I was praying that his teeth wouldn't fall out while he was still three, and God in His miraculous providence let us pass the milestone of turning 4 before the first one came out.
Two days ago he and Jake collided and the most loose tooth was pointing quite precariously forward. I don't get squeamish over very many things but teeth are one of the gross things in life that have done me in. I CANNOT stand to see them wiggle or even attempt to pull them out. So he just had to wait two hours until Daddy came home so he could give the final tug.
Just look how cute he is. The lisp he has is even cuter.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Missing Tooth
As everyone knows, Quinn is our little daredevil. Out of all our children he is always the one who will get hurt either by his own doing or by someone else. Over the past few years he has made quite a habit of knocking his top front teeth and either chipping or loosening them. After the last several face- dives into the floor or his brother's head, though, we realized that those teeth were not going to tighten back up.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Catching Up Finally
Well, I'm reentering the blogging world again. It's been over a month -and what a month it's been...
At the end of December Tara had her baby, Saige, and I was so excited to be able to see her! I'm so happy that God saw fit to bless their family with a little girl! Things will be VERY different now!
Due to Saige's procrastination in coming into the world, Christmas was a little wacky as I was at Tara's house while she was in labor during most of Christmas morning. The kids did get to open a few of their gifts but opened the majority of them later in the afternoon when I got home. They were very understanding about all of it.
The big deal gift for Caitlin was a real, wooden dollhouse kit that over the next two weeks Brent was able to assemble. It turned out very cute and she loves it. This is and "in progress" picture. I don't think I have one of the final outcome. Gotta get one!
Grant was ecstatic to receive his very first gun. A real one. We were able to buy him a "Rossi" which is actually three guns in one. A shotgun, a rifle and a .22. He had been dreaming and drooling over it, but we had said, "NO WAY", so I think he was quite surprised.
Jake got real arrows for a bow we already had, a slingshot and a big foam target to practice with.
Quinn got a Playmobil fire rescue truck with a trailer.
All in all, it was a nice but very crazy day. The older three hardly got any "toys". I feel sad that they are outgrowing this little kid stage and getting into more adult hobbies!
As you all know, in the beginning of January we received some very sad and difficult news about our 5th child. At my first appointment at 14 weeks the midwife was unable to hear a heartbeat. A sonogram confirmed that the baby had died at 13 weeks. All the news was such a shock and surprise to us. I had been feeling so bad with morning sickness that we were just amazed.
Through all of the long ordeal, we experienced God's loving hand and presence very intimately. I opted to allow my body to miscarry naturally instead of going in for a d & c. The two weeks we waited seemed like an eternity, but finally God allowed me (at 16 weeks) to miscarry at home. The midwife had told me that there could be contractions very much similar to labor, so I was a bit apprehensive about that. But, God, in His goodness, allowed the whole thing to happen with not one single contraction- which was truly a miracle in itself. I'll spare everyone the details! We were able to see and hold our little boy (we think) which was such an awesome experience. To see how intricately and perfectly our little ones are formed even at 13 weeks was truly breathtaking. Fingers, toes, eyes, ears, nostrils- all fully formed! I wish every mom that wanted an abortion could see how their little baby is fully whole- just lacking in the fatty arms and legs.
The kids have handled the loss very well, although Caitlin definitely took it the hardest. Because of her age she understood so much more, and felt the pain more deeply. Jake, our tenderhearted one, lavished me with hugs and smiles and sweet words during all the time we waited and once I miscarried. He truly has a gift of mercy toward others. During all of this, Brent has been an absolutely wonderful husband. We were able to bond in a way that was never possible before and for that I am so thankful. And, we have both grown so much spiritually together through it.
There are many other little "gifts" God blessed us with through all of it- too many to list. We have tasted a very hard and sad part of life, but in the midst of it God has been visibly good to us. I don't understand why this has happened, but I do believe with all my heart that all of it is for His Glory. If not being able to carry and raise this little boy brings glory to God than I willingly submit to His plan and am grateful to be His servant. My prayer is that our family may be a vessel fit for His use and for His plans. His way is enough for me.
It has been a little over two weeks and I still have my moments when the sadness washes over me and the tears come, but overall, I find myself dwelling on His faithfulness in holding us in His arms during such a difficult time.
Thank you all for all your outpourings of love and sympathy, prayers, cards, phone calls, and meals. This event was one of those "life changing" experiences, but it makes it so much easier to bear when you have godly, true friends and family to help bear the pain. You all have been God's hands and feet full of service.
At the end of December Tara had her baby, Saige, and I was so excited to be able to see her! I'm so happy that God saw fit to bless their family with a little girl! Things will be VERY different now!
Due to Saige's procrastination in coming into the world, Christmas was a little wacky as I was at Tara's house while she was in labor during most of Christmas morning. The kids did get to open a few of their gifts but opened the majority of them later in the afternoon when I got home. They were very understanding about all of it.
The big deal gift for Caitlin was a real, wooden dollhouse kit that over the next two weeks Brent was able to assemble. It turned out very cute and she loves it. This is and "in progress" picture. I don't think I have one of the final outcome. Gotta get one!
Grant was ecstatic to receive his very first gun. A real one. We were able to buy him a "Rossi" which is actually three guns in one. A shotgun, a rifle and a .22. He had been dreaming and drooling over it, but we had said, "NO WAY", so I think he was quite surprised.
Jake got real arrows for a bow we already had, a slingshot and a big foam target to practice with.
Quinn got a Playmobil fire rescue truck with a trailer.
All in all, it was a nice but very crazy day. The older three hardly got any "toys". I feel sad that they are outgrowing this little kid stage and getting into more adult hobbies!
As you all know, in the beginning of January we received some very sad and difficult news about our 5th child. At my first appointment at 14 weeks the midwife was unable to hear a heartbeat. A sonogram confirmed that the baby had died at 13 weeks. All the news was such a shock and surprise to us. I had been feeling so bad with morning sickness that we were just amazed.
Through all of the long ordeal, we experienced God's loving hand and presence very intimately. I opted to allow my body to miscarry naturally instead of going in for a d & c. The two weeks we waited seemed like an eternity, but finally God allowed me (at 16 weeks) to miscarry at home. The midwife had told me that there could be contractions very much similar to labor, so I was a bit apprehensive about that. But, God, in His goodness, allowed the whole thing to happen with not one single contraction- which was truly a miracle in itself. I'll spare everyone the details! We were able to see and hold our little boy (we think) which was such an awesome experience. To see how intricately and perfectly our little ones are formed even at 13 weeks was truly breathtaking. Fingers, toes, eyes, ears, nostrils- all fully formed! I wish every mom that wanted an abortion could see how their little baby is fully whole- just lacking in the fatty arms and legs.
The kids have handled the loss very well, although Caitlin definitely took it the hardest. Because of her age she understood so much more, and felt the pain more deeply. Jake, our tenderhearted one, lavished me with hugs and smiles and sweet words during all the time we waited and once I miscarried. He truly has a gift of mercy toward others. During all of this, Brent has been an absolutely wonderful husband. We were able to bond in a way that was never possible before and for that I am so thankful. And, we have both grown so much spiritually together through it.
There are many other little "gifts" God blessed us with through all of it- too many to list. We have tasted a very hard and sad part of life, but in the midst of it God has been visibly good to us. I don't understand why this has happened, but I do believe with all my heart that all of it is for His Glory. If not being able to carry and raise this little boy brings glory to God than I willingly submit to His plan and am grateful to be His servant. My prayer is that our family may be a vessel fit for His use and for His plans. His way is enough for me.
It has been a little over two weeks and I still have my moments when the sadness washes over me and the tears come, but overall, I find myself dwelling on His faithfulness in holding us in His arms during such a difficult time.
Thank you all for all your outpourings of love and sympathy, prayers, cards, phone calls, and meals. This event was one of those "life changing" experiences, but it makes it so much easier to bear when you have godly, true friends and family to help bear the pain. You all have been God's hands and feet full of service.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Family Read Alouds for 2007
- Clean Your Boots Sir
- Little Sir Galahad
- The Shining Sword 6/07
- Robin Hood
- The Captive 5/20/07
- The Progress of Pilgrim Mouse
- The Castle Diary
- Peter Pan
- The Trumpet of the Swan
- The Millers Family Series
- The Sword in the Tree
- Little Threads
- The White Knights
- The Giant Killer
- Grandpa's Box
- Dangerous Journey
- Little Pilgrims Progress
- Pilgrims Progress in Modern English
- The Farm Mystery Series
- The Gold Thread
- Tales of the Restoration
- Tales of the Resistance
- Tales of the Kingdom
- The Chronicles of Narnia
- Teddy's Button 5/3/07
- The Three Weavers 4/30/07
Books I read in 2007
- A Cricket in Times Square
- Enjoying the Closeness of God
- 23 Minutes in Hell
- Feminine Appeal
- Puppies for Dummies
- The Heavenly Man
- When I Don't Desire God
- The Enemy Within-- Excellent, Lifechanging book!
- Elsie Dinsmore Vol 1
- Being a Girl who Serves
- Desiring God
- Jane Eyre 7/16/07
- Thoughts for Young Men
- Secrets of the Vine
- The Tinker's Daughter
- Stepping Heavenward
- Evaluating Writing
- Reading Strands
- The Writer's Jungle
- Battlefield of the Mind
- For the Children's Sake
- The Well Trained Mind
- Organizing From the Inside Out
- When People are Big and God is small
- Age of Opportunity
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Ok, a poll then...
I don't want to blind my readers, so I'll give you all a choice.
Option 1: Black background with white text (not sure of a contrasting color...)
Option 2: The green and purple (matching the flower picture that I really wish I could figure out how to make as my header background)
Option 3: Your choice!!!
Option 4: Back to the RED!!!
Option 5: Pick a new template and just redo the whole thing!
Please, vote for your choice!!!!
Option 1: Black background with white text (not sure of a contrasting color...)
Option 2: The green and purple (matching the flower picture that I really wish I could figure out how to make as my header background)
Option 3: Your choice!!!
Option 4: Back to the RED!!!
Option 5: Pick a new template and just redo the whole thing!
Please, vote for your choice!!!!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Feeling Thankful
I have felt so grateful to God for so many things this past week. So, I thought I'd give testimony of them so God can get the glory from more people than just me!
I'm Thankful....
1. That I have a wonderful hubby that loves me even when I'm moaning through morning sickness and getting fatter...
2. For morning one on one snuggles in bed with whoever comes in my room first
3. For kids that love to read and leave their books all over the living room, dining room, bedrooms, basement, bathroom, but rarely near the bookcase....
4. For a hubby that I'm still madly head over heels in love with after (almost) twelve years
5. For the ability to have fresh water in our home and not have to go outside to get it
6. For good books to grow my faith
7. For "box dinners" when I can't cook
8. For simple traditions- like wrestling and driving around looking at Christmas lights
9. For the 12th week of pregnancy and the hope that I'll feel better soon
10. For the miracle of the growth of a baby inside a mother's womb
11. For daughters that throw whole cupfuls of water on their fathers when messing around
12. For fathers that know how to tickle little girls till they pee their pants
13. For pimples-cause they keep me humble
14. For maternity pants that don't have huge panels
15. For a hubby that loves buying me clothes- especially maternity clothes (hey, maybe that's why we keep having kids!)
16. For my little boys who run around outside barefooted in December even when I'm hollering to come inside because, for cryin' out loud, IT'S DECEMBER!
17. For kids who can do their own laundry, dishes, mopping, taking the trash out, wash windows, sweep, scrub bathrooms, BUT, physically CANNOT remember to clean their room
18. For God's gentle reminder of MY dependence on Him when I remind them, again, to keep their room clean.
19. For wonderful friends who hold me accountable to reading my Bible... it's such a good thing to have...
20. For having a blog where I can share all this rambling- otherwise I'd never remember to say it all to all of you!
I'm Thankful....
1. That I have a wonderful hubby that loves me even when I'm moaning through morning sickness and getting fatter...
2. For morning one on one snuggles in bed with whoever comes in my room first
3. For kids that love to read and leave their books all over the living room, dining room, bedrooms, basement, bathroom, but rarely near the bookcase....
4. For a hubby that I'm still madly head over heels in love with after (almost) twelve years
5. For the ability to have fresh water in our home and not have to go outside to get it
6. For good books to grow my faith
7. For "box dinners" when I can't cook
8. For simple traditions- like wrestling and driving around looking at Christmas lights
9. For the 12th week of pregnancy and the hope that I'll feel better soon
10. For the miracle of the growth of a baby inside a mother's womb
11. For daughters that throw whole cupfuls of water on their fathers when messing around
12. For fathers that know how to tickle little girls till they pee their pants
13. For pimples-cause they keep me humble
14. For maternity pants that don't have huge panels
15. For a hubby that loves buying me clothes- especially maternity clothes (hey, maybe that's why we keep having kids!)
16. For my little boys who run around outside barefooted in December even when I'm hollering to come inside because, for cryin' out loud, IT'S DECEMBER!
17. For kids who can do their own laundry, dishes, mopping, taking the trash out, wash windows, sweep, scrub bathrooms, BUT, physically CANNOT remember to clean their room
18. For God's gentle reminder of MY dependence on Him when I remind them, again, to keep their room clean.
19. For wonderful friends who hold me accountable to reading my Bible... it's such a good thing to have...
20. For having a blog where I can share all this rambling- otherwise I'd never remember to say it all to all of you!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Sorry!
Sorry everyone for the color explosion. I'm bored just sitting on the couch and thought my blog could use some Christmas color.....
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Shameless Hubby Brag
This is a completely shamless brag on my hubby. Even though his job is tough, he absolutely loves it- so this makes me happy. I love to see pictures of what he does so I thought I'd share it here. This past year his department obtained an $800,000 grant for equipment. This was an answer to prayer, but has also meant that Brent got tasked with researching, ordering, purchasing, etc every dollar of it! And, as you can imagine, the State of Md doesn't do anything simply. However, they have gotten some pretty "cool" stuff that enables them to do lots of "high-tech" tactical things. (I just barely understand what I'm talking about, so bear with me!)
Here's a pic of his team during a free-boarding training. (In my language- they drive a little blow up boat next to a really scary big ship with 50-70 foot sides and use a skinny ladder to climb up the side and take over the ship. All with carrying lots of gear and big nasty guns..... I just pray a lot.)
Brent is the second man on the boat's left side (right side of the picture)- the handsome one.
This was taken last week when Brent's team went down to the Middle East Peace Talks Conference in Annapolis. Their job was to be ready to assault and neutralize any threats (ie. make any bad guys dead) around the area of the Prime Minister of Israel and Secretary of State's landing zone.
Disclaimer: This post in no way shows that I understand any kind of "police language". It is represented as best and as accurately as possible under the limited brain capacity of civilianhood. (Is that a word?)
Here's a pic of his team during a free-boarding training. (In my language- they drive a little blow up boat next to a really scary big ship with 50-70 foot sides and use a skinny ladder to climb up the side and take over the ship. All with carrying lots of gear and big nasty guns..... I just pray a lot.)
Brent is the second man on the boat's left side (right side of the picture)- the handsome one.
This was taken last week when Brent's team went down to the Middle East Peace Talks Conference in Annapolis. Their job was to be ready to assault and neutralize any threats (ie. make any bad guys dead) around the area of the Prime Minister of Israel and Secretary of State's landing zone.
Disclaimer: This post in no way shows that I understand any kind of "police language". It is represented as best and as accurately as possible under the limited brain capacity of civilianhood. (Is that a word?)
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