Loved Beyond All Measure

NEW BLOG!

2010-05-17T08:38:00.001-05:00

I love

2010-04-01T19:25:00.003-05:00

BEDTIME!

Especially on days like today. Jack has another cold which means all I can do it hold him. Everyone took to crying as their coping skill for the day. I even cried. You know you are a mom when you wet wipes instead of Kleenex because they are closer to reach.

Even in the midst of my hard day, their were highlights.
The temperature was 77 degrees today. I live in MN and that is unheard of for the first of April.
The trees are budding and spring is here. God has been so gracious with an early spring because our house was feeling mighty small with so many little people running around. And now with my Sister-in-law not living next door, we don't have anywhere to go to burn off all of our extra energy. Biking around our driveway has become the new favorite past time.

Speaking of biking...Silas is a wild man on his bike. Faster is better. I am so thankful we have a helmet for him. He is going to be my ER kid because of all the crazy stuff he does.

Lydia is sooooo close to riding a bike all by herself. I wish I didn't have to wear Jack on the front of me so that I could help her more. Even with that, she is doing great. A couple more days of practice and she should have it! She wants to surprise her cousins with her new skills when we go and visit them in 10 days. (not that we are counting days around here:) She wanted to pack her suitcase today so she would be "ready."

My little man needs to go and walk the halls....

Pictures

2010-04-01T09:11:00.002-05:00

Bedtime fun

Sometimes Grandpas do things that mommies would never do. For example, putting children up on the ledge between the kitchen and dining room.

Fun with the cousins building with magnatiles.

They're gone.

2010-03-31T15:25:00.002-05:00

They are gone and now I am really sad.

It is too quiet next door.

Grace even said as we were walking back home from waving goodbye, "I miss them already."

We all do.

Mourning

2010-03-30T09:52:00.003-05:00

Today is a last.

I am trying to celebrate the lasts and to stay focused on the blessing this season of my life has been.

My sister-in-law and family move tomorrow morning. Being next door neighbors has been so amazing these past 20 months. To have that support, love, and shared life has been so encouraging especially these last 4 months when we have gone from 3 to 6 children.

The Lord is writing our stories and I am trusting that something beautiful will come out of this but it still doesn't make it easier when you are in the midst of it.

Today I am sad.

But tomorrow will be better.

A new chapter has started and I am so curious what God is up to in our lives.

Mothers of Multiples

2010-03-27T15:03:00.003-05:00

Yes I have joined that world. I didn't even realize that there was a support group for mothers of multiples...and I qualify with my triplets.

They have a huge garage sale twice a year here in town. A friend invited me to sell a few things under her name, so I took her up on her offer.

This was a well oiled machine event!

Seriously - these women had it down to a tee.

We all arrived at 7 am...set up...put of stuff out...we shopped early...and then they let in hoards of people at 11 am. They only run the sale until 2 pm. It was completely amazing!

(I was hoping that I sold enough things to buy our whole family nerf guns for a family nerf war. My kids would go crazy over something that like. And I just saw them on sale at Target for $10...shhhh!)

Lydia's favorites

2010-03-26T08:51:00.002-05:00

I interviewed Lydia last night because she earned the privilege of staying up later by cleaning the living room. (side note: She is the one telling me at night that I would really appreciate it in the morning if I cleaned up the house before going to bed. Oh - she is so much like me that it makes me laugh)

Lydia age 5

1. Playing with Jack
2. Special Dates with Daddy
3. Special dates with Nana
4. Winning prizes at RAD (Wednesday Church night)
5. Painting pictures
6. Riding horses
7. Looking at books
8. Peeling carrots and potatoes
9. Playing with my cousins
10. swimming at the lake cabin

Favorite place to go? Sauk Centre McDonald's Playland
What do you want to be when you grow up? Mom
Food? Mac and cheese
Favorite books? Annie's apple farm and Usborne First Experiences
Favorite Uncle? (I only asked this because my brothers always fight to see who is the favorite uncle of the day) "That's a hard one...I think it is Joel."
Favorite Bible verse:
The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold or silver pieces. Psalm 119:72

Needs

2010-03-23T19:56:00.008-05:00

I've been mulling this post over in my head for the past couple of weeks. This Sunday it was brought up at our small group and it was again when I went to our MOMS group at church.

The topic was basically on meeting needs for people whether they just had a baby, are going through a crisis, or just being an authentic community of believers.

The one thing that I have learned along the way is this: I must be intentional on meeting the needs of people around me. I cannot say, "Call me anytime." or "Let me know how I can help." Because if I am really honest, when people say this to me I don't or won't call them. I am not going to call someone who I know lives a busy life (don't we all live busy lives?) and say, "Will you come and clean my bathroom?"

Nope. Not a chance. I will suck it up and clean my own bathroom - even if it takes me a couple of weeks to do it. It is my own sin of pride getting in the way.

I started thinking that if I feel and do these things I am probably not alone.

What I need to start doing and saying is this:
"I have Tuesday night free. I am coming over to your house and I will do whatever you need done. I am bringing my cleaning supplies and you will put me to work."
"I am making you a meal. When would you like me to bring it over, or would you like me to freeze it so you can pull it out any night of the week?"

I know this is a little too straight forward for some people, but this is what has been done to me in the past. I was blessed last fall when a group of women came to my house and did a deep cleaning. It was so wonderful because I was 8 months pregnant and the two boys just had come home and life was hard. They said they were coming and I should make a list of things I wanted cleaned; they didn't give me much of a choice. I would have never asked in a million years for help, but they met a huge need. (of course I could have said, "no" to them and missed out on God's blessing)

I have talked to some of my friends about how I try to live my life at 75% speed. Meaning that I don't want to be running around at 100% because I can not maintain it long term. If I keep it at 75% then I am able to make that meal at the last minute, run an errand for a friend, make a phone call, or when life throws some punches I am not dropping all the spinning plates because I have left margin in my life. (This means I have to say "no" to some really fun and cool things - Can I even say godly things? ...gasp!)

Isn't that what we all long for? Margin....space...breathing space.

Honestly, right now with a new baby and 2 new sons from Ethiopia I am running about 94% just because I have so many little people and they have an enormous amount of physical needs. But this season shall quickly pass and become a distant memory. I am looking forward to finding my new normal 75%. What does that look like? I don't know yet, but I am hoping to find out this summer.

Things I am learning

2010-03-22T17:09:00.003-05:00

Boys are loud.

They love to jump, run, bump, hit, touch, take apart and color on just about anything.

They are not satisfied with being outside for 30-45 minutes...they want 3-4 hours.

They can talk just as much as girls.

If they are not roughed at least once a day(ie: Daddy throwing them on the couch)...they become extremely feisty and hard to be around.

They are very proud of the smells and noises that come out of their bodies.

They liked to be told that they are fast and strong.

They could care less if their clothes match, are inside out, backwards or clean.

They eat a TON of food...even when they are two years old.

They are great helpers.

They are extremely fun and compliment all the girls in my house.

I love my boys!

quote from Carl

2010-03-22T10:31:00.003-05:00

"If whining was a salable skill...we'd be loaded."

It is only 10:33 and it has been a long morning.

Titus

2010-03-20T17:32:00.005-05:00

We went to visit a friend at the hospital who just had a baby this morning.

All EIGHT of us.

It was great. The kids were good, quiet and respectful the whole time.

I sometimes forget that my boys are still experiencing new things.

We all get into the elevator to leave...no big deal...we all get off the elevator...

no wait...we all didn't get off the elevator. I realized that Titus was still on the elevator as the door closed and proceeds to go down to the basement. It was like in Home Alone when she screams..."Kevin!" If it wasn't for my fast thinking husband who ran down two flights of stairs to go and rescue him, I don't know what I would have done. Because he would have darted out of the doors as soon as it opened on a different floor.

All I could think about was how traumatized he was going to be, but he actually thought it was funny...not so much to me.

Just another adventure for the Larsen's.

I never thought I would...

2010-03-18T20:01:00.003-05:00

The bathroom is a VERY public place at our house.

It just has to be. Privacy will happen when more people can wipe their own little bottoms.

The bathroom is a great place for conversation and talking about life.

Pretty much it is a happening place around here.

Tonight, brought it to a whole new level.

I am being honest about the chaos that is pretty much a constant around here.

Adie was busy on the toilet. If there is one thing I have learned, it is hard to hurry that girl along. It must be her idea that she is done.

Titus came in doing the potty dance. He pulled down his jammies and pulled off the cloth pull-up and waited with happy feet. Adie was NOT finished yet. I pleaded with her to hurry up because Titus needed to use the toilet. I looked over and he was starting to go. So with one quick motion I swooped him up and let him pee in the sink. Gross and disgusting, I know. But it was better than watching him pee all over. To make this story even better, I was holding a screaming Jack in my other arm while I was doing this.

If there were Mommy Olympics...this event would have won gold.

(I did disinfect the sink after the event:)

Adie? Still dandling her legs on the toilet.

Nana and Papa

2010-03-17T11:32:00.004-05:00

We love it when they come back from Montana to visit.

I am thankful to spend two days with them while Carl is gone on business because it makes my life a whole lot easier.

The "big" kids (everyone except Jack) got to go to the bakery this morning with Nana and Papa. mmmm...mmmm
This place is my weakness. I LOVE their chocolate covered cake doughnuts. I am thankful it is an hour drive here ...it makes it much easier to say no. I would be addicted if this bakery was down the street.

Back to playing.

Randomness

2010-03-15T12:19:00.005-05:00

Someday my kids will not scream and cry over everything.

Give the dirty jobs (ie: sorting the potty cloth pull-ups for washing) to the 6 year old.
Why didn't I think of this sooner? When you have 5 kids that wet the bed ...not including Jack...that is a lot of potty pull ups. (I don't give them water after supper and we make them all go to the bathroom before bed...they are all heavy sleepers. This too shall pass)

I detest clutter. Yuck. It makes my brain cluttered when my house is cluttered. We just took out the spring attire and can't put away winter stuff knowing that it will more than likely snow at least one more time this year. Snow boots/rainboots...winter coats/spring coats...winter hats/sunhats...the volcano has erupted at my house. This doesn't even compare to the craft cupboards....don't even open them - they are scary!

Titus is an Ethiopian with a Texas accent. It is hilarious when he says, "Whatcha dooooooo (pause) aaan?

The girls are having a sleepover at Nana and Papa's house tonight and then I will go there tomorrow with my boys. We love it when they come back from Montana to visit.

Tomorrow I meet with the accountant for taxes. I am glad that she can hold my hand and tell me that it is not that bad. The "good student syndrome" in me doesn't want to be audited and find that I made mistakes somewhere. I guess I should check my pride off at the door and admit I really don't know what I am doing when it comes to Quickbooks - but I try.

Randomness at its best.

Sunshine

2010-03-14T19:28:00.002-05:00

Sunshine is one of God's amazing blessings of spring. It has been rainy and dreary all week and that was the condition of my heart - blah! But today, oh my, I heard a great sermon at church this morning that I will be chewing on for the rest of my life and when I walked outside afterward, the sun was shining.

It was one of those moments where you stand and take a deep breath to take it all in.

We spent over 3 and a half hours outside this afternoon riding bikes in our driveway and enjoying the beautiful day. I am praying it stays like this for 2 months. If there was ever a year that I need spring to come early, it would be this year.

You have to read ....

2010-03-14T16:32:00.003-05:00

Go over HERE and read this blog post.

This is how Carl and I want to live.

\

Date Night

2010-03-12T19:03:00.004-06:00

Last night Carl and I were able to go out on a double date with some friends.

Oh did I need that!

It is amazing how you can not realize how much you need something until after you do it. (a run, a phone call with a friend, night out with your hubby etc.)

I was starting to feel like a caged lion with it raining the past week and having no place to send the kids more than 15 ft away from me. I paid a babysitter for 3.5 hours of peace and great conversation with my husband and friends.

One of my dreams would be that we would someday have a home where I could have an extra bedroom where a college girl would be able to live rent free for exchange of so many hours per week of help around the house with kids. Then I could run all those errands that never happen, clean my bathrooms more often than I do now or I could be fun and do those science experiments that Grace really wants me to do with her.

I have to keep my perspective...I live better than 99% of the world. I have running clean water, electricity, a dishwasher, and the internet. I am not complaining...just dreaming - maybe someday. Until then, I will just do my best with God's current blessings.

Ladder

2010-03-11T12:30:00.002-06:00

Today Lydia's ladder to her bunkbed just completely fell apart. I was shocked.

Upon further inspection, it was missing three screws and almost every other screw was loose.

I simply couldn't believe it until...

I looked at Silas.

He had the most guilty look on his face ever. (At this point, I had to keep from laughing)

I asked him if he knew where the screws were. He produced one almost immediately. We all found another one and the third is still missing.

That little stinker must have been trying to unscrew all the screws every night until he had them loose.

The ladder is repaired and all loose screws are tightened.

(Note to self: Now that you have boys, check anything mechanical periodically)

Patience

2010-03-10T13:48:00.003-06:00

Many people think that just because I have six small children that I have a lot of patience.

Nope. Not really. I get frustrated with my children. Sometimes I yell at them...many times I do it in my head but something nice and sweet comes out. Even with this, I have still sinned because I am not letting the Holy Spirit work within me. Usually as soon as I think that I have handled a situation pretty well, (a proud heart) I am humbled quite quickly with another opportunity to exhibit patience.

Today 3 kids had shots - Lydia, Silas and Titus. I took Jack with too (well, because I never leave a nursing baby until they can take a sippy cup) Grace and Adie went to play at the cousins.

First I must say how proud I am of my little Liddy bug. She received 4 shots and a finger poke without so much a tear coming from her. She was so brave and strong.

Now there was a constant circus going on with Silas and Titus. Touching, jumping, running, switiching lights on and off, leaving the room etc. I wore Jack in a sling becuase I knew that I would need two hands available at all times for those two. I am so thankful that I did because I could have used a third hand today. I had to answer all these questions to confirm that Lydia is indeed working hard to learn and has no major developmental delays.

(Side note: Jack weighs 14.5 lbs and was 2 months last Friday - I told you he was growing)

We survived an hour in the room with everyone getting their shots, but we still needed to go to lab. Whewwww! Lydia needed a hearing check, finerger poke and urine sample. Everything went great until the last one. Trying to get a nervous 5 year old to pee in a cup is a difficult task. She just couldn't do it. Honestly - I don't know if I could either if I had to watch and listen to Silas and Titus run all around the bathroom, have your baby brother screaming and your mom holding a cup between your legs. It was quite the sight.

But I kept my cool. I was patient.

Now, we needed to go pick up the sisters and Lydia was able to spend some special time at the cousins because of her bravery.

It was lunch time. I needed to nurse Jack first.

I manage to get leftovers on the table and Silas threw a fit, so he needed to leave the table.
Adie didn't make it to the table for 30 minutes because she needed to clean up a mess of hair bows/ribbons/ties/pony holders etc that she threw all over the floor. She finally made it to the table only to yell and scream about everything I put in front of her. After 45 minutes of this drama I realize that I am yelling at my kids and completely impatient. I wanted to eat Adie if she screamed at me one more time. While this was going on, Titus broke a glass out of the dishwasher.

Did I mention that Jack has another cold? and I am so nervous that he will have to do back to the hospital. So, I have been sleeping with him in the chair so that he can be almost upright when he sleeps. I am also wearing him most of the day. All this being said, I am a little sleep deprived.

BUT, I quieted my spirit and prayed for God to grant me mercy over the next hour. I could never do life without him. Seriously, I am only saved by his grace and mercy. It is nothing that I have done or could possibly do on my own. I am not patient, loving, kind, merciful, generous, humble etc. on my own. It is only Jesus working in and through me.

I am sure that I will have many more opportunities today to be patient. I am praying that I can.

Tattling

2010-03-08T19:54:00.002-06:00

Today Silas yelled from across the table...

"Titus tattling!"

Oh yes, he is doing the very thing that he is trying to get this brother in trouble with.

I don't know if you can tell but English is coming along very well.

Silas was actually talking in English in his sleep the other night. Granted he was yelling at Adie and telling her to get off of him. Funny kid.

When I walk into the room and I know that there has been mischief, the three of them point to one another. Adie to Titus, Titus to Silas and Silas to Adie or the other way around. There is always a triangle of finger pointers. At this point I shake my head and put the toys in time-out instead of them.

I have been honestly struggling with the three of them with discipline. The Lord really put it on my heart that I need to spend more time in prayer for them and less time being frustrated with their behavior.

One thing that has been going well around here is that I have been giving chores before a meal and that is their ticket to join us for that meal. For example, they all need to clean up the living room before they can come to lunch or they might have to put away all their clean clothes. If they choose not to help or do the task then they have chosen to skip lunch. All I can say is, WOW because for this season of life, it is working really well.

Shhh...He's growing

2010-03-06T08:02:00.004-06:00

When I look at Jack, I mean really LOOK at him, I swear I see him growing. Maybe it's like when the farmers say they can hear the corn grow in the middle of July.
He loves to eat and I guess naturally the consequence would be adorable chubby little fingers.
Jack is a messy eater. Can you believe that nursing baby can be messy? He sips and spits, so the top part of my pants are always wet. This is not a violent throw up, but more of a lazy, "I'm going to let the milk dribble out of my mouth," kind of spitting. Oh my little Jack-man, how I love thee.

2 month

2010-03-05T17:06:00.000-06:00

Today Jack is really 2 months old. We take pictures of each of the kids the first year of life in the same chair. It is really fun to watch them grown from this little itty bitty baby to a chuba buba by the time they are a year. I know that he is over 13 lbs. I am scared to think how big he will be by next year.

Puddles

2010-03-05T08:55:00.003-06:00

He was wet from head to toe. Actually his boots are still wet and these were taken two days ago. Silas cried when I finally took him in the house because it really wasn't 80 degrees outside and much as he thought it was - maybe 38 degrees - just enough to melt the snow.

My husband is...

2010-03-04T16:05:00.003-06:00

Amazing.

I could never do what I do without his help and support. I would seriously go crazy. Well, some days I feel on the brink of craziness but then everyone goes to sleep and God's mercies are new every morning.

Carl gets up with the kids in the morning and he lets me come out around 7:30. He always has a glass of orange juice waiting for me. (If you know me, that is my coffee. I am completely addicted to it. I need it every morning or my day is just not right.)

He comes out of his office to rescue me when total chaos falls upon the Larsen home.

He plays rough the kids. He is funny. He makes us laugh and captures all our fun moments on the video camera.

He gives the kids their baths at night and blesses each one of them as they fall asleep.

He provides for our family.

He brings out the best in me and our children.

I am so thankful to be his wife!

He's smiling

2010-03-04T08:31:00.002-06:00

As you can see from the pictures below, Jack is smiling and cooing. It is so sweet to hear him talking. He is also one big boy! 13lbs plus some and still growing. I can't imagine how much food he will eat in a few years.
It reminds me of when I was growing up with 4 brothers and two cousins that lived with us - 6 boys. They would eat a pan of bars in a nanosecond - wham - gone! I would pull brownies out of the oven and they would all grab spoons and a gallon of milk. Imagine the sight of mouths wide open and all of them breathing through their mouths to cool the brownies off before swallowing them. I know for a fact that they burned the inside of their mouths a few times just because they were "famished."

gotta run...Silas and Adie are screaming at each other.

Jack 2 Months Photo Session

2010-03-03T23:06:00.001-06:00

my little men

2010-03-01T14:09:00.002-06:00

Simply Love

2010-02-28T08:00:00.002-06:00

Instead of going out on Valentine's Day, we ordered T-shirts to support Hope Chest.
We both LOVE our shirts. It was so sweet to have both boys fall asleep in their Daddy's arms.

Elephant rides

2010-02-26T10:18:00.003-06:00

We thought we would save ourselves $21 and have elephant rides at home. They don't know the difference.

Arts and crafts

2010-02-25T16:51:00.003-06:00

I have to admit it...I hate paints. There are not many things that drive me crazy, but this is one of them. Someone always leaves the table with paint on their hands, it gets on their clothes no matter how many paint shirts they wear, but you know what? They love it, so I take a deep breath and do hard things and put my type A personality someplace else for 20 minutes. The only time I like paints is when we paint outside and then I can take a water hose to everything including the children:)

Daddy Date

2010-02-24T14:30:00.002-06:00

Silas and Titus went with Carl to drop his parents off at the airport this morning. On the way back he stopped at a meat market with the boys. (Now if you know my boys, you will know that they LOVE meat)
When they walked into the shop, Carl said their eyes were as big as pancakes. I mean there was meat everywhere and when you are 3 ft high and your nose is at the level where you see everything. My, Oh My!
They walked into the house beaming from ear to ear with excitement as they held their jerky sticks. I asked them if they had a good time and both boys yelled, "Yes," and danced down the hallway still eating their jerky stick.
I think Daddy had a very successful first date with the boys.

Jack update

2010-02-23T21:07:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I had written a long post on how I had to admit to myself that Jack is colicky, but I didn't post it.

Well, this afternoon he had an appointment and the Dr thinks he has acid reflux. Thus would explain how he hit 3 weeks of life and started to cry, cry and cry some more. He had most of the symptoms, but I thought he had to be throwing up to have acid reflux, but that is not the case. He is truly happy only when I carry him. (Even now, I set him down to start this blog post and it only took him about 4 minutes to wake up and be fussy. He is laying on my lap as I type this. We will see how far I get before I have to sign off. One handed typing is slow.) We started some meds tonight and should see in about a week if they are working.

Carl and I joke that he knows when we come in a 3 ft radius of a chair. He will be calm and sleeping while we are standing and rocking him, but as soon as we even think about sitting, Jack wakes up and screams. Oh and another thing is that Jack does not have baby toots but man farts! My goodness he can stink out a room. He does a great job competing with Silas and Titus.

clean towels

2010-02-21T21:34:00.002-06:00

Titus wanted to make sure that I washed all the kids' towels tonight.

He took about a gallon of water out of the bathtub and dumped it on the floor. (Now mind you, I was in the office turning on the Olympics for the three younger ones to watch while I washed Grace and Lydia's hair.) He was having too much fun with the water to hear me calling him. I actually caught him jumping in it like it was a rain puddle.

At this point, I had to ask Grace and Lydia why they didn't say anything. They gave me blank looks and shrugged their shoulders.

boys...boys...boys...what will they think of next. (Poor Titus, I think Silas was involved too but he was coming out of the bathroom as I walked in...so he looked innocent this time:)

John Piper - Take a Swim in the God Pool

2010-02-21T12:15:00.001-06:00

Nap time trouble

2010-02-19T14:05:00.002-06:00

I just walked into their bedroom. Three children are supposed to be taking a rest but instead they climb up into Lydia's bed and took her valentine candy stash and ate everything. Well, almost everything. If they didn't like it, they just spit it out on the floor. Oh my - this did not go over well with this momma.

What to do with the triplets?

Carl just walked into their room and they were all out of bed again...ahhhh...they wear me out!

You see - they all don't need a nap every day but I need them to rest everyday so that I get a break.

I have to remind myself that someday they will be bigger and beg to take a nap. I planned some of my college semesters so that I could take a nap. I love to nap and feel so much better if I can close my eyes for even just 20 minutes each day. That doesn't happen much any more, but when I can get it, I take it.

We're home!

2010-02-18T10:54:00.001-06:00

We are home to the chaos of life! It feels great to be out of the hospital!

Update

2010-02-18T08:37:00.002-06:00

We are praying, Lord willing to go home today.

Jack started out the night rough because he kept setting his monitors off and they are LOUD! (so the nurses down the hall can hear it with the door closed). His stats kept dropping down to 88 -89% and thus set the alarms off since he needs to stay above 90%. By the time I would stand up and check on him, he would bring himself back up to 91%. We must have played this game about 40-50 times between 10pm -12:30 am.
I was getting weary. I knew they wanted to put him back on oxygen and that meant we would have to start over on the 24 hour w/o to get out of here. I fell asleep only to wake up an hour later to a very hungry boy and his oxygen monitor off. My mind was completely confused - I slept for an hour without hearing the monitor and it was shut off. I nursed my baby and the nurse came in to tell me that the doctor had ordered him to be periodically checked with oxygen not continuously. Hallelujah! No more dipping below the line to set the alarms off. We had a pretty good rest of the night and here I sit to wait for the rounding doctor. Yesterday he only came at 12:45 pm, it might be a long morning.

Chairs?

2010-02-17T13:49:00.002-06:00

I have spent enough time in this hospital to know that their chairs in the patient rooms and NICU are horrible and not friendly to breast feeding women. In the NICU, they are glorified lawn chairs and here in Pediatrics they at least rock but the sides are wooden and it doesn't recline at all. I don't even think these chairs would be comfortable to console an older child.

I have taken my Sam's Club recliner for granted for way too long. I usually think falling asleep in my chair at home is very uncomfortable, but compared to here that chair is AMAZING! I am not going to complain about falling asleep in my chair again.

Jack Update:
He is off oxygen, but his numbers are still setting off the alarms every once in a while. I am trying everything I can to keep the oxygen off so we can go home tomorrow. We really need to get home and help the daddy out.
I feel so completely torn being here and knowing that I have 5 kids and a husband at home who need me too. I can't really leave Jack for any length of time because this is not the same care as in NICU. He has his own room, but the nurses are all running around and they just listen for when he cries. I am never that far away from my little guy and I want to make sure he has the best care possible. So- with all that being said I sit here and wait for his little body to heal.

A Praying Life

2010-02-17T09:56:00.005-06:00

We are currently starting a book, "A Praying Life," by Paul Miller for our small group.
Here is a small excerpt.
"A praying life, isn't something you accomplish in a year. It is a journey of a lifetime. The same is true of learning how to love your spouse or a good friend. You never stop learning this side of heaven. There is far too much depth in people to be able to capture love easily. Likewise, there is far too much depth in God to capture prayer easily."

I am really enjoying this book thus far and I am excited to see how God uses it to teach me more about him.

I have to be honest I am a crisis prayer. I go from one big thing to the next; adoption, travel, our girls, Jack, jobs for Carl, our marriage. My main focus is whatever is most pressing on my heart. My best prayer times have been in the middle of night feedings with all my children. There is no distraction, I can't write my "to do" list in the dark, it is a time with Jesus and myself. (I do fall alseep half the time, but I really don't think he minds.) There was a song that we used to sing at a church we went to in Sioux Falls and part of the lyrics talked about sitting back against Jesus and feeling his heartbeat and how it is overwhelming. I often think of that feeling when I pray. I think of sitting on the floor around a table (like they would have done back then), eating and having sweet fellowship with my best friend.

I will post more good quotes as I read them.

Update from the hospital

2010-02-16T18:31:00.004-06:00

It is a crazy thing to be back here in the hospital with my sick little boy. This is something that I didn't anticipate - I don't like how familiar I'm becoming with this hospital. Jack has RSV and is on oxygen. He will be here until he can keep his stats above 90% w/0 oxygen for 12-24 hours. It is mostly sitting and waiting.

It is not too often that a mom of six children has all this one on one with her youngest. Actually I was talking to Carl yesterday about how it still makes me do a double take when I say or write "mom of six children." It is almost as if I want to put my hand to my chest and say, "Is that really me?" I have to remind myself sometimes that I have 6 kids. Yes, I know that sounds ridiculous that I have to remind myself. I count to 6 at least 50 times per day trying to keep track of everyone. But it is true, I honestly forget. It must be one of God's mercies to me.

Carl is an amazing husband taking care of our other 5 small children. He took them outside this afternoon to go zip-lining with the cousins. (This is no small task.) 210 feet of sheer fun for Silas, not so much for Titus and Adie, well, let's say she climb the ladder and that was enough for her. He fed the troops supper and now is in the chaos of bedtime routine. I am praying for him because it is hard work to do it alone. I will hopefully get an update later tonight from him.

Jack is sleeping soundly and I am praying that he is off oxygen tonight and that he is remarkably better in the morning.

Here we go again...

2010-02-16T14:01:00.001-06:00

I am on my way back to the hospital with Jack. They think he has RSV.

Please pray for his health and that we don't have to stay long.

Thank You

2010-02-15T11:11:00.003-06:00

I keep transferring a post-it-note from one week to the next of all the Thank you's that I still need to write. I had good intentions of doing them this weekend, but it didn't happen.

So- if I haven't sent YOU a personal thank you - I want to say thank you for all the meals, gifts and encouragement that I have received. I have so blessed to have an amazing community of people around me.

Icicles anyone?

2010-02-14T20:23:00.003-06:00

So our house has no insulation ... how do we know? First you can see the icicles off our roof and second our outrageous heating bill.

Pictures

2010-02-10T19:29:00.000-06:00

Our attempt at the whole gang...

Jack 1 month

2010-02-10T13:27:00.003-06:00

I know I should have done this last Friday...but life happens. We did take the picture on Friday if that counts.I

Noise

2010-02-10T12:01:00.004-06:00

Just imagine all of this being said at the same time with each child repeating his/her phrase until I have met the need.

"mom, mom, mom, mom..."
"zip my coat...zip my coat...zip my coat"
"I need my hair in a pony... I need my hair in a pony..."
"Ah...ah...ah..ah..Adie is getting me."
"snack...snack...I want snack.."

Jack is slung over my shoulder hanging out while I am working to stop the noise one by one.

It makes me laugh just thinking about it. I know why I will need hearing aids when I am older.

Tired.

2010-02-10T08:38:00.000-06:00

I have had a few people tell me that they don't think I am tired ...(at least I am not coming off as tired.) Well, here are a few pictures to prove that I am. We are both out cold and notice on the last picture that it is 10:59 pm. There is nothing better than snuggling my little man - I am going to miss this when he is bigger.

Napkins

2010-02-09T11:53:00.003-06:00

What is it with children who think that the sides and underneath portion of tables make excellent napkins? - Especially when their fingers are full of ketchup.

Grace's new motivation

2010-02-09T09:25:00.004-06:00

Carl came up with a splendid idea this morning.

Grace LOVES loud, rocky music. The new Toby Mac CD just came out.

Idea:
Have Grace work to earn the CD. (I think Daddy really wants the CD too, but couldn't justify buying it:)

Ground Rules:
If I ask her to do something, it doesn't count.
Before she does a job, she will negotiate a price per job.
When she is all done earning $11, she can come in the office and buy her new Toby Mac CD

She has already asked to wash windows...(this is her favorite job by the way) too bad the triplets think clean windows means that they can lick them.

Are you happy?

2010-02-06T21:49:00.004-06:00

Adie periodically asks me this question. She is perceptive and usually asks me when I feel grumpy, down, sad, frustrated and wallowing in my own pity party. Last week I had to tell her that my heart was not happy and I was not allowing the joy of the Lord to be my strength.
Why is it that I so quickly try to use my own strength to go about my day? I know that I can't do it alone, but my actions don't align with my head knowledge. I walk around tired and frustrated and that is not the way I want to live. Jesus needs to be the center...not my "I am really tired attitude"

I have to be honest, I have never wanted to spring to come as much as I want it to come now. I know that I live in a huge house compared to the world's standards, but I feel the walls are creeping in. When you play, school, eat and work all in same area day after day, it can feel small.
I really wish I had a basement to send the kids down to play. Someday, Lord willing, that will be a possibility.

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Overwhelmed

2010-02-04T20:24:00.002-06:00

Not in the way that you all might think that I am.

Last week in the mail I received an anonymous gift in the mail from a sister in Christ. With that money I was able to purchase a Bosch mixer that I have been saving up for months and months. Every gift of cash went into this stash and every little bit that I could save here and there. That gift put me so close that Carl threw in the last little bit to make is possible for me.

I grew up with one of these mixers and was spoiled with the fact that you can mix 5 loaves of bread. You can also get the blender to go with it and food slicer too. This is a mixer that I have wanted since I left home. My mom has had hers for about 25 years and now is just needing to buy a replacement...thousands of loaves of bread later.

My Bosch mixer came in the mail today and I simply can't believe it. YEAH!

Thank you to who ever you are who made it possible for me to order it this week. It would have taken me a long time to reach my goal especially since my birthday is 7 months away.

I know that stuff does not satisfy and in the end my mixer will end up in the garbage someday. The only thing that does satisfy is Jesus. So, even in my joy of getting something that I really wanted, I want to keep my eyes fixed on the one who gives eternal life...that lasts forever!

Blessed

2010-02-02T13:17:00.002-06:00

Carl is gone this week working at a Pastor's Conference.

But we have a friend from college who has been staying with us and helping me out! It has been a huge blessing to have her around. Right now she is reading stories to Grace and Lydia...I should be mopping my floor, but I wanted to give a quick update.

I can't believe my little man is 4 weeks old. I would post picture updates but he has the baby acne and I just want his face to clear up. I am hoping by next week, he has smooth soft skin again. All my girls had this when they were about a month old...it is just how it goes.

Well, I should be off to make some progress on cleaning my home.

Never ending...Always repeating...it is a good thing that I strive on routine.

The Shred

2010-01-30T10:27:00.002-06:00

Last night Jack slept from 11 until 5:30 am! I won't tell you that he slept next to me.

Now I said that as soon as he gave me a good night of sleep that I would start my new workout DVD- The Shred which has 20 minute workouts on it. I can handle 20 minutes. It only took me 35 minutes to complete it with potty breaks, pat my back breaks, put my pacifier back in breaks etc.

I ran and took a quick shower and placed Jack on the floor right outside my open bathroom door so that I could see him. I put on Blues Clues for the younger 4 (Grace was out on a special date with her Daddy) By the time I came back, I found three munchkins eating Doritos at the table. They are very resourceful. I cannot imagine what they will think of in the next couple of years.

The older 5 had a babysitter last night while Carl and I heard a speaker on engaging the next generation and passing the baton onto them. (Jack has the priviledge of always going where I go)
Poor girl, they conviced her that they all could play games at the same time. So they pulled out so many games including a bin of dry beans that I use for tactile play. The beans did not stay in the box and they had the the hardest time getting them all in the box and staying in the box. The triplets were a tad bit michievous last night. They knew she didn't know all the rules and they worked her over! I am just thankful that she said she was willing to come back. I guess if you pay well, then they are willing to put up with chaos for a couple of hours.

Poor Jack has been extremely gassy for the past 3-4 days. He is only happy laying in my arms. I wish there was a magical cure to make him burp and fart because he would be calmer and more comfortable. When I lay him down, within minutes he is pulling his legs in and grunting and then he starts crying. I have started cutting out milk out of my diet to see if it helps him. (But this is very hard for me. I LOVE a cold glass of milk with my meal.) I am praying that God will bring back the easy side of him real soon.

On my own...

2010-01-27T19:29:00.003-06:00

My mom went home last night. After 3 weeks, I think my Dad and brother were missing her.
I am so thankful for my mom. I could have never survived without her. She is one amazing Nana.
She took Jack in the middle of the night so I could sleep and would just bring him back when he wanted to nurse.
She baked us loaves and loaves of homemade bread.
She was another pair of eyes...the triplets did not get away with much.
She folded load after load of laundry.
Ran my errands for me.
Helped me to leave the house.
Kissed many boo boos.
and read many stories and had lots of snuggle time with each of the kids.
So - thank you Mom! I don't know if I will ever be as great of a Nana!
Next time you come ...you better bring Papa!

One last night...

2010-01-25T19:18:00.003-06:00

as a two year old.

Tomorrow she will be three.

Tonight was the last night we tucked in a sweet two year old.

My the time has gone by fast.

We spent supper talking about her birth story. She wanted to hear it over and over. She especially like the part when we told her how she pouted for 20 minutes after she was born.

Agency

2010-01-22T19:53:00.002-06:00

I had a friend ask for a recommendation for an adoption agency. They already have 6 children and are finding it difficult to find an agency that will take them.

Do any of you have any good recommendations? (Domestic or international)

Off the Charts

2010-01-21T14:56:00.003-06:00

At his two week check today...10 lbs 3 oz. 23 inches long - that is a big boy! No wonder why some of his clothes don't fit.

I think he is so cute!

Home with the Boys

2010-01-21T09:48:00.002-06:00

Today I sent the girls off with Nana to go to a play. I did not win mother of the year award because I sent them to the wrong place for the performance and now they will be 20 minutes late. I feel terrible. I wanted it to be so special for Adie because this is her first "Real" play. (If you give a mouse a cookie ) I hope they will be able to sneak in and at least see some of the performance.

That leaves me with my men. Three of them to be exact. Carl is gone and so what a different environment to just have little boys. Right now their favorite toy is Carl's chair in his office. Did you know that you can make it a merry go round? And the speed you can get on it is pretty amazing.

I think we are going to go play my favorite toy...Magna Tiles. You should check it out. It is worth every penny to get two sets! I am a very frugal mother and I don't why I waited so long to purchase these.

Recipes

2010-01-18T17:11:00.003-06:00

I am feeling a little bit in a funk with my cooking...
same thing week after week...
YUCK!

So - if you have a family favorite main dish meal, could YOU email me the recipe?

larsenangel@charter.net

The one constant in our family is...

2010-01-17T13:53:00.004-06:00

Change.

It happens quite frequently at our house. Nothing stays the same for very long. Whether we move, add children, different jobs, etc.

Most of you know by now but my husbands' sister and her family are moving to another city in April. We are all very sad at our house that this season was so very short. We would have loved to be next door neighbors for the next 30 years, but that is not what God had planned. We have enjoyed our almost daily play-dates, shared suppers, and basically shared lives. It has been such a blessing to have my sister-in-law be my neighbor and best friend. My children love their cousins so much and have such a great bond with them.

I am actually surprised at the reactions that I get when I say that we live next door to family. Most people crinkle up their nose and bring their eyebrows down and almost whisper, "Do you like that?" It saddens my heart when I hear those words because you know that they don't have a great relationship with their own families. God designed the family. It was the first thing that he did for Adam...he made a family by creating Eve. Why do we work so hard to go against God? I am not saying that everyone needs to live next door to their family, but most don't even consider it or pray about it.

What if more people started to live next to family? or what if people started to create family relationships with their neighbors? I know when we lived in SF, we tried very hard to create those relationships. I could call many neighbors to borrow things, babysit my kids, ask for help or just hang out for the afternoon. We actually had a neighbor come and sleep at our house when we went to the hospital to have Adie. One neighbor was our realtor when we tried to sell our home. We still stay in contact with quite a few of them.

Our hearts are sad, but we know that it is for the best that they move. It will only be 2 hours 20 minutes door to door. We will have to have lots of sleepovers!

10 days of catching up...

2010-01-15T19:24:00.004-06:00

I haven't been blogging much lately but I am sure you can understand why. Here are some pictures from the past 10 days.

The girls made me a welcome home dinner on Thursday night. They planned the whole meal and made decorations for all around the house. They dressed in their favorite clothes and worked so hard to make it perfect for me. The 'Best wish' for the evening was that Jack would come home soon.

Two cans of frosting later...you get this beautiful cake...

Uncle Chris came to visit us last weekend. It was great to have extra hands especially when they went to the basketball game.

Adie loves being the big sister.

Grandma L with baby Jack

Lydia was able to stay up and have some special time with Jack. She was in heaven. Of all the kids, Jack looks the most like her baby pictures.

Jack is seriously the best baby! I am so blessed. He is calm, easy going, and relaxed. He cries when he is hungry or wet and if he is awake he lays and listens to the chaos going on around him. I am smitten over him. It is completely different than with my three girls. I can't put it into words but it is just different.

Lydia is always telling Carl that he needs to come and take a picture. Today he stopped working for 3 minutes and took that picture - and it is priceless.

Gracie quote

2010-01-12T21:49:00.001-06:00

"Mom, it is a good thing you have a built in sippy (cup) for Jack."

The milk truck has arrived.

2010-01-10T17:16:00.003-06:00

This post just might be too much information for some you. If you that is you...quit reading right now and let it be known that you were warned.

Yesterday my milk arrived in its full glory. I mean I thought my belly could stretch, but holy cows (no pun intended) this is a whole new ball game. I told Carl I think my cup size went from an A at the beginning of this pregnancy to an LMNOP or somewhere close to that.

I have always had ample supply of milk enough to feed more than one baby, but today I think I could start filling gallon buckets. I pumped off 12 oz just relieve the pressure and then I nursed my baby until he was milk drunk. I thought it would have been funny to pump off 16 oz just to say that I lost one pound sitting in my rocking chair. Not many people can say that in days worth of work. There you have it - me being completely honest about my day.

Want to know another funny random side note since I am on the topic of breast milk. If you read the fine print in recipe contests, they say you can't use breast milk in your recipes. You can't go to the grocery store and get that. I wonder if you could, what would the price be per gallon?

Welcome Home Jack

2010-01-09T20:55:00.005-06:00

No strings attached!

2010-01-09T13:14:00.002-06:00

We are HOME!!!

It felt so good to bring my little boy home today. He did marvelous last night with his stats...the only thing is that he was wide awake and kind of fussy from 10 - 4:30 am which means I am one tired/happy momma.

He was greeted by 4 happy children all ready to hold him. Silas wasn't too pleased to see him. He has pretty much ignored Jack since we got home, but that's okay. Everything takes time and now we have a lot of time!

We live on the same street as the Athletic Director for the college here in town and he asked my sister-in-law if she wanted to take her family to a game and to invite Carl too and just to get back to him the number of tickets needed. I think he was a little shocked that we came up with 10 kids and 5 adults with just two families. We have the grandparents going to help wrangle all those kids. It should be a fun outing for them and I am going to enjoy a little peace and quiet with my baby boy while they are away. No alarms going off, no dings, no suction noises, the only thing I will hear is his sweet breathing.

Great Progress

2010-01-08T18:59:00.002-06:00

Angel and I returned to the hospital about 3:30 this afternoon to some encouraging news.

While we were away, the medical team decided to see what would happen if they took Jack off of his oxygen. He hadn't improved much in the last 24 hours, so they wanted to see if it was even making a difference. Much to our surprise, his levels didn't dip at all. So when we got there he was sleeping soundly in a little bed in the corner and didn't have his nasal cannula on anymore. He looked great with a few less tubes attached to him.

The nurse explained what had happened while we were away and said if things continued to maintain their current levels he could sleep outside of the NICU with mom (with his monitors still attached for observation) as a test run. Assuming that goes well, he might even be coming home as early as tomorrow. Wow! God is gracious.

We were also joined this afternoon by some dear friends, the Moleskys, as well as my parents (who flew in from Wyoming) to keep us company in the NICU. It was a good afternoon.

We'll keep you posted as things develop.

Carl

I should be napping...

2010-01-08T11:43:00.002-06:00

Carl has taken to the whole blogging thing. He actually told me he was having fun writing for me. I did have to tell him that our styles are a tad bit different. He is so straight forward to the point...not much drama.

I on the other hand have written a million posts in my head sitting in the NICU. I don't know how many will actually get written down but I hope they do. I have had some great times in prayer with God - praising him, seeking him more, wrestling with him and just being completely honest, bare and raw.

I am doing well. (As well as you can when your baby is not with you.) God is good. He is working for our good and he is in control. Yesterday was hard. No one ever expects to have to leave the hospital without your baby. My three minute drive home was tough, but I was glad to go back and see him just after a couple of hours. It could have been much worse. The nurse told me last night that she expected Jack to be transferred to the cities and not be doing this well with what they were initially talking with the issues he could have had.

We are playing the waiting game with Jack. I haven't talked with the doctor yet today, hopefully I will see him this afternoon. But his Doc is great!! neonatologist/cardiologist super smart guy, so say some prayers for him and that he would do what is best for my littlest man.

You can also pray for my other 5 small children who are at home with my mom. (Pray for her too!) Trying to juggle both completely different worlds in surreal for me. Sometimes I need to take a step back and remind myself that this is my life and I am not watching or reading another person's life.

My eyes are heavy and I am going to go and take that quick nap and shower and head back to see my baby boy. Thank you for all the prayers - please keep them coming!

Feed, Wait, Repeat

2010-01-07T18:52:00.002-06:00

Angel is going to stay overnight at the hospital with Jack to keep an eye on him and to be there when he needs to nurse. It's a great blessing, even though we don't live that far away, that they have a bed she can use right outside of the NICU so we don't have to do midnight shuttles. They're working on slowly turning down his oxygen levels and getting him back to room air.

He got his IV line out this afternoon and we're experimenting with a heated nasal cannula to see if it will reduce his effort required to breathe.

Back and Forth

2010-01-07T15:02:00.003-06:00

Angel was discharged this afternoon. Jack is still in the NICU for observations until his saturation levels improve. They're both extraordinarily beautiful... so are the other 5 at home.

Now back to the hospital to nurse him.

Saturation

2010-01-06T15:39:00.004-06:00

Jack will be in the NICU for the next couple of days for observation. Mamma is doing great. He won't be able to come home until his O2 saturation levels go up - probably Friday or Saturday.

Even so, he's doing really well and even hit a saturation level of 100% for a brief moment this afternoon.

More photos to come.

NICU Update

2010-01-06T09:00:00.000-06:00

Update: We're still in the NICU but Jack is under oxygen and doing well. All anatomical and blood abnormalities have been ruled out - so we're very relieved to know that. They say he just needs time for his lungs to open up. I haven't heard an official diagnosis, but it looks like most of the real scary options have been eliminated.

We know these things for certain: Whatever happens, God's grace is enough AND He got cuter overnight.

Carl

NICU

2010-01-06T06:32:00.002-06:00

I woke up to a call from Angel this morning saying they took Jack to the NICU for closer observations. He was beginning to turn blue. He does great under supplemental oxygen and tell us that we shouldn't be too worried... I'm heading to the hospital now to be with them.

Please pray. I'll update the blog when we get the opportunity.

Carl

Jack Astrup Larsen

2010-01-06T00:00:00.005-06:00

Born 1/5/2010
8lbs, 13oz.
20in.
Beautiful
Healthy
Loved
From God
For God.

Christmas Letter 2009

2010-01-02T19:57:00.009-06:00

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever." 2 Peter 3:18

2009 was another wild year in the Larsen house. Our business grew, our family grew, and our Joy in the faithfulness of God was deepened through the beauty and difficulty of completing our international adoption.

Carl has been busy with Telescope Media Group. God has blessed him this year with many opportunities to work with great ministries such as Desiring God, Pulse, Lifelight and Redemer Church. He also worked with his brother-in-law to make trails in our backyard for cross country skiing, biking, and various childhood adventures.

Angel is a fantastic wife, mother, and business partner, who is eagerly awaiting the arrival of baby Jack. Chasing the non-biological triplets keeps her on her toes at all times. As she prepares to be a 30-year-old mother of six under six, the goal of home schooling this year is survival.

Grace is the music lover. She enjoys CD’s and going to concerts when dad is working on the video crew. She recently started borrowing her mom's ipod to help her fall asleep at night. How she can listen to "rocky" (in her terms) music and fall asleep is a mystery to all of us. She also loves dancing and is happy to discuss any trivia from Dancing with the Stars given the opportunity.

Lydia is our quiet one. She loves to be sneaky by making orange juice for mom before she gets up, or folding a load of laundry when nobody is looking. She also enjoys coloring pictures and doing crafts. She is just starting phonics and is looking forward to reading very soon!

Adie is our loud, adventurous, growler. She has a tender heart and loves to play “baby” when she’s not screaming. Her favorite activity is swimming. She prayed for her brother’s arrival every day as we waited to travel to Ethiopia, and is a fantastic bodyguard for them now that they’re home.

Silas is our comedian and athlete. As a comedian, he loves to laugh, play rough, and pretend he doesn’t understand you when you tell him to eat his beans. His English is expanding everyday. As an athlete, he loves to chase his siblings and dart away from mommy in public places. You have to be on top of your game to keep up with him.

Titus is a little shy but very sweet. His handsome smile and big dimples get him out of trouble more often than not. He’s cuddly, smart, and isn’t afraid to say "I love you." His favorite bedtime trick is to let Silas fall asleep first so he can snuggle in real close without being pushed away.

As we look forward to the adventures of 2010, planned and unplanned, may you see the beauty of Jesus Christ in all that comes your way.

With much love, The Larsen’s

Frozen Sewer

2010-01-02T13:56:00.003-06:00

UPDATE: We have water and everything works!

Adventurous living... I am glad that I have plumbing to have this problem. I wouldn't want to go outback to the outhouse at minus 23 below zero...brrrr! And being almost 39 weeks pregnant...I go frequently.

At this point...NO water can leave our drains, otherwise it ends up in our utility room.

They are working on it now...hopefully it is fixed soon. The girls are hoping we have a sleepover at their cousins next door. We'll see!

I do think it is funny how things like this usually happen on the weekends or nights when they can charge overtime. Plus we have such a long run that they had to bring in the "bigger" truck which he looked at us and, "that will cost more." There goes my stash that I saved up thus far for my Bosh mixer. Bummer! That's life!

For Rent

2010-01-01T13:17:00.002-06:00

Is your house too clean?
Do you need crackers,pieces of paper, bread, raisins, etc on the floor?
Is yellow is the new accent color in your bathroom?
Have you had anything broken in the last 25 minutes?
I bet your house is just too quiet and you need to rent 3 two-year-olds for the afternoon.
They will love to tear every Kleenex out of the box for you and pull every book off the shelf.
They are just so extremely helpful that you won't know whether to laugh or cry.

But you could only have them for short period of time because I would really start to miss them.

You know you blog when...

2009-12-30T20:17:00.006-06:00

Your kids come in and say, "Mom, this should go on your blog." (and this is before we even pull out the camera!)

So, here they are!

They thought they were so funny coming in with sunglasses on in the middle of winter.

My new line

2009-12-27T13:27:00.002-06:00

"Mommy cannot meet everyone's needs at the same time...YOU will just have to wait."

I must say this 20 times a day and each of my 5 small children hear it frequently. I know they will be hearing it a lot more once the baby arrives. But I keep thinking of that someday when no one will be standing hanging on my leg saying, "Mommmie!" or going "uh...uh...uh.." (You know that whine/grunt that 2 year olds use when they don't want to use their words.) I know that someday is going to come sooner than I can fathom. It makes me a little sentimental right now.

____________

We were sitting at the lunch table when Carl looks up at them and said, "I love you man."
To which Silas replies with his finger pointing, "You lay down. Be quiet. No talking."

Do you think we say that too much at bedtime?

43 inches

2009-12-24T13:18:00.003-06:00

Yes - that is the size of my waist. My brothers wanted to know last weekend how big I was and so they had to measure. And so you have it...I am already 2 inches bigger than I was with Adie with 2.5 weeks to go. I am feeling "great with child" right about now. He can make his grand entrance at any time and that would be fine by me!

Picture Update

2009-12-22T20:28:00.006-06:00

Funny story from tonight.

I traded my oldest two girls for my sister-in-laws youngest two girls so that the big girls could go to their cousins piano recital. So at supper, I put a three year old and 3 two-year-olds at a separate "bunny table" in the kitchen because we also had guests for dinner. All was fine until I heard way too much laughing, I looked up and the four of them were having a food fight. Noodles, carrots, bread were flying back and forth between the boys side and the girls side.

This is the point of parenting where you have to put your mean serious face on when in all reality you just want to bust out laughing. I didn't think they would ever do such a thing...and the funny part is that no one spilled their milk. I don't know when the last time we ate and no one spilled their milk. And here I put them at a table all by themselves and they start a food fight.

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I haven't been good about taking pictures lately, so here is quite an update - Christmas with my family and just hanging out at home.

Hair

2009-12-22T20:26:00.004-06:00

I am not a blond anymore. I am sure if my hairstylist reads my blog, she would say that I didn't do my hair right, but hey for a shower and no product I don't think it looks too bad. I sometimes still pass the mirror and catch myself off guard. Carl thinks that I look like my friend Betsy.

Family Weekend

2009-12-20T21:18:00.003-06:00

This is my family Christmas. We are rapidly increasing in numbers.

Surprise Spa Day

2009-12-20T08:29:00.002-06:00

My mom came to town on Friday morning to get her hair cut and then she was going to come over and hang out and we were going to drive back to her house together with the kids since Carl had to work on Sat. (We had my family Christmas on Saturday and the boys hadn't met some of my brothers yet so we wanted to get there early and hang out.)

Anyway, back to the story. She came into my house and said, "Hey, you better get going. You have an apppointment with Jody to get your hair done."

What?

"Merry Christmas!"

My mom came and watched all the kids while I left only to find out when I got there that she had arranged for me to get a massage, haircut and color. I was feeling pretty pampered when I arrived home 3 hours later. Thanks mom for a great Christmas present.

Now, I am hanging out at my parents with all the kids running around. I am glad the adult to kid ratio is still pretty darn good. Give it a few more years and life will really be crazy on my side of the family!

Prayers for me

2009-12-18T06:40:00.002-06:00

I don't know why it is so humbling to have to ask for prayers for myself. God delights when his people pray and He desires us to pray. Then why do I struggle in wanting to write this post?

My pregnancy has really taken a toll on my body to the point where I am in constant pain. I try to hide it the best I can but yesterday I was at the point of tears and even had some during the morning. The way I am carrying this little guy has put my butt muscles into spasms all the time. If I want to move, it will send sharp shooting pains up my back and down my legs. There are also pregnancy related butt issues. Most women will understand exactly what I am saying.

So I finally said it, "Will you pray for my butt?"

I find it comical that this is my prayer request. I think it would sound so much better to say, "my arm, my head and even my big toe." But my butt is so...so...I don't even have the words to say, funny maybe?

I am going to have a good laugh once this baby decides to show up in the world and feel so much better. I technically have 3 1/2 weeks left and I am praying for less.

Want to know another humbling thing for me? It is another, "I never..." statement or thought that I had.

I waddle. Just like a duck - back and forth and back and forth.

I never wanted to waddle. I think pregnant women that waddle are so cute, but I didn't want to be that. I wanted to carry my little basketball in front of me and walk normal. I just need to ban that phrase from my head, "I never..." But the mind is so quick to think that.

I made cornbread for breakfast...I better go and check it. Thanks for praying!

New normal

2009-12-16T09:59:00.002-06:00

We are adjusting to our new normal around here.

CRAZY! Not that we weren't a little crazy before, but we just kicked it up a level. I spend half my day in the bathroom between myself and three two-year-olds. I think it is comical the absurd amount of time that can be spent in that one room.

My parents came last night and spent the night with us. They also babysat the kids while Carl and I went to the movie Blind Side and went to Perkins afterwords. I think the last movie I went to in the theater was Narnia. (That was a few years ago...oh I just looked it up, it was 4 years ago.) Carl loves going to the movies, but I like to watch them at home. So, I don't want to waste money on something that is not that enjoyable for me, plus you can't talk at the movies. When I go out on a date, you have to talk otherwise I think it doesn't count as a date. Side note: I did have fun last night because Blind Side is about an amazing adoption story.

The other day the triplets got into the coconut oil and lotion after they went to bed. They all got into it earlier in the day and knew that they were NOT supposed to play with them. One of them climbed the built in dresser and pulled it out from the back shelf. They put it all over the beds and comforters. They themselves looked like greased little pigs. I was not a happy camper when I found them. The hard part is that each of them takes turns being the instigator of trouble. What one doesn't think of the other two will. Most days I just stand there and shake my head thinking, "O Lord help me!"

All in all we are doing well and looking forward to celebrating Christ's birth.

Non-biological Triplets

2009-12-11T08:58:00.004-06:00

Here they are! Adie is definetly bigger but then again, I don't think Silas and Titus's birth parents are 5'7 and 6'3 (that makes a difference!) I truly believe they are all within a couple of months of each other. Silas and Titus were given the birth date of 6/16/07.

You should see how people tilt their head to the side and their eyebrows scrunch up when I say that I have non-biological triplets. Or when they ask if the boys are twins...I just say non-biological twins. This satisfies them until they start thinking about it and then they feel silly to ask any more questions on the subject.

If you are wondering what Silas has all over him, the kids were making home-made stickers and they put them all over him. He thought he was so funny.

Teeth...

2009-12-10T14:09:00.002-06:00

We went to the dentist today with the boys

Good News:
Their teeth are stained not rotten.

Bad News:
Since they are 2 1/2 we need to put them under general anesthesia to do the cleaning costing somewhere around $3,500 per mouth. OUCH! I am praying that our medical insurance will cover the anesthesia part. We do not have dental insurance so that part is out of pocket.

They both did pretty well there, but I knew that they were thinking that they would have to get shots and blood drawn like we did at the Dr. on Monday. That was the last time I took them somewhere and when I put them in their carseats today they began to cry.

We did go and look at Christmas lights on Tuesday night but it is not scary to go somewhere with the van full of people...with just your brother and mom is usually not the best time in the world.

The cold has set in here in the frozen north and the boys don't like it. They stand and cry when we have to go out. They don't like mittens...which after today's outing, I am guessing that they will wear them from now on. Titus just stood there looking at his hands as if to say..."what in the world is wrong with my hands?"

Well, the triplets are up...gotta run.

Playing

2009-12-08T10:42:00.002-06:00

All my kids have been playing together for 30 minutes with out any yelling or screaming...I think we just had a first in our house. I am letting school slide for the morning since they are all playing so well together...the great thing about homeschooling!

I was thinking of making bread this afternoon with my big girls. If I write it down here, I will feel accountable to do it.

Refreshed

2009-12-06T20:39:00.002-06:00

I came home to 2 sleeping big girls and three happy 2-year olds all snug into bed reading books.

The babysitters survived! One of them did say that she has a new appreciation for what I do because she was tired. You build up endurance...I know that I didn't have it when I was in high school.

It was so refreshing to hang out with our small group tonight. I needed it! I love my family and my home, but I am social. I like to get out of the house and these past weeks have had me feeling a little claustrophobic. I know that this season shall too pass, but I still need to keep my sanity.

Tomorrow night I have something very exciting happening. I am the college girls small group mission project for the night. A whole group of them is coming to my house to clean it. Things will get done around here that never get done like dusting the tops of my cupboards and bookshevles and well dust anything because I hardly ever dust. They are going to wipe down my cupboards...it is just not a priority at the end of my day. Oh - how about this one...go through all my drawers of colored pencils and sharpen them all and throw away dry markers. Every home school mommy has a plethora of those things sitting around.

I have also been very blessed with meals coming in on Mondays and Thursdays. This has saved me so much time and energy the past few weeks. My crazy life would not be possible if there weren't many people surrounding me and supporting me. I feel very loved. Actually I feel loved beyond all measure.

Game Plan

2009-12-05T14:50:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow at church I will be flying solo. Carl is gone today and tomorrow with work so I came up with a plan because I just can't stay home any longer. I don't know what I would if my sister-in-law didn't live next door - we are there almost everyday playing.

I am going to take the munchkins to church and hang out in the nursery the whole time. This way Silas and Titus can get used to the surroundings and the people there. So, hopefully we will be able to drop them off in the near future. Since Silas, Titus and Adie are all the same age, they will have each other for company, plus when Della and Lars show up (cousins) then they will need an extra teacher for just us - nothing like filling up a classroom :)

We also have two babysitters coming in on Sunday night. Rowan has younger sisters who sat for us before we left for Ethiopia and my girls LOVED them. We had lunch with his family last week and the boys did great playing with them. My prayer is that this would be a positive experience for them. Carl and I need just two hours away from the house - together without children. It will be awhile before we have the opportunity to do this again, so we thought we would try it.

Adjustment has gone remarkable well. We are probably still in the "honeymoon" phase, but since they have each other I haven't seen anything that alarms me. Yes, they are two year old boys and jump off furniture, don't like green vegetables, totally pretend they don't hear me when I ask something or wait too long to go to the bathroom, but that is completely normal in my book especially since it is rare occurrences. I would like to add throw cars at the biggest window in my house...what in the world is that? Boys, boys boys!

It is interesting how my perspective has changed. When they were adopted in our family, they received everything that we have given Grace, Lydia and Adie. Just like God, we receive all of his blessings that come with adoption that someone who has been a christian for 20 years has. The same goes for my boys. I don't see them as orphans anymore. They are my kids. I love them the same as my girls...even within that love, they must follow the same rules as my girls. I thought I would give them much more leeway in behavior until I realized that they were all going to see the discrepancies in my parenting if I did that.

I can't believe in less than 5 short weeks we will changing the dynamics again. Seriously...what in the world was God thinking on this one! I used to think adding two kids at one time is a crazy concept, and now I am thinking...that's not so bad. Gosh this would be pretty darn easy if I wasn't pregnant. I am glad that I don't have to fret about it because God knew long before the dawn of time that I would be sitting here blogging about my crazy yet relatively simple life. (Simple in the fact that I have food to eat, clothing, shelter, a husband that loves me and I could go on and on.)

Living Simply

2009-12-04T11:09:00.004-06:00

I have been reading a book with our Moms group at church about living simply. I have to be honest, I have never been more annoyed with an author before in my life. I am not saying that I haven't learned things from her, but more to the fact that she is writing a book on how to live simply with two children who are in grade school, she is a writer/stay at home mom, she goes frequently on weekends away with friends, is enrolled in ballet classes once a week etc. Her life to me, looking on the outside of course doesn't seem that difficult. (I am not saying that two kids isn't hard or anything of the sort. It is just that I can't relate to this woman and her testimony.

She doesn't have a story to make me want to believe that I can do what she does. She doesn't have many small children still at home, homeschool, have adopted, trying to juggle helping her husband with a home business, a mother of multiples and so on.

Her book needs some other testimonies of other mothers on how the rubber meets the road with life. How does a mom of 6 children get out of the house and cultivate friendships? How does a mom find time to tell stories to their children when you have 4 or 5 or more and they are all clamoring for attention.

I have taken a few nuggets from her for example, I love that they named their home - REFUGE. It has a sign out in the driveway. One of her friends named their home POPIN...just so everyone knows that you can "pop in" at anytime at their home. I want to come up with a name for our home. Haven't thought of it yet, but something will come in time.

I also want to be more intentional about telling stories of my life to my children or telling stories of their own lives. God is the best story teller there is and I just love that I have his example. That is the main reason that I blog. It is not really for you the reader, but more for my children in the future to be able to come back and read about our life raw and real at the time. My memory will fail me, but written words last forever.

more pictures...

2009-12-03T05:00:00.001-06:00

We stopped at a Cafe for a yummy roll and orange pop. The only think I drank all week was bottled water and 2 orange pops. I was very excited to get home to drink a cold glass of milk.The nannies really loved all the children that they took care of. Chatau came and played with the boys at the guesthouse.
This is what we walked into trying to take pictures of all the babies. Crazy is an understatement!
Coffee ceremonies are a tradition in Ethiopia. Carl and Rowan were in heaven with this coffee. They talked about the few people back home who would really appreciate this "amazing coffee."
I can't drink anything with caffeine it so not an option for me.

They also serve popcorn with the coffee. Our boys love coffee and tea...sorry, they are not getting that here. I will draw the line on that one.

Rowan showing Silas some pictures. They loved the camera all week!

What's not to love about that smile? I want to eat up those dimples!

Pictures from Ethiopia

2009-12-02T08:16:00.004-06:00

When we picked these little guys up, we couldn't believe their soccer skills. Seriously, I think they are better than me and they are two, talk about humbling!
This is a funny picture because if Titus could speak with his eyes he would. Well, actually he does a lot around here. I get those eyes at least a couple of times per day.
This is a couple in Ethiopia. We support her to go to nursing college. He is going to seminary right now and has a passion to reach the Muslim Ethiopians
This is a funny photo because poor Rowan is so sick taking a nap and the rest of us are rummaging around the room trying to be quiet. You can see that we exploded into our room.

Thoughts from my husband...

2009-12-01T13:02:00.002-06:00

Head over to Carl's blog and check out his thoughts on adoption.

Silas and Titus

2009-11-30T21:10:00.003-06:00

Titus

Silas

Church

2009-11-30T14:06:00.003-06:00

I realized it will be MANY months before I will be able to go to church by myself. (Carl usually runs video for church so it WAS rare that we actually went together...oh but that has changed.)

Between Carl and myself we ran the whole time we were there. I was exhausted by the end of the morning and all I kept thinking was, "How in the world am I ever going to leave my house with all of my children?"

My answer...can I admit this on a blog?

Each boy needs a harness.

This truly is for their own safety. They run and dart and think it is the funniest thing in the whole world. And they are boys...I know because I grew up with 6 of them. I have actually lived with boys a whole lot longer than I have with my girls. So none of this surprises me really. I was just kind of hoping one of them would like to stay by me and I only had to chase one. Two running in opposite directions doesn't work very well.

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Now for the new rule at our house.

You must sit to pee. I am sorry for all you macho males out there. I have cleaned up more urine off the wall, side of the toilet, floor and many other places need not mention than I care to. This will be in effect indefinitely...or until I install a urinal.

Ethiopia

2009-11-28T09:05:00.006-06:00

We started our adventure at the MSP airport. Security was a breeze and we had plenty of time to walk around and hang out. We prayed that Rowan would be able to catch the flight in DC.

Rowan missed the DC flight by 15 minutes and we were so bummed! That meant his seat was open next to me. The flight attendant wanted to seat another person next to me, but when I looked at the man with pleading eyes he said, "You don't want me to sit next to you!" Oh- I was so grateful to have a place to lay down for short periods of time during the 18 hour flight especially since it was so hot on the plane.

I thought we were home free with one last screening and then we would officially be in Ethiopia. We are always stopped because of Carl's camera, not a big deal until they say to us, "You must leave this here." What? Are you kidding me? Leave our professional livelihood with some random people in a 3rd world country??? I was exhausted and emotionally drained. This couldn't be happening. We sat there for 2 hours trying to figure out what to do. By this time it was past 10pm Ethiopian time and there was only a few people left in the airport. At the end, we put our camera at what they called the "store" and tomorrow we had to go to an agency to get a slip of paper saying we could take our camera into the country. (They thought we would sell it on the black market...yeah right)

We finally were taken to the guest house - to find out that it was not the one we signed up for. But we were so tired we just went to bed to figure everything out in the morning.

Monday morning was spent driving around trying to get our camera out of the pound. As soon as we walked in, I knew we were not getting anywhere.
We decided to give up and go and meet the boys. At this point we are very discouraged because we had no video camera nor still camera because we didn't bring ours because we knew Rowan was bringing two. Now with the new information, we didn't know if Rowan would make it through customs.

Meeting the boys was very different that I expected. I kind of envisioned going to a separate room and they bringing them in. Nope...all the kids were running around and we were no more out of the van and they brought them over to us. The boys had no idea what was going on. We sent photobooks but they weren't allowed to look them because they were returned to us out of a locked cupboard. There was no emotion really. We played around for 45 mintues and they said, "Okay here is the sign out book." Carl and I looked at each other with big eyes and both of us thinking, "Is this for real? Are we really taking our boys?"

The boys thought we were kidnapping them and screamed the whole way back to the guest house. I thought they might hyperventilate from crying so much. Titus fell asleep from sheer exhaustion. Silas just cried and cried.

When we arrived at the guesthouse we were able to bribe them with food. They both ate 3 bananas and drank a quart of water a piece. It was obvious they never had free access to food before. Plus I think they keep the kids dehydrated so they don't have to go to the bathroom very often.

We spent the afternoon getting to know each other and playing. It didn't take long before they were smiling and laughing.

Rowan came the following day around noon. I was on pins and needles watching him try to get through the last security checkpoint into the country. But as you know, he made it through with his camera and I was ever so glad to have him on this side. The poor guy was sick sick sick.
I don't remember doing much for the rest of the day.

Wednesday we went to the care center and two orphanages to take pictures of everyone's children. I wish we would have hired an interpreter because no one could speak English well enough to really communicate details. We could get the jest of what needed to be accomplished but we missed so many things.

We also stopped at the agency's office so that Kelly, who was also picking up her child, could fill out paperwork. It was stressful plus we hadn't really eaten anything yet. We arrived back at the guesthouse and ate lunch at 4pm. Beti, our cook, made us hamburgers and I think we ate the meal in 2 or 3 minutes. We told her we would like supper at 9pm, but she thought we ate out for lunch and that she just fed us super. She was so gracious and made us something anyway later that night.

Thursday was supposed to be a day of great joy with the last hurdle finally complete...the US Embassy. We made it through, but left with more questions than when we came. That is all that I can say at this point. Many questions were raised with our agency. The last family went up and we were going to all go out to eat afterward for a big celebration. They came back weeping - saying they couldn't bring their children home because the US didn't consider them orphans, yet according to their Ethiopian court decree, the children were legally theirs.

I can't even begin to tell you all the emotions that were in that room at that very minute. I was in complete shock. I have never heard of this happening. I was numb. I kept asking God why in the world would he bring this family all the way to this point to tell them that they cannot take their children home. In the eyes of the Ethiopian government, they were their children, but the US would not let them into the country.

I looked at Carl and said, "We gotta call someone. Get out your cell phone." Well, that opened another whole can of worms because someone how Carl's cellphone made it through the screenings and you can't have cell phone at the US Embassy. Guards came and it took a minute to get everything squared out. It was an honest mistake, but they didn't see it that way.

We went back to the guesthouse with both families and pulled out every number that we could think of. We were the only ones with an international cell phone and the phone at the guesthouse didn't work because the agency didn't pay their bill. The next few hours were a blur. We ordered pizza - the other family had a driver and an interpreter - who were able to deliver the food to our guesthouse. (We had told Beti she would have the night off because we would be out celebrating) We finally sent our friends back to their guesthouse with our cell phone praying that we would hear good news in the morning.

(Now this made me feel really unsafe because we had no way to communicate with the outside world. The guard had no phone, the phone did not work at the guesthouse and the cook wasn't going to come back that night. I laid my worries and fears upon the Lord. I kept repeating to myself over and over..."The Lord knew this would happen before the dawn of time. He has it all under control.")

I could not sleep that night - I maybe got 3hours. It felt like the drama of this week was more than the CBS Sunday night movie. I prayed hours and hours for the Hacker family. We were all supposed to fly out at 10:15pm on Friday night. The US Embassy was open from 8-12pm on Friday. By noon we would know their fate.

We were planning on going to the market on Friday morning at 8:30 am and meet a couple that we support for schooling but our driver from the agency never showed up. I was extremely bummed. He finally came after lunch. He brought news that the Hackers were going home with all of their children and they were coming to tell us. I have to admit, I didn't believe him. I wanted to hear it from the family. They showed up a little while later with the joyous news. Only by the grace of God were they able to get their children home - hundreds of phone calls later, they were able to get the right help here in the US. God had a mighty plan for these children. They are wanted, loved and finally belong.

Talk about roller coaster of emotions...

About 2pm Carl and Rowan and Kelly went to the market. I needed to stay back and pack with Titus and Kelly's little girl. I am glad that I stayed, but I never was able to get out and really see anything of Ethiopia all week. I did get to take home the two most precious boys though so it makes up for not experiencing anything else. Maybe we will go back when they are older.

The flight home...was LONG! I am so thankful that my boys were used to sitting for hours doing nothing because in all honesty...they were great. But sitting for 18 hours is the hardest mental and physical activity that I have ever done, all the while being 32 weeks pregnant.

Being on US soil makes me so thankful for the sacrifices of so many lives who made it possible for me to live here and now. I wanted to cry, but I didn't have any tears left at this point. I had to keep moving. We were standing in immigration and the fire alarms go off. All I could think was, "You've got to be kidding me. We are 20 feet away from being free and the fire alarms have to go off." Thankfully, it was set off by construction work so we were all able to stay where we were. After getting some weird news from the immigration officer that Silas, "kind of sort of tested positive for TB" we made it through.

Rowan met us on the other side and I was so thankful again to have him along. Two two-year-olds who just sat for 18 hours don't like to stand still and wait. He help us chase them down and keep track of them. We parted ways to meet in MSP again (we had to fly different airlines.) We had our funny moments of chasing them on dead sprints down the terminals.

We walked down to baggage and we first saw the director of our agency and I must admit I was not delighted to see her with all that went on this week. I looked beyond her and saw the Stacey family and my dear friend Betsy (She drove 6 plus hours just meet me at the airport - I told Carl in DC that I could really use a coffee date with her. We haven't been together for over a year.) I couldn't keep it in anymore. I felt like the week of emotions just gushed out of me. I was so tired, overwhelmed and happy all in the same breath. I am sure Titus and Silas had no idea what was going on. All they cared about was "mackeenas" (cars) They are 100% boy because they LOVE cars.

I thought the car seat was going to be a battle, but they were big eyed over what was going on that it was no big deal. I feel asleep in the backseat while Rowan drove and Carl kept him company.

We tucked the boys into bed and waited for our little girls to arrive home from the ranch with Nana and Papa. We then promptly all went to bed. The girls met their brothers in the morning. We spent the day playing and getting to know each other.

They have been home a week now and are doing amazing! They fit so well into our family. Titus has great dimples when he smiles and is more tender and doesn't like to be corrected. At the care center I don't think they were told, "no." Titus likes to push every button in the house...microwave, dishwasher, light switches, Daddy's computer. It is quite funny to watch him look around to see if anyone is looking at him and then go and push it.

Silas is the funny one. If anyone is crying, he will lay on the floor and do this fake cry/moan thing. I will tell him to stop it and he will look at me and start giggling. He also eats more than all three girls combined. Our food bill has now officially doubled and they aren't even teenagers yet.

Sleeping is going great! We have found the routine of putting them in their own bed and about 4ish they get up to go to the bathroom and then we put them in the toddler bed at the end of our bed. They just play around if we don't put them with us. Titus actually slept into 8:15 this morning. Another bonus is that Nana trained Adie so that I don't need to lay with her anymore for her to go to bed. I am simply in heaven! I have been going to bed before 9 all week because this three toddler thing is exhausting and we never left the house yet with all of them. Church will be a first tomorrow.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T07:07:00.002-06:00

We have so much to be thankful for this year. Where to even begin?

I am thankful ...

we have a microwave so that every time a two year old walks by he/she can start it.

we have a long hallway to race up and down.

my husband works from home so that he can rescue me from chaos.

we have a dishwasher and I have to make rules such as..."You cannot eat anything that falls to onto the door."

we have medical doctors who know that it is best to lock me into a waiting room with my children than leave me with the general population.

we have an over abundance of bananas so that when we eat 2lbs a day and that is okay.

Clorox wipes. enough said for this one.

my big girls who have learned so much this past week and been willing to help me out.

my triplets...I don't know how long it will be before I take them out by myself. I am thankful that I have a triple stroller. God must have laughed when I bought that three years ago. He knew that I would need it now more than ever.

we have one bedroom for our children and it is so beautiful to walk into their room and hear them all breathing.

I am thankful for all the laughter that is in our home along with all the spilled milk and messes because it means we have a home and truly live here.

I am thankful for my two year old who prays for her brothers and her own heart at almost every meal.

And most of all, I am thankful I have a savior who died for me and for my sins and that through this next year HIS joy will be my strength.

Meeting Nanna and Papa

2009-11-24T11:27:00.004-06:00

The boys are continuing to adjust to life at home as well as being typical two-year-olds. They giggle, love to be chased, and have their moments of crying too.

Nanna and Papa stopped by yesterday and had a great time getting acquainted with the boys. They truly are loved beyond all measure.

Double Trouble

2009-11-23T06:38:00.002-06:00

The boys were up and at 'em at 2:00 am. I don't think they are adjusted quite yet.

We tried everything to keep them quiet in their own bed. Carl must have went into their room about 10 times. One of those times, Lydia was crying uncontrollably. When he finally got back to tell me what was wrong he was laughing. Apparently, Silas and Titus ate almost her whole box of Tic-tacs that she just got from Nana. (And they thought it was funny) Lydia is my saver - she would have made the box last a month. She was so distraught over the fact they would actually take something of hers. Carl reassured her that we would buy her some more tomorrow. But I could hear her telling them, "No, no Silas and Titus! It is not nice to take other people's things and eat them."

Every time we would leave the room, Silas would say, "Good night, good-bye, Chao" and then giggle.

We finally put them in our room at 5:00 am and they actually went back to sleep. The problem is that I haven't.

Today is going to be a LONG day...no one likes to start it at 2 in the morning. Hopefully everyone will nap this afternoon.