Encouragement

Here's a link that I was sent by a friend that is very encouraging to us Moms. I've been reading the 23rd Psalm over and over this week, and have been very uplifted by the words. I'm also trying to teach it to Luke to memorize, thus part of the repetition, but also memorize it again in my own heart. "I shall not want" (need to be reminded of that!) "He restoreth my soul" (need that!), "He leadeth me beside still waters" (need that!) "He leadeth me in the paths of rightousness for His namesake" (need that!) and "my cup runneth over" (when I take the time to count my blessings, this is what I find, over and over again)

http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/09/encouragement-for-weary-mothers.html

May you find encouragement in God's Word, no matter what you are facing today!









The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou are with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Life Update

Well, I have to say that these past couple weeks have been my most challenging ever, since becoming a Mom almost 5 years ago. I likely have had harder ones, but thankfully the bad memories seem to fade faster than the good ones do, so I think this is the worst. I'm hoping that when my children are grown, I can only remember the times where they played together blissfully, running with kites in the park, working together on a project and such. I'm hoping I forget all the times that I'm short with them, frustrated at their childishness and can tune all that crying right out of my head. I think I will be successful, because one of Greg's friends reminds me of Luke's crying when he was a baby (he came to spell us off numerous times when Luke was colicky), and I can't remember it being that bad!! I'm glad he tells me this, because I do forget how much he cried. And how much James cried, and sometimes I even forget how much Elise cries...well...not today, but occasionally!

But, in trying to count my blessings, I was able to read a book this weekend while holding my sweet little feverish girl who wouldn't let me put her down. It was called "The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook" by Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore. The motto is "a creative and stress-free approach to homeschooling". I like that. The book reassured me over and over that teaching our children at home is the best option for children, especially Christian children. Back when Luke was a baby, I planned to send him to school, but through the years I've seen that there are so many other non-mainstream options available that promote character above academics, parent instilled values above peer influence, self-worth instead of self-esteem, strong work ethic, etc. When he was also a baby, our friends C & G in AZ told us their experiences with public school, and how they found that their girls were not the light in the world that they had hoped, but instead were lambs among wolves. They needed much more guidance in the home to become those lights. (thanks, G!) That was the start of my path to research what would produce happy healthy children who get lots of exercise, room to explore, room for their own creativity, lots of reassuring love and hugs all day long, sending them out when they are ready rather than when the state says I have to. This book told over and over that the home is the best place for a child to learn, and that any parent who loves their child is qualified to teach. The Moore's are the grandparents to the homeschool movement, and base their research on over 8000 published studies. They have been around for years, and have many other books, the only one that I read being "Home Grown Kids", which also is worth reading.

The funny of the day yesterday: the boys were playing trains and Luke tipped one over. James said "Dead!" Luke of course, "Trains don't die" James, "Dead!" Luke, "Trains are made of metal, they don't die." But James still insisted that the train was dead. He's been using the word dead/die alot since we were reading Richard Scarry's best Christmas ever when a grouchy Mr. Gronkle fell through the ice in one of the stories and yelled, "Don't leave me here to die!" Everytime we'd read the story he'd yell, "Die, Die!" when we'd get to that page.

And today, he wanted some "snow" on his pannukakku. (icing sugar) He's been coming up with a ton of new words lately, but if he doesn't know the word, he just substitutes the closest one he can think of. Which happened to be snow today!

The other cute thing was the boys having to "make" their own breakfast and lunch when they were hungry and I was unable to get up due to sleeping baby on lap. They made "Yogurt and granola" for breakfast, and "Peanut Butter and Jam on crackers" for lunch. They did amazingly well without much mess, which got me thinking I should probably be letting them do more things like that. I just hate mess, so it's easier not too let them. They were so proud that they could make me lunch, and those smiles were worth much more than the mess.

Husbands

When I worked in Alaska, I worked with this doctor who used to joke that he didn't know how he was even allowed to go to work without his wife, because she kept track of everything for him. He said that any man's most common question to his wife is "where is my _____?" I was single at the time and didn't know if that was true or not. Well, it's true! He also used to joke when these "doozy" patients would come in (usually drunk and been out in the woods a BIT too long) that "why did I marry my wife, when if I had waited just a couple more years, I could have met "so and so" (the doozy). We laughed because this guys wife was an absolute gem, compared to all the hot numbers that came in on night shift!

Although my dear husband does keep track of most stuff quite well, I do get that question quite often as well. Last night it was his new library book. It was bedtime and he wanted to read it a bit before bed since he never gets a chance on weeknights. So, he looked around the house over and over. I was getting tired of him going by me in puzzlement (I was trying to get a baby girl to sleep), so I picked her up and started to help. I had not seen the book since we returned from the library a week ago, so was not much help, but did have an extra pair of eyes. We turned the house over, and he held to the claim that he had last seen it on the arm of the couch. I was sure I hadn't moved it, but it definitely wasn't there! After a considerable time spent looking, I said that he'd just have to leave it because I had a fussy baby that needed to get to sleep. So, he went to bed, and there is was sitting nicely on his nightstand. Hmm. Wonder how it got there? He did sheepishly show it to me, and did allow me to smack him with it too before he went to bed to read it! Glad I could help!

He did make breakfast (specialty pancakes) for me and the kids as he always does on Saturday, and a nice hot cup of coffee to go with. And he let me sleep in after being up most of the night with a super fussy wiggly little crying girl. He is just awesome, and I love him so much. He is the best gift I have been given, and I think daily that I don't deserve such a loving caring husband, but am sure thankful that God has given him to me.

Friday

Well, this ends the week, for the most part. I'm having a much better day today, despite my 2 year old complaining of ear pain last night at bedtime. I put some garlic oil in it, and gave him some Ibuprofen, and he slept all night and seems better today. I would think that it is odd that both boys have never had an ear infection and then both get one in the same week, but I'm sure stranger things have happened. Big brother is on antibiotics and seems to be fully recovered other than the tell tale "Northwest Nose" which seems to drip most of the winter no matter what I do or don't do. My Grandma K said that her kids all had runny noses while they were growing up here all winter. Then when they moved to Salem, OR the noses cleared up. So, while we live here, I'm not getting my hopes up. And to tell a 2 and 4 year old use a Kleenex 100 times a day (instead of handy finger!) is pretty much overrated. Good intentions, but can't make it happen!

So, we went to town today, and did the biweekly grocery shopping. We're on the "no extra spending" plan, so I proudly almost stuck to it. (bought some Superglue that wasn't needed but very much wanted due to numerous projects that need fixing- namely some select Christmas ornaments that have been decapitated and need recovery and are hanging out on my counter) We were able to get out of the house by 9 (yes, in the car & out the driveway at 8:48 am, a miracle) and even still made good time although I did forget my maitei at home and had to go back. Kids were well behaved and we were home before noon (another miracle). Usually we are lucky to get going by 10 and usually get home about 2, which messes up nap time and ends me up in the grocery store right at lunch time which I dislike because it is full of teenagers on lunch break, making shopping involve much more dodging of traffic in the store. We're also hungry by that time, and I have to buy lunch because I'm not organized enough to get it together before we go.

My spirits have been uplifted today, and I'm thankful for that. I hate being down, but lack of sleep does that to a person. My ordinary coping skills just don't work like they should. I wish I could cry, but it's just not that easy for me, no matter how I try. The only time in my life that crying has come easy was when my cousins died, and then I recall being happy when I only cried 14 times one day. I had hoped that was a new trend, and that crying would come easier for me, but not so. When life got back to normal, I was back to my non-crying self.

I haven't gotten anything accomplished this week, but did try to just sit and enjoy my children, which was awesome. The chores are still waiting, but I feel much better. Yesterday we went to the park and just played and went for a walk in the sun, and talked about whatever we saw, allowing much questions and answers. I love those days. And I was able to just play with baby girl and enjoy her, and also help Mr. Independent. (my goal from previous day) But, I should go get a few chores done before the week is entirely over, since I hate leaving chores for Saturday when that is our family time day. Later...

A New Day

Well, today I feel better right now, although the sleep was less last night than all previous ones. I'm not sure why, but that's not something I'm going to try to figure out either, as it would require too much energy. So, where does that leave me. Mostly just pondering.

I guess my biggest question is how can I enjoy these years more? I'd love to just enjoy nursing my baby instead of wishing she was done so she wouldn't wiggle and kick me so much. I wish I could help my 2 year old when he asks in his sweet voice "Mom, hewlp", because I know how independent he is and how soon it will be that he won't ask me for help for anything. I wish I could answer all my 4 year olds questions, instead of putting him off because I'm too tired to think of the answers. (I don't expect to have all the answers even, but want to help him be able to find them). I'm trying to find pleasure in the small things of each day, but lately have had trouble doing even that. I know we've had a round of sickness and teething babies that makes the clouds look a bit grayer, and that it is the middle of winter in the Pacific Northwest but how do other moms cope when they have much more on their plate than me? Maybe I should call some of them and ask them. That would likely be encouraging in all areas. Maybe they have just taken the expectation out of life that it should be enjoyable. I remember being this tired when James was Elise's age, but somehow we got through. But is getting through what it's all about? How much should life be enjoyable and how much should be sheer endurance?

I think listening to uplifting music helps too, and getting out for a walk even if the day is stormy. In one blog I read, the writer says that raising children is best use of our time as Christians, and although I agree wholeheartedly, it also brings out the worst in me. All my failures and shortcomings seem to be present at home (we can hide them better when we go out, can't we?), either in me or I see them in my children. I'd like to say that after 3 kids I'm much more patient, but I'm not. I get just as irritated inside with baby crying as I did with #1. I maybe just don't care so much anymore because now I know that sometimes babies just cry.

But, I'll keep thinking on these things, and maybe come up with something new that will inspire me today. A hot cup of Candy Cane tea should do it for the morning, and then hopefully a nap at sometime later. And a prayer on my heart that God would as the 23rd Psalm "lead me beside the still waters, restore my soul, and lead me in the paths of righteousness for His namesake." Because I do know that having 3 little precious souls in my care is the best job I could ask for, it's just that sometimes we all have "bad hair days". Thank you all for your prayers and support too! I love the encouragement!

Gripe of the Day

Today is a new day. Doesn't feel very new due to another mostly sleepless night. It seems as if it isn't one thing, it's another. I would love to be refreshed and cheerful, but can't find it in me to do so. I did take my vitamins, so hopefully that'll help. Coffee is a catch-22. Makes me feel better in the morning, but then I'm out of luck, should the slim chance come that a nap would be available. Whether it is a teething baby, a windy stormy night or a sick boy, I'm up way too many times at night. I'd love to be more patient or need less sleep so that the day could be handled better, but just can't make it happen. Such is the life of a mother, apparently. By the time I start getting good sleep, I'm sure menopause or something will be on the horizon, and for some reason sleep will evade me once more. I've actually given up ever having a good nights sleep ever again. Then maybe I'll be surprised one day to actually find that I did have a restful night, without a million wakings.

I do have this dream of one day just going to bed though. No brushing kids teeth, settling a baby that takes 2 hours, giving snacks, etc, etc. Just go to bed...maybe read a bit of a novel while there, and then peacefully drift off. Not that it will ever happen, but one can dream, can't we?

So, there's my gripe for the day. Not too thrilling, but I needed to vent. I was told that I can't cry (by my boys, "Mom's don't cry, only kids do" I was told), so typing is maybe somewhat as therapeutic. I'll try to convince myself of it anyways....

Truth

There are many thoughts that come to mind, but the most prominent is the answer to the question What is truth? And if truth is what we think it is, how willing are we to stand up for it, and be set apart from the world for standing up for it? These questions come in response to the Bible verse Romans 12:2 which says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

We've starting watching "The Truth Project" DVD series, and it reiterates alot of thoughts I've had, but haven't been able to put into words. In the one yesterday, the speaker tells how only 9% of confessing Christians have a Biblical worldview these days (as a result of a survey). How does this happen? I believe much of it has to do with a prosperous society in which none of us have to read our Bibles as often as we should, be on our knees in prayer as often as we should, or be called on our beliefs. There is nothing that gets our convictions in order as quickly as a problem or something to uphold or defend. The problem lies in the fact that we get lazy when we don't have to stand up to tyranny in whatever form it may come. People would rather gripe rather then getting out and sharing the Gospel. (I'm not pointing fingers, as I'm just as guilty) In Bible Study we were also studying the verse in Hebrews 12 (5-8) which says that the Lord chasteneth those He loveth. Chastening isn't very enjoyable (ask my kids when they're disobedient), but it "yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness"(verse 11) which I would like to be a part of. We should be thankful that the Lord chastens us, even though it is usually very unpleasant.

God has given us the answers to the most difficult questions, but we have to trust His Word in it's entirety, and pray for His wisdom. That we would each be able to evaluate every aspect of our own lives and measure if what we are doing is for the praise of men or the approval of God. If only we can prayerfully be continually transformed into the image of Jesus, the Son of God who was perfect in the flesh, putting away things of this world and focusing all our attention on things eternal. It seems to be a continual process, needing reevaluating on a regular basis (in my own life anyways) The word transform means a metamorphosis, which in the DVD he likens to the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly. It's a pretty ugly process, but the end result is beauty. I want that beauty, I don't want to stay an ugly caterpillar forever!

http://www.thetruthproject.org/

Just a Couple Thoughts

I have more than a couple floating around in my brain, but will have to mull them over and edit them a bit more before I can put them into words, but here's what I have today...

From our trip...
We went on a breakfast date while in Canada (it doesn't take much to talk a Grandma into watching grandkids for a couple hours!), since we rarely get free dates down here. And breakfast works best, since baby girl is cheeriest in the morning. Anyways, on the date we discussed our two favorite topics- sharing our past experiences and looking forward to our future experiences. After the date was over, I was pondering because I've had multiple people tell me "we don't go on dates because we have nothing to talk about". I concluded that every couple has those 2 things in common, and that should suffice through one dinner conversation, even if the days events are rather boring and mundane. Sharing the past is fun (now that we have some past to talk about, which you don't when you're newly married) and looking forward to the future is just as enjoyable (even if it is talking about what we're going to do when we retire). It helps the drudgery of whatever we're facing today seem more doable when it's all put in perspective.

The other thing I wanted to share was one of those moments when you don't know what your kid is going to come up with, so you have to hold your breath for a minute. When we were at my brothers, their little guy was crying (it was way past bedtime and he was overtired) and Luke says to his aunt, "You need to DEAL with him" (in a very confident voice). I held my breath wondering what that meant, so his aunt said, "And what do you think I should I do with him?" and Luke replied, "Well, sing him a song, or something". Whew. I was expecting much worse. Comments at those times are when our true parenting is reflected in our kids, so it was good to hear such a reasonable response. (it's not always that pleasant when my kids are crying endlessly, but singing a song is likely alot better response than getting irritated!)

Panda Style Orange Chicken

Inspired by the books in my previous post, I found a recipe that will hopefully curb my Chinese tastes. We have a wonderful restaurant in Kalama called the Lucky Dragon, which is a nice treat, but also doesn't fit into the budget regularly. I've wanted to try this for awhile, so am hoping to get inspired again. I did find a great Kung Pao Chicken that I made last week that turned out great too, if anyone wants it, let me know.

Panda Style Orange Chicken

Serves 6
Prep Time: 40 minutes

2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size cubes
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon peeled and minced or grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Dash of red pepper flakes
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon sesame oil

Orange Chicken Sauce:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup orange juice concentrate
1/4 cup water
Grated zest from 1 orange

1. Place the cubed chicken in a large bowl. Stir in the egg, salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon oil. Mix well. Stir 1/2 cup of the cornstarch and the flour together in a large shallow bowl. Add the chicken pieces, a handful or two at a time, and stir to coat evenly. Tap off any excess.
2. Pour about 1 inch of oil in a wok or deep, heavy skillet and heat to 375 F. If you don’t have a thermometer, heat the oil until it starts to ripple in the pan. Add the chicken pieces, a small handful at time, and fry until golden and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside. When cooking the next batch, you will probably need to turn the heat down to keep the chicken from cooking too fast and possibly add a bit more oil.
3. Once all the chicken is cooked, reserve a couple tablespoons of the oil remaining in the wok in a separate bowl. Clean the wok. Combine the sauce ingredients in a large measuring cup and whisk until the sugar dissolves.
4. Heat the wok for 15 seconds over high heat. Add the reserved oil back into the pan. Add the ginger, garlic, red pepper, and green onions and stir-fry for a couple minutes. Add the sauce and bring to boil. Add the cooked chicken, stirring until well mixed. Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch and water, and mix until smooth. Stir into the chicken and heat until the sauce is thickened. Stir in the sesame oil. Serve with rice or chow mein.

Book Reviews

Recently I've unintentionally come across 2 books on large families. One was recommended by a friend, and received great reviews on Amazon so I decided to purchase it from our local bookseller. The other was Christmas gift from my dear mother who is always trying to find ways to make life easier for her 3 daughters and 1 daughter-in-law who are all the mothers of young children at this time. I thoroughly enjoyed both books, and would highly recommend them to anyone, even those of us who don't have a large family, because they offer lots of child training tips, organizing tips, recipes and ways to better run a household.

The first book is called "A Sane Woman's Guide to having a Large Family" by Mary Ostyn. Mary is the mother of 10 children. She says how these days, a large family is anything more than 2. Well, you're allowed 3 if the first 2 are the same sex. How true I've found that. I can't tell you how many people have already asked me "Are you done, now that you have your girl?" As if having one of each is what life is all about, and it's any of their business anyways! Back to the book though, probably the most important thing to me, is what she shares about extracurricular activities. I've wondered at what age you should put your kids in programs, how many programs is "reasonable" and what type of programs are worth your time (and hard earned money!) I resolved long ago that my kids will never play organized hockey (thankfully I'm not raising them in Alberta, as that would be much harder to avoid), but other than that, didn't have much direction. What Mary says is this: Don't start organized programs until your kids are school age (or older if they are less mature, depending on the activity), unless you enjoy throwing your money out the window. Your kids will get just as much learning and enjoyment from you teaching them the skills yourself or playing with their friends. Their progress is so slow (due to lack of coordination and attention span) that your child will learn much more in less time if you just wait. I've seen this in my own experience in swimming lessons. You can teach a preschooler to swim, but you still would never trust them around water until they understand safety and dangers of water (about age 6, in most cases). So what is the point of swimming lessons for them other than the pleasure of it, which they can learn just as well going to public swim with you. She offers many other tips on what chores children can do at what ages, how to cook great meals for little money (if you have a weakness for Kung Pao Chicken, learn to make it and keep the ingredients on hand so you're not tempted to run to Panda Express when it isn't in the budget, etc.), as well as their own reasons for homeschooling her children (much the same as ours- including the Biblical values into all aspects our children's education and having control over the pace of each child, paying attention to their needs and learning styles, rather than the one-size-fits-all theory of public school). She has also figureed the cost of raising a child to age 18, which is much less than what most numbers you hear these days would tell us. What I like most about the book, is that she is normal. That's just plain hard to find these days...those who are not too extreme in any (visible!) way. Those who aren't obsessed with this aspect or that, but can see many viewpoints yet firmly stand on their own. http://www.owlhaven.net/about/



The other book is "The Duggars, 20 and Counting" by the Duggars. You likely know who they are by now, and if you haven't...that's okay too! I just was "introduced" myself, and now after reading their book, feel like I know them as friends. Well, maybe not friends, but casual acquaintances. This book too, was an enjoyable read. The first half of the book is mostly their family history, the second is how they do things. It's important to read where they've come from, to see why they've done what they've done, but skimming that part is permissable! The second half intrigued me though. I especially like how they incorporate Christ into every aspect of life (including potty training!) They also homeschool, so that was encouraging to me as well. As beginners in this area, I've been a bit overwhelmed by the many options out there, but also reading more, am narrowing down our own education outlooks more too. Seeing what others do makes it more doable, and the results these people are getting are making me more devoted. Wonderful Christ centered lives, with strong work ethics and strong bonds of family that can't be matched by any public school agenda. They also share many recipes, which are great for company (who needs pans that huge for just our little families?!), but alot of them are also sized to 9x13 pans, which are totally doable. You also know they are cheap to make, because they have to be. The fact that the family lives debt free (and has for years) is also encouraging to me, as that is our goal too, if we can stay on track! ("Buy used and save the difference", I love it!) God provides for all His children, when they trust Him. Mrs. Duggar also shares how they get chores done each day, and how they stay organized, as well as the back of the book has a good many references to resources they have found helpful in all areas of life (spiritual, practical, cooking, organization, etc).

Another great idea Mrs. Duggar shares is her "Playpen in Your Purse" otherwise known as blanket time. It involves teaching your baby/toddler to sit quietly on a blanket each day (increasing the time spent, within reason), so that they know how to sit quietly for whatever reason you may need them to (church, doctors office, during homeschool, etc). It keeps the baby from running all over the place, while also teaching them self-control. I've started with Elise, and am only up to 5 minute increments, but am excited to try it, as we'll need her to behave with school starting in the fall.

Their website is also a wealth of information, if you aren't into reading the book. I especially like the "Character Qualities" list they use for their kids, as there are many Biblical character traits that I wouldn't think of teaching specifically, in yet are so necessary to life. http://www.duggarfamily.com/index.html

So there you have it. I only shared here the more profound things that I have learned by reading these, although both books are full of much more. (I did know much of the information, only because I'm a tightwad Christian mother myself and have read many of the same books that these ladies have relied on too!)

Christmas Vacation (if you can call it that!)

So we're back. Home that is. Late, late last night we finally crossed the threshold, tired and worn. We got to bed quickly only to have a big boy puking in a couple hours, and a baby with a fever who wouldn't let me put her down. And my arms were too tired to even hold her. Greg helped the ill big boy all night, and I tried to keep baby girl comfortable, trying to get some sleep in between. And then we wonder why vacation is so exhausting.

The trip started well. We were on the road by 0430, and we got a good many hours of driving in before the sun even came up (photo of wind generators in the Columbia River Gorge at dawn). We felt the thrill of a road trip (with the addition of 3 little bodies snugly tucked in their car seats with blankets and animals to boot) which consists of hot coffee in the travel mug, good music playing, snacks galore and breakfast on the road while watching the sun come up. We made good time, although by late afternoon, baby Elise was starting to get sick of the car seat. So, I sat back there with her trying to keep her happy as we tried to make our destination. Being it was Christmas Eve, Santa had come a night early so that he wouldn't miss 2 little boys who wouldn't be home on Christmas Day. This gave the boys some new toys to amuse them on the journey. We made it up to Cranbrook, BC for the night (which was where we wanted to get to) and found a motel and then headed to the only restaurant open in town that late on Christmas Eve, being Denny's. We enjoyed stretching our legs and heading back to the motel to catch some winks.

The next morning we got on the road, and survived on power bars, since it was Christmas and nothing was open. We later found a Tim Horton's that had a drive thru open, and that was like an oasis in the desert. Fresh hot coffee and some breakfast sandwiches and we were good to go. The roads were all fine, so we were thankful for that. The boys were troopers the whole trip, but I can't say the same for baby girl. Fussing the whole way. I'd just get her to sleep and then something would wake her (like a burp, or a noise or pretty much anything), so I was pretty frazzled by the time we reached Dad and Mom's that evening. My brother and wife and nephew, and sister and her son were there, and we had our traditional Staudinger Christmas Eve dinner (they kindly waited a day for us). This consisted of rice pudding and fruit soup, meat and cheese trays, crackers, smoked oysters, homemade eggnog and treats. After that and opening gifts, we relaxed and were just thankful to be there.














On Saturday we caught up on sleep, and just visited. The kids enjoyed all the "new" toys at Grandma's, and they also got outside to play in the snow and with Mick the dog. I'm horrible at remembering to take pictures, so don't have very many to post. Sunday was chruch and all the Staudinger's met for dinner. It was so good to be with my cousins and aunts and uncles who I grew up with. Familiar in an unfamilar way, since I now am married with children. The kids enjoyed playing with their cousins too. I found Luke on the stairs with another cousins boy who he hit it off with (they became friends once they found they had something in common - they are both 4!). I heard Luke ask him, "So, do you live in Canada?" and the boy thought for a while and then replied, "No, I live in Sylvan (the town)". Wish making friends as an adult were that simple!

Sunday night I commented to Greg that we had had a very nice day (which I hadn't expected since their were so many unfamiliar people and places to bring the kids to). I spoke too soon. Elise fussed all evening until 2 am. Then promptly at 2, James started throwing up, and continued all night. Fun stuff, especially when you have limited clothes and are not at home. Monday we spent recovering, Tuesday we went to my sister A and her husband N, with cousin F (20 months). They have a new house, so that was fun to see their digs. The boys got snowmobile rides, so they were pretty impressed. That evening was Grandma's viewing, which was an uplifting time spent sharing stories and singing hymns.

Wednesday was the funeral, and the coldest blusteriest day I've seen in a while. The temperature got down to -10F that night, with a good stiff wind. The burial was pretty short, due to the weather, and I have a newfound awe and respect for parents of little kids with that weather. We are pretty wimpy when we have to put a fleece coat and rubber boots to get out of the house. Up there the kids pretty much always need at least a hat, snowsuit or pants/coat, mittens, boots (all of which require a good 10 minutes per kid to put on)














Thursday we had the luxury of a breakfast date, as Mom watched the kids so we got have a few minutes together. We later headed out to my brother J and his wife R and their baby R (22 months) house, where also R's sister was staying. We had an enjoyable evening (New Year's eve) at some of their friends house for dinner, but it was rudely interrupted shortly after midnight when Luke started puking. All night. Their little guy was also crying much of the night, so nobody got much sleep. M (R's sister) had to get to the airport (a 4 hour round trip drive) and we didn't want to leave and drop her off until we were sure Luke was feeling better. Greg and J ended up driving her there, and then we headed out for home after that. We drove all evening, meeting up with another cousin and her husband from WA that were also heading back. We travelled with them for the evening, and then much further since the town we planned to stay in had no motel rooms left.





After a short night of sleep due to our late driving, we got going and drove most of the day. We saw a few frozen lakes, where I took this picture. The wind swept ice was so beautiful, especially the cracks in the ice. Luke longingly wanted to skate (we didn't get a chance to use his new skates on the trip), but we really weren't able to stop. We did stop to stretch our legs at Cabela's in Idaho, and then continued on. Got home late, and thus concludes the trips details. We did have a few hours to visit (which is our favorite road trip thing to do), so I'll post some conclusions in a future post. We love reliving past trips, as well as learning new things, and sharing new experiences as a family. It's so good to get away, but so good to be home in our own beds again (even if you aren't sleeping because of a fussing baby!)

“Come thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee.”

It seems that is was not too long ago, when I was sitting down to write last years letter. How the time does pass, with now 3 little ones in the house to keep up with. I can’t say that I actually ever feel like I’m caught up with them, but I certainly do try!

That said, the biggest news this year in our family, was the arrival of our baby girl on April 27, named Elise Meredith. She was overdue, so we spent a few days anxiously awaiting her arrival. We had a doula (birthing coach) with us this time, and her birth went so much better than the boys did. I’m still not sure that I’m used to having a girl yet, as I was just starting to get comfortable with the thought of boys. So far no girl traits have shown themselves, other than massive quantities of pink around the house. She is trying to crawl these days, but I’m hoping that she doesn’t succeed until the Christmas tree is gone for the year!


Luke is now a big 4½ year old. He is a typical first born (pleaser, thinks he’s an equal with Dad and Mom) and keeps me challenged. As a middle kid myself, I don’t understand him much of the time, but Greg does as he is also a first born. Luke is excited to learn anything, and we’ve been working with him on various subjects. We plan to home school, so are using this year to review curriculum and learning styles to see what will work best for our family.

Our James is 2½ and there is never a dull moment with him around. The best word to describe him would be “random”. You just never know what to expect, and usually he is unintentionally making us laugh. He’s been a late talker, so is just starting to put words together. His sentences consist of words like “none coal ucgh” (he doesn’t want any ucky coal in his stocking). He gets his point across quite clearly, despite his limited vocabulary. He dotes on Elise (he calls her NaNa) quite well, which pretty much always makes her cry because he’s so “in her face”.

This year we have delved into two new areas that we haven’t been before. Chickens and wood stoves. They both have involved much learning, and we are still eager to learn more. The chickens now give us plenty of fresh eggs, and we may expand the numbers next spring to include broilers (meat chickens). The wood stove has given us plenty of work to do, as well as toasty radiant heat. The stove has a window in the door, and we love just sitting in front of the fire all evening and watching it flicker (the kids pretend it‘s TV).

We also were able to purchase a full size truck (needed mostly for the wood) and now plan to go to Arizona for Christmas where we have also acquired a camper to bring back with us. We’ve had many camping disasters with kids and tents, so are hoping this will help solve that problem. The price was too good to pass up, and now it gives us an excuse to head for sunshine when it’s at the rainiest here. We’ve been here 4 years now (in the Pacific Northwest), and I feel like I must be finally getting acclimatized. The other morning I woke up to a gray day, and wasn’t even disappointed. That had never happened before. So, we’ll see what my thoughts are come March, but right now, it’s all okay! (oops, change of plans...my Grandma Staudinger passed away, so we'll be headed to Alberta, Canada for Christmas instead. Feeling sadness for the loss of her, but rejoicing that her battle here is done, and that she's gained the victory through Christ!)

Much love to you now at Christmas time, and may God richly bless you in the coming 2010!!

Greg, Rachel, Luke, James & Elise

Giving Gifts

I've been pondering about what to give my kids, since they don't really need anything, but it definitely is fun to give them something. I thought back to my own childhood, and although I would have liked a "trendy" gift to show off at school after Christmas break, I'm thankful that my parents bought practical and fun things (ice skates, purses, etc). Now as a parent I've tried to set some guidelines that help me choose what to get for my own kids. I like A's idea on facebook about 1 fun, 1 spiritual enriching, 1 item for the body (clothes), just as the 3 wise men bought 3 gifts for baby Jesus.

My "rules" are these:
-something they won't fight over and be jealous of each other for
-equal in value for each kid
-useful and fun, something that will last for years (rather than weeks or months)
-bought used at the thrift store/garage sales if possible. (which I was an idiot and saw the perfect gift at Goodwill in about September for my boys, and didn't buy it because I thought it was too early in the season, then had to pay full price now in December) Lesson learned !!
-(this year only because we have a long road trip ahead) something small and non-annoying that they can play with for hours in the car. We did this last year going to Florida, and the toy kept the boys happy the whole flights there and back, as well as the whole trip (and are still played with daily!)
-something I won't be tripping over and grumbling about in the near future!

Last year I filled their stockings, and they didn't appreciate it at all. They just kept digging and tossing things aside over their shoulder. This year, only 1 item will go in the stocking and maybe a few candies or an satsuma orange (which is what we always got), and it'll likely be a consumable so we don't have to deal with it in the future (markers, craft items)

As for the baby, they usually love the box, but I did find something to give her. Usually baby just gets a new teething ring or chewy book, but I wonder if I even need to do that. They are just as happy with the wrapping paper left lying around!