Life's Little Moments

Feeding the ducks Oct 09

2009-11-11T20:21:00.000-08:00

There is a fenced in pond across the street from us at the elementary school. We save the end pieces from our bread and when we get a good number of them we take a walk over to feed the ducks and geese. Everyone has fun letting the birds take the bread out of their hands and throwing pieces over or through the fence to them. There is a usually a great deal of quacking going on and many giggles. I thought these pictures captured the cute faces of my little ducklings and their duckling friends.

I like this picture.

Doesn't this face just say, "take me home with you and love me?"

Grace at 10 months

2009-11-11T20:05:00.000-08:00

Grace started walking on Halloween! She had been practicing with a few steps at a time and had graduated to walking around the house while pushing chairs, walker toys, etc. We all love to watch her toddle from here to there and cheer her on enthusiastically. Sometimes though, when Grace is really on a mission, she puts her head down and speed crawls! :)

Grace loves music and will clap her hands and dance. "If You Are Happy and You Know It" is on of her favorite songs. She smiles and claps her hands.

Reading books is another favorite pastime. Grace will sit on the floor for some time just looking through her books. She also likes to be read to and will giggle all through the story.

Grace is able to climb up onto the bathroom stool and can just see herself in the mirror which also makes her giggle and point to herself. She is also climbing up into chairs. She is quite the little monkey. She also likes climbing into things like the doll basket, boxes, etc.

Veteran's Day 09

2009-11-11T19:55:00.001-08:00

Mack gets very excited about all things military and is constantly bringing books home from the library about the military. Last week he found a DVD about War World II and watched the whole documentary. This week at the library his home school class focused on Veteran's Day. We learned about the POW/MIA table and wrote letters to our soldiers in Afghanistan. Through the library we learned about a special Veteran's Day celebration on Hilton Head Island and we knew we wanted to go. Unfortunately the place and time got changed because of inclement weather, but we were still able to see the memorial. Notice that Grace brought a furry friend with her.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-11T19:48:00.000-08:00

The kids had fun putting together their costumes. Mack surprised us with his "war paint." He used paint markers, and was still slightly green for church the next day. :)

Little Miss Grace

2009-08-21T12:41:00.001-07:00

Grace is now 8 months old! In the past month she has learned to do SOOO much. She is now crawling everywhere, and Mack has nicknamed her "Nascar Baby" because she is quick! Grace is also pulling up and crawling up the stairs. She claps her hands and says "Mama" and "Dada" and "kitty."

Grace is so good natured and is such a joy. She melts my heart when she says "Mama" and smiles so sweetly at me. She is also a great snuggler. There is nothing like cuddling a sleeping baby and drinking in her sweet baby smell.

Grace has had another accomplishment in the past few weeks--she has cut two teeth! I think she is trying to cut some more because she tries to teeth on us sometimes--ouch!

Backj to School!

2009-08-21T12:34:00.001-07:00

Mack and Elyse started school this week at our local elementary school. Mack is in 2nd grade this year and Elyse is in kindergarten. Both children were very ready to begin school. Mack woke Elyse up yesterday morning and told her, "You get to ride the bus today, Elyse! This is so exciting! I can hardly believe it!!" Mack has been excited about Elyse joining him at school this year and riding the bus with him, and she has been equally excited. Riding the bus is the highlight of their day!

Wonderful Wednesdays

2009-06-03T10:06:00.001-07:00

Wednesdays are special days for Mommy and the Little Lengels. Since the weather got warm we have been our friend Ms. Mandy and her little boy Eli (21/2) at a park each Wednesday morning. At first it was just Noelle and Grace because the other 2 were still in school but now Elyse has joined us and Mack will get to play next week. The kids have a great time on the playground equipment and the Mommies enjoy a morning out of the house and a friend to talk to. We typically take along plenty of snacks and sometimes our lunch as well. We have tried out many local playgrounds. On rainy days or days when one Mommy or another is without a car, we just meet at a home.

One day here at our house we made homemade soft pretzels with Noelle and Eli--yummy! The kids loved dumping in the ingredients, kneading the dough, and making shapes. Brushing on the egg wash afterwards and sprinkling on the salt was great fun too.

Eli has a new sand and water table at his house and that was a big hit last week.

Some weeks other Mommies and the children are able to come as well.

Today we met at a park that has a giant sprinkler. The girls had a great time running around in the water with Eli and trying out the slides and merry-go-round. This will be a great park to visit this summer as the weather grows even warmer.

Outdoor Fun

2009-06-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

With warm weather upon us, we have been spending a great deal of time outside.

Our backyard is riddled with baby toads which the kids just love to catch and play with.

The children are out on their bikes and scooters, playing on the swingset, and in the wading pool. They have also been a great help in planting some new plants and in keeping them watered. Lunch is often eaten on the deck and the kids may be seen some afternoons running around with a homemade popsicle.

The girls finished preschool the middle of May. Elyse graduated in a cap and gown from K-4, and both girls were in the end of the year program. Mack's last day of first grade is tomorrow the 4th of June.

Picture Day at Preschool--My Three Girls

2009-06-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

All dressed up for spring and sitting pretty.

Noelle's Third Birthday

2009-06-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

Noelle's third birthday was on May 11th. We made her an Elmo cake and decorating it was a group effort. "Happy Birthday" was sung, party blowers were blown, and of course, fashionable party hats were worn by all.

Noelle got to celebrate with her preschool class the next day. She took in ice cream cups to share with her friends.

We used her birthday money to buy her a wading pool and it has been great fun for all. The first day she put a potted plant in for a swim--that was the end of that swim time!

Pop-Pop and Mom-Mom Visit

2009-03-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop came for a visit Thursday through Saturday. We had such a delightful time. The weather was so pretty Thursday afternoon so we sat outside and watched the children ride their bikes on the driveway, swing on the swing set, and climb a few trees.

Patrick's Dad came over and chili with us for supper and then took the older two children as well as my father for a motorcycle ride. It was the first time in my father's 68 years that he has ever ridden a motorcycle--Yay, Dad!

Friday brought cooler and wetter weather, but it did not deter us from our fun. We went to the Riverbanks Zoo where we walked a beautiful trail along the river, saw the Botanical Gardens, and enjoyed the zoo animals. The reptile house was a big hit for everyone. I was amazed by the furry anaconda poop (what does that say about me?). We also got tickled watching the lion cubs play and the gorilla picking at his toes.

The kids loved playing with Pop-Pop and giving lots of cuddles to both Pop-Pop and Mom-Mom. Grace charmed her grandparents with her smiles and coos. I loved watching Grace lay in her grandmother's arms, looking up into her face, and "talking" so sweetly to her. It was precious.

Our visit was short but very sweet. I am so glad for the special time we enjoyed together.

Down by the Riverside

2009-03-14T10:04:00.001-07:00

Spanish Moss and Flowering Trees--Beauty designed by our Awesome Creator!

There Were Three In The Bed

2009-02-09T17:41:00.000-08:00

Elyse loves to hold Grace each night as I am tucking her into bed. She suggests that I go do something so she can take a few minutes to snuggle with her baby sister. This particular night Mack decided to join in the cuddle time. I love Grace's face in the photo with her and Elyse.

Look Out For Firetrucks

2009-02-09T17:32:00.000-08:00

As I was putting Noelle to bed tonight I noticed that she had a goose egg on her temple. Surprised that she had not come crying to me about it, I asked her how she got it. At first she told me that Pepper (our dog) did it. That was believable as Pepper will sometimes resort to using his teeth when Noelle gets too rough (which she often does). However, as she thought about it, she decided that it was not Pepper but Bella (our cat) who gave her her boo-boo. Then the story changed again. A firetruck did it she told me (we had just finished reading a story about a firetruck). The firetruck not only got her but also Mommy, Daddy, and Jesus! How did I miss all this?!! The moral of this story...be aware of rogue firetrucks!

"Snow Day"

2009-01-20T09:16:00.000-08:00

We had a "snow day" here in SC. Schools cancelled last night in anticipation of the coming snow. I was so excited thinking that my children would actually get to experience a snow day just as I had growing up in DE (though I knew there probably would not be very much snow here).

We woke up this morning to a light dusting of snow. We were thrilled that we got any snow at all. Everyone got bundled up and headed outside. Grace was less than thrilled and Noelle was not sure what the fuss was all about.

Mack and Elyse went "sledding" down the hill, though they slid more on the wet leaves than the snow. Mack threw a few snow balls and Elyse fashioned a teeny tiny snowman. We tried to give him a face with some raisins but they did not stick.

So, not much snow, but at least we had the fun of a snow day. :)

One Month Old

2009-01-19T18:50:00.000-08:00

Grace is now one month old. It has definitely been a month filled with joy. Grace is a sweet happy baby and we are all enjoying her. Her brother and sisters always want to hold her and love on her. I so enjoy cuddling her, especially in the evenings after the others have been tucked in for the night. I know that this newborn stage will be over in the blink of an eye and I want to enjoy every moment. Grace is a wonderful gift to our family and I treasure this precious baby.

Happy Birthday, Mack

2009-01-19T18:40:00.001-08:00

Mackenzie turned 7 years old on December 31. 2008.

He celebrated earlier in the week with his cousins at Chuckie Cheese.

For his birthday he requested cinnamon buns for breakfast. He remembered that I had made them the previous year on his birthday. Patrick took Mack to the indoor shooting range and Mack thoroughly enjoyed himself. Apparently he is a pretty good shot. The paper targets are now displayed in his bedroom.

I made him birthday brownies for dessert and we all sang "Happy Birthday" to him.

It was a very enjoyable birthday.

Happy Birthday, Grace Christy Lengel

2008-12-27T16:29:00.000-08:00

Labor began on Thursday, December 18th and 27.5 hours later, Grace Christy Lengel came flying into her Daddy's hands. The doctor did not make it for Grace's entrance and the nurse came in at the tail end. Daddy and Doula Mary did a great job, but Patrick has not been induced into a career change. :0)

Official stats:

Date of Birth: Friday, December 19th, 2008

Time of Birth: 5:53pm

Weight: 8 lbs 3 oz

Length: 21.5 inches

Looks Like: Big sister Elyse, they even sport the same cleft in their chin like their Daddy.

Grace is a wonderful baby. She is sleeping well and nurses like a champ. We are all in love with her (our Australian sheep dog, Pepper appointed himself Grace's guardian the moment she came home.) and the kids are always wanting to hold her and play with her. What an amazing Christmas gift we have received this year. I am so thankful to have baby Grace. She has brought great joy to all of us.

St. Nicholas Day 2008

2008-12-10T14:41:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from our celebration of St. Nicholas Day (December 6th). St. Nicholas Day is a European holiday; one that Patrick's Father and siblings grew up celebrating as their mother was German/Austrian. We decided to incorporate this holiday into our Christmas celebration a few years ago and have really enjoyed it.

St. Nicholas was a real person (a bishop) who used his wealth to serve God and others. He was a very generous and loving man and a wonderful example to us as we remember the reason for this Christmas holiday-- God's generous gift to us--His Only Son.

On St. Nicholas Eve the children put out their shoes and in the morning they are filled with small treats (this year they found gum, fruit roll-ups, water paints, glue sticks, chapstick, etc). We don't focus on the Santa Claus aspect of the holiday, but more on the aspect of giving. We try to come up with a way the kids can give to others on this day. This year we made sugar cookies and decorated them and the kids shared them with the men who were putting new siding on our house.

Doing the cookies together was a great deal of fun for all. This was Noelle's first year making cookies with us and she got right into it like she had been doing it all of her life. Most of her cookies were rather unrecognizable after she cut them out but she sure was enjoying herself. Elyse was very much into the decorating part and put her all into adding her special touch. Mack very much liked the cookie dough and I had to keep reminding him that if he ate it all we could not cut out very many cookies! :) He was also a champion cookie cutter outer and icer.

We Are Ready

2008-11-30T16:12:00.000-08:00

Here is a cute photo of the kids all ready for church.
We are also busily preparing for the arrival of little Grace. Her due date is the 11 of December and there is to be a full moon that weekend (a full moon can only help, right?).
She had us guessing last night as I was having some contractions. I was scheduled to sub for the first and second grade Sunday School teachers and Patrick was filling the pulpit for a minister who was away. We both were wondering if we would have to find subs for the subs! I am wondering if Grace is going to be just as ornery as her brother and sisters!
As you can see from the picture we are also ready for St. Nicholas Day (Dec. 6th) and for Christmas. It hit me the day after Thanksgiving that my due date was only a week and a half away and that if the Christmas decorations were going to go up I had better get busy! The kids were a great help decorating the Christmas tree. They loved finding "their" ornaments and putting them on the tree. Some areas of the tree are heavy with ornaments and the strings of beads are wrapped around the tree in all sorts of directions but the kids are happy with their decorating job and that is all that matters.

2008-11-11T15:58:00.000-08:00

November 11, 2008

Noeyisms

Noelle had us laughing all throughout the day.

This morning Noey, Patrick, and I were snuggling in bed. I am recovering from a cold and was telling Patrick about blowing my nose. The next thing I know, Noelle is in my lap and is blowing in my face. I looked at her strangely trying to figure out what she was doing when all of a sudden Patrick started laughing. He said, "She is blowing your nose!" Sure enough that is what she was doing. I have laughed about this all day.

This afternoon, Noelle was enjoying some goldfish crackers for a snack. Noelle always shares her food with our dog Pepper, and when she moved away from her snack bowl for a moment, Pepper helped himself. Noelle came running back over and scolded Pepper. She told him that he could not take her goldfish and that if he wanted some he needed to say please. That was a wonderful plan in theory but how does that work with a dog? No problem--Noelle said, "Please," and then gave Pepper some more goldfish! :)

I have mentioned before how utterly taken Noey is with her Elmo panties. Today she looked in her drawer and discovered all her Elmo panties. "Clean Elmos!" she said with excitement. She found a pair for herself and then began putting "Elmos" on her doll babies as well. It was so cute!

2008-11-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!

Halloween was a busy time for all of us Lengels. There were school parties and a couple of nights of trick-or-treating. Thursday night the children did trick-or-treating at the high school where Patrick works. Friday night we opted to trick-or-treat in our neighborhood rather than attend the harvest festival at church which we knew would be very, very crowded. As it ended up, Patrick was needed at the high school football game to handle the music and I was left to take the children trick-or-treating, several of whom were quite tired already. The time came to get everyone in costume and my girls began to fall apart about what costume they were going to wear, as well as many other factors. Noelle was in hysterics because I had emptied her Halloween trick-or-treat bag into a big bowl so that she could reuse it and I guess she thought that I had taken her candy. She was beyond the point of reasoning. The good news is that we were able to get everyone in costume and out the door. Once we got outside everyone calmed down and we had such a fun time together.

Mack caught up with some friends from school and he enjoyed visiting with them a little bit as we trick-or-treated, and Noelle just enjoyed the entire experience. She was so funny because she was not as much concerned about the candy that the neighbors were offering her as she was with their pets. She got so excited over the dogs or cats that came to the door and wanted to love on each one of them. At one house, Noelle actually ran inside after a cat--kitty got away, and luckily our neighbors thought it was funny.

One neighbor was showing Noelle her Halloween yard decorations, and Noelle sat down in the empy lawn chair to try one of them out for herself. Next our neighbor (we had never met this lady before) picked Noelle up and took her over to show her one of her goulish decorations the lit up and moved in one of her trees. Noelle was taken with that as well and talked the lady's ear off.

All in all, Noelle enjoyed our neighbors, their pets, and the candy that she was given. By the end of our trick-or-treating time I noticed that she was waddling (worse than me! :). One lady commented on Noelle toddling up to her door and asked me how old she was. I told her that Noelle was 2 1/2 and that she was waddling because she probably had to use the potty. That kind lady invited us into her house so that Noelle could potty. Unfortunately for Noelle it was too late, she was wet, but it all worked out because that lady had a dog! :)

We headed home for a change of clothes, one happy Mommy and three (four) happy children. I got Noelle cleaned up and tucked in bed and came downstairs to get Mack and Elyse headed for bed. As I walked throught the living room I discovered our Australian Sheep Dog (Pepper) enjoying a lollipop. The lollipop stick was sticking out of his mouth and he was very happy with his grape tootsie roll pop ( I assume it must have fallen out of one of the kid's bags.) It was such a funny sight--I wish that I could have gotten a picture of it but my camera has given up the ghost!

Mack told me that it was the best Halloween that he has ever had. It certainly was a fun time, and Elyse and Mack were so patient with Noelle. I was proud of them.

2008-10-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

October 30, 2008

The Power of Elmo Panties!

Noelle started showing interest in using the potty this summer, just a few months after her second birthday. We encouraged her, but she was just not completely ready so we took a break for a few months. Lately, Noelle has been really into big girl panties and has wanted to wear her training panties or her big sister's panties.

My mother-in-law wanted to encourage Noelle to use the potty and offered her a treat if she would go for her. Noelle did use the potty and I suggested that her treat be Elmo panties (she likes Elmo). Noelle was so excited about the prospect of Elmo panties just for her. She sat down on the front steps that afternoon and told me that she was going to wait there for EB (what the kids call their grandmother) to bring her her Elmo panties. I told her it might be a while before EB got back with her new panties and suggested we go play. All afternoon Noelle kept asking me when EB was coming with her Elmo panties. Well that evening Noelle got her panties. She was so excited! She tried on just about every pair in the package. Sometimes she had on two or three pairs at the same time!

Now that Noelle had Elmo panties she did not want to wear her old boring diapers, so she began to use the potty and has been for the past three or four days. Elmo has stayed dry!! The Elmo panties that she is wearing changes every so often throughout the day still because she gets so excited about another pair of Elmo panties that she has to change and give the new pair a turn. :)

So, with the help of Elmo, Noelle is now potty trained!

The Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

October 18, 2008

It was a cool, crisp autumn day (our first here in South Carolina) and the perfect day to head to the pumpkin patch. Elyse, our four year old, had been asking if we could go and pick pumpkins. The kids loved picking out the "perfect" pumpkins. It was interesting to note that the older the child picking out the pumpkin, the larger the pumpkin. I named this picture, "Me and My Four Little Pumpkins." :)

The Little Mommy

2008-10-19T13:04:00.001-07:00

October 19, 2008

We jokingly call our two year old daughter Noelle, "The Little Mommy." She mothers and cares for her dolls, her siblings, and animals. The other day she was even carrying an earthworm around and talking to it and even giving it kisses--Yuck!

This afternoon I slipped off to use the bathroom off the kitchen, and I could hear Noelle asking her babydoll Annabelle what she wanted it to eat. I heard the pantry door open but apparently Annabelle did not see anything in the pantry that she wanted to eat. When I got into the kitchen I found the refrigerator door open and Noelle munching on a hotdog (already cooked). I found Annabelle seated at the kitchen table with a hotdog in front of her. I had a good laugh. It seems that Annabelle and Noelle share a favorite food. :)