The Lenzendorf Family

Getting caught up

2009-12-17T14:39:00.000-06:00

Today I have finally made some progress, so I have gotten a little caught up. November is done except for one post. I will be working on that as well as the beginning of December in the next few days. I am working on getting things done for Christmas...can't believe it is next week...time is flying. Hope you enjoy the many posts.
Thanks,
Jen

Enchantment in the Park

2009-11-29T22:48:00.003-06:00

Tonight we were plannign on attending the West Bend Christmas parade but due to a late napper did not make it. I did find something to take the place of it. The county fair ground has started something new for the season. They have done a light show. You drive thru the grounds and they have the trees done in lights as well as the buildings. It is over 300,000 lights. Part of the lights dance with music. They also have Santa and Mrs. Claus, a concessions area and reindeer playarea for the kids to make a craft. This all free admission with a donation to the local food pantry. Here are some pictures from the adventure. We are hoping to go back once there is snow on the ground. Plus we had to leave unexpectedly due to an accident.
Enjoy!
Jen

A day for mommy...

2009-11-28T22:40:00.001-06:00

Today I took some time for myself. I signed up for a 12 hour scrapbooking crop. It was so nice to get away and take the time for me. Plus I got to work on the kids scrapbook and got a lot done. Jeremy and the kids had a great day together! Here is a cute picture he took during the day. Alex kept putting the bear in front of his face when daddy was trying to take a picture...Zach found it very funny. They are too cute!

Walking Dinosaurs

2009-11-27T22:01:00.002-06:00

The kids have found a interesting new toy...string to sweatshirts. Jeremy had one come out of his sweatshirt...that was not enough, everyone wanted one. So upstairs I ran and pulled the string from my only 2 hooded sweatshirts...lol, the things mommies will do for their kids. The string eventually became leashes...no not for each other but their dinosaurs...lol. Jeremy was able to get some pictures of them taking the dinos for walks...

These kids are hilarious!!! Notice Charlie, the cat, in the pictures. It did not take long for the leashes to be cat lures. Again I ask myself...why do we have so many toys??? Gotta love kids imaginations!!!

Love, Jen

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2009-11-26T21:01:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!! We have plenty to be thankful for...most importantly our healthy, precious, much loved children. I cannot imagine life without them. I am also thankful to be marrried to my best friend and cannot imagine where I'd be today without him. I am thankful that we have a roof over our head and food on the table. We are not rich by any means but are able to pay our bills, keep the roof over our head and keep our bellies full...in today's economy things can change in a moment, so I am thankful for what we have now. I am thankful for the journey we had to get to where we are today as it has made me a stronger and better person. I am thankful that I can help others thru their struggles and can honestly say I have been there done that. Although it is hard to understand why we were put thru what we were, but it has made us the people we are today. We are so grateful to have the three amazing kids we have, our marriage/relationship is stronger than ever and we look at things in a much different way. So anyways on to the day's activities.
Today started out with daddy and the kids watching the Macy's parade. While still in their jammies, daddy lined up their rockers. I think they all enjoyed it!

Of course I had to try to get a nice picture of them once they were dressed up as I knew it would not last long once we were at grandma's and grandpa's. Also we have found out that Zach is that type of boy that does not want to be dressed up, so we were on borrowed time with him being in a dress shirt. Here is the crew before we left.

Soon after arriving, we had quick picture of the 4 kids. We also took a family picture. It is not hte best considering 2 cameras were taking pictures and Jeremy and I are looking at one each. It was not long after this picture that Zach lost his shirt.

Alex and Zach playing with Lexi...notice that Zach does not have his shirt on...lol.

Liz being a goof...

Thanks to my parents for hosting and all the delicious food. We had a very nice time being with everyone. Oh yea, almost forgot...we are thankful that Alex decided to be potty trained today...could I possibly have 3 potty trained by Christmas...that would be awesome!!!

Love, Jen

Thank Goodness for Technology

2009-11-23T19:27:00.001-06:00

Even though Auntie Jackie was here there is no substitute for daddy. Thankfully this year the kids talk on the phone and even better both us and Jeremy's parents are on Skype. We are obviously thankfully for technology in many, many ways and this is just another reason. Here are the kids talking to daddy. Conversations are not the longest but at least they get to see him and ask him if he "caught" a deer yet. One of the things they missed most was giving hugs and kisses at bedtime. So I taught them to hug and kiss one of their stuffed animals...pretending it was daddy and that daddy would know they were hugging him. Worked like a charm and was the most heart melting thing to see. They LOVE their daddy.
Love, Jen

Opening Weekend

2009-11-22T18:03:00.004-06:00

We were very lucky this year to have Auntie Jackie come stay with us opening weekend of deer hunting. As you may or may not know, Jeremy is a deer hunter. He would love to bow hunt but has not gotten the time to do so, but he does take advantage of the gun season. This does leave me a widow and has since we started dating. Before kids it was a lot longer and right before kids he got called home from deer hunting due to the timing of our fertility shots and such. Since the kids were babies he has gone for at least the opening weekend. I try to give him as much time as possible as it is not only deer hunting but time with his dad. It is a bonding time that I hope one day he shares with our kids as well (I see a vacation in mommy's future...yea so it may be a few years off yet, but one has to dream right..lol). With the kids being at the stage they are I was so happy to have my sister around for a few days out of Jeremy's time away. Jeremy left for work on Friday morning and was planning on being back some time Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. Auntie Jackie got here late Thursday night, so she was here first thing when the kids got up. They loved seeing her...and her animals!
Friday afternoon Lexi was here for a little bit, so Jackie and I did a project with the kids. We made hand turkeys. The kids loved it and we very patient with us.
The girls...
The boys...

Auntie Jackie giving a helping hand to Zach...no pun intended...

Liz putting the finishing feet on her turkeys...

Lexi putting black everywhere...

Zach contemplating his next stroke...

Alex working on giving his turkeys feet...

I think the kids liked playing with Jackie before bedtime and I think Jackie liked playing with them as well.

We did do some playing outside...blowing bubbles and playing in the playyard. Here Auntie Jackie gives Liz a push on the swing.

The main attraction of course was the animals. The kids took every chance they could to pet the bunny and kitties. They helped whenever needed. Here is Liz with Sal. I see a bunny in our future...

and Alex...

and Zach.

Zach petting Libby...

Alex petting Inky...

The munchkins with their Auntie Jackie...

Thank you Jackie for coming and staying with us. Your help was greatly appreciated! Look forward to the next time. We missed you as soon as you left. Love you lots!

Love, Jen

Blowin' Bubbles

2009-11-20T17:13:00.002-06:00

Blowing bubbles is VERY popular in our house. No matter what the weather, the kids want to do it. This first picture was taken in the beginning of the month as Jeremy and I did fall yard work. It was a gorgeous day to be out and why not have some fun with the bubbles.
Another time we did bubbles was today. Gave the kids something new to do. This time we were in the shower. They had a blast!

Let's dress up

2009-11-15T16:47:00.002-06:00

When daddy got home today from his trip across the state he had a wonderful surprise. Thankfully Aunt Jeanne was able to find some clearanced Halloween costumes. The kids love them! We could not get them out of the packages fast enough.
Alex was very proud to show off the fireman costume including an ax...we shall see who gets whacked with that first...lol.

Liz will make a pretty bride one day...hopefully the ax will not be needed...lol.
I am sure Zach would make a great Army commander...he liked the cell phone that was with the outfit best.

Big thanks to Aunt Jeanne for thinking of us and picking these great costumes up. Makes dress-up a little more fair...we only had dresses before...lol.

Love, Jen

Tea anyone???

2009-11-14T15:54:00.002-06:00

This morning I worked and once I got home Jeremy left to go to his parent's to prepare his gun for the hunting season. The first up from nap was Liz. She decided to entertain herself (and me) with hosting a tea party with three bears. First she sat everyone down at the table...

and made sure everyone was pushed in...

and then served everyone food and beverage.

After all the bears were done she had tea with this bear one on one. She made sure the bear was sitting nicely then put the tea right in front of him. The conversation that happened during this party was too cute and funny. BTW, she will make a great hostess someday.

Daddy's clean-up crew

2009-11-12T15:21:00.000-06:00

Daddy finally finished cutting and splitting the wood for this heating season. The kids enjoyed giving him a hand with the clean up process. Their job was to pick up the bark and small pieces and put them into the wheelbarrow.
Here they are cleaning while daddy splits the last pieces...
They each had their own bucket...

although I would love to say that they cleaned the whole area...this lost it's appeal after a few buckets full.

The next night they had a little area left where daddy throws the wood into the basement to clean. Easiest way to get the kids from point A to point B...a ride...can you tell they enjoyed it!!!

Daddy's three helpers...wait til next year...mommy may have some quiet time...lol.

Playdate at Auntie Jean's

2009-11-11T15:41:00.002-06:00

This morning we changed up things...Auntie Jean did not have to work so we went to her house to play. Lexi LOVES having the kids come to her house to play with her things. She acts very proud...it is cute to watch. Even though the kids were there to play on Halloween they stayed downstairs with all the other kids, so today was time to check out Lexi big girl room. It took only moments before they had the room pulled apart. They found many things to play with.
Like these princess mouse ears...isn't she cute?!?!

Or how about a horse to ride...
Lexi and Zach started to playing in the crib and it took only moments to have all 4 in the crib. Some days it seems so hard to remember that stage.
We had a fun time playing with Auntie Jean and Lexi. Thank you for letting us come over and destroy your house...lol.
Love, Jen

A trip to a different type of zoo

2009-11-07T15:19:00.010-06:00

So our plans for this weekend were to head down to Nana & Papa's so daddy could get his gun ready for hunting. I found out mid week that the Milwaukee County Zoo was having Free Family Day. On these days it is free admission for everyone, the only thing you pay for is $10 for parking. Not to mention the weather was predicted to be great! For a family of 5 to get in for $10 is AWESOME! On a normal day it would be over $60 to park and get in...so it made a lot of sense to change plans. Unfortunately Nana and Papa could not make it here to go with us. We met Jean, Lexi and Grandma in the parking lot. All the kids were very excited to be at the zoo. The weather was awesome, could not have asked for better. And although it was free, the amount of people was not awful. We had one building (The Big Cats building) where the amount of strollers, wagons and people came to a stand still. Everyone was waiting for the tiger cubs to come out, so we made a bee line out of there. The only other line, which we would have on a normal day, was the food line. I had thought about packing a lunch, but just ran out of time. We still spent less than admission and parking on a normal day...how cool is that?!?!? The kids LOVED it. They loved it when we went to Madison Zoo, but they got to see a lot more animals today. Even with waking early (about 6:15am) and pushing them way past naptime (normally 1:30) they held it together. By the time we headed home it was after 3pm and they were asleep within a few minutes of being on the road. Here are the pictures from our adventure.
Not the best picture of the sign in front, but I took it at the end of the day...
I think they are ready!

Checking out the flamingos...sleeping standing on one leg...

The penguins were swimming around which had the kids mesmerized...

The kids taking front seat to watch two birds (I forget what type) eating breakfast...pumpkins...

The monkeys checking out the monkeys...notice Zachary...trying to climb in, of course!

Daddy and the boys...

Mommy and the kids checking out the gorilla...

Me and my boys...

A break for a quick snack...

I had to take this picture...my 3 bears...

The kids checking out the elk...

Daddy helping Liz get a better view of something...

Liz checking out the camels...

Now this Jaguar is comfortable!

Liz and Grandma checking out the Jaguar...

and daddy and the boys checking him out too.

The lions also enjoying the beautiful day...

Daddy and Alex checking him out...

Liz and Zach checking out the Zebra...

This is a picture of the Big Cat building that we left...can you see all the people??? Daddy is helping the kids look at....

him! He is beautiful...not even sure what he is but the sign said to keep kids off the glass and no sudden movement as the cat is very sensitive...hmmm...glad there is glass between us, right???

Auntie Jean, daddy and the kids checking out the one thing Alex wanted to see badly...

giraffes! We got to them just in time as one was headed in and this one is making a dash to get in for lunch.

Up on daddy shoulders to get a better view of...

the elephants! Everyone got a turn to get up...thanks daddy!After lunch we saw the sea lions...

and the kids got the treasures mom had been collecting along the way...plastic molded animals...A lion for Alex, a tiger for Liz and the three monkeys (hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil) for Zach. I remember these molds from when we'd go to the zoo when I was a kid. Love them! I think they take after me in their love for them...lol!

The last of actual exotic animals was the Hippo...due to it getting late we did skip some animals...there will be future zoo trip and the kids were getting pretty tired so to avoid meltdowns we headed to...

the farm animal areas. Not real exciting for the kids as they have seen most of these animals in person, but there are different types so still something new. Liz checking out the cows...

and daddy with Alex...Zach checking them out from ground level...

We had such a great day as you can probably tell from the pictures. The kids made the adventure even more special by putting their special touches on it! Like the leaves...I won't go into all of it but they all had leaves that they held onto for most of the day...there was leaf hunts too. Also them saying hi and good-bye to the animals. Them being so excited to see a particular animal. As we headed out of the zoo we made one last stop. My mom has the pictures of it, so you'll just have to believe me...lol. We ended our day on the carousel. We look forward to the next visit to the zoo.

Love, Jen

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-10-31T18:11:00.003-05:00

Trick or Treat!!! Before leaving daddy needed some help putting his beer away that I picked up earlier...with three willing volunteers it does not take long...
Cheers!

First stop, grandma and grandpa's...Grace needed to check out their first treat...

I debated dressing up as Goldilocks, but I think the 3 bears are pretty simple to figure out...

Time to load back up and head to Auntie Jean's house to go trick or treating...

We are going to have some fun...

We took turns waking up to doors with them. Some high steps along with short porches made for a few stumbles, but we made it thru it warm and dry.

My little three bears...I love em! I had such a great Halloween with them...from pumpkin hunting to ringing doorbells with them!

A Party...

2009-10-30T18:03:00.004-05:00

The kids' first Halloween party happened at school/daycare today. I picked out their costumes last year after Halloween. I was quite anxious to see them dressed up. They are the cutest 3 bears I have ever seen. Even though we started off late this morning, I was able to feed, dress in clothes and costumes and get out the door in 45 minutes and on time! The kids had a blast at the party...they came home with a bag of goodies that me and the other mommies made as well as a bag from the school. We also now have dracula teeth that Zach just loves! After school we stopped in at the clinic I work at. It was nice to have my coworkers see the kids as they don't see much of them or me really. Go figure, I got a couple pictures of my teddy bears.
The eldest bear (only by 5 minutes)...Alex

The only girl bear (holds her own very well)...Liz

Our baby bear (but you'd never know it)...Zach...

Let's party!!!!

1st Pumpkin Carving

2009-10-28T17:37:00.001-05:00

We finally got to carving the pumpkins. It was so much fun! We were not real sure if the kids would let us cut their pumpkins. Let me tell you how loved these pumpkins are...every morning the kids would say hi to them...give kisses on their stems and hug them...they LOVED them, so cutting was a delicate issue. Jeremy started out by drawing faces on them. The kids got to pick out what shapes daddy would draw.
Here is the crew working on Alex's pumpkin...
Finished faces...

Once we cut one pumpkin, everyone jumped on board with the idea. Daddy could not cut them fast enough. Alex used the spoon the whole time...

Liz did not mind getting her hands dirty...

Zach was more interested in putting on and taking off the "lid"...and tipping the pumpkin over to dump out the seeds...

The work area...

The aftermath...Alex's finished pumpkin...Liz's finished pumpkin...

Zach's finished pumpkin...

The trio...Alex and Zach's are looking at Liz's and hers is looking at both of them...lol.

From pumpkins to Jack-o-lanterns

Hotel Lenzendorf

2009-10-27T16:55:00.009-05:00

As you may remember from a previous post my family went on vacation to Florida. I took care of both of my sisters' animals while there were gone. During that same time I also took care of my aunt's dog as she was headed south to go motorcycling in the mountains.
First to check in at our hotel was my aunt's dog, Waldo. He is a bassett hound that has quite the personality! Roxy just loved having him here, not sure if Waldo liked her excitement or not. The kids love Waldo too! They were always making sure that he was with us. And who does Waldo like best...Jeremy. He would get so happy once Jeremy got home. I think the kids wore Waldo out...he loved bedtime the best! We would put his bed by Jeremy's chair and he would fall asleep and have some great dreams. I guess he slept in the morning he was back with my aunt...lol.
Zach and Waldo talking face to face...
Liz giving Wally a hug before he leaves us...

Zach and Wally hanging out on his last day with us....

Waldo asleep after a long day with the kids....

Second guest to check in, check out and check back in was Sadie. Jean dropped off Lexi and Sadie to be watched for the day then decided to take her home so Willie could say goodbye, then he brought her back. Luckily she is somewhat use to the chaos at our house. But even though she is use to it she still got lack of sleep, due to following me EVERYWHERE! I tried to tell her just to relax while the kids were napping but everytime I moved she was right there with me. She would start falling asleep wherever she was sitting. She went on all rides to the kids school (Waldo did not get to....just not enough room with 3 kids and 3 dogs). She slept in bed with us (I just did not have the heart to kennel her up), so that means Roxy got to sleep in bed too...it was a full bed...2 adults, 2 dogs and 2 cats...oy! She also slept like a rock after leaving here...hmmm, do we see a pattern?!?!?
The last guests to check in (at 1am....way past my bedtime) were my younger sister, Jackie's 3 cats and bunny. They got the guest bedroom all to themselves. Now if you know my sister you will totally understand that her animals are high maintenance (right Jackie???). Honestly they were not that bad. Roxy just loves when her kitties are here...she is always at the door when it is about to be opened.
Cat #1 is Josie aka Jo Jo...things I figured out about her...she likes to hide under covers, so the sheet I placed on the bed was great for her...she also loves to play with the water dish...found that out by stepping on the wet towel under the water dish...lol.
I let the kids in to help give attention to our guests...here is Alex giving Jo a pet or two...
Cat #2 (orange tabby) is Libby and cat #3 (black) is Inky...they are the lazy ones... but they loved to be pet...Zach giving Libby some much needed attention...

and Liz doing her part by giving Inky some attention...

The kids' favorite guest and a possible future pet for us...the bunny...Sal. We used the bunny to bribe them for most everything. They just wanted to pet him and see him.

Liz got to the point that she walk into the room and open the cage herself...

Alex just liked seeing the bunny...but also liked how soft he was...

Our rough tough guy Zach was very gentle with Sal...

Waldo stayed with us from Wednesday morning until Sunday night and the others were here from Thursday night until Wednesday afternoon. It was work to have them all here but the kids liked having so many pets around. They helped do the feeding and letting them in and out to go potty. They also made sure Sadie's kennel was ok for her to be in...

Not only did the kids like the extra pets, but Roxy like the 4-legged company as well. She was tired as well...

Fall Fun

2009-10-26T17:20:00.003-05:00

Unfortunately the weather has been horrible for fall fun. We have had a bunch of rainy days, so it seems we can never get out to have fun. Today the kids got out for a bit even though it is a mess outside. We are in desparate need of some sunshine to help dry up the leaves. I let the kids play outside while I prepared lunch and snapped these pictures from the house windows.
Alex working hard on raking the leaves...
then wondering when the leaves will stop falling. :)

Zach wondering what Liz has found in the bucket...

nothing important as Liz dumps the leaves and sand out.

Zach playing with a stick...shocking, right?!?!

By the time we actually get to raking all the leaves will be off the tree...normally we rake a few times...not this year!

Alex using the tractor and wagon to pick up sticks...

while Zach and Liz headed to the burning bush in the corner of our yard.

Alex decides to join them and bring a wagon, much bigger then the bucket the two were using...

Here the three are picking the berries off of the bush as well as the rest of the leaves.

We got a pony and the kids are driving!

2009-10-25T16:39:00.005-05:00

Ok not a *real* pony...were not nuts....um...wait we are a little...lol. Our mailman has been generous enough to think of us. This is not the first time that he has let us look thru toys that his kids have outgrown prior to taking them to the consignment store or Goodwill. He called me this afternoon, so I packed up the kids and headed over to his place. I got a horse and a winter sled. The horse is one that is on spring...I think now they make them so the springs are not showing for safety purposes. I figured we made it thru "dangerous" toys when we were growing up...right?!?!? Anyways, the kids were super excited to go get a horse...lol. We stopped to visit daddy cutting wood prior to going to pick it up and the kids told him we were going to get a horsey...lol! The kids LOVE it! Surprisingly the horse does not have a name yet. Here is Liz bouncing...

The kids are driving too...not in a real car...but with Bun-Bun and Sammie. They have a Leap Frog interactive system that one of the activities is "going for a drive"...there is some snazzy music/song that goes with it. Every time it begins the kids go nuts and start "driving". Here Liz and Alex driving...aren't they cute!

Brotherly Love

2009-10-25T15:36:00.003-05:00

Recently I have been seeing the kids interact more with same gender, so Zach & Alex and Liz & Lexi. They still interact with each other, but this is different. The girls will read books together, play with babies and pick on the boys together The boys will wrestle, play with dinosaurs and tools together. So from the title of this post I should not have to do too much explaining.
Putting tool in any pocket is alway fun...even the pocket of a shirt...monkey see...
monkey do!

They love each other!

Safety is very important...now if we only had more than one chainsaw...everything in this house would be "cut"...

How about taking a ride together...it is hard to tell that they love each other...right?!?!?

Hot coco anyone???

2009-10-24T15:11:00.004-05:00

During our last visit to Nana & Papa's the kids received some cups. They are mugs that have little animals in the bottom of them. Jeremy washed them up and showed them to the kids. We tried them for the first time during our Friday night pizza night. We had to hold off on giving them right away because they all drank their milk right away to see their little animal in the bottom. Here is Zach showing off his mug.
Of course that was not the end of using the mugs. The following morning we needed to use them for breakfast. Instead of milk this time we made some hot coco for them. Again they were real excited to get the mug empty. What made things so funny that morning what the after pictures...
Liz drinking....

Liz after....I think she liked it...lol.

Alex working on getting to the bottom of the mug...

Alex after finding the bottom...lol.

Somehow Zach managed to stay clean! So no hot coco mustache or him...lol.

Even though the weather is not great, we still manage to get out for a bit to work on the outdoor to-do list. The tough thing about being outside on the weekends is that the kids prefer to be with daddy. Like most mornings the kids did not want him to leave. Here Zach is trying to learn as much as he can about the chainsaw from his daddy...

Once daddy sit on top of the tractor and starts it that is when the tears start flowing...

and we watch him drive away...and as long as we can see him we are not happy camper...they know where he is going and want to be with him so bad and to be helping. Hopefully next year they can help more.

Coloring on the floor, Barbies & My Little Ponies

2009-10-22T14:57:00.004-05:00

Since it seems to be raining a LOT, so it is up to mommy to keep the monsters from tearing the place apart, which some days seems very difficult. Thanks to daddy, we acquired a large roll of paper. So I broke it out one day to give the kids a old activity done a new way...well kinda. A free for all coloring...what could be any better...
...how about ripping it apart when you're done?!?!? Yup, they did not even wait for daddy to get home to show it off. But the important thing is it kept them busy and occupied for a little while.

One of the many projects that is on my to-do list was to re-organize one of the closets in the boys' room. I wanted to get all the totes with future size clothes in there as well as any other kids stuff. I have been busting butt to get it done during the times that they are at school. During this project I have found some toys that I had purchased in the past for when our nieces visited as well as some of my old toys. One of the first things I found and handed down to them was my My Little Ponies. All the kids had fun playing with them. Luckily I found some other horses as well that are not girlie, so the boys can play as well.The other thing I found was some Barbies. Liz had me first dress them all in their fancy dresses so they could be princesses...the boys like them for a bit too, but I then found Zach threatening one with the chainsaw...boys will be boys. I can hear/see it already....one day Liz screaming bloody murder because the boys are holding her Barbie hostage...lol.

32 months and counting

2009-10-21T21:55:00.009-05:00

Seems like we have had a lot of things happen since the last post.
The weekend of the 10th we said goodbye to bibs...for good! We have talked about doing it before but just never did. The kids now remind us every meal...'no bibs, big kids'...plus they probably eat cleaner now then they did using them (of course that depends on what's being served). The weekend was also filled with going to see Great Grandma Kedinger. She was at my Uncle Kevin and Aunt Sue's house. Just happens that daddy was cutting wood near there, so we were able to "help" him. Weekends are tough this time of year due to Jeremy cutting wood, they miss him a lot, so them being able to help him was very big deal!
After naptime around here is one of my favorite times of day. They wake up so cuddly and cute. Alex reading and giving his baby a kiss...He is too sweet!

Liz serving up some birthday cake...

Zach working on waking up...

Items on the Christmas list to get the kids...tool belts...even if they don't have pockets they will put tools in their waistbands. It is too cute...they so want to be like daddy...ALL of them! BTW, that is a screwdriver in one pocket, wrench in the other and chainsaw in his hands.

Auntie Jean always brings fun with her when she comes to pick up Lexi...today Zach and Liz wanted to work with her hair...

It was not long before all four attacked her...not sure if you can tell by this picture but she is laughing up a storm...

Exciting news is that the kids did wonderful in "school" last week. All week long we had NO tears. It felt great! It took four weeks for them to be comfortable. We are so happy with their progress. It is definitely worth having them do it. Only down fall is they seem to "catch" every bug there and I am lucky enough that they share.
Another thing we got rid of this week was the baby monitor. The kids will no yell down the stairs for us or come get us. Plus we can here them walking...their are not very good mice...lol. So I think the last ties to babyhood are those darn diapers on the boys. The kids are really growing up fast!
It was Papa's birthday on the 15th, so this last weekend we made a trip across the state to help him celebrate with a party. I think the kids may have surprised Nana and Papa with how much they have "grown up" since the last time they saw them. It was a very short/fast trip, but was nice to see everyone. Since it was a short trip we left earlier on Saturday then we normally do. In the past we leave after lunch so naptime is in the car as well as having tired kids rather then three ready to play kids. This means we had to stop for lunch on the way. Our kids have no idea what the "golden arches" are and I do not plan on telling them anytime soon. As far as they know it was a resturant...lol. Anyways, we made three elderly people's day! It was fun to interact with them as well as the kids interacting with them.

Here are the boys and their Papa...

Maddie and Alex playing ball...

Mackenzie playing ball times three...

Maddie teaching Zach how to close his new toy...

Daddy and Zach...

Mackenzie helping the kids watch Papa out the window...

Since free weekends are few this time of year we decided we would hit the pumpkin patch on the way home. I was hoping to spend the day at a pumpkin farm and partake in the activities, but it looks like that will have to be next year. This is actually the first time for pumpkins for the kids. We have meant to get them the past two years but it low on the priority list. We went to a local pumpkin farm just a few miles from home. They offer a hayride but after 2 1/2 hours in the car we decided to pass. So to the pumpkin field we went...so many pumpkins so little time...

Even though mommy and daddy found some nice pumpkins, they did not meet the standards of what the kids were hunting for. Each had a goal...Alex's goal was to find a small pumpkin, so HE could carry it...he found one that was just right for him...

Liz, like any girl, wanted the biggest pumpkin she could find AND closest to the beginning of the pumpkin patch...cuz daddy had to carry it...lol...

Zach's goal was to make it to the end of the pumpkin patch...and he did...found one in the very last row...

We will be working on carving the pumpkins this weekend, so stay tuned for pictures...we had fun hunting them down I cannot imagine how fun it will be to carve them!

Kids playing with the biggest toy they have...daddy!

Finally a nice day to get out and start raking some of the leaves...the kids were very happy to be out...and the sun too....and who could forget the leaves!

This would have been a great picture of all four kids but Alex plain refused to lay down...gotta love independence!

The kids are not the only ones that love a sunny fall day...so does Roxy!

Zach working on loading leaves into their wagon...

Lexi pushing Liz on the swing...these two are becoming more and more attached at the hips.

I love this picture...for some reason I see me...carefree...tomboy... Playing in the sandbox...won't be too long before that will be filled with leaves...

Can't do yardwork without a tractor, right Alex???

Well that brings me to current day. Today starts the day of Lenzendorf household becomes an Inn/Motel. I am taking care of my aunt and uncle's dog, Waldo, as they head south to go riding on their motorcycles. Friday marks the day that my sisters and parents leave for Florida for a family vacation. Unfortunately we are not going. So Jean's dog, Sadie will stay with us as well as Jackie's three cats, rabbit and possibly turtles. Our house is normally a zoo but it will really be a zoo...maybe I can charge admission...lol. I hope my family has a relaxing time as it is much needed. My parent's have worked so hard and deserve some down time as well as enjoy so of what they earned. Both my sisters have had some rough times recently so a little getaway is just what is needed. I happened to be in the right place at the right time to help support my sisters through some tough spots and feel bad that I will not be there to help them relax from those times. If I don't end up in the looney bin after the next week, I will be shocked!!! Stay tuned!!!

Love, Jen

Playin', Helpin' and Final Check-up

2009-10-09T14:38:00.006-05:00

Oh my it's October already!!!
We started out the month with a little mommy and daddy time. The annual beerfest we go to fell on the first weekend. Grandma and Grandpa took care of the monsters while we enjoyed a few beverages. We met up with Marcus and Renee at the beerfest Saturday. Even though the weather was cloudy and cool, it was a great day, a lot of fun was had. We wish we lived closer to them as they are great friends. We cannot thank them enough for all their support they have given us thru the years.
This last week started early Monday morning when our roof started being torn off. It was at least 50 years old an in desperate need to be replaced before damage was done. The kids were so enthralled with the process and constantly reminding me that we were getting a new roof. Needless to say no naps could be done here. So Monday after school we came home packed the kids' suitcases and headed to Grandma's...luckily the roofers were having lunch and the kids got a chance to look around at their things....made their day! Due to a rainy, rainy Tuesday the roofers were back to finish on Wednesday, so another afternoon was spent at Grandma's. The roof looks great and the kids are still reminding us that we got a new roof.
Thursday was a big day for us...our final trip back to the NICU. Each time we have gone back it has brought many emotions with it, this time was no different. In fact it was probably the most emotional for me. The kids asking where we were going and knowing that one day they will fully understand what the NICU, nurses and doctors mean to us. Some how I got the kids fed, dressed, showered and dressed myself and on the road in 45 minutes!!! Couldn't believe it!! Daddy met us at the NICU. The kids blew the therapist away...talk about feeling proud! Of course we could not leave without seeing if some of the nurses were working. Due to the H1N1 flu they are not letting anyone but parents and grandparents into the NICU, so we waited in the lobby for Judy (Alex's only primary nurse) to come see us. It was great to see her! The good new is the kids have officially graduated from the follow-up program and now we will only go back to visit...woo hoo!!! We finished the time out by going to Jeremy's work to eat lunch. We got to introduce the kids to some of his coworkers for the first time. Even though the kids were tired from the morning of testing, they were well behaved. It took only a few minutes for the them to fall asleep on the ride home.
Here are some pictures of the kids playing and having fun...
The boys using their socks as oven mits...
All 4 kids enjoying the 4 sided easel I found on Craigslist...

It use to be so easy to get nice group pictures...now it is next to impossible...hey mommy is over here!!!

When I was not looking Zach found my camera and started taking pictures...this time of himself...with daddy's hat on...lol, not bad, eh?

The kids are helpers and want to help with everything, esp if it involves daddy. Here are the pictures of them helping put daddy's juice aka beer in the fridge. And yes, they already have gotten a beer for daddy and get upset when it is not their turn to do so.

Speaking of helping, here is Zach and Liz trying to help daddy with the new antenna...sometimes their help makes more, but they love to be involved.

Playtime before bed...monkey see, monkey do...if daddy lays down so do we...

Liz takin Elmo for a ride...vroom, vroom...

The kids with Judy at the NICU...

Another month behind us...

2009-09-30T15:01:00.001-05:00

Another month is gone! Is it me or does time just seem to be flying??? In less than 6 months the kids turn 3 years old...holy moly, where has that time gone?!?!? So how did September end for us...let me see.
After a second week of daycare twice a week, we decided to make a change...we added an hour and now taking them three times a week for 2 hours each time. They are showing improvements/progress, which is wonderful. Mommy is still trying to figure out how to maximize the time alone...so much to do! Alex is doing the best...once he settles (usually within 10 minutes) he will be fine for the rest of the time...Liz and Zach still have moments of tears during the time...if they hear the word mom, mommy, mother it will get them going or if they have a moment to think or ask where I am. Their teacher is very happy with their progress.
Auntie Jackie came home to visit on Saturday the 19th. We got together at the lake and had dinner together. The kids always love seeing her. We got a group shot of Jackie and the 4 monkeys. This was the best of the pictures as holding still and looking at the camera wee two things they did NOT want to do.
The kids have been very playful with daddy. They can be very goofy. These pictures were taken on Thursday the 24th after dinner. The kids got out the cowboy hats...Zach decided to wear it more as a top hat...

Liz put hers on and began hopping around like a frog, saying ribbit, ribbit. I got some great shots of her, but this has got to be the best/funniest.

He is just so handsome...not sure how well the girl headbands got with it, but he could be plannign to use them as weapons...lol.

Monkey pile on daddy...all three of them pile on top of him like he is a piece of furniture...sometimes I think he needs protective wear. When the kids were babies/early toddler stage Jeremy would lift them in the air while on his back or in the rocker...they kids loved it. Well they still want to do it but have gotten just a tad too big. Maybe Jeremy just needs longer arms.

Liz took her turn to stand on daddy.

The last weekend of the month mark the beginning of wood cutting for the winter heating season. The kids want to help SOOOOOO bad. I pretty much have to do things so they can either hear Jeremy or see him. Luckily Jeremy was working across the road, so Sunday I decided to feed lunch outside in the front yard. We normally have not spent a lot of time in the front yard but the kids are respecting the boundaries, so it is not so stressful being out there (for those that do not know, our house is very close to the road and it is a busy road). Here are a couple pictures from the lunch. They enjoyed being able to watch daddy work.

We try to settle the kids down before bedtime we try to have them get the books out to read. They are doing more of the reading themselves (not just reading but a lot of things they want to do themselves and are quite adamant about it). Here are the boys enjoying their books.

Liz chose to read to me...I love getting the one on one time and even better a picture of it...lol.

Zach has the love for the camera like I do. He grabs it whenever he can...most of the time taking pictures of...well, anything...walls, ceiling, floor, toys...you get the picture (no pun intended). While the kids were playing I let him take the shots. He got this one of Alex and Liz, not too bad.

Well that closes September for us. Looking forward to October.

Love, Jen