The Leaman Family

Happy birthday, dear Lukas!

2012-01-30T13:15:00.001-08:00

The "pupcakes".

Everybody wanted a birthday candle...why not?

The big day was pretty busy. After cupcakes we whisked them up for our last basketball game. Lukas was a little sick, but so sweet. He kept saying happy birthday to everyone else. We ended up at IKEA...sadly, some 3 year olds are not tall enough for the play area. Grandma kept him happy though with a little treat!

2012-01-30T13:06:00.001-08:00

This is mr stinky pants who says he was frozen in the snow...and after some lovin decided to make a snow angel.

It was beautiful and a glimpse of our Mighty God! What a fun week! We did wimp out after a few days without power though and go to auntie's house.

2012-01-08T21:49:00.001-08:00

I think I mentioned It this weekend already, but I sure love boys!

Dugouts!

2012-01-07T18:43:00.001-08:00

Zayin asked for a hatchet for Christmas...he got the "The Hatchet" the book instead. I guess it's still on his list!

We have had a lot of schoolwork and basketball this week, so the boys were so happy to get out...for hours today. Can't say I minded. Can you believe this? Doug came to get me and the camera.

And even a ghilley suit. I always like cleaning out..so when Darius asked if we could just get rid of these clothes I said "sure". Hmmm, was that manipulation? A needle and thread, glue, and a great imagination and voila. Boys, I sure love mine!!!

the fam

2012-01-06T20:35:00.000-08:00

Darius's pose for us!

2012-01-06T20:32:00.000-08:00

a few of our tries for a family pic

2012-01-06T20:28:00.000-08:00

Who needs toys?

2011-12-29T20:05:00.001-08:00

Our faithful God!

2011-12-29T16:44:00.000-08:00

Sitting here getting our blog updated is actually an emotional roller coaster. First, Darius has been begging to play Monopoly all day and is breathing over my shoulder. This puts me in a state of rushing and who knows if I can focus? I don't blog much seeing as all the bloggers are intelligent and elegant people who seem to make even the mundane funny and interesting. And their pictures are quite impressive as well. Yet, I want so much to communicate with you all and thank you for so much. We are so grateful for your kindness and prayers.
We are on this "pilgrimage" as my husband calls it and the journey sure has its wears and tears. Yet, we are so blessed. We have been miraculously able to pay bills, eat like kings, fill the very large gas tank, and I even got a mocha last week. We love our families and church body and hear the preaching of the Word faithfully! Yet, we are often overwhelmed with the tasks ahead. We celebrated Doug's 39th birthday and it was surreal. We were rejoicing with what God has done, and yet nervous thinking of where we thought we would be by this point in our lives. We have the daily struggles that discourage us too easily. Yet, we know His timing is perfect and is for our good and His Glory!! May Jesus Christ be praised! Please continue to pray for us! Sorry it took so long to update.

Stockings

2011-12-28T21:54:00.001-08:00

2011-12-28T20:30:00.001-08:00

Crab

2011-12-11T18:51:00.001-08:00

The Lord provides...and we eat like kings. Thank you friends, for your kindness. Next time we will eat outside and hose the kids down after...on the beach might be nice too.

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Late night fun!

2011-11-28T11:16:00.001-08:00

I have new puzzle buddies. I love spending time with them!!

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2011-11-24T19:05:00.001-08:00

We have been celebrating as a family today...so we decorated a little. Notice the mischief that happens while I'm distracted!

Sollie is an Indian.

2011-11-24T18:49:00.001-08:00

This is a bad picture (ps:Christmas wish list...camera). But I thought it so sweet, Darius trying to keep RoRo happy while vacuuming.

Basketball time

2011-11-24T18:45:00.001-08:00

2011-11-24T18:32:00.001-08:00

So sweet to help empty the dishwasher....onto the counter...I think it helped. He's darling. Who would say no to his help.

Good food and friends

2011-11-24T18:29:00.001-08:00

We had a little girl's road trip... for a million reasons- it was just good timing. Good friends stay friends FOREVER!!!

Bird sanctuary

2011-11-24T18:24:00.001-08:00

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Tooth time

2011-11-24T18:21:00.001-08:00

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???

2011-11-04T10:53:00.001-07:00

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Decoupage

2011-10-27T10:31:00.001-07:00

2011-10-08T21:49:00.001-07:00

Face painting...somehow Lukas really thought it was ok to bite his brothers seeing as he was a cheetah??!!??

2011-10-08T21:42:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Sollie's birthday by heading to our favorite pumpkin patch....around the corner. These days are so dear to my heart!

Hay maze....and we didn't loose any kids....well not here anyway-the corn maze was another story.

Pumpkin bowling! A strike for Sollie!

Tractor rides for all!!!

Hay jumping was the new event at out favorite pumpkin patch...the boys loved it!

This is me proving I like to have fun too!

birthday morning...crepes requested

2011-10-08T21:34:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Dear Sollie

2011-10-08T21:33:00.001-07:00

Spoiled

Mt Rainer

2011-10-08T21:28:00.001-07:00

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Somebody getting spoiled lately?

Mountain climbing, right?

Blackberry time

2011-09-13T20:48:00.001-07:00

It's back to work and the boys sure helped today picking blackberries, although I believe someone ate quite a few!

Happy birthday to Zayin!!!

2011-09-13T20:46:00.001-07:00

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Happy birthday to Zayin! You got to do the fair (free day of course). You are so dear and sweet...and you love to eat meat. And everyone in Indy smelled your feet.

2011-09-13T20:43:00.001-07:00

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Our camera didn't work for most of our San Francisco trip...but we got a few pics. Clam chowder at Fisherman's Warf, In and Out for the boys, and a great parking spot!!! This day we watched our Savior work out every detail again-passports and consulate help, parking spots, and bank locations.

Goodbyes

2011-09-13T20:37:00.001-07:00

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Comparing muscles to keep track of till next time!

Sweet fellowship!!!

2011-09-13T20:33:00.001-07:00

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CA beach with fam and friends

2011-09-13T20:30:00.001-07:00

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Lukas won the easiest kid of the day award. We set him down and he played for hours!!

Pizza ....no dishes to wash!

2011-09-13T20:06:00.001-07:00

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10 kids and parents out for dinner. I think we got to talk a little....did we? Such fun memories!!

We could have cut his pizza, but it was too much fun to watch!

Kid outting in CA

2011-09-13T20:03:00.001-07:00

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Hangin with the cousins

2011-09-13T20:00:00.001-07:00

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2011-09-13T18:44:00.001-07:00

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Lukas has new best friends. I have to admit this was the first time I had ever seen animals so sweet! The boys got ahold of these cats and didn't let go.

Traveling across the country....seriously!

2011-09-13T18:34:00.001-07:00

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It was overwhelming to see the drought in the south. We truly prayed, come quickly, Lord!!

We had lots of pit stops for the boys. New Mexico was our favorite....well after our friends in Kansas who truly have the best boy toys in the country!

God allowed for Doug to preach in various places. We are praying and asking the Lord to make away for us to serve Him in Brazil.

More at Sharkarosa

2011-09-13T17:26:00.001-07:00

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Wonderful Friends in the body of Christ!

2011-09-13T17:23:00.001-07:00

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A definite highlight of our trip was Katie (the dog) and ducks.....and sweet friends who had the patients to share them with us!!!

We visited Sharkarosa...an animal ranch with lots of exotic animals...in the Texas heat!

Dallas Site Seeing

2011-09-13T17:16:00.001-07:00

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We had a fabulous time with dear friends in Dallas. They showed us the sites!

This is the building from where Kennedy was shot. We had some great history lessons too!!

2011-09-13T17:11:00.001-07:00

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Opryland hotel for a "stretch those legs out" stop!!

We traveled and traveled and traveled!!! The boys loved the nights we got to stay in a hotel.

2011-09-13T17:08:00.001-07:00

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Miss all those fun guy cousin times!!

2011-09-13T17:03:00.001-07:00

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We had fun watching uncle coach!! Thanks!!

Indy pics

2011-09-13T17:01:00.001-07:00

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We already miss those fun backyard afternoons in grandma's backyard!!

2011-08-30T11:38:00.001-07:00

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This was at a church in Sherman, Texas! Will try and catch you up soon on all the in-between pictures!

Drivin

2011-08-30T11:32:00.001-07:00

Someone Imitating me!! Drivin and drivin and driving and having a blast!! Please continue to pray! We r going thru Oklahoma right now!

Doug saved the day with a garage sale find: a big screen to keep the boys happy!

2011-08-15T12:10:00.001-07:00

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Getting so big!!

2011-08-10T12:48:00.001-07:00

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Lukas is getting so big and likes to hang out with mom....we were stretching.

Little cousin

2011-08-10T12:46:00.001-07:00

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Bike rides

2011-08-09T15:15:00.001-07:00

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It has been a summer full of bike rides...this one took a little wet turn.

Someone likes to swing!

2011-07-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Darius!!!

2011-07-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

We love you!!! You are finally 9!!!

Creation Museum

2011-07-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

It was a great family outting and birthday party for us. The boys were thrilled with the petting zoo- petting zoo-we had to remind Sollie as he was picking up the goats and acting like their farmer. And yes, we did wash our hands...again and again and again.

2011-07-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

This was also Darius's special birthday present! Wow, you are 9!!

Creation Museum

2011-07-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

On our way back from West Virginia, the Lord worked out every detail for us to go to the Creation Museum in Ohio. It was such a treat to see and the boys loved it!!

Roman even enjoyed the all day ride.

Um?

Man Time

2011-07-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

Hiking, caving, getting more manly...thanks Uncle Bruce!

West Virginia

2011-07-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

Caleb introduced us to all kinds of fun in W VA!!

SWIM

2011-07-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

It's been very hot...but very fun!!

3 little cousins

2011-07-18T13:13:00.000-07:00

I love this picture. The 3 little cousins were watching a water fight ouside with all the "big cousins". It was so hard to watch!

Artists in the family?

2011-07-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

Trying to have a little summer fun!!

We are all HAPPY!!

2011-07-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

I'm finally 1!

2011-07-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

THE CAKE

2011-07-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dear Roman!

2011-07-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

Waking up and being 1 is so fun! Good morning!!

We love Indy!!!

2011-07-18T12:54:00.000-07:00

I love this picture that needs some red eye editing...but the boys are sure loving their time with family here. They may never want to leave. :)

Good times

2011-07-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

This picture isn't too clear, but I needed to post a little memory. The boys went antiquing with me one afternoon and THEY LOVED IT!!! It was so cute and they were so into it.

Fireworks...the home ones.

2011-07-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

We had some looker oners. They were sure cute too.

Sound effects and all.

Thanks to Uncle Zaya we had some fun sparklers this year. We visited a friend for the "big ones"...professional ones, to where Darius's comment was, "Uncle Tims are still better than this."

Fun Fun Fun in Indy

2011-07-16T12:32:00.000-07:00

Cousins

2011-06-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

Fun Fun Fun

2011-06-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

Great Grandma and Grandpa

2011-06-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

It was such a treat to be able to see our wonderful family. We were spoiled from Great Grandma and Grandpa Kottke! Zayin ate enough steak, brats, and beans for us all. We played ball, we swam, we just didn't want to leave!!!

Wisconsin has more than cheese!!!

2011-06-09T18:12:00.000-07:00

WE MADE IT!! It was so perfect to finally be all together and we got to see the Wisconsin River and where it meets the Mississippi...we could see Iowa too.

It really can't be blogged what these days meant to each of us. We were thrilled and so content to finally be together!! But more we can rejoice daily in parents who preached the Gospel and were faithful to teach us "Christ alone!!"

Absolutely a dream for us here! I think I had the lightest load.

Mall of America

2011-05-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

Doug drove 18 hours starting Tue. morning and pulled into Minneapolis at 5 am Wed. We were so grateful for your prayers for safety! Thank you. We have been so excited to see this Lego store and it was worth it! Just for the record: Leah went to the Mall of America and didn't buy a thing. I thought you should know. : )

Still driving

2011-05-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

Swimming wasn't a bad idea. Bleaching my kids sounded reasonable at this time. Cause we have hives too. There is always something to blog about, huh?

Football, frogs, and tics.

I tried to think of every detail for the trip, but after these pics you can understand how I underestimated the wipies!

The trip through Montana was so beautiful and then North Dakota was just breathtaking. So, we tried to enjoy the "nature" part. We took a little sign and followed it to a park and found a little spot to enjoy. I had been feeling so guilty (Christina could make this sound funny and interesting). Most families would have camped, making memories around the fire. I was trying...and then I remembered why I like beds. The tics were a start.

Chillin

2011-05-25T20:50:00.000-07:00

The boys are doing wonderful!!! I love these little feet he loves to just sit back and chill. Kristal, no picture ever seems good enough--we need you!!!

Pit stops

2011-05-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

Here we go!!!

2011-05-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Doug, for my little treat (um, I think you drank it though). So, after years of my husband faithfully working and never a complaint- he put in his notice and we took a big step of faith. So, we are off on a trip to Wisconsin to see Great Grandma and Grandpa and then to Indy for a little time with the Kottke side. We are taking steps towards Brazil and we are coveting your prayers.

Mom and Dad, it's that Columbia River we always talk about. It was beautiful.

Just thought I would show you what 6 sleeping children look like. Its ok, I couldn't see them either. Yes, Romans lips are really that big. We really were having fun, even at this point.

The last few weeks

2011-05-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

This had to be posted, because he is such a stink it seemed a miracle he actually let the Dr. check his eyes out. We need this memory.

We had apointment after apointment and we were often on the run ...this was a treat day after 24 vaccines. The treat for me was having Rhaquie and Grandma. What would I do without you? Love you so much!!

We have been so blessed!

Teeth, eyes, shots, and on and on and on....we had 1 more week of insurance and wow, did we use it!

Now he's on the move

2011-05-25T20:16:00.000-07:00

Now Roro is on the move. He wants to see what all the excitement is about in this shower thing. Grandma, he misses you.

Salvador

2011-04-29T16:55:00.000-07:00

We are in Salvador. This city is the 4th largest in Brazil.

There are apartment buildings everywhere you look. It is exploding here in Brazil and there is a tremendous need for Christ.

Friendships

2011-04-29T16:46:00.000-07:00

There are friends that fall straight from Heaven into your lap. Regina was one of those. Regina was our pastor's wife in Goiania (where Darius and Zayin were born). It just brings me to praise God when I even try and comprehend how 2 people from different worlds could have such a wonderful friendship because of Christ. She was able to come from Sao Paulo to Recife to come and visit..it led to lots of late nights with laughing and crying.

The cupcakes

2011-04-29T16:22:00.000-07:00

Brazilians know how to throw parties and made the cupcakes look amazing!

Karen- a sweet friend-made the fabulous, perfect, wonderful designs for decorating them. It really was the final touch that put them over the top!!!

We made 1000 and it was a few days work!! We made the cupcakes on Friday and Monday we spent frosting and decorating.

I believe this is the first male brazilian to ever help make cupcakes. : ) What a man! I was so grateful for Doug, Queta, Fernando...and a few extra hands! We had 4 recipes and it seemed each time it took a few batches to get the ingredients right, we had to bring in a different oven, and make a few trips to the store buying 20 kilos of sugar; but they must not have been too bad-we had to start protecting them and about 70 just disappeared. Darius wanted to know if it was just like Cupcake Wars--not exactly!

We made it!

2011-04-29T16:12:00.000-07:00

Recife, Brazil had rained for several days and the roads were more like rivers.

Doug said he got more done on this flight than in the last week-he read a whole book. It was pretty exciting for him. : )

We took 30 hours to get to our destination...but really we didn't mind too much. It was fun to be together and I spent time praying for many of you.

quick update

2011-04-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

A quick update :
We are always amazed to see how God is building His church!! Doug and I have been here in Brazil for several days and it almost seems surreal. We see how the gospel-Christ has been replaced and our burden for Brazil is confirmed, yet it will take a work of God to bring us here. To bring a family here will not be a easy thing. To cross the road even seems difficult, seriously. We are daily giving our lives to God and asking for His guidance. Please continue to pray and we are so excited to post pictures and more from the trip on our new blog leamans4brazil.com. It seems the earth is groaning for Christ's return--come, Lord, quickly come!

Friday night pizza

2011-03-18T21:29:00.000-07:00

"I'm making holes in mine like they do at Cosco".

He took the challenge and ate the whole thing.

67

2011-03-18T21:16:00.000-07:00

This is for mature readers only: Ok, so the bad news first. Yes, this was my Friday night. All of you young pups getting cute and having a big night out...this is real life. Organizing socks. I kept getting after the big boys for wearing unmatched socks. They were thinking this was fine and dandy seeing as their big cousins do it....16/17 year olds mind you. Fine, but really there came a point where I had to see what was going on. Then reality hit: 67 unmatched socks. I have a designated spot for the unmatched ones out of the laundry and the stack had grown impressively-hence a little extra guilt to sit and "do socks". Thankfully we are provided with hand me down socks...but still a little taste of humble pie. I really try, honestly, I really try to stay on top of every single detail around here... So, here goes: the final story. I do believe after all these years that the washing machine does eat socks. I was in denial as are most of you--especially the judgemental ones reading this blog, but you should see my washer--it's huge!!! But just in case we find one in a crack or cranny...I still have my "lone sock stash". I think I have Jaiden's lost sock, Lisee. : )

So Brave

2011-02-28T20:58:00.000-08:00

3 stitches and all done

So brave, so brave, so brave.

"Boys will be boys". And yes they will. Sollie Thur. night banged his head right into the wall and got a little "splitting open" action.

"prison"

2011-02-28T20:56:00.000-08:00

It doesn't look like the little ones minded that they were made a "prison". The big boys wanted a little peace and quiet, so they tried to use a little psychology to keep them out of their room and far away. It was even Titus's job every few minutes to take them more toys to keep them happy.

Thanks Billy!!!

2011-02-28T20:35:00.000-08:00

What a fun day! We got to visit one of the the Gig Harbor firehouses. It was pretty exciting to see the big rigs pull out and have their sirens on.

That is the cutest fire chief ever.

Teething is hard

2011-02-17T20:13:00.000-08:00

A little more cupcaking

2011-02-13T20:49:00.000-08:00

Ok, so we are on a run here. I really do need all your help!!! Ok, so the recipe search is still on . . . but there are a few criteria: no box cake mixes and no yummy sour cream. This is because all of this practicing is for an event in Brazil that I am going to try and make 500 cupcakes for. They don't have sour cream and I can't do boxed mixes. Keep the recipes coming!

cupcake time

2011-02-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

We are running some cupcake testing around here. We have a big event coming and I need to try out some recipes. If you have any fabulous recipes please let us know!!!

Wedding weekend.

2011-02-01T10:41:00.000-08:00

So, we had the best babysitters and got to go out a little on the town for a wedding weekend.

Thanks Ian and Hannah!

Wedding day was a blast. . . Lukas ate enough sugar for us all and Titus didn't want to leave. I thought Titus hugged the bride a little too long personally. Later than night he asked me if he didn't get married would he turn into a monk. Darius said he would be like Luther even with his haircut. Ug.

Look whose 2!!!

2011-02-01T10:35:00.000-08:00

Lukas turned 2 and look what he can do. Climb out of bed. Entertain us daily . . . and

He has now allowed out of the cart at costco for lunch. Yes, he fell on his head, but every single one of them has. I think I liked him strapped in better, but he was so happy.

Baby Boy

2011-01-25T14:08:00.000-08:00

Someone is learning how to sit up. And he wanted you to see his new teeth.

"Take our picture, Mom"

2011-01-25T14:04:00.000-08:00

Somehow they thought they were so cute and begged me to take a picture of them. They were posing for quite a while while I fed Roman . . . just waiting for the "shoot".

March for Life 2011

2011-01-18T21:46:00.000-08:00

March for Life 2011

2011-01-18T21:37:00.000-08:00

Catching up

2011-01-18T21:32:00.000-08:00

This is what happened while mom was out for a few hours.

This was so cute. The boys were sitting there for quite a while just talking and talking about where they were going.

This is some temptation for Lukas. Titus asked him to not touch anything. He informed me he was playing "NCIS".

"ABCs" on the window today.