Deja Vu

 Caleb  Ezra
  CalebEzra

They look so much alike sometimes, it is uncanny.  It amazes me.  Even many of their facial expressions and mannerisms are similar.  And yet, God has made them each unique, I am anxious to see what differences and similarities we will see as they grow and change.  And even though these pictures don't even do justice to their similarities, I still don't look at Ezra and think, "Oh, Caleb."  I look at him and think, "Ezra."  =)

Update on Ezra

My SIL (look at me, trying to be like a pro-blogger, my sister-in-law) reminded me that I needed to post some pictures of Ezra.  Tomorrow we go to our appointment to try and get him a birth certificate.  Only after running around getting letters and records from his pediatrician and my OB/GYN.  

Anyway, at Ezra's one week check-up he had already gained 1/2 a pound, so I think he is doing okay.  

He eats every three hours, which means I get up about twice a night.  He has been very sweet about going back to sleep after he's done eating.  Unfortunately, the big boys have been getting up before 6 am ever since we changed the clocks!!  But, we are enjoying our new family addition, and he is doing great!!  Daddy's is off starting tomorrow, so we are all looking forward to some time together as a family.  

Psycho Sally...

Okay, I usually blog about the kids, or our life in general.  Today, you get to read about just one of the crazy things about me.  Now, my birthday was in October too (we have a LOT of October birthdays in our family!).  So, my MIL (that's blog speak for Mother-in-Law), got me these really cool bamboo pants for my birthday.  They are super soft, and black, and I don't know how it happened that I no longer had any black workout pants (I used to be a personal trainer, an aerobic instructor, and I worked at a gym!!).  But I really needed these pants, not to mention they are AWESOME.  So, I was so excited about this gift.  Here's where it gets a bit personal.  They were a size Medium.  I tried them on that night, and although they were snug, I could get them on, and they looked moderately decent.  Fast forward about a week or so, and Ben asks me why I haven't worn my new pants.  Well, I wasn't sure if I should keep the medium or exchange for a large.  But, I decided to keep the medium, since I can actually wear them right now, and the hope is that I am not going to get larger, but that I will lose at least some of the pregnancy weight and they will fit me better and better.  Another couple of days goes by and Ben still hasn't seen me wearing the pants.  Then I tell him.  I am afraid to wear them because they're nice and I don't want to get them dirty.  He laughs and reminds me that they aren't doing anyone any good just sitting in a drawer.  So, the other morning, I triumphed over the Psycho Sally in me, even if it was just for one day.  We went for a walk.  I called Ben to tell him.  I wore my new pants.  They are awesome.

The Country Fair...

I have been amazed at how quickly all of you have gotten up your Halloween pictures.  I like to lag.  =)  So, we had a very nice time at the Country Fair at our church.  The kids brought home way more candy than they'll ever actually get to eat, (although I am pretty sure I have seen Daddy sneak some here and there!), they enjoyed the bounce house, and I didn't get many pictures because I had to feed Ezra when we got there, and then I was trying to watch in two different directions all night.  But, it was a great time for the kids.  My mom had bought a big bag of candy for us to pass out (our neighborhood is very popular for trick-or-treating).  I didn't think there was any way we would be able to get rid of that candy!!  But, between the trick-or-treaters who came while I was getting everyone ready, and the ones that came in the fifteen minutes after we got home from the church... all that candy was gone.  Seriously, the streets are lined with cars, people who dropped off their kids and are waiting to pick them back up at 8pm.  There was a ton of kids.  But, everyone is safe, the kids had a good time, and here's to another year of my least favorite holiday gone by. =)

Caleb is a Knight (big surprise!), Emma is Belle (although with a veil on her head, so maybe she's Belle getting married??) and Noah is what I call Super-Baby.  Basically, we didn't have any money to invest into this holiday, so they all wore something that they already had.  

Amazing...

WARNING: this post contains sensitive material.  

Okay, I am continually amazed by the way God has created our bodies, and babies and mommies, there are so many things that have fascinated me this past week and a half.  One of the things that they do in the hospital when you have a newborn is administer a Vitamin K shot, which helps newborns with blood clotting.  We had decided to go ahead and get the Vitamin K shot (we opted out of the eye goop, and the hep B vaccine) since we knew that Ezra would be getting circumcised.  No real medical reason, just thought he would prefer being like Daddy and brothers.  Anyway, getting a vitamin K shot proved to be a difficult task.  They don't have it at the pediatrician's office, the hospital won't administer it unless we took Ezra to the Emergency Room, and none of the pharmacies carry it.  After some further research and a very helpful talk with a midwife, we came to the conclusion that the actual benefits of this shot compared to the risks were not worth all the effort we were going to in order to get Ezra this shot.  This is the interesting part:

When babies are born, they do not have the full amount of clotting factor... well, this can be a problem in some babies, but for most, it is not.  Our pediatrician explained that it is because they have not yet fully built up the "good bacteria" within their intestinal systems.  But listen to this!!!  Not only is there a higher concentration of Vitamin K in the colostrum (the stuff just before your milk comes in), but after the first week of life, the baby has built up sufficient amounts of the "good bacteria" to be able to clot on their own.   The midwife specifically put it this way, that the baby has sufficient clotting ability by the eighth day.  Now, perhaps that isn't super significant yet... but, in Biblical times, boys were circumcised on the eighth day!!!!  And, not only did this just completely amaze me, how God perfectly designed that all to fit together, but before knowing any of this information, we had made an appointment to have Ezra's circumcision done, and do you know when his appointment had fallen???  On the EIGHTH day. I'm not even kidding!!  Ben and I were talking about how God told the Israelites to circumcise on the eighth day, and He didn't necessarily spell out WHY he told them that, He just expected them to obey.  And it was for their good!!  

Anyway, I am just in awe of all this, and although it may not interest everyone else the same way, it tickled me enough to blog about it.

P.S.  Ezra is doing very well since his circumcision, and healing up just fine.  His doctor said there was very little bleeding.  Yeah God!

In Love...

It's hard to find the words to communicate what I am feeling, but I wanted to try, because when I look back, I want to have written down somewhere what it felt like during these days that are going by so fast. 

In the quiet moments of the night, it is just Ezra and I.  Sometimes when I am nursing, the thought occurs to me that I could be doing some multi-tasking... accomplishing more while I feed him (even if it's just checking e-mail or something).  And then my heart reminds me that these moments are over too fast.  So instead, I drink in deeply the details of my God's handiwork, I praise Him, as my heart overflows.  I hear the chorus of the Chris Tomlin song over and over as I stare in awe, "You do all things well!!"

Yesterday, instead of our usual "schoolwork", Emma and Caleb wrote stories.  They told them to me, and I wrote them out, and then they drew pictures to accompany their stories.  I marveled at their creative ability.  I am listening to them giggle as they make play-dough Oreos, and I am so thankful for these amazing kids.  

This afternoon, while Caleb and Emma and Ezra were quiet (well, sort of) I got to just sit and play puzzles with Noah.  Then as he ate his lunch and made silly faces at me, I thought, "How can one person be so blessed?"  

I am the mommy to four.  There will be many times when just that thought alone will overwhelm me.  But right now, I am in awe.  I am so honored to be entrusted with these ones, and I pray that despite my failings and mistakes, I will be found to be as faithful as one sinful human can be.  These amazing ones are in my care.  My husband is at work, providing for us, and can't wait to come home to us.  I can't wait for him to be here either.

It is our great God who has given us all this.  He most certainly does all things well.  I am reminded of how God loves us just because we are, not because of what we have done (as if we could do anything of worth!!) and in spite of our sin.  Thank you seems so small compared to all that God has done on our behalf.  And yet my heart cries it out, over and over... Thank you!

I am in love.

Birthday Boy...

We celebrated Noah's 2nd birthday.  Nothing fancy, but everything that was really important.  Family and cake.  Good times!  I can't believe how big he is... and he loves puzzles just like his big brother.  He can already do all of his puzzles, but he loves doing them over and over and over.... =)

About the castor oil...

Some fun details I forgot:

1.  Ben has his EMT Certification... just in case you were all wondering.  It does make a big difference, because he did know what to do and didn't even freak out about the cord being around Ezra's neck.  As far as I know (but I really can't be sure), this is the first time that one of our kids had the cord around their neck.  (Ben just informed me that this is not the first time!)

2.  Ben tied the cord with dental floss.  Although our pediatrician's office seemed to think that not clamping the cord was a big deal, when they saw it, they were pretty impressed.  Maybe all hospitals should use dental floss???

3.  I had two friends of mine who had tried castor oil to induce labor.  I was scheduled to be induced this Friday, the 24th.  I was not too keen on this idea of castor oil, so I decided I would consult with the two people I knew who had tried it.  They both said it wasn't too bad, and they weren't in pain on the toilet for hours.  One of them said that it was definitely what worked (although she did take multiple doses, maybe four total).  I decided that desperate times called for desperate measures.  And, I thought, they are going to be pumping me full of pitocin soon anyway, might as well give it a go!  I was afraid, though, because I haven't had much trouble HAVING contractions, it was just keeping them that was the problem.

We actually happened to have some castor oil (for another purpose), which is what had started me thinking of trying it anyway.  The internet recommended dose for inducing labor was 2 oz., or 4 Tblspns.  Being as scared as I was, I decided to try 1/2 of a teaspoon.  I have no idea if that is what did the trick.  But, man, if it was what did it... it really worked.  If it is not what did it, then it's just a funny story.  

4.  I had secretly been wishing for a home birth.  We even consulted with a midwife, but since our insurance wouldn't cover it, we decided on the hospital.  One of the nights when my contractions were really intense, I started getting scared that the baby might come at home.  And I was terrified!!  I thought, "Oh no, we have to do this at the hospital!"  This is how I knew God was so close to us the whole time... when we actually WERE having the baby at home, I was not scared... I was at peace, but desperate for His help (if that makes sense).

I am sure I forgot many other things, and they may or may not come to me during the night when I am up with Ezra.  But, it was an amazing experience, and we are so thankful for God's provision and care.  

The Reader's Digest Version...

Okay, in any story there are many details.  This will be the reader's digest version of Ezra's birth story:

At 4:30pm(ish) I had a contraction.  It was a good one.  But I had been having contractions, and they would get stronger and eventually go away.  Then I had another one.  I grabbed the phone and called Ben, crying.  I asked him to come home.  I told him that these contractions (all two of them!) were really strong, and I didn't know if they would stop or not, but I was alone and I needed help with the kids.  So, Ben started the process of getting off work in order to come home.  Then I called him back to say that I was just overreacting and he didn't need to come home.  (He declined and said that he was, in fact, coming home.)  I went to put a movie in for the kids, and felt a trickle that might be my water breaking??  But I wasn't sure.  Then I got in the shower, which is where I was when Ben got home.  I had stayed until there wasn't any more warm water. =(

As I was getting out, I told Ben that this would be the time we should go to the hospital.  But, I asked him to try and check me, since we had been through this on and off again with contractions and they hadn't been very productive.  So, Ben goes to check me and gets a very interesting look on his face.  I ask, "What is it??"  And he replies, "It's a head."  At this point, we pretty much realize that we are going to have the baby at home, unless something goes wrong.  I didn't quite feel ready to push just yet... But Ben threw down a shower curtain and an old comforter and some towels.   Then, I decide that laying on the bed on my back doesn't feel right, so I go into the bathroom where I am standing/squatting.  My legs got tired, so I sat down on the toilet to rest.  I had a contraction while sitting and told Ben, "The baby moved."  I knew he would be born with the next contraction.  The next one came and I said, "Ben!"  And he asked, "Is he coming?"  "Yes!!"  (Side note: I did have a bulb syringe and a pair of scissors that I had boiled just in case on one of my previous bouts of contractions).  Ben grabbed the bulb syringe, and ran back in the bathroom to see baby's head emerging.  He was trying to get me to move to the ground, but I ended up sort of squatting, and I couldn't move because the rest of baby was coming!!  Ben very calmly told me, "I have to get the cord off the baby's neck."  Then, he suctioned, and handed the baby to me to keep on my chest and get warm.  We made it to the bed and after a few minutes of letting him cry, the baby was nursing.  It took about an hour to deliver the placenta, during which time we called my OB/GYN who was going to have us meet her at the Ojai Emergency Room, but once the placenta delivered, we knew I was okay and baby was already doing great.  So we opted to stay home, and do doctor's visits the following day.  We had a couple of moments that were a little scary-the first being when we realized for sure that the baby would probably be born at home.  We stopped and prayed.  The second was during our wait for the placenta, and we stopped and prayed.  We felt God's presence so strongly, and are overwhelmed by the many ways he took care of us and provided for us.  Ben graciously did the clean-up and buried the placenta in our backyard.  And he even "punched me in the stomach" (this is always what I call the massaging of the uterus) and told me, "You can curse Eve, but I have to do this."

Ezra Lucas Knight Hester was born at 7:35pm at our house.  It was awesome, and we are praising God for His mercy, His grace, His wisdom, and His amazing creative ability.  I am in awe of how God made a woman's body to give birth, and a baby growing inside, and how they work together (like nursing, and how it ever-so painfully contracts a uterus!!) =)

Please continue to pray for us, as we embark on this adventure... It has been a little harder than we expected to get the care we need, and details like trying to get a birth certificate.  We're working on it.

Ezra means, "Jehovah helps"

"For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel."  Ezra 7:10

Lucas means "bringer of light"

Knight was chosen by big brother Caleb

We couldn't choose, so he gets them all!!

Ezra-"Jehovah Helps"

Sometimes, things are just too amazing for words.  This is sort of one of those times, and yet not at the same time because our God is so amazing and His praise must be declared!!!  So, this is not the "birth story" in its entirety, so to speak, but it is a testimony to the amazing Jehovah God we serve, who has most certainly been our help.

Tonight, Ezra (in case you hadn't guessed, that's the baby's name!!) was born at home.  Daddy Ben delivered, and if we could say anything about the whole experience... it would be that Jehovah has been our help, and we are praising Him for the safe entry of Baby Ezra into the world.  We haven't yet decided on the middle name, and we don't know how much he weighs or anything.  But I will post more when I know it!!  Thank you for your prayers... and keep 'em coming.

Birthday Present

Well, it is so exciting.  For my birthday, my parents got me the Shark H20 Mop, and it's even pink!!  I have included a picture because I was so excited.  Most of our house is either hardwood or tile floors, so this comes in so handy.  It only uses water instead of any harsh cleaning chemicals (good for little ones!)  And because it heats the water into steam, it sanitizes!!  And, it is easy enough that the kids have all taken turns (when I LET them!!)  Simple pleasures.  =)

Worn Out...

Evidently, watching me do a workout video wore Noah out.  Poor baby.

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!