Out of the Overflow

5 months

2012-02-02T23:24:00.002-06:00

My little guy is 5 months old.

I am just cherishing these sweet days with him.

Things I want to remember:

He's cooing and giggling, just start screeching too. He has found his voice!
He loves to grab for toys
Sometimes he sleeps through the night, sometimes he doesn't. Getting close though.
He rarely fusses.
Still wearing 3-6 month clothing.
Loves his exersaucer.

I'm still eating dairy free for the babe - he is worth it though! He is a much happier guy when I do!

Saturday update

2012-01-21T16:03:00.002-06:00

The weekend is here, and we are relishing it. I love to relax with my precious babies, watch my big boys play sports, eat long meals all together {and laugh - lots of laughter}, and just get to know them. Every time I look around the table, I feel so incredibly blessed.

Little man is growing, almost 5 months old. World's easiest baby, I'm pretty sure. He is such a delight to us all - we cannot get enough of his sweet cheeks with tiny dimples. He gets kissed a lot around here.

He sleeps through the night and takes nice long naps for momma, and the rest of the time he is generally a happy participant along for the ride that is our crazy life. Oh, but we love our crazy life.

Clare is beginning to potty train {although I am reluctant...why do I dread this so much? Probably my least favorite milestone}. She is our little chatterbox, and is naturally joyful and talkative most of the time. I am never lonely. :)

We realized the other day that she has been learning the boys' Sunday School verses with them. Isaiah 9:6,7 is really long, but she can pretty much do the whole thing without help. Pretty cute to hear a 2 year old with a lisp recite, "The government shall be upon His shoulder..."

The other day I heard her singing to her babies, "Hosana, Hosana, Hosana in the forest..." :)

{new hat from Grandma Renes}

I don't have any pictures of the older two. They don't stay still long enough for me to catch them, and when they're all home I usually don't have time to pick up the camera anyway. We're in the midst of an overlap of sports sessions - indoor soccer and basketball - and they both play both.

Today they both had soccer games at noon, on side by side fields. :)

Simon is playing with the boys he played fall soccer with - 3 of them go to CPLS with him, and they practice every day at recess. He has improved so much since the fall. I've been encouraged to see him growing up a bit, pushing himself harder even when he's tired, learning to think as a team instead of just as an individual. Simon is just so competitive - team sports help with that, I think. It's an outlet for healthy competition, but there is a chance to learn to share the spotlight and to work with others. Kinda like being a part of a big family. That helps too. :)

The indoor soccer games are out south of town, and we've been having lunch afterwards at different mom and pop cafes out there. Today the sweet waitress complimented our kids on their good behavior right before we left, and afterward Simon leaned over to Dave and said, "Yes! Do we get a trophy because we were so good??"

Nice. Not all of life is a sport, little boy.

Ethan played really well today, more aggressive than I've probably ever seen him play. He came out of the game red faced and sweating like a pig - made me laugh. He is a natural at soccer, especially indoor. Since there are no out of bounds, the play hardly ever stops. And constant running has never been a problem for that boy. ;)

It's been a wonderful Saturday, slow and fun. We're just so thankful for time to spend together today and with God's people tomorrow too.

2012-01-07T20:10:00.002-06:00

It's semi-quiet in my house tonight. The game is on in the other room, but compared to the noise of regular life with kids, it's hardly noticeable. ;) Recently Dave and I have been cracking up because there will be 2 or 3 of our kids at a time singing {different songs} in the same room...it is sorta comical, but mind-numbing too. I know there could be worse things, I really do, but still, if you sat through the crazy that is dinner time with us, you'd understand...

Today was a good day though.

Not without it's issues or attitudes to adjust. But still, it was relatively peaceful, and I'm finding myself very thankful tonight. Pretty sure a lot of it just has to do with my attitude. :) The Lord has been challenging me to examine my tendency toward defeat - and wow, it has been hitting me hard.

You know, we'd never allow our kiddos to spend a lot of time wallowing about how they can't obey because its too hard, that would obviously be something we'd want to talk them through. To teach them that obedience is simply a choice, and that they must determine to obey with the Lord's help even when its hard.

But here I am. I have cried to the Lord many times in the past year {and to Dave} that what He has asked of me is just too hard. I've felt beaten down, overwhelmed, not able to keep up...basically, a defeatist attitude. I don't always feel that way, but there have been many moments like that, when the pressures of raising 4 young children get to me and there doesn't seem to be enough of me to go around.

I am so thankful that the Lord loves me enough to still use me, despite my resistance. That He stretches me, asks hard things of me, strips me of anything I was clinging to...so that I won't be able to keep going in my own strength and will have to cast myself on Him for help.

He is so very faithful to me. When I really take the time to open my eyes to the goodness of my God in my life, it's overwhelming, really.

Continuing to list my thanks...my soul needs this exercise.

113. Good days

114. Dairy free chocolate

115. Books finally read

116. An 8 year old in the house

117. His obviously unique qualities and enthusiasm for life - cannot wait to see him as an adult!

118. An excuse for us all to eat healthier

119. Completed laundry day - this is a good feeling!

120. Time to spend in the Word

121. New phones

122. Listening to my love talk to Siri

123. Hearing the 2 year old quote her older brothers' memory verses - priceless!

124. Dimples

125. Good reports from school

126. Sweet friends for my darlings

127. Watching the boys play legos with their sister

128. Sweet arms that grab my neck to hug me

129. A husband who gets me, but still points me to the truth

Ethan's 8th Birthday

2012-01-07T15:49:00.003-06:00

Eight years ago our oldest son joined our family, and I'm pretty sure there hasn't been a dull moment since. :)

Ethan, we love you so much and thank God for every day we've spent with you. You are enthusiastic - always planning what we're going to do next. You are so smart - concepts at school come very easily to you, and you rarely struggle with school. You are friendly, light-hearted, and fun to be around. Your dad and I have been so impressed this year with the character God has been developing in your life too. We've seen you make hard choices and learn to submit to authority even when you don't understand why. This is precious to us!

One of the most special things about your 7th year is that you came to know the Lord as your personal Savior a few months ago. There is nothing more worthwhile than living for Him! We know He has amazing plans for your life, and we pray that you will seek to follow Him as you grow.

Yesterday we took Jayhawk cupcakes up to the school to celebrate. Half the class boo'd us as we walked in. ;)

Playing Heads Up, Seven Up with the class

Chosen birthday gift - a snowboard. :)

Celebrating with the other just-turned 8 year old

Happy birthday, sweet boy!

Jones

2012-01-01T21:05:00.002-06:00

We call him Jones, or Jonesy, or Super Grover. Nicknames are big at our house. :)

He is such a delight to all of us - his calm temperament and easy smiles make him pretty irresistible.

4 months is a fun age. He is playing with toys, sitting in his exersaucer, laughing at his siblings.

One of the sweetest things about Jonas is that he loves to cuddle. He'd happily snuggle in my arms for a nap any day. But he easily lays down in his crib too - so, best of both worlds!

I love this little sweetie.

It's a magical age

2011-12-31T00:03:00.003-06:00

Oh how I love my little Clare Bear.

She loves all things girly. Princesses, dress up, baby dolls, jewelry, make up...pink.

2 1/2 years old and she already talks my ear off. Her happy chatter makes my day though.

Tonight at bedtime she said, "Sing me a song, Momma," as she wrapped her sweet little arms around my neck. "A song about kitties."

So I did. :)

Can I just bottle these days up and make them last forever????

I'm Back

2011-11-23T21:39:00.003-06:00

I started running again a few weeks ago. Granted I'm not running that far yet, or for very long, but I have really missed it. The chance to pound out miles...all the while pounding out my problems too. I do most of my thinking and praying while I'm running, maybe just because it is the one time during the day when I'm not in survival mode or needed at once by every kid in the room, I don't know. But as soon as I get on that treadmill and the endorphins start flowing, I find myself overwhelmed with thankfulness for this blessed little life I lead.

Even though the past year has literally been the hardest thing I have ever done.

There has been shock over a new pregnancy, months of severe morning sickness, extreme mommy guilt over missing out on so much because of it...and then now that he's here, it has been even harder, to be honest. So much to juggle. So many little needs - emotional, behavioral, spiritual needs. I have 4 children now, and they are all so important to me! It breaks my heart to turn a child away to wait while I try to soothe a screaming baby.

{But Jonas doesn't scream much anymore, thankfully. When he was about 8 weeks old I figured out that he was sensitive to dairy, so I've been eating diary free for the last month. Good news is, he is happy and content most of the time now...and I have lost 5 lbs in the process. :) Turns out a lot of what I like to eat falls into the dairy category. }

The last couple of weeks have been so much better - still hard at times, but there have been glimpses of the sweet gift of having a family of 6 too. And that God is good all the time.

It's been awhile since I listed His gifts, so tonight I'm thankful for -

97. Laughter around the table

98. Our nightly talks with the boys

99. The special bond we see forming between certain look-alike siblings

100. Help from family

101. Dairy-free chocolate

102. Daily reports home from a precious teacher who loves our son

103. The conviction that came after much prayer and discipline

104. A 5 year old's excitement over salvation!

105. That both my boys professed to come to know Him this month

106. Grief over sin

107. A husband who doesn't lose heart

108. Restored fellowship with sons, and the closeness that it brings

109. Basketball season

110. Obvious fruit in little people's lives

111. Sharing morning devotions with my oldest

112. Renewed passion for motherhood

10:30 pm - can I turn out the lights now?

2011-09-13T20:51:00.005-06:00

Today was a good day. It really was, especially when I look back on it and realize how much I accomplished, 3 weeks post partum. And yet I cried real tears twice, over things that shouldn't have been a big deal on their own. Once was just a little while ago, after our very long day of running around all over the place {Tuesdays are just nuts around here}. Clare spilled the remains of her watermelon slush on the carpet, and I just couldn't help it. The craziness of the day caught up with me and for a few seconds I allowed myself to think, I am not sure I can do this!

There's been errands to run, park play dates, lunches to pack, poopy explosion diapers {and not just from the newborn}, a broken garage door, 2 trips to the school, a very short nap {for me and the girl}, a 2 year old who very obviously needs lots of training, dinner, soccer practice, then kids club at church, and a wailing baby in the car wherever we went {I'm thinking he's not a big fan of the car seat - poor him!}.

In between I've run 2 loads of laundry, talked to the neighbor, nursed the babe 3 times in the car, worked on the kids club verse with the boys, run home for cleats and shin guards, turn around and come back again for the soccer ball. After kids club, I came home to nurse the babe again and tidy up for Dave's Bible study. He just got home a few minutes ago - had to meet a contractor after hours. Life doesn't slow down for him when we have a baby - for some reason, it actually seems to get all the more busy. ;)

So yeah, my life feels a little nutty right now. :)

Oh, but when he half-smiles in his sleep..

...the precious gift of another little life to be trained for God makes me grateful, for even the *hard* days.

I love how Jonas burrows down under one arm or the blanket when he sleeps. Makes him look like he's hiding from us. Maybe he is... I'd hide if I were him. ;)

Shirtless little boys and other after school stuff

2011-09-12T21:13:00.003-06:00

If I were choosing an after school hobby for my boys, I'd never pick skate boarding. Isn't it a little dangerous??? I can't believe we've survived this summer without any broken bones, to be honest.

But they love it. And thanks to Shawna, we now own a ramp for cool tricks and stuff. ;)

Simon isn't quite as daring as Ethan yet, but he is getting it. And he wins points for best tan.

More tricks. Just now realized he's wearing flip flops. What the heck?!

My cutie patootie.

Meanwhile Jonas and Mom enjoy some quality time on the porch.

Ethan and Simon keep asking when they can teach him to skateboard. ;)

And now we're officially that BIG family

2011-09-10T20:38:00.005-06:00

Our little man has arrived. Jonas Grove was born 2 Wednesdays ago, and we are loving him to pieces.

For the most part, I would call him a very easy baby. Not overly fussy - if at all - and loves to sleep. Tolerant of the many kisses he is given every day from adoring siblings {and mama}.

When he's sleeping, he makes the same squeaking noise that Ethan used to make when he was a newborn. :)

He was our smallest baby - 7 lbs, 1 oz, and 20 inches long - but with feet as big as these, he'll likely catch up and fit in with the rest of our brood. :)

A fussy moment - funny how it doesn't bother me as much, fourth time around.

Jonas was tongue-tied at birth, just like Ethan and Clare. We were so thankful for a pediatric hospitalist trained to do frenectomies, so he didn't have to wait a week to see the oral surgeon {and consequently have trouble nursing in the meantime. Now he is a pro!}.

We are continually praising God for our sweet boy and for His loving care over us throughout this whole pregnancy and delivery. It has been a crazy year - difficult for all of us - but we would say he is worth it. Love him so much!

Estes trip, part 2

2011-07-22T22:16:00.004-06:00

The second half of our week in Estes we stayed down around town - we rented boats, picnicked, biked, shopped, took naps, did lots of reading, went swimming, ate lots of homemade ice cream from shops downtown and took walks around our cabin. There was some excitement when a chipmunk got into the house one evening, especially since my dad had just broken his glasses and was wandering around blindly in the living room with a big stick. :)

I think our boys' favorite day was when we packed a lunch and headed to the park to play...some neighbor boys joined them, the nerf guns came out, and all of a sudden there was a major nerf war going on. All the boys against Dave and Nate. And then the sprinkler system came on... it was boy heaven. ;)

The day we spent at Lake Estes was beautiful. We rented a pontoon boat and a fishing boat for a little while and went a few times around the lake.

Camp fires and s'mores also make little boys happy. :)

And playing cars outdoors. It doesn't take much, really. :)

I was so very thankful for the gift of this vacation. It was a chance to escape the heat {which, for this pregnant momma, was simply amazing}, but the family time was so precious too. I love that our kids are old enough to really do things with now. They all love being active, and it makes me excited for the future and how much fun we are going to have together. Even Clare was such a trooper on our hikes - she is one strong girl!

I don't have any pictures of Michael on this trip or Aaron Quinlisk, but they were there with us Sunday through Tuesday. My kids adore their uncle and view him as a big playmate - thankfully he's a good sport. :) Aaron too.

We're home now and the temps in Kansas have been soaring. Well above 100 every day. Makes Colorado seem all the more dreamy right now. :)

Wish I was back there...

2011-07-21T23:08:00.003-06:00

We just got back from a wonderful week in Estes Park, Colorado - the whole Renes family stayed in a cabin together {except for Matt and Erica, who are in the midst of camp season right now}. It was wonderful weather, 70's during the day and 50's at night - which was such a relief from this heat wave that is hitting the midwest right now.

Today in Topeka the heat index was 111. Um yeah.

Just being in the cooler weather brought my activity level way up - I didn't think there was any chance I'd want to hike this trip {I'm 34 weeks now}, but I did and actually enjoyed it.

Ruth and I were a bit of a spectacle on the trails though - big pregnant bellies and lots of little kids running between us - made for lots of comments. :)

Tuesday was the beginning of Rooftop Rodeo, and there was a parade downtown to kick things off. Lots of pretty girls on horses mostly, and some firetrucks and farm equipment. Good ol' small town parade. The kids loved it {although Austin wasn't too sure when we first got there - hence the face ;) }.

Just down the hill from our cabin was Fun City - go carts, mini golf, bumper boats, etc... the kids begged to go any time there was a lull in activity. Pretty much every day. ;)

One of several elk we had venture right up to the cabin.

Night sky in Estes. More pictures to come!

Holiday weekend fun

2011-07-06T21:41:00.007-06:00

The evening of the 4th we went out to the farm for some BBQ and fireworks. My kids have no idea how lucky they are - I never even lit a sparkler until I was an adult. :)

Bruce and Penny's house is up for sale {they want to move into town}, so this may be last 4th we celebrate on their back porch. A tad sentimental, for sure. The Everhart farm is a treasure.

So is this man I married 9 years ago. {Almost} 4 kids later, I really can't imagine life without him. He is so loving, and gentle, and steady. I had no idea what an amazing husband and father he would be when we said our vows that hot day in July.

The two of us got away for a night t0 celebrate, while my parents watched the kids. So sweet of them. Not sure who enjoyed it more - us or the kids - because they really don't see enough of Grandma and Grandpa Renes. So it was a very special treat.

Dave took me shopping and out to an amazing seafood place, and we pretended we were young and not expecting our fourth and stayed up late and just had a great time together.

{In truth, I feel more like a beached whale than a newlywed, and its so hot that I find myself complaining altogether too much...but Dave is very tolerant of his very pregnant wife ;) }

We stayed at a beautiful hotel, slept until our eyes popped open, and then had a late breakfast. Just a perfect little getaway.

And then we came back to Kansas for the Everhart festivities. Always sure to be fun, and slightly dangerous. ;)

Yikes.

This view is for sale, by the way. :) They get the best sunsets out at the farm.

Clare's first sparkler was pretty exciting. I honestly don't believe a 2 year old is old enough to hold a burning stick, but her daddy apparently does. ;)

One last view of the sunset. So beautiful.

So many reasons to praise the Lord this week:

2011-07-04T22:52:00.009-06:00

82. Watching my son work hard to overcome a batting slump.

83. 3 hits in one game.

84. Date night, and a little closer to having a name for our son.

85. Sweet neighbor friend for the boys to play with.

86. A night away with my love.

87. King Salmon special.

88. Watching my kids play with an old friend's kids - hoping lasting friendships form!

89. Piles of fabric on my dining room table.

90. A bed for Clare.

91. Learning to let go {a bit} and trust Him with my children.

92. Collins Park parade - a hidden treasure

93. Shade

94. The special bond between my daughter and her Grandma Hart.

95. Lots of family time

96. 59 more days!

Slow summer days

2011-06-28T14:48:00.003-06:00

Oops. It's been almost 10 weeks since my last post. I didn't mean to let this part of my pregnancy go so undocumented, but with summer here, I guess I've been busy enough to stay off the computer.

I am so very thankful to be feeling less nauseous and more like my old self. Now it's just normal third trimester aches and pains - heartburn, achy back and legs, anemia - but I'll take this over the beginning any day.

And yet even this far into it, it still hardly feels real. In about 9 weeks I'll be holding our newborn son, and I seriously can't wrap my mind around it! Who is he? Will he be blond too? What is his name????? ;)

But the Lord is good, and His gifts to me, so evident! Here is my count from the last couple months:

70. Laid back summer days with my 3 blondies - what a precious gift this is!

71. Ice cold coke

72. Kansas heat {not quite so painful as Oklahoma heat}

73. The hospitality of family

74. The chance for my children to spend all summer with cousins - from both sides of the family

75. Afternoons spent swimming

76. A thriving garden and the thrill that it brings the kids

77. Finally feeling like I have a good home management routine down - a year after we've moved in, and in my third trimester no less!

78. Living a quiet life

79. The privilege of being a part of VBS this year

80. Another baseball season almost complete

81. Date nights with my love

Waiting on the Lord

2011-04-19T19:19:00.011-06:00

Ethan's class performed 3 of the parables that Jesus told a few weeks ago. It was absolutely precious to watch. They were all so excited about their lines and costume changes. And even though there were a few hilarious pauses during the show, they pulled it off pretty well. :)

Ethan was the narrator in the first scene, the parable of the Sower. He decided, after much deliberation, to wear his tuxedo from his Uncle Matt's wedding.

The seed that grew on good soil!

The parable of the good Samaritan. After watching Joe get beat up by ninjas, Simon is enthralled by this story. :)

And the final scene, the parable of the Prodigal Son.

Rejoicing when the son came home!

Oh, I just love 1st graders. :)

The last few weeks have been a bit more normal around here. I'm almost 21 weeks along, and every week that passes I feel a little bit better. Now the puking is only occasional {today for instance...sorry to be graphic}, but most days I can stay off meds and am starting to feel semi normal again. Except for this annoying tummy I'm developing of course. ;)

I saw my sweet son on the sono screen last week, and even though it still hardly feels real, I am excited to have a boy again. To raise another little man who will someday hopefully serve the Lord with his life...wow, it just seems like such a daunting task. So many hearts to assess, so many issues that need to be talked over...and I only have 2 that are currently talking! {well, Clare does talk, but you know what I mean :) }. I know this job description is only going to get broader. Lord, how can I be all I need to be for these kids? Give me wisdom to know how to address these issues of life with each child individually. Give me grace for this task. I feel very inadequate tonight!

Elizabeth Elliott wrote this little devotional thought in A Lamp For My Feet:

No Evidence of Progress
At times nothing seems to be happening. So it must be for the bird that sits on her nest. Things are apparently at a standstill. But the bird sits quietly, knowing that in the stillness something vital is going on, and in the proper time it will be shown. It takes faith and patience for the bird, and such faith and patience never seem to waver, day after day, night after night, as she bides the appointed time.
Restless and doubtful we wonder why we have nothing to show for our efforts, no visible evidence of progress. Let us remember the perfect egg--unchanged in its appearance from the day it is laid. But while the bird waits faithfully, doing the only thing she is required to do throughout those silent weeks, important things are taking place.
I wait for the Lord. My soul waits,
and in His word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord more
than watchmen for the morning.
--(Ps 130:5, 6 RSV)

Made me think of parenting, and just how often there are phases of child training where there are very little visible results for all the effort we put in. Who knows what is going on in their little heads sometimes...and yet, my part, like the bird's, is to do what I'm supposed to do and wait faithfully for the Lord to do His work.

Because ultimately it is His work, isn't it?

2011-04-12T20:00:00.001-06:00

BOY!!!!!

It's a Friday and that means Date Night!

2011-04-08T19:54:00.015-06:00

Now that things have calmed down considerably, pregnancy wise, we have resumed our date night routine with Rex and Shawna. We started this back when Simon was a newborn, and he is five now. The times we've had to take a short break {due to pregnancies or busy schedules}, the kids have missed it so much.

It is especially fun when the weather is gorgeous and the evening can be spent outside.

I love to sit and watch it all go down, who plays with who, and what elaborate pretend scenarios they come up with. Tonight Camryn started out with Simon, eating their pancake dinner atop the playhouse roof {bad idea with drinks they found out}...but by the end of the night, she and Clare were playing house upstairs by themselves. All the dolls out, rocking them and putting them to sleep. It was precious, and Clare was in heaven! No one in our family plays like that with her!

Brooklyn and Simon often end up together, and tonight was no exception. She suggested Wii, and of course he was all about that. :)

Meanwhile, the first-borns and Dave played some version of HORSE. Dave won't tell me who won. ;)

Date nights make my heart happy. When we go out, yes, but we when stay in too. The friendships our kiddos have developed through these years are priceless. And they are all just a lot of fun to be around.

Continuing with my list of thanks! The Lord is good, and reflecting on the blessing that date has been in our lives reminds me of all the other things I've noticed this week:

55. Spring and the hope that it brings!

56. A lawn greening up in just a few short days - its mowing season!

57. Farm work day

58. The preciousness of a family working together

59. A place for the boys to run and play all day, covered in mud

60. Open windows at night

61. Bible study in our home again

62. A reason to make cookies :)

63. 25 free preschool chairs - God's loving provision!

64. The amazing power of God seen in 80 mph winds

65. A swing set still standing (so many families we know lost theirs)

66. 19 weeks!

67. More good days now than bad

68. Sweet little kicks

69. Sono scheduled for Tuesday

What's your guess?????

Failures and Perspective

2011-03-29T21:55:00.007-06:00

Last week was a gift. Spring break - all my babies were home with me. I had weaned off Zofran, and was feeling wonderful! I couldn't even believe how amazing it felt just to have the energy to be out of bed all day and be able to fully participate in life. It's been a long three months. :)

We had company several times during the week, and hosted a baby shower one night. I shot hoops with my boys for hours. Friends stopped by, stayed awhile. I was managing dinner instead of sending Dave for take-out. :) Every bit of my house was clean. I was actually keeping up with things around here. It was magical!

Really, it was just normal stuff {the kind of ordinary days I had pre-pregnancy}, but I couldn't stop reveling in the beauty of the life the Lord has blessed me with. It was like I was seeing things through new eyes....maybe I was.

When Saturday brought nausea again, I was determined to press forward anyway with plans for a girls night out with some of my dear friends. Dave convinced me take a Zofran, despite how much I wanted to be off those wretched things. I managed to make it through the night, and had such a good time...pedicures at a salon, antique shopping and dinner at Teller's. But I probably wasn't the best of company, since I couldn't eat {and made frequent trips to the bathroom...ugh!}...by the end of the night, I knew it was getting bad and I needed to go back on my meds.

Sunday was more of the same.

I pulled myself out of bed anyway, downed some more meds, and made it to church. Dave suggested I stay home, but I was just longing for encouragement. Needing to hear from God. Feeling nauseous and puking again was disappointing - one week and I had completely changed my expectations for how my days would go. I should know by now not to form expectations about anything while pregnant. :P

We were late, but we hurried in and I just collapsed on the second row...hardly any seats left when you show up late! Dave headed straight for the front since he was leading adult Sunday School. We're going through the book of Matthew right now, and this week he was going to finally finish chapter 17.

During his message, he shared a simple thought about the Lord Jesus that really struck me. At the end of the chapter, Peter is asked if His Master should pay the temple tax, and Jesus questions his answer to the tax collectors. He had just shown Himself in His glory to him and James and John on the mount of transfiguration. When they came back down, immediately Jesus was faced with the failures and frustrations of His disciples. They couldn't heal the boy with the demon, and He explained how the Lord's work requires intimacy with the Father and self-denial ... and then pointed them to what they should really focus on,

²² When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. ²³ They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” And the disciples were filled with grief.

In the midst of their discouragement and failure, He wanted them to take joy in His perspective.

Instead, all they saw was a reason to sorrow. {The disciples were apparently people like me...ha! A tad short sighted and easily pessimistic...}

Right after that is the portion where the tax collectors approach Peter and ask him if Jesus paid the temple tax. Being the Son of God, He shouldn't have needed to pay the tax - and Jesus gently rebukes Peter for his lack of defense for Him. But I love what He says next -

²⁷ “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

Dave brought out the point that statistically the odds were beyond impossible of Peter finding that one fish that had the coin in its mouth. Why didn't Jesus just hand Peter a coin to pay the tax? Why send him on a seemingly crazy task?

It seems very precious to me that the Lord Jesus showed Himself to Peter in this way. Despite the bigger picture and His plan of salvation that included His death, the Lord cared about the everyday things in Peter's life too. And He showed Himself able to do the improbable...with just His spoken word.

I sat there on the second row, and felt the same encouragement that Peter must have felt all those years ago when he pulled his line in and checked the mouth of that fish. My God is a God of the impossible! And He cares...even about my earthly troubles.

Yes, He has a bigger plan, and yes, He wants me to grasp it. But He also wants to meet my needs in ways that blow me away. To show Himself faithful in my every day life.

To get me through these impossible days. When I am throwing up and spent, and pink eye rages through the family, and then some new virus strikes. When my human tendency is to sorrow and say, "I can't do this!" and lift my eyes from my apparent failure and show me instead His greater perspective.

Simon turns 5!

2011-03-20T08:31:00.008-06:00

A few weeks ago we celebrated Simon's birthday at the gymnastics place in town. A few friends and family {Grandma and Grandpa Renes were in town}, cupcakes with sprinkles, and a medal for the birthday boy - the perfect 5 year old party!

What a difference a year makes in a young boy's life...I love looking back on my kids' birthdays and thinking about how much they have changed and grown up. In many ways Simon is still my cuddly little boy {and I am going to miss him so much next year when he goes to school!}, but he is undeniably maturing, moving past the toddler stage.

I never thought I'd see the day something replaced his love of the Cars movie, but Star Wars and Legos have taken over...in one short year. The box of Cars sits in the storage room in the basement, only pulled out for younger cousins now. Kinda makes me sad!

How can I describe the sweetness that is Simon? Even at 5, he still asks to snuggle with me. He is quick to offer hugs...to offer to help me make dinner. He is naturally affectionate with others. Already I think he will make a sweet husband someday.

And his smile...it just lights up his face and his eyes crinkle and disappear. I love Simon's smile!

But he is nothing if not fiercely competitive, but even in that, we've watched him grow up a little this year. Not so quick to throw a punch if the game doesn't go his way. Learning to work it out with words {if I had a dollar for every time I have reminded him to do this...}.

We attended Kindergarten Round Up a couple weeks ago, and it was such an exciting day for him. He is so ready to go and learn, and I am starting to get really excited for him. A year ago I was a little skeptical, I just couldn't imagine him being ready to leave my watch for that long. He has just been a squirrelly kid! Couldn't keep his hands to himself AT ALL! But watching him with other pre-kindergartners the other day I realized, he is ready...so ready. Praise the Lord for a little maturity!

Usually he is our healthy kid, but today Simon is home from church with a sore throat. And I am enjoying his cuddles. :) We're looking through his Star Wars Lego sticker book that he got for his birthday and remembering his gymnastics party fun. I just love my sweet little boy!

Midday rest for the Mama

2011-03-10T15:15:00.004-06:00

The temp on my computer reads 54, and my bedroom windows are open - a real taste of spring! That, and the fact that my boys are playing happily in the backyard together, concocting up some sort of pirate scheme complete with eye patches and drawn treasure maps, last I heard. I have missed our backyard so much this winter.

Meanwhile Clare sleeps on, wonderful napper that she is. She needs it today - she's had a little fever and just not been herself. Poor baby. She's ready for spring too.

I'm 15 weeks tomorrow {I think}, and definitely starting to feel better. Still quite dependent on Zofran some days, but others I can get by with just one pill or half and almost feel normal. My energy levels have picked up this last week, and I'm actually doing some simple cooking and cleaning and exercising again. And it feels amazing!

Granted, I still have some days that are 1st trimester all over again {usually when I've had a busy weekend or been on my feet all day the day before}, but having some break in the sickness is such a relief.

Many people have prayed for me, and helped me out during this time...and I am so very thankful. I long to be the one who can offer help again, instead of always being on the receiving end. It's a rather humbling place to be. :)

But it has been special too, to be ministered to. To see the Holy Spirit whispering in someone else's ear about me - to feel the Lord's care for me in a real physical way - it has given me so much encouragement. Really, I am seeing how much this practical *meeting the needs of the saints* thing matters, how necessary it is to lift up the weak ones in our group of believers, to do everything we can to keep them going. When we're struggling, we need to feel the Lord's care, and often He chooses to show it to us through people.

People who listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and obey.

This week I'm thankful for:

39. Glimpses of normal

40. 1 Zofran days

41. God's Word written so many years ago - alive and essential to my everyday life

42. Date night starting up again - sweet friends reunited

43. A bedroom {and ajoining bathroom} to relax in - it is beautiful!

44. A husband who paints

45. A changing shape

46. Hearing my love teach the Word of God

47. The preciousness of the legacy of Don Schonberg

48. The generations who follow the Lord because a man chose to lead well

49. Online job charts

50. Work ethics being developed

51. Watching my oldest sweep and mop the kitchen today - what?????

52. A ready kindergartner

53. A school we love

54. The body of Christ - and what that means practically

You're the Potter...I'm the Clay

2011-02-24T20:50:00.013-06:00

Going through pics tonight, and I came across these ones of Matt and Erica's wedding a few months ago. So fun!

Well, it's baby week 12. Can hardly believe it! :) In a way, these first trimester weeks are flying by, a blur of similar days. I wake up feeling great, attempt to get as much done before noon as I can, because I become pretty useless after that. But I've had a few really good days mixed in there, and twice this week I got dinner on the table. {Dave and I exchanged high fives, and then I collapsed to my nightly spot in bed, but still...an accomplishment} He has really held down the fort around here, in a way that I would never have imagined him capable of, back in our early years of marriage. Sweet, sweet Dave.

Despite the glimpses of second trimester I've experienced recently, my mind has been playing funny tricks on me. Swirling thoughts... Can I really do this? Remember what the last pregnancy was like? I feel so bad for being so sick all the time...how are my other 3 kiddos going to fare through all of this?? And for that matter, how am I ever going to manage 4 kids? Holy cow! It is all so very overwhelming to me. {for the record, Dave laughs when I get like this...}

In Bible study on Wednesday we were discussing Isaiah 44 and 45, and it was like the Lord bent down and answered me right there. Assured me of His plan....through a plan of His so many years ago.

The Lord was announcing that He was choosing a man who hadn't even been born yet, Cyrus, King of Persia, to release God's people from exile (which hadn't even started yet) and rebuild His city. Just one of many prophecies in the book of Isaiah. Cyrus was divinely set apart by God for a purpose, even though he was a Gentile and initially wouldn't even acknowledge the One True God.

What I found especially encouraging was God's gentle rebuke to His people. Maybe He knew how they would react to news of this prophecy, I don't know. But He says this to them in 45:9,

Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker,
those who are nothing but potsherds
among the potsherds on the ground.
Does the clay say to the potter,
‘What are you making?’
Does your work say,
‘The potter has no hands’?...

“This is what the LORD says—
the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker:
Concerning things to come,
do you question me about my children,
or give me orders about the work of my hands?
It is I who made the earth
and created mankind on it.
My own hands stretched out the heavens;
I marshaled their starry hosts.
I will raise up Cyrus in my righteousness:
I will make all his ways straight.
He will rebuild my city
and set my exiles free...

It has been a gentle {or not so gentle} rebuke to me too.

This passage is quoted in the New Testament too, in Romans 9, in a discussion of God's sovereignty.

But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?" Has the potter no right over the clay?

I've read it many times over the course of my life, but the Lord used it Wednesday to remind me of my place...and to assure me of His plan. Despite how inadequate I may feel, He made me this way {morning sickness and all}, and He chose this job for me to do. And He is the One who chooses...not me. I cannot tell you how freeing it was for me to dwell on that.

Back to wedding pics...what an amazing weekend it was! We are truly so thankful for this girl the Lord brought into my brother's life.

My brother built the structure in the center of the room, at his bride's request. It turned out amazing, Matt!

I love this shot...

This sweet guy has served us all in so many ways these last few months. From making dinner after a long days of work, to running out for ice cream at all hours of the night. Cleaning toilets, and changing diapers...and pulling off a church family night here last weekend. Such a guy I married!

Humble thoughts

2011-02-16T13:00:00.002-06:00

My house is a mess.

There are dirty clothes on every bedroom floor, and dishes in my sink. My laundry is piled up high. Every time I look at the kitchen counter, all I see are the stuck on crumbs and sticky finger prints. Crusted on to the stove top are the remains of last night's dinner.

I snapped my eyes shut and walked away, up here to my bed where I can lay still for a bit while Clare naps. The mess is driving me crazy, yes, but I can't will myself to stay upright long enough to do anything about it. And that is really saying something...

Pregnancies (at least these last 2) have a way of truly humbling me. No matter how badly I want to keep up with things or push past the nausea, some days I just can't. And it is a very dark place for me. To be laid so low, so incapable. I have wrestled with this in my mind, day after day, begging the Lord to help me submit to His will for my life joyfully.

Because He is allowing it, is He not? And He loves me, and is working for my good. I know this. But in the very dark moments, late at night when the *morning* sickness is at its worst, I am weak and I forget. I'm kind of having deja vu here...oh yeah, been there before I guess. :)

A few days before I discovered this new little life, Dave and I were thinking and praying about what God had for our future. We both felt so very blessed and sure that He was leading us down a new road, that He had something new for us in store. We were praying about what that might be, and excited about the possibilities. Little did we know, He was already at work and intricately weaving our child's life, a fourth blessing. This was an unexpected gift, yet such a far cry from what we thought this next year or two would hold.

And so, we attempted to mentally switch gears a little, to embrace this plan of His.

I am very thankful for a God who has a plan. I'm especially thankful that He asks hard things of me, and that even if I wouldn't necessarily want to walk down a hard road, He will nudge me along and teach me His ways. How to live humbly. To realize more fully all my inadequacies. To beg for His help to do this job He has given me to do.

I actually made it to Bible study this morning, and it was like a breath of fresh air. Just to be surrounded by God's Word and others who love Him. The book of Isaiah has been challenging and convicting, just what I need.

Because sometimes when you're going through a trial, the fluff just doesn't cut it, you know? You need to see God, to understand Him more, to catch a glimpse of His character. You need to be reassured of His love. And of His power and strength.

In Isaiah 42, God says that for a long time He kept silent and held Himself back (v. 14). He did not immediately punish His enemies, He did not immediately cast out His people when they stopped following His ways. The Lord has ultimate self-control, and even when the circumstances are stormy and the trial is great, this does not reflect on His ability to calm the storm. If He were as emotionally charged as I am, He would probably bend to any plea for relief that I might make. But He waits...because He can hold Himself back and persevere to fulfill His plan. He loves me enough to do what is best for me. And ultimately for Him, for His glory.

That is one thing I have been struck by in the book of Isaiah - God's glory. It is so very important to Him! Verse 8 says,

I am the LORD; that is My name!
I will not yield My glory to another
or My praise to idols.

In chapter 44, God proclaims that He is the only God, that treasuring anything other than Him is worthless. This is the irony of the situation, that we as humans would choose to essentially worship the things that we do or accomplish or create, rather than the One who really deserves our praise. {For myself, keeping a home or making healthy, gourmet meals...or being a fun mom}

It is in the quiet moments, sometimes in the midst of a dark trial, that everything gets stripped away, and there is nothing left that we can do or perform, our strength is gone...and we become very aware of who we are before the Lord God.

I am counting on this broken little life to give Him glory. At least, that is my prayer for this pregnancy, and this journey of motherhood. For Him to strip away all that I can do or accomplish in my own strength and teach me more of Himself. Because when I look back over my 32 years, the difficult periods of life have been the times of growth, when the Lord has seemed very near to me. I haven't always understood what He is doing, nor do I have all the answers now, but He has always been faithful to me, and to His character.

I'm holding tight to that today.

{Clare just joined me in bed, and as we snuggled up together in post-nap sweetness, she noticed the wind was howling outside my window. The wind is talkin', she says... I love 21 month olds. :) }

This post is not for anyone with a weak stomach

2011-02-08T21:59:00.003-06:00

She cried when I laid her down for her nap today. That should have been my first clue. My little girl who begs for naps...I can't remember the last time she cried when I laid her down, if ever.

After several minutes I went and got her and put her in bed with me. She seemed happy enough to watch Dora the Explorer on my laptop while I rested, but when I went downstairs to get ready to pick up Ethan from school, I heard her scream. When I made it up the stairs, she was covered in puke. Think curdled milk.

{This is where the story gets icky, but anyone who has ever experienced morning sickness or hyperemesis can probably relate. It is bad news for an expecting mama to see puke/hear puke/touch puke. At least for me it is.}

Dave was in Lawrence in a meeting, Ethan needed to be picked up from school in 24 minutes (the school is 15 min from my house), and I had some major clean-up on my hands. Oh yes, and I was sobbing. The only calories I had consumed all day were flushed down the toilet, and it left me pretty shaky. I am ever so thankful for my friend Ashley, and her willingness to pick Ethan up and bring him home for me. She is such a sweet friend.

I am a mess, I tell you. A mess.

By the time Ashley dropped Ethan off, I had just finished cleaning the carpet, the mattress, bleaching the tub after Clare's bath, and the sheets were going in the washer. Ethan walked in and said, "Mom, my throat hurts really bad! It has hurt all day!" And he laid down on the couch in fetal position. He just finished his round of antibiotics for strep throat 2 days ago.

It has been the longest day I can remember in a good long while. Longer than yesterday, even. :) I held Clare most of the evening {and let's just say this afternoon wasn't a fluke} and talked to the doctor's office in between cleaning her up, while Dave attempted dinner and a Dillons run to get ibuprofen. As soon as the kids were in bed, we noticed the washing machine was leaking.

Gotta have a working washing machine when the stomach flu hits. ;) ...oh my...

But as Dave was working on the washer, and I was attempting to remake our bed so I could lie down, I had this thought. Wow, things could have been so much worse. Haha, no really, its true. I am beyond exhausted now, yes, and 2 out of 3 kids are sick...but when I stop and think about the reality of the situation and all the Lord spared us from today, my perspective changes.

For instance...I am so thankful for:

29. A laptop that still works {the puke was ever so close, but not a drop on the keyboard}

30. A dependable friend

31. A mattress that we were already planning to replace - no need to worry about that one, cleaned it the best I could but we'll see.

32. A middle child who rarely gets sick and knows how to play on his own when the going gets tough around here.

33. An email today, reminding us of our free period of the Starz movie channel. Playing tonight: Up and Planet 51. Thank you, Lord.

34. 2 extra hours to get my Azure order in.

35. Dillons mashed potatoes.

36. A washing machine that leaked after my sheets were clean, not before.

37. A handy husband who attempts to fix issues on his own {and sends me to bed}.

38. Tomorrow: a chance to stay home and hibernate in this blizzard. :)

I'm sure there are more things to praise Him for, but my eyes are heavy now. Janet posted this quote on fb today that sums it all up:

"A willing acceptance of all that God assigns and a glad surrender of all that I am and have, constitute the key to receiving the gift of a quiet heart."

Elizabeth Elliott, Keep a Quiet Heart, p. 12

At the end of the day...

2011-02-07T14:33:00.009-06:00

Today has been long. Dave got free tickets to the KU game, so I haven't seen him since he left this morning.

I haven't done the evening routine with the kids in a couple months now, so tonight was a bit of a stretch for me, energy wise. But it went smoothly, and when I was cuddled up with two boys, still damp from the bath, we just read and read. They both laid a head on my shoulders when we prayed.

Simon wanted to know if I can feel the baby. Yes, amazingly enough, I can.

Ethan wanted to know how big it is. About the size of a grape, E. He cocks his head and thinks on that one for a bit. :)

They are getting excited, and it is very sweet to watch. Reminds me of how they prayed for a baby sister for so many months, and how much they both adore her now. Family is precious.

I have so many things to be thankful for, but these are His blessings I've noticed today...

21. Flowers in bloom, just days later!

22. Faithful friends who pray.

23. Grace to make it through the difficult task I was worried about this weekend.

24. Dinner in the crockpot by 9 am.

25. The energy to make yogurt this morning.

26. And pumpkin bread too. Haven't baked in a good long while.

27. Mornings without morning sickness.

28. Evenings are a different story, but even then, there is grace. And zofran.

27. An engineer husband, passing on his skills.

28. A tiny heart, beating steady. We are so blessed.

Joining...

Beginning to write them down

2011-02-02T12:02:00.015-06:00

Reading Ann's book has inspired me to record the little things I am thankful for, an exercise in learning the discipline of gratefulness. Because I want my perspective to be His perspective. To see the day, the moment, as He sees it.

{A Christmas ago, Dave bought me Nancy Lee DeMoss' book Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy on a whim, and it was just what I needed to read. It is very much the same message as 1000 Gifts. Both authors encourage practicing thankfulness, to make it the habit of your life. And truly, this has been life-changing for me - to look for His hand, the good, in all circumstances. It brings so much peace and contentment...and joy!}

I read through my blog a few weeks ago and was inspired again to keep recording our little lives and the things the Lord has been teaching me. I forget so quickly...and this journaling that I've done so far is important. So that I can look back and really see...

So today I'm thankful for...

Quiet times {that aren't really quiet} when my oldest wants to join me. He is reading through John. Precious!
Sharing with each other what the Lord showed us in our reading.
Asking the Lord to help us submit to the Holy Spirit today (Galations 5), and talking about what that means.
Winter whites, shooting up on the table. Planted only a week and a half ago! Every day we watch them grow a little and we are amazed!
Messages from boys.
A hard day, opportunity to work on someone's heart.
The cheerful obedience that follows.
Basil growing up tall. I can't wait to have a garden!
The first blizzard I can remember.
Passion tea from Starbucks, and sweet friends that drop it by and stay awhile.
Dave home early. Never happens!
The offer of a snow blower from a neighbor.
Snow days, now 5 this year already.
Choosing fun over chores...snow icecream!
A daughter to raid her daddy's candy drawer.
Beautiful children.
Brothers who love each other.
Netflix.
A husband who helps.
And children who do too.

"The Lord looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men...
He fashions their hearts individually;
He considers all their works.
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,
on those who hope in His mercy...
our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in Him,
Because we have trusted in His holy name."
Psalm 33:13-21

Anything less than gratitude and trust is practical atheism. Are stress and worry evidences of a soul too lazy, too undisciplined, to keep gaze fixed on God? ...Isn't joy worth the effort of trust? - Ann Voskamp

Joining...

Day by Day

2011-01-28T13:34:00.007-06:00

I've been thinking about this hymn today, and what a comfort it has been to me in a few of the very dark hours of my life. Where would I be without the faithfulness of the Lord and His dependability by His very nature?

I have learned to not look ahead to the future, but to just trust Him for strength today for what He brings. And He has never let me down.

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counselor and Power.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then, in every tribulation,
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation,
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till with Christ the Lord I stand.

Let Go

2011-01-26T21:30:00.005-06:00

I'm currently reading One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp. I bought it for my iphone kindle app, so its in digital form. This is a handy way to read, for a mom.

And you can read at night, after the lights are out. This is what I needed when I was ten, so I didn't get busted by my sister for reading by the nightlight. Or the neighbor for that matter (he seriously told my mom that he saw my bedroom light on at 2 am.) Die hard reader, what can I say?

I have really appreciated Ann's words about giving thanks, in all things - this is something the Lord has been teaching me and it has changed my life over the course of the last year. A way to find joy in the day to day, to accept all circumstances as from Him. It's the way to really live!

Because the more we deliberately notice the blessings He gives, the more we come to trust Him and see how much He loves us.

Thought from the book that really struck me tonight:

"Humbly let go. Let go of trying to do, let go of trying to control...let go of my own way, let go of my own fears. Let God blow His wind, His trials, oxygen for joy's fire. Leave the hand open and be. Be at peace. Bend the knee and be small and let God give what God chooses to give because He only gives love and whisper surprised thanks. This is the fuel for joy's flame. Fullness of joy is discovered only in the emptying of will."

Speaking of thanks, we loved this Christmas with our kids. It was encouraging to us to see their genuine appreciation and enthusiasm for the gifts we had chosen for them. Can't help but think that the Lord enjoys a thankful heart far more than I do.

"Give thanks to the Lord of Lords
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to Him who alone does mighty miracles.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to Him who made the heavens so skillfully.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to Him who placed the earth among the waters.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to Him who made the heavenly lights -
His faithful love endures forever."
Psalm 136:3-7

The most perfect Monday ever (at least in a kid's mind)

2011-01-10T22:45:00.012-06:00

Today we got our first real snow of the winter, somewhere close to a foot, and school was canceled accordingly. Every little boy's dream come true!

Clare was determined to go out this year, even though I tried to keep her in. Even ventured down the block a few houses and met some neighbors and their dog, her current obsession. Goggies, she calls them. She has no fear.

Only snow could draw this boy away from his beloved wii.

She probably ate way too much of the powdery stuff. I have to admit, I just thought it was cute.

The boys were *snowboarding* down our driveway on their sleds. I tried not to look. Being the mom of boys has required me to bite my tongue on many occasions, this was definitely one of them.

At least it wasn't as dangerous as what the neighbors were doing - flying around the block pulling 2 kids on sleds behind their truck. Um yeah. (but my boys thought it was pretty sweet!)

I have the world's sweetest kids. Did you know that?

It's supposed to snow all night, and we just got word that tomorrow is a snow day too!

Time

2010-12-08T09:55:00.002-06:00

I'm in the basement, *watching* Simon play Star Wars on the wii. This is his love language, I think...or at least, time...or closeness...something like that.

He doesn't want to be alone. But he is perfectly content to play alone, provided that someone - even Clare - is in the same room. He's a funny kid. :)

I've said no to a lot of commitments this year in order to just be with the kids, and it has been a very good thing. Sitting and talking, reading books together, playing on the floor with them...they crave this. And it isn't always possible when I am running around, always late to something and cranky because of it.

Nearly every week an opportunity presents itself to add something to our schedule. Leadership opportunities, Bible studies, business ventures, play dates, sports, moms night out....I have had to weigh things very carefully this year. It is hard to say no to a good thing! But sometimes saying no to a good thing frees us up for what is best. It is a difficult balance for me.

I'm realizing more and more that my attitude sets the tone for our home, and when I am stressed because of things I'm doing, I'm not the mom I want to be. Not the mom the Lord wants me to be.

pics from Reagan's baby shower a few weeks ago

This year has been a gift, in that way. So much less stress, so much more time to just grow closer to my children.

Next year Simon goes to kindergarten. I can hardly believe he is old enough for that! School means less time here, so the time we do have together is a precious commodity. A friend of mine gave me some good advice, and I've been attempting to practice it. She said to have everything done - cleaning, dinner prep, bills, etc.. - by the time school was out. That way you can really focus on your child when they get home from school. Find out what what is going inside, and what struggles they are facing. Seems really common sense, but it was so helpful for me to have that as my goal. To be done for the day...so that Ethan knows that when he gets home, I have time to talk! I am available...

and next year it will be Simon going to school too... sob!

He just beat Darth Maul!!!! Oh the excitement!!!!!

I love this kid! :)

Monday thoughts

2010-11-29T14:23:00.002-06:00

Almost December...its a busy time of year! We made it through Thanksgiving, traveling to my parents' and then hosting Dave's family, and some wonderful days of just us too. We have reached the stage in family life where time together with just the 5 of us is really, really fun! Playing games or wii together, talking, laughing...I am very thankful for this. As much as I love my babies, I love the relationship that age brings.

This should be a quieter week, I think. Today has been anyway. Time to read my Bible and plan the meals while little people play, no urgent chores or events to rush off to. Dinner is in the oven, and we'll pick up Ethan from school before too long. Days like this are such a gift!

And just for fun...a few pics from Halloween. :)

Bunch of Pilgrims

2010-11-23T22:04:00.011-06:00

I was able to help in Ethan's class today. Love, love, LOVE to do this! Someday when all my kids are in school I want to be up there way more than I am now, but for the time being, I volunteer when I can find a sitter for Clare (she's not the quietest kid!).

Today was the 1st grade Thanksgiving Party, and Simon and I were in charge of bringing the stuff to make mini cornbread muffins. It is so much fun to be in the classroom and get to know E's friends. They are just so cute! Simon just sits and takes it all in...probably thinking about his turn to go to school. ;) It does look pretty dreamy!

Every time I am there, Ethan's desk is in a different spot. I think he talks a little too much. ;)

Actually, I know he does...but he has been working on it. This year has been considerably harder for him - not academically, but definitely behaviorally. He of course has trouble sitting still (from the looks of it, most of them do), but its not just that. He flies through his work and then while others are still writing, he talks. :) Or tries to make someone laugh. Or gets out of his seat. Not good. So we've had lots of talks and creative discipline...and it seems to us (and to his teacher) that his heart is to do what is right, even though he struggles making the day to day choices about it.

He is learning to take more time on his school work, focus on penmanship and making things neat. And to write his *observations* down for his teacher to read later, instead of blurting them out right away. :)

It has been so encouraging to us to see him actually succeed. To see his face light up when he can give a good report at the end of the school day. It has been a good opportunity to talk about authority and respect...and God's grace for when we mess up. And His ever present help too. So many things to learn when you're 6. :)

This Thanksgiving I'm very thankful for a school where the Word of God is taught and where they place value on applying it to the issues of life. For teachers who love your children and pray for wisdom in how to train their hearts. And for little boys who truly want to obey.

Even when it's way more fun to make the whole class laugh! ;)

Pumpkin Patch

2010-11-18T23:58:00.001-06:00

Reading about Joseph this morning. Genesis 45. What an example he is to me! Despite being mistreated by his brothers and sold into slavery (and presumed dead by his father), when he sees his brothers again, he is gracious with them. He doesn't want them to feel guilty about it! (how is this even possible???)

He says, "God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So not it was not you who sent me here, but God..." (vs.7,8)

Two things stuck out to me this morning. First, it seems to me the reason Joseph could so quickly forgive those who had hurt him was because he had a firm grasp on the sovereignty of His God. He knew that ultimately it was God who sent him to Egypt, not his brothers. He could say with confidence, "You meant this for evil, but God meant it for good."

Wow, I could use a little more of that attitude in my own life!

Second, I was just really impressed by Joseph's ability to see the purpose of God in the situation. He could get past his own feelings and look objectively at what God was doing. How many times have I let my feelings get in the way of walking in faith??? Focusing on the frustration, instead of imagining the bigger picture. Too many times to count!

And yet, in Joseph's life I see a peace that I want. He had vision for what great things God could do with his life. And he embraced it, even when it was hard. Lord, help me to think this way! Cause me to see the spiritual significance of my day to day circumstances. I want to be available to You!

Going through pics tonight...it's been awhile since I've posted anything, so there were lots to choose from. :) These are from back in October. We met my sister and her kids at the pumpkin patch for lunch.

These two really love each other. It's so sweet!

Dave surprised me and took the day off. That's just about the best surprise ever! :)

We didn't have much luck with the family pics. :)

Having too much fun with my sister living close now! I am very, very thankful for the blessing of family, especially for my kids' sake.

All for now...

Not going to miss those early Saturday morning games...

2010-10-24T23:22:00.007-06:00

...but there is something so amazing about watching your 4 year old break away with the ball, take it all the way down the field, and score!

Clare was impressed!

Isaiah 1

2010-09-22T21:58:00.009-06:00

Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth!
For the LORD has spoken:
"I reared children and brought them up,
but they have rebelled against me.

The multitude of your sacrifices—
what are they to me?" says the LORD.
"I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats...

When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even if you offer many prayers,
I will not listen.
Your hands are full of blood;

Come now, let us reason together,"
says the LORD.
"Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool...

If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the best from the land;

but if you resist and rebel,
you will be devoured by the sword."
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

I will turn my hand against you;
I will thoroughly purge away your dross
and remove all your impurities.

I will restore your judges as in days of old,
your counselors as at the beginning.
Afterward you will be called
the City of Righteousness,
the Faithful City."

I am so thankful for the Lord's purging work. He sees my apathy, the way I get wrapped up in my own little life and practically forget about Him. As a Father, He won't allow me to stay this way. He CAN'T allow me to. But His purging, while sometimes a very painful process, is designed to bring redemption. To ultimately heal. To bring me back.

Being a parent and watching a child choose to disobey (to their own detriment), has really opened my eyes to how my heavenly Father feels and responds to me when I choose my own way over His.

He takes it seriously, He aches over hard hearts, He will not stop pursuing...

I am so thankful for this glimpse into the heart of God as He deals with His children. Surprised to find it in Isaiah, but now I'm really excited to study this book as a whole (we're going through it this year at BSF).

Final challenging thought from this morning's study comes from these verses:

You will be ashamed because of the sacred oaks
in which you have delighted;
you will be disgraced because of the gardens
that you have chosen.

What are the sacred oaks and gardens of my life? What am I choosing over Him? What has become more important and more of a priority to me than my relationship with the Lord? Really made me think this morning...

*And just for fun, some soccer pics. The season is in full swing!

A New Year

2010-09-10T21:20:00.005-06:00

Well, we moved. And it was crazy. Maybe all moves are like that?

This new home (only a couple miles away) feels like home now, but I still find myself driving to the old house by accident sometimes. Just out of habit, I guess. We lived there for 7 years! It was a great home - plenty of space, and we had made it ours. I loved the kitchen...sad to leave it. :( But this new home has a better layout, more yard for the kids, and most especially, no more stairs in the entry. So we are just very thankful to be able to start over and make this new place our home. Lots of work, but I know it will be worth it.

And just like that, the summer was over. What a nutty 3 months. I tried my best to play, to just enjoy the break with my kids, but it still feels like it went way too fast.

I was realizing today that although Ethan's been back at school for a couple weeks now, I haven't really processed it yet. Haven't taken the time to think about the fact that my son is now in first grade, going to school all day...he's grown in height for sure, but it's more than that. He's maturing. Something is happening to that kid. He's longing for relationship, to talk together (alone, without sibling interruptions!). Maybe I am just kinda pensive by nature, but it just hit me...I haven't even been paying attention, and here he is, just growing up!

I'm going to do my best to start writing again. I've really missed it, and I can tell it has been too long...the words just do not come easily like they do when I'm writing consistently. But the Lord has been teaching me so much recently, and I want to record it. To remind myself of His faithfulness, so that I can see more purpose in the *hard* days. I know that He is always working...I just have to take the time to notice.

The other thing we've been doing this summer

2010-07-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Baseball season is upon us again. I can tell this is a sport I will be watching for years yet. Better learn to enjoy it! ;)

He is a good hitter. Dave has taught our boys well. :)

There aren't any outs in the instructional league, but he's still gonna try to get to second.

She and Simon are just along for the ride. And the snacks, I guess. :) Good times!

Wedding weekend

2010-07-07T16:25:00.006-06:00

Rehearsal dinner set up.

Love this girl!

Sweet children, patiently waiting for the storm to pass.

My first attempt at wedding flowers.

I only captured a few shots of the wedding weekend. I had good intentions and had my camera ready, but things just got too busy. And wet. :) It was such a gorgeous wedding though, despite the rain. Probably should say because of the rain...definitely gave it a romantic feel. It was just lovely.

Sitting in the heat makes me nostalgic

2010-07-07T13:39:00.007-06:00

We just finished two weeks of swimming lessons.

Clare loved to sit and watch her brothers.

This year was infinitely easier than last year. No newborn melting in the heat, no fearful 3 year old clinging to my leg. I am very thankful for this stage of parenting we are in.

It has its own challenges, I guess - after all, my sweet one year old needs lots of training! But really, life is just a joy right now. I am overwhelmed frequently with just how blessed we are to have these 3 little children, and how quickly our time with them is flying by!

Ethan is swimming on his own now. A sign of the times, I'd say. And he starts first grade here in a few months too. Just growing up so much.

But that's still several weeks away. For now we are just soaking up summer, and having as much fun as we possibly can. I'm resisting the urge to paint our new house, and choosing instead to PLAY with these kids while I can. I love summer!

She thinks she is so big

2010-06-21T09:58:00.009-06:00

It's been a busy spring. I have missed posting, recording tidbits from our fun little life. We put our house on the market, sold it, had the whole family come for a visit, moved to a new home (crazy, crazy move...long story), all the while keeping up with family birthdays, date nights, baseball games, VBS, swimming lessons, family weddings, etc...

In the midst of the chaos, my baby turned 1.

She is walking now, just in time for her cousin's wedding. It's such a funny walk...very wobbly, but VERY fast. :) And she is babbling up a storm. No real words yet, besides Mama and Dada. But she has learned to sign, and combined with her "talking", she can communicate fairly well.

She's a very happy girl, almost all the time. Such a blessing to us all. We love you, Clarey.

Easter at the farm

2010-04-04T21:53:00.010-06:00

For Grandma and Grandpa (who don't have facebook :)

Menu Plan Monday

2010-03-07T16:55:00.005-06:00

Breakfasts
Leftover Egg and Sausage Casserole
Granola
Cereal
Granola Bars
Eggs, Bacon & Pancakes

Lunches
Leftover Pasta
Sack Lunch
Roast Beef and Cheddar Melts, Chips
Leftovers

Dinners
Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Cooked Carrots, Rolls
Vegetarian Sloppy Joe's, Nicole's Beautiful Buns, Carrot Sticks, Applesauce
Salsa Verde Beef, Rice
Busy Day Fish Fillets, Baked Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts
Date
Hearty Beef and Noodles, Crusty Bread

Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-22T09:12:00.006-06:00

My little body boarder

Sadly, we're not still there, or we'd be eating fresh seafood and fruit every day. :(

Lunches
Leftover Cauliflower Soup, Crusty Bread
Crackers, Cheese, and Fruit Slices
PB&Honey
Leftovers
Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, and Pancakes - Simon's Birthday Brunch

Dinners
Mushroom, Bacon, and Onion Pizza & Garlic Bread/Marinara Sauce
Spinach Bacon Quiche, Fruit Smoothies, Orange Slices
Taco Soup, Tortilla Chips
Penne a la Betsy, Italian Salad, Green Beans
To Lawrence to see a new cousin!
Benedictine Ball - kids will eat sandwiches
Lasagna Rolls, Caesar Salad - Fellowship Dinner

Update on the diaper deal!

2010-02-10T10:52:00.003-06:00

So it looks like the diaper deal I posted below is good for any $50 purchase from diapers.com! You can get $25 off of any $50 purchase by using my code and sending in for that rebate (provided you are a first time customer). This can make for incredible deals on diapers, wipes, cloth diapers, organic baby food, formula, Seventh Generation cleaners, and much more. Go look around!

Diaper Deal!!!

2010-02-05T14:01:00.004-06:00

Update: This deal is good for any $50 purchase - not just diapers! The site has great deals on disposable diapers, cloth diapers, organic baby food, Seventh Generation products and much more. Go look around!

I would imagine lots of you who read my blog keep up with Money Saving Mom, but in case you don't, there's a great diaper deal you won't want to miss!

Basically you go to diapers.com and order $49 worth of diapers. ($49 order or more gets you free shipping) When you check out, you can use this referral code GUIL6405 to receive an extra $10 off your order.

After you receive your diapers you can fill out this form to receive a $14.95 rebate.

I just ordered 7 packs of Luvs and a travel pack of wipes (to get my total up to just over $49). After tax, the $10 discount, and the rebate my total will be $25.97 for 7 packages of diapers. That's right around $3.70/pack, which is an awesome deal in itself, plus you get them shipped to your door the next day!

If you use my code, I'll get $5 off my next order. :)

Give it a try! I ordered mine yesterday, and the site said they should be arriving today!

Menu Plan Monday

2010-01-27T15:07:00.011-06:00

This is Dave, aka "a man's man", hiking up Diamond Head carrying 2 kiddos. :)

Breakfasts
Cereal
Granola Bars
Homemade Yogurt with Granola (Si likes it with a spoonful of all fruit jam mixed in)
Egg Casserole and Waffles - Saturday Morning

Lunches
Leftover Chili, Grapes
Almond Butter & Honey Sandwiches on Ezekial 4:9 Bread, Celementines
Smoothies with Flax, Frozen Berries, and Spinach
Brett's Salad
Tacos with Fried Corn Tortillas

Dinners
Comfort Meatballs, Baked Potatoes, Green Beans (didn't get to this meal last week) - This is a Pioneer Woman recipe from her book. They turned out very yummy!
Homemade Pizza with Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Olives, Onions, Artichokes, and Mushrooms (Dough is in the freezer from last week)
Baked Dijon Salmon, Broccoli Spears, Crusty Bread and Dipping Oil - not a new recipe to us, but definitely a favorite!
Cauliflower Soup, Artisan Bread
Mini Cheddar Meatloaves, Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans
Leftover Cowboy Calzones (in freezer)
Spicy Shrimp, Baked Potatoes, Salad, Crusty Bread, Carrot Cake - yum!

View from the top of Diamond Head

Menu Plan Monday

2010-01-25T15:43:00.011-06:00

Still cookin' through the ol' PW cookbook...

Breakfasts
Leftover Pancakes (from the freezer), Real Maple Syrup
Koinonia Granola and Homemade Yogurt - these are both amazing!!
Granola Bars
Kashi Cereal

Lunches
Black Bean Quesadillas, Carrot Sticks, Green Grapes - a family fave, we just throw 2 buttered tortillas on the electric skillet, with black beans and cheese in between. So good with salsa and sour cream.

Leftovers from the Weekend :)

Brown Rice and Lentil Taco Salad - We really liked this! It was so nice to just throw this in the oven before I went to pick E up from school, and lunch was ready when we got home! Dave laughed and said, "Where's the meat? Can't a guy get any meat around here?" :) No worries! He is getting some tonight! We are just trying to eat grass fed meat right now, and with that extra expense, we're experimenting with some non-meat meals too. Anyway, I served this with blue chips, black beans, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. Yum!!!

Sack Lunches/Moms Day Out
Leftovers
Egg Casserole, Waffles, Smoothies - Sat. Brunch

Dinner
Pesto Pizza with Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Olives, Onions, Artichokes, and Mushrooms, Green Beans - We've had this many times, and always love it. It's PW's pizza crust recipe, which is only in her book. It is so amazingly easy and it makes a delicious thin crusted pizza. You could do any toppings, obviously, but I tend to make this on the nights we're going vegetarian. :)

Migas, Orange Slices, Ezekial 4:9 Cinnamon Raisin Toast - The Migas were so, so good! They reminded us of being in Mexico - we had variations of this dish every morning when we vacationed there with Doug and Sonja 5 years ago. Dave and I put tabasco on our Migas (I left out the jalapenos, for the kids sakes). The kids weren't completely sure about eating the sweet peppers at first, they were kinda trying to eat around them. But we made them eat them, and I think it was just a texture issue, since they are used to eating plain scrambled eggs. Clare loved them. :)

Cowboy Calzones (a PW cookbook exclusive, apparently), Carrot Sticks - These were great! It made enough for our family for 2 meals, so I just froze the rest of them after I baked them. The kids really liked these. The only complaint I have about this meal was that it was a tad time-consuming for a busy night (prayer meeting night!), but I probably just picked the wrong night to make them. :)

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, Carrot Cake for Bible Study - Bible Study was canceled, so Dave gave me the evening off from cooking and took the kids to Chick-fila for their family night. We'll have this meal sometime soon, I'm sure. It's become a staple around here. :)

Date Night
Enchiladas, Chips and Salsa
Comfort Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad

Golden Birthday

2010-01-12T21:25:00.000-06:00

6 years ago Dave and I brought our first little baby boy home from the hospital. Ethan Brooks, with his scrawny legs and fluff of white blond hair. He made this little squeaking noise when he was asleep - it was the cutest thing. And I can still remember that car trip home. It was January, but it felt more like April or May, the way the sun was shining. I kept looking back at his little car seat in the back of the Mazda. As if to make sure it was all really happening to us. It just felt so surreal, to be a parent. For life to change that much all in one day.

6 years later, and I just can't imagine what life would be like without our children! The 3 the Lord has given us to raise have blessed our lives in so many ways. I am continually reminded of what a privilege it is to have them with us.

Ethan, as our firstborn, makes us most aware of the quickly passing years, I think. It seems like I was just holding him in my arms, bouncing him because he'd cry every time I stopped, but I guess not, because he started kindergarten this year. He comes home from class with "fish slips" now for showing kindness to other classmates. But I remember when he was two and knocked over every kid in sight! Tim Gallagher even gave him a nickname...Bruiser, I think it was...I was a little worried that he was going to be a bully for life!

He turned 6 this year, and he was very excited because it was his golden birthday, you know. 6 on the sixth of January. I'm not exactly sure what that means, but to him, it was extra special. And he thought and thought about what he wanted to do for his birthday, how he wanted to celebrate with his friends. My sister had superhero capes made for the boys for Christmas, and somehow, that eventually evolved into us throwing a superhero birthday party for him. He was just over. the. moon. about it. He had lots and lots of plans. :)

We invited a few friends from Sunday School, soccer, and school, and his cousin too. This is what his invitation said:

Calling all SUPER Friends! You're urgently needed for a Birthday Bash! Come join us for a Super Hero Training Camp to celebrate Ethan's 6th birthday.

We here at the CRIME FIGHTING SUPER HERO LEAGUE have noticed you and your special skills. Skills that are necessary and vital to crime fighters. Do you think you have what it takes to be a Super Hero or Heroine? Ethan seems to think so. He has invited you to our SUPER SECRET SUPER HERO TRAINING FACILITY at the Everhart's. Training begins at 2 pm on the ninth day of January. No uniform required - it will be provided when you get here! Becoming a Super Hero is not for everyone, but it could be for you. We hope you decide to become a part of the...CRIME FIGHTING SUPER HERO LEAGUE.

Dave and I made capes and masks earlier in the week for all the kids, but when they got here we had a table with art supplies so they could decorate arm bands with stickers, sequins, and glitter. Superheros must have accessories, you know!

The birthday boy!

I just love the hat head these two have going on!

Abby Grace wore her mask to church the next day. Her mom said no, or she would have worn the cape too. :)

Next we went down to the basement for the *real* superhero training to begin. Each kid got a training manual with a page for each essential superhero skill: speed, agility, and marksmanship. If they passed each skill, they would become superheros. (They all took this totally seriously...cracked me up!)

The first event was a speed relay - they had to change into work clothes, and then when they heard someone in distress, change into their superhero costume and coming running to their aid. (The person in distress ended up being Dan Billon, one of Dave's college roommates, whose son Isaac played on E's soccer team. Dan was totally hamming it up for the kids! :)

Next the kids bowled for villains (water bottles with pics of famous cartoon villains on them - didn't get a picture of this). The kids LOVED this and it cost $0.

The final game was to test their aim. Dave drew some skyscrapers on brown paper and taped pics of Darth Vader, the Green Goblin, Captain Hook, the bad guy from Up, etc...in windows. And we broke out the box of nerf guns, so they had their weapon of choice! (We have way too many of those things :).

After they were done, we put stickers on each page of their manuals declared them all superheros. Then I told them I needed their help. A villain was on the loose in our house, and he had threatened to steal the birthday cake. I needed them to track him down with their skills and keep him from ruining the party.

Meanwhile Dave (aka, Mr. X) slipped out. :)

The kids followed hidden clues all over the house until they finally arrived back in the basement where Mr. X had covered the floor with black bombs (balloons). They had been told in the clues that they had to jump on the bombs to diffuse them, but to make sure NOT to jump on the green ones (those ones were kryptonite and would make them loose their powers).

They all passed!

Opening presents with friends - lots of silliness going on! :)

Andrew is his sweet friend from school.

All the kids tried to be in this shot - I love all their different expressions.

Grandma and the birthday boy. He loves the game you gave him! :)

Happy birthday, big boy!

We're very thankful for another year with Ethan. This last one has been a good one - we've seen him mature a lot and start to take on some responsibilities at home. He often asks to help us or asks for chores that he can do. He is learning to find the joy in serving. Love that! Ethan made a profession of salvation a couple months after he turned 5, and he seems to be growing in his knowledge and desire to live for the Lord. As a parent, it just thrills your heart to see your little one pouring over the pages of the Bible!

Most of all, we are just so thankful for a loving heavenly Father who loves Ethan more than we do. There is so much peace in knowing that it is not all up to us! The Lord is orchestrating the events in Ethan's life to grow him into the man He wants him to be...for His glory! We can try to faithfully raise him, by God's grace, but we know the Lord's pull on his heart will be far greater than any words we ever say.

So we just pray that his heart will stay tender to the Lord every year he grows older. Love you, honey!

Menu Plan Monday

2010-01-10T23:09:00.004-06:00

Breakfasts
Koinonia Granola
Homemade Yogurt
Oatmeal

Lunches
Grilled Cheese
Salads
Leftovers

Dinners
Lentils and Brown Rice Soup, Crusty Bread
Mediterranean Herb Pizza, Broccoli
Cauliflower Soup (yum! could not get enough of this Friday night at the Blooms!)
Leftovers, Spicy Molasses Cookies for Bible Study
Homemade Mac 'n' Cheese, Fruit Salad, Green Beans, Icecream
Tacos
Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

Name that waterfall...

2010-01-06T15:07:00.010-06:00

Waimea Falls...look familiar to anyone? That's a very famous pool to some of us who watch Lost. Bonus points if you can remember what Jack and Kate found at the bottom!

Beautiful walk through the park to get there.

Lots of gorgeous flowers (wishing I had a better lens!)

Family shot before we all jumped in! (sans Clare, of course)

Content to sit in the stroller and watch.

Happy little cousins.

Can't believe 2 1/2 weeks ago we were walking around Hawaii! Seems impossible. We came home to temps in the single digits and lots of snow. The Blizzard of '09. It's been a crazy winter so far.

I want to go back!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-12-29T00:10:00.004-06:00

Dave bought me this for Christmas (actually we didn't exchange gifts this year, but he bought it for my stocking, assuming it would fit. It didn't.) But I am so happy to have it...and I think I'll try some of the recipes out this week!

Homemade Pizza with Italian Sausage, Mushrooms, Red Onions, Tomatoes, Olives, Feta, Mozzarella Cheese (had this tonight - yum! The recipe in her book is just for the dough. The toppings were just what we had on hand :)

Seasoned Roast, Baked Potatoes, Fancy Green Beans

Marlboro Man Sandwiches, PW Mac 'n' Cheese, Brett's Salad, Mocha Brownies

Spinach & Artichoke Dip and Chips, Bowl of Grapes (New Year's Eve Party)

Date Night!

Spinach Quiche, Tomato, Onion & Cucumber Salad with Balsamic Dressing, Crusty Bread

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Sherried Tomato Soup, Brett's Salad, Spicy Molasses Cookies

Evening hike up Lighthouse Road

2009-12-23T22:50:00.008-06:00

We spent our first day at the beach, recovering from the 10 hour flight the day before. There was a 4 hour time change too, so the kids were up before the sun was. We really can't complain though...they did amazingly well on the plane, beyond our expectations, really...and besides, Dave got a chance to take some great shots at sunrise.

We stayed at Bellows Air Force Base on the eastern shore. The little military cabins there kinda reminded us of the housing quarters that The Others had (for all you Lost fans, out there). Cream colored little boxes, scattered along the beach. It was so nice to be so close to the water! We could easily nap babies when they needed it, without having to plan ahead too much. Made for a very relaxing time!

That first evening Michael suggested we go for a hike. I'm so glad he came on this trip - otherwise, I'm pretty sure I would have stayed on the beach the entire 8 days. :) But he kept us moving, and a lot of the activities he suggested ended up being my favorite stuff of the whole vacation.

On the southeastern tip of Oahu was a paved trail leading up onto a cliff with a beautiful ocean lookout. We hiked for a half hour or so to end up with this view.

"Cousins!"

Austin yelled this every time we met up with them, even if we had only been apart for a few minutes.

Sunset over the mountains.

Sweet daddies who carted these 2 all over the island.

And a sister that I don't get to see nearly enough of...

...made for a wonderful day.

Sunrise in Hawaii

2009-12-23T22:44:00.004-06:00

We just got back from an amazing family vacation at Bellows Air Force Base on Oahu. The whole week was a display of the beauty and creativity of God - it is so beautiful there!

Tiny vantage point

2009-12-02T13:51:00.006-06:00

Christmas photo - check! I love having a photographer for a dad!

Right now, it's quiet time in our house - the youngest 2 are napping, and I can hear Ethan's soft voice as he reads aloud on my bed. Cracks me up how he can't read silently yet! Today was library day at school, and that means new books to read!!! I so hope his love for reading continues.

I thought about taking a nap too, but this morning's passage has been on my heart, begging to be written down. I love how God's Word pierces sometimes...

Been thinking about how a right perspective enables me to give thanks in all things, all the time.

Hebrews 13 was in my reading this morning:

"For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name."
Hebrews 13:14-15 (emphasis mine)

Continually? I was so convicted by that word today...does that really mean in everything? the mundane tasks (the kitchen floor that needs to be cleaned again and again), the difficult seasons (a child who does not want obey), the strained relationships, the pain and sadness of life, death - can I honestly give thanks in these things, Lord?

Even hard things can be a platform where I can stand in humble appreciation of the One who suffered outside the gate for me (v.12 - love this verse!). He suffered so that I can be set apart for Him, so that my life can have eternal significance!

This world is not my home. I am seeking a city which is to come.

That's really it, isn't it?? All of the joys and sorrows of life have deeper meaning than what I see on the surface. Reminds me of the chorus in Andrew Peterson's song about heaven...

There is more
More than all this pain
More than all the falling down
And the getting up again
There is more
More than we can see
From our tiny vantage point
In this vast eternity
There is more

Oh, Lord, help me tie all these things together in my mind! Give me Your perspective, so I can teach my children how to live this way too. As those who are seeking a city which is to come...

Menu Plan Monday

2009-11-30T10:14:00.005-06:00

Breakfasts
Cereal x2
Banana bread
Pumpkin bread
Muffins from freezer
Eggs & Bacon, Toast

Lunches
Grilled cheese
PB&J
Quesadillas
Leftovers

Dinners
Hot Dogs & Grapes (for kids), Date Night In with the Man :)
Rigatoni with White Wine Tomato Sauce, Broccoli,
Pancakes & Smoothies
Hearty Beef and Noodles, Rolls
Pizza, fruit, and cookies (Blooms here)
Lasagna, Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole, Caesar Salad, Rolls, Brownies and Icecream

Clare, 6 months

2009-11-22T22:20:00.011-06:00

My sweet Clare turned 6 months a couple weeks ago! She is officially out of that tiny baby stage, which makes me a little sad! Here's a little update on what she's doing these days...

The big news is, she is crawling!!! All. over. the. place. She is a crazy woman! And very proud of her new skill.
As soon as she learned to crawl (which was last week, I think) she started sitting up without help. Now she goes from laying down to crawling to sitting. Which means, it is time to lower the crib, wouldn't you say???
She got her first 2 teeth this month, the bottom ones.
She loves to eat! Her favorites are bananas, applesauce, and those Gerber wagon wheels.
She is no longer quiet in church. (Sad) She has found her voice!
She's saying lots of consonants - ma-ma, da-da, ba-ba
She nurses during the day, but takes a bottle before bed. And sleeps all night! Clare has been my best sleeper, I think.
Last month at the doctor's office she was 17 lbs, 10 0z. Look at those thighs!

FD No. 4 and thoughts on growing up

2009-11-18T13:19:00.017-06:00

Last week Ethan's class went on a field trip, and Clare and I got to go along! Both kindergarten classes walked down the road to the fire station, because they were studying the letter "F" that week. And it was a beautiful, fall day, so there were lots of leaves to crunch underfoot on the way. So fun!

I just love being able to be involved in Ethan's class, and to see him in this element. It is so encouraging to me to see him grow up and behave well in a setting outside our home. I mean, he has mostly been here, with me, for his first 5 years of life...and sometimes when you're in the midst of raising little ones, it's hard to see the fruit of all your labor. Especially when the 3 year old brother has a bad day, and mom feels like pulling her hair out... :) I really just need to take the time to reflect, I guess.

Days like this remind me of how important it is to keep going. To continue on at home with these little ones. I would have never thought a kid as hyper and crazy as Ethan Brooks could sit still at a desk or stand in a line, especially at 5! (I love this kid, but he is nothing, if not crazy wild!) But he can sit still and listen well - I have seen him with my own eyes...and it just amazes me, to be perfectly honest. :)

His teacher told me at our Parent-Teacher conference that Ethan has never given her a moment's trouble. How can this be???? She assured me it was true, that she would tell me if it were otherwise, but that he is very responsive to her authority in the classroom, that he is quick and happy to obey. Oh my goodness, gracious, could there be sweeter words to a mother's ears??? Thank you, Lord, for letting something sink in!

And he is doing great academically, but she went on and on about his knowledge of the Word of God and his scripture memory. I love that! (Have I mentioned we love his school???) At the end of our time together, she said, "Ethan is a very special boy, and I cannot wait to see what the Lord does with his life. I want to go to his wedding someday, because I just know the Lord is preparing a very special bride for him."

I just love his teacher! She is very strict with her class, but very loving as well. When she says it, she means it - I've seen her dole out discipline - but she is quick to appreciate the good character she sees too. The perfect combination for a kindergarten teacher, I think! (and for a mom too)

Every chance she gets, she steals Clare from me. :) I think she is hoping for some grandchildren of her own in the somewhat near future. Mom, she just adores the hats you've made for Clare!

We've been so encouraged by the growth in Ethan's life this year - so glad to see his heart tender to the things of God. The other night at dinner, he asked Dave when he'd be old enough to pray at the prayer meeting. That encouraged us! It is such a joy to see him read and enjoy his Bible... not so very long ago, he was just a wiggly, rowdy toddler that we could hardly keep still at church, and now he is beginning to desire to be involved. Lord, keep his heart soft toward You!

Ethan's whole kindergarten class, minus one. Sporting their Very Hungry Caterpillar t's - the theme of their classroom this year.

I just love my little kindergartner - and the joy he finds in learning, the exuberance for life he has. Every day when I pick him up from school, he jumps in the car and asks, "What exciting thing are we doing today, Mom?" Cracks me up... for Ethan, life is just one party to the next. :)

Menu Plan Monday

2009-11-15T22:08:00.003-06:00

6 months and still hardly any hair to speak of!

Breakfasts
Apple muffins
Homemade granola bars (no corn syrup)
Cereal
Bagels and cream cheese x2

Lunches
Black bean and corn salsa and chips
Grilled chicken wraps
PB&Honey, grapes
Leftovers

Dinners
(had a couple meals from last week that we never got around too)
Take-n-bake pizza for Dave and the boys, I'm going out with the girls for Penny's bday!
Black bean and cheese quesadillas, Mexican rice
Roast, golden potatoes, maple glazed carrots
Hearty beef stew, bread, peanut butter cookies for Bible study
Baked potato bar - chili, cheese, sour cream
Date night!

We have kittens!

2009-11-12T21:08:00.013-06:00

Want one?

Impromptu playdate = many happy children = 3 slightly traumatized kittens

Come rescue one, won't you???? :)

Menu Plan Monday

2009-11-08T19:48:00.005-06:00

Breakfasts
Pumpkin bread
Bacon and swiss quiche
Cereal
Granola bars
Pancakes on Saturday

Lunches
Leftover roast beef and swiss subs, pickle spears
PBJ’s and smoothies
Homemade applesauce and grilled cheese
Turkey and swiss melts, strawberries
Grilled chicken wraps

Dinners
Leftover brisket, PW mashed potatoes, green beans
Chicken scallopine, Caesar salad
Leftover night!
Loaded nachos with guacamole
Corn dogs, fries, grapes (date night)
Baked potato bar - chili, cheese, sour cream
Roast, golden potatoes, carrots, salad, crusty bread
Corn and black bean salsa and chips (family night)

Fall Fun

2009-11-04T23:15:00.008-06:00

Menu Plan Monday

2009-10-26T19:19:00.004-06:00

The kids painting the chapel shed

Something about fall makes me enjoy cooking and baking all over again, so my menus recently have been a little more inspiring. I'm going to try to save them here, so I can look back on them for inspiration when I get stuck in a rut ..... in oh, February or so.

Breakfasts
Banana Bread (from the freezer) and OJ
Cereal x2
Homemade Granola Bars (Mom's recipe, with honey instead of corn syrup)
Fruit Smoothies
Pancakes, eggs and bacon (on Saturday)

Lunches
Leftover Soups from last week: Sherried Tomato, Taco Soup, Chili
Leftover Meat and Potatoes
Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches
PB & Honey, Carrot Sticks
Apples and Swiss Cheese Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Dinners
Broccoli and Cheese Soup, Crusty Bread
Chicken Parmigiana, Green Beans
Leftovers
Hearty Beef and Noodles
Corn Dogs, Tator Tots, Fresh Fruit (per Bloom girls' request :)
Smoked Salmon Chowder, Crusty Bread
Marinated Roast, Baked Potatoes, Roasted Carrots, House Salad

Fall soccer

2009-10-13T15:37:00.005-06:00

Another season down. The boys played fall soccer, and they had their last game on Saturday. I have to admit, I'm going to miss it, even the early Saturday morning games (maybe). I have loved watching them play together on a team, learn to be leaders and listen to their dad as a coach. Lots of lessons to be learned in sports!

Ethan is getting so much better - we can see a definite improvement from last season! He has a lot more focus this year, and he can control the ball a lot better, keep it in bounds, etc... I think he scored at least once every game, so he was pretty excited about that!

At the beginning of the season Dave had lots of talks with him about being a leader among his teammates. They were a sweet but silly (and easily distracted) bunch of kiddos - and we noticed right away that Ethan usually just followed the crowd and joined in on the goofing off. It was neat to see him take his dad's advice and try to lead by example, to put his best effort into everything, and to encourage the other players to get into the game.

That is something we've been praying for the Lord to produce in Ethan's life. Every morning when I drop him off at school, we pray together and I ask the Lord to help him stand up for what is right and to make right choices even if other kids aren't. And sometimes, when it's his turn to pray, he prays for this too. :)

Simon was able to play this season too - a year early (usually they start them at 4 in this league), and only because Dave was the coach. He was so excited. And honestly, for a 3 year old, he is pretty good - he made a few break aways with the ball, and did a good job as goalie. Mostly he just followed Ethan around.

Which I thought was just super sweet. :)

Apple Festival

2009-10-05T22:24:00.009-06:00

Sunday was Topeka's annual Apple Festival. We hope to make this a fall tradition - it was so fun!

Watching a pioneer make apple fritters over the campfire.

Petting zoo.

50 cent rides on the hand car.

Sasparilla faces. :)

Clare was just happy to sit and observe!

Lil' Update

2009-09-15T13:46:00.005-06:00

It's the fourth week of school, and we are settling into a routine, I think. As nervous as I was about getting everyone ready and out the door by 8 am every morning, it has gone surprisingly smoothly. Even with a nursing baby. She usually eats around 6:30 am, and then goes back to sleep until we leave. After I drop Ethan off, we squeeze in a quick feeding in the parking lot. And it works - she is very flexible, most of the time. I am so, so thankful for this!

Ethan's teacher is a gem - just one of the most patient, positive people I've ever met. She adores every student in her class, and is quick to point out the positive aspects of their personalities. And very, very forgiving of their wiggles and tendancy to chat. :) Every time I hear her talk, I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 13, where it says that love "believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things..." A kindergarten teacher is love by definition!

Each week they are focusing on one letter of the alphabet. Last week was the letter G, and Mrs. Jorgensen took the whole class on a walk to G's Custard for a treat! And today Ethan informed me that he had a hamburger for "H" week. Kindergarten snacks have really improved since I went to school!

I have been enjoying my mornings with Simon. Clare usually sleeps the whole time Ethan is at school, so he "helps" with laundry and cleaning, or we read or play together. And sometimes we get out the watercolors, but that is not always a good idea. :)

I feel like I've been able to get to know his heart a little better these last few weeks. It has been a special time, our mornings together.

And Clare is growing like a weed - she is the chubbiest baby we've ever had. Double chin, thunder thighs, and all that. Poor girl! :)

Swagbucks

2009-09-14T19:00:00.005-06:00

Have you signed up for Swagbucks yet?

Its a search engine (like google.com) that rewards you with points that you can redeem for cool prizes. I just heard about it the other day, and just by doing my normal searching, I've accumulated 8 points. When I get to 45, I can redeem them for a $5 Amazon gift card! So that might take awhile...unless you sign up too! If you sign up using my referral code here, you can earn extra points, and I will earn a point for every point you earn! So I'm shamelessly promoting myself here! :)

I am excited to see if this program works - I'd love to buy diapers on amazon, that would be amazing. From what I've read, other people have been able to earn quite a bit from Swagbucks, so lets give it a try!

4 months

2009-09-04T14:41:00.008-06:00

My little girl is growing...

All of a sudden, I'm not holding a newborn anymore. She wants to wiggle and kick and make happy baby sounds at me, instead of being content to snuggle in my arms. In some ways I wish she would just stay small - I have loved every minute of these last 4 months!

Clare is still loves to be on her tummy - whether she's awake or asleep. She can scoot around a bit now and get the toys she wants. And she adores it when her big brother will sit on the floor and play with her. She just laughs and laughs at him...it cracks me up - she already has such a personality!

Clare has been such a delight - I often find myself silently thanking the Lord for her little life when I'm holding her. The longer I am a mother, the more I am cherishing each and every moment. The Lord has truly blessed us!

Ethan's first day of Kindergarten

2009-08-24T15:33:00.007-06:00

I can't believe this day is here! Ethan wanted me to be sure to set my alarm, so we wouldn't be late for his first day of school. :) He laid out his uniform last night, and this morning everything ran so smoothly that we ended up being early enough to take pics in front of the school sign. Here's our little Kindergartner!

Dave went with us to drop him off, and we had so much fun watching him take it all in. From the backback hooks, to the bookshelves, to the cubbies, everything in a kindergarten classroom is just so adorable. And he quickly found his name at the table, next to a boy he met at the Back-to-School picnic this weekend.

His teacher Mrs. Jorgensen read them a book about a gingerbread man, and then they got to bake gingerbread cookies!

I'm so glad he had a good day!

Iliff Commons

2009-08-02T19:31:00.017-06:00

Our last day of "stay-cation" was Thursday, as Dave had a meeting he couldn't miss on Friday. It was absolutely perfect weather that day, mid 70's with a breeze, too perfect to stay inside. So we packed up the kids and lunch and headed out to Iliff Commons for the day.

I was able to get a little running in, which was wonderful. It is so fun to run with the kids, but I really haven't been able to do that since the end of my pregnancy. Clare isn't quite old enough to take the impact of a jogging stroller...

This is exactly the kind of activity my kids need - wide open spaces to run in, so they can burn off some of that crazy energy!

While we were out there, I remember being amazed at how beautiful the Kansas prairie was, with the wildflowers swaying in the breeze under a crisp, blue sky. There is just something about being in nature that makes me so at peace, so content.

And I am a city girl!

But the Lord's handiwork is so evident - every flower is so intricate, every tree so unique. It is just amazing to see!

A couple weeks ago Dave got into a conversation on a job site with an architect who is a Unitarian. Somehow the discussion turned spiritual, and the man asked Dave what he believed. He was shocked when Dave mentioned that he believed everything in the Bible.

"What about creation? How old do you think the world is?" he asked.

"About 6000 years old, actually," Dave answered.

Incredulously, the architect asked how Dave, as an engineer, a man whose world revolves around mathematics and science, could believe in creation.

But how could he, an architect who designs buildings and lays out plans for them, believe that such an intricate world happened by chance?

Every wildflower in Kansas proclaims that they had a Maker - One who fashioned and designed them!

Our little family - an attempt at using the self-timer on my camera. =)

Clare slept the whole time.

I was proud of Simon for making it up some of those hills. He is, after all, only 3. And he really didn't hesitate - just plowed right on up!

We loved this tree house in the woods - it was really high!

Well, our lovely week at home is over. It's late Sunday night, and the house is quiet except for the soft hum of the fan. Everyone is asleep but me. I really should be sleeping too, but my sweet husband let me take a 3 hour nap this afternoon while he cleaned the house. So I'm a little wired now...but very grateful.

Just meditating tonight on Psalm 100, since Jessie mentioned it to me today. Ethan's Sunday School class is going to memorize this passage over the next few weeks.

"Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.
Know that the Lord Himself is God;
It is He who has made us,
and not we ourselves;
We are His people
and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
and His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him;
bless His name.
For the Lord is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting,
and His faithfulness to all generations."

I'm so thankful that the Lord is faithful and good to us, that His love will never fail, never fade away.

~Rachel

Weekly blessings

2009-07-31T14:49:00.010-06:00

We've had way too much fun this week, and I should be catching up on all the laundry and cleaning I've neglected instead of sitting here editing photos. I probably have 8 loads waiting for me, and you don't even want to get near the boys' bathroom right now! But my washer decided to leak during the first load I attempted today, and to keep the basement from flooding, I had to shut off the water to the whole house. So there's not much I can do until Dave gets home...guess I'll enjoy the excuse while I can. :) (I guess I could vacuum, but I'm going to ignore that thought!)

It has been sooo nice to have Dave home for the good part of this week. We've accomplished everything we'd hoped to, and more. Of course Great Wolf Lodge was a blast, but I think my favorite part was just the time factor. Getting to spend time talking with the boys, catching glimpses into their hearts, without the rush of so many activities and commitments. It is hitting me very hard that Ethan will start kindergarten in 3 weeks (can it be?). I am so excited for him, and so thankful for the sweet young man he is becoming...but it is a bit hard to watch too. It's a new phase of life for us - and I'm sure it will bring it's own joys and challenges - but I will never get back the preschool years with Ethan. So I just want to soak up these last days of summer with him and make the most of our time together.

Yes, I think I will probably cry when I drop him off the first day! It makes me emotional just thinking about it! :)

Clare has been enjoying the extra cuddle time too - she has such a quick, charming smile. I hope her friendly demeanor continues!

What can I say about our middle child? Because he is that, in every sense of the word. Such a funny little kid! Dramatic as all get out! With a bit of a tendancy toward doing things his own way instead of obeying. We are working on it! And a week of 2 on 1 parenting has been helpful, I think. A little back-up never hurts! :) But oh, I love him to death...and I am looking forward to more time with him this fall when E is in school.

Today when I was grocery shopping with the 3 of them (see, I did get something accomplished today!), an older gentleman was watching our little troop, and he smiled and said, "You have been very blessed!" And I think so too!

What a gift to be a mother - to help shape little hearts and listen to their thoughts. To have constant companions throughout the day (even if those said companions inform you that they just cracked an egg on the kitchen floor...what in the world???? I better end this, quick!). My life is pretty crazy and hectic with these 3, but goodness, it is precious too!

Great Wolf Lodge - day 1

2009-07-27T22:11:00.010-06:00

We interrupted our stay-cation to try out Great Wolf Lodge for a couple days. We've been wanting to try it out for awhile, and it definitely did not disappoint! The boys were over the moon when they saw the water park and everything else, and how could they not be? The place is all. about. kids. (And spending money, sheesh, its a total tourist trap! haha!)

Look who found her thumb! Not sure how I feel about this...

After several hours in the water park, we went to dinner. The boys got to grab an instrument and join all the other kids in a parade around the restaurant. Ethan loved this! Simon chickened out. :)

At 8pm they had story time in the lobby (in your pj's, no less! fun!), and after a bit more exploring, everyone crashed.

Literally.

Good times! I love family vacations!

Sonja's 30th and more

2009-07-24T19:29:00.008-06:00

A couple weekends ago we celebrated my sister-in-law Sonja's 30th birthday out at her parents' house. Big hat party style. And I don't know what has been up with the weather, but we have had the most beautiful evenings this summer. Even in July! It has been just gorgeous. The Schonbergs have some acreage out in the country, with plenty of room for the kids to run and play. We honestly hardly saw them the whole evening! I guess that is one of the perks of having some land (and something we consider from time to time). It would be nice for our kids to have the freedom to roam a bit. Maybe someday....

My parents were in town, as well as Nate, Ruth and Matt too, so they all came along.

So Dave ended up taking off work a little earlier than he had planned. Sometime while it was still dark outside (early Friday morning), the stomach flu hit me with a vengeance, and I am still not recovered. It has been a long day (for me, and for him, I am sure), but I am just hoping and praying that no one else gets it. Our scheduled stay-at-home vacation could be pretty miserable!

As I sat in the bathroom last night, praying for this to be over, I kept thinking about how many people are sick and suffering, and how little I have known of that. I am so grateful to the Lord for our health, for our children's health. I know it could be different. Maybe someday it will be. But for now I can cling to the Lord in the short periods of suffering I endure...and be thankful for His watchful eye over our little family. He knows, and He cares. And He has promised never to leave us, no matter what trials may come.

She loves her sling

2009-07-23T15:48:00.003-06:00

I am just so in awe of having a daughter. We are already having so much fun together, and she can't even talk yet! But she is just a ray of sunshine most of the time - her sweet baby coo's assure me that she fully appreciates the big bows, bracelets, and cute, girly outfits as much as I do. Hopefully that's what she's been saying anyway. Haha!

She's been sleeping a 7 to 10 hour stretch at night for several weeks now, and every morning when I see her sweet face, I can't help but smother her with kisses. What a good little girl she is! (on a side note, perhaps this has something to do with why my middle child can't keep his lips off her? Just modeling my behavior!!!!)

Without the nighttime feedings, I should be rested and back to my old self, but I'm not quite there yet. Since her birth, we've packed the summer full with traveling and get-togethers with friends and family. Every bit of it worth it and FUN! But exhausting too...sometimes you just have to slow down a little.

So that's our plan...Dave is taking next week off, and we are sticking close to home. Our plan is to play with the kids. Relax. Eat yummy food. Sleep in. Watch movies. Swim. Snuggle our sweeties.

I cannot wait!

My style...

2009-07-19T16:40:00.005-06:00

Your style was:
Hamptons White Wash

You don't live by the sea; you live with the sea. A calm, balanced environment is your perfect space. Beloved memories fill your home. You love details and textures. The pieces you choose have stories to tell. Your home is welcoming; a place where people love to spend time together.

Your personal style quiz

Love this girl

2009-07-12T13:49:00.004-06:00

2 months old and couldn't be sweeter...

Father's Day 2009

2009-06-21T22:49:00.003-06:00

To my 2 favorite fathers - thank you for pouring your life into your kids. It is obvious how much you are loved!

Tee ball star

2009-06-15T13:05:00.007-06:00

Okay, not really - Ethan is by far the youngest kid on his team, and he hasn't ever played before. But he can hold his own, and with his height, it's impossible to tell. Dave got a little lucky getting him enrolled though, since the team is for K-2nd graders.

We have been enjoying going to his games as a family, and cheering Ethan on. That picture was of a strike, but it was the only shot I got of him batting! :)

Oh, he reminds me of his dad! Or maybe my brother Michael...

Of course, Simon would rather be playing too, but now that he has his sister to keep him company, he's ok with just watching.

Poor girl, she gets so many kisses from that kid!

VBS 2009

2009-06-11T15:00:00.000-06:00

Bounce house

Lessons with the infamous Mr. Miller

Games, friends, and lots of fun

Strike your best ninja pose...

Aunt Sonja and the girlies (Nyah gets jealous, I think :)

Someday she will play with you, Nyah!

Lots of extra cousin time

The week of VBS is always fun! And the boys really soak up the lessons - every night at bedtime Dave had great discussions with them about what Mr. Miller had talked about that night. It is so neat to see their little minds taking it all in.

But I have to admit, I'm glad for a slower pace this week!

6 weeks

2009-06-11T13:48:00.001-06:00

Clare is almost 6 weeks old now. She is fitting into our family so well that it seems like she's been around a lot longer than that! I would say that she's the easiest baby ever, but I am still waking up pretty tired in the mornings... :) But really, she is a gift! I can't complain when she's really only up once to eat in the middle of the night. From birth, she's been this way!

Clare would prefer to sleep on her tummy (as have all my children), so for now she is doing a lot of sleeping in the swing. She is currently snuggled up in bed with me, with my comforter pulled to her chin. I'm breaking all the rules with my 3rd kid. :)

At this point we're not really sure who she looks like. She really resembled Simon when she was first born, same hair color and face shape, and she has the Renes chin, for sure. :) But she is looking more and more like her own person these days. I am guessing she will be blonde, but for now she still has some light brown fuzz.

The boys adore her, of course, sometimes a little too much, I think. The first couple weeks they were better about being cautious with her, but they are getting a little bolder now. Poor girl, to be picked up by a 3 year old! Scariness! The first time I spotted him, I about lost it! I must have gotten the point across, so now he doesn't pick her up. He just lays on her and coo's, no matter if she's asleep or not. I'm not a big fan of this (okay, so it's totally driving me nuts!), so we're working on it. That, and a few attitude issues too.

Theirs, and mine. :)

But all in all, the Lord has been so good to us, and I am trying to keep my mind focused on that. We'll get the kinks ironed out soon, and life will be back to normal.

Well, as normal as life for a stay-at-home mom with 3 kids can be...

Who's coming over today, Mom?

2009-06-05T13:14:00.004-06:00

One of the best things about not being pregnant anymore is having the energy to have friends over again. The boys have been begging to invite people over, pretty much every day, and it has been so fun to say yes!

I don't have pictures of all our playdates of late, but I did manage to pull the camera out for this special moment. :)

Nothing better than PBJ faces, bed head, and mix and match dress up clothes!

Oh, and Asher refused to be in the picture, but he was there too. :)

Little trip to Estes Park

2009-05-31T21:49:00.019-06:00

Last weekend, for Memorial Day, we drove to Estes Park and stayed for a few days with some of Dave's family. It was a perfect little get-away, and even with a 3 week old, we had a wonderful time.

It's still pretty cool in Colorado this time of year, and when we hiked in Rocky Mountain National Park, there was still snow on the ground. Here are a few shots from the weekend.

Our family - minus one! She was staying warm in the car with Grandma. :)

Our group (except Grandma and Clare, of course!), including Brittney's friend Nichelle and Chris' girlfriend Alex.

Chris and Alex

View around Bear Lake

The boys had so much fun sliding around on the snow and climbing up rocks - Colorado is a dream come true for little guys!

Dave and the boys

Kim and Brit

Hmmm...not sure what is going on here???

I am irresistibly drawn to my little boy's eyes. Can't. get. enough.

Dave and Si Si

Nichelle and Ethan

Glacier Falls

One of the many elk we saw - there were tons of them everywhere

On top of Trail Ridge Road

Clare's room

2009-05-28T14:54:00.006-06:00

Life is moving at such a fast pace these days, leaving me without much time for some of the things I love most. Like blogging. Yeah, that obviously hasn't been a priority! But I miss it, and want to remember these wonderful days. So I'm going to make an attempt to write a little more if I can.

Clare is a wonderful baby - she sleeps well, eats well - and well, what more can you ask?! At 3 weeks now, she has experienced a lot in her short little life - kisses galore from adoring big brothers, lots of walks to the park, 2 minor surgical procedures, a trip to Wichita, 2 graduation ceremonies, a trip to Colorado, our first trip to the grocery store with all 3 kiddos, and all of the other stuff that has happened in between. Her laid back personality (for now, anyway!) has made it easy to resume life as normal.

And I am so glad to get back to normal again! Those last few months of pregnancy were killer!

For now she is sleeping in our room at night, although I think that will change soon. Oops, just saw another thing that I need to catch up on...filling those picture frames!

The first week

2009-05-14T21:18:00.006-06:00

10 days old - time is just flying by around here. And even though I've intended to take lots of pictures of her, my time is mostly spent just holding sweet Clare. Life is mostly peaceful and serene...and I'm soaking up the moments with my daughter.

The boys are enjoying lots of Grandma time, but she is leaving in a couple days. The real test will be on Monday when I am by myself with the 3 of them for the first time (as in, can I really do this?????).

Little evangelist

2009-05-10T20:29:00.002-06:00

At bedtime tonight....

Ethan: "Dad, maybe this is the night that we make Simon go to heaven."

Dave: "oh yeah?"

Ethan: (goes over to Simon's bed) "Simon, do you trust in the Lord Jesus as your Savior?"

Simon: (thinks for a minute) "Nope."

Ethan: "Okay then, well, you'll have to go to h*ll."

Simon: "Turkey Hill?"

She's here!

2009-05-08T13:18:00.004-06:00

On Monday afternoon, May 4th, Clare Addison joined our family. She made a quick entrance - I wasn't even sure I was in labor when we went into the hospital, but a short while later, she was born. We are just so thankful to have her here and doing so well!

Clare was 8 lbs, 3 oz and 21 inches long. She was so alert at birth, but we have barely seen her eyes since. She likes to sleep apparently! (hoping this continues) Right now I am snuggled up in bed with her on my chest for some afternoon cuddles, her favorite way to nap.

I'll post more pictures soon!

Friday night fun run

2009-04-25T10:39:00.014-06:00

Dave and the boys participated in a fun run last night that our favorite, local running store hosted. It was held on the grounds of the Kansas History Museum, so the kids got to run through the woods on trails. And it was gorgeous spring weather - made for a wonderful night!

Ethan was signed up for the 1/4 mile race, and Simon was determined to run too...so Dave ran with them.

I was so proud of my boys!

Medals for all finishers!

Ethan had so much fun that he decided to run in the half mile race too. From what I heard, he and Cam were pretty competitive - she really wanted to beat him, but his legs are like twice as long as hers. So you know how hard she had to work to stay this close to him!

Simon insisted on running the half mile race too! (This event was supposed to be for kindergartners through 6th grade...not 3 year olds!)

He finished though!

And of course Ethan had to run the mile race too - no hesitation! Here he comes!

Finishing strong!

It looked like a blast, and I was wishing I could have been out there with them. A month ago, I would have been, but my feet are starting to swell and even walking is pretty painful right now. So pathetic.

Come, baby, come!

Count down

2009-04-23T20:16:00.006-06:00

17 days to go, my ticker says. I find myself alternating between being anxious to see things get going and secretly hoping that I have awhile yet. I know what I'm getting into, after all!

We are staying busy and enjoying these last carefree days before baby arrives (and rocks our world a bit :). Cousin time. Play dates. Walks to the park up the road. Playing in the sprinkler since the weather has been so nice. We are having a good time, if you can't tell!

I had fully intended to have Simon potty-trained by now, but having friends live with us put that temporarily on hold. And he wasn't AT ALL interested either, so I knew it was going to be a challenge. So wouldn't you know that he is interested all of a sudden, right when I am a few weeks from due??!!! I just shake my head at this kid...

This morning he woke up dry, went potty, and stayed dry all morning! Wore Lightning McQueen underwear for several hours, in fact. Then he just totally lost interest for the rest of the day. And since this wasn't my idea (I don't really WANT to potty train right now!), I don't really care. I just let him put diapers back on. Am I a crazy mom, or what????!

So this is my life right now - stuck in limbo until this little one decides to make an appearance. :)

Baby shower

2009-04-16T12:59:00.021-06:00

I'm almost term! On Sunday I will hit 37 weeks, and I cannot put into words how ready I am! Even though there is plenty of things to do to keep me busy, I am longing for the day when I can just stop all the doing, and just hold my sweet daughter.

Last Saturday my sweet friends threw me a baby shower on my sister-in-law Kim's back porch. It was a perfect setting - and almost perfect weather!

The food was amazing - chicken salad sandwiches, shrimp, marinated cheese cubes, chicken pasta with roasted red peppers, fruit salad, and more...

and the champagne cakes were to die for!

Shawna, Alex, Jessie and Lynn

Penny, Ashlee, Doris

Yes, it was Shawna and Lydia who threw the shower.....how did you guess?????!! :)

I received so many beautiful things - it was so fun to open each gift and imagine a little girl wearing all that stuff!

Jessie shared the sweetest devotion about how God sees and knows this little one I'm carrying - and that He designed her for a purpose. So incredible to think about!

She reminded me that when we studied the names of God this past year in Bible study, El Roi, the God Who Sees, was my favorite one. It meant so much to me at the time, because of certain things I was going through, to be able to cling to that characteristic of the Lord, that He sees and knows everything that is going on in my life.

Just like Hagar recognized that about Him - she had been treated unfairly by Abraham and Sarah, now she had a child and the circumstances looked bleak, and she found herself running away. But the Lord pursued her and promised to bless her. Her part was to simply obey.

He knew. He knew all the trials and hardships she had faced and would face. He was actively watching out for her, and she could trust Him because of that.

I love this about the Lord! My El Roi watches me too - and the little ones entrusted to me and Dave.

My part is just to obey Him...and to leave the circumstances up to Him.

There are plenty of difficulties in parenting (some that I don't even know about yet!), but when we rest in knowing that the Lord is watching out for our children - (that He cares more deeply for them than we even do!) - we can just enjoy them for the gifts that they really are!

How precious to be given another gift - a daughter to raise!

me with Lydia & Shawna

Reagan & me...I win!

me and Shawna

Belly shot!

The shower was such a fun time - I enjoyed every bit of it!

Thanks to everyone who helped with the preparations. I have some very sweet friends, don't I????!

Nesting

2009-04-07T15:00:00.006-06:00

Sonja got me motivated to break out my sewing machine this week, and it was just the push I needed to get started on my list. You know, my list of things to do before the baby comes.... yeah, it's a long one. :) It feels so good to have made some headway on some projects so far this week!

We got a coat of paint on the baby room walls last night - it's Ralph Lauren's Verona Pink from their vintage masters collection. And today I sprayed a coat of white on the crib and guest bed headboard. Remarkable how dirty and dinged up a crib can get between children!

My end of the sewing projects are almost done (a lady on etsy.com is making most of the bedding and Sonja is making a quilt out of the same fabrics). Here's my stack of burp clothes and some throw pillows for the guest bed to match the crib bedding. So fun!

Ruth, I made you some burp clothes too! I'll try to get them in the mail this week.

Of course, all of this is going on amidst leaking washer valves, huge plumber bills, basement carpet pad removal (just a little bit, thankfully!), the NCAA tournament games, a weekend away with my hubby, and just about a zillion other things.

Life is moving fast right now!

A day at home can be a good thing

2009-04-02T13:54:00.005-06:00

My kitchen window makes me smile. Simon picked every daffodil in bloom in the backyard for me - but I couldn't even be the slightest bit annoyed. He was so sweet and charming when he brought them in to me. Such a tenderhearted little man!

I was running a low-grade temp last night and just feeling kind of icky, so we stayed in today. I was bummed, because our MOPS meeting was this morning - and I love going. But Dave and I have a get-away weekend planned, so rest is essential. I don't want to miss this opportunity to spend time with my husband all alone...and maybe decide on a baby name too!

It turns out that a day of rest is what we all needed, I guess. By the end of yesterday I was ready to pull my hair out because of these wild banshees that I am apparently responsible for. :) I was frustrated, to say the least. Some days its like the noise level in this house gets way past what any sane person could tolerate...and other days, like today, well, sweet peace reigns.

Don't ask me what the difference is...I have no idea!

At lunchtime while we sat at the table together, I got out a couple books to read to them. One, Leading Little Ones to God, we bought on recommendation from a blog writer I love, and the other, A Child's First Book of Virtues, was given to us by our friend Barb V. The boys adore these books!

I must not read to them often enough, because they were so excited when I pulled them out. Ethan said, "Mom! This is just as good as watching a movie with popcorn! We get to listen to you read while we eat our yummy lunch!"

That kid never lacks enthusiasm, I'll say that much! :)

In the second book, we read several stories about the virtue of honesty. Always a good subject with preschool boys. Haha.

When I asked Ethan if he knew what the word honesty meant, he said, "yeah, it's like telling the truth, right?"

He thought for a moment and then sheepishly grinned up at me, "Remember when I used to get out chocolate chips without telling you and then I lied about it? That wasn't honesty."

Guess that made an impression on him! That was probably 6 months ago!

34 week update

2009-03-31T22:17:00.005-06:00

Saw my midwife yesterday, and I'm still measuring a week ahead. Praying that it holds true! I am so DONE with being pregnant right now. :)

Even though I have plenty to do to keep me busy until then, I'm sure. There's a room to paint pink, and lots of sewing to do. And the crib needs a fresh coat of paint too...

It's time for nesting!

This week I've been working on getting the house settled and rooms moved around. The Marshalls moved out last weekend, and so now it feels like our house is just huge! The boys are so excited to be back in their old room again...Simon kept saying, "Thank you, Mommy, for my bed. Thank you! I looooooove it." He was very into the details as we were moving everything back in - arranging things and neatly stacking toys in the closet. He is so very different than Ethan - it is interesting to see his personality come out.

Yesterday when he woke up from his nap, he came over to the couch to cuddle with me. He laid his head on my belly, hugged me, and said, "I love my baby sister."

So sweet.

And then he asked, "Can I teach her how to run faster than Ethan when she comes out?"

I am just so curious how she will fare in this house full of boys - will she be a total tomboy???? :) Because honestly, the two brother dynamic is so different than just one. If the boys are apart, they are so much calmer. We notice a huge difference when Dave or I take just one of them along on errands. But put the two of them together, and there is immediate competition of some sort...to see who can be the loudest, the silliest, the strongest, etc... it is crazy!

And I know that it's only the beginning....

Girls Night

2009-03-21T19:05:00.004-06:00

Sonja and I left all the guys and kids at her house, and met Kelly and Tanya for dinner and a slumber party. Haven't done that in awhile! We had a great time catching up. These are my GIRLS!

TGC Kids Club Skate Party

2009-03-19T08:55:00.006-06:00

It's been a busy week. Somehow between play dates, parades, midwife appointments, skating parties, and life in general, we found ourselves on our way to Oklahoma! It's just a quick visit, just time enough for Brittany to find the perfect prom dress. So we'll be home sometime today, I think.

We just enjoyed a waffle and fruit breakfast, and now Ethan and Grandma are playing Guess Who at the table, while Si eats some yogurt. Life is good.

St. Paddy's Day Parade

2009-03-17T20:42:00.006-06:00

We decked out in green, called some friends, and headed downtown. It was surprisingly warm for March - 80 degrees! We all got a little sun, I think.

Fun times!