Happy Friday!

Song request of the morning...

I downloaded a bunch of songs from iTunes this past weekend, some new and some oldies that I remember listening to with my mom in her car growing up.  The kids love listening to music on the way to school and taking turns with their requests. You can bet Avery will pick something by Taylor Swift, Caleb loves Toby Keith's "Should Have Been a Cowboy" and Austin likes anything upbeat.  Right now the obsession is "Red Solo Cup".  The song makes me laugh everytime I hear it and think how incredibly simple minded it is and then it remains in my head for the next hour. 
On the way to school this morning, Caleb screamed, "Mama, I want to listen to Fruit Loops!"  I was baffled.  "Fruit Loops?"  "Yeah, you know that song Fruit Loops"  Avery helped me out.  "Mama, I think he means Foot Loose!"  Ahhh.... 

Dear Avery...

Dear Avery,
You make me laugh, you make me smile, and sometimes you flat wear me out!  I love having a little girl and look forward to our day long shopping trips, mom-daughter talks and dressing you up for your first homecoming dance.  However, I don't look forward to the tears and drama.  I have been desperately seeking an online medical journal that tells me a girl's moodiness peaks at the age of 5.  I haven't been able to find it just yet.  Just tonight you came home in a bit of a sassy mood and had to be redirected after you sassed back at your dad.  Then there were the tears because you didn't want to finish your supper.  You clearly wanted nothing to do with the vegetable food group.  After we were finished and you took your plate to the sink, you let us know that you wanted to take a bath and you wanted to be alone.  When Caleb wanted to get in the tub, the water works started back up because you were no longer able to enjoy your alone time.  You then proceeded to lecture Caleb for at least 15 minutes.  Your dad and I listened to your rant and questioned how we will get through the teenage years.  I will pray for lots of patience understanding and maybe your own room at Toppe's for those times you just want to be alone. 
Love,
Mom

First Post of 2012

I am quite disappointed in my lack of blogging... I think the holidays wore me down.  My motivation to do much of anything has been very poor, but hopefully that will be turning around.  A&A&C headed back to school this week.  We've had to get back into our morning routine to get us out of the door on time.  We are already seeing the homework increase for our Kindergarteners.  I am amazed at how far they are progressing in their reading.  Avery is outstanding and reading pages faster than she can turn them.  Austin is having a little bit of a tougher time, but continues to improve with more practice.  He continues to impress us with his drawing skills.  He draws a better shark than I do! 
Happy 2012 to all of you who keep up with Maurer Party of Five!  I'm sure there will be lots of great posts coming your way as we have a great outlook for the year ahead.

A beautiful New Years Eve Day

 Waiting for lunch... Wes, Austin & Grandpa Pete are waiting for the burgers on the pit to be ready.

 It was time to get Austin out to do a little hunting outside of a deer stand.  He and Wes walked along the creek looking for squirrels.  They finished with a total of 3.... and got a water turkey.

 Tree climbing.

Sneaking around the tank to finish off the water turkey.

My grandpa owns about 500 acres in Milano and it is a place we just don't utilize as much as we should.  We decided to head up there New Years Eve Day so the boys could do a little hunting outside of a blind and we could all enjoy a little activity and fresh air.  Wes and Austin grabbed their guns and walked the creek looking for squirrels.  Avery, Caleb and I explored the "old house" on the property and they both got a kick out of being told that houses back then didn't have restrooms inside.  After the house, we did our own walking along the creek and Avery found the perfect fallen tree for a balance beam across the dry creek.  After the hunters returned, we moved to a new location with Toppe, Grandpa Otto, and Grandpa Pete to fish (no bites), grill hamburgers, ride the 4-wheeler and climb trees.  It was one of those days where you look back and say "I'm really glad we did that."  Joining us most of the morning was my 97 yr old grandpa.  He's definitely slowing down and he stayed in the truck until the sun was full force to warm his weary bones, but he made sure we did all the routine checks while we were there and watched with delight as the kids enjoyed the land where he has spent so much of his life.  It was a great way to end the year!

Outnumbered by the kids...

This group is growing up!!! 



We celebrated pur annual Christmas get together with the Rau and Siemsglusz families last night.  9 kids vs. 6 adults is getting more manageable.  Thankfully we had a mild evening so the kids were able to release their energy outside. 

Christmas at Toppe & Grandpa's

The Kemper Clan 2011

Toppe & Grandpa and their pride and joy!!!

Having fun at Toppe's... ready to open presents!

One for you, one for me.

Avery got some new kicks!

We may see a little dart action in the garage now.

Caleb in his sea of presents.

One of Avery's requests was Aggie flip flops.  Leave it to Aunt Candice and Uncle Steve to fulfill that request.  She insisted on wearing them home. 

Avery got a little warm while playing a mad game of Spoons with Toppe.  I didn't think they'd grasp the concept of the game, but they were being sneaky and grabbing spoons in no time.  I should also report that we put Toppe's Wii to use after a few card games.  After I beat Grandpa and Wes at jousting on Wii Resort Sports, Toppe showed me up.  She was the champ!  We had GREAT day!!