Ehre wanted one too....

So I quickly made her one this morning.   :)

Ann Maas

Tonight's sewing project

I wanted to sew something tonight and I wasn't in the mood to start on Ben's easter tie...so I made Elise this dress, bloomers and headband.  Maybe Monday I will finish the easter outfits. :)

Ann Maas

Easter cakes....

Or at least they were. The frosting tasted off....but I thought it was because I was using shortening from our church brand food storage. But then I started researching it...and the shortening must have gone bad...and it still had a year left!  I made 2 small and 1 large cake....and now I have to throw them out. I guess my VT's will have to settle for cookies instead. ( and there was ganoche filling in them too!)  So sad.

Ann Maas

Todays run....

These two never made it to the end of the 1st mile.  I ran a new route and in the end I ran 2.6 miles in 36 minutes...but that included stopping about 10 times to cross a street or give Ehre a chance to walk her bike...oh yeah and I was pushing two kids in a stroller! Not bad :) My first 5k is in 20 days I plan on running every day atleast 2 miles until then...and a few 3 milers atleast once a week.
Ann Maas

We're safe...

Jeff and I were talking about this and had a small laugh over the whole matter. A few weeks ago someone had asked us about where we were going with our job after graduation. We explained that we were going to CRANE, we also added that with an economy like its been lately it will be nice to work for the government because they have consistent work with research......so after this pasts week issues, I have been left thinking. Maybe we shouldn't buy a house in Bloomington, maybe we should rent and fill our 2 year agreement. Then we can see where the economy goes.... Any how, the summer of last night. The D's and R's finally figured something out around 11 pm EST last night. :)  Again I am totally confused the D's said this was all about keeping a group of women from getting health care and not about abortions. But the R's said this was all about Planed Parenthood and abortion.... so what was it really about?

 

Here is a link.

 

http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/04/09/government.shutdown/index.html

Anyone else confused?

We are currently in the "affected boat" should the government shut down tonight. I really don't understand it all. I do appreciate this clip though given in an address this morning. I feel perplexed that I agree with things from both parties, yet neither is perfect.

 

All I can say is, don't shut down the government. Instead stop the pay checks for all the congressmen and women and tell them that until they settle this (and a few other issues) no one will be paid....see how long they last then...I think they would come to some conclusions really fast. (and then don't back pay them either, let them remember what its like to be affected personally by bills passed, or in this case not passed)

 

I wish I had a reliable source, someone or somewhere to turn to, that would take all the confusion away from political debates, voting, bills etc. Its way over my head, yet I don't feel like I can trust any specific source...they all seem biased in one way or another... or they are telling 1/2 truths.

 

joy of joys...well I still think this video was interesting.

 

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2011/04/08/reid-gop-wants-government-shutdown

Ben and Purdue studies

Ben loves doing studies at Purdue currently he in two. He thinks its fun and at the end he always gets a toy! I get to sit and watch him on a closed circuit tv. I am amazed every time with how well he interact with the teachers.

Ann Maas

Yes, she holds her own bottle!

Ben's new tie

Ben went with me to the store and picked out the fabric for his new tie. This was our trial one before I work on the Easter outfits. It turned out well....if there wasn't so much hand stitching it would have gone really fast, but that's ok I am pleased with it!

Ann Maas

....it happened again.

But this time I was given a phone number and name to call. I thought that it was the bus driver.... but no it was the supervisor...and she got to hear my frustrations about having the bus driver not doing her job right. Hopefully this problem is now fixed (it beter be!!)

 

:)

 

Ehre did get another play date though!

What makes me mad...and scared...

...is when a bus driver lets my 6 year old off on any stop....after skipping her own!  This has happened twice now in the past week, where the bus driver (yes she is new..but still!)  has skipped our bus stop. Then has allowed Ehre to get off with a friend, with out a permission note from me.  I'm not upset with Ehre, she knows the friend from church and we are good friends with their family. Her friend told Ehre that she would walk her home and there they could call me..but still the bus driver let her go??? Without a note from me???  I am not to happy. I called the school looking for Ehre when she was 20 minutes late. ( I waited so long because last Friday, I was worried that her stop had been skipped and was told that she was on the bus but the bus was running 15 minutes late) The school didn't know where she was either. Then my friend called to say that she had her. I called the school back, they probably didn't appreciate me being up set, but they were kind. They are going to straighten this out.  I'm not sure what Ehre would do if for any reason she didn't have a close friend on the bus.

 

So dear bus driver, I'll forgive you for the first time....but I don't know what your problem is now that this has happened twice! (Ok I'll forgive you again...but don't let this happen again!) My last question is....is this happening to anyone else on our bus route?

 

So there is my rant for the day...this better not happen again.

 

Ehre gets the good side of this mishap, Ben and Elise are both sound asleep, so my wonderful friend is going to let her stay for a short play date. :)

 

 

Im sorry....

...to all our family in Utah who are not experienceing our fabulous weather!!!

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

Easter wreath

...I just added eggs...simple!

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

Thursay Topic Night: Solar cells

The kids thought this was cool...then the kids raced solar cars the size of a quarter.

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

Cake Photos by Heidi Jensen

 

Cake Photos by Heidi Jensen

Ok, the photos I attached ealier were not too good since I took them and posted them via my phone. So here are some by a true professional!

 

 

Ben easter bag

Elise easter bag

Ehre easter bag

Amazing Cake/Cookie Decorating Blog

Check out this blog, I love it! It makes me want to pull out all my decorating supplies and whip up a big batch of cookies... :) Hmmmm maybe I will just do that! It is conference weekend!!!!

 

http://sweetsugarbelle.blogspot.com/p/faq.html

Wedding display

This is everything all displayed and done :)

Than you Beth!!!

Thanks for helping us by baking the 4doz cupcakes...they turned out cute!

Wedding stuff..done!

Shout out to Tiffany. D who helped me with thecake, And my dad who stayed to visit with me till all the flowers were done.....it may not look like much but the cake took 3 hours and so did the flowers..... but now they are all done and I can go to the wedding.  The biggest Thanks though goes to Jeff, who watched the kids all day even thoug he has a homework assignent to do.

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

Air Tran former pretzles.

I got a good laugh reading these on my flight home :)

Gator golf.....

Yes it minature golf....with baby alligators in the ponds!!!

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

Jeff presenting at GOMAC

Inoue.way home.....

Here is Elise sleeping at the airport.....she is an excellent flyer!

Jeff eating ribs....

....with his fingers......yummy!

Miniture golfing

...at Pirates Cove...this was so much fun! Much better than minature golfing in Utah!

Cool Lego dragon

Graditude...

I am writting this as we are rAking the shuttle to the Indy airport...this conference time with Jeff is going to be a lot of fun. 
I had a wonderful opportunity yesterday while subing in primary. I was playing the piano and the kids were learning a new song. As a good friend of mine explained the new phrases a sweet spirit filled the room. I was struck by its strength and how it.peacefully confirmed to myself and the children the truthfulness of the reserection. The last lines still touch me today " and there were nail prints in his hands and a spear wound in his side....did Jesus really live again? He'd..and so shall I" I was so grateful that my friend also recognized the spirit and the children too she then went on to bear her testimony.  Lately I also have struggled with feeling the spirit at church....three kids keeps sacrament meeting busy. :)  But yesterdays experience only confirmed to me hat my Heavenly Fathom IS mindfull of my needs....and met them in such a sweet way.  I miss serving in Primary and am still getting used to Sunday School.and Re meetings. I love my new calling...who knew choosing hymns could be so rewarding. I love getting the topics and trying to place hymns with them.there are times when instantly a song comes to mind...one that may not be my first pick...and then later as we are singing itbecomes evident that it was the correct choice. The messages shared with the hymns and primary songs are beautiful am I am so grateful for them. I know that they testify of Christ. 

Love you all...next post will be of Jeff and I in Florida...special thanks to dad forwatching the older.kids. :)   lots of typos sorry its bumpy and this is.conning from my phone!!!

Ann

And warm weather...

I <3 spring

Happy St. Parties Day! !

Awesome quick quiet books

Wow, these are so cute. I just printed all 5 little "books" with Walmart photo, and put them in the cheap photo books. I'll make some cloth covers for them soon, but I am so excited to add these to our church bag!

 

 

http://sissykins.blogspot.com/2011/03/just-adorable.html

 

 

Ann

Practice ...practice ...practice ...

Getting ready for next weeks 3 tier wedding cake.

My big helper....

Sleeping beauty

Cool hair!

Ehre receiving her first girl scout patches.

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

Girl scout promise

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

My big helper...

We have such wonderful afternoons.

Give me a smile.....

Sunday best

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

Messy....

Rice cereal is never a clean meal for us.....its quite the mess!

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

Two new dresses

I put these together from two old shirts....love the blue one i'm not so shuts about the red one.  8 more shirts of jeff's to cut up...and two easter dresses to finish.

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

Me...

Well nothing can dampen a week than a shoulder injury. Somehow last week I pulled my rotators cuff. Its pretty sore. I can only lift my R arm up to shoulder level and then anything after that is quite painful. I think I'll skip out on my volleyball game tonight and keep it rested, the doctor said it will take a few weeks to heal...:(  But I can play to my comfort level.

I am starting a weight loss study at Purdue, they are finishing all the preliminary measurements and studies this week and I'll start next Thursday. Over 12 weeks the weight loss can be anywhere from 5-12 Kg.... I am hoping for the 12. :) The tough part will be keeping to a strict diet.

I spent a wonderful day yesterday sewing with a friend while the kids played, I am 90 % done with a new dress for Ehre, (Made from one of Jeff's old shirts) I just need to finish the hem. This is quite the feat since I had to take Ben to school, pick him up, take Ehre to school and take care of Elise too. :)

So, now I think you are all updated on my family, things really are going well.
Love you!
Ann

Jeff

Well we'll just keep up with the updates here and move on to Jeff...

Jeff has instigated Tuesday Topic Nights, and Thursday Science Nights. The kids LOVE them! Last Tuesday Jeff took out the black board and drew a kitchen sink. He talked to the kids about where water comes from, the basics of water pressure and how it comes out of the kitchen sink. He even showed them the water heater... the thought that it was soo cool.  Tonight he has a science project planned with vinegar though I don't know what it is.

Jeff is still ever so busy with school. He spends all day running around working on projects for other people, I worry that he isn't getting enough time on his own research, but one way or another it will all work out. His professor announced that he is taking a 4 year sabbatical starting in July....this will mean new and interesting changes namely two of the current PhD students will be graduating early, and then be running the lab as research professionals for the department. (hmmmm again new and interesting changes). It will be interesting to see how this works out.

Jeff is still in scouts serving as the Bear Leader. Last night was the Blue and Gold Banquet and we all went to support Jeff (and get out of making dinner, though we did bring a large side dish). I forgot how funny it is to watch 14 eight year olds perform a skit, even funnier when they forget the punch line. It was also fun to hear the various cheers after awards. He just finished his 3 months of lesson teaching so now he just has to attend and help keep things under control.

Jeff will be presenting a poster at a conference in March, so I am going to take Elise and fly down to Orlando with him. We are super excited to have my dad coming out to hang out with the two older kids. (They are sooo excited!)  He will also present another poster in Boston in June.

Jeff is absolutely amazing, I don't know how he gets so much done. Though I am aware of how hard he works because he is so tired by 9 pm!
I love you!
Ann

Ehre

Ehre did get a check up but I can't remember all the specifics it went something like this.

Wow your tall, and you have such beautiful long hair.
You are perfect in your weight and height. (She is also of "Robinson" build, not tush to keep her pants up.)
She loves to read, and it was so much FUN to have her spontaneously read me a story the other day.
She also has started writing me notes, the other day she sneaked into my room and made my bed leaving a note that said. " We love you Mommy, Love Ehre and Ben) ooooh my heart melted, she was so thoughtful.

Her vision at the Dr's was 40/20 so they recommended that we have it checked..but the optometrist only got 30/20 which is fine. So no glasses, though she really wanted them.

I had parent teacher conferences last week, and she is really doing well. Her teacher said that she has a stubborn streak, and sometimes when she is asked to stop a project and move on (aka coloring a picture) she ignores the request until the picture is done... poor kid has my genetics. So we'll both work on that together.

Her piano lessons are going well, we are planning her first piano recital to be in Utah during our May visit, all are invited to attend. :) She still request violin lessons, but currently none of our friends are taking students and the other teachers cost well over an arm or leg.

She is a great helper, she does breakfast dishes (at her own pace...hmmmm I think she's related to her Aunt C. on that one) and always helps Jeff with Dinner dishes. She also is great about gathering up all the trash on Mondays and bringing in the garbage cans from the street.

She is  my wonderful helper, which if you ask her "What is a daughter?" She will reply "A mothers helper." and its true, she really helps out a lot.!

Love you,
Mom

Benjamin

Benjamin didn't get a 2 year old check up this year, due to our inadequite and stupid at times Insurance. (Looong story) but here is his mother's check up.

Ben is tall but not too tall
He eats food really well especially dessert.
He loves to color and hang out with mom.
He is doing well working through his preschool books, and today we taked about "sequences" and "Nearer/ Farther". He's learning fast.
He loves to sing (at the top of his voice)  "If I listen with my Heart" with Ehre (Tifani you should be so proud!!!)
He is at a good weight, and is a typical "Robinson" build...skinny.

Ben we love you!

Mom

Elise 4 month old check up

She is 75% in height, 25% in Head circumference, and 40% in weight. She currently weights 13.2 lbs she's dropped some weight in the past week but thats due to a  cold. Other than that she's doing great with bottle feeding, loves to chat, eats rice cereal pretty well each day, and only gets up min 1 time early each morning (4 am) for a feeding.  ha ha ah Dr. commented that since Ehre wakes me up to tell me that Elise is awake and crying, we should see if she can do the feeding.... :) Well, no but its a good idea.

GS3

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

Girl scouts: world information day

Ehre loves girl scouts!!!!

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

GS4

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

GS2

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

GS 1

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

Where are these blogs going?

I am asking a favor to all those that read my blog.... can you do me a favor. Will you please comment, leave your first name last initial and city, state that you are living in.  Ehre and I were talking about all of our friends who live everywhere but here, and I'd like to point out to her where everyone is...but honestly I don't quite remember where everyone is at! ... or who all for that fact follows our blog! :)

Thanks!

Ham and egg cups.....so yummmmy!

Spray muffin pan
Line with two thin slices of ham.
In bowl mix: a few eggs, some onions, 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 cup grated cheese..salt and pepper.
Fill ham lined cups FULL of egg mixture.
Bake 350 for 15 minutes

Serve hot with baking powder biscuits.

This is not my orrigional idea I found it on the web this week....but can't find the link.  The origional poster said she makes these ahead and pops two in the microwave in the morning for a quick breakfast. Store the rest in the fridge.  :)  

Tell me if you try them and like them...we sure did!

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

Van catches fire at WalMart....

I didn't think to capture this till after they had controlled the flames....engine fire that spread to the cab.  Can you imagine what it would be like to hear over the WalMart intercom....." will the owner of the white van please come to customer service...your car is on fire."  4 fire crews...4 police cars and lots or us who were blocked in.

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

(Part2)

The rest of my notes....   :)

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

(Part 1) 3 am......

.....Elise woke up for a bottle....we are both getting sick. I went back to bed at 2:30 but could not fall back asleep...my mind kept on thinking about all the shirts jeff didn't wear anymore that he said I could cut up and repurpose..... so after an hour I got up and utter my ideas down. I have quite a few ideas and other projects to finish. I think Ehre can help me with her own dresses!

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

A look into our dinnertime clean up...

Me helping Elise get a bottle.
Ben stiiiiiil eating.
Jeff and Ehre working as singing as they do the.dishes....they always change the words...it can be quite interesting to hear what they come up with!

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

Elise laughing ...

Best we could get..... better than nothing.

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

Baby hat and carseat blanket.

I just finished this for a friends new baby...hopefully it fits!

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

She may be sweet but she hits hard!

Jeff got me a REALLY GOOD volleyball for b'day!!! All the writing washed off but the messages were funny and sweet!

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

Cutest hightops ever!!!

Thank you aunt Miako!!!

Ann Maas (Typed while holding a baby. )

Ben's birthday dinner!

Happy bday bowling!