Silence = Emotional Health

I had a really hard day yesterday. My hormones are raging (no big surprise) - and I miss my husband like crazy - especially in the evenings when Jace is super fussy. We have a lot of stress in our family right now. And, yesterday just proved to be too much.

But, today is a different day and God's mercies are new everyday (thank you, Lord!) And, I'm so so so so blessed to have great friends. We've had meals every night for a week now from people at church - and even a couple freezer meals came today from a friend in our homeschool support group. Its amazing what a huge help that is.

Then, this morning, Amy came and took my kids to play at Jumpin' Jacks with Pastor Lori and Micaela. They fed them lunch and then took them to Amy's to play for a while. I can't even begin to thank these ladies enough for the time today. I didn't even realize just how great it would be. Jace is sleeping and my house is quiet. I feel like I've been given a little slice of sanity!! Thank you, ladies! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You have been a real blessing to me today!

I know it was really good for my kids to get to blow off some steam as well. I'm sure they needed it as much as I did!

So, thanks everyone for all your help!!!!

At the risk of sounding like a whiner...

I just had to document this. April 3, 2008

From my back door:
From the front door:
And, yes, Steph - you do quite rightly detect the winter blues!! :-)

Have I mentioned...

...that this is what Spring looks like in Iowa? This is what we woke up to yesterday, April 1st!

Just a Spring Day in Iowa

For all my Texas friends enjoying the 80+ degree temps and FULL ON Springtime, here's what "Spring" looked like in Iowa on Thursday. I have to say, it was a beautiful snowfall that didn't stick to the roads - so not the worst - but pretty much everyone is about DONE with winter and snow around here.

Our Short-Lived Reprieve

This past weekend, our temps were in the 30s and 40s. On Monday, I think the high was 50! It was so nice for the kids to play outside for a change! It was fun to watch them enjoying the outdoors again! By Monday, so much snow had melted that our backyard was a muddy mess - but nothing some snow boots couldn't handle!

It was a nice reprieve from our painfully cold temps and seemingly relentless snow. It was short-lived, however. Yesterday, we got more snow and our temps were back down. Wind chills are below zero again.

I'm thankful for our unfinished basement that provides a place for the kids to burn off a little energy, for Jake's PE class (yesterday was rock climbing, so he was on cloud-9!) and for ballet - all indoor activities!

God reminded me this morning during my quiet time of this verse: "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven" Ecclesiastes 3:1 God's beautiful seasons are indeed part of his plan ... and that includes winter. I'm trying to focus on the positives ... more time at home with my children, playing games, reading books and snuggling by the fire; time to learn new things and work on hobbies. This is the day HE has made and I do want to rejoice and be glad in it ... cold and all!

It's snowing ... AGAIN!

I love to watch it snow. I really do. Its just a beautiful sight. I've said before that I didn't think that sight would ever get old. And, I still don't.
But, living with it week after week after week IS getting rather old. This has been one brutal winter in Iowa ... I think even by Iowa standards. Yesterday morning, I drove to my midwife appointment and the temperature was NEGATIVE 11! With a WINDCHILL OF NEGATIVE 20-something. Its painful and just flat ridiculous. I'm all for having a cold winter ... complete with snow, but when its warmer (by 30+ degrees) in ICELAND, I think it crosses the line. I mean, seriously.
But, in the spirit of trying to maintain a positive attitude, I am looking forward to the 30s and even 40s this weekend! Even RAIN!
I'm itchin' for Spring ... and I have a whole new understanding of the "winter blues" - and somehow, I think "Spring Fever" will have a whole new meaning for us this year as well!!

Living in Iowa

For my Texas family and friends:
Here is what Jeff Foxworthy has to say about Iowa ...

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September through May, You live in Iowa.

If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, You live in Iowa.

If 'Vacation' means going anywhere south of DES MOINES for the weekend, You live in Iowa.

If you measure distance in squares of farm land, You live in Iowa.

If you know several people who have hit a cow more than once, You live in Iowa.

If you have gone from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day and back again, You live in Iowa.

If you can drive 70 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, You live in Iowa.

If you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both unlocked, You live in Iowa.

If you carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how touse them, You live in Iowa.

If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, You live in Iowa.

If the I-80 speed limit is 70 mph -- you're going 90 and everybody is passing you, You live in Iowa.

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, You live in Iowa.

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction, You live in Iowa.

If you have more hours on your lawn mower, and snow blower than miles on your car, You live in Iowa.

If you find 10 degrees 'a little chilly', You live in Iowa.

Wow ... Time sure flies!

I can't believe its been more than 3 weeks since my last post. So much has been happening ... I guess its that time of year!
A quick recap of the last 3 weeks:
*Ed and I attended a marriage conference hosted by our church at the beginning of the month. It was really great and we enjoyed the time away to focus on each other! We learned a lot of new things and were reminded of many things we'd learned in the past. It was a great time!
*Jordan and Jake started practice for the kids Christmas Musical at church. Its going to be really cute. They both have lines to say (although Jordan will be saying hers along with some other kids ... but she's just thrilled to get to say something!). They are both excited. Jordan will be Mary again this year - she couldn't be more excited!
*Ed and I went to a dinner with my mentoring moms group a couple weeks ago. We had a nice time and I think Ed enjoyed the opportunity to chat with other homeschooling dads. They have a unique role for sure! One I'm particularly thankful for - not only does he work really hard at a stressful job (that he loves, thankfully!), but he comes home with more energy for us! I'm grateful that he makes the effort to be such a hands-on, plugged in dad. The more men I meet, the more I realize that it takes an intentional effort for dads to be engaged...and I'm so blessed to have one that works SO hard at being an amazing husband and dad! Thank you, honey, for the job you do! You are amazing!
*My friend, Amy inspired me to do something new this year! She has spent the past year not only turning me on to the idea of card making, but also attempting to teach me! I don't have a creative bone in my body, so she's had her work cut out for her! But I do love to craft, so I try to copy inspiration! I'm excited to actually be making all of our Christmas cards this year! So, that's been taking up most of my free time the last few weeks. This is no small job - we send out about 120 cards each year! I'm having a blast doing it and may even make this an annual tradition! Thanks, Amy for getting me started on such a fun hobby!
*I've been getting some Christmas shopping done as well, although many of our gifts will be homemade this year ... ahh, more paper crafts!! The kids are making some ornaments as well, so we're having a great time! I just have a few things left to buy and will be done!
*We got our first snowfall Wednesday last week. I don't think I'll ever get tired of how pretty it is ... or used to driving in it! Winter is in full swing around here - with more snow expected this week. Here we go again!
*Last week for Thanksgiving, we had our friends Curt and Mandy and their kids over and we ate way too much!! I ditched my diet in honor of Thanksgiving and it was great to enjoy so much rich food!! We played games ... and who knew Mandy was so competitive??? No wonder I like her so much! Our kids all played really well together and it was a fun day! Mandy brought a fun turkey craft for the kids to make and they all added leaves to our "Thanksgiving tree" - writing things they were thankful for on each leaf. I can't wait to have them over again - perhaps for a more "normal" meal ... and more games, for sure!
*Friday, we spent the day putting our tree up and decorating. The kids had a blast. Jake noticed that the girls both have "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments (Jordan has 2), but he doesn't have one! Oops! I can't even blame it on birth order. Sorry, buddy. Maybe we'll get you a 'medium boy's 6th Christmas' ornament this year. Hmm, there may not be a big market for those. Ed and I both now know why people put their Christmas lights up November first around here (although we'll NEVER get why they put their trees up that early) - its been too cold for him to venture out on the roof - which is not a job he's fond of in any weather. I guess the cold is a good excuse!

I think that about covers the last 3 weeks - probably in more detail than anyone was interested in! :-) Now maybe I can stay caught up a little better! And post some new pictures!

Pumpkin week

Last week, we had a great time with pumpkins!

We went to a Pumpkin Party that some friends had on Saturday. We had a blast - lots of food, plenty for the kids to do and friends to enjoy!

Then the kids and I made it to mom's group last Tuesday at Howell's Pumpkin Farm. What a beautful place! The kids got to feed goats and we took a (rather bumpy...not so good for a queasy tummy) tractor ride out to the pumpkin patch where each of the kids got to pick their own pumpkins from the vine. Jordan and Jake thought the scarecrow was pretty cool, but Jadyn wanted nothing to do with it! She spent most of her time palling around with Morgan!

Ed's dad bought Jordan some pumpkin decorating pieces for her birthday, so she was excited to put them to use. They were actually really cute. Ears, eyes, mouths, etc to create faces - a dog, a bear and a pig. Her pumpkin has 2 faces ... and Jadyn used the rest of the pieces on hers. We only actually carved one pumpkin - Jake's. He wanted a spider on his, so that's what he got.

It was the Best of Times!

Seven years ago today, after 36 hours of labor, I became a mom! In so many ways, it still feels like yesterday and in others it seems like a lifetime ago!
That day changed my life more than any other before or since. In more than just the 'usual' ways a firstborn does.
I wish I could say that day was just full of joy. Unfortunately, it was a day of sadness, grief and unbearable pain as we learned Jordan had not only Down Syndrome, but a life threatening heart defect as well. In those first few months, we grieved over the "loss" of a 'perfect' baby. Little did we know.
We are so blessed that her life and ours has been nothing like what we imagined (or were told to expect) seven years ago. She has brought overwhelming joy into our lives and I am so honored that God chose ME to be her mom!
Happy Birthday, my precious girl. You will never understand the depths of my love for you. The pride I feel when I look at you. The sense of fulfillment you bring to my world. Being your mom has been one of the most rewarding opportunities of my life!
I guess I should add all the 'usual' birthday blog stuff:
*Jordan has the most beautiful BLUE eyes I've ever seen.
*Jordan loves animals, babies & all things ballet!
*Jordan is one of the most perceptive kids I've ever known. She can pick up on others emotions in a remarkable way.
*Jordan is adorable, smart, charming, funny, resourceful and downright amazing.
I love you, Jordan-bug. Thank you for bringing such delight into my world! Happy Birthday!

A change in scenery

BEFORE

AFTER

Ed was on a business trip Wednesday night, so after the kids went to bed, I rearranged our den. Ed is not a big fan of furniture placed at an angle or away from walls (does that tell you anything about his personality???). But, he actually LIKES this! Shocking, considering every piece of furniture is at an angle and none is against a wall! I like it because the room feels more cozy and more conducive to conversation when we have company.

This is what happens when you go out of town and your wife is at home watching HGTV!

Iowa Straw Poll

One of the things I've enjoyed about living in Iowa is the political atmosphere so early in the 'game!'

Today was the Iowa Straw Poll in Ames. I didn't get to go, but I would have liked to - and I think Jake would have gotten a kick out of it, too, since we've spent some time studying presidents and talking about how we GET to choose our president in America. I want my kids to know its a privilege - and a responsibility to be involved in the process.
I'm supporting Mike Huckabee for president - for a whole host of reasons (he's a strong Christian, homeschool supporter, wants to transform the "health" care system, supports Fair Tax & more). He came in 2nd in the Straw Poll today. Huckabee is a former Arkansas govenor, but don't hold that against him. He's also a former pastor and he lost over 100 pounds a few years ago through better nutrition and exercise! Just a few of the reasons I like him. If you're interested in learning more, check out his website!

A Work in my Heart

I love to reflect on changes God is making in my life, in my heart and in my mind. This year has been full of them! Some have been obvious and others have been much more subtle, but this has been a year of change, that's for sure.
The biggest and most obvious change, of course, was the move to homeschooling. Although the biggest life change, it was merely a catalyst for more. Its so difficult to imagine the ways God wants to change us, bless us and use us until we honestly open ourselves up to anything and everything He may have in mind. I thought I'd conquered that beast when I gave my life up to Him to move our family wherever He wanted to use us. But, He's been reminding me I need to give ALL areas of my life over to His control and though I'd relinquished the where to Him, I was still holding on to other areas.
Sometimes when God moves in my heart, I go along willingly and other times the changes He seeks are not welcomed, if I'm truly honest with myself. I can look back on this year and say that willing or not, I'm thankful He pushed me forward. I feel immensely blessed in so many ways.
As big a job as homeschooling is, it comes with big rewards. One of those has been the ongoing transformation of me as a mom. I'm encountering a joy with my children I didn't know before. I'm discovering them in new ways. I'm genuinely enjoying them. Their behavior is transforming as well. In the last few weeks, I've been stopped in restaurants by 3 different people and told that my children are so well behaved! I cannot think of a better compliment for a parent. Obviously, they aren't perfect ... but there is a noticeable change in them. Accompanied by all of this is my view of being a mom. God has been teaching me and reminding me that my greatest ministry is to my family. I'm CALLED to be a help and partner to my husband and a blessing to my children (what an absolute HONOR!!). I've learned that as a wife and mother, I have immense power in my family. I've been convicted that I have not been intentional in my role. I've also been convicted in the way I think about my children. My heart's attitude is reflected not only in them, but in my husband as well. I'm learning to make the constant choice to be joyful (content) whatever the circumstances (Phil 4:11).
One of the biggest lessons I'm learning is that I can't be everything I'm called to be at home AND get distracted by other things. God's been pointing out the distractions in my life. Some of them are really good things - but distractions nonetheless. I've been working on taking a step back and really evaluating things in those terms. I'm called to serve my family and that doesn't always leave room for distractions. I want my role as wife and mother to be all that God has ordained it to be - because in the end that's what brings Him glory and blesses my family. I'm praying He will continue to change and mold me!

The Zoo...again!

Today we met up with our friends, Amy, Isabella & Lisi at the zoo! Two trips in one week...my kids are loving it!! I guess its a good thing we bought the membership! I completely forgot my camera...bummer! So, I stole this picture from Amy's blog! (thanks, Amy!)
We had a great time and we couldn't have asked for better weather! Amy also brought along our little friend, Rhys from church. She and Jadyn are the same age, so we had 6 kids ranging in age from 2 to 6 - and they were GREAT!!
Jake got a huge kick out of showing the Scoop on Poop exhibit to Iz & Lisi. I think they loved it at least as much as he did...so, I guess its not just a boy-thing after all! My friend Sarah could attest to that!

Science Center

I'm just now catching up on blogging, so this one is out of order. (Have you noticed its feast or famine with my blog??).

Anyway, we went to the Science Center on Thursday with our friends, Amy, Isabella & Lisi. We had planned a trip to the zoo, but the weather didn't cooperate. I don't know about Iz & Lisi, but Jordan, Jake & Jadyn were not at all disappointed when they learned the backup plan was the Science Center! We love that place! Like the zoo, its the perfect size! You can actually see everything without spending an entire day there. Great for young kids!

We watched a show about Mr. Stuffee - where the kids learned about the digestive & respiratory systems. Jake got to help pull the small intestine out of Mr. Stuffee, then roll it up and put it back in!

One of the local TV stations has a weather office at the Science Center and they do their weather report from there each day at noon. The kids love to play on the little stage and see themselves on TV!!

After lunch, we went into the kid zone where they played with food, conveyor belts & bubbles. Needless to say, everyone slept on the way home! It was a fun day!

Bathroom redo

I wish I'd taken a "before" picture of our bathroom, but no such luck. So, you'll just have to appreciate the 'after' and trust me when I say its an improvement! We don't exactly have a stellar master bath anyway, so painting and changing out the hardware turned it from bleak to chic! We changed out the faucets, lighting, towel bars - pretty much everything - including the trash can! We bought the mirrors when we moved in, so now the rest of the bathroom actually coordinates with them!

Its amazing what a difference a coat of paint and some snazzy accessories will do for a room!

This is how we spent a chunk of our holiday weekend! I love it!

Lions, Tigers & Bears, Oh My!

Well, no bears, but we did see lions & tigers at the zoo yesterday! We also saw lots of birds, fish, monkeys, giraffes - and all the other zoo animals!

The weather was perfect and the zoo here is the perfect size for our kids! You can see the entire place in 2 to 3 hours! Since we bought a membership for our family + 2 guests, we'll be frequenting the zoo...with friends (or grandmas!) this summer!

They have a special exhibit called "The Scoop on Poop" where kids can learn (and SEE) poop from all different kinds of creatures. We saw elephant dung, dinosaur poop & even got to play a game with beetles pushing a giant turd up a hill. Wow. It doesn't get much better than that - especially if you're a boy! Ed even got the chance to relax in an outhouse...classic!

Speed Racer as...Scarecrow?

We've had an interesting scenario playing out on our front porch the last few weeks. Initially, a robin built a nest on top of the column on our porch. Something happened and we found two robin eggs splattered on the ground one afternoon! (This actually proved to be an excellent lesson in the color "robin egg blue" for my kids!) Before we could take the nest down, the robin was back and laid more eggs. My kids got the biggest kick out of watching her. One morning, apparently after the eggs hatched, we got to watch "daddy bird" feed worms to "momma bird" who then fed them to "baby birdies!" Super cool to watch!

After a couple days, there was no sign of birds or babies - they flew the coupe!

We figured this was the end of our bird-saga. But, as the kids and I played outside in the front yard the next afternoon, there were a couple birds (not robins!) dive bombing us. Clearly, they felt we were invading THEIR space! So, I checked the nest and sure enough, they had remodeled it to fit their needs. Unfortunately, they added MUD to the nest and pooped all over the place! They made a huge mess! We hadn't appreciated just how kind and tidy our robin roommates had been until we saw this!

So, Saturday morning, Ed starts rummaging through the kids toys and reappears with "Speed Racer" - the perfect scarecrow he said! I laughed and thought there was no way this would work. He went outside and pulled down the nest - and in the process, cracked the egg inside! Oops...sorry messy birdies! He placed speed racer where the nest had been and came back inside. We stood at our front window watching the silly birds fly around our scarecrow, chirping wildly at him! This went on for hours! It was hilarious! But, it did actually work! Ed insisted that I say I WAS WRONG, HE WAS RIGHT. (Can you tell I'm not wrong very often??)

It now appears that our days of sharing our home with birds are finally over! It sure was fun while it lasted!

Ruth Harbor Walk for Life

I can't believe I didn't get this blog done sooner! We had such a great time at the Walk For Life on Mother's Day weekend! We had a team of walkers from church that even included our friend Anne! We could not have asked for more beautiful weather. The kids all had a blast!

Thank you so much to everyone that pledged money to this amazing ministry! It will help more women have a safe and loving place to live during a difficult time! And, for everyone that participated in the walk! Especially the comic relief...Ed, Paul and Pastor Josh...I'm not sure it would have been nearly as much fun without you!

Buy/Sell/Trade

Last night, Ed and I went to our homeschool support group's annual Buy/Sell/Trade. It gives members a chance to sell their used curriculum, books, games, etc. (to make room for the new stuff!) Ed was a great sport and helped me scope out some bargains for our homeschool! And, I think he got a better idea of just how much STUFF we'll be accumulating and why I keep saying I need more bookcases!

This is my loot...all for the bargain price of $33! The bummer is that I didn't get any of the curriculum on my list - but I did get some good books. Several Magic School Bus books (one of which was FREE because it is SO well used!), some books to go along with our 1st grade history curriculum we'll be using in the fall and even a fun math game! I'm still hoping to find our curriculum used...Amazon, here I come!