Family life is a bit like a runny peach pie - not perfect but who's complaining? Robert Brault
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Happy Ground Hog Day
I have spent the morning pondering where this ridicuolous tradition of ground hog's day came from? It must come from the south, because every born and bred northerner KNOWS that we will have at least six more weeks of winter! It's only February for gosh sakes. I remember the year Conrad and I got married, I had a Bridal Shower in April and it snowed! In April! Yikes!
In honor of six more weeks of winter, I thought I'd share some of our snow pictures with you.



In honor of six more weeks of winter, I thought I'd share some of our snow pictures with you.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
My Single Ladies
If you have been around my kids in the last couple of months you know that thier all time favorite song (right now) is Beyonce's Single Ladies. How did they ever hear this song? Contrary to what you might believe, Conrad and I don't often groove to Beyonce. We think it's from the new Chipmunk movie, where the Chipettes have thier very own rendition of Single Ladies. The babysitter has the soundtrack (again..we think) But, what surprised us recently is Grace's moves. We had no idea she could bust a move like this...and she'll pretty much dance on demand. Love that kid!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Highlights/Lowlights
Well , to spite my hopes and prayers that 2010 would be better, it has, so far, disappointed. We are only twenty days in, so I’m not despairing yet. The kids have been sick with bronchitis, sinus stuff, and ear infections for weeks. It’s coming to a head and we are praying that it doesn’t turn into pneumonia! I suppose that’s a “lowlight” of my post.
Let me share with you a little highlight of Isabelle and I’s trip to New Mexico. It was so fun to see Rachel and her family, however briefly we got to visit, because, we’ll, let’s be honest, we had three children there between us and that doesn’t leave much room for late night girlie chats about life. In fact, I was reminded of Rachel’s college habit of falling asleep mid-sentence . Imagine us having a deep conversation about God, life, and love. Rachel is just getting ready to expound on some profound thoughts with, “I know what you mean, when I was at…the…..” then nothing. Sleeping like a baby. It’s so weird. And if I’m being honest, I’m just a little bit jealous of people who can sleep like that.
Anyway, if I haven’t mentioned before, Isabelle has a rough time when she’s outside of her normal routine. I’ll preface my next story with that excuse for my beautiful girl. From the moment Rachel picked us up at the airport it started. Isabelle took one look at Abraham, Rachel’s oldest, with his ice blue eyes, blonde hair and sweet smile. The boy who is our god son and whom we have planned for her to marry since the day he was born. Abe looked at Isabelle and said innocently, “Friend.”
Isabelle went ballistic: “I don’t want to sit next to him!” “He’s not my friend, Addie’s my friend!” Apparently, Isabelle is convinced that there is room in her heart for only one friend. And her friend Addison, has taken the spot. Door closed. Story over. And this pattern continued All. Weekend.Long. To Abe’s credit he rallied, and pushed back, refusing to let Isabelle push him around. There may be some hope for their future after all.
Isabelle sledding down the sand dunes at White Sands, NM
Isabelle at the DFW airport
Isabelle "reading" her book with her Tag while waiting for a fly out of Columbus during a snow storm
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Hello Warm(er) Weather
This coming week Isabelle and I are going to New Mexico. We debated which family members to take and which to leave for this trip. My BFF, Rachel, is home from Asia, visiting her family in Las Cruces for the holidays and I really wanted to spend some time with her and meet her new man, Samuel.
So we counted up the frequent flyer miles and made the appropriate exchanges. Rachel hasn’t ever met Grace, so I really wanted to take Grace. Then I recalled our trip to India in 2008 when Isabelle was just about Grace’s age. I remembered the tantrums, and the toddler backpack/leash we put on the child to keep her from running away, the meltdowns from being confined to a small space for a long period of time. In the end, my therapist and I decided we just couldn’t handle another trip like that…or even the possibility of another trip like that! Needless to say, Isabelle, being 3 ½ , made the cut.
Conrad and his therapist decided to stay home all together to avoid it…and to take care of Grace.
Of course, since I’ve bought the ticket, I’ve also broken my foot. I can walk, in the caste, but now I’m imagining the whole airport process with Isabelle and myself and my caste. It’s like a third family member at this point. I debated bringing my scooter, but picture with me, if you will, me and Isabelle riding my scooter through the airport, the wind in our hair. Okay, I quickly decided against that when I imagined lugging that beast onto the x-ray machine belt. I think I will just limp my way around the Greater Area Airports we will be visiting. All together good times.

Conrad and his therapist decided to stay home all together to avoid it…and to take care of Grace.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Goodbye 2009
My philosophy has always been to TRY to keep your mouth shut when you don’t have anything good to say. Some of you know I have a hard time with that the more tired I get. In fact, if you ever want to find out any big secret I might be keeping, corner me around midnight and I’ll sing like a bird.
So, in light of that, I don’t have much to say about 2009. It was a tough year and the Michael’s are ready to move on! We feel like we’ve been hit and hit and hit again this year. I told Conrad the other day I feel like we spent 2009 in a foxhole in the middle of a blazing battle, trying to keep from getting our heads blown off.
Even in the midst of the battles, I have to say that I see God’s faithfulness and His goodness! For one, at least I’m in the war with my amazing, compassionate, and strong husband and not going it alone. I’m also thankful for my two beautiful and healthy kids. They are breathtaking and brave and funny and loud and healthy…and did I say funny? Well they are.
Isabelle bed hopped all night last night. That’s not so funny, more annoying, but at one point she went into Grace’s room at o’ dark thirty this morning and starting yelling at her soundly sleeping sister, “Get up Grace! I said Get up!” (I’m still not to the funny part…) Grace woke up and started crying, Conrad jumped up, grabbed Isabelle, she started crying. Then we were all up in the hallway…my heart was racing as I limped/ran to see what was going on.
I took the now hysterical three year old back to bed and asked her why she woke up her sister to which she replied tearfully and emphatically, “I just don’t know.” Okay, it’s funny now. Now that the sun is fully up.
So here’s to a new year, with new expectations, and full nights’ sleep!
So, in light of that, I don’t have much to say about 2009. It was a tough year and the Michael’s are ready to move on! We feel like we’ve been hit and hit and hit again this year. I told Conrad the other day I feel like we spent 2009 in a foxhole in the middle of a blazing battle, trying to keep from getting our heads blown off.
Even in the midst of the battles, I have to say that I see God’s faithfulness and His goodness! For one, at least I’m in the war with my amazing, compassionate, and strong husband and not going it alone. I’m also thankful for my two beautiful and healthy kids. They are breathtaking and brave and funny and loud and healthy…and did I say funny? Well they are.
Isabelle bed hopped all night last night. That’s not so funny, more annoying, but at one point she went into Grace’s room at o’ dark thirty this morning and starting yelling at her soundly sleeping sister, “Get up Grace! I said Get up!” (I’m still not to the funny part…) Grace woke up and started crying, Conrad jumped up, grabbed Isabelle, she started crying. Then we were all up in the hallway…my heart was racing as I limped/ran to see what was going on.
So here’s to a new year, with new expectations, and full nights’ sleep!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Bakin' Babies
BEFORE the unfortunate foot incident I managed to bake a few dozen cookies. I had planned on baking more and even have a fridge full of butter to prove it! After I broke my foot, I decided some things had to go and cookie baking didn't make the cut. So sorry, Butter, old friend. Know that you will always hold a special place in the Michael family mixer.

One of the things I always pictured doing when I had children was baking with them. Boys...girls..what kid wouldn't love getting dirty in the kitchen and making sweets?? And my kids DO love it. I have had Isabelle helping me for a couple of years at whatever capacity she can. And she can do a lot, actually. She can crack eggs, add ingrediants measured into cups. Now she can help roll out dough, use cookie cutters, and of course, add decorations. We usually all end up a bit covered in whatever, but the time together is usually worth the effort!

This year Grace got into the fun. She climbs up into a chair and her head just peeks up above the island. When she thinks I'm not looking, she quickly reaches her little hand up and grabs a hunk of just rolled out dough with her fingers and shoves it into her mouth. It was so funny, I couldn't reprimand her at all that evening! She thought she was being so sly!

But as you can see from the pictures, we were all covered in flour! More priceless memories!
One of the things I always pictured doing when I had children was baking with them. Boys...girls..what kid wouldn't love getting dirty in the kitchen and making sweets?? And my kids DO love it. I have had Isabelle helping me for a couple of years at whatever capacity she can. And she can do a lot, actually. She can crack eggs, add ingrediants measured into cups. Now she can help roll out dough, use cookie cutters, and of course, add decorations. We usually all end up a bit covered in whatever, but the time together is usually worth the effort!
This year Grace got into the fun. She climbs up into a chair and her head just peeks up above the island. When she thinks I'm not looking, she quickly reaches her little hand up and grabs a hunk of just rolled out dough with her fingers and shoves it into her mouth. It was so funny, I couldn't reprimand her at all that evening! She thought she was being so sly!
But as you can see from the pictures, we were all covered in flour! More priceless memories!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
A Payne-Full Christmas
Last weekend was our annual Payne Christmas party. It was really nice to be with family. Conrad was working (as usual this year!) and couldn't be there, but we had fun anyway!

Isabelle and my cousin Shannon's little guy, Eian, are the best of pals. They run around like a slightly younger version of Lord of the Flies when they are together. Eian calls her, "My fwend, Isabelle." They hovered around the Christmas tree expectantly together. Teased the dog, ransacked teenage Jenna's room, and sat on the stairs eating chips and "having a tea party" as Isabelle would later tell me. They have deep theological discussions on the evil-ness of coyotes (a continuous and looming topic for both of them) and they even have little fights.


Grace, on the other hand, was my ever present pleasant precious youngest. She was beautiful and sweet and won the hearts of everyone by smiling, liberally passing out kisses, and planting her little self in family members laps to help open gifts. Of course, she always returned to her favorite spot throughout the day. With Momma, you ask? No, on Granny's lap!


On a sad note, my Grandma Margie's best friend for years and years passed away, unexpectedly on Saturday. Phyllis has been a life long friend to Grandma and although the day was fun, we all felt Grandma's loss and mourned with the Meeker family! You will be missed Phyllis!!
Isabelle and my cousin Shannon's little guy, Eian, are the best of pals. They run around like a slightly younger version of Lord of the Flies when they are together. Eian calls her, "My fwend, Isabelle." They hovered around the Christmas tree expectantly together. Teased the dog, ransacked teenage Jenna's room, and sat on the stairs eating chips and "having a tea party" as Isabelle would later tell me. They have deep theological discussions on the evil-ness of coyotes (a continuous and looming topic for both of them) and they even have little fights.
Grace, on the other hand, was my ever present pleasant precious youngest. She was beautiful and sweet and won the hearts of everyone by smiling, liberally passing out kisses, and planting her little self in family members laps to help open gifts. Of course, she always returned to her favorite spot throughout the day. With Momma, you ask? No, on Granny's lap!
On a sad note, my Grandma Margie's best friend for years and years passed away, unexpectedly on Saturday. Phyllis has been a life long friend to Grandma and although the day was fun, we all felt Grandma's loss and mourned with the Meeker family! You will be missed Phyllis!!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Just Me and My Scooter
As some of you may have heard, I broke my foot the weekend before last. I wasn't doing anything really, just unloading the car and broke my fifth metatarsal. I am currently in an air caste and as of Friday, I can actually walk on the caste, without crutches.

My kids went and staying with my mom and Grandma for a few days. Isabelle said, "Mommy, you left us there a long time." Break my heart! It was a terrible time to break my foot, with the holidays and with Conrad working all the time at our seasonal store at the mall. I was home alone missing the kids and just being sad. So, by Wednesday I decided it was time to go back to work. I rented one of those nifty scooters and ride it around my office building like a kid on a skate board. It attracts a lot of attention and an occasional mocker!

Can I just say, thank God for America!? Thank God for these totally great inventions, like knee scooters, thank God for handicapped ramps, and handicapped electronic door openers, and for stores that have those little electronic carts for handicapped customers! Thank God for America!! I have a new found respect for all a physically challenged person goes through in a day!

My kids went and staying with my mom and Grandma for a few days. Isabelle said, "Mommy, you left us there a long time." Break my heart! It was a terrible time to break my foot, with the holidays and with Conrad working all the time at our seasonal store at the mall. I was home alone missing the kids and just being sad. So, by Wednesday I decided it was time to go back to work. I rented one of those nifty scooters and ride it around my office building like a kid on a skate board. It attracts a lot of attention and an occasional mocker!
Can I just say, thank God for America!? Thank God for these totally great inventions, like knee scooters, thank God for handicapped ramps, and handicapped electronic door openers, and for stores that have those little electronic carts for handicapped customers! Thank God for America!! I have a new found respect for all a physically challenged person goes through in a day!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Priceless
Last night was Isabelle's first ballet performance. We were wondering how Isabelle was going to do considering how many sessions she's missed...or how all of the girls would do considering...well...they're three! Totally worth all of the drama! Keep watching a minute or so in when Isabelle stops dancing and starts yelling to Daddy in the back. Daddy wouldn't respond, so she yelled louder! I was laughing and shaking so hard I could hardly hold the camera still.
Ballet Classes=$65. Costume=$40. Getting America's Funniest Home Video-worthy footage: Priceless.
Isabelle is on the far right
Ballet Classes=$65. Costume=$40. Getting America's Funniest Home Video-worthy footage: Priceless.
Isabelle is on the far right
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
The Naked Face...
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Current Isabellisms
Mommy: Isabelle, what day is it today?/What day do you have ballet?/When is preschool?
Isabelle: Friderday
Mommy: What time is it? (anytime you ask this)
Isabelle: Sixty O Clock
Mommy: Isabelle, what do you want for Christmas?
Isabelle: A puter. I really want my own puter (read: COMputer)
Mommy: Do you want to watch a show, Isabelle? What show?
Isabelle: The one about the Saurases (read: DINOsaur's, Dinosaur Train!)
Isabelle: Friderday
Mommy: What time is it? (anytime you ask this)
Isabelle: Sixty O Clock
Mommy: Isabelle, what do you want for Christmas?
Isabelle: A puter. I really want my own puter (read: COMputer)
Mommy: Do you want to watch a show, Isabelle? What show?
Isabelle: The one about the Saurases (read: DINOsaur's, Dinosaur Train!)
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
The Fall Heard Around the World
Before I jump in, I wanted to share that Isabelle and I did our first Operation Christmas Child! It was fun to go the store with her and choose things to give to someone else, someone she didn't know. She didn't REALLY get it, and some of the gifts I had to pry out of her still sleeping hands, but fun, never-the-less!
We wrote a letter to our little friend and sent her a picture of our family, and even prayed over the box before we sent it out. This is real meaning of Christmas anyway, right??

And on another note, Grace's little boo boo on her forehead from the unfortunate fall is healing nicely. There was kind of a delayed reaction around the world from the incident. I posted a picture of her a week or so ago, Conrad's cousin, Susanna read it on line, came home and told her Aunt, her Aunt called her Sister, Conrad's Mom and told her Grace got SEVEN stitches (emphisis on SEVEN!!)! We got an urgent call in what must have been the middle of the night (In India) about Grace's well-being. Not long after that a call was made to the Middle East from India relaying the same information (Grace got SEVEN Stitches), and we got another urgent call from Dubai wondering what in the world was going on and how was Grace!?
It was a little late, and all of the drama had passed, the stiches were out and Grace was like, "Wha? What fall?" But boy did Conrad and I get in trouble for letting our little angel fall!...I'm glad they don't see the girls acrobatic stunts off the couch or kitchen chairs (Susanna...do not pass this information along...or we might have a worried Indian grandmother show up in Ohio in the middle of winter to supervise our parenting techniques! ;)
We thought it was funny the opposite response we got from my side of the family. Something along the lines of "Ohhhh poor baby. Well, if it didn't kill her, it'll make her stronger." Cultural differences are such blog worthy stories!
We wrote a letter to our little friend and sent her a picture of our family, and even prayed over the box before we sent it out. This is real meaning of Christmas anyway, right??
And on another note, Grace's little boo boo on her forehead from the unfortunate fall is healing nicely. There was kind of a delayed reaction around the world from the incident. I posted a picture of her a week or so ago, Conrad's cousin, Susanna read it on line, came home and told her Aunt, her Aunt called her Sister, Conrad's Mom and told her Grace got SEVEN stitches (emphisis on SEVEN!!)! We got an urgent call in what must have been the middle of the night (In India) about Grace's well-being. Not long after that a call was made to the Middle East from India relaying the same information (Grace got SEVEN Stitches), and we got another urgent call from Dubai wondering what in the world was going on and how was Grace!?
It was a little late, and all of the drama had passed, the stiches were out and Grace was like, "Wha? What fall?" But boy did Conrad and I get in trouble for letting our little angel fall!...I'm glad they don't see the girls acrobatic stunts off the couch or kitchen chairs (Susanna...do not pass this information along...or we might have a worried Indian grandmother show up in Ohio in the middle of winter to supervise our parenting techniques! ;)
We thought it was funny the opposite response we got from my side of the family. Something along the lines of "Ohhhh poor baby. Well, if it didn't kill her, it'll make her stronger." Cultural differences are such blog worthy stories!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Another First
Last Friday, as I was doing laundry, while Grace followed me in to "help." With perfect precision, she stepped on the dirty clothes pile just as I was pulling a few items up to put them in the wash. She fell hard. This is not unusual with my 13 month old. She falls and tips and climbs all of the time. Of course, her head came down and hit the window sill. Ouch. I pulled her up quickly to comfort her and saw a big gash on her forehead. Although it wasn't bleeding much, I (surprisingly) knew it was gonig to need stitches and quickly loaded up the girls for a trip to Urgent Care. Of course, I was quite paniced as I was calling Conrad and trying to convey to him that he needed to meet us at Urgent Care!!
Needless to say, it was a rough evening of holding down my baby while they put 7 stitches in!! One on the inside and six on the outside. Poor little thing. But as usual, as soon as it was over, she was happy and smiley. In spite of the doctor's repeated warnings that she might have a scare, it's almost completely healed, in just 10 days!
Needless to say, it was a rough evening of holding down my baby while they put 7 stitches in!! One on the inside and six on the outside. Poor little thing. But as usual, as soon as it was over, she was happy and smiley. In spite of the doctor's repeated warnings that she might have a scare, it's almost completely healed, in just 10 days!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Operation Christmas Child
Don't forget to pack your Christmas box's for Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child. I can't wait to go shopping with Isabelle tonight and pack a box with goodies for someone else's little one!

Monday, November 09, 2009
Martha's Cupcakes
Much to the chagrin of our family blood sugar level, I have been cooking my way through Martha Stewart's Cupcake book. Yum! I got it to make Ladybug cupcakes for Grace's birthday and have already made several. I got the book from the local library, but then Grandma Margie bought me my very own copy! Really, this is the best cupcake book I have evern run across.
Although these are not the best pictures....they were yummy cupcakes!
Lady Bug Cupcakes

Chocolate Salted Carmel Cupcakes. I LOVE the combination of Salt and Carmel. If you do too, you have to try this one. Here is a picture of the cupcakes..minus the frosting. They were delish!
Another favorite in our house was the Oreo Cheesecake cupcakes...yummy and easy! What a great idea to put an oreo in the bottom!?
And last but not least, for all of you peanut butter and jelly lovers out there, there is the PBJ Cupcake. This one is not for the faint of heart..if you love you some peanut butter, make them...if not...stay far far away. I topped mine with homeade blackberry jelly...and promptly sent them to the babysitter for the kids to eat!
Although these are not the best pictures....they were yummy cupcakes!
Lady Bug Cupcakes
Chocolate Salted Carmel Cupcakes. I LOVE the combination of Salt and Carmel. If you do too, you have to try this one. Here is a picture of the cupcakes..minus the frosting. They were delish!
Another favorite in our house was the Oreo Cheesecake cupcakes...yummy and easy! What a great idea to put an oreo in the bottom!?
And last but not least, for all of you peanut butter and jelly lovers out there, there is the PBJ Cupcake. This one is not for the faint of heart..if you love you some peanut butter, make them...if not...stay far far away. I topped mine with homeade blackberry jelly...and promptly sent them to the babysitter for the kids to eat!
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Cry Baby
And it starts. But so early?? I was thinking this kind of thing started about six year's old??
Boo!
This Halloween was so much fun! Isabelle really got it this year and we made the rounds in the neighborhood. That was fun...on a high note. On a low note, we didn't make it home in time to pass our OUR candy. So instead of having TONS from Trick or Treating, we also have tons of our own left over. Good times. Anybody have any idea for recipes using Halloween candy?
Before we went out, I asked Isabelle, "Now what do you say to people when you go up to them?" She answered, "Trick or Treating." "Right, but it's Trick or Treat." She replied, "That's what I said, "Trick or Treating." Oh well. It's close. Grace rode happily along in the stroller occasionally collecting candy and enjoying the spectical. The weather was beautiful and classic mid-western fall! Even Conrad couldn't resist and went with us




Before we went out, I asked Isabelle, "Now what do you say to people when you go up to them?" She answered, "Trick or Treating." "Right, but it's Trick or Treat." She replied, "That's what I said, "Trick or Treating." Oh well. It's close. Grace rode happily along in the stroller occasionally collecting candy and enjoying the spectical. The weather was beautiful and classic mid-western fall! Even Conrad couldn't resist and went with us
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Chicken What?
The week before last was our first offical field trip..ever...in the Michael Family. Isabelle's preschool class went to the Pumpkin Patch in town. It was frigid, but Grandma Margie and Grace went with us and everybody was a trooper and simply happy that it wasn't raining!
We had fun with her little class, riding the slide in the hay barn, picking out pumpkings, going on a hay ride, and eating fresh donuts and cider, and seeing the animals. Consequently, an interesting conversation followed the chicken sighting.
Mommy: Isabelle see those chicken's there?
Isabelle: (Standing RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE CHICKENS...REALLY...16 INCHES FROM HER FACE) What? What chickens?
M: Right there.
I: Blank stare
M: Right there, baby. Those birds. Those are chickens.
I: Blank stare
M: You know how much you love chicken nuggets? Those are chicken nuggets!
I: Blank stare
M: Chicken, Isabelle! Chickens..do you see them?
I: Where?
We just weren't making a connection. I started worrying about her eyes then. But, I thought I'd better take it down a notch before I started traumatizing some poor three year old and their beloved Happy Meal.




We had fun with her little class, riding the slide in the hay barn, picking out pumpkings, going on a hay ride, and eating fresh donuts and cider, and seeing the animals. Consequently, an interesting conversation followed the chicken sighting.
Mommy: Isabelle see those chicken's there?
Isabelle: (Standing RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE CHICKENS...REALLY...16 INCHES FROM HER FACE) What? What chickens?
M: Right there.
I: Blank stare
M: Right there, baby. Those birds. Those are chickens.
I: Blank stare
M: You know how much you love chicken nuggets? Those are chicken nuggets!
I: Blank stare
M: Chicken, Isabelle! Chickens..do you see them?
I: Where?
We just weren't making a connection. I started worrying about her eyes then. But, I thought I'd better take it down a notch before I started traumatizing some poor three year old and their beloved Happy Meal.
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