Real Life

I was just reviewing my last blog and had a strong desire to erase it. That would be nice because then you would think my life is just icicle bouquets and sweet other things. But that isn't real life...at least not my life. I started this blog to talk about the real, the nitty-gritty, and the not so pretty. I think if we were honest with ourselves we would have to admit that there is enough to go around. The truth is that EVEN as a Chistian woman there are still those moments when I struggle intensly to walk in a manner worthy of my calling. Even as a child of the Most High, I still have days were I have been up all night with sick kids, have morning sickness, and stuck inside for days on end due to a raging snowstorm in the middle of the Christmas holiday!! It wouldn't be far from the truth to say that I have almost as many lows as I do highs with long bouts of middle ground to trudge through. During the Highs it is so easy to rejoice and praise Him. It is during middle ground where I just try to remain faithful to the tasks that God has given me. Just remain faithful. And during the Lows...well, I just hang on...and I open my eyes. I start looking for what God is going to do... because if he doesn't do something then I am going to die (that pretty much sums up my prayer life during the lows). And what do I find? He is always faithful!! He always provides!! He always rescues!! He always takes care of me!! Sometimes he gives my husband the afternoon off so I can rest. Sometimes he sends a friend to bring me dinner. Sometimes he gives me the strength to do it myself. Sometimes Grandma shows up to babysit. It is always perfect timing and happens so often that I know it is not coinedence. It is God's providence. I am very thankful I belong to a benevolent God who understands that I am weak and loves me always.

I don't know if you can picture this in your mind. I really doubt you can because I am sure you are a better mother than I am...but give it a try anyway. The kids and I were sitting at the table making some sweet homemade Christmas gifts for our beloved Grandmothers. I am deep in concentration trying to tie a string of beads and can't seem to get the plastic string to cooperate. Levi starts yeowling. Isaac is talking a mile a minute and demanding I help him with his string. Andrew is pawing me, trying to climb into my lap, pulling my leg, bumping me, all while saying, "Mommy? Mommy? Mommy? Mommy? Mommy?........? " and me getting frustrated because I can't get that Knot tied.... realize that my blood pressure is high and the kids feel like they are pressing in against me...and I need room to breath...I need to get away......................
So I run to the bathroom and shut the door claiming, "MOMMY NEEDS SOME PRIVACY!!" Then they start clawing at the door. The door knob begins to turn. I can hear them just on the other side. The odd sensation that I am in one of those below budget horror movies where the poor helpless women is trapped in the last room of her house and the zombies/aliens/creatures from the swamp are oozing in through the cracks in the door. It's only a matter of time...She puts her fingers to her teeth and lets our a window shattering scream!!! See, I told you you were a better Mother than I. Instead of screaming, I did get down on my knees and ask the Lord to help me, because I obviously needed it. He gently reminded me that 1.) I needed to stop trying to parent in my own strength (because who am I kidding if I think I have any of my own) 2.) Cheyne was on the his way home and he will help...so be encouraged and 3.) When Cheyne gets here I need to take a nap (for the health and sanity of all of us)

So, is there a moral to my story? When your little creatures from the swamp rise up and start to overtake you...seek help and take a nap.

A little snow...

Here is a picture out our front door.

Icicle Boquet

This is my husband's creation and artistic side showing. He made me an icicle boquet.

Isn't it Beautiful?

Winter wonder land

This is off the front of our house.

New Addition

We had a great thanksgiving. We spent it with family and friends. It was especially special because we announced that we are expecting a new family member. He/she will be arriving in late June.

We are Lovin' Soccer!!

Isaac started Peewee soccer. It is a lot of fun. I think we could really get into this. Once they figure out which one is their goal, I think they will be unstoppable!!

Soccer

Going for the Goal!!

Kickn

Here He Goes!!

Stridor

Apparently, Stridor is an inflamation of the esophogas (Sorry about my spelling). Stridor causes extreme difficulty in breathing and is quite scarry at 2:00 in the morning. And, the only thing that relieves the inflamation, besides going to the emergency room, is cold air. So, here is a picture of us saving ourselves from a monsterous medical bill. Cheyne and I took turns holding this little guy all night long. Happy to report Levi is doing great....we are still trying to recover.

Fall fun.

Today we discovered the joy of falling leaves.

Isaac in the leaves

Andrew in the leaves

Levi in the leaves

The best family night yet!!

WE have been talking about kindness and why we as Christians are kind to people. We are kind and loving because Jesus is kind a loving to us. So, for tonights family night we made carmel apples. It was sooooooo fun. We turned up the music, snacked on a few of the candies, and made beautiful apples. Then we got all bundled up and delievered them to our neighbors' across the street. Talk about out of my comfort zone. It took bravery on all of our parts, but it was so fun to see their faces when we handed them a big plate of those beauties. Our original idea was to make 10, give 5 away and have one for each of us, but after we delievered the five we decided it was so much fun, we kept going. We walked 1 over to our bachelor neighbor, then we marched another 3 over to a family we had never met before. All of our neighbors were delighted and very friendly. After all of the deliveries we came home, sat at the table and sliced up the remaining 1 apple. As we maunched our delicious treat, Cheyne opened up the Bible and read about generosity. It was very meaningful. This so far was my favorite family night. It will be hard to top.

Levi Helping

Andrew Helping

Isaac helping

Yummy!!

Off we go.

We delievered our carmel apples to a few of the neighbor families.

Our family is together again

The goats came to live with us on Saturday. They are doing fine...adjusting to lots of grass and lots of kids. The neighbor kids are loving them and I am considering it an answer to prayer. I have been praying for a way to further relationship with our neighborhood friends. Now they are over everyday after school to pet our exotic pets.

Daddy's Little Helper

Here is Cheyne Building a gate to keep the goats off the porch. Levi was eager to help.

A picture says a thousand words

This is our Andrew!! Not much more to say.

When did he grow up?

So, I'm in the kitchen...minding my own business....when I turn around and see this!!! A little boy standing up at the counter talking to me!! When did he grow up? Wasn't he just a little tyke just yesterday?

What a big boy!