A New Creation

David 6 months..

2012-01-13T14:29:00.000-08:00

2011

2011-12-27T13:25:00.001-08:00

2011 was a very eventful year (is that point moot..what year isn't?). We had a death, a birth, a move, my mom's move and one off to college. Those were the hallmarks of the year but sometimes the daily happenings can get left in the dust. Some enjoyable moments of 2011 include enjoying quiet time with God, picnics with my mom and step-dad, seeing my sister in February and in July, reading with the kids, keeping in touch with friends and family, baking, going on dates with my husband, walks with my dog, visiting my Aunt and cousin in Arizona, cuddling with my new baby (sheer bliss) and spending lots of time each day with my wonderful kids. I am so very thankful for each day that I am blessed with. It is beyond my means to comprehend how much God loves me.

Ephesions 3:14This is the reason I kneel in the presence of the Father 15from whom all the family in heaven and on earth receives its name. 16I'm asking God to give you a gift from the wealth of his glory. I pray that he would give you inner strength and power through his Spirit. 17Then Christ will live in you through faith. I also pray that love may be the ground into which you sink your roots and on which you have your foundation. 18This way, with all of God's people you will be able to understand how wide, long, high, and deep his love is. 19You will know Christ's love, which goes far beyond any knowledge. I am praying this so that you may be completely filled with God.

Christmas

2011-12-27T08:34:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from Iowa!!

2011-12-14T07:08:00.001-08:00

Happy 18th Birthday

2011-12-06T12:54:00.000-08:00

My oldest daughter turned 18 on Sunday, December 4th! Happy Birthday, Carlina!! We had a fun, albeit busy, day with a party after church and then Christmas caroling around town (with the church) that evening. I am so blessed to have Carlina as my daughter. She is a wonderful, caring person and a joy to be around. Jesse and I took her out to lunch at Huhot on Monday after Anna's dentist appointment and had a great time in SC. It was very cold and feeling like December in every way!

Above picture -all of the sisters together: Carlina (18), Julia (16), Alicia (14), Katie (10) and Anna (3).

More pics...

2011-11-22T05:18:00.000-08:00

Our country place

2011-11-18T08:35:00.000-08:00

We have moved...

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We are so thrilled to be living in the country again!!! 2.3 acres placed in just the right spot...a bit outside of town. We moved off the farm in 2004 and have lived in neighborhoods ever since. I have to admit that I have missed the space and privacy that some land provides. We actually have 3 bathrooms now and a partially finished basement. Pictures will be forthcoming as I can't find my card reader for the computer. Moving is grueling and I wasn't looking forward to it with a small baby, but things have gone pretty smoothly. We had men from our church help with the big stuff and a big corn crib to store boxes that we aren't ready for yet. We hope to use the house for entertaining our friends and family and for anything else that God would desire. He has heaped blessings on us and we are extremely grateful.

New driver!!

2011-10-29T14:25:00.000-07:00

Miss Julia turned 16 on the 23rd and marched down to the courthouse the next day to get her license!!! Now the job hunt begins....

October brings...

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YUM!

Mondays..

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are always hectic! It is hard getting back into the swing after the weekend. We really need to get to bed earlier and get up in the morning earlier, too. ROUTINES! I love them but have trouble sticking to them sometimes. School is going along okay. Carlina and Julia are both doing My Father's World High School and seem to be liking it. It is our first year to try it. Katie, Alicia and Garrett are doing MFW, too...just the basics of it. Thomas is doing Kindergarten Lifepacs, but I don't officially consider him a Kindergartner for the records..next year.

Big news for us...we are moving sometime next month! We closed on our house and are starting to pack things. It will be a bigger place with more than one bathroom on 2.3 acres. We have not experienced country living since we moved off the farm in 2004.

(picture: Jesse & Garrett enjoying Stone State Park-October 2011)

Anna Rose is 3

2011-10-12T20:41:00.001-07:00

My wild child turns 3 tomorrow! She is 3 going on 16.....loves makeup, purses, beautiful princess dresses and being a mommy to her baby dolls.

Happy 14th Alicia...

2011-09-29T05:29:00.000-07:00

My happy, wonderful 4th child hit the 14 mark on the 27th! She is an artist extraordinaire and a writer to boot!! Happy Birthday, Alicia!!!

Zoo Sept 11

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David at 8 weeks

2011-09-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

My sweet baby boy is growing so fast. He will have his right ear re-tested tomorrow as he failed the hearing test. Not uncommon, several of mine have done so after birth only to pass it later. They often have fluid in their ears. Can't believe he is nearing the 2 month mark!!

Busy month..

2011-08-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

August has been extremely busy! Adjusting to a new baby, taking a 2 week vacation, getting Colton settled into college and starting school here at home are just a few of the things we have been doing. David is a really good baby...nursing well, growing and sleeping pretty peacefully. I am so thankful. Anna is still a handful!! She loves David, which I am thankful for. We enjoyed our 2 week road trip across Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Kansas. Saw some gorgeous scenery and had wonderful family bonding time. Colton seems to be doing well down in KC and says that he is not homesick. He is coming home Labor Day weekend for a short visit. We have our first week of school under our belt here at home. Using My Father's World for everyone this year and it seems to be going good, so far.

1 month old!

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David...

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David....

2011-07-20T14:08:00.001-07:00

Baby is here!

2011-07-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled to announce the arrival of David Arthur on July 18th. We are both doing well and plan on coming home from the hospital today.

July 17-A busy day was planned. Alicia sang in church and then we took her to Bible camp, about 2 hours away. It was a nice family outing, although we were in the midst of an extreme heatwave...115 degree heat index. We came home and I attempted to accomplish some last minute tasks..still packing my hospital bag (perhaps in denial that I was really ever going to have this baby?), cleaning, dishes, laundry...even planting some flowers that I knew were going to die if I didn't get them into the ground. I finally went to bed about 10:30pm.

July 18-a bit after midnight I began to get some strong, fairly regular contractions. I had prayed that labor would begin before I had to go to the hospital and it appeared that God has answered my prayers. These were contractions unlike any that I had been experiencing the previous nights. The contractions continued and woke me up a few times with their intensity. I got up at 6am, took a shower and prepared to leave for the hospital (about 20 miles away). On the way, the contractions continued to be strong and regular..about 5-7 minutes apart. I felt dejavu, as this same scenario had occured 19 years earlier for the birth of my firstborn (also in July). I had gone into the labor the night before his scheduled induction at 9 days past due. This baby was 8-12 days overdue depending on which duedate we used.

Once we arrived at the hospital, we checked in and made our way back to L&D. It is a small hospital and we were the only ones there. They checked me and I was 4cm and 75% effaced (at 7am)..I had made progress since Wed. The nurse, still expecting me to get Pit and possibly an epi, hooked me up to my i.v. and then blood was drawn. Jesse and I watched an old Red Skelton movie on TCM while we waited for the doctor. Doctor Mary came in at 7:30 and broke my water. At this point, the way my contractions were going she did not expect me to have to get pit and even questioned the I.V. I told her that I would probably get an epidural, so she ordered one. She wanted me to get up and walk and I attempted to do this, but the contractions were continuing to build in intensity and frequency. At about 10 am, she checked me and saidI was a good 8-9 cm. I was extremely thrilled with my progress, but having an increasingly hard time with my contractions. The anesthiologist was called and Dr. Mary instructed him to go easy on the meds as I was getting so close. It began to give me some relief about 10:30 and at 11:30 I was almost complete with just a small cervical lip. Baby's heart took a dip and they put me on my side and gave me some oxygen..which did the trick. I was complete and began to push at 11:45 and David Arthur made his way into the world at 12:07pm. He looked so big and healthy and so familiar! Like a combination of all the kids put together. We found out he weighed 8lbs 15oz (my biggest by 13 oz) and was 21 inches long. What an amazing relief to have him here and healthy. I felt wonderful, too. Such a different labor then one induced with Pit for me. I felt like I could dance down the halls (more of a feeling then reality to be sure). My mom was there to witness the birth of her 13th grandchild and Jesse's mom (David is her 18th grandchild) came a bit later and brought the kids to meet their new brother.

We are so thrilled for the miracle of our new little son and praise God for his safe arrival. We found out after the delivery that there was a something unique about the way that his umblical cord went into the plancenta. Dr. Mary showed us how the cord went into the top, rather than the middle. It was very vulnerable to tearing and other accidents and only occurs in about 1 in 200,000 births.

Psalm 139:14 (New International Version)
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Friday, July 15th..still pregnant!

2011-07-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

Whew..humid today!! Almost feels like Florida. Above is a picture of my little "firecracker" on the 4th of July.

My induction was postponed until Monday, 18th. I had a non-stress test today and will report to the hospital at 7am on Monday. Alicia sings in church on Sunday and we also take her to camp later that day, so that will work out well.

Colton is on his way to Canada, as I type. He is volunteering at a Bible camp in the wilds of Saskatchewan and will be gone for a week. Last I heard, his flight has been majorly delayed due to storms in the Minneapolis area. Prayers that all would go well for him would be appreciated.

Waiting...

2011-07-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

We are still anxiously waiting for the arrival of "Baby Chico", who we *think* may have a real name, now. I am scheduled for an induction on July 13th, so he should be a babe in arms by the 14th!

Latest goings on...

2011-07-01T12:50:00.001-07:00

Birthdays!! Thomas turned 5 on the 26th, Colton turns 19 tomorrow and Baby Chico will have a birthday soon after!!!

We are having a heat wave here and enjoying the pool! So wonderful to have a nice pool within very close walking distance.

Excited about Daddy having some Family Leave time in July. July will be busy with 2 going to camp, my sister coming and of course, a new baby!!!

Summer days...

2011-06-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

Monday was the first day of summer...which means the days are now getting longer..boo hoo! In Iowa, one must enjoy each and every summer day...they slip away so quickly. We have been trying to relish our time...swimming hasn't been possible lately as the weather has been cool and rainy. The sun came out today, which was lovely. We celebrated Jesse's mom's 73rd birthday this evening at her house. The kids love to get together with their cousins, or should I say their best friends. Wonderful to have cousins close in age and proximity.

Pregnancy is going well...nothing happening for me, I usually go late. Baby is growing great. We are so looking forward to meeting our little guy, still working on a name.

Julia is winding down Driver's Ed and will finish by the end of June...she will turn 16 in October and hopes to get her license and a job.

Thomas will turn 5 on Sunday and we are planning on going to see Cars 2 with family and extended family to celebrate. He says that he does not want to be 5, wants to stay 4. That 4 is his favorite age:)

36 weeks today

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Flowers, home sweet home and the new ride...

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So excited to( once again) have a vehicle that fits everyone!!!! We are loving our Chevy 12-passenger:)

Great blog post about the end of pregnancy:

2011-06-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Sister by Books and Bairns

Ants!!

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Our newest critters....a charming bunch of harvester ants!

We are the Incredibles!

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32 weeks today!

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More....

2011-05-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

I am loving May as it rolls in slowly here in Iowa. We have waited all winter for our favorite park to open (May 1st) and enjoyed it today for the first time. The kids hiked, played with their cousins and collected all kinds of fun rocks and other natural samples. It was windy and cool, but sunny!

We will be schooling until the end of May. I will use June to prepare for baby, work on Fall curriculum and do fun stuff with the kids!! Julia starts Driver's Ed in June, so that will keep her busy. Speaking of curriculum, we are now fully converted to My Father's World. I am really excited and looking forward to a great 2011-2012.

Colton was recently accepted to college and we will be moving him into his dorm mid-August. He has been working many hours lately, which helps keep him out of the house (yay!) and also boosts his bank account, which he will need. I want him to buy a laptop computer before he goes to college.

Anna will be having dental surgery this month, so would appreciate prayers that all goes well for her. She will have to be sedated in a surgery center...outpatient but still scary to me! My pregnancy is going well. I am measuring right on for my due date of July 6th and feeling more fatigued. I have been having lower back issues, but that seems to be improving.

Loving all the green that is popping out!!! Spring is such a welcome sight!!

Easter pics..

2011-04-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

Everyone except for my oldest, who had to go to work after the 8am service:

Easter

2011-04-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful and busy Easter Sunday...beginning with an 8am service, a 9am breakfast (Jesse and I were in charge of that...he flipped pancakes), a 10am service and then lunch at Jesse's sisters. We were featured on the news! A news team came to Easter Service and filmed part of it...continuing coverage about the tornado that hit our town April 9th. Pretty neat! Pictures to come...

Ticker update...

2011-04-23T07:25:00.001-07:00

My doctor is going with a July 6th due date..so I updated my ticker to match:) My babies are always late, but I am praying for a little 4th of July Firecracker (would be a couple of days early). God is in control and knows best and I will not fret if I go a week or more overdue, as is normal...

What to do with baby during school time??

2011-04-23T07:18:00.001-07:00

This is a great post that I received via email from the Homeschooler's Notebook...it is a wonderful reminder about what we are teaching our children..the lasting goal of Godly character:

The Baby IS The Lesson

Delicious comfort food...

2011-04-14T09:29:00.001-07:00

Recently, we purchased 1/4 of a cow from our neighbor and had it made into various cuts including some dried beef. My hubby loves the stuff and introduced me to it creamed on toast when we first were married. It is expensive and we don't buy it too often. Now we have a few packages of it and we are enjoying it on sandwiches and creamed....here is a yummy recipe for you to try:

2 TBS butter

2 TBS flour

2 cups warm milk

1 pkg of dried beef

pinch of pepper

In med saucepan (low heat), melt butter. Whisk in flour all at once. Whisk in milk a little at a time and increase heat. Cook until thickened and add beef and pepper. Serve warm over toast. So rich and comforting!!! (you may have to double or triple the batch depending on family size)

Tornado!!

2011-04-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

Our little town was hit by an F3 Tornado on Sat night and it caused unbelievable destruction. A large portion of the town was destroyed but no lives were lost. Our house was spared, except for some very minor damage. We were very blessed. It was a scary time as we all hunkered in the basement (minus Jesse, who was at work--he came home as soon as he could). The town has made amazing progress in the last few days with the cleanup effort. Many people lost their homes...they are saying over 100 and it will be a continued effort, but the amount of donations and volunteers coming in is incredible! It just takes 15 minutes to change things forever....

Birthday pix

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Happy Double Digit Day...

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Happy Birthday to my 5th child, Katie Grace. She hit double digits (10) on the 3rd!! We celebrated on Saturday with a party at her cousin's house (who happens to turn 9 on April 4th) and also celebrated on Sunday with pizza. Dad had to work that day so we met him at a pizza place after work. For gifts, she got a rock tumbler and a sock monkey. Katie is my nature girl who loves all things outside...trees, animals, dirt. She was the only one of my 8 children to arrive BEFORE her due date without being induced...2 days early, which was a shock!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET GIRL!

Boys!!

2011-03-27T20:30:00.001-07:00

My 2 wonderful, sweet, silly little boys! They are looking forward to a new little brother to play with. Garrett is 7 and Thomas is 4. They are very different in personality and looks, but (mostly) enjoy each others company.

25 weeks

2011-03-27T20:19:00.001-07:00

I am feeling good, passed the GTT but am anemic. I am going to start taking a liquid iron supplement. This pregnancy is going well, I am still ecstatic to be pregnant at 41 after suffering 3 earlier losses. I sometimes can't believe that I have the privilege of raising these 9 children, that God has blessed us so much.

New day,,

2011-03-27T19:51:00.000-07:00

Jesse's dad died on Sat, March 19th at around 7pm. It was the last day of winter, fitting day to die, I guess. We have been busy with the viewing service (22nd) and funeral (23rd) and now all the things that there are to do after. Jesse is an executor for the estate so his work is just beginning. Everyone seems to be coping well, but dealing with fatigue and other factors. We appreciate all the prayers and thoughts!

Life and death...

2011-03-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

We are currently dealing with the illness and impending death of Jesse's father. He has been sick with Parkinson's disease and dementia for a few years and in a nursing home. Just recently his health really took a turn for the worse and it looks like he may not have very long left. He has been bed-bound, due to a broken hip (in July) that couldn't be repaired. He also has had a feeding tube (due to Parkinson's ) and can not be communicated with. The quality of his life is nil. We pray that he passes from this earth in peace. I am actually excited for him, he will get to meet his Lord and Savior soon!! What a wonderful journey to begin is death for those who have trusted Jesus as their Savior.

What's goin on?

2011-03-10T11:18:00.000-08:00

Today is sunny and no snow on the ground (well, maybe in a few places but not much!)

Working on school and figuring out what we will need for next year..I will have a senior, sophomore, 8th grader, 5th grader, 2nd grader, 2 preschoolers and a newborn (plus,*hopefully* one in college!).

Doing 3 sets of books...ours, taking care of Jesse's dad's stuff (he is in a nursing home) and am the new Treasurer for our church.

Trying to keep up with 10 hungry people...meals, dishes, etc.

Lots of laundry!!

Children are.....

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Blessings. No exceptions.

(Thanks to blogger on The Blessing of Verity)

photos from the trip...

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Top to bottom..
Laken (age 4)
Gemma (age 13)
Sadie (age 6)
Brecken (age 10)
Cherrie, Laken & Sadie at home
Mom and the gang at the pancake house

Home!!!

2011-02-23T09:40:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful trip to visit my sister and her children (her husband was away on a business trip). Central Oregon is a scenic place surrounded by gorgeous mountains. It smells just like the Black Hills of SD (one of my favorite places) when you step off the airplane.

My sis has 4 kids...G (13), B (10), S (6) and L (4). We had a great time playing games, watching movies & going out to eat. Her house is very roomy and I had a room all to myself...thanks (G) for giving up your room for the weekend!

I am now home and enjoying being back with my fam. Everyone did terrific while I was gone and worked really hard. I do hate being 1600 miles away from my sister! I am thankful to live in a time where I can traverse that distance in 5 hours on a plane!

Oregon here I come!

2011-02-17T07:21:00.001-08:00

I am leaving today to spend a long weekend with my sis and her family in Oregon! I haven't see her since Thanksgiving of 2010 and I am very excited!!! She has 4 kids, ages 13, 10, 6 & 4 and I so miss seeing them and watching them grow up...it will be a great time! My mom is coming along, too. I am asking for prayers for a safe journey and that my family will be safeguarded at home while I am gone. I will miss them all, but they are in good hands with Daddy and the older siblings.

Baby B...

2011-02-09T20:12:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful ultrasound today! All the kids came and right away we saw that they were having a sweet baby brother:) Baby Chico still doesn't have a real name and might not for sometime but we can narrow the list now. Baby looks good and measures right on for a July 4th birthday, lol. I usually go late but we can hope!

School daze...

2011-02-08T11:20:00.001-08:00

We are plugging away at school here...Jesse is home and helped Garrett with his work today. That is always nice for both Garrett & I. Thomas is working with his number pegs & board. Julia is getting some help from her Teaching Textbooks disc and Alicia is working on math (Teaching Textbooks, as well). Julia is doing Algebra I and Alicia is doing 7th grade math. Carlina is doing Geometry with Teaching Textbooks...can you tell we love TT!!!

Garrett got his new Bible in the mail today...an Adventure Bible. He loves it. I am perusing a catalog from Beautiful Feet books and hope to order from them for Fall. Okay, I am one big commercial today:)

Also, it is so coooold here...4 degrees but feels like zero with wind.

Sunny day & a walk..

2011-02-04T14:42:00.000-08:00

I haven't taken a walk in a long time..the weather has been too cold and the sidewalk too icy! Today I walked with Julia, Katie, Thomas & Anna (in stroller) to the library. It was 32 degrees, sunny, but a bit windy. It was great to get fresh air and see the sun in person! We are in for more snow, sleet and chilling cold, but I enjoyed this one day respite.

We love our local library. They are very child friendly. I have visited another larger library in the next town over and found that they are very critical of any noise or activity the kids make. They have toys, cushions and loads of books...but apparently the kids aren't very welcome. I have seen multiple people get in trouble (including my own kids) when I am visiting and now I just avoid the place. I am thankful for the little library that is only a block and 1/2 away from my home!

17 week photo

2011-01-29T15:13:00.000-08:00

Can't believe that I am almost halfway through!!!

Sunny Day..

2011-01-25T14:17:00.001-08:00

A brillant, sunny day is a God-send during the long ,cold month of January. We have had 2 of these in a row! Iowa is notorious for its gloomy, grey skies all winter and I am always so thrilled to see the sun!!!

We have been housebound, not wanting to venture out too much in the cold, working on school and household projects. Sometimes we do go "stir-crazy" and a trip into the city always alleviates the need to be out.

My pregnancy is going well. We heard the hb again at the last appt and will get an ultrasound on February 9th. We are hoping to find out what we are having.... I am thinking boy!

The girls and I are reading through the Bible together and just finished Deuteronomy. Jesse received the Word of Promise Audio Bible for Christmas and has been enjoying listening to it on the way to and from work. He has a 35 mile commute, one way. We have been able to listen to it at home a bit and have enjoyed the different actors, music and special sounds. It really brings the Bible to life.

Jesse has started a new position at work and doesn't have to work out in the elements, anymore. That has been a blessing. He is still working a swing-shift, so same basic schedule, just a different shift.

That is a small update for now!

Sick

2011-01-19T14:12:00.000-08:00

Since the trip, I have just not been able to get back to feeling normal. Today I am dragging, barely making it around. I hope that whatever this is will pack up its bags and leave....I am tired of icky.

We are trying to get back into the routine of school, chores, etc....this illness is making it very tricky. (try at poetry)

Home, Sweet home..

2011-01-16T13:57:00.000-08:00

Can you guess where we went? ps. the only state in the union w/o snow at that time:)

Gone for a bit....

2011-01-05T20:05:00.000-08:00

Taking a little trip with the gang, just a wander before dh starts a new position (in the same company). Had a pretty good 3 days of school...hate to break the rhythm, but a trip is always so good for our family. A chance to really talk, stuck in the car for hours, I always get to know my kids a little bit better. It is educational, too...see other parts of the country and lots of different people. I know people in this town, who have only been 40 miles away...home is good, but away is good, too and you always appreciate home more. Our family has always loved to travel, Jesse and I have taken too many roadtrips to number in our 20 years together. We have seen many states, although we have never taken an international trip with the kids. Jesse has been to Mexico and we both have been to Canada. So Au Revoir!!! Home soon!!!

Have you noticed my ticker?

2011-01-03T13:44:00.000-08:00

Jesse and I are so thrilled about this new life that the Lord has created. I never would have imagined, years ago, that at the age of 41 I would be newly pregnant. I am overflowing with thankfulness and praise. We saw the little bean via ultrasound at 11.5 weeks and he/she is very wiggly and active. I have had minimal morning sickness, which is a tremendous blessing.

Last July, when I was in a hospital bed, recovering from an infection after losing a baby, I strongly felt a message from God that I would be rejoicing at the same time the next year. ... and yes...we are due in July!!!

ps. Thomas has dubbed the baby "Chico", so that is what we are calling him/her right now, lol.

More celebration!

2010-12-29T13:21:00.000-08:00

Today is Garrett's 7th birthday. My little "after Christmas surprise", supposed to be born in Jan but came a few days early. I remember bringing him home from the hospital like it was yesterday. He was so sweet in his little blue Pooh snowsuit. After 4 girls in a row, it was fun to have some blue again. We came home on New Year's Eve, Dec 31, 2003. We actually drove 2 hours that afternoon to pick up my mom at the airport and then ate at the Cracker Barrel...Garrett tucked snugly into his little infant carseat. He has been a wonderful blessing to our family. Such a happy, sweet personality that God gave him. He has loved trains since he could recognize them and still does. He is enamored with the fact that his Daddy drives trains for a living (for a short time longer, since he is getting promoted to a new job soon)--don't tell Garrett! I can't believe he is 7 already. Since his birth he has lived in 5 different houses...hopefully this will be the last one for awhile! Garrett has a flexible, go with the flow personality that has made all the changes a breeze.

More pictures..

2010-12-26T20:50:00.000-08:00

We went over to Grandma's for Christmas lunch and had lots of fun, food, family & presents!!!

Today...

2010-12-25T19:25:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas!!!

2010-12-24T16:52:00.000-08:00

We received our lovely Christmas snow today. Of course, we already had quite a bit on the ground, but the beautiful, fluffy flakes falling were perfect. Following our family tradition, the kids opened one gift this morning.
Please read this sermon from Redland Baptist Church in Maryland. I think it is a wonderful message about God's perfect gift to us:

The Gift of Jesus

More December memories..

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December photos...

2010-12-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

Our Awana Christmas Program was this past Wed. Each family from our church presents something and then the different Awana groups sing or (High School Group) do a skit. Our family read from Luke and the kids acted out the parts (dressed in authentic nativity clothes) and then played "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" on the kazoos. It was a fun time.

Not around much lately..

2010-12-06T18:40:00.000-08:00

I have been under the weather and struggling. I will try to update on a more regular basis when I am feeling better. December is such a busy month and I am falling very far behind, but really am not too concerned about it at this point.

I am a WW2 nut and have been reading an excellent book( is this why I am falling so far behind, lol?)...it is heavy reading for me and I have been having trouble finding time, but am fitting in about 25 min of reading per day..it has always been troubling to me that Nazi Germany marched in without a fight from anyone, this is a good read:
The Last Lion:Winston Spencer Churchill: Alone 1932-1940

We celebrated Carlina's 17th birthday on Dec. 4th. She is such a wonderful, Godly young lady, I am so blessed to call her my daughter. She collects owls and received some owl jewelry, a computer game, a calendar and some pjs. We had an ice cream cake from DQ.

Thanksgiving,,,

2010-11-25T19:28:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for the many blessings that God has so richly bestowed on our family. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day with Jesse's mom, 3 of his 4 siblings and their families.

Life Lately..

2010-11-18T18:42:00.000-08:00

has been rather hectic. We are working on Estate Planning for Jesse's Dad. He is in stable condition right now, but susceptible. He has Parkinson's Disease, is unable to walk due to a a broken hip and subsequent unsuccessful hip operations and has a feeding tube (he is not able to eat through his mouth anymore). He is also very thin. If you had known him in the past and would see him now, you would be shocked. The Estate Planning has been stressful, but necessary due to changing tax and inheritance laws in 2011. We are working with 4 other siblings and thankfully they all work very well together. It is very difficult to see Jesse's dad in that condition.

Clothes..

2010-11-16T19:38:00.000-08:00

I was reminiscing about clothes. When my 3 oldest girls were little...4,3 & 1. Those cute little clothes got passed from child to child...little dresses, adorable maryjanes, pink fluffy jackets and sweet patterned tights. Fast forward 2010...Carlina, 16, Julia, 15 & Alicia, 13.....no more hand-me-downs. We do most of our shopping 2nd hand, occasionally going to Walmart or Target, so we don't spend alot of money on clothes. Also, the girls buy most of their own stuff with job money or birthday/christmas money.

They each have their own style. Carlina is classic, Julia trendy and Alicia eclectic/artsy. They usually do not wear each others clothes, plus they are all close to the same size now. Katie is 9 and is a different body shape, so cannot wear anything they pass down. I am not going to save anything for Anna, who is only 2. All 4 wear the same shoe size now, give or take a 1/2 size (except Anna, of course!). Those hand-me-down days are long gone, but it so fun to look at old photos of each girl in the same dress.

Convicting post

2010-11-08T06:47:00.000-08:00

This is an extremely convicting post from Kate at Room for More. Get ready for tears when you read what she wrote and also go to the links she provided. More than tears are needed to help these sweet babies...roll up your sleeves and see what you can do to help.

Iowa Basic Skills Tests..

2010-11-05T19:46:00.001-07:00

We took the first of 2 sessions today. This is the first year to take it in November, instead of February. Hopefully it will give us more time to work on the skills that are lacking, as we will get results earlier. That being said, I am not a huge fan--or a fan at all--of standardized tests. It is a necessary required evil, in my opinion. Some kids are good test takers and some are not. This is Garrett's first year to take the tests. It will be interesting to see what happens with his results. He is a smart little boy with one focus...trains. I have a difficult time turning his brain to anything else..he tends to be in outer space when we work on reading or math. It has been a struggle so far and takes every ounce of my energy and patience to teach him. We will take the second part of the test next Friday. At least we don't have to dread February anymore, lol.

Leaves...

2010-11-03T05:25:00.001-07:00

Evangelism

2010-11-03T05:20:00.000-07:00

I am loving One Thing You Can't Do in Heaven by Mark Cahill. It is a guide to telling others about Jesus Christ that is easy to read and gives helpful instructions on how to do so. I would highly recommend this book!!! I tend to be timid about sharing my faith and this book gives help and encouragement in all kinds of situations. Please look up this book and read it and then share it with a Christian friend, it will make a difference!

Homeschool Field Trip..

2010-10-22T10:53:00.001-07:00

We enjoyed a fun field trip this morning with our group to a private museum called A Place to Remember.

It was an amazing place, very professional. The family had put quite a bit of time and money into it. The kids even remarked that it reminded them of an exhibit at EPCOT (Disney World in Florida). There was a house set up with furniture (from the turn of the century) along with a gas station, 95 year old model-t in pristine condition, replica of a school room, lots of farm implements, a shanty (or shack which early settlers in Iowa would have lived in ), a gun collection, loom & quilt collection and many more things.

Our homeschool group generally takes 3 field trips in the Fall and 3 in the Spring, along with a presentation fair at the end of the year. We usually take our Iowa Basic Skills tests in March, but this year we will be taking them in November. We do this over 2 Friday mornings with all the moms as proctors. We have been blessed both in Florida & in Iowa to be a part of wonderful, Godly groups.

Days go by..

2010-10-18T21:11:00.001-07:00

They seem to fly so quickly this time of year. We have had excellent weather for Iowa in October. The local farmers are happy...they are harvesting like mad-men. I sometimes miss the farm this time of year, harvest was always exciting. Breakdowns were no fun, though, neither was rain.

Jesse is on his 8 days off and we are working on the old house. Hoping to put it on the market by the end of the month, so lots of painting, scrubbing, fixing to do.

Anna Rose..

2010-10-17T20:54:00.000-07:00

turned 2 last week! We celebrated at Southwood Park today with family....also celebrating my dd, Julia, who will be 15 on Oct.23. 2 & 15, both such milestone years. I am so blessed and honored to be their mom, so thankful that God has given me this privilege.

Fall Fun..

2010-10-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

It was definitely not "Fallish" weather for our pumpkin patch visit on Saturday (89 degrees), but we had fun anyway (the bugs were our main nemesis...Asian beetles, no-see-ums & mosquitoes ate us up). We enjoyed a hayride, little kid sized corn maze and even a possum in a cage!!

What are we to teach our children?

2010-10-05T12:42:00.000-07:00

This is a great post from Generation Cedar:

Homeschooling:What are we to teach our Children?

She speaks of R.C. Sproul Jr. and his book When you Rise Up:

" He describes the three G’s–what the Christian’s goals of education should be: teaching our children who God is, what God has done, and what He requires of us."

Fall photos @ Fowler's

2010-10-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

Grocery day...

2010-10-04T14:36:00.001-07:00

Majorly. We hit Sam's and Fareway for most of this month's groceries. I am loving the extra cupboard space I have for the big stuff.

It is a gorgeous October day...warm and sunny. The trees are starting to change, I love it!

Thomas was evaluated today for being tongue-tied. The surgeon said it was very mild and recommended that we not do anything...yay! It was stressful for Thomas and he cried, even though the surgeon just looked at his tongue with a mirror.

I have been pondering living in God's will. It is so restful when we live each day and not worry about what is coming or what will come. I think of this in relation to Colton, a lot. He is trying to decide what he will do with his life. I pray about this lots,too. I have said before and will say it again. Just want him to glorify God in whatever he does...whether it be work at McD's or a husband, etc. That is what I desire for all of my kids. I have also been thinking about the wee one that I lost and wondering if God will bless us again. I am 41 next month! Wow, I certainly don't feel any different then I did 10 years ago...well, maybe just a bit. I desire to be happy and content in all circumstances.

Funny face cuties...

2010-09-30T20:35:00.000-07:00

Happy 13th Alicia!

2010-09-27T05:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to a sweet, happy girl who blesses our lives daily. Alicia is a blessing to be around. She has a wonderful sense of humor and is always positive. I am in shock that now I have 4 teens in the house!! Where did the days go? When Alicia was born I had 4 ages 5& under. Now they are all grown!

We are moved!!

2010-09-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

It is exciting to be in our new house! What a blessing it is to us. More room, big basement, nice neighborhood..we are so thankful. This is Jesse & I's 6th house since being married. I remember when I moved into our 2nd house right after Alicia was born, back in 1997. If someone had told me that I would be moving 4 more times, I don't think I could have stood it. It is good to take each day as it comes and not worry about the future. We hope to use our new house for the Lord's purposes: as a springboard for hospitality, wonderful haven for our family and place where He is served daily.

Smile!!!

2010-09-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday!

2010-09-12T06:11:00.001-07:00

to my wonderful hubby, Jesse!!!!

He is an amazing dad...

terrific provider....

handy-man who can fix anything....

awesome cook.....

spontaneous and fun....

a student of the Bible who loves the Lord....

MINE!

Addition..

2010-09-09T20:38:00.001-07:00

I just figured...my sis will have a 13 year old when she is 41, too!!! Her second born, Brecken, will be 13 when she turns 41 in 2014!!!! WOWZERS!

41 & 13??

2010-09-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

My mind is always full of numbers...I love numbers and am always counting. Last night I was thinking of turning 41 (which I will in November) and how old my kids will be and then also how old I was when my mom turned 41 and further back, how old my Grandma's kids were when she turned 41:

My Grandma lived in Evans City, PA when she was 41. She turned 41 in 1958. At that time she had a 15 year old (my Aunt Pat), a 13 year old (my mom) and an 8 year old (my Uncle Tom).

My Mom turned 41 in 1986-she lived in Gladewater, Texas. When she turned 41, I was 16 and my sister was 13.

I will turn 41 in 2010 and live in Iowa. My kids will be 18, 16, 15, 13 (Alicia turns 13 this month), 9, 6, 4 & 2.

We all had 13 year olds at the age of 41!!!!

Miss Katie Grace...

2010-09-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

was baptized this evening! I am so proud of my little girl. She was very excited to openly profess her commitment to Jesus as her Lord and personal Savior in front of family and friends and the coooold water did not bother her a bit:) I love her face in the second picture...so thrilled!!

Home School days...

2010-09-03T20:40:00.001-07:00

Well, we have been schooling for 2 weeks now and everything has gone so perfectly. Anna always sits and plays quietly with her toys while I am helping the other kids. Thomas is so polite and never pulls Anna's hair while she is sitting quietly with her toys. Colton is very helpful. He actually has a tutoring desk where his sisters flock to be helped with their schoolwork, especially math. I have all my meals wonderfully planned out and they practically make themselves. I have also trained my laundry to get done on its own! Can you imagine? No??!! Well, neither can I, but it's a fun thought anyway.

Instead, we have dealt with the usual challenges, but I am so thankful that the challenges are nothing that He cannot handle. The Lord is giving us strength and grace every day and it is an amazing journey. I love having the kids home (our 6th year) and am so thankful and blessed to be a homeschool mom.

Top 5 Reasons why Homeschooling WON'T Work

2010-09-02T14:11:00.001-07:00

This is a great article:

Top 5 Reasons

More house pics..

2010-08-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

Top is my "retro" kitchen. I have replaced the turquoise paint (on the wall) with gray and the cupboards will be painted a darker gray. We still need to finish sanding the cupboards on the right side of the kitchen (there were 4 coats of paint on them!) and put down the wood floor.

Middle picture is the upstairs bedroom. It is so cute with a nice wood floor and 3 little cubby closets. Julia, Alicia & Katie will share.

Below is the living room window on the left side of the house (when facing). There are peonies planted everywhere. I have since planted a row of mums in front of the now trimmed back peonies.

Our cottage..

2010-08-28T06:13:00.000-07:00

Life and the Vine

2010-08-28T05:08:00.000-07:00

Life has been especially busy. We finished a week of school and have been working on the new house. It is an exciting time but tiring. Some days, I feel like I cannot rise early enough to get it all done.

I have been pondering John 15:5 lately
"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

In essence, we must be careful with the things that take up our time. They may seem good to us and good to the world, but if they are apart from the Lord, they amount to nothing. I am trying to listen to Him in this respect. It is easy when it comes to certain things, but others not so much. We can get so burdened in life with activities and busy work and God doesn't mean that to happen. Foremost, He desires a relationship with us. There is such peace when we take the time for Him and rest in Him. All the worries of the world fade away.

House fun...

2010-08-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

Scraping, scrubbing, grinding, sanding, painting, trimming, mowing, buying, loading, unloading....all in a days work (when one buys a house built in the 1920's!).

Ugggg

2010-08-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

Difficulties right now...prayers please!

On a positive note, we are closing on Friday and will start working on the house this weekend.

Great post on Waiting...

2010-08-17T19:37:00.001-07:00

Books and Bairns

Offer accepted!!!

2010-08-17T13:21:00.001-07:00

Hooray! Our offer was accepted on the house and now we are waiting on the bank to sign closing papers!!! Soon we will be the owners of a new house:)

Zoo pics..

2010-08-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

Another great post..

2010-08-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

from Large Family Mothering about Homeschooling.

The pets (taken by Carlina)

2010-08-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

1. Jacob Ruffian, our 1/2 bulldog, 1/2 Australian shepherd 3 year old watchdog...we have had him for a year now. He is a great family dog, just doesn't like anyone else.
2.Remy Jones-1 year old kitten adopted from family...he has the best personality ever.
3. Kumquat-adopted from a shelter in Florida in 2006, has adapted to being an Iowa kitty.
4. Montie-was a tiny sick kitten when my son found her outside an abandoned building near our business in Florida. Heavily infested with fleas, we didn't think she would make it. She is a very grumpy lady who spends all her time upstairs. She has also adapted to being an Iowa kitty by never, ever going outside.

Severe storm last night...

2010-08-09T07:16:00.000-07:00

August 23

2010-08-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

That is our official first day of school!! I (for one) am very excited...I am not sure about the kids yet. They are really enjoying their summer. We are having a heat wave and they are relishing the last few weeks at the city pool.

Regarding Home Schooling....check out IndoctriNation:Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity in America.