Few more days of my thoughts...random, scattered, and a tad disorganized!

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

I'm almost too tired to write tonight, but I know in a few years, I'll be really thankful to look back at these memories.

Week three, day two of school...it will get better, right?! One child appears to have forgotten everything he learned, one children loves learning and wants to do more, and one child states how bored he is and that he already knows all this...hmm...I doubt it! (Besides, I'm the mom, so you get to learn it!)

My dad has been coming in the mornings to listen to the boys read. That has been a huge help to my mom and I as reading does take up quite a bit of time. However, Garett forgot his book today, so that meant he had to do all the reading at home. He also had to apologize to Nana for forgetting it, and that was quite a hard thing to do for him! But, moving on, we got it all done. 

Everyone need a nap today, probably due to sugar and friend overload from yesterday. :) Garett worked on some extra school work, while the rest of us napped. It was completely quiet in the house for about 1 1/2 hours; and it was a amazing. :) Even I squeezed in a nap, which I needed. :) The boys usually do have quiet time every afternoon for at least  an hour, but Emma doesn't always cooperate on napping at the same time! 

Around three, the Longsines stopped by to look for one of the girls dolls that had been forgotten yesterday. Nap time was quickly ended, but the kids did have a good time playing with their friends. At first, it was just going to be a short visit. However, Beka and Jared needed to do some work on the house that they are trying to sell in town, so I watched the kids while they worked. Although there were nine children here, for the most part, they got along and played nicely. :) Supper was the extremely gourmet meal of Dominos pizza;  and while none of the kids seemed to mind, I'm hoping my hips and scale don't mind either! :)

I can't even describe how excited we are that Roger is coming home for the weekend. The person that bought his plane ticket, also rented a rental car for Roger. I'm very thankful for this too since Roger won't be home until around 11:30 on Friday night. 

When I asked the boys what they wanted to do this weekend with their daddy, Garett said that he wanted to go on a date with dad by himself. (Honestly, Garett probably really does need some one on one time, as I think he's been struggling lately) Immediately, cynical Chandler pops up, "yeah, that'll never happen, Garett. We all want that, but their isn't enough time". Call me crazy, but when someone says it can't happen, that's when I'll work twice as hard just to prove them wrong. :) So....I've been working on it. Actually, since Roger will have a rental car this weeked, we have a better chance of making it all work. :) Do I need some time with Roger? ABSOLUTELY!! But, I want to work on it so that everyone can at least get a little one on one time with daddy. (Wish me luck!) 

Our nineth anniversary is on Tuesday, but I'd like to try to spend some of the day with Roger on Monday by ourselves. :) I'm going to try to find a baby sitter for part of the day, so that we can do something fun together. I'm thinking of hiking at High Cliffs State Park, or a bike ride, or go carts, or something along those lines. 

Well, that was a lot of words for some one who is tired...good night!

AUGUST 28, 2014

I'll suffice it to say that yesterday was a busy day, and by the time I got home, I was too tired to think!

It was a fun day for the kids yesterday, with a visit to a friend of ours. We went to visit our family doctor, who moved on to a different job a few days after Emma was born. She graciously invited us to come over to swim in their pool, and the boys had a fabulous time! It was a lot of fun, and I'm thankful for her friendship. 

By the time our visit was over, it didn't pay to drive all the way back home and then back again for church. So, I took the kids with me to the grocery store, walmart, and the YMCA. It was a full day! Then we ate supper at church (it helps us save money) and went to church. The children's program will be resuming next Wednesday, and I'm very excited! :) (so are our children, but I'm more excited!) I was asked to play the piano again this year for the Kids Program, and I was happy to be asked. I sometimes feel that with Roger gone, I get asked to help with fewer and fewer church functions. While I appreciate the fact that people don't want to overwhelm me...I desparetly need to stay busy and to have adult interaction!!! So, at least until God moves us on, or allows us to stay, I plan to serve in whatever capacity I can. :)

I do not like Wednesday nights after church...coming home, unloading the groceries, feeding children a snack, getting them ready for bed,etc. By the time it's over, we are all grouchy!

Good night!

Thursday ...well, it wasn't the greatest day at school! The kids are always tired after Wednesdays, and it can make school seem rather long! However, we survived. We definitely needed a nap today. I took the little ones home early, and my mom finished up school with the older boys. Emma and Travis fell asleep quickly, which allowed me to help my dad gather up the trash. Did I mention that I'm very thankful that he helps us out around here?! I'm blessed! 

Later this afternoon, we went to an apple orchard with some friends. The boys brought along their quarters to feed the goats. :) Travis was very hesitant about feeding them and asked me several times, "will the goat eat me, mommy?" :) The orchard has a beautiful place for kids to play, and even though we stayed for two hours, the boys still wanted to know why we were leaving so soon! The afternoon can be summer up by the following: A good time was had by all. :)

We came home and the boys tramped around outside for several more hours before bedtime. It allowed me to try out a new recipe for our church dinner on Sunday. I'm not exactly sure it will turn out, so we will see! 

Bath time, Bible time, and bed, so the house is now quiet. I'm thinking that I'm going regret that cup of coffee I had about five! It could be a short night on sleep!

Tomorrow is my red letter day!!! Roger is coming home!! Well, it will actually probably be closer to Saturday morning, but his flight lands tomorrow night! We are all super excited, but Travis did confirm with me that dad is NOT bringing home an alligator..."right, mom?" :) He is definitely not crazy about the alligator head although he has warmed up to the fact that it is fake. 

We have some decisions to discuss and make during Roger's visit, so please be praying for us to have wisdom. Some decisions are not easy to make, and some are just unpleasant to think about, but ignoring a problem does not make it go away! My dad always says that when you run from your problems, they are always there to greet you at the next place. So, we ask for your prayers. 

Night all, Sarah 

Friday, August 29, 2014

Yay! Today is the day we've all been waiting for...daddy is coming home!! However, it won't be until closer to Saturday morning. He'll probably get home around one am, and the boys have been begging me to set their alarms clocks so they can get up and see daddy! (Umm...no!!) 

I'm thinking I deserve a medal or something, since I survived the third week of school...oh wait, it's only the third week, not the thirty third week! Wow...tough day today! 

After school, it was rest time. The pool was low on water so I asked one child (Wyatt) to please go turn on the water hose. He did...he just didn't put it in the pool! By the time the next child was sent out to see how the pool was filling up, we had a nice big mud puddle! Mom wasn't very happy, but the pool is filling again now! 

We spent the afternoon at a friends birthday party, where the boys got to go in the pond. :) Then we headed to the church for the church activity. The boys, and I, had a lot of fun playing games and laughing together. I'm thankful that there are other ladies who are willing to watch Emma so that I can run around and play with the boys! :)

It was a late night, but it's quiet now...at least until the boys discover that Daddy is here! :)

Our first...x rays!

Today was a first in our lives, as Garett got his first set of x rays! No worries, it wasn't because of falling out of a tree, or jumping off of a bike. :) 

Garett has been seeing a chiropractor for some struggles that he has been having with bowel movements. Ever since Garett started to walk and run, Roger has said that Garett runs funny. However, with lots of small children, I didn't give it a whole lot of thought, after all, it wasn't like I had to carry him or anything! But, Garett was our most challenging child to potty train, and even after he was potty trained, he still had lots of accidents! Roger and I have been frustrated, we've cried, yelled, cajoled, disciplined, loved, and nothing has seemed to help him to stop having accidents. Finally, at his seven year check up, our family doctor suggested that Garett might benefit from seeing a chiropractor. Well, it sure couldn't hurt! Garett started to see improvements when he first started going to the chiropractor in May; however, we stil had struggles with bowel movements and odor problems. We started having him eat yogurt at EVERY meal, and that helped. But, if he missed the yogurt, then he would have an accident. It's been almost like we haven't been able to have enough good bacteria in his system. Today, the chiropractor decided to take some  X-rays. We discovered that Garett has a few places in his spine, where the bones are not fusing and settling like they should as he grows. This has caused him to run funny, have bowel issues, and sometimes appear to be leaning to the side even though he's sitting up straight. Thankfully, everything appears to be able to be corrected back into the right places.,,with a good amount of time and adjustments! 

Also today....we finished up our second week of school! Garett found the reading book, so he was able to ride along with Papa tonight. It was very hot here today, so all the kids got in the pool...even Emma. :) I'll be glad when it's time to take that thing down, as it has been a pain in the back side! I never realized how much work Roger has to do to keep the water nice and blue! 

Roger is flying again tonight...late! He's almost done with these flying lessons and hopes to have the instrument rating wrapped up before he come home for the weekend in September. This has been a difficult week for him, since he hasn't had classes, but has been having flying lessons. He is ready to be done with this phase, but finishing up these flying lessons has proved to be a challenge. We covet your prayers, Sarah 

Saturday, August 23,2014

It was a full day, but a good day for our family. Ever since Roger came home for the visit in July, the weekends have been harder...for all of us. It's just hard to always be bright and positive when I look into the faces of five little children who need their daddy as much as I do. 

I had wanted to go to the farmers market this morning, but that just didn't fit into the day. Garett came home about 10:00 from his night with Papa. He claimed that he only slept for twenty minutes, but according to Papa, it was much more than that! :) Garett brought home some sweet corn that had fallen off of the truck, and he was very excited about it! He had a great time, and I'm glad that he was able to go.

Since my mom brought Garett home, I asked her to take me to pick up our station wagon. It's a lot more difficult getting vehicles dropped off for repairs, when there is only one person! Well, the bill was high, but the car has new tires, runs great, and is ready for the winter months. After we picked up the car, we headed to Oshkosh to run a few errands...like the YMCA and Menards. Even though I take the kids with me all the time, I'm always amazed at how much longer everything takes! :) 

The kids did do really well on our shopping trip, and we found some bargains. :) I used my Menards rebate check to purchase items today, and we paid .42 for everything we bought! Yay! 

This afternoon we went to a birthday party for some friends of ours. It was a princess party for two little girls, and Chandler claimed it was very girly! :) but the boys had a great time playing with some friends, being outside, and eating lots of cake! :) Of course, no one was able to have rest time because we went to the party, so I had some rather tired chicken by evening time. I fed them corn,cheese, and chicken for supper, gave them baths, had Bible time and put them in bed...no one protested. :)

Roger will be flying tonight at midnight, so I know that he would appreciate your prayers. This is getting long and exhausting for both of us...in opposite ways. I'm thankful that God always gives sufficient grace, for every moment. 

Sunday, August 23, 2014

Crazy day! That is about my summary of the day! :)

Emma was up early this morning about 6, so that made getting a run in a bit of a challenge. I did get in two miles, but it was more of a walk, since Wyatt woke up too. They were both in the stroller, and I did the pushing! :) 

It was our week for children's church this week, and I wanted to do an object lesson. However, I'm so thankful that I decided to try it out to make sure it would work! Although I nearly lit the house on fire, I never did get the object lesson to do what it was supposed to do. Oh well, Pinterest to the rescue! I found one that would work, and I actually liked it. I like it when the kids say, "wow, that was so cool!" Success! :) 

I put water on a paper plate, and then I sprinkled pepper all over the water. I explained how the pepper represents sin in our lives, and our lives become dirty. However, when we ask Jesus to come into our heart, we can resist sin. I then put a few drops of dish soap on the pepper, and the pepper "ran" to the sides of the  plate. It was pretty cool, and I had fun. 

After church, we went to the grocery store for milk. Actually, I'm thinking we should just buy a cow instead! Anyways, we made it home for salads for lunch, and then rest time. Unfortunately, Emma fell asleep in the car, so she woke up twenty minutes after the boys laid down. (No worries...I brought her in from the car earlier, and she had been sleeping in her bed!) The boys stayed in bed as little longer, but Emma is rather noisy, so soon everyone was up. Oh well, outside they went! And they came back in red faced and  thirsty in about 30 minutes. It was warm today with high humidity, so they came back inside to play with Legos and cars. 

Even if I wasn't a person who normally attended Sunday night church, I probably would have gone tonight. Our house doesn't have air conditioning, but the church is really comfortable! :) (Just so you know, I do go to church for more than air conditioning and to use the toliet paper!) :) 

I was in the nursery tonight, so I left the two older boys upstairs in the church service (insert nervous sigh here!). I hope they did okay about sitting still...no one complained, so I'm assuming they did okay. Chandler told me he took a nap, so he was really good! :)

The two little boys came to nursery with me. It does create a bit more chaos, but I'm not quite confident in my parenting skills to leave them in the church service without me! But, I was able to do nursery work with one of my favorite people, so it worked out nicely for me. :) I had a great time of fellowship with my pastors wife, and we never run out of things to talk about. Sometimes, I even accuse her of getting in my brain! :) I'll always cherish those memories. 

And now we are home, for snack, of course! Then teeth brushing and bed...oh, hallelujah!

On a very awesome note...Roger is going to come home this weekend! It's Travis's birthday tomorrow, Garett's is on Saturday, and our anniversary is on Tuesday...it will be a good weekend to come home! :) Someone sent our family a gift of money to use to help our family. We decided that this would be a good use for that money...God knows we need a weekend as a family!!

Monday, August 25, 2014

I'm not generally a fan of Mondays; however, today was an exception since it is Travis's birthday! :) Our youngest son turned four today! Where on earth did those four years go?! Travis has been a special delight to our family, since he loves to make the boys laugh, enjoys playing with Wyatt, and has been a very easy going child...the Lord knew we needed that after having four boys in four years!!

It was a busy day with school this morning, and Travis was very excited about picking out a cake a walmart! He picked the one with the deer hunter and the deer...and spent the whole trip home explaining to me that the deer hunter was going to shoot the deer. "But, don't worry mom, it's a pretend deer. So I won't get blood on the cake!" 

We had our friends, the Longsines over for the afternoon, so the majority of the day was spent outside. I have several red faced children and lots of requests for ice water tonight! :) 

We had dinner at our friend, Tanya's house, along with the Longsine friends, and the Carpenter family. The boys had a great time spending more time outside and jumping on the trampoline. I know the kids are wore out since I had no complaints about baths and bed! :) All the kids were more than ready for bed, so I'm hoping that every one sleeps well and is refreshed for school tomorrow! :) 

We are very excited about Roger/daddy coming home this weekend. He will get home late on Friday, and he will leave on Tuesday. It's a short trip again, and I wanted to keep a surprise. However, when three out of the four boys were crying a lunch about missing their daddy, I decided to go ahead and tell them. Hopefully, the days will pass by quickly until Friday!

Happy S.I.G.H. ( Silence Is Golden Here) :)

Ahh...silence. By the way, the only silence that is golden around here is the silence that comes from sleeping children! Any other silence could be an indication of something amiss!

Do you ever have those moments when you open your mouth to speak to your children and promptly insert your foot? Or perhaps I'm the only one! I had a moment today in which I spoke hastily to one of my children about a consequence for something they had done. Immediately, I thought, "now why did I say that?! I just made my life a lot harder!" Let me explain :) 

My dad is still hauling corn this week, and Garett asked if he could ride along tonight. My dad said that if  he went and hauled corn tonight, Garett could go. So, my dad called about 4:30 to ask if Garett could go along. I agreed, and my dad asked me to bring Garett to their house. At that moment, life got crazy! Travis was still sleeping in his bed, everyone needed to find shoes, Garett needed to pack a lunch, I needed to get ready to go to the ladies activity at church tonight, and we needed to be at my parents house in 25 minutes...it takes 15 to get there! I gave instructions to Garett to pack his lunch and find his reading book so he could read to Papa in the truck. I gathered up shoes, packed the diaper bag, put Emma in the truck, and tried to wake up Travis. :) I was feeling a little frazzled, and when I had everyone in the truck, I asked Garett if he had his reading book. He then starts searching all over the truck, insisting that he had put it on the seat beside him. However, no one could find it! I told Garett, "If you don't find that book in the next few minutes, you won't be able to go with Papa." Then  frazzlement took over! Garett immediately started crying, everyone was looking for the book,  and I went back into the house to look for the book. And I thought, "now why did I say that? I have to follow through with my statement, and Garett is going to be so disappointed!" 

Sure enough, it was time to leave (my dad called to see where I was) and the book couldn't be found. Garett was sobbing, I was frustrated, but for once, I actually kept my mouth shut...actually, I was afraid of what else might pop out!!   Once I took a moment to refocus, I told Garett that it wasn't being responsible to lose his schoolwork, and that Chandler was going to get to go with Papa. It wasn't my job to look for the book; however, I would help him when we came home. It was one very sad little boy and one very sad mama. Guess what? We still can't find that book! Garett needs to for reading class tomorrow, and he must have set it down somewhere, but we can't find it. Please pray it shows up!

After dropping off Chandler, I headed to the ladies activity at church. We had been planning on playing volleyball at the park, but since it rained this morning, we were going to play at church. On the way, I realized that my kids hadn't eaten supper, and I was dropping them off at my sister in laws house. I had told her that I would feed them, but in the craziness of the last 30 minutes, I had forgotten. Yep, we did a drive thru dinner! :) I dropped off all the kids at Mark and Allison's home, and then I headed to church. We only had five ladies come, but it was a sweet time of fellowship and fun...it doesn't take much for me to think that fellowship is sweet and almost anything can be fun! :) 

Roger is flying again tonight, so please pray for safety, calmness of mind, and a good lesson time for him. 

1/2 though the week!

Only two more days of school and another week will be complete! Yay! Home schooling is challenging for me, and I'm super thankful that my mom can motivate and encourage me as well as my children! :) 

It was a full day, with schooling, naps and quiet time, our errands in Oshkosh, church tonight, and home again. This afternoon, our friend, Erica watched the boys and Emma for a little bit at church. I had some music I needed to look for and this provided me with an opportunity to spend some time looking. After looking through music, I took a quick run to finish a few errands with Emma while the boys stayed at church with Erica. 

I had been telling the boys that we would try to go rock climbing at the YMCA sometime soon, and this afternoon we finally had time to do it. Personally, I would have rather of just worked out on my own, but this was an experience that we could do together. Travis and I ended up just watching the older boys climb because Travis doesn't weigh enough, and I wasn't about to go climbing in a skirt! :) Chandler is actually really good at climbing, he's wiry and strong, and he was able to get down one of the prizes they had hanging on the wall. Garett is strong enough, but has a harder time figuring out where to put his feet while clinging with his arms. Wyatt had a great time, and he completely wore himself out! It's hard work to climb...which is great because then the kids sleep better. :) 

Ever go to church because it's the right thing to do, and not because you really feel like it? Honestly, I didn't really want to go to church, but it's one place that I can get adult conversation...and these days, I'd  go if that was the only reason. :)  However, while I do enjoy fellowship, I go to church to get a blessing and to be a blessing. Tonight I got a blessing. Our pastor has been teaching through the story of Gideon, and it was a delight to be in God's house tonight. I sure hope that you made an effort to be there too! :) Gideon was pasionate, on fire, and consumed with pursuing and destroying the Midianite army, but am I just as passionate and on fire about the things that God loves? Am I seeking to raise my children to be "Gideon's"  in this world? Boys that will become men who love God, hate sin, and are sold out to whatever God has for them...it's my hearts desire...but am I working daily to reach that goal? (I have a lot to work on!)

Random rabbit trail:

As many of you know, I've been working on losing weight since I've had Emma. It was a rough journey! At six months post partum, I was still at the same weight I was the day after I came home from the hospital! I was excercising, logging my calories, active with my children, and still couldn't shake the weight. However, in January, I heard about a plan called Trim Healthy Mama. My pastors wife had read the book, and encouraged me to read it. I couldn't put it down! I've always been facinated by nutrition, our bodies, being fit and active, and this plan made sense. I wasn't sure anything would work, but I decided to try. In a nutshell, I started separating my fats and carbs, and cut out sugar. Guess what? it started working. :) Emma turned a year this month, and I am actually three pounds lighter than when I became pregnant with her. I'm about five pounds away from my wedding weight of 120, and I'm looking foward to getting there. Roger and I will celebrate our nineth anniversary in September, and I'd love to be close to my wedding weight. :) 

Second Random Rabbit Trail: 

I always have more I could write about, although my mommy brain usually starts to shut down at this time of night. :) However, I do have a running list of topics that I've started writing about, but it haven't published yet. The following list is some of my topics. :)

1) Raising Ideal children in an Un-ideal World

2) My thoughts on People who are ALWAYS late for church ...touchy, I know. :)

3) Why I believe, or don't believe, in the church nursery.

4) Five Good Reasons to Vaccinate my children

And I have several more :) See, I can think deeper than just what happened in a days events, but I haven't figured out how to put more hours in my day. :)

On that note, Good Night.

I'm Thankful for Friends.

Well, the day is almost over, the house is quiet, the children are sleeping, and I have a few moments to try to regain my sanity before trying to sleep. :) 

My parents graciously helped me today. My dad came and gathered up all our trash, since I seem to always manage to forget on Wednesdays and Saturdays. :( My mom took the older boys to start school, and my dad helped me get a vehicle to the repair shop. It would have been a challenge for me to get the vehicle to the repair shop by myself. :) 

After taking the sable wagon to the shop, Emma, Travis and I headed to school. Wyatt and I finished up his lessons, I listened to Garett read, and made snack for break time. :) 

After school, we had some friends come over that we haven't seen in a bit. Curt and Levi had a great time playing with the boys, and they were in and out of the pool all afternoon! Meanwhile, Jenn and I enjoyed a nice visit, while Emma and Mesa played in the house and tried to eat everything off the floor! :) Although I wish we could get together more often with this dear family, it does make me appreciate the times when we do get together. :) (After all, Jenn shared her coffee with me, so that makes her a pretty great friend!) :) 

The boys spent lots of time outside today, which means they spent a lot of time cleaning up the yard this evening. Why we need to drag out everything at one time, I'll never know! The cooler wasn't holding frogs or toads today; however, it was used to make a home for the worms...so, the boys spent a good deal of time cleaning it back out! I guess I don't really mind that they use the cooler since it's not like they are wrecking it, I just have to remember to remind them to clean it out and put it back! 

Following supper, I decided to go in to go to the YMCA. It's a trip into town just to excercise, but honestly, it makes me a better mom. I get to get away from the kids and spend an hour doing something that is good for me, improves my health, strengthens my marriage and makes me a better mom to five children...well worth the extra gas money for today. :)

During Bible time, we've been reading a health, safety, and manners book. It's the first grade level from A Beka books, but all the boys have been enjoying it. Tonight we talked about good posture, so of course, everyone had to take a turn trying to walk with a book on their head! Yesterday we read about chewing with your mouth closed and eating politely. Tonight at supper, Chandler proceeds to tell Wyatt that his manners are terrible, to which Wyatt loudly protested while talking with his mouth full of food...yikes...I think we have some work to do in this area!!

Roger is flying again tonight. I'm thankful that it's not too late tonight, but he did have a 9pm flying lesson. We are looking forward to having this instrument rating behind us, and we are getting closer one day at a time!

Sunday Funnies

When I was a kid, I used to read the Sunday comics every week...it was my favorite part of the newspaper. :) However, since God has blessed us with children, it is no longer necessary for me to read the comics...they are in front of me every day!!

A few fun moments from our week:

1) my mom was having a phonics lesson with Wyatt this week. She was explaining that "I" says...i..I...Indian. She held up a picture of an Indian, and made the Indian noise by tapping her hand over her mouth, like an Indian war whoop. She said "now remember Wyatt, "i" says I...I...Indian." She then asks Wyatt, "what does the I say?" Wyatt promptly replys by tapping his hand over his mouth and imitating the war whoop! :) (yeah, he missed the concept!)

2) Garett drew some pictures of airplanes for Roger. He then face timed Roger and told him about all the different airplanes he had drawn. A pacer, a chieftain, a DC 3, and several others. I'm amazed that he can't seem to remember his math facts, but he certainly knows his airplanes!

3) On Wednesday afternoon, we were able to visit with our friends, Ryan and Jenna. Wyatt found an old nasty jaw bone from probably a dog. He brought it into the house to show me, along with the teeth he had found. He proceeded to set the whole nasty mess on the table, and of course, I was horrified! I promptly told him to throw it in the trash. He wailed, "mom, I'm going to take it home." I was about to tell him absolutely not, but instead I asked why we would need to haul dog teeth home with us. He then replied that he was going to put the dog teeth under his pillow, and ask me to give him some money for them. (When the boys lose a tooth, we usually give them a quarter) Umm...no, I'm not handing out money for dog teeth!!

4) When I have all the kids and I'm doing shopping, I usually look for a parking space close to the entrance of the store. I often say, "oh, help us, Jesus, to find a close spot." It's not that I say them flippantly, it's just a conversation I'm having with Jesus. Today when we needed to stop for a few items, I found a parking place close to the front of the store. Chandler immediately pipes up, "oh, thank you, Jesus!" I had to chuckle because he used the exact voice intonation that I use, and it was pretty funny. Oh, the things they learn!

A quick look back on the weekend...

Friday...a day spent with school, preparations for the college activity, and cooking. We did a build your own burger bar, which was a lot of fun, but a lot of work! I also made a berry salad, a cauliflower dish, and dessert. However, we did managed to get to the activity early, and my friend graciously watched the kids so I could squeeze in a short run. We had seven college kids at the activity, but they seemed to have a good time. 

Saturday...more cooking! I was helping with breakfast for our Sunday School class the next day, so I made chocolate muffins, and three pans of monkey bread. Thankfully, a good friend showed up for a visit, so I had some one to talk to while I cooked.  :) The Mayo family came over and cut the grass for me...yay...and helped me change the pool filter! Wow, that pool was green! It's making a comeback back to blue though, so that's a good thing! About 3:30, I brought the boys over to my friend, Tanya's house. She had offered to let the boys spend the night, and I certainly couldn't think of a reason to say no! :) I was tired, but Emma and I went and washed and vacuumed the truck, picked up some eggs for the egg bake I was making for Sunday, and looked for a present for Travis's birthday...we didn't find one. Then the check engine oil level light came on...uh oh! I called Roger, and he said to check the oil in the truck. So I drove it to Tanya's house, and she helped me check the oil...and it needed some. I obviously don't put oil in very often, since I was going to try to pour the oil in the same hole that the dipstick was in! Thankfully, she pointed out the oil tank. :) It's running fine again, but I need to take it in and have it serviced, so I guess they can check the oil while their at it!

I came home, whipped up the egg bakes, nursed my Emma baby, and crawled into bed. 

Sunday...I have a love/hate relationship with Sunday. I love the fact that I get to go to church, worship with believers, hear Godly preaching, fellowship with Christians...however, the devil works overtime to get me discouraged!

I knew that I was going to struggle with discouragement today...I was tired, weary, and I would have loved to crawl back in bed. However, instead, I got up, ran two miles, read my Bible, cooked the egg bakes, and asked God to give me specific people that I could be a blessing to today. I wrapped up four bars of chocolate, attached little notes, and put them in my purse. I didn't have anyone specific in mind, but I knew that God would give me some ideas...or I would eat the chocolate myself! :)

But, guess what? By the time church ended, and I was ready to leave, God had brought people to mind to give my little gifts to...honestly, I received the bigger blessing. 

I took the boys out to lunch since they had their free kids meals coupons from the library reading program. We also invited Tanya and Connor along, and Emma "gave" Connor her coupon for a free kids meal. :) After lunch, we stopped at the grocery store quick to pick up a few items for the college snack after church. (We have college snack after church one Sunday night a month, and it happened to be this week) Travis fell asleep on the way home, as well as Emma, but thankfully, I put them both in their beds and they slept for another two hours! The boys played outside, and I did a little more cooking. :) I made meatball subs for snack tonight, but thankfully, it was a simple meatball dish. (Actually, almost everything I make has between four and eight ingredients...I'm not a very complex cook person!)

We had a good turnout for snack, and it was late when we got home. I was not a happy mama on the way home. The boys had brought two scooters to play with after church; but when it was time to leave only one could be found. It was discovered that Travis was the last one using the green scooter, and he had forgotten to bring it back over to the truck, he had also forgotten where he had been riding it last, and he didn't know where it was "hiding". We spent a few minutes looking for it, but since I didn't bring it, it wasn't my toy, nor my responsibility, I didn't spend a whole lot of time looking. Travis received some money for his birthday next week, but he was very sad to hear that he was going to have to give the money to Wyatt since he lost Wyatt's scooter. :( It was hard for me to have him give the money to Wyatt, but we can't borrow other people's stuff and not take care of it. I'm still praying that the scooter will show up, but I'm also praying that Travis will remember this lesson! 

Oh, how I'm thankful it's bedtime!

MONDAY, August 18, 2014

 I slept terribly last night...due to caffeine, a cranky Emma, a bed wetter, and a child who was cold...by 6:00 I was on the couch asking God to please let me not be a grouch today. I did have to bite my tongue several times, but everyone's head is still intact! :) However, it is 8 pm, and the house is quiet...yay!

We started on our second week of school today, and Wyatt told me that school was boring. He's been doing two lessons a day, since it hasn't seemed to be any challenge for him. I'm thinking I'll have to dig out some extra papers and play a few review games with him tomorrow, just to try to keep him engaged and interested. I know that school will get harder for him as the year progresses, but right now, he's just taking a walk in the park. Garett, on the other hand, is trying to figure out how everything disappeared out of his brain over the summer! I'm hoping some of his education from last year will make a come back! :)

I took Wyatt, Travis and Emma home, while my mom finished up with the older boys. Both Travis and Emma fell asleep on the way home, and slept while I carried them in, and continued to sleep for another two hours. I tried to take a nap with Wyatt, but after 1/2 hour of laying there awake, I decided that we could both use our time better. I sent him outside, and I started working on cleaning/organizing my kitchen. I didn't make it through all the cupboards, but I do have a nice little stack of things that need to find a different home. 

Nana brought the older boys home around 1, and then a dear lady in our church stopped by with a meal for us! I was so blessed by her generosity and thoughfulness. She is in our deacon group, and if know that she has been having her own set of struggles lately, but she still made the time and effort to be a blessing to us...thank you, Julie! According to the boys, she's a great cook! :) 

 Later this afternoon, we took a walk/bike ride to the park. It looked like rain before we left, but it's been looking like that a lot lately. Wyatt and Garett had a great time riding their bikes into the frog pond. Chandler didn't want to ride his in the pond, because he didn't want to have to wear wet clothes home. :) It really is a nasty frog pond with algae, leeches, and murky water, so it was home for baths! We made it home about two minutes before God opened up the skies and the water poured down...thank you, Jesus! 

It was a quiet afternoon inside (well, as quiet as it could be with five kids!) Garett and Chandler went down to the basement to wrestle and play catch, Travis "played" piano for a bit while Emma protested, and Wyatt played with Legos...so, not necessarily quiet, but it was peaceful. We had no major fights or whining, everyone ate supper, cleaned up, read books, had Bible time, and it was bedtime! 

Please, please pray for my Roger. This is getting long for all of us, but he seems really discouraged lately. It's taking longer than we wanted, costing more than we were hoping, and Roger is really missing his family. I'm blessed to have husband who never complains about watching the kids, willingly spends time with them, always plays with them, allows me to go running or off by myself while he takes the kids...yeah, I'm blessed and spoiled! :)

Our love to our readers, Sarah

Life...along with a call to the Poison Control center!

MONDAY...August 11, 2014,

Yep...there are just not enough hours in the day. It's 10:45 pm and I'm still up folding clothes, getting ready for tomorrow, and thinking about how much easier life is with Roger around. :)

On Tuesday, I got the kids up early to eat breakfast and finish their chores. I needed to be leaving the house by 7:30, so that I could stop by the house I was working on cleaning today. Usually, I'm waiting on laundry to finish washing or drying, so I wanted to get a load in before school. I had the boys help and we got a decent start on cleaning before heading to school. We started on school, and I'm so thankful that my mom helps out! :) I had a WiC appointment at ten, so Travis, Emma, and I went to that while my mom kept going with the three that are in school. Of course, Wyatt wanted to know why he couldn't come, because he thinks school is boring! :) The WIC appointment told me what I already knew...Travis is tall and skinny, and Emma fits right into her percentile group. She's smaller than the boys at a year...at 17lbs. 13 oz. and she's shorter at 28.75 inches. I'm fine with a petite little girl. :) 

When we got back the the school, my dad was there asking if the boys could go on a field trip. 

Already?!  Farm tech days is held this week up in Plover, WI. It's basically a farm expo...and lots of fun. I remember going several times growing up and coming home with a whole bag of free "junk". I figured the boys would do the same, and they would love it. So, my mom took Emma, the boys went with Papa, and I headed back to finish house cleaning. I would have had a great time at Farm Tech days as well, but I also have to use the opportunities I have without the boys! :) 

I finished cleaning, and I still was waiting on laundry, so I squeezed in a short run while waiting for the laundry to finish. Then I ran home to shower, and then pick up Emma. I decided to take my mom out to dinner for her birthday, since it was just us and Emma. I can't remember the last time I went to supper with just my mom, but it was really nice. :) 

I then headed home to try to clean my own house up! :) However, I had just sat down, when I realized that I hadn't voted in the primaries. So, off Emma and I went to vote, then back to my parents to gather up the boys (guess what? Each boy had collected a bag of "treasures") Among a bunch of stuff that will end up in the trash, they each had several note pads, rulers, pencils, and a vendor had given each boy a leather belt....nice! :) 

By the time we arrived home, finished our reading, gave bathes, had Bible time, and prayed, it was close to ten. And my house looked like a tornado went through...oh well. :)

Wednesday...August 13, 2014

Day three of school....along with one child having an appointment...supper at a friends house...church...and a call to the poison control center...forgive me, but I'm ready for bed!!

My mom graciously took the two older boys that didn't have the appointment, and I took the three others along to the appointment. Chandler had to return to the dentist to get a spacer put in, and school would have been very challenging for my mom with Travis and Emma too! Chandlers appointment was about twenty minutes, so I put Travis in the little umbrella stroller, Emma in the ergo carrier, and off we walked. It wasn't a real long walk, but I have to squeeze in what I can get! :) 

After the appointment, we came home, packed up supper, the bikes, the grocery cooler, and went to pick up the other boys. Once in Oshkosh, we did some errands, the library, the YMCA, and then we headed to our friends house. The Shuberts graciously allowed us to come to their house for fellowship and food. We also got to fit in an almost two mile walk...with six children between us! :) My brother in law is renting from the Shuberts, and he let us have some paper plates...but we let him have dinner in exchange. :) 

At church we had a missionary speaker. God really used his message on the widows vessels in Second Kings to speak to me. What will God do with myself, my children, my marriage, and our future, if I give Him all the vessels? I want my kids to be sold out, on fire for God. They don't necessarily have to be preachers or missionaries, although that would be great. However, I want my boys to be leaders In their homes, passionate about God, devoted to their wife, faithful to the local church, dedicated to God and to their families....that's a big request! 

After church, we headed home to unload the truck, put away groceries, get grouchy children ready for bed, prepare for tomorrow, and collapse into bed. But...that would be too easy. Instead, everyone needed a snack, I put away groceries, and Emma was unsupervised. She was eagerly helping herself to dumping out dishwasher detergent and sampling it! Immediately, my blood pressure rises, I can't find my phone, I forget how to read, and Emma starts screaming. The box said to rinse mouths out with soap...but how much is rinsing?! Not to mention...she's not really the rinse and spit age yet! Giving up on that, I scramble to find my phone...and try to remember how to turn it on. So, upon calling the poision control center...did you know that you have to listen to a recording about pressing one for English and two for Spanish? Good night....I just want to talk to someone!! Yeah, anyways, it turns out that it's really not a huge deal. The lady said just to give her a little water or milk, and Emma might throw up, but she'll be fine. So, I nursed her, she threw up, seemed fine, and slept great...thank you, Jesus!!

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Other than school, it was kinda a slower type day, which is great! I thought I might lose my mind trying to listen to little children read today...but I think I managed to keep it. :) 

Tonight a few friends came by to watch the kids for me. This family had given me a "coupon" earlier this summer for a night for them to watch the kids. This family, the Mayo family, attends church where my dad pastors, but I am very thankful for them as well. Myself and Jessie, did all the errands and getting stuff together for the college age activity tomorrow. Yeah, I should've done it yesterday when I was already grocery shopping...but keeping track of two lists, five children, two different budgets...that seemed like a train wreck waiting to happen! :) Three of their older children, Anna, Matt, and Maggie, watched all the kids and did some house cleaning while I was gone...awesome! :)

So, I think I'm about ready for the college activity tomorrow, school stuff is prepped and ready to go, I got to talk to my husband via face time, and I'm ready for bed. Getting up at 5:30 and going to bed at 11 might work for some, but it just turns this mama into a grouch! 

UPDATE on Roger.... He passed his written test today!!!!! Many thanks for all who prayed and have supported us in this "adventure". He has several hours of flying left to do, and an oral to take as well, but it's getting done! Every day is one day closer to having our family complete again!!

School? For real?!

August 11,2014 MONDAY 

Today school started (insert loud groan here!). The only one really excited about this adventure was Chandler, but since it's a necessity, it must be done. I'm thankful that my mom helps me out...a lot! We do our teaching and school work at the church where my dad pastors. Since no one is using the building during the week, we can use it for school. This is a huge blessing, because then I can just focus on school...not the laundry, dishes, dusting, cleaning, etc. I thought the boys did fairly well for their first day back. Wyatt did ask 1/2 through his lesson when he would be done,  but we made it. Having Emma and Travis there was an added challenge, but we worked through it. Since the first lessons are review and easy, we are doubling up on some. With my sister getting married in October, I want to be able to take a few days off of school and not get behind. The photos are of surveys I gave the boys. I love to see their thoughts, and these will make great memories some day! :)

The biggest problem is that I didn't have enough hours in the day to get everything done that I needed to get done before we started school. Now I have to figure out how to carve more time out of a day that already seems very squeezed. Today was a success...the kids ate, did school, had clothes to wear, had Bible time, had baths...success! 

Travis had a great time with Papa last night. My dad said he was barely awake by 8:30, and crawled in the sleeper bunk at nine! He missed the unloading of the corn, the plant, and all the machinery moving around him. However, when my dad pulled into the truck lot at 3 am to unhook the trailer, Travis woke up. He was wide awake...like asking Papa questions, walking around, jabbering away. My dad said when he took Travis back to their house, Travis brushed his teeth, talked, and my dad finally put him in bed and told him to be quiet. Travis fell back asleep. :)

All in all, it was a good day. I couldn't figure out a way to get in a run, or a walk, since time was so limited. I definitely miss exercise if I don't get any, but I'm going to have to try to figure something else out...one problem at a time. 

Emma is standing! She hasn't walked yet, much to her brother's disappointment, but she has started standing on her own. Time is flying by and sometimes I just want to treasure these moments a little longer. For example, a little boy is sound asleep right beside me, and these moments are passing by too quickly! 

Roger rescheduled his written instrument test for Thursday morning. He is sick and tired of studying, so pray that he does well, and that this step can be behind us! Many thanks for the prayers, Sarah 

August 10, 2014...SUNDAY

Today, as is every Sunday was a busy day. I had children's church this morning, and I had to pick up Wyatt from Nana and Papa's house since he had ridden along with Papa hauling sweet corn. Wyatt was full of words about his adventures, although my dad said he only made it until about 9:30pm. Before crawling in the sleeper bunk! Apparently, Wyatt thought the whole experience was wonderful! :) One more child was looking and waiting for his turn to go, and Travis immediately asked Papa if he could go on Sunday night. Papa graciously agreed, and Travis asked me all day long when it was time to go!

Children's church went well, I thought. There are definitely some weeks that are better than others, but everything seemed to go fairly smoothly. I had an object lessons planned for today using oil and water. It was to illustrate how Christians are to be different from the world. Of course, the kids thought it was pretty cool...hopefully, they learned a truth as well! :) 

After church, we headed home for rest time. I was smart enough to put Travis in our bed so he wouldn't be distracted by his brothers. I knew that he was going to need a rest if he was going to go with Papa! Garett fell asleep as well, but when he was still awake at 11:30 tonight, I realized that he might need to have quiet time instead of a nap. It was a battle of the wills with Chandler and Wyatt...but eventually, they succumbed to nap time! :) Of course, then the problem was that the ones that took forever to fall asleep, I had to wake up for church. Let me say that is never a fun experience! Travis woke up eager to go, and he got out his lunch box. He packed yogurt, and lots of cheese for him and Papa. :) My mom came and picked him up, and that was one excited little boy!

We had a special snack after church tonight to say good bye to some church members that are moving on. Although Roger is a deacon, since he's not here, it often limits how and where I can help. But I really do enjoy serving, so I helped set up tables, sandwiches and drinks for after church. I took a LARGE leap of faith and left Garett and Chandler in the church pew by themselves. I definitely could have sat with them, as it's not like anyone was departs for my help. However, I really wanted to see how they would do. I gave them instructions to sit there, and please...don't fight! I forgot to tell Chandler he couldn't get up to use the bathroom, so he came out once. Overall, I think they did well...I have to learn to test my parenting skills at some point. :) (Of course, I could insert a story right here about when that failed....picture a small boy stomping across the back of the auditorium on his way back from the bathroom, oh, and while the preacher was preaching.) 

I had a great talk on the way home from church with my Roger. We talk often, and sometimes the conversations are just okay, but we had a really good talk. I'm thankful for his persevence to struggle through boredom, fight off financial strains, study hard, and stay focused. I'm thankful that he willingly goes to church when no one is watching. I know that he prays for us every single day...I'm blessed. 

August 9, 2014

The devil is working overtime to try to discourage both Roger and myself this week, and I'm trying hard not to let him win. However, the kids are tired, school starts on Monday, the house needs cleaning, I have a desperate desire to get away for just a few hours...and that is proving to be impossible! I've cried more in the four hours that I've been awake today than in the ten weeks that Roger has been gone! I feel incredibly alone and weary. I'd call Roger, but I know that would only make things harder for him since he can't really help me right now.

I have some school shopping I need to do, and grocery shopping, and I was hoping to go to the YMCA for some exercise. However, about ten minutes into the ride to Oshkosh, I realized that I was tired, emotional, and unable to think about errands with five kids who really didn't want to go shopping...not that I can blame them! So, we came home, and I'm working on cleaning the house, having the boys clean the garage, and get ready for church tomorrow. 

As much as I realize that everyone is busy with their own lives, I still feel incredibly lonely. So, so many people have offered to help me, watch kids, etc...but when push comes to shove, everyone else is busy too...and I get that. However, it has helped me to realize more what deployment wives go through, how single parents must feel at times, and hopefully, in a few months, I will better be able to recognize and help the needs of those around me. I'm working at not complaining, or whining, and I'm hoping this post doesn't come across like that; however, I'm not going to publish this one for a few days at least!

I think this weekend is so difficult because my sister is back in South Dakota, and last weekend Roger was home. But, when the mountain top experience is beautiful and amazing, it makes the valley very deep and scary. I know that God is in the valley as much as on the mountain top, and we are working on trusting Him as we transition through this challenging time. We covet your prayers every day, but today...I could use extra!

As I sat crying out to God for patience and grace, He reminded me of so much that I have to be thankful for in my life. It's hard to be unthankful when God is bringing people to mind to write a thank you note to...I have several to write! After I got over my sadness, I got up, made lunch, helped the kids do their chores, got clothes laid out for church tomorrow, worked on my children's church lesson, and cleaned up the house a little. Unfortunately, Emma laid down for a nap early and the boys a little late, so I had roughly eight minutes before Emma was awake and needing lunch! Oh well! 

It was Wyatt's turn to ride along with Papa tonight, so he was chomping at the bit and eager to go! We dropped him off about 5:30, and then I headed to Oshkosh with the other kids. I had been dreading finishing up back to school shopping with all of them, but God gave me grace. I had called Mark and Allison about 4:00 to see if maybe they could watch the kids, and they agreed. So, I dropped off the kids and ran around like a crazy person to get as much done in 2 1/2 hours as possible! (I've been too long with the kids, when I pull up to the store and open the back car door to help out the kids!) I made it to JCPenny, Target, CVS, Subway, and Walgreens. :) I'm very thankful for the few hours away from the kids and for Mark and Allison's willingness to watch the kids.

God gives grace as we need it. He doesn't hand out extra, he doesn't allow us to stockpile it into our spiritual lives, I firmly believe that He gives it to us on a day to day, moment to moment basis. God challenges us to depend on His Word and to truly trust Him. To say it's been a rough day would be putting it lightly, however, compared to the problems of some of those around me, my problems are very, very shallow. I'm thinking of the mom whose daughter is very ill, the dad who lost his job, the new mom that miscarried a baby...all those situations make my problems seem very insignificant. But, the same God that provides grace for them, that's the same  God that provides grace for me. One day at a time.

Happy Birthday...and the smurfs returned!

It was a happy, but bittersweet day for this mama. Emma turned a year old today, and I still can't believe that a year has already come and gone! It was such a fun year, and is enjoyed it more than I would have ever thought possible. 

God gave us a special gift in Emma, and she is well loved, protected, and smothered by her older brothers! :) Apparently, Emma was supposed to wake up this morning ready to walk. The first things Garett said to Emma was, "okay, Emma, time to walk!" :) Wyatt wanted to know why Emma didn't walk today. While she is close to walking, she hasn't taken her first steps yet, but that's okay by me. :)

Garett was able to ride in the truck while my dad hauled sweet corn last night. Garett had a great time, and stayed awake until one in the morning! Needless to say, he's a bit tired today. I'm so thankful that my dad willingly offers to take them along on trips like this as the boys can glean so much from real life experiences. Tonight Chandler gets to ride along, and oh, is he ever excited! He's determined to beat Garett's record of one in the morning...we will see. :)

We were able to visit at a friends house for brunch today. Phil and Autumn Hammond have a pond with a paddle boat, so the boys were as happy as clams! :) Travis did not stay a awake on the way home, but the boys all talked about what a fun time they had at the Hammonds house. 

I was a little sad this afternoon thinking about Emma's birthday and how different this birthday has been compared to the other children's first birthday. With out Roger here, it's kinda difficult to get excited about birthday cakes, small gifts, and pandemonium. However, all the kids wanted Emma to have cake, so at six o'clock, we piled in the car to go get cake. Emma "picked" out some princess cupcakes with the help of her brothers...after Travis was voted down on his attempt to have the digger cupcakes. :) Back at home, we lit the candle, sang happy birthday, and let Emma enjoy her cake. She loved it...and made a huge mess, and the boys were delighted! :) I'm glad I made the effort, and while it's not the same, it is still a memory created. 

The boys wanted to do an art project today, and they decided upon shaving cream "paint". What a mess! You take shaving cream and mix it with food coloring...which I forgot how much that can dye clothes...and hair! They painted all over the deck, and themselves, and had a marvelous time while doing it. I was a little worried about all that coloring in the tub, but they rinsed off in the pool...which is now blue! Thankfully, all the food coloring came out of the clothes and hair! I'm really thankful that we were able to do that project outside! 

Another day has come to a close, one that was both delightful and challenging. I'm thankful for memories created, family, water, and soap. :)

Home!

I love our house...it's never spotless, something always seems to be broken, children are usually running in and out, but it's home! I love the fact that we live here together with our children, and we have many good friends in the area. However, I'm very thankful that the Longsine family, in Oak Creek, WI, offered to have us visit for a few days. It was a welcome distraction after Roger's departure; and the kids were kept busy, I enjoyed sweet fellowship, and everyone had a great time. Well, I don't think Emma had a great time since she is cutting new teeth. 

We headed to the Longsines after dropping Roger off on Monday morning. Thankfully, the Longsines only live about fifteen minutes from the airport, so the kids didn't have a whole lot of time to sit in the car and be sad! The Longsines had been able to get some free passes to various attractions in the Milwaukee area, so I knew the kids would have other distractions during the day as well. The nine children, all under the age of eight, played together while Beka and I visited for a few minutes. We decided on the Milwaukee County Zoo for our first excursion. The kids had a great time! I'm sure that they would have enjoyed staying longer than we did, but the younger kids were definitely starting to get tired! By the time we had a picnic lunch, saw the zoo animals, and packed up, it was almost four p.m. We headed back to the Longsines for supper. The kids played hard all day, riding bikes, walking, playing with friends, etc., so they were tired at bedtime. 

On Tuesday, the kids were ready for another day of activities! This time, we headed off to the children's museum in Milwaukee. What a fun place for kids! There were all kids of activities for the kids, and they all seemed to have a great time...moms too. :) After the children's museum, it was obviously time to go home for a little rest time! The kids seemed to revive themselves after the thirty minute car ride, and they were ready to go again. Off they went on bikes, apple picking, and keeping themselves busy! Later in the afternoon, everyone had a bath, and then we headed to dinner. We got LOTS of looks as we paraded through the restaurant with nine small children! Amazingly, no one spilled a drink, had a meltdown, or bothered the other patrons. However, the kids seemed to really enjoy their dinners, but the adults...not so much! We were busy eating quickly, since we knew it was getting later, kids were getting tired, and we needed to leave before it was a disaster. :) But, it was a good time anyways. 

We left for home on Wednesday morning. I could tell all my kids were tired, as everyone was very emotional and sensitive! It was a quiet ride home with the five kiddos, but as soon as we arrived home, they were off and running! My dad and sister were over cutting grass and working on the house. My dad always says that he can get so much more done without all the "help" around! :) My dad installed a door on the back garage and while he was working on it, Wyatt stripped all the metal off of the old door frame. :) The boys are trying to collect scrap metal for various things they'd like to do or see, and they have become very resourceful! Wyatt wanted to know if he could take the metal out of the cavity in his tooth when it fell out! :) Chandler has been picking up aluminum cans from beside the road as we walk. I can't complain though since it keeps them busy and out of trouble for the most part. :)

Roger was supposed to have his instrument written test on Wednesday, however, he came down with the flu. He hasn't been feeling well at all, so please pray that he would feel better soon. Thanks, Sarah 

A surprise, fun memories, a race, the air show, family, and..the weekend is over!

It was an amazing weekend for our family. We squeezed in all that we could into the short amount of time we had together. And although we are all tired now, it was well worth it! 

The kids had a great time with Roger, and they needed this weekend with him. I'm so thankful that God always provided for our needs, even when it's not a necessity; sometimes God chooses to bless us simply because He loves us! The boys all wanted to sleep with daddy this weekend, so Roger did camp out on the living room floor with them. However, once the kids were asleep, he bailed and slept in bed with his wife. :) 

We spent Friday morning at home as the boys were anxious to show Roger the garden, and they all wanted to talk! :) Roger played softball with them, wrestled with them, listened to them, and the boys soaked it all up! :)  My sister, Hannah, and her fiancée, Josh, came up for the weekend as well. It was great for Roger to get to meet Josh, and Josh helped fix the trunk latch on the car...yay! Now the kids don't have to climb in and out of the back window...which looked a little odd! :) 

I was busy on Friday getting ready for Hannah's bridal shower. Since Hannah was only home for a few days, it was short notice; however, we still had a good turnout. I'm thankful that we were able to do this for her, and that Roger was here to watch the boys. :)

Saturday: we fit everything we could into this day, and it was a crazy full day! I started off the day by running in the 5k race at the EAA. It was a nice, flat course, and I was able to run with our friends, the Longsines. I ran it in 23:24, which I was happy with since I haven't had a whole lot of time to run this summer! :) I placed third in my age group, twelfth out of 266 women, and 94 out of 728 runners/walkers. I'm thankful that Roger willingly stayed home with the kids, fed them breakfast, helped them get ready for the day and met up with me at church. From there we headed to the farmers market. Both of my sisters, and Josh, met up with us at the Farmers market. We enjoyed lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, and beef sticks...yum! 

Next, the air show...the boys had been anxiously waiting to go to the airshow! Roger's brother, Mark, was able to get tickets to the airshow for us, and I had one from participating in the run/walk. Hannah and Josh came with us, and we ended up only needing one child's ticket...sweet! Thankfully, my sister, Jenn, had errands to run, and she took Emma with her! Emma probably wouldn't have had a good time anyways, so I was more than willing to let Emma go with Jenn. :) 

The best part about getting free tickets to the airshow is that we didn't feel obligated to stay all day to get our money's worth! :) We stayed until the boys seemed to be getting tired, although Garett would never be ready to leave! After we got back to the car, we went to the frozen yogurt treat shop for lunch. It wasn't the most nutritious choice, but they had each eaten several servings of fruit and veggies at the farmers market. :) But it was delicious! :)

After our frozen yogurt treat, we stopped at the grocery store and headed to my parents house. We ate supper with them, picked up Emma, and visited with family. The boys had been asking all day if they could go to the night airshow, so we decided to go. This was an extra trip back into Oshkosh, but since time to make memories is limited, we did it! 

Sunday was filled with church, family, a nice long walk, and ice cream treat after church with our friends, the Shuberts. We have come to know and love this dear family so much, and Roger and I are so thankful for them. Roger's brothers, Dale and Mark, as well as Marks wife, Allison, also joined us for ice cream. It was a fun and relaxing visit that was swallowed up in time all too quickly! However, something is better than nothing, so I'll take it! :) 

Although the weekend is gone, and the week is moving on, I'm so thankful for my husband. He is working hard at school, trying to save money wherever he can, studying all the time, and still making time for the kids via face time. This is not an easy summer for either of us, but we have no regrets about the path God is taking us on thus far. Roger struggles with loneliness, while I struggle against invasions of my personal space! :) It was hard for me to see Roger silently crying as we drove to the airport. Even though we know we are making the right choices, it's still a difficult summer. However, the last few days have been filled with memorize with great friends, fun activities, and no time to be sad...but that's for another post! 

Roger has a major test tomorrow, so we would love some extra prayers for that! He will be starting his commercial rating soon, but he has to pass a major test in his instrument training first. Thanks for the prayers. 

Surprise!

We had a great time surprising the kids yesterday, and I think they were very surprised! :) It was a late night as everyone wanted to talk to dad, show dad everything, and all the boys wanted to sleep with Dad. :) So, tonight Dad will be having a camp out on the living room floor with the boys. :) I am very glad that I was able to spend some time with Roger a few weeks ago, since there are now six people that want to spend time with Roger! 

I expect that all the appliances will work fabulously, the vehicles will run amazingly, the sump pump will work well, and that nothing will break...however, come Monday the house will probably fall apart! (I'm expecting it!) :) 

We will have a very full weekend, but it's sure to be fun! We will be going to the air show tomorrow, I'll be running in the 5k, we have a picnic to attend, and my dad would like to take the boys to the demolition derby at the fair! It will be full, but very fun. :)