Christmas, family, friends, a date...and a reprieve from school!

                         

Wow! One week of Christmas break is already gone! We squeezed in a trip to the Creation Museum, had Christmas with my parents, Christmas with our family, a Christmas dinner with Roger's family and our friends, had a date night, a traveled to Wausau for an extended Prahl family Christmas! Too much rich food, not as much activity, and lots of sweets is reassuring me that my New Years resolution is to get back on my diet! :) 

We've been blessed by an abundance of generous friends and family that have reached out to us in so many ways this Christmas season. God has shown Himself strong, and it's provided a great opportunity to allow us to talk to our children about how much God will always love and provide for us. We are thankful for the generosity from so many of our family and friends, and it has been humbling to receive the abundant shower of gifts and love from so many...thank you. 

We've had a great week, and instead of writing about all the details, I've just included a few snapshots of our activities! Merry Christmas!

                   

                    

                        

The Lull in the storm!

We've had some pretty amazing things happen to our family in the last few days. I want to be sure that I'm remembering the great memories and experiences as well as the ones that don't seem as wonderful. :) 

We had our college and career Christmas party last Friday, and Roger and I both enjoyed our time with this class. It's often a lot of work to find babysitters, coordinate events, and have activities, but we do enjoy it. Our friends, Phil and Autumn graciously came to our house to watch our five young ones as it wasn't a party for little ones! :) 

On Saturday, Roger left home early to go cut wood with my dad. However when the boys woke up, they immediately asked if they could go cut wood with daddy. So after breakfast, and chores, we got everyone dressed to go wood cutting. I dropped the four boys off with Roger, and then Emma and I headed to town to drop off a meal for one of the ladies in our church. 

Somehow I ended up with a little extra time, so I texted my friend, Autumn to see if she was available for a coffee date. We had a great visit at Target, and I was able to have a deep heart-to-heart conversation. Sometimes those heart-to-heart conversations are difficult because I just don't know where to start or how to say what I what to say. Thankfully, Autumn is full of patience! :) My heart was greatly encouraged and I am so blessed by her friendship. We spent several hours talking and wandering around Target. :) (We did lose Emma once, but we found her! It was a scary thirty seconds when she wandered away too quickly, but God is good!) 

After my visit, I dropped off the meal, and headed to spend time with another dear friend. Jenna and I have had our date planned since November, and I was definitely looking forward to spending some uninterrupted time with her. My husband is very understanding and although he was tired from wood cutting, he came and picked up Emma so that just Jenna and I could visit. And visit we did...for hours! We never ran out of things to say or what to talk about, and I am often challenged my her growth in The Lord. I've been saved longer, but she's grown so much since she got saved that I am often challenged to answer why I believe what I believe. We have deep conversations and light conversations, but God has blessed me with a few amazing friends. 

However, I don't know very many husbands that would do all that Roger does for me. He watches our children, loves our kids, loves me, desires to do what is best for our family, he has stuck with difficult decisions, and is passionate about his desire to be faithful to The Lord, raise our children, and strengthen our marriage. I love him, and I'm so thankful that God blessed me with this man. 

Sunday was a full day with church and our college snack night. When we arrived home after Sunday morning church, we received a phone call. (I had misplaced my crockpot months ago at an event I attended. It was found, and the person who returned it to us made lunch for us!) Rebecca and Ben had found my crockpot, made lunch in it, and then Ben and his dad came out to drop off the crockpot. What a great surprise! 

Another huge blessing on Sunday came from an unexpected source. In between services, a lady came up to Roger and handed him a Christmas card. When we opened it at home, the note said that she and her husband try to find a family to be a blessing to every year at Christmas time.  They picked our family, and they blessed us with a generous gift of money! Since this was an unexpected blessing, I'm looking forward to using the gift of money in a very special way...more on that in the next few days! :) 

On Monday we were planning in having dinner with a couple from church that we'd like to get to know better. It ended up not working out, but Katie and Dane had already made the main dish in Sunday. Katie gave me the dish on Sunday night, so I didn't have to cook supper on Monday night! Woo hoo!!

The boys have been having a difficult time focusing at school this week...maybe because Christmas break starts on Friday?! :)

Friday, December 19,2014

Well, the whole week has flown by...literally! Roger has been trying to fly a lot to make up for the hours hs missed while the weather was terrible, we've been busy with school, making cookies, and visiting wi friends. On Tuesday, we had the opportunity to go with our friends, the Hammonds, to a park that was lit up with lots of Christmas lights. It was free, we had a great time of fellowship, and afterwards we enjoyed dinner together. 

Wednesday was busy with school, house cleaning, and baking cookies. A friend, Gretchen, watched our kids while I did plasma, and Roger did some more flying. The Schilders graciously invited us to supper at their house, so I didn't have to cook on Wednesday night either...wow! :) The Schilders also suprised our family with several gifts for the kids and a special gift for Roger and I. I am just so amazed at how many people have reached out with open arms to our family this Christmas season! My heart has been greatly encouraged by several good talks with some Godly women. I know that we can survive and thrive through this experience, by God's grace!

On Thursday, I did school, cleaned someone's home, finished up some cookies, dropped off several bags of treats to a few friends, and made it to the ladies meeting that night! The kids have enjoyed helping with the  cookies, and I'm trying to just let things go! :) 

Today was the last day of school before break-hallelujah! My dad planned a  Christmas party for the boys, and Travis skipped out on his four-k class to come to the party! :) The boys had a great time at the party, while Emma and I stayed at home. She made lots of messes, while I tried to address Christmas cards and make cookie boxes. :) When the boys came home from school, we made homemade taco seasoning for the Sunday School teachers at our church. I try to give a small practical gift every year, and this year it's taco seasoning. Since the boys helped put it all together, my house smells like taco seasoning! :) After that adventure, we headed up to SAMs club. I am planning dinner on Christmas Eve at our house, and also a Christmas brunch. There was also a party for the adult Sunday school class, but since we are out of babysitting money for the month, we didn't go. It's okay though, because we had a great time as a family. The boys ate lots of samples, tried out all the chairs and couches, looked at books, and we laughed our way through the evening. After Sam's Club, we went to the mall. We actually didn't even buy anything at the mall other than the boys using some of their money to shoot targets. So they did that with Roger, while Emma and I wandered around. It was a very relaxing evening with our family, and these are the memories that I hold close to my heart. We are so blessed!

We decided to go and visit the Creation Museum with the money that we were given on Sunday! I'll be leaving on Sunday afternoon with the kids, my sister, and my parents. It doesn't look like Roger will be able to go with us since the weather looks to be good and his instructor will be back in town. While I'm disappointed about that, I am so excited to go to the museum! My parents took the older boys last year, and they still talk about it! Also, children are free though the end of 2014, so I want to take advantage of the fact that I won't have to pay for them! :) We are very excited about this little trip! We will be leaving on Sunday after church, and we will be back late Tuesday night, Lord willing. We'd appreciate your prayers as we travel. 

                                       Our family date night!

Digging out of the mud!

So, my life feels like a mud puddle, my emotions are raw, and depression and weariness are heavy on my heart. (Don't look so amazed...you've been there too!) Please understand that I'm not trying to gather sympathy or anything else. I'm merely explaining where I'm coming from...and this is the calmed down version of my writings!  And keep in mind, that my blogging is my life journal; and someday I'll want to go back and read my entries.

            

For the last few weeks now, I've been feeling down, discouraged, and battling depression. I consider myself to be a fairly upbeat person, smiley, trying to see the best in others, and trying to see and meet the needs of those around me.  However, lately I've just been wanting to crawl under the covers and curl up. I think somewhat just to find out if anyone would notice. 

There are lots of dynamics to this equation but perhaps the greatest reason is that for the first time in several long months, I've given myself permission to really think. For the last several months, I've just been trying to keep my head above water and survive. Now that our family is back together, satan is using differnt tactics to attack us. However in thinking, I'm coming to realize that this is not where I anticipated our family being at Christmas. Homeschooling is hard work for me, my husband is feeling the stress of a lot of different decisions, I feel like I pour my heart and my soul into various friends and my family, but it's not always reciprocated like I was anticipating. I'm tired of the Holy Spirit gently reminding me to text that person, bring this one some coffee, stop by that persons home and see how their doing, calling, writing notes...in truth, I'm  just weary. 

Did you know that in the six months my husband was gone, he can count on one hand the people that called, texted, or wrote a note? No wonder he feels tired and discouraged himself. I fear that we are two drowning people with one leaking raft between us. I wonder what would be different in our lives if someone had reached out their hand to him. Did anyone feel the Holy Spirits prompting and just not respond?! 

So, I am certain that I am not the only person that has ever felt this way! And now I'm working on digging out of the mud. I know that these aren't instant solutions, but I'm hoping that as I dwell on the truths I know to be true, I'll find myself feeling better.

Whenever someone asks my dad how he is doing, he always replys, "oh, better than I deserve." How true that is! I am much better than I deserve. I know I have a home in heaven, a husband that loves me far more than I deserve, five beautiful children, and so many more things. Counting my blessings is helping me focus on all that God has already blessed me with. 

Joy...Jesus first, others second, yourself last. I'm still plugging away at my Bible reading schedule, and I'm working on putting my children's and husbands needs above my own. So, yes, I crawl out of bed in the morning, do all the things that mamas and wives do, and keep trying to respond joyfully to all the Holy Spirits pricks on encouraging or helping others around me. Today, I had a difficult time focusing on joy. It's been a long week and I splurged and bought coffee from McDonald's for my mom and I. When we arrived at school, Garett eagerly asked if he could bring the coffee inside. I hesitantly replied yes because the parking lot is slippery. He assured me that he would be very careful. However, he had just picked up the coffee and closed the car door when his feet slipped out from under him and there went the coffee! He felt absolutely terrible, and he was very upset. The Lord helped me keep my mouth shut, and I assured him that I knew it was an accident; and it could've happened to anyone. And God helped me survive the morning without coffee. 

I need to remember to focus on what is true. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on what is true, lovely, pure, honest, and of good report. My feelings aren't always an accurate measurement of what is true, and I need to be reminded of that. 

While I feel very lonely right now, and my poor husband doesn't really know how to help me, I know that the promises of God are still true. He will always be with me. He loves me. He's forgiven me. He doesn't withhold good gifts from his children. I am His child. 

Psalms 61:2

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

  

                         

Christmas Preparations

We are already well into December, and I am not feeling as ready for Christmas as I typically do this time of year. I think it has to do with a myriad of reasons from sick kids, to this being a "different" Christmas for us, and my time seems to be so limited! 

Roger and I have both been battling serious bouts of discouragement in the last few days, but in the middle of that God has also shown Himself strong. On Saturday afternoon, I was feeling particularly discouraged about a certain incident, when out of the blue, a friend called me. This is a friend to whom I enjoy talking to, but we don't do much together. However, Tressa called me to say that she and her friend, Heather, wanted to take myself and another lady from church out to lunch on Sunday afternoon.    My husband was more than happy to let me go and do this, so I said "yes." I made lunch for the boys and Roger for Sunday afternoon, and Roger called up his friend, Sean. Since Sean's wife, Gretchen, was the other lady invited, it made sense to Roger to invite Sean and his kids over for lunch at our house. 

So after church on Sunday, I headed to lunch with my friends, while Roger and Sean ate lunch with the nine children at our house...two entirely different dining experiences! :) Tressa and Heather took Gretchen and I to "The Melting Pot" restaurant. Neither Gretchen nor I had ever been, and it was such a fun and enjoyable dining experience. We had a wonderful time chatting, enjoying each other's company, and eating a delicious meal...wow! 

                           

After lunch, we went to the mall for a bit. I don't know that I've ever gone to the mall just to walk around and try on clothes! All my mall excursions consisted of hauling five kids around to do a few very particular errands in the mall. Or if for some strange reason I'm by myself, I don't take the time to browse the clothing racks and try on clothes. (Maybe that's why I feel out dated and homely when I go to the mall!) :) The four of us had a great time laughing, talking, and laughing! :) The ladies very sweetly and kindly bought be a beautiful new dress along with earrings and a necklace. I love it...and I feel up to date, stylish, and modest! :)

By now you know that I have a very amazing husband. :) He never, ever, complains about watching the kids or me going out with friends. I'm very blessed to have a husband to works to meet my needs, and does his best to help and encourage me. These last few months haven't been easy for him, and I notice small stress lines and a few more gray hairs that weren't there are few months ago. I have a few very specific requests that I'm praying for in Roger's life, and I'm looking forward to continuing to see God work in and through him.

Monday, December 8

This morning the weather was sloppy with ice and snow on the ground. It was a busy day with school, house cleaning, and meal preparations for having company over for dinner tonight. I did manage to squeeze in a plasma appointment, and Roger did get in a few hours of flying. His goal is to have this instrument rating before Christmas...and since we aren't giving gifts, that would be the perfect gift for me! :) 

We had a great time with our dinner guests last night. It was nice to have people over for dinner again. With Roger being gone all summer, we didn't have families over for dinner, and it was nice to fellowship with dinner guests again. Ben and Lois are a sweet couple with two children, and we had a great time around  the dinner table. 

I saw this quote today and it was exactly what I needed. 

"If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you Look at God, you'll be at rest." Corrie ten Boom

"....and His name shall be called...the Prince of Peace" Isaiah 9:6

Photos from our Christmas decorating!

We've been busy fighting sickness in our house, as I know many others have been doing the same! Travis was the first to get sick, and he generously shared with his siblings, parents, aunt, and grandparents! :)

My friend, Heather, kindly brought us supper tonight. I was very appreciative as it's been a long day. We managed to have school, get everyone fed and dressed, but this mama is tired! So far,  Roger has managed to escape being sick; hopefully, it will stay that way! 

T-H-A-N-K-S-G-I-V-I-N-G

Things I'm thankful for in THANKSGIVING:

T....traditions. I'm thankful that although we aren't tied down to traditions, they hold a special place in our lives.

H...home. It's not always a clean, tidy home, but it's a haven for our children. It shelters us from so many things.

A...Attitude. So much of my day depends on my attitude. A happy heart is a reflection of a life centered on Christ. I'm thankful that if my attitude is poor, it can be fixed! :)

N...Nearness. I'm thankful that we are together as a family again. Being apart for such a length of time, makes me more thankful that we are together again. 

K...Kindness...words spoken in kindness can make a complete difference in my life and in my children. I desire to have words of kindness.

S...Scripture. I've been reading through the Bible and I'm so thankful for the freedom to read Gods Word for myself. Also, my spouse, Roger, as life wouldn't be the same without him.

G...God's gifts....God has blessed me so much, but I'm especially thankful for my salvation. And I'm thankful for my five precious children. 

I....interruptions. A difficult thing to be thankful for in the middle of my day, but these interruptions are a time to give glory to God whether it's a child who needs me, a meal to be made, a text to reply to, or an argument to settle. Each interruption is an opportunity to be thankful to God. 

V....A voice to praise Him, and to reflect glory and praise to the name of Jesus Christ.

I....Independence. It's easy to get bogged down by all the wrong choices our country is making, but we are so blessed to live in this land. We have the freedom to worship God, free speech, and to raise our children to love God. While these freedoms are being chipped away at, we still have much to be thankful for in this country. 

N....New snow. I know...who likes snow?! I do! I love the fresh snow that God has given us and it's another reflection on what God has done for me. He has washed my sins away and made me white as snow. 

G...Grandparents. I'm thankful that my children are loved by their grandparents, and that we live close to my parents so that the kids can interact with them often.

Thanksgiving and a Christmas tree!

November 24, 2014, Monday

Ahh...gently falling snow, crockpot chili for supper, along with tired, happy, children makes for a contented evening at home. 

It started out as a typical Monday morning...the one where we rush around to get everything done, run out the door, only to realize that someone forgot something important! The weather was rainy and dreary this morning, which does not help move slow children along! 

Right after school this morning, I went to Oshkosh to fit in a plasma appointment. We also had to stop by the pharmacy to pick up the rest of Wyatt's medicine. (He managed to pick up some sort of infection, and we took a visit to the walk in clinic yesterday. However, the pharmacy didn't have enough medicine, so we had to pick up the rest today.) My mom took the older two boys since they still had some school work to finish up. The thought of going to Oshkosh with three small children was not exactly on my "fun" list, but since we have some bills that need paying, it's one small way to make progress! 

By the time we finished with our errands, the rain had changed to snow which resulted in icy roads. I was thankful to make it to my parents house to pick up the older boys and then we headed home. Once we were home, Emma went down for a nap, while the others dressed themselves to go outside. Although the snow was wet and sloppy, the boys didn't care a bit! They were outside for over three hours entertaining themselves and having a great time. 

I finished up some baking for our pie and praise service tomorrow night, made a big crockpot of chili, and worked on our endless supply of laundry. Roger wasn't able to get any flying in today because of the wet, icy, conditions, but hopefully, he will be able to finish up soon! 

Funny moment of the day: Travis told me how glad he was that I was his mama. I paused to look at him and told him I loved him. He said, "yeah, I'm glad you came with our family. That way we didn't have to go out and buy a mama." I was completely confused! However, somewhere in his mind, his wires were crossed and that was his thinking! :) 

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Wow, the week flew by! We had a pie and praise service on Tuesday night, which was a fun and enjoyable time. We were supposed to have school on Tuesday, but we ended up having a snow day because we had to shovel the snow at the school house. Since by dad is on his hunting trip to Montana, we shoveled some of the snow at the church building. It was hard work with three boys, but they stuck with it. It took us a while, but we finished it in time to get Travis from 4k. However, it meant that we couldn't fit in a school day. We did get in our reading for the day, but I was exhausted after shoveling for two hours! 

On Wednesday we did school, shopped for groceries for Thanksgiving dinner, and spent some of the evening at our friends, Rick and Molly's. My sister, Jenn, came home for the weekend. She watched the boys while Roger and I had a fun evening with friends. The boys were more than happy to stay at home with Aunt Jenn, and it gave Roger, myself, and Emma, an enjoyable visit. We had a lot of laughs, great fellowship, and good food...fun times! 

Thursday....Thanksgiving day. We hosted at our house, but we had a small get together. Roger's two brothers, Dale and David came. My mom and sister, Jenn, came to dinner also. We did have some excitement when the tablecloth lit on fire and it was a little crazy for a bit! We had a paper tablecloth on the table, and one of our young sons accidently lit it on fire. Thankfully, Roger was able to get out the fire, but he does have some burns on his hands. I'm thankful that God protected us as it could have been much worse. 

We had an enjoyable dinner together, watched a movie, and got out the Christmas decorations. The boys have been very excited about getting a tree, so we told them we would get one on Friday. 

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday,

We did manage to squeeze in our tree cutting excursion on Friday. I had the kids dressed for outside and ready to go as soon as Roger walked in the door. I had called the tree farm earlier in the afternoon and they said that since they knew we would be coming, they would stay open for us! (How awesome is that?!)  

My sister, Jenn, came with us to cut a tree; and we all piled into our car. It's about a twenty minute drive to the Heritage Tree Farm, but I knew it wouldn't take the boys long to pick out a tree. :) The tree farm has sleds to haul the cut trees back to the barn, but in our case, we needed four sleds. Why? Well, because back behind the barn is a nice sledding hill; and since there is snow on the ground, we had to check out the sledding hill! :) By the time we picked out a tree, it was close to dark. We made the same mistake we've made for the last several years of going to this farm. We thought we had one type of tree, but it was actually a different type. Thankfully, we haven't ever picked out the most expensive tree, but next year we are taking a tree guide with us! :) 

This was Emma's second tree cutting experience, but she was a lot of fine this year. This was her first time wearing all her snow gear, and when I put her on her feet, she promptly fell over backwards! She was like a turtle on her back with all her winter gear on. She loved the sledding hill and enjoyed the snow. She just had to stick close to someone so that she could hang on to them. :) 

I love going on our Christmas tree hunt, whether it's at tree farm, the great outdoors in Alaska, or my parents backyard. We have such fun memories of each year that we've cut down our tree, and I love these moments with our children. 

When we arrived home, Roger got to work setting the Christmas tree in it's stand, I fixed supper, and the boys gathered up all the lights to make sure they worked. Travis had seemed fine all day, but after supper he just wanted to sit in the chair. He didn't want to help decorate, and he didn't seem to be feeling well. However, the other boys and Emma were more than excited to help! 

By Saturday morning, Travis was running a fever. He was content to stay on the couch while the boys played outside, did their chores, and made lots of noise. Travis moved from the couch to the bed and back to the coach all day. While it does give me one less child to keep track of, I miss my chattering, bubbly, little boy. 

Since my sister is town for the weekend, she graciously agreed to watch our children this afternoon so that we could go on a date! Woohoo!  Roger first went to the hanger to fly for an hour on the simulator, while I went to the YMCA. Our membership ends next Friday, so I'm trying to make the most of our last week. :) We tried out a new coffee shop, walked around for a bit, talked a lot, and enjoyed our time together. I'm so thankful that my sister watches the kids when she's in town, as the boys all love her so much. She gave the boys haircuts, took them to McDonald's, and plays games with them...no wonder they love her! Travis went along to McDonald's, but Jenn said he didn't eat much. By the time we arrived home from our date, he was running a bit of fever again.

Sunday

Roger took the three older boys to church, while I stayed home with Travis and Emma. Travis seems to be feeling much better, but his nose is running like a waterfall. Emma is feeling fine; but since there will be a dinner after the morning service, I'll keep her home so that she can nap. I actually had a very productive morning with cleaning, laundry, reading books, and wiping Travis's nose every thirty seconds! I enjoyed my time with my two little ones, although I did miss being in church today. 

It was a busy week with lots of fun and memories. Roger is going to try to fly with the instructor this week, and we are praying that the weather will work out for him to do that. 

Friends or fearful acquaintance? Being a Friend to "THAT" mama...the mama with all those young ones!

                         

"Bear he one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

Galatians 6:9 "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

This summer I've learned some amazing things. God has used people, events, and my children to draw me closer to Himself. One of the things I've learned is how difficult it can be to be my friend. You see...I'm the mama with lots of young ones (four boys, 8,6,5,4 and a little girl), the mama that is homeschooling, involved in my church, addicted to spending time with my husband and kids, as well as trying to squeeze in time to exercise, socialize with friends, and see the needs of those around me. 

I have some wonderful friends, and I have been abundantly blessed by so many of them these past few months. For the most part, my friends have learned how to put up with me. But often I feel like I don't quite fit in anywhere. I'm thirty one with five small kids, so I kinda fit in with the young moms that have one or two children. But since I have so many children, most mamas that have five children are a few years older than myself. 

However, I have a few suggestions on how to be a friend to the mama with lots of kids. Chances are you are either the mama with lots of young kids, or you'll meet a mama with lots of young kids and want to be her friend. 

One...realize that you are the one intimidated...not the mom with the kids! I am not intimidated by my children, and I LOVE to spend time with them! If you are a little nervous about having all those young ones at your house...go to her house! I can almost guarantee that she'll be delighted to see you inspite of the sink full of dishes, the bathroom that has toothpaste in the tub, and the fact that she'll have to wipe off the chair before you sit down. It's my life, and I'm okay with it! Life might seems like chaos to you at my house, but you'll never know what a blessing you are to me! I realize that lots of kids are loud and crazy and overwhelming, but it's where I'm at...and for the most part, I'm loving it! 

Two...coffee! I'm pretty sure that God made the coffee bean specifically for the tired mama! Another way you can be a blessing is by just showing up with coffee in hand. One of my friends, Beka, who is only able to visit once a month, often brings me coffee. Mamas with lots of little ones are home ...alot...so coffee is always welcome! Beka has shown up with coffee in hand, an understanding smile, and four kids...we relate well! :) 

Three....time! One of the most valuable gifts we have is the gift of time. How we use it will greatly impact others. Please understand that the mama with lots of young ones would love to spend one-on-one time with you, but that's just not a reality! While I don't mind the occasional trip away from my kids for some "girl time", most of the time you're going to have to take me as I am, along with five kids in tow. Time is scarce for everyone and to fit everything in is a challenge that everyone faces. May I suggest that you not ask me what day works for me to have a visit? Chances are that I'll never get back to you. Not because I don't want to, but I simply have too many things to work around...like homeschooling, doctors appointments, my husband, church responsibilities, my neighbors, and my family. A better suggestion would be for you to tell me, "Hey, I'm free on ---- day this week, is there a chance I can come by for a visit?" Or, if you're comfortable having ALL those kids at your house, feel free to suggest that she come to your home. :) (However, understand that while the mama might have a great visit at your house, she'll probably realize that her kids are going to have more fun on their own turf...unless you have a whole passel of young ones yourself!) :)

Four...text! I realize that modern technology is sometimes frowned upon because it takes the place of face-to-face talking or voice-to-voice calling. However, in my mama zone, it's much easier for me to reply if you text me. I probably have 1/2 dozen text drafts in my phone right now that I need to finish and send. But, I can reply to your text in a sentence or two while I load the dishwasher, solve the worlds problems for my four year old, or fold the laundry (actually, that's a lie...I rarely fold the laundry until I have no more empty baskets!) Sometimes a phone conversation is needed if you are needing a long conversation, but the majority of the time a text is much more likely to get an answer. On the note of texting, it's easy! How long does it take to write a text telling someone that you prayed for them or that you're thinking of them? Just do it! You'll be a great encouragement to someone today! 

Five...when I offer to watch your kids...I mean it! IF I offer to watch your kids (and you probably only have one or two), my offer is sincere. Really! I know that perhaps to you, it seems like a whole lot of kids; but in my world, it's the more the merrier. Honestly, once I've reached a certain level of craziness, adding a few more is no big deal. My kids always enjoy having other children to play with and if I offer to watch your kids you can rest assured that I like your kids. (Ever once in a blue moon, I'll watch someone's kids that I don't really like, but that's rare!) As a general rule, kids play well with other kids, so adding yours to the mix isn't going to upset the load. My friend,  Gretchen, gave me this gift several times in the last months. She always seemed to enjoy my kids, she offered me a much needed reprieve by myself, and I never felt like she wasn't sincere when she offered. 

Six...grace. Give this mama lots of grace, please. Yep, my kids aren't perfect, sometimes they scrap and fight, sometimes their manners are lacking, but please, please give me grace. I can guarantee I'm working on something with each of my children. And while it may seem like I'm letting something slide, chances are likely that it's not a battle I'm working on at the moment. I probably recognize that my child interrupted me, but perhaps my battle is immediate obedience. Or yes, they forgot to say thank you, and I had to remind them, but at least they refrained from licking their plate! I probably realize that my child has mismatched socks and his shirt is on backwards, but hey, I know that they put on clean underwear today! On the other hand, if my child isn't behaving in a God honoring manner, please feel free to correct them...just have grace with them as you do yourself. :) I've corrected a few children that aren't mine, and honestly it doesn't bother me to do it. I just try to always offer praise first then constructive criticism. A few of my pet peeves that I hope you can help me with are the following: disrespectfulness, disobedience, and burping in public (I know...it's an odd one; but that drives me bonkers, and granted, I'm working on far, far more things, but I only have so much room here!) 

Seven...pray. If you can do nothing else, pray! The prayers of Godly friends is what brings me through the difficult days. It sooths my spirit, refreshes my mind, and shelters me from Satans darts. I have two friends, Jenna and Autumn, that I know pray for me every day. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for the prayers of these prayer warriors. Both of these women have far fewer children than I, but they have reached out to me inspite of not always understanding where I'm coming from. Over the past few months, they've reached outside their comfort zone to try to uplift my spirits and provide a listening ear. It's hard to get that need fulfilled when you live thirty minutes to nowhere and have a passel of young ones! 

Surely I'm not the only mama that has these thoughts, right?! 

Another week gone...where?!

November 17, 2014

Monday? Again? None of the kids were very excited about school today, but we only have a few more days until Thanksgiving break! (Pretty sure that I'm just as excited as they are about the break!) 

After I finished with Wyatt, listening to the boys read, and picking up Travis, I headed home. Wyatt had a rough day at school, and he showed every indication of needing a nap! So my mom graciously offered to keep the older boys until Roger was done with his work. Yes! Maybe I would get a nap! :) Emma was scheduled to have a doctors appointment this afternoon; but since the boys badly needed a nap, I rescheduled it. Emma was asleep before we were even home, but thankfully she stayed asleep while I carried her in the house. I gave the little boys a snack, and I called the chiropractor. I've been having headaches since last Wednesday when I was smacked in the head with a volleyball. I was grateful to hear that they had an appointment available for 4:00 pm. I put two crabby boys in our bed and crawled in beside them. Travis was asleep in five minutes, with Wyatt only a few more minutes behind. :) Our house was beautifully quiet for over two hours...I loved every minute! :) 

When I woke up from rest time, I saw that I had received a text on my phone. My friend, that was going to take a meal to one of our dear ladies  that recently had a baby, was sick and unable to make a meal. I wanted to make sure this dear mama got a meal, so I looked through my freezer and fridge to see what I could make. I came up with egg casserole, French toast bake, and fruit. It wasn't my finest meal, but I knew the family would be thankful. I finished up that and ran out the door for my chiropractor appointment. I actually felt worse after the appointment, but that's often the case for a little bit after my appointment. I'll be going back next week for a follow up visit. 

After the chiropractor, we came home, picked up the meal, and went to deliver it. Just Roger and I dropped off the meal, while the kids stayed in the car. I'm thankful for the opportunity to show this family that our church cares for them. I'm looking forward to visiting with the mama and the new baby soon...Roger is hoping I don't get baby fever! :) 

Since we were already out, we picked up some light bulbs from Menards, had a quick visit at the YMCA, and I picked up the ingredients I needed for Travis's treat for school tomorrow. 

Because of all our errands, the boys were in bed a little later than planned. By the time we came home, ate supper, and had Bible time, it was past bed time! 

Roger has been busy with helping out someone with some work, which is nice. However, it also seems that he doesn't have the time to put into flying like we had hoped. Somehow we have to find a balance, but how?! 

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

A much slower paced day today for myself and the kids, which I liked! :) After school, the boys all played outside while I made lunch. Emma took a great nap today, while the boys helped me clean up their room, clean the living room, and kept the fire going. 

Wyatt helped me bake another meal for a friend that had a baby recently. (Apparently, it's a baby month!) We made cookies, casserole, and taco shells. Since I was making a meal for a friend, we made a meal for Wyatt's speech teacher also. We keep planting seeds and praying for God to give the increase. 

Roger has been gone all day today, trying to work on something, help a friend, and squeeze in his flying. While I miss him, I just want this DONE! :) 

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

A little more snow was gently falling when the boys woke up this morning, so they all had to go outside a play for a bit before we left for school. It meant that beds didn't get made this morning, and breakfast was eaten in the car, but I had four delighted children that romped in the snow! :) 

Wyatt had a speech lesson this morning, and he remembered to bring his treat for his teacher. She has helped Wyatt so much, and I am so blessed to have her as our friend. Unfortunately Wyatt feels that on the days that he has speech lessons, he doesn't need to do numbers or letters. However, his mama disagrees! :) 

The boys both had tests today, so that made our school day a little shorter. Chandler didn't do very well on his test today, scoring an 87%, so he was a little bummed about that. He gets his lofty acedemic goals from his Aunt Jennifer! :) Garett just trots along in school with the attitude of "whatever will be, will be". :)  

After we came home from school, the boys finished up the things that they hadn't done this morning, and then they headed back outside. What a difference a few years can make! The four boys can now completely dress themselves to go outside without my help. The mittens rarely match, but they have something on their hands! 

Tonight is Kings Kids, and since we are going into town, I'm hoping to get some grocery shopping done, and a trip to Goodwill.  Garett has two winter coats....neither of which have a zipper that zips! He's been wearing lots of layers underneath, but with the temperatures colder lately, we are going to have to find out a different solution. We also have a meal to drop off at a friends house, so the time will fly. Roger will be flying this afternoon, so I'll have the five kiddos with me. :) While I usually enjoy shopping, I have to remind myself that this is probably not fun for five small kids! :)

Friday, November 21,2014

I'm so thankful that GOD always hears our prayers! I've been concerned about the condition of Garett's coat, but I haven't been able to find one that fits him and the budget. However, my mom went to a yard sale yesterday (it was inside!) and she saw a brand new coat. It was a size 10/12, and it still had the tags on it! My mom called me to say that she had bought Garett a coat for $8.00! It never ceases to amaze me how God provides exactly what we need when we need it! 

My other blessing from yesterday was dinner at someone else's house! Roger and I need fellowship, and God met that prayer request too. Jenna and Ryan Shubert invited us to their house for supper, and it was so refreshing and encouraging to us. Granted...a small space with six kids indoors can get a little loud, but no one complained! :) We are blessed with great friends, and I love to visit with them. 

Did I mention that I can't wait for Thanksgiving break?! The kids know that when Aunt Jenn comes to Wisconsin, it will be time for school break! So, I need to tell my sister that she can't come until Wednesday afternoon. :) 

The weather has been chilly, and the snow makes me feel like Christmas music, Christmas decorations, and baking. One of the things we like to do as a family, around Christmas time, is take treats to neighbors and friends. But that doesn't happen magically, so I need to start finding my recipes. Chandler really likes to help in the kitchen, so he's been asking about baking. :) 

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Well the past few days have been busy! We were blessed by a box of Thanksgiving fixin's from our church. I now have all the ingredients for a great Thanksgiving meal, and we are looking forward to it! In the past, I've made a lot of dishes, appetizers, and the whole nine yards. This year will be much simpler, simply because I don't have the same amount of time or energy with teaching the boys and everything else we've been doing. 

I was able to take Chandler on a date yesterday, and we enjoyed some great time together. It's such a delight to me to have that one-on-one time with my kids. Chandler held open the door for me, held my hand, and talked, and talked, and talked! :) 

We were also blessed by a visit from our friends, Autumn and Phil on Friday night! They brought along our box of thanksgiving fixin's from the church, and we had a great time of fellowshipping, dessert, and coffee. I'm thankful for friends to fellowship with together. 

We are blessed!

To God be the Glory!

November 9, 2014, Sunday

I hit the ground this morning with my feet running. I was up by 5:15am., and I had a lot to accomplish! Because I was in Florida last weekend, I missed my turn for the teen breakfast. So I had teen breakfast, snack for Children's church, and then I realized that we also had college snack after church tonight! Thankfully, I had made the coffee cake for teen breakfast last night, Roger cut cheese and plated the crackers, and I put the Children's church snack in little baggies...we had cheese and crackers for snack. :) 

We arrived a tad late for church, unusual for us...but it was Roger's first Sunday back home. :) I was feeling a tad frazzled when we arrived just thinking about children's church, kids to Sunday School classes, and meeting with someone about the upcoming ladies retreat this weekend. However, my friend, Gretchen, had remembered that I would be there this Sunday...and she brought me coffee!! Yes!

It was great to have Roger back to help with Children's Church, and I enjoy serving alongside of him. Our Children's Church is right next to the kitchen, so I had left the snack for Children's church in the kitchen. While Mrs. Mitchell was teaching the verse, I went to get the snack. As I snapped on the light to the kitchen, a big, healthy, large, mouse scurried across the counter! I couldn't help it....I screamed! It was a huge disruption to our class, and amazingly enough the mouse just sat there! Roger came, found a bowl, and snapped it over the mouse as he was trying to scamper off the counter! Gross! (I have a phobia about mice-ever since Wyatt was a baby, but that's another story :) I let  Roger tend to the mouse while we tried to get the attention back in the classroom. :) oh well, I guess Children's Church was exciting today! 

After church we did a few errands to get ready for the college snack after the evening service. We did go home and have a few moments of quiet time before it was time to go to Sunday night church. I've been busy working on a thousands  different things for the ladies retreat this weekend. We have thirty three ladies signed up, and my goal is that thirty two ladies will come back refreshed and encouraged...I don't hold that hope for myself. :) (And I'm fine with that actually, I get refreshed through other avenues, and I really, really desire and pray that this overnight stay is a HUGE encouragement to all the ladies!) 

It was a later bedtime for us with having college snack after church, but we did have a lot of fun with them. We played pictionary, ate tamales, chips and dip, and cookies, so there's nothing to complain about there! :) 

Monday, November 10, 2014

How did it get to be Monday again?! Wyatt does not like Mondays and neither do I! We had our share of battles in school today, and I might have lost a battle or two, but I won the war! We finished school, completed the tasks, and it was time to go home...hallelujah! It's been cold the last two mornings with a light snow dusting on the ground. Because of that, we spent the hour before school started finding everyone's complete winter wear. Garett  found a pair of snow pants and they fit him; however, they happened to be mine! :)  Garett has two winter coats neither of which zip up! The boots we bought in Alaska almost two winters ago have been passed down to the next child in line, and the boots are holding up well! (I miss that place!) 

I ended up taking the little ones home while my mom finished up with the older boys. The little boys played outside for nearly two hours after we arrived home. Sometimes they amaze me by how well they get along! When the older two arrived home, we had lunch and Emma took a nap. The older boys helped me finish cleaning the basement so that we could throw in wood. Roger was working with his old boss today, but by the time he arrived home, we were ready to throw in wood. I fixed Roger lunch, we drank coffee, talked, and then we gathered up all the boys and headed outside for family fun. (I remember as a kid whenever my dad talked about "family fun", it usually meant a work project. I've become the same way!) The boys were actually really good helpers, which is a change from just a few short years ago! We have a few boys that need a little more instruction to stick with the job, but we did complete the task. It's nice to have the basement full of wood. We don't have enough to make it through the winter, but hopefully Roger can get in some wood cutting days with my dad. We often cut in the summer, but with Roger gone all summer that just didn't happen. But that's okay, life goes on.

                       

I squeezed in three miles before supper, which was a gourmet meal of sausage, eggs, and fruit! (And it was yummy!) Chandler actually cooked the sausage, and he did a great job. Travis and Roger did the scrambled eggs, and we only had to fish out a few shells! :) 

                         

My dad has a nursing home service tomorrow, so the boys will be going along to sing and say a Bible verse. I had bought a simple Thanksgiving craft project, and it was supposed to make 24 turkeys. However, that was only if you had children that could read the directions! We didn't get 24, but hopefully enough for every Grandpa or Grandma in the nursing home tomorrow. The boys had fun making them, and Travis and Wyatt really worked hard on them. I had to remind myself to keep my mouth shut. This project was not about perfectionism but on being a blessing to someone else. 

Speaking of blessings, I mentioned that on Saturday night we did something together as a family to be a blessing to someone else. We took the boys with us on the errand. We stressed that they couldn't tell the family that we did --- for them, but it was a surprise! Well, I found out yesterday that Wyatt can't keep a secret (which I probably a good thing, actually!) So, I asked him why he told one of the family members that we had given them a surprise. To which he replied, "I don't know! He's my friend, not family!" I think he was a little confused! Oh well, next time we will have to come up with a different plan! 

After supper, my husband had to fix the washing machine too. After all, it is Monday, so of course the washing machine would break! :) I don't know what was wrong with the crazy thing, but Roger did fix it! However, when  I asked him  to look at the washing machine, he walks over the the laundry room first. Then he turns and says to me, "this one is the washing machine, right?" My mouth about hit the floor, while he turns red from laughing so hard. He said, "Of course I knew it was the washing machine, honey. I haven't been gone that long. I wanted to see what you would do if I acted like I didn't know, and you gave me the perfect reaction! Well, he succeeded in getting a reaction! 

Because of the busy week last week, and the late night last night, it's an early bedtime around here. It's 7:30, and we have five sleeping children. I have a long list of things to do yet, but they'll wait! :)

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Happy Veterans Day! Although there was no mail delivered, there was still school today! :) Garett wanted to know why the post office got to take a break, but he didn't get one! (Well, mostly because I said so!) :) 

It was a rushed morning with school. We started a little earlier than normal, we didn't take a morning break, and worked hard to get the teaching part done so that the boys could go to the nursing home service at eleven. They were so excited to hand out their happy Thanksgiving turkeys, and they sang a song for the elderly ones in the nursing home. I'm amazed at how much better they are doing with singing, wanting to serve in the nursing home, helping the people find the page in the song books, and saying hello to everyone, than they were doing a year ago. Time does march on!! Although we only had six come to the service, the activities director graciously took the boys around to some of the other rooms so that they could hand out all the turkeys. I'm happy that they had the opportunity to be a blessing.

Emma hasn't been herself today. I think she might have a slight lactose intolerance as it seems like she either throws up dairy products or she gets constipated...neither are pleasant! She sat on my lap while I played the piano at the nursing home, and then she slept during the preaching. She seems to be doing better tonight, but she did take a four hour nap! 

After the nursing home service, my dad offered to take the kids to lunch at McDonalds. Of course, they were very excited about that and hungry too! We ate lunch and visited for a bit before I needed to go to an appointment. Since the appointment was at one, it didn't make sense to go home, so I just brought all the kids with me. 

The appointment was at the armory, and the national guard also uses the space. However, the Nationl Guard wasn't there today, and inside is a large gym with basketball hoops and lots of space. Now please picture what is going to happen! It's cold outside, I have five active children with me, and it's a gym! What do you think is going to happen?! The appointment was actually in one of the rooms off of the gym, and it didn't appear that anyone else was there. We had an appointment at one, and we were about fifteen minutes early. The people were still on their  lunch break, and there were not any signs that said, "please be quiet", "please don't play in the gym", etc. So when the boys asked if they could run in the gym, I said "sure." About five minutes into their playing, a large, overweight, lady appeared in the doorway of one of the other rooms off the gym. She didn't say anything, just glared at the kids, and slammed the door to her room. (Apparently she was happy...not!) However I just let the boys continue to play in the gym, and in fact, I played with them. At one, I was just getting ready to walk though the door for my appointment,  when I heard the large, overweight lady holler at the kids, "You kids have to be quiet, I'm having class in here!" There was a multitude of wrong ways in the way she said that, but I just left that alone, told the boys to quiet down and headed through the open door for my appointment. The boys did quiet down, but apparently it wasn't enough. Because five minutes later, the large overweight lady was yelling again, "You have to stop! Thats enough playing!". At that moment, I just was very angry! I excused myself from my appointment, told the boys to sit down on the wall, and finished up the appointment. The ladies that I was having the appointment with didn't seem to mind the boys playing in the gym, but I was a tad stressed out. What I wanted to do was go over and give the lady a piece of my mind, what I wanted to do was point out that there was not a single sign that said to be quiet, what I wanted to do was to point out that it was a gym and these are kids, what I wanted to say was if you have a problem with my kids, you come talk to me, and I wanted to say a multitude of other things. However, when in doubt, just don't say anything!  So I gathered up my five kids, walked out of the appointment, and told the boys that the next time someone yells at you, just say, "I'm sorry" and walk away. At some point in our lives, we all have to learn to deal with difficult people, and today was a learning day for the boys. 

Funny moment of the day: Wyatt is just beginning to read, and his sentence today was, "mom will fix the mop." So he starts out reading and he reads, "mom will fix" and suddenly he stops. "Well, that's not right, mom doesn't know how to fix!" (Apparently that sentence could not be right in his mind!) 

Tonight I went shopping with a friend for food for the ladies retreat this weekend. I had a great time with, Katie, but shopping for food for thirty ladies was a bit of a challenge. I don't want to end up with all this leftover food, but I also want to be sure we have enough. Our food budget is kinda tight, but I want it to be a great experience too. 

Not to mention....everyone likes food! However, I think I have the meals/snacks planned that will work with those with food allergies, and be something that everyone will like. We are having a pasta bar on Friday night. I have noodles, gluten free noodles, broccoli, chicken, Alfredo sauce, marinara sauce, meatballs, cheese, olives, mushrooms, bread and salad! 

I'm thankful that Roger willingly watches our kids, never complains, and is my biggest supporter in my adventures. He is such a blessing to me, and to many others. 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Well today was a a roller coaster ride of emotions, duties, success, failures,and life experiences! Of course we had school first. :) I've been making Wyatt's lessons a little longer this week, so he won't have school on Friday when I'm gone to the ladies retreat. My mom will teach the older boys, but Wyatt and Emma will have daddy all to themselves for a few hours. 

I was experiencing some communication problems with someone that was helping me with the ladies retreat, so I was fighting some frustrations all morning. In fact by the time I came home from school, I was ready to be done. It wasn't going smoothly, I was frustrated by someone, and this seems like a ton of work! However,  God had more to teach me today! I got a call from Mrs. King, the church secretary. She mentioned that the pipes had frozen at the lodge we were renting for the ladies retreat. Oh great! Thankfully, the conference center was willing to work with us, and they rearranged our housing. They gave us two large houses that were close together for the same price we would have paid for the lodge...but these would have been much more expensive to rent! So God gave us exactly what we needed. However, this meant that the housing list was wrong and I had to tell the ladies about the  location change. 

By the time we arrived at church for Kings Kids, I had most of the food made, meals made for Roger and the kids, the laundry done and folded (not put away!), and most of my stuff ready to go for tomorrow. My husband helped me so much today by encouraging me, working along side of me, and listening to me! 

While the kids attended Kings Kids, I talked with Mrs. King. She is our former pastors wife, and she has been coordinating the ladies retreat for years. She was a special encouragement and helped me so much! She had already rearranged the housing assignments, printed up maps, and contacted a few of the ladies;  I was so blessed by her organization! I passed out the maps, gathered the paper products from the church kitchen, and tried to think through everything I might possibly need. :) After church, I was talking with a few ladies in the gym when I was caught off guard by a volleyball. The volleyball hit me broadside against my head, and I felt a whip lash effect. I immediately had a headache, and tears sprung to my eyes. I am a rather emotional person, but rarely do I cry because of getting hurt; but it hurt! I'm pretty sure I'll be seeing the chiropractor after this weekend. 

Thursday, November 13, 2014

I went to bed late last night, but other than a few items to pick up at the grocery store before I left, I think I'm ready for the retreat. I'm looking forward to a great time with an amazing group of women. 

Wyatt ended up missing school today, since he wasn't feeling well. He seems to be exhausted...I know the feeling! :) I left him with Roger and took the other boys and Emma to school. My mom and I visited for quite a while this morning before starting school. Since Travis was at his school, and Wyatt was at home, we were able to get a lot done before I left to pick up Travis. I'm so thankful that my mom is willing to teach the boys on Friday while I'm at the retreat. I had planned on going to the grocery store before picking up Travis, but God really impressed upon my mind to take coffee to a friend. So I stopped by McDonalds, picked up coffee, and Emma and I went visiting. This friend has been a tad discouraged, and I wanted to see if I could be an encouragement to her. Sometimes we just need a listening ear and some good coffee! :) I wasn't able to stay long, but hopefully long enough to brighten her day. 

After picking up Travis, I came home, packed up my clothes, gathered up all the food, and told my husband thank you. I have no doubt that Roger will do a great job with our kids, and I have no qualms about his ability to handle anything that might occur...I am blessed! 

I went to Oshkosh to pick up our pastors wife, and we headed for our retreat. Of course, we did have to stop at the grocery store, get coffee, and drop off her vehicle at her house, but we were at the conference center a little after three. 

The majority of the ladies won't be coming until tomorrow, but there were nine of us that came today. I am already feeling refreshed and rejuvenated by talking with these ladies. I was able to squeeze in a little run, ate a great meal, laughed a lot, played games, and visited. I'm blessed to have my pastors wife as a dear friend, and I always enjoy spending time with her. I don't think I even realized how desparetly I needed fellowship with other ladies until today. I feel relaxed and refreshed...but tomorrow night, the work begins for me. I pray that each lady will be refreshed and encouraged by a night away with lots of fun, food, and fellowship. 

Friday and Saturday 

I arrived home on Saturday night around six pm. I had a great time at the retreat, and I'm guessing that the twenty seven ladies that came and spent the night did also! It was a ton of work, lots of planning and coordinating, and lots of food...but it's behind me now! :) Although I'm tired, it's a good tired. I know I worked hard, shared my prayer requests with the ladies, and I now know how to pray specifically for each lady that came. There are a few things that need tweaking for next year, and a few changes I'd like to implement, but overall, I think it went well. 

My husband took another child for Friday night. We have a wonderful lady in our church that is a single mom. She has never complained about not going to the ladies retreat, but I thought she would be encouraged by going. After praying about it, Roger offered to take her son so that she could go to the ladies retreat. She was completely surprised, and she said yes. :) So Roger had five boys and Emma from Friday night to Saturday  afternoon, and they all did great! Roger is amazing with kids, but yet most kids respect him and enjoy spending time with him. I'm blessed to be married to a great man! 

On Saturday morning, each lady shared specific requests that were on her heart. I now have a specific list of requests from each lady, and I can't wait to see how God is going to work in the next year. I certainly don't know if we will be around for me to go to the ladies retreat next year, but it is definitely one of the highlights in our church calendar. 

God suprised me by allowing me to come away from the retreat feeling encouraged, refreshed, and spiritually energized (although my body is tired!). To God be the glory, great things He hath done! 

                       

School, Flying, Camping, and a Date!

November 5,2014

About once every two or three weeks, we have a day at school that just seems crazy. Today was that day! I felt like the older two couldn't remember the simplest of the phonics rules, and the youngest wanted to be anywhere but at school! Know what, though? We made it! :) 

Since it was a long day (at least it felt long!) at school, I required everyone to take a nap. Only two out of five actually fell asleep, but it did improve my outlook on life! :) 

Roger was gone for the majority of the day flying with a flight instructor. He flew to Green Bay and the instructor said that he felt that Roger is close to being ready to take the test for his instrument rating....YAY! 

When Roger came home, I was cleaning the living room. Every year before the holidays, I get into this cleaning mode. I want everything to be picked up and tidy before we get the tree, decorations, etc. So, when Roger walked in the door, the house looked like it had thrown up! Thankfully, he just said, "well, this looks like a project!":) 

The living room looks great, at least for today! :) I've finally given up in trying to have the toy room downstairs in the basement, as the boys just want to be wherever we are at. Instead, we just have a box with a lid so now the toys are at least contained! (Honestly, I don't mind having their toys in the living room as then I can interact with them more and help them sort through their problems, besides it's only for a few short years!) 

With everyone's help we managed to put the living room back together in time for our date. A wonderful couple at church approached us on Sunday about going on a double date with them. They had already found a babysitter, paid for the babysitter, and wanted to take us out to dinner! Umm....yes, please!! That's the first time that has ever happened, and it was a great experience. We had a great time getting to know Rick and Molly better, and the fellowship was great! The boys had their favorite babysitter watch them, so they all were more than willing to stay home! :) 

November 6, 2014

It's family night tonight! I am very excited about the opportunity for us all to spend time together as a family, especially with daddy! Travis has been asking about going rock climbing, so that is what we are going to do...except Emma! :) 

I also have a craft project picked out for the boys to do, so that will be interesting! :) 

Several hours later...the better side of common sense side that we would all enjoy a craft project much more if we did it another day! After rock climbing, walking on the track, and playing on the soccer field, the kids were worn out. We have one child that becomes a bear when he gets tired and overly run down. He was having a difficult time getting along with anyone, his mouth was getting him in trouble, and everything was wrong in his world. Well after several late nights at Bible Conference this week, school, and lots of play today, it's time for an early bedtime!

So we bought the stuff for the craft project. However, Hobby Lobby was out of one of the colors of beads we needed for our little project, but I was secretly relieved! (It was a good reason that we couldn't do it!) I like the store, Hobby Lobby, but the aisles are narrow, and there are lots of breakable things in there! Did I mention that there are lots of breakable things?! The boys did very well about not touching, but with winter coats on, everyone is fluffier! We did find some items that I needed for a Christmas project I'm working on, and the items were 50% off! :) Thankfully, we survived the experience without breaking or damaging anything, but I think Roger and I both breathed a little easier after we left! 

So instead of doing the craft, we did pizza and the "Air Bud" movie. While the pizza was cooking, we had Bible time and prayer time...we were maximizing on time. :) 

Well, we succeeded! It's 8:10 and five small children are in their beds! 

Roger will have a full day of flying and training tomorrow, and we have a college/career activity in the evening. I enjoy the activities with this age group, but it's a challenge with all our young ones. Sometimes we get a baby sitter, but lack of funds along with Roger just getting home, they'll be coming with us tomorrow. 

November 7, 2014, Friday

Today is one of my favorite days of the week! It means we completed another week of school, the weekend is here, and I have a few extra minutes for other projects that have been waiting patiently all week!

Roger was gone almost all day today flying. In some ways it's harder on the kids when they don't see him, but know that he's back. They are struggling to understand that daddy is home, but his time is still very limited. One day at a time! 

After school and after Emma's nap, I took the kids with me up to Sam's Club in Appleton. This is one grocery store that they don't mind going to because of all the free samples. The free samples have actually worked out well for me because I often discover things that the boys really like or things that I'm glad we haven't boughten! (No one was a fan of pop tarts or chocolate drizzled popcorn, but everyone like the salmon and yogurt samples!) 

The reason that we were going to SAMs Club is because I had bought a membership very reasonably priced through an online deal. However, I'm notorious for picking lines that are slow, checkers that don't understand something, and apparently, I'm good a picking the new worker. What should have taken about ten minutes, took a good twenty five minutes! The worker kept thinking that I still needed to pay for the membership, but I already had a voucher. Finally, someone was able to come an rescue us all, or maybe they had pity on the mama looking a little frazzled with five small children! :) Once we made it past that hurdle, it was smooth sailing! The boys do very well with staying with me, helping me load the cart, and trying to keep Emma happy. (Although I often think she would rather just have them out of her face!) We had two different people ask us if all those children were mine...ummm....yes! (Do they know someone who gathers up bored children to take them shopping?!) One mom made the comment to me that I was one brave mama, but I don't really feel that way. I just know I love my kids, I love spending time with them, (although I like to get away too!), and if I work with them on manners and being polite, they are a lot more enjoyable for everyone! 

After Sam's Club, Roger was done flying. We met back up at the church since we had a college activity tonight. Thankfully, our friends, the Shuberts, were willing to watch Emma, so that made the activity a lot more fun for all of us. We played volleyball at the church. I picked up pizzas, dessert, and a veggie tray. I way overestimated the pizza, so we might be eating leftovers for a while! It seemed like the college kids had a good time, and I know we did. The boys did very well playing in the gym nicely...for the most part! :) 

                          

Tomorrow Roger is going to try to cut wood, I'm going to try grocery shopping with coupons again (it's been a while!), and we have Children's Church to get ready for as well. I'm also making a snack for the teen church on Sunday, so I guess I'll look and see what's in the freezer! It will be a busy day, of course, but I'm hoping to start it off with children that sleep in past seven thirty, and a good cup of coffee! :) 

November 8, 2014

The good news is that we had a lot of fun at the college activity last night. Other good news is that I took the three youngest ones home while the older two stayed with Roger. The bad news is that 11:30pm is very late for small children...so we have a few grouchy little people today! 

However, more good news is that Roger wasn't able to go woodcutting, well, I guess that's good and bad news. Good news because he gets to stay home with us this morning, but bad news because we need to cut wood! 

It was a profitably morning with lots of chores done, lots of visiting and talking, and lots of coffee! Roger had promised the boys that they could have a camp out in the living room last night, but by the time we got home it was too late for that! So, we are having a camp out tonight! Roger set up the tent in the living room, the boys found blankets and pillows, and they've been excited about bedtime all day! :) 

 I was able to take Wyatt on a date this afternoon. I had such a fun time with my little man. He held my hand everywhere, talked about all kinds of things, and I just savored the memory! We went grocery shopping and a few other boring errands, but I did take him to lunch at his choice. He picked SubWay for lunch, and after we finished our errands we squeezed in a trip to Fleet Farm to see the Toyland! :) It looks like tractors and farm equipment are on his list for Christmas! He hardly looked at anything else just tractors, farm equipment, and animals! :) 

After we came home, put away our groceries, at supper, and had baths, we did one more errand as a family. I can't tell you what it is because it's a surprise for someone else,  :) but it had to do with being thankful, giving, and helping others. I'm thankful for the time spent together today as a family, the memories we created, the time to spend one on one with Wyatt, and for how God takes care of us! 

                       

Home!

                       

October 30, 2014

This morning I left my five children with my amazing mama and headed to Florida. The boys were delighted to be staying with Nana and Papa, and even our leech (Travis) was excited to go! The boys are thrilled that daddy is coming home, and they've been talking non stop about all the things that they want to do when daddy comes home. I didn't even kiss Emma good bye since I knew that she would just wail to come with me. (No worries, I gave her lots of kisses this morning!) This is the first time I've left Emma overnight, so this is a big deal for me. Hopefully, she will sleep through the night while at my parents house! :)

Roger says that the weather is beautiful in Florida, so I'm looking forward to at least a few hours of not needing a jacket! (And it's supposed to snow in Wisconsin on Friday night, so this is a good time to go!)

I don't fly commercially very often, but people watching is always fun. :) Every airport brings a wide variety of people. Those dressed for work wearing business attire and dress clothes. Next is the casual dresser, the person who is usually wearing jeans, sweater, and boots. Following that is the under dressed traveler, who is the one who looks like they were running late; and they threw on sweatpants and running shoes.  And last but certainly not least, as there were a lot of this type of traveler, is the "Slumber party" traveler. This is the travelers who literally looks like they crawled out of bed, didn't bother to change clothes, and came to the airport. 

My flights were on time and uneventful, which is the way I prefer them to be! :) It was a long day of traveling, but it was good to see Roger waiting for me at the airport. He said that he had thought about getting me some flowers, but since we would be traveling back to Wisconsin, the flowers would be crushed. Instead, he treated me to a special surprise of a new running jacket. He knew that it would be something I would use and enjoy, and I love the fact that he thought of something that I would like. 

It's about a two hour drive from the Orlando airport to Sebastian, Florida, where Roger has been staying. We ate a quick supper at Chick fila, but then headed directly back. Roger wanted to introduce me to the family that graciously allowed him to live in their house across the street. (They have a house across the street that their in laws live in during some of the winter months, and they allowed Roger to stay there.) This family was such a blessing to our family and such an encouragement to Roger, I am so thankful that God used them to encourage our family. 

Roger and I have been talking pretty much non stop the last few days. I'm extremely thankful that my parents were willing to take all our kids for a few days, so that we could have this time to be together. Roger and I have discussed everything under the sun...his needs, my needs, our dreams, our visions for the future, our children, our church, our involvement in our church, our pasts, our families, our fears, our frustrations, and our moving forward together...it was a lot of talking! :) 

On Friday morning, we slept in until 8am...awesome! We picked up the house, started the laundry, then left to spend some time on the beach before we headed North. Roger and I had a very deep and intense conversation about where our relationship and marriage was headed and where we wanted it to go. I realized that I hadn't been as understanding as I should've been about his emotions, feelings, and needs. 

                       

We had a beautiful walk on the Florida beach, where Roger surprised me by proposing again! The diamond in my wedding ring fell out months ago, and we haven't been able to replace it. I've been wearing a costume jewelry ring on my left hand, and I haven't even complained. :) However, Roger has felt bad that I don't have an official ring. Unbeknownst to me, he's been saving his change, extra one dollar bills, and some money from his plasma account...way back in May! It's a beautifully simple ring, but since Roger says that I am simply beautiful, I love it completely! I love it because Roger picked it out, put thought into it, and figured out a way to buy it...I'm very proud of him! 

As all everything does, our time in Florida is over. We packed our bags, stopped a fruit stand to buy grapefruit, and headed north. We left Florida about 1:00 pm., and it was sunny and warm. By the time we stopped, south of Atlanta, the temperature was already down to fifty degrees. Roger was about frozen, and he was only going to colder weather! :) We had a great time together at the hotel...with no children! We exercised together, ate a leisurely dinner together, stayed up late, and talked...a lot! 

We where on the road again by 7:00am. We knew that we had lots of miles before reaching Wisconsin, so we better drive hard! It was a long day in a little car with uncomfortable seats...but it was a good day. We discussed everything under the sun...favorite colors, favorite foods, favorite places to visit...everything! It may seem like simple details, but people change over the months, and we needed to get to know each other again. It was wonderful!

One of my friends, Katie, had told me that after her husband came back from deployment, things had changed. She suggested lots of time together, with understanding that people change. It was some of the best advice I've been given. Instead of expecting everything to go back exactly the way things were, we worked through our changes, strengthened our relationship, and worked on building our relationship on solid ground. 

We arrived back in Wisconsin on Sunday morning. We picked up the kids from my parents about 1:00 pm. The boys and Emma where delighted to see us...so were my parents! :) Actually they said the children did very, very well, but the kids just tired them out...tell me about it!! :)  We had lunch at my parents house, and I wish I had taken a picture of the table. Chandler and Wyatt sat next to Roger and Travis sat on Roger's lap. It was a crowded table that was one sided! :) We didn't stay long since the boys where anxious to spend time with Roger. It was a short afternoon since we had church in the evening, but it was a great time of fun together as a family. I love listening to the boys talk to Roger about everything under the sun. I enjoyed sitting in church together as a family. The boys were a little antsy, but one of the things Roger and I talked about was him helping me with what I've been working on with the boys. So Roger had a few minutes of taking care of some discipline issues with one of the boys, but we are a work in progress! 

Monday, November 3, 2014

It was a very full day with lots of adjustments in our family. One thing for sure, life will be an adjustment! Wyatt and Travis were up by 5:30 just to talk to Roger! We were a little earlier going out the door for school, but it's going to take a bit of time to figure out who does what between Roger and I. 

After school, the two little boys and Emma took a nap. The older boys played outside, and Roger has been hard at work on getting his aviation work in order. The housework is behind, the laundry is piling up, and the bathroom should be cleaned. But know what? It can all wait for tomorrow, because for today I'm going to soak of these moments with my family, and drink coffee with my man! 

I received an unexpected surprise in my mailbox today. It was a package from a friend from years ago. Although we've stayed in touch some, we don't communicate regularly. However, Leah sent me the sweetest note and a gift of a beautiful necklace and a pair of earrings. It was such an unexpected surprise, and it just made the icing on my cake today! 

                         

We had our annual Bible conference at church this week, so tonight was another night of the conference. We had some friends that stayed in a hotel for the conference and the kids and I were able to go swimming. The kids had a great time, and Roger was able to have the house to himself to work on his studying. It's always a challenge to find nursery workers outside of the usual services, so I worked the nursery during the service. Although I wouldn't have minded sitting with the family, it was a great nursery hour with a great friend...so I have no complaints! 

Please pray for us as we try to adjust to a schedule for our family. Roger has certain things that he must finish, so pray that the rest of us will be understanding of his time. It's easy for me to get back into wanting Roger to help with this, or do this for one of the kids, etc., but this time his first priority must be to get this training done....no training, no job! 

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Trying to adjust to a routine when you don't know what the routine is supposed to be is difficult to say the least! I've been enjoying having Roger home, but since his schedule is kinda crazy right now with flying, studying, flying, and studying, it's difficult to balance everything out. 

Today was a busy day since we had school, of course, and I cleaned house for someone, and we had our last night of the Bible conference at church. All that meant no time left for cleaning, organizing, and helping Roger put away the stuff from Florida. However, all the kids look fairly clean, everyone had something to eat today, and the last time I checked the house fairy didn't exists so it will all be waiting patiently for me tomorrow! 

We ended up spending part of the afternoon with some friends at the EAA museum, and then having dinner with them before the Bible Conference. Needless to say, by the time the service was over, we had some children that needed to go to bed immediately! Ever since the time change, the two youngest boys have been getting up early! Combining a no nap day, along with lots of activity, was a recipe for disaster, but we loaded everyone in the car before that could surface! :) Roger had to carry three of the five kids in and put them in their beds, but that is much easier for him than me! :)

Hopefully the boys will sleep in a little longer tomorrow!