Christmas Concert 2012

It pains me to go out of order here, but this post is ringing in my head (as laughter), so I've gotta do it now.  I'll go back and fill in later.  This past Sunday was the kids' Christmas concert at church.  This was Abby's first year to participate so she was thrilled.  She tried out for the solo, and got it, and mildly cared.  I think she was in it for the competition more than the act of singing.  Anyway, I tried to video the first service but my camera memory card was full.  Oops.  I deleted some pictures and was able to get the second service.  There were a few differences with the second service.  First of all, here is a picture of Abby singing at the first service:

Notice the nice ribbon on the front of her dress?  Well, at the second service when they walked down the aisle and stood at the front of the church, I noticed that Abby had taken the ends of the ribbon and tied them around her neck, thus hiking up the waistline and front of her dress.  Lovely.  I have no idea how the choir director didn't see this beforehand.  I made contact with Ashley and tried to sign language "what the heck did Abby do to her dress!??!" but she hadn't seen it either.  Also at the second service, Abby seemed to make it in with some of her "papers".  For those of you who aren't aware of Abby's fetish with papers, she just likes them.  Important and unimportant, she does not discriminate.  It doesn't matter what they say or where they are from - the free pamphlets at the library, lottery information at Winco, receipts (ours and ones found), Sunday school papers, coloring papers, junk mail papers, etc.  She even bought an accordion file at Fred Meyer to organize her library receipts.  I took her to the dollar store and told her she could pick out anything in the store and she picked out a 3-ring binder to organize her papers.  Am I making my point?!  Anyway, she managed to smuggle some of her important papers into the second service and sing with them.  She also randomly decided to go up to the microphone at the beginning of the song instead of when she was supposed to - right before her solo.  Not a big deal, I'm sure, but it just added to the confusion of it all. (as in, who is supposed to be controlling this kid?)   Anyway, she did great and got lots of compliments.  And what could I do but sit there and say, "that's Abby."

On a side note, Ashley and Abby were invited to sing with a children's choir performing at a performance of the Nutcracker this week.  They went yesterday to "try out" a variety of songs for the performance and they selected the song with Abby's solo in it.  I hesitate telling Abby not to do anything goofy thinking it might start her wheels turning.  Who knows what she could think of next. :)

Meeting the Fam

Jonathan has been thrilled to be able to meet so many members of his family.  He has been thoroughly loved on and does not lack receiving attention. (Some times he may wish for that though) :) First, the grandparents:

 

 

 

We made a trip to Bend as well, but I didn't bring my camera. :/  I'll add pics as soon as I get them from Andy's parents.  Chuck is recovering from brain surgery and can't send them right now.  Priorities.  Sheesh.  :) 

 

Although not a biological grandparent, I have to include a picture of Connie.  We've kind of kidnapped adopted her.

 

 

Of course he met Alli & Ian when he came home from the hospital.  And Jim, Becky & Scotty in Bend (also my failure in the picture taking process).  And as an added perk, he got to meet Eliza & Chan when they came to town for part of their 1st year anniversary trip!  We met them in Sherwood for breakfast and got to visit while the kids stayed busy with the camera. And lemons.

 

 

Sorry guys.  Those were some of the better pictures that they took.  Here is a nice family shot though:

 

   

This could be you one day!!!  :)  Breakfast with the Stoughton's at Rose's = birth control for the Parks. :)

Ashley's piano

Here is the video of Ashley's piano recital.  She's been taking lessons for just shy of 2 months and is loving it.  She was really nervous to play, but she did great.  I am regretting not still being able to play so we could do duets together.  I've told Ashley some of the ridiculous things I did as a kid to get out of practicing piano to which she always replies, "why would you do that?!"  Coming from a kid you can't pull off the piano.   

Abby's antics

There is no need to explain Abby's personality at this point, so in knowing that, here is a video from when we were at the park a couple of weeks ago.  I was explaining to the girls how to do a cherry drop and how you could have someone hold your hands and pull you up as you drop in order to learn how to do it.  Then, when you get older, you can eventually get your own momentum & do it yourself.  I was asking Ashley if she wanted to try it and I would hold her hands.  She thought about it and watched me do it with Abby and decided she didn't want to try it.  I was off to the side explaining to Ashley that God created her with an extra measure of caution, and she probably received Abby's dose as well, so not to be sad that "she can't do things that Abby does."  It's by choice (and often a wise one) and not purely based on ability.  As I was doing this, Ashley's eyes got really wide and she said, "Abby just tried it by herself!"  I asked Abby to do it again so I could see it (maybe not the smartest thing to encourage her recklessness) but of course she she was willing.  Remember the first priority for Abby is to get 'er done.  Technique and form are optional.

Life with Jonathan

The kids are loving having a new toy, I mean baby, around.  Jonathan is getting a lot of attention and is being included in lots of their games.  Here he is playing hide & seek.  It would have taken Abby longer to find him if he wasn't making so much noise.

In a more peaceful moment (rare) he got to take a nap with Daddy.  Andy wasn't really sleeping, but there is a lot of "pretend" sleeping going on nowadays to get some peace and quiet. :)

 

The girls were on a challenge to run 7 miles (over the course of several days).  Charlie had to bike the distance, and the baby got to ride.  Here are all the respective participants in their events.

 

I will sometimes give the baby a break by putting him on our bed to nap to keep away certain siblings who like to play with him as he naps.  This time it backfired though when the girls thought he would like to have his own special baby bed.  He might be a tad too big for it already.  :) 

 

 

It wasn't long before they came up with another option though.  The next bed size up:

 

 

Jonathan "sitting up all by himself".  Not sure he sees the humor in this.

Little Johnny finally scores a point.  Here he is pulling Abby's hair.  He absolutely would not let go.  He was also "sleeping" through this.  Hilarious.

 

One day the girls set up a mock photo studio, scheduled appointments and then took pictures.  Jonathan and Charlie were their only customers for the whole day, so they had a LOT of poses to choose from.

 

And of course, one video of his "free ride".  On a side note - Abby says countless times a day "mom, the baby is really fussy.  You should feed him."  And this is a typical example of his "fussiness". 

Now you know why the baby "sleeps" so much.  :)

 

Baby Jonathan is here!

Finally (only a month late), I can announce the birth of "the equalizer!"  In my mind, (and on the calendar), I still had two and a half weeks to prepare.  I had been "getting prepared" for almost a week, but maybe I should have started with "get out baby stuff" rather than have it last on my list.  I had accomplished a thorough cleaning of the entire house, made 12 quarts of applesauce, sorted all of the closets, and made a trip to Goodwill.  But the checking off of the list was put to a screeching halt there.  The last bit of productivity (3 hours to be exact) was spent with the girls weaving jump ropes out of old socks.  Anne seems to think this should have been a sign that labor was coming.  I'll have to get pregnant again to put that theory to the test. :)  Anyway, in hindsight, it was a great way to spend the afternoon, with the girls, and we have the jump ropes to always remember it by.  This is probably an hour into the project:

Anyway, when I stood up to make dinner, I could tell that "something" was happening.  I lived in denial for about an hour until I decided to pack.  After dinner we headed to the hospital, got there a little after 9pm, and Jonathan was born at 9:52.  Daddy and baby:

 

 

The next morning Alli drove down to watch the kids (leaving Seattle at 6am! Major points for that one) and she brought them by the hospital to meet their new brother.  (notice the jump rope around Abby's neck.  I love it.)

 

Charlie getting to hold the baby (with older sister Ashley supporting the head). :)

 

Andy dressing Jonathan.  Thanks for the take-home outfit Anne!  Didn't quite get to that either. :)

 

 

Getting ready to leave the hospital:

 

Charlie getting to hold the baby SOLO at home:

Alli had to fight for her chance to hold the baby, but those little kids were no match for her. 

Jonathan trying to nurse on Ian.  Interesting.

Ashley & baby.  Ashley's new nickname is "baby hog". :)

 

Sweet baby.  He loves to scrunch his legs up like this.  He's used to living in small spaces.  :)

 

A rare picture of Abby & Jonathan.  She loves to hold the baby, but her turn usually doesn't last long.  By preference and older sister presence.

 

Here are just a few more random shots we have.

 

 

As sad as I was to have the pregnancy over, it has been so amazing having a baby around again.  I am amazed each time how love multiplies.  We are so thankful for this bundle of love.

DENVER!!! (part three)

Welcome to the first Harper family reunion.  My Dad and Marge rented a house up in Estes Park, and the whole gang got together and spent a week up there.  It was awesome.  It was a large house, but there were 15 of us.  Good thing we all get along. :)

The dinner table:

The first day up there we went into Rocky Mountain National Park and explored.  The weather was perfect and it felt so great to be in the mountains.  The kids loved it.  The trail we were on crossed over this creek.  The high road:

And the low road:

Of course the girls had to press their luck and go back and forth several times.  Fortunately no one fell in.

 

I think this was near the top.  We weren't really sure where the "trail" was leading - it certainly didn't look like a trail to me, which did not help when I got abandoned, but that's another story. 

Alli & Ian in the same spot.  Ian gets a lot of grief, but this time I cannot specifically pinpoint him for ditching the pregnant lady carrying the backpack.  Although he did have me carry his water on another hike.  (sorry to call you out, Ian)

 

Ashley found lots of berries (raspberries?) along the way.  This is along a creek where there were lots of bushes.  She and Andy seemed very ok with consuming these berries.  I was a little more cautious being 8 months pregnant and all.  They seem to have lived through it.

Back at the house, the kids found many ways to stay entertained.  Some methods were quieter than others, but one that was not so quiet was the elevator.  They started utilizing the elevator about .017 seconds after entering the house.  They even made a directory so that anyone else riding the elevator (not that anyone else besides the kids had a chance to catch an elevator ride) could find whatever they were looking for. 

 

 

They also made a "Things to do" list in case (insert impossibility) someone actually lacked something to do.

 

The elevator was also equipped with toys and a water bowl for Bruno (the dog).  Nothing lacking here.

 

Well, the elevator was THE hit, until day 2, when Grandpa determined the elevator was "broken" and taped a big "DO NOT USE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" note to the button.  This was probably a big relief to Eliza and Chan whose bedroom was located in the elevator lobby on floor 2.  They deserve a private room next time. :)    So, the next hit was the hot tub.  This was equally loud, but at least was confined to one room.

 

 

 We walked down Main Street one day and the kids found these hard hats that they loved.  Letting them try them on and take pictures was a lot cheaper than buying them.

 

 

On day 3, Abby convinced Grandpa that her tooth was loose enough to pull.  "Loose enough to pull" has a very different meaning for Abby and Grandpa than the rest of the population, so it was a perfect combination if you're up for that.  Something took placed behind the closed door, which I was fine to not see, and moments later Abby emerged with her tooth hanging from a string of floss.  Both of them were very proud of themselves. :)

Day 4 took us on another hike.  I'm not sure exactly where this was.  I was a follower, not a leader this trip. (ok, always)  Here is Alli, the tour guide, with Ashley and Abby:

Bringing up the rear, the rest of the gang:

Grandma and Grandpa watching the monkeys scale the rock:

 

Abby helping Alli up the rock. :)

Group meeting.  Not sure what took place here, but it was big.

Cousins.  Not many serious pictures with this gang.

This is on a rock just outside the house we stayed in:

The cousins with Eliza and Chan who definitely do not encourage seriousness:

 

Dad and Marge.  I'm sure they were standing back just marveling at the sights and sounds of their offspring.

Day - whatever - I'm losing track - we went putt-putting.  Here is Laurel watching all of the kids.  Sorry, Laurel. :)

 

After (I WON) putt-putting, we drove by the Donut Haus - which was CLOSED! - so we consoled ourselves by going on the big slide  Yes, everything is a competition, and Alli won.

 

The next day we decided to explore the rocks behind our house.  To just say rocks seems like such an understatement.  It was a mini mountain.  Here we are starting to climb.  Did I mention they were steep?!?!

 

I said several prayers during the hike asking to come home with 3 kids.  The kids did not seem to care that they were merely feet away from plummeting to...well, something with not a very happy ending.

 

The roof just behind Andy's head is the top of the house we stayed in - also our starting point.

The last surge to the top.  Thank you Ian for keeping an eye on the baby.  Charlie entered a not-before-seen "I can do it by myself" stage.  Not good timing for this mama's heart. (although what timing would be good?)  :)

Going down was much less stressful.  We pretty much just slid.

 

This is a view of the "rock" we climbed.  So much for my low blood pressure.

 

I think this was the last day.  I forget the name of the falls, but this was our welcome sign:

 

 

Andy and Charlie in front of the treacherously slick boulders and icy water.

The kids on top of a not yet treacherously slick boulder and the icy water.

 

Alli and Ian with the same previously mentioned boulders and water.

 

Aunt Alli taking the precious children on the treacherously slick boulders and in the icy water.

Andy and the kids:

 

One big happy family:

 

 

 

Farewell, Estes Park!