My little family in the BIG woods

Maple Cornbread Goodness

2011-11-29T10:37:00.000-06:00

I lost my Maple Cornbread recipe from my Grandma recently; not wanting that to happen again, I am posting it here as much for myself as anyone else who may tune in--since I haven't posted here in an age and a day! Anyway, it is a treat of a recipe! <3

                   MAPLE CORNBREAD

     1 cup cornmeal
     1 cup flour
     4 teaspoons baking powder
     1/4 cup sugar
     1/2 teaspoon salt
     1 egg
     1 1/3 cup milk
     1/3 cup maple syrup
     1/3 cup oil

Mix dry ingredients. Add liquid and mix. Pour into greased
9 by 9 pan. Bake at 375 degrees 20 minutes or till done.

Little house BIG woods for sale!

2010-09-04T17:35:00.002-05:00

Hi all! We have been trying to sell our little house for a year come-November, and haven't had much luck! We moved out of state for Ben's job and had to leave our little spot. I put together a slide show of the house and land with a link to the realtor's listing. If you know of anyone that might be interested, or you have any insights other than "The economy is in the dumper," or "Mortgage crisis, blah, blah, blah," we'd sure appreciate them!

Happy Birthday!

2010-07-09T20:35:00.006-05:00

My parents came for their very first, in-person, celebration of Nehemiah's birthday last weekend. One of the gifts that he got was a Buzz Lightyear water rocket thing. He adores it! Here is a funified picture of the awesomeness that ensued. :)

Oh, and we made some fun 4th of July birthday cookies (originally found through the Crafty Crow)in lieu of a cake--they are fabulous and quirky and may be a new favorite for the 4th!

Craving Community

2010-06-13T21:30:00.000-05:00

I am coming to realize the depths of my deprivation of community living in the country. Many people fantasize about and truly love such a life; I had hoped to be one of them...I am not! And it is good to know about myself.

It is a breath of fresh air for me to live in a neighborhood again. I can bake cookies and bring them to my neighbors (not saying I have, but hey, I could!), I can offer my assistance to one of the many elderly widows on our street, and they remind me of the wisdom and love of old age--love that I have missed since my GG passed away. My son can yell out the window to his friends across the street and say hi to passersby as they walk.

I hurt my knee badly--tore my ACL, at one of the worst foreseeable times to do so. And the Lord is wrapping me in community. He is using it to care for me. For my kids. And for my spirit. And, I know that when I am back at it again, there are going to be places that I am needed to reciprocate. I am going to be an important part of my neighborhood, and I love that.

Thank you Jesus for walking with me, and showing me your care, even when things are a bit rough. Thank you for your provision. Thank you for my street, and my town, and my friends, new and old. You go before me always, and for that, I am forever grateful!

Blog Alert!

2010-06-13T21:19:00.002-05:00

On the recommendation of my new friend Amber, I looked up this blog by the wife of one of the members of Selah. Her name is Angie Smith. My word; what a testament to the Lord and His preservation in sorrow and in joy.

Read on, but not without a big ole' box of tissues and some serious time to devote...can you tell it is the first day campers are at camp? It's going to be a late night, and I certainly found something to do!

Here is Audrey's legacy: http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/2008/01/beginning-of-story.html

God Bless Iowa!

2010-06-10T19:03:00.003-05:00

Well, what can I say? It has been a very rough last few day's here in the Frank household. Not only have we been in the middle of moving for the 2nd time in as many months, and all that comes with that, the painting, the packing, decisions, and chaos, with 2 little ones craving a return to their routine, but summer camp is starting for Ben, which means the return of the 80 hour work week for him. And about two days ago, I fell down some slick stairs at camp, twisting my knee and blowing my ACL in my left knee--not fun folks, not fun! And I should know, as I blew the very same one in high school--uugh!

But there is a bright spot in all of this loveliness, and it has been what I termed the "Just Add Franks" community we are encountering. You know, sort of like the "Just Add Water" baking mixes that come together unexpectedly easily. We have had people who are just getting to know us offer all sorts of help. I have had 2 people watching our kids at various times and for appointments, and our new friends/landlords brought us 2 freezer meals and a scrumptious egg bake and beautiful fruit salad last night. Breakfast was fit for kings this morning, and it was so nice! There are more offers of help that I am going to have to accept as well, thankfully--even though it is kind of tough for me to do sometimes.

My mom mentioned that she had heard that Iowa was the best place to raise a child according to a host of variables, and from what I have seen so far, I would have to agree. Hopefully this mentality rubs off on me. :) Come to think of it, one of my closest friends in MN who could always be counted on for these type of things is originally from Iowa. Dependable, sincere, and sweet are the virtues I am encountering, and it is refreshing!

Thank you Lord and new friends for this provision, we need it!

Auntie Erin!

2010-05-10T15:44:00.008-05:00

This one deserved it's very own post...I'm now an auntie to a niecey! My brother John and sister-in-law Melissa, and their son Austin, welcomed a new family member this morning. Le joli petit bébé, Addison Rose! Addison tipped the scales at a whopping 4 pounds 15 ounces and is 19 inches long. I am psyched to have a niece, because I so enjoyed being one to my many amazing aunties! I am chomping at the bit to get a bigger photo than the one my brother texted me this morning, and when I do, I'll edit this post to include it. Pink and bows and flowers and nieces, yippee! *clicks heels while jigging*

Life is a little outta' control!

2010-05-10T14:57:00.005-05:00

Dear blog,

Oh how I have missed you! I promise I didn't mean to neglect you or our fair readers, but sometimes life happens!

So, the fam and I packed up and moved from the big woods to the little city--a whole state away! We got settled into our rental in record time thanks to lots of help from family and friends. This rental fits us perfectly--the size, layout, even the paint colors complemented our decor, and if I do say so myself, it looked fabulous. Too bad too, because 2.5 weeks later, someone else thought the same thing and bought our new house! (Now if only that would happen to the one still for sale in the big woods!)

So now we are looking into our options for housing in the little city. It ain't easy--we don't know if we can get a loan to buy what with our other house, and rentals here are few and far between. There was a 100 year storm last summer, and the entire town lost 1/2 their windows and siding, which means it takes a lot of time to rebuild. Many people are temporarily living in rentals until their houses are fixed up, which makes it crazy to try to find anything with more than 2 bedrooms that will also allow kids and a dog! God is taking care of us though, and there will be something that comes through.

Other than the housing debacle, we LOVE our new town. Nothing makes you appreciate all of the teensy details of living in a town like living in the boonies for a few years! There are some amazing parks, two grocery stores, a post office, and various other untold wonders, and, be still my beating heart, all of them are within a 5 minute car drive or probably a 30 minute walk. Shut up! I know; it's rocking our world right now!

It's funny too, because people can tell. They always comment on having seen us outside, and how happy they are that there are new kids in the neighborhood, and how we go to the parks--they're almost always empty, but then again, it goes back to being deprived of all that for awhile. I'm sure we'll make good use for some time to come.

Oh, and another wonder? Pizza delivery. Yup, you heard right--we can now receive fresh, hot pizza on our doorstep in 30 minutes! The heavens have opened and smiled down on me!

And the people have been fabulous. We had a welcome reception with gifts and dinner, help moving in, some people stop by to mow our lawn, free babysitting, a meal dropped off in the chaos, play dates scheduled, connections made, a may basket with candy and encouragement, and other stuff I am sure to have left out.

All in all, I am puzzled about the housing, but I know this is where God has brought us, and that is thrilling.

Thanks for your prayers and kindness. I'm missing my peeps in the big woods, but it is great to be here too. I'll try to be better about keeping y'all posted!

Nehemiah lovin' on the play structure here at our rental--and look, no pacifier--we're so proud!

And Adelynne, now officially big enough to give Mama heart attacks by climbing to the top of the play structure to go down the slide by herself--oh my!

Spring!

2010-03-18T23:06:00.000-05:00

Someday this will all be mine--haha!

But who will teach me how to drive it?

Still waters run deep.

Chasing shadows

Pleased as punch.

St. Patty's Day '10

2010-03-17T22:21:00.003-05:00

My little leprechauns!

Addy--paddy girl!

Top O' the Morning to ya Mama!

"Look at the camera Ad-lyn!" says the oldest child.

"Whatchou talkin' bout Willis?!" her face says it all. :P

More Faithful

2010-03-16T14:08:00.004-05:00

In our small group, we have been studying Deuteronomy and God's faithfulness to the Israelites as the went on their journey from Egypt, their wandering, and on the cusp of entering the promised land and taking hold of the inheritance that the Lord had prepared for them. One of the themes is remembering those faithful times with monuments for the coming generations. We are in such a time of obvious faithfulness...the Lord has and is moving on our behalf, and I have been encouraged to document it, so here goes.

We came to Minnesota a few years ago and moved to the middle of nowhere. It is beautiful and still and big and wide here. I know why I fell in love with it. I know even more why Ben did. But in addition to those things, it is too still. Lonely even. At least for me, who is the primary "at home" person. It is too far from what I really love. I have been blessed with amazing, out of the ordinary community here. And they have been my sanity in a lot of ways. However sometimes it feels like I see them from the other side of the fishbowl...the outside. You see when gas prices rise and little kids have naps to be taken and other concerns, it is difficult to access that amazing network. It takes an hour of packing up and driving to get to and from anywhere--which means I need to bring snacks, meals, and all kinds of things just to go out for a 15 minute errand! And the gas! A 15 minute errand? Yeah right! I learned a long time ago to bundle my errands, because we can't afford to go into town every day--I tried that. :) So as much as I have been blessed here, I was still having a hard time.

Ben has been so diligent in completing school while we have been here. He has worked his tail end off, and the Lord blessed us with the opportunity to move to Iowa, into a town, with Ben moving up as the Camp Director at Pine Lake Christian Camp.

It has been a possibility for almost 2 years. And we were eager to jump at it, but then the practical stuff started looking almost impossible! Turns out we bought our house at the absolute peak of the market. We cannot expect to sell it for less than a $30,000 loss. That's nearly 1/3 of it's value! I was so disheartened to find this out.

We went to visit at Pine Lake in November, and I remember the current director, Roger, praying for God to move mightily and reward our step out in faith. I thought--yeah, that would be amazing, but how will that work out? What could possibly keep that huge financial loss from happening? Well, never put God in a box! I know all the reasons it wasn't going to work, let me tell you now how it is...

Our bank agreed to a short sale, which basically means that they are going to suck up whatever is lost on the house instead of us...leaving our credit intact. They will mess with lowering the price and all that jazz. Then the Lord brought a friend back into the area looking for a place to rent, and our house is the perfect fit for her and her daughter! And Ben's dad offered to help do the handyman type stuff for them while we are away.

Then we found a house in Iowa for sale that we really liked but couldn't afford until our house sells...and we set up an appointment with a Realtor to look at one we might be able to afford. While looking at and deciding that it wasn't for us, we found out the house we liked was being rented. We asked when we got back if they would be interested in renting it to us. And their current renters were moving out the week before we need to move in--what timing!

Oh, and did I mention that someone approached us about buying our second car--the one we had decided to get rid of, because we won't need it when we live in town?! Crazy!

Everything about this has been so amazing! Proving the Lord's faithfulness again and again.

We are in the middle of getting ready to move, and it has been a zoo! Please pray that the moving and getting all the work done on our house so it is ready for our friend goes smoothly, and then that we are able to get plugged in to the community down in Iowa quickly. I'm positive that the Lord will continue in His faithfulness, but praying always helps!

Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Girl!

2010-03-10T14:27:00.005-06:00

Here are some pictures from the festivities...my computer has been with the Geek Squad for a long time--so more will be forthcoming! :)

Saying hello to her public while opening gifts.

Happy girl on a happy birthday!

Diapers are so fun!

Opening the pelican whose beak holds more than his bell-i-can!

Visiting the Grammy-made panda cake, in the panda sweatshirt from Papa and Meji .

This is not this girl's first chocolate--can you tell?!

More firsts

2010-02-21T22:00:00.003-06:00

Adelynne is on her feet! She does a bit of walking when no one is looking, and here I caught her standing on her own.

Now and then there is a bit of tear free "rassling" that occurs--I can't believe I caught it!

Firsts--bowling!

2010-02-21T21:46:00.004-06:00

We had a blast taking Nehemiah for his first bowling for an early Valentine's celebration.

Patience.

So strong!

Gonna' make it?

Sweet success--rejoice!

Nachos!

Fun with photos

2010-02-21T21:34:00.004-06:00

I have been lax in my posting lately, but I have been taking pictures! I will put up a few posts with fun recent happenings. :) This is one of the first times I caught the kids playing together.

Friends

Rawr!

Goofin'

Whatcha doin'?

Sweetie pie

Beauty and fun rolled into one!

2010-02-19T22:30:00.004-06:00

Beauty.

Hike!

Flying high!

I can hardly believe Adelynne's first birthday is coming up so fast! We sure are loving her more each day! Here are a few fun pictures from today. :)

Down Paris Goats!

2010-02-14T22:34:00.003-06:00

Nehemiah got a little periscope with the penguins from Madagascar at McDonald's yesterday.

Today, he was attempting to master the word "periscope." The first thing we heard was Paris goat...the next? Pair of ghosts.

On the way to church Nehemiah dropped the toy behind him in the van, and though he did exclaim, "Oh my periscope!" What Ben heard was, "Oh my penis broke!" You should have seen Ben's face!

The hilarity of mispronunciation combined with the correct anatomical terminology accompanying the potty training attempts in process here. Say that 3x fast!

Tales of a Bizarre Terrorist Banshee

2010-02-03T13:34:00.003-06:00

Wow, there are times when you think to yourself as a parent, "Hmm...I believe we have entered the terrible twos." And then there are times when you reflect on those times and realize that you were dead wrong, because the current times...you have no words for. Terrible twos doesn't even begin to explain it.

Fortunately the good Lord gives these creatures, err, I mean children (or in my book Bizarre Terrorist Banshees/BTBs for short) a heavy dose of imagination. This serves not only to keep the BTBs exhausted parents on their toes, but also breaking out into spontaneous fits of hilarious laughter--lucky for the BTB.

I shall attempt to put words to the past few days in order to aide other unsuspecting caretakers in identifying a BTB should it emerge from your otherwise normal child. I shall also beg, plead, and weep in an attempt to extract advice from others who have endured the wrath of this peculiar creature.

When we moved Nehemiah into his big boy bed in the fall, I expected that he would get up and wander around his room, and I wasn't sure exactly how to keep that from happening. Then we tried it, and no joke, he would not get off of his bed unless we came and got him. He would yell for us, but would wait patiently until we arrived for his extrication. This delightful turn of events is no more. He has discovered his freedom--in a BIG way!

I should also explain that we are in the throes of potty training, which entails, among other things, lessons on how to undress and redress.

In the last few weeks, Nehemiah has started waking up in the middle of the night. He is not groggy. He is up like he would be in the morning. It started out that he would call for us. One of us (usually Ben, or Adelynne will wake up screaming, because she immediately knows when my presence is missing) would go to his room and put him back to bed. Then we started to cut his naps down--now he takes a nap maybe twice a week and has quite time in his room the other days.

Last week, the moon was particularly bright, which causes Maltby to be a bit insane--he insists on going out to chase the Wererabbit. He barks and is very noisy--so Ben would also get up to let the dog out, and he started noticing that Nehemiah's bedroom light was on--at like 2 am. He was quietly in there playing or looking at books, but not sleeping. The next day, he would be very tired and irritable. We figured he would eventually get tired enough that he would quit the habit. A few nights later Ben came out to let Maltby out, and all of the lights in the house were on, and Nehemiah was standing buck-naked, banging on the heater, and yelling for Ben. It was so unexpected, and didn't happen again for awhile.

Then, this morning, after a glorious, uninterrupted night's sleep, Ben got up to find Nehemiah, with very poopy diaper removed, and naked, who had stepped in his poo, and was now jumping and dancing on the couch. We were fortunate that there wasn't more around, but it was a little shocking. Ben handled it very well--Nehemiah is quite fortunate that I was nursing Adelynne and not getting up. I don't do so well in the mornings--I'm definitely a night owl--I would have been quite upset, but Ben was so patient. I was very proud of him, because it was a better reaction, considering that Nehemiah is in the middle of so much learning--I don't think he did anything purposely, but my gut reaction wouldn't have taken all of those variables into account.

Anyway, with the midnight mayhem, we are exhausted, including Nehemiah, which results in much more normal "terrible two" behavior during the day. We've been trying to be more consistent with the Dear BTB as far as discipline is concerned, cutting nap time, transitioning from the high chair, potty training, etc. I think it is all just a bit much, so I am hoping when some of these skills are mastered that life will slow down a bit and get back to something resembling normality!

Eat your 'Phil' of Punxsutawny Pancakes!

2010-02-02T08:57:00.006-06:00

This is one breakfast I wouldn't mind eating day after day after day! ;) I found these cute little guys over at Gourmet Mom on-the-Go and couldn't resist making the winter doldrums a bit more special around here. They're not healthy for the body, but they do wonders for the spirit!

Love at first sight or bite?

The stare down.

It's alive!

It works!

2010-01-23T19:02:00.002-06:00

This may seem trite, but I often decide to bake spur of the moment, and in the evening, Nehemiah likes to enjoy the fruits of his/our labor before bed--surprise, surprise! Anyway, it takes too long to soften butter to room temp in our chilly house (in the winter), so I went in search of an alternative, and wouldn't you know, I found one! We made a batch of chocolate chip cookies this way tonight, and it worked! I've done it with the microwave before, but I find the results to be inconsistent at best.

Photo credit: simplyrecipes.com

Praise the Lord

2010-01-23T16:53:00.002-06:00

This morning I woke up to find this picture of Keanan (from Haiti on Diplomatic Parole) greeting his daddy in Orlando. Praise the Lord and thank you for praying!

A few days ago I mentioned this situation from a blog I follow called, Rage Against the Minivan--I'm so glad that Keanan is home and some good is able to come from an impossible situation. The Lord is merciful in His provision for and salvation of His little ones.

Storming the Gates

2010-01-19T10:39:00.002-06:00

I have come across a blog called Rage Against the Minivan in the past few months, and while there are things I don't have in common with Kristen (I mean come on--y'all have seen my minivan proudly tooling around town!), I want to focus on what we do have in common...a faith in Christ and a love for our kids. She was in Haiti with her baby girl visiting their son (who they have been in the process of adopting for the last 3 years) when the earthquake struck. She and her daughter have made it home safely--praise the Lord! Join me in praying for their son to come home. Here is some information she has given about the process of something called humanitarian parole--where Keanan, her son, may be able to come to the States and to their family until Haiti's infrastructure improves and it is safer for him to be there again--it has been extended to some; I am praying that her family will make the list. Kristen is one of many US parents waiting on their Hatian children. Here is a powerful music video by the talented Aaron Ivey, another one of that group.

Join me in praying for these children and families please.

Before and After

2010-01-18T20:37:00.008-06:00

Along with my new camera, I have been doing more photo editing than in the past. Here are some before and afters, so you can see the difference between what my camera does, and what my computer does after. :) Fun stuff! PS--My new camera is a Nikon D-3000 and I am editing with free Picasa software.

Befores: Afters:

Snowy fun!

2010-01-15T15:00:00.008-06:00

Both kids are taking decent naps this afternoon, so I have had time to edit more pictures of our morning--here they are! :)

Nehemiah was plotting the perfect snowball hit for me all morning--this photo proves his devious mind!

It is rare to have a picture with both kids in the frame!

Us, today.

2010-01-15T11:59:00.003-06:00

So I have a million new pictures taken with a brand-spankin' new, shiny, fancy camera, and all that jazz--and things in my head to write down, but we all have to start again somewhere, so here's to a start...this is us, today, in the snow. :)

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-20T16:04:00.004-06:00

I got my craft on for the ladies in my family this Christmas. The gifts are hidden in these homemade fortune cookies...what're you getting? I'm not tellin'!

Anyway, I'm linking these to the craft challenge for the month on Lil' Betty's Blog--enjoy!

Pray for Sam

2009-12-18T15:43:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone--during this busy season, I am taking even more of a blog break than normal, but this is too important not to write about!

I have a friend from youth group when I was in middle and high schools. His name is Daniel Thompson. He and his wife Jennifer have a baby boy named Samuel. I think they say all of this best, so I am going to post some of the story from their Children's Hospital Care Page:

Shortly after his 20 week ultrasound Samuel Dean Thompson was diagnosed with a heart defect known as HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome). In patients with HLHS the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped and not able to function. The left side of the heart pulls oxygen rich blood from the lungs and distributes it to the rest of the body, with the loss of the left side babies usually have a week or less to live. We were presented with 2 treatment options, a heart transplant or a series of 3 heart surgeries. We chose the surgeries because the thinking is that it is better to make due with the heart you have rather than replace it, if at all possible. The first surgery, which is often called the Norwood procedure, occurred on September 12th. He did wonderfully and recovered better than anyone could have hoped. The medical team couldn't stop saying how they hadn't seen a Norwood recover as well as he did in such a long time. We got home from the hospital on October 26th. We were home for nine days when we went into children's for a routine check up. It was then discovered that his heart function had drastically decreased. We were admitted that night with the plan to administer treatment to get his function back to where it was. Unfortunately the treatment was unsuccessful and the only option left for him was to have a heart transplant. He was placed on the transplant list on December 1st at the highest priority. We are now patiently waiting for a heart to become available that will suit his needs. We maintain the hope that someday through all of this he will finally have a working heart, and the potential for a healthy life.

Currently he is at Children's undergoing a process designed to weaken his immune system so that it is able to take a heart transplant without rejecting it, because currently he could only receive 3 out of 100 hearts, and that is assuming they are the right size.

Here are a few recent pictures:

This is Sam and his daddy, Daniel.

And Sam with the Colorado Avalanche yesterday. (He's also the second image here.)

Please join me in praying for this precious little one! They are hoping to let him go home next week some. Wouldn't it be great to have him home for Christmas!

So happy together! :)

2009-12-05T16:00:00.002-06:00

Camera conundrum--resolved!!!

2009-12-04T22:08:00.005-06:00

My camera is found! Here are many pictures that were on it when lost. Some at our house, and some from our trip to Iowa in November. :)

Whew!

2009-12-01T14:33:00.002-06:00

Sorry such sporadic blogging...technical difficulties on the camera front--again--it has been the year of camera disaster, much to my sadness! The last few days have been rough--you know the kind...the when it rains it pours kind of days. Ben left for a business trip and the same day, we all developed fevers to go with our colds. And Maltby puked on the floor 3 times! That is because he is so emotionally gifted--he wouldn't eat the first two days Ben was gone, so when he did eat he was over hungry and he gorged really fast. Well his stomach wasn't ready, and he took it out on the carpet. Nothing like cleaning that up while you're sick and on your own! I thought I'd try to get out yesterday to shake some of the cobwebs out, and my fun outing to the local coffee shop yielded a closed shop. Apparently it closed yesterday and won't reopen again until January under new ownership. Uugh! So, like I said, it's just been several pity party days in a row!

Seems to me that I need to start looking for the happy--good things. Currently I am experiencing concurrent naps...SCORE! Ben is going to be home soonish and I have a funny Nehemiah story...

On Saturday we went to my in-laws for dinner and my mother-in-law had out her Christmas "pyramid," one of those wooden, candle powered spinning things. Nehemiah loves it! The next day at home, he asked me to light a candle. I looked back over my shoulder, and he was holding his plastic Batman helicopter over the top of it to see if the rotors would spin! I told him to be careful because it could get hot, and then distracted him with me in the kitchen. A few minutes later, the phone rang, so I was distracted, and Nehemiah decided to try again. He melted the bottom of his little helicopter and learned a valuable lesson. :) It amazes me how well his mental wheels turn! <3

New Jammies

2009-11-02T19:56:00.001-06:00

Nothin' like 'em:

Dress-up

2009-10-30T16:24:00.003-05:00

When we found out that the Halloween party we were planning on going to was canceled due to the flu, we decided to put the kids in their outfits for Small Group last night. Here are the obligatory cute shots:

Everything's Amazing; nobody's happy

2009-10-27T11:10:00.001-05:00

Oh my gosh! This is SO true and is totally crackin' me up today! How 'bout y'all?

Working away is not always work!

2009-10-23T20:52:00.005-05:00

In preparation for a silent auction benefit thingy I am helping out with a bit, I was putting together some lots to bid on. One being a scrapbooking lot. It includes lots of little embellishments, and it would be overwhelming to lay them all out, so I typed up a list of the items and then made these cute little origami boxes out of scrapbook paper to contain and pretty them up! :) This is a major accomplishment for me, because my 3rd grade students were consistently better at origami then me--it's just not my thing. Ahem, wasn't my thing, until tonight. Check 'em out! I used the tutorial for origami gift bags over at one of my new haunts, infarrantly creative. And I decided handles would make everything even more cluttered--um, did I mention I couldn't lay my hands on my hole-punch? But seriously, I think simple is better! ;)

The kids were pretty much having none of it, so I bribed Nehemiah with a toy we had put back until he was old enough for it...his IKEA train set. He adored it! The timing was great, having just been to the train museum last week.

And Adelynne? Well bless her poor, over-tired, no-napping soul, she tried!

Baking is fun in the fall!

2009-10-22T16:22:00.005-05:00

Making Pumpkin Pie Cake (we made it with no nuts--of course!--and got the recipe from a friend, but I found it for y'all online anyway!) with Nehemiah for our small group tonight:

Here's another!

2009-10-21T21:31:00.003-05:00

We are having a benefit dinner and silent auction for a friend at church with breast cancer. My small group outfitted me with supplies to make a diaper cake for the auction, and here it is, my first gender-either cake! :) Adelynne looked at the lion with pleading eyes the WHOLE time I was crafting. ;) She got the extra pink teething ring from the pack though, so no complaining was actually heard!

2009-10-17T18:11:00.005-05:00

We found the neatest Model Train museum today! And of course, these things are best shared with friends--especially if they are free! :) So we went with the Wicklunds, Susan and Adelaide, and the Normans. Enjoy the fun with us!

And the Mamas with their daughters:

Susan and Adelaide

Sarah and Callie

Aleeta and Hannah

Me and Adelynne

Hunter at the helm! Some of the nice engineers let Hunter drive.

Look at the speed of that Diesel train!

I didn't know Tate and Adelynne were holding hands until I saw this picture...Awww!

Check out the airstrip! You could push a button to make the plane fly around...it was all such a blast!

2009-10-16T20:45:00.005-05:00

Awesome Autumn!

"Two-finger Sue" is what her Grammy calls her.

Fall wagon ridin'

Too cool for school--not the best of days attitudinally, but you take what you can get!

"Eww, Maltby!

Well hello there!

Goofiest guy!

*sings* "Oh, oh, the sweetest thing!"

It's ba-aaack!!!

2009-10-10T10:05:00.003-05:00

That's right ladies and gents, October 10th and we have SNOW--eek!

7 months

2009-10-06T20:29:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow Adelynne will be 7 months old--hokey Pete! That's something my college roommate, turned sister-in-law used to say! ;) Here are a few pictures of my favorite girl in one of my favorite outfits at the moment.

Fall-ing in Love!

2009-09-28T17:07:00.005-05:00

Fall where we live is probably the most glorious season! Here is some early proof:

My first attempt at Apple Dumplings.**

All prettied up with vanilla ice cream--yumm!

An evening stroll around our land.

The cutest little bundle of all!!!

Ben and I were bringing up the rear, holding hands while the grandparents did the real work this loop around. ;)

**Added September 29: For all of those curious about the dumplings, I just linked to the recipe I used above. I cheated and used Pillsbury pie crusts from the refrigerated section of the grocery store, and in the comments on allrecipes, I followed this one for the sauce, because it sounded better to me--

I've made these a couple of times w/ a ready-made crust & homemade. A little involved to make but both looked impressive and were DELICIOUS. Sauce could be improved, instead, use the following caramel sauce from another recipe on this site: 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup butter 2 tablespoons light corn syrup Heat brown sugar and 1/2 cup butter until melted. **Remove from heat** stir in corn syrup. (Add crushed pecans w/ sauce for a beautiful presentation!) Great Recipe!

--though I never tried the original sauce. It is very caramelly, and Ben thought a little too decadent, but then again, I really loved it with that vanilla ice cream!

Friendly Football and Dress-up

2009-09-28T16:49:00.003-05:00

A week ago last Sunday, we went to friend's to watch the Vikings game and eat yummy food...here's what the kids did:

Hunting season, anyone? And yes, it IS fake!

Growing up fast tear

2009-09-28T16:39:00.004-05:00

Here's Nehemiah enjoying his new big boy bed and quilt courtesy Grammy. She calls it Nehemiah's crayon box. :)

So BIG, and proud!

But not too big to be goofy...

or to jump on the bed! I see 2 little monkeys jumping on the bed! Love ya' munchkin! :D

tinkering

2009-09-16T22:34:00.000-05:00

trying some new bloggy stuff...bear with me! :)

My baby girl is growing, growing, growing!

2009-09-12T13:30:00.003-05:00

I can hardly believe Adelynne is 6 months old--wowzers! She is growing like a beautiful little weed! She is in the 97th percentile for height and the 90th for weight, and she is still nearly 2 pounds under where Nehemiah was at this age. She is such a mover and shaker! I have a feeling between the two of them, they will always keep me on their toes! What a blessing children are!

Moments in time

2009-09-12T13:16:00.004-05:00

"Yumm...watermelon," Adelynne exclaims.

"Look at my apple!"

"Mama has almost finished my super hero cape!"

Snapshots of Vacation

2009-09-05T20:39:00.006-05:00

At the park with our new friend Jack, son of our old friends, from camp, Steve and Amy.

One of the resident fawns. Nehemiah loved this little guy!

Nehemiah pulling Papa into the Playplace that parents are allowed in too.

See the rules? My Dad was being antinomian, as it does not specify grandparents!

Proof! What a Grandpa!

On the playground at the camp where we stayed.

Walking in the State Park together.

The cool wooden playground before church.

Making s'mores with Meji (Grandma)

A proud tradition of smooches!

Man on a mission!

Sliding with Mommy.

Hiking on the hill at camp.

Blowing bubbles on the boardwalk outside our hacienda!

Being cute and showing off the muscles all at once! You go girl!

Hunter-Tate's birthday party!!!

2009-09-05T20:05:00.004-05:00

We have some close friends with kids named Hunter, Tate, and Callie. Only Nehemiah refers to the boys as Hunter-Tate. They don't seem to have separate names, and they are both named the same thing! So here are pictures of good ole' Hunter-Tate's (actually, just Tate's) 3rd birthday party earlier on in August!

The awesome Dino-cake! I didn't catch it until after the marshmallow eyes were gone...darn!

Callie and Tate chowin'

Happy birthday Goofy Guy!

The cake eatin' crew!

My muncher <3

Now I don't feel so bad!

2009-08-18T08:28:00.001-05:00

As some of you know, I have been working on my house, and I shall continue to stay strong and do so, but this Mama of many gets it. And now, I don't feel so bad! <3 What a realistic encouragement!

Cleaning house

2009-08-14T13:11:00.011-05:00

I have been cleaning and organizing on our house bit by bit, because we would like to put it on the market. While I'm in the mood, but need a break, I thought I'd clean up my bookmarks, and link you to some of the wonders I've come across lately! Here they are by category:

Parenting the littles (food, teaching, and projects):

Weelicious--making (mostly) healthy baby and toddler foods

Bake or Break--fun and realistic recipes

The Write Start--exciting emergent writer ideas

This Little Project--all sorts of neat ideas and recipes--even how to make your own tap shoes! ;)

How to make a Rainbow Cake--totally groovy!

Baking Bites

Crafty goodness:

U create

Toddler t-shirt dress tutorial with ruffles!

Ruffly dress made of a button up shirt

Do it yourself laundry drying rack

Lots of refinishing examples

The Market Skirt tutorial

Twirly Skirt tutorial

Pillowcase dress

Two straight lines-- a mom sharing her homemade things

Chair backers for Valentine's Day--Sooo cute!

Organization/decorating:

Thrifty Decor Chick

Mommy track'd--tools and templates for free!

Flylady.net--how to get rid of C.H.A.O.S. (can't have anyone over syndrome) in the home (I'm working on it!)

Food Storage for a year--mostly I like the from scratch recipes--still looking into this!

The Nester

Like Merchant Ships

Great deals--or steals:

A clearing house of sorts--Dealsucker

Woot.com--mostly an electronics deal a day

Steep and cheap--outdoor equipment and clothes--a new deal every 20 minutes or so

Babysteals--got a shower to go to? Or a little one in your life? This rocks!

Scrapbooksteals

Is summer finally here?

2009-08-14T08:10:00.004-05:00

After months of sub 80s weather, which is actually really nice. We have had a few days in the 90s with "oppressive" humidity according to the weather man. What else do you do but haul out the sprinkler and have a baby photo shoot?

Trying to spray mommy and Baby Adelynne

Run Away!

Hee hee--whatever's comfortable!

This is when we went in. How sad is that?! That's my itty-bitty baby's blood spilled by that nasty mosquito! That and Nehemiah started to play in the water coming out of the washing machine spout thingy, and I was washing Adelynne's diapers--eww!!!

We are Family!

2009-08-14T08:00:00.003-05:00

When Ben and I got married, one of my friends DJ-ed our wedding for us. It was a blast, and one of the songs he played was, *We are Family*. I'll never forget dancing to it with my new brother-in-law Peter. We are so fortunate that we are family, and I love that my children are realizing those blessings too! Here are some pictures from their recent visit. Unfortunately many of the Adelynne pictures I have came out blurry--uugh!

The Aww Factor

2009-08-09T00:18:00.001-05:00

Ahh, small town living

2009-08-08T14:44:00.003-05:00

Today is the kick-off of the Cornfest in our neighboring town. As such, Ben was asked to march in the parade for the VFW Color guard, so we went to see all the fuss. Dani, Esther, and another camp friend joined us in the festivities.

We spotted our mail lady, Marty, and got a pre-parade photo:

Here's the collage of events:

Look at that haul!

And the sweetest face. <3

I, Climbin'!

2009-08-08T00:10:00.003-05:00

Nehemiah has started enjoying the climbing wall out at camp recently...with help, of course!

More Dutch BB pwease, Mom!

2009-08-08T00:00:00.003-05:00

Is what rang in my ears this morning when my first attempt came out like this. Sweet success!

Mmm...breakfast!

2009-08-05T09:05:00.002-05:00

I was going to make this this morning until I got to the end...I think I better wait until I have more participants in breakfast than just Nehemiah and I, or I might eat it all! It looks yummy and different--I want to mix things up! ;)

Easy-Bake Dutch Baby - More DIY How To Projects

The one with the bear...

2009-08-04T21:33:00.004-05:00

So, this is Adelynne and I just prior to setting out after Nehemiah on a walk on the trail around our land...

Nehemiah found some wild raspberries to pick, and I went to investigate some odd scat while he munched away (after taking this photo)...

You see, I was going to take a picture of the scat to show Ben, because I knew it was from a big animal--as in over 100 pounds, because it looked bigger than Maltby's poop. Then again, I thought it might be puke. So I started to focus the camera to take the picture--this is how it came out...

Looks like a shot from a horror flick, and I was pretty sure it would be too, because as I clicked the button with Adelynne in the sling and an obstinate Nehemiah 30 feet away picking raspberries, there was a great rustling in the brush nearby.

Yeah, I grabbed a very perturbed Nehemiah and hoofed it back to the yard with both of them in arms to tell Ben (who was mowing the lawn), and to get Maltby (who was chasing a phantom creature under our porch, because every time he walks on it the boards squeak, and he thinks his prey is underfoot). My heart was a-poundin' because I know that there are bears, mountain lions, and timberwolves that all range through our area, but I hadn't seen a sign that close to our house before.

Ben's report was that it was black and runny like bear scat (partly why I thought it might be puke), that it reeked when poked, that the dog didn't even notice it, and that if it is indeed bear poop, it was actually a pretty small series of piles.

So either we have a little bear, or a wolf or cougar with intestinal issues.

Great! *rolls eyes; voice dripping with sarcasm*

Here we are, just keepin' it rural!

Fun with the littles!

2009-08-04T21:18:00.002-05:00

Yeah, she's starting life out in the popular crowd! ;)

Sibs rocking the baseball t's

One of Nehemiah's obsessions is climbing everything!

Adelynne in her sling, with mama, outside, chasing Crazy!I think he needs his jump wings now!

Learning

2009-07-28T16:14:00.002-05:00

I was so blessed to learn as much as I did during my pregnancy with Adelynne about pregnancy and birthing. The learning continues as I've had two rough starts (but successful!) with breastfeeding! And Ben and I have also started up with natural family planning. These things combined have given me a new and greater appreciation for God's design of mama's bodies, and babies. I have so enjoyed learning these things, and I hope that I can pass on my knowledge to as many people as possible. I've been thinking that after my little one's are grown, I may go back to school to get trained as a Certified Nurse Midwife.

I have had some great nurses and doctors and some not so great. It is amazing the questions I asked of multiple "experts" that I later (sometimes too late) found answers to on my own because the questions were brushed aside. I love discovering those answers, and like I said, passing them on!

Since Adelynne has been born I have learned an important thing about my body that I believe will change future births into more comfortable experiences. And as far as nursing goes...check out what I've read just today...so fun!

This tells all about why you don't formula supplement in the hospital at first if you are hoping to start a good breastfeeding relationship, and in such a cute way!

This one about God's design for that first milk, colostrum, to help heal babies' developing intestines.

And self-attachment is something I had read about before Nehemiah and Adelynne were born, but apparently I should have looked into it further, because I wasn't quite patient enough! They both developed such painful latching techniques initially, and Adelynne and I ended up back in the hospital for observation because she wasn't gaining weight properly--all because of a bad latch. I can't help but wonder if I had waited, what God might have shown me! Thank goodness I'll probably have another chance someday!

I found these links by reading a fascinating blog by a black woman advocating for breastfeeding. Her blog is called Blacktating, and I have to say I didn't realize it was as rare as it is in the black community! I am blessed to be in a community where breastfeeding is the norm, though I think I will be surprised how rare it really is elsewhere--what a shame!

Sorry, I started rambling, and I hear Nehemiah babbling away in his room, up from his nap, so, I'd better jet! Thanks for looking with me a little deeper into God's design. I am excited to see what else He reveals to me about these things; I am so in awe with each new revelation!

JK Wedding Entrance Dance

2009-07-26T15:01:00.001-05:00

Love this! Marriage should be celebrated! Who says Minnesotans can't rock a party?! :D

The one with the stagnant puddle...

2009-07-23T09:31:00.005-05:00

Nehemiah has had his eye on the puddles at the end of our driveway for awhile now.

Until yesterday though, he would walk up to the very edge, step in the squishiest mud, say, "Eww, yuck!" and turn from temptation. Until yesterday.

(is this okay Mama? 'Cuz here I go!)

He approached with initial caution. After that wore off, he frolicked with the best of them.

(a true Irish Riverdancer!)

And a little while in, after he got everything good and churned up, I realized that the atmosphere was smelling like frog. And the reason was all over my son...now it's Mommy's turn...EWW YUCK!

Adelynne watched from her carrier, and everyone had a bath when we got inside--there was significant splash transfer after all (unfortunately the puddle is right by our road, so someone--mommy--has to stand sentry, and you just can't get far enough away...sorry Adelynne!)

Nehemiah even gave his car a wash...

then the sky...

then me, and that is where the pictures stop!

Betrayed!

2009-07-23T09:16:00.007-05:00

Nehemiah was so sweet, bringing me a fluffy dandelion!

Then he tried to blow, the next one he found.

Eventually, we turned to other methods of flinging fluff!

Picking raspberries

2009-07-23T09:12:00.005-05:00

Yesterday in the A.M., we went out to camp with some friends and found some raspberries. Nehemiah has recently become enthralled with picking his own food! Perhaps I can find a blueberry or strawberry pick your own place; right now he only really eats raspberries! Adelynne hung out in the stroller to avoid a sunburn...she burns fast!

Craft Hope

2009-07-20T12:52:00.003-05:00

Wow!!! (yes it gets 3 exclamation points!!!) I just came across Craft Hope, and I am in love! I have a lot of things I need to work on straightening out in life right now, but if and when things get a bit more manageable, I really would like to get involved in a Craft Hope project! The Lord uses people in such wonderful ways to provide for his children, Amen? He is faithful to provide for us--I know it! It is a bit hard for me to see right now, as I am in a bit of a rough patch.

You see, Ben is working 70-90 hours a week, and I am not really cut out for the life of a single parent! Especially out on the lone prairie! But, Our Lord is faithful, and seasons do change. In addition to all of the crazy hours of work, we have been greeted with some major decisions...one was buying a new van when ours was totaled. Ben put it in the ditch on his way down to the airport to pick us up. It sounds like he pretty much saved lives with his driving, but it was such an unwanted hassle to go get a new loan and things. Our "new to us" van is lovely, but it was a definite stress. Also, there is some stress over a possible move to Iowa this coming winter/spring. It was a great hope of mine, but some red flags have been popping up. For awhile I felt my hopes dashed, but there may yet be reason to hope. Ben is talking some of our red flags over with his boss today, so we'll see if things are addressed in a healthy way for our family. These are hard things to do when your husband routinely leaves before 6 am, sometimes at 4:30 even, and generally doesn't return home until 8:30 ish at night 6 days a week. We're both zombies by the end--which isn't the best state to make major financial and life decisions in.

Enough explaining of myself though! I just want to say, if you have free time...when I have free time...head on over and help out Craft Hope!

Precious Moments

2009-07-16T21:43:00.004-05:00

Fun and recent family photo ops:

2nd--4th of July Birthday Bash

2009-07-05T21:22:00.002-05:00

Here is a very small taste of yesterday's fun at our place!

Having a 4th of July birthday is the coolest!

Adelynne enjoying Katie's arms:

Nehemiah spitting (err...I mean blowing) out his candle:

Daddy saves the day!
Sparklers!

You know it's a rough day when...

2009-06-30T22:16:00.003-05:00

...you look up from your self-soothing methods to see this:

It's really rather delightful when you actually take the time to enjoy it. Especially with Enya's soothing sounds in the background.

Pray for me.

Ben is working long hours, Nehemiah is the sole performer in a strong-willed festival, and Adelynne is teething. Yikes! Patience is a virtue...patience is a virtue...patience is a virtue...

Diaper Cake #2

2009-06-23T12:12:00.006-05:00

I got to make a girl diaper cake! Isn't it cute?! Here's the link to the tutorial for my first cake. My mom is throwing a shower for a new mom at her church, so while I was visiting, we made a cake for the party!

Make War (Typography)

2009-06-22T10:15:00.001-05:00

John Piper rapping? Good message, especially appealing for our men out there.

Quick pictures

2009-06-15T11:55:00.002-05:00

Back in the Day

2009-05-23T14:41:00.005-05:00

This is one of my favorite pictures from Ben and my dating days...we were on a carousel at the mall in Columbus, GA when I went to attend his Infantry Basic Training graduation at Ft. Benning. We rode it because Ben loves tigers and I loved frogs. What fun young love is! This would have been sometime in 2002--I think in February.

Hark! Late Spring!

2009-05-23T13:04:00.004-05:00

It feels like Spring has hardly arrived, and yet the signs of Late Spring are here...check 'em out with me:

Pretty, pretty Plum Blossoms

The sweetest little Phoebe's nest you ever did see!

Lounging in the warm sun and cool breeze--ahh.

Outfits

2009-05-22T23:40:00.002-05:00

I've been trying to get pictures of Adelynne in many of her cute little outfits...sometimes, she just doesn't want to cooperate! She's still awfully adorable anyway--poor thing!

A little golf...a little snoozing...

2009-05-22T23:25:00.003-05:00

Nehemiah's new distraction--thanks Dad!
He's also got some new phrases...our current favorite is: Holy Mackerel!

And this is my little distraction tonight...isn't she the cutest?!

Capris!

2009-05-18T19:22:00.003-05:00

One of many fun new things about dressing a girl!

A song

2009-05-15T15:06:00.002-05:00

Sticks and rocks and pinecones,
Pine needles and pebbles,
Are what my little boy brings.

Dandelion tops and feathers,
All his little treasures,
Are what my little boy brings.

I was sitting on a bench nursing Adeynne, at the playground at camp this afternoon, and Nehemiah kept bringing his little discoveries over to me. I started making up a little song, which turned into the poem above. It sounds better sung (to me anyway), but I still thought I'd write it up. :)

Critters

2009-05-14T21:04:00.005-05:00

Maltby treed something today. In a smallish deciduous tree, there is a cute, fuzzy, toothy creature. We initially thought it was a porcupine, but upon further inspection, there were no spines! Our best guess is that it is a woodchuck. I'd never seen one before, and they don't usually climb trees (unless they are trying to preserve their lives), but some quick research online by Ben and a phone call from his dad seem to indicate that this is the case. If you know something we don't, I'd love to know what you think it is!

And this little critter is cute in her own right! And growing like a weed! Yesterday at her 2 month appointment, we got her new stats: 12lbs 12oz (90th percentile), 23 in. (75th percentile), and 40cm head circumference (75th percentile)! She is just growing out of 3 month clothes and into 6 month ones, which is fun, because we had some very generous friends give us lots of hand me downs, so it's like a shopping spree of fun new outfits in her closet! When she grows out of 6 month clothes, we may actually have to go shopping though, because most of them were just through the 6 month size. I just love her little smile!

Op zoek naar Maria - Dans in het Centraal Station van Antwerpen

2009-05-02T13:54:00.001-05:00

Oh, I smiled!!! I wish I knew more about what this was and how it came about...fun!

Mommy madness

2009-05-01T16:41:00.002-05:00

So, I was at my Mothers and Children group yesterday gabbing with my lovely friends. It is so nice to have other moms of young kids around who can tell you that you are perfectly normal when you feel like you are losing your mind!

Part of our conversation was about the astonishing and immediate lack of freedom when you become a mom. Maybe I should say lack of spontaneous acts. There is always something to be planned for when you have a little one that you are primarily responsible for.

We all agree that we adore and appreciate our husbands (and children), but there is a difficult to express jealousy over a certain type of freedom that they still enjoy (at least part of the time). You sound crazy trying to explain it. The words are hard to find.

Well, a few months ago, I came across the words, on Sarah's Dandelions blog. Here is her post, and the article from Parenting.com that it references, as well as a another blog she came across that phrases it well.

For those of you who were wondering where those words are, you have found them!

Hugs to the Mamas!

Yippee!

2009-04-26T20:40:00.002-05:00

Today is a momentous day for our family! My husband served in the 2nd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the Army almost 4 years ago now. He had a total of 4 years of Active Duty service, 2 of which were the first 2 years of our marriage. I am so proud of his service to his country, and glad that he was able to do it. There were struggles, but I wouldn't trade that time now. That said, today marks the end of his Inactive Reserve commitment to the Army. This means that they cannot send him a letter in the mail at any time to ask him to come back and fight. For me, 4 deployments to both theaters of war was enough. We knew it was unlikely he would ever be called back, but the possibility is still daunting; especially when our life is so different now than it was then!

These two will be especially happy to never have to go through a deployment (Lord willing)!

Rejoice with us!

Related?

2009-04-22T23:24:00.000-05:00

Adelynne

Nehemiah

A Boy's Wanderings

2009-04-19T22:15:00.004-05:00

Nehemiah sets out with his stick from the playhouse Daddy built.

Along his travels he comes upon an old taxidermied sawfish.

He decides the rock he picked up is dirty, and that he should lick it clean.

Note that while the rock is clean, his face is not. And he has returned to his little house and porch.

I love my BOY!

Easter pictures ala Grammy

2009-04-18T11:35:00.003-05:00

Susan Boyle - Singer - Britains Got Talent 2009 (With Lyrics)

2009-04-17T13:31:00.001-05:00

Whoa! I love how Susan Boyle shocked everyone who thought she was going to be another audition to mock and laugh at! She turned everybody's disbelief and cynicism into tears, awe and love.

What a reminder not to judge a book by it's cover...Hurrah!

Welcome Spring!

2009-04-15T14:47:00.003-05:00

It seems that when we live somewhere it is permissible to wash your car, that I usher in Spring by washing our cars the old fashioned way! What better way to bask in the glory of the sun and warmth?! So awesome!

It will be so fun when the kids are old enough to partake...it is usually too cold the very first time for Nehemiah to splash around. We have well water here, and it is like ice! It isn't 70 degrees yet here, so people probably laugh to see me in my swimsuit top and shorts, but you have to soak up the sun! Even if your fingers get a little numb in the process! ;)

Happy Spring to you all!

It's the Easter Scoundrel Charlie Brown!

2009-04-12T21:44:00.007-05:00

There are some things that you envision as a mom. Things that make great scrapbook or baby book pages, or really great first memories. And sometimes, they don't turn out quite right. Take, for instance, Nehemiah's first bath. I thought it was going to be a joyful occasion full of splashing and mirth, and it was a scream fest that had us both crying by the end. Sorta like yesterday and the first ever Easter egg hunt. Sort of, but not really.

You see, with an Easter breakfast of Belgian waffles, church, Easter dinner with Grammy and Pepa, and a necessary afternoon nap, it was shaping up to be a rather full day, and we still needed to squeeze in our hunt! When we returned home from church, Nehemiah was snoozing in the car, so Ben put the eggs out for the hunt. The plan was then to wake Nehemiah up, feed him lunch, have the hunt, and then put him down for his real nap.

It turns out that Nehemiah had no plans for waking up for lunch, so we ended up letting him take his nap instead. I went in several hours later to wake him up so he could hunt his eggs and we could get ready to go to dinner. He woke up in a foul disposition, and was only calmed when he found out we were going outside--or "side" as he calls it. I got his shoes and jacket on, and out we went for the first ever Easter egg hunt. As you recall, the eggs have now been sitting in our field for a few hours. It wasn't particularly hot out, and there wasn't anything in danger of melting, so we didn't see a problem with this until further inspection upon our arrival at the site.

23 of 24 plastic eggs had been opened and emptied. That's right, no jellybeans here! Well except in one egg. We wondered how this could have happened. Birds? Surely it couldn't be the dog? Not one of the eggs was broken, and both halves of each egg were lying next to each other all over the grounds.

Surely...it couldn't be the dog?

Or rather, surely it could be the dog, we found, as the 24th egg was then discovered by the scoundrel, who gingerly picked it up in his mouth, squished it around a couple of times, popping it open and spitting it out, only to devour the last four jelly beans of our very first ever Easter egg hunt!

Of all the low, down, dirty dog stunts to pull! What devious skulduggery!

In the end it was okay. As Nehemiah ran around discovering his matchbox cars, Ben filled a few of the popped open eggs and kept Maltby at bay so that Nehemiah had the joy of his first jellybeans and his FIRST EVER EASTER EGG HUNT! Ha!

I even got some pictures for that scrapbook page. :)

Dyeing eggs the night before Easter.

Ready to head to church

What's in here?

Jellybeans!

Yum-yum!

Heading back to the house with the loot.

Adelynne's 2nd Easter outfit of the day--on our way to dinner. This little girl is a bit of a spit-up factory, so I can always plan on multiple outfits! ;)

Too funny!

2009-04-05T23:17:00.004-05:00

I was looking through some of our recent photos and came across this series...Adelynne's pjs say Kiss Me I'm Irish on them, and we asked Nehemiah to give her a kiss right after we all got up for the morning.

As you can see, Adelynne is a little less than impressed.

And this picture cracks me up--Ben calls it the "No Luke; I'm your sister!" shot. Which makes me laugh--if you don't get it, watch Star Wars again.

It's the beginning of a beautiful sibling relationship!

Quick pics!

2009-04-04T18:36:00.005-05:00

The first two pictures are from Adelynne's first week of life.

The third picture is her first trip to church in her little dress almost 3 weeks ago now!

And the last was taken last week before my camera difficulties.

I can't believe my little girl will be a month old already on Tuesday--Wow!

<3,>

Coming up for air

2009-04-03T20:59:00.004-05:00

My goodness! What a transition it is from 1 munchkin to 2! It is fun, but it has me meeting myself coming and going and feeling like I don't accomplish much other than keeping the kiddos alive and clean on a regular basis! ;)

There have been many times I wanted to sit down and blog or post pictures lately--though I'm having some minor camera issues that will take some resolving first. I am choosing to blog this because it is quick and interesting.

I saw it on the news yesterday, and it seems like a really great way to support local independent companies. I think it is structured for more metropolitan areas than where I live, but I love the concept, so I thought I'd share! It is called the 3/50 project, and the basics are that you pick your 3 favorite local companies and then spend $50 a month between them. When you spend locally--instead of at chains or big-box stores, 68% of it stays local, compared to roughly 43% of the money spent at the chains. Check out the site if you like. I think it is smart economics in times like these!

How quickly we forget...

2009-03-25T21:02:00.003-05:00

that a newborn's hair is absolutely the softest thing on earth--with their skin running a close second.
the urgency and motivation contained within their cries.
the size of their hands and feet compared to the rest of their little bodies...is it just me, or do they seem big proportionately?
the size of their burps and toots compared to the rest of their bodies-hee hee! It is always so shocking!
how tough it can be too maneuver their little limbs into clothing--or maybe how helpful my toddler is when getting dressed!
how exhausting nursing is in the beginning--I remembered the pain that I seem to experience; I did not remember just how time consuming it is, and darn that prolactin for making you even more sleepy than you already are on top of it! ;) Along with that, it is really tough to schedule trips out of the house when things are nearly an hour away, and you must nurse on the 2-3 hour mark, 'round the clock.
that you fall instantly in love at first sight, and that none of the seemingly negative stuff even really matters.
how gratitude producing it is to watch your husband bonding with his new child.
that we would do just about anything for this new little love.
just how much we love baby gowns! They make diaper changes around the house 10 times easier!
that babywearing is essential in our house!
how behind I get (incidentally, if you are waiting for our announcements or a thank you note--it's gonna' be awhile--sorry!) on EVERYTHING except laundry, which becomes even more necessary than you think it could ever be if you want the poo and urp to come out of those adorable new clothes all your generous friends and family have given you!
how my attitude when people send me plants shocks me. Believe it or not, I used to love to take care of houseplants. Now my attitude screams--I already have one child to keep alive, now a teensy baby too! Not to mention the dog! No more keeping things alive--I will NOT be responsible for more living things! It makes me laugh, but this really is my truth-be-told outlook on it.
How everyone has something to say, and how sweet almost all of it is!

Anyone else have things to add to the list? I'd love to hear more!

Adelynne's Birth Story

2009-03-08T21:02:00.002-05:00

I’d been having birthing waves on and off since, well the beginning of February really. My guess date was February 28, and though I was post-due date with my son, I kind of suspected that my second wouldn’t be that way once I started pressure waves that early!

Fortunately I have a great doctor who never even mentioned induction—even with a 2^nd “big baby” at just about 41 weeks! My favorite bit of encouragement that I heard while expecting what I suspected would be another big baby (my first was 9lbs 5 oz) was that baby fat squishes! So I told everyone that, and I believed it to my core—how true it turns out to be!

On Wednesday, I started having pressure waves 4-6 minutes apart, and because we live an hour away from the hospital, and we needed to drop our son off at our friends’ house, we decided to head into the hospital. We got there, and about an hour or two later, the contractions petered out. It looked like our little girl was working up to something, but we were still going to have to exercise patience—not my strong suit by the way! I was Group B Strep +, so the on-call doc told me it was better safe than sorry as far as my getting to the hospital timing was concerned, and that he would rather have me in 5 times for prelabor, than have her so fast that we couldn’t get her all the antibiotics through the I.V.

Thursday ended up being rather uneventful, which meant I got a good night’s sleep, for which I was grateful, and Friday, my parents arrived from out of state to visit—fortuitous since we thought they’d be coming to visit an already born baby! They got in at 1:30 pm, and we had kind of a busy day—by my design, because I thought it might get things going! We went to a late dinner and were home around 9 pm. I’d had a few pressure waves throughout the day, but nothing particularly of note, but they did seem to be picking up in both intensity and speed as I put my son down for the night. I was really concentrating on those lullabies by the end of our routine!

When I left the room around 9:30, I turned on the ContractionMaster website out of curiosity and started timing my waves. The first 2 were about 7.5 minutes apart, the next 5, the next 3.5—I decided to get into the tub to see if it slowed things down. That was the suggestion of the L&D nurse from the last time I’d been in. She said to soak for about 30 minutes or so, then get out and see if the waves started back up again. Well 15 minutes into my bath, I’d had more than 5 waves and decided it was time to go! I told Ben, we put a few last minute things in the car, I put my Easy First Stage Hypnobabies track on my iPod with my headphones, and we were off! We got to the hospital at midnight and went right up to our room.

They were doing the intake in between my birthing waves, and I was still listening on my iPod. I was able to breathe deeply with my lightswitch off during each wave, and was totally responsive in between to the questions. My first exam showed I was at a 6, which surprised everyone a little. About a half an hour after that I was at an 8, and it wasn’t long after that that I felt what I thought was my water breaking—that is unconfirmed by the staff, because I guess it didn’t look like it had broken, and they’re not really sure when it did, but I felt a very different set of sensations immediately after the strong wave with the pop in the middle. I’d been so calm and quiet to that point, and it was as if I was taken over. I was vocalizing loudly, and I would be dishonest if I didn’t admit that there was p***, but she was crowning—unbeknownst to me—I wasn’t sure what was going on since I didn’t really have the luxury of feeling my first birth.

I had put my iPod into a dock by this point and I was listening to Early First Stage still—no time to switch to Pushing Baby Out. Ben says I pushed 3 times—I honestly couldn’t tell you, but it was amazing to feel each step-first her head (14.5 in.) then her shoulders (14 in.) then her chest (14 in.) and body. Adelynne was here; 9 pounds 2.5 ounces and 20 ½ inches long! She made her grand entrance less than 2 hours after we got to the hospital—at 1:48 am. They immediately put her on my chest and waited for the cord to stop pulsing. It was the most glorious moment of bonding ever! I was clear-headed and exhilarated with awe, joy, and love at my birthing process and my beautiful little girl! We did it! The nurse said it took 8 minutes from start to finish—the doctor barely got in here and the bed was broken down just in time. With things moving as fast as they did, I had a 2^nd degree tear, but the doctor really took her time stitching, and I can already tell I am healing well from that, and I didn’t feel it happen, so it’s really not a big deal.

All of the nurses have been talking about how great things were—this is the first Hypnobabies—or Hypnosis type birth of any kind that they have seen, and they are full of good things to say; wishing all births would go that way.

Adelynne has been so alert compared to Nehemiah. I feel badly that he had all of those drugs the first time, because the difference is astounding! But without that first birth experience, I wouldn’t have had the incentive to figure out what I wanted to do differently the next time; the Lord works all things together for good.

Well, I think little Miss A is ready to nurse again—she loves that! So, I’d better run! I couldn’t have asked for a better experience, and will tell anyone who’s interested all about it! Praise the Lord with me for His faithfulness and provision, and for new life!

Adelynne is here!

2009-03-07T20:29:00.002-06:00

Hi all! I'll be writing up my birth story shortly, but I wanted to let you all know that Adelynne arrived this morning at 1:48 am. We got to the hospital at midnight, so things went really quickly! I was able to have the natural childbirth that I wanted, and she is gorgeous! 9lbs 2.5oz, 20.5 inches long with a 14.5 inch head circumference. She also nurses really well so far--hooray! Here are some pictures of our new little sweetie!

World for $1

2009-03-02T14:12:00.005-06:00

I just saw a deal where you have the possibility to get a hotel out of 15,000 the world over for $1 a night. It is a little gimmicky, because they only do it for 15 minutes a day, and they only give you hints for when that will be, but if you are interested in giving it a shot...Head on over and check out Last Minute Travel's
Visit World for $1 .
It doesn't exactly say when time runs out on this deal, so if it has expired, I am sorry. I am not going anywhere soon, or I would try it out for you! ;)

What's a girl to due?!

2009-03-01T20:53:00.003-06:00

Well, depending on who you listen to, my due date was yesterday or today. Seeing as it is highly unlikely that I will be giving birth in the next 3 hours or so, I am overdue--again! I guess my babies just like to snuggle in! ;)

Please pray that I would be patient and that I won't have to be induced--it hasn't even come up with my doctor yet, but I would really rather avoid that conversation altogether!

So, on my due-date, we had some friends over for soup, sandwiches, and Wii fun after church. A little rockin' out on Guitar Hero. I think I surprised everyone with my Pat Benatar kick while jammin' on Heartbreaker! ;) Yeah, that's right...I've still got some moves! The guys then played some Mario Kart while the ladies entertained the children. All in all, it was a fun experience, (and I guess I shouldn't be too shocked about this) that left me exhausted!

Hoping things are well with you all--I'll try to keep you posted! I love getting pictures out as fast as possible after the little one arrives, but there isn't WiFi at the hospital, so we'll see!

Great with Child

2009-02-26T18:28:00.004-06:00

Sometime it feels like that doesn't even begin to describe it! Here are some pictures Ben took real quick last night for the belly-blog update--it seems I always have one with a SUPER CHEESY grin, but I guess that's me! :)

I went to the doctor today, and he said,

Have I ever told you what a delightful job you do being pregnant? And how much I enjoy seeing you every week? Because I'll be seeing you again next week at your appointment.

What a guy! I am technically due Saturday, but it sounds like that will come and go, as my appointment next week is Wednesday. I was 9 days past my due date with Nehemiah, so I am no stranger to the experience, and there are worse things by far! It does feel a bit like an earthquake each time this little one stirs at this point. My parents will arrive next Friday, so I guess there is a chance they'll be here for the big birthing day! How fun!

Blessed

2009-02-20T21:03:00.004-06:00

It has been a week since my Blessingway. Would you like to know what a blessingway is? Here is how the hostess described it:

Blessingway ceremonies – different from a baby shower – are thought to have originated with the Navajo tribe, although similar rituals were also practiced in many other cultures. The basic premise of the ceremony is to celebrate the joy, privilege and honor of motherhood, and to encourage, uplift and energize the mother-to-be. So often in our society, pregnancy and birth have become more and more focused on the negative (the pain, the long labor, the exhaustion), and focusing on the negative is no way to enter into one of God’s most sacred of occupations! A blessingway focuses on the positive aspects, so that the cumulative strength of the mothers and women surrounding the momma-to-be can help bring her through what can be a difficult time. This ceremony is easily ‘adapted’ to a Christian view – the other women and mothers can pray and call on God’s strength and comfort for Erin so that she will know He is with her every step (and push!) of the way.

It was really great to have my friends and family actively supporting me and my choices for this second birth. There was a bead ceremony where each lady added a bead to a string for each child they have and told a positive aspect of their pregnancy or birthing or babyhood for that child. I now have a beautiful set of beads to symbolize that encouragement for me when my birthing time comes.

My mom was unable to come--there are a few miles between us! So she sent these wonderful blessings to be read--one for each of her children, as well as a prayer:

Erin

Awhile back Erin sent me a Mr. Roger's quote, "I realize that it isn't very fashionable to talk about some things as being holy. Nevertheless, if we ever want to rid ourselves of personal and corporate emptiness, brokenness, loneliness and fear, we will have to allow ourselves room for that which we cannot see, hear, touch or control." While I was carrying Erin I got to live this in a way that I had never had opportunity before. Through Erin's birth and life I have come to a new understanding of what is holy and how God works in each of us to see His holiness as He works it out in the world. From the beginning she was a beautiful gift. Her "bounce" and laughter have been like sunshine to me more times than she can possibly remember or know. May your daughter be her own uniquely crafted gift to you and to the world. May you see by her light things that you may never have seen on your own. And may your heart soar at the sight of them.

John

Ah, the blessing of boys! You have already come to taste a little of that. When he was very little one of John's favorite books was "I'll Love You Forever." In the beginning of it the mom rocks her new born son and sings, "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my baby you'll be." At the end of the book the grown boy sings to his elderly mom, "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my Mommy you'll be." Erin, may your children rise up to call you blessed. May they love you forever, like you for always and praise God for your influence on their lives.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

You have called Erin to be a mother. Thank you for choosing to bring life into the world through her. I pray that You will make her worthy of her calling. Strengthen and encourage her, fulfill every resolve she has for good and every work she undertakes by faith with which to bless her family and bring glory to You, her Savior. By Your grace make her children Yours. I pray that this new little one, Adelynne, will be a delight to You and to her parents. Bring Erin and Ben such joy in her that they know it can only come from You.

In Your Holy Name, Amen

My mom based the prayer on 2Thessalonians 1:11-12, because she's awesome like that!

Each lady also lit a small candle around the bigger one--which I lit. They took home their candle, and they are going to light them and say a prayer for me when they hear that either I am in the process of having Adelynne or am a Mommy to our sweet addition! I think that is a really neat thing to think on!

They also prayed over me with a laying on of hands, which was powerful and uplifting! How wonderful to have these women who have gone before and with me in this endeavor supporting me and lifting me up to the Lord in prayer!

There were also many yummy treats, and though they were not the purpose of this gathering, everyone was very generous in their gift giving--I'm going to have the cutest baby girl on the block (make that acre--lol)!

My friend Lisa's daughter, Sydni took the pictures while I was busy soaking in blessings!

The budding photographer herself.

Sorry for the delinquent post--we have been laid up sick here at the Frank house this week. Nehemiah has his first ear infections--yep--one in each ear, and I have had a wretched cold! I went to my OB appointment today, and apparently Adelynne is hanging on to my ear lobes, and I may be vying for the Lakes area record for longest pregnancy (not that funny of a joke actually, thank you doctor--especially since I am technically 39 weeks tomorrow!). I guess we'll see what happens, but I am sure the Lord will be faithful in His timing for us, Adelynne, and our support team! We covet your prayers in the meantime!

Snow Tubing

2009-02-20T20:55:00.004-06:00

We went out to camp to see some friends who were visiting from out of state (About 2 weeks ago) and making great nighttime use of the tubing hill! Nehemiah really enjoyed zipping around on the snow with Ben--here are some shots:

Some true Valentine's Lovin'

2009-02-15T08:24:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I was having a great conversation with friends about the difference between religion for the sake of religion, and religion as an outpouring of love from our Lord, who is indeed Love. I knew what I wanted to say, and how I felt, but I was having a difficult time articulating it! Anyway, I was on my cyber-friend Sarah's blog, and she had a twitter update that linked to an article that articulated it! How timely! I particularly found this quote to pertain to our conversation:

Before: Tough Love is withholding Love from others as a means of disapproval or attempt to bring change. Now: Tough Love is Loving others without condition, regardless of the result.

The rest of the article is wonderful! If you're interested, please head over here and read it!

Hope you had a great V-Day!

We did! Ben made a yummy Coffee Cake for breakfast, took me to lunch, and grilled pork chops and potatoes for dinner on the 13th which is when we technically celebrated. Last night he was cooking the Sweetheart's dinner out at camp for the Valentine's Retreat. I got a day out with friends, and then when he came home, we watched So I Married an Axe Murderer, an ate Strawberry Ice Cream with a few Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate French Truffles mixed in! Talk about indulgent!

A Renewed Purpose

2009-02-08T21:00:00.002-06:00

Perhaps you have been wondering what has happened in the Saga of the Squirrel since I last posted about it here. I haven't been deliberately eluding you on the subject, there has just been absolutely nothing to report. Zippo. Zilch. Nada.

We haven't seen any squirrels since the beginning of December, of any color. No reds, grays, blacks, purples (ha!). That is until this morning.

I looked out the window as I was eating my breakfast, and there was a little red squirrel eating sunflower seeds on the ground under the bird feeder.

I started shrieking the word, Squirrel! Repeatedly. And my dog, who normally tosses a glance toward the window and then charges for the door looked at me as if I'd lost my mind. For a good 20 seconds. It even took Ben awhile to realize what was happening so he could hype Maltby up and show him that it was really true.

Then the fracas began. Running and barking and jumping and squealing (by Nehemiah). Maltby rushed out the door; though by this time the squirrel was well aware that something was happening that he ought to be concerned about and was long up the tree.

Oh well. Our dog is getting fat. In a way I hope the squirrel comes back. My guys could all use the exercise. Ben's plan is to let it get nice and comfortable and bring some of its friends to the seed feed before he begins to exact his revenge for the incident. I'll let you know how it goes.

PS--If I don't post for awhile, don't be too worried. I have caught the crud that is going around, and I was having contractions--or as they call them in Hypnobabies...birthing or pressure waves all yesterday. It was just a warm up, but I had really convinced myself that this little one wouldn't be coming until March! That could still be the case, but I am a little low energy currently, so I'm making no promises! ;)