Our new family member

Well we finally have our very first pet. Since our little Whitney is allergic to dogs and Jake is allergic to cats, we decided on a guinea pig. The kids have decided on naming her Sparkle. I wanted Fluffy....but what do I know. She is cute and furry, with a sweet temperament. She isn't so sure about us though. She likes to be held and enjoys eating oranges.

Some may say I am crazy...but how could I say NO to four beautiful kids??? We always need more to love and feed, right??

A New Year

I was recently reminded by a good friend (HEATHER) that I have not been posting enough on my blog. So as I sit here thinking about what to write, I ponder the New Year ahead and look back at all the blessings and changes that have occured in 2007.

Since coming back from visiting my HOMETOWN I was able to remember the love I recieved from so many wonderful friends. Sitting in church listening to my favorite Pastor, he brought up the fact that we all have had things in the past year that have challenged us. Whether it is death in the family, sickness, new babies being born, or even small changes...we need to look to Him for direction and strength. How we react to the changes can affect the whole outcome. Our move was one of the hardest things this year for me. Going HOME to visit opened my eyes to that. But it also makes me realize that God has a plan for our family here...right now. As we start attending a new church semi-permanently, I must open my heart to what will come my way. I know my heart will be filled and I will be more at peace .

We need to ask ourselves....What will I do differently this year to strength and build my faith in Jesus Christ?

I hope that your New Year has started off with a bang and you are able to look to the Father for guidance when any challenges come your way. I know I will!!!!

First Day of School

Aren't my kids adorable!!!! They grow up to fast.

So the day finally came!!! Not only was it the first day of school, but it was my birthday. With mixed feelings, I sent my two oldest off on the bus to start the new year in their new school. With the exception of 2 kindergarten kids, we now have 15 kids waiting for the bus at 8am. Yes that's right...8am. They were all so excited to get back to school that I don't think I even got a "Love you mom" from the bus. Oh well, the year has started and we are back into the swing of things.

Thankful Thursday

I have been visiting some blogs lately that have really shown how thankful they are of not only life in general, but thankful and speaking such kind words about their husbands. (thanks Tami) So I felt compelled this morning to let you all know what I am thankful for.

My husband

He is everything to me. He is a man of God, my friend, lover, husband, brother, son. He works so hard so that I can stay home and raise our four children. Since moving from our family and friends we have had to rely more on God and eachother. It is amazing to think back when we were moving, so many wise adults (those older than me) told us that we would grow closer to eachother and most importantly to God. We still haven't found a church home, but that doesn't mean God is out of our lives.
With that said....I love you Jake and am thankful for YOU!!!

Our First Break!

Just back from the ER







Showing off the new cast


Well I knew that we would have to deal with a broken bone at some time. With four kids the odds are pretty good. I just wasn't prepared for it now.

Nicholas was riding his big boy bike outside in the cul de sac and I had asked him to turn around and start heading up our driveway. As he proceeded to sharply turn around he fall off on his right arm. Now I must tell you that he has fallen many times on the bike and popped right back up. However, this time he just cried. The mother in me told the eldest boy Matthew, to retrieve his brother and bring him to me on the grass. I knew all he needed was a little mommy TLC.




As he was walking the crying didn't slow down, or even lower in volume. I decided to "check" all body parts, even the one that he was holding onto for dear life. I carried him in the house to calm him down and give him some water. The crying elevated, and swelling occurred.


Now I don't have a clue at this point where the nearest hospital/ER is since we just moved here. So after the decision was made, I proceeded to call three neighbors to get directions to the ER.




After 2 hours, 3 x-rays, a split and 3 stickers, we found out he has fractured (broken) his forearm bones. Luckily it was a clean break and no need for surgery or pins.




We went today to get the awesome blue cast. I didn't realize they have 20+ colors to choose from; even glow in the dark green.





I am not looking forward to the next 4 weeks of keeping a 3 year out of the water, dirt, bike, playstructure and slip in slide. So I am off to put the kids to bed and hope that nobody gets hurt tomorrow.

Oh how do you find a church?

Since moving away from home the priority of finding a church as been #1. However, I have been at the same church back home since I was in jr high. So having to "shop" for a church has never been a issue. It is exciting to know that what ever church we end up at...it will be a place that my husband and I have found on our own. I have been on many websites to look at the doctrine and missions of most churches here in town. But I am not exactly sure what to look for. I suppose just going, hearing the pastor and the kids reaction will tell me if it is right or not. It is hard to have a family of 6 and try and please everyone. We have been to one church so far, and I am looking forward to visiting one this weekend. I have tried so hard not to compare to many things to our old church. But it can be daunting at times.

I am relying on prayer and the Holy Spirit to lead us in a direction that will be good for our whole family. But in the end I am sad to think that we may not find the fellowship of friends that we have had before. We must look ahead and know that God will show us the right church for us to belong to and also get involved in a small group. Through Faith and guidance we will find a church.

Fun in the Sun

The thing I most love to do with the kids is go to the park. It is amazing to me how every time we go each one does something to make me smile. Little Whitney just can't get enough of the slide. At 17 months she shows no fear and continues to surprise me. At this age going up and down the slide just makes her day.

I like how the older kids don't fight and they actually play nicely together. Asking me to push them BOTH on the tire swing or they play chase. And then there is Nicholas. He will bump his head, mouth, or knees, cry a bit and then get back up on the play structure. No memory of any kind and will continue to do what he was doing.

We are so fortunate to have such a park in our neighborhood. It has been a meeting ground for all the kids and moms throughout the day. If we don't make it to the park by dinner, we always try and make a visit before bed time. With the sun out and birds singing it is a relaxing time for me to relect on the positive side of our move away from home. Enjoy your day and have fun with your kids!!!

Fun with Family

Just a few pictures of the kids, nanna and pappa and Auntie Megan. We love to have people come visit. Hope you all had a great Easter. I am excited to go visit Oregon!!! I will be sure to post more pictures!!!