The First Hundred

Introducing: Zuriya "Zuri" Quinn Kaiser

2009-12-09T12:50:00.005-06:00

We are blessed!

A New Outlook

2009-11-19T12:49:00.003-06:00

It was frustrating. My eyesight kept getting worse and worse. Would you believe, I was using "readers" over my bifocals in order to enjoy reading?!
All that has changed since I had cataract surgery. I am now the owner of two IOL's (intra-ocular lenses).... multi-focal ones, even. What a difference this had made in my life!
When I wake up in the middle of the night, I can see the clock on the dresser. Heck, I can even see the dresser. At work I'm tempted to show off a little bit, reading the tiniest print on the tiniest vials (did you know that some medications are actually made in the USA?). One of the first places I really appreciated my new-found visual prowess was in the shower; no more squinting to tell which bottle contains the shampoo. Wow! Good-bye glasses. I won't miss you a bit.
Now, excuse me while I go put shower cleaner on my shopping list.

Ha Ha, Fooled You

2009-11-04T12:03:00.002-06:00

Madison was visiting me this morning and started singing, "Ha, ha, fooled you! I'm so mean."
She said she learned it from Mommy and Daddy.
I couldn't wait to hear about this from KB, who laughed and said, "It's not quite right, Madison."
Here's the song (Reiley brought it home from Kindergarten):
"Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream.
Ha, ha, fooled you!
I'm a submarine."

I'm Just a Kid Again...

2009-10-19T07:55:00.003-05:00

...Doin' what I Did Again...

Having grandchildren gives you an excuse to renew your inner child.

In the Eye of the Beholder

2009-10-09T19:11:00.003-05:00

Recently I was ironing some of my uniforms when Karina stopped by with the girls. Kate (age 2) saw what I was doing and asked, "What's that?". I told her it was one of the scrub tops I had made to wear to work. "It's ugly", was her reply. I guess in her mind there are three colors: pink, purple, and ugly.

A New Start?

2009-10-06T16:44:00.001-05:00

I really need to dust off this blog. I agree with my buddy over at That's Life!
FaceBook gives you a snippet from many people's lives, and is a quick way to catch up "on the run". But I do miss the good old blogging days, when I actually had time to collect my thoughts and arrange them with some semblance of order. I'm not saying I've magically discovered large slots of free time; my life has drastically changed in the past three years. I'm just saying I'd like to occasionally get back to some real writing. No promises, but let's see where this leads...

It's Summer!

2009-07-29T16:42:00.004-05:00

Reiley took off the training wheels!

Luke loves to ride

Madison on her Strider

Kate on her Strider

Luke, Reiley, and Karina... it was cold up north!

Jason with the girls

Jason with the boys

It's ALMOST Summer

2009-06-17T12:42:00.007-05:00

Madison

Luke & Karina

...& Kate

Reiley

Best seats in the house, watching the alfalfa come down...

My White Picket Fence Dream

2009-05-22T19:29:00.005-05:00

What could be better than having a resident-painter?I love Mark's painting skills.......he makes it look easy, doesn't he?It's really nice having him around!

Now, if he would take up Chiropractic as a hobby.....

Sandwich of the day...

2009-05-20T14:10:00.004-05:00

Reiley's latest creation: bread, butter, peanut butter, apple slices, shredded colby-jack cheese, and chocolate pudding..... SANDWICH. And he ate the whole thing!

Next Step: Kindergarten!

2009-05-13T10:51:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Reiley on completion of his 2-year course of study.
He received his PSD (pre-school degree).

Kate was all smiles for the occasion.

Madison was, too, but wasn't in the mood at this particular moment.

Reiley was in a clowning mood.

I told him I would show him these pictures at his high school graduation...
(he said I wouldn't remember by then... we'll see)

Piano Duet

2009-05-10T13:40:00.003-05:00

Does this even need a caption?!

Kate & Madison giving us a piano concert.... what fun!

AWANA awards night

2009-05-07T14:07:00.002-05:00

Austin Family; almost everyone smiling...

Luke got his Puggles award...

...and Reiley got his Cubbies award.

Reiley got to stay overnight with us as part of the celebration.

Famous Quotes

2009-04-10T11:06:00.004-05:00

Josiah to Daniel: "Dad, you can talk with your brain and nobody else can hear you!"

Reverse Arbor Day

2009-04-04T19:27:00.003-05:00

PR got some help from Pete (thanks Pete), to take down a tree in our side yard.
It was too close to the fence, and beginning to lean towards the house.

It took just a couple of minutes to cut down,
but
four hours for PR and me to cut it into manageable pieces.

Anybody need some firewood?

Red Envelope Campaign

2009-03-30T08:37:00.003-05:00

I'm joining this campaign, to flood the White House mailbox with a message.
It's going in the mail tomorrow, March 31.

Happy Birthday, Reiley!

2009-03-22T12:41:00.003-05:00

Can you believe he's been blessing us for FIVE whole years?!

A Walk in the Park...

2009-03-05T10:20:00.003-06:00

Kate likes to take a walk, because she gets to ride in the stroller most of the time.

Reiley found a stone to throw into the creek.

Madison wants to throw a stone, too.

Luke was trying to get the swing going...

It's getting harder to get good pictures of these four.
Everyone moves too fast, and usually in different directions!

Making Bread

2009-02-18T12:00:00.003-06:00

Madison and Kate really got into making bread this morning.

Kate likes to ham it up.

Slumber Party

2009-01-23T21:02:00.003-06:00

Reiley's been asking to stay overnight for a while now, and I've finally got a Friday night off to be home and accommodate him.

He brought some of his furry friends along and tucked them in beside him.

Earlier, we'd gone out to Culver's... but first he thought it'd be fun to spike his hair.
(This is the longest his hair has ever been. What fun!)

Papi's Boy

Cold Sunshine

2009-01-15T08:22:00.003-06:00

Faces

2009-01-07T13:14:00.002-06:00

Josiah is really into making faces these days.

It was fun having him visit last weekend.

Check 'em Out!

2009-01-01T11:56:00.004-06:00

Two of my nieces have blogs that are noteworthy. Check out their adventures. You won't be disappointed.
Jen's
Nicole's

More Chirstmas Pictures

2008-12-28T19:00:00.002-06:00

Daniel, Josiah, Ellanora & Andrea
came to visit!

Christmas (and K&M Birthday) Pictures

2008-12-28T18:55:00.007-06:00

Kate

Madison

Luke

Kate sharing with Uncle Mark

Cheese

Madison with "BeeBee" and Kate with "Boye"
(they picked the names)

Reiley (& Jason) had fun with magnets

Reiley likes the book, G-ma Mimi

Sword fight!

Happy 2nd birthday, Kate & Madison!

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-24T11:27:00.003-06:00

It's a hot chocolate kind of day.
Don't you agree?OK, I've got the pictures.... how many days until Spring?

Pre-School Christmas Program

2008-12-17T12:11:00.001-06:00

Reiley's "Bunny Chirstmas" play
(he's the tallest one...)

Luke, watching the program

Kate & Madison, with Daddy

Snack Time

Seriously watching Santa Claus

Next in line...... I would like a fast race track...Kate, running from Santa

Ready for Christmas?

2008-12-12T21:16:00.004-06:00

This year, it was up to Mark and Reiley to put up the decorations...

Amazingly, they got it done...
Amazing.
In other news.... one of Santa's elves has been very busy in the doll workshop.

The Original Five

2008-12-02T13:13:00.003-06:00

It was a unique experience to recently attend a wedding with our "original" family of five... Jason and Andrea stayed home to take care of the grandkids. It's been a long time since we've taken a picture of this family grouping.

We are Thankful!

2008-11-29T08:49:00.002-06:00

Papi's thankful for Reiley's help

Reiley's thankful he can help

We're all thankful Karina is on her feet after surgery

Karina's thankful for mashed potatoes

Mark's thankful for turkey

Luke's thankful he can drink from a big boy glass
(Relax, it's water)

Jason's thankful for a new car
(Love this picture of Lukie digging in!)

Madison and Kate are thankful, two

Making Progress

2008-11-27T09:40:00.002-06:00

Birds and Worms

2008-11-24T11:52:00.003-06:00

Reiley stayed overnight, and was up early having fun with Play-Doh.

Say Goodbye...

2008-11-19T13:08:00.005-06:00

... to the kitchen border and blue paint.

It's time to change the look preferred by the former homeowners...
(the guys seem to like this border, but it's not my favorite.)

This is Mark's work-in-progress....
he got called to another job (one that pays), but he'll be back.I'm looking forward to posting the finished project...
Right now I'm teasing Mark about feeling like the shoemaker's kids waiting for shoes.
But, he does great work, so it'll be worth the wait!

More Yard Work

2008-11-14T10:07:00.003-06:00

Luke

Reiley

Kate

Madison

Uncle Mark and his helpers

Rakin' Leaves

2008-11-04T13:09:00.005-06:00

I had two of the best helpers over for a visit this morning.
Two girls, one rake, no fights.
(With Reiley and Luke... one rake would never do.)

Outdoor November

2008-11-04T07:31:00.002-06:00

This weather has been great! Can it really be November?

Pastor Appreciation Month

2008-10-26T13:38:00.002-05:00

Thank you, Church Family, for the special carry-in dinner today!
And... thanks, Sunday School Kids, for the "Blessing Mix"! Nice presentation.

Pastor Appreciation Month

2008-10-24T18:26:00.000-05:00

Blockbuster gift card!
Thanks Hospitality Committee

Sconces and Books!
Thank you Katherine

Pastor Appreciation Month

2008-10-22T08:06:00.002-05:00

Goodies from Tanners Orchard!
Thank you, Gene & Gloria

Pastor Appreciation Month

2008-10-21T08:38:00.004-05:00

Words of Wisdom!
Thanks, Outreach Committee

Treats from the Little Chocolatier!
Thanks, Anonymous.

'O-Lanterns

2008-10-20T10:30:00.003-05:00

Our traditional Kaiser-o-lantern....
Ceramic, but still intact in spite of curious grandkids.

Mark's newly-fashioned Bob-o-lantern.
(...named for the cartoon character PR dubbed "Square-Bob-Short-Legs"
when he couldn't think of his real name...)

Pastor Appreciation Month

2008-10-19T12:46:00.003-05:00

Nice Sunday dinner!
Thanks, Mark.

Yumm and Yummier!
Thanks, Men's Prayer Breakfast group.

Pastor Appreciation Month

2008-10-16T08:31:00.003-05:00

Wow!
Thanks, Juanita.

Pastor Appreciation Month

2008-10-14T18:40:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving decoration, Dove chocolates, and gift certificates!
Thanks, Anonymous.

Outdoor October!

2008-10-14T15:18:00.000-05:00

Kate and Madison, on the move...
We are taking advantage of every minute to be outside when the weather is this beautiful.

Maddie-Doodle

Kater-Bug

Reiley's Rescue Crew

Lukie-Pooker, being himself...

Pastor Appreciation Month

2008-10-13T08:33:00.003-05:00

A harvest welcome, kitchen towels, candle and chocolates!
Thanks, Anonymous.

Pastor Appreciation Month

2008-10-12T19:08:00.003-05:00

Love this wall plaque!
Thanks Michael, Jill, Ashley, and Cameron.

Pastor Appreciation Month

2008-10-11T10:38:00.002-05:00

Chocolates!
Thanks Rick & Teri

Pastor Appreciation Month

2008-10-10T13:10:00.001-05:00

A beautiful presentation...

of a really nice centerpiece!
Thank you, Pat and Mike.

Pastor Appreciation Month

2008-10-09T08:59:00.003-05:00

All the necessities:
Chocolate, Nuts, and Gas Money!
Thank you, Gebhardts

Pastor Appreciation Month

2008-10-08T10:31:00.004-05:00

What a lovely flower arrangement!

Thank you, Jim & Gerry.

Beautiful table runner, gourds and a gift card!
Thanks, Lynette & Charlie.

Pastor Appreciation Month

2008-10-07T08:45:00.000-05:00

Yummy, homemade soup and bread!
Thanks, Shirley.

...and a beautiful arrangement of goodies!
Thanks Becky, Mark, Claire and Zachary.

Pumpkin Dash

2008-10-05T07:48:00.000-05:00

The kids all ran in the Pumpkin Dash yesterday. We were glad Great G-Ma Mimi could be here for the event. Here's Madison, getting ready to run her heat.

The girls got a bit bored waiting for the boys to run their races.
(There were hundreds and hundreds of kids there!)

Luke (yellow sweat shirt) ran well, and had a ball!

Reiley (green shirt) kept up a good, smooth pace...

...and finished well.
They all got a pumpkin and bag of candy at the end.
It was a beautiful day for an outing.

Pastor Appreciation Month

2008-10-05T07:32:00.005-05:00

Thanks, Kay, for these yummy individual banana breads and the mousepad/photo display.
Very creative.
P.S. I found out that "Anonymous" (previous post) is Larry and Marilyn. (Thanks!)

October - Pastor Appreciation Month!

2008-10-02T08:53:00.001-05:00

October 2nd already! Our church asked us to put the basket back on our front porch for the month of October. Wow, they are the best!

Now that I'm working full time at the hospital, I'm afraid I won't be able to keep up with frequent photos of the appreciation gifts from our wonderful church family. But, here's a picture of the goodies so far. Thank you Jim & Rose, Austins, and Anonymous!

Clean up Time

2008-09-25T15:40:00.000-05:00

Kate and the Boys,
Pickin' Up the Toys

After an hour or so of backyard play, the place was covered with toys; inside toys, outside toys, sandbox toys... you name it, it was out there. This basket and 3 little helpers made short work of the cleanup. Madison? She couldn't wait one minute while I got the camera ready...

Luke

2008-09-17T07:21:00.003-05:00

Thanks for sharing your big cupcake with us.
We will be over again on Saturday, for your "real" party.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Luke!

2008-09-16T09:01:00.003-05:00

Lucas Benjamin Austin
9-16-05

Three years, already?!

You've brought us a lot of smiles, Pookie.
Have a wonderful birthday.

Who is the REAL Top Dog?

2008-09-10T12:52:00.004-05:00

Josiah

Daniel

Madison

LukePapi

Aha!!

2008-09-07T19:40:00.000-05:00

In the end, we were more persistent than Mr. Groundhog. Yes, we finally caught him!
Here's Mark, celebrating the occasion.

Life With Reiley

2008-08-28T08:30:00.001-05:00

Yesterday the weather was perfect. Karina and I were trying to decide what to do with the kids today, when I'd have the day off from work. We resorted to spelling things like, "We could go to the p-a-r-k, or maybe the z-o-o.... or, how about a p-i-c-n-i-c?" Reiley was beside himself, wanting to be in on the secret plans. As they drove away, he sat in the back seat saying, "Mom, you have to tell me! I'm having a meltdown!"

Today, we woke up to a gray-sky, drizzly kind of day. Now who's having the meltdown?!

Park Ranger

2008-08-23T14:16:00.001-05:00

On a recent camping trip, a jeep drove by as Daniel and Josiah were sitting by their campsite. Daniel said, "Look, there's the Park Ranger. Say hi!"

Josiah waved, and said, "Hi! The Park is that way." as he pointed down the road.

Daniel asked, "Why did you tell him which way the Park is?"

Josiah replied, "You said he's the Park Stranger..."

Making Brownies

2008-08-22T07:31:00.000-05:00

Luke's Soccer Debut

2008-08-20T09:05:00.001-05:00

Luke had his first Li'l Kickers soccer game yesterday. I was at work, so missed the big event. But here's the quote, as he waited on the sidelines before the game: "Mommy, should I just go out there and kick somebody?"

Cookies

2008-08-14T13:11:00.001-05:00

Flour, flour, everywhere...

(I think Reiley was tired this morning)

The Clean-up Crew

Snack Time

2008-08-11T07:52:00.003-05:00

This crew loves snack time.

Mmmm, Sweet Corn!

2008-08-09T15:10:00.000-05:00

Ellnaora is Walking!

2008-08-06T11:50:00.000-05:00

Check out Daniel's video clip for living proof.

Kids

2008-07-28T12:27:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday Karina.
Your brothers should have put you in the middle, where you belong!

Uncle Mark

2008-07-27T11:29:00.000-05:00

Uncle Mark is the best story-reader!Everybody growl!

Madison

2008-07-26T09:40:00.002-05:00

I have nothing special to say today....
I just liked this picture of Madison, and wanted to post it.

Six Shades Lighter

2008-07-23T13:29:00.004-05:00

I finally got it done.
Vanity? I guess so....

Weeds!

2008-07-22T14:11:00.000-05:00

I caught the guys working hard at uprooting some weeds. Papi was giving a lesson on how weeds are like sin; they both take root quite easily and spread like crazy, taking over the living grass around them.

Daniel's Tribute

2008-07-20T07:23:00.000-05:00

Daniel posted a first year video of Ella. Check it out.

All Out War

2008-07-16T12:10:00.000-05:00

Now that Mr. Groundhog has been foiled, we're in a new battle.
I can't tell you how many thousands of beetles we've trapped already. We've changed the bag 3 times in two days. I guess we should have weighed the bags. Several pounds, I'm sure.

This thing REALLY works.
But I hope you don't need one in your yard.
Those beetles have almost demolished our ornamental pear tree.

More Party Pictures

2008-07-15T12:20:00.000-05:00

Ellanora, the Birthday Girl

Cooling off on a hot day...

Josiah, before the "crash"

Reiley, before the "crash"
(we didn't get any pictures of the crash or Jojo's black eye or the bump on Reiley's forehead...)

Jason, the Human Torpedo

Madison

Kate

Papi!

3 generations

The Okies Came to Town!

2008-07-14T08:50:00.000-05:00

Blogger Friends Uncle Joe, Aunt Josephina, and daughters Carly and Cassidy came to help us celebrate Ella's first birthday.

Finally getting to meet someone you've gotten to know by blogging is a unique experience.
It was like being with old friends from the moment they arrived.Thanks for coming!

Ella Turns One

2008-07-13T07:21:00.000-05:00

Thanks, Karina and Jason, for hosting the party!
Hang on to your "cake lady". She does a great job.

To be continued...

The Lineup

2008-07-12T22:23:00.000-05:00

This isn't the best picture of the day, but it's historical.
This is the first picture of our "complete" family... well, 3 generations, anyway.
Today we celebrated Ellanora's first birthday.
More photos to come...

Happy First Birthday, Ella!

2008-07-10T10:47:00.002-05:00

Can it be a whole year already?!

Happy Birthday, Ella-bo-Della. Can't wait to celebrate with you.
See you soon!

More Weekend Fun

2008-07-01T13:49:00.004-05:00

Weekend Fun

2008-06-30T14:35:00.001-05:00

We visited 3 playgrounds (1 of them twice).
This was the only one where I took pictures.

It was very hot and muggy, but the kids didn't care.

Kate, the climber

Madison walked all the way to the top!

Swinging with Mommy

Cousin Rachel and Owen were there...

Owen, at the top......sliding down...

...caught by Reiley

Reiley's turn
Don't forget Luke!

Great-Gramma Mimi

2008-06-29T21:00:00.000-05:00

Karina and I took her kids on a three-day trip to Great-Gramma Mimi's house in Minnesota. It was an adventure from start to finish. Thank you, G-ma Mimi for all you do! (More pictures to follow.... I need to get some rest...)

After the Rain...

2008-06-25T16:54:00.000-05:00

It was too wet to play in the sandbox, so Kate played on it.

Madison thought splashing in the puddles was the BEST.

Reiley cannot sit still when there's a deck to be mopped.

"Hey, you guys! I just saw something strange in the kitchen."

"Ha ha ha, Look at Papi!"

Silly Papi with dog ears.

Happy Birthday, Paula

2008-06-24T10:19:00.000-05:00

(and Happy Anniversary, too...)

Don't work too hard on your Special Day (wink, wink)

It's Officially Summer...

2008-06-23T12:53:00.000-05:00

...if there's fresh sand in the sandbox.

A Rolling Stone...

2008-06-21T13:48:00.001-05:00

...gathers no moss, so they say.

There's no moss growing under these happy feet.
Luke & Madison especially enjoy kicking up the dust.
(I think it's the dust that's been gathering on this blog... I've been much too busy these days.)

Li'l Kickers Soccer

2008-06-11T06:24:00.000-05:00

Reiley, on the ball

Time out to refuel

Luke on the sidelines

Kate being cheese-y

Madison says, "Put me in, Coach!"

Soccer Fans

S'mores

2008-06-05T06:58:00.000-05:00

Scribbles

2008-06-04T07:11:00.000-05:00

My blogger friend, Corry, has an amazing, God-given talent. Well, she has more than one talent, but I'm talking about her pencil drawings. My collection is now complete! At least until we add another grandchild... hee hee!
Go visit Corry's Scribbles here. You won't be disappointed.
Thank you, Corry, for sharing your wonderful talent.

The Groundhog Solution

2008-06-03T18:14:00.000-05:00

Thanks, PR, for all your hard work.

Mr. Groundhog doesn't stand a chance...

Keeping Busy

2008-05-30T09:48:00.003-05:00

"Look at all these "helicopter" seeds."

"Papi, get the saw... these branches are hanging too low."

"I want to help, too."

"Wait for me! Why can't I fit through here?""I guess I'll use the steps...""How did you get over there, Kate?""I sneaked through the gate when Reiley opened it."

(maybe Kate should show the boys how to get it through the gate...)

"Got it!"

Teamwork

Happy Anniversary, PR

2008-05-25T13:30:00.003-05:00

I've had you eating out of my hand for 34 years now...

We interrupt this program...

2008-05-14T11:03:00.001-05:00

A hail storm preempted yesterday's Lil' Kickers soccer games.
Not too long before taking these pictures, I was dozing in the warmth of the sun in my backyard.
Here in northern Illinois you have to be ready for anything.

My Brother's Keeper

2008-05-13T14:19:00.003-05:00

Today Reiley starts Lil' Kickers soccer at the YMCA. (I don't have to work today, so I'll get to see this first "game" of the season. Yay!) We all went to the mall this morning to get him outfitted: cleats, shin guards, socks and shorts; because he's grown from a big 3-year-old (see last year's photo) into a bigger 4-year-old, and nothing from last year fits him anymore.

While Karina's wallet was still smoking, I talked to Reiley about what position he might play, and asked if he might want to be the goal-keeper.

"Maybe. I don't know, yet."

When it was Luke's turn to sit on my lap, he said, "I'm going to be the ZOO-keeper."

I think he heard someone say that Reiley's team this year might be the "Pandas".Zoo-keeper Luke, with Madison and Kate

What's Next?

2008-05-08T11:55:00.000-05:00

Apparently, you can catch a raccoon with cabbage leaves...

...and freshly-planted marigolds.

But the boys are still hoping to catch Mr. Groundhog.

A Fine Catch

2008-05-05T10:51:00.001-05:00

This little guy went for the peanut butter-smeared broccoli. It looks like we know how to catch a squirrel. Meanwhile, the hunt continues for Mr. Groundhog. You know, the big guy that's taken up residence under our deck. He sits on the lower step, sunning himself... and sticking his tongue out at us all the while. We'll get him, yet.

Say It With Flowers

2008-05-02T16:05:00.001-05:00

Reiley and I went flower-shopping today. He really enjoys seeing all the different colors and types, and helping me plan where to plant what. We'll plant them another day, but he insisted on arranging them for me on the deck. As I drove him home, he gave me clear instructions on how to take care of them: enough water and sunlight, and not too much wind. I assured him I'd be careful to look after them.

He's excited about getting their little garden tilled and talked about planting tomatoes and sunflowers. He said he planted an apple seed in the garden a "long time ago", but the "orchard tree" never grew. I could tell he was disappointed. We had a conversation about how trees take a long time to grow, and that his neighbor has TWO apple trees but they don't eat the apples; they just let them fall and get "yucky". He says if they don't eat them this year, he's going to ask for some.

It was quite windy today, and as we made one of our stops I reached into my purse for a comb. Reiley asked if he could comb my hair, so I said, "OK, but it might take a while to make me beautiful." He made couple of passes with the comb and said, "There. That's good enough. You're always beautiful."

Four years old. He already loves gardening and he's already a diplomat.

The Hand-Off

2008-04-30T13:33:00.000-05:00

Josiah fell asleep on the way to meet Mommy.

Reunited.

I got to cuddle with Ella.

Futebol with Josiah

2008-04-28T21:03:00.000-05:00

Josiah came for a three-day weekend.
The weather Friday was nice, then it turned chilly, but any weather is good soccer weather, right?