Days with the Dorans

Today was not a warm day in Michigan, but my folks were working in the yard and my dad was working on the dock sections. The big kids decided to play outside since Jeff was helping Papa and I stayed inside with Great-Nan and Zachy. After a while, I went down to see what everyone was up to, and to my (somewhat) suprise, Ali Jane had taken off her dress, shoes and tights and was in the lake. I guess that she assumed that it was too cold to take off her princess jacket. I shiver just looking at these pictures. I guess since Daddy and Papa were in the lake, she thought, "Why not?" Joe was a cold mess too. He was wet because he kept going back to the water to make a sand lake on the beach. When it was time to eat, the big kids came up and we made a fire in the fireplace to try to get them warm. We also had to wash their clothes. Luckily Joes undershirt was dry and we found a small sweatshirt for him. Al's dress and tights weren't a mess because she stripped down prior to ...

For those of you who are out-of state- We've had WONDERFUL spring weather lately here in Michigan. I picked up the big kids from pre-school last Thursday and we saw a pink balloon that seemed to be dancing around in the wind. I said, "What is that balloon doing?" Jonasen replied, "It's going to Andrew, mom." (pause, smile) "Yes, Joe, perhaps it is." Later that night after dinner I loaded the three kids in the wagon and we went for a walk to Independence Village where Great Nan lives. As we walked through the parking lot, they saw the door to where my grandparents first lived when they came to Michigan. Joey said, "That's where Grandpa Jonasen lived with Great-Nan. He liked his green chair and played the organ. He's in heaven now." (pause, smile) "Yes, Joe, you're right." When we got in the lobby, there was Great-Nan and other ladies we've gotten to know, sitting around a man with a guitar. They were having a sin...

It's hard to believe that it has only been a year since I delivered Zachy! I remember it so clearly- thinking that he must be a girl- tossing around girl names- and watching Dr. B. pull him from me and being able to announce to Jeff and the rest of the room... "OH MY GOODNESS, IT'S A BOY!!" I also remember Jeff rushing to the warmer (as he did with Al) and stating, "Let's have 12 more." To which I responded- "There's a room full of witnesses- but I only want one more!" It all feels like yesterday- and yet he has changed so much and has his own personality so different than his sibs! Planning Zach's first party was a bit of a challenge. I thought I had everything planned and figured out and then I realized I had planned it on a day that I had a class. Last minute, I was making calls and luckily almost everyone was able to rearrange their schedule and come. It was a low-key family party- which of course includes Godparents. "Un...

I was at the garden writing in Andrew's journal one of the neat stories that made me pause recently and thought I would share it here... Jeff and I celebrated our 7th anniversary on the 7th! I think about how blessed I am to have such an amazing husband and father to my children. We had fun watching our wedding video and reminising- it was such a wonderful wedding! While Ali Jane was busy talking about my dress and her wedding- Jonasen was frowning- he didn't like the movie because he wasn't there! It was actually kind of funny- but once it got to the Honeymoon Music and pictures he was off and dancing. I would have forgotten it except that on Saturday when I called to check on the kids my mom told me that she needed to tell me what Jonasen just told her. He said that he was watching Mommy and Daddy's wedding and he was angry because he wasn't there- then he told her where he was... "I was in heaven with Andrew- I didn't see him much though because we were ...

All of my babies have been born bald- and it took FOREVER for their lovely locks to grow in. Jonasen's grew in so curly that it broke my heart a little when I clipped them off when he was around 2... (I still have them in his baby book). I had been cutting his hair and while it isn't horrible- it really isn't good either. Ali Jane and I were going in for a trim so it made sense, and it felt that it was time, for Jonasen to have his first professional haircut- Diane has been cutting my hair for years and we've become fast friends- her son is a year older than Joe. She does miracles with my hair and she was so good with Jonasen. He did a great job- and she was fantastic- showing him the clippers and how they really don't hurt (though they did nip his ear a bit). Jonasen was so excited to get a sucker out of Miss Diane's candy drawer and even more excited (perhaps) to show Daddy his new hair-cut since now he looks just like Dad! It was cute- Jonasen and ...

My mom has been watching the kids for the past two weeks so Jeff could sub and make some moo-lah! On one day, I came home and had the most delicious cookies! Perhaps because I hadn't had cookies in so long, or perhaps it could have been the secret incredient.... hmmmm... you may want to think twice before you eat anything from our place!

Zachy has (unfortunately) learned how to pose for the camera. As soon as a camera comes out- His eyes go away because he's too busy smiling to hard that they disappear! Reminds me of another Doran fake smiler (Jonasen!) He does have four teeth now and he got them all in just the last couple of weeks. It was actually pretty uneventful- Much like his older sibs.... It's about time that they all did something the same! My mom took these pics while Zachy awaited the cookies that Nana made with Joe & Al. He spent time on the floor getting out bowls and playing them- but I think that he was pretty excited to get to eat a cookie all by himself! Oh the little pleasures in life!

So I have to admit that my April Fool's joke this year was a goodie! I was going through the kids drawers and cleaning them out and getting some of Jonasen's old clothes for Zachy when I came across this shirt that I used to announce to everyone that Ali Jane was on the way! My mind quickly devised a great plan- though Jeff was in on it too- and if you could have seen the look on my mother's face.... and then heard my dad's voice (when she shared these pics with him) and seen my friends at school race down to my room shooting dirty looks because they all had to take a breath when they saw the email subject.... News from the Dorans- IT WAS GREAT! But what was even better- was when people called to really congratulate me- instead of "Scrolling down for more details" where they read "April Fools"! ... so NO! There are no more baby Doran's on their way to my knowledge- though Jeff's done with school this summer.... Let's get the man a job ...