It was so fun to have an ultrasound last week and "see" the new baby. I think the best part was that EVERYONE got to be there! Victory has really figured out that there is a baby in mommy's tummy and even told her Sunday School helper all about it :) We were able to find out the sex of the baby... we'll have a "full house" in more ways than one! With a new baby girl we'll have three of a kind and a pair :)
Up until Thanksgiving I wasn't sure that I really wanted another girl. I truly would have been more happy with a boy. But then my brother Bill came to visit. His girlfriend Amanda came along with her little girl, Bella. Bella is just about 6 weeks older than Victory. It was so fun to see the completely different dynamic when they were playing. It was then that I got to thinking maybe we did need to have another girl :) It even helps out with the bedroom situation... we can have a "Boy's Room" and a "Girl's Room". Alex will no longer have to complain about having "girl stuff" in his room. LOL
In other news... I've been busy with sewing projects, but need to get busier! I've got several projects to finish up for Christmas. Since I've got less than 2 weeks to go now I guess I'd better get a move on :) Most of the money I got for my birthday I spent on fabrics. It's just too much fun!
I'm looking forward to our 4th re-anniversary (lol), Victory's birthday (I can't believe she'll be THREE!!), and Christmas. We'll have lots going on, but we'll get to spend some quality time with family. Tim and I may even get some time alone for our anniversary, if you can imagine that!
Well, baby girl is kicking away which tells me it's time to get up, move around, and probably get something to eat :)
At some point I'd like to scan an ultrasound pic so I can post it here. Maybe over Christmas sometime.
If I'm not back here before then, have a very merry CHRISTmas!
12.11.2006
10.16.2006
"Moving" right along...
While the work on the house is still in progress we are starting to see a real difference. Even my mom commented on how nice it looked! LOL The kids are starting to get a little better about picking up their stuff because they see how the rest of the house looks.
I think I need to box up a bunch of toys - then they would have less to make a mess with. They seem to have certain things that ALWAYS get played with (Lego's, Chase's cool new trucks, Rescue Heroes) so those things would stay along with a "baby" or two for Victory. But I think the rest could go away until we sell :)
Sounds like we'll have another break from the kids at the end of the week, so we should be able to get some of the painting done as well as more cleaning. Then on Saturday we'll be celebrating Chase's birthday with the Osell side of the family. I think Chuck E. Cheese is the plan at this point :)
Enough for now! I'm going to go work on the house :)
~kjl
I think I need to box up a bunch of toys - then they would have less to make a mess with. They seem to have certain things that ALWAYS get played with (Lego's, Chase's cool new trucks, Rescue Heroes) so those things would stay along with a "baby" or two for Victory. But I think the rest could go away until we sell :)
Sounds like we'll have another break from the kids at the end of the week, so we should be able to get some of the painting done as well as more cleaning. Then on Saturday we'll be celebrating Chase's birthday with the Osell side of the family. I think Chuck E. Cheese is the plan at this point :)
Enough for now! I'm going to go work on the house :)
~kjl
10.10.2006
LOTR and quivers
After my previous post, Tim and I were watching Lord of the Rings and he turns to me and says, "I never noticed before, but their quivers are REALLY full!" LOL I guess when God has made it clear to you that you are to be "quiver full" when it comes to your family, all these other things start to "pop out" at you!
Speaking of "popping out"... none of that happening here yet. Amazingly at 12+ weeks I am still wearing my non-maternity pants and not using a hair-binder to make them loose enough! Yippee!! I am totally okay with that :)
I had my first visit with the midwife and she was able to hear the baby's heartbeat briefly. I missed it, but I think that's okay. I'd like Tim to come with to my next appointment, and then we can hear it for the first time together :) That will make it much more special!
And, more big news, we've begun the search for a more suitable home! We've been looking and have found a couple we like. We've also been working HARD at getting our house ready to put on the market. Already, several boxes have made their way to Goodwill, and I have at least two more ready to go. It's been really freeing to get rid of so much stuff! And the things we are keeping are getting much more organized :)
So, while it's beginning to seem a bit more spacious around here, we are so grateful for God's provision in our lives that allows us to look for something a bit bigger! Our hope is to go from house with 1 bath, 2 bedrooms and 1 living room, to a home with 2 baths, 4 bedrooms and 2 living spaces... one upstairs, and one down :) Pray for us in this process!
Enough for now :)
~kjl
Speaking of "popping out"... none of that happening here yet. Amazingly at 12+ weeks I am still wearing my non-maternity pants and not using a hair-binder to make them loose enough! Yippee!! I am totally okay with that :)
I had my first visit with the midwife and she was able to hear the baby's heartbeat briefly. I missed it, but I think that's okay. I'd like Tim to come with to my next appointment, and then we can hear it for the first time together :) That will make it much more special!
And, more big news, we've begun the search for a more suitable home! We've been looking and have found a couple we like. We've also been working HARD at getting our house ready to put on the market. Already, several boxes have made their way to Goodwill, and I have at least two more ready to go. It's been really freeing to get rid of so much stuff! And the things we are keeping are getting much more organized :)
So, while it's beginning to seem a bit more spacious around here, we are so grateful for God's provision in our lives that allows us to look for something a bit bigger! Our hope is to go from house with 1 bath, 2 bedrooms and 1 living room, to a home with 2 baths, 4 bedrooms and 2 living spaces... one upstairs, and one down :) Pray for us in this process!
Enough for now :)
~kjl
9.10.2006
How many arrows ARE in a quiver?
Here's the newest "happenings" in my little corner of the world:
Yep... that's right! You are NOT seeing things. Let me just point out (since it actually didn't occur to ME until two people mentioned it... LOL) that the really dark line in the "yes or no" window is the line that would NOT be there if the test were negative. So, I guess that really leaves no doubt!
We are thrilled, but a bit scared. We just know that God will provide all our needs just like he's promised, so we know that even though we live in a tiny, two bedroom house... there will be room enough and resources enough for us. Isn't God great :)
Our new little "arrow" will be arriving in our "quiver" around mid April 2007. Pray with us as this new little life develops. And pray for me as I deal with 4 energetic children, and so called "morning sickness". Let me just tell you (in case you wondered!) that it does NOT only occur in the morning, and whoever named it probably never had it! LOL
Hope all is well in your little corner of the world as well :)
~kjl
8.09.2006
Monarch's
When we lived in Buffalo (MN, not NY lol) the Monarch's would migrate through our backyard each year. There was a clearing between a row of shrubs/trees and the creek... you could stand there and actually HEAR them :) Well, it's been a lot of years since I've been able to experience anything quite like that.
Today, Tim came back in the house before leaving for work and said, "I left the three big milkweed next to the shed because I was told Monarch's like them. I looked at them this morning and didn't think they looked like they were doing too well." Two of them were completely STRIPPED of their leaves, and the other was well on it's way. Apparently Tim heard right... Monarch's do like milkweed (or at least they do in the caterpillar form!)
Today, Tim came back in the house before leaving for work and said, "I left the three big milkweed next to the shed because I was told Monarch's like them. I looked at them this morning and didn't think they looked like they were doing too well." Two of them were completely STRIPPED of their leaves, and the other was well on it's way. Apparently Tim heard right... Monarch's do like milkweed (or at least they do in the caterpillar form!)
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8.01.2006
The North Woods
My parents have a small shack in the woods up near Two Harbors. It's falling down and there is no electricity or running water... They did "upgrade" the outhouse a few years ago :)
It was the perfect place for Tim and I to get away a couple of weeks ago. Grandma Joan had the two older boys and Grandpa and Grandma Osell took the two little ones... my first time away from Levi for more than a few hours! The kids had a lot of fun, and even Levi survived ;)
Imagine taking a deep breath, letting it out, and being able to hang on to that relaxed, peaceful feeling for TWO WHOLE DAYS! That's exactly the result we had... Thank you God for your beautiful creation!
It was the perfect place for Tim and I to get away a couple of weeks ago. Grandma Joan had the two older boys and Grandpa and Grandma Osell took the two little ones... my first time away from Levi for more than a few hours! The kids had a lot of fun, and even Levi survived ;)
Imagine taking a deep breath, letting it out, and being able to hang on to that relaxed, peaceful feeling for TWO WHOLE DAYS! That's exactly the result we had... Thank you God for your beautiful creation!
7.23.2006
Here are a few pictures of the boys during their trip to Wisconsin (July 14-16). The whole family was supposed to go, but work conflicts kept Tim and I from going. Uncle Kevin and "Ant" Casey took Alex and Chase with them so we wouldn't ALL have to miss out on the fun!The rodeo was a big hit... especially the "Mutton Bustin'" in which both boys were disappointed to have not been involved. It must have been a long, fun day :)
7.07.2006
Bummer of a week...
We found out this week that Pastor Dave is resigning from Calvary. It's been hard to take. I've spent a lot of time in prayer and in tears. This is not something I've ever experienced before. It's just so strange -- like a death almost. I comfort myself with the thought that if God is taking him to a new church, they must need him more than we do!
Also, as the result of a death and upcoming funeral, Tim will be working this weekend and we are not taking our planned trip to Spooner with my family. I'm okay with that... I really want to be in church on Sunday as support for Pastor Dave. It's going to take a lot of getting used to without him there!
*sigh*
~kjl
Also, as the result of a death and upcoming funeral, Tim will be working this weekend and we are not taking our planned trip to Spooner with my family. I'm okay with that... I really want to be in church on Sunday as support for Pastor Dave. It's going to take a lot of getting used to without him there!
*sigh*
~kjl
6.29.2006
Diapers
Okay, Steph G, once again you've asked for pics, and here they are :)
The first diaper is one I just did the other day... it's a one-size, and is VERY soft and comfy!! For those who are wondering, a one-size diaper will fit baby's from 11lb to 35lb. This diaper fits on Levi (almost 11 mo, 17lb.) and also on Victory (2-1/2, 27lb.). I have enough of the hotwheels fabric left to make another one of these, so I think I might :) I really like the way it turned out! Next one I think I'll get that RED hook and loop from you Steph T! Tim thought that would have been really cute on this diaper :)
The last pic is of one of my first attempts at diaper-making. It is a pocket diaper. The design of this diaper was the result of lots of sewing and testing and changing patterns. I can not take credit for all of this work -- that goes to my friend Steph T. She has links to more information about cloth diapering on her blog. Another great source of information is Diaper Decisions.
I've had a lot of fun with cloth diapering, and I'm really excited about making even more diapers :) I've got fabric for at least three more one-size diapers, and can't wait for the next big sale at JoAnne's so I can get more fabric! LOL
Steph T. makes and sells diapers if anyone is interested :) I'm also willing to make a diaper or two for any friend or family member that would like to try out cloth diapering (I'm not willing to step out there and sew for strangers quite yet!!).
At the risk of embarassing her, I need to give Steph T. big public THANK YOU for all the help with my diapers. She has invested a lot of her time and energy in this for me. I am so grateful for her help -- and for the fact that she doesn't laugh at me (or give up on me!) when I just don't get it!! LOL So...
THANKS Steph!
Hotwheels One-size
The first diaper is one I just did the other day... it's a one-size, and is VERY soft and comfy!! For those who are wondering, a one-size diaper will fit baby's from 11lb to 35lb. This diaper fits on Levi (almost 11 mo, 17lb.) and also on Victory (2-1/2, 27lb.). I have enough of the hotwheels fabric left to make another one of these, so I think I might :) I really like the way it turned out! Next one I think I'll get that RED hook and loop from you Steph T! Tim thought that would have been really cute on this diaper :)
The last pic is of one of my first attempts at diaper-making. It is a pocket diaper. The design of this diaper was the result of lots of sewing and testing and changing patterns. I can not take credit for all of this work -- that goes to my friend Steph T. She has links to more information about cloth diapering on her blog. Another great source of information is Diaper Decisions.
I've had a lot of fun with cloth diapering, and I'm really excited about making even more diapers :) I've got fabric for at least three more one-size diapers, and can't wait for the next big sale at JoAnne's so I can get more fabric! LOL
Steph T. makes and sells diapers if anyone is interested :) I'm also willing to make a diaper or two for any friend or family member that would like to try out cloth diapering (I'm not willing to step out there and sew for strangers quite yet!!).
At the risk of embarassing her, I need to give Steph T. big public THANK YOU for all the help with my diapers. She has invested a lot of her time and energy in this for me. I am so grateful for her help -- and for the fact that she doesn't laugh at me (or give up on me!) when I just don't get it!! LOL So...
THANKS Steph!
Hotwheels One-size
Fitted Pocket Diaper
6.15.2006
"TA-DA!"
Whenever Victory Joy has finished something she's been working on (and is particularly proud of) she lets us know by standing up, saying "ta-da!" and clapping :) I'm doing a bit of that for myself tonight...
Here is my "Ta-da!" list for the day. It's much better than a "To Do" list which I would never complete... I can look at it and know that it's done! LOL
*Put a load of clothes in the dryer
*Put a load of clothes in the washer
*Fed the kids breakfast
*Got Alex off to the bus
*Stuffed diapers
*Did flashcards with VJ
*Read with VJ
*Cleaned/organized in VJ/L's room for 30 min (timeout for L's nap)
*Folded 1 load of laundry (BIG load - since I have an HE machine!)
*Lunch
*Watered outside plants
*Swapped laundry/ started new load to wash
*Swapped laundry again!
*Folded 1 load of laundry
*Swapped laundry/ started a load of diapers (I'm using cloth *grin*)
*Folded 1/2 load of laundry
*Peeled, diced, and started potatoes for supper (Tim fried the fish -- YUM!)
*Loaded and ran dishwasher
*Took the clippers to A & C
*Bathed VJ & L, and made sure A & C took showers
*Clipped all the kids nails (80 nails! LOL)
*Finished cleaning VJ & L's room
*Changed VJ & L's bedding
*Vacuumed kids bedrooms
*Helped Tim with 4-wheeler
I also dealt with kids' disagreements, nursed L, and somehow found time to check my email, play with kids, play with the dog, answer the phone, EAT! LOL and "blog". (And, my day is not yet done! Whew!)
Feel free to picture me standing, saying "Ta-da!", and clapping :P
Here is my "Ta-da!" list for the day. It's much better than a "To Do" list which I would never complete... I can look at it and know that it's done! LOL
*Put a load of clothes in the dryer
*Put a load of clothes in the washer
*Fed the kids breakfast
*Got Alex off to the bus
*Stuffed diapers
*Did flashcards with VJ
*Read with VJ
*Cleaned/organized in VJ/L's room for 30 min (timeout for L's nap)
*Folded 1 load of laundry (BIG load - since I have an HE machine!)
*Lunch
*Watered outside plants
*Swapped laundry/ started new load to wash
*Swapped laundry again!
*Folded 1 load of laundry
*Swapped laundry/ started a load of diapers (I'm using cloth *grin*)
*Folded 1/2 load of laundry
*Peeled, diced, and started potatoes for supper (Tim fried the fish -- YUM!)
*Loaded and ran dishwasher
*Took the clippers to A & C
*Bathed VJ & L, and made sure A & C took showers
*Clipped all the kids nails (80 nails! LOL)
*Finished cleaning VJ & L's room
*Changed VJ & L's bedding
*Vacuumed kids bedrooms
*Helped Tim with 4-wheeler
I also dealt with kids' disagreements, nursed L, and somehow found time to check my email, play with kids, play with the dog, answer the phone, EAT! LOL and "blog". (And, my day is not yet done! Whew!)
Feel free to picture me standing, saying "Ta-da!", and clapping :P
Ethiopian?
Okay, I know he doesn't have the right "skin tone" LOL but isn't the outfit cute?? Even the drum is from Africa. My Aunt Becky is a missionary in Ethiopia and occasionally sends wonderful things for the kids. This picture was just too adorable not to share :)
6.14.2006
Dreams of a Simple Life
I wish things could be simple.
In my simple life, I would have less meaningless junk and more time spent with my family and friends.
I would make simple, healthy meals and not worry about whether the kids had clean clothes for tomorrow. I would stay on top of the everyday monotonous things such as laundry and dishes.
I wouldn't worry about what Levi just picked up off the floor and put in his mouth. The only thing it could possibly be is a cracker crumb from earlier in the day.
I wouldn't spend my valuable time sifting through piles wondering "where did I put that!?" Everything would be put in it's own special spot immediately after being used.
I would begin each day in God's Word -- studying His promises. The remainder of my day would be peaceful, even amidst the chaos, because I started it the way I should.
I would end each day in prayer with my husband, rejoicing and praising God for the many blessings I had encountered that day.
That would be my simple life.
6.13.2006
Levi's Tree
It wasn't really planned when we got the tree to plant in the yard, but it has now officially become "Levi's Tree". Since he was born at home, the placenta has been double bagged in our freezer. LOL Some people make a ritual out of it, but we simply did it because we needed to get rid of it, and the nutrients are GREAT for the tree! I've been meaning to post this since we planted the tree a couple of weeks ago, but am just now getting around to it. Enjoy the photo! :)
~kjl
~kjl
Big News
Wahoo! Victory Joy is learning to potty on the potty chair! Today will be day five in undies, and she even went to church on Sunday without a diaper... I brought a change of clothes but didn't need them! :) For my brother (who will likely be the only one to get this without thinking for a moment) the #1 (little) is going great, but we're still working on #2 (big). LOLOL
Alex is working on losing another tooth... the thing has been so loose I'm about ready to get the pliers and pull it out myself. LOL He starts Summer School today and was all worried this morning because Daddy didn't come wake him up! I had to explain (again!) that he it wasn't like the regular school year when he got on on the bus at 7:20 -- he didn't have to catch the bus until just after 9:00. He'll be getting up soon to eat and get ready to leave. I've been a bit frustrated because there was no information from the school about what he would need... I don't even know if I'm expected to send him a pencil and notebook! I guess I'll do that and if they need something more they can send a note home :)
Chase must be growing! He has been SO clutsy -- running into things, tripping a lot -- I think he's just getting used to this "new" body. Yesterday he helped me out by scrubbing the kitchen floor. I think it took him about 45 minutes, but I didn't hear even one complaint! It's so nice having the help around the house. I want to make sure that my boys grow up to make some nice girl a great husband :)
Levi has been fighting something, but for the most part is very happy. He loves to be outside! We do have to watch him so he doesn't put rocks and grass in his mouth, but that doesn't happen all that often. Yesterday we took a bike ride to church for a picnic with Daddy. Victory and Levi rode in the "trailer" and did great! Levi only cried once, and I think maybe Victory was picking on him. LOL Won't be long and he'll be getting her back!
Well, I think that's all for now :) If you haven't stopped reading already, have a great week!
~kjl
Alex is working on losing another tooth... the thing has been so loose I'm about ready to get the pliers and pull it out myself. LOL He starts Summer School today and was all worried this morning because Daddy didn't come wake him up! I had to explain (again!) that he it wasn't like the regular school year when he got on on the bus at 7:20 -- he didn't have to catch the bus until just after 9:00. He'll be getting up soon to eat and get ready to leave. I've been a bit frustrated because there was no information from the school about what he would need... I don't even know if I'm expected to send him a pencil and notebook! I guess I'll do that and if they need something more they can send a note home :)
Chase must be growing! He has been SO clutsy -- running into things, tripping a lot -- I think he's just getting used to this "new" body. Yesterday he helped me out by scrubbing the kitchen floor. I think it took him about 45 minutes, but I didn't hear even one complaint! It's so nice having the help around the house. I want to make sure that my boys grow up to make some nice girl a great husband :)
Levi has been fighting something, but for the most part is very happy. He loves to be outside! We do have to watch him so he doesn't put rocks and grass in his mouth, but that doesn't happen all that often. Yesterday we took a bike ride to church for a picnic with Daddy. Victory and Levi rode in the "trailer" and did great! Levi only cried once, and I think maybe Victory was picking on him. LOL Won't be long and he'll be getting her back!
Well, I think that's all for now :) If you haven't stopped reading already, have a great week!
~kjl
5.30.2006
Off to the doctor we go.... AGAIN!
This time, it was for Alex. Oh, wait, I probably didn't mention that I got to go to the clinic on Sunday! My allergies had been pretty bad all last week, and by Saturday I was feeling really crappy. Sunday, I finally gave in and went to see the doctor because it hurt to breathe. Turns out that I have bronchitis. So, it's antibiotics for me...
Friday night I was checking Alex over for ticks... they are REALLY THICK at the river. I noticed a weird spot on his leg but thought maybe it would wash off. It didn't... Grandma Joan was convinced that it was a tick that had burrowed in. We picked and poked at it, but couldn't get anything out. Finally today I took him to the doctor to get it checked out -- better safe than sorry I guess. After a LOT of digging the doc came to the conclusion that it was loose debris of some sort. He used a water pik and got it cleaned out. Finally! No more black spot! Now we just need to keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn't get infected...
They also drew blood to do a titter test for Lyme's. Mothers' Day weekend Alex had a deer tick and on the way to the doctor he was complaining that his knee was hurting for no reason and had been doing so since Saturday (off and on). Apparently in kids, one of the symptoms of Lyme's is arthritis... so, we'll find out in a couple days what the results are on that.
Whew! What a week! and it's only Tuesday.
I'm looking forward to going with Alex on his field trip to the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site up in Little Falls tomorrow. I'll have to bring the camera :)
Time to get fixin's together for supper! Tim is grilling and I guess that leaves me in charge of all the other stuff ;)
~kjl
Friday night I was checking Alex over for ticks... they are REALLY THICK at the river. I noticed a weird spot on his leg but thought maybe it would wash off. It didn't... Grandma Joan was convinced that it was a tick that had burrowed in. We picked and poked at it, but couldn't get anything out. Finally today I took him to the doctor to get it checked out -- better safe than sorry I guess. After a LOT of digging the doc came to the conclusion that it was loose debris of some sort. He used a water pik and got it cleaned out. Finally! No more black spot! Now we just need to keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn't get infected...
They also drew blood to do a titter test for Lyme's. Mothers' Day weekend Alex had a deer tick and on the way to the doctor he was complaining that his knee was hurting for no reason and had been doing so since Saturday (off and on). Apparently in kids, one of the symptoms of Lyme's is arthritis... so, we'll find out in a couple days what the results are on that.
Whew! What a week! and it's only Tuesday.
I'm looking forward to going with Alex on his field trip to the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site up in Little Falls tomorrow. I'll have to bring the camera :)
Time to get fixin's together for supper! Tim is grilling and I guess that leaves me in charge of all the other stuff ;)
~kjl
5.24.2006
A Happy Baby Boy... Finally!!
After last weeks fun with all the "barfing" around here, everyone has been a bit cranky... me included! LOL Last night it was great to see that Levi is himself again! He's smiley and goofy, just like his old self.
On Monday I finally took him to the doctor and discovered he had an ear infection. The antibiotics have obviously been doing their job! I also found out he weights all of 16 pounds... Time to start bulking him up! I checked for myself on the growth charts, and to even fall at the 5th percentile he has to gain a pound and a half!
I'm not worried about it -- other than the ear, he's completely healthy, and VERY active! I'm sure that's why he weights as little as he does. Victory was the same way at that age, and now at two she is "just the right size".
I love my kids! :)
On Monday I finally took him to the doctor and discovered he had an ear infection. The antibiotics have obviously been doing their job! I also found out he weights all of 16 pounds... Time to start bulking him up! I checked for myself on the growth charts, and to even fall at the 5th percentile he has to gain a pound and a half!
I'm not worried about it -- other than the ear, he's completely healthy, and VERY active! I'm sure that's why he weights as little as he does. Victory was the same way at that age, and now at two she is "just the right size".
I love my kids! :)
Here they are at Easter... couldn't get them all looking the same way at the same time :)
Aren't they adorable?!? :)
~kjl
5.19.2006
My sister :)
So, this is a picture of my sister Sharon with Victory Joy.Aren't they cute with their matching hairdos? :) Just had to share...
Combating Mediocrity
Steph T.'s comments about mediocrity got me thinking... maybe the key to combating mediocrity is to stop thinking of our lives (and ourselves) as mediocre! God had a plan when he created us. He knows everything about us -- and loves us anyway! :) I know that He didn't settle for mediocre when He created us.
As a mom, sometimes it's hard to see the importance of what I do... dishes, laundry, diapering, cleaning -- it never ends! Sometimes I get so caught up in the monotony of it all that I forget just how big and important this job is!
So, if we all start viewing ourselves as the exceptional creations we are, then perhaps the things we do will begin to seem a bit less mediocre.
~kjl
P.S. Hey Steph T. How did you link my blog to my kids names? If I'd known how I would have linked your name with your post about mediocrity so others would know what I was talking about :)
As a mom, sometimes it's hard to see the importance of what I do... dishes, laundry, diapering, cleaning -- it never ends! Sometimes I get so caught up in the monotony of it all that I forget just how big and important this job is!
So, if we all start viewing ourselves as the exceptional creations we are, then perhaps the things we do will begin to seem a bit less mediocre.
~kjl
P.S. Hey Steph T. How did you link my blog to my kids names? If I'd known how I would have linked your name with your post about mediocrity so others would know what I was talking about :)
5.18.2006
What goes down...
...must come up! Blech!!!
My sister came up to visit and spend the night. We went out to get some stuff at the store and when we got back VJ woke up. (This all started about 11:00pm) She started crying and I knew something wasn't quite right. When I went in to check on her she was sitting in her supper... (I'll just leave it at that since I'm sure you've got the picture!) I grabbed her and put her in the tub while my sister -- who has a squeamish tummy :P stripped the sheets.
In the meantime, Levi woke up and when Sharon went to pick him up she thought he smelled a bit pukey too...
We got VJ changed and in clean jammies -- and then we encountered round TWO!! So, now, almost two hours later, we finally have clean bedding on all the beds, clean jammies on the kids, and they are finally asleep.
Oh, and did I mention that I am also wearing different clothes?? (I was an unsuspecting victim of round two.)
So, I guess I'll be off to bed soon. And tomorrow we'll pray for a good day! Since I spent the day at my friend Steph T's today sewing diapers, I hope that none of her kids (or daycare kids!) get whatever it is that came through here!!! (Sorry Steph!)
~kjl
My sister came up to visit and spend the night. We went out to get some stuff at the store and when we got back VJ woke up. (This all started about 11:00pm) She started crying and I knew something wasn't quite right. When I went in to check on her she was sitting in her supper... (I'll just leave it at that since I'm sure you've got the picture!) I grabbed her and put her in the tub while my sister -- who has a squeamish tummy :P stripped the sheets.
In the meantime, Levi woke up and when Sharon went to pick him up she thought he smelled a bit pukey too...
We got VJ changed and in clean jammies -- and then we encountered round TWO!! So, now, almost two hours later, we finally have clean bedding on all the beds, clean jammies on the kids, and they are finally asleep.
Oh, and did I mention that I am also wearing different clothes?? (I was an unsuspecting victim of round two.)
So, I guess I'll be off to bed soon. And tomorrow we'll pray for a good day! Since I spent the day at my friend Steph T's today sewing diapers, I hope that none of her kids (or daycare kids!) get whatever it is that came through here!!! (Sorry Steph!)
~kjl
5.15.2006
The UPS and DOWNS of kids...
Well, actually the DOWN came first... late last week Levi fell down the stairs. I was fixing one baby gate to keep him from eating the dog food (yeah, I know, gross!) and I failed to latch the gate at the top of the stairs. He is usually so clingy to me so I didn't really think he would head for the stairs if I was right there... obviously I was wrong!! Also, the fact the my 6-1/2 year old, Chase, was standing right there made gave me a sense of security.
Lesson learned... a quick trip to the chiro fixed him up, and other than a couple of scrapes and bruises on his face he was non the worse for the wear. He actually looked quite cute with his little bumps, and I'm sure it won't be the last! He is an adventurous one!
Then, the UPS... Victory has discovered that she can climb the front of the dresser (with the drawers CLOSED) and get up on the changing table. I'll need to rethink what I store on the shelf that is on the wall directly above the table!
Earlier today I was standing near the dresser and had to make a quick phone call to the post office. When I got off the phone I started talking to VJ who was sitting right in front of me on the changing table. All of a sudden it occurred to me that I didn't put her there!! I put her down, and she quickly showed me how she had gotten there.
Tonight, about an hour after she was put to bed, I tried to make a phone call from the basement. We have a phone that has two headsets for one system... you can't be on both of the phones at the same time. When I tried to dial it said it was connecting and then informed me the line was unavailable. I realized that I had left the other phone in VJ's room... OOPS! So, I knew she had been playing with it and it was on.
When I got to her door to go in and get the phone I could SMELL the Johnson's Infant Vapo-rub. She had obviously included a trip up the dresser in her pre-sleep adventure! So, the entire bedroom smells like Vick's, and there she is, sound asleep in her bed, with Vapo-rub on the front of her jammies.
I am certain that this will not be the last of my UPS and DOWNS with my four angels :) I'm just so thankful that God has seen fit to bless me with four little hoodlums to keep my life from being too dull :P
That's all for tonight... I'd better get some sleep so I can take whatever tomorrow has to offer!
~kjl
Lesson learned... a quick trip to the chiro fixed him up, and other than a couple of scrapes and bruises on his face he was non the worse for the wear. He actually looked quite cute with his little bumps, and I'm sure it won't be the last! He is an adventurous one!
Then, the UPS... Victory has discovered that she can climb the front of the dresser (with the drawers CLOSED) and get up on the changing table. I'll need to rethink what I store on the shelf that is on the wall directly above the table!
Earlier today I was standing near the dresser and had to make a quick phone call to the post office. When I got off the phone I started talking to VJ who was sitting right in front of me on the changing table. All of a sudden it occurred to me that I didn't put her there!! I put her down, and she quickly showed me how she had gotten there.
Tonight, about an hour after she was put to bed, I tried to make a phone call from the basement. We have a phone that has two headsets for one system... you can't be on both of the phones at the same time. When I tried to dial it said it was connecting and then informed me the line was unavailable. I realized that I had left the other phone in VJ's room... OOPS! So, I knew she had been playing with it and it was on.
When I got to her door to go in and get the phone I could SMELL the Johnson's Infant Vapo-rub. She had obviously included a trip up the dresser in her pre-sleep adventure! So, the entire bedroom smells like Vick's, and there she is, sound asleep in her bed, with Vapo-rub on the front of her jammies.
I am certain that this will not be the last of my UPS and DOWNS with my four angels :) I'm just so thankful that God has seen fit to bless me with four little hoodlums to keep my life from being too dull :P
That's all for tonight... I'd better get some sleep so I can take whatever tomorrow has to offer!
~kjl
5.07.2006
Fishing.... wire??
So, tonight we got out the fishing poles and were checking to make sure everything was working okay since we didn't get out at all last year. I put a sinker on my line and did a practice cast... I didn't really cast it that hard, but it went up HIGH and when it dropped I was over SEVERAL powerlines near the road in front of the house. It was caught tight! (the line flipped over the bottom set of wires).
I finally walked away, got my cutter out of the tackle box, and went back to snip the line. I thought I'd try just one more time to get the line down and low and behold, it came right off! Yipee! LOL I guess next time I'll go out to the back yard and cast into the field :)
That's all for tonight :)
~kjl
I finally walked away, got my cutter out of the tackle box, and went back to snip the line. I thought I'd try just one more time to get the line down and low and behold, it came right off! Yipee! LOL I guess next time I'll go out to the back yard and cast into the field :)
That's all for tonight :)
~kjl
5.04.2006
Wrestling...
It's both physical and mental at my house these days. I had the best experience watching my kids wrestle the other night. Even Levi (9 mo.) was getting in on the action! He would crawl over to one of the older kids, get up on his knees, and LUNGE at them :) Then he would "kiss" them on the chin or cheek and giggle hysterically. His kisses are open mouth, tongue out type kisses, and they are the greatest! If he gets you at just the right moment in his breathing, he blows a "raspberry" which he thinks is hilarious!
The mental wrestling just involves my old habits, as well as my desire to completely trust God for all things in my life. I'm am constantly being reminded that I am not in charge here! There were some tears today... but I think I'm better now :)
Levi is currently pulling all the books out of the kid's bookcase here in the dining room/computer room. Of course he hasn't quite caught on the cleaning up after himself yet, so I guess I'd better go and get that taken care of :)
Oops! Sounds like the big boys are fighting too!!
So, there's the fun stuff, and the "gotta' love my life" stuff!!!!
~kjl
The mental wrestling just involves my old habits, as well as my desire to completely trust God for all things in my life. I'm am constantly being reminded that I am not in charge here! There were some tears today... but I think I'm better now :)
Levi is currently pulling all the books out of the kid's bookcase here in the dining room/computer room. Of course he hasn't quite caught on the cleaning up after himself yet, so I guess I'd better go and get that taken care of :)
Oops! Sounds like the big boys are fighting too!!
So, there's the fun stuff, and the "gotta' love my life" stuff!!!!
~kjl
5.02.2006
:) Since you asked, Steph...
... here are a couple pictures :) The first one is from Christmas at my parents (2005). The second picture was taken by my SIL the photographer last Fall.
Chase, Levi, Alex & Victory Joy
Chase(5-1/2), Alex(7), Kristin, Victory Joy(1-1/2), Tim & Levi(1 month)
Chase, Levi, Alex & Victory Joy
Chase(5-1/2), Alex(7), Kristin, Victory Joy(1-1/2), Tim & Levi(1 month)Let the Sonshine in!
When I came upstairs this morning and saw the sun streaming through the windows and blue skies above, I started singing this song from my childhood...
So let the sonshine in.
Face it with a grin.
Smilers never lose,
and frowners never win.
So let the sonshine in.
Face it with a grin.
Open up your heart
and let the sonshine in.
There is definitely a grin on my face today! I feel like I could handle anything thrown my way... and it seems the babies are testing that theory! LOL
May God's love shine in and through all of us today!
~kjl
5.01.2006
Rain, Rain, Go Away!!
It's been raining now for WAY TOO LONG! I need sunshine! I need to be outside! I need the CHILDREN to be outside!! LOL
Living in a SMALL house with 4 kids, a dog, and a husband is interesting ALL THE TIME, but when it rains, and you are STUCK INSIDE it gets downright -- well, insane...
Today, I'd finally had enough. I took a break. I went to Walmart and bought a couple patterns and some cute (cheap!) material to make VJ (my 28 mo. old dd) a couple of outfits. When I came home I was in a much saner mood :)
So, now I guess I need to get a corner cleared out somewhere so I can set up my sewing machine and leave it set up! Don't know yet exactly where that will be, but I'll figure it out... even if I have to hide away in my laundry room...
I need to get something set up anyway so when the rest of my supplies arrive I can get right to work on sewing my diapers!
Gotta' go and get something done... it is just so nice and QUIET here now since all the "hoodlums" are in bed for the night :) Even the dog is leaving me alone for the time being...
It's supposed to be sunny tomorrow... I hope those forecasters know what they are talking about!! LOL
~kjl
Living in a SMALL house with 4 kids, a dog, and a husband is interesting ALL THE TIME, but when it rains, and you are STUCK INSIDE it gets downright -- well, insane...
Today, I'd finally had enough. I took a break. I went to Walmart and bought a couple patterns and some cute (cheap!) material to make VJ (my 28 mo. old dd) a couple of outfits. When I came home I was in a much saner mood :)
So, now I guess I need to get a corner cleared out somewhere so I can set up my sewing machine and leave it set up! Don't know yet exactly where that will be, but I'll figure it out... even if I have to hide away in my laundry room...
I need to get something set up anyway so when the rest of my supplies arrive I can get right to work on sewing my diapers!
Gotta' go and get something done... it is just so nice and QUIET here now since all the "hoodlums" are in bed for the night :) Even the dog is leaving me alone for the time being...
It's supposed to be sunny tomorrow... I hope those forecasters know what they are talking about!! LOL
~kjl
4.28.2006
Repazent??
Okay, I just have to ask bro, what is this word?? The only thing I could figure out was that perhaps it was your own special way of saying "represent"... so, how about you enlighten us all :)
It's been a bit of a crazy week, but it's all good... God has truly blessed us (as always) and has shown us that He is indeed in control and we just have to wait on His timing.
All week the kids (yes, all FOUR of them) have been dealing with mild cold symptoms. Today it seems I have a little girl who is QUITE clingy and whiney. The oldest have a cough, and the youngest have gooby runny noses. Spring colds... what fun!
Thankfully I've been feeling pretty good... Got some weeds pulled in the yard yesterday (and got myself a bit of a sunburn to boot!). I'm glad I worked on it then, because today it is raining. It's a nice gentle rain... just what we need :)
So, the craziest thing to come out of a kids mouth at my house this week was "That lady has big boobs." This, from my 6 YEAR OLD!! So, of course we had to talk about the fact that it was NOT appropriate to say things like that. The older they get, the more I'm thankful that God is in control... I certainly could do this on my own!
Well, that's all for now. Oh, one more thing... I've decided that I will DEFINITELY be doing cloth diapers. I ordered my material for my outer layer, and now I need to get to the store and find the rest of my "supplies". Yipee!! I"m so excited! :) (Thanks, Steph, for all your help with this!)
~kjl
It's been a bit of a crazy week, but it's all good... God has truly blessed us (as always) and has shown us that He is indeed in control and we just have to wait on His timing.
All week the kids (yes, all FOUR of them) have been dealing with mild cold symptoms. Today it seems I have a little girl who is QUITE clingy and whiney. The oldest have a cough, and the youngest have gooby runny noses. Spring colds... what fun!
Thankfully I've been feeling pretty good... Got some weeds pulled in the yard yesterday (and got myself a bit of a sunburn to boot!). I'm glad I worked on it then, because today it is raining. It's a nice gentle rain... just what we need :)
So, the craziest thing to come out of a kids mouth at my house this week was "That lady has big boobs." This, from my 6 YEAR OLD!! So, of course we had to talk about the fact that it was NOT appropriate to say things like that. The older they get, the more I'm thankful that God is in control... I certainly could do this on my own!
Well, that's all for now. Oh, one more thing... I've decided that I will DEFINITELY be doing cloth diapers. I ordered my material for my outer layer, and now I need to get to the store and find the rest of my "supplies". Yipee!! I"m so excited! :) (Thanks, Steph, for all your help with this!)
~kjl
4.17.2006
Kids... What are they thinking?!?
First of all, I just want to say how great it was to see my kids take the "secular" piece of Easter and bring it into the spiritual realm. Chase (age 6-1/2) took one of his chocolate bunnies and poked a hole in it and then informed his brother that it was hollow because that was just like the tomb :)
But, just so I don't get feeling too great about how well I'm doing as a parent, they have to go and do something... shall we say... crazy? Tim and I took the opportunity to go on a brief date this afternoon while one of the neighbor girls watched the kids. We got home and when I asked how everything went she said it was good -- "except for the boys getting naked". WHAT??!!?? Are these MY kids she's talking about???
It turns out they thought it would be "funny" if they pulled their pants down around their ankles for a while... Guess what? Mom and Dad weren't all that amused!! So, we had to have a long talk about what's okay and what's not. They were pretty much confined to their room the rest of the afternoon to come up with a new game plan for the future. There are things that I expect to have to discuss with my kids, but I have to say, this is not a discussion I thought I would have!
Talk about keeping you from feeling too great in and of yourself! That's what God's there for... to help us deal with the times we are just not sure what to do! And, you love your kids anyway... even if you don't understand them.
Hope you all had a great Resurrection Sunday!!
~kjl
But, just so I don't get feeling too great about how well I'm doing as a parent, they have to go and do something... shall we say... crazy? Tim and I took the opportunity to go on a brief date this afternoon while one of the neighbor girls watched the kids. We got home and when I asked how everything went she said it was good -- "except for the boys getting naked". WHAT??!!?? Are these MY kids she's talking about???
It turns out they thought it would be "funny" if they pulled their pants down around their ankles for a while... Guess what? Mom and Dad weren't all that amused!! So, we had to have a long talk about what's okay and what's not. They were pretty much confined to their room the rest of the afternoon to come up with a new game plan for the future. There are things that I expect to have to discuss with my kids, but I have to say, this is not a discussion I thought I would have!
Talk about keeping you from feeling too great in and of yourself! That's what God's there for... to help us deal with the times we are just not sure what to do! And, you love your kids anyway... even if you don't understand them.
Hope you all had a great Resurrection Sunday!!
~kjl
4.14.2006
A fresh outlook!
I've got a few great things going on here. For one, I gave up a bad habit that I've had for over a decade. It was EASY! Well, except for the tears and sobbing as I gave it completely over to God and said I didn't want it anymore! :) It's been only 3 days, but it feels great! I can't believe how God has provided me with the strength to resist and the ability to persevere.
The big home/yard project we've got going on now also gives a "fresh outlook". We've spent a couple days trimming - well, actually BUTCHERING - the bushes that line the front of our yard. We "tested" one last year, so we know they will grow, but we've taken about 15 feet of height off them so the road is now clearly visible from the house. It's very strange! But, I know it's going to look great when we're done and the new foliage starts coming in.
That's all for now... gotta' feed the fam :)
~kjl
The big home/yard project we've got going on now also gives a "fresh outlook". We've spent a couple days trimming - well, actually BUTCHERING - the bushes that line the front of our yard. We "tested" one last year, so we know they will grow, but we've taken about 15 feet of height off them so the road is now clearly visible from the house. It's very strange! But, I know it's going to look great when we're done and the new foliage starts coming in.
That's all for now... gotta' feed the fam :)
~kjl
4.11.2006
First Post... and Can't Kids Just Be Kids??
Well, this is my first official post. Since I just had a frustrating experience at Walmart I guess I'll talk about that!
I went to Walmart to buy some nice white dress shoes or dressy sandles for my 2yr old DD. Didn't get any... can you guess why? No, it wasn't because they didn't have any in her size. It was because they all had heels!!!! I think I was 12 before I wore heels! She's only TWO!!! Heaven forbid we just let our kids be kids!! I didn't know if I should be mad and yell or if I should be sad and cry about this! It just makes my insides clench up. I can't even talk myself down at this point because I'm so upset.
Anyone else have an opinion about this?? Am I being too sensitive, or is this a real issue?
Well, that's all for now.
~kjl
I went to Walmart to buy some nice white dress shoes or dressy sandles for my 2yr old DD. Didn't get any... can you guess why? No, it wasn't because they didn't have any in her size. It was because they all had heels!!!! I think I was 12 before I wore heels! She's only TWO!!! Heaven forbid we just let our kids be kids!! I didn't know if I should be mad and yell or if I should be sad and cry about this! It just makes my insides clench up. I can't even talk myself down at this point because I'm so upset.
Anyone else have an opinion about this?? Am I being too sensitive, or is this a real issue?
Well, that's all for now.
~kjl
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