Kristen's 10th Birthday

On April 2nd, we celebrated Kristen's 10th birthday. It's hard to believe she is that old. I remember so distinctly, the day she was born. I remember holding her the first time. I remember, even in the hospital room, how she just looked and looked at everything--trying to take it all in. That trait has stayed with her. Her curiousity and inquisitiveness about life and what is going on around her is boundless. She desires to know and understand not only the things around her, but the people around her. These attributes will serve her well throughout her life. We are so thankful to have Kristen in our home.
Here are ten wonderful things about Kristen for her 10th birthday:
1. Inquisitive 2. Organized 3. Competitive 4. Intelligent 5. Funny
6. Soccer star 7. Good friend/social 8. Creative 9. Caring 10.Compassionate

Greg's Visit & His mission call

On March 20th, Greg, Elizabeth's friend, came for a few days visit. Unfortunately, Elizabeth was sick most of the weekend--but we had a fun time with him. Matthew, Elizabeth, Greg and I went to a Mongolia BBQ in Naperville on Saturday night (DELICIOUS!) and then on Monday we went to the Science and Industry Museum (one of my most favorite museums ever!). Elizabeth really felt sick so she stayed home and Greg and the rest of us went to the museum. (We missed you, Elizabeth!) Greg entertained the young-ins by tying them up---gently, mind you. (Look how happy Ryan looks!)

Greg will be leaving on his mission to ROME, ITALY in about 1-1/2 weeks. He enters the MTC on April 30th. We'll all miss you, Greg, but know you will be a great missionary.

Sunday Morning Accidents....

In March, Matthew went to China for almost two weeks. On one of the Sundays he was gone, Ryan and Taylor were in the family room playing basketball (which I asked them NOT to do). To make it more interesting for themselves, they took all the pillows off the couches, and piled them up on top of each other in a stack. Then they got my mini tramp from the basement and put it in line with the pillows so that they could run, jump on the tramp, fly over the pillows, make a basket in the hoop--while flying and gently land on their feet---feeling triumpant from it all.

I was upstairs getting ready and made a special trip downstrairs to tell them again to STOP playing and to get ready for church. (At his point I didn't know they had stacked the pillows and were using my mini-tramp.)

I went back upstairs and within a minute, I heard Taylor screaming "Help me! Help me!" I ran downstairs, saw him lying on the floor, holding his knee and gasping for breath. Then I looked and saw my mini-tramp folded in half. (Mind you, it folds in half, but only with great exertion.) And I saw the stacked pillows (now scattered across the floor....) Then I looked at Taylor's knee....

We had to leave for Church in 1/2 hour. Matthew was in China. Taylor was writhing in pain. I didn't know if I should take Taylor to the ER. I play the organ in our ward and had NO ONE to call to substitute....Dilemma central!

After a few minutes, Taylor felt a little less pain and I helped him hobble over the couch. He stayed home and the rest of us went to Church. Luckily the swelling went down a few days later. He used crutches at school for a day or two and then was back to normal in about a week.

Here's to listening and obeying the first time!

Taylor's School Program

Taylor has been studying about the Civil War. As a conclusion of the unit, the whole 5th grade presented a program on what they learned. They sang songs, showed artwork and soap carvings they had done, as well as other projects. It was a fun, interesting night. Taylor's art teacher stopped us and told us how creative Taylor is and how impressed she was with his drawing of Abraham Lincoln. I told her he owes his art genes to his Grandpa!

Ryan's Baptism

On Saturday, February 23, 2008, Ryan was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The baptismal service was very nice. Grandma Safsten directed the music and Grandma Hollingshaus gave a talk. He was baptized with two friends from his Primary class, Tyler Springer and Aubrey Ackerman. Amazingly, Ryan, Tyler and Aubrey were all born on February 9, 2000!

Grandmas' s Visit and Ryan's Baptism

Lucky us! Both Grandmas came to visit the weekend of Ryan's baptism. We had a GREAT time. Grandma Hollingshaus made her famous chocolate sauce (YUM! YUM!). Many rousing games of The Great Dalmuti and Mexican Train were played as well.

February 9, 2008 -- Ryan's 8th birthday

On February 9th, we had a little family party for Ryan's birthday. That evening we went to Steak & Shake for Dinner---it was FREEZING outside. It was almost too cold to even get out of the car....lovely, lovely Chicago weather.

Ryan's 8th Birthday Party

On February 7th, we had a great birthday bash for Ryan with some of his nearest, dearest and closest friends. It was held at Cyberspace Lasertag. Everyone had a great time--including me! I've never had such an easy birthday party and get this----EVERYONE was happy at once.

They played lazer tag (even Matthew and I played), had pizza and "cookie" cake, and then everyone got some tokens to play arcade games.

Here are some pictures of the festivities. The strange colors are because the room where we had the party was lit so that it was appropriate fot lazer tag.