2010 from the rearview

I'm cracking myself up over the title of this post.  This year has felt a bit like a rear view, ifyouknowwhatImean. 

For those of you who only visit my blog once a year, here's the recap ... if you'd like the abbreviated version, check facebook for my 'year in status updates.' 

For the ladies, here's the longer, slightly more detailed version:

We won’t be sad to say goodbye to 2010.  Even though a new year can't change circumstances, there are just some years that seem more deserving of a swift kick in the pants, ya know?

We began 2010 excited about Sustala baby #5 joining our family! We learned we were having a boy and named him Jackson Erin, after Ed’s grandfather, Pawpaw Jackson and my youngest brother, Erin. Sadly, Jackson was stillborn at 24 weeks due to a cord entanglement. As you can imagine, it has been a difficult journey to grieve the loss of our little boy. As always, God has been present in every detail. His hand has been evident at every turn. I’ve tried to write about our grief and the journey of faith it has required on this blog in hopes that it may one day minister to someone else. This has been the loneliest journey of my life – even though I know I'm not alone.  Ed and I are both surprised at just how difficult losing Jackson still is – even eight months later. The pain that lingers is not something we could have anticipated. Our children have struggled through this in their own ways – they mention Jackson frequently and say often they wish he had lived. Jadyn got upset when I was talking with a woman I didn't know.  When she asked how many children I have, I answered, "Two boys & two girls." (I don’t feel comfortable burdening everyone I meet with what happened)  Jadyn exclaimed, “MOM! You have THREE boys!!!” Awkward…but precious nonetheless.   It warms my heart how they embrace him as part of our family.  In the picture above, Jordan is holding our "Jackson-bear" because we wanted him represented somehow.
This year also marked having three official homeschoolers! That has been quite the adventure, but still remains a beautiful, wonderful fit for our family. I have enjoyed the time I get to spend with each of the kids one-on-one as well as the time we have together as a family. The flexibility it provides has come in very handy (again) this year as well!

The kids have had a busy year. Jordan (10) joined a homeschool choir called Joyful Sound! I continue to be amazed at the doors God opens for her! She gets to do her two favorite things:  sing and dance!  She has also had a lot of orthodontic work – which will continue next year with braces, as we work to correct her under bite and hopefully improve articulation.
Jacob (8 ½) has taken his soccer interest to a new level, playing junior select soccer. He loves the professional coaching and the seriousness of the players.  If he sees a ball, you can bet his feet are on it - juggling, kicking, something!  He continues to excel in academics, especially math. He is in his second year of cub scouts, as a bear. 
Jadyn (5 ½) is in Kindergarten and is into all things creative. She has been lucky enough to participate in one of the Joyful Sound! show choirs with Jordan as well as taking gymnastics.
Jace (2 1/2) is a short and stocky, happy, extremely busy little guy who loves music, trains, balls and anything his big sisters and brother are doing! He makes us laugh every single day.  It took him a while to start talking in more than single syllable words, but now we can't shut him up! 

Despite (or more likely because of) the heartbreak this year, we have been able to get away a little.  Ed and I went to San Antonio a couple times, went to Dallas and made a trip to Chicago.  We also rented a beach house in Galveston with the kids in May, which was just heavenly!!  It was so wonderful, we're hoping to make it an annual event. 

We are ending this year bitter sweetly...
Bitterly, we are saying goodbye to Ed’s sister, Stacey & her family as they move to Southeast Asia. It’s a wonderful opportunity for their family, so we are excited for them, but sad for ourselves!
We are also working on repairs to our house after a recent flooding episode. You can read more about that here.  :/
Sweetly, we are looking forward to my brother, Erin’s wedding in three weeks!! We are honored to participate in the day as a bridesmaid, groomsman, flower girls and ring bearers :)  We look forward to ‘officially’ welcoming Beth into our family!

As difficult as this year has been, we know God only has good plans for us – and He will be faithful to bring good even out of our suffering. We pray that you will sense His blessings and provision in your lives as well!

Merry Christmas, blog friends!

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the very best Daddy ...

Ed is not only an amazing husband, but such a good daddy as well. I am so blessed to have him as my partner in life and in parenting. He is committed to our family - and he works hard at being a dad!

I love you, Babe! Thanks for being the kind of dad and man that made Jadyn say you are her hero ;) You really are! I hope you never doubt how adored you are by all of us!

Merry Christmas!

Watch closely ...

The Sustala Six is becoming The Sustala Seven!!

Celebrating Dads

I'm not sure how this evolved, but we always do gifts for special occassions first thing in the morning ... generally in our bed. Father's Day qualifies - the kids and I gave Ed a new watch, a fishing T-shirt and cap and some butterfingers.

Jace was on the bed, too, but was not interested in being still long enough to make it into a picture.

Then, we went to the 8:30 service at church, just because we were all ready (how often does THAT happen in a house with 4 kids? Not very, I assure you!)


For lunch, Ed's sister, Stacey & her family as well as Ed's dad and stepmom came over. We had yummy food and a fun time. We were able to celebrate three dads at once. Kylie's dad, Eddie's dad and my kids' dad.

Ken's eyes are closed. Stacey has a better one on her blog. Ed & Ken are hard to photograph. Especially together.

Fun times.

I meant to take a picture of Ed with his dad and Jake. Its like 3 generations of look-alikes. Next time!

Father's Day

Today is Father's Day - and unfortunately we're without Ed.

Ed is such a wonderful daddy. For more reasons than I can list here - but here's what the kids had to say about why he's a great dad:

1. He loves us so much.

2. He plays with us.

3. He's nice.

4. He takes us to get ice cream.

5. He loves to go out for breakfast.

6. He's funny and silly.

7. He works really hard.

8. He loves Jesus!

9. He is mommy's best friend.

10. He's the best daddy.

I'll add that one of the things that makes him a great daddy is how much he loves me and works so hard to make sure we have a great marriage. He's an awesome role model for our kids. I thought of him this morning in church when we watched a video of a little boy saying that he was watching his daddy as his point of reference of what kind of person he wanted to be. Ed is always cognizant of the fact that little eyes are on him. Even when he fails. In those times, he's quick to apologize and ask their forgiveness. I so admire that in him!!

(Notice just how much Jace misses him!)

Happy Father's Day, babe! We love you and can't wait to see you!

Easter

Friday night after Ed got home from work, we dyed Easter eggs. It was a lot of fun, but the batteries went dead in my camera in the midst of it all! The kids got a kick out of wearing their new bunny ears, courtesy of Grandma!

We woke up Easter morning to a dusting of snow on the ground! Yep. We're NOT in Texas anymore! You can be sure those pretty little Easter dresses were covered with sweaters ... and a coat!! I was hoping to get a family picture of us all dressed up, but it didn't happen.

After church, we came home for lunch and lots of games and relaxation all afternoon! It was very nice! Its not very often that we don't have a million things going on during weekends!

Our friends Curt and Mandy taught us how to play a new card game last weekend and anyone that knows me, knows there's nothing I like more than a holiday with lots of game play! Poor Eddie - living away from family, means he's my guy. Thankfully, he's a great sport about it and even though he's not into games nearly as much as I am, he always sacrifices and plays! These are the days he misses his sister, Stacey the most, I'm sure!

The kids had a fun day eating lots of junk and playing with all the little goodies they found in their Easter baskets.

Easter Lapbook!

Today, the kids and I made an Easter lapbook - based on the same idea as the Resurrection Eggs. Each egg lifts up and has a picture of an item to discuss regarding the events that led up to Jesus' Resurrection!
It turned out really cute (if I do say so, myself!). Anyone that knows me knows I am short on creativity - so let me just say I got this idea here. There was lots to color and cut, so I "got" to help in that department! Jake loves playing with my punches, so he cut out all the flowers! Everyone helped color the eggs - and it was great to talk about what today is about - and of course, Easter!

Here are some pictures of our handiwork today:

Resurrection Eggs

Resurrection Eggs are a GREAT way to really bring home the meaning of Easter with kids - and help them understand everything that lead up to the resurrection.
You can summarize the story using the "article" in each egg as a prop as you go.
Or, you can also read a book and pause using the article in each egg as a prop as you read Benjamin’s Box by Melody Carlson. It is written so it can be used along with the Resurrection Eggs. You can buy the eggs all put together for you or make your own using colored plastic Easter eggs:

#1 – Bread or small cracker pieces – For the last meal Jesus ate with His friends (Passover) Mark 14:22 or Luke 22:14

#2 – Rooster (feather) – Jesus predicted that Peter would lie three different times and say he didn’t know Jesus by the time the rooster crowed. – Matthew 26:33

#3 – 3 silver dimes - Judas betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of silver money. Luke 22:3-5, Luke 22:47-52

#4 – Thorns – People were mad that Jesus said He was the Son of God, so they made a crown of pointy thorns to put on His head – Matthew 27:29-31 and Mark 15:17

#5 – Nails – Jesus was nailed to a cross. They left Him hanging there until He died, even though He hadn’t done anything wrong. Matthew 27:31 and Luke 23:33 and Luke 23:40-41

#6 – The Cross - They placed His cross on a hill between two other men who were criminals.

#7 – Dice – When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and played a game to decide who would get his clothes – John 19:23-24

#8 – Spear – Use a toothpick to symbolize that one of the soldiers pierced Jesus side.

#9 – White cloth –(Use cheesecloth or other small scrap) After Jesus died, His friends wrapped Him up with cloth and lay Him in a special cave, a tomb. Luke 23:53 and Matthew 27:57-60

#10 – Cinnamon Sticks – Three women brought special spices to anoint Jesus body. Mark 16:1

#11 – Stone (small pebble) – The people who had kidded Jesus put a large rock over the mouth of the tomb, to make sure that no one could get Jesus out. Matthew 27: 62-65 and Matthew 28:66

#12 – Empty!! – Three days later, the huge rock was moved and Jesus was gone from the tomb. An angel said He was alive again! This day is what we celebrate on Easter Sunday because Jesus was raised to life again and lives today! Luke 24:3, 6 and Matthew 28:2-6

Happy Valentine's Day!

This is one of my favorite holidays. Any ol' excuse to love on my sweet hubby and give him some extra attention! And even better, receiving it all from him!!

The longer we've been married, the less of a celebration Valentine's day becomes - but its still a good time to stop and say "I love you" a little more enthusiastically.

This morning Ed gave me a box of Stam chocolates and a gift card to Motherhood. The bummer is I have a midwife appointment today and have to weigh in with the food-nazi, so I'm holding off on eating the chocolates until after that (as if it will make a difference - but just in case!)

We also surprised the kids with a few little things - because we like the idea of teaching the girls what to expect from 'boys' in the future and for Jake to know how to treat a lady. Jordan got a little Playmobil nursery set; Jake got a 'how-to-draw-animals' book; and Jadyn got a shapes & colors dominoes set. They were all excited and its all been well used already! They made cards for me and Ed which were very sweet. Speaking of cards, Ed and I both wrote almost the exact same sentence to each other - so funny! "You are more than I could have ever dreamed of!" At least we're on the same page!

After my midwife appointment today, we're going out to dinner - but we have to be home in time for our sitter to go on her date! Ed says that's a sure sign we're getting old!

**p.s. I don't know what's up with blogger, but spell check isn't working and I can't add an image ... its all so very frustrating. So, ignore any misspellings, please!**

Happy New Year!

I can hardly believe 2007 is history. In so many ways, it doesn't seem a whole year went by and then in other ways, it seems like January 1, 2007 was ages ago!
Our Christmas holiday was busy and went by way too fast. We enjoyed a very brief visit from my mom (after she got stuck spending the night in Wichita due to the weather) and then a longer visit from Ed's mom. She flew back to Houston today. The kids have been totally and completely spoiled - just as it should be when Gummie and Grandma both come to visit at Christmas time! Of course, they have more new toys than they know what to do with - and more new clothes than they can wear in two weeks.
I didn't do too bad myself. Ed got me a gift certificate to stay (alone!) at the Sheraton. Even though it sounds like a torture session to him, he knows me well enough to know I need time alone to recharge. I'm really looking forward to it! He also got me a new Flip Video camera. Its totally cool - it only records 30 minutes of footage, but requires no tape or memory stick - and hooks right into the computer to download. I'm totally pumped ... and might actually post some video clips to my blog! I got a ton of other goodies - including lots of maternity clothes!! One of the favorites around here has been a computer game Jakey got - although I think Ed and I are enjoying at least as much as Jake - Jewel Quest - as recommended by our friend Curt. Its addictive!
We took our Christmas tree and decorations down yesterday. Today has been a day to clean, play games and just veg as a family. And, there's football, of course.
Tomorrow we're back to our routine. Ed goes back to work after being off for two weeks and the kids and I get back to school. We got our new NACD program and its brutal. But, the timing is good. We'll plug away until the baby comes and then have a breather for a while.
I don't know about you, but I always look forward to a new year with such anticipation. What does God have in store? What changes are ahead? Challenges? Blessings? Can't wait to see ...

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!