Baby Knight's Celebration

The women at my church honored me in such an amazing way... We had a celebration party for this sweet little one.  It was amazing.  I don't have the words to describe it, but I did want to share some pictures.  I am so thankful for this amazing group of women, and am so excited that these are the ones praying for our family.  The cake is my sweet friend Madison's masterpiece!

Family Hike and ALMOST a baby!

The other day we went and hiked Pratt trail, here in town.  The kids had a great time pretending to hunt for tigers and other animals.  Emma was so sweet, she felt the need to hold my hand and "help" me up all steps, since "I have a baby".  It was very touching to see her sweet heart for taking care of mama.  It was a very nice hike, and was successful at producing lots of contractions, which eventually led us to the hospital on my birthday night.  However, once we got down there, the contractions stopped (which was really weird since they had been so strong).  They monitored the baby's heart rate, which was high, and told me that if they couldn't get it down then we might just have a baby even if my contractions had stopped.  After quite a while of trying to get baby's heart rate down, they decided to do an ultrasound which confirmed what I had thought for a while, and the most likely cause of my contractions stopping:  Baby is face up!  So, we are praying for baby to turn over and we are still anxiously awaiting his grand entrance!!

Big Week...

So, not only did Emma lose her first "wiggly" tooth, but then she informed me that she knows how to tie her own shoes.  And sure enough, she does.  They are all growing up so fast!

36 Week Appointment

Well, not too much to report from my doctor's appointment today, except that my doctor was a little concerned that baby is on the small side, so I am going to have an ultrasound on Friday to check on him.  Ben has suggested pumping myself full of calories, however I am not sure that would turn out with exactly the results we would hope for.  Maybe I'll just enjoy getting to peek at him and see how he's doing!

Date Night

The best thing happened.  My mom called and asked if Ben and I wanted to go see Fireproof, a new movie.  First of all let me say that you MUST see this movie, it is the best ever, and I am so glad we were able to go and support this Christian film.  Then, we went and got some sushi at the aforementioned Seafresh, and it was totally awesome.  Don't worry, everything I got was cooked.  We shared a Seaweed Salad, a Spicy Shrimp roll, and one other that I can't remember.  So, so good.  We had the best night, and I am so thankful... It was so special, and the timing was perfect, since baby will be along soon enough.  Thank you God for an awesome night with an awesome hubby and an awesome mom willing to watch our awesome kids.  Oh yeah, and awesome food too. =)

Cravings...

Well, as far as my pregnancies have gone, I have NOT had (oops!, when it first posted it said I did!) huge cravings that were like, "I MUST HAVE....!"  But of course, we haven't ever really been a family that could indulge such cravings if I had them, since the budget is always pretty tight.  But, if I were going to sum up each pregnancy according to the most desired things to eat, I think it would go as follows:

Emma:  Well, it all started at Fresh Choice (salad!!)  There's where I told Ben the news that we were having our first baby.  After that, I pretty much couldn't eat anything that was super healthy.  I liked Nacho Cheese Doritos.  

Caleb:  The thing I wanted most often when I was pregnant with Caleb were those yummy little clementine tangerines.  They were awesome.

Noah:  Cocoa puffs.  I did also enjoy cucumbers in the Chinese Chicken Salad dressing from Trader Joe's...

Baby Knight:  Well, I didn't feel so hot in the beginning.  But as of late, the only things on my mind are 1) ICE and 2) Seafresh.  Seafresh is a restaurant here in Ojai that has some killer sushi rolls and a to-die for Seaweed Salad.  Yum. 

So, your turn?  What did you crave?

34 weeks

It occurred to me that I haven't done a whole lot of "baby" posting on the blog.  That is kind of sad, especially since we are towards the end here... but, I thought I would at least try!!  (Poor baby #4!)  Anyway, I debated not going to my 34 week appointment, and those of you who know me well are laughing, I am sure.  It's not that I don't like going, but once you get into going every two weeks, or one week, it is hard because life with the three other children must still go on!  And, between Noah's surgery (which was this week) and driving down to L.A. (gas is still expensive, even though it is under $4/gallon!), and homeschool, and laundry and dishes and groceries... sometimes it is hard to make the time to drive down to Ventura for the appointment.  But my DH (evidently in blogging world, this stands for Dear Husband, and I am now trying to be cool by using it) made a good point.  These appointments aren't just for me, but also for my doctor to get to know me and to be able to notice changes or things that might mean something more than I think.  So, I did go and I am glad that I did.  I got my grocery shopping done as well, so I actually accomplished quite a bit.  Anyway, no big news to report, except that Baby Knight is doing well, and his heartbeat is REALLY strong.  Two weeks ago, I was applauded for only gaining 1 pound in a month!!  (Ben attributed this to my bike riding) Well, here it is two weeks later, and let's just say that I made up for it by gaining about 5 pounds in two weeks.  Go figure.  =)  Anyway, I am supposed to pre-register at the hospital sometime soon, and then at my next appointment (36 weeks) she will start checking me to see where I am and to get a better idea of the baby's position.  I am excited to meet this sweet one, and yet this week brought the panic that I always feel at some point, "Am I ready?"  And of course, "I'm not sure I am doing a good job with the ones I have, should I really be allowed to have another one??"  And oh yes, "If I am already getting up five times in the night with the various other children, how in the world will I be able to take care of a newborn all night as well???"  God is gracious.  He calms me, and reminds me that He is in control, and Baby Knight is going to come at just the right time.  And when he does, His grace will be sufficient to meet the needs of these ones He has given us.  Until then, we wait.  Well, we wait and do laundry and dishes, and cook, and clean, and do schoolwork, and ride bikes.... =)

Update on Noah...

Well, Noah had his surgery today!  We were so fortunate to have a church full of people praying for him.  They called us yesterday to inform us that they moved his surgery time from 12:45pm to 10:45am, which meant that we had to drop off Emma and Caleb with my mom at 5:30am.  (She was a trooper too!!)  But, Noah didn't complain or fuss at all, even when we handed him over and the nurse took him in for the surgery.  The surgery went just as planned, although he was not quite so happy when we went in to be with him post-op.  He pulled out his own IV, and after some gatorade, threw up.  He threw up some more on the car ride home, probably due to the anesthesia.  But all in all, he was such a trooper and he is almost back to normal.  Thanks for your prayers and concern... and we appreciate your continued prayers for his recovery, he is still kind of "uncomfortable."  

Jalama...

Well, I'm eight months pregnant... seems like a great time for camping!!!  I sometimes get these ideas into my head, but this one actually turned out really well.  We decided to go ahead and take a family camping trip up to Jalama State Beach.  Interestingly enough, the last time we went camping I was pregnant!!  Anyway, Jalama is a first-come, first-serve camp ground.  When we got there, it was already pretty full.  What a testimony as to how our God knows and cares about every detail!!  It was as if He himself picked our camp spot.  It was right next to the restroom, right across from the playground and the beach, and very close to the general store/restaurant.  It was a great time, and after our wonderful night, we decided to leave on the upside so that we can come back again soon.  Ben got in some surfing time, the kids and I finished reading Pollyanna, and we all slept in the big 'ol tent.  Good times.  Here are some of my favorite pictures:

Helping Daddy set up camp.  

Beautiful beach day!

Everyone has to help!

Proof that I was actually there.

Proud of Emma...

So, we started our "new" school year today... we actually never really stopped school, because it gives us the freedom to take days off as needed, especially with the new baby coming.  Anyway, we started all our new stuff today, including continuing on with what we had been doing.  The kids did a great job, and I am very proud of both of them and their work.  But the thing we just had to blog about (per husband's instructions)???

The etch-a-sketch.  Oh yeah, she rocked it...

One reason why I love homeschooling...

Just one of the many reasons I love homeschooling...

P.E., Art Appreciation, History, Bible and a bunch of other stuff covered in one half hour bike ride:

Look at the beauty of what our God made...

"The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament show His handiwork."  Psalm 19:1

Enjoying God's handiwork...the whole gang!

Secretly in my heart, I foolishly and pridefully thought how wonderful it was that being so pregnant (just over 9 weeks to go!) I could still ride my bike.  Well, after a flat tire incident on Caleb's bike, Ben was going to pull the boys with my bike and let me ride his bike.  Needless to say, my pride was defeated as I realized that no...I cannot ride a regular bike, but my "special" bike that lets me sit up more, with a big, cushy seat, is what allows me to ride with the belly.  But I am very thankful for my new bike, since I didn't have one.  Our friends have been so kind as to let us borrow a bike trailer until we can get one.

And this is Ben's new mountain bike, which he has been hoping for for quite a while.  We finally found a deal that was just right (65% off!!) and so he is enjoying his new bike as well.  

Company Picnic

Ben's work had a company picnic at a park here in Ojai.  We had a great time as a family, just hanging out and meeting some of the other employees.  We played some games (Emma and I did the three-legged race), ate some good food, and then the kids got to bat at a pinata.  Good fun.

Well, we didn't win...but we didn't FALL!!!  Yeah!

My Brother's Wedding

Evidently I have a lot of catching up to do!!  Here are a few pictures from my brother's wedding in San Diego.  We had such a great time, and then got to spend the next day at Sea World with the happy couple! 

Happy Couple-Mark and Nancy,    Ben and the kids

 My three brothers!

Surgery...

Noah's pediatrician had informed us that he might possibly need surgery (not a major surgery, but a surgery none-the-less).  Anyway, I had taken Noah to a urologist in Santa Barbara, but I was by myself, and I left feeling a lack of peace, and wishing that Ben had been with me to ask some more questions.  My mom suggested getting a second opinion, which I considered brilliant and wondered why I hadn't thought of it!!  Anyway, after searching and searching (there is not a pediatric urologist within 60 miles of here!), I found my way to Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where they have a Minimally Invasive Urology Institute.  Then I found my way to the Pediatric Director of that Institute, who was a provider on our insurance!!!  I felt so much peace and comfort; I knew that God was providing and directing.  We made an appointment and saw him yesterday...Ben and I were both able to be there.  So, the bummer is that Noah does in fact need surgery.  But God's grace has sufficiently provided the comfort and peace that Ben and I needed to proceed confidently with his surgery.  Yeah!!  And, it is actually the Pediatric Director of this Urology Institute that will be performing the surgery, not to mention that they have 10 pediatric anesthesiologists on staff since this is what they do!!  All praise be to God, who has most certainly gone before us and worked out all these things on our behalf.  And, if you think of it, we would appreciate your prayers on September 16th...that's when Noah is having his surgery!

"Karma" in the Hester house

Okay, this actually happened a few months back, but I was telling my mom about it and she said that I had better blog about it...So, here goes.

Caleb is truly obsessed with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which brings me back to the days of being a kid, when my brother shared the same obsession.  Caleb hasn't seen any of the newer stuff, like TMNT or anything, but we did find some of the old cartoons which has only added to the obsession.  Anyway, in one of the cartoons, "Master Splinter" mentioned something about karma.  The minute I heard it, my stomach felt yucky as I began thinking about how I was going to talk to and explain that to a 4 and 5 year old.  

A few days later, the kids were playing Ninja Turtles, and I overhear Emma and Caleb:

Emma:  Come on Caleb, let's play "Car-math"

Caleb:  No, I don't really want to.

Emma:  Well, what about "Truck-math"?

Caleb:  Mom!!  Emma wants me to play "Car-math" and she wants me to add up all the cars.

"Mom, Look What I Can Do!"

I am constantly amazed at how fast kids learn.  The rate at which they change, grow and learn new things seems exponentially greater than my own.  The kids JUST learned how to ride their bikes. We have been loving our bike rides, going almost everyday.  Emma has been showing off her new tricks, like riding up and down driveways, riding through the field or on dirt, and the big deal...standing up and pedaling at the same time.  Caleb loves to ride off of curbs and go up and down driveways.  I keep telling them that practicing tricks is really something they should do with Daddy (since I can't really bear to watch!)  For tonight's ride, Ben had Caleb wear his shin guards, his elbow pads, and knee pads.  I know, a picture would have been great.  Sorry.  But anyway, he was flying down our street (which is a good hill) towards our driveway, and looked like he was going to hit the trash can (which he avoided) and then maybe Ben's car (which he also managed to avoid!)  But as he flew up the driveway and onto the sidewalk, he finally lost control of the bike and fell onto the sidewalk.  All of his pads saved him some good scrapes...and he stood up and said, "Well, that's ONE way to get up here!"  He makes me laugh.

A Little Competition...

Since Emma has been delighting in riding her bike without training wheels, Caleb decided that he must be able to do it also!  And so he is...we had been wanting to get Caleb a bigger bike for some time.  We found a bike on Craigslist, and went to check it out, but it wasn't right for him.  So, we went down to the thrift stores in Ventura, and found him a bike for $7!!  Yeah!  So, he is enjoying his new "big bike" without training wheels, and although he acquired many scrapes and bruises, he made the 2 mile ride from our house to Grandma and Grandpa's.  

Massage...

We had quite a busy day!  Emma and I did a 3 mile bike ride (I pulled Noah in the trailer) this morning.  Then, I took Emma, Caleb, and their cousin Ethan to the park to play.  After "quiet rest" time this afternoon, the kids went swimming.  It was a full-of-activity day.  So, this evening, Noah was playing with two of his cars and decided to run them up and down my back.  He thought this was hilarious, but I thought to myself, "Hey, that doesn't feel half bad!"  So, Caleb went and got some cars too and the two of them had a grand time driving them all over my back.  So hey, it wasn't exactly a spa day or anything, but those monster trucks certainly weren't too bad.  =)  And people wonder if I am sad that we're having another boy!  Are you kidding?  I might need some more of these massages...they're the only ones I get!

Interesting Article

I think everyone has probably felt the increase in the cost of groceries and gas lately.  This was an interesting article on msn about a woman who fed her family of four on almost $100 for the week.  It is always a juggle, trying to balance out the cost of food, the nutritional value of what you buy, and the time it takes to prepare things.  I have found that I can save myself money, and then I usually have to make up for it in time.  But, fortunately, that is a trade off that we can and many times have to make.  Christine was so kind as to share some of her organic produce with me, which I immediately put to work on some yummy veggie kabobs.  This week I have also made whole-wheat banana carrot bread, bran muffins (with flax, crushed pineapple, and carrot), homemade granola, and hopefully some whole wheat bread.  Of course, I was so tired and overwhelmed by all my dishes that I did actually lay down on my daughter's bedroom floor this morning for 10 minutes.  But that's a whole different story.

Anyway, I have also found that I save my money by supplementing my regular grocery items (from Trader Joe's) with items from 99 cents only, Big Lots, or Target.  One week I actually got my grocery bill down to $115 (for five of us, and one is preggo, mind you!!), but I did fill in with some items from the other stores.  Often times, 99 cents only or Big Lots will have organic or all natural products.  Anyway, I am posting a link to this interesting article...but I thought all of us bloggers could share our own money saving, healthy eating tips.  So, how are you coping with the rising cost of groceries, and how do you save money?? 

P.S.  If you want any of the the aforementioned recipes, just let me know.

P.S.S. In the midst of typing this post, I can't find the article on msn that I was reading, so I can't post a link to it.  But, we could probably come up with better ideas anyway. =)

To the Crazy Pregnant Lady Running on the Bike Path in Pantyhose...

Oh wait, that was me.  Let me back track, and explain, and then I will get on to the star of my story.  So, about a month ago, we got up from watching a movie to put the kids to bed, and I couldn't walk or bear any weight on my left leg.  They ended up doing an ultrasound on my leg and found that I have a blood clot.  This is not DVT (or, a blood clot in a deep vein, which would probably mean hospitalization).  Luckily, it is a more superficial vein, so I just have to be careful not to stand too long, sit too long, and I have to wear compression pantyhose.  But, given the alternatives, I think I got it pretty good.

Anyway, so Emma has been practicing riding her bike without training wheels in our backyard.  There's not much room, so she rides one way, then has to stop, turn her bike around, and ride the other way.  She has been counting down the days until Daddy got off work so that we could do a real ride on the bike bath.  So, not knowing how it would go, Daddy and Emma went ahead, and Caleb was on his bike with his training wheels (he has been working on it too!), and I was with him pushing Noah in the jogger.  Well, Emma just took off.  She did a little over 2 miles, with Daddy RUNNING as fast as he could to keep up.  Caleb is already pretty fast, so I ran with him for, let's say 1/4 mile or so, before I had to stop and ask him to slow down.  I know that walking is really good for my leg, but with the running, I could feel all the pressure in my vein and I thought maybe slowing down would be a good idea.

Ben and I decided that we are going to have to invest or borrow a bike trailer because we are really past the point of trying to keep up with children on bikes!!

But the point is, Emma did her first bike path ride without training wheels.  And I know it is cliche and people tell you this all the time, but man...it sure is going way too fast.  

Fun in a Box...

Okay, now this box of fun did not contain a thing one or a thing two (Dr. Seuss, people!)...and it did cost a bit of money, but has already paid for itself in smiles, laughter, and all around fun.

We had this spot of gravel in the back yard, which I didn't like because 1) gravel ended up all over the concrete, and 2) it was wasted space in our yard.  So, we got one of those 12 ft. round pools and it covers the area perfectly.  Not only is the gravel contained, but the space is no longer wasted.  Now that's cool.

Been Busy...

I haven't had time to post!  It's crazy, I know, but it seems like time just flies by sometimes.  The only reason I am blogging now is because it's 12:30am and I can't sleep.  So real quick, here's some pictures of some really fun things we've been doing recently:

Beach Day with Cousins:

Surfer Girl:

We had a cowboy dinner at our church...and leave it to my kids to bring the guns.  But, we all had a really great time:

Caleb, asleep while eating dinner:

The Three Big Kids:

The Boys:

Busy, Busy...

So, we just got back from four nights in Las Vegas, which I hope to share more about, including pictures.  We have some friends who live out there, and their little girl turned five.  It was a great time, getting to visit them, and the kids got to play.  We stayed at Excalibur, the hotel which looks like a castle.  Needless to say, the kids were enamored and they loved it.  We took them to the "Tournament of the Kings" dinner show and we ended up in the front row!!  One of the horses even kicked up some dirt into my soda.   

Anyway, I do hope to share some more about that soon...but for now, I just wanted to let everyone know that we are having a baby boy.  Emma took the news a bit rough, but she seems to have gotten over it, and we have consoled her by saying that she can be very helpful with Auntie Kelly's baby (which is a girl!)  So there you have it...more to come soon.  Oh yes, and they were VERY sure it is a boy.  He wouldn't show much of his face, but he made it very clear that he is indeed male.

Big News!!

Well, I am already pregnant, so it couldn't be that!!

One of my older brothers, Mark, came to visit this weekend from San Diego.  He brought his girlfriend, Nancy for the first time, so we were all anxious to meet her.  Then, at dinner at our house, he just springs it on me:  They're getting married!!  In August!!  

We are all so excited for them both, they are so happy, and he should have known better than to spring this big of news on me because I couldn't stop crying!!  I am just so happy for them and excited for them, and I am a big sucker for romance.  

August 8th, 2008...get it!  8-8-08!  Yeah!!

New Toy

Just to clarify, we really did need it because our computer was dying and continually giving off the "sense of impending doom."

The MacBook.  It's really fun.

A Happy Ending...and confessions from a perfectionist

Okay, so you would have to have been following this blog for at least a year to understand the following post.  So, the background is that last year, for Emma's birthday, we got a bookcase at a garage sale, and had intended to paint it (and allow her to help decorate it) as her birthday present.  Of course, with moving AGAIN, that project didn't even get started, and the bookcase has just been a thorn in Ben's desire to have his garage in order.  Well, here it is, a year later, and we have finally made some progress.  Ben must have been motivated by the desire to have the bookcase out of his garage...so he sanded it all down, and painted it pink for us.  Then, Emma and I painted on the letters for her name, and some flowers, and a palm tree.  Now, let me say that I could have done it by myself in just a few minutes.  But, it took us a good hour or so, but Emma was so thankful and so excited to actually be painting something.  And, I think the year of time that has passed since we intended to begin this was very helpful since I am sure her ability to stencil has come a long way in a year.  It was hard.  Really hard.  I had a damp paper towel, following closely because I couldn't just let there be any really noticeable mistakes on a bookcase!  But all in all, it was fun, and we hope to enjoy future projects soon.  We may not even be finished decorating the bookcase, but after that hour, it was enough for one night.  Here are some pics of the project now, which will hopefully be in Emma's room tomorrow.

Emma's Birthday

So, we didn't do a big birthday party for Emma's birthday...we didn't do anything really "big" as many would call "big." But I made her a birthday skirt and a special birthday cake...and at the end of the day, she told Ben and me, "I felt loved today." Which was what we had both been praying for anyway. When Ben asked her what made her feel so loved..."All the presents!!" Her big present from mom and dad: a hula hoop. Or as Caleb calls it, "A hulee hoop."

I did make her a birthday throne, by decorating a chair with streamers and balloons. Aah...it is great to be five. Here is her skirt and her cake. She got to pick the fabric for her skirt, which is a print with ballerina outfits and shoes on it.

Caleb's Haircut

It was time for Caleb to get a haircut. It's very manly. Just like Daddy's.

Out of the Habit...

Once it has been a while without blogging, it's easy to get out of the habit. It seems like there's been so much going on, I just haven't had the time to blog.

We went on a quick trip to visit the mountains last week, and to check on the little cabin we own up there. We hadn't seen the house since Noah was born (18 mos.) so we weren't sure what to expect. Anyway, our renters are doing such a good job taking care of the place, they had even done the tree trimming!

Our realtor let us stay in a cabin she has up there, which was wonderful, and they even had us over for dinner. We got to see some good friends, and catch up a little. We even got to visit the camp where Ben used to work.

This is the kids, looking at the ducks at Lake Arrowhead.

7 Random Things...(for Tonya)

Okay, I was tagged (sorry, by the way, that I lag...), so I am about to share 7 random things. I hope I can come up with 7 random things about myself...
1. I am an introvert. Most people who know me would argue this point, and yet, it is completely true. I can be in a crowd of people, I can force myself to go up to a stranger and introduce myself, and I can even work really hard at making others feel comfortable in any given situation. But at the end of it all, I am completely exhausted and just want to be quiet and calm with a cup of tea, or coffee.

2. I feel at peace when everything is in its place. When it is not, I feel chaotic and yucky. Even if it is just one couch pillow that has fallen on the floor, it ruins the whole room for me. Of course, it doesn't bother me at someone else's house, just my own. And, the pillows are never always on the couch, and the floor is often covered in a trail of toys even after they have been picked up. So, maybe I should just get over this one??

3. When my husband and I went on our first, first date...(December 2006, I was barely 16) we went to this Christmas play at the church his mom attended. I wore a long skirt with Jack Purcell tennis shoes (trust me, it was "in" at the time!), and met his whole family as we scooted past them into our seats. His dad referred to me as "the girl who wears sneakers with her skirts" for quite some time.

4. I really want to get the Bare Escentuals mineral foundation, but it costs $75. I thought about maybe trying one of the new mineral foundations that you can get at drug stores, or Target. Any suggestions? I don't usually wear makeup (like, foundation), because I don't like that "stuff" feeling. But I like the ideal of minerals, I guess.

5. My favorite smell is my husband, cleanly shaven and just out of the shower. Nothing smells better. But after that, it is the smell of clean laundry. Yummy.

6. I love American Idol because I think I have some secret fantasy of becoming a big singer. Unfortunately, I have the aspiration, but not the voice. I can sing okay, definitely can hold a tune, and I can sing in church and stuff. But it's not an I-could-have-my-own-CD type of voice. Although, my husband sometimes tells me that I could be the voice of a Disney princess?

7. All of my bookmarks got erased, so for a while, it will be very hard for me to find all of your blog posts. But I still love you!

Words I won't forget

Sometimes in life, you meet someone and you know you will not ever be the same. Or at least you hope you won't. I have had the privilege of meeting many such people. This week, we had one of those people staying with us for a few short nights...and I hope that our whole family will not be the same. Pastor Paul, from our sister church in Uganda, Africa, came and stayed with us. The kids are forever endeared to him. Now, there is much to be said...about their church in Uganda, about Pastor Paul, about kids and their ability to love well beyond our own capacity...and hopefully I will have time for some of those words later. And just to be clear, this post is not meant to stir up controversy, or anything of the sort. It is merely to share some words that I had needed to hear, that I pray I will not soon forget.

In one of our conversations with Pastor Paul about families in America, we were sharing how it is often looked down upon to have more than the average two children...it is even thought of as irresponsible by many. It is a rare occasion that I don't receive some sort of comment whenever I am out with the kids (especially now that you might be able to guess that I am pregnant). Anyway, Pastor Paul said, "It is sad that where we are poor, in Uganda, we have many children (the smallest family is 5, the average is 10), and yet here, where you have the resources to provide for many children, they are not wanted."

Even now, when I typed those words, the tears come, and my heart breaks. Our house is not huge, but is more than adequate, even more than we need. Pastor Paul said that in Uganda, two families would share the area that is our dining room (and it is not a big dining room). All this is just to share that I needed to hear those words, they will not soon be forgotten, and I am so thankful for Pastor Paul. How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

A beautiful sound...

So, I thought I was about 8 wks. along in my pregnancy, but today at my first doctor's appointment, she says that I am at least 10 wks. because we heard the heartbeat! Even with this being the fourth pregnancy, it still amazes me, the miracle that God is knitting together a precious baby inside of me...and what a beautiful sound to hear the baby's heart beating. My sweet doctor said, "See, you really are pregnant!!" It is true, somehow that sound does make it all more real. Just wait until I get to see the baby!! They want to do an ultrasound to check my dates, etc. So I just have to schedule it...yeah baby!

Unedible Dinners...

A few weeks ago, I made chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and feta, and edamame for dinner. I got one bite down, and that was it. Luckily, my mom had dropped by a bag of her homemade chocolate chip cookies, so I had two of those for dinner.

This past week, I spent about 45 minutes make a new lasagna recipe with asparagus, mushrooms, and sundried tomatoes. Couldn't even get one bite down!! Ben asked what sounded good to me, to which I responded (almost in tears), "A chili-cheese dog!!" Luckily, you can't get that in Ojai, so I had chocolate milk for dinner. But, needless to say...(and those of you who know me, know that this is not normal for me) we decided that we would do our grocery shopping this week at VONS instead of Trader Joe's so that we could have a variety of ingredients on hand in case I wasn't feeling well. There are hot dogs in my refrigerator, and a can of chili in my pantry. It is oh, so sad. But, I am feeling so much better having some things around that will satisfy my ever-changing appetite. I can't eat much at one time, so that's good. But I can eat frequently!! Helpful things:
Naked juice drinks and smoothies
Cuties seedless tangerines
Gum

Last night, we had soup in bread bowls. I wish I could take credit, but I got the bread bowls at the store, and the soup was in a pre-made tub (broccoli and cheddar). I don't really want to know what was in it...it was yummy, and I enjoyed it. Also, I know I could have made a broccoli and cheddar soup, but evidently, if I had cooked it myself, I probably wouldn't have been able to eat it. So, it worked out better this way! =)

THE Conversation

I know, there comes a time in every family's experience when they first have THE conversation. It occured tonight for us, around our dinner table. How we made it this long, I am not quite sure...but it went something like this:
(I made a tri-tip roast with potatoes and carrots)
Emma: Yummy! Mommy, can I have some roast chicken?
Me: No...(laughing)
Emma: Why not mommy?
Daddy: Because, we're not having chicken, we're having meat. It's moo.
(Now I am laughing hysterically, I know what's coming)
Caleb: Moo!! That's not a cow!!
Daddy: Yes, yes it is.
Caleb: Well, is it dead? Did you and mommy kill it?
Daddy: The cow is dead, yes. Someone else killed it and cut it up and then they wrap it up and sell it at the store where we buy it.
Both: Oh.
So, I cut up some meat for each of them. Noah eats nothing but meat and begs for more.
Emma: Yum...tastes like roasted chicken!!! I love meat!! (She is usually my vegetarian)
Caleb: Mommy, I don't want to eat my meat because I don't like dead cow.

Wow, things are a little crazy tonight.

More in Court Info...

This is totally unrelated to the homeschooling battles, however, it is an interesting court case that I thought might be of interest to others.

This is the first court case in which a ruling was handed down in favor of a family against a pharmaceutical company in regards to vaccinations and autism. There is a lot of information here, but it is worth the read:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kirby/government-concedes-vacci_b_88323.html



This article provides much more medical information and terminology, but I thought it was very informative. The young girl's father was trained as a neurologist, and the mother was a nurse.



And, here is a link to some pretty scary, yet readable and concise information regarding vaccines. Please do not read it if you think that it will just drive you crazy or something! I just wanted to offer some info., in case it was desired.

http://vaccineinfo.net/immunization/vaccine_facts.shtml

Please Pray, and Sign the Petition

This past week in California, a court ruling was handed down that means that if this ruling is not overturned, it will be illegal to homeschool in California. I am including a link to a petition to "depublish" the findings of this current ruling, meaning that the ruling will apply to the family involved in the case, but not to the rest of California. The Home School Legal Defense Association is at work along with Focus on the Family and many other organizations trying to appeal this ruling with the Supreme Court of California. Even if you are not a homeschooling family, I am sure you can see how this decision strikes at the heart of our rights as parents to make decisions regarding our children. Please pray that God will do a mighty work in overturning this ruling, and that our rights as parents to choose what is best for our children will be protected.

Here is the link for the petition:

http://www.hslda.org/



Also, here is a link to Dr. Dobson's radio broadcast including information regarding the court case:

http://listen.family.org/daily/A000000997.cfm

Two More Poems

A Mother's Prayer by Mary A. Loberg

Help me dear Lord, as a mother, I pray
And bless these hands folded in prayer today;
May they be ever strong as they guide, as they teach,
Being never too far for a child to reach.
May they never, with selfishness, try to dissuade,
Nor too quickly punish, nor too slowly aid.
May they point out the pleasures in laughter and song,
And may they show, wisely, the right from the wrong,
So that one day I'll know that I've helped all I can
To make her a woman, to make him a man.

Her Little Shadows by Barbara Burrow

I saw a young mother
With eyes full of laughter
And two little shadows
Came following after.
Wherever she moved,
They were always right there
Holding onto her skirts,
Hanging onto her chair,
Before her, behind her-
An adhesive pair.

"Don't you ever get weary
As, day after day,
Your two little tagalongs
Get in your way?"

She smiled as she shook
Her pretty young head,
And I'll always remember
The words that she said:
"It's good to have shadows
That run when you run,
That laugh when you're happy
And hum when you hum-
For you only have shadows
When your life's filled with sun!"

Half-Past Three (poem by Emily Carey Alleman)

My friend has a yacht, a house by the sea,
But I have a boy who is half-past three

I have no jewels, no satin gown,
But I have a boy who is butter-nut brown.

My friend has an orchid, my friend has a rose,
But I have a boy with a freckled nose.

O gull tell the waves that I have no yacht.
Wind, tell the wild forget-me-not

That I have no jewels, no shimmering gown,
No satin slippers, no pillows of down,

But I have a robin, a wind-swept hill,
A pocket of dreams, a heart to fill,

And I have a boy who is half-past three-
A little lad who looks like me.

A Special Prayer...

So, two weeks ago Emma told me, "Mommy, I am ready to pray and ask God for a baby sister."
So she sat in my lap and said,

"Dear God, I would really like a baby sister, and I would like for her name to be Joy. I just wanted to ask you if I could have that. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen."

About a week ago, Ben and I discovered that we are expecting another heavenly gift, which I affectionately call Baby Blessing for the time being. God is so gracious, so amazing. We have reminded Emma that only God knows what is best for our family...and He may think that a boy is what is best for us this time. But it is most certainly okay to pray for a sister.

Interestingly enough, my Bible Study this week was about two women who were not supposed to be having babies at their current stage in life: Elizabeth and Mary (Elizabeth because she was "well advanced in years", and Mary because she was a virgin, betrothed). This is one of my favorite passages of Scripture, and as I read it again this week, my heart burned within me, amazed at God's precious words:

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation...He has filled the hungry with good things... Luke 1:46-50,53a

May I be faithful to meet all things God so graciously gives the way Mary did:
"Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word."

Disneyland in the Rain...

After my mom's conference in Anaheim, Ben and the kids met me and stayed a night at the hotel so that we could take them to Disneyland the following morning (we had free tickets!!). So, we made it through the night in a hotel (first time for all five of us in a hotel), and pulled back the curtains to find it was pouring rain. We went to breakfast and told the kids that we might not get to go to Disneyland after all. They took the news very well. Grandpa Ron, Grandma Connie, and Aunt Katie were already on their way to meet us and join us at Disneyland. So when they arrived, we discussed what other options we might have. The kids wanted to go swimming (we had taken them the night before and they had a blast). But we got to thinking...if we would go swimming in the rain, why wouldn't we just go to Disneyland in the rain?? So, what an adventure we had! SO much fun, so great to have family with us, and it only rained a couple of hours.

Big Boy

Here is my big guy missing his front tooth.

8 Years...

Today is our 8 year anniversary...Ben is at work, and I am here thinking of some very happy memories of our eight years being married. Here are some for you:
1. Right after getting married, we lived in an apartment in Ventura. It was great!
2. I was working full time, and in the last semester of college at night. I had lost my motivation for attending classes at times, so Ben would drive me down, and either wait for me in the library, or come to class with me. Then, we would go to Applebee's for a Fudge Nut Fantasy dessert (they don't make it anymore).
3. We cried and prayed together about whether or not I should quit my job at the Continentals. I did quit. Then I went back to working at the Bryant St. Gym in Ojai, where I worked a total of five or so years.
4. We spend a lot of time trying to find a church when we lived in Ventura, and were never really successful.
5. We decided at some point that it would be really smart of us to save everything I made at work, so that we had practice living on one income. After we had Emma, all that money we saved up was gone. =)
6. We did get to take a trip to Tahiti before having any of the kids. It was so fun...we tried new food, snorkeled every day, and pet sting rays.
7. On our first anniversary, I made a treasure hunt for Ben, and he had to follow all the clues I made for him.
8. For our five year anniversary we went to Pismo...Ben got me a ring, and I got him a wetsuit.
9. Last year we took Noah with us and ate at Joe's Crab shack in Ventura. We both got sick.
10. This year, for this anniversary, I am more amazed, more in love, and more excited about my husband than ever. When I was sick this past week, he took all THREE kids to Trader Joe's with NO GROCERY LIST, or help as far as what to get for dinners. He came home and filled our cupboards with food, and even took an extra day off before going back to work, just to make sure I would be feeling better. Over these years he has worked so very hard to support us and provide for us, and most of the time he has worked two jobs. He left the job that he loved in the mountains, because it was not the best for our family. He has loved us well and I am blessed. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, for this marvelous gift, this man whom I am privileged to call my husband.

Missing a Tooth...

Well, in the midst of my being sick, Caleb fell on his scooter. His tooth was barely hanging on, the root having cut throught he gum. It looked a little...gnarly (for lack of a better word). So, we let him take his pirate sword and patch to the ER. After waiting a long time, the doctor came in and told us that basically, the tooth just had to come out. So, we let Caleb pick some ice cream, and then Ben told him that he had to get the tooth out in order to be able to eat the ice cream. So, he got it out. So, my three year old is missing his front tooth. So sad...He is still adorable though, and has handled it with bravery and courage.

I got tagged...

Six Random Things About Me:
The rules are: 1) link the person who tagged you (SarahGrace) 2) post the rules on your blog 3) Share six non-important things, etc 4) tag six random people 5) let each random person know they have been tagged...

So here goes:
1. I have not really had time to blog lately. What is the world coming to??

2. I am terrible, really lousy, at being sick. I was reminded of this by a recent flu episode. I either just continue on as if I am not sick, or I am completely bed ridden. Or both.

3. I require things of myself that I would NEVER require of someone else. And probably drive myself crazy because of it. =)

4. I cried watching Pollyanna yesterday.

5. I make up songs often, when I am changing Noah, or we're in the bathtub, or cleaning up.

6. It seems that every time I go out to eat, which is NOT that often, I order a salad. Some kind of salad. But that is what really, really makes me happy...is a great salad. (This past time, I was at a Conference for Homeschooling Mom's...more to come on that, and we went to Mimi's cafe, and I had a salad with candied pecans, apples, blue cheese in a vinaigrette. So good)

I am pretty sure that everyone I know has already been tagged???? How about if everyone who reads this, just responds with five things about them in the comments...wouldn't that be fun??

You have to watch this!!

Okay, it does last 20 minutes. But it is well worth it, please watch this video...I came to it from my friend Matt's blog...We have been using cloth inserts in Noah's G Diaper, and although it is a little more work, it is great to be doing something better for the world, better for our baby, and better for our budget. There are some days when it is more challenging than others. Anyway...Here is the story of stuff:
http://www.storyofstuff.com/

Good Intentions...

Okay, so you all know how I have to re-organize the toys every so often. Well, this morning, in the midst of many other chores that could be done, it hit me....I must re-organize the toys. So, we pulled everything out of the toy basket, and various other places. But, for some reason, that just wasn't quite enough. Then, I started moving furniture. (Isn't it amazing what hand towels can enable you to move by yourself?) So, after a crazy day, and some help from a friend...our dining room table is in our kitchen, the couch is turned around, the kid's storage cabinet is in a different room...and the living room carpet has toys all over it, with an empty toy basket less than a foot away. I'm tired. I think I will go put away some toys. But, it sure was fun!!! Isn't it amazing how moving things around a bit, and shaking things up a little can just spice up your day! We'll see what comes of it...

If this is not humbling, I don't know what is...

Have you ever had those moments, where you actually just want to press your face as much as you can into the ground before God? This is one of those for me. Last year, when our church team went to Uganda, they took bookmarks with prayer requests from us...And the women of Uganda prayed for us all year. Now, another team from our church is there in Uganda, and they were asking about what our God has done in the way of answering these prayers. I didn't even remember filling one out, or asking for prayer for anything. But, I guess I must have asked prayer regarding a job for Ben. Today, I received this e-mail from a mighty warrior-princess friend of mine, who is privileged enough to be there in Uganda with these amazing women.

"I met the woman who has been praying for you through the bookmark ministry and she sends her greetings. She was overjoyed and yelled Amina and clapped her hands when I told her that not only did Ben get a job but you also bought a house. She said to tell you that the one who has been praying for you is so happy because of the testimony."

And so again, I can barely breathe as the tears fall and I think, "She was praying for us?? And our mighty God answered those prayers!!"
This woman, who probably has so little was praying for us in our abundance and I am ashamed. Ashamed that I think we "rough it" because we can't afford cable or Starbuck's or stupid things. And yet so overwhelmingly amazed, awed, thankful...God's abundant grace to us is so undeserved. Oh God, forgive me! Oh God, may I not hoard this abundance, but constantly strive to give more and more and more...because you have so lavishly given to us. Oh God, bless this amazing woman from Uganda, whose prayers must have been so precious to you that you answered them and we are the bearers of those blessings. Thank you God...

Quick Catch Up

Well, we had a wonderful time celebrating the birth of our Savior, with our families, and the kids...It was great. I don't really know what else to say about it, except that it was great. We added to our Christmas collection this year, a book called the Legend of Saint Nicholas. It is a great story and we all enjoyed reading it together.

Emma
At dinner one evening, the kids had been particularly ornery...Noah had been screaming for about an hour, no matter what I did, and Emma and Caleb have been bickering a little more than usual. I finally got Noah to bed (early) and returned to the table to finish dinner with the kids.
Emma: Mommy, I'm sorry.
Me: Sorry for what?
Emma: I'm sorry that I didn't do the right thing.
Me: It's okay honey, mommy doesn't always do the right thing either. Actually, none of us ALWAYS do the right thing.
Emma: I'm really glad that you could say that to me.

Caleb
After church, the kids all run around together and play in front of the church. The kids were running around with Joe, who is about 2 1/2. I was concerned that they might be playing a little bit rough, or not being careful about knocking him down. I heard Caleb say to Joe, "Okay, now we are going to play the bad man game."
So, I called him over to me and reminded him that we were only going to play kind games, and that we would not be playing any bad man games with Joe.
He said to me, "Mom! I said "(phonetically) B-A-T, the batman game, the one with no bad guys."
Me: Oh, okay...=)
This is especially hilarious, because he says many things like that (sounding them out, phonetically by letter sound.) He was arguing with me last week as he signed a card that his name should be C-A-L-U-B not C-A-L-E-B because of how we pronounce his name. I told him I would be more careful to call him Ca-leb.

Noah
Nope. Still not walking. He has taken numerous steps, most often when he is not aware that he is doing it. Then, when he realizes he is walking, he gets down and crawls. But he is sweet. =)

Well, that's all for now...I haven't had a whole lot to say lately. Surprisingly!

My "Lucky" Day

Emma and my mom have this adorable thing where they say, "It's my LUCKY day!" Now, for the record, I have said many a time that I do not believe in luck...I believe in grace. I really like American Heritage Dictionary's definition (one of quite a few!):
A favor rendered by one who need not do so; indulgence.
So, with that...I am about to make a short story long. Last Christmas, Ben and I each got an Ipod Nano for Christmas. I was new to this technology, but it came at a great time since our radio in our car doesn't work well, and our CD player no longer works. It doesn't take long to get used to that cool little gadget, not to mention that it is nice for Ben out on his own all night when he works night shift. Anyway, before we moved, some teenagers (sorry for the stereotype!) moved in down the street, and one day our Ipods were gone. Now, I do not know that it was the teenagers who did it, so I am not going to say for sure that they did. And it is mostly my fault anyway because I left the car unlocked. But, it was a bummer.
So...fast forward. KDAR (the Christian radio station) announced that Adventures in Odessey (a children's audio program) was giving away 3 Ipods a day for 12 days. It comes pre-loaded with Adventures in Odessey Christmas editions, and it is a "big" Ipod (30 GB?) So, I entered the contest each day, until I finally read the rules stating that you had to be the first entry received by 1) 7 am, 2) 10 am, or 3) 6 pm. So, Saturday, I filled out the entry form, then set out to do Emma's hair. I set the timer to beep at 9:59am, so I could come and send my entry. The timer went off, I came and sent the entry, then my computer took FOREVER. So long that I left to finish Emma's hair. When I came back to the computer, there was an error message so I assumed that the entry didn't even go through.
Saturday night Ben and I went to Aera's Christmas party. They were raffling off a bunch of prizes, the grand prize being a 32 inch LCD HD TV. During one of the raffles, we won a GPS system for the car. Then, they were drawing the name for the TV...you guessed it, BEN HESTER. Finally, towards the end of the night they called us again and we won a garage light?? I'm not really sure what it is, but I am sure Ben needs one, because he doesn't have much!
So, Monday morning I am getting ready to enter the IPOD contest again. While I was waiting for the right time, I clicked on "Contest Winners." It showed on Saturday, 12/1/07, that there was a "Lisa H. from CA". Now, I know there are a million Lisa H.'s in Ca, but still, you gotta wonder! So I called them to see if that was me!! That must have thought I was a kook!! They said that if I had won, I would have received a phone call, and I hadn't. So, I hung up the phone, the kids and I went on with our day and we were saying our morning prayers (no, I didn't mention the Ipod in our prayer!) Not even a minute after we finished praying, my phone rings, and it is Focus on the Family, calling to tell me that I won the Ipod. Seriously. I almost fell over, somewhere between laughter and tears. I thought, O Lord, this is just too much!! But thank you!!
So, some would say Saturday must have been my lucky day...But I would just have to say that the Lord was ever-so indulgent on my behalf.

P.S. on the vinegar/baking soda

Becky! These articles were also very helpful as far as how much, etc.
Baking soda:http://www.thenewhomemaker.com/bakingsoda
Vinegar:http://www.thenewhomemaker.com/vinegar
Happy Cleaning!
P.S. Does anyone remember the episode of Punky Brewster, when Punky's friend and sibling are at the house, and the sibling drinks some of a product under the sink, and the friend doesn't know how to help because she can't read the label?? Anyway, I was thinking about that, it obviously made a big impression on me...

The hair

She is only four, and it's already begun. Emma's really been wanting me to curl her hair. Well, 99 cents only had some rollers. So, I got them, and Emma stuck it out through the combing through, the rolling up, and EVEN the sleeping on them (which was a shocker). But, you gotta admit, it is adorable...(Poor Ben wouldn't get to see, so I promised I would take pictures as soon as I took the rollers out)

New Things in Our Life

When I went to San Francisco, I attended the Green Festival. It is essentially a gathering of companies who support sustainability. I learned a lot, and saw some great companies represented. I was a little saddened, that using our resources wisely is not necessarily something that the Church, or Christians, are particularly known for. However, I recognized a LOT of areas in my own life that could use some improvement. And, sometimes the change is slow...I have 5 reusable grocery bags that I have forgotten to take with me to the store TWICE. So, yeah...but, for me, it is not about being "green" or "eco-friendly" or hippie, or any of that. It is about trying to be faithful. Interestingly enough, the kids' Bible verse for yesterday came out of this passage of Scripture, God's gentle reminder to me again!:
"If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people's things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?" Luke 16:10-12

These are not all things even from the Festival, but just new things in our life.
G Diapers-They are a cotton outer pant, with a flushable insert. They take 50 days (instead of 500 years) to decompose, and if it's just wet, you could even compost them.

Quinoa- pronounced "keen-wa". It is often called a grain, although I believe it is really a seed. However, it has more protein than any of the grains, and it cooks just like rice. Here's Lisa's Quinoa recipe:

1 cup cooked quinoa (bring 1 3/4 cup chicken broth to a boil, add quinoa, cook 10-15 min.)

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained (or 1-2 cups cooked black beans

1 red bell pepper (seeded, chopped, sauted in a litte olive oil)

1/2 a jalapeno (also seeded, chopped, and sauted with the bell pepper)

Season with salt, pepper, and some chili powder and cumin!

The bulk bins at Lassen's

Now as a whole, Lassen's is really expensive. So I don't normally shop there. But the bulk bins are great!! You can get organic quinoa for less than a $1.00 a lb., as well as organic rolled oats for like $0.60 a lb. You can get black beans, split peas, split yellow peas all for under $1.00 a lb. And they have a variety of granolas for a reasonable price also. You just have to watch because many of them have a lot of sugar!

Before I Forget...

So, every night before bed, we do our "thankfuls". Everyone picks between one and three things that they are thankful for. The kids have heard us say various things, so I am sure that their answers reflected some of what they have heard over the past year from us. But, over our thanksgiving meal, we each went around and told what we were thankful for.
Caleb's answer: I'm thankful for a good dinner!! (Belch!!)
Emma's answer: I'm thankful that God never gives up on us.
Yeah, there you have it, boys...and girls. =)

Tonight, over turkey and black bean soup (there was polenta in the bottom)
Emma: "Mommy, what is the yellow?"
Me: "That's polenta."
Emma: "It's not sweet or anything."
Me: "Well, it's not really supposed to be sweet..."
Emma: "Well, it really doesn't have a good flavor."
Well then...better luck next time. =)

Clean has no smell...continuation of the previous post...

It is quite cheap!! You can get a gallon of vinegar for $1.99, and a 4 lb. box of baking soda for $3.29, and a spray bottle for $1.99 at Smart & Final. You can get smaller quantities of baking soda (a regular box for $0.59) and I'm not sure the size of the vinegar at 99 cents only. You know what is the hardest part for me?? (Confession: I LOVE cleaning products, especially ones that smell good...) But someone reminded me that Clean has NO SMELL. I know. It's so hard...but a good reminder.

Organic Cleaning

Here is a link to a great little video clip...After a discussion with some very experienced and smart women, I found that yes, you can clean your entire house with baking soda, and vinegar (and sometimes a little squirt of dish soap). Even hard wood floors. So, seeing as how this is much safer for a toddler crawling and cruising around, as well as young helpers doing chores, and helping clean...it seems like a good idea for us. Enjoy!
http://www.parents.com/parentstv/?lid=987353750&tid=992358697&cid=901546021

Redeem

Redeem:
1. to buy back
2. a. to free from what distresses or harms, b.to free from captivity by payment of ransom, c.to release from blame or debt
3. to change for the better : reform

Oh, Lord, I can only thank You that my life is not what it once was. Thank you that You provide freedom from captivity, from what distresses, and what harms. This amazing thing you have done for Your people is indescribable...Thank you.

A quick note about super-daddy

Okay, I have a ton of posting catch-up to do...but I need to go to bed soon, so I just wanted to post really quickly about the wonder that is super-daddy. I went to San Francisco this past weekend (more on that later). So, Ben was going to have the kids all weekend, by himself. Now, keep in mind that up until 8 months ago (at my sister-in-law's baby shower, I had Noah with me) Ben took Emma and Caleb by himself to the beach to ride their scooters and play on the playground. That was the first time he had ever taken the kids anywhere by himself. And I am not really sure that he has done it since then! But, he was more than willing to let me go away. So, he calls me Saturday to ask casually, "What size diaper does Noah wear?" I say, "Five...why?"
Then he proceeds to tell me that they:
1. Went to The Point (the beach promenade) to go jogging. Ben had Noah in the backpack as he walked (quickly!), and Emma and Caleb jogged. For a good 1/2 hr or so!!
2. They went to Target to get diapers and trash bags.
3. They went to the Mall to try and find running shoes for Caleb...no luck.
4. They tried Mervyn's just in case, no luck there either.
5. They went to Trader Joe's to pick up a few things.
AND!!!
When he was in Trader Joe's he probably gave an older couple a heart attack since they gave him the usual line,
"Oh, you have your hands FULL!"
And he responded,
"Yep, it's just about time for number four."
So there, I am so thankful and amazed at my husband. Yeah! I knew it!
P.S. Tons more later, but I did end up coming home early from my trip.

New Shoes and New P.J.'s

Emma must have had another growth spurt! She was really in need of some new tennis shoes, and especially since she has been kicked out of the jogger, she has to be able to walk as far as I want her to, so she needed some good running shoes. She loves them!

And, Noah got new pajamas from his Uncle Scott and Aunt Cher-Ami.

Peter Parker

Caleb and Emma were allowed to wear their costumes to gymnastics.

Me: Come on Spiderman, let's go!

Caleb: I'm Peter Parker, I don't have my mask on.

Me: You're what? (I am thinking, I must have heard him wrong...neither of my kids have seen Spiderman the movie...)

Caleb: I'm Peter Parker, I got bit by a radioactive spider.

(It then occured to me, that we have 4 Spiderman books that I had gotten at the 99 cents only store. So, yeah...that's where he must have gotten it!)

Catching Up...

It seems like I always end up playing catch up!! I don't yet know what to say about Halloween, because we haven't quite figured out how we will handle and teach regarding that as our little family unit. But I will say that I am thankful for the Fall Family Festival (I think that's what they call it) because I think it's a great way to reach out to the community and provide some fun for the kiddos. They had a blast! (Katie, please don't shoot me for posting your picture, you looked so beautiful, I couldn't resist!)

Halloween Sneak Peak

Well, we won't be home on Halloween, we are going to the church for the Fall Family Festival. We are just hoping that a nice note on the porch inviting trick-or-treaters to join us will keep them from doing anything mean (like eggs) while we're gone...

Anyway, I don't have a picture of Noah yet, but here is a sneak peak of Emma and Caleb's costumes:

Firsts...

Well, this past weekend was full of firsts. Noah had his first birthday!

We had our first fire in our fire place! And Emma read her first book! (It was only 22 pages, a beginning reader with small words...but still, she did it all by herself!)

Fire

Well, there are fires all over California. So I am trying to remember all these people, their homes, and these firemen in my prayers. I have a brother in San Diego, which may be getting the worst of it right now due to winds. And, our little cabin in Crestline is only a few miles away from the Lake Arrowhead fire. All roads up the mountain are closed, so no one is getting up there for now. The area where our cabin is located is under voluntary evacuation as of this afternoon, and last I checked all of Crestline was under voluntary evacuation. We do know many people with homes in Lake Arrowhead and the surrounding communities...please be in prayer for them, as many homes have been lost although there is no current information as to which homes have been lost and which are just in big trouble.

Just too Yummy...

Okay, I just have to gush a bit about Trader Joe-San's Lightly Salted Cruncy Green Beans. They are so tasty, you could easily eat a bag, so you have to be careful. Now, I recognize that this form of intake will not give you the optimum level of nutrients from the green beans, but, if you have had a particularly long day and are exhausted (which I am, but it was a great day!), then it is an easy way to get a veggie in with dinner, and the kids eat them up because they are so tasty...like a snack. So anyway, to all of you who are really tired and it's dinner time, make sure you grab a bag of these tasty treats!!
P.S. Becky, you should e-mail me your address again, and maybe (if I can remember!) I could send you a bag!! =) Yes, they are that good.
P.S.S. Ingredients=green beans, canola oil, dextrin (corn) and salt.

Long Time Coming...

Okay, I don't know if you remember this song, but Emma's Sunday School class was singing it a couple of weeks ago:

"My God is so great, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do!"

I found it entirely appropriate. We have been very busy, but also, sometimes God does something, and you are in such awe, such amazement, that you have very few words. This has been my state. I do not know how to describe it, I do not know how to tell it in a way that will do Him justice, and give Him all the honor and praise that He deserves. My heart cannot even contain...I walk around in a daze thinking of my God, "I can't believe you did this!!" And yet I do believe it, I think it is more that I cannot believe He did this on our behalf, when we are so undeserving, and so unworthy.

I remember on several occasions saying that we would never buy a house in Ojai. Ben now tells me he has a list of things he would like me to declare that over, just in case it changes them...(like, "Ben will never become a pro surfer at age 30!") But the point is, that nothing is impossible with God. And what I thought impossible was very easy for Him. To be on the receiving end of this lavish love and grace...well, it's almost more than I can bear. And yet, His most lavish expression of love and grace came in the blood of His Son. He accomplished the impossible...sinful man able to commune with Holy God. My heart cries out, "Holy, Holy!" and yet with my hands I desire to cover my face because I am so unworthy to even look upon the holiness which I am in awe of.

I know my heart, so prone to wander. I pray that this house would serve as a reminder to me that God is faithful even when I am not. That God is truly the giver of every good and perfect gift. That I have done no good thing, I am simply on the receiving end of lavish grace. That this house does not belong to me...I am only a steward. So, with that, any of you reading this...you are welcome to this home. Come by, eat with us, and it is my prayer that all who come here will be blessed in some way by the same God who has just rocked our world with His goodness. Again.