Wonderful Day....

Today was another one of those days that I will treasure forever! I LOVE family days. It's been so nice having Tom home and I'm really not looking forward to Monday. This is exactly what our family has needed!!

We took the kids to the free Children's Performing Arts Show at the Community College nearby. It was a puppet show. The kids enjoyed it. They'll have a different performance every other Saturday for the next few months. We have attended these for several years and are always glad we went.

We headed to Springfield afterwards and went to our favorite place to eat, Baja Fresh. Then we headed to our favorite grocery store, Trader Joes and stocked up on some needed items and some goodies to take with us to the next stop....the dollar theater. This is our usual Saturday outing at least once a month or so. We had a great time, as always.

Tonight we were watching an old Cosby Show Episode. The kids have never seen one and Tom and I both remember enjoying that show. We had found a video with some of the first episodes on it on clearance at the Christian Bookstore today and decided to pick it up. We had a good laugh watching one of our favorite episodes. Well after it was over Bradley said, "Are the parents married in that show?" I said, "Yes, they are married....we'll not in real life....but on the show yes." He said, "Well if she's not his real wife, why did he just kiss her? That doesn't seem like a good thing. That's not being very good to his wife." Wow....I love that kid. I love his sensitive heart. I love the way he thinks and I love that he asks US. It opened up a WONDERFUL conversation between he and Tom and I. I'm just so proud of my little guy. I love that he desires to serve the Lord. I told him he was exactly right. That when Mommy and Daddy got married we were committed to each other and that we treasure that. I told him that I had just read an article in a Focus on the Family magazine about an interview with Kirk Cameron....who was in Fireproof. There was a wonderful article about how he said that when he got married, he was committed to his wife and only his wife and that meant he would never kiss another woman..no matter what. He said he would never play a part in a show or movie that would require it. He said it's not true that it's 'only acting' when people kiss on TV or movies...it's something to be protected and shared only with your spouse. So much so, that at the end of the Fireproof movie, there's a scene where he was to kiss his actress "wife". So for that scene they were outside and it was kind of dark...you could really just see them like a shadow almost and his real life wife dressed up as his 'acting' wife and she played that role in that last scene and he kissed his real life wife...not the actress. I had heard about that when we saw the movie but reading this article still just made me cry. I just LOVE that there are actors out there that will stand up for their convictions. I told Bradley that this was a perfect example that no matter what God calls him to do, he can always hold to his convictions and beliefs and God will bless him indeed. What a great reminder that we all need to keep ourselves in check....are we compromising our convictions in any way?

I'm so thankful for these moments with my children. I LOVE hearing their heart and just love seeing who they are becoming. I'm so thankful I get to be home with them and be blessed with such special times as these....

A great day.....

Today was one of those days I wanted to last forever. I'm starting to feel a little more like myself. I still have a ways to go on the recovery...still quite sore and still VERY tired most of the time. I should really be asleep right now...but like I said...it's been one of those days. Outside of the whole surgery and being sick for quite some time before hand...the one thing I have loved these past few weeks is having EVERYONE home!! Tom took Christmas until New Years off like he usually does and then because of my unplanned surgery, he's still home taking care of me and the kids. I don't ever want to have to go through surgery again, but I DO love having my hubby home. I've been thinking over the past few years since he took on the 2nd job...we haven't seen alot of each other. It's been hard on all of us and it's shown these past few weeks how much it means to ALL of us to have him home so much. It's not exactly been like a vacation because of the circumstances, but still...it's been wonderful in many ways. I think there's an extra twinkle in all our eyes.

Today it was fun to watch Daddy help me with homeschooling....our first day back since Christmas. I LOVED watching him work with the kids on their math. You could see the kids so proud to get to show Daddy how smart they are. He knows they are but to get this much time with him has been extra special. I was laughing...which at this moment hurts to laugh....as I watched him work with Tyler on his math. Tyler is our silly boy. He intentionally tells you the wrong answer with a HUGE grin on his face...just to be our little ham. It was funny to watch Tom work with him wanting to laugh right along with him. It made me realize...no wonder I'm so tired all the time...this takes alot of work to homeschool. =) It's funny alot of the time, but sometimes you just want to get the work done. Tyler puts a smile on my face every day and I'm SO thankful for his fun personality.

One day this week Tom brought home a balloon for all the kids and today somehow Bradley's popped. He was bummed about it. Next thing I knew the other three kids came in the living room with their whithered up balloons and I asked them what happened. They told me they felt bad that Bradley didn't have a balloon to play with so they all popped theirs. Oh how I love these kids. I'm sure on another day they'd be fighting over the balloons but today has just been 'one of those days'. I'm SO grateful!!

Tonight Tom went to work at his 2nd job...my first time being solo since surgery. I was a little nervous because I've been so worn out. But, when Tom left, he asked Bradley how he felt about being the 'man of the house' while Daddy was at work tonight. Bradleys eye's got really big....he was ready for the responsibility. As soon as Tom left, Bradley came over to me and said, "Mommy, I'm taking care of dinner tonight". So, off he went and made ham and cheese sandwiches for everyone. He's such a sweet kid. I'm very blessed. Later tonight I was laying on the couch and was opening something and he was so attentive and came up and said, "Mommy, can I throw that away for you?". Such a little gentleman. Later tonight the kids were in our room watching a little movie and I heard Bradley say, "Ryan don't forget to flush and wash your hands" Then next thing I heard was the toilet flushing and the sink running. It was too cute. Thankfully Bradley's always been his brothers and sisters biggest cheerleader so nights like tonight turn out to be a very positive thing...it wasn't taken as he was bossing anyone around. Tonight before bed he vacuumed the living room for me too. When the kids were brushing their teeth tonight Ryan said, "Bradley are you like in charge tonight?" I said, "Well no, Mommy's still in charge...but he's being my really big helper". Bradley said, "I'm kind of like the Vice President for tonight". It was so cute. Got the kiddos tucked in bed and not long after Bradley came out to the living room and said he was having a hard time...that Satan was trying to tell him bad things and he wanted to know if he could read his Bible for a while. So, of course I told him it was fine. So he and the boys got their Bibles out and read for about an hour. I just love listening to them doing that. Bradley has always had such a tender heart and I'm always amazed at things he tells me. We've had a few times where he's come out to talk to us in absolute tears knowing that thoughts that were going on his his head were not things God was telling him and it broke his heart. So the very first time I told him to start praying or say verses or read his Bible and I"m so thankful it's something he's always remembered and then in turn is also showing his siblings how to handle it. He always comes back to me so excited saying..."Mommy...it worked....it worked!!"

Oh how I love my family....I'm SO not ready for Tom to have to go back to work but am very grateful that he can....

Recovering....

Thanks to all who have been praying for me through my surgery. I'm home recovering and thankful my wonderful hubby has been home taking care of the kids so I can take it easy. I'm quite sore and it sure took away all my energy. I miss being able to just jump up and go help whenever needed but I know this is temporary. I'm glad the actual surgery is behind me. It was a drag to spend the holiday's sick but I'm looking forward to the New Year and hoping to feel better than I have felt in a long time.

It's amazing to look back and see how quickly everything happened. I mean, I'd been sick quite some time but as soon as I got in to the doctor...things kind of rolled from there. I had an ER visit over a weekend and then that Monday followed up with my doctor. She ordered an ultrasound and the hospital had an opening first thing the next morning for me and their next opening for an ultrasound wasn't until January. Talk about perfect timing. When that came back negative..the doctor ordered me a HIDA scan and it didn't take long for me to get in to do that. It took a few days for the results and once they came in they got me right in to meet with the surgeon. We met with the surgeon on Wednesday and he had an opening the next morning for me to come in for surgery so that's what we did. We literally just made it in...the last day of the year...which is what we were hoping for since financially it was better for us for me to have it done before the new years deductible started. I love being able to find God's blessings through some of the harder times....He's always blessing us no matter what we are going through.

I'm blessed with great friends who have taken such good care of us. Thank you for your phone calls, words of encouragment, help with the kiddos and meals. I am so thankful for you!!

Surgery

My hubby said I needed to blog about my conversation with Bradley today...

I'm preparing for surgery in the morning after being sick quite some time. The doctors discovered my gallbladder isn't functioning to well. They'd like it functioning at 70% and mine is functioning at 10%. I'm glad to finally have some answers to all my symptoms...not that I'm thrilled with having to have surgery, but thankful it's a very common surgery. The surgeon happens to go to our church so I feel good about that. Tom and I met him today and he was SO nice and very informative of what is happening to me. My surgery is at 8:15 in the morning and I have to be there at 7:15. It will be same day procedure...should get to come home sometime tomorrow. Thank you to all who are praying....

So I got home and was explaining the surgery to Bradley today...because he had alot of questions. The surgery will be done by lathroscopic...so I was explaining to him how the doctor will use instruments and put them in the different holes in my stomach to take out my gallbladder. He started laughing and said..."you mean like a flute?". He was joking but it was hilarious. Then he began to ask me if I could ask the doctor to put my gallbladder in a Ziploc bag so he could see it and show it to all his friends what happened to his mom. He thinks it'd be so cool..he said.."I want to watch them do it." What a little stinker. Such a boy! I don't plan on bringing anything home for him for show and tell.... =)

My sweet Bradley....

We had a fun evening driving around looking at Christmas lights tonight. On the way home Tom and I were talking about the many ways the Lord has blessed us over the years. Three years ago we thought were moving out of state and it's just amazing to look back over these past few years and watch His plan unfold for our lives as He kept us here. We started attending a different church when we ended up staying and we have been blessed with wonderful friends there whom we wouldn't have met otherwise...I got to reconnect with dear friends from my childhood at church and in other circles....we get to be near our life long friends from our previous church and stay connected to them...we chose to homeschool the kids which has been a huge blessing in our lives....etc. I am just SO thankful that the Lord knows what is best for us. So thankful he is in control.

Bradley over heard us talking about school and said, "Mommy, are you guys talking about sending me to school next year?" I said, "No, honey we aren't, why?" He said, "Because I don't want to go." I asked him why. He said, "Because I like you better." Talk about making this Mommy cry. What a sweet little guy. I'm so thankful he told me that. There are many days where I wonder if I can keep doing this...and that moment right there will be something that will keep me going on those days. What a precious boy! I told him he was going to have a VERY good Christmas. =) He got a good chuckle and said he really meant what he said.

I'm so thankful for a wonderful husband and such sweet kids. I'm looking forward to getting in a lot of family time through these next couple weeks. Tom has one more day of full time work and will be home until after New Years (except working his 2nd job) It will be so nice to have him home. We are really looking forward to it.

Blessings to all

Life is busy...but good...

We'll I just realized I haven't posted since August. It speaks pretty well of our life. =) There's just not enough time in the day to get it all done. But, things are well, just busy. In September we were in full swing of Homeschooling. All is going great there. I love having the kids home learning together. They amaze me everyday at what they know and how much they remember. All the boys go to a Monday class this year with several Homeschoolers and it's a major highlight of the week. Bradley went last year and Ryan and Tyler were SO excited that their turn was here. Hallie is at Preschool on Mondays and Wednesdays so this is the first time in 9 years that I have had any time without children. It's been a great chance for me to be able to make appointments and get things done that I don't normally get the chance to do. The day goes by SUPER fast but I'm very thankful for the opportunity. I have a couple hours in the morning to myself and then I pick up Hallie at 11 and get to spend the rest of the day with her before picking up the boys in the afternoon. We're enjoying getting some Mommy/Daughter time. It's been really special.

All the kids played soccer this fall. They really enjoyed it. The first game Hallie wasn't too sure once she got there and decided she wasn't ready yet but she talked about it all that next week and was SO ready to play after having that time to ponder it all. =) They all had a great time and it's so fun to watch them.

Bradley celebrated his birthday in October. I can't believe my baby is 9 years old. Wasn't he just born? I'm so honored to be his mommy. He's a sweet boy with such a tender heart. I'm so thankful the Lord blessed me with such an amazing boy. He's always been such a great big brother to his siblings and I'm SO thankful for that!

We took a little family vacation in November. We went to one of our favorite places...Sunriver. We went the same week last year and it was quite a change of scenery. Last year it was in the 70's...this year there was snow. I'm not fond of traveling in the snow but we made it and had a great time together. We rented the same house that we did last year. We stayed inside most of the time playing games, watching movies, and just enjoying one another. We did play in the snow most days and went into Bend on day to do some shopping at the Christian Bookstore and my favorite store, Trader Joes. A couple days before we were to leave I fell down the stairs in the middle of the night as I was carrying Ryan downstairs and landed on my ankle so I was pretty much out of commission the last couple days of the trip keeping my leg elevated and hopping around on one foot. It got nice and swollen and blue and purple. Something I hope never to experience again. =) All in all it was a great trip and I look forward to the next time we can get away.

We've been busy with some home projects these days. Tom and I painted the living room and kitchen. It's been fun to have some color back. It feels like a new house already. This weekend he and some friends will be replacing the kitchen floor with tile. I can't wait to see the finished product.

Here's a few fun things the kids have said lately:

Hallie: "Guys, when I went to get the mail with Mommy today, I found a Porcupine" Bradley: "A porcupine? Do you mean a pine cone?"
Hallie: "uh...yeah...that's what it was." =)

Hallie: "Thank you Bradley...you saved my life"
Bradley: "How did I save your life"
Hallie: "You picked something up off the floor for me".
Bradley: "Well, that's not really saving your life, but you're welcome"

Hallie: "Mommy, when Santa tries to tell me to do something naughty, I don't listen to him".
Mommy: "When did Santa talk to you?"
Hallie: "You know...he tries to get us to do naughty things."
Mommy: "Oh, you mean Satan?"
Hallie: "Yeah...him". =)

Still here....

I know it's been a while since I've blogged. Life is busy, but life is good! We've had a good summer. We took a little vacation to the coast right before summer and then most of the summer has been spent close to home. Tom's still working alot with the two jobs so we make the most of the times we are all together and have enjoyed ourselves. Our favorite times of this summer are the many trips to the river with friends and BBQ's together. It's so enjoyable to relax and enjoy each others company. We are blessed!

We are preparing to start back up with school soon. The kids are excited so mommy needs to get started on the lesson plans for the year. They've been playing "school" alot these days which is telling me they are ready to get back into our routine. I absolutely love how unique all four of the kiddos are. They all have special interests and it's fun to watch them teach each other about their favorite things. This morning Tyler was teaching Hallie about many of the Presidents (his favorite subject is History). He has a poster with all the presidents on it and he has flashcards of each of the presidents and he will lay them all over the floor and make up games with it. I'll say...find Ronald Reagan....he'll point to him etc. We have a game that lists several facts about each President and they have to guess who I'm talking about and I'm just amazed at how many of them Tyler gets right. Honestly, he knows more than I do! And he's SIX years old!! =)I love finding the things that they love and finding whatever I can to encourage them with that. It's a joy to watch them love to learn. Ryan loves bugs. If we see a bug...we ask Ryan what it is and he always knows. =) He's a little math whiz too. Bradley's favorite subject has always been reading. We set aside quite a bit of time every day for reading and on the days we've been too busy, he really misses it and grabs a book the first chance he can get. He just finished up another series for the summer. I can hardly keep up with him...I try to keep him all stocked up with good books. He's one that likes to go in order and so I find him a series and he'll work on until he's done before moving on to the next series. I've been blessed to find some great resources with homeschooling where I've found some really great books for him to read. I'm so thankful he loves it so much. Hallie is as cute as ever. She turned 4 in July. It's hard to believe my baby is really 4. She keeps up with the boys and is such a happy girl!

Bradley went to a birthday party last week and was gone for about 7 hours and that was probably the longest the kids have been apart in a long time and it was so cute to see them reunite...I could tell they all missed each other. Hallie had fallen asleep in the van when we went to go pick up Bradley and he got in the car and went straight over to her and gave her a sweet kiss on her cheek as she was sleeping. Melted this mommy's heart. We had taken the other three kiddos to the dollar theater for some special time with Mommy and Daddy while Bradley had his special time with friends. Ryan and Tyler were so giddy talking at the same time trying to tell Bradley all about the movie they saw. He was laughing listening to them explain everything. It was cute! We ended letting the kids have a slumber party in the familyroom that night. They were so happy to be together again. It was precious. It was a good reminder of why I homeschool...I love that they still get so much time together. It's SO worth the work and the hard days!! I will have to come back and read this when those days come to remind me. =)

Hallie will be going back to preschool for her 2nd year. She LOVES it! Bradley, Ryan and Tyler will all get to go to Monday School together this year. Ryan and Tyler are really looking forward to getting to go this year. Bradley will love having them there. I am looking forward to another year of homeschooling. I feel honored to get to stay home with the kids. I really enjoy watching them interact together. We are blessed with four wonderful kids!

I posted a few videos from this year...trying to get caught up....

Hallie's Birthday Snack Day

Today was Hallie's "Birthday Snack" at school today. She has a summer birthday but gets to have a special Birthday snack day like everyone else. She got to pick what to bring for snack. She asked mommy to make her a Chocolate Cake and then also wanted to bring watermelon and pretzels. She gets to sit by her teacher during circle time on a special birthday mat. She gets to set the table for snack too. She gets to where a special crown and gets to pick out a new book to take home. She also gets to open the special mailbox and get her birthday card. It's a very special day. The boys and I went and spent most of the morning with her. It's so fun to watch her. She LOVES her preschool.

Monday School

Monday we got to spend the afternoon with Bradley at Monday School. They had a Volcano Party to celebrate the anniversary of Mt St Helens. It was fun to watch their experiments.