Thanksgiving!

We started out our day with a big breakfast of eggs, sausage, and bacon. The boys absolutely love the crunchy meat (bacon) since they rarely get such a treat!
Anneliese wore her first hair clip for the holiday :) It stayed in all of about 20 minutes but it was precious! Ms. Anneliese wanted to be wherever cousin Zachary was. She was drawn to him and his bottle :) We had a wonderful day of snuggling babies, boys wrestling, watching football, giggling, eating and chatting. I'm so thankful that we were able to celebrate Zach's arrival and spend the day together with family.

Happy Turkey

I'm sure I won't have the time or the desire to write tomorrow so I figure I better check in today.

I currently have a 21 lb turkey brining in the fridge. Apparently anyone that knows anything about turkeys brine their turkeys each year. I hadn't ever heard of it until this morning and fortunately for my family I had everything I needed so I'll let you know if it's as delish as they claim.

My mom, brother, sis in law, nephew, other brother and his fiance are all coming tomorrow and I've been preparing for two days. I have dough in the fridge for rolls, I made two batches of bread yesterday for stuffing, and we've been working on the house as well.

I'm really excited to just hang out and eat yummy food.

We are so thankful for so many things. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Random Thoughts

Our first afternoon off the kids enjoyed some popcorn and an old favorite; Chicken Run.


-Jenny H. gave me Wal-Mart's version of Pro-Active and my face is already better after just 24 hours. Thank you Jenny! The bulk of the redness is gone, there are no new blemishes and the old ones are obviously healing.

-Today I plan to do some deep cleaning and a bunch of baking. Jess T. is heading over to lend a hand and I'm excited to see what we can accomplish today. I need to get my bread baked for Thursday's stuffing, I want to make some chocolate chip cookies, rolls, and whatever else I can think of.

-The boys think that vacation is too good to be true. Brennan asked me this morning if we would have to make up the days off we are enjoying. He seems pretty concerned :)

-Apparently as I've gotten older I've acquired a shellfish allergy. Over the last couple years if I get anywhere near shrimp when I'm pregnant I end up with horrific abdominal pain and vomiting. Typically once the baby is born I'm okay and can eat it again without issue. That's not the case anymore. I have eaten shrimp 2 or 3 times while not pregnant and even though I don't have the violent vomiting I have terrible abdominal pain that is on the verge of intolerable. We went out to dinner last night and I had shrimp and sure enough within a hour of eating it I was seriously regretting it. No more shrimp for me thank you very much.

-My family is coming on Thursday and Jared's family is celebrating on Dec. 5 so we get to spread out our thankfulness this year. I'm just really excited to spend time with family. We have so much to be thankful for.

Goings On

-Our family has been sick now for 2 weeks! It's just the never ending head cold that just won't let you feel somewhat normal. I was really starting to feel better for about 24 hours when another cold hit. This one is a bit different so now I have head congestion with the horrible chest congestion and cough. YAY, grrr. I know you can relate. This stuff is everywhere.

-We have put in an order to cancel our land line. If you need our cell numbers please contact us and we will give them to you. This is just a way to save a little each month and the only people who really use it anymore are 1800 numbers anyway.

-Has anyone tried Proactive? My face didn't get the memo that I'm not 16 anymore. I have a ridiculous breakout on my jawline right now and it's painful and embarrassing. I would try it if it meant I'd look post-pubescent.

-I spent some time yesterday organizing the boys dresser. They each have a drawer of pants that fit just them. The funny thing was during said organization I realized that my 5 year old and my 9 year old wear the same size pants.

-Thanksgiving is Thursday! Wow that came fast. My family is coming over for a traditional gluttony feast. I love days to just hang out and munch. I can't wait to get my hands on Zachary. I better be over this mess by then. I went to his shower on Sunday and wasn't able to kiss him once. Courtney, we will miss you and the babies!

-We are officially canceling cards on Sundays. Jared and I really feel called to start a bible study or something. We're still working out the details but the idea is to reach people outside of our circle of regulars. It's been a lot of fun over the last couple years but it's time to reach beyond our comfortable snuggly little group and into our community :). We encourage you to do the same!

-Did I mention we're done with school for a week! YAY I'm so thankful for the break. I've been thinking all day, "I don't have to do school today,or tomorrow, or the next day, or the next. whoo hoo!"

-Our church rocks. I love you all so very much. We feel so blessed to be here and want to do our very best in the ministry God has provided. Thank you for your support and love. Wyandotte is home simply because you've made it that way.

We Made It!!

Today is the last day of school until the Monday after Thanksgiving.

We made it through October and we are finally at mid winter breaks! We take a week now and two weeks at Christmas!

The hardest part about home schooling is staying motivated when it seems breaks will never come. October seems to be my hardest month. I just want to be done but it's still so early in the year. Christmas marks the half way point and brings wonderful breaks full of fun and family.

The boys are doing remarkable and the long days of school that we had at the beginning are shrinking since they know the material and are eager to get done. What once took a good 3 1/2 hours or more is now complete in a mere hour and a half to two max. I'm really proud of my intelligent little self starters. It really does get better with time. I never thought I would enjoy home schooling and by George look at us now.

Jared Says It Best

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thank You

Our lovely church family has outdone itself again. In the midst of very difficult economic times, our church gave us (Chris and me) very generous Pastor Appreciation gifts last night.

Considering the circumstances, I was totally okay with a handful of McDonald's coupons. That would be reasonable in a time when most families are really struggling. In fact, I was content to have already received my gift in July with my rock, which some of the church guys brought from Winchester to my house in Piper.

But our church family has showered us with cards and gifts, giving sacrificially to show their love for us. I was speechless, emotional, and greatly endeared to everyone last night. So…

Thank you. Thank you for your commitment to us and to the Lord's church. Words will never fully express how much this church family means to me. I thank God for how irreplaceable you are in my heart.

Okay So She's Not So Tiny Anymore

Warning to my multitude *wink* of male readers....Nursing info ahead! Warning!!

Anneliese is 8 months and a week and she is on a nursing strike. Last night I had a volleyball tourny and was gone from 5:30 until 9:45 and Jared took care of Sis and put her to bed without trouble.

Yesterday afternoon she woke up from a 2 1/2 hour nap and as soon as I sat down with her to feed she started throwing a holy fit; screaming, arching her back and wailing. I had no idea what was wrong so I tried to soothe her and loved on her. She just kept on until I thought I should try some cereal. As soon as I started making her cereal her little hands started wiggling and she began working her mouth. She ate an entire bowl full and was fat and happy.

This was the second or third incident. My big concern is if she decides she's done while nursing in public there's NO way I can keep her covered with all that thrashing. I'm afraid my tiny baby that has 8 teeth is ready for real food and I'm not sure what to do about it.

1)Is she old enough to go without formula? 8 months seems young to completely cease bottle or breast. She's not a good sippy cup user just yet.

2)Will I be able to get past the weird emotional guilt and pressure I put on myself when it comes to nursing. My plan was to nurse for the first year. I went through a lot to be able to nurse her and it feels like quitting to stop when it's only been good for about 4 months.

3)Jared and I feel completely content with our family and I know you've heard it before but we really do feel she is the last one and it makes me sad to think that my last nursing experience is over.

Regardless she'll decide what we're doing. I can't force her to feed and there are obvious perks to being done. I'm just working through it all in my heart and mind.

Not Where I Left Her

My daughter is crawling. I keep finding her in different places and they are not where I left her. Thankfully she has not found the stairs yet. She pretty much keeps to the kitchen where her fleece p.j.'s glide smoothly across the floor.

I Pity The Poor Fool

I want to know when it happened.

There has been a transition in my life in how people perceive me. People in general, not necessarily those who actually know me. I would hope that's because they know me well and know better.

When I am out grocery shopping or just out and about I have started to notice looks and a condescending tone from clerks and total strangers.

There was a time when I would get dolled up just to go to Wal-Mart or Qt. I was unable to leave the house without my "face on." Once in a blue moon I would notice someone notice me or if the kids were in toe they'd comment on their behavior or overall cuteness.

Over the course of the last couple years I have come to the mature understanding that I need to be concerned with an audience of 1...Jared. So I go to Wal-Mart in my pajama bottoms if it means I can leave the house quickly and go alone. I only wear my hair down when I'm headed to church or a nice date since Jared prefers it in a pony tail.

The occasional glances from random people have ceased and it has been replaced by an heir of pity from total strangers.

-Is it because I have 5 children?

-Is it because I am confident in my relationship with Jared and don't feel the need to wear a fitted shirt and mascara to QT?

An Aldi clerk today assumed I was using a Vision card while shopping for my family. She was obviously surprised when I paid in cash. She clearly didn't have time for me.

I feel blessed beyond measure by the 5 precious people God has allowed me to raise. My husband is a precious man that is a hard worker, has integrity, and has a passion for being an amazing father, husband and minister. I feel the need to inform these strangers that I am happy and content.

If nothing else I have learned that when I deal with others I will extend God's grace, God's love, and God's patience.

No one likes to feel as if they are not worth your time.

Baby It's Not Very Cold Outside

-My baby girl is 8 months old today! How can that be?!

-I have a new nephew in case you haven't heard :) Welcome to the family Zachary! We promise to love you and cherish you!

-Jess and I are still walking about 4 miles a morning and it's mid November. We went out today with no jackets. I appreciate the ability to exercise but it just doesn't seem real that Thanksgiving is just around the corner when I had on short pants just two days ago.

-This week marks the end of lesson 60! The kids are quickly nearing the halfway mark for school. Eli read his first sentence today. "Jan fed the hens." It may not seem like much but I'm pretty impressed my 5 year old is rah-eee-dah-ing!!

-Tomorrow Chris C. and I are taking the kids to Crown Center for a field trip. They are going to watch a play at Coterie Theatre and go to Kaleidoscope. I am so excited!

-We are blessed. In light of our new nephew and God's amazing providence I can't help but just sit in awe of His blessings being poured out like Niagara Falls over the mountain's edge. Thank you Lord.

Celebrate, The Lord is Good!!!

It's official!! Baby Zachary is ours!

We are so thankful to all of you who have been praying for this adoption. It has been a labor of love for sure!

Congratulations Jason and Erin!!

Zachary means "the one the Lord remembered."

Thank you Lord for remembering our little nephew and granting him a home where he will be loved and cherished.

I'm An Uncle! :)

Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Please be in prayer for my family today and over the next couple days. Today marks a new beginning for my brother Jason and his wife Erin. There is a tiny baby boy to be born this afternoon via c-section.

We would appreciate prayers for the birth mother and the completely selfless act she's about to do. We would appreciate prayers for Jason and Erin while they wait to take their son home with the confidence that he is theirs for a lifetime.

Jason and Erin have desperately wanted a family for over a decade. It is fair to say that they have been praying for and waiting for sweet little Zach that entire time and he's finally here.

"Not flesh of my flesh, Nor bone of my bone, But still miraculously my own. Never forget for a single minute, You didn't grow under my heart - but in it"
--- Fleur Conkling Heylinger

We are so excited for you guys and are giddy that your dream is finally coming true.

Argghh...Ahoy There Matey

Graham was our pirate for Halloween but the other day he put his hat on Anneliese, propped the skull pillow on her lap and came running asking me to take a picture. I thought they turned out great and apparently my 3 year old has an eye for photography!

While Dad's Away

While Dad's away the girls will play :)

Jared left this afternoon for a men's retreat so Sis and I had a little fun while the boys were jumping on the trampoline. You'll notice it's not perfect but painting a 7.5 month old's toenails while she's awake is not an easy task.

Taking Inventory

Have you ever gone through a spell where you just felt like every word and every action done by others was being used by God to convict and refine you?

I am really there right now.

It's a painful place but I am fully aware that this is a good thing that will leave me closer to Him, and create in me a better mother, wife, and friend.

My current convictions/goals:

-Engage! It is my desire to make eye contact and respond to my children every time they approach me. It's easy with 5 little people vying for my attention to wear out and stop giving them the attention and time they deserve and desire.

-Read! I do not spend enough time reading and dwelling on God's promises. I have decided that it is essential for my spiritual growth and depth to dig deeper into scripture and allow it to comfort and convict!

-Hush! My mouth is a dangerous place. I have got to get my tongue and my heart under God's control.

I would appreciate your prayers as the Lord continues to take inventory of my spiritual closet. I am eager and willing to follow His leading and His will.

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

Long Time

I'm not real sure why but I've not been in the blogging mood lately.

I've been working really hard on organizing and cleaning the house. We have cleaned the garage partly, I cleaned out the basement and even painted the walls. Today Jess T. and I organized the attic space above the living room and went through all of Sis' clothes.

It just seems like with a family our size we need to utilize every square inch of space. We hadn't really used our basement at all since we moved in. It's a smaller space that is really more of a fruit cellar than a basement but it can be used for storage and as a pantry for canned goods.

The basement proved quite the project but now that it's done I'm really thankful. When my house is clean and organized I couldn't be more content. Now I'm ready to take on painting the hallways. I may have just figured out why I haven't had time to blog lately :)

He Loves Her Yah Yah Yah

I woke this morning at 7am to the sounds of my little girl cooing and yelling playfully. I checked the monitor and it was silent. It took me a couple minutes to get my bearings and then I realized it was coming from the living room.

I stumbled out to find Brennan and Anneliese sitting on the couch watching Sponge Bob. A little befuddled I asked Brennan when she woke up etc. He said he heard her talking at 6:23 am (he likes to be precise) and decided to get her up and bring her down.

The two of them were bonding. It amazes me that she didn't want to nurse for the first 37 minutes she was awake. Typically a baby wants to eat first thing. My heart is warmed by my big boy who just decided to take care of his little sis without hesitation. It didn't even occur to him to leave her or to bring her to me since she was fine.

I appreciated the extra snooze time and when she saw me she decided she was hungry. I picked her up and headed to my room to feed her when Brennan said,"Can I have her back when you're done?"