little red is 7

My perfect little red headed baby girl turns 7 years old today. I can't believe it. Its seems like yesterday when these pictures were taken. She was such a high maintenance baby with the colic and feeding issues, but I wouldn't trade her for the world. No one captures my heart the way she does. She is my special, cuddly, snuggly child. She notices things most people wouldn't. I have to hurry her up all of the time, but I think she sees things we don't. The details on a flower, the way a bird flies from one tree to another, and the little things added by an illustrator of her favorite books are never lost on her. I love all of my kids for different reasons because they are such very different people. I love my little Momo because of how deeply she feels and how completely she loves. My babies are growing up...sigh. But what cool people they are becoming.

cupcake sprinkles

I love to bake cupcakes. Sometimes I will go months without baking just to remember...I love to bake cupcakes. The girls are finally getting old enough they can help as well. Yesterday we found some bright colored sprinkles at the store and decided it would be a perfect day for baking. The girls helped stir and crack and of course decorate. I can never decide exactly how to decorate something, so cupcakes are perfect. They can each have their own personality, and a mistake is just an excuse for a little snack! Fluffy egg whites made these tiny cakes light and airy. Out of 18 I think we have three left right now...big hit with a dinner party last night. The girls were so proud and I enjoy the creative time with them.

Corner's of my Home

I got the idea for this blog from my sister's site. This is my absolute favorite corner in my home. I should say my favorite room. It was really hard to narrow down one corner. This room is the primary reason we bought this house. I love my kitchen. Let me say it again...I LOVE my kitchen. I love the windows. I love the counterspace. I love that I can see the kids playing in the backyard. I love that my whol;e family can sit in the kitchen (they all sat on the floor of my 10x10 kitchen at the old house). I love that we can entertain without me being sucked into the black hole of the kitchen the whole time. I love that my kids can sit at the table and do their homework while I'm making dinner. Did I mention that I love my kitchen? The next step will be painting it. I think I want to paint it a light lemony green color. Will wants me to test a wall first...where is your adventure honey? I dare to say that Will's favorite corner of the house is on the other side of that table in the hearth room. The leather furniture, the fireplace, and the plasma are definitely his relaxation zone. What it really comes down to is being together. The kitchen has been the heart of the home since our grandmothers packed lunches wearing their aprons. It's definitely the heart of my family.

what a week

I am beginning to wonder where all of my time goes. Actually I am far beyond wondering. With all three kids going in different direction with different activities 110% of the time, it can get a little overwhelming. We have dance lessons and choir practice and the ever present potty training of Parker (a futile fight up to this point). Any brilliant ideas on that? He just has less than zero interest. Dad's deployment, my upcoming surgery, and Will's crazy schedule are all just extra blips on my radar. Cooking, cleaning and lawn care. Dusting, laundry, and child care. It's easy to get overwhelmed and cranky and desperate. But then I come across a picture like this one. She looks so relaxed and peaceful. Morgan always does. She is the slowest child on the face of the earth, but I have a lot of lessons to learn from her. She takes the time to notice the bug on the flower, the picture in the book, and the fun in everything. Slowing down is good. I have the most amazing blessings. I have the opportunity to stay home and take care of all that stuff. I have the opportunity to notice and capture my children at this precious time in their lives, as long as I remember to slow down and take a lesson from a 6 year old red head.

da boyz

da boyz
Originally uploaded by heidijayhawk.

The youngets and the oldest of the Wise grandkids sur ehad a blast this weekend. Matthew will be graduating from high school in a few weeks. Where has the time gone? Parker sure thinks Matt is cool, and Matt didn't seem to mind being adored. We managed to spend Sunday afternoon with ALL of Will's siblings minus Trisha. That's something to accomplish. We visited the infamous Nu Way and I my stomach didn't even protest (too much). Thanks for the fun Wise guys!

cute coke ad

This is one of the funniest commercials I have ever seen! Will sent it to me in an email. I have tried to explain it to a few people, but its not nearly as funny as watching the real thing. This is an actual Coke ad. Enjoy!

exploration place

We went to the coolest children's museum this weekend. We took the kiddos out of school on Friday to spend some quality time with the grandparents. Its always good to see them, but it was really nice to spend more than a few hours this time. Mom and I went shopping on Friday (big suprise) and we spent the day at Exploration Place with Grandpa on Saturday. The museum was huge, and full of adventures. There was a castle with dress up clothes two stories tall. There was a section full of brain teasers...that's the section where we lost Grandpa and Dad. The kids loved the section on Kansas weather, espesially the story tall tornado simulator where you can actually touch the tornado. Will had an in depth conversation with the meteorologist about weather web sites they use (like this one). I think grandpa liked the Boeing plane exhibit the best beacause they had simulators for a variety of planes and a wall covered with tiny metal pieces that would move wit the wind. He said he could have stayed there all day. By the way, he crashd and burned in ALL of the simulators. We're really glad he's a chaplain. Thanks for the great time grandma and grandpa. We sure love you guys. Good luck and God's speed to you dad on your journey.

Gathering for Peace

Last post in reference to last weekened I promise! Now that we are quickly approaching the next weekend. I was proud to attend the Gathering for Peace at St. Paul's in Wichita last Sunday. What a great event. I have always been proud of my dad, but never more so than right now. He is an amazing man with a sense of duty and compassion rarely found these days. I can't say that I am not going to miss him terribly, but I know that the country of Iraq and the soldiers over there will be better off with him there. I know he will make an impact, as he always does. This prayer sums it up:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, Where there is hatred, let me sow love;where there is injury, pardon;where there is doubt, faith;where there is despair, hope;where there is darkness, light;where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. St Francis of Assisi

Good luck and God speed Dad. Be a credit!

world famous topeka zoo

One of our adventures this weekend was to the "World Famous Topeka Zoo". Mind you, I think it takes 15 minutes to walk through this zoo even when you are impersonating a turtle. Much to our suprise it was a special day at the zoo when they were celebrating the Capital Journal's City of Character campaign. They set up an inflatable slide, moon walk, games, free cotton candy, and prizes. Parker was particularly impressed wit the face painting. He kept telling everyone there was a puppy walking on his face. The giraffe mask was a favorite as well. Our lask of enthusiasm was greeted with fun games, prizes, and blue cotton candy. On top of that, the animals were actually pretty frisky this weekened. The bears were awake and wondering around. The eagles were flying in their aviaries. Even the hippos were walking in and out of their water...their hard to find in the murky water on a usual day. The real suprise was the lion's cage. This lioness was lounging right in front of the window when we went in. Abby sat for this picture (doesn't the lion look like she's posing?) thinking it was really cool. Moments later she stretched and yawned - I have never seen Abby move so quickly. Just goes to show how much fun a zoo can be...even the Topeka zoo. It was pretty world famous this weekened...at least to three little kids in my family.

It is simply amazing to me how much pne family can do in a weekend. And Will was working! I think I may still have to blog one more day this week just to chronicle this past weekend.

high flying weekend

This weekend was sooo crazy, I actually had to pick a theme for this blog. We had more people in and out of town-including us-this weekend. A visit from grandparents, aunts and uncles (the wisconsin variety) along with my favorite Fulton nephew (and his parents) staying in my guest room. A "quick" trip to Wichita for grandpa's "Gathering for Peace" and mom's 60th birthday rounded out by the worst storm I have ever driven through finished off our weekend circus adventure. So you see why I had to pick a theme ( today's is flying). Posts may dribble out all week just to recap the past two days. Bubby pushed the boys on the swingset for so long on Friday night I thought his arms were going to fly off. Do you remember the sensation of flying when someone else pushed you on a swing? The complete trust you have in someone to throw you into the air?

Abby is usually my conservative "never do anything dangerous" child. The child who is literally afraid of everything. When I turned around and saw her JUMPING down a 20 ft inflatable slide I about lost my lunch. I honestly had to look twice. She had to have gone down 15 times that way. What fun to fly down a slide! Even (or especially) if its freaking your mom out.

I love this picture. Parker loves nothing better than jumping with his dad. I didn't realize how high they were going until I looked the picture. Busy weekends are like flying. Trying to keep all of the balls in the air with a smile on your face.

easter blessings

Easter day was a busy day, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. The kids and I attended services at St. David's in Topeka. Amazing. The spirit was beyond description. Morgans' long lost red headed twin Daniel was there with his family along with a thousand people I didn't know. I have never seen that church full, and it was beyond full. The brass, the singing, the spirit...ah man it was cool. Once church was over, we made the drive down to Wichita. It simply wouldn't be Easter without an egg hunt with Grandma and Grandpa. Mom made an amazing dinner and I can never spend enough time with my family. I wish Will hadn't been working. I can't imagine celebrating the resurrection of our Lord in any other way. Basking in the love and grace of Christ in the arms of your family. Cool. Really cool.

fun in cali

As many of you know I ventured to the left coast last week. It was god to get away and recharge my batteries. I missed my little ones and my fella an awful lot while I was gone. The weather was cool, the smog was awful, and the company was amazing. I had the chance to experience a few things that I had forgotten about. Eating without ordering and feeding three other people. Getting a pedicure. Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. I loved spending time with my best friend, she even indulged me in a few tourist attractions. We drove through the Hollywood Hills one day (beautiful) and spent time on the beach. The food was unbelievable. I had fabulous sushi at a returaunt on the beach, eggplant lasagna (made by nat), and some of the best mexican food ever! I know California is where all the beautiful people are, but Kansas is where my people are. I saw the snakes of fire from range buring as I flew into KCI, and I knew I was home.

Palm Sunday

And what a gloriuos Palm Sunday it has been! We started our day at St. David's this morning by parading along with several other area churches to the blessing of the palms. "Fred" and all of his weirdos were out to protest in full force. It is amazing to see how many different people from different faiths can come together to celebrate the life of Christ.

The girls marched down to the palm blessing with the childrens choir. They were awesome today. It is a group of all girls and I swear they sound like angels. Might be a little biased, but they really are very good!

This is only a small view of the crowd. I have no idea on the numbers, but I would say this was about a quarter of the crowd. The group marched back into the sancuary at the church to "All Glory Laud and Honor" pipe organ blaring. It was amazing - gave me chills.

A day like today is two sided. We come together in joy and anticipation with our Hosanas and Glorias. But in truth today is the first day of holy week. A week to remember what Christ gave for us. To bind together in his love. To go through the somber services of Maunday Thursday and Good Friday. Peace and grace be wit you as we enetr into this week.

God in a storm

God reveals his awesome power during thunderstorms in the midwest. Last night we had a doozy. The raw power and force behind a thunderstorm with all of its noise and lights and rain and hail. But right in the middle of the storm we had a break. I stepped outside and saw this. Rays of light shining through the storm. I was almost reduced to tears. The picture doesn't do it justice. Even through the storms of our lives, Christ is there with his peace and grace and mercy. Thanks for the reminder.

Fulton Family Weekend

What a weekend! It was amazing! We have been blessed the past two weekends with our families. Ben, Janielle and David came in from Lindsborg. Mom and dad drove up from Wichita, and Clark and Kerry came Friday night from Columbia. We haven't all been together since Christmas! Little David has gotten sooooo big and he is now able to play with his cousins.



Love this picture, because we love us some Eddys. There is something about a sister that you simply cannot replace. Thanks for coming K-bear.


Without any prior coordination all men over 25 wore yellow shirts yesterday. They look like a bunch of Easter Eggs! Handsome ones I might add. Check Clarks shirt too. As Janielle would say, "yellow is the color of wonderful". I love being able to eat outside this time of year. Before the bugs and the blistering heat. I think we may have spent about an hour inside all day!




The toy of choice for big kids and little kids was the new trampoline. Ben went running to the backyard as soon as he pulled in. And he's going to be 30 this year , right? Got a few pics of Kerry and Ben and the kids in mid air! Even David and Grandma got in on the fun. Thanks for coming everyone...it doesn't get any better.

Sewing Weekend

Don't worry...I wasn't the one sewing this weekend. My machine sure was busy though. Jan and Vicki came to Topeka with Torey over the weekend and brough their sewing know-how with them. Jan made these skirts out of jeans that the girls had outgrown or blown out the knees from constant wear. The one above is exactly like the one Jan made for Torey (15) and therefor Abby had to have one just like it. Notice the camoflauge and pink!

The detail on this shirt was hand stitched by my mother-in-law Vicki. Morgan just loves the petite feminine touches like that. I know Vicki really enjoyed sewing again and seeing the excitement on the faces of her grandchildren.

Morgan's skirt was my favorite. The jeans have been her favorite, but they were a little too short and the knee had been blown out. She picked out the trim herself and the patches were from a collection of fabric I have (just case I actually get around to sewing myself). Thanks Jan for making such neat little skirts for the girls. They love them!

Morgan wore hers to church on Sunday. She likes tights and boots, but decided the skirt would be cuter when she could wear it with flip flops and a tank top. Where did she get all of this fashion sense? Poor Parker didn't get a skirt, but asked for one - in orange. He just doesn't like to be left out. I think we decided the next project would have to be a shirt for the boy. God knows he wants everything the girls have. Poor guy had 6 girls in the house with him and a daddy at work. Estrogen overload.

Alright girls...you may have inspired me. I left the sewing machine set up and may venture to try a project of my own.

Abby's Day of Beauty

Yesterday afternoon Abby came with me to get my nails done. Being the oldest of three kids isn't always easy, and doesn't mean very much time alone with mom. We had a great time shopping and Abby decided on her very first pedicure. The little place I go for my nails will do pedicures for little girls (they only charged me $15). Abby was is seventh heaven. She felt so special (they did the whole nine yards for her). She especially lijes the flowers on her big toes. Every little girl needs some time alone with their mom...Morgan's turn next time. Thanks for a great day Abby!

Go Shockers!

Alright, our beloved Jayhawks went out of the Tournament this weekend, but we are thrilled to see another Kansas school in the Sweet 16. Will grew up watching the Shockers, and mom and dad have been recently turned on to the WSU basketball team. They are a lot of fun to watch. They thumped Seaton Hall and were able to squeak by Tennessee this weekend. It would have been great to see WSU beat UNC next weekend, but Roys Boys got taken out on Sunday. Poor Roy (sniff, sniff). I'm sure you all are done hearing my take on college basketball, but I will leave you with this...Rock Chalk Jayhawk (see them next year) and GO SHOCKERS! Make it to the Elite 8!

St Patty's People

Yesterday morning I had to make sure I was up and dressed before the green police (who were in green pjs, just in case) arose from their slumbers. The girls had fun getting ready for school and Parker, Will and I headed for the parade after a quick visit from Grandma. St. Patricks day is different now than when we were younger - at least for us. St. Patricks day was all about the bar, and the bagpipes that were too loud for such a small place, and green beer. Now we are catching candy at a parade with Parker squared (our Parker and his best friend Parker Jackson), making a quiet dinner at home, and settling in for some basketball. I wouldn't change it for the world (except the outcome of the Jayhawks game).

Trip to Carol Joy Holling

The kids and I went on a spur of the moment day trip yesterday to Omaha and Carol Joy Holling Camp to watch Ben and Jamie perform at a coffe house. I have some audio of this, but can't figure out how to post it. I have always loved to hear Ben sing, and he was truly in his element last night. John Denver would have been proud!

The lighting in the cabin cafe was amazing when we first went in. Morgan's hair looked like spun gold! The kids had alot of fun running around the camp. And what a beautiful day to go! A little bit brisk, but spring was in the air!

I love this picture of Ben. I think it may become one of my favorites. Nothing reflects his personality more than his music. I could have sit and listened to him for hours - oh wait, I did sit and listen for hours! Great job Bubby!

Abby had a blast playing cards and coloring on the sheets of butcher paper that lined the tables in the cafe. When we walked in the first time, I was hit with a rush of memories. The smell of the cafe was identical to the camp we went to gowing up. Maybe its just a lodge smell, or the cedar in the walls mixed with campfire. I just remembered all of the fun I had at camp growing up. Carol Joy Holling has all the making for great camp memories in the future. Thanks for the fun Ben!

Mops and Pops Night

Tomorrow night we are attending the annual "Mops and Pops" night for the Mothers of Preschoolers I am in. I'm on the steering committee for this group in chatge of Hospitality. Needless to say, this is our big night. There have been three of us working to pull off a fun evening for 25 moms (who don't get a night without the children very often) and their partners in parenting. The kids are thrilled because they get to have a babysitter tomorrow night! The picture above are just a few of the decorations. The basket is a door prize with lots of fun grilling stuff. The table decorations are the fresh daisies in mustard bottles (its a picnic theme). Wish us luck and keep us all in your prayers!

Esstials of Faith

For those of you who read my blog from T-town, I want to highly recommend the group meeting during Lent at St. David's. Will and I attended last night, and it was wonderful. The topic for the next few weeks leading up to Holy Week and Easter concerns the basis of our Faith. Fr. Don is challenging us to determine the Essentials of our Faith. We talked last night about those times in our lives when we have had turning points. And where was Christ during these times? Can we see his work as we look back? What are the essential parts of our faith that make us Christians? I could go on and on. The whole evening was engaging and thought provoking. This is important during Lent. We should evaluate what makes us who we are. What is most important? Is it essential to believe that you must be part of a community of faith to be a Christian? To believe that the Bread and Wine are literally the body and blood of Jesus? Is it important to be saved in front of a gathering of Christians? To pray every day? To go to church every Sunday and twice during the week? To be baptised with water, or is the spirit enough? These are all questions that we should intenionally ask ourselves during this time. What is essential to my faith and my journey with Christ? Why are different things deemed absolute and essential for others? Lots of questions today...do you know the answers?