Mowing With Papa (a.k.a. Sarah's Dad)....

If you know Luke (either through this blog or in person), you should know by now that Luke REALLY likes and is interested in lawnmowers -- push lawnmowers, riding lawnmowers, big lawnmowers, small lawnmowers, etc.

Also, if you know Luke, you might possibly know that he is very good buddies with his Papa Koehn (Sarah's Dad)....

Sooooooo, when Papa invited Luke to mow with him one day, Luke didn't hesitate.

First, a little explanation....

My (Sarah) dad spends some time each week at my grandparents' farm (his parents). My grandfather passed away almost 2 1/2 years ago. My grandmother is still living, but she actually lives in town. She needs full-time care.

So, my dad and his brother keep the property "up" in the sense of mowing and general grounds keeping.

FYI -- we live a little over 1/2 an hour from my grandparents' farm.

*****

When you mow with Papa, the first thing you do is check the tires on the riding lawnmower.



Then, you have to add gasoline to the mower....



Then, after earphones (or, eeeephones, as Luke calls them) are put on and you crawl on Papa's lap, you're ready to mow....







Then, once the "big" mowing job is completed, you can help Papa with the little mowing job with the green push mower.







**As a side note -- that "dirt" space in the photos behind Luke and my dad (with the push mower) is where my grandparents' house used to be. It was demolished within the last couple of months. It needed to be. It was in TERRIBLE shape -- beyond repair and remodel.

While I have good memories of that house from my childhood, I'm not extremely sentimental when it comes to stuff. BUT, I will say it was just plain weird being on that farm without the house there. However, I know that my dad and his brother made a rational and good decision to have the house demolished.

Moving on....

After mowing, one must then take a drive with Papa (my dad lets Luke sit on his lap and drive up and down the driveway).



Then, after the job is done, we all go to my (Sarah) favorite Dairy Queen -- who has owners I used to work with for 10 years!

Luke NEVER disputes going to Dairy Queen -- eating yummy ice cream....only after he eats his "chichen" (that's chicken in "Luke Speak")....

Weekly Meal Plan and Summer Miscellaneous....

A day late....but, here's our meal plan for this week....in case you need some ideas!

Monday, June 27, 2011
Tortellini with Tomato-Cream Sauce

(I substitute angel hair pasta for the tortellini and chicken for the spinach)....

Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Chuck's Familia (Mexican restaurant here in town)

Wednesday, June 29, 2011
BLTs
Cucumber and Onion with Sugar & Vinegar

Thursday, June 30, 2011
Savory Chicken Squares

Friday, July 1, 2011
Grilled Bratwursts
Baked Beans
Potato Salad

Saturday, July 2, 2011
Lunch: Rummage

Supper: Supper with Family (will be taking broccoli salad)

Sunday, July 3, 2011
Lunch: Rummage

Supper: Ribs, Cole Slaw, Fries

**Take breakfast to tech team/worship team at church

********

This past Christmas, we gave Luke a tricycle as a gift.

Luke didn't get much riding in over the rest of the winter and early spring.

Finally, however, Luke's gotten some riding in. He's doing quite well, and if I do say so myself, he's pretty cute with it.



Last week, Luke's friends, Oliver & Lily, came over while their mother (and father) was at the hospital to get her sonogram -- the routine sonogram in the middle of pregnancy where gender can be determined (if the baby is positioned correctly).

It was SUPER nice out that day. So, we all spent the majority of their time here outside.

Now, Luke knows our neighbors, Willis & Joan, quite well, and Luke LOVES to go over there and talk to them.

Willis & Joan are not only parents but are also grandparents AND great-grandparents. So, they have quite a bit of experience with children.

Over the course of time, Oliver & Lily, have also learned to like to go over there and talk with Willis and Joan.

That particular morning, Willis walked outside to do some yard work.

I THOROUGHLY enjoyed watching all three children (Luke, Oliver, and Lily) RUN over there to talk with Willis....I quickly grabbed the camera and snapped a few pics.

I'm truly not sure what all they talked about with Willis, but I'm sure Willis was entertained.

(And yes, Luke AND Oliver both have their bike helmets on....)

Luke's First Big Race....

This post should've been completed almost 3 weeks ago, but you know how it goes :)

Back on Saturday, June 4, our little family of 3 participated in the River Run as part of the Wichita River Festival.

The River Run is no stranger to Marc and me as we've both run it before we met as well as after we met and got married :)

But, this was Luke's first official River Run.

It was a nice HOT morning for....

a) Marc to run the 10 km race (which he did place in his age group....Go Marc)!

b) For myself and Marc to walk the 2-mile race (with Luke in the jogging stroller)

c) Luke to RUN his first official race -- the Tot Trot

So......(I don't have any photos of the 10 km race)....the 2-mile start....



And, Luke wanted Marc to push him. Because of that, I was able to catch some sporadic photos during the race (both of Marc and Luke as well as complete strangers)....









And, 2 miles isn't really that far, but when it's as hot as it was that day....the finish line looked pretty good!



And, now what you've all been waiting for....Luke's RACE DEBUT!!!!

The Tot Trot was for kids ages 2 - 7....So, Luke, still being 2, was barely able to be in the race.

The kids were lined up according to age. Each age group ran a separate race (which I was very glad so that Luke didn't get pummelled by a 7 year-old).

The 2 year-olds probably ran a total of 40-50 feet....perfect distance for their size.

First, Marc pinned on Luke's number....



Then, Marc went with Luke (and the other two year-olds and their parents) to line up.

This was the hard part for ALL of the children -- the waiting.

(Luke is #7743)....



(In these next two photos, there are yellow arrows pointing to Marc and Luke)....





FINALLY, the kids were told when to GO!

Marc had given Luke some very careful instructions about what to do and where to run.

Luke TOOK OFF quickly with Marc right behind him.

He knew EXACTLY what to do....he ran straight to the finish line without looking back. Marc did NOT have to help him at all!

AND GUESS WHAT? Luke WON his little age division. Marc and I like to say that he pretty much dominated the race!

(The white arrow is pointing to Luke winning the race).



You know how, before you're a parent, you roll your eyes at other parents who get a bit too excited about their kids (I know I did that).

Well, I was, at that moment, one of those parents.

I realize Luke's only 2 (almost 3), but oh my -- I was excited for this race.

The funny thing is -- these kids are young. Luke had not a clue he was supposed to win. He didn't even know he did win.

AND, I wouldn't have cared if he wouldn't have won. It was just a little race.

BUT, I did yell and scream for him.

Luke did get a medal -- ALL of the kids got a medal.

Luke has LOVED this medal. He's worn it quite a bit. He showed the nursery workers at church his medal. He showed two Subway employees his medal. He's shown his grandparents his medal.



**And, most of you reading this probably already know this, but my husband, Marc, is a HUGE runner. He's run nearly 100 marathons and ultra-marathons. He runs most mornings of the week. Running is a BIG part of this household.

So, since Luke, at this point in his life, pretty much wants to do everything "like Daddy," it was major for Luke to run a race "just like Daddy."

And, those are special moments for this Mama to remember!

Father's Day, Weekly Meal Plan, and Summer Fun....

Oops...didn't get much posted last week. I keep saying that, don't I?

Not too worry -- blogging is still a priority in my life; it just may not be my first priority.

This past weekend, we celebrated Father's Day -- as many of you did as well.

For those of you who know Marc personally, it won't surprise you to know that he planned out his weekend of eating!

It started out in Wichita on Thursday evening. We had an errand to run together (with Luke in tow). So, Luke and I drove into Wichita and met Marc after work. After our errand, we went to eat at Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers (a local franchise).



Friday evening, I made, at Marc's request (once again), homemade pizza -- with 3 meats.



(Here's where my food photography from the weekend ends -- I forgot to capture the other moments of the weekend).

Saturday evening, Marc grilled burgers.

Tonight (Sunday evening), we were at my parents' house with my brother and sister-in-law and their three girls. We, once again, at a bunch.

Honestly, I'm tired of eating. I told Marc this evening that I feel like this weekend (as far as eating is concerned) has been worse than the holidays. My digestive system is tired.

I think that, tomorrow, I'll take it easy. Here's a novel idea: wait until I'm actually hungry to eat (and it could take awhile to reach true hunger at this point).

BUT, despite the eating, Father's Day weekend was wonderful....celebrating Marc as Luke's father as well as celebrating our own two fathers.

*****

Speaking of food (again), here's our meal plan for the week....and, I'm only posting this because it's a "normal" thing to do on this blog.

Monday, June 20, 2011
(again, only eating if hungry)
Leftover Buffalo Dip (from Sunday evening)
Leftover Baked Beans (from Sunday evening)
Sandwiches

(or -- find something on own in fridge)....,

Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Tortilla Roll-Ups
Vegetable

Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Spaghetti & Meatballs
Breadsticks
Salad

Thursday, June 23, 2011
Grilled Hot Dogs
Pasta Salad

Friday, June 24, 2011
Sarah's Spectacular Pasta

(basically -- this meal consists of Italian Sausage links (cut up) which are sauteed with red and green bell peppers and onion. Then, this is served over cooked pasta with Olde Westport Spice Pasta Seasoning).

Saturday, June 25, 2011
Lunch: Rummage

Supper: DATE NIGHT (Luke will spend the evening with my parents).

Sunday, June 26, 2011
Lunch: Rummage

Supper: Marc & Luke -- Guys' Night (which consists of Little Caesar's Pizza)

Sarah -- Out with small group women!

*****

We've been having some summer fun around here....here are just a couple of photos from last week (there is more to come)....

(Luke's in the blue "Hawaiian" swimming trunks).



(He insisted on constantly bending over and putting his head in the water. And, these swimming trunks are from last year. I guess he's gotten skinnier. They kept falling down -- even with a swimming diaper. If he completes potty training this summer, I'll have to be digging out his smaller swimming trunks).

Weekly Meal Plan and Summer Fun....

I know it's been a bit since I've posted. My excuse for not posting last week was a very good and very valid one -- Vacation Bible School at our church.

I helped with the 2nd grade class...FUN age with some boys with A LOT of energy. I received a bit of a taste of what's to come with our own son.

Luke was in the 2 year-old class with Miss Debby and Miss Jennifer -- as well as Jillian, Lilibeth, and Drew (my apologies if I've left anybody out). Click HERE for some cute photos of the 2 year-olds (including Luke) from Debby's blog.

As a COMPLETE sidenote (but, very important)....here are some verses I read this morning....

If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burderns, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Galatians 6:1-5

(That bolded part is my prayer for Luke today....that he will learn to be responsible)....

Anyways, here are our meals for this week....

Monday, June 13, 2011
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Vegetable

Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Salmon with Avocado and Mango/Peach Salsa
Corn on the Cob

Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Pigs in a Blanket
Chips

(I will be with a very good friend at a movie -- complete with supper....My two guys will be on their own).

Thursday, June 16, 2011
Grilled Hot Dogs
Pasta Salad
Fruit

Friday, June 17, 2011
Homemade Pizza
Buster Bars from Dairy Queen

(this was Marc's first of several requests for Father's Day weekend)

Saturday, June 18, 2011
Lunch: Rummage

Supper: Grilled Burger, Dorito's

(this was another of Marc's requests for Father's Day weekend)

Sunday, June 19, 2011
Lunch: Rummage

Supper: Will be @ my parents' for supper -- I will be taking baked beans and Buffalo Chicken Dip

*****

This past weekend, our niece, Natalie, turned the BIG 4!

So, the three of us hung out over at my brother and sister-in-law's (Joel and Amber's) house for the evening.

They had their "kiddie pool" set up. Luke and his older cousin, Grace (almost 6 years old) played in the pool for a bit.

They had a good time splashing each other. It wasn't extremely hot that evening, and after awhile, Luke was SHIVERING. I'm not sure I've seen him shiver that much yet....as illustrated a little bit in the last pic (he's somewhat "hamming it up" in this pic as well).

The Pledge of Allegiance

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. Psalm 33:12

In THIS POST on Memorial Day, I mentioned that I had some thoughts on Memorial Day. I still am working them out (at least to put on a post)....

In the meantime, how about a glimpse into something we (especially Marc) are working on with Luke. (and this goes along with Memorial Day -- as well as a few other special days throughout the year)....

*****

Ever since I've known Marc (8 years now), Marc's always been pretty good (when he's home and the weather is cooperating) about putting up the American flag at our house.

In the last 6 months or so, Marc has been working with Luke on this very task.

Luke LOVES putting up the flag with Marc. In fact, Luke has recently requested his own small flag to put up with our big flag.

(And yes, in these photos, Luke's in his pajamas -- this all takes place in the morning)....

First, Marc & Luke head outside with their respective flags (notice Luke's little flag in his hands)....



Second, Marc puts both flags up with Luke intently watching....



Third, they both place their hands on their hearts to say The Pledge of Allegiance.

(This would be the part that brings tears to my eyes....It's SO precious to hear. Marc says one line; Luke repeats it in his own little almost 3-year old voice).





"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Lastly, Marc and Luke pray for our nation; for our troops serving, protecting, and defending our country; for Congress and other elected people; and for our President.



At this point, I could completely and utterly get on a "soap box" about our country, the flag, etc....I know that, at times, it can be controversial.

But, I won't -- not on this blog. I don't want to turn this blog into something too political.

However, I do want to most definitely encourage prayer for our country.

Even if you don't always agree with everything that goes on (we certainly don't always), prayer is ALWAYS needed for our country.

And, our President -- can generate a very controversial discussion (and we've been known to have our opinions expressed at certain times -- most people who know us know where we stand on this topic)....But, our President does have an extremely hard job. Many of his decisions affect not only our country but around the world.

So, like our President or not; like or country or not; like the flag or not -- prayer IS important.

AND, this Mama LOVES the fact that Luke is learning at a young age to pray for our country.

Johnny Popper....

This past Christmas Eve at my parents' house, my parents gave Luke this John Deere DVD....

(Click HERE to preview and order yourself, if necessary)....

(Obviously, I had the flash on)....Sorry!


Since then, Luke has really started to enjoy this DVD. And, thanks to this DVD, Luke now identifies John Deere products ANYWHERE.

*****

Well, on his morning runs, Marc frequently runs to North Newton. (And, to you non-local readers -- North Newton is actually a separate town from our town of Newton).

Upon entering little North Newton from Newton (just across the tracks), there currently is an old John Deere tractor (near the road) for sale.

On this DVD, Luke's been learning about some of the old John Deere tractors, nicknamed "Johnny Poppers."

Don't ask me details....I just know that these old tractors were 2-cylinders. They start by "spinning" the flywheel. And, they make a popping noise -- henceforth, the nickname, "Johnny Popper."

So, this past weekend, Marc and I took Luke to see this "Johnny Popper." It was a hit.

In these photos, you'll notice Luke in two outfits. That would be because we were there to see this tractor TWO different times in the same weekend.





My two favorite guys....









And yes, it was VERY difficult keeping an almost 3-year old little boy (who's interested in John Deere tractors right now) OFF of it -- since the owner wasn't around.