coach elle

Elle has become a bit bossy lately. We're working on it, but one area where it's actually been helpful is when we're working out. I'm trying to get rid of my baby fat and Elle's been my helper. Sometimes we do the Mommy Baby Body Builders dvd.While we're doing it she'll say, "Momma, get your baby!" or "Time to do ____!" So I started calling her coach. She'll also coach Chris when they go running with the jogging stroller. This video's actually really nice for doing something to exercise. It's got calming, Hawaiian music and scenery so I don't feel like I'm overstimulating Todd. It's also short, but effective, so Todd doesn't have time to get tired of doing the exercises.

 Here's Elle making Cry Baby do the exercise ball...

with the Texas flag because that's how a Texas girl does it! 

todd @ 5 months

This boy's been busy! He went to his 4 month check up and weighed in at 16 lbs 10 oz and he's 25.5 in long. This month he learned to roll from his back to his belly and his belly to his back. He talks a lot, even while nursing sometimes, which is funny. Nothing is safe from his grasp!

He started using this jumper thing and loves hopping around in it!

He also started using the ex-o-saucer and spends some time it several times a day.

He also started cereal this month! He does pretty well and has moved up to using the high chair.

He took his first visit to the zoo!

Hanging out with one of his favorite peeps, Katie!

 Last Sunday he had his first time in bible class! He's been in the nursery a lot, but never really participated in class. He's the little guy 2nd from the right. They said he made it the whole time. I'm sure it has a lot to do with how fun Ms. Debbie is!

In this pic he's between his buddies Po'okela (dark hair) and Isabella (pink and curls).

todd laughing

work overload

Chris worked 19 straight days, then went on the church men's retreat before finally getting a day off. Then it was back to work for the week. In between we've both been trying to be productive on our dissertations, as well as keep up with two kids and a pug. Which means no time or energy for blogging. Hopefully, this week I'll get you caught up on what's been going on around here! This morning (Saturday) Elle asked Chris why he wasn't going to work. That's how crazy busy it's been. We've had a few stressful weeks so I made this to brighten Chris' day last week. I taped it on our bedroom door for him to find. He found it a little amusing. I think he'll be really happy though on May 26th about noon when graduation is over!

mr. and miss shrock go to the capital

Tuesday we went to the capital with Chris and a lot of OSSM staff, faculty, students, parents, and alums to elicit support for OSSM. The school's budget has been reduced significantly and we're trying to get it back, plus add more students to fill the empty dorm wings. If you'd like to help please write your representatives on our behalf and ask for support for OSSM.

Looking up at the dome.

Granddad and Uncle Ken came to speak on OSSM's behalf.

It was a neat experience. If you wanted to talk to your representative you can go up there, and if they're in session a page will go and get them to come out and speak to you if they're not busy. I don't know how much good it did, but I guess we'll find out in May. Please be in prayer for the school. It's such a good thing for the state and so many kids who need to be academically challenged.

siblings

Watching these two is powerful! Elle loves Todd so much, and the fastest way for Todd to smile or laugh is to see Elle.

They've been sleeping in the same room now for a few weeks and it's gone surprisingly well. I just think before too long they'll be in there together plotting against us.

I made this for their room yesterday. It's inspired by Chris' words from when he performed his sister's wedding.

They started taking a bath together this past week. They love it!

I pray for their relationship and hope they always love each other this much!

quiet easter

The kids and Chris were suffering with bad allergies so we decided to just stay home this Easter and rest over the weekend. We went to church and Elle sang (ok stood on the stage while the other kids sang), then she hunted eggs. Then we came home and rested.

Elle got some stickers in her Easter basket and thought Todd needed to wear them to church.

Elle wanted to take a picture of her new movie she got. Lilo and Stitch is one of her favorites from the library, but their copy is scratched up so you miss parts of it. She was so happy to get a copy of her own that she doesn't have to take back to the library!

Elle's wardrobe provided by her Daddy who likes to buy her Easter dresses and Todd's wardrobe provided by Target and our wonderful friend Erin who knitted his sweater vest.

Sunday night everyone felt good enough to try and go out to eat. We decided to try a new place and went to Tucker's Onion Burgers. Why didn't someone tell us about this place sooner?! It's so good!