Christy's Birthday!

We had fun today, as a family, enjoying Christy's birthday! She wanted to play at Edinborough Park in Edina, so we spent a few hours there, and then we went to Red Robin for dinner! We all had fun, and even the twins were happy and cooperative most of the time! ;-) She opened some of her birthday presents from us today, which included a Nebula Ball and the Queen Amidala outfit that she has been wanting (see picture below). We will have a little party tomorrow at home, and she will open the rest of her gifts. She is such a gift to us, and we love her so much!!

Crafty Christy

While Grandma Becky was visiting, she taught Christy how to crochet! Here is a picture of one of the many projects she has completed so far:

Tea Party for our Ten-year-old!

Christy had been asking for months to have a tea party for her birthday. I wasn't sure if I could pull off such an event at my house in my current condition, so I asked my sister-in-law, Julie, to host the party. She did a wonderful job, and made it fun and special for everyone! We all enjoyed the tea, and Julie made an incredibly delicious cherry cobbler that makes me hungry even now while I'm writing about it! ;-) I'm still amazed that my first "baby" is already 10...where does the time go? She is growing up, but thankfully not TOO fast...she still asked for some sweet girlhood toys and dolls. Christy actually had quite a long birthday this week, starting on Wednesday with opening gifts and cards until the party on Friday. She loved everything that she received...thanks to all family and friends who helped to make her birthday special!

Christy's Award of Merit

When I had my last seizure, Eric was not home. Christy stayed home with me so that she could help with Daniel. She was able to help me after I had my seizure, and the police officer that responded to the call was so impressed with her, that he nominated her for the Chief's Award of Merit!







Here is what the certificate says on the back:
"On May 16th, 2010, Officer Lerfald was dispatched to a residence on a report of a female unconscious and lying down in the shower. Upon arrival, Officer Lerfald learned that Christina was playing with her 5 month old brother when she heard her mother crying for help. Christina found her mother unresponsive in the shower and called her father for help. Her father instructed her to turn off the water and hold her mother's head out of the water."

"Officer Lerfald was amazed at Christina's maturity level and composure. She followed instructions and provided an airway for her mother while taking care of her 5 month old brother."

I am so thankful that Christy was home, and that she played such a vital role in helping me after my seizure. She may be only 9 years old, but she is so mature and responsible. God is so good to give me such a wonderful daughter!

Christy in the Kitchen

Christy wanted to make homemade pizza tonight, so we did! The results were delicious, and healthier for all of us, since we used such wholesome ingredients. It was fun, although a bit more challenging than normal, because Eric wasn't home. Becca helped out quite a bit by taking care of Baby Daniel, and Sam was our official taste-tester! ;-)

Indoor Fun

Now I know why Christmas is in December...because somebody knew that kids would need to get a lot of new toys to keep them busy and happy during the cold winter months while they would be cooped up in the house. So, we have been enjoying all of our Christmas gifts while the weather continues to be bitterly cold and uninviting. I have to admit that I have been pining for Spring, and I'm holding my breath until I hear what Punxsutawney Phil has to say on February 2nd! ;-)

Christy's Dress Rehearsal

Here is the dress rehearsal for Christy's piano recital. Enjoy!


Christy playing "Sonatina"


Christy playing "The 12 Days of Christmas"

One Less Tooth to Brush

I lost my tooth 2 nights ago [May 9,2009]. It really hurt when dad pulled my tooth out with a pair of pliers. But after that I was fine. It bled a little. But after that I looked in the mirror, and there was a hole in my mouth! And here's a picture of the hole. -Christy

Birthday Eights

Today, Christy turned eight years old! Even though we aren't having the party until next week, we still had a fun day celebrating at home! I cooked all of her favorite meals (for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner), and she opened a few of her gifts. She loved everything that she got, and she had plenty of time today to enjoy her new "toys".

The highlight of the day was when we all worked together to make the birthday cake! Christy drew up the plans for the design (literally, on a piece of paper), Becca mixed the batter, and I put the cake into the oven. After icing it with white icing, I attempted to follow her design as accurately as possible. If you look carefully, you'll notice a definite theme (eights everywhere!). And, for those of you who might think otherwise, those tadpole looking things on the sides are actually supposed to be balloons!

The Family Piano

We finally did it! We bought a digital piano, and we love it! It plays just like a traditional piano, but has extra features like the ability to change to different instruments (strings, brass, etc.), a built-in metronome, and a button to record what you play. Christy is currently taking piano lessons, and we plan to start Becca when she is about seven years old. I know that some people think that piano is mostly for girls, but we plan on having Sam take lessons some day also. Christy is enjoying her lessons, and so far her favorite songs to play are "Yankee Doodle" and Beethoven's "Ode to Joy".