5 Things

Since I have been tagged an re-tagged by my sisters and my mom (seriously, guys, you have to get some more friends), I offer this:

5 things I have in my purse:

1. syrenges (doesn't everybody?)

2. Bath and Body Works Tropical Passionfruit Anti-Bacterial hand gel (smells like heaven once the alcohol has evaporated)

3. lipstick

4. a stack of various gift cards that I always forget to use.

5.  The instruction manuel for my new Canon 40D.  (I don't think it will help much.  You can't learn to drive a car by reading the car's owner's manuel, can you?  Cameras and cars require a bit more training behind the wheel, but the camera doesn't fit in my purse)

5 Things in my workroom (a.k.a. my Pink Room, my Studio, my Creative Space)

1. pink, lots of it, and black and cream toile.

2. my artwork

3. a tv/dvd player and a basket of chick-flicks

4. a window seat with lots of pillows

5. an entire wall of bookshelves stacked with stamps, thousands and thousands of them.  A wood and rubber wonderland!

One thing NOT in that room - ME.  I just don't have the time to go in there anymore. 

5 Things I Always Wanted to Do

1. Star in a musical 

2. Visit Vermont with my pal Alysa in the Fall

3. Spend a whole Summer in Italy with my hubby (and see Europe while there)

4. Go on a mission (I was swept off my feet before I got the chance.  Someday.)

5. Own a cozy antiques/craft boutique in an old barn.

5 Things I am Into Now (besides being a full time nurse)

1. my BIG SHOT from SU!  I am always thinking of fun ways to use my toy.

2. digital photography - there is SO much to learn!

3. opera (got a stack of great opera CDs last weekend at a GS for a buck each.  Love them!)

4. my fat clothes - well almost, which is why I am also again into swimming.

5.  my girls - I just love my calling, which is good since they take up so much of my time and brain power.

Of course, I am always into my boys. Love you boys!

5 People I Tag

1. Mindy - it is worth repeating

2. Dayna

3. Shannan

4. Madi

5. Diana  (I just remembered you tagged me months ago, and I promised I'd get back to you.  I will.  Promise.)

Six Quirky Things About Myself

My friend Shannan tagged me to write 6 quirky things people might not know about me.  

1.  My first quirk is the same as hers.  I hate, hate, hate making phone calls.  I like taking on the phone, mind you, but I hate making phone calls, especially the short ones.  Weird, I know.  Appointments, phone lists, whatever.  I hate it and put it off all day.  And when I really have to make the call, it is so hard.  I have to talk myself into it.  Breathe.  Then hope that nobody answers and hang up.  This prop 8 calling is really testing my faith.  I don't know what the big deal is about making a simple phone call.  And the funny thing is, I love getting phone calls, except for telemarketers, of course.  Maybe it is because if I get the call, I didn't have to make the call.

2.  I always cross my toes, like whenever I am sitting with my feet up.  People cross their legs, or their feet.  I cross my toes.  So what?  My toes are so stinkin' long that I can cross them.  I do it all the time without realizing it.  It drives Dennis crazy.  I pick stuff up with my toes too, they are like fingers.  Maybe it is evolution.  My posterity will have actual fingers for toes.  No wonder it freaks Dennis out.

3.  I have a thing about jewelry.  It has to match - mainly my necklace and earrings.  And I can't just wear a necklace without earrings or vice versa.  If I lose and earring that goes with my necklace, or if I am given a necklace without matching earrings, it is such a shame, because I can't wear the necklace anymore.  If I really love it, I may keep an eye out for years for a pair of earrings that will match, or at least go with the necklace.  Even now, that I have a hairstyle that covers my ears completely, I still have to have matching earrings to my necklace.  Whatever!

4.  Sleeping - I have to have a blanket, or at least a sheet over me, even on the hottest nights.  But I also have to have one foot, or at least a toe sticking out, even on the chilliest nights.  (Sleeping bags drive me crazy!!!)  I always have to be partially covered, and partially uncovered.  I think I do that so I can regulate my body temperature while I am sleeping - I know where the air is if I get warm, and where the blanket is if I get cold.   

5.  OK here's another one.  I can't believe I even realized that I do this.  When I take a shower in a shower with a sliding door or shower curtain, I always enter on the side furthest from the shower head and exit on the side closest to the shower head.  Always.  Maybe it is like traffic, always stay on the right.  Only I don't usually run into a lot of traffic in the shower.  There must be a reason.  Maybe I come in the far door so I can get used to the water, and leave from the close door so I can stay in the water until the last possible moment so I won't get cold.  Sounds reasonable right?  Luckily, we have a swinging door on our shower.  Also, I always back into the water when I shower to wet my hair,  Dennis goes face forward.  He thinks I'm weird that way.  Is that strange?

6.  OK, maybe this isn't so quirky, but I always eat on a glass/ceramic plate.  This was a conscious decision I made back when I had four kids under four and I needed to do something to show myself that I was an adult and didn't have be be sucked completely into the washable, unbreakable world of Barney and Blues Clues.  I may be eating PB&J just like the kids, but I was going to do it on a glass plate - like a real adultish person.  So even now, kids eat on plastic and I eat on glass.  That's how I show myself a little self-respect.  Hey, a moms gotta do what a moms gotta do.  The one exception is paper.  I'm happy to eat on paper.  Anytime I don't have to do dishes, all self-respect goes out the window.

So there we go.  Not too freaky right? (well except for the toes thing).  I probably have way more quirky, freaky things that are way obvious to everyone else, that I think are completely normal.  Feel free to add those to my list in your comments.  I'd love to see myself through your eyes.

I tag 

1. Natalee

2. Mom

3. Diana

4. Jenie

5. Roxy

6. Shari (I know Mark does all the blogging for you, so you better get on it, or he'll tell us all your quirky things for you!) 

Oh, and Alysa, I know you've been tagged on this one already and I'm still waiting for your post.  If you need help, I can certainly point you the right direction (not that there is anything quirky about you.  You are the most normal person I know - seriously, no , seriously, I mean it, really.)

  

The Van Clan

We thought a few introductions might be in order.



This is Alex. He is twelve and going into the 7th grade. He has recently been named our official built in babysitter - a post he enjoys since he loves being the boss. Alex collects rocks - he has quite an impressive (and heavy) collection. He loves science, and does very well in it at school. This year his science project made it all the way to the county competition. This kid is amazing at remembering things we have done and places we have been, even things that happened years ago when he was small - things Mom and Dad had almost forgotten. He is also the guy who keeps us on track and on schedule. He is like our walking event calendar, reminding us who needs to be where when. Alex is the kind of person who worries about and wants to help people that others may overlook. He is always looking for a chance to serve. Alex also makes the best Snickerdoodles you have ever tasted - seriously. He wants to be an orthodontist when he grows up.




This is Nathan. He is 11 and starting middle school in the fall. Nathan is a people-pleaser and loves to make people happy, especially Mom and Dad who rely on him a lot. We can always count on Nathan when we need help. Nathan collects pins, and has hundreds of really cool ones, especially Disney and Olympic pins. Nathan loves school, all subjects, and does well. He loves to raise his hand and answer the questions. It is amazing what that kid knows. Nathan loves to read, play with his Star Wars action figures, and has always loved hats, dressing up, and pretending. He loves friends and has a great sense of humor. He has a great smile which is good, since he is always smiling. He plays the saxophone as well as the piano. Nathan is our resident chef. He loves food and all things culinary. He can cook almost anything, but one of his favorites is baked ziti. Of course, Nathan wants to be a chef when he grows up, have a restaurant, and maybe be on Food Network.


This is Derek. Derek is nine and starting 4th grade. Derek is the only person I've ever met who is laid back and highly energetic simultaneously. He is so much fun to have around. He loves to make people laugh and lightens the mood whenever he is around. Tiggers bounce -well so does Derek. His feet are rarely on the ground. That's why he his writing a book "101 Ways to Break Your Glasses." (Well he could write that book). Derek is never angry. Never. He is always happy, or contemplative. One never knows what that kid is thinking about and one is never prepared for what he might say. His imagination is as active as he is. He is a bit of a slob, well more than a bit, but that's just Derek. Derek loves school and is a total whiz at math! He plays the trumpet and the piano. He is a hugger, not a kisser, and stands up for everything male and manly. Derek collects pressed pennies everywhere he finds a pressed penny machine, and has them from all over the world. The boys love to help him locate the machines whenever we go somewhere new. When he grows up, Derek wants to work with his dad in the insurance business.


This is Dylan. He is nine and going into the 4the grade. He is Derek's twin brother. They and definitely not identical, but are best of friends, and get along amazingly! Dylan is driven. He loves to do everything, and is driven to do everything well. A man of passions. He is often very serious, and can sit still for hours when working on some project. But he his not all serious. He didn't get the nickname "Silly Dilly" for nothing. Dylan is an artist in a true sense. He sees the world with an artist's eye, and is driven to recreate it artistically. Dylan loves school, and does very well. He sings and plays the French horn and the piano beautifully. It is so fun to watch him spar in martial arts because he is so scrappy, he is everywhere. He collects patches and has some really cool ones. Dylan is very neat and likes to keep things tidy, which is a great help around the house. He is very good with his little brothers and is always taking care of them. He also takes good care of his garden. Dylan wants to be a lot of things when he grows up, including an artist and a doctor, and knowing him, he'll probably be all of them.




This is Caleb. He is four, but longs to be five (according to Caleb, life begins when you're five), and he looks like he's six or seven. He will start kindergarten in the fall. Caleb is truly a unique individual. There is nobody quite like him. He is so single-minded. When he puts it in he head to do something, he will do it, one way or another, with or without someones help. He loves to watch everything - mom crafting, grandpa cooking, the plumber, well, plumbing, and then wants to get his hands right in there and do it himself. You'd be amazed how much he learns from watching! And he is so good with his hands. He always sits down with mom when she stamps, and he gets really creative and does some really nice and careful work (usually substituting dinosaur stamps for mom's flower stamps.) He is quite artistic. Caleb loves people, and loves to talk. A good conversation with Caleb has high entertainment value. He knows everything, just ask him. Caleb collects coins with Daddy's help. He wants to be a fire/policeman and wear a black uniform when he grows up.






This is Luke. He is two, and is becoming more two everyday. When he is not being two, he has the sweetest personality a kid could ever have. Luke gets much joy out of life and gets so excited by the littlest things - he cheers over his breakfast cereal, and has to share the good news anytime someone gives him some milk. He is very friendly and always says "hi' and "bye" to everyone and everything, "hi book", "bye grocery store." He talks a lot, but uses few words. Luke loves to sing, especially "Twinkle Little Star," only he doesn't use the words. When Luke is upset he will give you that "look" with the eyebrows and point his finger at you, or he will simply collapse on the floor and play dead. Luke brings so much joy to our home! He loves to cuddle, for which Mom is so grateful , since he is her baby. We don't know what Luke wants to be when he grows up, but we do know that we don't want him growing up any time soon.

This is me, Rachelle, AKA Mom. My kids sometimes call me mean, which I consider the highest of compliments. But whenI help them make a diorama for their class they call me the coolest mom in the world (also a compliment.) I am the defender of all things feminine in a sea of masculinity. I love anything pink, lacy, romantic, pretty, flowery, and girly in any way. I am the Queen in my home, and have the tiaras to prove it. I love old things and collect milk glass, vintage printed tablecloths, and a myriad other lovely old things. I love to create - whether it is stamping, crafting, decorating, or art. Watercolor is my passion, but I have little time for it. Someday... I love my rose garden, Jane Austin, and absolutely anything Italian. I am an early riser, swim four mornings a week, and get home before anyone is awake. I also love martial arts, which even surprises me. It isn't exactly a girly activity. That what happens when you are surrounded by so much testosterone. Who would have known that wrist locks and spinning hook kicks would be so much fun? I love my friends, and rely on them, and my Mom and sisters, for so much support and inspiration. I love being a mom and feel so lucky to be able to be home with my guys.

This is Dennis, AKA Dad. Dennis loves kids, and would have had a dozen of then if mom would be convinced (she won't be convinced!). Dennis has his own insurance business, Acsend Insurance Agency, and loves what he does. He is a people person, and enjoys being able to get to know people and help them. He has a new beautiful office with a very cool fish tank. Come by and see it sometime. He works very hard, and is very self-motivated. Anytime he has a dream, he finds a way to get it done. Dennis is an eternal optimist. "It will be fine," is his favorite line (and it drives me, the pessimist, crazy.) He is rarely ruffled. Dennis is a natural born athlete, and has picked up almost any sport with ease. His favorites are baseball, basketball, golf, and tennis. He is the master of his grill, and loves to man his barbecue. He loves to spend time with his family, and is so good about taking boy time so mom can get a break. He is always planning fun family activities and trips. Dennis is a scout leader, and loves scouting with his boys. His family is his life, and everything he does is for them.

So that's us, the VanBuskirks - eight very different and wonderful personalities. The Lord picked this team, and we think it is a winning combination.

Who We Are

When people ask about our children we can say that we have three of each, three blonds and three brunettes, that is. But in the gender department we have chosen to specialize in boys ( and we make them pretty good too.) Yes, we do boys, that's what we do. All boys, all the time. Alex, Nathan, Derek, Dylan, Caleb, and Luke. It has a nice rhythm to it, don't you think. (You should hear how it sounds being yelled!)

In her book "The Parenting Breakthrough", Merilee Boyak suggested families specialize in about three activities, and that becomes part of the family's identity. Well we are the taekwondo, scouting, piano family.

Several years ago we did all the sports in season - everybody does - soccer, basketball, baseball, etc. But we got to the point when we had kids on 4 different teams, with Dad coaching two of them. We were at the park every weeknight, and all day on Saturday, waiting for one child at a time to practice or play. We never ate dinner together anymore or got to spend time together on weekends. And the older our kids got, the longer the seasons lasted, and started flowing into one another. It was chaos, and it wasn't working for our family. We began to realize how crazy it was to split up and play on different teams when we have our own team right here. We needed something to bring our family together instead of pulling us apart. So I am a soccer mom no longer - now I am taekwondo mom. How cool is that! We discovered martial arts, and it has been such a great blessing for our family and our family-ness. We can do it all together-Dad, Mom, and brothers. The schedule is completely flexible, we can skip on busy days, and double up classes on days when we have more time. And there are never classes on Saturday, so our weekends are always ours! It turned out to be just what our family needs. We practice together, help each other grow at their own pace, learn about respect, self-control, and character development. Oh yeah, and the boys love all that kicking and screaming!


Scouting is a given, of course. We currently have 2 cubs (bears both), 2 scouts (star & tenderfoot), and a scout leader (eagle). In fact Dad, Alex, and Nathan left for scout camp on Fiesta Island, San Diego yesterday. (In just nine short years they can all go to camp, and I can have the week to myself - I am already making plans!) The whole scouting thing was crazy and confusing at first, and every year of cubs is different, but now we've got it down. This is where gender specialization comes in handy. Mom does cubs. Dad does scouts. The boys love it, and are learning and trying so many exciting and interesting new things, and accomplishing something at the same time. Whenever that boys complain of being bored, I say, "pull out your scout book."



Piano is on mom's insistence. They whine about it sometimes, but Shari Thatcher is the best teacher in the world and when they get to play song from Star Wars or Sponge Bob, they love it. After so many years is it just so nice to spontaneously hear real and lovely music being played in our home. It makes it all worthwhile!


Of course, the boys have a few individual things that they like too do, but these three activities pull us together as a family, and give us an identity and common purpose. Of course our only true common purpose is to work together to serve our Lord, Jesus Christ. We have a 10 foot long saying on our family room wall -"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15." We consider our home a F.M.T.C. (Future Missionary Training Center) and are working very hard to prepare these boys for the service they will give the Lord on their missions and throughout their lives. VanBuskirks always follow the prophet. Always.

That is who we are. We are the taekwondo, scouting, piano family that always follows the prophet.