House of Homer

Amazing Zakeaus

2011-01-01T22:45:00.000-08:00

Cliche or no, these kids are growing up way too fast!

Happy 5th Birthday to Zakeaus!

Sweet and silent (like his daddy)

Budding engineer

Joyful servant

Such a boy

Awesome hugger, especially at "good morning"

Content couch potato

Secretive prank lover (like his daddy)

Adventurous and Bold
Smart little cookie

Rocking hair

Loving brother

Zakey, I love you so much. You make me proud. I'm overwhelmed with the blessing you are. May you continue to grow with confidence knowing who God created you to be, loving life and bringing joy to everyone you meet.

A Day in the Life

2010-12-02T22:53:00.000-08:00

"I don't know how you do it..."

I hear that a lot! And I realize that the comment has very little to do with me, and more to do with the person saying it... but when you hear something so often, it really can make you wonder if there is something to it. I "do it" one minute, one day, one week, one crisis, one blessing at a time - just like we all do.

I did think it might be fun, or insightful, to share with you one of my more .... let's say "exciting" days. (and this is just how I do it... don't judge, just observe)

It was Tuesday. I obeyed my alarm (after only one snooze) and was up by 6:30. I came downstairs, turn on the heat and the tea kettle. Let the dog out. Scoop ground coffee into my single serve french press, pour on the boiling water. Check FB on the iTouch for 3-4 minutes while the coffee steeps. Grab my mug and my 'Bible Study Bag' and head to the couch.

I spent some time in Ephesians and in Exodus. Exodus 4:11-12

"Who makes mouths?" the LORD asked him. "Who makes people so they can speak or not speak, hear or not hear, see or not see? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go, and do as I have told you. I will help you speak well, and I will tell you what to say."

God knew... I would need to trust him beyond my own strengths for this day. "Lord, it's yours, get me through it!"

Micah woke up, so I brought him downstairs and let him play while I continued to read and pray. Around 7, I heard someone coming down stairs, and a faint "mommmmie...." It was Zak, and he was throwing up, on the stairs. I hoped up to grab him some kind of bucket, having to jump over the baby gate to get it to him on the landing. As I came back down the stairs, I see that Micah has curiously picked up my coffee mug and slowly tipped it, watching the 1/2 cup worth of coffee pour out and on to the carpet changing the color. I can only imagine what his inquisitive mind was thinking as this transpired, but my thoughts were "Oh Jesus... get me through this!"

I grabbed Micah and ran up stairs to give him to Shane, who was about to get up, and was stopped by Noah who took him down stairs. I was then torn between cleaning up two separate messes, getting Shane his breakfast and lunch and out the door for his car pool, and getting some kind of breakfast ready for the kids! It is not my MO to stay cheerful or even calm in these kinds of situations, and yet, I did... just one minute at a time.

I was also faced with a carpet cleaner that was almost out of shampoo. But thanks to the world of FaceBook and a very sweet friend who lives near by, I was gifted a full bottle and a half a bottle, delivered to my door. Answer to prayer.

The carpets have been needing a good cleaning for a while now. Why not! So furniture was moved and I started. Just the dining room for now, that's the worst of it.

There wasn't much hope of getting through a normal day of homeschooling at this point, but my diligent 3rd grader honored me and did as much as he could independently and patiently waited for a break to get my attention for that which he needed my help.

The TV was on a good part of the day. Normally it wouldn't be, but when there is a sick kid on the couch, all bets are off. And apparently, that goes for diet too. Normally, with as many mouths of varying tastes and preferences as we have, I insist on dictating snacks and meals and we work with in a schedule. But not Tuesday. About 10:30, Zak had started to feel better and asked for a cup of cereal. And Maggy and Hannah wanted a cup too. And then they wanted another. And then they were serving themselves while I was busy cleaning the carpets. I'm not really all together sure how much they actually ate. When it came to "lunch time"... there wasn't much point. "You guys let me know if you are hungry, kay?"

The carpets were finally done around 2. Babies went down for a second nap, after being changed. They were a little wet from rolling around on wet carpets. Maggy and Zak got a story and went to bed. I sat in the living room and worked with Noah and Hannah on their school subjects that required my help.

4:30, I finally got to shower. But by this point, there didn't seem much reason to get dressed. So I got out of the shower and put on a fresh pair of pajamas. I made sure to point out to my husband that it was IN FACT a different pair than I was wearing that morning.

I whipped up a batch of baked mac n cheese with broccoli and bbq kilbasa on the side. It was really strange... it was ready to eat by 5:30. WE NEVER eat that early!

Shouldn't I be stressing out? Shouldn't I be falling apart?

I wasn't!

I knew... Jesus came through. The Holy Spirit gave me the strength and provided for me all I needed for this crazy day. Yeah!

I even got a good dose of joyful moments in my day that brought a good smile to my face... this was a couple of them.

Please don't take me too seriously. This was, in fact, a real day in the life. But it wasn't a normal one by any means. I hope you are laughing with me, or even at me....

Never stop being thankful

2010-11-27T20:10:00.000-08:00

So... I'm a little bummed that I didn't quite make it all the way to the end of the the "day of thankfulness" on time and daily. But I'm also really glad that I did as many days as I did.

For the record:

Day 2 - I'm thankful for vegetables and Veggie Tales

(Maggy and the twins were SO cute and totally engrossed just in the intro to a Veggie Tale movie... if it makes them happy, I'm happy. And, I've been able to do more canning - this week I canned some tomato sauce. Re-purposed the seeds and skins into crackers with ground sunflowers. Veggie's make me happy - singing or crunching)

Day 1 - I'm thankful

I had something of a hard time finding something unique each day to be thankful for. This does not mean that I'm not thankful every day. But there are some things that I am thankful for every day... and I went through those things in my list first. And then there are some things that I'm thankful for that seem small and insignificant. Yet, I still like to say thank you God for blessing me with.... "Candy Cane Lane tea" or "Maggy's pretty hair" or "that funny laugh of my child" or "a pretty sky" or "a kind word from a stranger" or "call from a special friend"....

My Thankfulness top 10

God's amazing grace in my life
Jesus' loving act of salvation
The Word of God, laid out to help me walk in faith and come more in line to His will for my life.
My Family - my husband and children who bring me great joy
Our life - being a stay at home mom, homeschooling, living where we are
Our extended families - making us who we are, encouraging and supporting us in the day to day
Friends around us
Opportunities to learn, and to be learning along side of my children
Beauty in nature
Comforts and conveniences

A friend of mine set her FB status on Thanksgiving day to say "it's hard to be thankful and grumpy." So true. And so, gratitude is a decision. Would it really hurt anyone for all of us to be just a little more Pollyanna in every day in our life.

Day 3: I'm thankful for the birds who visit my feeder each morning

2010-11-23T21:59:00.000-08:00

The temp today didn't get above freezing. That's unusual for Oregon. It's something of spectacle the way everything shuts down for, virtually, no snow! One friend's husband said they were going out with the kids to make "snow insects", because that's what you build with almost no snow.

This has been the view out my kitchen window since May. Shane brought home the impatiens right around Mother's day. I put them in a hanging basket, and they have been ever so kind and gracious with my lack of gardening skills. But after today's freezing temperatures, I don't expect the impatiens to survive. I often see the humming birds visit for a snack. I haven't had a feeder out for them in a couple of years, so it's been a treat to see them enjoying the flowers.

I also have a SUPER cool bird house that Ken, my father in law, built. I didn't have the opportunity to snap a picture today. It is much like the feeder at their house, which, at this time of year can attract hundreds of birds in a day. They go through SO MUCH bird food, but it's a wonderful price to pay for the enjoyment received from the daily visitors.

I hope to have that kind of flock some day, but it's still quite fun. The Scrub Blue Jay always bullies his way in for a snack 2-3 times each morning. We will see sometime several dozen chickadees and finches all at once, vying for space on the suet hanger. And then there are other birds that just fascinate me, and I've yet to identify them. I THINK this might be a woodpecker...?

I haven't been able to pin down exactly what it is about seeing these bird each day that is so enjoyable. Maybe the answer lies in the scriptures....

²⁵ “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? ²⁷ Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
Matthew 6:25-27

Day 4: I'm thankful for the Native American example of waste not - want not.

2010-11-22T22:25:00.000-08:00

I want to be a good steward

Part of our motive in going to Lincoln City this last weekend was for the purpose of a field trip. In American History, we have been learning about the Native Americans - the original residents of our land. When we were discussing the Trail of Tears a few weeks back, I found it difficult to teach without getting choked up. I'm embarrassed to say that the reality of the injustice executed against the natives of our land hadn't ever really settle enough in my mind to make me uncomfortable. It's really just awful. Tribes were decimated or forcibly uprooted purely for financial reasons to benefit a bigger and more powerful white government.

November is Native American Heritage Month. A Google search for events in Oregon sent us to Lincoln City. There was a traveling "trunk" exhibit at several locations. (double click on the photos to see the bigger view, and more of the whole story) We stopped at the exhibit at the rec center first. One wall sized poster to read and 10 authentic hand-made traditional items in a case was all there was. Since it was our destination, we made the most of it and spent time with the kids reading everything. We even asked the Rec Center employees (who really knew NOTHING about the exhibit) if we could take a closer look at the printed descriptions for the items in the case, which revealed 1/2 the item descriptions were printed on the back. We eventually found another piece of the exhibit on display at the Public Library - just one wall.

I was disappointed in the presentation of the exhibit, and felt that it was simply a passivizing effort. By spreading the already small exhibit across 4 locations does not encourage participants. It's as if by having it done, no one could argue that something had been done, but really, it was only done in a way that wouldn't really interrupt anyone's normal way of life. Maybe this is why a 33 year old adult can just now come to the realization that we have not cared enough about the Native American people and heritage that has been all but destroyed at our hand. It isn't convenient for us to think about, let alone make a real effort to compensate.

In my opinion, if we are bigger and stronger, we should be looking for the interest of those who are not as big or as strong.

... but, as I said, we did take in what was provided and used it as a learning tool. In addition to being profoundly struck by the injustice, I was also moved by the example of conservationism, environmentalism and preservation that is fundamental to their culture. There was a beautiful pair of "braintanned moccasins". To make these slippers extra soft, in the process of stretching the hides and tanning them, they would coat the hide with boiled brains of the animal. I know that sounds gross, but it shows how they would/still won't let any part of the animal go to waste. In the different craft items we saw, most of which served utilitarian purposes, they used reeds, grasses, bones, sinews, skins, etc. All things provided to them were given reverence. There is much we can learn from them.

So, in following their example, we are trying to make full use of the resources provided to us. We make broth from our chicken dinner. We have been doing lots of canning this fall, and we are saving the skins from the fruit and pureeing them, spreading on cookie sheets and making "crackers". I am looking for ways to reuse or re-purpose clothing that is too warn to be passed on.

I am on the look out for other ways to be a good steward of our earth. Is there anything you are doing to make the most of what you are given? Do share!

Day 5: I'm thankful for so many wonderful Grandparents and "Grandparents" for my kids.

2010-11-21T22:12:00.000-08:00

We can't ever have too many loving adults speaking into our children's lives.

When Shane and I took a weekend away last summer to attend Fish Fest, Shane's Dad and step-mom, Joyce, offered to take all 6 kids for the weekend. This is no small task, and she handled it so gracefully, and Grandpa Bill survived. I think bonds were tied during that time.
This weekend, we traveled to Lincoln City and were able to stay at the Beach House owned by Shane's Dad and Step Mom. It is a beautiful location. I love just sitting in the third floor living room, warm and cozy inside, watching the clouds rolling in and out, spying a seal or two playing in the surf, and every once in a while - a whale, and wave after wave after wave curling, rising and crashing - crawling into the sand.

When I woke this morning at 6:30, I expected to find a few minutes to myself. What I found instead was Noah, Hannah, Zak and Maggy with Grandma Joyce, watching Sesame Street.

Getting to see Joyce and Bill enjoying our kids this weekend at the beach was really cool.

And it makes me realize how fortunate we are to have so many people, family and friends, who have taken a vested interest in our children. Their joy in our children is a delight to me.

Day 6 - I'm thankful for God's amazing Grace

2010-11-20T21:24:00.001-08:00

The Lord has been using this week to really change my heart's perspective of things.

I wrote this in my time with the Lord today:

Its as it I have just graduated to the next level in my faith. But even after being a believer for almost 20 years and "walking" in faith for almost 12 years, I, in reality, have just gone from being an infant to a toddler.

I walk, clumsily, I fall easily, I bump into things, and sometimes need to hold on to the things around me, just to keep standing.

I haven't learned how to eat of the Lord's feast with a fork, but instead, use my fingers to bring tiny bits to my mouth, often getting it all over my face and spilling it on the floor.

I only speak a few words, and really, only my Father knows me well enough to understand what it is I'm trying to say.

Often times, I am going to stink. I can't change myself. I'll have to wait for my Father to change me.

But as a toddler, I still get to climb into his arms for reminders of his loving care for me ALL throughout my day.

I can fully expect that he will not let me go hungry, what I need is provided for me.

Since I tire easily, he will have to remove me, on a regular basis, to a quiet place, even though, I may want to stay and play. At this age, I need lots of rest.
I may not always play well with others. So my Father will intervene, correct me as necessary and lovingly show me the way to treat others with love.

If I am naughty, my Father, who loves me, will not forgo punishment, but shows me the difference between right and wrong. And I know I will leave only after my repentance, His forgiveness and embrace.

Despite my young age, I approach the world assuming I am bigger than I really am. Despite that, the Lord will corral me home, keeping me safe inside the walls of his kingdom.

Day 7 - I'm thankful for the seasons

2010-11-20T08:26:00.000-08:00

These Fallish storms are so amazing! And remember summer? I mean a REAL summer - WAY back in 2009, yeah that was nice.

(for those of you who didn't get to enjoy the summer of 2010 in the Pacific Northwest, we did have summer, but not quite as much as we are used to. Many gardeners didn't see the production in their produce.)

But I thought I'd share a few highlights of our summerish activities:

Nathan and Micah getting covered in sunscreen for one of the few warm days.

Noah and Maggy playing at Nehalem Bay State Park.

Zak on a log, a day at the beach - Rockaway Beach - unusually warm and sunny for the Oregon Coast, even in the summer.

The babies didn't have a problem keeping on their normal schedule, even with a beautiful beach day.
kids will be kids....
On a camping trip to Fisherman's Bend and hiking out to Opal Creek - "Three Pools" The water was COOOOLD, but Micah didn't mind.
Noah and Dad took on the 7 mile hike WAY up Opal Creek. For a little man, Noah was quite the trooper.
The new play structure at Grandma and Grandpa's house!

Maggy and Uncle Mark finishing up a great day of play at Grandma and Grandpa's house with a few quiet moments at the pond.

A family hike around Battle Ground Lake.
Micah playing down by the river at Grandma and Grandpas.

ALMOST the whole family...Liz spent the summer in San Fran for a law internship, so we got to see her in May and in August. It was wonderful!

Grandpa Dedrick came for a visit in August and the kids really wanted him to ride with them on the OHSU tram. The views were amazing and it was a beautiful day.
Many, many days this summer were spent in the wagon, in front of the house, visiting with neighbors and watching the big kids play on bikes and scooters.

Day 8: I'm thankful for electricity

2010-11-18T20:01:00.001-08:00

Boy, electricity is something I totally take for granted!

We've had some VERY wet weather, and some occasions of high winds in the last week. I'm not really sure of the cause, but last night, we were without power between 8:30 PM and 1:30 AM.

We were out at community group, and about 8:30 I got a call on my cell from our neighbor Zelta,

Z: "Oh, so you guys are out, right? I just wanted to let you know that we lost power."
S: "Thanks for letting me...... OH NO! Will you go check on my babysitter please!"

The four older kids were with us, but the twins were at home with Elyse, our fabulous sitter. I was quite nervous for her at that moment, trying to imagine how she would navigate in the dark. I wasn't even sure where I'd find a flashlight or candle, how would she!? I tried to call her, but couldn't figure out which of the three numbers listed under her mom's name in my phone was Elyse's. So I called her mom, who said she'd been trying to reach her but couldn't.

AAGH!

I imagined Zelta knocking on the door and Elyse not wanting to answer, not knowing who it was in the dark. I tried calling our back up phone, which was plugged in on my desk, but it just rang and rang and went to voice mail.

About 15 minutes passed and Zelta called back. Elyse had hesitated, but eventually opened the door, knowing that I'd told her if "you need anything and can't reach me, go to the neighbor". While on the phone, Elyse's Mom, Wendy got there. As it turns out, the dog freaked out when the lights went out, so they locked her in the office. We were able to get home about 5 minutes later.

I managed to dig through cupboards and drawers to find a few candle and flashlights. Moving from one room to the next, even with a candle in my hand for light, time after time, I would reach up, flip the switch, expecting the light to turn on.

Not only did it make me thankful for the electricity (and great babysitters and AMAZING neighbors) but it also brought to light just how dependent we are on electricity.

9: Thankful for laughter

2010-11-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

I was sitting at my desk, snacking on some clam dip and Buggles when I was called away to help one of the kids in the other room. This is what I returned to

Hey Mom, look what I found? Yummy...

What you didn't want them ALL out of the bag?

after cleaning up the mess, I went to get the vacuum cleaner. This is what I saw when I returned

did someone say "crunch, crunch, crunch?"

those boys!

10: I'm thankful that my freezer and pantry are stocked and full.

2010-11-16T21:19:00.000-08:00

To go along with yesterday's post.... I am so thankful to have my storehouses full. I do find a great deal of peace in knowing that we have what we need. I think it can be easy to forget how fortunate we are, having enough, and consistently having enough every two weeks. I realize how blessed we are and pray that I will never take that for granted, always giving thanks!

Now, my sister and I have both realized that we feel better about the world when the fridge and pantry are full. Does this mean that we like grocery shopping? Maybe it means that we like knowing that well have what we need to cook or bake what we want. Maybe there is a deeper psychological issue from our childhood hiding in that statement..... (*note sarcasm*)

I do love to cook.

And I do love to grocery shop (I know some of my friends don't get that at all!).

For a while I was actually getting into trouble because of these loves. But this summer we sat down and took a look at our spending. It wasn't a budget. It was just spending. And it needed to be curbed.

I have tried cash budgets before, and I ended up tripping over too many categories, it was too much work and I failed. So we tried a cash budget again, but this time - just one category - "Spending". This covers groceries, household products, clothing, and any eating out that I would do during the week with the kids or stops to the coffee shop. Some months I'll need to stock up more on toilet paper and get shoes for a kid, another month, I find a killer sale on ground beef and stock my freezer. I don't have too much to spend, so I have to keep it tight - and this is good!

It doesn't include any eating out we do as a family - which is generally limited to Sundays after church; Shane's eating out during the week, or gas. We are into our third month of this single category cash budget, and I'm so impressed - it's working!

The biggest key to keeping my spending in check has been planning meals. I have several friends who are particularly good about regular meal planning. Some, even share on their blog every Monday, what their meal plan will be for the week. I may join them, not for any reason other than I would feel accountable to myself to see that I have done it. Although, I am finding it HAS to be done before I shop or I will forget things I need and buy things I don't need.

So - here's my plan for this week:

Wednesday:

Breakfast - Oatmeal with blueberries
Lunch - Cheese and Crackers
Dinner - (Community group night - I'm bringing desert - Grasshoper and Moose Pies)

Thursday

Breakfast - Eggs, Turkey Sausage and English muffins
Lunch - PB&Honey
Dinner - Chicken Pot Pie (from our freezer meal swap - no prep, just heat!)

Friday

Breakfast - Oatmeal with bananas
Lunch - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Dinner - Chicken Strip Salads

Saturday

Breakfast - Cereal and fruit
Lunch - Ham and Turkey Sandwiches
Dinner - Cheese Burgers

Sunday

Breakfast - Cinnamon Rolls
Lunch - out
Dinner - Left overs -clean out the fridge

Monday

Breakfast - Oatmeal with Peaches
Lunch - PB& Honey
Dinner - London Broil

Tuesday

Breakfast - Eggs, Turkey sausage and strudel bread
Lunch - Cold Cuts
Dinner - Harvest Pork

Day 11: I'm thankful for Ensequence and the good work my husband does for them

2010-11-15T20:56:00.000-08:00

" I'm thankful for Ensequence and the good work my husband does for them, that provides well for our family and allows me to be at home with our children and home school."

Shane has been at Ensequence for almost 6 1/2 years now. In the software industry, in this day and age, that's nearly forever! I still remember when he applied for the job, being just so floored at how perfect it would be for him. Shane's Bachelor's degree is in Broadcast Communication, but he has worked in software testing since he graduated. Ensequence develops a product that helps networks connect with their viewers through interactive applications.

It has been exciting to see the company grow and adjust as technology changes.

Shane recently moved from testing in the QA department and was assigned a new role as a Technical Operations Engineer. A friend of ours pointed out that now makes him a TOE... hehehe....

Tech Ops works more directly with supporting clients, and whereas I know he was a fantastic QA engineer, I also know that he works so well with people. He is great at mediating difficult situations, if need be, and working with people of different levels of technical understanding and meeting them at their level. He will continue to be a great asset to the company. (can you tell, I used to be a recruiter?)

And on the up side for him, he's been able to do a little bit of traveling as part of his new role. Not too much, which I appreciate - I like him home, but enough to be fun and exciting for him.

This is Shane and David Blue (from Stargate Universe) when he went to the National Cable Trade Show. I'm so proud of my husband, and I'm thankful, every day for the hard work he puts in to provide for our family.

Day 12 - I'm thankful for beautiful daughters

2010-11-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

(Wo)Man - it's good to be a girl!

You can wake up in a cute and comfy night gown, get all dolled up, play with dollies and ponies, sew, wear jewelry, imagine your life as a princess, wear nail polish, AND get hugs and cuddles, just about any time....

...and then...

you can make mud pies, build a lego mansion, ride a bike, ride a scooter, kick a ball, defend your own honor in a Nerf Dart gun battle, put holes in the knees of your jeans, look for bugs and earthworms for pets and do just about anything a boy can do.

It's good to be a girl!

Day 13: I'm thankful for boys and their Legos

2010-11-13T19:49:00.000-08:00

I think a child's imagination can be inspired and encouraged, but it can not be forced. Every imagination is completely unique. Legos have been the muse to many imaginative moments in our home, especially for Zakey.
Often during the big kids' school times, Zak and Maggy are looking for things to do. If he decides that Lego's are that 'thing' - I am ever amazed at what he can produce with a box of random blocks. There are sets that come with very specific pieces and instructions, and he is beginning to be able to follow those directions. But when he starts building on his own, and usually he is building a space ship, airplane or base - always with some kind of gun (I think he likes Star Wars), I begin to see that in his mind there is a whole world envisioned.

All the kids have developed a game with their Lego's - "Lego Store". Each child gets a pile or box of pieces, begins to build until they find that the need a piece that is not available. Generally each person will specialize in certain types of parts: wheels, guns, men, etc. They either use "money" which is the gold and silver pieces that came in a treasure chest or they trade. This entire game was developed with 4 children under the age of 8, playing nicely together in their room. This makes their Mommy happy and proud.

Our neighbor, Nicolas.

And just about every friend who comes to play gets in on the imagineering.

Our friend, Patrick

14: I'm thankful for my Dad and his care packages

2010-11-12T22:49:00.000-08:00

My dad is a REALLY great guy. REALLY great!

Just one of the super sweet things that he does is sending care packages for birthdays, holidays and sometimes, just for a day. He likes using the Priority Mail prepaid boxes, and if I had to guess, he always has a stack of them waiting and ready to be filled.

I really enjoy making yummy food for other people and I really enjoy giving it to them, even if I don't get to eat any of it myself. I think I must get that from my Dad!

The last package arrived just in time for Noah and Shane's birthdays. Included was:

A bag of Puppy-chow (the choc/pb crispex snack)
A bag of "whip" (seasoned oyster crackers)
A bag of "Nuts and Bolts" (family recipe chex mix)
a butternut squash, from his garden
about 3 lbs of soup potatoes
Birthday card for Noah
Birthday card for Shane
A gift for Noah (a set of classic reference books about minerals, trees, shells, etc)
An envelope of coupons, that he faithfully clips every week and sends me about once a month, and this time a clipping from the paper - a classmate's wedding announcement.

the Nuts and Bolts are my favorite... you can get the recipe here!

Day 15: I'm thankful for service men and women in service now and the Veterans who already served faithfully.

2010-11-11T22:35:00.000-08:00

John 15:13 "and here is how you measure it- the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends."

Thank you to all who serve, in what ever capacity that might be, you are sacrificing yourself for our freedoms and comfort and security.

I'm sure there are many more, but a few of the heroes we know, thanks to you!

Robert Baldwin (My grandpa) - WWII
Alan Dedrick (my dad) - Army Field Medic
Kenneth Fredric (father in law, "Grandpa Ken) - Army Infantry Vietnam
William Vertner (Shane's Dad)
Robert Baldwin (my uncle "Bobby") - Air Force Career
Greg Cullison (Shane's uncle) - Army Reserve
Cathe Frederic ("aunt" cathe)
Justin Morgan (Shane's counsin)
Tristan Theilman (friend)

Day 16 - I'm thankful for Shane

2010-11-10T22:56:00.000-08:00

and I'm thankful for Shane, every day... not just on his birthday.

He is an amazing father, true and honest friend, wonderful Christan husband, provider, funny guy, teacher, coach, companion and the one who can fix everything from sticky jar lids, to minor car problems, to lost iTunes and even the occasional crying baby.

Happy Birthday Honey - I love you so much!

Day 17 -I'm thankful to be Noah's Mom

2010-11-09T22:03:00.001-08:00

Happy 9th Birthday to Noah!

Sometimes I feel as if my life didn't exist before being a mom. And then sometimes, I can't believe how quickly 9 years flies by.

I really couldn't be more proud of who he is becoming. Just in the last few months I have begun to see glimpses of the man he's becoming. I couldn't imagine a better big brother for my kids.

Just a few examples of his wonderfulness (if I may)....

We were busily trying to get through breakfast, dressing, packing for an outing and trying to get out the door in time. I was cleaning up from breakfast, still in my PJs, and the babies were trying to crawl up the stairs. Noah stops me and said "I'll finish the dishes, you can get dressed and get the babies dressed." The same morning he also managed to fill and distribute water bottles to each of the other kids in the car and carried one of the babies to the suburban and buckled him in. I didn't ask any of it of him.

This week at Costco, we return to the car, he opens the door and moves the seat so that Zak, Maggy and Hannah can climb in the back, he stays with one baby in the cart while I'm buckling the other in, he unloads the groceries into the car. He then returns the cart, gladly, to the front of the store "so if someone else needs a dry cart, it won't get wet in the rain." Today at the grocery store, he returned our cart as well as two others to the front of the store.

A week or so ago, the flu trampled through our house. The twins were struck first. Noah was ready and willing to take a fussy, clingy Nathan, even at the risk of being puked on.

I remember being told that it will not be the lessons we teach our children, but what we learn from them, that is more significant. Going back to his birth story, as we rehearsed it with him tonight, and realizing that there has been a recurring theme of challenges and struggles that will make us stronger and bring us closer.

My pregnancy with Noah was faced with abruptions, bleeding, preterm labor and eventually delivery 5 weeks early. I really was so unprepared to be a mother, but because of these challenges, we were forced to charge in and find our way. Not with out mistakes, but better for all of it.

Nursing didn't come easily for the boy who wasn't quite developed enough to suck-swallow-breathe. I was pumping, feeding, supplementing- an exhausting process. Eventually, I got the gumption to end the cycle and marathon nursed for about 4 days until he could be satisfied with a complete feeding in less than 30 minutes. And we nursed to a year. I'm so glad we did.

I remember telling people that we were going to homeschool, to hear their response "I'd kill my kid if I had to be their teacher AND mom." And I could relate! It seemed that we were such different personalities that we might never find a way to work together. And here we are, into year 4, and he's my favorite student! As much as I knew we were challenged in working together, I also claimed that we would find a way to make it work and be better for it.

I thank God for my son, and for all the lessons I've learned by being his Mom!

Happy Birthday Noah!

Day 18 - I'm thankful for the gift of Music

2010-11-08T21:43:00.000-08:00

I started to play the piano when I was 6. I started to play the flute when I was 10. I minored in music in college. I have always been drawn towards music. But I don't think that my so-called talent is anything I can take credit for... it is a GIFT.

"My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness."...
2 Corinthians 12 : 7-10

I believe now, that as I look back on my experiences as a musician, and I can see how God was working, even in the times when I didn't know him, to craft and develop this talent and PASSION for music, that it would bring him glory.

This summer, my wonderful husband made plans for us to take a, much needed, weekend away. We got a hotel room and went to FishFest, a music festival sponsored by the local Christian radio station - 104.1 The Fish. (Eventhough the festival was being held in Vancouver - only a 30 minute drive from home). It was a fabulous weekend to reward ourselves for being so intensely engaged in our childrens' lives.

Jeremy Camp

We splurged on a Platinum ticket special that gave us access to meet the artists with about 3 dozen other people. While the general public waited in lines, sometimes for as long as 3 hours just for an autograph. Thousand Foot Krutch - yes that guitarist has MASSIVE dreads - and he rocked them!
Anyone who thinks all Christian Music is mamsy-pambsy needs to meet these guys!

We were seated right in the front. I used to think it was only crazy obsesive fans who would need to be that close to the stage, but no. There is a wholly different musical experience being that close.

Matthew West

These artists are just people, there isn't anything superhuman about them... except Jesus shinning through them. Jeremy Camp, Brandon Heath, Matthew West, David Barnes, Thousand Foot Crutch and, my favorite, Britt Nicole all have an authenitic relationship with God that is clearly expressed in the music and when speaking with t hem in person.

Brandon Heath

I was familiar with Britt Nicole's music prior to the performance, but after seeing her, I realized how perfect of a role model she is for our daughters. The music of her message is love. Scriptures flow from her in normal conversations. We saw her meeting with fans, listening to their stories and then praying with them. Britt Nicole

She gave us an autograph to give to Hannah and she included a reference to 2 Chronicles - calling her to boldly accept her place as a chosen one of God. So cool....

But that weekend has really come to mean so much more to me. It intensified my passion for music, especially for the music of Praise. It seems that since that experience, every opportunity to worship makes me want to move, and dance, and sing and harmonize!

I had someone tell me that they enjoyed standing next to me in church, which really honors and flatters me. But I know that my joy in the worship is greater than any attention I'd ever receive for the worship. It is truly an AWE-some joy, beyond words. It is a gift. I am very, very grateful for that gift.

Thankfulness Countdown 19: I'm thankful to live where we do

2010-11-07T21:33:00.000-08:00

I've also been posting my thing I'm thankful for on FB. In response to today's post, a friend said "You are in God's country, out there in Oregon."

Yes, Amber, we do get to see the amazing wonder in God's creation all around us out here. Right now, we have moved into the rainy season. In the car on the way to lunch, after church, the kids were marveling at how beautifully blue and clear the sky was. I was struck by the fiery orange and reds of the leaves, mostly fallen, littering the sidewalks and street curbs. And a 45 degree pan to the west showed the most vicious black storm clouds, like a wall - stopping the sunshine. Other clouds like vertical sheer sheets, that had to bring drenching rain from the high heavens to the ground below. It was an impressive sight to see. And yet, last week, the first week of November, we had two days over 70 degrees- It'll always keep you guessing!

Oregon is wonderful! All with in a few hours drive, we can be in the city, in the mountains, the high desert, the coast, the Columbia River Gorge.

We are close to the city! Shane's commute from home to downtown Portland usually takes about 25 minutes. The public transportation is great and ever expanding. The city is clean and fresh, and since it's inhabited by Oregonians, it's pretty green too!

We have so many local farms to choose from for fresh produce, dairy and meats. (I'm THINKING about trying raw milk!) My freezer and pantry are full of blueberries, strawberries, peaches, pears, apples, and corn. Had it not been for a rough spring, that list would have also included tomatoes, pickles and zucchini as well!

When it is time to play, the options are so numerous and the scenery is just amazing.

Great parks, great museums, great rec centers, great sports.

Simply - Oregon Rocks!

Thankfulness countdown 20 - I'm Thankful for True Friends

2010-11-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

We have been so fortunate, in the last few years especially, to be surrounded by a wonderful community of friends. If it were not for our families and this amazing group of friends, raising six children would be a nearly impossible venture. With their support, it become possible and even enjoyable.

Realizing the formidable journey the first year with baby twins could be, their first birthday was as much a celebration of our survival, as well as a celebration of our boys!

Here is the video from Nathan and Micah's first birthday. CHEERS!

Thankfulness countdown 21 - I'm Thankful for My Mom

2010-11-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I'll pass by a mirror and stop, do a double take. I really have days where I look more and more like my Mom.

It's been over 15 years since I've seen her. Yet, her memory and legacy is strong, every day in my life.

Although, I don't feel I've equaled my mother's skills, I am delighted in the pursuit of these things, and relate to her enjoyment in these things.

She was a meticulous semestress, fantastic cook and baker, intense gardener, heartfelt educator with a love for learning, and an awesome home-maker (not a house wife, but one who MAKES a home). When I was small, I didn't find much interest in really any of these things, despite my mother's encouragement. Of course, this is a regret I have, that I didn't know well enough to seize that opportunity while it was there.

I'm so thankful for the foundations she laid in my life, very much defining who I am. I am thankful for the inspiration she provides me as a mother, wife, friend, and teacher.

Thankfulness countdown 22 - Creator God who chose me to be loved!

2010-11-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
Ephesians 1:4

This morning I attended the WPM (Moms') bible study this morning at Westport Church. We are studying Ephesians. Our wonderful and amazing teacher was showing us a diagram of the Holy Tabernacle, as described in the Old Testament. In the Law, God set out for the Israelites very specific rules about who would be allowed to enter the most holy places in the temple. God gave very specific instructions for the "Holy of Holys", the deepest part of the Temple, which was separated by a veil or curtain, included many specific laws to be kept by the select priests who could enter this place. If he did not follow these instructions, he could die, simply by being in the presence of God and not being completely pure and holy.

And so here I am, today, in 2010, reflecting on that image of God's, literal, supreme holiness, and knowing that when Christ made his sacrifice on the cross for us, that "tore the veil" bringing us into God's holy presence.

He chose me to be loved.
He chose me in Christ.
He chose me to be without fault in his eyes.
He chose me, before he formed the world.

Wow.

Thank you God.

Don't call it a comeback

2010-11-04T20:42:00.000-07:00

I just went back to see, it is sad. In the last 12 months I have posted a whoping 12 times to my beloved blog :-(

I know. I 've been busy and have plenty of reasons to neglect this site.

But if I was honest with myself, I know everything is a choice. I do have 6 children to care for, feed, clothe, educate, keep safe, entertain, taxi, etc... But I also have made a choice to divert energy to Facebook.

(I like being able to touch into my friend's lives, with little effort on my part. Giving them tidbits of my life. Letting them know I care with a comment or wall post. And, the opportunities to reconnect with 10 and 15 year long lost friends has been invaluable and delightful!)

I can justify attention to Facebook all day long, but I know that it is only a junk food fix for the real outlet that I need. Likewise, I realize that neither FB nor blogging will ever replace the need for true face to face relationships.

Yet, I loved the process of documenting my life. I imagine that maybe in a 100 years, a great grand child would stumble upon my ramblings about the good ole days.

So, in light of the coming Thanksgiving holiday, and an effort to return to purposeful blogging, I am committing to come here first, before the FB world, to post on thankfulness, for the next 21 days. With any luck, I will also get you reacquainted with myself and my family.

...but lets hold off on calling it a comeback for a bit.

I want to show you something

2010-09-22T22:46:00.001-07:00

I almost didn't believe it was going to happen before her third birthday, but HALLELUJAH! Maggy is done with diapers!

It was Monday night, and we were mulling about the kitchen getting ready for dinner. Maggy had been successful with peeing on the potty for several days, but no poop yet. She went into the bathroom and asked for "some privacy." A minute or two later, she walks out of the bathroom, bare bottomed, tugs on her Daddy's side and said "Come here, I want to show you something." Just as matter a fact as an adult would have. She wanted to show him her poop in the potty! Is it wrong to say that's just so cute?!

I've heard it said a million times, and I have always want to think differently when I have a toddler that I think is ready for potty training, but it is true - "they will learn when they are ready."

Maggy will be one of (if not the most) strong willed of our children. I sort of expect her to be much like her mother, bold and outspoken. This is good as well as challenging.

She was promised a reward of a new dolly when she could go a whole day in dry panties. Normally, we don't get to this store often. As a matter of fact, Zak kept referring to the store as "Good Will"... which I guess we patronize a bit more frequently.

A quick stop for a potty break before shopping. Toys R Us is so considerate of their patrons that they equip their bathroom with at least one toilet that is kids height, about 18 inches off the ground. This particular toilet had blue water... so Maggy was leery. She had the opportunity to choose from a blue toilet, a normal toilet, or the handicap stall, with an extra high toilet (and big stall). She chose the tallest thrown. Maybe size matters?

So many options to consider...

...I didn't point this one out to her - for what I think are obvious reasons - but had to show you.... REALLY!? (Ok, nuff said)

Maggy was eagerly assisted by her siblings, who all want to provide input which she should get. Including Mr. I'm-too-serious-to-be-8 -Noah, who wanted to point out how expensive they all were. (did I mention many of their toys come second hand?).

But ultimately, the choice was hers. A strawberry scented Dora with her own hair brush. Perfect. And actually less than the cost of a package of diapers!

As I look at her, I can't believe how quickly she is growing up. She brings me joy and delights my heart, and despite how this makes me grieve the end to her babyhood, I love her more each day!

Noah's First Game

2010-09-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

Soccer Mom, yes I am!

Well, now I am. Now that Noah has entered into his first season of soccer.

Today, first game of the Aloha United "Red Knights" versus Milltown SC "Dynamite".

Noah was nervous, but excited.

He got the first goal of the game... for the other team. As he was defending in front of our goal, the kick wasn't quite straight and... right past our goalie.

My mom's heart feared for the emotional well-being of my little man. And then I hear "It's ok man, it's just a game." Dreshon, Noah's curly haired teammate encouraged him on. And the game went on.

The final score of Dynamite - 6, Red Knights - 0 doesn't give it justice. These boys are learning to work as a team, learning about the game and having a good time.

Noah came away from the game with a joyful heart and a smile on his face. I'm so proud of him in so many ways.

twins on video

2010-06-21T23:14:00.000-07:00

a couple of videos for you....

Nom Nom Nom.... Chomp Chomp Chomp

2010-04-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

I've been having trouble getting my pictures off my camera, as there is much to update!

Coming soon : the remodel of our house, including new floors and new rooms for everyone. Like a new house with the same address!

The twins are now 6 months old, and boy! did that happen fast!

We've started on solid foods. And I think after 4 other kids, I finally have a healthy eating plan in mind for these babies. We have learned from mistakes and mishaps and a few lucky guesses. This time around we are sticking with the veggies as long as we can and holding off on the wheat for a while, not for any big reason other than I know it will provide a better foundation for their health in the future. So far we have tried Acorn Squash, Green Beans, Broccoli, Sweet Potatoes, Avocados, Butternut Squash, and Spinach.

And the big news:

NATHAN has a TOOTH!!!

This was quite the surprise, as the earliest we had seen any teeth with the other kids was 9 months.

The twins are really just a delight to have around and give us lots of smiles, coos and giggles. They love to be entertained by their siblings, who are a great help to Mom.

hopefully I'll have some pictures or videos to share with you very soon!

still kicking

2010-03-17T22:04:00.001-07:00

I know, it's been too long
a cool photo taken by Hannah of the sunset at Grandma's

and I just don't have a good excuse
(don't look at the sign out the window)

I have 6

we're still here
boys are growing - 5 months old now and Micah is probably creeping up on 17 lbs, Nathan is holding his own at about 15.

squeezing in schooling almost every day now, but I know we'll be working through some subjects during the summer.

the older kids don't seem to have a problem keeping themselves entertained and I love watching their imaginations and personalities blossom!
Hope to be back with you again really soon!

Best gift for multiples

2010-01-11T14:09:00.000-08:00

My life is rich!

I have a wealth of experiences

(gosh, I hope that doesn't sound arrogant!)

Sometime people ask me questions, or for advice. and I just LOVE giving my opinion. Doesn't everyone?

I received and email from a friend, who has another friend who just had triplets, and she was asking me for recommendations on what might be a good gift.

Just so I can answer this question again with out having to retype the whole thing from scratch, here is what I said:

Practically speaking - depending on what type of person she is (what she'd be comfortable with) a gift cert for a post partum doula or even a maid service after the babies are home might be a unique touch that would be greatly appreciated. That'd be on the higher $$ amount though... providing meals for her or organizing a group of people to bring them meals every other day for a couple weeks can really make a big difference between total chaos and a little bit of sanity!

I was shocked at sheer amount of diapers and formula you can go through with twins. With my two babies and 2 yr old, we were averaging 20 diapers a day for the first month. A large container of formula from Costco would last us about 4 days. Diapers.com is a great way to go for that kind of thing - you can google to find a $10 off first order coupon code.

For something that would last a little longer - we go through a lot of bibs and burp cloths.

For something more fun - I found a playmat/baby-gym for the boys for Christmas that is extra large - about 3 1/2 ft wide by 4 1/2 ft long. I had even thought that it would fit 3 or more babies. Boppy's and Bumpos are great too... places to safely park the babies is important when you only have 2 (or even 4) hands.

My favorite time of the year

2010-01-10T21:37:00.000-08:00

The last week has been about decompressing from the busyness of the Christmas holiday. As I look back, I find joy in the memories and start looking forward to next Christmas already.

I enjoy Christmas as it focuses thoughts on the gift of Christ to a broken and hurting world, and joy in knowing Jesus myself.

I enjoy giving gifts - lavishing good things on my children that bring them delight ; finding the *perfect* gift, the kind that the recipient is totally thrilled with but didn't expect it.

(I like getting gifts too...I'm not gonna lie. Not nearly as much as I like giving, but the receiving is fun as well)

I enjoy sending and receiving Christmas Cards, and thinking about friends and loved ones I don't see or talk to nearly often enough.

I enjoy the traditions and memories that go along with decorating, entertaining, Christmas Carols.

But definitely the best part of Christmas for me is easily

THESE GUYS!

My Dad has made it his tradition to visit for a few weeks between Christmas and New Years. I truly treasure the time that he spends with us. ...and this year, like other years did as well, his time here ended much too quickly.

My sister has also made a habit of being here with us at Christmas time over the last few years, and since meeting her partner, Chris - who grew up just south of Portland, where his parents still live - they find double the reason to get out west. I'm so glad for that, but in my own selfishness, I would like to keep them all to myself and not share their time with anyone.... but since I don't get to decide that, I guess I will share...

It was a very Merry Christmas for our family this year. I have a Christmas wish that one year we will also see my brother and his wonderful wife and adorable son...

Hopefully its not too far from your mind already as the calendar shifted to 2010. Maybe you would leave a comment - is Christmas your favorite time of year? What makes it most enjoyable for you?

Nice work - if you can get it...

2010-01-08T21:08:00.001-08:00

Apologies if this sensitive subject makes you uncomfortable. I feel a little weird writing this knowing my Grandparents will read it, but I'm a big girl now, and thus, coming to terms with the fact that I can discuss adult subjects and hope it doesn't shock them or anyone else too much!

Yesterday, a chain drifted around the Facebook world. A secret email, supposed to only be shared with other women, asking you to post your status as a color, making a reference to your bra color. The email went on to say that this was supposed to be for Breast Cancer Awareness. By the end of the day, and into today, it really just got a little bit silly.

I admit, I posted a color status. But afterwards, I had to rethink and consider the fact that it really did little in terms of advancing Breast Cancer Awareness. I sort of wonder if someone didn't make a bet that they could get thousands of women to post their bra colors on FB. hahaha....

Today, I saw and re-posted this message

I hesitated a little to post this. I have been a big breastfeeding advocate...

but....

.... my twins are formula fed.

Before the twins, I had been able to nurse all 4 of the older kids for almost a year. I thought I knew what it was to struggle with breast feeding.

After all, my oldest, was 5 weeks premature, born lacking the ability or desire to successfully nurse. He came home from a couple days in the NICU feeding from a bottle. After many weeks of struggle, soreness and frustration, I was finally able to get him to nurse exclusively. The first feeding took 6 hours. Then we slept for 2. Then nursed for 4 hours.... and on it went until 3 days later he was satisfied after about 45 minutes at the breast. I nursed Noah to 12 months.

I also struggled with #2. She was classified as having a "failure to thrive." Most babies lose an average of 10% of birthweight in the first few days before beginning to gain again. Hannah had the doctors worried, and consequently, she had my emotions in shambles! She was an 8 lb baby at birth, dropped a little over a pound and didn't gain it all back until week 3. (I found out later this is MUCH more common than the doctors presented) Her latch needed help, but really it was more that despite her 'healthy' birth weight, she is a slender girl, and has always been healthy that way.

#3 and #4 were what I would call easy breast feeders.

I will honestly tell you that I assumed that breastfeeding was difficult, but, because of my experiences with Noah, if you REALLY try hard, it can work. It wasn't wrong if someone didn't want to try, but if you really wanted to make it work, with the right support, anyone could. I am certain that my assumptions and cavalier attitude unintentionally hurt people that I cared for. I may have been ignorant to the reality, but that is no excuse. For my hurtful words and thoughts, I am deeply sorry.

When I came home from the hospital with Nathan and Micah, I was expecting breast feeding to go well. They both latched well, and I was excited to be able to successfully tandem nurse. But a trip to the doctors office at 4 days old gave us a huge wake up call, things were far from well.

Both boys had lost almost 20% of birth weight and were extremely yellow. My milk had still not come in, which I assumed was because of the c-section. It just was taking too long. We came home from the appointment planning to start bottle feeding them and pumping every two hours, as well as putting them on wallaby light blankets to treat severe jaundice. I expected that, like with Noah, we would fix the problem with the boys and then fix the breastfeeding and continue on to nurse as long as possible. The jaundice and weight issues showed improvement within a day, and were completely resolved by 3 weeks. The nursing was not.

The twins were both taking 2 or 3 ounces of formula every 2 to 3 hours. I would pump and pump and pump and put the babies to breast all day long, and still could not produce more than 5, maybe 6 ounces in a day. I tried almost everything I knew how, short of taking drugs that might or might no increase my supply (but were not FDA approved).

Aside from the practical challenges of the situation, I was coping with an unbelievable amount of hormones. I did not anticipate two times the hormones, but quite literally that is what I experienced. Another mom of twins told me she cried for absolutely no reason at all for a full month after her twins were born.... and I knew exactly what she was talking about. Not sad tears, not frustrated tears (although I had those too), just tears... washing away all that build up of hormones.

I wanted to breast feed my twins more than anything. And I was failing. I could not make my body produce the nourishment that my babies needed.

I realized that my thoughts of it being possible for anyone to breastfeed were not only ignorant, but at that moment, I realized how hurtful those thoughts were. They had hurt others and they were now hurting me.

By God's grace and the sweet encouragement of a fantastic community of friends and family, I pulled out of the hormones, made a decision to feed my babies formula, and put the girls into retirement. I gave Nathan and Micah as much breastmilk as I could provide, which sadly was less than a month. Yet, I have found a surprising amount of peace about formula, that, I didn't expect. And I know now, that I did not fail. My children are healthy - that is a measure of success.

So, when this opportunity to plug breastfeeding arose on FB, I wondered if I wanted to join in. If you didn't know this - breastfeeding DOES decrease the risk of breast cancer and IS the most ideal food a baby can receive. But things don't always work out as they should. I am now aware of how blessed I was to have been able to nursed my children as much as I did.

I am also blessed to have a nutritious formula to provide to my babies. I am blessed to have had the experience of it not working, to know what others might have gone through - I'm always thankful to be humbled.

A new year

2010-01-06T20:40:00.000-08:00

As a friend said in her blog (quoting another blog, I think) - the first post after not posting for a while is always so darn awkward. The best thing to do is just do it.

So the thing I'm seeing going around other blogs - as I slowly try to catch up on 3 lost months of google reader - is a list of 10 for the new year. I'm going to take a stab at it and make it as brief as possible - which is a new thing for me too!

What I'd like to do this year -

1.Be consistent to post to my blog, and not think too much about it being something that I'm not.
2.Develop consistent devotional habits in my own quiet time and with my children.
3.Read more - at least 4 fiction and 4 non fiction
4.Can and preserve so much over the summer that I can get through the winter with out store bought veggies, spaghetti sauce and broth
5.(cliche I know) Loose the baby weight (at least 25 lbs) and get back into the old clothes
6.Sew instead of buy
7.Play more games with the kids
8.Read more as a family and watch less
9.Learn to play the guitar
10.Find ways to serve others with out sacrificing service to my husband and children... maybe serving together!

Happy New Year. I hope to be back with you again really soon!

Meeting Nathan and Micah

2009-12-02T22:50:00.000-08:00

Due to H1N1, the hospital instituted visitor restrictions. About a week before I delivered, no kids, even siblings were allowed. The day I delivered, only 2 visitors allowed for the entire hospital stay. Thankfully the staff didn't really have all the details figured out and we were able to fudge around it, allowing for Shane plus Julie - to take some ab-fab pictures and be an awesome friend, Liz - because she came all the way from Boston, and Dori - one of my most fantastic friends and she could stay with me while Shane was home with the kids.

So when the babies came home from the hospital, this was the first time that the older kids got to meet them.

Precious moments.

Birth Story - Twins!

2009-11-11T10:28:00.000-08:00

I know I need to get this done, not just to share with you, but to record it for myself. As time passes I'm sure I'm losing and forgetting details. I do this blog as much for myself and my kids as I do it to share our experiences with you!

This is the story of the birth of our twins.....

Sunday, October 11th arrived... I had made it to 37 weeks. With twins, since there are two babies, the risks are higher. Generally, twins are considered full term at 37 weeks, and their lungs are generally stressed more because of the increased hormones. I had been told from the beginning of the pregnancy that I shouldn't expect to get to that 40 week due date of November 2nd. There was even talk of inducing if we didn't go into labor on our own by 38 weeks.

I was feeling quite a bit like a ~~house~~ large sprawling mansion, seeing new stretch marks, being uncomfortable pretty much all the time, having to crawl completely out of bed just to roll over.... I was really ready to be done. Of course, I wanted the boys to have every chance to grow as much as they needed before arriving and be as healthy as possible. Not knowing exactly when that perfect moment would be, I was hoping for sooner than later.

Unlike my last 3 births, I hoped to go into labor naturally. I also hoped that would give Nathan a better shot at flipping to a vertex position (not breech) or at least to engage well into a frank breech (butt first, verses a foot first) position.

It was the week of the semi-annual consignment sale, Pass it On, which I have really enjoy being a part of in the past. I had all my items for sale tagged and on hangers by Sunday and hadn't planned on volunteering for any shifts. But when I started hearing the buzz of my friends heading out to work, I thought "what a great chance to get my mind off waiting, and maybe working on my feet for 4 hours would be just the trick to get things started". So Tuesday, I spent 4 hours inspecting other consignors' items for the sale. I came home exhausted and sore. Did I mention I have spent most of the last 4 months on my self-imposed activity restriction... couch bound. I don't think I was any closer to labor as a result, but it was fun anyway.

Wednesday, my husband told me that I needed to plan on being home on Thursday between 12 and 2 for a "surprise." I had planned on getting out and doing some shopping at the Pass It On presale, but I guess I could wait a few hours. I thought, "who knows, maybe he's planning on getting me a prenatal massage?" That'd be worth waiting for!

Wednesday night was a pretty typical evening. I ate dinner on the couch, watched TV, kissed the kids and sent them up to bed, doodled around facebook for a while. About 11 I decided to head up for a bath and bed. The bath was becoming a daily routine to help me relax enough for sleep. During the bath, I started to notice some contractions, which wasn't totally unusual. These were a little more uncomfortable, but not horribly, nor were they consistently spaced. So I figured I might as well get some sleep. If it was real labor, I'd wake up for sure!

About 3:30, I woke. Contractions were becoming more painful, but still inconsistent. Sometimes 2 minutes between, sometime 10 minutes. I decided it would be a good opportunity to pack my hospital bag. As I was working about the office, bedroom and bathroom collecting necessities, Zak came in, saying he felt like he was going to throw up. I had him sit in front of the toilet for a few minutes and gave him a drank of water before deciding together that he was probably fine and sending him back to bed. He returned again 5 minutes later, so I got him some medicine and a bucket. I told him he could go lay in my bed next to Daddy, but a minute or two later he came back and said "I want to watch you, Mommy". As sweet at that was, I knew he needed sleep and probably didn't need to see me randomly wincing in pain, so I took him back to bed, thankfully for the last time.

At that point, it was almost 4:30 and I decided we needed to head towards the hospital. I rattled Shane and told him it was "time!" But he didn't quite revive enough, mumbling something about doing a 10-man raid (a reference to the World of Warcraft game he like to play) and sinking back to sleep. Two more attempts were made, faced by a reluctant sleep-lover, but he did finally get up.

We called Shane's Mom and Ken to come and stay with the kids, but as their drive was a little over 90 minutes, we also arranged to have one of our wonderful neighbors come and stay with the kids until they could get here. I called Zelta and Bob about 5 times... knowing that they were home and I just had to keep the phone ringing to get them awake enough to hear it. Bob was actually already getting ready for work and heard the phone ringing as he got out of the shower. Zel was over with in a few minutes. It was a great feeling to know that we live around such wonderful people that they would come to the house in the middle of the night, so we didn't have to wake the kids and drop them somewhere else.

We took these pictures while we were waiting for her to arrive. We called the hospital and let them know we were on our way. By this time - about 5:15 am, although inconsistently space, the contractions were stopping me in my tracks, keeping me from being able to talk, and taking everything I had to breathe through them. Once they were passed though, I could smile, laugh, talk and you wouldn't have known I was in such agony a few minutes earlier.

Upon arriving at the hospital, we were taken into the triage room and the nurses struggled to get both babies' heart beats on the monitor. Micah was always a little illusive when it came to the getting a good reading on the doplar and ultrasound. The doctor-on-call came in to check how we were progressing. I told her that we were expecting both babies to be in a breech position, but that if baby A, Nathan, was in a solid frank breech and well engaged, that Dr. Andrews was going to let us attempt a normal delivery. She checks and said "that MIGHT be a head, but I'm not really sure. Let's get someone from Ultrasound up here. You are about 7 centimeters."

NO WAY! 7 CM?! That's awesome! I'd barely felt like I'd labored at all, and I'm all the way to 7 cm already! The nurses were laughing at me. "I've never seen someone so excited to be at 7 centimeters before!"

Dr. Andrews was called, since it was going on 6:30, he would have already been on his way to the hospital to check on patients before heading to his office for the day. He always told me that even if he wasn't on call that he'd make every effort to be there for my delivery. And he has been the one to deliver everyone except Noah (who was born when I was seeing a different doctor).

The Ultrasound tech rolled in very shortly after the doctor had checked me. Amazing how quickly they move when they need to. Unfortunately she was not able to tell me that Nathan was head down, as we had hoped. In fact he wasn't breech either. He had shifted to a transverse lie, with his backbone facing my cervix. It would have been almost impossible to deliver him with out him deciding to do some major movement. Despite my desire for a natural delivery, I am incredibly thankful for the advances of modern medicine.

So we called my friend Julie, who was to be our photographer. Unfortunately, since I was going to be having a Cesaerian Section, Shane would be the only person allowed in the OR. Shane was given scrubs and we met the anesthesiologist, who's name happened to be Nathan. I told him,

"If you do well, we'll name the first baby after you!" No pressure...

I was wheeled into the operating room a few minutes before 8. Doctor Andrews was already there and I met another doctor, who would be assisting, and Dr. Gutierrez - the pediatrician, and a couple of nurses. One of the nurses looked familiar to me. It was Debbie, a lactation consultant that I had worked with after Hannah was born. Everyone was organizing trays and checking one thing or another. Nate came in and started to administer the spinal as I continued to breathe through contractions. Within a few short minutes, everything was numb.

Shane returned. I almost didn't realize it was him behind the surgical mask. He had Julie's camera. He kissed me and took a seat near my head. The drape was up and Dr. Andrews started to work. Not feeling anything, it seemed I was a bit like a sideline observer to the whole thing. After a few minutes, I smelled something that reminded me of popcorn. Turns out, it was me... the skin and tissue was being burnt to cauterize and reduce the bleeding. "Mmm, I smell good!" We all got a laugh about that. Although I would not have said that I was nervous, I think it is my tenancy to look for things to laugh about in these situations.

Before I knew it, it was 8:11 and there was Nathan. The nurses whisked him by for me to see and then off to the warmer for examination. A minute later, there was Micah. A few minutes later, the initial exams were done and they were taken to the nursery to be bathed, weighed, measured, etc. Shane followed with the camera.

Nathan David was born at 8:11 am, weighing 6 pounds and 4 ounces, measuring 19 inches long, 13 1/4 inch head and 12 1/2 inch chest. He had little hair, and it appeared to be blonde, maybe red.

Micah Robert was born at 8:12 am, weighing 7 pounds even, measuring 18 1/2 inches long, 14 inch head and 13 1/2 inch chest. He had a moderate amount of dark hair. We had seen some hair on the ultrasound.

One of the first questions everyone wants to know with twins is if they are identical or fraternal. We were already certain that they would be fraternal, but as siblings can sometimes look similar, we really didn't know what to expect. I assumed if they looked similar enough that I might have to mark them with a sharpie, like a cabbage patch doll. The Lord knows what we need, and he must have known that identical twins would have been to my detriment. Our twin boys are both beautiful, but thankfully, they are very different. Nathan very much resembles the Dedrick family and Micah is the spitting image of Shane.

After delivering the boys, I was sewn back up, taken off the spinal and wheeled back to our room. I suddenly felt very sleepy. It's hard to say if that was me or the drugs. I was, never the less, very anxious to hold my boys. They arrived from the nursery with their daddy a few minutes after.

The next few hours were something of a blur, as the medicines wore off and new pain meds wore on.

I still got my surprise, a visit from my sister. This is particularly amazing since she is attending law school in Boston! She was planning to be in Seattle for a conference, arrived in time to rent a car and drive down for a few hour visit. I knew nothing about it... it was a great surprise! She spent a couple of hours with us, enjoying her new nephews, and spent a few hours at the house with the other kids before driving back to Seattle that evening. What a treat! I'm so blessed to have her as my sis.

And so our new life as a slightly larger family began...

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T21:47:00.000-08:00

I generally like to make my own costumes, but for obvious reasons, it just seemed like a good year to set aside such ambitions. Despite that, I think that the kids' were still incredibly cute! Maybe, they are just cute kids, regardless of what they are wearing!

Noah was Indiana Jones

Hannah was Tinkerbell

Zak was Yoda

Maggy was Cinderella

Just a little bit of neighborhood trick-or-treating with Daddy still resulted in a massive 2 1/2 pounds of candy per kid! We are cautiously trying to slowly ration the sugar intake!

Mom stayed home to great the trick-or-treaters, and feed the boys, who will probably fit into their costumes in a couple more weeks!

Happy Halloween!

Twins Slide Show

2009-10-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

Produced by Shane

Nathan David and Micah Robert - born October 15, 2009

2009-10-23T21:35:00.001-07:00

Introducing the new, bigger and better Vertner family!

On Thursday, October 15, 2009 we were joined by Nathan David Vertner at 8:11 am, weighing in at 6 pounds and 4 ounces, measuring 19 inches long, head circumference of 13 1/4 inches, and a chest circumference of 12 1/2 inches. Nathan has a scant fuzz of blonde hair and looks alot like his brothers, and thus also, like Grandpa Dedrick.

One minute later, followed his brother, Micah Robert Vertner: born at 8:12 am, weighing 7 pounds even, measuring 18 1/2 inches, head circumference of 14 inches, and a chest circumference of 13 1/2 inches. Micah was born with quite a bit of darker brown hair and looks JUST LIKE his dad did as a baby.

So happy together!

I will return as soon as I can to share more pictures and our birth story.

Needles and fire

2009-09-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

from wikipedia:

Moxibustion (Chinese: 灸; pinyin: jiǔ) is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy using moxa, or mugwort herb. It plays an important role in the traditional medical systems of China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet, and Mongolia. Suppliers usually age the mugwort and grind it up to a fluff; practitioners burn the fluff or process it further into a stick that resembles a (non-smokable) cigar. They can use it indirectly, with acupuncture needles, or sometimes burn it on a patient's skin.

This is a picture of my feet and Kathy, an acupunturist with WCA - Working Class Acupuncture. Three days last week, I visited their new Westside office, paid a total of $45 (without insurance), chose one of the comfy recliners, kicked up my feet, and said a prayer. From what I undersand, this moxabustion technique reports a 50-70% success rate in turning breech babies. Apparently, the moxa, which is burned on a pressure point on the pinky toes, causes an increase in estrogen levels which can encourage fetal motility (baby movement, hopefully in the head-down direction). After burning the moxa cones - about 20 small cones - down low enough that I felt the heat, and then they'd be flicked off. Kathy then applied about 2 dozen needles to random places on my hands, feet, legs, arms, scalp and to finish it off - one right between the eyes! I have NO IDEA how they know where to put them.

double click on the picture to better see some of the needles on my hands and between the eyes!

Then I would push back the recliner and close my eyes and sleep for about an hour. It is really hard to say how successful my experience was until we get to see for certain at the ultrasound tomorrow. After the first treatment, I was out for dinner with my friend Julie, and a very decident coffee at Moonstruck

... and I felt a movement that was something like someone taking my gut and ringing it out like a wet towel. I can't say for certain that Nathan flipped, but since then, his movements have definetly been deeper and lower. Micah continues to float near the top of my belly, I wouldn't be surprised if he has moved to a transverse position (horizontal). This would be OK, as it would mean that he would be allowing for more room for Nathan to prepare for birth and we can worry about moving him, manually if necessary, after Nathan is born.

If Nathan is still breech after this next ultrasound, I can get moxa sticks from the acupunturist and still continue the treatments at home. Thanks for your prayers, I know God has this whole pregnancy in his hands. Keep praying for the right positions.

**For anyone who wonders, I do not buy into any of the mystical implications of Chinese Medicine, as much of it implies more power in "self", and really, the only power comes from God. I do believe that God created our bodies with so many amazing intricacies. Using pressure point in our bodies to find healing, gives glory to God as it acknowledges His amazing creation.

Experienced Mom in Nesting

2009-09-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

As much as I have those nagging compulsive urges to clean and organize, physically, I am finding myself unable. Maybe I am just more aware of my body and it's limitations. Maybe I have been taking it easy and have no stamina.

Regardless of why, I am not nesting quite like I have in other pregnancies. For example:

When my in-laws were visiting and keeping the kids occupied, I decided to discard topless and dried out markers....which then let into disposing of broken and non-functional crayons, which then morphed into sharpening all the colored pencils; sorting out the twistable crayons; and before I knew it, I had a coloring book in front of me, completing a master piece. How do you think I did? I think I managed to stay in all the lines!

Despite my lack of energy to devote to household chores, there are certain things that don't need to be neglected.

Many wonder how I could manage, needing to keep my feet up for the health of the pregnancy and still care for the 4 other kids. Here's a secret.... it's actually easier with the other kids. I have someone to fetch things for me. They not only keep each other occupied, but also report on each other's poor behavior in need of parental correction. Tonight I even watched Hannah helping Maggy scoop up the last few bites of her dinner, get her plate to the kitchen, and getting her out of the high chair.

I don't want to assume that having twins would be easy, but no doubt, the Lord has provided for us every thing we'd need, including the extra hands. Thanks be to God!

Not Lucky - just really blessed

2009-09-10T21:53:00.000-07:00

Shane's Mom and Step Dad came into town to see yesterday's ultrasound. They stuck around for lunch and some play time.

These kids LOVE their Grandma and Grandpa!

It was a fantastic day. After getting to see the twins, I got to sit back and just watch the beautiful and joy-filled relationships.

There was wrestling and tossing with Grandpa, building with legos, coloring, board games, reading books and LOTS of smiles.

A great day!

32 week babies update

2009-09-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

Up to this point, the boys have been showing signs of healthy growth. The only area of concern is the position of baby A - Nathan. He has been in a breech position - head up, since the 20 week ultrasound. General policy for most OB/GYNs and hospitals is to schedule moms with a breech baby for a c-section. With singleton babies, doctors will attempt a physical inversion, basically pushing the mom's belly, really hard, to try to get the baby to flip. There is much too much risk involved in attempting this with twins.

So going into today's ultrasound, I had hoped that I had felt a change in position. I can feel a hard 'something' near the left side of my belly button... I was sure it could only be his bottom... he HAD to have flipped....

well... a baby sure did flip - just the wrong one! Micah - baby B is now in a breech position - head up, bottom down. That hard part I felt was actually Micah's head. That little stinker! Look at the bottom picture, he's smiling!

On a good note, they continue to grow well. Nathan is the smaller of the two for now, weighing 3 pounds and 11 ounces. Micah is at 4 pounds and 5 ounces. I will see my doctor on Friday and see what all of this will mean. I still anticipate at least another 4-6 weeks before seeing these boys face to face.

And so it is decided

2009-09-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

My husband shared the following with me and his parents today. I am so in love with this man. I can't imagine anyone who could be a better father to our children. And so, it is....

Having six kids to me is not so much about the work to raise them, and it will be work. But more about the legacy we will leave behind. The lives impacted by our children being servants of God doing his will and how powerful that will be. So this song speaks to me and confirms for me the names I’ve had in mind for a while now. I see God doing some things in me and using these little guys as a conduit for something bigger. Anyway read the Lyrics for “Beautiful Ending”
Oh, tragedy
Has taken so many
Love lost cause they all
Forgot who You were
And it scares me to think
That I would choose
My life over You
Oh, my selfish heart
Divides me from You
It tears us apart

So tell me
What is our ending?
Will it be beautiful
So beautiful?

Oh, why do I
Let myself let go
Of Hands that painted the stars
And holds tears that fall?
And the pride of my heart
Makes me forget
It's not me but You
Who makes the heart beat
I'm lost without You
And dying from me

So tell me
What is our ending?
Will it be beautiful
So beautiful?

Will my life
Find me by Your side?
Your love is beautiful
So beautiful

At the end of it all
I wanna be in Your arms
At the end of it all
I wanna be in Your arms
At the end of it all
I wanna be in Your arms
At the end of it all
I wanna be in Your arms

So tell me
What is our ending?
Will it be beautiful
So beautiful?
Will my life
Find me by Your side?
'Cause Your love is beautiful
So beautiful

This speaks to me, on a level of “I’ve failed so many times, but God is so gracious”. It also speaks of my desire to be walking with him and with you until the end. It speaks to my fears of not knowing how in the world we are going to manage this. It reassures me that it’s not all in my hands to accomplish. It asks the question, to which I know the answer is “yes”. I cant help but cry when I listen to this and look at a picture of the kids here at work. We’ve got to think about the ending, not just what’s going on now. God’s just pressing on me that he is going to do amazing things through our kids.

So here is what I’m thinking

Nathaniel – Gift of God

Nathan – Gift , El – God

So direct translation of Nathan is just “Gift”

Micah - who resembles God? Who Is Like The Lord?

Both are Prophets, both brought truth, and correction to God’s people.

Micah 7:18-20:
¹⁸ Where is another God like you,
who pardons the guilt of the remnant,
overlooking the sins of his special people?
You will not stay angry with your people forever,
because you delight in showing unfailing love.
¹⁹ Once again you will have compassion on us.
You will trample our sins under your feet
and throw them into the depths of the ocean!
²⁰ You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love
as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago.

The story of Nathan and David in 2^nd Samuel 12. Again he brings correction, but as a friend and in a loving way. Nathan was sent from God to David for David. It reminds me that even in correction God knows how best to teach us, and reminds me I need to be better with my own correction of the kids.

I’m feeling these are the names. The longer we look the more these seem to settle. I’m keeping an open mind/ear to God, but these names are feeling much like when we named Zak. They are not so much for us to like, but for them and what they will do in their life time. I’m feeling they are going to be some outspoken boys who will hold to his word, and hold those around them accountable to God’s plan. So how do you feel about

Nathan David Vertner

Micah Robert Vertner

Mom, Dad, I’ve included you on this email so you can see how and why we’ve named our kids. As I’ve said it’s not always a biblical thing, but a God thing. Do listen to the song when you can. Pull up the lyrics, they are real. I don’t say it enough but thank you guys (mom/dad) for all you’ve done for me. As a parent now I realize what it takes out of you and while you guys are not perfect, I’m blessed to have you both.

I have the utmost peace that Shane has heard this from God, which makes me love these names all the more. And I can't wait to meet them!

New School Year

2009-09-01T21:33:00.000-07:00

I wish I had my act together enough to have taken some pictures this morning of our first day of the new school year. There were some very cute scenes around our house today. I love the buzz of everyone wanting to "do" school. It is one of my greatest desires as a mother and a teacher that my children will always have a love to learn.

My goals this year are somewhat more ambitious than past years, but I also planned for flexibility around my own physical limitations with the end of the pregnancy and the birth and introduction of two new baby brothers. A very wise women once told me "Flexibility is great, but you need to have something to flex from."

So I set about planning for this year. I even got a set of 6 weeks worth of detailed lesson plans written out. Just enough to see how the plan works and hopefully keep us on track until the babies arrive. I am also hopeful that there will be enough self driven work to keep Noah and Hannah on task for the few weeks that we'll need to take off.

At the end of day one, I am not disappointed or surprised. It basically went as expected. A few challenges that slowed us along the way. And we didn't quite get through the whole reading lesson and never got to History, as hoped. But I am consoled... a sweet friend of mine at church, who is also a homeschooling mama with 4 kids, who are a bit older than mine told me that she was starting school this week with 1/2 days for the first 3 days as trial runs.... and now I know why! She's so wise!

So maybe the remainder of the week will be short of History, Science and Typing until we can get into a swing and we'll pick them up next week. But as I said on the school blog, we'd always appreciate your prayers for our school year. I anticipate our best year yet!

Running out of room

2009-08-16T21:19:00.000-07:00

A common question when you are about to have your 5th & 6th children

Do you know where you are going to put them?

Will you have enough room?

All of our children have had the experience of sharing a room. Even the twins have already been womb-mates with their brother...

Our house is 1976 square feet with three bedrooms, two and a half baths and two bonus rooms on about a 1/4 of an acre. Nothing huge. Apparently, from the statistics I could find, slightly below average.

From an NPR article:

"The big house represents the atomizing of the American family," he says. "Each person not only has his or her own television -- each person has his or her own bathroom. Some of these houses are literally designed with three playrooms for two children. This way, the family members rarely have to interact. And the notion of compromise is simply out one of the very many windows these houses sport."...."I always wanted a house big enough that my kids could be in their room screaming, and my wife could be in a room screaming, and I could be somewhere else and not hear any of them," he says. "And I think I have accomplished this with this house, because this house is so big that everyone has their own space."

It might seem tempting to want to escape the noise of family, but if we can't learn to work with our family, I don't think the rest of the world will be any easier....

...and besides! I like our house. It has been our home for over 7 years, and so many memories in those 7 short years! Our house is great. Someday we might consider getting more space, but probably not any time soon.

Now, where there is a lack of space is for my two little womb-mates. The suburban lets me program my seat position for driving, so with one push of a button, it's comfortable every time.

......well, it was every time until recently.

we are running out of room - less than an inch between my belly and steering wheel

I thought you might enjoy a progression of the "double-baby-bump" over the last several months.

me (14 weeks) and Suzee, (about 12 weeks) our neighbor
15 weeks

16 weeks at Grandma and Grandpa's in Lincoln, NE

17 weeks

18 weeks with Kathi - a blogging buddy - we met by chance at the zoo!

19 weeks
20 weeks
Fathers Day - about 21 weeks

22 weeks - 4th of July

25 weeks

26 weeks with Julie C (about 30 weeks), Tracy (about 14 weeks) and me at a Girls night.
27 weeks
28 1/2 weeks with Julie C - about 32 weeks and me - out to celebrate a special friend visiting from Texas who we miss so much!

I hope this doesn't seem like vanity... maybe it is! I am amazed at the way these guys are growing and the differences in this pregnancy from the others. I just want to capture as much as can!

teaching compassion

2009-08-06T15:38:00.000-07:00

~~I feel fortunate to be able to so easily teach my children compassion.~~

I am fortunate to have so many opportunities to teach my children compassion.

I was delighted earlier this week, on a day in which I was less than energetic, to look out my kitchen window and find all four of my children - ages 7,5,3 and 1 playing hide and seek in the front yard. They were all having a great time, and the older kids were happily including the younger.

As a mom, it brings me to think of III John 1:4

I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.

I know the truth of the gospel is to receive the love of God through Christ and through the gift of the Holy Spirit, to show that love to others. I know that Noah would prefer to find older boys to play with, and might prefer a video game, or so he thinks. But I see joy in him, and in his siblings, that they might not understand, when they get to play, including everyone and think about the joy that the other experiences before considering their own.

I saw a process of breaking away selfishness as Noah was commissioned with the responsibility of getting Zak buckled into his car seat. As I progress in my pregnancy with the twins, climbing into the 3rd row of the suburban isn't impossible, but it certainly requires more effort than it used to and I just don't have as much energy. So it has become Noah's job to get his brother buckled before securing his own seat belt.

This has taken time. It began with battles. It almost always seemed to result in Noah frustrated and Zak not buckled and me climbing back there anyway. But in time, they began to learn. Zak learned to let himself be helped and to trust someone else. Noah learned to not get frustrated with the 3 year old who is frustrated with him (most of the time). And his compassion towards his brother has increased.

I do not have everything figured out, I am sure that I will not parent my 6 children perfectly (haven't so far!). But I love this lesson that I have learned:

By giving them the responsibility of care for each other, they learn to love each other more.

if you get blog posts via email...

2009-08-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note, if you get the blog posts via email, I don't think you are able to see the videos we have posted. In this case, please go to www.houseofhomer.com and you will be able to view the videos there. Sorry, I didn't realize you weren't getting a link.

kids growing gills

2009-08-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

I grew up with a big in-ground pool in my back yard.

Summer is not summer with out a place to soak your head.

We have managed to have some kind of pool in our yard every summer that we have had a yard.

that's Noah at about 2 1/2 yrs old and my Dad on a visit after Hannah was born

Last summer we invested in a slightly larger pool. Between our porch and fence is 15 feet. We got a 14 foot round pool, 40 inches deep. GREAT BIG POOL, itty bitty little yard.

By last summer:
Noah gained confidence swimming under water

Hannah liked being in the pool - as long as she was wearing a life jacket and was close to the edge or holding a floatie

Zak wanted to be with the other kids, so he would wear the life jacket and cling to the edge or stairs, making it difficult for anyone else to get in or out of the pool.

Maggy hated life jackets, was not fond of being in the water and insisted on clinging to whatever crazy fool would put her in the pool with them. She really preferred the kiddie pool.

The first few weeks of July in Oregon were seasonable - mid 70s, maybe peeking into the 80s, one or two days in the 90s, but quickly returning to "normal temperatures". This made the pool temperature generally less than 70. I could not convince my children of this, but 70 degrees is COLD!

The last two weeks though, we have had quite the hot streak. Breaking records for having over 8 consecutive days over 90. We are very grateful for the pool (and air conditioning) during times like this. As you might assume, the pool temp went up and the amount of time in the water was greatly increased. Just as quickly as the temperatures rose, the kids confidence expanded and...

.... they have grown gills!

Zak Sings

2009-08-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

For your viewing pleasure:

You may need to double click on the video to see it play.

Children are a blessing

2009-07-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

I shared these thoughts with a friend and mentor today. She asked me if I had a blog, encouraging me to share the gifts of these insights. Admittedly, I loved being able to share my thoughts, feelings and insights, and used to do so on this blog with less reservation. Maybe sharing freely became too easy and I shared too much, opening myself up to criticism and exposing too much to the world. And then I said less, which turned into saying almost nothing at all. I want to take a stab at sharing my heart and thoughts again....

I found myself this week in a place where I had things I wanted to do, a task to be accomplished. I included my children in this task, as I do with most things I do. But due to some outside circumstances, and maybe an effort to do too much, these kids were getting tired. They were not cooperating. They were even beginning to whine about being there at all...

We were on day #2 at Grandma and Grandpa's house (guaranteed to wear them out) and we decided to go pick blueberries outside of town. My desired task was to fill every bucket that we had brought with us. But my kids were getting tired and bored. I found myself vacillating between encouraging them to hold out longer and being in total frustration with their lack of cooperation with MY desired task. And then, I had this thought...

Short of our Salvation in Christ, which is a free gift, blessings are rarely an easy gift to receive. God will bless us because he wants better for us, which will require us to change for the better, grow, generally through challenges. So yes, Children are a Blessing! God has intended that I would be blessed by how my heart is changed.

I LOVE the challenges of motherhood. I don't always LIKE the challenges in those moments, but I know that as I work through those challenges, and even make mistakes in my chosen response to those challenges, that I am changed and grown.

Summer with a bang

2009-07-26T22:10:00.000-07:00

Once summer kicked off, it has not slowed down, almost as if it was the start of a sprinting race...

On your mark...

Get set...

BANG!

The first week of July marked a great time to see how the berry fields were faring this year. Last year was a pretty miserable crop. We went to Hoffman Farms in Hillsboro and came home with an almost full flat of blue berries and 1/2 flat of raspberries.

Not too bad, considering they weren't officially supposed to be open for blues for another 5 days, but they let us pick anyway. We also got to enjoy the company of my lovely friend Julie and her youngest daughter Katie. Katie's sisters were off at a camp, but it seemed fitting to embark on our "berry" favorite part of the year with these girls... Last year Julie's daughters' first outing after being adopted from Haiti was berry picking with us. I hope this means its a tradition!

Even Maggy got the hang of the pickings. She only needed to eat a few handful of green berreis to figure out that it was better to have the blues in her bucket. Not a single one of the berries we picked made it to the intended destination of the freezer, as they were all consumed by the handfuls and in milkshakes within several days.

The Fourth of July was a hot one around here... first hot 4th I remember in all of my years in Oregon. It got up over 90. We spent the first part of the weekend rearranging the kids rooms to accomidate for the twins to be in the boys room. By afternoon we were ready to kick back and enjoy the holiday with some friends.

Darin and Jennifer provided a lovely little BBQ and evening of enjoyment, which included

a kiddy pool,

this is why swim diapers are a wonderful thing

hoses,

squirt guns

fudge pops,and a night of memories!

As the sun set and darkness pulled in, we pulled out the lawn chairs and blankets to watch the sizzle, pop, screetch and boom of fireworks.

Even the twins enjoyed the show!

Latest Ultrasound

2009-07-25T22:06:00.001-07:00

I can't believe how delinquent I have been in updating! I hope to catch up soon, but, it is summer and despite all efforts to kick my feet up and do less... which I am still managing to do... we are still going and doing alot. I hope to share some of these things with you soon.

Here are the pictures from our ultrasound on the 16th of July - 24 weeks. Everyone is doing really well. The babies are measuring the same size, 24 weeks - which apparently translates in to 1 lb 9 oz.

This is good news, as some twins tend to grow at different rates and one baby can end up stealing nutrients from the other. This week at my OB appointment my belly was measuring 31 cm, which would translate to the size of a standard 31 week singleton pregnancy.

If you would like to be praying for us and with us, please continue to pray for strength through out this pregnancy and for protection and safety for all three of us. Also, as of right now, Baby A, which would be the first to be delivered is in a breech position. If he does not turn, the hospital and doctors would not allow for me to attempt a natural delivery and we would go straight for a c-section. We are praying that the baby will flip to head down in time for delivery. Whereas there are methods for turning a breech baby prior to delivery, those methods can not be used when twins are involved. A c-section would not be the end of the world, but it isn't my desire.

You can see that the pictures and features are becoming more defined and clear. The hardest thing for our wonderful ultrasound tech, Amber, was to get profile pictures with out someone else's foot or arm swinging in the way. :-)

Hawaiian Licenses Plate

2009-06-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

Did you ever play the license plate game?

When we were kids and we'd take a long car trip, to Wisconsin, or DC or Gettysburg, we would get out a notebook and keep track of all of the license plates we saw. I really don't remember ever coming up with an overly large list. I remember being frustrated - probably on our trips to Wisconsin, through Canada- frustrated with the number of non-US plates we'd find. Never being that great at Canadian geography, Canadian plates did not thrill me.

As I mentioned before, when Liz and I hit the road for our Great Western Trek to Nebraska and back, we made ALL SORTS of lists. I really think our License Plate list was my favorite. Maybe it was because we are now two competitive adults, riding in the front seat, needing to pay attention to the road and the other cars on it.... but...

WE ROCKED THE LICENSE PLATE GAME!!!!

At the end of our 10 days, we had seen 46 US states, 5 Canadian Provinces and 1 Mexican State (Chihuahua).

The only states we didn't see were Hawaii, Rhode Island, Delaware and Kentucky.

By the time we got home, I would find myself obsessively checking plates in parking lots and tailgating to see what plate just passed me. At one point, I think it was on our last day - the 12+ hour drive- I even walked past a guy at a rest area and turned around to look at his back and see where he was from. Did I mention that was the longest day in the car???

So yesterday, on my way to church, wouldn't you know it?? I finally saw a Hawaiian license plate. Not sure if it made me feel victorious or defeated.

Oh what's in a name?

2009-06-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

Why is naming a baby such a big deal?

Some parent have names that they have always "liked" and so they will find something that suit them as a couple and go with that. Maybe they choose to honor a beloved friend or family member. Maybe it is to memorialize someone that they idolize or respect. Maybe there are other reasons parents might have for choosing names, but for me, it's different still.

I firmly believe that names are prophetic. Each time a child's name is spoken, there are certain qualities and characteristics that are being encouraged in that person. The name of God has a place of such reverence that keeping HIS name holy makes the top ten list.

As a first time parent considering the name for our oldest, Noah, wasn't so seemingly serious. Nor was the naming of our second child, Hannah. I believe that we were guided to the right names for them. And by the time our third, Zakeaus, came around, I really started to see that choosing the right name can make a world of difference. We also prayed about the names for Zakeaus and Madgalyn, and I also know we were guided to their names as well, but there came a new awareness of meaning as well.

Noah, was a name that both my husband and I were drawn to separately. So when we discussed it and both thought "Noah", well that decided it! In addition to the wonderful example of faith that we see in the biblical character of Noah, we came to learn later that "Noah" means rest. And oddly enough, Noah was known for sleeping a LOT of an infant. Even now, at the age of 7, I ask him to lay down for a rest at least a couple of days a week, and it is not unusual to have him enjoy 2 hour naps or longer. And he does have a wonderful faith for a child his age, that brings encouragement to his family and his friends.

Hannah means "favor" or "grace", both of which our daughter is full of. Her middle name is Elizabeth, for my sister. Hannah and Elizabeth, in the bible, are two mothers of significant men, Samuel and John the Baptist. Our Hannah is a natural mother and caregiver... and I don't think that it a coincidence.

(Zaccheaus) was a wee little man and a wee little man was he...
He climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wante to see...
And as the Savior passed his way, he looked up in that tree..
And he said "(Zaccheaus) you come down, for I'm going to your house today."

Oddly enough, Zakeaus is small for his age, the only one of our children who is not above average in height for his age. Zakeaus is a natural climber, requiring several times a day "Zak, get down from there." And the story in Luke 19, continues on past the children's song

And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore [him] fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

I hope and pray that the faith and generosity of the man Zaccheaus to be birthed in the heart of Zakeaus as he grows. I have confidence that it will.

Madgalyn's name comes from the biblical character of Mary Madgalene. Madgalene was used to distinguish that she was from the Magdala, which meant "tower". I had liked this name early in the pregnancy, but Shane was not as convinced. One day at work he heard a song from the band Kutless, called "Strong Tower", not just once, but 4 times in one day! And it was decided that would be her name.

When I wander through the desert
And I'm longing for my home
All my dreams have gone astray
When I'm stranded in the valley
And I'm tired and all alone
It seems like I've lost my way

I go running to your mountain
Where your mercy sets me free

[chorus]
You are my strong tower
Shelter over me
Beautiful and mighty
Everlasting King
You are my strong tower
Fortress when I'm weak
Your name is true and holy
And Your face is all I seek

In the middle of my darkness
In the midst of all my fear
You're my refuge and my hope
When the storm of life is raging
And the thunder's all I hear
You speak softly to my soul

The song speaks of God's strength as our tower, shelter and strength. I pray the name of my daughter will be true in her own independence and strength, but also in her faith in the Strong Tower of God.

So now the daunting task of finding names for our next two boys... who will they be?

Honestly, we don't have any solid ideas. But here are some sites we have had fun with:

The Fantasy Name Generator
Aughenkel
Theymhon
Onali
Ris'ryn
Ashew
Enneynn
Menos
Echagei
Essem
Honcha
Rakvormor
Rankelm
Onny
Rhusdar
Nihemo
Torach
Emhat
Lyeachrod
Nemac
Isturo
Rayser
Loryl
Risit
Yerus
Sametenth
Nelony
Unttonlor
Ightise
Acherd
Ash'ar
Sulisul
Pert
Oldque
Voighmor
Ina'que
Tiadeleld
Inasaugh
Toraw
Ageume
Sayuroth
Belashril
Dr'dartur
Tohyxuho
Aughiss
Peras
Kerocy
Haic
Thequaust
Dobdar
Skelmosnal
Stoich
The name genie:
Armani, Julian, Malcom, Samuel, Carl, Alfred, Ethan, Vance, Elijah

Fake Name Generator:
Darius L. Cox, Jerry C. Parker
(and we hadn't even considered the possibilty of NOT using Vertner!)

Hobbit Name Generator:
Grigory Burrows, Drogo Hamwich of Buckleberry Fern

As you can see, none of these are much help. Feel free to leave your suggestions.... all will be considered, few will be used.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

With out my husband, I could not be a mother.

And I don't mean to say that in the "well duh!" kind of way... yes, he and I together have children, and keep doing so... well, duh! I mean that I could not be the mother I want to be or the wife I want to be or even the woman I want to be with out his love, support, guidance, direction and encouragement.

Today was a wonderful day. We went to the Oregon Zoo with his Mom and Step Dad. It was meant to honor a couple of wonderful guys, and yet I left with my heart full and feeling further blessed.

Thank God for my husband! Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful men who speak love, support guidance, direction and encouragement into their sons and daughters, wives, families, friends.

Them babies, those boys, will be boys

2009-06-18T17:07:00.000-07:00

We had the 20 week ultrasound today and the verdict is....

2 BOYS!!

They are very active and growing exactly as they should be at this point! We have not decided on any names yet.

Wild, wild west

2009-06-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite parts of our trip was the variety of wild life we saw. Some how, on our first day out, Liz decided that we should have lists. So we had:

lists of the times we left each morning
lists for how much we paid for gas
a list of all the license plates we saw
lists of the DVDs that were currently in the disc changer (IMPORTANT to know!)
lists of things we wondered but didn't know the answer to
lists of the wild life we saw

Here is our list of wild life, and of course, we tried to capture many of them in photos. Not all the photos are clear, but I think you'll get the idea.

Deer - wrong turn off a scenic detour in Mosier, OR
Robin - Mosier, OR
Hawk - Columbia River Valley
Crow - Columbia River Valley
Squirrels - Mosier Rest Area
Bald Eagle - Wasco County
Ducks and Very Large (domestic?) goose - Arlington City Park, Arlington, OR
VERY large bird, possibly a eagle or falcon - Hwy 84, milemarker 185
Black, Blue and White Jay-type bird with really long tail - Park City Utah thru Wyoming
Small prarie dogs - rest area in Momma Sage, WY
Antelope* - Wyoming
Hawks - Wyoming
Snakes - On the road, Nebraska
Zebra- Cow** (actual note from Liz) - "Similar to zebra-mussels but much, much larger and less sharp"
Wild Buffalo - Custer State Park, SD
Baby Wild Buffalo - Custer State Park, SD
Wild Turkey-lurkey - Custer State Park, SD
Pheasant - nearly road kill - Northern Wyoming
Prairie Dogs - Prairie Dog Town, Greyclif, MT

*ANTELOPE - apparently, what we saw might or might not have been considered Antelope. A certain someone, who will remain nameless, insisted that what we saw could not have been antelope, because there are not antelope in North America. Of course, we argued the lyrics to "Home, Home on the range. Where the deer and antelope play...." That certain someone then read to us from a wiki page the following:

Confusingly, the pronghorn antelope of North America is not an antelope, and no antelope species are native to the Americas. The pronghorn is not a member of the family Bovidae, but the family Antilocapridae. True antelope have horns which are unbranched and never shed, while Pronghorns have branching horns, shed annually.

Disappointing, I know... but what they said, the pronghorn, we're pretty sure, that's what we saw.

**Zebra-cow - That same un-named person finished the phone call with a sarcastic "let me know if you see any ZEBRA." So the next day, as we drove through the plains of Nebraska, we passed a open grid cattle truck. I looked over and saw through the slats, of course, cows. And then I saw a nose, virtually pressed up against the grate watching us pass, and I swear - it was a Zebra.... ok... well I only thought that for about 3 seconds, just long enough to shout "It's a Zebra!" and then come to my senses and spend the next 5 minutes in uproarious laughter. It was of course a cow nose I saw, not a Zebra.... or was it? Or maybe, we had just spent a few too many hours on the road.....

5 YEARS

2009-05-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our Hannah

She's a good friend to all.
She's funny.
She is imaginative.
She loves to draw.
She loves her dolls and ponies.
She will try to sing along with any song she hears, even the first time.

To Noah, she is a wonderful companion, not intimidated by dirt, critters or even a snake.

To Zak, a true and faithful playmate. They could play all day long, just the two of them.

To Maggy, a guide and protector. Like a Mommy #2, encouraging, leading and keeping from danger.

To Daddy, Daddy's girl. She delights in storytime, in the dark, no book... just creating tales together.

To Me, a beautiful flower to guard, guide, encourage and protect (I guess that's why she's that for Maggy).

My baby girl, you'll always be, I'm so blessed to be your Mommy.

Life Moment

2009-05-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

Forgive me for the break in our trip memories, but I just had to share one of our life moments from today. (I wish I had taken pictures for you!)

This morning the weather forecast was pointing to at least 85 and sunny. I hadn't planned on going with our church's Mom's group to the park. We are supposed to be recovering from travels and re-establishing a routine and schedule. But when I saw my children slink downstairs for breakfast and quickly retire to the couch to whine about the choice of oatmeal for breakfast, I thought we might provide a goal to work towards.

"If we can get thru our jobs (aka chores, but we don't use that word) and do a little math and reading before 10, I think we could meet the Mom's group at the park. They were going to meet at the place with the fountain you can play in."

Noah hopped up and asked for worksheets while eating his breakfast, and the other kids anxiously ate quickly so that they could get dressed. We didn't get out until a little after 10, and had to stop for 5 minutes at Bi-Mart to find some sandals for Maggy to wear in the water, and of course, at Black Rock Coffee for an iced Coconut-caramel macchiato for Mommy. (really Black Rock is a once-a-week or less treat for me... just for the record) It was about 11 when we rolled up to the park with sunscreen, towels, camp chair and a packed lunch, snacks and water bottles. The place was packed! Almost every spot on the brick benches around the fountain were occupied and many had taken up residence on the grassy areas near by.

My wonderful children enjoyed just about every minute in the water and on the adjacent playground, except for Maggy who was intrigued by the water, but less than anxious to get in. Eventually, some of the other kids from our group discovered the joy of filling zip lock bags and finding random places and people to unleash them on.... but only those also in the water. After about 40 minutes between the water and snacks, play began to move back and forth between the fountains, the snack bag and the playground. Most of the time, I was flittering between conversations with other Moms and helping my children with small needs: another sandwich, a slice of nectarine, a towel out of the bag, shoes on or off. There was virtually no time there that left me feeling over-worked or in need of more hands.

Maggy eventually wrangled me into pushing her on the swings, which she would happily monopolize until the sun sets. The mom pushing her young daughter on the swing next to me noticed that I was calling out to more than one other child periodically and asked "how many others do you have." I said, "There are four of them, altogether." And she wondered at how I could keep track of all of them. I don't think I came off as prideful or arrogant, but in retrospect, I am blessed to be able to boast:

"Well, my oldest is pretty apt to keeping the rules, so generally he'll let me know if anyone is doing something they shouldn't. And they generally don't go where they shouldn't. They tend to stay close to each other and play together. They are really pretty good kids."

And they are. Actually, they are pretty amazing kids.

I shortly there after, ran into an old co-worker. The last time I saw her she was pregnant with #2 and I had just had Zak (my 3rd). She was pretty floored when she heard that this one in the swing was #4 and would be joined by twins in the fall. She marveled that I would take everyone into Bi-Mart with me for a quick trip, let alone do my regular shopping with my kids, which I almost always do. This has been something we've always done, so they become trained to behave. But I am realizing too, they are AMAZING kids, and I am a blessed mommy, to be sure.

So here is where the life moment hits, that makes me feel the need to blog this... it isn't just to brag about my amazing kids.

We return home, everyone is happy and have been promised juice popsicles before nap time. As we adjourn to the back porch we find that Noah's new boots, that were recently acquired to replace the boots that the dog ate the tops off of, were left in the yard this morning with the dog and are now in the same state as the old boots. I literally bought those boots 4 days ago! I'm pretty sure steam was coming out of my ears and eye sockets. This was after I specifically asked him to check the yard this morning... "make sure there is nothing out there that the dog will chew up."

HOW COULD YOU MISS THAT!? THEY ARE BRIGHT YELLOW!

Maggy's boots were also sitting in the middle of the yard. Thankfully the dog only seems to have a taste for the boys boots. But still! He did not do as he was asked this morning.

...

So as the children have now adjourned for nap-time, I proceed to share with my husband via instant messenger that the new boots are now a loss. And we begin to realize how much we tend expect from our kids.

Yes, have high standards

Yes, do as you are told

Yes, take care of your stuff

~~I don't think~~ I know I don't take the time to tell them how blessed I am to be their mom. Maybe I expect too close to perfection.

I anticipate this afternoon will be a time to tell them how blessed I am, how much I appreciate them, activities of their choice, and lots of hugs.

Dear Lord - thank you for the gifts that you have given me in my children. Let me never forget to show them how much they are valued and loved as they grow and learn. Let me be more of their biggest fan and less of a critic. Help me show them the love that you dole on me daily.

Mount Rushmore - Shrine of Democracy - Day 8

2009-05-26T21:42:00.000-07:00

Our KOA in Hill City, SD was surprisingly close to the monument. This pull-off was actually only 3 miles down the road. We pulled off on our way to the monument and looked around. We couldn't figure out why everyone else was stopping or what they were supposed to be looking at. When we left the monument a few hours later, it quickly became clear, we had to look behind us.... perspective changes everything!

We had done a little reading prior to arriving in the Black Hills. We learned about Doane Robinson, the man who first dreamed of a sculpture as big as mountain in the Black Hills. He commissioned Gutzon Borglum, who had previously done a mountain sculpture on Stone Mountain in Georgia of Civil War heroes. They rode through the hills on horseback looking for the ideal spot along with Gutzon's son, Lincoln Borglum, who was only in his early teens at the time. They dreamed about who to commemorate in the memorial. They climbed and repelled the hills and mountain peaks in search of the perfect place. They began work. They made models. They blasted the hills with dinomite and jack hammers. They slowed and even stopped work to await more funding, admist the Great Depression. Gutzon himself passed away prior to the completion of the memorial, but his son, then in his 30s, completed the project.
The kids were particularly taken with the variety of quartz in the shalestone, collecting stones along the trail.
Plaquards along the memorial helped us to see what it was that made Gutzon, the son of Dutch immigrants, so passionate about the subjects of his memorial.

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T20:54:00.000-07:00

From a site titled: Memorial Day History

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.... Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays)...

Although I consider myself to be patriotic and am grateful for the freedoms that we possess as Americans, I really don't think many of us know what our freedom means, or how precious it really is. I have recently heard my father-in-law share some of his experiences from the marshy battlefields of Vietnam, and having that personal connection seems to have shaken my sense of appreciation for what our freedom truly means.

Memorial day seems to have at it's core the focus of remembering those who sacrificed their lives, and may we never forget. But I also am moved to remember and appreciate those who were willing to make those sacrifices and were spared and able to come home.

While on our trip, we were able to visit the Veterans' Memorial Gardens in Lincoln. My grandfather, a WWII Vet, has been a part of the development and upkeep of this memorial park. It was initiated after the traveling Vietnam wall made a stop in Lincoln. There are bricks to commemorate specific veterans who are connected to the Lincoln area and there are Memorials to just about every area of service: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Medical, Coast Guard, Special Forces, Women Who Served, K-9s, POW-MIA, as well as specific Memorials for each of the wars. Here is a slide show from our visit. The Gardens also included a fantastic children play area. I thank God that we live in a place where our children can play freely.

Day 7 recap - Needles Mountains and the Mammoth Site

2009-05-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

After about 12 hours in the car on Monday, Tuesday was a day intended for easy sight seeing and relaxation at the KOA. But it was the strangest thing! Everyone, except Hannah, was WIDE awake at 6 am. A leisurely camp-stove breakfast of pancakes, sausage links and nectarines,
some play time on the near-by playground and we were ready to go by around 9:30.
The plan was to get to the Mammoth site and possibly see Mt. Rushmore or the Crazy Horse memorial on our way back, but we were playing it by ear. We had figured that the Mammoth site would be about a 20-30 minute drive...

... that was until we thought we'd try to see something else "on-the-way." We had read about the Needles Mountain range, a unique area of large, jutted, and oddly shaped peaks that had originally been considered as the site for the President's Memorial.
It was decided that the Needles would too frail to stand up to the rigors of the proposed monument carving. I am glad that we took this detour. The scenic highway took us up along the edges of these odd shapes and even through them, as there were small tunnels, just barely big enough for the suburban to squeeze through, that had been blasted out of the rocks.

The Needles Highway brought us through Custer State Park. There, we were able to add to our wildlife list the likes of deer, vultures, wild turkey, prairie dogs, buffalo and even cute, little BABY BUFFALO! Apparently there are also wild burros that wander free in the park and are known for coming to car windows and begging for food, but alas, we did not see them.

The kids enjoyed the wildlife, but got quite antsy when it took us almost 2 hours to get off the Needles Highway. The temperature outside of the air conditioned car was getting to be about 98 degrees, and it wasn't quite noon yet. We were glad that we had brought the cooler in the car and were able to give the kids something to eat while we drove through the poorly signed town of Hot Springs, SD in search of the Mammoth site.

We did find it, and it was worth the wait!

The kids all got to help out the guide during the tour. Here, Noah and Hannah are caring a mammoth jaw bone. The things that look like shoe prints are the mammoth molars.

The backstory of the Mammoth Site: In the 70s a realestate developer was clearing a plot of land for a new development of homes when a dozer driver realized that he had come across something interesting. The blade of his digger had sliced a large Mammoth tusk. The clearing was halted and the developer sold the land for his purchase price. An organization was formed to begin processing the site and a large building was placed over the area. They believe that due to a collapse of layers of sediment, and an upflow of a natural mineral spring, a large sink hole developed and filled with water. So far almost 60 mammoth remains have been found in the site, all of which appear to be male! There are also other unique and unusual prehistoric or extinict speices of animal remains that have been found in the sinkhole. The site is actively being dug, and will continue to be excavated for at least the next twenty years.

While we were there, the Elder Hostile that supervising the digging, had volunteers currently working thru the dust and layers of dirt in hopes of finding something new and cool. We spoke to one excavator who was an intern at the Site, a paleontology major at the School of the Mines. He spends one day a week digging and one day a week working in the lab, analyzing the findings. He was currently uncovering a set of mammoth ribs.

This is the remains that they have named "Napoleon Bone-a-part" because through the compressing of sediment ontop of the remains, the bones were fused together. A complete specimen.

If we have opportunity to visit again, there are times during the year when children are able to get involved in digging. I believe that it happens in June and you need to be preregistered.

Noah is holding a full-sized replica of a mammoth femur (leg bone).

It was a great experience for all of us and I'd love to see it again in a few years as the digging progresses.

Although the children were napping for most of the ride back to the KOA, the shorter route this time... actually was only 30 minutes or so, Liz and I were just amazed at the deep red soil that would sneak out of the green prairies and mountainsides. I can't seem to express in words the wonder of the variety of landscapes witnessed in our small glimpse of our countrysides. Needless to say, each day we were amazed.

We drove right past the Crazy Horse Memorial site and decided to just drive up and see what we could see. We only got to the gate. The cost per car was $27, presumably because the memorial is still being created. We did not really want to get the kids up and out, but the view even from the base of the mountain was quite stunning. This would be place that I would like to return to, had we allowed for a bit more time.

It was a stinky, hot day, still hanging out around 98 degrees at 4 PM when we returned to our Kabin. Someone had decided to open the pool a few days early - what a blessing?! We all needed to cool off and it was the perfect outlet for the kids.

Dinner was pigs-in--a-blanket cooked by campfire, quickly followed by the necessary smores and dough-boys. The kids enjoyed toasting marshmallows so much, we ended up with more toasted than any of us could eat! And yes, that night, we all slept quite well.

Home again

2009-05-22T21:51:00.000-07:00

Starting from Big Timber, MT on Thursday morning we played and ate lunch at the Prairie Dog Town State Park before heading West through the Rockie Mountains. Several quick stops through the state of Montana including a playground in Butte, overlooked by "Our Lady of the Rockies", a large white statue of Virgin Mary high on a mountain, and a rest stop near the Idaho border to make Mac N Cheese with hotdogs on the camp stove (dinner for 6 - cost - less thant $1. And considering the change from MST to PST at the Idaho border, we only spent about 10 minutes for dinner....). Although we had made reservations at the KOA in Spokane we opted to keep driving and get home that night. Liz said as much as sleep sounded inviting, she couldn't bear the idea of repacking the car one more time. (she was the master car organizer and did a much better job than I could have to make it all fit).

So on we drove. We arrived in Beaverton a few minutes after 3 AM. Today was spent returning the car to order, laundry, and long naps. I hope to share many more of the memories of our journey over the next few weeks.

Still alive and in Hill City, SD

2009-05-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long delay in our travel updates! I realize that some of you are reading and keeping up with us, and I so appreciate your prayers and responses. I also am regretting the lack of updates as I know we are having experiences and creating memories and, in that sense, the blog is somewhat selfish, in that it is my way of documenting our experiences that we can return to the memories over and over again.

We were at my Grandparents this weekend and I find that I'm severely lacking in patience, in particular when it comes to a dial up internet connection... I was not really able to clear time to do any updates, nor did I really want to wait for the 5 minutes for each page to load.... And then, Monday was our longest day of driving, and after a few confusing country roads near Mt. Rushmore we arrived at our KOA cabin shortly after 10:30 pm, which was just late enough to get beds made and kids to bed.

Regardless of the little delay in communication, we have been having a WONDERFUL trip.

Friday started out windy in Cheyenne. We made a stop in Ogalala, NE for a picnic lunch at a park and a quick walk through NE's Boot Hill Cemetary. There is a woman and her child who died during childbirth that were burried there, and when she was exhumed several decades later to be moved to the new cememtary, the women had been petrified and no one is sure why. There is also the standard fare of your typical early Western cemetary including those who died in gun battles, knife fights as a result of a card game gone bad and victims of the tragic side of pioneer life.

After lunch, we pressed in hard to getting across the second half of Nebraska, anxious to be off the road for a few days and extremely excited to spend the weekend with Grandma and Grandpa. Slowed by a loss of an hour as we crossed from Mountain to Central Time, we had no idea what was waiting for us in Lincoln.... MY DAD! As we walked in to the house on South Gate Blvd, we exchanged hugs with Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Sarah, and I thought I saw a tall figure pass by the dinning room table... much too tall to be anyone other than Grandpa, who I happened to be hugging at he moment, and out comes Dad. What a treat!?

It was fun to catch up, but I think my favorite part of the weekend was seeing Great Grandparents enamoured and in awe of the little creatures that bear their likenesses and heritage. My youngest two children have not yet met my Grandparents and my oldest two may have been too young to remember previous get togethers with that part of their family.

Grandpa introduced Noah to the pool table in the basement, and it such a thrill for him, he was always looking for someone to play with him. Within 12 hours of arriving he had also befriended Samantha, Grandma's 9 year old neighbor. The two spent much of the weekend together, and much of that time was on the swingset. Hannah and Zak were content to follow Noah and Samantha as much as possible. Zak amazed Grandma with his prolific and frequent speech. And Maggy showed everyone how much she can communicate, although she rarely says complete words.

Liz and I enjoyed getting to see Dad... I'm still a little floored that he took the trip AND that he surprised us. We also used nap times to teach our favorite card and dice games - Golf, and 10,000. By the time we left, Aunt Sara said "I need to find me some good dice."

We visited the Veterans' Memorial in Lincoln. Grandpa was very involved in the estabishment and care of the memorials and gardens, and had been involved in the maintenance until recenty he chose to step back in consideration of his health. I was very impressed with the beauty, complexity and throughness of the memorials. There was also a very large and elaborate playground in the park that the kids quite enjoyed. The next day we took in the Lincoln Childrens' Zoo. And no, there were no children in cages... I was hoping to see that too ;-) And I was impressed to see that our Oregon Zoo membership provided us with admission! It was a nice zoo, the kids really enjoyed it, especially the train. My favorites were the Red Panda (an adorable racoon like animal with big paws), and the Wallaby (one Walaby mamma let us have a sneek peak at her baby as he popped out of her pouch!)

You'll all be happy to hear that my face has quickly healed and other than two small scratches, is almost unnoticeable. I am sorry to have posted that a little, but like I said, my motive is to create a log of memories for myself, as much, if not more than sharing it with others. So thank you for the prayers, and sorry if I worried you any. A few people have asked if the fall could have hurt the babies and, although the urgent care doc didn't do an ultrasound, I am fairly certain that the fall was gentle and slow enough to have not jarred the kids anywhere near as much as it did my nose... which quicky healed.

We are at the end of a full day in the amazing Black Hills of South Dakota. I'm looking forward to sharing those memories as well, but am pretty beat, so I'll have to pick those up in another post.

Day Three - Cheyenne, WY - LATE

2009-05-14T22:02:00.000-07:00

Going to have to be a quick update tonight and I'll have to fill in the pictures later. It is very late and we are all quite tired. The driving started late today because of the Urgent Care diabocle, which included several calls to the insurance regarding a supposed contracted provider who wanted me to pay in full up front, and several calls to said clinic begging the office manager to make an exception and work with me. All ended well as we were able to get in and out for our standard co-pay. And it is confirmed that I do not have a broken nose and am, probably, just kinda clumsy.

Liz managed to find a playground to take everyone except Zak (who was being seen for pink eye) and had a great time with them. Unfortunately, we didn't actually get on the road to Cheyenne until after 1:30 MST with at least 6 hours of driving ahead, not including the all important stops. We arrived at the KOA close to 9 and were dissappointed that no firewood was available for sale. We borrowed another camper's lit charcoal to cook our hotdogs and decided it was just too late for smores anyway. The Kabin is just adorable and very welcoming. We are looking forward to spending more time at the KOAs next week. And I can't believe we have Wi-Fi! The cell service was spotty up until about 5 minutes from the campground!

Today's scenery was even more amazing than what we've seen so far, it just keeps getting better! Probably the highlight was some kind of small burrowing creature that we found at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere! There were probably 3-4 dozen of these things, that looked like praire dogs, or gerbals, but no more than a pound or two measuring maybe 8-9 inches. Maybe google or wikipedia can help us with this mystery in the morning. We spent about 20 minutes completely amazed by these creatures as they helped us unload a bag of potato chips! We also saw a real, live cowboy on a horse hearding cattle adjacent to the highway AND real antelope ALL over the place! Liz and I couldn't help but singing Home on the Range, twang and all!

We are really looking forward to tomorrow and getting to Lincoln to see Grandma and Grandpa Baldwin and Aunt Sara too.

Day Two - Park City, UT

2009-05-13T21:54:00.000-07:00

This morning began with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. I love those cool waffle makers! We gathered up, re-packed and sent some post cards before leaving the hotel.

We started out the day with plans to make more regular stops and extended stretching during those stops. Maggy had seemed to have a hard time with the time spent in the car on our first day, and our plan definitely helped. She managed to take two naps in the car and was mostly happy when she was awake. I think that says a lot for a 19 month old confined to a 5-point harness for 7 hours.

The scenery was amazing and the signs of civilization, sparse! Idaho offered some amazing landscapes. I was most impressed with the high jutted plateaus and rock outcroppings.

As we moved towards Utah, we were both impressed with the increasing hills and mountains on the horizon. As we approached the Wassach Mountain Range and the Salt Lake area, they mountains were absolutely stunning. I took many too many pictures to get up tonight, but I will have to show them in the future.

Although we didn't have any planned excursions for the day, a few extended stops at rest areas and a drive by a Wendy's for an afternoon frosty broke up the day nicely and kept the kids quite happy. Aunt Liz is so good at ensuring games of hide and go seek or duck duck goose or simon say's when we stop, that really helps to take care of the antsy kids.

Park City is a BEAUTIFUL place. We are thrilled to have found such a deal on our hotel, which is really a time-share resort for skiers. The area we are in has many open courtyard malls, most of which have open-pit fire circles that burn 24 hours a day. We were tempted to get out our camping gear and get a jump-start on the smores, but decided to wait until tomorrow. My sister's college friend, Meg lives here in Park City and we met her for dinner. As we walked to the restaurant, about 2 blocks away, we passed the chair lift for the mountain! You could walk out of the hotel and hop on the lift to ski - AMAZING! Makes me want to learn to ski! (So just a recommendation, if you are coming thru this part of Utah during the late spring or summer months, its a great place to stay that is really in expensive... I'm sure it's much more appropriately priced during the actual ski season, maybe that's why I don't ski.... Regardless, its a great little city!

Tomorrow we continue east towards Cheyenne and our first camping night. Zak has been asking several times a day if we are going camping today... it will be nice to tell him yes.

Continue to keep us in your prayers. We may need to make a quick stop by urgent care in the morning, as it appears that Zak may have come down with Pink Eye, and I may need some attention to the scrapes received during a graceful misstep off the uneven edge of a sidewalk at a rest stop this afternoon.

Today's tallys:

Departure time - 10:45 MST - Arrival in Park City - 7 PM MST (this hour off thing is screwing with me... we didn't change the car clock, maybe we should)

License plate game - 31 and 4 Canadian

Wild life sightings - none really unless you count the numerous multi-colored bugs on the windshield... ewww.... We did see a LARGE amount of livestock including cattle, bison, horses, horses, horses, sheep, goats, at least one donkey and Zak claims to have seen a green pig. It was funny when every other exit name was either "Ranch exit" or "Valley exit" not much else in between... most were accompanied by a sign saying "NO SERVICES".

Toilet total - Maggy - 1... which turned into an opportunity to get a Frosty at Wendys. Due to the other frequent stretch breaks and required trips to the toilets, there were less urgent needs!

Day One - Arrived in Caldwell, ID

2009-05-12T21:41:00.001-07:00

We are quietly waiting in our hotel room for the children to drift off to sleep so my sister and I can play some cards or something.

The biggest event of the day had to simply be getting everything into the car, including the children, most of which my sister managed to do while I was showering. I don't know how I could have done it with out her! Actually, I doubt I would have, nor would I want to.

We were amazed with the changing landscape from the enormous rocky hillsides of the Gorge, to the beauty of the Columbia river, to the vastness of the high plateau, and even atop Blue Mountain, residual snow! We wondered about what it must have been like to be among the first European explorers to the region, not realizing, but always hoping, that you are a mere 150 miles from the Pacific Ocean. We dug into one of the library books about the Oregon Trail and started to discover what most native Oregonians probably learned in the 4th grade, but we found much more interesting than any 4th grade history lesson. It was also an amazing sight to see all the green-energy sources in action - the hydro dams along the Columbia with a deluge rushing out and the ginormous wind-mills along the tops of so many hills.

Upon arriving in Idaho, we cooked our spagehetti in the hotel loby microwave and enjoyed a quick dinner in our room before heading down to the pool. Noah showed that he had not lost his gills from last summer and Zak and Hannah both were convinced that they had them as well.... and fortunately Aunt Liz caught them before any damage was done.

Today's tally's:

Departure Time - 10:25 AM, arrived at hotel 7:40 Mountain time

License Plate Game - 25 + 2 Canadian

Toilet Tally - Mom - 1, Maggy 2 (but one was just because she'd gotten sand in her diaper), Zak 1 (which was on the side of an on-ramp, seemingly deseperate after Maggy's diaper change, so he stripped and pee'd next to the car... he's 3, get away with it while you can!)

Wild life sighted:
Crows, Hawks, Deer, Eagle, Large unidentified bird (I think it looked like a Golden Eagle, but Liz wasn't so sure), ducks, a HUGE goose, squirrels, maybe a mountain goat, and lots and lots of cows, but I tried to assure Noah that they weren't wild. Then Aunt Liz started telling him they had fangs and ate their young....

The Great Western Road Trip!

2009-05-10T19:32:00.001-07:00

My sister, Liz, is scheduled to land in Portland in a few short hours.

Tomorrow will be a day of errands, packing, planning and a last minute visit to the doc before heading out.

Tuesday, we DEPART!

For anyone who is interested, here is our itinerary, meal plan, and our detailed travel map:

Tuesday, May 12, 10 AM leave Beaverton, OR and to Caldwell, ID via I-84
Accomidations: Best Western
Meals : Breakfast - Bagels and bananas at home
Lunch - Sandwiches at a rest stop - PB&J, cold cuts or egg salad.
Fruit. Chips. Homemade cookies.
Dinner - Spagetti (sausage precooked) cooked in the hotel room microwave
Green beans, bread and butter.
Activities: Hotel swimming pool (the kids are already pretty excited about this!)

Wednesday, May 13, 10 AM leave Caldwell, ID and head towards Salt Lake City
(Park City), Utah via I-84 to I-80
Accomidations: Summit View Marriot
Meals: Breakfast - complimentary breakfast at Best Western
Lunch - Sandwiches at a rest stop - PB&J, cold cuts or egg salad.
Fruit. Chips. Homemade cookies.
Dinner - Dinner out
Activities: Meet with Meg, a friend of Liz's from college for dinner.

Thursday, May 14, 10 AM leave Park City on I-80 to Cheyenne, WY
Accomidations: Cheyenne KOA Kabin
Meals: Breakfast - Bagels and fruit in our hotel room
Lunch - Sandwiches at a rest stop - PB&J, cold cuts or egg salad.
Fruit. Chips. Homemade cookies.
Dinner - Pigs in a blanket (hot dogs over campfire wrapped in dough)
Carrots and dip
Smores
Activities: Campfire, playing at the KOA

Friday, May 15, 10 AM leave Cheyenne on I-80 to Lincoln, NE
Accomidations: Grandma and Grandpa Baldwin's house
Meals: Breakfast - Oatmeal and fruit
Lunch - Sandwiches at a rest stop - PB&J, cold cuts or egg salad.
Fruit. Chips. Homemade cookies.
Dinner - up to Grandma!
Activities: Catching up with my Grandparents and giving them a chance to get to know my kids. I haven't seen them since Hannah was about 1 (she'll be 5 this month). I am also looking forward to seeing my Aunt Sara. We are staying with them thru Monday morning.

Monday, May 18, 9 AM leave Lincoln to Hill City, SD via I-80 and US 385
Accomidations: Hill City / Mt Rushmore KOA Kabin
Meals: Breakfast -with grandparents
Lunch - Sandwiches at a rest stop - PB&J, cold cuts or egg salad.
Fruit. Chips. Homemade cookies.
Dinner - Fast food (longest day of driving)
Activities: just getting there... Tuesday AM we will make pancakes at our Kabin and get out to see the Presidents memorial in the morning light, which I hear is best. We will take our mid-day to get down to the Mammoth site, a museum that has enclosed the fossilized remains of over 30 mammoths, as well as other cool pre-historic exhibits. An afternoon rest at the cabin and dinner of mac n cheese and hot dogs will be followed by an evening viewing of the Presidents Memorial.

Wednesday, May 20, 10 AM Hill City, SD towards I-90 to Big Timber, MT
Accomidations: Big Timber KOA Kabin
Meals: Breakfast - Oatmeal and Fruit
Lunch - Sandwiches at a rest stop - PB&J, cold cuts or egg salad.
Fruit. Chips. Homemade cookies.
Dinner - Canned soup or stew- TBD, Smores
Activities: Campfire, playing at the KOA

Thursday, May 21, 10 AM Big Timber on I-90 to Spokane, WA
Accomidations: Spokane KOA Kabin
Meals: Breakfast - Cereal and fruit
Lunch - Sandwiches at a rest stop - PB&J, cold cuts or egg salad.
Fruit. Chips. Homemade cookies.
Dinner - Pigs in a blanket (hot dogs over campfire wrapped in dough)
Carrots and dip
Smores
Activities: Campfire, playing at the KOA

Friday, May 22, 10 AM leave Spokane on I-90, US 395 to I-84 and HOME
Accomidations: MY OWN BED!!!
Meals: Breakfast - Cereal and Fruit
Lunch - Sandwiches at a rest stop - PB&J, cold cuts or egg salad.
Fruit. Chips. Homemade cookies.
Dinner -something easy
Activities: Collapse, yet fully satisfied with a great trip!

Originally we had planned to tow our tent trailer, but found that some of the campsites were going to be either unpredictable or unacceptably expensive for a concrete slap to park on. When considering the potential hassle of a towed rig in combination with added expenses of gas mileage, we opted to not take the trailer and pursue other inexpensive accommodations. We will be staying at two hotels, and the other nights will be spent in KOA Kabins.

I am looking forward to the whole experience and hope to be finding wi-fi along the way to provide you with pictures and updates. Keep us in your prayers for safe and fun journeys!

A list of 8

2009-05-07T20:48:00.000-07:00

Since our family will soon to be numbered in 8, this might be appropriate!

I saw this on Brenna's blog. I have really been missing getting frequent updates posted, but for some reason getting back into the swing of things is a challenge in this season. I want to post more, but not sure where to start. Maybe random lists will be the place....

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To

A date night with my husband for wings and a movie tomorrow night!
Spending almost 2 weeks with my sister - she gets her Sunday night!
Our road-trip to Nebraska to visit my grandparents
Seeing Mount Rushmore
Finishing the last book in the Narnia series with Noah
Having another ultrasound and seeing who it is living in my womb
Summer times- sunshine, pool play, and camping, hopefully!
Meeting my two new babies sometime in October

8 Things I Did Yesterday

Took a shower
Ate an everything bagel with cream cheese and honey for breakfast
Conducted a "Jesus Loves Me" sing along with the kids at the piano
Went to the library and came out with over 20 lbs of books, audio books and videos for the trip
Took a power nap that lasted almost 3 hours
Went to a new community group, our third week. Feeling like a good fit.
Served homemade fudgey oatmeal bars and tropical sorbet for desert.
Secured reservations for the trip -2 hotels and 6 nights a various KOA kabins.

8 Things I Wish I Could Do

Play the guitar
Be more organized
Make daily devotion and prayer time a priority
Less laundry
A kart-wheel
Run (never been very athletic)
Be a better steward
Blog more, like every day

8 TV Shows I Watch

Jeopardy
Heroes
The Office
American Idol
The Big Bang Theory
Word World
Sid the Science Kid
Pahappahooey Island

8 Things That Bring Me Peace & Comfort

The Holy Spirit
Sleeping in my own bed
Good soup - usually, but not exclusively, my own recipes
Cuddles from my kiddos or hubby
Fresh fruit
Singing praises to God
Reading God's Word
Cozy socks

This was fun and a little more challenging than I expected. Give it a shot if you feel like it and leave me a comment so I can know to check your blog or FB profile.

So glad for the 8 passenger Suburban

2009-04-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

Today we went in for a routine ultrasound. There wasn't any real pressing reason. The docs like to do some of the checks for things like Downs Syndrome and such (which I really have no interest in knowing this early in the game), but I really wanted to nail down my due date and I'm happy to have the insurance pay for me to get pictures of my babies! (click on any of the pictures to enlarge them)

It was within the first second that the tech, Amber, placed the monitoring device on my belly that I saw it, and just as I did, I heard her say "oooh".

"Did I really see that?!" (me)

I started laughing ... hard! And look to my husband, who hasn't realized that the scan had started.

"I don't think he saw it"(Amber)

I could barely contain my laughter.

On April 1st... prankster's holiday, my husband thought it would be a kick to find an ultrasound picture of twins and post it on his facebook profile, and see if he could catch any one in his joke.

I remember warning him, "But honey, I have felt more symptoms of the pregnancy than any of the others.... what if it really is twins?!"

Maybe he had a fleeting moment of psychic ability....

Maybe it's God's way of showing us that he loves us, trusts us and wants to bless us as we learn to trust in Him in greater ways... and that He has a great sense of humor.
Yes, we are really having TWINS!

I am due November 2, but that is a 40 week date, and twins are often considered full term by 36 or 37 weeks. As of today - 13 w 2 d, they are both pretty close to the same size, and by all appearances, completely perfect!

So thus begins our amazing journey into a season in duplicity!

God also knew this when he providentially provided for us that beautiful 8 passenger vehicle.

The bus is now full!

Bouncing Birthday Parties

2009-04-26T17:13:00.000-07:00

Zak's Sunday School classmate, Asher, invited us to his birthday party at Top Notch, a local gymnastics club /trampoline gym. Asher's parents, Brianna and Jeremy, own the gym, and also help to teach the older kids' Sunday School classes. Jeremy is a fantastic coach and teacher, the kind that the kids love and really enjoy, bur he keeps them in line and makes sure that they are respectful.

Hannah is asking that she get to have a party at the gym, which is under consideration. We are also considering their homeschool PE class for Hannah and Noah in the fall.

Here are some of the pictures from the super-duper fun partee.

Look UP!

Happy Easter

2009-04-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

I know... I'm a little late wishing you a happy Easter... and I think I may have said it before when it was actually Easter... hmmm...

Well I know, everyone tells me, I have a valid excuse for ignoring my blog. But I do miss it.

Since I seem to now be past the icky-sicky days of the 1st trimester, and am hoping to regain some semblance of normal energy any day now, I do hope the have more frequent updates. If nothing else, we have had some very cool family times in the last few weeks I want to share, and of course, pictures!

So here is a glance at how we spent Easter day.

We were up super early for the 8 am church service. Had awesome worship and heard a great message about finding the Upside in uncertain times, and considered what it would have been like to be a follower of Christ that first Easter weekend.

Then we hit the road for Dallas (Oregon). The kids were greeted with Easter baskets:

Maggy's first mic

Hannah's got the gear

Zak and Noah got some really cool 3D robot puzzles

that kept Daddy busy for a solid hour.

We had a delicious dinner and wonderful fellowship.

Grandma set up a scavenger Easter egg hunt and games in the barn with prizes.

We returned home in time to transfer 4 sleepy kids from their car seats to their beds, and felt a great joy to be blessed with such an awesome family.

Noah goes to work

2009-04-23T21:24:00.000-07:00

Noah wanted to share his day today. He told me what to write and I typed it in for him. As tempting as it was to make addendum and correct things, this is how he said it. He also took all the pictures himself!

Today was go to work with Dad day. My Dad works at the downtown place... what's it called? (Ensequence). Yeah, Ensequence. Ensequence fixes computers and make different programs. At Ensequence, Daddy helps to fix other people's computers and he has to do a lot of hard work.And on his breaks he gets to get candy and chocolate.

When I went to work with Daddy, the first thing, I got donuts and apple juice. Then I went to do some school work in Daddy's office, which is a different place than it used to be.

After I finished my school work I played with Ethan. Ethan is a boy that is 2 months older than me, but I'm taller than him. His Dad is Mr. Tate, who gives Daddy a ride to work every day. We played with his Nintendo DS.

For lunch, we went out for pizza with Mr. Tate and Ethan. The pizza was so hot I had to eat ice! We got ice cream for desert and then went back to work.

In the afternoon, we watched Bolt with the other kids who were visiting the office as well. I had a meeting there. We talked about what our parents do there.

After that, we left the office and came home.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

I have had many thoughts that I considered blogging this weekend in light of our Savior, Jesus, and the amazing sacrifice he made. Pastor Paul Fleming said this today in his Easter Message - Upside, and I really want to share it:

"Good people don't go to Heaven.

Forgiven people go to Heaven."

Thank you Jesus. He has risen, indeed!

Happy Easter

'Hey Ma! What's for dinner?'

2009-04-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Noah asked if he could help me make mac n cheese, twice in one week. He pretty much has the process down now, and that's from scratch, not a box. He was a great helper and it was fun to have him stepping in voluntarily.

Well, it must be catchy. Tonight, I'm dragging my feet to figure out what we'll be eating, considering a last-minute left overs night. My husband suggests mac n cheese, which is a great idea, except, no noodles. Well, egg noodles might work... but make it feel a little more like a tuna casserole. As soon as I enter the kitchen to begin, Hannah is anxiously waiting to make dinner, like Noah did.

She was a great help to grate cheese, stir the white sauce, measure the peas, feed her sister frozen peas, open the tuna, and top with powdered Parmesan. I'm so proud of my little helper. And what a joy, as a mother, to always have a child by your side, learning about life in the little things.

I knew it!

2009-04-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

Just for the record, I didn't write this... for the original article click here - And isn't it interesting that it would take someone outside of the US to figure this out?

Cost of kids not so high afteral

Adele Horin
March 12, 2009

The maths ... If children were a "cost", parents would end up less wealthy than comparable couples without children. A study found this was not the case.

The cost of raising children is not nearly as high as parents have been led to believe, a study reveals. Far from a child costing $10,000 a year, as previous research indicated, the price is more like $1300.

Michael Dockery, an associate professor in the school of economics and finance at the Curtin University of Technology, says children may even enhance their parents' wealth.

"People now believe they'll be millions of dollars out of pocket if they have children," he said. "It's nonsense."

If children were a "cost", parents would end up less wealthy than comparable couples without children. But his study, based on 3168 couples, found this was not the case. When the net wealth of the parents and the child-free was compared - housing, shares, superannuation and savings - the parents were only marginally worse off, suggesting a child "cost" only $1300 a year.

When wealth accumulation between 2002-06 was considered, couples with children were a little better off.

Dr Dockery said couples with children were more likely to be home-owners and to have a bigger house.

Previous Australian studies have shown that a typical family will spend $537,000 on raising two children from birth to 21. Dr Dockery claims the cost is more like $55,000.

Dr Dockery disputes the logic of seeing children as a cost. The price people were prepared to pay for fertility treatments showed children were regarded as a "very large net benefit".

He also takes issue with studies that used the amount of money parents spend on children to determine their cost. "There seems little justification for considering expenditure on children to be a measure of their cost, any more than going to a restaurant can be considered a cost to the patrons." Restaurant-goers saw their night out as a benefit, not a burden.

As well, when couples chose to have children they understood they would have to switch their expenditure from dining out to nappies and child care.

"They value having the children more than the lifestyle," he said. "To argue they are worse off makes no sense."

Dr Dockery cautioned against using his research to calculate child support because the situation for sole parents was different. But he said the family payments system had helped make children "cost-neutral" and the emphasis on benefits for "working families" needed to be changed to help all people.

Today

2009-03-27T21:46:00.000-07:00

Although the term "Spring Break" means nothing to my kids, it does take on a new meaning for a homeschooling mom. Normally a Friday at 11:30 at Out of This World Pizza and Play is a relaxing time for mom while the kids run freely in the massive play space with one or two dozen other children. But not during Spring Break! Oh MY! We were parked in the back lot and were met by more people than we had ever seen, even on the busiest of Saturdays!

As kids tend to be, my children were basically unaffected by the hundreds of other children. We met our cousins, Isaac and Averie there. (For anyone keeping track, their Mom, Christie is Shane's cousin on his Mom's side... which, I believe, makes them our kids' second cousins). Noah and Isaac have been buddies from the earliest of diaper days, and so, of course, Averie and Hannah have also found a special friendship. It was nice for me to catch up with Christie, and the kids had a blast.

I was really quite impressed with Noah. At one point, a much smaller boy amidst the crowd, somehow came to bite Noah on the fore arm. The teeth marks were deep and, in fact, broke the skin. We were able to put ice on it, and when the boy's parents became aware, and the boy was told to come and apologize. Noah told him, "its OK, I forgive you." We found ice cream to be a great distraction at that point. About 20 minutes later, I see Noah running past me on the way to the play structure, and I ask "how you doing"... but he barely has time to wave.

What a great kid? He could have retaliated at that boy. He didn't, he walked away. He could have let it ruin his day. He didn't, he really forgave. I love that kid!

So, when we realized the opportunity to have Isaac come and stay with us, it seemed the perfect idea. The boys spent the afternoon running around the yard, ate a great dinner, played Wii, got on some PJs and hunkered down to watch a movie. I love hearing the little laughter and joy that these cousins get from their friendship. I hope that they always stay good friends.

Of course, it is hard for the other kids, seeing Noah with a special friend, sleeping in sleeping bags down stairs. But life isn't fair, as my mother always used to tell me. I know they will have their turns at sleep overs and special friends. And although Zak was quite upset for a bit, I had to remind him that his is only 3 (he does need that reminder!). Hannah and Zak did get to watch a movie in the boys room together - with popcorn, and have their own sort of sleep over. Hannah slept on the bottom bunk.

Happy quiet house, wonderful kids, tired mom - good night.

Exciting News

2009-03-23T21:35:00.000-07:00

Vertner Baby #5 is preparing for an early November arrival!

Each of our children have been such incredible blessings to our whole family, it is exciting to know that the Lord has seen to bless us, yet again.

Psalm 127

A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

This is the perspective you need

2009-03-21T21:03:00.000-07:00

We all do....

(this was recently posted on Thingamababy , a blog I enjoy.)

Below is a transcript of the Coke commercial, because the font is a wee bit small.

This is a true story. In these hard times we bring together the eldest man with the youngest baby.

[Images of a pregnant woman in car] Madrid. Aitana Martinez. Three hours before birth.

[Images of an old man at home] Mallorca Josep Mascaro. 102 years.

[Image of the man on a phone] Hello Aitana.

[Voiceover on a long car trip and plane trip interspersed with images of birth]

My name is Mallorca Mascaro and I am 102-years-old.

I’m a lucky guy. Lucky…

For having been born, like you.

For being able to embrace my wife.

For having known my friends and for having been able to say goodbye to them.

For still being here.

You will ask yourself what is the reason I’ve come to visit you today.

It’s because most people will say what a bad moment you’ve chosen to come into the world.

We’re in crisis, that’s not a good thing…

Well, it’ll make you stronger.

I’ve lived worse moments than this one,

but in the end, you’ll remember only good things.

[Image of the man now at the hospital visiting the baby]

Don’t waste time with nonsense, there’s plenty of it,

and go and find what makes you happy while you can,

since time slips away very quickly.

I’ve lived for 102 years and I’ll happily live a few more.

Because I promise you that the only thing you won’t like about life it that it’ll seem too short.

You’re here to be happy.

Cling tight for you life

2009-03-20T10:04:00.001-07:00

The Mom's Bible Study at our church has been discussing authority and obedience, how it applies to our lives and how to teach it to our children. I wanted to share my notes from this week's gathering. We listened to a recording of Mrs. Nixon, who had given a talk on this subject to a homeschool co-op.

Obedience needs to be three things to be true obedience:

Prompt, quick and with out delay
Cheerful
Thorough, complete, not the bare minimum

Yet, the most important thing in teaching our children about obedience is that they know

GOD will NEVER leave you

GOD will NEVER forsake you

Jesus literally went to the depths of the worst Hell. There is nothing that our children will be able to do, no where they can go, to escape God's presence.

With authority comes a covering. Think about an umbrella. It will protect you, but only when you are under the umbrella. God has instituted authority to protect us, but we have to be willing to bow our own wills to go under the umbrella. If a parent is self centered, that parent can't be under the covering of God's umbrella. We need to be submitting to God to help our children to see HOW to bow their wills to go under the covering.

My goal will NOT be to have 100% perfect obedience every time.

My goal is and will be to see my children clinging to Jesus.

Heb 12:4 "You have not yet given your lives in your struggle with sin"

Have you seen that guy in a movie who is on a plane when the door gets blown off and there is no cabin pressure? He's holding on to something, but his body is horizontal, the air pressure attempting to suck everything not strapped down out the door. And slowly one finger at a time, he looses his grip, but he's literally holding on for his life. I don't know that I have considered that it would take that kind of effort to cling to Jesus. (I have a new pursuit.)

There are times when I can't see what is going on. But we must trust in and rely on Him in times that are clothed in darkness and times that are clothed in light. There are times God will want us to go through things and we can try to avoid them, but it is just delaying the inevitable. Remember, God will find us (or our children) where ever we are.

When training our children "in the way that they should go," it can be like creating a path in the snow for a sled. If we want to go to a certain point in the base of the hill, the best thing to do is to establish your path. You may need to try out the path, and still end up running into a tree. So you start again from the top and rework the path to make the track straighter. So as we are training our children, it takes thought, preparation, trail, error and reworking.

Hebrews 12 talks of earthly fathers who do the "best that they know how." I will not be a perfect parent. But the best way to teach my children to cling to Jesus, is to be an example, and cling to Jesus, as if my life depends on it. It does.