Dancing Snowman to Rival Sword Dancer

New Pictures

I want you to share in my joy for this family!!!!

I met Duane and Audrey about 2 years ago when they contacted me to take Bradley classes. They joined two other couples in my home for 12 weeks as they prepared for the arrival of their little one, Hope. I have had the opportunity to spend more time with them since Hope's arrival and watch them grow as a family.
This family was ROCKED about 6 months ago with the return of Duane's cancer, bigger and stronger than ever. It has been quite a journey for them and their strength astonishes me! Please share in the joy!!http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/duaneheinen

Another Carrot Hater, Chilling at the Table and WWF!!!

I promise, the WWF photo is NOT posed. The boys started out wrestling laying down next to eachother and by the time I got the camera, this was the situation. BUT they are BOTH smiling!!!
Orion prefers to keep a leg on the table while he eats and has made it VERY clear he is like his oldest sister and does not like carrots!!!
Ty on the other hand, LOVES carrots and eats his plus Orion's.
Enjoy!!!

Smart Boys and the Joy of Training

Two incidents today have me in awe, each involving one of the twins.
The first involves Ty. Shawn joined me in bed last night after being kicked out by sick babies over the last couple of weeks. Early this morning, around 6 am Ty woke and I brought him into bed to lay with me thinking he would just fall back to sleep, he normally does not get up for the morning until between 7 and 8 am. He babbled for a few minutes and then was changing position when he spotted Shawn next to us. He made every noise he could go get Shawns attention including a few very clear, "hi, da". Shawn gave him some attention and then went to the closet to get his clothes for the days, when Ty let out another "hi, da" and waited for Shawns response to which he clapped. Amazing!!!
The second incident occured while I was cleaning up lunch today. Orion was hanging out around the kitchen while I cleaned up. I opened the dishwasher and then began loading it when I glanced over at Orion who was sitting on the floor right next to the dishwasher (he usually stands holding onto the dishwasher and grabs things as I load it). He was simply sitting on the floor, shaking his head "no". Then it dawned on me. A few nights ago when Shawn was loading the dishwasher he had a little training session with Orion who of course wanted to participate. He kept telling Orion firmly, "no" and sitting him back down on the floor. The training had obviously worked as Orion remembered he should not stand up holding onto the dishwasher while we are loading it and he was self correcting. The fruit of training!!!

Ty is Crawling!!!!

He made it official last night, he is crawling!!! Slow and steady seems to be his motto at this point as he very cautiously moves one arm, then knee, then arm, then knee. He does not travel very far yet but I am sure it is just a few days away!! And for those of you wondering, he does not drag the leg like his brother!!! Let the races begin!!!
Orion on the other hand has decided he can stand without holding onto anything for seconds at a time and has been spotted nearly running along the furniture to get something he wants. He came down with a very sudden nasty cough and fever last night so we are hoping this time of strengthening his immune system is short lived.
The girls had a ballet recital yesterday and both did an amazing job. They really enjoyed this session with a new teacher and are asking to continue into the next session. They are both busy schooling, both doing first grade math and history together while doing other subjects individually.
Elijah has learned how to spell his name verbally and has been busy helping me cook lately.
Look for pictures soon!!!

Time For Me

As I type this, I am taking two hours of "me" time. Boy is it quiet!

The kids have been busy enjoying summer. Playing outdoors, going to the splash pad/wading pool, having playdates and planning to make a "club house". They have four different sets of blueprints drawn, have been creating things to sell to the neighbors to make money to buy the wood and creating the club house "notebook".

We are preparing to start homeschooling on a more regular basis in a few weeks and preparing for Anika's 7th birthday. Can you believe she is going to be 7, I can't.

Orion has decided to crawl MUCH earlier than any of our other children have. He crawls with one leg tucked underneath him and has gotten quite efficient in one week!
Amittai enjoyes watching Orion move around but has not taken the plunge yet. He has found his voice and enjoys blowing raspberries and making funny sounds with his mouth.
They are so fun!

Look for pictures later!