Christmas Elf

A new elf came to our house this year.  His name is Christopher Pop-in-kins.  He wasn't mischievous which I loved but he was a pretty good hider which the kids loved.  Tommy was the first to find him a couple of days which cracked all of us up.  My favorite spot that he chose was this one holding the baby Jesus.  I guess he was trying to remind us all of what is most important about Christmas time.

Jamboree Campout

Ryan's first cold weather campout was this weekend with his Jamboree troup. He had a grand time but struggled to walk with his pack.  :)  Scott helped him pack his needed gear and he attached everything to his backpack.  It was hilarious to watch him try to walk.  Luckily they didn't hike to their camp spot.  He said it was a great night minus the bathroom accommodations (hole in the ground).

First sledding!

It was a cold night but everyone loved the sledding time behind the four-wheeler in Grandpa's pasture.

My Funny Tommy

 Thomas found the box of baking soda and enjoyed some playtime with it.  The next day he dumped the whole box on the floor.  That was kind of an adventure to clean up.

Halloween Costumes 2012

 Tommy the little kitty

 Ashley as Rapunzel (aka Tangled)

 Beautiful and functional!

 Isabelle the zombie

Ryan the Grim Reaper

I don't love the scary costumes.  I wish my big kids would go for something fun or funny instead of creepy.  This was Ryan's last year for trick or treating.  He wasn't delighted to reach this milestone, but we'll try to make next year fun for him as well!

Life update 11-18-12

November 18, 2012

I should be 12 weeks pregnant today.  But I’m not.  Wednesday we found there is no heartbeat to our little one.  I wasn’t surprised.  I’ve been worried about this pregnancy since about 6 ½ weeks.  I wasn’t having any symptoms and was worried.  After having my HCG and progesterone tested I was told that both were low and I was put on progesterone shots – which incidentally are a literal pain in the bottom.  After doing shots for nearly three weeks I stopped and was supposed to get tested but I didn’t get tested for about another week.  My progesterone was still low and I went back on the shots.  At week 6 –ish and nearly 8 I had ultrasounds.  Both showed a heart beat.  This week the ultrasound showed there was no heartbeat and the baby was only measuring 8 weeks.  So, it passed away just after the last ultrasound. 

I’m sad but I’m calm, I feel like I was prepared.  I’m disappointed that I have to begin again and I’m uncertain exactly what path we need to take.  I was on my medication for PCOS when I got pregnant but we weren’t consulting with our fertility doctor.  I’m frustrated to feel like we have to go back to the doctor again even though we were able to conceive on our own.  Frustrating.

In two days I am scheduled to have a D&C unless my body realizes the baby is not living and moves things forward on its own.  I wish I wasn't nervous.  It’s ok.  I just am. 

I’ve grieved some.  I’m calm now.  I’ll probably grieve more.  I’m very thankful for my little family.  I’m thankful for four miraculous children. 

Ironically, my dad got hives every time my mom told him she was pregnant (after the first), however I currently have hives for no reason that I can find other than the baby. 

I’m tired. I have a headache.  Tommy napped late and is awake still.  I’m a little discouraged.  However, I have much to be thankful for and as a wise man once told me:  This too shall pass.

I’m thankful to live and learn, to feel joy and pain, to laugh and cry, to love and be loved and to lose those that we love knowing that this life isn’t the end. 

I sang a song today in church.  It is called “Jesus is My Shepherd”.  It is beautiful, simple and sweet. 

Jesus is my Shepherd, I’m his precious lamb.

Tenderly he guides me with a gentle hand.

Calm are waters where he leads.

Green are pastures where he feeds me.

Jesus is my Shepherd.  He loves me.

Jesus is my Shepherd, Jesus knows my name.

For his sheep are numbered; each he loves the same.

If my tiny feet should roam he would seek to bring me home.

Jesus is my Shepherd. He loves me.  He loves me.

I’m very thankful.

Ashley and Marin

Izzy again took the camera and came back with these gems.  I have two adorable daughters (and an adorable neighbor, Marin).

Izzy's photoshoot with Elk Antlers

Apparently Izzy took the camera and the elk antlers and gathered the neighbors for a photoshoot.  She is a funny and delightful girl.

 Hannah and Marin

 Dalin and Hannah

 Hannah and Conner

 Conner

 Conner

Micah

Ashley

Ashley was going to go play at Micah's house.  Right when we got the go ahead Izzy turned on music so Ashley said, "I'll go in a minute, cuz I'm dancing.  'Cept it'll be a long minute."

That girl and her dancing.

First Day of School

 Ryan in 6th Grade - Teacher : Mrs. Spadafora - somewhat excited

 Isabelle in 3rd grade - Teacher: Mrs. Ahlstrom - super excited

Ashley and Izzy waiting at the bus stop.  Ashley: mad I wouldn't let her walk to the bus stop without me.
Over all the day went well and the school year has been fairly positive.  We put the children on different schedules hoping that it would help me to help them get things done.  The result has been positive for Ryan's work and positive for Izzy's attitude (work, not so much).  Not sure what I'll have Izzy do next year.  She does well having a bit more time to wake up but doesn't like to get jobs done before school, so we'll see.

The Cardboard Car

Isabelle spent a long time one day creating a car for Ashley and Tommy out of a cardboard box.  She had fun creating it but was frustrated when the first thing Tommy did was rip off the steering wheel she created.

 Nevertheless, a good time was had by all.  The little ones love that Izzy will spend time with them.  Ashley loved decorating the inside and Tommy loved sucking on the markers.  Thanks Iz!

Grandpa

Grandpa (and his four-wheeler) hold a very special place in our hearts.  Love you Papa

Goodbye to our Friends August 2012

Our friends the Schachers moved to Arkansas for work.  We were so sad to have them go.  Susan has been a dear friend and so kind to help me often.  My little ones love her like a second mom.  Ashley and Katelyn are best friends and love each other like sisters.  Tommy and Mya were just getting old enough  to know each other and enjoy each other.  Izzy often played with Cedric and would play school or Mommys and Babies with the girlies. In other words, we weren't delighted to have them leave . Before they left Susan and I took the littles to Build a Bear where the girls got matching bears.  Katelyn named hers Ashley and Ashley named hers...Tangled.  Funny.  

The night before they moved we played outside together for a few minutes in the chalk.  Ashley covered herself in chalk dust and Tommy kept eating it and I kept thinking that they had no idea how things were about to change.  The next week for Ashley was one of emotion.  She wanted to play with her friend and wondered when she'd be back to play.  It was hard.  She has adjusted although she still wishes she were here.  Now it's just me who is lonesome.  :)