First Christmas

A Christmas of firsts....

Our first Christmas in our new(to us) home.
Our first Christmas with Bandit.
Our first Christmas without Checkers.
Our first Christmas service at our new church home, with beautiful service led by Pastor D!
Our first that we might not get "home" and miss the family celebrations.
Our first that Luke needs to sleep on Leah's bedroom floor "so Santa doesn't come in my room"

Nothing compares to the very first Christmas! Ed's sermon was a series of homilies on how Christ came to be man. He of course shared scripture to prepare the way and hymns to describe God's faithful love. He also shared how real the Christ child was growing and stretching and being loved by his expectant mother for months before his birth. I had never thought about how real that is. Christ became more than just "man", he was as much a babe that grew as I was growing in my mother's womb. He was real, he is real and he lived to save the believing.

Mean Mom

I found one negative to our new home. Since it's Iowa (which we love!), our neighborhood is flat! Not all of Iowa is flat, but our neighborhood sure is ~~~ thus no sledding hills. Now I'm the mean Mom that won't allow my kids (and the neighforhood pack) to slide down our 7 foot deck steps!

Sunday School XMAS program

The best part of the weekend was the Sunday School Christmas program. Leah placed some of the "Savior's Nations" flags around the alter rail (you can see that it is round!) Luke was Joseph and a proud one at that! He had to go early with his Pastor Dad, as Mom might run too late (with 2 cousins coming too!) The program was so sweet, bring tears to my eyes. I was so proud of each and every one of them. I guess I am starting to love the whole congregation! (still have probably 60% of the names to learn though!). The pictures are taken from my usual front row spot and I LOVE looking up at the cross and stained glass above.

Baking cousins

I was ambitious this weekend... maybe a little too ambitious! If you are family and these show up on the goody table... be cautious, more flour than dough was used. Of course most ended up on their clothes, hair, the floor and curtains!

Leah the monkey

Christmas time and recital is the only time to watch class progress.... we are proud of how much she has learned in 3 months. Hopefully it isn't too grainy!

Missed blogging

Tap, Tap.... anyone there? Probably not for awhile. I can not believe it has been almost 2 months. I joined facebook, and that distracted me for awhile... pretty easy but vague and writers block is even more intense as some of my high school "friends" are reading... and I just know are probably "judging". Maybe life has changed for them too... but old insecurities don't die I guess. Several good friends are on FB too (even high school), but they aren't posting much either!

Life is going on... very fast. I blink and another week is gone! I still love the hospice house, but the drive is more difficult worrying about the weather. The kids have started to adjust. I don't know how much longer God will keep me in DSM. It really seems like that to me.... Some pretty incredible "God instances" have occurred that have influenced me and hopefully have helped others. God's plans are right and perfect and I am continuing to learn to trust in him. This blog started due to all of the "God instances" that occurred during the seminary years. I wanted to keep track of them and share them. Mostly the blog turned into "cute stories about the kids" and mostly Leah as I didn't want to embarrass Luke as he began to try new things and suffering enough growing pains as it is being a "tweener" as he refers to himself. So I have a new camera, too much teenage insecurites for regular facebook, and miss the good old blog so... lets try this again!

Leah makes us smile (Luke would disagree)

Tonight we have my nephew Lightening Mc Queen spending the night. Ed and I were in the process of deciding the evening's events. A movie was mentioned, but there was quite a ruckus from downstairs. Lots of "buttons" being pushed between cousins. Leah and Lightening Mc Queen came up to tattle, and we mentioned that only kids that behaved would be invited to the movies. They both immediately turn to go back downstairs and we overhear Leah telling Luke. "Everybody that is nice to me gets to go to the movies". What a princess' perspective!!

Fall frustrations

A gentle breeze is a fallin... bringing down more golden leaves.

The kids are frustrated... they are raking the lawn clean for some much desired DS game.

Preservere children! Your momma will give in soon!

Back home in hospice

I just realized I haven't updated on how the Hospice House job is going. IT"S GREAT!! The first AM was a smidgen foggy (had something to do with the 4 AM alarm and that I don't do early mornings the best) I was too happy to cry. So many old friends to work with and reminisce (and a few new friends that appear to be great hospice workers.) Before I knew it, it seemed like I never left! The house is built around a fountain healing garden. That is one of my favorite things about the job is even when your head is spinning and you are dashing over to the other side of the house... you can do so in such a beautiful and peaceful garden. My mom has a memory stone there, that brings me such comfort. I had it placed years ago just to the left of my dashing path.

I drove back home after the 10 hour shift, and did well. I enjoy a Christain radio station that I can't get in this smaller town. I also have borrowed an Audio Book to listen to from the libary. On Thursday, Leah and I drove to DSM to watch Luke's soccer game against our old Christain school. (It was a great game, 3-2, even if we didn't come on top!) Grandparents, cousins and Aunt were able to cheer on the game too, than to eat at Mustards and sent the kids home with Dad. I slept at my inlaws and back for another day of nursing orientation. One more day and then I am on my own.

I am so happy to be doing hospice again, and so happy to have the support of wonderful coworkers and bosses. It is so good to be HOME!!

Busy = confusion

Did I mention how much we love living back in Central Iowa? My in laws had a birthday party to attend about an hour away, so spent the night with us. The kids (even us big kids) LOVE having Grandpa and Grandma so close). Good Times!! Our church had planned a "get to know the Pastor and family" potluck, so the timing was great.

I'm blaming the stress of motherhood and the extra worry of cooking. Bible study was cancelled to allow for the cooking of yummy potluck dishes. But the kids still had Sunday school. I went home with R and M to cook Party Potato casserole. Since we had a little time, I navigated my in laws through a little detour downtown. All is great, until we try to open the front door, without the keys that are in Luke's pocket back at at Sunday school 15 minutes away. So back to church, and then I realized there was not enough time to bake the casserole, so off to Hyvee to buy a salad. My mother in law was such a dear to ask if I wanted her to come in. I hesitated just a sec, and then readily agreed... because I had no money!!! My father in law claims that "time with Patty is always interesting"! (((As a reminder... I don't carry a purse, because for 3 years in Seminary City, I traveled so many hospitals and only carried a cash card and my driver's license, in part to avoid theft.... but more likely to not leave a purse in one of the many hospitals. Trying to be a good Pastor's wife, I tried carrying a purse for 1 week until I left it in a city restaurant 3 hours away!!! Thank heavens I didn't have my little pocket wallet, as I didn't trust myself to not lose it! It did have my sorry excuse for a camera... ((still can't download to computer)), but had a memory card full of pics so am forever grateful to good friends Matt and Shelley for rescuing it =-)) Luke often carries the keys because my "Pastor's wife" dresses don't have pockets.

The third time back to church with my bought salad in a pretty glass bowl, I commented how well my father in law was navigating our new town!! There is a silver lining to all of my flubs!! Thanks R and M for being such great sports and so helpful!!!!!

The best part of the day was to come, such a nice dinner with our new congregation. I got my nerve up and talked to every single one of them... and am actually making connections and memorizing names. The food and house shower for us was such a wonderful surprise!! What a blessing these souls are!!! Maybe one of them can teach me how to sew a little pocket in my dresses, because my inlaws can't come to church with me every sunday!

A good day

Today I went back to work for my old hospital. A 15 year history, that brings back mostly good memories. On Wednesday, I actually start at the hospice house. I have a feeling there will be some "happy tears", considering how emotional I felt just punching in for orientation.

The day didn't start great. Giving myself a little extra time to drive, I dressed carefully for my badge photo. This is worse than a driver's license photo, as will be on the front of my shirt daily, and this picture follows you through your entire career at said hospital. (I always liked seeing what the grey haired long time nurses looked like fresh out of nursing school on their badges) So makeup carefully applied, nice jacket and necklace... then to get gas and a Dr. Pepper for the trip. Only the gas pump wouldn't start up, took my card several times and then sprayed gasoline all over me!!! The attendant acted like it was my fault... but I've pumped gas for almost 30 years.... and I never had this happen to me!!

So back home for a wipe down sponge bath and new clothes (thank heaven that I'm a Pastor's wife and have a few backup "business casual" outfits ~ there was a time in my life that I'd would have been in big trouble). Guzzled my Dr Pepper and hit the road only 10 minutes late.

The best thing happened at the employee health office. The manager recognized me as a former nursing school classmate. I never would have recognized her, as it has been 18 years. But I'm well over 50 pounds heavier!! I had been ruminating on restarting Weight Watchers, because I'm getting sick of being so overweight. I probably still should... but it felt good to be remembered even if I am still not a size 6!!

Miss Leah actually went to bed on time and Luke is so happy I can work for the hospice house... maybe this commuting will work for a while. But I'm not using that gas pump ever again!

Note to darling children

Dear children: We all know your mother is not a natural cook. Baking is great yes.... but not the same as cooking. We all know this!


For future reference..... When you see this plate,



Mom has actually thought about a plan, implemented this plan to prepare a delicious, nutritious, cost conscious and home cooked meal. This might have taken her all afternoon. You will not utter the words "YUCK" "I wont try it" "Why do I have to eat this", or vomit your bite (yes this has happened). You may do what Mommy did as a little girl and coat her meat in ketchup.



If your plate looks like this....



Feel free to complain all you want. But you won't because it is probably pizza, spaghetti, fish sticks or hamburger helper. You guzzle this right down, which doesn't hurt my feelings because it was probably decided a half hour before supper time.

On a side note.... when googling a picture of the dirt cheap plates I bought at the seminary for $5 for a microwave sized box full of these "just pretty" dishes that I liked..... I discovered a single plate sells for $18 on ebay. Wow. I gave away the salt and pepper shakers because they don't match "my real china" and I'd never use them with their little plastic stopper bottoms anyway. I should have googled them first. Oh well, since they are going to be used to highlight a whole afternoon's worth of planning and effort to "torture" my children, I'll probably keep them!

Finally a Job!

Patty has a job! In HOSPICE!!! YEAH. I'm going to give it my best shot. It is 90 minutes away. (for my old hospice house job) I will be working 12 hours every Wednesday. The start of my day, will be preparing for Interdisciplinary Team Meeting, and admissions, followed by working the evening doing patient care. Then I will also work every other weekend days. The only interviews I had prior to this was nights in telemetry and nights in a nursing home. (The horrible economy is effecting the hospitals too) Their decisions were pending until next week. They are local, but not definite. Because I'd be working while my family was sleeping and sleeping while they were awake.... I think night jobs would cause a lot of havoc in my family... because if Mom doesn't sleep... Mom is CRABBY! (even with all my best efforts not too). Anyway the extra city income will be used with transportation costs, but staying in DSM will be free (although my father in law will have quite a daughter in law do list) :-)))) That's OK! I am just so relieved to work back in hospice, in a wonderful hospice organization, with wonderful Christain friends... both nurses and volunteers. Hopefully the hospice house here will open up a position within the year. I am a little worried about how Ed will do with me gone potential 2 nights a week... but with lots of prep and planning. It should flow smoothly. Ed is the greatest. He said the night shift wouldn't be good for me, this was a definite job and he knew I loved it --so would make it work. We will review in November... before Advent. He is the best!!

Out of a child's mouth

Leah passed her Kindergarten physical. She was very brave and only needed 2 nurses and her Mom and brother to hold her down for the blood draw. She was so proud of herself, so her Mom was also :-))).

She also passed her test. It had all sorts of fancy shapes and questions to check her fine motors and comprehension. My darling daughter actually answered her Dr's question of : What do you do when you are hungry? (acceptable answers were eat, make food etc...) My daughter told her new Dr. "I have to wait!" The doctor laughed and said that was a first! You mean there aren't other mothers out there that hate to plan supper and wait until the last minute?

Still "can't help myself"

Remember this post


Just a little trip to Target to find white shoes with velcro for gym results in:




and




It's a good thing Target doesn't sell

Missed blogging

Long time, no post. The family has been

*trying to make this house into a permanent home. (The china has actually been washed and put into cabinets!)

*rescued Bandit a year old male kitty from the humane society. He was to be a friend to the lonely Skittles since her big sister Checkers died. Turns out we were wrong. She is scared of him and he is taking advantage of this fact. He has a little stomach issue and is quarantined. Fun times at our house! Luke keeps asking me if Bandit has to go back. I don't think I have the heart to do that... but I KNOW THERE WILL BE NO MORE ANIMALS IN THIS HOUSE! You can quote me on that!

*looking for a job... with 10% of the country. I am so grateful Ed is bringing home the pay and the benefits! When nurse jobs are scarce... times are tough. Right now, I am applying for part time work in Des Moines and will bunk with my families. Hoping for 12 hour shifts. The drive and time from my family will be a sacrifice, but the money will be good and I hope to soon work at the hospice I love at least PRN!

*Getting ready for school. Shots, pencils and new clothes. The kids are taking care of the sibling rivalry... so Mom won't cry on the first day of school. She'll drive away from the school humming such a happy tune! Only 6 more days..... ONLY SIX MORE DAYS =-))))))))

*We are close enough to Des Moines to go shopping, garage saleing and hugging cousins!

*Our new home feels like home, we are learning the roads and the ropes. Life is good even if it is busy. God is good.


P.S. The camera cord has vanished into thin air... if it ever appears, I will post pictures of Bandit. He looks nothing like Checkers. No one will replace my baby.

My baby

Rest in Peace June 26, 1993-July 21, 2009

I'll never forget you, Checkers.

It's official, I'm a Pastor's wife!

The big day has finally arrived. And it was more than we thought it could be. So many church friends and family came. Luke acolyted, Maleah presented Daddy with a new cross. I cried and cried and then some more Happy tears. In my defense, many other people were crying also. It was so sweet to see Ed get on his knees to let Maleah place the cross and then hug her.) As you can see in the pictures, he spent some time on his knees before the cross with prayer and blessings from the other 6 Pastors. One, his mentor, another a best friend, a current and former Pastor of our home church and one a friend from the seminary that he went to Guatemala with. The last in the center is our District President. What an awesome day with many memories. In the AM, Ed baptised our newest princess niece. We were godparents as well, then a nice family BBQ. After the ordination, the church had a wonderful dinner with 149 people attending. The seminary days are over.... and my husband is a Pastor. God is GOOD!! His mercies endure forever!

I still can't find my camera cord. (did I mention in past posts, I HATE moving?!?), so one of Ed's former teachers sent me her album.

Wow, how she has grown up

I just had the best talk with my 15 year old niece. I LOVE how open she is with me. More open than even my own kids. She is struggling with how hard detassling is. She has been watching too many "children of the corn" movies. I think I have convinced her to stick it out. I mentioned pride, it will look great on her resume for a winter job, and cash. Of course, Auntie K has told her she will get an outfit for school if she sticks it out. That is her biggest motivation! She is taking driver's ed and want's to drive to see me next year in our new town. It is so hard to grasp this idea! I am proud of her! She has her Freshman courses all planned out with high ambitions of doing it all with great grades! I love it! I love you J!

We are home

The house is slowly reassembling a home. I am desperately wanting to empty boxes for our friends move. We will see them at the ordination, so my goal is unpack 75% of boxes by the 17th. Oh is that Friday, and today is Wednesday? Back to reality... I am making myself sick, or maybe have caught a virus. I am taking tonight off to REST. I am really hoping to stop dreaming about the ordination. I'm trying not worry, but my subconscious is working overtime. Ed and I are both exhausted and need TO TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES as we want to really enjoy it all. Christy... don't worry you will have a nice number of boxes on Sunday, and I just realized I only live at most 90 minutes from you.... so I can bring you boxes every week and maybe even spend an afternoon helping you fill them. WE ARE GOING TO LOVE BEING SO CLOSE TO "HOME". It has been so long!


I'll try to post pics of the new house soon, but am going to bed to be radiant on Sunday :-) All eyes will be on my husband and what God is doing through him, and I don't have to be in control of anything.... so I'm going to pray this as by last thought and hope to have only refreshing sleep tonight. YAWN, GOOD NIGHT!

Who did you mean?

The appliance man today called and asked if Pastor would be willing to help him move in the refridgerator on moving day. I told him the Pastor would have already moved to his new town by then. There was pause, until he clarified MY HUSBAND was the Pastor he was referring too! Seeing it in print and hearing it feels weird! I have to get use to it though.... ordination is in only 12 days!

How does one actually define an Adult?

Luke has been interested in skate boarding this summer. We have a neat skate board park that has young teen boys practicing most all day long. I keep telling him he is too young to be around teen boys, he needs an adult. He doesn't even ask me... he knows the answer is nooooooooo. So he found a friend from church, who has an adult brother who was willing to take him. Well Luke's version of "adult", is 16!!!! But it was good enough, because the brother is a good kid and we knew our babysitter was going to be there too. Luke lucked out this time!

Dear Tooth Fairy,

I did lose my tooth. But I swallowed it when I was eating my crackers. I know you have magic and you believe me. PLEASE BELIEVE ME!

Love, Leah

June is almost over

Time to get moving... quite literally. I have one more day of work. Many blessings to have kept working until July! But, much packing is still needed. I'm not blaming it on procrastination, more on my aweful memory. In my past 4 moves, I have realized if I pack slowly, day by day - I have no idea what is in the boxes! So I can now go room by room and have a much better chance to have a clue what my codes are.

We had a great weekend. We celebrated baby H's FIRST birthday! His parents know how to throw a great BDAY bash. There was lots of great company with family and friends. Baby H just took it all in! Another special guest was Baby E. (8 months old) They are beautiful and we love them! We are so happy to be closer to DSM to see much more of them!


I also got to play with the my sister's three C's kids. Baby C is 3 months old and smiles and coos all the time. Soon she will say "patty" and melt my heart even more. Ed wouldn't let me take a baby home. It's just as well. Being with so many adorable nieces and nephews makes me tired!


Today was church, meeting a very nice missionary family from China and packing up my sewing and crafts. I also got in a little nap and take out mexican. Just can't beat that kind of day!

Guilt

I guess I thrive on guilt. All of the psychology books I've read and classes I've taken say it's not such a good thing. But I'm a real pro and haven't found the way to rid myself of it.

Right now.....

A --- guilty of washing Luke's Baseball uniform and then discovering the game is in 35 minutes! Would a good mother first make her 10 year old boy try on his 5 year old sister's purple baseball shirt inside out? Then in desperation, pull out wet 10 year old t-shirt, hand wring it and dry it alone in the dryer for 10 minutes? Of course, Luke needs to inform his coach and team, his missed warm up and is wearing a damp shirt!

B ---- Disappointed in *Jon and Kate*, but mostly in myself for watching reality TV. The kids were cute, just a little younger than my Leah... and it was kinda fun to watch the Mom's meltdowns over trival things. I really don't know why millions of us around the country like the reality TV shows. I guess it's voyerism, but it seems ok when the *stars* open up their life and get paid for it. I think they are sucked in too, and have little awareness of what price they will ulimately pay. I was a faithful viewer and it was fun. I know I wasn't the one to make the difference, the show has millions of people just like me following along. I would imagine there are other Mom's praying for this hurting family and wishing there wasn't such a lure for this type of program. Hopefully, this guilt will stick with me though and I'll remember the next time I look for a favorite show.

Random

Apologies to neglect this little blog again. I'd be surprised if I ever keep faithful readers! To those out there... Many, Many thanks!

* House buying is proceeding nicely.... Praise God! Right now closing is July 13 and I am buying carpet for one room that will be slash Ed's office/my craft -scrapbooking area, and guest room. The room is pretty big! I want to buy nice soft and warm carpet. But it's in the spilt foyer basement. I am really hoping it will never get water.... decisions, decisions.

* The children are accepted into the private school. Again Praise GOD!! They have tried out the playground and gave two thumbs up. They are not ready to talk about the classroom yet.... if they bicker anymore though, I'll be checking into summer school.

*2 weeks of swimming lessons start tomorrow. Leah's hair is left down without braids to allow for daily rinses from the chlorine. Good Mother-daughter bonding times ahead! I'll have to be renting lots of princess movies!

* We enjoyed our small town celebration days. The parade was wonderful.... until I was hit in the right eye by a carton of chocolate milk. Yes, when you live in a dairy town they throw out milk.... Too bad it wasn't ice cream! But they did hand out rootbeer floats yum! Leah loved the horses until they left a deposit in front of us..... thank goodness for the clean up crew! And we got to see BMX demonstrations and super skateboarding! I'm praying for no broken bones until this fascination period is over.

* Right now I'm packing and cleaning closets, woodwork as a go; sending my husband to Pastor camp, and planning for ordination details. Back to the boxes!

More crazy times

Well we can cross a few things off our list.

* Bought the house, just need to meet the inspector tomorrow and send lots of copies to the lender.

* Completed VBS and dance recital. Wow. The dance recital was 10 times crazier then VBS. I know this from first hand experience as a "back stage Mom", barely worth the front row tickets for the last night. But my little gymnast had a blast and did an amazing job!! I am scared we are hooked on dance though and will need to add finding a dance studio to the moving list.

I am back to working after a week off for VBS and having Lightening Mc Queen for 8 days! It was a blast... a tiring blast with alternating fun and sibling fighting. Good times. The kids did get to OKABOJI and bought caught 2 fish!!

This weekend we are sending out the ordination invites, and going to Des Moines for an Aunt's birthday.

Then I can really start packing and finding a job. Closing on the house is sometime between July 13 and 20. It's all getting really real!!!

Last day of school

The students are happy, the teachers are HAPPY, why is the nurse crying?

I will miss it!!! I never thought any job could replace hospice. My little guy has really touched my heart. The toughest part was not being able to say a real goodbye forever. Actually, maybe it is better in this sense. For all the little guy knows (or cares about me), we will both be back on Monday. I did write a thank you note to his parents. They know I'll miss him. I know I'll miss him. He knows that Mom drove him home and he doesn't like the work of school. He likes recess and sometimes art! I've learned to like recess and art too!


I think he liked me some... today he signed "help" to get him out of a time out! I know he liked my pushing him on the swing!

I have updated my resume. Since the house financing is out of my hands for the moment, I will be job searching. Of course, hospice is my first choice.... but I am much more open this year. God may just have something better in mind!!!!


P.S. Say a little prayer for me and my sewing machine, "Jan". We are putting (more correctly attempting) to place button holes in tote bags for the VBS kids. The older LWML ladies made it sound soooooo easy. ah sure!!!

Many reasons for delay in blogging

graduated husband and awaiting pics from family (still struggling with camera issues)
buying a home ..... financing YUCK!!!!!
starting to pack ... thank goodness we kept all of our boxes
preparing for VBS and nephew,Lightening McQueen, to stay a week
preparing for Leah's dance recital
preparing for transition in my job from school nurse to audit nurse (THANKS to God for the work until we move!)
Celebrating Luke's 10 th BD yesterday with 2 celebrations. (yes I let him turn double digits YIKES)
Finding a new job
Planning an ordination!!!
catching up with laundry from 5 days in Seminary City and Des Moines
Baseball, lots of games and T ball

There is more I'm sure..... but this is making me tired and stressed. Last day of school is Friday.... I'm actually sad to leave my little guy and his classmates. But there is no way to say goodbye to him. It's probably best that he thinks school is just done for the day or the weekend. I'll miss the job and seeing great teachers at work. I will not miss winter recess though!

Healthcare reform at Patty's expense!

Did ya hear how they plan to fund healthcare reform by taxing sugary drinks?

Do you think I should
a) quit
b) switch to Diet DP
c) beg for a medical waiver as I need the medicinal effects in the morning to clear the nights allergies?
d) get a second job


You might see even less of me..... I'll probaby be working more =-) ADDICTION IS A PAIN!

p.s. Off to seminary city with the family to graduate Ed. YEAH!!!!!!!

Mother's Day

I had a wonderful Mother's Day! My big gift.... a Maytag! Ed says I don't have to keep washing undies (or 4 {who wear about 8} people's worth of clothing) by hand! He did ask me not to by any more underwear with the words on them until Leah can read though! I guess that' something Dad's are not into.

My day started the night before. The ladies aid gave us a gift certificate to a steak house with free babysitting! YEAH. You know which one I liked best! They did make a great baked potato and grilled mushrooms though. We had a nice evening and SURPRISE!! The hostess brought me roses from my kids, with a hand signed card. Yes, I cried happy tears! They made photo cards too. Thanks Lola for helping them!!

Mother's day was wonderful with the kids singing in church and we took a picnic (Taco John's) at the baseball park and then my whole family went to tulip town nearby and let me revel in my Dutch heritage (WITHOUT COMPLAINING!). We then went to my Mom's grave and they comforted my tears. I have survived 15 years without my mother.... I never thought that was possible 15 years ago.

At home I got a nap then, Ed made supper, grilled cheese and soup, my favorite! Luke said Monday could be Mother's day again.... but Ed said that ship had pass! I'll be remembering that comment next month!!

Lots of changes ahead!

Yesterday I drove to new hometown and looked at houses to buy or rent. Wow. We set a budget and hoped the buyer's market would deliver. NOPE. Our experts say we can do a higher budget, but we are not ready to buy our future house without lots more planning. The tax credits just aren't worth that type of stress!!! We do have more time for the "magical-great bones-fixer upper house" to appear next month just begging for me to "flip" it. I have done all my homework... you know my degrees from TLC and HGTV and my favorite show Property Ladder! If it can be done on TV... it can't be that hard right?

Actually there is such a house that needs a garage and some fresh paint and flooring. It is a part of an estate and right now their numbers (probably based on emotion for their childhood home) and our numbers are WAY off. My heart fluctuates between wanting to love a home again and set down roots versus renting for another 6-9-12 months. Ed and I have lots of decisions, discussions and prayer!

I visited my children's future school, heard the children singing for their upcoming spring program and wanted to cry "mom's happy tears" right in front of the principal. Seriously. I was so happy my heart is swelling!!! I know this is the right school... even if we are homeless right now!

I didn't visit the hospice house. I learned my lesson the last time I visited a hospice house that didn't have a job opening for a year. Just broke my heart!! I did go to the hospital and saw 3 job openings. It's a little soon to apply. I don't think the hospital wants to hire me to just have us wait to finish vicarage, move, ordain my husband and then decide to show up for work. But the wheels are in motion and the time will fly!

P.S. still waiting to have the washing machine fixed. And I hand washed Thursday's undies. But my car decided it wanted to see the repairman too so the washing machine had better just need a little TLC repair, or this Momma will be hand washing lots!!!

The pressure!!

Wouldn't ya know my washing machine dies on the weekend I buy Leah "days of the week" underwear. I have been avoiding that pressure for months, and now the machine dies and the serviceman has the "flu". I had to be sympathetic for him with all of the swine flu paranoia. But, I NEED A WASHER by Wednesday night... or we will have one crabby 5 year old without the correct undies. Or this Mama will have to go back and buy the Hello Kitty undies that I should have bought in the first place.

The pain of chores

Mom - "Leah, it's time to come in. Tell your friends goodnight."

Leah- Mom, I want to play more, I'm not tired.... we are playing tag and pretending to play house.

Mom- "you need to finish cleaning your room now"

Leah (Drop to the floor in sobs.) "but my arm hurts"


Mom - "Then use your other arm."

Leah "But my legs ... oh and my feet"

Poor child needs to have her limbs amputated. Can you feel her pain? Her awful mother doesn't.

Love of Seminary City

We are slowing recovering from our excitement over call day, getting back to work and school and recovering from colds... no fevers so we are certain it's not the swine flu! I was pleasently surprised that Luke came to tour our new home town so willingly and we heard only great things about his visits to school, friends and boyscouts without tearful demands to stay!

His creative writing assignment this week shows his mind is still there.......


My house in "seminary city"

I would build my dream house in "seminary city". I would either have it in the city or near the city. I would be a five story house with a huge basement, and a brick bedroom in the basement with no windows and a flat screen TV. I would have 5 bedrooms one for everyone and my cats even get there own bedroom. I would have a swimming pool that goes 20 feet deep. The best thing in the house is my room with a flat screen TV.

I copied this in his words and spelling. I do feel I need to clarify... the brick bedroom is not a cell... just good tornado protection and a TV to keep by the minute updates! We are hoping he outgrows his fears of storms and becomes a meterologist!

Call Day

We are staying in Iowa! In fact it’s Central Iowa, much closer to Grandma and Grandma and our sweet nephews and nieces. This makes us very happy! We are also thrilled to have a (insert our denomination) school. Luke’s class will be combined with another grade to make about 20 students, so it is small. We feel this will be great for him and perhaps will be more focused if less bored by being able to listen to the 6th graders’ instruction. Either way he will receive the Word on a daily basis and we are thrilled. Leah is so excited to enter Kindergarten this fall, but will be happy it’s a smaller classroom and also hear of Jesus’ love!

Hopefully, I can change my profile to read …. Back in Hospice. The hospice house is smaller… but I will try to work PRN or at least volunteer to get my foot in the door and hopefully a job will come in God’s timing. I will be working full time (in 1 or 2 jobs) as the student loans come due… but since my baby will be leaving me for the big exciting world of Kindergarten, my role as Mommy will change and a paycheck will mean more!
Ed is so excited about his possibilities, however still wants’ to keep his focus on Shepherding our vicarage church as they are just starting their call process for a experienced Pastor who could also supervise a vicar to meet their needs.
There are so MANY BLESSINGS in our new call, that we (and Grandma) are GRATEFUL! One challenge is to find a home as there is not a parsonage. We plan to find a small house to rent, until we can find the perfect house to buy. Actually owning our own home will be a blessing once the process is complete.
GOD IS GOOD! He has also blessed us tremendously with wonderful friends and family to support and encourage us along the way. THANK YOU!!

Camera trouble

Sorry no pictures for the last posts. Long sad story... and I don't want to get
even more irritated :-) Just think of 2 little gremlins taking a video to summit to America*s Funnei*st Home V*ideos. Yeah..... gotta love them. Pictures are still taken, but have to be edited due to a black shadow across the top. I'll add them to the posts later. Breathe Mom, Breathe.

Seminary City

We have been so excited to visit Seminary City for Call day. I find this so surprising because in 2005, I never thought we’d call Seminary city home. We lived in an old damp “townhouse”, that was more like a small apartment with the bedrooms up a flight of stairs. I am embarrassed to admit I have been so spoiled that I was so unhappy in an apartment. Many of God’s people can serve him while living in a tent, but I need a house. That is the reality, as ugly as it is. We were so MUCH happier in a house with a basement for storage and a backyard to play. I also made it to hospice and left hospital nursing for the hospice house and wonderful Christian and supportive co-workers. Somehow Seminary City became home and we still have twinges of homesickness. Vicarage town has so many blessings and I’m sure I will be saying the same until our new home fits around us.

Seminary city has so many luxuries… like Targets and Walgreens and multiple free family activities and milder weather and dear friends that “get” what being a seminarian it and “get” how thrilling and scary is to put our faith in God’s plans for us. We have a list of people we want to see and places we want to visit “one last time”.

As we are driving in to Seminary City… even just the county suburbs… Luke says he feels choked up and could cry “happy tears”. Of course he is too grown up to cry, but not to grown up to feel he should be allowed to stay here forever! He plans an afternoon visit to his former school and a playdate and finish the week with a Boy Scout rally. Hopefully a visit will be healing and fun…. But not too fun to make him want to stay forever! Leah wants to see her friend “HSM girl” and play, play, and then play some more. She wants to see the elephant named after her, play at some favorite parks and check out a kid’s museum. Mom wants to her former coworkers and a special patient who “graduated” from hospice and generally see her family have a relaxing and enjoyable vacation that “heals homesickness”. Dad has some shopping to do at the bookstore and graduation details to work out. He has a bunch of friends to reconnect with a wants a taste of his favorite coffee.
On the trip here we stopped for a wonderful lunch with friends who have graduated from the sem and have started a great life. They are such an inspiration and still give us great support. When we were leaving, Ed said “did you get your Kate fix”. Nope… I could have had twice as long! Hopefully, our new call will be closer and I can get my “fix” more often!

Stay tuned…. our next post will be Call day!

I love being close to these 3!!!

My sister, S, aunt J and the 3 C musketeers came for a weekend visit. I was all set to take some night time feedings, but after the one o’clock, her “baby meowing” over the monitor was waking Ed (who had to preach at 8 AM.) So I moved the monitor to her Mommy’s room and didn’t her the nighttime party my sister and her daughter had until it was shared with me in the morning!

If you remember, the crib leaving left a serious case of baby desire. Miss Princess and Little guy have fixed that. I can love them, spoil them, and give them back at bedtime! I am too old and too set in my middle aged, mother of school aged children routine. My sister makes beautiful babies, I’ll just fix my baby cravings through her!
We had a wonderful visit, with some highlights….

We all went to my Mom’s grave and did spring cleanup. The 5 year old’s had lots of questions about the Grandma their Mommies keep speaking so lovingly about. They really didn’t get that Grandma is in heaven with Jesus, but her body is in the ground under the pretty red gravestone. We talked about the special part that made Grandma, the Grandma who would love them. I shared with that I believe… S and I had to wait so long for our babies, because Grandma J just didn’t want to share them with us! She was holding and playing with them in Heaven. Leah listens attentively and then announces to Lightening McQueen (also 5), "SHE LOVED ME BEST!". Oh my, I told her Grandma loved all her grandchildren equally. I could have pointed out that since Princess was the last to come to earth... Grandma held her longest. (I can't wait until my husband reads my take on this.... I'm sure theology is much different!

After the cemetery, we went to revisit the small town Aunt J grew up. S and I also have great memories of our Dad's childhood home until it was sold when I was 10. I was across the street, taking pictures of the fantastic job the latest owners did. And the owner came out to ask me why.... I explained who I was and that my aunt was so interested in what he had did (it really was awesome) and he invited her in!!! The new family was so interested in the history and stories of the house, that they benefited also. I stayed with the babies (all 5) and we went to the park I played at 30 plus years ago! Many good memories.

Then we took the kids to a cousin's farm to see the cattle. The kids loved the cows. It made S and me realize exactly what city slickers we were raising.
**Luke was swinging a dried corn stalk.... and commented what weak Bamboo it was!
**Lightening McQueen and Leah were holding their noses... despite us telling them it "smelled like money."
Princess slept through it all...... But Little Man... all 2 years of him.... wanted a big cow. All the way home.... "Cow, Cow... peaz cow". Maybe Grandpa will get a little farmer yet.

Blog block

This is a severely neglected blog. Poor thing, you could call blog welfare and it still would be neglected. My head and heart just don’t have the energy to find the words to describe the call process. I am really trying to put my faith and trust in God. I feel like I’m doing it and then I break out in zits (won’t they be lovely for Call Day!) I love Chris Rice… and this song gives me comfort and makes sense to me.

The Chorus.....

Why does the past always seem safer?
Maybe because at least we know me made it
And why do we worry about the future?
When every day will come just the way the Lord ordained it
You can believe it, yeah, just like the 8th grade

You may have noticed the change from KLove to Luke 12 last month. I truly know God is in control. Thanks to GOD!, if I was in control... what mistakes could be made. Praise to God for his faithfulness and prayers for help to keep trust in HIM! I a prayer that Call Day comes quickly!

Easter Highlights

What a wonderful (yet busy) Easter

Highlights (since this is obviously backdated)

Ed is exhausted after his first time ever preparing and preaching 4 sermons in 8 days. He did a wonderful job and was so enthusiastic with sharing HE IS RISEN!

The church is beautiful! We had a great breakfast that the youth prepared (just like our former home church)

AND GRANDMA is here (she brought Grandpa and Jessi too). It is so wonderful to be close enough for visits like this. We had a nice dinner with my Aunt C and Cousin J also. I only burned the top of the potato casserole a little and the rest of the food was good. Thanks Grandma and Aunt C for the help!

I need to add one story that Jessi would kill me about... but here goes, because she just might think you'd convince me she was right.

At bedtime, the night before sunrise service, Grandma asks to see the outfit Jessi plans to wear. Nice broom textured skirt. Nice black tube top.... with a red bra underneath. Ahem... Jessi that's not appropriate for our country church, especially on Easter. She was suppose to be getting her clothes back on the go to Wally World, but I go into Leah's room to find her texting someone rapidly about how mean and weird Grandma and Aunt Patty is. Next to her is my Leah, chin in hands, just as dejected posture as Jessi has. She agrees with Jessi!! We are so in trouble when Leah is 15 (if not before). I'm hoping the princess dresses stay around a long time... anyway. Off to Wallyworld they go, and bring back a nice black cover up jacket. At church, Ed comments "You look so nice", Jessi mutters under her breath.... Yeah, I look Amish! We are so glad she came to visit, even if she had to dress like a young Amish women to fit it!

Today, I went for my post op visit.... all is well. Boy, do I recommend a robotic surgery! Still planning for Call Day. We are excited!~

Good times! I went shopping for an Easter/Call Day/Graduation Dress. A little history: I hate shopping. I didn't really like even when I was a size 6 and had a little discretionary spending in our budget. I didn't know how good I had it!

To make a long depressing story short and to the point. I had a coupon for Jc Penny, and I needed a conservative dress. I took every black and white dress in my size into the dressing room and locked myself in until I had two dresses that I could live with. Then my Mother in law and my daughter could tell me which one was the best.

My mother in law liked this one.




My daughter liked this one.



I liked how this one's belt draws the eye away from my ample bust.... so it won out and good thing as Leah's favorite was being worn by a much older women on Easter Morning in the choir! WHEW! I HATE shopping!

Cousins

Meet the whole family!!! I am PRAYING to be even closer to them. Since we have returned to Iowa, we see them every 6 weeks or so and we miss them even more. My sister is having a ball with pink in her laundry now and Princess has grown so much in the past 2 weeks. I feel like I'm missing out.


Lightening McQueen is starting soccer, finishing preschool, wanting sleep overs at Aunt Patty's and is over all a great guy!! He just turned 5, 4 months younger than Leah. He is a huge fan of his big cousin, Luke.

"Snuggle Bug" is now "Little Man", but I was strongly leaning towards the AKA of Tazmanian Devil (somedays I may still call him TAZ) He just turned 2. We were worried he wouldn't like giving up his baby role to Princess, but is handling the adjustment pretty well!

Now for some Pink from the Princess!

Watch Out for the ICE

Well the storm did hit. But it did not leave 6-12 inches of wet snow. The warmer roads melted most all and the mushy dusting on the grass melted by mid day. Ed was able to complete confirmation. Now the children are just being pelted with little torpedoes of ice falling off the trees and roof. Weird!! Hopefully spring is just right around the corner. Spring for Easter would be great!!!!

Weather Warning

I believe a weather front is moving in. Nurses always know when it's a full moon without following a calender or even checking out the window. Nurses just KNOW!

Teachers know too.

*It takes multiple whistles to call the children to line up at recess, when usually just raising a hand will do.
*In some of the special ed rooms - hitting and screaming makes all of the teachers walk just out of child arm range.
* I overheard another teacher announce in the hallway outside of our room - "We do not throw chairs in Kindergarten". I will never be as wise as a teacher.... but Yep I don't think we'll dodge this bullet... a huge storm is coming!

I love naps!

A quick blog before a nap.

This week was a back to normal routine, followed by a wonderful visit by my in laws who were able to come for Luke's Grandparents Day, YIPPEE for living close enough to do this!) But I am tired.... I'm sure some of that is recovery from the excitement from Princess' birth on Monday.

Today after church, I announced a nap was necessary as I work everyday next week. Ed justified it to the kids that the Dr. said it would be up to 6 weeks before I felt normal. Luke jumps in to add "But normal is being tired!" I had a good chuckle and Ed tried to explain anemia and tummy pain causes fatigue too. He didn't add overweight and out of shape, but he sure could have!

Meme

A is for your age: 39
B is for your burger of choice: Veggie Black Bean. And I have to be very careful that the Midwest's version of "veggie burger" isn't just lettuce and tomato on a real hamburger.
C is for the car that you drive: 1999 red Taurus
D is for dog's name: "My children's greatest wish, that I hope doesn't come to realization"
E is for an essential item you use each day: DR PEPPER
F is for your favorite television show: Dancing with the stars
G is for favorite games: Brickmaster
H is for hometown: 29 days until I know!
I is for instruments played: Clarinet, but never very good! (doing leftover Algebra during rests didn't help!)
J is for favorite juice: pineapple
K is for what you'd like to kick: The Dr Pepper habit
L is for last restaurant you dined at: Mc Donald's fries
M is for your favorite Muppet: Big Bird
N is for number of piercings you have: 2 - one in each ear
O is for overnight hospital stays: 2 (Tonsils and recent hysterectomy)
P is for people you were with today: My favorite student, his teachers and all of his schoolmates on a cold Iowa playground. Ed, Luke and Leah. My student took me into the playground fort and up 3 levels to help him slide down. Wow, I was TIRED tonight!
Q is for what you do in quiet times: READ, sleep
R is for regrets: Not finishing my degree before I became a mother.
S is for status: Tired! But very happy I am uterusless.
T is for time you woke up today: 6:45 am
U is for what you consider unique: Not wanting to be unique.
V is for favorite vegetables: zucchini
W is for your worst habit: not listening all the time
X is for x-rays you have had: teeth, bone scan, chest, abdomen
Y is for yummy food you ate today: Raisin Bran, Lean cuisine, applesauce, Pizza Hut, Z is for favorite zoo animal: Elephants

A new niece

My very strong and brave sister made me an aunt again. Welcome to the world Princess!! And her middle name is Ann... for Patricia Ann. I was so blessed to be able to be there for her arrival and take lots of pictures!

DWTS addiction

Move over Kristi Yamaguchi. Leah has a new star.... who is a gymnast like her. We are having fun watching and many of our Iowa family members are catching the DWTS bug, now that a local girl is in it. Everyone had better learn to like it.... Leah says it is what she is going to grow up to be! We are signing up to try win the free trip to watch the finale from the Hyvee stores. Oh, how happy Leah would be!!

I am so proud of young Shawn, but I am really hoping they remember she is only 17 and keep her dressed! We are watching tonight and I showed her costume to Ed. He agreed they could do better.

Look Mom... no training wheels!

Wow!! Leah can ride her bike really fast.... all my herself!!! My baby is growing too fast! But what fun! The best part is her brother took off the training wheels and taught her! (Do you think that he is tired of hearing her yell "wait for me Luke!") Whatever the reason --- I am so proud of both of them!

I will add video as soon as the family computer with the Kodak program returns from the computer hospital. YUCK for computer virus' (caught through facebook and attacked our house printer). It should return home tomorrow. So stay tuned!

Differences of opinion

I LOVE OUR CONGREGATION!! Every night a hot wonderful delicious supper comes to our door by 6. Most of the women are older and all of them KNOW HOW TO COOK!
WE ARE BLESSED!!!

Leah doesn't agree.

Last night driving home from the sitter...

Leah: What is for supper tonight?
Me: I don't know, some nice grandma from church is bringing us supper.
Leah: (all too common lately, hysterical fit with tears) I don't want a grandma supper.
Me: But it's such GOOD FOOD!
Leah: I don't want GOOD food...... I want OUR food!

Boy, doesn't that speak volumes on my cooking!

EXTRA, EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT ---

My surgery has kinda upset our family. Or at least our egos. Last night, Luke told me....

Luke: The "small city journal" called for you.
Me: Oh..... (with some admitted indifference).
Luke: "I asked her if she wanted to write a story about my flu or your surgery"
Me: (attention gathered) What did she say?
Luke: Well she didn't say anything for a minute, then she said she'd call back when you could talk to her.
Me: Lukey... all she wanted was to sell us a subscription. The flu and a hysterectomy is not news.
Luke: Are you sure......

The next day a young women called from the "small city journal" to sell a subscription. I thought about telling her all about the flu and my surgery.... for an instance before politely declining. But if they continue to call and call and call like the "Seminary city newspapers", I'm more than willing to share details.

Quarantined

THE. LITTLE. ONES. HAVE. THE. STOMACH. FLU. I found out last night when my son leaned over me to tell me he was going to throw up and then used my soft fleshy belly to push all his weight up! OUCH! My stitches came out today and prayers would be appreciated that Mom doesn't get the flu next! The Lysol can came back out in force!

BEDREST

Ed gave me Kate*Gosslin's book for Christmas. She had a section on bedrest,turns out she always imagined a mother on bedrest getting a perfect breakfast in bed, bluebirds out her windows and a perfect manicure. Turns out bedrest was nothing like that for her.. or me! I was most looking forward to recovering at home..... nothing fancy. Basically sleep when desired and watching some TV.

My first day started with a ice storm and 2 hour delay. Good thing school was actually cancelled as my 5 year old was dressed in Tasha's cowboy dance costume. She did have pink tights with florescent hearts on them. They were perfect, because the cowboy print skirt had slits up to her hips! Sleep was interrupted by "JUST WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO FOR FUN??" "I WANT TO DO GIRL STUFF!" "I WANT MY TOES PAINTED!" "I can't find my Mermaid movie!"

I chose my best parenting tool to keep the fights on the low end.... separate televisions in separate rooms. I know ---- ingenious!! But that means no Mommy TV shows. Turns out today, Leah is a big fan of the Wiggles! In fact, she watched the same show 3 times in succession! The third time, Luke (but he'd never admit it) came in to watch as well. Of course that sends Leah into hysteria, because my bedroom is only for girls! GOOD TIMES!

After Ed came home, everything was much better!! Lots of birthday cards in the mail, presents, cake and a homemade dinner not home made by ME! Turns out meals will be coming in for the next 10 days! YIPPEE!!! There's no ice predicted for tomorrow... so I get to try the recuperating thing at home again. Today was actually a wonderful day with wonderful phone calls! Thanks ladies, you made my day much better!!!!

Surgery is DONE!

Back now at "home" (my mother in law's house, in DSM.) I wouldn't say I'm in any much more discomfort than I was before the hysterectomy. However, I was allergic to one of the beautiful flowers I received and ouch, sneezing did hurt. Ibuprofen takes the pain to a manageable level. All in all, I highly recommend a robotic surgery! Well off to rest before the kiddos return from their playdates! Thanks for all of the prayers! Will update more later!

Update

My Checkers is still doing better. No cartwheels, but plenty sassy to young Skittles and lots of coming around for attention and no throwing up!

Melissa, the jury is still out on catnip. The vet said he had no specific opinion in that it doesn't seem to hurt MOST cats. There have been some cases of overdose he said.... but with my official RN research (that would be "google"), I feel it is safe enough. It makes my kitties so happy too! But take that recommendation with knowing that I google human conditions too!! Well actually I webmd mostly! Quite official, I know!

The 6 best words I've heard....

"She will live a while longer."
I have been worried about my first "baby", Checkers for a long time. Last summer we made a "hospice decision" of not tormenting her to treat a thyroid condition. She has lost another pound and sleeps lots more and needs help to get up to the bed etc... The past month she has been throwing up more and in preparation for the family staying away for a few days with my upcoming surgery... we need to find helpers to watch the cats. I do not wish our neighbors and friends to have to clean up after such a mess.... nor did I want Checkers to become really ill and die and leave such decisions up to these wonderful people to agreed to help. So to a different vet we went, and he said he was surprised to see how well she looked for almost 16. She has had open access to Cat nip..... our desperate desire for her to be happy in her last days. But he said these wonderful words. "If we can stop the stomach upset.... "She will live a while longer." I could have kissed him!!! I was so happy. He gave her a new injection of a med to control the brain nausea center and she will get a 1/3 of a Pepcid tablet everyday. He really thinks she will be better, and she certainly seams more herself tonight! Our family is so hopeful! Oh how our pets become such a part of our family!

Surgery update

My doctor really wants to use the Robot and the surgery to be at a certain hospital... enough that he opened up one of his days off. March 6 is the big day and I am relieved. Turns out I have enough to keep me busy until then with physicals, EKG and getting insurance records etc... The surgery nurse says to plan for 3 to 4 weeks off. That's much different then the Doctor's input of 2 weeks.... so we shall see. Then there will be follow up in DSM in 2 weeks and hopefully a princess niece babe to see born and my month of March should be pretty exciting. Then the exciting month of April with Call Day on the 22nd and then graduation on May 22. These are Ed's big days.... but the seminary women out there know that these are big days for the family as well! Packing in June, and vacation to CO in July. Exciting times ahead! I am glad to be getting this trouble out to the way.

Random Bullets

My blog has been seriously neglected! Here's what we have been up to the past 2 weeks.

* Yesterday was GOTCHA DAY. 9 years ago the Judge said YES!!! The kids have so much fun (and so do Mom and Dad) just having a special day for the 4 of us. We celebrated a night early by going to finally get Leah's 5 year old pictures, pictures with American Girl, Marissa and some retakes of Luke's fall school pictures. Then we dined at IHOP. Luke's favorite..... funny face pancakes. Luke loves rehearing the adoption story and we love sneaking in extra hugs and whispering the judge said "YES". We are also sadly praying for good friends of ours that recently heard a "NO". The tremendous blessing of adoption and God's precious ways of creating family is not lost on us.

*SATURDAY MORNINGS and some afternoons are spent around YMCA boys basketball. Luke has decided this is his sport and really gets into it!

* Preparing for a NEW NIECE. Last weekend we went to DSM and helped finish up her nursery. My sister kept saying it's not PINK enough. Turns out Leah is a little jealous.... pink is her color! Sorry Leah.... but take heart there is enough glittery pink for many girls! Folding Leah's hand me downs into the new princess' drawers is a huge eye opener. The past 5 years have flown by!

* I am 90 percent sure I will be having "female surgery" on Wednesday in DSM.(Male readers can turn away now) The past 6 weeks have been spent in some pain and getting tests and second opinions. My doctor wanted to do a robotic laproscopy to save as much as possible... but scheduling has been difficult as the Robot is pretty popular. I definitely need my left ovary removed and endometriosis burned. But on Friday, my doctor decided to do a complete hysterectomy. I am actually looking forward to a completion of this!

* I am also planning a trip to Seminary City in 58 some days. Not that we are counting! We did find out that we will be moving somewhere hopefully in Iowa. Ed will be getting a smaller church and our vicarage church will be looking for a Pastor that can continue the Vicarage program that has been a blessing to the church and the seminaries as well. A pastor needs to have 5 years of experience before training a vicar. We have been grateful for this experience and are anxious to hear what plans God has for Ed and our family. Soon we will be getting out the boxes.

More changes and more Blessings for our family!

Family birthday party

What a neat weekend. A February thaw is happening (YEAH!) and we were able to travel to southern Iowa for Great Grandma's 93rd birthday. Another highlight of the trip was seeing Baby E for the first time (off of web cam). She is really cute and has quite an adorable personality! We missed Baby H, as he is recovering from RSV and definitely did not want to share with Baby E or Great Grandma. We are missing our cousin M who lives with her mother on the East coast and 2 of Ed's brothers, but everyone else was there. It was a great party with family and many of Grandma's friends. Great Grandma is really an amazing lady. She still lives in her own home, remembers every one's big days and writes many personal letters weekly on her home computer. Her memory is better than mine. She is the only grandmother I have ever known. All of my grandparents died before I was born, and even if she is inherited through my marriage and my mother in laws second marriage.... I am so proud to call her Grandma!! She has helped me be a better cook, mother and person!




93 and 3 months old. Aren't they beautiful!




Everyone loves great grandma. Next time we want Baby H and M to be in the pics.

WHY??

When a Mama tells her 5 year old daughter to go to her room and get some socks.... why does she come out of the room 50% of the time with a sparkly purse instead? If you know, please share!! It would make getting ready for school so much easier!

Desperate times call for desparate measures

I'm pureeing strawberries to use as pancake syrup on my weight watchers diet;
as the super bowl feasting is tonight. And I think..... maybe I should replace the 3 point Dr. Pepper with something else. (Just can't do the diet DP, I've tried Kate :-) This week, the radio was hyping up new caffeine pills to replace coffee. So in desperation , I look them up..... I'm thinking it's just a new name for Vivarin. The 2 times I tried Vivarin in Nursing School as a 20 year old..... I don't think the world needs to have me strung out on Vivarin with a new name! I'll be trying pureed blueberry syrup next.
Go Steelers and Cardinals! If the PACK isn't in the Super Bowl, I like the Steelers.... but I loved watching Kurt Warner play for several seasons for the Barnstormers and he has quite a Cinderella story.... so it will just be a good game for me!

Warning: This Mama is mad

I am kicking, screaming and throwing a major fit. Well not really, I'm trying to resemble some type of calm and sane mother. But I'm putting my foot down. Today at tumbling class, there is a list of 12.... count them 12 different Mary Kay cosmetics and color choices required for recital. Black eye liner, gold eye shadow, black mascara. chocolate rum for lip liner, passion gold for lip color and a certain color for blush and lip gloss. That's not even 12, but I'm so frustrated!!!!!! THIS IS FOR A 5 YEAR OLD! Who is just in tumbling and does cartwheels at the speed of light.

When we signed her up....no mention was made for recital until they wanted a large fee for the privilege. Partly out of principle.... I said no. I can see her do cartwheels in my living room daily for free. Ed helped me see how this is an achievement for Leah, lots of fun, a great way to learn poise and confidence.... ect. I finally agreed and paid the fees. Then instead of black leotard, tan tights and $50 black shoes...they decide pink leopard leotards would be pretty.... for $35 - thank you very much. That doesn't include the pink hair bow (and she still needs the $50 shoes), which this cheap mama isn't buying until I'm sure I'll know her correct size in June.

So today, I'm flabbergasted that 5 YEAR OLDS NEED MAKEUP. At least blush, lipstick, eye liner and mascara they said, as the stage lights are bright. Yada, Yada. I refuse!! Since day one....many people have commented that Leah will never need mascara as her lashes are so long and curly. Maybe a little lip gloss. I must have made a scene..... hopefully a professional calm impression. Anyway we aren't home for 10 minutes, when they call and said they spoke to another mother of dark skinned girls who suggested pink eye shadow, red blusher and red lipstick. All I can think of is conjunctivitis!!

Ed just shakes his head at me, but I will not do it all! I may make a compromise for my daughters sake, but I WILL NOT turn my daughter into a clown, or worse. I am so scared if this starts at 5....we'll be headed something down this road.

Jailed!!!!

Thanks to all of you that bailed my husband out of jail. The $1600 was a bit steep for a vicar's salary! Now the jail didn't exactly look like this one. The ground around it isn't white enough! Ed was quite comfortable in the ice cream parlor, but was burning up the blackberry calling for money. So were the other 6 "jail birds". I had a very worried 5 year old.... "not my daddy", even if it was just pretend for the MD association! He was granted visiting rights and she was much happier eating the pizza and chicken he was provided. He was let go 90 minutes later on good behavior. Thanks again! And I hope my mother in law has recovered from her mini heart attack getting the "Mom I'm in jail call!"

History has changed

Leah

I just wanted to explain why I recorded today's date in your baby book. I want you to recognize that history has been made today and does reflect hope for the future. Putting all politics aside (and that Malia or Maleah is a great name!) The human race has changed. A bi-racial man can and has become the leader of the free world. Last year, I feverishly read many books when you told me that you were black and everyone else at preschool was white. What I read about how past injustice continue to effect current racial issues scared me. I just kept praying that our love and parenting choices would help you focus and give you confidence. I pray for you that your future happens because of choices you'll make and using the blessings God gave you. It will probably take hard work and guts and won't always be easy. Dad and I will be behind you. God has such wonderful plans for both of my children. As your parent, I pray the obstacles will only be as hard as they need to be. I feel such tremendous hope that so many more avenues will be open if you chose to seek them. America has accepted change. The future is so much brighter! I LOVE you and am so proud to call you my daughter.

Love, Mom

Prayers

Our traditional night time prayers are "Jesus loves me" with a twist.

Jesus loves me this I know
For the bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak, but he is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves Leah,
Yes, Jesus loves Luke,
Yes, Jesus loves Mom and Dad.... (many others we love can and are added in this line)
For the bible tells me so.
THANKS FOR THE CROSS!!!!!

Tonight though Luke added:

And please God, help my Mom understand that just because I fight with Leah...it doesn't mean I don't love her! OK -- message received! It doesn't mean I will learn to like the fighting though!!!

Heat wave

No more negative temps. Well maybe the wind chills, but we stopped listening to the news. Especially after city's 10 to 15 degrees warmer cancelled school. But not our tough town. We want to belong....so are buckling down too!

Today Luke woke us up at 6 to not be late for 8:30 first basketball practice. Do you think he's excited? He sure didn't do this for football! It's fun to watch though....even if a little early. Warm gyms beat ice cold bleachers any day!

Right now I'm catching up on laundry and scrapbooking. You don't even have to guess which one excites me more! I can hear Luke upstairs having a blast with his good friend B. The amazing part is B still lives in Seminary City! That's right....they are playing a Pokemon DS game via WI FI over 500 miles away. Their voices come over the game boy and little annoying sister stills likes to bug B and Luke! Technology amazes me! I'd never dream of this in my childhood.....I never even dreamed of this when my baby was born!!! Just imagine the next decade!! Stay warm!

IF YOU WERE A LITTLE GIRL IN THE 1970'S......

You had that Fisher Price Doctor's Kit with a stethoscope that actually worked.



You owned a bicycle with a banana seat and a plastic basket with flowers on it.



You learned to skate with actual skates (not roller blades) that had metal wheels.



You thought Gopher from Love Boat was cute (admit it!)



You had nightmares after watching Fantasy Island






You had rubber boots for rainy days and Moon boots for snowy days.




You owned 'Klick-Klacks' and smacked yourself in the face more than once !



Your Holly Hobbie sleeping bag was your most prized possession.


You wore a poncho, gauchos, and knickers.


You begged Santa for the electronic game, Simon.


You had the Donny and Marie dolls with those pink and purple satiny shredded outfits, or the sunshine family



You had a pair of Doctor Scholl's sandals (the ones with hard sole & the buckle). You also had a pair of salt-water sandals.





You wanted to be Laura Ingalls Wilder really bad; you wore that Little House on the
Prairie-inspired plaid, ruffle shirt with the high neck in at least one school picture;
and you despised Nellie Oleson!






PONG! ('video tennis' ) was the most remarkable futuristic game you've ever heard of !

Your hairstyle was described as having 'wings' or 'feathers' and you kept it 'pretty'
with the comb you kept in your back pocket.
When you walked, the 'wings' flapped up and down, looked like you were gonna 'take off'





You carried a Muppets lunch box to school and it was metal, not plastic.
With the thermos inside some were glass inside and broke the first time you dropped them.




You and your girlfriends would fight over which of the Dukes of Hazzard was your boyfriend.



YOU had Star Wars action figures, too!



It was a big event in your household each year when the 'Wizard of Oz' would come on TV.
Your mom would break out the popcorn and sleeping bags!



You often asked your Magic-8 ball the question: 'Who will I marry.
Shaun Cassidy, Leif Garrett, or David Cassidy?'




You completely wore out your Grease, Saturday Night Fever, and Fame soundtrack record album.



You tried to do lots of arts and crafts, like yarn and Popsicle-stick God's eyes, decoupage,
or those weird potholders made on a plastic loom.




You used to tape record songs off the radio by holding your portable tape player up to the speaker.



You had subscriptions to Dynamite and T iger Beat.


You learned everything you needed to know about girl issues from Judy Blume books.
(Are you there God, It's Me, Margaret.)



You wore friendship pins on your tennis shoes, or shoelaces with heart or rain bow designs.

You wanted to be a Solid Gold dancer.


You drowned yourself in Love's Baby Soft - which was the first 'real' perfume you ever owned.


You glopped your lips in Strawberry Roll-on lip-gloss till it almost dripped off.



I would say at least 80 percent of these are true!!!! Including the Love's Baby soft perfume! Hope it brings back memories for you too!!

Cabin Fever

Today I drove home from work in a white out blizzard. PRAISE GOD it was only 6 miles! I am so thankful to have this job and not the first one I had accepted 27 miles away. A member of our church loaned Ed a snow blower for the winter!!! YEAH!!! Tomorrow is a least a 2 hour delay for school. Double YEAH!! (from my kids)!!!

I hear other lifelong Iowas complaining that there is too much snow! I am trying really hard not too.... but winters in Seminary City were so much easier. Today, all of us safe and warm at home, Leah looks out the window and jumps up and down shouting SNOW!!!!!! Ed and I began laughing hysterically. I guess it was one of those times, that you had to be there, but she was as excited as if she saw this.....

BRAIN FREEZE

YIKES!!! I think my brain is frozen. I just can't get things together since a week away from home and then a week of illness. (it might be a vitamin D deficiency too!!!) Everything is just hanging by a very slim thread. I am praying for a SNOW DAY...even a 2 hour delay tomorrow! I thought I'd relax a little and read some favorite blogs, but realized I can't type comments! If I commented and miss spelled...misphrased my entries....I'm sorry :-) OFF TO BED!

Happy New Year!

We are slowly returning to normal. Ed and Leah are sick. Ed has been sick for almost 2 weeks and is going to the Dr. today. Leah is showing similar symptoms, so she is going to. We had a wonderful Christmas, but missed Daddy (as he had 2 funerals to do.) It was probably best as he just slept in between services and preparations....but it definitely is not Christmas without Daddy. We saw lots of family.....and Baby H was new to the celebration. We missed Baby E and her Mom and Dad (but spent some time chatting on the web cam on Christmas) We spent lots of time with my sister and boys.... doing a little to get ready for a baby niece in a couple of months....but lots of playing too!


We came home on New Year's but brought Lightening Mc Queen and Snuggle Bug with us. Lightening Mc Queen is almost 5. Snuggle Bug is 21 months but needs a new name. Compare pics! I don't regret giving my crib away! Toddlers are hard when you aren't use to them. He is so lucky he is adorable... because he is messy and a Houdini!! On day one he figured out how to crawl through the cat door in the laundry room and loved pouring out their water bowls! He is so quick! Saturday, we met his Mom and Dad halfway and skated home on ice. The rest of the weekend was spent with laundry and trying not to get sick. I went back to work today. It's nice to be back, but the whole class....students, teachers and nurse are rusty at class routine! I'm sure we'll be back to normal tomorrow!