The Awe and Amazement...

The kids saw their first real rainbow last night. So wonderful to watch their enjoyment and hear their commentary.

Branson, MO, 2010

What a fun trip! This year we did actually accomplish the whole Kuenzel clan gathering in one place for vacation. Grandpa Jerry & Grandma Donna, The Grahams, us, Ben & Rachel, and Beth, Robert, & Mya all made the trip. Although everyone wasn't there at the same time for too long, it was nice getting a chance to get everyone together.

We arrived on Saturday (the day after the kids were out of school) and then Patrick was able to stay until Monday night before having to head home for work. Sunday, Patrick & the kids went to downtown Branson to walk around a bit. Monday we went to Silver Dollar City and had lots of fun. Tuesday (and every day) we went swimming. Thursday's highlight was that Leyton & Nathaniel made tie-dye t-shirts. They did a great job and had lots of fun with that. Thanks, Grandma Donna, for helping them! Friday was check-out and time to head home. We were happy to have a nice week, but we sure enjoyed getting home to see Patrick again. And, the fun didn't end there - that weekend was Memorial Day weekend and we went to the Jiggle Jam on Saturday and had a wonderful time. The kids loved it and it was a great summer kickoff. Who could go wrong with Funky Mama, Mr. Stinky Feet, The Doo-dads, The Jimmmies, and the one and only Ralph's World. That was my first time to see Ralph's World and he was wonderful. Nathaniel & Patrick went up on stage, and Leyton had his picture taken with Ralph after the show. What fun.

Progress on the Home Front

Ah-ha! It has taken us a while, but we've made it...for the past almost year since we moved, the kids have mostly enjoyed this house as well and/or better than the last. All except for Jacob that is. I think it has probably been his age and his sense of security that has impacted this in my opinion, but he held on to the idea that he liked the old house better for probably at least 8 months. When we asked him why, he typically said he liked having his own room and that his room was blue - nothing we can't create here, but nonetheless, that was his commentary. Then, we went a few months without talking much about it. But in the last few weeks, he has finally been saying that he likes this house better and he wants to live here forever (yes, he does tell me he'll want to live with me when he's older and married). He is such a sweetie.

Smiles from Vacation (5/24/10)

Vacation Recap to Come

So I'm a bit behind on the vacation details from recent weeks. It will come, but not tonight. Time for sleep!

True Motivation

I start by saying I love my family, I love being a mom to my children and I love being a wife to my husband. I also say, though, that it is true that everyone is entitled to their own opinion and their own choices. I do my best not to judge others for their decisions. I know I'm not perfect, but I depend on my faith and trying to associate with people who may support the values and ways that Patrick & I try to live by and teach to our children. However, we know that we often find ourselves out of the norm. Doesn't really bother me too much, but there are still times when a comment, a look, etc., can really affect (aka hurt) me. A recent situation has led me to think about this more. So tonight, I found myself listening to a song that really has an impact on me and reminds me of where my true motivation should be. It helps me in dealing with a difficult or hurtful situation. It is called: "I'm waiting" by John Waller. A reminder that I shouldn't let situations hurt me, but know that I'm working on bigger and more important life goals.

In addition, I found an email that I received a few years back that I have kept because I really enjoy the perspective. It is called, "The case for large families" by Michael Pakaluk, professor of philosophy at Clark University, lives in Cambride, MA. I think he makes several excellent points and I keep this and read it every now and again. Simply put, there's a comment toward the end about jogging through the park vs. walking through the park with five of his children that I especially enjoy.

YES! What a great thing to hear...

Tonight we were all talking about the laundry that was sitting on the family room floor before bedtime. Then Leyton started tracing letters in the air that I couldn't make out since he was going pretty quickly. I asked him what he said. He said, "Can I fold clothes?" Any thoughts on my answer to that? Go right ahead, my son! Ha. Then Nathaniel, Jacob, and Leah chimed in that they wanted to help. Then I literally heard, "Mom, folding clothes is fun!" They were busy with towels, shorts, etc. Then, "Mom, can you show me the right way to do shirts?" Wow, now this was great! Can I hope for this to continue? They were bummed when we had to head upstairs since we didn't finish. I assured them that I could have laundry every day for them to fold. Nathaniel said, "Every day?!" with a smile. Perfect. So, just for their sake, I didn't finish folding it tonight so we could work on it tomorrow. We'll see if they're still interested. Either way, I appreciate the help!