Learning to trust in Him

DREAMING

2011-11-12T22:19:00.000-08:00

A memory to remember. After Maleah went to Becky's wedding last night.

Learning all about Maleah's dreams about being a bride. She is soaking in the tub and we are looking at each other in the mirror to talk about...

THE DRESS -- Will be white with a tight bodice and big skirt and a long train.
THE VEIL -- Maybe none, but certainly a tiara. If she wears a veil... she wants her face covered.
FLOWERS: White roses/Red roses/daises
Hair: Will be straight and pulled into a bun and sparkly.
AGE: 27 or 30
THE Wedding Party: If her little cousins will be already grown up like her... mb Luke will have a little niece as her flower girl. Her bridesmaids will be Kayli, Anna, Eva, Chloe, Eden and Jessi.

Daddy will do both the giving away and performing the service.
Mommy will probably cry happy tears... yes indeed happy tears!

kids poll

2011-01-01T22:19:00.000-08:00

What is your favorite book?
L: The Hunger Games series
M: Cat in the Hat

What is your favorite song?
L: It's On (Camp Rock)
M: Victorius

What is your favorite food?
L: PIZZA
M. Chicken

What is your favorite color?
L: green
M: lime green

What is your favorite outfit?
L: anything comfy and not stiff
M: Tank Top and shorts

What is your favorite thing to do?
L: anything electronic ie...DS, computer, TV
M: watch i Carly

What are you excited for school this year?
L: after school clubs, extracurricular activities
M: gym time

What will Mom do while you are school?
L: read
M: go to work at hospice house

What will Dad do while you are at school?
L: work
M: work at church

Anything else we should know about you?
L: Wishes he was still at our old house so he could go to middle school
L:

More training needed

2010-09-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

Setting: Church Kitchen, serving a special function.
Mom pleased Leah is such a good little helper to the ladies league.

Mom is refilling lemonade when looks up to see Leah batting her eyelashes to line cut, and get a plateful before all the men in suits take all the good food. Mom has the sense to take her out of line, but not without her protesting that she wants a potato and SOUR CREAM. Partial plate back on the kitchen counter and a quiet lesson in polite serving of our guests, and yes that means there might not be enough left for the servers. The ladies are supportive, however some smiling... that yes the women here eat last... but there is always enough food.

So much for this PW to learn... explaining the role of being a lady to a Pastors daughter just jump up in high priority. This includes not licking out her little sour cream cup! Later she was such a great little help with cleaning off tables and wiping dishes.

Later from Dad
"Leah come up to me and said she was so jealous of me sitting down to eat. She had ham and corn, but couldn't eat it". :-)))

I wonder if the Ladies League has a special "Miss Manners for PDs!"

September Memories (part three)

2010-09-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

Ed is doing well, although his heart is really attached to his members. If they hurt... he "has a lot on my mind". I am praying he learns to Shepard without taking so much out of him. Or just the amount God wants for him. He is really happy with where God has led us and enjoys the fun times and co- coaching Luke's soccer teams.

Luke is adjusting to being a 6th grader. The first few weeks were hot without conditioning and knowing that public didn't start until 10 days later. He also thinks his teacher is too hard this year... although he has reflected this now on his parents... since I told him this is what we asked her to do. I am happy the school has high expectations of it's student!

Leah loves First grade and is READING. She is a great speller and is so excited to bring back her homework! I haven't heard if she in trouble for chatting with her neighbors yet. She started her team gymnastics program, 2 days a week and loves it! We are going to start really slow with competitions for at least this year.

Bandit and Skittles are enjoying the cooler weather, and that Mom opens up a back window so they can watch the bird feeder "LIVE TV". No comment from the birds!

September Memories (part 2)

2010-09-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

Patty is working 3 to 5 days a week at hospice. The last 2 weeks have been busy and working long and stressful days... then the house becomes quiet after many dear souls found their way to heaven. Somehow we find a way to heal our hearts quickly and prepare for the next influx. I compare it the the Maternity ward... they all seem to come at once (in our case in reverse). Does the Maternity ward see things in 3's too? I really love the people I work with and the patients. I become closer to the patients and families in small town living... and all too many have family members at our church or school home. I run into families frequently at stores and am working on a way to connect faces to names... because it seems to make such a difference. I feel helpless at times... because kind words and promising to pray seems too little to lesson pain. But it is what God has given me... and I will do.

The start for full time hours is tentative with a staff member leaving, a new one orientating and a new computer program and training the others. I have been asked to develop into a team leader. This terrifies me.... but I am proceeding as God is leading me.

I am painting the house... a 2 story house. For some reason paint sheds off the house in sheets and has done so for 40 years. So I am touching up until we can side next year. I LOVE MY SCRAPBOOK ROOM and have been spending at least a evening a week in there. I have filled all my scrapbooks and am now waiting for awesome coupons to buy more books.

September Memories (part one)

2010-09-11T13:24:00.001-07:00

Last night I spent about 2 hours reading a blog.... this very blog. I went back 2 years full of memories. REALLY GOOD memories! The blog is better than scrapbooking (although I still really like scrapbooking), to trigger my memories. I certainly would have forgot at least 50 % of said memories. I would have remembered the events,... but not the feelings or the little precious (or not) things the kids said or did at such major times in our life. Life is routine now... such a wonderful busy routine!

I just wrote a Christmas letter type of post and will post sections of it to keep Patty's memories. I hope some of you will enjoy it... or at least not mind too much... Hopefully, it will trigger a return to regular blogging.

Today September 11, 2010

Patty remembers 9 years ago... first thinking HOW AWFUL for "those people", really not understanding how an attack in New York would effect Iowa. The very next day we refinanced our home in DSM's tallest building and kept glancing out the window scared that every state would be hit next. Such an irrational fear. 3 years later, I drove on a tour bus past the site... still never comprehending what this meant the survivors, but a better idea of what it meant for America. God bless the New Yorkers as they rebuild and make decisions that will effect many. I pray ignorant people will stop hurting people as they seek their 15 minutes of fame.

Communication

2010-08-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

Dad observes Maleah has a new airplane, that looks like one Luke owns. Luke suddenly has money that is burning a hole into his pocket until can get to Target.

Dad.... "Luke did you sell that airplane to Maleah?"

Luke... "NOOOO, I gave it to her"

Maleah... "Only after I had to give you money"

I am still barely able to hold back giggles.

Bad Mommy

2010-08-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

All week long major battle has been occuring in our pleasant home. Tears, and DRAMA over what to wear to school. Mom being the good rule follower has put the tank tops in an afterschool drawer and is following the dress code to the T, no matter what susie's or jane's mommy does. Tonight, in excasperation I get out the school handbook and read clearly the words that coller shirts, t-shirts and tank tops are allowed. WHAT? No one told me the dress code went more liberal this year! BAD MOMMY! So apologies all around and yes, not on chapel day, but the wide tank tops can be added to the school collection. Calmness prevails, until we need to pick out a dress for chapel tomorrow. I sit patiently until the truth comes out that the cute yellow pleasent dress with the colorful stitching was really Mom's choice for the back to school Kohl's shopping. (think wonderful clearance sale). It is adorable on her, but SIGH......

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

2010-08-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

First Day of school. They smiled nice for the camera.... but are actually bummed that they start a week before their friends. First and Sixth grade! I love the quiet of the house... but I'm not deluded enough to think our life is going to slow down any, just because summer is over.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2010

2010-08-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

BACK THEY GO.... BACK THEY GO!

This is a perfect description of how they felt!

On the way home

2010-07-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

We left early for home. But our hearts were heavy, as we know it will be awhile before we can return. Highpoint… the toll road by Denver needed no money from us. Low point… we came across a fire in the ditch. No one was around and there were no signs about controlled burns. We were debating about calling 911, when we saw a caravan of police and fire trucks racing to the ditch. Maleah yelled “people don’t know what they are doing… they are so CRAZY (to hurt the land).” She loves Colorado!

Zapata Falls

2010-07-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

There were so many options for our last day. We will definitely need to come back to see the San Luis valley with the stations of the Cross, Fort Morgan gun fights and more mountain drives. Today we chose the falls, although most of us were leery. Mom and Dad (due to the hike and walk in ice cold mountain water) and Leah (because we still might fall off a mountain.) Luke… well he’s not leery of anything except has serious cravings for Cartoon network! K packed a great lunch and cold water. We started the ½ mile walk at a angle of almost 180 degrees up. Thank goodness for park benches and walking sticks. It actually wasn’t that bad… not knowing exactly how much more makes us scared. When we arrived at the water bed, we found the ice cold water exhilarating! Leah started to cry, we think because the canyon was so narrow, but she willing held our hands through the water and over many rocks. We were then rewarded with the most amazing waterfall in such a beautiful canyon opening. The sunlight filtered in and we were just thrilled! The way back was so much easier and Leah was able to tell a daycare group that it wasn’t scary at all. (The daycare kids were about 4, but each had an adult and many were carried in piggy back by young adults that defiantly earned their pay that day). When we arrived at the water bed… she wanted to go right back. There were so many people and our experience was so breathtaking, we didn’t dare, but spent some time wading through small outlets and going off the trail a bit. Lunch tasted so good and after some ice cream and gift shopping we returned back to the cabin. No deer this late in the afternoon.

Sand Dunes

2010-07-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday is beautiful. 80’s and sunny. B and K’s cabin is only 45 minutes from the Sand Dunes National Park. A big beach of sand in the mountains… actually so much more. Thousands of years ago, southwest winds blew and dropped 30 square miles of sand below the mountain ridge. Today the winds are constantly blowing this sand into dunes of all sizes and shapes. To the kids, it is one big beach -- big enough to side down on makeshift cardboard sleds and to wade in the creek bed that mostly flows beneath the sand. God’s plans for nature are amazing! Leah wanted to play in the creek bed and tired of the dunes quickly. Luke however, took in quest after quest for a higher slope. Ed and I enjoyed the walk through the sand and beautiful views and Mom once rolled down a dune. Then she was quite breathless and had a big headache. Oh for the strength of youth again!

THE BAAR!!!

2010-07-10T20:13:00.000-07:00

Auntie K and Uncle B met us at a park in a larger town by their cabin. We found a great bookstore in a quiet Spanish influenced town. Then K rode in the girl’s car. She assured Leah we’d probably see deer and maybe elk… but she hasn’t seen a bear in years. Well Auntie K, we don’t know what to believe because one of our first bends in the curvy road up the mountain, we see a big black bear and an adorable cub. Mama bear stood up by the ditch to show us how big she is and sends her cub up the mountain. We believed her and of course stayed in the car. The camera was still packed away because we didn’t care about deer (we see plenty of deer in our own neighborhood). The bear slowly backed up a mountain and hid behind shrubs. The camera was released and here is Mama Bear’s picture. Our pictures of baby have her completely camouflaged. But she was about 1/10 the size of Mama and seemed darker in color. Mama then ran up the mountain side toward the cabin area. The bear… or “THE BAARS” was a frequent topic all day. Ed told the kids that the Mama probably stood up to have her belly rubbed…   “”””Davy Crockett was born in Tennessee…. he shot his first baar when he was only 3.””””” Good memories!

Update

2010-07-09T11:44:00.000-07:00

update

OK… Hope no one has held their breath since the last post. Yes, 5 weeks later. I’m typing in the car on vacation to update the last 4 months of activities deemed worthy to make the blog for family memory value. Some highlights:

Patty is working about 3 to 4 days a week in the local hospice house. These are regular hours…. Not PRN. So I have switch to a true PRN in Des Moines, and work about once a month. I’d love to work another Saturday or 2, but due to some new hires… the hours just are not there. I have been cross trained to also work the field hospice program to help out, but when the field is busy, so is the hospice house and it’s my first priority. I am considered an admission nurse again, so very few weekends. Mostly I work 8 to 5. Not bad , Not bad at all. As far as the rest of my time… it appear to be washing clothes and entertaining kids. The neighborhood shows up most every day. I some how was also feeding them mac and cheese and hot dogs. Fast stop to that and now they get tube popsicles, if the scissors get put away and tubes in the trash. I have been working on my scrapbooking room and touch up painting around the hours. Another new PW has moved to the area. She likes scrapbooking also… so hopefully she can get settled soon and some major scrap sessions can happen
Ed stays busy at church. One wedding and VBS done this summer. That was a lot of fun! Grandma moved to Des Moines and we were generously blessed with a garage full of tools and misc. things we had gave away when we moved to Sem City. Ed’s job is to find a place for all of it!
Luke has his cell phone. (We didn’t follow through on making him wait until he turned 27, like Mom had too) It’s really for Mom’s sanity as has a tracker on it and he goes to the Y most everyday to swim and stays home in the mornings. It’s working out well and although he has lost 2 pounds from all the exercise, he has also put on 2 inches. He is so happy to always have a friend to play with, and occassionaly talks one of the dads into taking him fishing.
Leah has just finished her Team gymnastic classes. She can do some AMAZING things. I think she does no less than 50 cartwheels daily. Right now we are working on back flips without hands! She also has so many little friends to play with. Her biggest worry is whether we will fall off the mountain or not!

Mesa Verde

2010-07-09T11:39:00.000-07:00

Mesa Verde

No sleeping in on our vacation. We left very early for every minute we could spend at Mesa Verde. No, I haven’t developed a sudden love of Cliff dwellers, as fascinating as the sites are… Steve and Wendy from Sem. City drove from their home in AZ to see us. They graduated the year we left for Vicarage, so it has been 2 years since we have had a chance to visit. Steve and Wendy were also at our field church and were able to stay local for Steve Vicarage’s, we developed a close relationship for 3 years and miss them and their son, Dom. Dom couldn’t come, but we thoroughly enjoyed our visit and touring the cliffs. We toured the Cliff Palace and it’s is fascinating that in 1200, natives could architect and build such beautiful, purposeful and strong dwellings. Life must have been rough, yet one can imagine the multiple clans living and surviving the harsh life there. We highly recommend this national park to anyone. The air is thin here, in Durango (6500 feet) and especially high in the mountains (8000 plus). I’ve needed my inhaler and lots of water and rest. It would help if I was thin…. But too late for that now! Besides Steve and Wendy, Ed’s Aunt, Uncle, cousin and her daughter(age 7)came as well. We had a wonderful time!

Mesa Verde

Colorado

2010-07-05T11:42:00.000-07:00

Colorado

We are finally on our way to Colorado. About the time Luke was born, we had a hope to vacation at an Aunt and Uncle’s cabin high in the mountains. When Luke was old enough for a 15 hour car ride, Leah came along, then the Sem, then ordination and buying a home. Since this time has passed, another Aunt and Uncle have a home in the state and we get to see some Great friends from the Seminary. The kids are really excited and so is Ed. I still have my worries about high in mountains without heat. Hopefully the snow has melted. I’m hoping my expectations of boring mountains will be greatly disproved. My last encounter was when I was 16… so my memories might be skewed. Here is our first views… pretty amazing!

June 2010

2010-06-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

Time to update our busy life. I will be adding lots of pictures and a few important events to help remember 2010. Like was busy in the sem... but not so busy as that of a PW! So going back to March.... and hopefully will hit the highlights of our summer.

Happy Birthday Luke

2010-05-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

Happy 11th Birthday Luke! The party was a fishing theme and Aunt K and Uncle B’s since we were going to be in Des Moines that weekend. What a blast with W and most all of his cousins. Of course he was spoiled by many. He was most surprised with what was in the iron box…. It was ringing and he said it was my phone. Nope. We has told him he needed to wait until he was 14. The only concession we had was he is too old for daycare and needs to stay home in the mornings. He will go to the Y for swimming and games in the afternoon. The Y is great, however, is big with 3 floors and dark stairwells. All sort of scary ideas led us to reconsider. He has a tracker on it and actually is very responsible with it. He is extra careful to not have his cell phone grounded.

Kindergarten graduation

2010-05-25T11:43:00.000-07:00

We can forgo all the whining Mom had about her baby and growing too fast. Leah has heard it all before, and has no plans to be sympathetic. 9 very excited Kindergartens dressed up in their finest and were awesome in presenting their little scripture and songs. You can see how much they have learned and gained in confidences. This school is a Blessing! This class and Mrs. S is a blessing. Leah can read and is always sharing stories of what she has learned in bible class. Her scores are good in everything….. But her goal for next year is less chatting with friends. At least that is Mom . Dad and teacher’s goal.

Being Nice

2010-04-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

For a while now I have realized my children do not understand the concept of enduring and the desire to endure. Or course, they are young... but still they need to learn this to mature and hopefully find confidence and success in life. Today, Luke began to whine from the back seat of the van about feeling too warm. So, no time like the presence to discuss other options he has and about learning to endure life's hardships. First a definition... "Learning to cope with life's problems to become a strong and more capable person". For an example, I brought up how Midwestern people have endurance to deal with the ever changing seasons and hard winters, and this makes them stronger and brings pride. Both are listening intently.... so I push on how Midwesterners are also honest and nice people. A huge sigh from the back seat..... Maleah cries out " I try Berry Hard to be Nice... but it's HARD!!

2010-04-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

HE HAS RISEN!!! HE HAS RISEN INDEED!!

Happy Easter to you all!

Dear Fashion Designer and Small Town store buyers,

2010-04-03T20:17:00.000-07:00

Easter comes every Spring. And Easter clothes should reflect the same... that means light, happy colors. The blacks, greys, and deep purples are winter colors. Why does every blouse, skirt and dress (in my size) come only in black, grey or deep purple? Of course I did have the option of Alfred*Dunner outfits! And I briefly considered it's pastel Calla Lilies, until I realized I'd probably match an elderly lady at church! So This Pastor's wife is wearing a trusty black skirt with a deep purple blouse that has a fake dickey sewn in to hide cleavage (That is a whole other issue I could bring up!) But never fear, I have found a new friend in the pretty silky neck scarf! A whole wall full of options. I can find the deep purples combined with teal and a pretty pink and a little black... you know - Spring colors. Another plus with a scarf is hidden cleavage! So the Fashion world has figured out how to add another $12 to the price of an outfit to add color and cleavage control.

On a side note, with every store that I visited this week in small town mall's 3 department stores, plus the big box stores. I'd say to myself... "God does not care in the least what I wear to church, and even if my clothes are a dark color... what is in my heart matters the most. So true!!! Hopefully soon I'll be much more secure in my new role as PW.

Blessed Easter everyone!!!

Uncle Lance's Wedding

2010-03-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

Wedding

What a wonderful weekend! We get go to Packer country and Ed gets to marry his brother, Lance and new sister in law, Jennifer. Lance has had a horrible year after being burned in a power line, but a silver lining is that he reconnected with Aunt Jennifer and we Love her! Maleah finally gets to be a flower girl! She is so happy to get to wear her ordination dress again, as it fits Jennifer’s colors perfectly. Luke is ring bearer and he’s up for the job since it’s been 5 years since his last uncle was married. Because of the distance and that it’s still winter - only cousin, Jess can come. But my kids adore her and love to be with Uncle Don and Aunt Brenda who live in Packer land too! This was one of my favorite weddings. It was small, but so much fun. It was so nice to witness Ed’s first wedding, and Lance and Jennifer are so much in love. I had a delicious veggie supper and decided to kick off my heels and have a great time on the dance floor. Too bad I didn’t consult Leah! The look on her face was priceless! Half shock/ half horror - just what was her Mom doing?! Evidently only young and cute people could be on the dance floor?!? Of course, I was a good Mom and sat back down - doesn’t Maleah wish! I had fun with all the silly dances and a few of the fast dance. Of course, I love the slow dance (thanks Hubby)! Leah got over it and fun was had by all. One great moment was when favorite Aunt Brenda danced as well. She is so inspiring as has been deaf since birth… but can feel the rhythm through vibration!

Fun at school

2010-03-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

Cody came to spend the past 2 days with us during his spring break. The most fun he had was having lunch with Leah and Luke at school. We had green eggs and ham. Actually, very tasty!! Then he was able to spend Leah's recess and Luke's recess times. Several 5th graders said that he is the best freeze tag player... pretty big praise for a kindergarten. When we went to say goodbye to Leah, her teacher asked us to wait until she unlocked her door. Oh MY.... some one trashed the room. Chairs and papers were scattered about. Shoes and school bags on the floor, and the kindergartners were appalled! Then they remembered a story the teacher had read about mischievous leprechauns! They even found tiny little muddy footprints. Leah's school is so fun... I wish I could go back to Kindergarten!

The journey continues

2010-02-24T10:35:00.000-08:00

I seldom write about my job or patients... because it's their stories and out of respect and professionalism, it's just not right. This blog started because of the seminary years and our journey to always trust in our heavenly father... no matter how frightening or confusing our life had become. I am afraid my faith will never become to the level I or more importantly what God desires, but I have discovered faith is more of a process, than a decision made with an immediate result. I have looked for this miracle for years as I specialize in worrying!

I think I enjoy my job so much because of how close I can be to witnessing heaven through my patients. I find more comfort then sadness (most days anyway). Since my hire back at the Des Moines Hospice and now with my second hire at the local hospice, I just am amazed and sincerely know that I am placed in just the right places in God's timing. Several times in DSM, I have cared for people and their families, that I have known and respected deeply. Many "God-instances". Hopefully, I was able to share God's love and peace through my hands and words.

Yesterday, my mind and heart was on fire, with so many "God-instances". I was scheduled to work, Sunday, but a sweet co-worker volunteered to trade with me, when she learned it was Gotcha Day. I was grateful, but also curious to see what God would do with Tuesday. To be brief, I was able to share God's love with numerous fellow Lutherans. At one point, I had called in 3 Pastors. (one being my husband, Thanks Honey!), to help ease the pain and bring God's love to comfort the dying and grieving. I hope I ease the fear of the dying, with touch and encouragement to grasp Christ' hand when called. I know my nursing and hospice technique well, but God asked so much more and it is a sheer priveledge to do his work. It is exhausting though!

I am also discovering small town life brings more awareness of the sadness, as I will meet surviving neighbors and fellow parsishers frequently and I will search for more ways to be of help to them. Many times in Big City Hospice... I remember the stories, but never see those involved again. I fear God has more oppurtunities for me to grow and I hope I can alway remember to put my trust and faith in him to do his work even in my new community.

God, I pray for further strength and guidance in learning to trust in you always!

Does anyone remember....

2010-02-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

The baby lion says..... squeak, squeak, squeak!!!! (when you push the stomach)

The Daddy lion says..... ROAR, ROAR, ROAR!!!

The Mama lion says......

Gotcha Luke!!!

2010-02-21T22:33:00.000-08:00

Happy 10th Gotcha Day Luke!!!

10 years ago, I heard those wonderful words that put much anxiety at rest.. "I agree with this adoption." The worries of a God lead, but somewhat confusing adoption slipped away and Ed and I locked eyes with a sigh and relief as I hugged the wonderful, bouncy blue eyed 9 month bundle of energy that sat on my lap.

Today we celebrated the "10th Gotcha Day" with little gifts and lots of hugs and a special supper. Luke also embraced the day with excitement, but also many hugs and stating how happy he is to be our son. I have been dreading the time when teenage hormones and frustrations typically put a damper to love and communication between parent and child. He calls himself a "tweener", but we still have the same energetic (and sometimes bouncing off the walls), wonderful sweet boy. He still accepts and initiates hugs. Even if the future holds some rough days.... I know in my hear --- The Gotcha Days will always be special.

During our suppers we always ask around the table... "what's the best part of your day?". Tonight I started with "What I like best about Luke being in our family". Dad and I shared our love of his devotion to God, smart, his gratefulness and ability to show his love to others...among other talents. Maleah's best part of having Luke for her brother? ---- "We get to got to eat at a restaurant"

Back to reality Luke!!! She really does love you!!!

Am I awake or asleep????

2010-02-15T19:54:00.000-08:00

Warning.... Father in laws don't need to read the rest of the post!

Sound asleep... when attacked by my white bra!
Who put my bra next to my pillow?
Why on earth?

Push it away... just too weird!

Oops... just the rump of my white kitty and the other "cup" is the lamp shade. White kitty is very mad .... but I'll sleep much better!

Short commutes are the best!

2010-02-08T21:54:00.000-08:00

I am loving my short commute to the local Hospice House! The hours are inconsistent as I am now PRN (as needed) for both hospice houses. But I love the feel of being there and have met more great hospice nurses. The hours just fly by and although I work hard... it really just doesn't feel like work when I love what I am doing. I look forward to working more shifts next week. The timing of my hire was good, as a couple of nurses needed me to cover their shifts. Sadly, one's mother in law died unexpectedly and the other has a scary illness. It does ease the workload of the other nurses and it's nice to help out. Next week I orient to the field part of the hospice program. I am still trying to work every Saturday at the bigger hospice house and it is so reassuring to "come home" among friends and do the work I have loved for years. Leah loves that Mommy spend most every night at home now and that is worth everything!

This kid makes me laugh!!!

2010-02-08T21:49:00.000-08:00

Maleah is tired of shopping for food at Walmart (since we left the chips and cracker isles). "Didn't you say we had to watch our money more?" "Don't spend money!" "Don't spend money!" "Don't spend money!" What an annoying mantra when our cupboards are empty. "Don't spend money!" "Don't spend money!"

"OOOOOOHHHHHHH.... SPEND MOM'S MONEY!!!!!" (over sausage patties!)

More Snow

2010-02-08T21:41:00.000-08:00

More snow. Newscaster is doing a leadin about a record being set.

Ed: We don't care about that! (very frustrated with another 8 inches to shovel)

Luke: Records are GREAT! Maybe lots of people will hear and want to move to Iowa!

I know for a fact 50% of this household would seriously consider a move away from this winter!! I would imagine the numbers are even greater for most of Iowans this year!

First Christmas

2009-12-24T20:52:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-23T13:12:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-21T09:45:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-20T20:51:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-20T20:27:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-20T20:06:00.000-08:00

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)

2009-10-23T17:23:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-22T18:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-14T21:08:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-28T19:50:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-08-14T15:23:00.002-07:00

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

2009-08-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-21T21:49:00.000-07:00

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

I'll never forget you, Checkers.

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

2009-07-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-15T19:20:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-07-06T18:19:00.001-07:00

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?

2009-07-06T18:11:00.000-07:00

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,

2009-06-28T19:32:00.003-07:00

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

2009-06-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-11T20:22:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

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!!

2009-05-04T17:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-28T18:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-04-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

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!~

2009-04-08T17:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-07T15:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-03T18:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-03-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-23T18:36:00.001-07:00

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

2009-03-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-03-15T11:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

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 ---

2009-03-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-03-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

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

2009-03-02T18:46:00.000-08:00

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....

2009-02-26T20:22:00.000-08:00

"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

2009-02-23T17:34:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-22T16:41:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-08T17:12:00.000-08:00

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??

2009-02-02T17:51:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-01T13:07:00.001-08:00

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

2009-01-27T15:40:00.000-08:00

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!!!!

2009-01-22T19:24:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-20T21:03:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-19T19:36:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-17T10:09:00.000-08:00

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......

2009-01-14T15:37:00.000-08:00

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!!