tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7336428076113760992024-02-07T03:30:19.913-06:00Pondering All These ThingsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-2959403619165907432014-05-23T14:08:00.001-05:002014-05-23T14:08:52.138-05:00Summer Prayer<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;">Summer is coming. Two school days left and then everyone is home. All the time. And, I love my kids. But, honestly, I've really enjoyed the freedom having only one at home this school year has brought into my life. I can run errands and actually accomplish them. I can sit and play a game with just one. I am sometimes all alone, in the quiet, to finish a chore. And when I think of the change, I feel a bit overwhelmed. Because most days, I'm pretty sure God chose the wrong woman to do this life of mothering these five. Because too often I major on the minors and fail to accomplish what matters most. So as I look to the start of summer, I am mostly excited for the change of pace, for the extra time with these precious gifts, but I am also apprehensive that I will fail to be what matters most to them. I trust God to fill in the cracks when I fail, as I know I will, but my prayer for the summer comes from the following song that is currently on the radio. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOg-1JjAdGk" target="_blank">Let Them See You in Me</a> JJ Weeks Band<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Take away the melody. Take away the songs I sing</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Take away all the lights and all the songs You let me write</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Does the man I am today, say the words you need to say</i></span><br />
<i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></i>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Chorus</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Let them see You in me. Let them hear You when I speak</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Let them feel You when I sing</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Let them see You, let them see You in me</i></span><br />
<i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></i>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Who am I with out Your grace, another smile another face</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Another breath a grain of sand, passing quickly through Your hand</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>I give my life an offering. Take it all. Take everything.</i></span><br />
<i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></i>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>With every breath I breathe, I sing a simple melody </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>But I pray they'll hear more than a song</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>In me, in me</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><u>And my own version:</u></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Take away the laundery, take away the meals I make</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Take away all the chores and all the toys I must pick up</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Does the mom I am today say the words You need to say</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Chorus</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Let them see You in me let them hear You when I speak</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Let them feel You when I work</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Let them see You, let them see You in me</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Who am I without Your grace, a normal mom, a harried face</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Another sigh, a wisp of smile, passing quickly through each day</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>I give my life as mom to them, take it all, take everything</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>With every breath I breathe, let me sing a song of joy to You</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>And I pray they'll hear more than a song</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>In me, in me</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Let them see You in me. Let them hear You when I speak</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Let them feel You when I work.</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Let them see You. . .let them see You in me. </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;">Lord, hear my prayer and may it be. Because them knowing You, Lord. ..Loving You is all that matters.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-59752324075071654332014-05-23T14:07:00.002-05:002014-05-23T14:07:41.254-05:00Happy Birthday Lucas<br />
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Happy 4th Birthday Lucas!</div>
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You have changed so much this year! I love to see you start to engage other people and watch your confidence grow in participating in new situations.<br />
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Some of the things I want to remember about you during this past year:<br />
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<li>You are constantly playing with my hair and giving me hugs</li>
<li>You seem to need a quick snuggle with me right when you see the kids coming home from school</li>
<li>You say, "Weellll. . ." and "Probably. . ." to introduce your thoughts and responses to questions</li>
<li>You love to jump on the trampoline</li>
<li>You like to pray "list" prayers, such as "thank you God for doors, windows, food, superheros, the whole wide world. . .</li>
<li>You love to sing with me when we read Bible stories</li>
<li>You can play Candyland a <b><i>million</i> </b>times in a row! And we do!</li>
<li>Your favorite food is chips and you mostly want pb sandwiches for lunch</li>
<li>You love anything to do with superheros, hotwheel cars and motorcycles.</li>
<li>You love going to Grandma Clark's house to play while I have Bible study (and she loves having you!)</li>
<li>You can often be found playing with a ball with Simeon, who thinks you are pretty good!</li>
<li>You let Evelyn chatter your ear off and seem to enjoy it.</li>
<li>You love to collect the eggs.</li>
<li>You give the best hugs and always want one right away in the morning and right before bed!</li>
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Your personality has really come alive this year and you are constantly making me laugh by what you say or the expression on your face. A few of my favorite stories from this year:</div>
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<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;">We were about to go into a store and I was reminding you that you needed to stay by me and not run around in the store. You stared back at me and nonchalantly said, "That doesn't make any sense to me."</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">One morning you needed a bath but didn't want to take one. So, I gave you two options - hop in and I'd wash you right up, or stay in the bath and play a while. You responded, "Those are two bad choices."</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I needed to finish up a little bit of work, but told you I would play Candyland when I was done. I finished and told you I was ready and thanked you for waiting patiently for me. Very seriously, you said, "It was nothing."</li>
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I am so very thankful that God gave you to our family and feel very priviledged to be your mom. Happy Birthday Lucas! I love you so much!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-11180124459171628672014-04-14T22:32:00.003-05:002014-04-14T22:32:34.206-05:00Happy Birthday JosiahHappy Birthday Josiah! How is it possible that you are now 11 years old?! I can still remember driving home from Sioux Falls with you in the backseat. We got about 20 minutes from home and you started crying. I remember my gut turning and thinking, oh boy, here we go! I still get that feeling sometimes as we jump into something new with you and I try to figure my way as we go.<br />
<br />
I asked you on your birthday what were some of your favorite things from this year. Your response was so indicative of who you are. You mentioned cleaning up concrete and metal on the acreage and building the garage. You really continue to love to do work outside and are such a help to your dad. You are thrilled that your dad lets you drive the pickup around the place, and though my heart quickens watching you, you do a very careful job of it. <br />
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Being on the acreage has given you an opportunity to work with animals and you seem to relish that added responsiblity. Most every morning, you check in on the food and water for Lily without being asked. When Lily broke her leg this spring, you checked in on her every night and morning and took the job of giving her meds, again without much for reminders. It's also been very interesting to watch you with the addition of chickens to our place. You always want to be the one to go get the eggs. You love to let them out in the morning and lock them in at night. And, very rarely do I have to ask you to do those things. You've also watched them and figured out their roosting pecking order. Another exciting opportunity for you this year has been helping our neighbor, Mr. Bonnema with his pigs. You've helped him just a few times when he has gotten a new load of piglets or had to move them around in the nursery. You didn't really complain about the smell, but were more fascinated by the process and learning about piglets. You also found it quite funny that you were required to strip in the mudroom before entering the house and still got a reaction of the smell when you came in! We hope that Mr. Bonnema will continue to use your help more and more and he has mentioned wanting to eventually train you in vaccinating pigs.<br />
<br />
One of the other things that continues to be true of who you are is that you love to learn. I am so thankful for that and you are a lot like your dad in that manner. Although you've struggled with neatness and organization this year, your teachers are very vocal about how much they enjoy having you because you are so excited to learn whatever you are studying. You often come home with a new tidbit to share with me. A few weeks ago, I had to teach counsel time during Awana in just a few minutes notice. I ended up reading a modern take on a parable and had a few questions at the end for the kids. As I was talking with the group, I was struck by your eyes -- you were so engaged and it felt like you were really pondering the question that I had asked. I pray that desire to learn and engage will continue in your life as it is so wonderful. And, like your dad, it helps you be able to engage with a wide variety of people in many different circumstances because you always have something to share that you are learning or are intent on learning from what others are saying.<br />
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I love riding alone in the car with you because you always have something to say or ask. I love the grin you get on your face when you are trying to hide something when we are playing a game. I love playing piano with you while you practice cello. I love that you still want me to do things with you (although I can't always indulge in that). I am completely tired of legos all over your room and rubix cubes, but love the tenacity you show with them. Most of all, I love you, my firstborn son and pray that you will strive for the best that God has for you and follow Him wholeheartedly this coming year. Happy Birthday!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-29903964972414248122013-12-14T14:44:00.001-06:002013-12-14T14:44:51.655-06:00Happy Birthday Simeon!Happy 9th Birthday Simeon! Your birthday was actually quite a few days ago, but with all the holiday activities, including a trip to Illinois for Thanksgiving, I am just now sitting down to write your birthday note. <br />
<br />
This year has brought a lot of growth for you. You have grown taller and your feet seem to have a growth spurt every other week! You continue to love sports and are constantly playing football or soccer or some other ball game. Most often you play with Ezra because he enjoys those things as well, but you can be found playing with Lucas and Josiah as well. You have grown a lot in your ability to control yourself when you get frustrated because you are so competitive! I am proud of you for working hard at this! It is not easy for you. <br />
<br />
You also continue to enjoy Lucas immensely and now that he is older, you include him in many of your games, always kindly. It seem slike you instinctively know how to play with younger ones and often let him win or at least make him feel like he is winning. You want to sit by him at dinner and have started taking a bath with him, taking care of washing and dressing him. Similarly, you love to help in the nursery at church and jump right in, playing with the kids, again very instinctively. You often ask about our family having another baby and I would have one in a heartbeat just for you to have that joy if I felt God had given us the green light in that area. I am very interested to see how God uses and develops your love for little ones.<br />
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You continue to enjoy school as well and, in general, it is pretty easy for you. You don't necessarily handle no knowing things very well and we are working at not pretending to know something you don't and working to learn things that might be harder for you without giving up. You still like to know what things are like before joining in. One of your favorite things at school is recess! You have a great teacher this year, who often plays football with the boys in your class at recess. At your parent teacher conference this fall, Mr. Fischer mentioned that you intercepted some of his passes and they were really good plays on your part! I often don't hear about anything else from school from you except for the play-by-play that you give me about what happened at recess. And then, your face is so animated as you give all the details! You are very well-liked at school and when I ask about your friends, you rattle of 5-6 names and often keep going. <br />
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You know all the Vikings football players numbers and positions. You've started enjoying reading more, especially Flat Stanley books. You still choke down cooked vegetables, but are better at fresh ones. <br />
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I love you Simeon. I am so priviledged to by your mom. I see so much possibility in your future and just wonder what God is going to do in and through you! I love your spontaneous hugs and shy smile. I pray that God will help you be a leader in your class, doing the right thing even when it is hard to go against those around you. I pray that you will use your talents and abilities to help and serve others. Above all, I pray this year, you will learn more who God is and follow him more fully in all areas of your life, loving Him more than anything. Happy birthday, Simeon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-57418810233089906842013-11-05T20:15:00.003-06:002013-11-05T20:15:59.490-06:00He is WorthyThere was unspeakable, unthinkable, unimaginable tragedy that hit our community last week. A small, strongly Christian community where everyone seems to know everyone. A three year old little girl lost her life due to an injury she received at the hands of her daycare provider. And it felt like the entire community gasped and wept. <br />
<br />
And I've wept. For the little girl who looks so much like my little three year old. For the mom and dad who had to hold her as she went to see Jesus. For the mom and dad who had to hug her sister and brother and remind them they didn't need three little cups at the table anymore. For the daycare provider who I know only in passing and small talk at activities. For her three little girls who have lost their mom. For her husband who has lost his wife. For them as they try to continue life, in a small town, with her out on bail. <br />
<br />
And I sat in my chair on this day, the day containing a celebration ceremony of the life of that little three-year-olds, and I watched her memorial video. And I wept and I prayed. And I marvelled that her parents could use songs full of grace and compassion in her video. That they spoke of a God who has conquered death as they celebrated her life. <br />
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And then, this afternoon I heard Selah's song <a href="http://youtu.be/83aQC5ko_94" target="_blank">All My Praise</a>. And I thought to myself, do I believe this? If I were these parents, could I believe this? That even in the valley of death, in the midst of my worst nightmare, He is worthy of all my praise? I've watched my sister and brother-in-law live that nightmare. My aunt heart has bled with them and for the nephew I did not get the joy of holding. I've witnessed Joel's brother and sister-in-law live daily with the possibility of that nightmare. I've cried and prayed extra hard at those particularly scary moments. I know just a sliver of what it is like. It is terrible, painful, unimaginable and unthinkable. And my conclusion is this. . .deep down I do believe this. But more than that, I have to believe this. Because I don't think there is any way I could handle something as unimaginable as this, if God would chose to allow it in my life, unless I could cling to the fact the He is worthy and He is seated on His throne. <br />
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Oh God, thank You that You are Worthy, no matter what is happening in this sin sick world around me. That You are big enough to handle my uncertainty and pain. That You grant grace and strength to those experiences their deepest valley. That You are the Only One who can help us make it through. Be All that the people involved in this tradegy need today and in the days to come.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-64409070890180364612013-09-23T20:38:00.001-05:002013-09-23T20:38:15.284-05:00Evelyn's EyesI took Evelyn to an opthomogolist in Sioux City today. Lucas went with us and was delighted to have his sister around to chatter and giggle with. What I anticipated being less than an hour appointment took 2.5 hours while we waited and saw three different people. As I didn't have a watch and doctor's offices never seem to have a clock, I had no idea how late it was until we returned to the car. I only heard, "It's taking long time. . ." from Lucas! They really did well, for which I am very grateful! Anyway, the end report is that Evelyn has a mild form of Amblyopia in her right eye. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amblyopia" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> describes it better than I can and says, "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">In amblyopia, visual stimulation either fails to transmit or is poorly transmitted through the optic nerve to the brain for a continuous period of time. It can also occur when the brain "turns off" the visual processing of one eye to prevent double-vision, for example in strabismus (crossed-eyes). It often occurs during early childhood, resulting in poor or blurry vision." </span>She does not have the crossed eyes that often occur because of this. They will put her in glasses to fix the blurrines in the hopes that the brain will decide to use the right eye as well. We return in 7 weeks to check the progress. If there is not enough progress at that time, we will begin patch therapy to help her brain start using the right eye. The window of treatment for this is up to age 7, so I am very thankful eye exams are expected to go to school as we had not noticed anything wrong with her vision. I am also grateful to be doing something to help her. She is taking it all in stride, with her bright smile and was thrilled to try on purple and pink frames! Thanks for praying and I'll post pictures once she has her new spectacles!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-4992506406913774412013-08-18T21:33:00.001-05:002013-08-18T21:33:40.187-05:00Happy Birthday Ezra!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy 7th Birthday Ezra! Today you turn seven. On Wednesday you head to first grade. I have watched you grow up so much this year, and particularly this summer. You are growing into quite the boy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You have grown into a good worker. Dad loves it that he can give you a task, here on the acreage or at the school and you will methodically complete it and keep at it until you are finished. You also got to the point this summer that you would go and find Dad and ask him what job you could do next. You just finished organizing your dresser drawers. You have a things about socks -- very particular about how they fit, putting them on every night no matter how hot it is, and spending your own money to buy socks with the Nike swoosh on them for school. You are the only one in our family that eats his plate in sections, finishing one thing before starting another. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even though you have grown up this summer, there are some things about you that haven't changed. You still love to laugh and joke around. You often can be found giggling at the table at something Josiah is doing. You still love to play ball with Simeon. You will eat just about anything you are served and still are the only one to join your Dad in spicy salsa and tomatoes. You fill your plate with whatever fresh veggies that are served and for your birthday meal, you were adamant about wanting a spinach salad that I make. You are still easy to be with. As part of a devotional I shared at a baby shower this summer, I talked about what each of my children has taught me about God. About Ezra I said, "<i>Ezra has taught me about friendship with God. He is easy-going and easy to be with. . .Ezra challenges me to rest in the easy-ness of being with God</i>." I can't quite verbalize what it is, but there is just something about the way God has made Ezra that he is easy to be with. You will still snuggle up to me when we are sitting on the couch and occasionally I get your hand slipped into mine. You are still prone to suck your thumb with your duck blanket -- we're working on that with duct tape. . . You still put to memory anything with music to it in no time at all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My dear sweet Ezra, I pray that as you continue to grow older, you keep your sweet spirit, and you continue to tap into that easy to be with part of you, ultimately using it to draw people to Jesus. I am excited to see what this year brings for you. I love you buddy and am so priviledged to be your mom. Happy Birthday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-9616688312716854802013-07-14T16:20:00.000-05:002013-07-14T16:20:17.025-05:00Cousin timeAmazingly, Joel and I were able to spend five days with his brother and wife riding motorcycles up the west coast. It was a beautiful ride and an unbelievable experience. I am so thankful for all the family that cared for the kids and to Josh and Amanda for planning the trip and making it possible for us to go! <br />
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My parents had Simeon and Lucas. Josiah went to Joel's parents and Joel's sister, Julie kept Ezra and Evelyn. Julie sent periodic updates throughout the week and I wanted to paste them here to remember the fun of cousin time! </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Seriously, we've had a great day. We mowed lawns before breakfast and after dinner; took a lengthy trip to the library and breezed through HyVee with Johanna and Ezra pushing the race car cart with Evelyn and Micaela in it; read our library books during break time and had a blast at the pool.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ezra ate 3 helpings of Grandma Hoffman's cucumber salad and both mowed down their black-eyed pea burgers. Evelyn was regaling us with Joy to the World while riding on the lazy river, to the amusement of the teenagers near by, and with silly songs tonight (accompanied with giggles). Micaela finally seems to have rounded the corner on her sickness. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ezra picked out four different books on tape and wants to make sure I document his reading for the summer reading program. One was called the Heart of a Shepherd--looks like a really neat book. He also chose a Laura Ingalls Wilder book. Evelyn picked out Dora books and Dora movies, perhaps influenced by her cousins. There has been lots of doctoring of babies and caring for baby dolls today. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Going up to put the girls back in bed again! They have been wound up tonight. Scary to think of them as teenagers . . . .</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Much love,</span></i></div>
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<span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Julie"</span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">"</span>We're loving having Ezra and Evelyn here. They have been a joy, and full of joy. Ezra has been an eager beaver, jumping in and mowing the lawn here and begging to mow other people's lawns. So, we took him over to a neighbor's today and recruited two other people who'd be up for it. He's using our reel mower. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Evelyn has been happy to be the center of attention--both Johanna and Micaela are enjoying her company. Johanna is the doting older cousin, playing with her hair and laughing at her antics. Micaela is glad for a friend her age and claims her as "her" cousin. She's been easy going, but also has her strong mind about what she wants to do.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> All four of them have been building their imaginary stories together that involve different ones being a mother or grand mother or daughter or fireman or who knows what. They had an animal rescue station going, complete with dance studio earlier today. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> We hit the pool this afternoon. It was cool, but they were not deterred in the least. Evelyn was off and running, going down the slide many, many times. Likewise, Ezra was confidently doing everything. They all did the lazy river together, and Johanna and Ezra went down the slide with the inner tube. Evelyn would have--but she needs another inch before she's legal. . .</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Much love,</span></i></div>
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<span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Julie"</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am so grateful for family that loves my children and is willing to provide a secure, fun place for them!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-29213731143338956142013-07-14T15:56:00.000-05:002013-07-14T15:56:09.593-05:00Happy Birthday Evelyn!<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Birthday to my sweet little girl! </div>
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You are now five and ready to charge into the world with all the joy that you possess. You really engage life with so much joy and excitement. You greet each day with a bright smile and I am so thankful for your cheerfulness. In general, you are very even-keeled, although you have struggled a bit more with all the kids home for the summer. It has been hard for you not to have my focused attention for most of the day and you have started asking me if I can do something with you. We like to jump on the trampoline together and you love have mini tea parties when we can fit them in. You also like me to paint your nails, but never only one color. . .always 2 or 3! You like wearing jewelry and have started being particular about what you wear, always disappointed when I say we can't wear nice clothes to play and work here at the acreage. You tell me I look pretty. You can spend hours coloring and love to give your pages to anyone who visits. You also love to play pretend and use your dolls or horses to talk to each other. And, you like to tell others what to do! You still love music. Your favorite foods are quesadillas and chocolate anything!<br />
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We still visit Sioux Falls to visit the doctor there and try to get your digestive system working properly. You are a trooper and never complain about hardly anything. In the midst of appointments getting you ready for kindergarten, we discovered that you have one eye that has not fully developed its vision. We are praying it will develop fully as there is no correction for that deficiency. I have never noticed you favor one side for vision, so it will be interesting to see if that effects you at school. The dentist also said that one side of your mouth is more crowded than the other. It seems like this is a continuing of your development issues as a toddler and has me wondering if it is effecting your digestive system as well. I hope to ask the doctor at your next visit. <br />
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You are a big help to me around the house. I'm not sure if it is just your personality, or because you are a girl. . .probably a bit of both, but I can give you a job and you will get it done almost as well as I would. You are particularly good at putting toys away -- you know their designated spots, and tidying the mudroom. You often tell me you are helping so that I don't have to do all the work! If I had to guess, your love language is encouraging words. You light up whenever someone praises and you are constantly telling others "good job" or encouraging them in what they are doing. <br />
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Dear Evelyn, I pray this year, as you go out into the world, that God will protect your sweetness, that you will hold fast to the joy within you and you will grow into a young girl, full of grace and kindess towards all. I feel so priviledged to be your mom and grateful for the sunshine you bring into our home. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-53667969482157103582013-06-14T20:34:00.002-05:002013-06-14T20:34:54.857-05:00Loving life on an acreage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cleaning up some of the scrap metal on the place</div>
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The cleared out space</div>
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This was the only shot he would give me. . .sigh</div>
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The amazing man doing all the work who lets <i style="font-weight: bold;">all</i> the kids ride with him!</div>
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Another part of the acreage almost cleared out. This is where the small garage will end up.</div>
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Beautiful peonies blooming. . .</div>
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And a storm blowing in. . .</div>
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Life is good.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-72689066654982977072013-05-22T22:09:00.003-05:002013-05-22T22:09:53.441-05:00Happy 3rd Birthday Lucas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Birthday Lucas! <br />
<br />
It is hard to believe that my baby turned three today. You came into the world in dramatic fashion and you continue to keep me on my toes. I often tell your Daddy that you are "jekyll and hyde" which means, to me, that you are either very happy and cooperative or Mr Crabby and opinionated -- there is no in-between, and it can change in an instant. I know this is true in general about toddlers, but I have not experienced it to your degree with your siblings! You always have an opinion, but often change your mind after stating your opinion. This can make getting dressed, snacks, etc a long process. I often tell you, "well this is what you chose" and walk away so you can calm down and "decide" to accept your own decision. When you are happy, you are about the cutest thing ever. You have the funniest phrases that you use, making me laugh often. If I ask you a question, you will say, "Weelllll. . ." long and drawn out before answering. You mutter, "Not again!" in disgust when things don't go your way. And, my favorite, which most often occurs when I am helping you dress after sitting on the toliet, "I wuv you soo much!" This is followed by a big hug. You really were a late talker, but now are starting to become clearer and you can chatter on and on if you are in the mood to. Of course, if you don't want to say anything, good luck trying to make you say something! All of these things are accompanied with facial expressions that are hard to describe. <br />
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You love all things to do with super heroes and ask me to "put your super powers on," which means your super hero cape. You also love your toy gun. You want to take it with you everywhere and once got very upset with me that I wouldn't let you take it inside a business. You often sleep with it by your side. Earlier this spring, you went with your Daddy to the high school, with your gun in tow. Daddy had to call and tell me that the school was safe because you had "cleared" the hallways just like you imagine a cop doing. You love riding in the skidloader or tractor. You still "spin" to music with your sister almost every day. And, I'm started to catch you sitting on your bed, paging through books. You love playing with the kitties.<br />
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I never thought that God would give me five children. And, most days, I'm not sure I can handle you all! But, the joy that you, my fifth child, bring into each of my days, is beyond what I can verbalize. I know that I do not deserve the blessing that you are in my life, but I'm so very grateful that God chose to give me you. I am so excited to see how you grow and change this year.<br />
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I love you!<br />
<br />
MomAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-53293082036062530262013-03-21T12:59:00.000-05:002013-03-21T12:59:13.219-05:00Happy 10th Birthday Josiah!Ten. Somehow when you are holding a little 8lb 3oz baby, you don't realize they eventually turn four, seven, and now ten. I remember often feeling like I didn't know what I was doing with you when you were a baby. Honestly, I feel that way now too. You, as the oldest, get to be the guinea pig. Sometimes, I think that benefits you. Sometimes, I am sure it is a burden! You seem to have a personality that handles all that well and I am grateful for that!<br />
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A year to grow to ten has brought some changes. Your sense of humor has grown and I love watching you "get" jokes that were above you just a year ago. You think Hogan's Heroes is funny. Your ability to read has grown and you've made a good dent in The Hobbit. At one point while you were reading it, you told me, "I can't stop reading it, Mom. . .it's sooo good!" At the risk of slightly embarrassing you, but because I want to remember, you stink more too and find bodily noises extremely funny! I am sure that will get worse, but for now it means more showers, deodorant, and reminders to tone down the bodily noises as much as possible. You started cello lessons this year. I think you really enjoy it, although you tell me you really want to play bass. You have worked hard at it and are doing well. I am excited to see where that goes in the years to come.<br />
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A year to grow to ten has also keep some things the same. You still love Legos and disappear often to make whatever you have dreamed up in your head. You chose to pool your birthday money to get a large Star Wars lego set. You still make the sets up but then spend hours modifying them! I continue to be amazed at what you dream up. You still love to work -- not housework, but "real" work. Your dad often needs your help outside and you are content to do that. You still love to shoot guns. You have been thrilled that the move to the acreage has brought quite a few gun shoots with different groups. This year you got to carry a gun during rabbit hunting. You still like to be with people and continue to trail me or your dad or leaders at church to be a part of whatever we are doing. And you still want me to be with you while you are practicing or doing school work or many other things you do. Sometimes that desire of yours is impossible to fulfill, but I am trying to say yes as much as possible, because I don't know how long it will last and it is such a privilege to be your mom.<br />
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Life with ten year old Josiah is as exciting as it always has been. You are always thinking, learning about the things around you, and talking with others about them. Like your dad, you are always ready to have a conversation with people and keep things interesting with whatever new thing you have been learning or thinking about. At conferences, your teacher told me that you sometimes "make the rounds" in the classroom, stopping at each desk to chat with students. What a fun thing to know about you! You embrace life enthusiastically, like you have always done, full steam ahead on most things. You remind me that God has given us so much to enjoy and we miss so much when we fail to enjoy them! <br />
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My prayer for you this year is that you will grow in godly character, developing those gifts that God has placed inside of you. I pray that you will be confident in who you are and love others with more and more grace. Josiah, you were the gift I didn't know I wanted and you put my life on a course of motherhood that has forever changed me. You continue to challenge me as each year brings new aspects of mothering and you continue to bring me more joy than I ever knew I could experience through being your mom. I love you!<br />
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Happy Birthday Josiah.<br />
Love,<br />
MomAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-74876019111822333292012-07-28T23:13:00.000-05:002012-07-28T23:13:09.706-05:00A Very Late Birthday Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have written Evelyn's birthday post in my head over and over again. Each time I sit down to write it, I get teary and give up! I think partly it is because, she of all my children, is a reminder that life is fragile and each child is a gift. But, there are many things I want to remember about this year of her life, so here is goes!<br />
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Evelyn wakes up smiling and goes to bed smiling, literally. Recently, she has started watching out of her bedroom door for me to leave my room in the morning and then she hops out to meet me with a big grin and stays with me throughout my getting ready routine. Almost every night, after I pray, she tells me she wants to pray about something, grins and then, usually thanks God for something from her day. Then she gives me another huge grin and snuggles under the covers. <br />
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Although she has mostly stopped humming while she eats, she is constantly humming and singing throughout the day. When we walk across the yard, she is making up a tune. When she is playing in the living room, she is singing. When we are in the car, her vocals are at their loudest! <br />
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Evelyn had her tonsils taken out this year. She really didn't sleep for the two weeks after the surgery, but since then has slept better than she has in a long time. While she was recovering, she mostly ate chocolate pudding and orange popsicles. Since her surgery, we have been back to the ENT doctor numerous times as her ears have had fluid in them. We were so grateful to have them better at our last appointment, which meant postponing another surgery for tubes in the ears. We are hopeful that they will continue to improve. Evelyn is still visiting a doctor in Sioux Falls periodically, to keep her systems moving regularly. She takes medicine at each meal to help train her body to work properly again. Overall, she is much better, but has had some relapses. <br />
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She loves to play with her Strawberry Shortcake set and I love to eavesdrop while she makes conversation between the dolls. She is also easily persuaded from her brothers to play big machinery or kitties. She loves to run errands with me and thinks she likes to shop with Aunt Crystal and me, although often grows weary before we are done! She holds my hand. She hates to have her hair combed, but will sit very still for Aunt Crystal to do it. Her made-up word is "Ba-ba-low-nee" -- as it "it's a babalonee" or "we should make a babalonee." <span style="background-color: white;">She is almost as tall as Ezra. She loves to wear pink and purple. She loves to ride horses, especially Grandpa the Farmer's Copper, and seems completely confident and comfortable on them, like she has always ridden them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDO9VneJjhx9TU5bPOJBQK2W-dGNc13GZc5J_HRjyhbMuczU8gU8lOvnjnyEEayMU-ZPnBMPy4qN_PyzTjLdh6q56JsINqnJHHxOYPuTa64jjgez8-P6D-iWfIYpxo6hIUpJiBMeWtlzY/s1600/DSCF2567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDO9VneJjhx9TU5bPOJBQK2W-dGNc13GZc5J_HRjyhbMuczU8gU8lOvnjnyEEayMU-ZPnBMPy4qN_PyzTjLdh6q56JsINqnJHHxOYPuTa64jjgez8-P6D-iWfIYpxo6hIUpJiBMeWtlzY/s320/DSCF2567.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Dear Evelyn, you bring so much joy and life to my days. I love to watch you enjoy life, bouncing through your days as if life was a gift. . .as it is. You challenge me to remember that, each day. I am grateful for the "girly-ness" you bring to the house. I pray this year that you will grow in your love for Jesus and in your understanding of His love for you so that you can show others that love in your joy, actions and words. I love you.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-57299925071379497262012-06-15T13:53:00.000-05:002012-06-15T13:53:07.893-05:00Lucas ReadingAll the kids were tucked into bed. The house was quiet. Joel went upstairs to take a shower and discovered <a href="http://youtu.be/mn_yGtaEqmQ" target="_blank">Lucas Reading</a> (click on link for video) in our bed. He had turned on Joel's bedside radio which is the noise you hear in the background and was probably imitating what he has seen his brothers do before bed!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-29693302418971636462012-06-02T22:22:00.000-05:002012-06-02T22:22:14.766-05:00A Day on an Acreage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some go-cart ridin'</div>
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Some sand playin'</div>
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Some workin' with Dad</div>
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Oh yeah, and some rabbit shootin' and toad catchin' too. . .</div>
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All in a day on an acreage.</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-25002630368454993232012-05-24T10:47:00.002-05:002012-05-24T10:47:31.520-05:00FixedOops! Now all the videos should work. :-)<div>
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-68674512514071437882012-05-23T09:46:00.000-05:002012-05-23T09:46:12.613-05:00Happy Birthday Lucas!I know that I am spoiled. But, it hit me especially today as we celebrated Lucas' birthday. My parents were unable to be at the celebration because they are having a wonderful time in Ecuador with the college. I can count on one hand how many birthday celebrations they have not been a part of. I am so blessed to be able to have them close and they were certainly missed today. <br />
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Here's a few videos from the celebration that I think capture things quite aptly.<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/Zd-h39u_UIc" target="_blank">Lucas Blowing out Birthday Candles</a><br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/Ab17lVoU0RY" target="_blank">Lucas Checking out the table-covering with all the trucks!</a><br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/njfLuzTVk9U" target="_blank">Lucas trying out new car</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-13040743191666386312012-03-31T21:56:00.000-05:002012-03-31T21:56:06.896-05:00The Fifth OneI know people are different. So, you wouldn't think that it would surprise me to discover that my children are different. But it has surprised me <i>how </i>different they are. If I had to pick one word to describe my fifth child, Lucas, it would be. . .<i>opinionated!</i> He doesn't really talk too much yet, even though he is almost two. His discernable words are "snack, truck, and socks." I think it's fairly impressive that he can make his opinion known so clearly without too many words. <div><br />
</div><div>Take yesterday for instance, we stopped to check out something at our local Alco store and when we got out of the car, Lucas spotted a candy bar wrapper on the ground beside the car next to us. He pointed at it and grunted towards me. I'm a bit embarrassed to say that, being in a hurry, I had no intention of picking it up. Lucas however, refused to move and kept pointing at the wrapper. I finally reached down to pick it up and before it was even in my hands, Lucas was trotting towards to store door. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Or earlier this week when I was changing Lucas for bed. I had him all cozy in his pjs and he started pointing at his feet, saying "socks, socks, socks." Well, normally I don't change his socks before bed, but I decided to indulge him since he was quite insistent and I changed his socks. Then I told him to put his dirty clothes in the laundry. He looked at me like I was crazy. And, honestly, before this whole process was over, I would begin to think I was crazy. I told him again and he grunted his sound for no. This was followed by me giving him the stern mommy look and telling him he needed to obey. He picked up his shirt. <i>All the dirty clothes, Lucas.</i> He grunted, but picked up the rest, and took a step towards the laundry basket. <i>Good job, Lucas.</i> It's important to praise obedience, right? Perhaps <i>not</i> to Lucas, because as soon as I said that, he dropped all of the clothes and stared at me, seemingly informing me that my interruption was not appreciated. I finally got him to pick all of them up again and we got to the laundry basket where he put everything <i>but the socks in</i>. He refused to put the socks in and told me in no uncertain terms why he shouldn't put them in. Unfortunately, I could not understand anything he said. So I had him show me where he wanted to put the socks. Turns out he wanted them where his socks belong, in his sock basket. And I gave up. I let him put his dirty socks in with the clean ones and <i>I</i> put them in the laundry basket later, when he wasn't looking. </div><div><br />
</div><div>He knows what snack he wants, whether he wants milk or water, what pants he wants to wear, whether he wants to wear a jacket, whether he wants help getting down the stairs to outside or if he wants to do it himself, how he wants the men placed inside the toy truck cab. . .so, opinionated is how I would describe my fifth son.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-64573447593061567992012-03-29T22:08:00.000-05:002012-03-29T22:08:03.967-05:00Happy Birthday Josiah!It's been about a month since Josiah's birthday. We've had unusually warm weather and have been enjoying it and working hard outside. Couple that with the fact that my youngest is <i>still</i> not sleeping well at night (that's another post) and I am just now getting to finishing his birthday post. We had a fun weekend, with an extra treat of visiting one of his favorite places. . .Grandpa & Grandma Bundt's farm.<br />
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Josiah, how in the world are you 9 years old already?! I feel like it was just yesterday that I was almost in a panic as your Dad and I drove you home from Sioux Falls after a week in the NICU. I didn't have any idea what I was supposed to do with you. Oh, I had read the books, but there's no way to really know what it actually looks like when you have a little one in your hands. I remember lots of nights in the lazy boy recliner, sleeping, holding you so that you would switch your days and your nights around, since they had gotten flipped in the hospital. And although I didn't really know what I was doing, I loved you and dreamt of what life with you would be like. <br />
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Now, nine years later, I look back and realize I couldn't have imagined what you would bring to my life. There are many things that are really fun about you during this stage. I am fascinated by how your brain works. You disappear into the room that you have taken over with your legos and will stay there for hours. . .creating the newest thing in your brain. Your brother Ezra has started to complain that you never play with him and Simeon anymore because you are always doing legos! You no sooner start on one project than you are dreaming up the next one. Your teacher, Mrs. Lambert, is quite convinced that you will either become an engineer or a game maker because of what you have shown her with your legos this year. I am excited, and curious, to see how God uses your creativity.<br />
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You are a lot like your daddy in how your brain works too. You devour everything that you read and whatever you study at school, you remember in exact details. You are often saying to me, "Mom, did you know that. . . .?" Since <i>my</i> brain doesn't remember details very well, I am re-learning a lot through you! I pray that your desire to learn continues and that you will delve into God's word with similar passion.<br />
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I am really enjoying that your sense of humor is developing. You catch on to a lot of jokes now and one of my favorite things is to hear you giggle at a funny movie or show. We recently watched Annie together and hearing you laugh at Miss Hannigan running into the walls was so fun! <br />
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You continue to love to work and really are a lot of help, especially to Dad. You will work all day Saturday helping him outside. A few weeks ago, you confided in me that "I'm really doing most of the work, Mom. Dad just drives the pickup from spot to spot and then I have to hook the chain around the log. . ." Dad laughed when I told him and then said that was sort of true! You, of course, have all these plans for out here. . .chickens, garden, tree fort. . .<br />
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One other thing that I am enjoying about this stage in your life is that you want to tell me things and you want me to do things with you. Well, you've always wanted to be right with me and I still sometimes have to tell you that you are following me and you need to find something to do or I'm going to keep tripping over you. But mostly, you follow me and tell me about your day or when your doing your chores, you are continually sharing something interesting. And you constantly want me to "do legos" with you, which really means that you ask me to find all the hard pieces! I know that may not last forever, so I am trying to make and treasure that time.<br />
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Josiah, you add so much uniqueness to my days. You keep me on my toes. I still often feel like I have no idea what I am doing as I parent. But, being your mom has more than exceeded my dreams of what having you in my life would be like when I held you. Happy birthday, my dear first born son. May this year be another year of growing into a young man who follows God with all of his heart, all of his soul, and all of his mind. I love you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-60544497507009120202012-02-09T21:43:00.000-06:002012-02-09T21:43:47.829-06:00LoveI had no idea before I had children that it was possible to fall in love in a split second. I didn't know you could go from not knowing a someone to doing anything in the world for a someone. And all because that someone was yours. <br />
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And then I became an aunt and found out another truth -- that I can fall head over heels for someone that isn't technically "mine." In a split second. And that I miss them, pray for them, hope for them. That my heart can hurt worse than I can imagine for them.<br />
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And hurt my heart does these days. My newest niece is in the NICU at a San Francisco hospital, just four days old and facing her first of many surgeries. My mind is consumed with prayers for her and her parents. And I wish with all my heart that I could <i>do</i> <i>something!</i> But I can't. So I hurt and I pray and I love from a distance.<br />
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Dear Gabby, may God preserve your life and give you peace through all you experience each day. And may you feel the love of those nearest you and those far away who send their love on their prayers.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-27573632761992137072012-01-20T15:19:00.000-06:002012-01-20T15:19:07.067-06:00Carpe KariosThanks to my sister for posting this link to a really good article. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/glennon-melton/dont-carpe-diem_b_1206346.html">Don't Carpe Diem</a><br />
I needed to hear that.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-87661741450572978862011-11-20T22:59:00.000-06:002011-11-20T22:59:43.724-06:00Happy Birthday Simeon!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip0_YbgfEtQYypPKCh3VfqTN4YvCTnlIzoj9W-tDJ7mKUGy98IFadBatjS_OhPnYqKydoTbk4w2VS5a_4mACsb4kOn4Cqv12mOzKV1lDQLdwtjFK8y49Cu32nL1IfPyUQluvHBSE0b9w/s1600/PB130797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip0_YbgfEtQYypPKCh3VfqTN4YvCTnlIzoj9W-tDJ7mKUGy98IFadBatjS_OhPnYqKydoTbk4w2VS5a_4mACsb4kOn4Cqv12mOzKV1lDQLdwtjFK8y49Cu32nL1IfPyUQluvHBSE0b9w/s320/PB130797.JPG" width="240" /></a>Yesterday, Simeon turned seven years old. Seven. I actually asked him last week if he was sure he was going to be seven because somehow, in my mind, I was stuck on six. But no, seven. Seven wonderful years of Simeon. I could not have imagined who he would be when I first held him in my arms so many years ago. And I know I cannot imagine who he will become. <br />
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He is happiest when someone will play football with him. He sighs and resigns himself to playing by himself when he can't convince anyone to play with him, but he still plays. He has two Vikings jerseys and two more on his want list. And oh, how he struggles with losing. He is getting better at coping.<br />
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He is a typical middle child in that he is a peacemaker, but sometimes he just gets tired of making peace and loses it. Self control in his emotions is a struggle for him. I love that, in spite of those times, he's the one who plays with and gets along with everyone. He seems to unite the family. One of my favorite things about Simeon right now is that he giggles. Somethings strikes his funny bone and he disolves in giggles and it is hard not to laugh with him.<br />
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Simeon doesn't necessarily reveal how he is feeling about normal, daily events. It's hard to tell if he is excited about something. His heart is tender, though. You often see him with tears in his eyes when someone else is getting in trouble. He is quick to apologize to me when he feels like he has done something that upsets me. He loves to read a children's Bible at night. Out of the blue, he will share that he really likes something. And he loves to be at home.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghw3ZJGbtFWGMZwHda0W5pH0dJqqfM7GWv3pEIONts7Ij_Yb-48sFNjgeBX2KbyaDoZNo6mrPoDJCeFN6YWcys99XgZZD2_PBrtOZZsJp72UYJMayhCxQ7adxn6xU6KjoeD1Tz8iV8GJs/s1600/PB190803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghw3ZJGbtFWGMZwHda0W5pH0dJqqfM7GWv3pEIONts7Ij_Yb-48sFNjgeBX2KbyaDoZNo6mrPoDJCeFN6YWcys99XgZZD2_PBrtOZZsJp72UYJMayhCxQ7adxn6xU6KjoeD1Tz8iV8GJs/s320/PB190803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Dear Simeon, I am so thankful that God gave you to me as my second son. You have added so much joy to my life and I love spending time with you. May God continue to mold you into a man after His own heart and use the gifts and talents He has given you for His glory. I love you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-17759830272786970032011-11-15T09:54:00.000-06:002011-11-15T09:54:13.921-06:00Meat in the FreezerThis morning I am grateful for meat in the freezer and meat waiting at the butcher's to be ground. Joel spent 6 hours yesterday butchering 3 deer that we received from a friend. My meat supply had all but run out, so I am thankful to have meat to choose from again. I am also grateful for the hard work my husband puts in each year to provide for our family in this way. He enjoys hunting with all his relatives in December, but it is also a lot of work. I cannot imagine having to pay at the store for all of this good, healthy meat that we enjoy throughout the year. <br />
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It is also apparent that my children are growing up. Everyone except Lucas went with Joel to "help" with the butchering for a few hours. Most of the kids played, but Josiah was thrilled with the whole process and when I went to pick them all up for supper, he was showing me how he could run his hands along the loins of the deer. Thankfully, I have come a long way and was able to watch him do that without gagging and even feign excitement! He was also in tears when I told him he could not stay for the rest of the butchering. Oh, and Lucas was all excited to see the deer hanging and wanted to pet its' ears. Oh my. . .Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-56623407008816471342011-11-05T15:30:00.000-05:002011-11-05T15:30:36.236-05:00Report cardsReport cards came home Friday. It is always interesting to see what the teachers have to say. Joel and I both laughed out loud at one of the comments on Ezra's report card. "I have noticed that Ezra is on Ezra's time and works at Ezra's speed which is not all that fast." Yes, we have also noticed "Ezra time". . .The teacher is confident that it is something she can work on with him. I, on the other hand, am at a loss as to how to speed up Ezra time!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-733642807611376099.post-81556533497503424172011-10-23T21:52:00.002-05:002011-10-23T21:52:56.638-05:00Praying for the Vikings<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Sunday noon prayer: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Boy 1: Dear Jesus, please help the Vikings to win today. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Boy 2: Dear Jesus, thank you that the Vikings have a new quarterback. Help them to win today. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Boy 3: Dear Jesus, please help Adrian Peterson have a good game today. Help the Vikings to play well. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16585481635209013784noreply@blogger.com0