Hertels

2008-11-29T09:57:00.003-05:00

Our pastor challenged us to share with our friends and family the things we're thankful for, and I decided that since I've really slacked on my blogging since we moved out here, that I should do it. I am most grateful for God's loving hand on our family in the past year. I would love to say that my faith has been unfailing, but that would be a lie. I have had moments of real desperation where I wondered what were we thinking, what was God thinking, was anyone actually thinking??? I realize how wonderfully blessed we were in the three years we lived in Maumee. We were relatively close to our parents and grandparents; we had a great church family and Matthew and I had the best friends.

But even though this has been a tough couple of months, I can see how (in His usual fashion) God has drawn me closer to Himself through this transition. I think of one of Peter's letters in the Bible, he talks about being refined by fire...I'll just find it with Biblegateway..."These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." That is what I am grateful for this Thanksgiving. I have experienced that inexpressible and glorious joy, not in spite of the trials, but because of them.

So, I am grateful for being a woman who knows she is broken and who also knows I need Jesus to fix me every single day. I am grateful for my husband and children, for our health, our home, our stuff. I am grateful for Metro Community Church that has so many people who welcomed us as though we were coming home. I am grateful for all of the people who took the time to say a prayer, take a plane, ride in a car for 30 hours, write a note, draw a picture, call on the phone, or mail anything - I appreciate you loving us so well and so much.

2008-08-25T07:39:00.007-05:00

It's almost impossible for me to believe that in six days we will have lived in New Jersey for two whole months. My parents just left this morning from their second visit out here. Grandpa Randy brought the kids a PSP which proved to be great fun, but did cause some fighting until we worked out a rotation so they could move from one of Grandpa's fun gadgets to the other in 20 minute intervals. Miss Dianna gave the living room a much needed overhaul and she cleaned all the light fixtures and cabinets in the kitchen. We went to the Shoprite and bought each of the kids a half gallon of ice cream and stuff to make banana splits one day and mom and dad took the kids to the Van Suan zoo which is fairly close to our house.

Heidi came for a visit just before that and stayed with us for nearly a week. We all rode the train into NYC to see the Old and New Yankee's Stadiums. The weather was really great during her visit so the kids played outside a lot and they went on lots of walks. One night, Heidi and Matthew went to the closest Walmart on a supposed "yarn fit" shopping trip and completely surprised me and the kids with everything we needed for "movie night" including a brand new 22 inch flat screen tv (our Christmas present - early) a new movie, and lots of candy. We had been resigned to watching dvd's on the spongebob squarepants tv, so the kids (and Matthew) were all very excited to be able to watch regular TV.

We have began attending a really great church, called Metro Church, and it's been a really wonderful thing for the kids. We just happen to live a block away from the Pastor of Student Ministries, Shirley You, and she has become a great friend to me. She absolutely loves the kids and has just embraced our whole family.

The girls begin school on September 3rd, and I am looking forward to their return to teachers/schedules/order and I'm sure they're excited to get away from me and make some new friends. Enjoy the pictures and let me know if you have any questions I can answer in my next post! (I am using a new photo widget and hope you like it.) (I made captions and you can read them as long as you put hold your mouse over the photo.)

2008-07-27T06:03:00.010-05:00

Firsts - they're so important in our culture - we write down the dates for first tooth, first haircut, first bath, first step. Well, yesterday The Hertel 7 took their first trip into New York City, and much to my blogging pleasure there is enough hilarity to keep you reading for a while, so you now have my permission to get up, go to the bathroom, grab yourself a donut and cup of joe, and then come back to sit for a spell. Joining us on our trip to NYC were my parents, Grandma Miss Dianna (GMD) and Grandpa Randy(GR). Now, GMD has been to NYC once before with my sister, but that was of little consequence other than when she recognized the hotel she had stayed at.

We got a kind of late start on the day because we didn't know what we were doing until 11:30 that morning. After heaps of indecision, we decided we would take the train from Oradell into the city and head for Central Park, maybe go to the zoo. My gosh, it sounds so easy when you just type it like that! The train station is 2 driving minutes away from our house and we arrived with plenty of time to spare, got our tickets and onto the train with no issues. I managed to snap a few wonderfully touristic photos before the conductor yelled at us, "No pictures on the train!" and then he mumbled something about terrorists that I couldn't quite make out.

Matheson was super excited at his first time on a train, and I wish I could describe to you his face every time a train or subway car pulled up next to us - it was a glorious mixture of sheer joy and sheer terror - and I am certain that Matheson really believes when he put the palm of his hand out in front of him it slowed the train down. For this trip, we needed to switch trains at Secaucus station in New Jersey, get off that train at Penn Station, walk a couple blocks to where we got on the subway and take it to 5th Avenue and 59th Street and Voila! you're at Central Park. Of course, this is 4 adults who've never been on the subway (except for GMD who rode the subway with Aunt Dana, but just followed Aunt Dana and had no clue how things worked) and let us not forget that we've got 5 children in tow, so we're trying not to lose anyone. (Let me take the time to comment on the Subway. Maybe you've heard this before or you know from firsthand experience, but if not, let me tell you - the subway is HOT...and we're not just talking a little more hot than the street - it's like 25 degrees hotter. And stagnant, the only breeze comes from the trains and an occasional brisk walker.) So, we walk down into the subway station at 34th Street and go to buy tickets. It's just crazy - there's about 200 other people, 25 vending machines and these other machines where people are buying tickets. So, GR walks up to a machine and proceeds to buy 4 Path train tickets which took a mere 10 minutes, but when you're standing in 100 degree stagnant air with 5 squirrely kids and a small bladder it seems like a bit more, and we then head down for the subways. That's when we see the ticket counter. Yes, the ticket counter for the subway tickets that we actually need. GR walks up to this guy whose about a foot away but separated by plexiglass so he's talking through this microphone that might as well be a kazoo.
GR holds up the Path train tickets and says, "Hey we need to get on the subway, is that what these are for?"
Plexiglass man - "Nphrope!"
GR - "Well, what are they good for?"
PM - "Souvenirs"
GR - "Well, it's a good thing they were cheap then, huh?"
So, GR then obtained the correct kind of tickets which aren't even tickets, it's like an ATM card that you swipe. We had 4 swipes for the adults and the children were free. Unfortunately, Lilli didn't know she was supposed to go under the bar and before GR could tell her not to she took one of the adult trips through the turnstile. So, when everyone was through besides GR, we just figured he would go under the turnstile. When that proved to be a bit too tight a squeeze, he just hopped over the bars. While I was watching GR go over the bars so were two of the most serious looking police officers I've seen - ever. At their behest, GR gladly went back and paid for another swipe and went through the turnstile legally.

Central Park was beautiful and we went to the zoo. We bought the membership so we'll have free visits to Bronx Zoo, NY Aquarium, Central Park, Queens and Prospect Park zoo for the next year. It's a cute little zoo. Being the smart/frugal people we are we packed lots of snacks and bottles of water in GR and Matthew's backpacks. So, we munched on string cheese and crackers for a bit.

We stayed at the zoo for a couple hours, and walked around Central Park. The kids all climbed onto a big rock.

We got out of the city with no issues and were making great time. As we reached the final platform in Secaucus to board the train that would take us home it happened. I was sitting down, thinking, "Wow, we went through the whole day and didn't get on one wrong train. Man, am I hungry." That's when I noticed Matthew waving frantically at me from the front of the car, saying "This is the wrong train. Hurry. Hurry!" And then the doors shut. So, we got on the wrong train. And not just any train, but one that didn't make its first stop until about 35 minutes out. The conductor on that train was visibly entertained by our predicament, but he told us what we needed to do - which was get off at the first stop, wait for the train heading back to Secaucus, get off there and then pray we made it for the 7:32 train to Oradell because if not we would be waiting until 9:32. We ended up getting back to Secaucus about 5 minutes too late, so we waited in the station lobby. By this time I think it's fair to say that we were all quite hungry, so we hit the snack shop about 10 times. Seven slim jims, three V8 splashes, two sodas, one game of charades, one golf magazine and 100 minutes later we boarded the correct train.

Although our little snafu at the end cost us some time and made for a really late dinner, it was still a great day, and definitely one I will not soon forget. I'm hoping that was my first and last time getting on the wrong train, but something tells me it won't be.

2008-07-20T12:19:00.002-05:00

According to the thermometer on our garage it’s a temperate 88 degrees Farenheit outside and even though it’s not that humid, any way you cut it - It’s HOT. The New Jersey Hertels have been in our new place for 18 days now, and I’m sure that some of you are anxious for an update so here it is.

We arrived late on the 1st and we unpacked the Uhaul as a family on the 2nd - I would say that Matthew unloaded 75% of our things. He was so gross at the end of the day. His belt was sweat soaked and when it dried this salt residue showed up - deeeeeeesgusting. The next day we woke up with a dead squirrel in our driveway, and no clues as to why it was dead. I watched Matthew from afar as he tried to pick it up with a snow shovel, and it wouldn’t get on the shovel, but just kept scooting on the asphalt. After I had a good belly laugh, I helped him by holding a board that he could use for resistance to scoop up the little guy. New Milford’s fireworks display was really great, and we had a great time both nights we went to see them (the first night they were postponed due to rain). Matt began work on the 7th, and is really enjoying it. On the 11th we went to the Takasago Company Picnic at Kruckers restaurant and grove in New York State. We had lunch & dinner, snow cones, cotton candy (twice), swam in the pool, played Bingo and won two MP3 players in the process. Matthew works with so many lovely people - it was a great break from unpacking.

I’ve pretty much been working steadily every day, going through a few boxes while the kids play in the back yard. Something different about this move is that I have the time and energy to go through all the things we’ve been saving for all these years. I’ve repacked, condensed and organized and it feels wonderful. There were boxes of things that we moved from house to house over the past 11 years and I never looked into them once until now. The kids are all adjusting pretty well. The big girls have each other to play with and watching Matheson and Lindy keeps us all busy during the day. It was rough the first week for Lindy...I think at her age insecurity shows up as temper tantrums. It really helped when I got her and Matheson’s room set up, and their familiar toys came out of boxes. A few days ago I decided to purchase a big inflatable pool, and it’s been fun for everyone.

Some of my first observations of NJ are:

These people love their Dunkin’ Donuts. There is at least one in every single Borough
and that’s another thing - it’s a borough, not a town or village.
Everything is not more expensive. Much to the chagrin of the Barber who charged Matthew a “whopping” $15 for a haircut and then bragged about how it’s so great to live out here because everyone makes more money than people with the same jobs in the midwest...hmmm... last time I checked he paid about $15 for a haircut in Maumee, Ohio...
Unless I decide to drive up to New York State for gas, which I wouldn’t do because it’s nearly a dollar more up there, I will never have to pump my own gas while I live here. All the gas stations are FULL service. We didn’t know that our first trip out here and we drove around for an hour trying to find a self service gas station because Matt refused to pay more for full service when he could pump it himself for cheaper, except that every time we went into New York where it was self service the gas was 84¢ more than everywhere in New Jersey.
It’s beautiful here, and while I know there are parts of NJ that aren’t so pretty, we are blessed enough to live in one of the places that earned this state it’s unofficial nickname.

Enjoy this video of Matthew in the pool with Lindy and Matheson. Not sure how good it will come out. Please leave me comments or questions if you have any. Much love to all!

2008-06-07T07:47:00.006-05:00

Just in case you haven't heard, this week Matthew had an interview at Takasago on Tuesday, got a job offer Thursday morning, and accepted it Thursday afternoon. Whew! Takasago is a manufacturer of flavors, fragrances and fine fragrances, and Matthew will be employed as a chemist in their Research and Development. The really big news is that Takasago is located in a little burgh called Rockleigh, New Jersey. So, we will be moving in about a month (if things go as planned, which they hardly ever do, but we're still going to plan). Matthew and I are going on a scouting mission this weekend. We're trying to avoid what happened when we were moving to Toledo (we set up appointments to see a bunch of houses that looked great on the internet, but when we got there the houses were in the ghetto, or between two frat houses, and my personal favorite is the house where we walked into an attic room that clearly was used for some heavy partying the night before and Louisa said, "It smells like throw-up in here." which I couldn't argue with) and hopefully after this weekend we'll have a better feel for what areas we are interested in.

We have especially enjoyed driving near Scranton (hello??? The Office, anyone?) and also the town of Shamokin - we just think it sounds funny. Right now we're sitting at a Panera in Stroudsburg, PA planning our best route into NJ. Pennsylvania has been so beautiful with all the mountains and last night's sunset was amazing. God is so good to us, through this whole process He has provided us everything we need, but I even see His love for me through that beautiful sunset.

As usual we appreciate your prayers for our safety and sanity through this big life change. I am excited and scared all at the same time, and I can only imagine how unnerving this is for the older girls. But, we're looking at this as a new adventure and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us!

2008-05-17T22:33:00.002-05:00

Every once in a while our life gets so interesting and so much stuff is going on that I feel like I've got a tiny Lauren standing on my shoulder whispering in my ear, "You need to blog this. You should blog that. You need to blog, Lauren."

This week has been one of those times, and I knew I needed to sit down and type some news when Matt said, "Geesh, you need to blog about this." So here I am. Here we are. Here it is. Whatever.

First of all, we're all doing fine and looking forward to more nice weather. Matt is trying to complete writing his thesis and is fervently looking for a job. There are lots of nice prospects right now, but no offers yet. Many of you have asked about the radio thing, and my patience for getting a call back from them ran out last week. I called - they're still interested, but the process has slowed a bit, they will be in touch. (Patience, Grasshoppa.) I just started 2 six-week summer courses, so I suppose that will keep me occupied for now.

Second, we have been plagued with injury in the past week. Last Saturday, Laine fell on her Rollerblades and has a sprain/possible break in her right wrist. If it is broken it could be a scaphoid fracture which doesn't always show on immediate x-rays. She has been icing her wrist in the evenings and wearing a splint during the days. The splint (not a cast, but that didn't stop Laine from having all her little girlfriends sign it like one) makes Laine a little gimpy so Lilli has been having to help out a lot more around the house and she's not really happy about it.

In usual Hertel fashion we celebrated Laine's injury, the beautiful weather and Matt mowing the lawn (I think) with a walk down to the Penguin Palace for some ice-cream on Sunday. Matheson decided to run ahead and in his excitement fell...on his face. I'm not sure how you scrape both sides of your nose and your top lip without breaking your teeth, but he did it. He wailed and wailed, wiped blood all over my sweatshirt and I held him as Matt ran home to get the van so we could take him wherever he might need to go. But, by the time Matt got to us (which was wicked quick, honey!) Matheson had resigned himself that the only thing he needed was blue ice-cream. So, no visit to the doctor for him. By this time I was already thinking in true Grandma Dottie fashion what's the 3rd thing going to be...who's next?

Well, Friday morning that question was answered. It was the last official Mops meeting of the season, and Matthew was going to help work in the childcare. I'm usually bogged down with about 4 bags and 50 things running through my mind, so as I was emptying my things out of the van Matthew walked Lindy and Matheson up the stairs into Washington Church. Unfortunately, Lindy is terribly independent and would not hold his hand. She tripped before the first step and fell right next to the railing. At first, Matthew thought she had hit her head but I couldn't see anything wrong with her head. She did have a little scrape on her left elbow, but she stopped crying pretty soon after the fall so I thought it was disaster averted. We walked into the church, Matthew holding Lindy, and I was running around in my usual Mops haze, when I looked up at Lindy. You know how you look right before or after you throw-up? She had no color in her face, and I knew then. I've seen that look before - when Mom broke her elbow falling over the baby gate and when Cari Vanderpool broke her arm at the skating rink in Eighth grade. We waited about 20 minutes to see if she would snap back into her normal ornery self, but when she wouldn't leave Matt's lap to go play with Ninette - I knew she needed to go to a doctor. Matthew took her to The Toledo Hospital's ER and Lindy did indeed break her right radius. Right now she has a temporary cast and we have to meet with a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon next week to see what her long term healing is going to entail. I'm hoping for something waterproof - it's almost summer here people! I can dream, right? I know that it's probably going to be six weeks of trying to keep a near 3 year old from getting her right arm wet...seriously...that'll never work.

I think that about covers it. We are looking forward to some family visiting tomorrow and hopefully Barbecuing. God continues to provide everything we need, and we are grateful for our friends here and far away for keeping us in your prayers. Please comment, I love to know I didn't spend the last hour typing purely for my own enjoyment!

2008-03-27T08:08:00.002-05:00

Just playing around on the webcam, but I thought you might enjoy!

2008-03-19T21:45:00.005-05:00

Hello hello hello! It's been a while, hasn't it? Well, as you may have surmised we've been busy this winter. I can't believe how much time has gone by since my last post. Matthew is writing his thesis, which is turning out to be exactly what everyone warned us it would be - exhausting! He and I are trying hard to be a team through this whole thing, but I must admit our tempers are both shorter than I would like them to be. Not to worry, we're still finding time to spend together - like tonight - we're sitting across the breakfast nook table from each other both typing furiously, and occasionally glancing at one another or making a comment about our day, and not 15 minutes ago I almost made Matthew snarf drink out his nose so...things are good!

Since Matthew has been applying for jobs around the country and close to home, we are not really sure where we'll be in the coming months. We could be moving - we could be staying, and I must admit that not knowing makes me feel a little nutty. About a month ago I joked that if we weren't probably going to move that I would apply for this job opening for a DJ at the local Christian radio station here in Maumee. Matt's response was, "Well, maybe you should go ahead and apply...what if I don't get a job right away? It might be a good thing if you have a job!" I thought about it a few more days and spoke with one of my friends from church about that conversation. Her husband, our church's high school pastor, overheard me talking about it and he insisted that I should apply and use him as a reference. Hello God - are you trying to tell me I should apply for this job? So, I got my resume and cover letter together along with a recording of my voice (which conveniently enough I didn't have to create because I had the perfect example from my podcasting class last semester) and I hand delivered it to the radio station with very small hopes of being called.

About two weeks went by, and I finally decided that they would not be calling me for an interview. I thought to myself that it was okay, because truly - I have no real qualifications to be a morning show disc jockey. I was a little disappointed, but decided that it was okay with me and if it wasn't meant to be it wasn't meant to be. Right? The next morning I got a phone call from the radio stations program director asking if I was still interested in the position. So, I contained my jumping and screaming just long enough to set up an interview for the next day. Amazingly, my interview went so well that we ran out of time (68 minutes was not enough!) and I have been asked back for a 2nd interview. That was this Tuesday morning!

So, my friends, apparently, I am in the running to replace the station's current morning show woman co-host. Isn't that fun!?!?!? I have no idea how many other candidates they have or how soon they're planning on introducing a new host. This is in the "very early stages" according to the powers that be...so, it will be weeks possibly months before anything comes to fruition. Please keep me and my family in your prayers. I only want this if it is going to be a blessing to my family, and please pray that God will keep me humble. I will try to keep you informed of what happens, and if by some Divine chance I actually end up on the air - I expect you all to listen to the online broadcast!!!

Now, for the children.

You would not believe the way that Matheson has grown up in the past 4 months - he's like a little man now! We can hardly go anywhere unless he has his Lightning McQueen (or as he says it "Liteneen MfFween") racecar. He loves the Super Hero t-shirt that we got him for his birthday and wears it nearly every day over whatever regular clothes he has on. His speech is getting better though...and he carries on real conversations now. What a great kid!

Lindy Mae - what can I say other than "Can you say strong willed?" She is very much a tomboy. I can NOT get her to wear panty hose without some form of extreme bribary. She is a little corker though, and loves to rough house with her big brother. Matheson often has scrapes and bruises from where Mae has accosted him with her fingernails. She does have a very sweet side to her though, and sometimes she puts my face in her little hands and says, "Oooh, you so pretty. I just love you, mommy." which pretty much makes up for all the orneriness.

Louisa is loving first grade. She is an excellent student. Something about Louisa - she loves sweaters...I've never had a child who enjoyed wearing sweaters like Lou does. In fact, she has a tendency to get very attached to her clothing, and insists on wearing things long past their usefulness or ability to fit her properly. She is a little messy sometimes. I find the most trash underneath her bed, but she is learning how to be cleaner and neater by being in the same room with Lilli.

Now, Lilli is also enjoying 3rd grade. She is a great big sister and a help to me. She is very motherly and Lindy really likes it when Lilli "WeeYee" is taking care of her. Lilli has sort of taken on being Lindy's translator, which I am trying to curb because I find myself actually relying on Lilli to understand her and when she's away at school I have no clue what Lindy wants! But, seriously, Lilli is doing great in her reading and just earned her Bronze AR level. We're thinking of doing her AR project on "Because of Winn Dixie" which I think is ironic because Lilli looks just like the actress who played Opal in the movie.

Laine is amazing. She is growing into a lovely young lady and what a great sense of humor she has. Sometimes she and I just crack up at things the other kids say or do. I am most proud of Laine for how she handled a really difficult situation with her friends earlier this year. She is showing more and more that she can make good decisions and stand up for what is right. I find it difficult sometimes to realize how grown up she is becoming, and find myself wondering how quickly it will seem before she is graduating high school - aughhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

I hope this was a good update for all. I know it's lengthy. Much love to all!

2007-12-31T00:03:00.001-05:00

Well, we actually did it! We're on our first family vacation in nearly 8 years. We're having so much fun we can hardly believe that we're here. We drove down Friday evening, leaving a full 3 hours earlier than planned AND a full 3 days later than what the girls could bear! We drove through Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee in pitch black night, sometimes rain and ending in a fog that sent us to a McDonald's parking lot where we all caught some needed rest. We drove a short stint in Tennessee and made our way through Alabama, finally arriving to Gulf Shores, Alabama around 2:30 pm on Saturday. We unpacked, checked out our house, made spaghetti for dinner and drove into town for a trip to the local Wal-Mart for some groceries. Then we went to Scoops for some ice-cream. I don't even remember my head hitting the pillow, and awoke around 8:00 am feeling wonderful. Matt made us his famous Co-Co Wheats for breakfast and we just tooled around the house until lunch. Then we went to The Beach Club, this fabulous resort across the street, where we swam in the indoor pool. While Matt was outside with the 3 big girls playing, "Polar Bear Club" (a turn in the hot tub, then running and jumping into the cold pool) I was inside with Matheson and Lindy. We went home shortly after Lindy decided that #1 she didn't have to obey me and #2 she could swim all by herself. That was frightening - she just jumped right into the deep end, and all I could do was watch. Thank God some people who were much closer than me grabbed her and saved her from drowning. She wasn't even phased, and still wanted to swim after the whole affair! What a booger. We made pizzas for dinner and I took the big girls back to the pool while Matt stayed with Matheson and Lindy Mae. It was a great day!

2007-09-06T13:47:00.001-05:00

Hey everybody! I am taking a class called Podcasting, Vodcasting & Blogging, and shock of all shocks...part of my weekly assignments is that I create and maintain a podcast. If you don't know what a podcast is then that's great for me, because you'll have nothing to compare this to. If you do - well I still would love for you to check this out.

http://laurenhertel.podcastpeople.com/posts/7362

Click here to listen! And then tell me what you think!

2007-09-02T08:02:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful summer break filled with wonderful memories. We spent most of the summer at the Rolf Park Pool, which we shortened to RPP. This place is amazing and I am really going to miss it next summer if we aren't still living here. As you can see there are two really tall water slides and they were great fun. The jungle gym is in very shallow water and it was just great for Matheson and Mae. I spent much of my time just sitting in the shallows with my hat and sunglasses on watching Matheson and Lindy bop about. Matheson has become an excellent diver. Each time we were there he would put on his goggles, and proceed to jump in the water face down and do the "dead man's float" until he could no longer hold his breath. I observed many a lifeguard scoot towards the edge of their chair as they watched this ritual, the look of concern spreading across their faces, and just as I was sure they were going to jump in to rescue him - Matheson would pop up for a new breath of air. He would then jump right back into the water and the whole scenario played over and over. It was fabulous entertainment! The RPP is also where Lindy had one of her big toenails ripped off by the women's restroom door. So, not all of our memories there are the fondest, but Louisa is already asking me when will it be open?

We had birthday parties for Louisa and Lindy over the summer. My dad bought a balloon animal making kit, and I'm not sure who had more fun with it - him or the children. It ended up being a real lifesaver because it was so yucky outside.

We spent a lot of time with our friends, The O's, and our Small Group really grew over the summer. All the kids went letterboxing with The O's just the other day, and they had a great time. I helped out with World Vision's "Step into Africa" exhibit while it was being hosted in our church. What an experience that was. If you get a chance to go on a free tour it's amazing what you learn about the AIDS crisis in Africa. It truly is a crisis, and I was saddened and astonished at the number of children deeply and tragically affected by this disease. I was also filled with hope that because of people like me or you that this doesn't have to stay the way it is. And I am deeply grateful for my own children and health, and to World Vision for bringing this to the world in such a moving and powerful way.

2007-06-11T22:58:00.001-05:00

I know that so many of you are concerned for Lindy Mae, so I just wanted to put out an update. She is doing great! We are so grateful for all of the prayers you're praying.

Today, somewhat abruptly, Lindy's eyelid became much less swollen and we got a good look at her eyeball. It seems to be perfectly fine - not even bloodshot!!! Her mood is wonderful, she doesn't even act as though her head hurts. She is one tough cookie. Enjoy the pictures, and the reassurance that she is practically perfect. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

2007-06-11T08:36:00.000-05:00

Saturday evening Matthew and I went on a walk with Matheson and Lindy tagging along in the wagon. It was 8:58pm and we were planning on a bath quickly followed by bedtime. As they often do, Matheson and Lindy headed into the basement to play with the toys down there, and I hollered, "Don't go down there. It's time for a bath" A statement I knew would get both of them upstairs with no whining or dawdling. Without actually seeing it, we think that in his hurry Matheson bumped into Lindy causing her to lose her balance. She fell off the side of the basement steps, about a five foot drop onto the concrete floor. She stood up on her own in the time it took Matt to leap down the stairs, and as he handed her to me her nose started bleeding. I hugged her for about 2 minutes while she cried and, in that time her eye had swollen shut and the left side of her forehead was bulging. We were on our way to the ER!

In the van Matthew called our good friends, Carl and Nicole Ohrenberg (The O's - we affectionately call them), and asked them to start praying. They immediately offered to keep Matheson if we needed and he spent the night with them. After several ER doctors examinations, a cat-scan, x-rays, and conferring over the phone with our pediatrician it was decided that Lindy should go to The Toledo Children's Hospital for observance which meant she and I had a our first ambulance ride. The transport team was great, and instead of wishing me "Good luck" actually offered their prayers for us. Our first two hours at TCH entailed a lot of poking and prodding on Lindy, and hundreds of questions for Matthew and I. A neurosurgeon explained the films showing Lindy has a hairline fracture on the orbital that houses her left eye and there seems to be no trauma to her brain. They sent us home Sunday afternoon and we will be following up in the next week with several Doctors to make sure her vision isn't affected and that she is healing properly.

In the first two hours after the fall, Lindy didn't say any words which had me very concerned. When she did finally speak it was to say 'Daddy'. Shortly after we reached Toledo Children's Hospital she said 'dats a ladybug' about a sticker she'd been given by one of the nurses. But, I really knew she was herself when she clawed at the nurses when they tried to put sensors on her chest.

When faced with the possibility that my little baby could be dying, or have brain-damage I can't describe to you the fear that welled within. I only know how grateful I was to feel the constant presence of Jesus with me throughout, and it's not that I could feel Him telling me everything was going to be okay. In fact, I wanted that even prayed for that kind of peace, and it didn't come. What was there - right away - was a knowledge stronger than my fears...the knowledge that God was with me. It's a truth that I've come to cling to - God may not save me from pain, suffering or sorrow but, He will never abandon me, never forsake me, never take His love away from me. I pray that peace for all of you.

Today Lindy is watching The Little Mermaid with her big brother, and aside from her present likeness to Rocky Balboa, you would never know the scare she gave all of us.

2007-05-01T17:13:00.000-05:00

If you know me, then you know I love coffee. Well, actually if you really truly know me, then you know that I love creamer with a hint of coffee. Anywaaaaay, I love to try new coffee creamer flavors and I am no doubt the target audience for Coffee-Mate's campaign of limited edition flavors. Recently I decided to try the Blueberry Cobbler. Now, there are not too many things that I find totally disgusting but, this stuff was so awful I couldn't choke it down. Believe me, I tried. I'm a "waste not want not" kind of girl, but I dumped an entire warm cup of coffee down the drain. Blech...blech,blech,blech. Let me say it again, Blechhhhhh. So - if you were thinking of trying it - do yourself a favor and don't. Actually, right now you can go to Coffee-Mate's website and take a small survey and receive a coupon for a free 7-day supply of coffee-mate. I suppose if you don't use creamer in your coffee, but you really love me - you could sign up to receive the coupon and give it to me!

2007-04-12T15:02:00.000-05:00

To all my avid readers...all two of you! Wow oh wow - has a lot of stuff happened since the last I blogged. I tried being a myspace blogger, and a blospot blogger and a scrapblogger and I've come to the conclusion that I'm WAY too busy to try to do all of those things. So, I've decided to stick to my blogspot blog. I have added a link for my online scrapbooks (also known as scrapblogs) and I'll still use myspace to listen to great music and keep up with old friends, but all of my blogging is going to be here from now on.

Matthew and I just began leading a small group for our church. It sounds fancy but really all it is is "doing life together" with other people from our church, and we facilitate the getting to know one another. When you go to a church as big as ours being a part of a small group is the only way you really get to know people well enough to actually have real relationships and not just surfacy-say-hello-on-Sunday-and-never-talk-again-all-week fauxlationships.

I've also decided to go back to school at UT beginning this summer, and I will be getting my associates degree in Digital Imaging and Web Design. After that I may tailor a Bachelor's degree specifically designed to include all my previous college courses. For the first time in a loooonggg time I'm actually excited to go to school! And what's even better is that I can take the bulk of my courses online!!!

That's all for now. More later!

2007-02-12T14:12:00.000-05:00

I have been having some problems trying to post my scrapblogs. For some reason you cannot view the whole page. Until I can figure it out, please click here to go to my scrapblogs. You shouldn't have any problems viewing them, but if you do just leave me a comment. Thanks!

2007-01-05T23:55:00.000-05:00

Today I went to Mops feeling fairly overwhelmed with my life. I woke up late, had about 20 minutes to get everybody ready for school and even though Matthew helped me I was still really crunched for time. By the time I dropped off the girls, picked up Sam and showed up to Mops 30 minutes late I really needed some "me time". I have also really been struggling with priorities, and feeling like I'm not living my life in a way that actually represents what is important to me. Then, in His usual fashion, God provides me exactly what I need.

We got to hear from Bill Munn who just happens to coach people in time management. I bought his book after hearing him speak, because this is something I really think I can do. So, you may notice some changes next time you see me or you may not see any at all. But one thing is sure - I'm going to start taking the steps today to not just think about but actually begin living a life with purpose.

2006-12-24T01:16:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful day with Matt's side of the family today! Thank you to everyone who traveled and brought good food/beverages with them. I hope everyone had as much fan as I did!

2006-11-06T14:03:00.000-05:00

2006-10-15T21:59:00.000-05:00

Today my little brother (I use the term little loosely as he is easily 5 inches taller than me) is 20 years old! We celebrated with the usual ice-cream cake from the DQ, presents and singing of the Happy Birthday Medley. My Grandpa Jimmy brought over a vcr tape of Christopher's 2nd birthday, and it was precious. It was an all too real reminder to me of how quickly my own little 2-year-old boy is growing up, and in 18 years I'll be wondering where did all the time go?

I left the party for a couple hours to go to a baby shower for my childhood friend, Gretchen. I am so excited for her - this is her first baby, and they already know it is a boy! The best present in my opinion were these teeny tiny party-hat looking things that one places atop the baby's weiner whilst changing his diaper so that he doesn't pee all over oneself - Genuis!

We got home late last night, and the girls were all dragging this morning. So, tonight we'll all go to sleep early and easily - right? My prayers are with Maxine Haines (a family friend) who recently had a stroke and my new friend, Nicole, who is due to have her baby Thursday and has been having contractions for several days now. God be with you both.

Enjoy the pics, and leave a comment to let me know if you stopped by for a visit!

2006-09-02T14:29:00.000-05:00

School is back in session, and this year Fort Miami Elementary is graced by the presence of three Hertel children. Laine's 4th grade teachers are Mrs. Frederick and Mr. Sabo, Lilli is a second grader in Mrs. Budge's class, and Louisa is going to full day Kindergarten with Mrs. Dommer.
I had a sentimental moment with Louisa, where my eyes welled just a little, because she is so grown up and strictly business when it comes to school. On Wednesday she told me she didn't want to be in Kindergarten anymore because she felt like she was going to be homesick if she had to go there for a whole day again. I suggested that perhaps if she had a picture to look at that it might help and she actually suggested one. So, we printed out a wallet size, and I put it in her pocket. When I picked the girls up, she informed me that the picture worked "Grrrreat!" and she only had to look at it three times.
Lilli lost a tooth at school on Friday. Unfortunately Lilli has a bum tooth fairy that always forgets to put money under her pillow. I tried to tell her that I am the tooth fairy, and that's why it doesn't always get done on the first night, but she refuses to believe me.
Matheson is learning how to go to the bathroom on the toilet. This has just happened in the last two days, and it's been very exciting. I think he must have overheard me talking with Aunt Dana about the new Incredibles underpants she bought him.

2006-08-07T10:42:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day

If I ever need to laugh I watch this video, and I wanted to share it with everyone!

2006-07-29T08:10:00.000-05:00

Watermelon watermelon in my grip
Down my chin your juice will drip
To my shirt stained red and pink
Of a finer snack I cannot think

2006-07-19T23:18:00.000-05:00

Well, the summer is flying by, as it seems to have a habit of doing. We are enjoying the warm weather and free time. The kids have made great use of their bikes, scooters, and the swingset. My only wish - that one day we'll have a pool! For now the sprinkler will have to suffice, and the other day it was so hot even I ran through the sprinkler. (Sorry, no pictures to share of that.)

Lindy has started talking, she says "nanana" Banana "ee-ee-boo" Peekaboo "uh-oh" and "Hi Daddy". Matheson's vocabulary is also expanding, and he loves his train set. Every morning I have to make him come to the table to eat breakfast, and he says, "no, I pway frain" and he is very polite, he says 'thanks' anytime you do anything for him.

2006-06-26T16:46:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Lindy's first birthday party! It couldn't have been a nicer day or better company. Lindy enjoyed her cake, which was just adorable, and those cupcakes were amazing! Many thanks to all who helped make the day a success - God for keeping us safe, providing beautiful weather and for blessing Matt and I with such a beautiful family; Randy and Dianna for opening their home and providing some darn good food (good burgers dad!); Heidi, Jason, Amanda, Aidan and Matt for bringing the cake from Mishawaka; Julie Goepfich (Amanda's mom) for once again making not only the best tasting cake, but the best decorated one I've ever had the priviledge of eating four pieces of in one day; everyone for the gifts and for sharing in the celebration; Lindy for being such a good baby girl; Laine, Lilli, Louisa and Matheson for being so well behaved all day (you guys make me very proud!); and last and very likely least, myself for making some tasty baked beans and actually getting myself and FIVE children ready for the day and out the door before 7:30am.

2006-06-21T09:10:00.000-05:00

Lindy is a one year old! We had a tiny party for her last night, and she really loved it when we sang Happy Birthday to her. She tried to grab the candle, and when I pulled her hand away she cried big tears. Her "official" birthday party is next Sunday, June 25th from noon to 4pm at my parents house. Hope to see you there!

2006-06-12T15:54:00.000-05:00

Wow! It has been a whirlwind of activity in the Hertel household for the past three weeks. I will try to give you the good stuff. I have started babysitting a 6 month old baby girl named Gabrielle, just a couple hours every day, and so far she is very sweet. All the kids except for Lindy stayed at with their Grandma Heidi and Grandpa Dale over Memorial Day Weekend. It was a nice bonding weekend for Lindy and her momma. The next week my mom came to visit and we worked like dogs to put on a smashing garage sale only to have it rained out half of Friday. The girls put on a refreshment stand and sold hot dogs, pop, chips and cookies on Saturday. Both business ventures were fairly successful, although I plan on opening up the garage again later this week to sell more of our "good junk". It took about 4 days for me to recover from the garage sale. It is so much work. I don't think we went to bed before 1 am any night. We being my mother and myself. Matt made the mistake of making this comment, "You act like all you've been doing is working on this garage sale!?!?! I mean, how much is there to do?" I told him that just showed how little he knew about putting on a successful sale!

We were in Mishawaka last weekend for Ali Cerney's graduation party. It was a great party, really good food, and our children had a wonderful time. Many thanks to Shari Cerney for always making us feel so welcome. I hope that one day I can at least appear as organized as she is! Also, Grandma Heidi worked her butt off that day and she also harbored and fed our whole family for the weekend - many thanks for all you do. We got to see and catch up with so many people. I was particularly excited to pat Rian's pregnant belly - she is so beautiful!

We took all the children to my parents' home Sunday evening and dropped them off. That was truly difficult, and although I made a brave face for the kids, I buried my face in my hands and wept the second we crossed the railroad tracks in Claypool. It's hard to leave every baby. I almost always keep one of the kids with me but, my family is taking care of them this week because I got my top wisdom teeth extracted today and wanted to be able to get appropriate rest.

As I type, I have been out of the dentist office for about an hour, and the tingle of numbness is being replaced by a dull pain. That's my hint to wrap this post up!

2006-05-12T14:28:00.000-05:00

Lindy Mae is getting so big. You wouldn't believe all the things she is doing. So, here are the pictures to prove it. She took her diaper off today, and was walking around the sides of her playpen buck naked. The other night Matheson stuck some stickers on her face, sans my permission of course, and her skin didn't react to well so she had little red marks where the stickers had been. She is sitting up in her high chair, and eats all kinds of food. Her favorites are cheerios, bananas, rice, and Hawaiian Delight. (She HATES carrots and peas!) But, the cutest of all is that she has started waving hello, goodbye and nite-nite. When she gets real tired she clutches and opens her little hand frantically! She's just adorable. (and no, I'm not biased!)

2006-05-04T09:44:00.000-05:00

You should check out Louisa's Blog for her birthday wish list. Her party is on Sunday, May 14th from1-3 here at our house. It's a Strawberry Shortcake party - big surprise there!

2006-05-02T13:43:00.000-05:00

Now - that's a satisfying lunch! The kind that puts you into a food coma!
Yes, that's Matheson and what's left of the Beefaroni he had for lunch today. I went downstairs to do some laundry and when I came up there he was.

2006-04-23T18:01:00.000-05:00

Today we went to the Toledo Zoo and had a great time, even though it sprinkled on us a bit. We've been busy working in the yard, repositioning that old split-rail fence and planting some new flowers. I love working in the yard. There is just something about taking something that looks unkempt and making it beautiful. Of course, we still have a long way to go before we're getting any kind of gardening awards, but I did get a "looking good" and thumbs up from one of the regular bikers of River Road. The girls spent their Spring Break at my parents and Matheson went to Matt's mom's and Dale's for 4 days! It was lonely being without the kids, but Lindy and I spent lots of time playing. By Easter Sunday I really missed them and we picked them up, and better than any candy was the presence of "Ugly Teeth". Dana and Matheson make the case for good dental care throughout one's life.

Without Proper Care------------------------------ With Proper Care

Matt's birthday was March 29th and he turned 30 years old. I made a pineapple upside down cake, and I think I may have finally mastered it, well at least it didn't fall apart like it has in the past. Life has been hectic and I can't wait for summer. It will be nice to have the kids at home and to go yard saling again.

2006-03-22T22:47:00.000-05:00

I just added 18 pictures. You can click on the link that says "2006 pics" to see them.
More later!

2006-03-07T22:37:00.000-05:00

Once again, too much time has passed between posts. One reason - I have had the same stupid cold/flu for three weeks now. Lots has happened. Louisa went to Florida with Grandma Heidi last week. Glad to report they had good weather and a wonderful time at Disneyworld. To see some pictures visit
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/lauren.hertel@sbcglobal.net/album?.dir=52ea

My favorite thing so far is when she does her impersonation of Stitch on the monorail's intercom. She mimics, "Welcome to Stitch Kingdom. Have a magical wonderful day!"

2006-02-13T10:47:00.000-05:00

Here is Mrph in one of his new outfits. Today he had his two-year old check-up at the Doctor's office, and everything is fine. He is going to be taking some allergy medicine to see if we can get his nose to stop running, and his molars are coming in.I thought I would include some pictures of other recent happenings in the Hertel house. Of course, Lilli had her birthday. She wanted me to make cut-outs for her school treat so, I did. Grandma Heidi drove up just for the afternoon. Unfortunately, I didn't make her a birthday cake so we had to use a pink rice-krispie treat as a perch for her ginormous birthday candle. Then there was the day that Lindy got into the baby powder. Well, we have to make Valentines! More later...

2006-02-12T22:04:00.000-05:00

And he'll never be one again! Matheson's birthday party was today. It was a cozy get-together, and I think everyone had a fun time watching the Bubba open presents. I think Matheson ate at least 20 grape tomatoes today! He got lots of great presents - a pair of fire-truck shoes. We were all sitting ready to watch him open up his other presents, but he hopped down and walked around the whole downstairs modeling them off for everyone (they light up!). Then there was a talking vacuum cleaner that we wisely saved to give him last - he loves it! Later he helped Grandpa Randy pump up his new inflatable sleeping bag! I would love to say that he fell asleep in it, but he just couldn't stay awake waiting to watch the Olympic Men's Downhill Skiing tonight.

2006-02-09T23:41:00.000-05:00

Today was Matheson's 2nd birthday. Happy Birthday, Bubba! He had a pretty good day. He ate lunch at Panera Bread with Aunt Dana and I. We didn't have birthday cake but did make S'mores. Matheson ate about 5 big marshmallows, and a few pieces of chocolate, but didn't really seem to care for the actual S'more. It must be an acquired taste - one that the girls definitely have!

Matheson's birthday party will be on Sunday, February 12th from 1 - 3pm at our house. I know it's a long way for people to travel, so if you make it here I want you to know in advance how much I appreciate your relinquishing a good part of your Sunday to help us celebrate this special little boy.

2006-02-05T19:51:00.000-05:00

Wow! I cannot believe it has been so long since I made an entry. There have been so many blogworthy events in our lives that I can't tell you how many times I said to myself, "I've got to put this on my blog." So, I will try to include as much as I can.

Laine made an Advanced Reading project a while ago, and I helped her with it. It was a lot of fun for me. I was so proud of it that I had told Laine I would put a picture of it on my blog. So here it is. Laine read Socks by Beverly Cleary, and was terribly impressed with the part of the book where Socks gets into the wig. We made it interactive by making Socks a moving part in the panorama, so Laine's classmates and teacher could move Socks by manipulating a stick underneath the scene. It was quite impressive, if I do say so myself!

This picture was from before Christmas, but if you haven't seen the kids all together in a while - here they are! What a group...Lindy looks a little scared. She usually looks like this.

I mean, I don't want to brag, but isn't she the cutest baby you have ever seen? Ok, so I do mean to brag. We are so blessed. Every day I thank God that I have the opportunity to be their parent. I am so proud of how they are growing up.

2006-01-08T22:12:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Randuman!
Today is my dad's birthday. The girls and I surprised him yesterday by driving and spending the night at Chez Martz. It was great - I wish you could have seen the look on his face. He was up to his armpits in grease fixing Christopher's car, and we rolled up. As Laine aptly put it, "his eyes were the size of tires!" Luckily, mom spent all morning sobbing over the miners from Sago, or they wouldn't have been home. So, we cried about it together and decided it's good to be empathetic and big bawl babies. We had tacos and taco salad for dinner, watched some movies in the home theatre (dad and Christopher have created it with a tablecloth, x-box, and projector) and of course we enjoyed ice-cream cake from Dairy Queen. This morning Randy made pancakes, some of them with tic-tacs in them for the girls, and I think Louisa ate more than everybody combined. Albeit a short visit, it was a good one!

Sometimes I worry that my dad doesn't know how much I love him, and appreciate him. So, just in case...

... I love you Dad!

2005-12-27T23:24:00.000-05:00

Wow! Christmas has come and gone...I can hardly believe it. We had a banner year at the Hertel household. There were so many cool gifts that we received. Laine and Lilli got gift cards for The Children's Place so we went there today and redeemed them. Here is a picture of them in their new jeans and shirts. Thank you Uncle Christopher! and Amanda, Jason and Aidan got each of the kids their very own duffle bag so that when they travel they will have their very own bag to put clothes into. All the kids, sans Lindy, got new winter coats from Grandpa Dan and they look adorable. Grandmas Heidi, Barb and Miss Dianna ensured that the girls will be well dressed into the next year. Dana bought the girls beautiful sweaters. I am so blessed with people who have excellent taste in clothing.

Which brings me to one of my favorite gifts from my sister...my new black velour jogging/lounging outfit. It is not only way comfortable but surprisingly flattering. It has the letters BCBG on the hoodie, and several people asked me what it stood for. Well, I have the answer and it is not Big Clothes for Big Girls as guessed by Laine. BCBG - Bon Chic Bon Genre - which is french for Good Style Good Attitude.
Then there is my new sewing machine - yay!!!!!!!! from my mom and dad. Matt got lots of t-shirts which means that we can throw all the old gross ones away - yay!!!!!!!

I also have to mention the matchbox semi-trucks and the train set that Matheson got. He is 200% male - anything to do with cars, trucks, motors, big objects that make loud noises and he is all over it.

So, now comes the cleaning and putting away and rearranging of toy closets and bins so that everything will fit. And, I'll get done just in time for birthdays - aughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Which makes me think that maybe we'll postpone the kids birthday party until the summer. But, I don't want to take away from Lindy's first birthday events. Hmmmm...What do you think? You can leave a post with your thoughts or suggestions.

The last thing I would like to say tonight is Thanks and Praise be to Jesus, who is after all the reason for all the gifts, the food, the time with family and the memories. I hate it that He is so often lost and all but forgotten as we come together to celebrate HIS birthday. Santa brings us presents every year, but none of them compare to the gift that God has given us through His Son. Truly, nothing on our wish list can compare to the promise that we have when we follow Christ. I am especially greatful for the lessons that I learned this year in patience, faith and joy in all things. And as always I am thankful for my beautiful family. My wish is that all of you will be filled with the same peace. Merry Christmas.

2005-12-15T07:56:00.000-05:00

Two hour delay! The girls are having a two hour delay, so you know what that means? Pancakes and eggs for breakfast!!! and I have the time to post.

Today is Matt's last final for the semester. I guess it's his final final - haha - get it final final?
Anyway, it will be nice to have him back for a couple of weeks. The honeydo list has reached an obscene length. Plus he is really good at wrapping presents. Scratch that - I am really good at wrapping presents but Matt is good at cutting out the wrapping paper to the exact specifications for the gift needing to be wrapped. Together we are a present wrapping machine! (ninja arms for effect)

Laine is going to be learning some basketball skills beginning this month. Her friend Lindsey's father wants to teach basketball skills to a choice few third grade girls, and Laine happens to be one of them. It's strange to me that they don't have a basketball team, but this is Ohio, not Indiana. I think it never really hit me how much basketball is an institution in my homestate. Here in Maumee, Ohio it's soccer. Everywhere you go there's a soccer ball sticker on the mini-van or family car, and I've seen more kids in shin guards...

We have a busy couple of weeks coming up, and I hope to see many of you. I will be thinking about the rest of you, and I hope you have a grateful season because if you're like me you have a lot to be thankful for!

2005-11-27T23:06:00.000-05:00

Since my mom always says we don't have any pictures of her, I thought I would put this one up. I was talking to my sister the other day, and promised that I would be putting one up of her as well. So, without further ado...
This was taken in December of 2004 and yes, that's Matheson with his Aunt Dana. I've been looking through lots of the pictures and there is just a treasure trove on this computer. I've decided to put pictures up periodically, perhaps with a story if I can remember what was going on when I took them.
Like this picture that was taken on January 11th 2004. We were at Heidi's and had been planning on Jason coming over to eat birthday cake. He called to say he wasn't going to be able to make it so, we got a picture of him and sang happy birthday. Then we ate cake!

And this picture of Heidi reminds me of the first time that Grandpa Dale and Grandma Heidi met Lindy. They came to visit us in the hospital, and just before they left Matt went to change Lindy's diaper. As he was changing it she started pooping and Matt dutifully stuck his hand out to catch it. It was really gross but we were all having a good belly laugh at Matt's expense.

2005-11-26T12:45:00.000-05:00

Well, we had quite the Thanksgiving feast here at our house. There will be leftovers for at least a week. Grandma Miss Dianna and Grandpa Randy came for the day, and brought one of Matheson's Christmas presents early. It is this adorable mini fire truck, and the minute Matheson saw it he left his plate of carrots and dip and made a bee-line for his new toy. (Notice the give-away tongue out the side of the mouth because he's concentrating so hard on having fun!) It was a lot of fun watching him enjoy it. Christopher stayed out late with some friends the night before so, he didn't feel like driving the "three hour tour" (humm the tune to Gilligan's island for full effect). So, I did not receive a Christmas present early, as hinted to earlier in one of Chris's comments.

Yesterday Laine, Lilli and Louisa went with Grandma and Grandpa to Frankenmuth to see Bronner's Christmas Wonderland and spent the night in a hotel. I gave Matheson a much needed haircut and he looks sharp. Here is the before and after.

Matt, Matheson, Lindy and I braved the mall yesterday! Whoa, what craziness - we didn't get there til about 2pm and it was just packed. I just love looking through all the stores and might go back today. That's all for now!

2005-11-19T18:03:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of the Hertel Thanksgiving. Lindy is so sweet on Grandpa Dan's lap and that's a classic Matheson's up to no good face. I especially love the one of Matheson and Great Grandpa Bud because they have the same look on their faces.

Also, you should check out the links that I have for pictures. Let me know if you find one easier to access or use.

2005-11-15T23:37:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my Blog! I thought this might be a fun way to keep a kind of online journal and to let friends and family know what we've been up to. I can't believe that it is almost Thanksgiving.

We had a great Halloween, as always, it was as much if not more fun planning for the day. Grandma Miss Dianna brought over some of her Halloween outfits, and the kids had a very good time dressing up.

We had Thanksgiving early this year with Matt's father's side of the family. It was a nice break for me as I hardly held the baby all day. Lindy was very good, and she really likes Grandpa Bud. She just smiled and smiled at him the whole time we were there. I will be posting those pictures in my next entry.