The Happenings of Team Forsythe

The Fun Stage...

2012-01-23T18:43:00.000-08:00

This morning I felt like Cinderella getting ready to go to the ball... it is amazing how special an evening off is when you are a mom of young kiddos. I wrestle with feelings that I am being "selfish" when I just want few minutes to read a book or a few seconds alone in my room (or bathroom for that matter) BY MYSELF... It is amazing how full a day can be... busy fingers, busy feet, and BUSY mouths... the touching, chatter, mess, chaos and clutter day after day become reality... the norm -- but there is a "remembrance" of what it was like BEFORE... It never crosses my mind to GO BACK before kids, but there is a longing for personal space, making it a day without finger painted clothes (most days the "paint" differs... food, paint, play dough... other unmentionables!)... OR being able to take a shower without being scared to death by an uninvited little peeper... Wouldn't trade Mommahood for anything, but evenings off sure make it easy to handle the day ins and outs!

A few months back I found a fun blog that had an AWESOME idea for making fun (changeable) puppets (here). I printed off the patterns and tucked them in my "later" file... this week was the week. Ethan wanted to put on a puppet show for his Daddy. I remembered these patterns and we got busy!

It took us a whole morning to cut out all the pieces to our puppets -- but the kids were fully engaged the whole time. Really this was a super easy project!!!

After all the pieces were cut out we went to town decorating them!

Ethan loved changing the faces... he would just giggle at the super goofy faces.

So... after nap time we took some boxes and made a puppet stage. Ethan wanted to make a space theme so I cut out space ships, rockets, stars and planets for him to glue on. I sewed the stage curtain and it looked great.

We brainstormed about a "plot" for his skit... but we didn't get very detailed... here is the actual skit he preformed for his Dad....

"Once upon a time there was a girl named "PeePee"... (a brief pause) We shall call her Eden. She blasted off into space and then came down to Earth again. She then drove her car side-ways. The End" Micah and I were trying not to laugh... He is sooo funny to us!

This past week I talked with a lady from our Sunday School class who home schools her kids. I asked her how she did it... and as we were talking she shared that they start by setting goals... and then figure out the best way to reach those goals (which curriculums to use, what activities to do... etc). I loved that thought. It made me start thinking about what are our goals? I am good at keeping the kiddos busy... trying to present them as many opportunities to be creative... but I have often wondered how I can be more intentional...?

This past weekend I bought a little Kindergarten workbook for Ethan. It has simple worksheets ... like tracing letters (learning to write), simple phonics, numbers, shapes... etc. He no longer takes a nap and so we have been spending time one on one every afternoon. Most of the time it is fun teaching him things... although I would have to admit there is a whole lot of silliness mixed in that "learning" time...

I have found that I haven't taught Eden as many things, but she seems to KNOW them. I will hear Ethan teaching her the colors and letter sounds (and LOTS of other things... let me tell you -- he is a TALKER!). Today as we were playing with our magnetic letters she held up the "K" and told me its sound. She was right. I started pointing to different letters and was AMAZED that she knew most all of the sounds.

I think Ethan has an astounding desire for knowledge. I have a hard time keeping up with him -- especially HIS PROJECTS. He would build things ALL DAY LONG if I let him. He brought me a magazine and showed me the pattern for making "funoculars"... He was so excited to make these....

Although I find that once we complete a project he is off to find another one... I seriously think I am creating a CRAFT MONSTER.... I just pray all the time we spend cutting, talking, and creating is exactly what he needs in this stage of life!

I see so many changes in both kids... we spend so much time "talking" about things. The chatter is constant in our place...

(I just love soap beards)

And clean kiddos... nothing is better than snuggling up with a clean, fresh smelling kiddo... not gonna lie... I give my kids baths every night... it is such a fun rhythm of our day!

Ethan's new picture look... I guess he is thinks his tongue needs to be seen in every single picture!

To afford Ethan's craft hobby... I took a box and designated it his "art box". I save lids, caps off of everything, plastic containers, small boxes... etc. He can do whatever with the items in his "art box"... I never knew trash could be soooo much fun. He spends hours arranging the lids, boxes... he is constantly begging to use the hot glue gun and is trying to convince me that he could use it by himself... I draw the line and he doesn't think that is cool! He designs submarines, planes, helicopters...

I found a book in the library that was making craft projects from recycled things... Ethan hasn't put the book down for days. He found this car-clip project and begged until I finally gave in.

We sorted through his car suitcase and found cars with missing wheels or broken pieces. Then the kids painted them, glittered them, and then glued "gems" on them. I hot glued them to magnets and a clothes pin.

They are perfect picture holders for the fridge. I really like them... A LOT!

Eden's first crush... Jonathan...

This week we spent a lot of time with friends. We served several meals this week and had several meals in friend's homes. I loved all the "people" time I got this week. Eden has a new crush, Jonathan. She is HILARIOUS ... She can say his name PERFECTLY... On Saturday we were running errands and as we were coming out of a store I could see Jonathan and HIS WIFE coming towards us. I pointed them out to Eden and she TORE across the street and THREW herself in his arms. When we told her than he had to go she stuck out her lip and drooped her WHOLE body... it was comical. She thinks he is pretty special... it is cute.

This up coming week... we don't have too many plans...

But I am sure I will see a lot of this....

and this... This is definitely the "fun" stage. See why I look forward to a few moments to myself on Monday night...? I can't keep up with them... I just can't...

Internet Detox...

2012-01-16T19:50:00.000-08:00

I have read that AA saysthat the first step in recovery is admitting you are an alcoholic... For somereason it is so easy to justify addictions... or things we give too muchattention, focus, or value (aka idols). For me the internet has been soimportant in my life the past 4 years. It has provided friends, support,community... a creative outlet, endless supply of ideas, recipes... the listcould go on and on! I never realized how much I was dependent onthe internet until we have been "without" the internet for the pastweek and a half. Monday night is my night off -- so it is going to be myinternet night... and that is just how it is going to be. I have soooomuch time (now)! I've gotten back in my studying mood -- researching somespecific "Ethan" issues, I taking a counseling class at church (withserious homework!), and of course I still have all my personal counselinghomework... I will forever be a student... Here are some pictures fromour week -- and some random thoughts!

My cute puzzle destroyer...

Eden Eve has officiallyentered the terrific twos... actually Ethan had more terrific threes thantwos... so I am thinking that Eden will probably follow suit? Who knowsreally right? She has this new attitude -- she wrinkles her nose andanswers with a nasty voice... I don't think so little one. We have hadMANY talks about true beauty... and how it comes from a beautiful heart. What I really love about this season is her voice... she is talking somuch and I'm discovering her little being and personality fascinating... Itis such an adventure watching Eden Eve bloom!

The puzzle WHIZZ in Action!

My oldest is always in a newstage of development. I often sit back in wonder and think to myself,"How am I going to deal with this????" I think he is going toout smart me in a matter of years (in fact he knows more about a car enginethan I do... I asked him how he knew all that stuff -- he exclaimed,"Popular Mechanics for Kids, duh, Mom!". I told him this weekhe wasn't allowed to grow anymore! He wrinkled his brow and in aconfident voice he said, "Momma, God makes me grow! I can't helpit!" I know! I know!!! Just stop growing! I pray Iwill be a good steward of his little brain.... I am constantly evaluating howto teach him, challenge him... all while enjoying every second with him. (He read his first sentence not too long ago... "The pig sat in themud.")

This week I am really gonna set aside time every day to write. I look at these pictures and am trying to remember what we did, but com'on it is my night off... my brain has gone into sleep mode!

We have been on a puppet kick... I will write more about this next week... (I can barely contain myself from sharing... it has been TOO MUCH FUN!)

(I love how Ethan draped his blue blanket on the stage for water...)

I noticed this week thatthe kids are entering a new stage of development... it is called the fun stage! We built a HUGE fort and theyactually played in it... before it would just get torn down and destroyed in amatter of moments... I remember building forts back in the day -- my brothersand I were serious fort pros! I can't help but brag... I still got madfort making skills!!!

I love how Eden catches the afternoon light... She is just beautiful!

Most of our time is spent on crafts... it is truly amazing all that you can do with paper, card board boxes, and selected items saved from the trash... If I give them a glue stick, scissors, something to write with and paper... they are good to go for the afternoon!

The craft pro... (the little bottle contraption is his new submarine)
Ethan wants to do"crafts" alllllllllllll day long. I pulled out the glue gunthis week. He was in awe! It seems like we have glued somethingevery single DAY! He constantly says, "Momma, we can just use the hot gluegun!" I am creating a MONSTER!

My crafters....

There are moments when they get in the zone... and I catch them absorbed in their "projects" and it just warms my heart -- I honestly love this so much! It is just fun!

Our NEW 50 cent thrift store find...
We had a FABULOUSfamily weekend! We found a new game at the thrift store -- I couldn'tresist it is an old school "Discovery Toy" peg puzzle... I rememberdrooling over their catalogs as a kid. I find different games from timeto time at the thrift store and it is just delightful. Ethan and I playedthis one for a LONG time Friday night. He had to make every single picture... Iwas down with that!

A Typical Evening Activity.

This weekend I was thinking about how much I love family time. It feels like we have SO MUCH time with each other. It took awhile to get used to not seeing Micah through out the day, but I realize we may have seen him through out the day the past few years, but we NEVER had this much time together... it is a delight! We spent Saturday re-arranging furniture. Eden is no longer in her crib. She is in a big girl bed. It kills me... I almost can't handle it...

Saturday night we went to a friends house for a little get-to-gether party... I made cream puffs... I had SERIOUS help....

I had SERIOUS snitchers on my hand... I wouldn't have it any other way!

I love cream puffs...

these were sugar-free except for the powdered sugar I sprinkled on top...

gotta remember that added plus!

Micah and Ethan were goofing around with his camera... Ethan thinks it is fun making "ghost" pictures... I really liked this one!

On Sunday I was making dinner andI looked over and saw Eden working on a drawing. I just loved how she wassitting... I loved her in her dress... I just wanted to remember it forever...

A friend's status on facebook (afew weeks ago) said,

"Love this quote from TheWell-Trained Mind: Every time you use the computer or turn on the TV, askyourself: What am I giving up? What will my child do if I don't turn onthe computer or pop in this video? Ahem.... does facebook count?" (Thanks, Lisa!)

I read this the day before I lost internet... I am thankful it wasrunning through my head -- I don't want to give up these special moments...each one is precious -- and I don't want to miss a single one!

Catch upwith you all NEXT Monday!

Our Weekend...

2012-01-09T18:53:00.000-08:00

Our sky was on "fire" Thursday night... I had my counseling session to get ready for (why do I wait until the last moments to get my homework done???) and so Micah took the kiddos away for a bit so I could concentrate... as they were walking out the door I gasped when I saw these colors in the sky... Could it be any more brilliant and beautiful? I love seeing the heavenly lights!

Our weekend was fun...

On the first Saturday of every month Home Depot hosts a kid workshop. Micah took Ethan and together they build this house bank. It is a pretty cool deal. Home Depot provides everything ... even the apron... for free! We figure this is a pretty cool opportunity for kid dates! Next month Micah will take Ethan --- when they finish I will bring Eden...

We figured Eden would be too little, but I think she could handle it and plus I think she felt a little bit left out since all Ethan has talked about (since) is his bank... Although, Eden wasn't totally forgotten... I took Eden shopping and let her pick out a new toothbrush and some nail polish. She picked purple... She got to push the cart and we bought some chocolate on the way out... Later we painted our toes. You know the basic girl things... One funny thing was as we were leaving the house she asked where Ethan was. I told her he was having guy time with Daddy and that she got to have girl time with me, she exclaimed, "Oh, Momma, that is a w e s o m e!" It is fun having special times alone with each kiddo! I am looking forward to my alone time with Ethan!

Since Ethan is really into his bank we figured it was time to talk about money and tithing. We tried sending money with him to put in the offering plate at children's church, but he would always come home with MORE money than he took... not sure how that happened... so we chatted with him about money and giving to God... he got hysterical -- he didn't want to give any money away because he is saving for a rocket... when we explained the importance of storing up treasure in heaven and not on earth he threw himself on the floor and cried, "I want all my treasure here on EARTH!!!! I don't want it in HEAVEN!"

We may have some theological issues on our hands... ;o) He is a funny kid!

The Home Depot apron is useful for all sorts of things... Ethan thinks it is perfect for wearing all the time... even while making fresh orange juice!

We are starting a new week... we don't have internet at our house anymore... I am at the public library and it is closing in a few moments... so I might be away for long period in between posts... but I will keep taking pictures and trying to share when I get chances!

But before I sign off... I will share our afternoon adventure with our friends...

The weather has been beautiful lately... the warmth is unusual for this time of year, but it is Montana and it could be below freezing tomorrow... so when the sun shines... we get outside!

I really loved the golden weeds and the bright blue sky... I thought it was BEAUTIFUL!

The kids played on the frozen river and explored the weeds... Eden ate all things gross...

I wouldn't expect anything less!

My friend and I tried to catch up in between kids falling and crying... it was a lovely afternoon...

I am thankful we live in such a beautiful place.... the library is closing... gotta sign off...

Defining Worth...

2012-01-05T13:32:00.000-08:00

Recently the kids and I started rereading "The Jesus Storybook Bible -- Every Story Whispers His Name" by Sally Lloyd-Jones in the mornings. I came across the line, "God saw all that He had made and He loved them. And they were lovely because He loved them. (25)"

And I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.

That line stuck with me because lately I've been thinking about the origin of my worth... or should I say the things I think make me valuable, important, or maybe just OKAY! I focus a lot on what people think of me, what I do, or how I perform. To be honest sometimes I find I'm thinking these lies... "If I am a GOOD Mom -- then maybe I am okay?" "If I can be a GOOD Wife -- then maybe I am valuable?" "If my kid is doing well, then maybe I am doing well?" "If other people like me -- then I must be okay?" (They may seem like statements, but the question marks are intentional!)

What if I truly believed I was lovable because God made me (Period)? His love is the source of my worth -- He DEFINES my worth (PERIOD)! I want to understand this with all my heart (I'm not there yet), and I want that reality to trickle down to my kids... so that they understand that they are lovable and valuable because their worth is PURELY defined by their CREATOR!

"God loved them with all of His heart. And they were lovely because He loved them (Lloyd-Jones 26)."

"God looked at everything He had made. "Perfect!" He said. And it was. But all the stars and the mountains and oceans and galaxies and everything were nothing compared to how much God loved His children. He would move heaven and earth to be near them. Always. Whatever happened, whatever it cost Him, He would always love them (Lloyd-Jones, 27)."

Magical Light...

2012-01-04T15:40:00.000-08:00

I couldn't help notice...

the thrill and excitement in the midst of play...

and the beautiful afternoon glow...

New Year Wishes...

2012-01-03T09:41:00.000-08:00

I saw a comic strip on Facebook. Two dogs were talking. One dog asked, "What are New Years resolutions?" The other dog responded, "A to-do list for the first week of January." That made me laugh! It is funny how resolve can dissolve in a matter of days. Zeal for change gets lost in the daily routine. We forget, or give up.... or we fail ... I can't help but a appreciate the newness, the freshness a new year brings. It is nice to put behind a hard year and press forward. 2012 is going to be another year... a lot of the same old things, but a fresh chance to grow... and change!

An automatic dump truck is a PERFECT stroller...

A whole lot of "sameness" has been going on in our house. Christmas presents are still new and wonderful... although until yesterday... the boxes were still the favorite around here (until I broke them down and sent them to the trash... Ethan, my little hoarder, was beside himself with sadness... (I think he is over it today!).

The "best" pj pictures out of MANY!

Ethan absolutely loves his new pjs. The other night he told me, "Grammie made this for me because she loves me... aren't they fabulous?" I agreed, "Yes, Grammie loves you a whole lot... because you are wonderful and special!"

I do have one New Year's wish... I am working on a daily schedule... I need order in our day. The kids need order in their day. I love having an "artistic" flow in our day (realistically we usually do the same things every day) ... but this leads to the days blending together and not much intentionality at all (aka Mommy laziness -- if there is such a thing)... I want to be intentional with my kids... This has prompted me to do a lot of thinking on what our priorities are... getting rid of things we don't need and simplifying what we DO need! I've been asking the following questions:

What do I want my kids to be learning this year?

(Spiritual, mentally, emotionally, physically?)

How do I want them to change and grow this year?

(Spiritual, mentally, emotionally, physically?)

How can I best meet the "special" needs of my kids?

(Spiritual, mentally, emotionally, physically?)

Bascially asking myself... What am I doing and WHY am I doing it? I want what I do to be purposeful and pleasing to the LORD!

According to Ethan, "Please take a picture of the best mud pie in the entire world!"

The New Year reminds me that my kids are getting bigger... they aren't babies anymore... Making the most of time is a high priority... I want to enjoy my time with them as much as possible! Discipline can consume my days... I don't want to spend my whole day coming down on them... I want to play more, be more playful ... sing silly songs, be goofy... make chores fun -- not painful!

I don't know how to do this... this is just a hope and a wish...

Making an apple pie for Daddy...

There is nothing better than Apple Pie for breakfast... nothing!

Blueberry fingers...

A new "Rocket" Obsession... every week it is something new!

So we are three days into the new year... there is a whole lot of "sameness" going on, but it is okay... I want to be consistent and faithful to what God has called me to... EACH DAY! I want to grow and change this year... to continually be changing and growing... It is a fresh start... a new beginning and I am thankful for that!

2 Corinthians 5:9, "So we make it our goal to please the Lord,

whether we are at home in the body or away from it."

Review of 2011: Last Week of July - December

2011-12-31T12:47:00.000-08:00

***For the last 3 days of 2011 I want to recap our year...

Here is #3: Last week of July - December

This morning while I was working on these final picture collages, Micah came up behind me and together we began to look at pictures and talk about this past year. It has been a year like none other! We have seen God work in HUGE ways in our lives. He has rescued us, humbled us, and is currently rebuilding us! This last season of the year has been a period of hope and healing.

A day after I returned from Moldova, my dad and I began painting a mobile home that Micah and I had purchased. We repainted all the walls and the ceiling and moved in all in a weeks time.

It was C R A Z Y!

Our new little home was (probably) the last place I had ever imagined that I would live, but it is PERFECT! The first few weeks were complete chaos as we worked through boxes and piles... downsizing from a 4 bedroom house to a 3 bedroom trailer.

The kids went through so much transition with the two moves and their parents going on three different mission trips; all things considered they did amazingly well! I am so proud of them and how they have adjusted to their new home and our new life.

It has taken us awhile to get used to our new life... as well. We get weekends off... we have family time... we don't feel guilty for going hiking, taking a picnic lunch to the park, or going on vacation. It is nice being able to leave work... at work!

This fall we have done soooo many things! I love looking at the pictures and remembering all the adventures we have been. We often took a picnic dinner to the beach and played until late, or we would spend the morning at the water park or at the playground...

We went raspberry and huckleberry picking. We rolled down hills, listened to records, explored rivers, played, slept and ate... and played some more!

In September the big guy celebrated his 4th birthday. Can't believe he is 4 years old!

Time has slowed down. Life is simple... I remind myself to enjoy those simple things and simple times. To not rush to something else or to do things to prove I am worth something, but to just worship our Creator and appreciate His creativity. It has taken time to slow down...

He is creating beauty out of the ashes of our life. He has used the devastation to expose unbelief, idols, and incorrect theology (more in my life than Micah's... it seems God has been teaching Micah different things). He is using His community to build up, encourage, admonish, and love us. I am so thankful for the wisdom of my counselor and how she is speaking truth into my heart and mind. I am no longer trapped in confusion... and I praise God for this!

It has been a challenge for me to parent during a crisis. To be consistent and honest... while pointing them to God and continually reminding them that God is good! This morning at breakfast Micah read the story of Saul/Paul's conversion. We asked Ethan if He thought it was mean for God to blind Saul and Ethan exclaimed, "NO! Because God is always GOOD!" That answer was precious to me. He has been watching and observing us during this season of wrestling, tears, and questions... and it is encouraging to see he is "grasping" this truth... at least we pray he does!

When Naomi returned home to Israel after years away she asked her friends to call her "Bitter" because the Lord had dealt with her. I felt a lot like this at the beginning of the summer. Everything had come undone, everything was in pieces... but I see (now) how God was using a "hard" life situation to humble, tear down what was not of Him, and to begin something new.

It has been a process to think through this year. There are still so many questions, but I echo Ethan's words, "God is always good!" He has been faithful to us!!! He has brought us to this new place, for a new season and we trust Him for what He has ahead of us.

I am glad to say goodbye to this year... to know we are one year closer to being HOME with the Lord! I am thankful for all the memories, laughs, smiles and blessings He's lavished on us. I am thankful that He heard every prayer, caught every tear that fell, and has begun to bring life out of devastation.

Hope each of you has a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Review of 2011: May - July

2011-12-30T16:21:00.000-08:00

***For the last 3 days of 2011 I want to recap our year...

Here is #2: May - July...

A couple days ago I was going through my pictures... deleting and sorting and I realized that I took over 7,000 pictures in 2011. I had this wonderful idea to recap our year in picture collage form, but what I didn't even think about is the journey I would take to remember back through the year. Yesterday was a "kick in the stomach" so to speak. I cried a bit, felt sick all over, and could barely sleep last night. Around 2 in the morning all I wanted to do was FORGET about 2011, but it is now part of our history... and God is still making good of the ruins. Praise Him for that!

On May 1st I loaded the kids into the Suburban and drove out of the canyon I had called home for the past 7 years. I remember this moment like it was yesterday. I was numb. The Suburban was on auto pilot. I didn't cry and I didn't look in the rearview mirror... once. The kids were abnormally calm and quiet... Ethan had a temperature of 105 and Eden's was 104. A day before I had listened to President Obama talk to the survivors of the tornados that had twisted through the country. He promised that the nation would stand beside these people and do whatever it took to help them through this devastation. Those words echoed in my mind... did anyone realize a tornado had torn through my heart, mind and soul? There was nothing left standing... I was numb.

We moved into the MBC Dorms... we unpacked and made a new home.

I was numb for the next couple weeks. But the kids were reeling from the move and sorting through their feelings in the only way kids know how to communicate -- acting out. Eden cried/screamed A LOT! Ethan just wanted to move back to his old house.

Again, I coped by filling our days with crafts and outdoors adventures... We explored our new town finding the library and taking note of their story times; we found parks and played at different ones each warm day we had; and we baked A LOT! Our favorite place was a little river a ways behind the dorm.... we played there almost every single day.

We went on hundreds of picnics and got dirty... EVERY SINGLE DAY! Some days we even had to take two baths!!!

Nana Rose came for a visit... and it was perfect timing! She brought out a playful side of Ethan that I had never seen before. He loved his time with her (Eden did too, of course, but I think this trip was HUGE for Ethan)! We kept busy while she was visiting...

Another vivid memory I had during this time is the number of rainbows I saw! It felt like every single day there was a beautiful bow stretching from horizon to horizon... whispering hope... reminding me of God's promises ... We splashed in a lot of puddles...

We found Bozeman beach.... and a water park in Belgrade! Whenever it was even a tiny bit warm... we found water... we splashed, squished, and everything in between. Each and every single day was a reminder to breath in and breath out!

Bozeman is one of the most beautiful places I have ever lived! Everywhere I looked I saw beauty! The clouds were different every single day... the flowers were bright and PLENTIFUL! There were many evening that Micah and I looked at each other during a walk, breathed in deeply, and exclaimed how thankful we were for this new season of life! As the land burst forth with the spring beauty we felt our hearts were awakening from a long, cold winter... everything was becoming new and beautiful!

Eden celebrated her 2nd birthday... life was beginning to settle down and

life was beginning to be "normal"...

The 4th of July was a highlight in our summer... it was an incredibly fun-filled day! We went hiking, had a picnic at the lake and stayed up super late to light sparklers and to see the big fireworks!

Even though life was happening, I felt like my heart was in a coma... Often I found my eyes watching the kiddos play in the dirt, while my mind was miles away. I felt like I was a ZERO... I had just received a F for ministry... I mean how do you fail in "ministry"???... and yet here I was... wrecked. About this time I got a call from my Mother in Love... Her friend, John was going on a mission trip to Moldova. At that time there were no other females on the team and he felt strongly that the team needed a female. He thought of me. When Rose told me this... I laughed! Like Sarah (in the Old Testament), when she was told that her barren body would bare a son... She laughed... it was impossible. That is how I felt. I was washed up... and yet this call felt like I was on the beach with Jesus and He was restoring me. He chose ME... He wanted me to go on a mission trip. I did go and while I was there I laughed, I cried, I laughed, I cried... and cried. It was an adventure... a tangible taste of GRACE!

Some more food for thought... I forgot about our Fajita pizza!!! Yum...

Review of 2011: January-April

2011-12-29T14:05:00.000-08:00

***For the last 3 days of 2011 I want to recap the year...
Here is #1: January - April...

I have heard it said that it is always darkest right before dawn... not sure where that expression came from, but it is fitting for the beginning of our 2011! Last year at this time we were in agony... trying to sort through the confusion mixed with our emotions... Although the death of "our dream" had begun months -- even years before, the whole process was a gradual/slow/painful death. Thinking back to our college days and the evening we spent dreaming about our life together... a wilderness/discipleship ministry is where we imagined ourself for the rest of our days. Another Prof had said to be a fragrance where ever you are called... and have the wisdom to leave before you begin to stink. No matter what we tried, how hard we tried, what questions we asked, thoughts we came up with... it was met with opposition... we began to wonder if we were beginning to stink. We realized we were becoming sick, in need of mentoring, encouragement, feeding... we were starting to stink.

Even now it is hard to look at pictures from this time. It was dark, lonely... the most painful season of my life. Now that I am in counseling I realize how sick my mind was... I was trying to survive... I was DOING all the right things, SAYING all the right things, but I was dying on the inside! I tried to hide the tears from the kids... we dove into activities, had adventures and HONESTLY this blog kept me alive. I had something to report... something good to write about... memories to record... good things to think about and be thankful for -- It was the life in our house! I am thankful for each of your comments, prayers... notes of encouragement and support.

Each one was VALUABLE!

During these months Ethan was attending preschool a couple days a week and loved it! Eden and I had special moments when we had the house to ourselves. The kids drew, made messes, played outside... got into LOTS of trouble... Ethan started (for the 5th time) to become potty trained... We finally were successful (although lately.... again... I would beg to differ!)! We took several trips to Bozeman... looking at houses - apartments, jobs... sorting out if a move would work.

While Micah led a group of students to Denver for Spring Break the kids and I went to Reno to visit Grampie and Grammie... it was a wild week... ending with a flu bug, BUT before the flu bug... we played in the snow, went to several different parks, Ethan got to ride a ferris wheel with Grampie... and we visited the cousins for a few fun-packed days... it was a bright spot in our spring... and a nice time to get away from the home that had become a dark prison.

We are thankful that we learned a valuable lesson during this dark time and that is WE CAN'T SURVIVE WITHOUT COMMUNITY! Nor do we ever want to be in another place where there is a lack of accountability, review, and support... it was a hard lesson to learn. It is the darkest before dawn... I know this post is probably depressing... and it should be it was an extremely DEPRESSING time! But know the morning light will pierce through the darkness... there is HOPE and that is more than I could say during this season of life...

As I was going through all the January - April 2011 pictures... I found some pictures I had taken of things I baked, cooked and made... I think in another life I will be a food photographer.... or a chef...

A Merry Christmas...

2011-12-26T11:11:00.000-08:00

We had a beautiful Christmas.

Micah was home... and all throughout the day I just found myself smiling...

there was happiness and contentment deep inside my heart.

I guess the best way to describe it was that I was

THANKFUL!

Thankful that we are so blessed, loved, and taken care of!

Christmas Even we went to the Candle light service... the kids were so cute... I caught a couple pictures before my camera battery died! It ended up being our only Christmas Service because Eden woke up Christmas morning covered in puke. She seemed okay through out the day, but I didn't want to pass on the germs... and it was nice to just stay home for Christmas morning!

We had more gifts this year than ever before... it was almost overwhelming!

We try to keep the main focus of Christmas a celebration of Jesus' birth... we don't want it to be all about presents and what we GET... but that what we ultimately GOT... JESUS CHRIST... and He is all we need! It is hard to communicate that to kids, but truly as Ethan and Eden's parents that is what we want them to learn and know with all their hearts! It is so easy to be selfish and self-focused!

Our Christmas morning started out with a breakfast pie... yum! I have to share the recipe... it was easy and delicious! You start with a roll of refrigerated crescent rolls and lay them in the pan as the bottom crust... then you pour the following ingredience on the crust:

8 oz cooked ham or sausage

1 cup frozen hash brown potatoes (which I TOTALLY forgot to put in!)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green bell peppers (I used red and yellow)
1 4 oz can sliced mushrooms, drained (I used a couple handfuls of fresh mushrooms - I sauteed them with the onion and bell pepper)

5 eggs mixed with, 1/4 cup milk, salt, and pepper (sprinkle each) and pour over the rest of the ingredients... sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese. Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes.... sooo good!

We made our traditional monkey bread birthday cake for Jesus... and sang to Him! Ethan and Eden were more than happy to blow out the candles...

Then we opened presents... the kids were over the top excited!

My Mom made these PJs for Eden... aren't they BEAUTIFUL?!

Eden's expressions just made me smile... she is so animated and dramatic!

We want to thank all our wonderful friends and relatives that flooded our home with packages and gifts containing delightful things...

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

My favorite part of Christmas was looking across the room and seeing my Love... I am so glad he is home - safe and sound! When Eden first saw him she cried out, "Oh Daddy! You are home!!! I missed you so much!" She ran to him and threw her arms around him... so precious!

A princess for my Princess!

One of my favorite Ethan quote was when he was opening up this box from Uncle Adam and Aunt Kim-e... it was wrapped in a pull-up box and when he saw it was a pull-up box he exclaimed, "Oh no! Not pull-ups!" I think he was relieved to find it was actually his very own treasure chest box!

I really want to thank my parents for coming and staying with us while Micah was gone. The kids were sad to see them head home this morning (and so was I).... they made our Christmas special with lots of fun gifts! My Dad (once again) did several home improvement projects (pictures to come) and my Mom sewed them PJs and lots of little doll clothes for Eden's new babies... They washed hundreds of dishes, read stories, folded laundry, played games, colored, rolled out play dough and were patient during all the kids melt-downs, moments of pure selfishness, temper tantrums, and all their sibling arguing! We are so glad they came... they made our Christmas very, very special! Wish they lived closer! Hope you all had a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS... we sure did!

Birthday Happenings...

2011-12-24T14:20:00.000-08:00

It has been a quiet day... thus far...

My tomato ripened during the night! This tomato plant has been through a lot. I bought it in May. In June a little critter chewed off the stem... there were 4 green tomatoes on the branch. But it came back to life... in August and after a move it got knocked off its stand and the stem full of green tomatoes broke off! It grew back... and this is the first red tomato on this plant... on my birthday of all days! Talk about perseverance...

Last night a friend and neighbor brought over gifts for the kids. She gave Ethan a little lego Lightening McQueen. He LOVES it! He has put it together and taken it a part 100s of times! I think Legos is something I need to invest in... perfect for his little mind!

This morning Ethan started making different kinds of cars with his lightening McQueen car. He made a limo, Mater, a dump truck... etc. I was amazed by his little creative mind!

(My friend brought Eden some play dough... and I am kicking myself that I didn't get a picture of her playing play dough with Grampie...)

In the middle of our morning we made a few box houses out of some of the boxes that have been flooding into our house! Amazing how many gifts we have around our tree this year! Boxes are so much fun and full of all sorts of potential. They make perfect houses, garages... hours of fun and play!

At one point I caught Eden playing with Baby Jesus. Her dialogue just made me smile. If you notice Baby Jesus is going for a ride in the donkey cart. She makes me smile...

In the midst of all our happenings... I would describe this birthday being characterized by anxious waiting... around 1 I got a text than Micah was ALIVE and back in the country... now my fingers are crossed that he will make all his flights!

But all in all it has been another simple day...

and I can handle that!!!

Day Before Blues...

2011-12-23T20:40:00.000-08:00

I had a rough day today... I was being so strong -- handling it all in stride without Micah here and then this morning I was exhausted! The kids woke me up around 2... and then cried on and off the rest of the morning. I am sleeping with Eden so my parents can have the master bedroom and her cry was haunting. I don't like that! The shrill pitch of it woke me up from a deep sleep... and then for the next few hours I lay there with my heart beating. When she would quite down I would hear Ethan moan and bump into the wall... I prayed... asking God to give them good dreams and restful sleep... about the 4th time Eden cried out and Ethan hit his head on the wall... I went over to her crib and scoped her up and brought her to bed with me. I just wanted her to be close... I wanted to comfort her... Around 6 the two of us fell into a deep sleep... Ethan woke us up a bit after that.

Needless to say I was EXHAUSTED and emotional this morning. I am done with Micah being gone!

Beautiful birthday flowers from my awesome hubby!

Amazingly God knew I was sad... exhausted... so when a friend asked me to coffee I jumped on the opportunity. It was good to be out of the house... she surprised me with birthday presents... when I got home... I was greeted with flowers. Micah had sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and chocolate covered strawberries... I need this little pick-me-up... I have my fingers crossed that Micah and Eli will come home on time tomorrow... It is the only thing I want for my birthday!!

(Here is a peek at my Birthday treat...

I made it tonight so it would be amazingly moist tomorrow...

can't wait!)

Thank you God for Your encouragement and love... You know what I need!

Smiles All Around...

2011-12-22T18:07:00.000-08:00

Even though Ethan is only 4 years old -- he quotes movies! "Smiles all around, now let's get out of here!" is a line from the movie Bolt and I hear that about 20 times a day...

Every time he quote it I can't help but SMILE...

I've been trying to keep a smile on my face, but it has been a long haul without Micah. Every time we are apart like this we agree we can never, ever do it again... then we do it again...

crazy us!

The past week we've been working on Christmas presents...

and just a few days ago I got them all mailed (miracles do happen)!

The kids worked hard on ornaments for all their Uncles and Aunts... I was going to put a note in the boxes that said, "Hanging the ornaments on your tree is optional"... they were ... um ... colorful!! Let's just say there was so much color and glitter on each one that there was no way you could tell what the picture was! But I reasoned if it was from my nephew or niece it would be on the Christmas tree (1/2 of the ornaments on my tree are from Sam and Seth - and I love um!!)

Christmas Fudge... YUM!

I got through my annual fudge-a-thon... I made enough for all my family members! My favorite kind was a dark chocolate merlot! It was fabulous! I tried some at a farmer's market and knew I had to give it a go! I think next time I will try a drier merlot, but this one was mellow and soft... ah!

In the midst of Christmas making we have been waging wars at the table. For some reason the kiddos feel like it is their right to "hate" anything I set in front of them. Not sure if it is a "missing Dadda" thing or just that good old sin nature rearing its ugly head. I've tried to get creative... but some little guy has gone to his room several times a dinner... It is not okay to complain about food in this house!

Unfortunately, little Bit follows whatever her brother does... so I often hear, "This is N A S T Y!"

Oh, my nerves... let me tell you!

Eden reading stories to Grampie!

Grampie and Grammie have been a HUGE blessing... they have been helping out a lot!

17 days without Micah has felt like an eternity and I have so enjoyed their company!

Can't tell if there was more glitter on Eden's face or on her project?

Miss Eden... loves decorating her face as much as her art work...

If only he could be this focused on eating his veggies?

And Mr Ethan gets so focused when he is working on a project!

The fabulous "Simulator"...

Ethan checked out a movie from the library on firer fighting. There were some simulator airplanes that the firemen used to learn how to put out an airplane fire. Ethan felt it was very important to make one.

Grammie helped Ethan build this giant "simulator" airplane.

Amazing what you can make out of cardboard boxes!

A future floral designer?

Only 2 days til Micah gets home... we are decorating the house for his arrival... I can't wait!

Coloring with Grammie!

But while I wait I'm trying to keep the kiddos busy with lots of different projects!

It is kinda working, but I am tired!

So "smiles all around"... now it's time for me to get out of here and get the kiddos to bed!

Christmas Ornaments...

2011-12-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

We made salt dough ornaments last week. I used this recipe:

1 cup flour

1 cup salt

1 cup water (add slowly)

bake at 100 degrees for 3 hours or so.

It was a simple project and it went well.

So many of our project borderline on complete mayhem and chaos...

I have a love/hate relationship with doing craft projects with my kids.

THEY LOVE ACTIVITIES... and I have to remind myself that mess is okay. It usually cleans up. I chant to myself that this is GOOD and OKAY as dough is flying through the air, smashing into the carpet... and going into the littlest one's mouth. My patience level varies on the day and on the amount of sleep I had the night before! I think, "This hopefully won't destroy our house and it won't kill them!"

I was intrigued by how much Ethan is growing up. He worked so hard at this project and instead of smearing all the colors together like he normally does... he painted one color at a time and his ornaments looked great! I loved every one!

I love it when our projects keep them busy and focused.

There is less mayhem and chaos that way!

In all truth, the mess can be extremely cute!!!!

So here is my favorite ornament... painted by Ethan... I love covering my tree with these beauties... They are such special signs that Christmas is almost here!

Grampie's Birthday

2011-12-17T07:32:00.000-08:00

My Dad and Mom are here for a visit! I am so thankful they have come. It isn't as lonely without Micah! Yesterday was my Dad's birthday -- so of course we had to celebrate! I think he is 45 years old... something like that! Happy Birthday, Dad! Thanks for coming!

House Tour: Confession Wall

2011-12-13T13:26:00.000-08:00

So... I have a little confession to make... hum... my parents are coming this week and so I need to "confess" before they get here and see in person my beautiful new wall. Well, technically it is a few months old, but when I mentioned to my Dad that I was thinking about doing a chalkboard wall he told me it was the worst idea in the world... soooo I took his advice to heart and went with a white tongue and groove paneling, but when Micah and I started to hang up the paneling I said, "PLEASE, please, PLEASE could I do a chalkboard wall! I think it would be perfect here!" He said, "I really don't care... do what you like." Isn't he wonderful? We took back the paneling and for a fraction of the price I got paint for a magnetic/chalkboard wall! Once again I forgot to take "before" pictures...

But you can kinda see the wall behind these incredibly cute kids,

this handsome boy,

And these adorable kiddos again! I know it is hard to see the wall because their cuteness is distracting, but if you try you can see parts of the wall....

We bought a thin board, nailed it to the wall, and added trim. I followed the directions and after a few days of painting and drying the beautiful magnetic chalkboard was finished!

I have no regrets (Don't worry, Dad, I have a fudge peace offering waiting for you!)! I think it is marvelous. Ethan and I use it to work on sounding out words (in fact I have some big magnetic letters in my Amazon cart online... hoping to order them for Christmas... better get on that!) ...

Eden uses it to do her thing,

...draw on walls...

she had that down pat before I got this wall up!

I absolutely love this wall... it makes me happy every single time I walk by it... I've always wanted to live in a fun artsy place... this makes it feel more like that! Big kids are more attracted to this wall than my kiddos... what can I say? I think it is a perfect fit in our home!

Thoughts about CTM...

2011-12-12T13:24:00.000-08:00

The past few days I have been glued to the computer every chance I get. I usually like to wait until the kids are in bed or taking a nap, but this morning was an exception! I have to get the Certain Truth Ministry newsletter in the mail!!! Each newsletter takes hours upon hours to complete (And more hours than you can imagine once you add children to the mix!!!). It takes focus... and attention to details (thankfully my Dad and Mom were my editors). I love to write, but let's face it -- I suck at punctuation, concise sentences, and proper grammar... I done teached school good, but not that good!

Thankfully most of you don't read my blog for a shining example of sentence structure!

Eden fending for herself!

This morning the house got messier than I even imagined while I was typing away!!! The kids managed to sneak all the nativity pieces out of the living room and into Eden's crib! All their toys mysteriously came out of their organized status and have found new "homes" ALLLLLLLL over the house! It amazes me how resourceful kids are when they want to be, and how stubborn they are when it comes to clean up time. I am thankful that I don't have too many times when I leave them unsupervised...

In the past few days my heart has been engaging with Certain Truth Ministries... and I am excited to share my thoughts about this ministry we have embraced. Certain Truth Ministries is the product of a discipleship relationship between my husband and Eli. Almost 5 years ago my husband was discouraged with his understanding of discipleship (or how he was discipling students) and so out of the passion in his heart to grow and learn what it means to disciple others -- he formed Imago Dei (made in the image of God). Imago Dei didn't fit in any boxes... it was sort of a ministry team. Not just for the sake of ministry, but to learn the heart of God. He met with a group of students every Tuesday night and poured out his heart, thoughts, while studying the Word of God. Eli was in his first Imago Dei group. As a result of the discussion Eli went on a mission trip over Christmas break... and later he learned about Pastor David in Africa and during his summer break traveled to Africa. He came home with a desire to rebuild Pastor David's orphanage that was destroyed in riots.

The new orphanage: the children's home

In the past few years Eli has become a part of our family. Micah joined with Eli in raising money for the orphanage... one thing led to another and thus came about CTM. When we left MWSB our adoption paperwork became invalid. All the money we spent up the that point was gone... it was sad... still is sad. But I remember that Micah made a comment,

"If we can't adopt from Africa, why don't we let Africa adopt us?"

Certain Truth Ministries' main focus is the orphanage in Kenya. We support them each month and that money is used to feed and clothe the children and pay for staff to run a school that gives the orphan kids an education as well as other local kids that can't afford the government education. The money that CTM has raised has rebuilt the orphanage, brought in fresh water from the mountains, and bought cows and sheep.

I have no idea where Certain Truth Ministries is going, but that is also the main reason why my Love is in Africa right now. One of his main desires is to engage his heart with the people of Africa and gain a vision for the direction of CTM. He has lots of questions to ask and people to meet! I am excited to hear all about what he is seeing and learning!

I can't help wonder if we will end up in Kenya or Uganda? Where ever we are, one thing I know for sure is that Africa has our heart!

Sandra Waldner: CTM's first missionary! She is serving in Uganda

I guess I say all these things because I am overwhelmed at what is happening in our life... that we get to be a part of all THIS! It is a blessing and a gift... and it all came out of a heart of discipleship. I am so thankful for my husband's faithfulness, his faith, and his determination to know God's heart.

Those are my thoughts about Certain Truth Ministries... when the kids wake up I'm taking the newsletter in to be printed... if you are not on our mailing list and would like to know more... just let me know!

***I borrowed all these pictures off of Eli's Facebook page... thanks Elias!

Sunday Thoughts...

2011-12-11T13:04:00.001-08:00

For this morning's Sunday School class Ethan memorize Proverbs 3:4-6. All week long we have been working on the powerful words, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight." Also this week I have been working on the Certain Truth Ministries newsletter. Ironically my husband quoted this verse in his article... As I've been meditating on this verse... it has really made me think!

After church we went hiking around our favorite little ponds....

The water is mostly frozen... the frost was beautiful...

and it was surprisingly warm...

Ethan tried and tried to break the ice with rocks, but it was frozen solid...

Eden tried to break the ice (too)! At one point I worried she was going to fall in... and later on when she wandered OUT ON THE ICE I really thought she was going to fall in!!!! (talk about a near heart attack... I thought I was going to go for a "rescue" swim!!!)

As a parent I find myself instructing all the time.... ALL THE TIME! I wonder when they will listen, when they will learn... when they will TRUST ME! A few weeks ago I realized that I demand perfect behavior out of them instead of understanding that it is my job to INSTRUCT! They disobey because they need to learn HOW to obey... their sinful hearts need a Savior. This realization is changing my parenting style. I now discipline to teach, to instruct not to gain perfectly behaved kiddos... I desperately want them to acknowledge God in all their ways!

My kiddos lean on their own understanding all the time. They don't trust me... their hearts are fully rebellious bent on going their own way (99% of the time)... As I see this in them it reminds me to pray that God will work in their little hearts making them soft toward Him... I am just like them... I lean on my own understanding A LOT... just yesterday I was stewing about some thing... The more I thought about it the angrier I became - until I realized that I have a choice to STOP cultivating bitterness and instead choose to trust my Father with all of my heart! This "situation" is His concern not mine... I choose to trust... I choose to lean on His understanding and not my own!

We found a giant pile of rocks and Ethan immediately climbed right to the top... I was watching them climb, slide, and throw rocks and my mind drifted toward control.

Why do we all want control? My kids constantly want control.

If I say, "Please don't throw rocks over your brothers head!"

Eden will choose to do what I asked her not too... most of the time!

See how the rock barely missed Ethan!!!! I think about how God gives me boundaries... He does so because He loves me. He doesn't do it to ruin my fun... He does it for my SAFETY and the safety of others. I tell Ethan and Eden all the time that when I tell them something, limit them to something, or take something away it is not because I am mean... it is because I am aware of what they are not. "Please trust me!" Boundaries are a good thing. I am learning how to set boundaries for my kids - I have realized that I've let them have way too much control - because I was uncertain about my parenting. Now I am realizing that whether what I say is fair... it is what goes...

They learn... I learn... we grow together. I pray that together we will, "Trust in the Lord with all our hearts, that we would not lean on our own understand but in all our ways acknowledge Him and He will make our path straight!"

Staying Busy...

2011-12-10T19:25:00.001-08:00

I'm not doing very well with this whole missing husband thing... I miss my friend. I listened to a sermon by Mark Driscoll on marriage (here) and it was interesting. Made me think, but more than anything made me want to listen to it with Micah and talk about it! Mark and his wife wrote a marriage book and it is coming out in January... I wanna read that!

Well... the kids must know that Micah is gone as well. They are doing well, but I can see that they notice his absence. Ethan has gone back to wetting his pants... we go through a season where he doesn't wet his pants for months to a season where he wets them all the time. Today he wet them 4 times! I have a hard time being patient. I got really angry with him today and that bothers me. It is just pee... it washes off... why does it bother me so??? Why do I let it get to me!?

Last night we went to a little church movie night. There is a church that is actively involved in our trailer park. They fixed up the play ground, offered school supplies for the kiddos in the park, hosted a halloween trick or treat event, and invited families to come "shop" free toys for Christmas. I think it is awesome that they are bringing the love and light of Jesus to my neighbors... encourages me to do the same. Last night they were showing the Veggie Tale Little Drummer Boy at their church. It was a good excuse to get out of the house... the kids loved it! I enjoyed talking with the pastor and his wife. Would love to get to know them better!

This morning the kids played... It made me laugh listening to them play "Doctor." All I could think was, "There is some crazy medicine going on in my living room!" This afternoon they both took naps and I started winter cleaning. I have a huge pile that needs to find another home... and a giant bag of trash... it feels good! (Plus there are many more piles to go through... we are simplifying life... again!)

After dinner I loaded the kids up and we went Christmas light looking! The moon is full and beautiful (guess I missed an eclipse this morning, bummer!) The kids were wild with excitement and Eden screamed at the top of her lungs, "CHRITHMAS LIGHTS!!!!!" 10 million times. It was hard finding lights... we will have to go out again... because this is one of my most favorite Christmas tradition!

We are staying busy, but I feel my husbands absence... A LOT... please pray that God would be directing his steps, keeping him safe and giving him wisdom/discernment!

Momma Brags...

2011-12-09T12:03:00.001-08:00

If you try hard and are creative you can read, "I made a book." Ethan is into spelling words. He sounds things out and then brings them to me saying, "Does this say...?" I am so thrilled to see him developing in this way. He loves languages and I need to be diligent about teaching him MORE! This post is mainly for me... to remember my little guy and how he is growing up so fast!

Some words he has spelled entirely on his own... fun, sic (sick), amen, Esin (for Ethan... haahaahaheee)!

Distraction Blessing...

2011-12-08T13:02:00.001-08:00

Micah left for Africa this morning... we won't see him until Christmas. My friend, Elyse invited the kids and I over for Christmas cookies and The Charlie Brown Christmas Story this morning. She had the wisdom and insight to think about us earlier this week and knew that I would need a distraction... I did. In our married life Micah and I have spent different times apart... most all of them have been for mission trips. I love that we are able to do this, but I dream of when we can again do mission trips TOGETHER!!!! (I'm pretty convinced we will end up in Africa at some point...) I had quite a few tears this morning... I don't like being away from my best friend!

So... cookies and Charlie Brown was a PERFECT distraction blessing! Elyse put it all together... all she asked was for food coloring and sprinkles... which I left at home on the counter with my cell phone! (Where is my head?... hum maybe on it's way to Africa with my heart???)

The kids had a blast... they love projects! Elyse use to be a preschool teacher and so she is a master with kiddos. So patience, kind, and gentle. I love it! She always has the best preschool advice or activity up her sleeve!

This morning was a gift...

She had these fun glasses... I bribed the kids with gum... to get them to stand together...

I thought they were awfully cute... It is fitting look for children of a Librarian... (oh wait... he is not a Librarian... he is a Cognitive Specialist... heeee heee!)

So... the count-down begins... 17 days!

Decorating the Christmas Tree

2011-12-07T08:56:00.001-08:00

Last night we got around to decorating our Christmas tree! I love getting out the ornaments ... it is fun seeing the different ornaments and remembering where they came from! The kids are the perfect age for wonder, excitement, and thrill!

Ethan was really into decorating... He was so careful to put the ornaments on the branches...

Eden was into piling them on one branch... then taking them off... and doing it again...

My favorite part was that right in the middle of decorating they got the bean bag

and started to jump...

and jump...

and jump! These pictures crack me up... I love the energy of my kids... and wish I could sprinkle some on my tired mind and body for a bit of a pick-me-up...

they have "living for the moment" down pat!

After decorating and their bath they were freezing so they sat by the stove... I caught this moment and it just warmed my heart... what cute kiddos...

Here is our Christmas tree for 2011!

I think this is one of my favorite trees of all time... I love how tall and skinny it is... perfect for our living room ... it is easy to tuck in the corner out of the way of my wild-active children!

I am looking forward to spending many evenings... room lights off, tree lights on, a cup of tea, a blanket, jammies... and some peace and quiet... tis the season... and I love it!

deep breath...

2011-12-05T08:42:00.001-08:00

I need to take a deep breath this morning... it has been a morning and it isn't even 10! It was hard to drag myself out of bed this morning. The extra cold, below freezing temps didn't encourage me to bounce out of bed bright eyed and bushy tailed. But never-the-less I got out of bed and got ready to work out. Eden started to cry... really cry... then she got quiet again so I plugged in my treadmill and bam - I blew a fuse. I tried to figure out which fuse it was, but I even though I flipped all the bedroom fuses... NOTHING... I called Micah - he had a bit before he had to open the library so he DROVE home to figure it out. He did... it took him 10 seconds... I should have taken it as a sign from the Lord to go back to bed, but I didn't listen... Eden was in a clingy, crying mood... so I got them a snack, milk, put on a movie and went back to working out. After I finished I got breakfast ready... and everything seems to be going wrong... I am just clumsy today... I dropped the milk (it SPLASHED everywhere), I cleaned it up, only to drop it again! The coffee pot overflowed, the kids were whining... had to take a break for a "teachable moment" with Ethan (it was for disobeying... NOT for locking me outside when I took the trash out... oh YES that did happen this morning!!!!)... dropped the milk again... not a good day. The third milk dropping made me cry out... "Lord, please help me keep an eternal perspective and to live this day in THAT reality!!!" In all reality I really have it easy... we have food, clothes, a house, freedom... it is easy! Days like this remind me that it is not that bad... my bad day is blown fuses, clingy/crying kids, and dropped milk? Huge huh?

Lord, teach me to keep my eyes on you! Help me to be thankful in these hard moments! And help me choose You instead of giving into discouragement, frustration, and anger...

I needed a deep breath... now I can go clean up the milk, do the stack of dirty dishes, start the laundry, clean the bathrooms, continue to hug on my kids... and have a heart that is focused on what is eternal... not temporal...

"I consider that our present sufferings are NOT WORTH comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Rom 8:18)

So "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb 12:2)

Tis the Season...

2011-12-03T19:55:00.001-08:00

Micah's departure to Africa is fast approaching... It is hard to believe he is going to be gone most of December - I really wanted to get our Christmas tree before he left... so in the midst of preparing for his trip we took most of the day to wander through the woods looking for the tree.

It is funny... Micah and I had a long marriage-bonding-strengthening discussion about getting a tree this morning. Do we just go down to the grocery store and pick out a tree for $40 or do we buy a $5 permit and cut one down just outside of town? The last 7 years we have been spoiled - we just went in our backyard... found a tree and cut it down... I love the whole "getting a tree" experience

(except for the middle part when everyone is crying and you can't agree on the perfect tree... happpppppens every year!)

Well, we decided to get the $5 permit and take the morning to find a tree... well... we also had to add a $10 saw... so this tree is now up to $15 dollars! But the kids were pretty excited!

They were all smiles until their fingers got cold... and their feet got tired... then the meltdown came... tears... oh the tears... we trudged back to the car without a tree...

And warmed up their little bodies, fingers with some hot cocoa and lunch...

I was especially impressed with our bagel p&j sandwiches... aren't they pretty?

Looks like a fancy dessert to me!

We hiked down a few more trails, drove to a few different locations... talked about how we should have bought the $25 tree at Home Depot... discussed how we could sell our permit to someone else... and about when all hope was gone Micah stopped at one more place.... we let him look by himself - he came back a few minutes later saying he found one... and wanted us to come look!

I told him it was marvelous... I could see it shining through the forest and I hadn't even laid my eyes upon its boughs... CUT IT DOWN! Well... we had to muster up enough energy for the cutting down picture... so we trudged through the snow once again... I loved the unique tree... We cut it down - Eden lost her shoe on the way back to the car - so I carried her, the boot, and a bunch of branches for our table center piece... and the saw back to the car... wow - what a day!

We toasted with hot cocoa and did the victory tree dance - while Micah tied it on the roof...

Somehow we felt like we conquered the world with this years hunt... And as you can see from this picture... we laughed a bit on the way home... oh my silly husband!

Big Kids...

2011-11-30T08:10:00.001-08:00

I am still in shock that we took a trip with the kids... and it was PLEASANT! In all my experiences traveling with my kiddos it has HARD (to say the least). They get thrown off their schedules... they react, won't sleep, get cranky, cry, act horribly... and STRESS me out. This trip they were FUN to be with! We enjoyed our 20+ hours in the car... we took our naps or missed our naps without major breakdowns and tears... it was a blessing. I am liking this older kid phase... A LOT!

Papa Bill emailed me this picture of Ethan that he took while they were at the park... I really like it!

Ethan Cade... 4 years old...

Eden Eve... up a tree...

Eden Eve... 2 years old...

Our Thanksgiving Trip...

2011-11-28T19:48:00.001-08:00

***I've been experiencing blogging blah... So for those of you who are wondering where I have been... this update is for you!***

A Happy Momma!

For our Thanksgiving break we took an impulsive, spontaneous trip to Colorado to visit family! The trip both ways went super well. This trip gave me hope that traveling with kids

can ACTUALLY be fun...

Dadda and his little girl!

We had beautiful weather! I had to laugh that I packed snowsuits, gloves and boots...

we sure didn't need them!

On Thanksgiving we spent the day with Micah's dad, brothers and their families. There was lots and lots of energy, activity and wildness! And I must mention INCREDIBLE food... fabulous food!

The next few days we spent at Nana's house! I love being related to this family - they are loads of fun. There were spontaneous dance parties, wrestling matches, lots of food, more food, and deep, rich and meaningful conversation! The kids played hard! And to be perfectly honest... I didn't see them much!

Isabelle, Ava, Eden, Eme, Liam, and Ethan

They were with their beloved cousins (all pictured above)

Being loved on by Aunt Jen!

It feels good to be loved! Being with family is a blessing... one we don't take for granite... we are so far away from both of our families... just being able to get together and enjoy each other is a gift... I haven't laughed as much or as hard as I did this past weekend in a L O N G time!

I couldn't help but throw in a picture of the other Forsythe family... I just love this picture! It was spontaneous... and may have ended up on their Christmas card!

Now we are back home... back to reality... I love this picture of Ethan because it captures our feelings quite well... worn out from the wild week we had... tired - but oh so happy and thankful!

It was a blessed Thanksgiving!

Snow, Snow, Snow...

2011-11-19T19:38:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful that the snow held off coming until November this year... For the past few years having snow in September made for some really, really long winters! This week we got a few more snow flurries... making it a winter wonderland outside!

Despite the low temperatures Ethan wanted to be outside playing... everyday. He is getting really good at snow angels!

Eden joined him a few times and she is working on her snow angels... they look more like modern art at this point in time... but A+ for effort! Micah thinks she looks like Ralphy from the Christmas story Movie in this picture...

I can't help it... I want my kids to be warm enough!

I watched from the window and a few times even ventured out to the porch to take some pictures... Ethan: "Momma, take a picture of me throwing snow in my face!"

I need to dig out my snow suit... hum!

We didn't do too much this week... I'm still trying to recover from the flu bug... this one was a nasty one... I finally started to feel more like myself on Thursday.... I could tell I felt better because I starting attacking projects with a vengeance!

On a side note: I love my kids eyelashes...

Aren't they beautiful?

Snow play is the best... wears out this little boy and that is HARD to do... his energy is incredible. Yesterday while he was playing he came to the porch and rang the doorbell. When I came to the door he EXCLAIMED, " Momma, I need HELP! I found the biggest icicle in the WHOLE world and I need help getting it down!" I sent Micah!

Ethan was pretty excited about this giant icicle... he even brought it inside with him!

Thanksgiving Thankful Thought #6: While editing these snowy pictures I was overwhelmed by how thankful I am for a warm"ish" house... a newly fixed wood pellet stove (just in time for the really cold temps), warm woolen socks, and hot tea! I feel like this month of thanksgiving is passing quickly so I will have to make up for it by being thankful for the rest of the year... because we do have a LOT to thank God for!

Weekend Bliss...

2011-11-13T19:05:00.000-08:00

Our weekend was full of activity, energy and people! Here are some highlights...

(from Left to Right: Melanie, Paige, Bethany... and me)

On Friday: A whole bunch of worlds collided... Bethany was visiting - I met her in Moldova and we (Kasie and I) are trying to convince her to move here and attend MBC... (keep your fingers crossed). She is a dear and I got to see a bit of her this weekend - which was a TREAT! Melanie (Kasie's cousin and a student from MWSB's class of 2011) is a sweet one! And of course PAIGE!!! None of these girls had ever met before but we had a blessed day of fellowship, laughter, shopping, and mint chocolate chip milkshakes... it was fun!

On Friday Night: Paige watched the kiddos and Micah and I got to go out on a date! I love dating my husband... I would do it more often if given the choice, but I sure enjoy the moments we get. We spent several hours working on our Marriage "homework" from our Marriage Sunday School class. It was fun to talk about our marriage - our relationship... we shared pizza and a giant cookie for dinner... it was good (the cookie and the conversation)!!

On Saturday: It was a snowy, cold morning but we bundled up and headed to Kasie's house for brunch! Kasie made these DELICIOUS scones and Melanie cooked up some yummy eggs. Micah and the kids watched a movie while Paige slept on the couch... and the rest of us sat around and talked about God - our lives... it was so refreshing... I love mornings like this!

When we got home we made raspberry snow cones with the fresh snow...

Ethan thought that was a very good idea!

On Sunday: We took Paige out to lunch (we splurged and took her to Costco for hotdogs!!!! I know - aren't we the BEST!???)

Paige filled the last 4 days with goofiness, fun, and laughter.... plus lots of art work and imagination. Last night we laminated a dozen pieces of her art work so that Ethan and Eden will be able to play with it long after she is gone... which is now - *sob* - She left this afternoon!

(We miss you already, Paige... and YES I am BLOGGING about it!)

This evening we watched Busytown Mysteries, ate popcorn and were pretty quiet... it was a weekend full of life and blessing... too much fun!

Thanksgiving Thankful Thought #5: I am so thankful for memories. Our life is rich with moments that we have seized and made the most of... I am so grateful for all the people that make these memories special, unique, and perfect... I love being able to remember all that makes our life the life that it is! We are blessed!

Paige is Here!

2011-11-10T20:48:00.000-08:00

Tuesday night I got a call from Paige (our dear Nanny)... She said, "Can I come visit you guys TOMORROW?" Yes please! Ethan was thrilled... he made cards and the duck craft in the above picture for his dear Paige... he stood by the window and watched for her all day wondering why she was taking sooooooo long to get here.

Paige is here now... and we are all thrilled. We are getting our "play" on! Paige taught me a lot about parenting the year she was a part of our family. She showed me how to be silly, goofy, and how to really play with the kids. We miss her... Ethan misses her the most because she was his playmate and together they could play like none other!

Today we made slime... Here is the recipe:

3/4 cups warm water + 1 cup white glue + a few drops of green food coloring

pour into another container containing

1 1/3 cup warm water + 4 teaspoons Borax

let sit for 1 minute without stirring.

It was pretty cool stuff... I wanna try this again because it didn't seem to have the right consistency, but it was still fun. I loved watching the kids play with it. I think it help that Paige was right there with them encouraging their little imaginations.

love

Paige

and am so thankful for the gift of her presence this week... How fun is that!

(One funny story from today.... Paige was making Ethan some origami from orange paper. He handed her a piece of green paper and asked her to make him some greenigami...)

Thanksgiving Thankful Thought #4: I'm thankful for friends who love me and stick by me through thick and thin. Paige has been with me during the very darkest days of my life and she still loves me... I am so thankful!

Simple Days...

2011-11-09T08:34:00.000-08:00

Toasts with chocolate milk is about as creative as it is getting this week... we've been having mornings of "nothingness"... Momma is sick... kid chaos continue, the organized world of our home has ceased for this week. Laundry is piling up, the dishes are staying contained... but barely... Yesterday the house was so filthy I forced myself to clean... sweeping and vacuuming was about all I got done. The kids dusted. I take for granite what I do on a daily basis... until I can't do it. Things go down hill FAST!

I've been seeing a lot of this from my chair... I sit, drink ginger ale and pray for this sickness to pass... it has not been fun! I am feeling a bit better today... I feel so guilty for being sick... it is hard to let myself rest and be still... and to not feel bad for doing it! This too shall pass.

Thanksgiving Thankful Thought #3: (I'm behind on these thankful thoughts) I am thankful for the health I normally have, but take for granite! Being sick reminds me of the strength, energy and life that I normally have... the life God has given me. I am working on being thankful for rest... ironically "studying rest" is my homework in counseling this week... go figure!

Ethan's Prayer and Statement!

2011-11-06T20:57:00.000-08:00

Ethan's prayer yesterday morning, "Dear God, please help us have a better day today... we got off to a rough start yesterday." Out of the mouth of babes...

After a ROUGH afternoon with Ethan today out of the blue he started being really, really, really sweet to me. I mean we had been going head to head - battling the wills all day long and so I asked him, "Why are you being so nice to me all of a sudden?"

He responded, "Everybody needs a lot of love!"

(I just love these sleeping pictures of him... melts my heart!)

First Snow Day...

2011-11-06T14:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we woke up to snow!

The first thing Ethan said was, "Can we set up our marble set?" This summer when I put this set away I told Ethan we wouldn't get it out until it snowed... he remembered and he asked! More like pleaded. I was okay with it. We had the whole day to play... so we set it up!

He even built his own little marble maze...

It was a great first snow day of the season... we played mostly inside...

venturing outside for some snowballs...

some snow nibbles....

snow angels... and catching flakes on our tongues...

We played forts, made olive/pepperoni pizza...

And ended our evening with a funny movie... Ethan is at that age where he gets the funny things and his laugh makes me laugh... I'm still recovering from my dance with the flu... my tummy is still off... and I am still tired... BUT...

Thanksgiving Thankful Thought #2: I am thankful for our little house. I am thankful that it has become a home and a place where we are making so many memories. I am thankful for this snow day... games, laughs... and just being together in a warm place. I cherish days like this so much. Just wishing Micah was here!

A Change of Plans...

2011-11-05T09:52:00.001-07:00

Our bags were packed... maps printed... coupons clipped... excitement was off the charts - we were heading to a Seattle wedding of some dear friends. 4:45 I woke up... got in the shower. Micah started the car and packed up the bags. We were getting ready to get the kids up and I felt a wave of nausea wash over me. I had to lay down. I told Micah something was WRONG! He felt it too. He turned off the car and the flu hit us... HARD. Well... Micah not as hard as me. I couldn't move for the next 10 hours except to puke, puke, and puke. I have never had a flu so painful as this one... it felt like it was in my nerves. I could barely text some friends and ask for help. I knew Micah needed to go to the wedding without me... because he is officiating the wedding... so he HAS TO BE THERE! Around noon a friend came and took the kids and Micah left for Seattle without us. I just cried. It is a couple days later... the wedding will take place in a few hours... I won't be there. I didn't get to see my dear friends, it hasn't been the weekend I had been planning since summer time... there are no pictures of the Woodland Park Zoo... there are no hugs from friends... I still don't feel 100%... I texted Micah, "Aren't you glad this isn't our real home?" Sometimes... often - plans change. It is sad... it hurts... it is confusing, but this isn't our real home... I keep whispering that to myself... hopefully I will believe it! While I keep whispering that to myself... I am unpacking, cleaning up after the flu... and trying to figure out what to do to keep the little ones busy... pray for us today, okay?

A Gray Fall Day...

2011-11-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I couldn't help but notice how gray the sky was... when we first ventured outside it was warm, but shortly after we began our trek around "our" little ponds it started to get chilly and the skies started spitting little water drops... it seemed "dark"...

Even though it was gray... I hardly even noticed the gloominess because my kiddos seemed quite colorful!

It may have been their colorful outfits... or the contrast between the dreary day and their energy full play!

I found the lighting was nice for taking some fun pictures of the kids... so I clicked away!

I just love this one of Eden!

And this one too... WHAT IS SHE DOING? Just cracks me up!

Last night I read in a book the importance of finding the beauty in every place or situation... It was refreshing to be outside in the chilly air... and delighting in the colorful bundles that ran around my feet... it was a fun little "hike"... rain, gloom and all!

***Thanksgiving Thankful Thought #1: I love learning from my kids. They teach me so much about how God loves me and how He is long suffering with me. My kids may be a lot of work and require sooo much out of me... but it doesn't change my love for them... it just endears them to me all the more! They have changed me... and I am thankful!

Weekend Highlight...

2011-10-31T12:35:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention... MY FAVORITE PART of the weekend. Friday night Ethan wrote his name for the first time on his own. We have worked and worked on letters... and Friday night something clicked. He sounded out his name and wrote it. Then he sounded out and wrote Dad, Mom... and lots of Hs. All he wants to do is write letters. He is ready to learn how to read. I need help?!?! What curriculums/programs would you guys recommend to start teaching him how to read...??? He is ready and EAGER!

Weekend Blessings...

2011-10-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

I love this picture of Eden... everything about it... the way she is sitting, the concentration, the way her hair twists up into her hair clip... the light coming in the window... and especially the way her pointed toes are poised on the floor. This picture captured a moment, but even more than that it captured a feeling of contentment. This week I have been counting blessings and being thankful for so many things throughout our days! Being conscious of blessings reminds me of how much God loves me and how He daily provides for our needs and many, many, many times our wants!!!

On Friday we helped a family pack up their moving van... I pray we were a blessing. I was blessed watching my kids haul out toys, pillows, (light stuff) to the moving van. They were so eager to help. Saturday morning a friend from Augusta brought us a HUGE box of groceries (Thanks, Teresa!). It blessed us... I love how we can be a blessing in other peoples' lives and in so many ways be blessed by others! It is truly a beautiful thing!

Also this weekend we went to a harvest party. I found out about it last minute so we rushed around finding costumes. Eden wore Ethan's costume from last year (remember)... I love looking back in time and seeing how much different life was... just a year ago!

Ethan wanted to go as a robot... that was pretty easy... Micah spray painted this box and Ethan made the buttons... He wanted to wear his striped hat so we didn't have to make a helmet...

Eden was tickled pink that she got to wear the sacred Ming-Ming costume... Ethan has worn this a lot this year.... I couldn't believe it fit her!

We had fun at the harvest party... the house was packed with college kids... after braving it inside for awhile we found the bonfire outside...

Ethan thought the fire was the best part... I just enjoyed watching his excitement.

It was a blessed weekend... filled with lot of home project and catch up work... good to catch our breath before this busy week!

***Looking forward to TOMORROW... the beginning of November and a season of intentional THANKSGIVING! Praise God from whom all BLESSING flow!

Our Creative Play Projects...

2011-10-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

On the way home from Church on Sunday Micah talked about how he had observed in Ethan a desire to build things. He had noticed that anything that gave Ethan options for building... legos, lincoln logs, and blocks Ethan spends hours building, creating... constructing. This comment made me think. We do a lot of craft projects... but they are always pretty structured. When Ethan was younger I tried unstructured crafts/creative times and it just didn't work.

This week I tried the unstructured creative times again. It has been delightful. I gave Ethan scissors, a stapler, paper punches, markers/crayons, and glue and he has spent hours creating and building all sorts of things out of simple materials... old magazines, cardboard straps, paper... He is very creative!

Eden comes and goes and I always have to keep an eye on the scissors... and glue... for some reason she thinks glue smells good... Oh dear, Eden!

Before I had kids I dreamed of times like this.

I love being creative and now I love seeing creativity in my kids... it is a fun thing!

Another project I tackled this week is this push pin toy. I have seen things like this on other blogs and so I took the idea and made it with stuff we had around the house. Although, I did buy the colored rubber bands and tacks with a money back voucher... so they were free.

Ethan has really enjoyed this simple game. He pushes in the tacks and connects the rubber bands and then looks up and asks, "What is that, Momma?" It is a fun game... and I think it encourages that "building" part in Ethan.

I am stocking up ideas for house games... this sheet of ice indicates that winter is near and we are going to spend a lot of hours in the living room playing games and simple indoor activities.

(Eden saying, "Cheese!")

This is a unique season for us... we play, talk, laugh and play more. I am very thankful I get to be involved in these kiddos' lives for this time... it is a blessing!

Discipleship #2: Reading God's Word

2011-10-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

Reading the Bible is a priority in our home. There is no substitute for the rich words of scripture... I understand this... I also believe in the importance of engaging little minds and hearts in a way that God's truth is communicated and understood. Since I was in high school I have been collecting Children Bibles. I love the pictures... the simple truths of the stories. As a family we have established a set times in our day to read Bible Stories... every single morning at breakfast and before bed. I read to them in the morning and Micah reads to them at bed time. It is amazing how fast we go through the BIG Bible story books... There are many times I get all choked up as I read these simple stories... God's truth is powerful and I continually pray that these times plant seeds in my kiddos hearts. Here is a review of the different story books I have and use!

This story book I found at the thrift store (an amazing place to find Children Bible story books!). We are currently reading through this one in the mornings. I enjoy it. It reads more like a Bible and the chapters are short... perfect for little one's attention spans.

Here is one of my first Children's Bible. I bought it on sale at the Barnes and Noble by the San Francisco Wharf. I was visiting there with my high school Art Club. It is kinda special to me! This one has a lot of words and so I probably won't read this one to them until they are older!

This is a Bible story book my mom read to us. I always loved looking at the pictures... and it is sentimental! The reading sections are short and have good questions. I actually bought my copy in England while I was on a mission trip.

Here is our newest addition to the collection. I picked this one up at the Christian bookstore and am so excited to read through it with the kids. I have read several pages and I think the illustrations are incredible and the thoughts intriguing. Anyone have any thoughts on this one?

My favorite Children's Bible of all times is this one... Every Story Whispers His Name The Jesus Bible Storybook Bible. It takes me back to my college Bible classes that were taught by Prof. Lubeck. This book makes me cry... every single chapter! It shows how every story in the Old Testament is pointing towards Jesus... wonderful, beautiful... and convicting.

This one is my second favorite... it is by David Helm. It shows the BIG PICTURE of scripture... our need for a Savior and does an excellent job of taking individual stories and weaving them together as one BIG STORY. I love the illustrations by Gail Schoonmaker.

In the my Bible Story collecting I have come across PURE HERESY! The ones above are NOT MY FAVORITE! I would never, never recommend stories by Kathleen Long Bostrom. I disagree with how she tells the stories. Like for instance Adam and Eve were BORED in the garden that is why they ate the fruit... seriously? They had communion with God and a beautiful sinless garden... I hardly believe that is reason to be bored into sin... come'on! The Children's Bible Treasury does a horrible job of telling the stories... in fact it rewrites them all. For instance... a storm at the tower of Babel made the people scatter, Jacob was given the choice to marry Leah or not... he was not tricked. He was mad but decided to do what he should do, and Potiphar's wife didn't seduce Joseph she just kept telling lies to Potiphar until he believed her and threw him in jail. I understand being sensitive to your audience, but I also believe that it is important to teach WHAT the Bible says - Most of the Bible stories are crazy/wild, terrifying stories... Noah's Ark???! I don't believe in changing the story line. When I was reading the Children's Treasury I spent a lot of time - saying, "Oh wait... that is not how the story goes..." then telling the right story... until I was fed up and quit reading it to them... it was not worth my time or energy! The last one in the picture... just isn't one of my favorites... I didn't appreciate the liberty it took to add "fiction" to the text.

With all of these I made the "mistake" of not reading them before hand... but I thought that was okay because I think it is good to teach your kids to THINK about what they are reading (especially if you are reading a text outside the Bible that is about the Bible)... I want them to ask, "Is this story lining up with what God's Word says...?" I have a huge responsibility to TEACH my kids what scripture actually says - so they know!

I have enjoyed these Bible stories. They are super short. The top one is Bible stories and the second one highlights heros of the Bible... I love the music that came with them!

I have a ton of Bible stories books... I read them to the kids all the time. I want God's word to be cemented in their minds and hearts. It is amazing how much reading these simple stories impacts my heart and mind. I have learned so much... especially answering my 4 year old's theological questions... sure makes me think of how to explain things!

I started reading to them with these board books... while they were nursing...

Now, if we are in a hurry and time is tight... they still beg for me to read their Bible story in the morning... I figure it is okay to be late because you are reading God's Word! If you make God's Word a priority in your life... they will too!

Easy Painting Project...

2011-10-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

I love easy! This art project was easy! A friend introduced me to The Imagination Tree Blog (THANKS, Jen A!). It is marvelous... I am pretty sure I got this idea off of this site... be careful looking at it... it will suck you in and consume many hours if you let it! It has the recipe for a million hours of play and I have a list going of things I want to do with the kids... I get a lot of my ideas and recipes from there (Like: Edible Finger Paint and Homemade Paint! Like I said... it is marvelous!

I used our regular craft paint... thinned it with water and acrylic paint thinner to make it soupy enough for dipping. I loved collecting circle objects from all over our house... It is a good way to talk about shapes... and God's love! Back in the day, there was a song I sang in Sunday School that talked about how God's love is like a circle... a circle big and round. There is no ending to a circle and that is how God love is... never-ending! As we were stamping I sang the song... Ethan looked up at me and exclaimed, "That is the song you sang to me as a baby!!!" He is a trip!

The kiddos stamped a dozen pictures... I'm not gonna lie... I did a couple myself!

Art is fun... play is needed. We learn and grow through both... try this project - it is easy!

Love From Japan...

2011-10-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

No one told me how exhausting, humbling and GOOD counseling would be. I look forward to it, cry all during it, and leave refreshed and encouraged... with lots to think about. These past weeks have been hard as I renew my mind, focus on truth, and grow in grace. This past week a lot of heavy things took place... my mentor told me that my homework this week is to ask God to show me the love He has for me! I can love others, tell others how much God loves them, but somewhere there is a disconnect and it is hard for me to truly believe that God LOVES ME... and that other people love me too!

A few days ago a package arrived from Japan... my sister in law stuff the box so full of treats that it literally exploded when I cut it open. Amidst countless clothing items I found these little molds. They are egg molds... you boil an egg, peel it while it is still hot, then put it in the mold for 10 minutes... I have a thing for funky, fun things like this... it is creative, easy and just exciting... guess there is still a whole lot of kid wonder left in me!

This morning we tried them out... the kids thought they were pretty cool. I have a feeling we are going to be eating a lot of eggs around this place!

Thanks, Daniela for your love... I hope you hear how this blessed us, blessed me... I feel loved! And for the rest of you... plan a trip to Japan so you can get one of these cool egg molds... it will be worth your trip... hee hee!

"There's a Baby in my Tummy!"

2011-10-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

Just to clarify... I am not pregnant!

This morning we were getting ready to leave the house. Eden came to me and asked if she could put her baby in her tummy. I helped her tuck the baby inside her coat and then she ran around saying, "I gotta baby in my tummy, I gotta baby in my tummy!"

Micah trying to be support said to her, "I'm so proud of you, Sweetie!" I looked at him with a questioning look and he quickly added something about how glad he was that she was happily married or something to that nature. I have no idea where she got this idea... but it was interesting! Ethan is totally obsessed with me having another baby... he has decided that our next baby is going to be a boy and he is going to teach him to walk and play with him... to be exact he is going to toss him up into the air and catch him... hum!

Micah said that he took her to the car and told her the baby had to come out so she could fit in her seat... Micah said he heard a LOUD groan. He looked over and asked her if she got the baby out and she smiled and said happily, "YEAH!" When we all had gotten in the car Micah and I looked at each other with the look, "Did that just happen?" It made us laugh... crazy kids!

Fall Work Play...

2011-10-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

I am just loving all this fall weather! We have cold days, then perfectly wonderful days... then rainy days... it is unpredictable, but beautifully wonderful. It was suppose to rain today... and yesterday I was noticing that the leaves around our tree needed to be raked!

But YESTERDAY we had things to do. We had some wonderful new friends come over for some play. It was so good... play groups to me are so essential because it allows my kids to learn to serve other (something they are not good at yet... selfishness is prominent right now!), to share their toys and to be gracious hosts. In order to learn these things we need these teachable moments. I am SO thankful for these kiddo's Mom... Jen, you bless me! Thank you for constantly challenging me to love Jesus more!

Yesterday afternoon and this morning I attended a leadership conference with Micah. It was FABULOUS! But again... no time to rake the leaves and I knew rain was coming! While the kids slept this afternoon - I cleaned up the yard, drained hoses, put away our hanging swing, cleaned up toys... etc. Then when the kids woke up I got out the rake!

I got a pile started and then asked the kids if they wanted to jump in! Ethan was very timid at first, but his sister led the way... she instinctively knew what to do and dove in the pile!

After Ethan saw that it was "safe" he joined her in the play...

I think leave jumping/laying/playing is an essential thing to do in the fall...

We didn't play too long, but long enough to throw leaves...

be amazingly adorable and cute in the leaves...

And get buried over and over again!

Micah came home while we were raking and it was extra exciting helping Daddy!

With hesitation we finally decided to bag up the huge pile...

The kiddos were super great helpers... and as we were making our way into the house... the rain started! Thank you Jesus for holding off the rain until the leaves we safe and dry in the garbage bags! This is one of those amazing jobs where you get to sandwich play with work... how fun!

Couldn't help adding this pic! I thought it was super cute!!!

A Surprise Field Trip...

2011-10-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

Today we headed outside to play at the park... as we stepped out the door I could tell it was not a "play at the park" day! It was cold... that brisk, chilly fall air that announces that winter is right around the corner! I knew I hadn't dressed the kids warm enough and so we headed to the library! Little did I know that they had a special guest visiting the library... a police officer!

The police officer talked about his uniform and all that goes on his belt around his waist. Then he took the kids outside to see his police car! Eden immediately climbed in the back seat and didn't want to get out... I just pray this is the first and last time she sees the back of a police car... thank you VERY MUCH!

The friendly police officer gave them a badge, a frisbee, and a bracelet! Talk about getting the "hook up!" The kids thought that was pretty cool!

They even got to make their own police CB radio... They have been playing policeman all afternoon... It was a pretty special unplanned moment in our morning!

A Peek at My Garden...

2011-10-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

I walked down garden memory lane this morning...

Here is my garden fall 2009... just months after Eden was born. It was an amazing garden... all I really did was plant seeds... I didn't really have time to tend to it like I wanted to, but the harvest was incredible! Reminds me of the verse in 1 Corinthians 3:7 "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow!" I know this is talking in a spiritual sense, but it really came alive to me as I watched God grow up my neglected plants...

In the summer of '10 I planted hundreds of seeds and plants all over the yard... and I saw my largest harvest that fall... beans, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, spinach, lettuce, squash, quarts of strawberries, pints of raspberries, TONS of flowers... all sorts of colors and varieties.

The yard truly was gorgeous... it was also that fall we finished the last rock wall... completing the landscaping ... ironic really! This past summer I heard that the woman who lives there now picked raspberries for over an hour one morning... John 4:37 came to mind, "Thus the saying 'one sows and another reaps' is true."

Here is my garden this year. I almost had one of those "I wish I was back in Egypt" moments this morning as I looked through pictures of my old plants and past gardens. They really became my friends and companions... They taught me so much about God and illustrated truths from His Word. But as I look at this years "garden" I have to smile. I have enjoyed these pots... their happy colors - the way I diligently moved them from shadows to sun, from cold to the warmth inside. I dropped some, kicked over others... but still the little seeds have grown!

Yesterday we harvested some of our basil. The kids did a great job pinching the leaves instead of pulling them and then we made pesto for dinner! Because they helped they both were eager to eat the finished product... surprisingly Ethan said it was "wonderful."

Some friends came over for dinner and it was a delight to share with them our "harvest"... the work of our hands. I am such a huge fan of pesto and fresh is the only way to have it!

Here is the recipe I used:

2 cups fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup parmesan (I just used the already grated parmesan cheese - you know the stuff you buy to sprinkle on your spaghetti! I'm sure the "real" stuff would be better, but I'm cheap!)

1/2 cup olive oil

1/3 cup walnuts

3 medium cloves garlic

a sprinkle of pepper and salt

Put the nuts in a food processor and pulse a few times - add the garlic pulse a few more times... add the leaves and cheese and run the processor while dripping the olive oil into the mixture... sprinkle with pepper and salt... take a lick.. it is that good!

I always freeze the extra and use it all through out the year in the sauces or soups I make... delicious!

Thank you, Lord, for Your provision this year...

You are the one that makes things grow!

All in a Day's Play

2011-10-18T08:16:00.000-07:00

I love how the play in our house is getting more creative and lively. Imaginations are running crazy and brings me much joy and delight... and yes, this is a normal house... so to clarify I am talking about those small/short moments of bliss that are intermixed with the fighting, yelling, and moments of training/teaching/discipline.

Yesterday they made a doctor's office out of stools and blankets. It was a tight squeeze but them both "fit" in there for short periods of time... usually seconds because that was about all Eden could handle before springing up and running around wildly!

At one point Ethan asked Eden to lay down on the ground a be a puddle... so he could jump "over" her. I wasn't watching but I heard this conversation...

Ethan: "Lay down, Eden, and be a puddle I am going to jump over you!"

Eden: "Okay, Ethan!"

a moment later...

Eden: "Umpth" (as Ethan landed directly on her back) "You hurted my back, Ethan!"

Ethan: "It's okay, Eden, it will heal!"

Lessons From My Daughter...

2011-10-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

What I see: Mornings are hard for Eden!!! I have learned that the best thing to do is to scope her and her basket full of things out of bed and carry her to the living room, hold her in my arms and just snuggle for about 5 minutes. I don't rush this process, I have learned not to skip this little routine in our mornings... in fact I find that I enjoy it.

What I am Learning: Mornings are hard for me too. If given the choice I would lay in bed for hours slowly waking up/dozing in and out of sleep. I don't get that privilege... in high school my school started at 7am for crying out loud. In college I always had 8 o'clock classes and now my son gets up before the sun does! I find it is so important to curl up on God's lap for 5 minutes or more and just be still. To quiet my heart and find my grounding before the early morning routine plows through the stillness and quietness of the early morning hours.

"In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." Ps 5:3

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." Ps 90:14

What I see: Emotionally she needs a lot... she is at that stage where I can understand about 95% of what she is saying and the other 5% I have to guess, guess and guess... until I get it right. She gets frustrated when I don't know what she means and DELIGHTED when I finally figure out what she wants or "needs". I have learned to be patient, kind and FIRM with her. I don't allow her to have a spoiled... I get everything I demand... there are many times throughout the day when she spends "quiet" time in her bed after she unleashes an academy award winning temper tantrum... she is learning she doesn't get milk every time she demands it... or whatever else she is asking for. I constantly speak to myself and say, "You are the parent! She doesn't run this house... you do!" She is a strong little girl... and I love it!

What I am Learning: I see Eden engaging with the world around her. She sees the world from her limited perspective and so the decisions she makes for herself seem logical. Of course ice cream after breakfast makes complete sense... it tastes good, it is sweet... WHY NOT!!!? As her parent I am constantly weighing what is good and best for her. I won't let her eat ice cream after breakfast because it is not BEST for her... it doesn't mean that I am a horrible, mean Momma (although my kids argue with that!). I met with my mentor this past weekend and she told me that I ask "why" too much. She told me that why questions always end up frustrating her and she challenged me to ask "what" questions instead. "What should I do about that NOW?" Who am I to contend with God? Why do I think I know better than He does... who am I question what He is doing or HOW He is doing it... it may be painful and I don't understand, but that is just because my perspective is so limited!

"Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow." Ps 144:5

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecc 3:11

What I see: She is quirky... see that basket of things? She is always encumbered by her "things"... she has to have 15 bracelets on her wrist, her bucket or purse of animals, her box of books, a stuffed animal or baby, and her blanket. I watch her struggle with the heavy load of things, but she insists that she "needs" them. At night the basket is with her when she sleeps and even during our snuggle times in the morning she wants her things to be on our lap or very close to our chair. When we go places she wants to take everything with her... I don't let her. She can take her blanket, but that is it. I worry, "Is this how hoarders start out?" "Is this healthy?" "Should I intervene - should I take these things away from her?"...

What I am learning: Then I wonder how many times I climb up into Jesus' lap with my basket of things I insist I NEED to carry around... worries, bitterness, anger, frustration... all little boxes in my basket. I wonder if He looks down at me like I look at Eden and just thinks, "I wish she wouldn't burden herself with all these little trinkets that don't have any value!" "She clings to them, but I wish she could just set them down so she could enjoy the world around her so much more!" The verse that comes to my mind constantly as I watch my little girl is Matthew 11:28, "Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." I want rest... I want to set down my basket of things that burden me and find His rest and peace!

This little girl teaches me so much. I see myself in her actions, emotions and determination. I have learned and AM STILL LEARNING to be patient, kind and gentle with her. To listen even when I don't understand and she is getting frustrated. I have learned to be still - to stop what I am doing get down on her level and look into her eyes when she is whining and emotional... to sit with her... to calm her and to be strong and stubborn.

I have come a long ways so there is hope for this little girl...

I know there will be hard times ahead for her and I pray that God will be kind, gentle and patient with her... I know He will be! I am thankful for how He is using her to teach me so much about Himself... He is so kind, gentle and patient with me!

A Winterizing Weekend!

2011-10-16T18:42:00.000-07:00

As I type it is pouring rain outside... can't help but think if we were still in the mountains - this would be snow........ hum! Glad I am not in the mountains... with that said...

We see signs that winter is right around the corner. Our little home has been cold, really cold and in the back of my mind I know that it is going to be WAY colder when it gets below zero! This weekend we tackled some winterizing projects.

Eli was here and he and Micah worked on sealing the doors... don't ask me what they are doing in this picture. Micah would kill me if he knew I put it up here... they have a strange relationship - I don't ask questions. They sealed outlets... and talked about other ways of making the place warmer! They also hauled over 400lbs of pellets into our house for our pellet stove... BUT when they tried to turn it on it didn't respond... so we will have to figure that out!

I got out the sewing machine and sewed draft snakes for the outside doors and quilts for the bedroom windows. I just have a few windows left. These window blankets will hopefully help block out the cold... I also have those plastic window kits to put up...

This afternoon I stuff the draft snakes (or giraffe snakes as Eden would say) with beans and while I was at it I sewed a few bean bags for the kids.

It kept Ethan busy for a while...

Tonight for dinner we had our Sunday tradition: popcorn, pretzels, and apples. This time I put a few drops of almond abstract in the dough and when they came out of the oven I brushed them with melted butter and dipped them in cinnamon and sugar... it was a perfect end to a busy weekend. I am thankful we got a few of these winterizing projects done!

Time Out!

2011-10-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

Last night there were many tears... buckets of tears. And they weren't from the kiddos... they were mine. The dam broke and I just couldn't stop crying... There has been some hard relationship stuff on my plate and something inside of me just needed to cry...

Micah had left to go to college group and I loaded the kids up and told them - let's go get ice cream... something rich and chocolate-ly. I have been trying so hard to stick to our monthly food budget and last night I just didn't care. We were going to splurge and buy ice cream!

Amazingly the kiddos were perfect shoppers... no opposition... Ethan begged for chocolate and Eden begged for pink (strawberry)... we got both. Micah was home when we got back - he decided to stay with us... with the kids tucked in bed - I had a small bowl of chocolate and cried some more. This morning there has been many more tears - it is the way life goes in a fallen world... I need a time out to collect my thoughts... but for now a small bowl of chocolate goodness goes a long ways... hum!

Thankful Thoughts...

2011-10-13T19:13:00.001-07:00

As the weather shifts and the leaves start to fall from the trees I always become contemplative and begin to mentally think through all the things I am thankful for. Thanksgiving is right around the corner... it is my favorite holiday. I love remembering all the things that God has done in our lives and for us! This afternoon the kids were up early from rest time and we (okay in reality) I was sorting through their bedroom and cleaning up the toys. Several times I heard my Mom's words, "There is a place for everything and everything should be in its place" come out of my mouth during the toy shuffle/clean up! I now understand why she said that to me all the time... she should be proud of me now... I finally get it! As I sorted and dug through the piles... throwing away bits and pieces... sneaking away broken toys... I found myself thinking, "We have too much!" I often look around my house and wonder, "What can I get rid of? We have too much!" Once order was restored to the toys I began on the kids' closets. Eden has more clothes than any girl should... not even sure she will wear all that she has... I am filled with thanks. As I sorted and folded, pulling out the 18 months - now too small... I only found one outfit that I actually bought for her. All the others have been given to us. I was thankful.

Our lives are rich. I am thankful for the little things in our life... the beauty around us, the simpleness of our days, the constant reminders of God's faithfulness and provision.

He has been so good to us...

I am thankful!

Discipleship #1: Responsibility

2011-10-12T08:11:00.001-07:00

I have been thinking a ton about parenting, discipleship as a parent, and discipline. The main reason we moved to Bozeman was to be able to focus on discipling our kids. Our ministry demanded too much time, too my energy, too much everything. I noticed that I was surviving in the areas I cared the most about... being a wife and a Momma. I was mentoring (not really) 8 girls... I say not really because I was spread so thin my main goal in my meeting times was to not fall asleep... listening was optional (kinda/sorta joking). Dreams I had of parenting/ discipling were put on hold or sloppily executed for Ethan's first 4 years... I regret that. Where do I go from here? ... How do I make up time? ... These are thoughts that have been on my mind and in my heart... these past 6 months. Parenting is a huge responsibility... a big gift... I am a steward of a precious human being made in the image of God... I don't take this lightly at all!

I often read Deuteronomy 11:18-21 that says...

"Fix these words of Mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the day s of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth."

And wonder how am I teaching my children? More things are caught then taught and how is my life being an example to them... what am I teaching them? I want them to know and love Jesus... I have studying and spent hours looking for tangible ways of discipling children.... I am a visual, artistic person and so I have to be able to see, touch, taste, explore a concept before I understand it... So I am developing ways to discipling my children and so once a week I want to share the Bible studies and activities I am doing with my kids... maybe it will be useful to you if you are a parent on the discipling journey!

We never dreamed that Ethan would have troubles adjusting to social settings. Never thought about it. He interacted fine with college kids, but really didn't consider that going to a structured setting would cause so many issues and problems. He is a compliant kid and very obedient (for the most part) at home - he tries so hard to please... so when he started to get kicked out of Sunday school and/or we started receiving bad reports about him - we were dumbfounded. One Sunday School worker told my friend, "I've never had a kid like Ethan in all my life - I had no idea what to do with him!" So lately we've gone back to our family structure. We've spent hours talking with him about being a part of our family... the privilege and the responsibility. He is to honor us as his parents and one way of doing that is by honoring his Sunday School leaders and those who we entrust with his care. One aspect of being apart of our family is responsibilities. The last couple weeks we have established chores. He doesn't get paid or rewarded, but instead we are teaching him that it is his responsibility to pitch in and help out the family. I made him a chart... it hangs on the fridge and when he does his chore he can put a smiley face magnet by it.

He absolutely delights in doing his chores (as of right now... we enjoy what we get!). He does them well... he has thought of a bunch of chores I didn't put on the list and he thinks I should make a new list. There are other responsibilities that he enjoys like pulling in the trash can from the curb on trash day... setting the table... and many more.

The Outline of our study is as follows:

God Designed us to work:

Genesis 2:15 "The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."

We all share the work load:

2 Thessalonians 3:6-10

Focusing on 2 Thess 3:10b "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."

We Work to Please the LORD, not man.

1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

A Fall Day...

2011-10-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

For the past couple weeks Ethan has been asking me if we could make gingerbread men.... or as he would say, "Men cookies." On cold mornings I am all about a warm oven... some how it takes the chill out of the air. So we made the dough, let it chill

then rolled it out. I used a recipe out of the book, Teach Me To Do it Myself by Maja Pitamic.

1/4 cup butter + 1/4 cup brown sugar + 2 T corn syrup (heat on stove until melted). When cooled add to 1 cup flour, 1/2 t baking powder, 1/2 t ground ginger, 1/2 t cinnamon, and 1 T milk. Chill for 30 minutes, then roll out to 1/4 inch thickness... cut and bake at 325 for 10ish minutes. I liked this recipe because it was a small amount. We don't need cookies around the house... that is for sure!

We dug through all our cookie cutters (we have a lot) and found all the leaf, pumpkin, and acorn cutters. Perfect for fall!

I am loving this stage of life... Eden is old enough to participate without sticking EVERYTHING into her mouth... that stage lasted WAY too long for her... and me (and she still eats play dough by the handful!) Ethan has always been a great little worker. He amazes me with his attention span and diligence when given a project to complete... which makes it even harder for me to imagine why in the world he has so much trouble in Sunday School...

I tell them often how much I love them... and enjoy them.

While the cookies cooled we grabbed some plastic bags and went out to collect fall treasures. It was a bright and perfect FALL DAY... I am so glad we did... because it is soggy and wet out there this morning... with more rain on it's way!

After swinging, picking up every twig, dead leaf and other questionable treasures we headed back inside to decorate and eat lunch.

I had some left over candy from Ethan's birthday cake and so we cut it up and they frosted and put more candy on each cookie than I thought possible, but they were overjoyed and delighted with sugary morsels....

At one point I looked down at the colorful cookies and noticed a dandelion that Ethan had picked me... right in the middle of the cookies... it made me smile. I love childhood!

We made a tray of cookies for the neighbor guys... Ethan left them on their door because they weren't answering... moments later they came out and Ethan yelled to them, "We made those for you guys... Happy Fall!" It is a happy fall... our favorite time of the year!

2 Create Before 8. . .

2011-10-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

Ethan woke up with the art-itchies. He is dying to make a cement truck... so before 8 we got out the paints, boxes, tubes and such for him to paint. When they dry we will be assembling something that hopefully looks like a cement truck!

Eden woke up and when she saw the paints it took everything to hold her off so she could finish her breakfast. When the last spoon of oatmeal was barely in her mouth she was begging to paint! They both painted enough pictures to send to all the grandparents... they were busy. At one point Eden asked if she could have more ranch? It took me a moment to figure out that she wanted more white paint. . . that made me smile!

It amazes me how much we get done before 8. I often wish my kids weren't early risers. It makes my morning more complicated... because I am not a morning person! A few weeks ago I resolved to get back on a disciplined schedule and so that annoying alarm goes off in the early minutes of the 5 o'clock hour. . . not my favorite time of day! BUT I am a better mom when I get up, exercise, and spend time in God's Word BEFORE the day begins!

Wow, it is only 10... and I am ready for nap time ;o)

A Normal 36 Hours?

2011-10-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

I really am thankful for the life that God has given me. . . Everyday is a new day - and there is no guarantee what the next day will look like. Every morning I always wonder what new adventure God will take us on. . .

Yesterday it seemed like a normal morning...

we ate breakfast -

read our Bible story

and began our day.

***Ethan and I were up early and made this delicious pumpkin crumb cake for breakfast... OH MY GOODNESS... I would not be a friend if I didn't share the recipe with you! Ethan did all the measuring. . . all the licking. . . and all the snitching - I love baking with him!***

By dinner time - this is what our house looked like. I stopped counting at 12. . . and just kept making trays of nachos. It is fall break in some college arenas and they all collided in our living room! I couldn't have been more thrilled. I knew several were headed this way and I was thinking of planning something formal, but this was much better! Almost like a surprise party. . . except I was the host (a host that had to slip away to the grocery store to get enough food to feed them all) Thankfully I'm still use to cooking for 20+ college kids.

Truly, I wouldn't want another life - I miss the Wednesday night Bible studies. . . the mass of bodies, the deep conversations over the hum of excited voices and laughter. I love this age and still dream about having some sort of hospitality house to host travelers and people in seasons of transition. For now. . . I relish the college kids that come and visit!

This morning, as the bodies were still spread out around our house. . . we had some other visitors. . . this time kids. There were dirty diapers, wet pants, mushed banana in the carpet, juice spills, bumped knees, but the kids are BOTH taking naps this afternoon so I know it was exciting for them. Micah and I have really been praying for Ethan lately. So much has been on our heart and I couldn't help but smile when I overheard this conversation

he had with his new friend:

R: I'm afraid.

E: Don't be afraid R! You know what you need to do when you are afraid right?

R: No

E: When you are afraid you should pray and God will help you not be afraid. You know how to pray don't you?

R: "silence"

E: Let me pray for you! Dear Jesus help R not be afraid. Amen! See now you don't have to be afraid Jesus will be with you.

It made my heart smile. . . he is listening! This past 36 hours was not what I expected,

but it has been a party. . . an exciting adventure!

Toesicles

2011-10-06T12:56:00.000-07:00

This morning we were trying to get out of the door. Everything that can happen happens. . .

it is like a grand comedy. . .

I was getting Micah's camera ready so we could deliver it to him and I overheard this conversation

Eden: "HAPPY SHOOOES! I want my HAPPY SHOES!"

Ethan: "No, Sweetheart, you can't wear your sandals! It is cold outside! Do you want your toes to turn into toesicles?"

She insisted. . . He assisted. . . and we finally made it out the door!

Rainy Morning Play. . .

2011-10-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

We haven't used finger paint in quite awhile and when I found a different recipe online (here) I wanted to try it! It was super easy. . . As I was cooking it I noticed the smell. . . and it wasn't pleasant so I put in a few drops of peppermint extract and it immediately made it smell quite nice. . . Since it is rainy and overcast today - I thought this would be a perfect pick-me-up activity.

The kids had been busy playing in their bedroom. I got the stuff animal bucket out and they haven't played with them in a while. . . so they were quite busy and it provided time for me to make the paint and set up the art area.

(If you don't have little trays like the ones in the pictures - I would highly recommend them! They are a few bucks at Michaels and worth every cent (you can also go to their web site sign up for weekly offers and get a 40% of coupon!). . . The mess is contained. . . it also helps define their work area!)

The kids loved this project, they do every time! And I enjoyed watching them as I studied and sipped my coffee at the counter. . . (my coffee was especially good today - Micah brought me home some Peppermint Mocha creamer last night!!!) I love rainy days!

The Morning War. . .

2011-10-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

The 4 year old in this house woke up fighting. He refused to eat breakfast, he cried, he argued, he fought. . . he was ugly - VERY ugly. I wanted to hold him. . . have him transform into an itty-bitty baby and just fall asleep in my arms. . . to turn back time - to set more boundaries, to redo his early years. . . but I'm realizing there is grace - not perfection, but grace.

How do I parent this little guy? How do I teach him to love and respect God and others? I find there are more questions in my head than answers - so many prayers prayed almost continuously begging for wisdom, patience and grace. I have taught a lot of kids, been around a lot more and never met one quite like Ethan. He has humbled me more than anything else in life - realizing on a daily basis I don't even know what to do! When I do research on his behavior, his learning style, on signs that I see he falls more in the "special needs" category. Before I would have slapped the label "needs more parenting" or "his parents don't have a clue - they need to discipline more" or something else that would be highly judgment and convicting enough to make me turn and repent (or SHOULD make me repent). . . now I have experienced differently. I am learning I have to parent differently, to undo some of the behavior I allowed. . . these aren't new thoughts - I have been mulling and thinking about these things for a long time. I figured a lot of you, my dear friends, are teachers.

You might have some ideas and suggestions for those kids that don't fit in the box.

He is smart - super smart - but underdeveloped in social skills and some motor skills. I have been working on writing with him and realized I need to do more tactile activities. . .

like drawing in the sand, play dough, fingerprint... we aren't quite ready for a pencil.

I'm constantly evaluating or thinking through my ability to teach him. . . Can I? Would it be best for him? If I can make learning fun or a part of our day it is enjoyable. . . if I add structure he becomes difficult, distracted, and CHALLENGING. I continue to remind myself that he is only 4. . . it is time for him to play and discover the world through that avenue, but I long for a Sunday where I can take him to Sunday school and when I pick him up hear something positive. . . something encouraging instead of a long list of his behavioral disruptions and the action that was taken. AHHH... who wants to hear that. . .??? It is humbling!

After the morning war. . . there was a lull in the fighting, then he emerged from his room a different kid. We talked and baked some granola bars (here), we played trains, played chase, read books, and looked for craft ideas online. I made him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for dinner so there wasn't a fight. . . and the evening slowed down until it was bedtime. Tomorrow is a different day. . . and I am thankful for that.

My other little one was pretty mild today. . . she sat in my lap a lot. . . gave me lots of hugs and kisses. I have parented her a bit different from the beginning - funny how you learn the second time around. She has her days, AND I was extremely thankful this wasn't one of them!

The Unexpected . . .

2011-10-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

Ever plan your day only to have it turn out entirely different than what you thought!??

This morning was like that! I planned on starting some preschool stuff with Ethan and Eden. I want a little more structure in our "education" and so I am just going to do a little calendar time, story time and craft time. . . But I got a text from a friend asking us to join them at the park. . . I couldn't resist an excuse to get outside! So we rode over to the park!

I am so glad we did. It was early in the morning. . . so the playground was quiet. I so enjoy my friend and so our quick exchanges between running after kids, pushing them on the swings, and kissing ouchies were refreshing! After she left for another meeting we lingered on the playground until it got busy. . . then we wandered over to the ponds to explore!

I've had a lot of thoughts in my heads about parenting, questions of how to handle Ethan, how to teach/train them to be obedient, how to discipline them, how to disciple them, how to encourage them, how to play with them more. . . and the list goes on and on.

And I guess these moments encourage my heart as we talk about who made the flowers, we wonder what it would be like to speak a word and create a whole world, and think about how much we are loved by that Creator! It is not a forced conversation, but it just flows out of what we are doing. . . This is why I love to take pictures. As I focus in on something the kids are alway curious of what I am taking a picture of. . . especially if it is not of them! We can talk about colors, stamens, stems, bugs, grass, dirt. . . the list goes on and on. I really want learning to be a part of our life - not a chore or something that is forced.

So even though our morning was unexpected it was good for me. . . to have some time to think through some things. . . to focus in on the beauty around us. . . to breath in.

Drinking Horse Mountain Hike. . .

2011-10-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

(The view of the valley from a viewpoint on Drinking Horse Mountain!)

The warm sun against our face, the rocky dirt beneath our feet, and rich landscape of beauty for our eyes to feast upon ... ah this was our Saturday. I marvel at the handwork of God's hand, the way the plants display their "fruits" or seeds... the way the leaves burst with color... hues of orange, red and yellow! The last HURRAH before winter!

(Another view of God's beautiful land... and a picture of my boys!)

Yesterday, we took the kids on a short hike just minutes away from our house! One thing I love about where we live is that in only a matter of minutes you can be surrounded by nature or in a matter of minutes you can be downtown! Everything is close!

(Lunch by the river... good old P and J!)

This hike was a bit steep for the kids, but Ethan did the whole thing! He held my hand most of the way and we talked about all sorts of things... his imagination is one of the greatest things about him (I didn't mind his chatter or the sweat between our hands... I just breathed in deeply and thanked God for my growing-up boy!) On the way down the mountain we stopped by the river and ate our lunch!

(Playing in the river... why is water so much fun? We also found a stick lean-to on the mountain.... It was a cool fort... Ethan at least thought so!)

The kids threw rocks... why is it that we never tire of the splashes?

I really enjoyed our day. . . I really enjoyed the moments of worship and praise to our Creator. . . being out in nature, reminds me to turn my heart and thoughts towards Him and be thankful!

Thank you, God, for the beautiful fall weather!

Last Day of September. . .

2011-09-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

This week started out disastrous. . . On Monday I burned a batch of gingerbread scones, an apple pie, and forgot to grease the bread pan for my bread (I literally had to chisel the bread out of the pan!!) . . . By lunch time I wanted to cry. . . that evening our little/big bug got a bug and threw up all night long. . . Tuesday morning I took a deep breath and figured we could try to salvage the week. . . we have and I wanted to take a minute to be thankful for this fantastic last week of September! Here is a list of what I am thankful for. . .

1. Chocolate Chip Scones: My RA from college has a fun blog where she posts her refined-sugar free foods that she cooks for her family. This week she blogged about Chocolate Chip Scones. Say "scones" and I am hooked. I tried these and they didn't disappoint. . . although I did use refined sugar because I didn't have any coconut sugar, but at some point I will have to try again. . . this time with the right ingredients!
2. A Healthy Little Guy: I was thankful for the opportunity to serve my son in sickness this week. To love on him and to comfort him. . . I am thankful I had the resources to help him get better. He is a ball of energy and a firecracker in my day. I am thankful he is feeling better!

3. A Beautiful Little Girl: I am thankful for how this little dear is teaching me to enjoy the feminine things in life. I am thankful for pony tails and cute hair ties. I am thankful for her new words, her sensitive/strong personality, and her great snuggles. I am glad she is still my little baby. . . okay . . . *sigh* not so much!
4. Bozeman: This morning Micah and I were talking about how thankful we are that we are living in Bozeman. Monday afternoon we met with a pastor at Grace Bible Church for our church membership interview. We were amazed and grateful for our talk with him. We had been very honest on our applications and we were kinda surprised when he responded with reassured confidentially, care, and support. It was a breath of fresh air. . . and hope. Also on Monday I had my second counseling session and am just excited to sort out the confusion and pain in my heart. We came here in faith, believing and asking God for healing and encouragement. . . we can see Him answering specific requests.
5. Left-over Oatmeal: Moving here has thrust me back into the middle of a housewife's struggle of planning menus and sticking to a budget, after a 7 year college life/cafeteria based lifestyle (more on this to come). I hate, hate, hate throwing food away. The last few mornings my kids have not eaten their oatmeal. I didn't know if it was related to sickness or not - so I didn't fight that battle. I just saved the oatmeal. Yesterday, I took the left-over oatmeal and made these zucchini whoopie pies (with cinnamon cream cheese frosting)... don't ask me how I did it. I just threw a bit of this and that and they are AMAZING!
6. Care packages of Hand-me-downs: This week we got a package stuffed full of clothes for Ethan from my dear friend, THANKS LISA! Ethan latched onto this hat that was in the box and I am not sure if we will get it off his head. He was also equally thrilled with all the Mater and Lightning McQueen shirts! I was thrilled by the homeschool sheets tucked at the bottom! YAY! Thanks so much again, Lisa! God answers prayer - that is for sure!

~. . .~.*.~. . .~

See, I have lots to be thankful for. . . September was a beautiful month. . . full of memories, grace and THANKSGIVING! God is good to us!

Let Them Play. . .

2011-09-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

I rarely. . . and I mean rarely get sick. . . I have been sick this week with a head cold and feeling quite tired. . . probably from the lack of sleep the night Ethan was so sick. . . whatever the case I have been trying to sit back and enjoy watching my kids play. I've captured a lot of pictures that freeze memories from our last 48 hours. . . I think I have a pretty special life!

Here are some of my random thoughts. . .

Every once in awhile I get a picture that I love - My kids ignore me when I have my camera and in fact they try to look anywhere but at me. . . I still try to capture their gorgeous faces. . .

I love this one of Ethan. . . Such a big boy!

The weather has been INCREDIBLE. . . I'm lov'in this bright, warm fall.

Yesterday I pulled out the chalks and we colored up our sidewalks. . . I really want a chalkboard wall in my house. . .

Micah says no,

but oh how my heart says. . . YES!

(one day we will compromise. . . I know it!)

Last night we rode to a little park and played until the sun started to set.

I feel rich enjoying these long, slow placed evenings. . .

they sure are something special - that's for sure!

I love seeing my kids expend that last bit of energy in their crazy wild ways. . .

reminds me of a a blown up balloon being released before it is tied. . .

I am sure it helps them sleep better!

Today was a truck/dirt day. . . Ethan could play with his trucks for hours. . .

and today he did - I even let him stay out during nap time.

Eden is not as easily entertained. She is all over the place - I'm never quite sure what exactly she is up to - except when she is disrupting Ethan's play. . . then I hear about it!

Parenting/training is a constant thing. . . sitting back and watching has been refreshing.

I have enjoy these little guys a lot the past 48 hours.

Tonight we rode to another park. . . signs of fall are everywhere!

It was an amazing evening. . . perfect way to say goodnight to all the activity of the day. . .

We sure play hard. . . and that is a good thing!

Memory Fun

2011-09-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

I love to read blogs. There are amazing art/craft geniuses online - And every time I see something amazing I add it to my long lists of things I want to try. Awhile ago I ran across a blog that showed a fabric memory game (here)... I was in awe! I have been wanting to try this since I read about it... SO since I am not allowed to do any more home improvements (at the moment)...

I decided to dig out my fabric scraps.

Today was a great day to finish this project. Ethan and I have been playing with the few that I had already made... so he was thrilled when I told him I was finished!

He has a knack for this game...

and it is a perfect thing to play together while Eden is napping...

I love primary colors so I thought these where really bright and fun!

Eden thought the game was pretty... one day we all will be able to play the game, but until then... I know Ethan and I are going to enjoy this one!

60 Slaves...

2011-09-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

Sheets, blankets, pillows removed from the room... check!

Windows open... check!

Carpets vacuumed and scrubbed... check!

Bathroom floor washed... check!

Toilet cleaned... check!

Laundry in the washer and dryer... check!

Dishes clean... check!

Coffee made... check!

Chicken noodle soup cooking... check!

I am sure there are lots of other little things that can be marked off the list, but as I was scrubbing, cleaning and restoring order from the flu storm that attacked with fury last night I was thankful. Honestly I was! I have heard it said before that the modern woman has approximately 60 slaves within all the machines that are in a typical home. I was imagining what it would be like to clean up this mess without modern conveniences... I would have to go get the water, boil the water, scrub the sheets... you get my drift. In a "sick" way I am thankful for illnesses that remind me how thankful I am that I can take care of my babies. I had "bubbly" juice for the queasy stomach, a cold rag to clean and cool him, warm blankets to wrap his tired body in... and time. I am not rushing off to work this morning.. I am exhausted but it is okay. We are watching movies, coloring, making box trains... and staying in our PJs all day... I do have a lot to be thankful...

At one point last night Ethan had just finished throwing up and as he lay in my arms I wiped his mouth. He looked up at me and said, "Thank you so much for wiping my mouth, Momma. It is really nice of you!" It melted my heart. As sick as he was I wasn't expecting any gratitude... all I could think of was loving on him, kissing his head over and over, snuggling with him, and rubbing his back... his little words have been resonating in my mind this morning... I know he felt loved. Those are the moments that are important in relationships... I was able to be there - I was able to love.

It is a ticking time bomb around this place...

Eden will surely be next... it is just a matter of time...

Thank God for my 60 slaves!

Dave's Deep Dish Apple Pie...

2011-09-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Last night we went over to a neighbor/friend's house for dinner... Ethan and Eden brought home a bag of apples that they found off the ground around their apple tree.

All Ethan wanted to do was bake an apple pie. So this morning... FIRST thing we washed apples... He told me that if you only see one worm hole it means the worm is still inside... made me smile. We cut around the worm holes and the bad parts... until we had enough for a deep dish apple pie. I am loving the smell in our house right now!

Ever since Ethan has been able to sit on the counter he has helped me make pies... he is a great little baker... here is the recipe for our deep dish apple pie... I rarely use any other recipe...

Dave's Deep Dish Apple Pie

Pie Crust (this is the recipe I use for all my pies... enough for a 9 inch top and a bottom):

2/3 cup shortening

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

4-5 tablespoons cold water

(tip... when you roll out the crust roll it between plastic wrap... then you don't have to add extra flour and it is easy to put in the pie dish)

Filling:

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup floud

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

1/2 cup butter

8 med apples

First Day of Fall...

2011-09-23T20:28:00.001-07:00

*** If you checked my blog yesterday... you might have noticed some of these pictures, but later on in the day I realized how depressing my post was and I didn't want to ruin these pictures with a raw, depressing post... so I deleted them. So now I present them again in a more pleasant arrangement... hum! ***

Fall is here... I love everything about Fall...

(EXCEPT, as most of you already know, Halloween... I really despise Halloween)

... anyways...

Yesterday we did escape our home... and after we had played for awhile on the playground we ventured out for a walk around the small ponds that are next to the park. We took our time and wandered around the water's edge... We thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful fall weather...

I thought the golden grass was brilliant... it glittered in the sunlight and danced with the gentle breeze. All the seed pods, berries and last of the season flowers were radiant... each displaying their shape and color in an artistic display... I breathed deeply... and enjoyed!

I thought everything was just delightful. I really feel close to God when I am surrounded by His handiwork and the beauty of His creation... I marveled and enjoyed each detail of nature.

Those are some of the pleasant thoughts I had yesterday...I am thankful for this new season...

A side note: Last night we celebrated Uncle Eli's return from Africa by have a belated birthday celebration. The kids were delighted to have him home... I ended up going to bed early... it was a rough day - parenting is hard... life can be hard, but it's okay...

Happy Fall to all!

Just Another Fall Day?

2011-09-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

This morning I got a text from a friend... she invited us to the park. I needed that. I have been stuck inside. I know I should be out enjoying this beautiful fall weather, but we have been having some obedience/listening issues and so the thought of going anywhere or doing anything was overwhelming.

I am glad we got out of the house.

I am glad the kids had some new friends to play with.

I am glad I had a friend to talk to.

We needed this...

I feel like I am "up to my neck" in the mud and muck of parenting... I'm overwhelmed by the constant need for discipline. The way I repeat myself 100s of 1,000 times a day...

the constant disobedience...

I am tired of being the mom with the screaming cart of kids in the grocery store... or the Mom who has a streak of dog poop on my pants because my daughter decided to play with it and then wipe it on me (definitely going to carry antibacterial stuff in my purse from now on)! SERIOUSLY!!!

I love these kids to pieces, but they get to me... like nothing else. I find myself impatient, frustrated, angry... out of control... I see my sin and I don't like it!

We got home from our adventure and I left them in their car seats... carried in the few bags of groceries... and then crumbled by the door and called Micah. "What am I doing wrong???" Why is it so hard to be consistent, patient, loving, kind, and gentle with two sinful beings completely wrapped up in their own needs...

Some days I would love to take a sick day!

It is a battle to believe that all this training, guiding, loving, discipline, rebuking, hugging, cleaning... mothering is going to pay off one day. That these two little sinners will one day be a blessing to those around them!

It is just another fall day...

another day of grasping for God's grace and wisdom...

I pray that He will make all things beautiful... In His time!

And that He will give me the endurance to continue to shepherd His little lambs...

I'm not thriving today... but we are surviving!

House Tour: Kitchen

2011-09-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a before picture of my kitchen. I got this picture off of the internet.

Here is another view (also from the internet).

Here is a before picture of our kitchen with all our stuff in the kitchen.

Here is an after picture... taken from the same view.

Here are the kiddos modeling for the picture...

Here is a before picture (taken from the dining room).

An after picture of the same view.

Here is a before picture of the stools that came with the house...

Here is an after picture... I love how the white brightened up the darkness of my kitchen. The kitchen looks clean and fresh! And I love how it lights up in the afternoon sun!!! I still have to find handles for the cabinets, but gotta save a bit for that expenditure... I was just told by my husband that I need to take a break from home improvements... so I *sigh* shall!

After HOURS of sanding and painting - this space is kinda growing on me...

Put on a Happy Hat!

2011-09-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Ethan came racing into the living room from his "quiet afternoon rest" and announced that he needed to make a hat! So we busted out the art supplies and he went to work creating his masterpiece. He put so much glitter glue that I told him it would have to dry all night before he could wear it...

When Eden woke up from her nap she needed to make a hat too... so the fun began all over.

Ethan helped her and she was quite pleased with her creation!

This morning I was woken up by this boy bouncing on me with his hat on his head. I was not thrilled... I only slept a few hours last night - I battle with insomnia and Eden cried out several times last night waking me up the few times I actually got to sleep. I think she was cold because finally around 4 I went into her freezing room and snuggled with her until she was warm and then I wrapped her in her blankets... I have a feeling it is going to be a long winter... my finger and body are numb this morning... it is cold in here today!

Ethan insisted that I get up... and then he announced it was a wonderful day because he had put his "happy hat" on...

Eden put on her "happy hat" and they are both running around like wild animals. I guess I need a happy hat because I am cold and tired and not in the mood to be happy, but I guess this morning they are teaching me an important lesson... it is my choice to choose joy today...

I guess I need to go find a happy hat...

or at least a steaming hot shower,

another fresh piping-hot cup of coffee

and another blanket!!!

Another Monday...

2011-09-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

I could have sworn I just sat down and wrote about last Monday. I feel like I am in a time warp machine and my life is racing past me... I have started reading the book Disciplines of a Godly Family by Kent and Barbara Hughes because a very dear friend recommended it to me. And the one thing that is sticking out to me is how much work it takes to be intentional and purposeful about life. It takes planning and organizing and executing! Sometimes I just wish intention and organization just came naturally and easily, but I realize it takes a lot of WORK!

This morning I am overwhelmed with the details... I have a food budget that I can't seem to keep, menus to plan, "preschool" to think through, plan and teach, and CTM recipes that need to be mailed out... it is a lot right now. I tend to pack my plate too full and then get overwhelmed. I have been trying, trying, trying to figure out my priorities and stick with a handful of things instead of a truck load! It is not easy for me to do, but I want to... I need to...

Yesterday was a difficult day... I had some a couple of friendship issues that were very heavy on my heart, a church membership package to fill out (it was VERY detailed and long), and a pizza dinner to cook for some M-dub alumni. I fell into bed exhausted and climbed out of bed this morning exhausted! I don't want life to just happen... I don't just want to be caught up in doing a lot of things that I miss the most important things. Could you pray for me - that I could not just be busy, but instead be intentional and purposeful today?

Saturday Living...

2011-09-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

I love Saturdays! I think they are becoming my favorite day of the week!!!

This morning I found my husband sick in Ethan's bed... It was okay because he had some very attentive doctors... not the most gentle doctors I have ever seen, but attentive for sure!

I even saw them preform surgery!

While the kiddos and my husband napped... I painted. All afternoon I had a brush or roller in my hand and I am happy to report... I finished what I started! It looks good!

After the kiddos got up and ate dinner Micah started playing around with my camera... here is his favorite picture of the afternoon... so goofy!

Then when it was almost bed time... Micah said -

"Let's go out! I know a short cut to Cold Stone!"

We hopped on our bikes... The kids had no idea, but when they saw the rows of ice cream they were amazed! Ethan chose chocolate ice cream with sprinkles. Eden chose pink (strawberry) ice cream with sprinkles! Micah's looked good... and mine had chocolate and carmel... is there any other choice? I don't think so!

On the way home... we took the long way... pedaling down busy streets and through crowded intersections... but at one point Micah smiled at me and said, "Isn't it just FUN that we can do this?" I think so... I really do!

We stopped at one point to take a picture of the sunset. I asked Ethan and Eden if they knew that the heaven's declared the glory of God? Tonight they shouted extra loud!

It was a sensational Saturday!