I'm a bad blogger...

Hi all.

I've closed down my blog "Liberation Through liturgy". I had hoped that it would help me to develop some discipline in my writing and thinking. It didn't. On top of that, almost no one ever read it. One of my seminary professors who was googling his own name dropped in and left a comment... but that was months ago. So, it is no more. Jessie Jo, please remove the link on the sidebar as it is now a "dead link."

I am currently engaged in the adventure of the Search and Call process, having discerned that Darlington is NOT a good fit for us Avise-Rousey types. I have profiles out all over the place, but we most hopeful about a spot very near St. Louis; which also happens to be the one congregation that has moved beyond, "We are reviewing your profile."

This also means that we are preparing for yet another adventure in moving. All of this is of course amplifying the ever present adventures in parenting. Kristian isn't happy about moving in the middle of a school year and he is expressing that by arguing about everything with everybody. He and Casey both continue to be "too smart" by at least half.

More later.
Love to all,
Kristofer - the bad blogger.

Colorado Shower

A group of friends from church had a baby shower for us. They made awesome plain food, just for me: grilled cheese, tomato soup, ants on a log (raisins in peanutbutter on celery), and even had a milk bar that you could mix in chocolate or strawberry. We got lots of great present including a diaper cake that our friend Amy made by hand! It has diapers all the way around each layer with lots of goodies tucked around. Our friend Kelly, who I have pushed into scrapbooking made pages for Tucker's book and each person wrote a little note on for him. I really liked Augie and Beckets, "Tucker! hurry! Let's play!" We played fun games like baby trivia, draw what Tucker will look like, the clothes pin game (with a twist) and even a daddy obstacle course. It was amazing how many Tucker's were born with a beard, inlcuding mine! Christine won that game, it's the first picture, but we also really liked Tim's "Tucker Spence: computer, Iowan, firefighter extraordinaire." For the clothes pin game: as we opened presents none of the girls could say "cute" or they lost their pin and the guys had to make some comment on every gift or they lost their pin. We got some interesting comments, but it made it really fun! The Now-Famous-Jeff-Cook-Daddy-Obstacle-Course starts with an embarassing story about Jeff. He got sick one day while he was home by himself with both boys, and Augie was being ornery and Becket was fussy. Augie decided to throw the remote into the toilet under Jeff as he was getting sick. Jeff tried to save the remote while holding Becket and poo went everywhere. When Kelly got home, all 3 were sitting on the couch with no clothes on except a towel on Jeff and she was informed that she could not use the bathroom or even enter it that night! Eric made an obstacle course that started with a water balloon in their shorts. They had to run around carrying 2 "babies" (sleeping bags) while doing various chores around the back yard without making a mess with the balloon. It was Hilarious! Doyle did a great job taking care of the kids, but his balloon popped. A couple of the guys finished pretty well, and a couple dropped the kids numerous times!

Childbirth Class

We had our childbirth education class last weekend. It went really well. We both felt like we learned a lot and are more prepared. We got to do a tour of the hospital and it was really nice. The birthing center is all pretty new and they did a great job. There are jacuzzi tubs in all the labor and delivery rooms. They have a massage therapist on staff and every new mom gets a free massage. Every day from 2-4 they have "Mommy Time" and they bring milk and warm cookies around to each room and no nurses or doctors bother you during that time. We were on the tour when they were bringing around the cookies and they smelled so good! I made Doyle stop at the store on the way home to get me some cookies! All the dad's got to wear the pregnancy belly. It weighs 35 lbs and they have to put on a brace around their lungs so it's sort of like being squished. There is even a "bladder" that goes under the belly and pushes on their bladder. I told Doyle it still isn't the same and he says "No, it was a lot heavier that you have to carry around!" I still think it would be easier even if it is heavier because everything is on the outside of your torso, not in it, squished with all your other organs! I haven't gotten any more sympathy because of it, but it was sure funny to see him in!

Doyle's Fun

Doyle is playing softball on a men's league with the fire dept. He's having a lot of fun and they are doing pretty well. Last night they won 24-12.


















He got money for his birthday from Kris and Nicole and Grandma and decided he really wanted an Optimus Prime transformer. He's been having lots of fun playing with it and loves to show off how it transforms!

Miah to Colorado

Jeremiah got to come visit over Labor Day weekend. He played a lot of video games with Doyle and we went to eat at Hobbnobbers Tavern where they give you a frosted mug and you pull your own root beer out of 6 different kinds. We played frisbee golf and mini golf and of course, Leia got lots of attention!

She's getting bigger

This is Isabell in her hat from G-ma Liz. She didn't want Isabell to get sunburnt. It is made out of swimsuit material.




Isabell helping Mommy with laundry.


Isabell and Daddy with their dew rags on.


Isabell with her prayer shawl from the church.


Isabell's first night in her crib. She woke up a couple hours earlier than normal, but slept through the next night. Dustin was a little sad she wouldn't be in our room anymore.


Isabell flying on her big stuffed duck.