Pictures of the Kids

Here are some pictures of Gideon (2 yrs.), Ellie (5 yrs.)

and Josie (7 weeks).

Weekly Update

Well, I guess while I have a minute before two kids start fighting - and crying - and one kid needs a bottle - and, thus, crying as well - I should give a quickie update. Even though not much is going on, people seem to want to know exactly WHAT'S not going on. So here it is:

• Jeremy has been drinking deep the punch at the summer Hartford meeting in Philly this week... he will be back tomorrow.
• Ellie and Gideon continue to groom their love/hate relationship. It has been amazing to see how quickly Gideon picks up on Ellie's schemes! -- and can replicate them!
• Josie seems to be growing a lot lately ... she still seems light as a feather to me, but is really long!
• Josie has been cooing and smiling at us all a lot lately --- which is VERY rewarding (I will try and get some pictures up).
• Ellie and Gideon have also been going through growth sprurts ... and I have an empty refrigerator and freezer to prove it!! (they have been eating EVERYTHING!!)
• We hosted the 2nd - 1st Annual Tri-Tip BBQ Sunday night for the Lake City Comm. Church Praise Band (and production)... drawing a crowd of over 44 people to our humble abode!!!

---> We are so blessed to have a house that can not only have that many people in it, but in the summer, can seat and entertain them all!!!

(our back deck is PRICELESS!)

• One day, last week, I caught up on laundry --- for about three hours
• I am able to get a shower about every other day ... and sometimes in PRIVATE!
• I have finally trained Gideon and Ellie to "Give Mommy Space When She's Drinking Her Coffee!!"
• I discovered that my feet grew a size and a half during this last pregnancy! ... Once I lose all the weight, I figure it will be an even size bigger (as was the case with Ellie). (Bummer ... the only shoes that fit are flip-flops)
• The kids and I enjoy strolling through home improvement stores to try and figure out how to repaint, etc. their bedroom (a job for this fall)
• Ellie has been cruising the store ads marking things she thinks she will need for school -- she's WAY too excited (I hope the teachers are ready for her!).

AHHH... there's my signal ... ALL the kids are now crying (though none of the screams are the "hurt" kind -- just the angry kind). Back to the kids for now. I will do my best to try and post some pictures later!! Until, then, enjoy the day (or, rather, DAYS) God has created!!!

Miller Time! - on Lake Steilacoom

Well, if you aren't fortunate enough to have a house on a lake, maybe you are fortunate enough to have a FRIEND with a house on a lake!! ... and that's us!!!

We have been blessed with so many friends up here in Washington. One of our good friends are Zach and Jennifer Miller (also CA transplants, I might add!). They are very generous people. Zach and Jeremy have become very close friends over the last year. And are water ski/wakeboard buddies. What I mean by that is, Jeremy calls Zach and tells him he's coming over to water ski. --- By the way, I should add that they are particularly patient as well.

Anyway, here are some pictures from fun family time on the Miller's boat from this last weekend and a little earlier.

Ever Wonder ...

... What a 2 and 5 year old thinks is important, or, rather, a "favorite?"


So, the other day, Gideon surprised me and got to my camera. He was able to take the cover off, turn it on and even take pictures. Of course I took it away from him.


BUT it got me thinking. IF given the chance -- and an assignment -- how would a kid do? So I got out my old digital camera and gave it to Ellie for the afternoon (both for fun ... and a BREAK!). I gave her the assignment of taking pictures of the *5* things in the house that were her most favorite things. Here are the pictures she took (and in the order, too!)

Her Music Box

Some Stuffed Animals ... in this case, Muffin and Boo

The Guest Bed - -where she spends her Quiet/Nap Time

A Plaster Imprint of Jeremy's Hand when He was 5 (?) --- she found it in my desk junk drawer...

The Classic Spring Horse --- which now resides in my Dining Room

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OK, so there was a part of my that was hoping maybe she would take a picture of, say, me! :) I didn't make her top 5, but I was a "bonus" shot. Here are the "bonus" things she values around the house:

(1) Herself; (2) the concrete hand prints in we put in the Basketball court; (3) Our Dog, Ninja (not too thrilled about the photos); (4) Flowers; (5) and Josie and Me (OK, so I made the top 10.. where's Gideon?)

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After she was done with that, I gave her the assignment of going around the house with Gideon and taking pictures of HIS 5 favorite things (as per HIM!). Here's what they came back with:

Luigi and Mario

His Water Table

Basketball

His Big Boy Bed (Ellie sleeps above... yes, it is still a girlie room .. not for long!)

Some Random Toy Someplace in the Yard (?)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So that's it! Very interesting, I'm sure. But at least it kept them busy for over an hour -- and they were able to work together without fighting! (I should have gotten a picture of THAT!) --PRICELESS

The Scam!

So, I have wondered occasionally -- if not more -- just WHEN these kids would pool their efforts and try and pull a fast one over on Jeremy and me. And they have finally done it! Of course, Ellie was the ring-leader, but Gideon ran right along with her -- smiling and totally getting her back! Here's what happened:

Gideon, now being 2, will be due for potty training soon. Now, I figure he has a LONG way to go. He's so not in tune with his body and its different functions (if you know what I mean!). Regardless, I put out the potty training potty. I figured that he could get used to sitting on it, pulling pants on and off, and just basically warming up to the idea.

Just a few hours after I had put the potty in the bathroom, I hear screaming (the happy kind) coming from Ellie upstairs -- and cheers from Gideon. I go upstairs wondering what all the commotion was about. Ellie excitedly cheered, "Look, Mommy! Gideon used the potty!!" Sure enough there was pee in the potty.

I was so confused. And asked Gideon if he had gone potty. Without skipping a beat, Gideon enthusiastically smiled and told me "YES!" ... while jumping up and down.

"Wow", I thought. "Well," I reasoned, "maybe this is one of those things that Gideon just 'decided' to do - and did."

So, I cheered him on and thanked Ellie for helping him (as she had explained she helped him get his diaper off). I rummaged through my bedroom and found stickers - which they each got. And told them that we would get M&M's so that every time Gideon went potty, everybody would get a sticker and an M&M. Both were so excited they were cheering and dancing through the halls

Well, the next day came, and we went to the store and picked up some M&Ms. All of a sudden, "Gideon" started going potty ALL the time.... hmm. Enough to get me suspicious. (Double "hmmm")

I finally (again) asked Ellie if Gideon REALLY did go potty -- and had at all. Both kids smiled and told me that, indeed, Gideon had gone potty. Then I noticed that the "pee" was clear (Triple "hmmm"). I explained to Ellie that pee was usually yellow - not clear. Gideon looked at Ellie, confused. At that point she asked me, "Well, Mommy, HOW does pee turn yellow?"

AH HA! Now I could see what's going on here! And I could see the hamster wheel going at warp speed in her little mind. I sat down with the two of them and asked again if Gideon had REALLY gone potty. Gideon looked quietly down at the floor (for a boy that doesn't speak much, he sure understands EVERYTHING!). And Ellie - with a bit of hesitation - fessed up. After that, Gideon did, too.

Well, I couldn't really get MAD at the two of them. This was a first, and as annoyed as I was at the scam -- I was oddly proud and touched by their teamwork. After all, this was a FIRST! So they both got a lecture, the M&M's were (and still are) enjoyed by Jeremy and me and the stickers went back in the drawer.

I can tell I will need to keep close (if not closer!) eye on those two. If they ultimately decided to use their strengths together ALL the time -- and who knows about Josie! -- Jeremy and I are DONE FOR! -- we pray a lot! :)

What I Can See in My Kids

So, I always thought babies were basically a standard model -- and then, by some magical power, they "turn on" and become the people they are. Obviously, I was wrong (but wouldn't that make it much easier?!)!! Now that Ellie is 5 and Gideon is 2, I am having fun studying Josie and trying to figure out pieces of her personality we can already - and almost a month - see. I thought I would do a run-down of what we observed with the other kids --- and who they are now for fun -- and we will see who they turn out to be! Check it out!

ELLIE:

Ellie was my biggest baby -- and, by far, the hardest labor/delivery. When she came out, she looked glaringly like my mother-in-law. Now, I am thankful for this -- my mother-in-law is a beautiful lady! But, at the time, I did not know quite what to think. Jeremy and I had merged the baby pictures of the two of us in our minds and imagined the perfect mix ... in looks and personality. I've since learned, that's not how it works! ;) With the postpartum hormones and a tough recovery --- I had difficulty with the fact that all I could see was my mother-in-law. I am over it now .... and think the whole thing is quite humorous!!!

THEN:
But since her infancy, Ellie, was the socialite. I used to think it was because she was a first born and and only child for 3+ years. Now I know this is who she is! As a baby, she didn't care to "hang" with me -- unless food was involved. She LOVED to be passed around. Ellie could not stand to be swaddled -- she would wiggle her way out and sleep with one hand over her head and the other hand firmly plugged - via thumb - into her mouth. But she was also quite mellow (in her own rite). I was teaching a Bible Study at the time and remember feeding her before the study --- then wrapping her up and setting her on the floor (there was no childcare). She would sleep, contently, until her next feeding.

Ellie also earned the nickname, "Solar Flare." She had (and still slightly does) a birthmark, "stork bite" or whatever you choose to call it, right between her eyes. Usually, it was a dull pink. But right before a meltdown, it would turn BRIGHT purply-red ... and just GLOW. We knew then that a tantrum/scream was working its way out. Now, Ellie, would have these explosive fits for no apparent reason. We figured that she probably was a pretty emotional girl, and just didn't know (and couldn't) how to communicate.

NOW:
Well, now, Ellie is known for her friendly, gregarious (and all around "Evarts"-ish) personality. She has never met a stranger, but refers to people I call strangers as friends whose names she doesn't know. (Though a great personal quality -- scary for a child!) All our friends, teachers and neighbors know who Ellie is -- and love her!!! By the way, you will never meet a child who loves the Lord and is willing to tell everybody (and I mean EVERYBODY ... just ask the Costco patrons) that Jesus loves them and died for them!!

Ellie loves new environments, and gets a rush being in them. She also still loves her food. She will (usually) try anything you put in front of her. Both because she loves to eat, but also because she views it as a new experience. Ellie also still sleeps in a mess of blankets. For the life of me, she won't be "tucked in" or even sleep still - but she (no matter how much movement) is a SOLID sleeper!

It has turned out we were right --- she is an emotional kind of girl. Though now she has the words - for good and bad - to communicate those emotions. Unlike the "Gerry" family (who will shut down or leave when provoked), Ellie turns into a hurricane of words and emotion. Teaching her self-control in that aspect has been quite an adventure!! And, yes, she still will get the flaring birthmark when REALLY upset.

We love our Ellie!!!


GIDEON:

To begin with, Gideon came into this world looking like a little old man. He was skinny and had oddly large ears. We weren't expecting that! But, then again, by this point we should have known better than to "expect" any particular trait!

THEN:
Gideon was the cuddler. He loved the tight hugs and to be swaddled. Gideon didn't mind being passed around, but would much rather be left alone. He never really cried -- just whined for food. And was easy to lure to sleep. He was OFTEN described as a very "content" little boy. He never had any really crazy outburst (like Ellie) and was just sort of "there."

Gideon was a very late talker. He really didn't ever talk - at all - until almost 18 months! We could tell he was a thinker though. And still suspect he will be the kid that quietly plans his actions -- and then follows through. We learned very early that we cannot force or otherwise coerce Gideon to do anything that he had not "bought into." He's a stubborn one! So, we knew early, early on that parenting Gideon would be vastly different than Ellie... Ellie, being the people pleaser, would do things for the fun of the social and other "kudos" ... Gideon couldn't care less about those things.

NOW:
Now, at two, we are beginning to see a whole lot more of Gideon's personality. He has now grown into his ears -- and is the cutest little boy! He certainly can charm the ladies with his sly smile (which is not freely given out) and sideways glance.

He still loves to hug, though only between activities (and usually as an apology for hurting somebody). He LOVES to have blankets neatly stacked on him when he sleeps .. and is quite tidy in this respect.

He is very dexterous ... and is so much more willing to help clean up than his sister! He especially likes the little minute details of things. It seems that he likes at least a semblance of order.

Gideon still doesn't talk much -- mostly in nouns. But is thoughtful in his words. He is not so much described as "content" anymore as "coy." He makes people work for his attention. And allows them to think of it as a reward.

He is as stubborn as stubborn can be. (Something I know a bit about!) I find that I cannot forcefully correct his actions -- so much as his attitude in the decisions. This last spring, he moved in with Ellie (they are in bunk beds together). For weeks, he would not go near the "big boy" bed. I couldn't bribe -- or force him on it. Daily, I would offer him to take a nap or go to bed either in the "big boy" bed or the "baby"crib. Each time he would smile and say, "baby" -- then hop (literally) off to the nursery. One day, out of the blue, he answered, "Big Boy Bed!" and jumped up on the bed. I was shocked (and pleased) ... he had not even SAT on the bed up to this point. And you know what, he has NEVER gone back to the crib. It was as if the idea grew on him, after thinking about it, and he decided this was what he would do. End of story!

That's our Gideon ... He's going to be one amazing man someday!



JOSIE



So, now we have little Josie. She will be a month old this week! My, time is already flying by!! she was my most "petite" little baby -- if there is such a thing for an 8lb baby! She is our miracle. We were told over and over that this pregnancy would not be carried to term. The doctor had even given me his personal cell number so I could call him when I began to miscarry -- and he could give me an immediate D&C. Well, days went by and weeks went by --- and Josie earned the nickname "Baby Barnacle." She was holding on just like a little barnacle on the pier posts in the ocean. My body got better, and she still held on. As her due date drew closer, we all continued to expect an early baby. She just kept holding on! Then, one morning (the morning before I had a scheduled induction - one week before the due date), my water broke with a gush. I got the other kids fed and to a friend's house .... then the first contraction! We were holding Josie in just a little over 2 hours from that point! Once, it was time for her -- watch out! --she was coming!



So far, she is a quiet little girl. Considering the daily chaos and noise level of this house, she is pretty impressive in this manner! She loves her bottles, and always needs a half-time break with each one... where she will stop, look around and snooze off for a few minutes. Only to dive back in with the same gusto.



There are two things that stand out as different with Josie so far. She is a little noise maker ... always squeaking, humming and grunting - always. And she is very alert. Since day one, Josie has been studying the world around her. She loves to watch everything going on.



I will have to post more about Josie as we get to know her. Until then... we will see!!!

So, I guess I might as well make this a public blog!

Well, I have had this blog for a long time now. Initially, I never intended it to be so much of a journal or what is now a blog -- ie: public journal. It was just a simple way for me to keep track of misc. details of my life that I didn't so much want floating around on paper here in my home. We all know what happens with that! ... the paper piles up, kids take it and make "art"out of it, whatever ... the bottom line is that it adds to the house clutter and is never seen again (at least as it was intended!) :)

So, I think I will attempt to keep up with this one. I guess even my url is outdated now! When I made this site, "hope4evarts" was a play on the fact that there are 4 of us -- and there is hope (uh-hem, me!) for us! ;)

Well, we will see, won't we?!?