Merry Christmas

Tradition in our home, places the nativity with an empty manager. After Christmas eve services, Christ is placed in his lowly manager. This is true at our new church as well. I love nativities and have collected quite a few. Some of my favorites are a small Fontanini set that I am slowly collecting, a Guatemalan nativity that E brought home from a mission trip and a new Jim Shore that we just recieved this year. .

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to CHRIST THE KING! May the JOY and PEACE of Christmas be with you all!

If you can't get TV reception ---

A) You need a digital converter


B) Snow is covering the dish


C) Skittles was cold











Answer is C!

If you can't get TV reception

Letter to Santa

Leah is scared of Santa. She always has been scared of people in costumes. For Easter, K (beautiful brown eyed girl) at her preschool held her hand for the pictures with the Easter Bunny. So SWEET! But the fear continues and she was quite upset when we mentioned going to see him. Luke is very insistent he is too old, but told her he'd sit with her. NOPE! So we wrote him a letter and Leah wanted us to e mail it so he'd get it fast! That's my technology girl! This is the letter we emailed to "save" at Microsoft word!




December 20, 2008

Dear Santa,

I have been a good girl. I’d like a Mariposa Barbie or a Game Boy DS. I like pink. How is Mrs. Claus and Rudolph the Reindeer? I have 2 kitties that like cap nip toys. My brother needs to write his own letter. We are not spending the night at Grandma’s this year, so on Christmas Eve please come to my house.

Love, Maleah



**** Since Luke needed to write his own letter.....he did and emailed it to me!

Christmas Tradition

We normally spend Christmas Eve at my in laws. This started when Luke was a little guy and my in laws wanted to spend Christmas morning with him....(not having his mother bring him over at almost noon when she is awake enough to shower and travel!) It has been wonderful-- cheese, crackers and wine after Christmas eve candle light services and waking up to see what Santa brought while still in my pajamas (although I have to keep dodging my father-in-law's camera). This year Ed needs to preach Christmas AM so we won't arrive until afternoon. I will miss spending the night and making Christmas morning easy! It started me thinking about our traditions we will always continue. One is the 7 day nativity that we will start on Thursday.
If you have young children....I highly recommend the story and nativity. Both of the kids love it! Leah's preschool pageant used the story as their program. (Be sure to see post below).

Preschool Christmas pagent

Leah had her Preschool Christmas program last night that was .....cancelled due to snow. Of course it was rescheduled for the noon hour today. Ed was able to go and watch and THANK YOU, took pictures! My new camera also can record a minute video! Almost as good as being there...... My baby is getting so big! ....Leah is saying "A is for Angels bending near the earth"

I am baffled

More people access my blog through google by this picture, than any other!
It's just a picture I thought my snake adoring son would love. He really wasn't even that impressed...but just chuckled a little that I thought of him to grab a picture. I am not sure why about once a week, people check out my blog on referral of this picture?!? If you stayed to follow this little blog about the love of a momma for her snake loving boy and his sister, THANKS! Of course you know by now....that is the closest picture you'll ever see of another snake!

Traditions

Traditions start one year at a time. For years - I have wanted to have a tradition of taking a / my little girl to a Nutcracker Ballet. The yearning started with my almost 15 year old niece. However, it just never happened, and then Luke was born. Luke just isn't the type of boy that could appreciate the culture of dance and ballet. Finally, I had my daughter. Now she is 5 and into all things girly and dance. Her gymnastics class is with a dance studio that put on a community performance. Leah has been excited for weeks. We invited aunt C and cousin J, and then we had a wonderful surprise visit from long time Des Moines friends, so C and T came as well. All day long, Leah was so sure it was time to leave and she sat spellbound until she quickly realized this performance differed from Barbie's movie version, and even the Mikhail Baryshnikov's version that she loves. Her disappointment did not last long! This was live and we knew some of the dancers and I had such JOY watching my girl's eyes sparkle with fascination at what the dancers could do, the costumes, the music and the THRILL! Hopefully, a new tradition has started!

The wii is broke.....

No power.
How will we survive? INSERT SEVERE DRAMA.
Call wii support.
Write a letter to Santa (even though we think we no longer believe). The front side is a desperate plea for another wii. The back is for any game system. You'll note all bases have been covered as the small print says (aka Mom or Dad)

Never fear Tech support called back and the wii has it's own surge protecter that trigger when the TV had a problem last night. WHEW!!!!

I'll keep a look out

Meow, You say someone has been climbing the tree?
I wouldn't know anything about that!

....I hope Santa hasn't been watching, meow.

Trip to the city

Big day today....after school, we all went to Kohls! I thought I should get to the little city nearby since a reader of my blog thought my ALDI's love was a tad pathetic. I believe her words were..... "that girl needs to get out more". So all of us, yes Ed agreed to go and of course nothing was stopping Leah from "buying something" (desperate whine) and Luke needing to bring a friend. After eating out and buying 2 pairs of kids shoes, ear muffs and a XMAS present, we were done with the excitement of the city.... it had a lot to do with shopping with 3 children!

With sales, Kohls earned money and a 15% off coupon on the whole purchase....I saved $86..... now that is better than ALDI's!!!!!!!

Then I got to "talk to baby E" on the webcam. Actually it's more wistfully gazing at such a beautiful child as she finishes her bottle and falls asleep on Daddy's shoulders. SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!! Makes me want another....but then they grow up and you have to take them shopping!!!

Luke's having a sleepover with his little friend..... Do I give to precious sleep or do I keep an eye open to keep the party to a dull roar? Actually, they'll deny it....but they are getting pretty quiet!

Note to self:

Do not forget gloves when Iowa recess is held outside unless -80. Seminary City really spoiled us for Iowa winter! Actually.... I'd be surprised if I ever forget my gloves on a school day again!

Leah and Marissa

I am thankful for Kohl's Me and My Dolly dresses.....and great sales!!! Leah and Marissa are so happy!!!!

Black Friday

Busy productive Black Friday. Aunt B and I braved the crowds for some good deals. I wanted to go more out of need to shop than the good deals (I have been so spoiled living in the big city). Of course I am not crazy (at least not overwhelmingly so) and we left the house about 6:30 AM. I am pleased with my purchases and prices. I also made it to ALDI's. I have been so spoiled with living near an ALDIs my entire adult life. Canned staples....especially vegetables are outrageous in a normal store!! So we bought cases of veggies and chili supplies at 1/2 price. I LOVE A GREAT DEAL!

The greatest blessing of all today is our appointment with Dr. C ---- Luke's pediatrician since 5 weeks old. She literally saved his life before his pyloric stenosis surgery and although we made do in Seminary City, we are close enough to drive for routine visits and I TRUST HER COMPLETELY!!!!! Today was a just med check and I kid you not.... she checked his eyes, ears and throat, neuromuscular reflexes, palpated his abdomen, checked for scoliosis, rashes, and goiters. MY KID IS HEALTHY!!!! I trust her completely. Luke said if was red and Dr. C said it was black......I'd agree with her! I visited with her nice nurses that reassured me so much when I was a neurotic new mother.....hopefully I am less so -- but nurse mothers are probably the worst!! Dr. C spent probably a half hour just talking, some about how his teachers can best help him stay focused and also sharing how she learned as a child. I left with such a feeling of complete joy that my child's pediatrician loves him just as much as any Dr. could and he is OK!!!!!! He has been a little worried about being smaller in stature than other 4Th graders....but he still is about 27% on height and weight and is 9 months younger than some of the others in his class. I am so reassured to see him charted on a height/weight scale. OK, Luke's neurotic nurse Mommy is still crazy, but definitely counts Dr. C as a blessing to be very thankful about!! (I did not see Dr. S, Ann....or I would have said Hi!!!)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from my in law's home. I hope everyone had as wonderful a day as we did! 2 delicious meals, lots of family and niece, nephews. I am so grateful to be only 3.5 hours from "home". Thank you God for so many tremendous blessings. Faith, food, family and home.

THANKFULNESS JOURNAL

I have so many blessings in my life. Seminary City had more blessings than we could see at that time in our life. And at this time -I am really trying to see all of our blessings as they are gracefully given by our Lord. One blessing I have never praised God for is that my children can communicate. In fact, any one who knows my children in the real world.....knows they can communicate very well, exceptionally well. They have practiced practically every minute of their life!!! Anything you want to know...or didn't know you needed to know; Luke and Leah are happy to announce!

The past 3 months, I have work in a Autistic classroom. All of the teachers...there are 3 plus me, are so excited when a word is spoke!! One little girl has been counting and saying Mommy and Dad!! WHAT JOY!!!!!! Seriously...there is a CELEBRATION and recorded for home. It is hard to feel like you are doing the best job you can, when your communication is so limited. My student signs a few words....but somedays is so distracted.

I am thankful my children can tell me their needs, feelings, love and excitement! I can truly be apart of their world and it is a GIFT!

FOR THE HUNDREDTH TIME

Leah --- You can not wear flip flops to parent teacher conferences (even if we didn't catch you in the car) and you can not wear your pretty sandels (even if you wear socks)!!!

Happy girl!

What makes this girl smile???


We have found very nice beautician who works out of her home. We found her by asking a Momma in Wal**Mart who did her daughter's hair. We had talked about a perm for more straighening, however decided on the relaxer as a safe route. I am actually disappointed in the minimal relaxing. We will still need to pull her hair back and perhaps do braids. We will see....but she had a fabulous time and is SO HAPPY to let her "HAIR BLOW IN THE WIND". In Iowa....there has been plenty of cold wind :-)

Baby E's family

Baby E makes a great addition....don't you think! Check out Mom's blog. I will be checking in frequently!! Through the blessing of technology, Leah and I were able to have a web cam visit this week! She is a cutie!!!

For the love of books

Conferences last week went great. Luke does not have homework, except for very rare occasions when the class does not accomplish Mrs. J's high classwork expectations. Luke's reading score is 133 (I have no clue how they come to that number....but he is suppose to be at 125 by the end of 4th grade....so we are happy with it). The problem is HE HATES TO READ!! How did this happen? I bought garage sale books by the dozens, family and friends gifted him the most beautiful books that we faithfully read every night. Ed and I love to read. I find it so calming and must read a little everyday, even if just a magazine at bed. Leah LOVES to have us read. Last week, I asked the school librarian if the love of reading was somewhat genetic related .....you know NATURE versus Nurture. She said she didn't know as most kids who were read to as babes love to read.

Well, Luke now has 'homework' of reading for enjoyment for 20 minutes every night and 10 minutes of spelling review. (Ed and I are both poor spellers, despite our love of books.) Any way..... you'd think we were torturing the poor child. He chooses the book. I or Dad reads along side of him. Tonight, I am really into "The Joy Luck Club" and loving the quiet of the living room, when the timer rings and I am truly expecting him to finish the chapter.....page....paragraph....line.... Nope he is off the couch and running down the stairs, yelling " Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" Is it wishful thinking that he'll ever LOVE reading....or even like it?

Mums for Mom

A great day with family (my cousin's grandson's baptism) and a great nap. (always high on my list). I got to hear baby's E's voice and she is doing well. Now we are having a family movie and since I can't just watch a movie.....will probably scrap book a little. The best part of my day is going to my mother's cemetery. It was too cold to actually stay a while, but the Mums I planted a couple of months ago had not only survived but BLOOMED! It really made my day!

BABY E

SHE'S HERE!!! AND BEAUTIFUL!!! Mom and Dad are a little tired. But I'm sure Baby E. will be gracing M.'s blog a lot more in the future. We have been so blessed to have Baby E and Baby H. join the family this year. Next year, my sister will add Baby girl C. GOD IS GOOD!!

I'll add Baby E's picture after she actually makes it to Mom's blog....but take my word for it...... BEAUTIFUL!!!

Gym class

Today Leah will start her new gymnastics class. Her YMCA teacher pulled me aside after the second session and said she needed a 9 month class as her abilities where too advanced for the YMCA fun class. Evidently, children her age don't lift their head when they do bridges or have "strong gymnast muscles". We always saw Leah's abilities in dance. (Her spine works in ways mine never did...or ever will). But we are going to let her try and know that the flexibility and poise she will learn will help her in her future. Maybe gymnastics will become her passion and we don't have to set limits on Pastor's daughters hip.hop routine. Maybe she decides to become the next Shawn.Johnson! Io.wa could produce another I'm sure!!

This weekend a fellow Vicar came to preach and raise money for his vicarage assignment. He stayed with us and learned a lot about his vicarage and rapidly counted all of our blessings. Vicarage is a blessing in so many ways. Life is more structured then seminary life. Ed isn't constantly thinking about the next exam or paper due. He doesn't have Greek and Hebrew floating around in his head 24-7. We don't just live on my pay check, have a very comfortable home and live just 3.5 hours from Grandma! There are more blessings....too numerous to list here, but there are still so many uncertainties and worries that settle on my husband. We have no idea where we will be next summer and April 22 is so close, yet so far away for this lover of a life planned.

God opened my eyes this weekend. S and K (newly weds) are spending these 6 months raising money before being allowed to fly to their vicarage in Uganda! Then there is a 6 month period to learn the language to finally start their vicarage in 2009. This energetic God fearing and loving couple sincerely pray that their vicarage is convertible for the next 30 years. Uganda has 63 Lutheran churches...yet only one Pastor. S hopes become the next and his job will be to help train up new leaders in this young church that isn't waiting for America to send more pastors...but is following the Holy Spirit to lead more to Christ NOW! Since then any worries I may stumble across with our future are greatly diminished. I pray for S and K as this spoiled housewife empties the dishwasher and has too many blessings to count. God will continue to bless us and He will continue to do the same for S and K.

Interesting

Another busy week. I'll try to post life happenings tomorrow. For now...... I can't stop thinking about this email......








No matter what your political convictions are this is an eye opener....What a thankless people we are!!!

David Letterman, on President Bush. (Surprising)

David Letterman wrote this; it's the David we don't often see...

'As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark.'
'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President.. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?'

A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?

B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?

D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state.
F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.

H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.
J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.

K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the US . , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable' discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?

Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!

Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.' 'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'
-David Letterman


EDITED ON NOVEMBER 4
My inlaws read this post and had read one that Jay.Leno wrote last year, very similar wording. Still made me think and appreciate what Blessings America and God provides! I should double check these posts on Snoops though. Thanks R and M!!

Leah is 5!

I gave in and allowed my baby to turn 5 at 2:01 pm! My heart hurt, but hearing her say "I just can't stop smiling!!" is a soothing balm! Grandpa and Grandma are here for all of the fun and our little community had a downtown merchant trick or treat hour. It was 62 degrees and fun to go trick or treating with G'ma and G'pa. (I'm just hoping we don't pay on the real night with a blizzard). Here are our Clone trooper and Sapphire Princess (with Hannah Montana hair).



Back to the big day! We had a party tonight with G'pa and G'ma, Aunt C and local cousins. Miss T next door came over for Hannah Montana cupcakes and presents. Barbies, sparkly nail and lip kits, pink clothes, bracelets and Hannah Montana jammies and a wig brought huge smiles. Some extra nice cards came with gift cards and now Leah has an identical pucci pups -just like Miss T.(thanks Kate and Anna!). Mom and Dad of course gave Leah the American Girl doll, "Marissa". Aunt J sent some new homemade clothes (Mom is still working on some more), and Luke gave Marissa a stand and some red ballerina shoes. What a day!



Leah's eyes closed the minute her head hit the pillow.

Leah, I am so happy that I am your Momma. You are growing up so fast and I am conflicted with wishing you slowed down and stayed my baby, yet at the same time SO PROUD of what you can do and how excited you are to learn and be helpful. You bring such sparkle to our life. I love how you pretend to be shy....but really are not! I love how you can listen and be so thoughtful. I love how you remember to pray for people when you see an ambulance, and show such compassion in your beautiful eyes when someone is sad. I love your gleam when you are teasing and your dimple when joyful. I love how you are so excited for days to stay at home with me. I love your giggles that rock from your toes and how you can dance to any music (Even if I am so jealous that my spine and hips NEVER moved the same as you).I love how you say "I'm 'berry'.....(happy, hungry, tired etc..) I love our hair sessions, with you in the green chair and watching a princess movie...and how when I'm done you always say thank you! I LOVE YOU ESPECIALLY BECAUSE YOU ARE FIVE!!!! Thank you GOD FOR LEAH!

The correct way to weigh oneself!

AND TO THINK I'VE BEEN DOING IT WRONG ALL OF THESE YEARS!!!

Crying for.....

Leah woke me up at 3:15 AM, crying. Scared? NOPE. Sick? NOPE. Missing me? NOPE NOPE NOPE. "I miss Angie my babysitter!!!!!!" Angie has watched the kids a total of 3 times since we moved here. We are so grateful for babysitting, after 3 years at the sem when time and finances did not make date nights easy. We are able to take more time now -- but we don't. I'm not really sure why. But, as I think about it....I feel guilty pursing more date nights... unless it's Grandma and Grandpa. I just feel like the babysitter would be watching the clock...wishing I'd get home already. I don't know why this is the case. When I babysit....I never thought this. We pay good. I know date night is good for marriage and enjoy time with my husband. I guess I also worry the kids are 'missing out' on fun or taking something away from them. Guess I can't worry about that anymore, especially when Angie is around. Angie does seem to enjoy them and readily agrees to babysit everytime I ask. Yesterday, Leah asked me to make sure I took a long date!!! Time to schedule more time with my husband!! We had the best time eating at Olive Garden, browsing a Christian book store, shopping for warm sweaters and finishing a Star.bucks. Next time, we'll go to a movie. Wild nights, I know.

The New Book of Etiquette

There must be a new book of Etiquette....quite an advancement from Emily Post's.


If your 4th grade friend finds your missing wii game. (left after a play date). Be sure to thank him appropriately. A simple 'Thank you' will not do. A thank you card isn't necessary. Ask your Grandma for a Tupperware container. Punch in some air holes and catch a huge bulging-eyed grasshopper to express you gratitude. Then everyone is happy...... (just keep it out of your mother's sight).

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Meet Jan!!!

Meet our new best friend. "Jan" as in Janome the sewing machine. Aunt Karen and Uncle Bob gave her to Leah and myself as an early XMAS present as mine was lost in the moving 3 years ago. "Jan" has more tricks and gadgets than one could ever imagine. We are having a blast with her. Tonight we set her up and just from an old shirt -- made Marissa a new tank top. Don't look to close at the seams. Tonight was just for fun and practice. Leah thinks the glitter and glam is missing....but is so excited to learn. It's the best!!!!

Gotcha Leah.....and I'm never letting go!

4 years ago I gotcha.....The Judge said yes and I'll never let you go. Every October 5th we celebrate just the 4 of us as a forever family. Luke's day is February 21 and Leah is October 5. 2 of the most precious days to 2 very grateful parents. If God did not see fit to bless us with you as our daughter we'd never have these memories of sugar and spice and extra twirl to skirts. Thank you God for Leah and for Gotcha Day!!!!!!!

Grandmas for the weekend

We are at Grandmas!!! Only 3.5 hours from home. We can drive down on Friday nights and home on Sunday afternoons!!! We love living in our new home. Today we are seeing my nephews and going to a birthday party. Tomorrow we are seeing Baby H's baptism. (and meeting Schmoo and Boo.) What JOY!!!!

Off for some family fun............

Weekend fun

We had the best weekend with Kate and her girls in Swimming City. Of course the weekend flew by!! But fun was had by all. The only regret is not getting Kate's blog up and running. That is my goal....and you will all love it! Kate is funny and sweet and her girls are delightful, with just enough spunk to keep Kate on her toes!

Leah wants to share

Well lots of good news.... a new camera has been purchased and able to use my old Kodak sharing system.... so I can now share Leah's new look!!!!!

She was so HAPPY to get new glasses, or rather get "Hannah Montana's glasses". She was refusing to leave without the frames she chose until the attendant convinced her that Hannah Montana was so busy making shiny glasses that it takes her a week!!!
Now that she has them, she actually wears them and is enjoying seeing life clearly. I am so glad this was caught early and her world has really opened up. Not only are the glasses pink and shimmery....they also seem to magnify her eyelashes even more. I thought her frames were too far from her face...but was told if they didn't ```her lashes would rub on the glass!

From this view you can see that I finally was brave to buy real paint for Leah's XMAS present. (I have let her use the dry erase and chalk lots!!) Thanks Uncle B and Aunt Karen!! Painting is a HUGE HIT! I need to find a much better hiding place for the bottles though....I came home from work tonight to find all the neighborhood kids painting their faces for the homecoming game with paint all over the front steps. Of course the memory of mean Mom making them scrub it off and threatening them with every inch of their freedom hopefully made a great impression to never touch the paint without Mom's permission again!

The new camera became a necessity...when the film camera was opened by Leah and now I have to re stage First Day of School picks.....5 to 6 weeks late! NO ONE IS TOUCHING MY CAMERA but me!!!! These pictures are way to precious to me! Off to finish packing for swimming with Kate and Family! WHEEEEEEE!!!

Here she comes

We are preparing for meeting Kate and her 3 girls for a wonderful weekend of swimming and fun. Somehow my swimsuit is missing....and yes, I really did try to find it! So today, I went to our little city to scrounge the last swimsuits of the year. Even the major sporting stores had slim picking for a mama my size. I did find a 2 piece fluorescent suit that I picked up and ready to wear. Get the sunglasses (or blinders) out! I'm glad I don't know too many people in vacation city!

Just what is she studying?

Leah is learning the Lord's Prayer, one line at a time. She was so excited to repeat after me. "Our father, who Arf in heaven" and clap loudly just like our high school football cheerleaders! After every cheer, they slide their hands while clapping and say "Arf, Arf, Arf". (because we are the mighty bulldogs)

ED COME HOME SOON!

I am so grateful for Ed! I am so grateful that I am not a single mother. Ed has been gone the last 2 days. Last night..... someone rang the door bell at 9:30, and disappeared. I ran around and secured all of the windows and double checked the doors, with Ed on the phone. Yesterday the garage door broke and we had to unjam the door to release the cars. So, I'm outside (in my winter PJs) trying to lock the door since it's an attached garage. No go, so I get a ladder and rejam the door mechanism. Now no one is getting in or out until Ed returns. I call my neighbor who assures me that "it's just kids being stupid"...and "no I would not be out of line" to just have the police drive by the house. So I call the non emergency number, and whether or not they did....I felt better. I still heard every little creak and at around 11:30 willed myself to go to sleep....but couldn't find Checkers. Of course she had gotten out into the garage (for 2 hours) with 2 boxes of DECON!!!!! So the next couple hours I researched every possible horrible reaction to DECON, and followed Checkers around the house. She was freaked out over being locked in the garage (and her crazy nurse mom trying to check her out) Finally, I called the animal poison control 1 800 number who said nothing would happen until 72 hours. So to bed I go...and the thunderstorms started and the kids crying. I could finally sleep though with Leah in my bed...but morning came really early.

Checkers is still OK and Ed and my mother-in-law are positive she wouldn't eat DECON. They are probaby right....because our little unwelcome visitor last month preferred peanut butter to DECON as well. Our vet said to wait, but to check for bleeding and call ASAP with problems.

Of course we had our busy day of school, preschool, helping out with the obstacle course at preschool, another visit to our friendly (but highly incompetent) phone company, swimming, supper, laundry, hair straightening (while watching a new Dancing with the Stars :-)), interrupting fights and constantly checking out Checkers....who seems to be fighting with Skittles kitty a lot tonight. ED COME HOME SOON!

6 more wierd things about me!

I have been tagged by Melissa. I think I did this last year, but there is more than a dozen weird things about me!

1- Some days I eat meat....most days I do not. I certainly will not eat red meat or Chicken. Just can not do it. (fake Mc Donald hamburgers use to work- but no more). Lean cuts of turkey or pork are OK some of the time. But Sunday, I bought lean pork chops and put them on the Foreman Grill and then I had to reject them at the table....or they would have rejected me after eating. I don't know why, it's just always been that way!

2- I love, love, love to eat ice. I feel my own special ice cube tray just the way I like it. My excuse is not liking Seminary City water and our current water. Ed thinks I'm anemic again (refer to #1) ....but I don't think so I just like ice!

3- I still Love Dr Pepper!!! Today, my coworker told my student that it was my vice.... just like his stimming and shadowing. She's right!

4- I love to finish packages.....the last bit of soap, the last row of crackers, or roll of toilet paper ect... I guess it's accomplishment that I can empty a container or de clutter my life (happens at work though too). Of course, I just need to open a new container and it could be weeks before the new one is empty. Weird I know.

5 - To follow #4. I have developed a new OCD trait of needing to cross off days on the calender. This started in Seminary City, but I am continuing it here! Another sense of accomplishment. But I have developed a new helpful twist. Since I've moved here and moved waaaaaay to much junk again, I have been doing 365 days declutter challenge. So I can only cross off a day, when I give something away to Good Will.

6- I can not fall asleep unless I'm warm. I wear winter pajamas all year long. I am really worried about this cold winter ahead, but am ready with an old fashioned electric blanket that can warm the bed before I get in. These new fangled "safer" warming blankets don't warm me up enough to sleep for at least an hour. Ed throws his comforter off him onto me...so BONUS DOUBLE COVERS!!!

I could keep going but will save you all. I tag any one who wants to get 6 things off their chest!

1st Day of school pics

Do other mothers recreate pictures for the first day of school....3 weeks late. I had to work early on the first day....and this was the first time I had film and both outfits clean. Just wondering.

Teachers pick the best!!!

One advantage of my new job is story time....after a 30 minute recess. My upper arms need to rest too (after pushing a swing the entire time :-) ) Not only is the room fairly calm. The teachers pick the best books. I hope I can find these at the library. Leah (and Luke) will love them.





Oh and Kate... I sure do know the actions to the song. Lets do them poolside and embarrass the kids.....a pastor's wife needs to let loose sometimes. HA HA!

It's fun to stay at the Y-M-C-A.

Young man, there's no need to feel down.
I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground.
I said, young man, 'cause you're in a new town
There's no need to be unhappy

Young man, there's a place you can go.
I said, young man, when you're short on your dough.
You can stay there, and I'm sure you will find
Many ways to have a good time.

It's fun to stay at the Y-M-C-A.
It's fun to stay at the Y-M-C-A.

It's not an exaggeration to say that Luke LOVES the local YMCA. According to the Y...lots of kids go there after school. Maybe when it's cold out, but right now it's just Luke and a few older kids playing Basketball. Last week the pool opened and Luke and a new buddy are swimming everyday after school. For a whole family monthly membership we are paying what we used to pay in St. Louis for one week of After School Care. All is good right.....until we get an email from the teacher.
"Luke is doing great in school....but could you reinforce that he doesn't need to get ready for the YMCA until after school is out. Today -- he started to change his shoes during math class!!"

MATH CLASS..... Luke, Luke, Luke we know you like the YMCA....but until 3:20 --- your time is Mrs. J's time! I think he gets it now.....or he loses the YMCA privileges. (I hope he gets it.....otherwise he'd agree with Leah that I'm the worse mother in the world....we shall see!)

FYI

Today Leah tells me "you are ruining my life, Mom"

My feelings aren't hurt, because her friend Kayli thinks her "Mom is the worst in the world" and "Miss Patty is the best Mom"

Kitty Mommy has a heavy heart

Wonderful weekend with a mission festival at our church. Good food, Good friends and Good Messages. We are praying for a couple who are spending their vicarage in Latvia. Oh my!!!! May God Bless them!

I have another prayer on my heart. Checkers is 15 years old (June 26, 1993). Yes, I know her birthday and I knew her parents (Little Lady and Oscar). She was born on my parents farm and my mom handpicked her for me just before she died. She was our first "kid" and is the most affectionate of all of my "kids". She's my baby. This spring she started slowing down and during the big move, she stayed in her kennel for 7 hours. It seemed like her hips had fused with arthritis (as she could only hop around my in laws house.) Ed brought her to his parent's vet, who was unwilling to give arthritis medication until she had taken blood. The results showed a heart problem and a high thyroid level. The medication gave Checkers a miracle recovery, but she HATED it. The cream needs to be placed in her ears. Most of our first month here - she stayed under our bed. She became very good at hiding and alluding us. After a month, the vet here retested her and her level was too low...so we stopped and our kitty slowly began to re trust us. We need to retest this week.....and she is slowing down, unable to jump onto the bed etc....yet is still grooming and is so much happier. My dilemma....do I stay ahead of health problems and keep her going......and hating me or let her age with dignity. The hospice nurse in me knows what to do. The Mom in me couldn't bear not treating her if I knew her levels were high again. So I'm thinking to just not retest. That doesn't seem very responsible. Neither option is good. Ed says it's my decision.....and it is. I need to call this week to retest. Decisions, Decisions. My camera gives her eyes...red eye.....doesn't due her justice. This picture shows both of my girls who love "kitty tv". Checks is on the left. Skittles is almost as big but is a diluted calico.

Short Post

Short post.
Not much energy.
Long day at school.
Went to the YMCA to exercise.
Hopefully, thinner me at ordination!

Off to preschool

Today my baby went to Pre school. I am actually glad she missed the cut off for kindergarten. This hit me harder than I thought it would. She loved it. I have pictures on my phone....however have no idea how to get them off and the only Verizon guy here is NOT helpful! I'll post pictures later....anyway just imagine just the biggest smile with dimples and dancing around in circles just waiting for 12:30 to arrive....that's it! Oh... and a shirt with glitter and 'diamond' buttons and a sparkly backpack. Can't go to pre school without the GLAM!

Over the hill and through the woods

Over the hill and through the woods, to Grandma's house we go....for the second time this month. WOOOOEEEEEE!!!!!

Thats life around here

I have a great "new desk" that I bought at the re sell it shop back in Seminary City. Ed doctored it up with a new cornerround and fixed the drawers tight. Luke has been promised a wage to paint it. We did not paint it in Seminary City, because we didn't want a fresh paint coat to scratch.

The time was finally right to paint today, and he went to work with gusto....as he found a new friend who likes Bakugon and he wanted a mat to play the game. (think expensive new fashioned marble game.) Leah was allowed to be a spectator. I went in to throw in some Laundry and when I came back..... the paint brush was unattended. The distraction? a baby garter snake!!! Our next door neighbor is quite the wild animal lover and found it mowing. His 2 kids and my 2 kids are fascinated! Now, my first thought is KILL IT!! KILL IT!! Snakes fall just below mice on my horror list, only because they eat mice. However, neighbor informed me last week that garter snakes do not eat mice....only bugs. This makes them valuable?????? Isn't this what RAID is for? Anyway baby snake kept its life and was moved so the mower didn't chew it into bits. Lucky snake that he's growing up in neighbors yard and not mine!
Luke gets back to work and actually does a FANTASTIC job with 2 coats. (when both kids are back in school....a little sandpaper will clean up the drip areas) and he earns enough to buy the mat and actually appears to listen to our discussion about things bought with earned money bringing more satisfaction.

No pictures of desk (your loss) and of the baby snake (no one's loss) because my camera has bit the dust. It takes pictures with the off button on and scans all pictures before ready for an actual pose. Now it won't even take pictures! The last pictures taken before this mysterious ailment where of Lightening Mc Queen's positioned transformers. Lightening Mc Queen what did you do? I have tried to reprogram to no avail. Waiting for Best Buy to have a good sale, because one never knows when a post will be begging for a picture!

Leah speaks up

We need to work on Leah's manners. Ed's Uncle Don and Aunt Brenda are visiting and we took them to some Antique stores. Right in front of the owner, Leah says very loud. "This is not a tique store, this is old junk!"

Shopping Trip

Going shopping now requires a planned effort and list for the "big city". Leah is so excited for a shopping trip. She has all of her quarters. Most are pennies and nickels. "But I call them quarters". I wonder if that will work for me?

"What do you mean these look like singles?" "I call them 20's"!!!

YUMMM!

All of the zucchini is put up (or made into bread), 12 quarts of sweet corn and the tomatoes are frozen, with a bowl set aside for tomorrows BLT and salad. I am loving baked zucchini, onion and tomato casserole! If I can stay away from the bread...I just might lose this weight! I am told the zucchini will turn watery in the freezer and makes the best vegetable broth for soup.....YUMMMM! 1 point WW soup!!

My patient LOVES to swing....I push him higher and higher for 3 twenty minute recesses. Tonight my upper body is telling me that this will either kill me or be good for me. I'm sure I'll survive....I've got more good food to eat.....I'm thinking the apples will be coming soon!

The greatest of these is LOVE

So often I am tense after church. It is not unusual to have one or two of my charges in their rooms after church for blurting, fighting or general disrespect during church. It has been getting so much better. Mostly due to the fact we sit right up front. No, not because Dad can keep a stern eye on them....he has many more things to worry about. I have found that the older congregants sit up front and my Leah in particular is a tad scared of the men, and becomes a meek little kitten. Today, much of the service was spent with Luke's arm around his sister, whispering encouragement with her little activity book or rubbing her back. My heart beamed with pride. I so often feel like I am failing as a mother.....this week was filled with many time outs, grounding, and overall discouragement. Impulse control, drama and general childhood fun will continue to test my parenting. But,God has shown me that my children have learned compassion and love and LOVE each other.
But now faith, hope, and love remain--these three. The greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

Budding reptilogist

Most kids use one to catch butterflies....or as Leah says "Flutterflies".

Luke uses it to collect snake skins. At least he's not using his hands!!

YUCK!!!

First Day of school a success!

The first Day of School was a success. Luke really seems to enjoy his teacher and has made several friends. He walked the 2 blocks to the Y and was sweating when I picked him up from playing basketball for about an hour. He wants to stay longer and really wants me to bring my workout clothes tomorrow. My kids are great motivators for exercise.

I got a workout as well at school!! My little guy can walk quite fast and is a fan of slides. I follow him everywhere! I anticipate some challenges some days.....will just need to learn which battles to let go! I am happy with the job and the HOURS are a blessing. Most people know I am not a morning person. I was able to get up at 6:45 versus 5:00 am. What a difference. I was able to pick up both of my kids...get the low down on the day first hand, make supper, read the paper and tuck them both in bed. For a working Mama....it's the best! I am planning to enjoy the weekends! (Although my poor husband needs to work every one!!! :-) ))

First Day of school eve

First day of School for Luke and Mommy tomorrow. Kinda excited, Kinda nervous!! I feel a little put out that I didn't get to buy a new book bag and supplies. I did buy some new shoes and my favorite granola bars for my lunch though! Leah is feeling very left out as she needs to wait another week and a half to start. She wants to bring her rest mat to the babysitter, and wear her new shoes in honor of First Day of School for Luke. I wish she could go to Kindergarten, but next year will be here before we know it and I get to keep my baby home a year longer!

PS Still breathing over here.....no more rodent signs. YEAH!!!!

Is this a blessing?

Hole in garage fixed by carpenter = Blessing.
Fixed hole in garage = possible trapping in critter = terrifying
Ed telling me the Guaranteed trap worked!!! One caught!!! = Definitely a positive, but....

Do any remain????? We had no evidence for over a week, so thought it had left. Praying that it was a lonely rodent. Praying really hard it was not a new mama!

I was exhausted when I visited DM this weekend. Rodent phobia (notice how I can't type the M word?) leads to very poor sleeping. My legs kept kicking with my dreams. The only way I got any sleep is because Checkers sleeps under our bed or on top. I finally got a good night sleep in DM. I really don't see that happening tonight.

Breathe....Breathe....Breathe!!!!



Had a wonderful trip to DM. in order of occurrence.....
* 60Th Birthday Party for Uncle B in a beautiful State Park
* seeing beautiful baby H (now 7 weeks, ADORABLE and such a good baby!
* church with 4 of my 5 niece/nephews, with 2 more safely in their Mama's tummies
* seeing Ann with 14 other church friends/family at brunch and hanging out with Miss Emily. It was so good to see her again...in only 2 months!
*Then finishing with a Baby Shower for M. Great time!!! Thanks to God for being less then 4 hours away!

Well off to try to sleep....Tomorrow is my last day as full time SAHM. I go to school on the same day as Luke! Tomorrow we tour his class room and meet his teacher. She sent him a welcome letter yesterday with a stick of gum. She's his new favorite....sight unseen!

EWWWWWW!

EW EW EW EW!!!
I am trying to be a big girl here.....but I don't know if I can bear it any longer. My biggest fear was being given a country parsonage.....and I was relieved this was a town vicarage. Driving on country roads..."NO problem". Isolation from the living in the country...."Piece of Cake". Critters such as Mice sharing my home. "OH MY!!!!" I couldn't bear it. For 48 hours I have known there is a mouse in the house. I'll hold the dreaded details but there is a workman's hole in the garage that must be fixed ASAP!!!!! I know the church has far more concerns than Vicar's wife having a mouse.....but this one ate the peanut butter off the trap....and probably has invited all it's friends for a little more Jif. I bought the $4.80 traps now...guaranteed to work. But until the hole is fixed....no restful sleep for me. My cats have no apparent worries.... lazy creatures!!! The neighbor next door is trying to convince me to use live traps... so is Aunt K. I DONT THINK SO! Trying to be a big girl....do not throw a fit..... BREATHE, BREATHE, BREATHE!

New Job!

God is Good! I did receive the new job...driving only 6 miles (reimbursed), and working only during school hours -3 days a week. Calling our new babysitter to discuss the hours made me cry "Mommy Happy Tears". There is only a 1/2 hour between schools out and Mom is home. No weekends, no evenings, no holidays or school breaks.....roads bad enough to cancel school...... = SNOW DAY for Mom too. It's the easy life of a teacher.......... HA HA HA. Teachers are worth their weight in GOLD!!!! It was suggested that I could be a classroom presence to ease the stress of the teacher and behavioral problems of students. I expected as much and I know I will be blessed in many ways from this position. Telling the former job offer was easier than I feared.....she understood a Mama's dilemma.

My husband is very happy. This will relieve his stress in many ways. This weekend's prayers were about finding peace in our decision with the job decision. On Saturday night, Ed was called to the hospital to pray with a teen before a surgery. If I was working evenings and weekends..... he would have to have a backup person to come and stay with the kids, delay his hospital visit or not go at all. He did not return home until midnight. Neither option would have been good. So we are content with the job decision and trusting God that the future is in his hands.

Difficult decisions remain on the church front. Muddling through grief is hard. I have no idea how one does this without prayer. Thank you for your prayers!!

Thank you for your prayers

Well it has been a long week. We have appreciated all of your prayers. The visitation and funeral were well attended, as expected due to how loved Pastor was. A former vicar and the president of the District performed the beautiful service and Pastor's son and wife spoke such messages of hope. They were amazing. I know I could never be so put together and share messages of hope. God is powerful to give such strength. The funeral was healing and now there is a feeling of need to pick up pieces and grow together. It is amazing to watch and exhausting at the same time. Ed and I were asked to sit with the other pastors and wives. Awe inspiring. To hear 45 pastors singing with all of their hearts, 'Abide in Me'....sends shivers down one's spine. My in laws came to watch the kids at the funeral and I am so grateful.

Several times in the past week, Ed's focus, strength and faith has brought me to tears. I have faith in my husband- but to watch it....makes trusting God even easier. Truly, we are taking just one day at a time and praying for every step we take. This is the only way to find our way. The District president asked a retired pastor to preach this week's sermon. Ed just did not have time. He did well last week adapting a sermon from one of his Sem classes....but this week he is so grateful to focus on the hundred other areas that require his attention. Your prayers, emails and support have been felt and so much appreciated.

I accepted a RN position in the nearby small city. I am very excited about it, however received another call today regarding a community position attending to the needs of a child in the public school. Ed and I are praying about this as would offer so much more stability for the kids. When God provides, he provides so much!!! Lots to pray about this weekend and a decision to be made on Monday. Leaning on God's guidance and prayers!

Prayers for our new church

Please pray for our new church home as Ed's supervising Pastor died Friday morning. He was such a remarkable man and wonderful Pastor. His family is full of grief as is his many friends and congregation. We are so grateful for the 3 short weeks we knew him and knew right away why so many loved him. At present, they will not call a new pastor and Ed will assume most of Pastor's duties. A neighboring Pastor is being sought to offer guidance. We know Ed was called here for a reason and Ed will be staying as this church's Vicar. What the future holds is completely in God's all knowing and loving hands.

Learning to trust God has far more meaning to our new church and our family. Prayers are appreciated for this week with funeral proceedings and in the coming months as everything changes. Thank you.

EEWWWWWW!

Just on the phone with a nursing recruiter, when what do I see but Luke holding a dead black snake and his little friend Dominic trying to pry the dead snake's mouth open!!!! When I got their attention....they threw the snake under the deck.

"So it doesn't decompose so fast as in the sun." EEWWWWWW! I made the boys wash their hands right away and said good-bye to Dominic and to tell his Mom that he played with a dead snake, just in case he got sick from it. Dominic said he "just couldn't tell his Mom, because she says not to pick up dead snakes." RIGHT!!!!!!!! I left his Mom a message just in case, so she'd know to watch for anything....I don't know rash, head spinning seizures,....what ever dead snakes can give a boy. It wasn't on my nursing boards....but I just KNOW playing with a dead snake leads to no good...even if it just means he'll try it again!

Vacation update

Thought you'd like to see updates on Lightening McQueen (although he's more into spiderman and Star Wars at the moment) and Snuggle Bug (although he is a busy, busy little guy and less snugly).

My brother in law P and Lightening Mcqueen.
Lots of time was spent here.

My Aunt J is holding Snuggle Bug and My cousin J and my sister S is in the background.

Lots of Triple and Quad Marshmellows were consumed.
Snuggle bug loves sand!
More smiles on the boat
My Uncle A and Aunt C. enjoying the boat too!

Another week passed in a flash at our new home

I hope there are still friends and family out here reading this neglected blog. No excuses....actually plenty! I need to post lots of pictures and just haven't found the time to down load the pictures, name them and then post them.

We have been so busy since the last post.

Tuesday: looked at preschools. Leah prefers the one that told her about finger painting with pudding. I prefer the other- smaller, Christain based and reminds me of Luke's 3 and 4 year old classes. I found myself promising to try pudding painting at home! WHAT WAS I THINKING? That night we drove to the next county's fair that I attended frequently as a young girl. Still wonderful. It was great eating Godfathers Pizza at the fair, watching and participating in mini tractor pulls and checking out ponies and 4H items, and spending time with my Aunt C, Uncle A and Cousin J.

Wednesday: I had my first job interview at the local hospital. I think it went OK, but I am not sure I want the job. I will be caring for ages 0-100, Post partum, nursery and lots of post-op surgeries. I think I can do all of that..... but I had to professionally explain......"Lawzy, we got to have a doctor. I don't know nothin' 'bout birthin' babies. " (Prissy from Gone with the Wind). They have 6 other applicants, and my feelings won't be hurt one bit if they find someone who does know 'bout birthin' babies. Kate? If I get the job....you have a lot to tell me!! They told me it would be a while, before they'd put me in that room.....but I just know the day will come when 3 are coming at the same time....and I'll just swoon! I have applied for several other jobs and awaiting interviews. I will probably check out the nursing homes to work PRN until school starts. We also went to our local county fair and saw lots of our congregation there....starting to feel more like home.

Thursday, My sister, brother in law and Lightening McQueen and Snuggle Bug and my Aunt J came for the night and we prepared for a weekend at a Minnesota Lake with my Aunt C, Uncle A and Cousin J. This was a tradition when I was a kid and now we are resuming it for Luke, Leah, Lightening McQueen and Snuggle Bug. We had a great time boating, swimming, bonfires, eating and attempting to fish. I was sure the fishing was a big joke, as no one was catching anything until


What a happy BOY!

Leah and I had a great experience as well.....wading in the Banks of Plum Creek, just like Laura Ingalls did!

What a wonderful way to end the week!!
My sister and brother-in-law were quite stressed with car problems and the mechanic did not fix it the first time....so they were forced to stay another day. The kids and I were so HAPPY! We went to the swimming pool today and basically played for an extra 24 hours. When they were loading up to return home....Luke, Leah and Lightening McQueen were just sure the mechanic broke the car and they have to return for another night. That was "the deal." They haven't called yet to say they had more problems. That's great for them...and I think my kids will forgive the mechanic for getting it right this time....as they are both sound asleep from a wonderful week!