Thanksgiving

We returned on Saturday morning early from our trip to WI. We were gone for one week. We all had a nice time. It is strange to be in WI for an extended period of time and not have a place to call "home." We loved staying with our parents, but combining four adults and three boys can take some getting used to. Over all it was a great time. Jack got to go to Mrs. Oates class for a day. He just fits right in, like he has not missed a day all school year. He also got to have a playdate with his best buddy, Jackson. Ben got to play with his best buddies- Cade and Simon. I am amazed at how these boys have maintained a strong friendship at young ages. I know Jack and Ben talk about their WI friends all the time. Chase was able to play with three friends from school. It was awesome for him to see his friends, but it makes him miss being in WI even more. Mark and the boys spend a few days on the farm. It was great for all of them to get some exercise and fresh air. Daisy went with them and she had a great time. She slept great every night she was there. I was able to see some friends and have some "mom" time, which is always great. I went to my "old work" for lunch. Seeing my friends at Sports Medicine makes me miss them and the job I loved to do for 14 years. I was able to see my friend Michelle. We had a great time dining at The Melting Pot and then seeing New Moon. What a fabulous time we had. I am so blessed to feel so loved and welcomed by my family and friends in WI.

We got our christmas tree on Saturday. It is the biggest tree we have ever had. It is over 12 feet tall and super wide. I have always loved decorating for Christmas. It will be extra fun decorating a new house this year.

I hope all had a great Thanksgiving.

Lisa

Finding my Way

The transition to living in Delaware was not easy on me. I am happy to say that after three months, living here is beginning to feel like home. I ask myself what has changed? I know the change has come in becoming involved in things that bring me joy. I am making friends and have done two social things with ladies I met here. Life is beginning to feel more normal. I am so grateful for this.

Family Field Trip: Washington DC

Off we went to our nation's capital. Connie and Jerry, Mark's parents, came for a visit on Friday. We had a nice relaxing evening on Friday. Connie had never been to Washington DC, so we decided to head there on Saturday. We toured two Smithsonian museusms: Natural Life and American History. Some highlights: we saw the Hope diamond. It is big and beautiful. We got to see Dorthy's ruby slippers from Wizard of Oz and Archie Bunker's chair. We really enjoyed seeing and learning so much at the museums. The weather was nice, so we walked the National Mall. We got to see the Washington Monument, the Capitol, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the reflecting pond, the new WWII Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. Washington DC is a beautiful city with so much to do. On the list for our next visit include the Air and Space Smithsonian Museums, White House tour, National Zoo and see the blooming cherry trees. We walked and walked and walked somemore. We really had a great time.

A Visit from the Tooth Fairy

Ben lost his first tooth last night! It was very exciting for all of us. The tooth has been wiggly for weeks. The first time he felt it wiggle, he got out the pliers and asked me to pull it out. So he has been patiently waiting for the tooth to come out. The tooth fairy did find our new house and left him $2. Exciting times for a 5 year old!!

Halloween, A Strange Time to Miss WI

Ben as Anakin Skywalker

Jack as Dracula

Chase as a vampire

We have had a nice week. My parents were in town for a visit from Monday unitl today. We had lots of fun. They got to meet the boys teachers and see their schools. They got to see the daily routines of our lives. We had great meals, great conversation and a great field trip to Philadelphia. My dad is a huge history buff. He loves US history. He had never been to Philly. We took him there to see all the historical sites of Philly. I think he had fun. It is hard to see them leave. It makes us all realize that we do not live 15 minutes away anymore. Ben called and left a message on my mom's voicemail. It went something like this. " Hi Grandma and Grandpa. We miss you already. We wish you could have stayed longer. We can't wait to see you soon." It was not prompted by me or Mark. It came from his heart. So cute and so true.

Halloween was a new and different experience for us. Ever since I can remember, we have gone trick or treating with friends. We also ususally ended up having dinner together or going to a party. This year, that was not the case. We went for a while with my parents. When they got tired we droped them off at home and went to more houses. This was one of the many times that I really MISSED being in WI. I missed being with our friends. I missed seeing people we know. I missed the weather of Halloween in WI (it was 72 and humid here yesterday!) I was not alone in these feelings. We all missed Halloween in WI. We are still experiencing the newness of moving. Sometimes I am surprised by those feelings. We will keep moving forward, creating new memories and traditions for our family.

A Sense of Relief

I met with Chase's teacher, Mrs. Deputy, on Friday. I have been thinking about this meeting since school started. I was inspired to initiate the meeting when we were back in WI. So many people asked me about school and when I heard my response over and over again, I realized I was not being the best parent I could be. I had my list of items I wanted to discuss and off I went. She was open to what I had to say, she did not get defensive or close up. She told me that she is just not a warm, fuzzy kind of person. I get the impression that she is feeling very stressed and overwhelmed. She has 29 students. The curriculum in 4th grade is very agressive. Also, the new principle added 4 more requirments to all the teachers. I get how she can feel overwhelmed. It causes me to feel stressed for her. I am by no means making excuses for her, but at least we are on the same page. She is a good educator, just not real warm and fuzzy. I sent her an email on Friday, offering to help her in any way. I would love to take some of the burden off of her. (She is working everynight at home to keep caught up.) I know how crabby I get when I have no down time. I am hoping to hear from her early next week.

Chase sang this morning at the high school. It is homecomming here today. The school district hosted a community event/fair. The songs were really cute. He was so happy he could participate.
Jack and Ben are doing well. Ben told me he has a "best friend in Delaware"-Griffin. It is so cute to see him enjoy spending time with a friend.

We are officially unpacked today. The basement is done.

Have a great weekend-
Lisa

Lehman Family Field Trip: Lancaster County, PA

Did I die and go to heaven?

The boys getting ready to "work in the factory"

Ben keeping an eye on his product in the "factory"


Jack and Ben getting ready to send their products to packaging.


Chase sitting with me on the "ride"

Sunday, we went on another field trip. We headed about two hours northwest to Lancaster, PA. This area is heavily populated by the Amish community. It was cool to see lots of buggies traveling on the roads. The boys were counting, but I think lost count after a while. Our first stop was Hershey, PA. We went to Hershey's Chocolate World. What more could you ask for in a field trip. A place dedicated to chocolate. YUM!! I was surprised how packed the place was. We let the boys "work in the factory". It was cute to see them on the assembly line. Mark was a slave drive, making sure the chocolate got into the containers!! It actually was a little overwhelming to decide what chocolate treats we wanted to take home. From Kisses, to Recese's Peanut Butter cups, it was tough. We decided on 5 different bags of Kisses. The taste testing was the best part. My favorite was the almond kissed followed by the dark chocolate Kisses. The boys liked the melt away Kisses and Mark like the Dark Chocolate. We tried the Candy Corn Kisses and they were not good. Do not buy them if you see them in the store. They were a waste of money. Too sweet!! They have a educational/historical "ride" (like Pirates of the Carribean at Disney, the ones you sit and it takes you around on a track) That was neat. All the boys liked it alot. We all got a little item to take home. It was a fun place to be.

On the way home we drove through the city of Lancaster. We decided to stop and have family craft time. Have you ever done a craft with three boys and a husband? Sounds good in theory, but the excution of the task can be a little hairy. We stopped at the Gem Den. You make your own jewelry and can decorate your own pottery pieces. No choice here, we decorated a piece of pottery. It was difficult to choose the colors and which pottery piece. We decided on a giant bowl. The boys put their hand prints and wrote thier names. It will be a "one of a kind". I actually think it would be a fun place to go with girlfriends. A great way to relax and a great chance to be creative. When found out that Kate Gosselin and her girls were in the same shop and decorated the same bowl. We thought she must have great taste!!

It was a fun afternoon. I am planning our next family field trip. I am open for suggestions. If you know of a great place on the East Coast, let me know. It could be the place of our next adventure.

Thanks for checking in.

Love
Lisa

Doing the right thing

We had a great trip back to WI last weekend. Jack got to spend the day at Cushing with his former classmates. They were all so excited to see each other. He was treated like a rock star while at Cushing. You should have seen him, Jack could not stop smiling. It warmed my heart. Chase spent Friday with his closest friend, Payton. They had a grand time. So much was packed into one day, Monkey Joe's, Barnes and Noble, movies, sleepover. Chase had a blast.
Ben got to spend Friday at All God's Children for lunch bunch and stay and play. He saw his good buddy Cade. Then after school had a playdate with his other good buddy Simon. I loved seeing my boys so happy. They have not smiled that much in a long time. I had a nice weekend as well. I got to see friends, a new baby, planned my 20 year high school reunion and participated in the event that brought us back in the first place. Our Church hosted an event to raise money for the Kindergarten in Tanzania. Funds we sent has built the foundation of the school. They ran out of money so the building stopped. Our hearts desire is to see the school built. We had a run/walk. It was a great event. I was impressed by the participation. Last I heard, we were close to raising $3000. That is a lot of money in Tanzania. I am sure it will go far in building the school.

There has been more drama in Chase's 4th grade class. There is punishment without proper cause. There is not much, if any, recognition of good behavior. Still, yelling is a daily occurance. I met with the principle today. It was not planned, but went well. I have a meeting with Chase's teacher on Tuesday to try to help the situation. I know Mrs. Deputy is a good educator, but is lacking in some people skills. We are trying to navigate unknown territory here. This is the first time any of my children has had a teacher that has not been a good match. Chase needs more than she is giving. I will try, in a very positive and not threating way, to have her understand Chase's needs. Say some prayers on Tuesday morning. I know that I will need them.

When will it get eaiser?

We are coming up on two months pretty soon. Time has gone pretty fast, I must say. I still feel like this is not my home. I read in a book last week this perfect quote, "this is the place I live, not where I belong." I am trying. I am introducing myself to everyone I meet. I am trying to make conversation, trying to make a connection. But I have not been very successful. I am getting frustrated and a little sad. I have been volunteering in Jack's class which has been fun. I have not been in Chase's class yet, something I need to work on. Ben, my heart is breaking for him. He does not like his school. He is really missing All God's Children. He told me today, he wants to go to a school with a log cabin inside (there was a log cabin in his classroom last year). He has been "sick" two times this week, not wanting to go to school. I have let him stay home, but I know that is not the solution. It is hard to see your children struggle. We are looking forward to a visit to Wisconsin next weekend. It will be great for the boys and for me too. Please pray for my kids. My heart is breaking that they are missing WI so much.

A field trip and a new school

This past weekend we traveled to Philadelphia for a family field trip. We had a great time. It was facinating to read about the history of the birth of our great nation. I learned how much I have forgotten since I last took American history. We stopped and had cheesesteaks at the famous Pat's and Geno's. Our family was split. Chase and Mark liked Geno's better. Ben, Jack and I opted for Pat's. Maybe it was the "wiz" for me that pushed the taste over the top. The cheese fries were also great, not healthy by any stretch, but delicious. We were in heaven to find a Starbucks. I guess I have been going through withdrawls from good lattes and mochas. (There in only one in the Dover area and it is not real convient to get to). We also went to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It's claim to fame is the movie Rocky. The stairs Rocky ran up are at the PMA. So, being the tourist that we are, we all ran up the stairs. It was fun. But we did not yell "Adrian!!" when we got to the top. I thought that would be too much :)!!

On the carriage ride.

Ben and I at the Liberty Bell

Indpendence Hall

Ben with "Ben"

Running the same stairs as Rocky. Notice who is in the lead. Are you surprised?
Ben started school onMonday. He seems to be enjoying it. Although, he does not like to go everyday. We made such a great decision in not sending him to Kindergarten. If he does not like half day, I can't imagine what he would have thought of full day!! Here are some photos of Ben and his new school.

My observations about Delaware

Having lived in Delaware for over a month now, I have made some observations about the area where we live. Let me share with you:
1. Where WI has Starbucks, DE has Dukin Donuts
2. If you think there are a lot of overweight people in WI, come to DE and look around. Maybe it has something to do with observation number 1.
3. ALOT of people smoke.
4. I have never seen so many tatoos in my whole life.
5. I have never seen so many trailer homes in my whole life.
6. There is no sales tax. (That is a bonus!!)
7. Our property tax is very low.
8. People are not nearly as friendly as in WI. This is an East Coast thing.
9. There seems to be little to no zoning codes for construction
10. The traffic lights are SOOOOOO long.

Mark and I keep saying, living here is just different. Not terrible, not bad, just different.

It's Official-I'm a Delawarian!!

Today has been a tough day for me. First, I officially became a resident of the state of Delaware. I was surprised how difficult it was to give up my Wisconsin drivers license. The only state I have had a driver's license had been WI up until today. I never really felt too attached to it until I had to "surrender" it at the DMV. Secondly, the boys "old" school, Cushing, started today. There is sadness knowing that we are not a part of that community anymore. I am missing the loving, welcoming and nuturing environment we had everyday with both kids at Cushing. There has been improvements in Chase's class. He seems to be enjoying himself, his class and even his teacher. Jack is so easy going and laid back, I am not surprised at how well he has adapted to the new school.

I found this to be funny and weird at the same time. When I got the photo taken for my drivers license, there was a sign up that said "keep your face as neutral as possible when having your photo taken." What is that all about? I will have this photo for who knows how long and it looks like a mug shot. Not my best photo, to say the least. I am certainly am not in WI anymore!!

Off to School

The first day of school arrived yesterday. The clothes have been picked out for the week, the back packs ready to go. The first time riding the bus. A new school. New teachers. New friends. Yesterday was a long day. Jack had a good first day. One small incident, he thought I was picking him up from school. He needed to take the bus home. He did the right thing and went to his teacher. She got him on the bus. I know Chase would not have left the school without Jack. Chase had a much different day. He is in a class of 29. The teacher is a yeller. Chase said she yelled and screamed all day long. The whole class recieved a punishment due to the behavior of a few. 10 minutes was taken off of the 20 minute recess. Poor kid, woke up this morning and the first thing he said was "I don't want to go to school." Broke my heart. Mark and I are in agreement on our action plan if the learning environment does not change. Plans are good.

I recieved great news on Tuesday afternoon. A spot opened up for Ben at the school we wanted. Here is a picture of it. If you look real closely you will see Ben. We are excited about this opportunity for Ben. It was, by far, the nicest school we toured. The curriculum seems to be right on track and they take alot of fun fieldtrips. He does not start until Sept 14. He will be in school 5 days a week, 9-12:15. Ben and I are both hoping to meet some nice people. Maybe we will make a friend or two.

I met Mrs. Michael Jackson today. Her name is Patty and seems lovely. She even thinks it is funny that her husband is Michael Jackson.

I will keep you posted on the teacher situation with Chase.

Lisa

Snorkeling

Have you ever gone snorkeling? In the ocean, lake or pool? It is a strange sensation. We typically breath through our noses (did you know that?). When you snorkel you HAVE to be able to breath through your mouth while staying relaxed and not feel like you are suffocating. Since the weather has been so hot, the boys and I have been spending alot of time in the pool. Today I was floating around the pool with the snorkel gear on. As I was swimming, I could not help but think of the corrolation between snorkeling and moving. Both are difficult to do at first. You have to change something that feels so normal to you in order to survive. You have to trust the process of learning. You have to relax and enjoy the beauty around you. Once you do those things, it becomes eaiser, almost natural and normal. I am hoping that Delaware becomes natural and normal for me. I will learn, relax and enjoy the beauty around me until it becomes my new normal.

This is ANOTHER snake we saw on the road on the other side of our house. I have never seen so many snakes in "nature" as I have seen since Saturday. Keep your fingers cross we do not find one in our yard or in our house!!

Love-

Lisa

Fevers and Snakes and Church...OH MY!!

Two weeks have ended and we all have survived being away from Wisconsin. Life is very quiet and sometimes a little boring, when you do not know a soul and have no activites. We all are looking forward to school starting next week Wednesday. The boys and I have enjoyed the pool during the week when Mark is at work. But it has been so very hot here, we can not be in the pool all day. Last week it top 98. That was HOT. We had a bout of some virus this past week. It started with Jack on Wednesday. Fever, sore throat, stomach ache. Typical signs of Strep throat in our family. We took him to a walk in clinic but the rapid strep was negative. Friday, Ben was not his normal self. By 11 o'clock he was begging to take a nap. If you know Ben at all, that is NOT like him. His fever was hovering around 102 and for 2 hours I tried to get him to take some kids Advil. Well he finally listened to me. That ended up being a mistake on my part. He was resting in my bedroom. The medicine upset his stomach. (Can you see where this is headed to?) His breakfast of blueberries could not stay down any longer. Up they came, in our room, on the brand new white-ish carpet. The sight was not pretty. I stayed calm and took care of my son first. For the first time in our marriage, Mark works less than 10 minutes from home. I called him and told him-not asked-told him, he needs to come home with a steam cleaner. Luckily with some oxyclean, the mess was cleaned up with no stains. Never a dull moment in my family!! Chase came down ill yesterday afternoon. High fever, headache and sore throat. Luckily Advil, Tylenol and rest cured his sickness. We will lay low today. I am hopeful it has passed. I am thankful that it was quick.

Church Shopping Update. We went to church #2 yesterday morning. It is St. Andrew's Lutheran Church. It is the same synod as Our Savior's in WI. The church service was nice for us. It had the same flow, we knew what to expect next. One HUGE deterrent for us was we were mosty likely the youngest people at the service. I am guessing 95% of the members are over 60. Not exactly what we are looking for. We will keep looking. I know the Lord has a perfect church for us.

Next to our house are open lots. Mark mowed on of them as a baseball field for the boys. The boys came running in to tell me "Dad ran over and killed a snake" I was thinking a small green snake-no big deal. I go out there and the snake was not little. This is gross, but part of the body was missing and it still was big. HOW GROSS. I was a little creeped out thinking that a snake that big was living so close to me and my family. How many more are lerking in the grass?

Ben is not yet enrolled in a school. We have toured three. I am hoping to tour one more. The class I think best suits Ben is full, but we are the first on the waiting list. I have been praying that we get a chance to have Ben in the school. I will keep you posted.

Have a great week.

Missing WI- Lisa

New Home Photos

Our new home in Delaware. I thought it would be nice for you to see where we are living.

Looking towards the family room from the front door. On the right is the dining room. On the left is the Master bedroom and computer room.

Dining Room

Computer Room

Master Bedroom









Family Room

Kitchen

Sun Room

Kitchen

Family Room

Guest Room: Ready for Visitors anytime!!!

Jack and Ben's Room

Chase's Room

Pool

Thanks for looking at the blog. Hope you enjoyed the pictures.

Lisa

Furniture and Church Shopping

We had a nice first weekend in DE without family here. It is hard to believe that one week ago we were still unpacking boxes. Now we have pictures hung on the walls!! Mark and I quickly realized that we were in need of a new kitchen table for us to have meals at. We spend Saturday afternoon furniture shopping at Jonny Janosik's in Laurel DE. It is a HUGE store. We spent 4+ hours there and the time went by so quickly. We had a successful shopping trip. Our new kitchen table and end tables for the living room will be delivered on Wednesday. Right now we are crowding around a card table. Having some room for a family meal will be so nice. Sunday we had our first "church shopping" experience. I was feeling not to thrilled at the idea on Saturday. Actually, dread would be the word. I have attended the same Church for 20 years. I was married there, the kids all were baptized there. I have real deep connections with friends there. So the thought of going to a new Church felt like I was "cheating on " Our Savior's in Hartland. So I prayed (what better thing to do in a situation like this) I prayed for openness and willingness to want to go find a new Church. We chose the Wyoming United Methodist Church. It is close to our house and the early service was the praise and worship service. Both a plus for our family. We were warmly greeted by the greeters and give a tour of the new building. The music was nice, the message was nice, the people were welcoming to our family. BUT it was missing something. You know, IT. That feeling in your gut that tells you " this is it, this is the place for me." I was happy that I was able to bring myself to step foot into another Church. I was happy that I was open to recieve the opportunity to worship. My prayer was answered. In a strange sort of way, I look forward to next Sunday. We will try another Church and see what the Holy Spirit has to bring to us.

The weather has been HOT-95 today. We have spent lots of time in the pool. I keep looking at it this way, at least I will have a great tan!!

Love to you-
Lisa

The First Week

One week. We have been in DE for one week. The time has gone quickly. We have had a busy week of unpacking, unpacking and more unpacking. I have made about a dozen trips to either SuperWalMart or Target, to get home and realize that I have forgotten something. These trips have helped to break up the day. At least it gets us out of the house. I am very thankful we decided to put in the pool versus finishing the basement. We have gotten good use of it thus far. The boys are enjoying swimming, jumping off the diving board and of course, races across the pool. We have met two of our three neighbors. The only one I have not met is Michael Jackson (yes that is his name, Mark says he likes to be called Jack). Chase said one day, "we need to meet Michael Jackson" and Ben states, "we can't, he's dead!" It was very cute. I guess he listens better than I thought. This weekend we are going to a big furniture store in souther Delaware. We are in need a kitchen table and some tables for the family room. I heard it is HUGE; ten football fields can fit inside the building. If we do not find something we like, we are WAY to picky. Sunday will be the first of our "church" shopping stops. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

Missing Wisconsin-

Lisa