) was another BEAUTIFUL day. We started seeing robins in our backyard last Wednesday and Kate is still pointing them out at every chance and window. Though, they say that snow is in the forecast for this weekend, I am not worried that this warmer weather will win out in the end.

That means more walking, gardening and just being outside! We did just that today with some friends. A friend and I (the wise one from previous post) decided to take the girls and a picnic lunch to the Mines of Spain just outside Dubuque.

Though a bit breezy the hike (we hiked about 20 minutes in on a trail and then back out for lunch) was good one. And the little girls were thoroughly tired out by the end.

Our picnic lunch.

Climbing up "MYSELF!"

Taking a break for water after all those steps down to the prairie.

After hiking to the Pine Chapel we hiked back up the steps. "Step, step, step!"

There's nothing like a good hike to make a beautiful day, more beautiful. Praise God!