Programs and Parties!

Christmas is definitely a time for parties and lots of celebration! Last Wednesday, we were so excited to have Grandma and Grandpa O. stop by to visit us on their way back to Texarkana. We celebrated our Christmas with them while they were here and the boys loved their gifts. They also enjoyed the extra attention lavished upon them by G & J! Grandma the animals were a hit.... they are still playing with them!

This past week was the last week of school and a lot of fun was had by all. Thursday night was our school Christmas program which was delivered by kindergarten through 2nd grade. It was adorable and the kiddos did excellent. Nate's class was part of the "choir" while the older kids acted out the play. Nate looked like such an angel and the whole choir looked like they had definitely been given a lecture about what not to do during the program! To the left is a picture of that lecture that occurred right before time to march out! We were so happy to have Nana & Papa Doc there to see Nate perform!

The next day was the school Christmas party. Both Nate and Zac were very excited about all of the food and of course the gift exchange! I spent my time shuffling Ben back and forth between the two class parties! Luckily only one classroom separated the two! I was very proud of Nate because although he did not receive the gift that he'd hoped (a cool toy) but he received a popup book, he was very gracious and thankful (at least to the giver of the gift... when we got in the car he informed me that he'd been hoping for a cool toy)! Zac was so excited about his gift... he squealed (yes squealed) "I love this (dinosaurs) because I've never had one before... it's just what I wanted"! He also recited with his class the most precious poem. I'm going to have to see if I can get it on tape and post it to this blog.

Note both N & Z's tongues hanging out!

The sweet blonde in the picture below is my best friend Stephanie's daughter Caroline!

The kiddos are getting very excited about Christmas as the countdown to Santa is definitely on! IN the mean time, they are enjoying their two weeks of daddy days .... wahoo! Merry Christmas to everyone. We appreciate your friendship, love, and support.

The Oosterhous Crew

Tis the season to be Jolly....

This has been a very busy but very fun month! Lots of celebrating, decorating, and shopping going on (as well as numerous forays into the woods by the boys)! I've figured out part of my "blogging problem" ... I get ready to sit down and write but then I start reading everyone else's blogs and one blog leads to another and an hour later it's midnight and way past time to go to bed!

Our first Christmas "kick off" event would be to meet Nana & Papa Doc in Hot Springs to see Santa Clause followed by a fun trip to see the spectacular lights at Garvan Gardens. The 2 big boys were very excited to go see Santa. Both realize that the "real Santa" is busy at the North Pole so he has to rely on his helper Santa's to report back to him. However, they kept asking where the sleigh and reindeer were. Nate and Zac were pretty serious when sitting on Santa's lap. Nate went in to great detail about the gifts that he wanted and Zac said his standard, "bulldozer, backhoe, and a dump truck." Nate went on to describe in great detail, cowboy boots, a cowboy shirt, a BB Gun.... well Santa stopped him right there and asked him how old he was, to which Nate replied, "5 1/2" to which Santa replied "I think that is too you to be getting a BB Gun!" Well Santa's helper.... "too late, you did not inform daddy Tim of this"! Nate just kind of looked at him like "whatever"! Ben cried but managed to stop the wailing and look at the camera for the picture. After fine dining at Chick Fillet we all loaded up and went to Garvan Gardens. The lights were spectacular and the boys had a wonderful time and we enjoyed spending time enjoying the Christmas festivities with Nana and Papa Doc! I'll have to post pics of GG later since I used my 35mm to take those photos. Note in the Santa pic that Ben does not look happy.... he screamed initially and we finally got him to calm down for the pics but he definitely does NOT look Jolly!

Where did November Go? And How will I be Ready for Christmas In Time?

For those of you who check this website, I am so sorry it has taken me so long to post.... a whole month.... how embarrassing! Oh well, November was busy, with lot's of sickness (everyone); my birthday (pulled over by a policeman for expired tags, but no ticket); a fabulous Thanksgiving in Arkadelphia and Texarkana; and pulling out the Christmas decorations!

So many times I have thought about blogging at night, but end up Christmas shopping on the Internet instead, you see, there are not shops here in Glenwood so shopping is a little more challenging! Thanks to mom and Jen (who shopped for me while mom was visiting in Dallas) I might actually be able to locate some of those harder to find gifts! The tree is up, the lights are hung, and we are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus (I keep trying to shift he focus to baby Jesus) and snow! Zac thinks Christmas and snow are synonymous.... we shall see!

Thanksgiving was wonderful. We spent turkey day in Arkadelphia with all of my cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, nieces, nephews, etc. We had a wonderful day enjoying the weather outside and eating yummy food. The day was topped off with our annual visit to the Christmas Tree Farm. The next day we traveled to Texarkana where we spent the rest of our holiday with Tim's side of the family. All of his siblings and their children (10 grandkids) were there on Friday. Even though the weather was crummy the kids and adults managed to play outside anyway. It seems like we are only able to get everyone together once or twice a year so it is always spectacular when we do. Loved seeing everyone. I couldn't ask for better in-laws!

Well, I'm going to wrap this up and keep my fingers crossed that I will get in at least one more post BEFORE Christmas day. Merry Christmas to you guys! Hugs, KMO

A Long Week... sick kids, projects, & adventures!

Thank goodness Tim will return on Monday! It has been a long week but it has gone relatively fast thanks to family, good weather, and movies! Last weekend we spent the weekend in Texarkana with Grandma and Grandpa O. The boys had a wonderful time playing baseball, tennis, doing art, and playing at the park. I even got to fit in some window shopping while Grandma and Grandpa did a little babysitting! Monday started the week off with a sick Nate and trip to the doctor's office. After missing 3 days of school Nate returned on Thursday. Then as luck would have it, Zacy got sick on Friday and Ben woke up snotty on Saturday! Ugh!

Well in the middle of all the sickness and in the absence of my husband, I decided to paint the big boy's room (this instead of going to Dallas - the trip we had to cancel because everyone was sick). I know it is crazy to tackle this project while Tim is gone... but that was kind of the point... I have a habit of changing things when he is gone... Anyway, I mentioned it to mom and thank goodness she and my dad came up to help! Well, mom watched the boys (harder than painting) and dad and I painted. Good thing the kiddos were not in the room we were painting or they may would've learned a new vocabulary! Dad hate's to paint and it was my first attempt at the activity! Thank goodness for good ole' dad. The room turned out great! I think Tim will be surprised! While daddy was gone, the most "cooking" I did was chocolate chip pancakes....

By Sunday afternoon the boys were all coughing and wiping their snot on everything. I think Ben managed to drink out of both Zac and Nate's sippy cup.... wonder why he's sick?! We were all driving each other crazy so I decided that after naps we would go on a little adventure.... a trip to Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs. For me this meant 2 hours of travel time (kids strapped in, hands to themselves, movie playing, peace and quiet) and 2 hours of looking at beautiful scenery. Even though the kids didn't feel great they were excited. They had a fabulous time exploring and stressing me out (they like to get really close to water... ponds, puddles, waterfalls, etc.)! Despite that they were really good. It is such a beautiful place and I highly recommend going there.

We left when the park closed at 5. By then the boys were hungry... I'm thinking McDonalds but Nate saw a sign for Cracker Barrel and begged to go... I must admit it was more appealing than Micky D's but was it appealing enough to risk taking 3 boys in by myself to eat????? YES! After threatening them and bribing them within an inch of their lives we entered! Luckily they seated us fast and the boys were being so good.... then Zac had to go potty.... this meant getting everyone up and taking everyone to the bathroom at one time... I reassured a waitress that we weren't leaving yet. The boys ate and were excellent during dinner. I'm not sure what I ate because I was trying to keep food in every one's mouth so they wouldn't yell to loud, say something rude or make an offensive sound at the dinner table! Again, I must say, the boys felt crummy but they behaved wonderfully for mommy today! Thank goodness for small miracles! And thank goodness daddy returns on Monday!

PICS FROM GARVAN GARDENS BELOW!

Tim is gone soooo.....

Tim left Friday after Trick-or Treating for Wisconsin to go hunting with his BFF William Mc. and to visit his grandfather in WI! He has been so excited about this trip. Of course, since N & Z are in school and Ben is relatively easy, this week was to be "a breeze"! Ha Ha! As usual, Tim leaves and one of the 3 gets sick! Nate has croup... terrible cough punctuated by 105 degree fever! Luckily fever is down and the medicine seems to be working. Most of all, at this point the two little ones seem to be well! Fingers are crossed! I'm sure there will be details posted of the great hunt during the next couple of weeks!

Quick Ben Update...

Little Ben is almost 14 months! He walks/runs everywhere and wrestles with N & Z! Seriously. He still babbles a lot and is making new sounds. Our words are limited to Mama, No No No, and Uh Oh! He knows the baby sign for "all done" and we are working on "more"! He likes to dance and clap his hands and he can definitely throw a fit on the floor (he comes by the later naturally)! He's a good eater.... if it is what HE WANTS to eat (fruit, crackers, donut holes, pizza, etc.) He is such a delight and is such a lovable little guy.

For those of you who are wondering.... we went to the Infectious Disease Clinic at Children's last week (the ENT the previous week) and got a good report from both. Ben has been running a fever for months now, 97 in the mornings and anywhere between 100 and 101 at night. All of the test to this point for an immunity disorder or cancer have come back negative (we are waiting on 2 more). The doctor expects for those to come back normal too. It will be such a relief to know that he is perfectly healthy and that I don't have to be worried any more about his rise in body temperature. Should get the results back for the last 2 tests by the end of the week. As for his ears, we are in "wait and see" mode... two more ear infections and we will do tubes.

Well that is all for now. Just thought I'd do a quick update.

Halloween - A Week Long Party!

I will combine all of the Halloween Festivities in to one blog. We kicked off the week with our church's fall festival. Somehow I managed not to get pictures of this event. The boys had fun dressed in their costumes playing various games for candy. However, some of the costume came off when the boys went crazy in the bouncy house!

The next event was the fall festival at the boys' school. Once again, we dressed in costume (batman, pirate & scarecrow) and played a lot of games. Nate liked the games where you had to toss something and Zac loved the train. Ben just loved running around outside whenever Tim would put him down. We were so excited to have Nana and Papa Doc attend the festival with us. It worked out nicely so that their was an adult with each child and I could roam around and help out with the kid's class booths.

Papa Doc and Ben before the event!


Nana hung out with Nate at the festival!


This was Zac's favorite thing! Glenwood's interpretation of a train!



Yep, that is a peanut warning sticker! Zac was such a trooper this year when it came to eating "safe candy"!

Then we had Trunk-or-Treat at AWANA on Wednesday. The boys dressed up again (this time as hunters in their camo)! They had fun getting more candy (as if they needed more).

Finally, the big event... HALLOWEEN! After carving the pumpkin and eating a yummy pizza (the only food my family can agree on), we dressed the boys in their costumes (pirate, scarecrow, batman) and headed out for a night of trick-or-treating! We went to our neighbors house, each of which were so sweet and had special Halloween treats, gift bags, etc. fixed for the boys. It was so much fun visiting with everyone and the boys really racked up on some loot! By the time we got home they were all tuckered out... despite the sugar high! It was a fun night!

A Doe and a Buck, A Doe and a Buck, High-Ho-The-Dairy-O, A Doe and a Buck!

O.K., for those of you who have known me forever, I did not grow up the daughter of a hunter, nor did I date many hunters, I didn't even really marry a hunter.... BUT, my husband has turned in to a hunter and quite a skilled one at that. Not to mention the fact that I've got a feeling I will be the mother of at least one and likely 3 hunters! So, I would be remiss not to blog about the fact that my husband so selflessly has stocked our freezer full of deer meat! Wahoo! About 2 weeks ago he and Nate got their first deer (sounds much better than killed or slayed)! As Nate tells the story, Tim wanted to go to the food plot to hunt, but Nate convinced him to go to the tree stand, so they did. Much to the boys' delight they saw several deer. Eventually one got close enough to shoot (Tim and Nate had worked out hand signals so Nate would know to cover his ears). After the smoke cleared, Nate and Tim saw that they had gotten their first deer of the season, a doe (if anyone reading this is a supporter of PETA or vegetarian... so sorry)! Nate was ecstatic as was Tim. They field dressed it (removed the organs) which turned in to a science lesson for Nate who thought it was so cool. Zac kept calling it his friend and kissed it once before I told him not too (fear of disease)! It was a successful hunt!

Deer # 2 was a Buck (9 pt. with an 18 inch spread)! Daddy shot this one on his own while on the mountain across from our house. Once again the boys were thrilled and so was daddy! This was a big deer people! Anyway, I'm sure the antlers will be mounted and the meat will be stored and given to friends... any takers!

Camping and Horseback Riding! What a Perfect Weekend!

Two weekends ago, my friend Mica, her husband Greg, and her little man Eli came up to "Camp Oosterhous" so that Eli could have his first

campout! The boys were so excited and couldn't wait to show Eli the joys of camping and playing at their house... tent, campfire, marshmallows, hot dogs, campfire stories, etc.! Now Eli, has been here several times, so he was a pro at canoing and he knows that Mr. Tim will put him to work while he is here! The weather couldn't have been more perfect and Mica and Greg were wonderful campers too! The boys had a great time and everyone made it all night in their tents (now I was inside the warm house with Ben)! Somehow this camping trip managed to transpire without me taking pictures! :-(

Just when we thought things couldn't get any better, we got an invite to got to Greg/Eli's farm in DeQueen! The boys got to ride horses (Goldie, Mac & Pete) and feed the cows! I must explain that feeding the cows consisted of Mica driving the truck, and all of the boys rode in the back and tossed out food for the cows. Mica was driving and we were visiting when all of a sudden (and Mica really was paying attention) we were stuck in a big muddy hole! This resulted in mud being slung everywhere and poor Mr. Greg having to go find something to pull us out! Much to my boys delight, that "something" was a Massey tractor! This was the highlight of the day for my boys who LOVE tractors and love mud! Greg and his daddy got us out and we went back to the barn to ride horses again. The boys had a spectacular time and can't wait for another visit to the farm! After such a big weekend, the boys were worn out!

We are so glad Greg, Mica and Eli came to visit us and spend a wonderful weekend making memories!

Pumpkin Patch Trip!

O.K., so I'm two weeks late with this post and about 4 others! We have been busy and I have been lazy when it comes to blogging! The boys took a field trip with their school classes to a pumpkin patch that was about 60 minutes away. They had a wonderful time playing, going on hay rides and searching for that special pumpkin! Below are a few pictures! So much to blog about I'll keep this one short!

Go Team Oosterhous!

I just have to brag on my family for a few minutes! This weekend we all participated in the Rugged Man Triathlon here in Glenwood. Tim competed as an individual and I competed as an individual.... 8.4 mile bike ride (up big hills), 7 mile kayak trip, 3.1 mile run!

Let me give a little background. Last year Tim competed as part of a 2-man team and won first place. As soon as the race was over, he began planning on competing as an individual in the 2008 race...EXCEPT for he was going to do it lugging around 3 boys - one on each leg of the race (the only competitor to do so). Zac rode on the back of the bike in the bike seat, Nate sat in front of him on the kayak, and he pushed Ben in the jogging stroller. My boys have been looking forward to this race all year! The day of the race they were so excited that they woke up extra early! They all did excellent. Tim is an athlete and a fierce competitor. He finished 3rd despite all of the extra weight, I mean help! I was so impressed and proud... and he of course was thinking he could've done better... that is a true competitor for you!

Background on me! I've always thought it would be fun to do but I am NO biker... I'm very intimidated by biking. About a month ago I started riding to prepare for the 50 mile bike ride (2 weeks ago). After that ride, I decided that I would try the triathlon. I'm in decent shape so I wasn't too worried about the kayak or run but I was terrified of the bike portion. So I decided to enter with my goal being to finish and hopefully not come in last! I approached it as something I wanted to have fun doing... challenge myself... but not kill myself! It was so much fun. I got smoked on the bike (like I new I would) but I did good on the river and decent on the run. Not too bad for someone who has had 3 kiddos. I actually got the 3rd place plaque for the women's division! However, when it was all said and done I think that I actually got 4th due to a glitch with the timing chips; however, they did not "strip me of my trophy" (thank goodness because that gave us a plaque for each of the boys) and just awarded the other girl a trophy too! So, the trophy wasn't that important to me but the fact that I finished in a respectable time was. I also must brag on my best friend who competed with her sister as part of a team and they were the first all girl team to finish. Go Steph and Lynette!

The boys were so proud of themselves... they may have "been along for the ride" but in their minds and hearts the "raced" very hard. I couldn't have been more proud of team Oosterhous and of our family. When I get more pics I'll post them...

Ben Ben!

This will be quick but I just wanted to take a minute to write a little about Ben. It is so hard to believe he is one! His personality is really starting to shine through. He is a happy-go-lucky little guy who wants to be in the middle of everything that his brothers do. He is very tough and will jump on the boys and attempt to join in when they are wrestling. He's also "spirited" meaning he can throw a little fit when one of the boy's takes away his toy and he just breaks down in tears when you tell him "No" in a stern voice. He still doesn't talk much but he did start saying "Ma Ma" on Friday. That and "uh oh" are his two words! He squeals and screams in delight and babbles nonstop. He walks everywhere and is undeterred by hills or rough terrain. He will be an excellent hiker like his daddy and bubbas! The cutest thing that he does is hold his hand up to his ear (or any toy or the remote for that matter) and attempt to say "Hi"! If I hold the phone up to my ear and say "Hello" he automatically puts his hand up to his ear and tries to say "Hi"! Too Cute! Oh yeah, he's learned to wave bye-bye! Well, I could write forever about how precious he is but I'll stop ... for now!

50 miles!

I don't have any pictures to post but I wanted to say "yea to me" for finishing the 50 mile bike ride last Saturday! With much encouragement from friends Cindy Daily and Stephanie Duggan I signed up to ride in the 32 mile portion of the Big Dam Bridge bike ride. The ride was so much fun because I got to ride with my best friend Stephanie and friends Cindy Daily and Miranda Burris. They all 3 are bike riders and were so patient and encouraging to me. 3 weeks prior to the race I had only ridden 6 miles... So it was a big personal accomplishment to decide during the race to make it 25 miles before turning around for a total of 50 miles! Yea... go me! Now keep in mind, I wasn't fast.... but I was steady and had fun! Already planning on riding next year. Will post pics when I get them.

Camping

I meant to blog about this earlier but things have been busy the past couple of weeks.... the stomach bug whet through all 4 boys and Ben had an ear infection! Finally a week that seems to be free of vomit! Thank goodness.

The camping trip that occurred the same weekend of the Mutton Busting was so much fun for the boys and Tim. One of Tim's best buddies from Texarkana, William (they've known each other since kindergarten), and his little guy William came to Glenwood for little William's first camping trip. The weather was perfect so the boys spent some time canoing and fishing on Saturday. Saturday evening was the big cookout at the campsite (across the street from our house) and a night of camping. All of the boys had a wonderful time (daddy's included) and we were so excited to get to share in little William's first camp out. Nate & Zac can't wait for their new budy to come play agian.

No Future in Bull Riding... (thank goodness)!

Well, Friday night was the highly anticipated Pike County Rodeo, part of the Pike County Fair. This is the event that Nate has been looking forward to, since September last year. He has mentally prepared all year for his attempt being one of Pike County’s finest Mutton Busters (sheep rider). Let me start off by saying, many of the contestants obviously owned farm animals or at least had ridden the family dog, Nate has done neither, except for his one ride on our friend’s mule… Baby Jack. Baby Jack belongs to the one and only Baylie Clay (5 yrs)… also the proud owner of multiple goats. Nate was very sure of himself and felt certain he would win first place but second or third would suffice.

Nate anxiously awaiting the ride! Baylie and a real live bull rider!

Let me set the scene. Tim and Nate arrived at the fair 2.5 hours before signup to make sure that Nate would be one of the 15 children to participate in this event. Even though that was a bit early, I’m thankful they were there and able to secure Nate’s spot; I witnessed firsthand one little boy who was crushed because he was too late in line and did not receive a number for the event… he was crying and his mother was none to pleased that her son was unable to participate. Anyway, my only job was to film Nate. He was like the 3rd or 4th participant. Right before his turn, Zac got hurt, and started crying inconsolably, so I have him on my hip crying loudly, the camera rolling, some lady in my way, and I’m focused on the wrong chute. It all happened so quickly; I only got Nate lying on the ground! Luckily, Bailey’s mom (Bailey qualified for the finals on Sat. night) got it all on video. Seriously, I don’t even think I saw it. I asked Tim if Nate was on the ground before he got out of the chute? Tim said, no…. but it happened soon after. I think Nate was stunned that it was over so quickly, but he was a good sport and is looking forward to participating next year! I feel reassured because I don’t think he has a future as a bull rider!

Sorry it is blurry... it all happened so fast! Yes, I made him wear a helment !

Nate before the big ride!
Both boys also participated in the Calf Scramble, which was hilarious! The object of this event was for all of the kiddos to go to the middle of the arena, they let loose a few calves with red bandannas on their tales, and the kids are supposed to retrieve the bandanna for a cash prize… It was hilarious! Thankfully, we were not counting on Zac or Nate to win money to pay our bills!

It was a wonderful night. Papa Doc came and watched the events as did our good friends William and his little man William. Nana was kind enough to stay home with baby Ben so that I could go watch Nate. Little William and his daddy came down this weekend to go to the rodeo and to go camping with the boys and Tim. It was William’s first camping trip. That's my next blog.
Little William! Isn't he cute!

Happy First Birthday Ben!

Happy birthday sweet boy! How is it possible that a whole year could’ve passed so quickly? It seems like only yesterday that you were so small, fragile and dependent solely on me. Now you are growing before my very eyes, walking, and asserting your independence… it just doesn’t seem right!


Yes, we’ve celebrated Ben’s birthday twice! First, a party with family and close friends on Saturday at my parent’s house. Ben had a great time (as did the two older boys). They enjoyed playing with cousins Matthew, Molly and Cole! It was a beautiful day and we were so thrilled to share it with everyone. My grandmother and grandfather were able to make it, and that made the day even more special! (Below are a few pictures. I was so busy running around I didn't take many, but Jen & Brooks did and I'll try to post some of their pictures later).





Tonight we celebrated Ben’s birthday, just the 5 of us! Poor little Ben has an ear infection so he has been a little under the weather today but rallied just fine for the birthday cake part of the day! I am so thankful for this little guy who blesses my life each day, along with his two big brothers… I am a lucky mommy! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN BEN!