Church Mission Trip
Today we're embarking on our first out-of-town family mission trip. Our church is heading to the Rio Grande Bible Institute to assist the school in accomplishing various work projects around campus now that the school is on summer break.
We are very excited to be going as a family and have the opportunity to expose our younger children to missions. This will be a short trip for us, Friday through Sunday night, since Greg has to be back at work Monday morning. Many of our church gang, though, will stay through Wednesday.
Please pray for our church and our families. Our ultimate mission is to honor and glorify God in all that we do........may our spirits, words and actions reflect those of Christ! Soli Deo Gloria!!!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Greg's New Job
I Love A Man In Uniform......
I love THIS man in uniform.....
After 17 years as a fire fighter, today Greg began a new journey within the Fire Dept........he is now officially a Fire Inspector. This is a promotion for our hero and we are very proud of him! His schedule will be quite different......no more 24 hrs on/24 hrs off........he'll now work Monday through Friday, although, he will still work one 24 hr shift a week. I'm sure this will take some getting used to for all of us, as we've only ever known the 24 on/24 off schedule, but we're looking forward to the road ahead!
Way to go, my love! You're our hero!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Encouraging VBAC
Encouraging VBAC
This is a beautiful slideshow of a mom having a homebirth after a previous C-section (because her baby was "too big" at 9 lbs). This VBAC baby was over 11 lbs! WOW!
Birth Slideshow
You GO, girl!
This is a beautiful slideshow of a mom having a homebirth after a previous C-section (because her baby was "too big" at 9 lbs). This VBAC baby was over 11 lbs! WOW!
Birth Slideshow
You GO, girl!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Photo Journal
Fun Photos
Do these make me look smart?
They go way back.......all the way back to Genevieve's birth!
This is big brother Ethan telling Genevieve that she's just too young to marry Caleb!
Do these make me look smart?
My......what BIG eyes you have!
The girls love to sew. Celeste is making a dress for Sophia.
Cheyenne is helping Celeste to gather the waist.
Genevieve and Caleb........the betrothed!
They go way back.......all the way back to Genevieve's birth!
This is big brother Ethan telling Genevieve that she's just too young to marry Caleb!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Our Genevieve
Our baby girl is three and half months already! She smiles a lot and sleeps through the night! She's thinking about rolling over but hasn't made any concrete decisions to do so yet. She loves altitude (Daddy holding her) and being upright as to not miss any action going on in the Sabo household. She's a sweet girl with an easy-going disposition! She doesn't seem to mind all the chaos around here........she's a trooper! We love you baby girl!
Our baby girl is three and half months already! She smiles a lot and sleeps through the night! She's thinking about rolling over but hasn't made any concrete decisions to do so yet. She loves altitude (Daddy holding her) and being upright as to not miss any action going on in the Sabo household. She's a sweet girl with an easy-going disposition! She doesn't seem to mind all the chaos around here........she's a trooper! We love you baby girl!
Quote
Encouragement
Just wanted to share a quote a sweet friend of mine sent me the other day! May you, too, be encouraged........
How can it be a large career to tell other people’s children about the Rule of Three, and a small career to tell one’s own children about the universe? How can it be broad to be the same thing to everyone, and narrow to be everything to someone? No. A woman’s function is laborious, but because it is gigantic, not because it is minute. I will pity Mrs. Jones for the hugeness of her task; I will never pity her for its smallness. -G.K. Chesterton
Just wanted to share a quote a sweet friend of mine sent me the other day! May you, too, be encouraged........
How can it be a large career to tell other people’s children about the Rule of Three, and a small career to tell one’s own children about the universe? How can it be broad to be the same thing to everyone, and narrow to be everything to someone? No. A woman’s function is laborious, but because it is gigantic, not because it is minute. I will pity Mrs. Jones for the hugeness of her task; I will never pity her for its smallness. -G.K. Chesterton
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Abuse???
I'm Not Convinced of Abuse Yet!
This is a story that has been pretty heartbreaking to me! Although I certainly don't agree with Mormon practices, especially polygamy, I'm not convinced this is the "dangerous" situation it's made out to be. So far, it seems as if there has been NO concrete evidence of abuse! All I can think about is how these precious young children have been torn from their families and don't understand why! Imagine these little ones crying in strange beds each night because they miss their mothers terribly! And as moms, how would we feel? I can't imagine.
Here's what I've been reading:
Scott Henson, in an article for the Dallas News, said this:
"In Eldorado, no one alleges YFZ parents are themselves abusing children. Instead the allegation (in court, at least) is that they're teaching their kids that a woman's highest calling is giving birth and raising children and that it's acceptable to get married at an early age. Even if it were true, and the allegation was disputed, can this really be enough to seize children from their homes?"
I keep hearing about abuse, but where? I haven't heard of one verified instance of abuse being found. Who gets to decide what we're allowed to teach our children and what should be considered "dangerous" or "cultish?" The state? Here's a quote from MSNBC that should give us all pause:
“Experts and lawyers fear the children's transition to foster care may be much harder than it is for other foster children...Many of the children have seen little or no television. They have been essentially home-schooled all their lives. Most were raised on garden-grown vegetables and twice-daily prayers with family. They frolic in long dresses and buttoned-up shirts from another century.”
Such abuse! How horrible! Let's rip these poor children from their families before they miss out on the necessary and oh-so beneficial experience of MTV and the hook-up culture.
From the same article, Mr. Henson addresses the judge:
"Excuse me, Judge? You issued a sweeping, house-to-house search warrant based on a highly questionable anonymous call that turned out to be phony. You refused to allow individual hearings for children, grouping them together like cattle. You accepted the testimony of an expert on "cults" who only learned about FLDS from media accounts, rather than an academic who'd studied them professionally for 18 years.
You've ruled the existence of five girls between 16 and 19 who were pregnant or had children was evidence of systematic abuse, even though in Texas 16-year-olds can marry with parental consent. You've ruled young toddlers are in "immediate" danger because of their parents' beliefs or what might happen 15 years from now, not because anyone abuses them.
From the evidence presented publicly, I do not believe that the children have been sexually abused or physically harmed. Allegations of forcible rape turned out to be bogus, and only five girls 16 to 19 years old were found pregnant or with children – probably about the same ratio you'd find if you rounded up all the kids in my neighborhood.
Instead, I wonder what it would be like for these children to be torn from a loving family by people whose message is this: Everyone who loves you is bad. Everything you believe is wrong. The God you've been taught is a fraud, and belief in Him is harming you."
And Tim Lynch, of the Cato Institute, had some interesting thoughts:
"If a child says 'I love my parents and want to go home,' it means he has been brainwashed by the 'cult.' And if a child says 'I like my foster parents a lot. They give me candy and the video games are awesome,' it means the child’s actual parents are unfit.
"State authorities talk a lot about rape and forced marriages, but 300 children are ages 4 and below. They should be sent home because there is no evidence of abuse. All the boys should go home because there’s no evidence of abuse. As for the remaining girls, they have been held for 3 weeks already … the judge should give the police one more week to present evidence or they should be going home too. The investigation can continue, but 3+ weeks in custody is enough already.
"When it comes to separating children from the parents, the burden of proof must be borne by the state."
And another must read: "Increasingly I'm coming to think that the case against the Eldorado polygamist compound may be a setup job." - Scott Henson
"Don't get me wrong: True pedophiles should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. But that's a little different than changing the law to redefine historic religious practices by a particular sect as "pedophilia," which is what Rep. Hildebran did. Similarly, there's a big difference between investigating an individual, anonymous complaint from a single teenager, and forcibly taking 419 children away from their homes based on guilt by association.
I'd feel the same way if the state decided to seize all the children of parishioners in a Catholic church whose priest had been accused of pedophilia. What's the difference between that and what's happening in West Texas based on allegations against one man?
As Fox News' Greta Van Susteren declared, "being weird isn't a crime." And the alleged crimes of one man don't justify violating the rights of hundreds. When we identify "weird" people whose religious beliefs we don't like and pass laws criminalizing that behavior, as Hildebran did, to me that borders on "prohibiting the free exercise" of religion. This whole episode strikes me as grandstanding and overkill." - Scott Henson
And what about this:
Texas 911 Calls Linked To 33-Year-Old in Colorado
"SAN ANGELO, Tex., April 23 -- The phone calls that triggered a massive raid on a polygamist compound in west Texas -- in which a quavering girl's voice described being forcibly married at 15 -- have been linked to a Colorado woman with a history of making false claims of sexual abuse, according to an affidavit filed in Colorado Springs.
The affidavit says calls that allegedly came from "Sarah Barlow" -- a teenage girl at the Yearning for Zion Ranch outside Eldorado, Tex. -- actually came from numbers connected to Rozita Swinton, 33, [State Democratic Delegate] of Colorado Springs. The affidavit also notes Swinton's possible involvement in a series of separate but similar reports in which the young caller described being abused by a pastor, an uncle or her father."
I think it's about time these children are sent home!!! For another intersting perspective, read here!
ht: Stacey M.
This is a story that has been pretty heartbreaking to me! Although I certainly don't agree with Mormon practices, especially polygamy, I'm not convinced this is the "dangerous" situation it's made out to be. So far, it seems as if there has been NO concrete evidence of abuse! All I can think about is how these precious young children have been torn from their families and don't understand why! Imagine these little ones crying in strange beds each night because they miss their mothers terribly! And as moms, how would we feel? I can't imagine. Here's what I've been reading:
Scott Henson, in an article for the Dallas News, said this:
"In Eldorado, no one alleges YFZ parents are themselves abusing children. Instead the allegation (in court, at least) is that they're teaching their kids that a woman's highest calling is giving birth and raising children and that it's acceptable to get married at an early age. Even if it were true, and the allegation was disputed, can this really be enough to seize children from their homes?"
I keep hearing about abuse, but where? I haven't heard of one verified instance of abuse being found. Who gets to decide what we're allowed to teach our children and what should be considered "dangerous" or "cultish?" The state? Here's a quote from MSNBC that should give us all pause:
“Experts and lawyers fear the children's transition to foster care may be much harder than it is for other foster children...Many of the children have seen little or no television. They have been essentially home-schooled all their lives. Most were raised on garden-grown vegetables and twice-daily prayers with family. They frolic in long dresses and buttoned-up shirts from another century.”
Such abuse! How horrible! Let's rip these poor children from their families before they miss out on the necessary and oh-so beneficial experience of MTV and the hook-up culture.
From the same article, Mr. Henson addresses the judge:
"Excuse me, Judge? You issued a sweeping, house-to-house search warrant based on a highly questionable anonymous call that turned out to be phony. You refused to allow individual hearings for children, grouping them together like cattle. You accepted the testimony of an expert on "cults" who only learned about FLDS from media accounts, rather than an academic who'd studied them professionally for 18 years.
You've ruled the existence of five girls between 16 and 19 who were pregnant or had children was evidence of systematic abuse, even though in Texas 16-year-olds can marry with parental consent. You've ruled young toddlers are in "immediate" danger because of their parents' beliefs or what might happen 15 years from now, not because anyone abuses them.
From the evidence presented publicly, I do not believe that the children have been sexually abused or physically harmed. Allegations of forcible rape turned out to be bogus, and only five girls 16 to 19 years old were found pregnant or with children – probably about the same ratio you'd find if you rounded up all the kids in my neighborhood.
Instead, I wonder what it would be like for these children to be torn from a loving family by people whose message is this: Everyone who loves you is bad. Everything you believe is wrong. The God you've been taught is a fraud, and belief in Him is harming you."
And Tim Lynch, of the Cato Institute, had some interesting thoughts:
"If a child says 'I love my parents and want to go home,' it means he has been brainwashed by the 'cult.' And if a child says 'I like my foster parents a lot. They give me candy and the video games are awesome,' it means the child’s actual parents are unfit.
"State authorities talk a lot about rape and forced marriages, but 300 children are ages 4 and below. They should be sent home because there is no evidence of abuse. All the boys should go home because there’s no evidence of abuse. As for the remaining girls, they have been held for 3 weeks already … the judge should give the police one more week to present evidence or they should be going home too. The investigation can continue, but 3+ weeks in custody is enough already.
"When it comes to separating children from the parents, the burden of proof must be borne by the state."
And another must read: "Increasingly I'm coming to think that the case against the Eldorado polygamist compound may be a setup job." - Scott Henson
"Don't get me wrong: True pedophiles should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. But that's a little different than changing the law to redefine historic religious practices by a particular sect as "pedophilia," which is what Rep. Hildebran did. Similarly, there's a big difference between investigating an individual, anonymous complaint from a single teenager, and forcibly taking 419 children away from their homes based on guilt by association.
I'd feel the same way if the state decided to seize all the children of parishioners in a Catholic church whose priest had been accused of pedophilia. What's the difference between that and what's happening in West Texas based on allegations against one man?
As Fox News' Greta Van Susteren declared, "being weird isn't a crime." And the alleged crimes of one man don't justify violating the rights of hundreds. When we identify "weird" people whose religious beliefs we don't like and pass laws criminalizing that behavior, as Hildebran did, to me that borders on "prohibiting the free exercise" of religion. This whole episode strikes me as grandstanding and overkill." - Scott Henson
And what about this:
Texas 911 Calls Linked To 33-Year-Old in Colorado
"SAN ANGELO, Tex., April 23 -- The phone calls that triggered a massive raid on a polygamist compound in west Texas -- in which a quavering girl's voice described being forcibly married at 15 -- have been linked to a Colorado woman with a history of making false claims of sexual abuse, according to an affidavit filed in Colorado Springs.
The affidavit says calls that allegedly came from "Sarah Barlow" -- a teenage girl at the Yearning for Zion Ranch outside Eldorado, Tex. -- actually came from numbers connected to Rozita Swinton, 33, [State Democratic Delegate] of Colorado Springs. The affidavit also notes Swinton's possible involvement in a series of separate but similar reports in which the young caller described being abused by a pastor, an uncle or her father."
I think it's about time these children are sent home!!! For another intersting perspective, read here!
ht: Stacey M.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Prayer for Caleb
Please Pray For My Friend! UPDATED
I don't know how to make this short, but basically my heart is breaking tonight. Our baby, Caleb, has started having some neurological problems. Basically, it looks as though he is losing head control and his head falls forward or to the side. This could be a benign condition or it could be infantile seizures which is devastating in an infant. The strange thing is that our Joshua went through this very thing when he was 4 months old and it lasted about 5 months. We had to have eegs, mri's, cat scans and see neurologists at Children's Hospital in New Orleans. We found a treatment that worked for him and we never had to put him on heavy duty, dangerous medications and he never regressed...Praise the Lord!
I am in shock that this is happening again. I don't understand why? I am scared, but trying to trust God. It is hard with my husband in Iraq. Please, please, please pray for baby Caleb. Please tell everyone you know who prays to pray for our sweet baby. We had so many people praying for Joshua when he went through this and I know that is what healed him. Caleb needs your prayers. I am going to try the same thing we did with Joshua starting Tuesday. I am taking him into the dr tomorrow and I am positive they will want to do an EEG very soon. I go from feeling strong to feeling desperate to trusting God to being scared and angry.
Sorry this was so long. And thank you for being awesome prayer warriors and praying for our precious baby boy, Caleb.
In Him,
Stacey & family
Thank you!!!
Thank you to all who prayed! Little Caleb got the "all clear" from the doctor. His tests were all normal! Praise God! The Cambron family thanks you sincerely for your faithfulness in prayer!
She writes:I don't know how to make this short, but basically my heart is breaking tonight. Our baby, Caleb, has started having some neurological problems. Basically, it looks as though he is losing head control and his head falls forward or to the side. This could be a benign condition or it could be infantile seizures which is devastating in an infant. The strange thing is that our Joshua went through this very thing when he was 4 months old and it lasted about 5 months. We had to have eegs, mri's, cat scans and see neurologists at Children's Hospital in New Orleans. We found a treatment that worked for him and we never had to put him on heavy duty, dangerous medications and he never regressed...Praise the Lord!
I am in shock that this is happening again. I don't understand why? I am scared, but trying to trust God. It is hard with my husband in Iraq. Please, please, please pray for baby Caleb. Please tell everyone you know who prays to pray for our sweet baby. We had so many people praying for Joshua when he went through this and I know that is what healed him. Caleb needs your prayers. I am going to try the same thing we did with Joshua starting Tuesday. I am taking him into the dr tomorrow and I am positive they will want to do an EEG very soon. I go from feeling strong to feeling desperate to trusting God to being scared and angry.
Sorry this was so long. And thank you for being awesome prayer warriors and praying for our precious baby boy, Caleb.
In Him,
Stacey & family
Thank you!!!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Purity Ring Photos
(Full Story Below)
Greg sharing stories from Cheyenne's early childhood..........
More stories..........
Presenting the ring........
Greg sharing stories from Cheyenne's early childhood..........
More stories..........
Presenting the ring........
Greg placing on the ring........
I LOVE this picture...............
End of "ceremony"...........
Prayer.........
The gang.........
I LOVE this picture...............
End of "ceremony"...........
Prayer.........
The gang.........
Thank you, Longenbaugh's, for the use of your camera. We wouldn't have captured these memories had it not been for you!
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Purity Ring
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
One of things we had been looking forward to since Cheyenne was little in an effort to guard her heart was presenting her with a purity ring. We have known people through the years who have made this an important event in their families and it has encouraged us to consider the same.
The purpose of presenting the ring is for the young person to be reminded of his/her commitment to flee any situation that might compromise their commitment to abstinence, but it is also a reminder for the parents to encourage the young person, through accountability and prayer, by wearing the ring.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
1 Timothy 6:11
Last October, we were finally able to present a ring to our oldest daughter on her fifteenth birthday. It was a ceremony filled with memories, commitment, and prayer. It was one of the most beautiful and meaningful occasions in our family and one we look forward to doing with the rest of our children in the years to come.
In the weeks leading up to Cheyenne's birthday, we began planning. We hunted and purchased this ring. We wanted something pretty and feminine, but also something that wasn't too expensive; in the event it is lost we can easily replace it. We also spent time developing "the ceremony". Greg thought long and hard about how he wanted to present the ring to his daughter. It was well worth the planning......it was so sweet!
On the day of her birthday, we celebrated throughout the day just as we normally would. She opened her gifts that morning, saving the ring for later. After dinner and the cake, it was time!
Greg began the ceremony by sharing stories from Cheyenne's early childhood through the present. She was brought to tears as she listened to her daddy reminisce through the years stories of laughter, growth, and testimonies of God's faithfulness. Greg told of stories that even I had forgotten. It was precious and beautiful!
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
Once we were all good and teary-eyed, Greg presented the ring. By accepting the ring, she is making a commitment to God, her parents, and to the man God has chosen to be her husband, to remain pure. Greg then placed the ring on her ring finger and led our family in prayer, which concluded the "ceremony"!
Words cannot describe how precious this day was and how meaningful this was to Cheyenne. Not only did the presentation signify and encompass the beauty of purity, it also showed Cheyenne how much we love her and our level of commitment and protection over her.
As an additional resource, here is a site I recently came across called Purity Pledge . It's a family business of hand crafted purity rings and lockets.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Gun Wars
Gun Wars
Daddy and Seth having a blast with Seth's Nerf guns!
Did I mention this took place during a math lesson today? Yep.....gun fights during math! I lovingly asked Greg how math would be incorporated into this gun war. He said that Seth was very rambunctious today and needed to exert his extra energy. "Ohhhhh, I seeeeee!"
It's hard to tell which one of them was having more fun, but, I have to say that Seth DID do a much better job of finishing up his math once he "exerted his extra energy"!
Daddy and Seth having a blast with Seth's Nerf guns!
Did I mention this took place during a math lesson today? Yep.....gun fights during math! I lovingly asked Greg how math would be incorporated into this gun war. He said that Seth was very rambunctious today and needed to exert his extra energy. "Ohhhhh, I seeeeee!"
It's hard to tell which one of them was having more fun, but, I have to say that Seth DID do a much better job of finishing up his math once he "exerted his extra energy"!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
He Is Risen
HE IS RISEN!
We hope you all had a wonderful Resurrection Day. The Lord is risen indeed!
Thought I'd post an updated photo of the family, minus myself! I wasn't feeling well, so didn't dress for Easter. I'm bummed about the lack of quality in this photo, but at least it's a recent one! More to come......
From the Sabo family to yours.........have a wonderful day!
We hope you all had a wonderful Resurrection Day. The Lord is risen indeed!
Thought I'd post an updated photo of the family, minus myself! I wasn't feeling well, so didn't dress for Easter. I'm bummed about the lack of quality in this photo, but at least it's a recent one! More to come......
From the Sabo family to yours.........have a wonderful day!
Balancing Act
Balancing Act
Well, Daddy's up to his old tricks again. Once our babies reach about two months of age, Greg puts them to the test. He's done this with all of the children, and now, Genevieve has proven herself to be yet another silly Sabo! When Seth was a baby, he and Greg scored a few seconds of fame doing this very trick when one of our video clips landed on America's Funniest Home Videos.
And just for the record, no, he's never dropped a baby.........yet! ;-)
Well, Daddy's up to his old tricks again. Once our babies reach about two months of age, Greg puts them to the test. He's done this with all of the children, and now, Genevieve has proven herself to be yet another silly Sabo! When Seth was a baby, he and Greg scored a few seconds of fame doing this very trick when one of our video clips landed on America's Funniest Home Videos.And just for the record, no, he's never dropped a baby.........yet! ;-)
Boys Will Be Boys
Snacks Anyone?
*dog food
*toilet water (a la pee)
*deoderant (spring fresh, of course)
*blue marker (only non-washable will do)
These are the contents that have been consumed by Ethan in the last two days! After eating dog food and quenching his thirst from the toilet, we're convinced he should have been born a puppy..........he's as cute as one, anyway! Lord, help us...........
*dog food
*toilet water (a la pee)
*deoderant (spring fresh, of course)
*blue marker (only non-washable will do)
These are the contents that have been consumed by Ethan in the last two days! After eating dog food and quenching his thirst from the toilet, we're convinced he should have been born a puppy..........he's as cute as one, anyway! Lord, help us...........
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Baby Genevieve
Baby Genevieve
Finally, after several months without a digital camera, we're back in business! Here's our sweet girl!
Two months old.....ALREADY!
Finally, after several months without a digital camera, we're back in business! Here's our sweet girl!
Two months old.....ALREADY!
Monday, March 03, 2008
The First Time
Isn't it a funny thing when your baby sleeps through the night for the first time? On one hand, you're excited that the baby has finally slept through the night, but on the other hand, you're wondering all night why she hasn't awakened yet!
After many unpredictable nights with Genevieve, she finally slept through the night last night.
Me on the other hand....
I woke up at 2am, peeked at her, still asleep.
Woke up at 4am, peeked at her, still asleep but should be waking up at any moment.
Woke up at 5am....okay, time to feel her to make sure she's still breathing. Whew....still breathing.
Finally, at 6am I hear that sweet little cry that I had been waiting for since 2am.
Even after seven babies, that first "sleep through the night" still gets me! We'll see how she does tonight. And how I do!
Genevieve is eight weeks old today! Wasn't she just born last Monday???
After many unpredictable nights with Genevieve, she finally slept through the night last night.
Me on the other hand....
I woke up at 2am, peeked at her, still asleep.
Woke up at 4am, peeked at her, still asleep but should be waking up at any moment.
Woke up at 5am....okay, time to feel her to make sure she's still breathing. Whew....still breathing.
Finally, at 6am I hear that sweet little cry that I had been waiting for since 2am.
Even after seven babies, that first "sleep through the night" still gets me! We'll see how she does tonight. And how I do!
Genevieve is eight weeks old today! Wasn't she just born last Monday???
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Thoughts, Observations, and Other Musings
Chloe (3) has this cute little purple, fuzzy purse that she carries around ALL DAY! She loves this purse. This purse was a stocking stuffer for Christmas. It's the ONLY present she still plays with everyday. I bought it at the Dollar Store........
A few months ago, while driving in the car, Seth (6) was telling us about his tooth. He asked me if I rememered when it used to be gray. I said yes! He then said that "God raised it from the dead..........."
All of our kids LOVE yogurt. We used to buy family packs of Yoplait yogurt until we made the switch to all natural yogurt. Well, yesterday I decided to buy Yoplait again because it was on sale AND I had a coupon. When Chloe (3) saw the yogurt in the fridge, she very excitedly said, "Yea, the upside down yogurt!"
Ethan's favorite phrase these days is "naughty boy". Hmmm......do you think he's heard that once or twice in his life? He also favors the word "NO"...............
A couple of weeks ago, Seth (6) and Sophia (5) (partners in crime) were running through the kitchen. We have a NO RUNNING IN THE KITCHEN POLICY here! When I caught them, I rhetorically yelled, "How many times have I told you NOT to run in the kitchen? After a few seconds pause, Seth, with a calculating look on his face answered, "Nine?" The girls and I burst into laughter. So much for that lesson in discipline.........
We're so proud of Cheyenne.........she's been able to come up with a new word for the dictionary! While helping her with implied pronoun references in English, she invented the word "fraidiness" as a substitue for the word "afraid". We're so proud..........
(Disclaimer: She's really a VERY bright young lady.......we claim that she's suffering from cabin fever since we've been sick for so long.......at least we got a good laugh out of it!)
I just called Greg at work a bit ago and woke him up from his nap. Yes, you read me right......a nap.......at work! Oh, the life of a firefighter.............
Celeste (12) makes the BEST pancakes. She infuses the batter with vanilla and a mashed banana. Then she makes a homemade strawberry puree to top the fresh whipped cream! YUM!
The other day we were all enjoying a handful of Cheez-its for our snack. After Seth (6) finished his, he walked back into the kitchen and said, "Mommy, we can't buy Cheez-its anymore!" When I asked him why, he replied, "Because Cheez-its aren't healthy!" Hey, WHO told Seth that Cheez-its aren't healthy.........
Baby Genevieve is almost eight weeks old. Just eight weeks! Both of my older girls are ALREADY ready for us to have another baby!!! And people say we're crazy..........
And, as I'm finishing up this post, Ethan (1) comes downstairs in underwear! Not his diaper, underwear! There they go again.........those little ones are trying to potty train him AGAIN! Sorry, Mommy's not ready yet for that! I'd better go get that diaper back on before he........well, you know where that's going........
A few months ago, while driving in the car, Seth (6) was telling us about his tooth. He asked me if I rememered when it used to be gray. I said yes! He then said that "God raised it from the dead..........."
All of our kids LOVE yogurt. We used to buy family packs of Yoplait yogurt until we made the switch to all natural yogurt. Well, yesterday I decided to buy Yoplait again because it was on sale AND I had a coupon. When Chloe (3) saw the yogurt in the fridge, she very excitedly said, "Yea, the upside down yogurt!"
Ethan's favorite phrase these days is "naughty boy". Hmmm......do you think he's heard that once or twice in his life? He also favors the word "NO"...............
A couple of weeks ago, Seth (6) and Sophia (5) (partners in crime) were running through the kitchen. We have a NO RUNNING IN THE KITCHEN POLICY here! When I caught them, I rhetorically yelled, "How many times have I told you NOT to run in the kitchen? After a few seconds pause, Seth, with a calculating look on his face answered, "Nine?" The girls and I burst into laughter. So much for that lesson in discipline.........
We're so proud of Cheyenne.........she's been able to come up with a new word for the dictionary! While helping her with implied pronoun references in English, she invented the word "fraidiness" as a substitue for the word "afraid". We're so proud..........
(Disclaimer: She's really a VERY bright young lady.......we claim that she's suffering from cabin fever since we've been sick for so long.......at least we got a good laugh out of it!)
I just called Greg at work a bit ago and woke him up from his nap. Yes, you read me right......a nap.......at work! Oh, the life of a firefighter.............
Celeste (12) makes the BEST pancakes. She infuses the batter with vanilla and a mashed banana. Then she makes a homemade strawberry puree to top the fresh whipped cream! YUM!
The other day we were all enjoying a handful of Cheez-its for our snack. After Seth (6) finished his, he walked back into the kitchen and said, "Mommy, we can't buy Cheez-its anymore!" When I asked him why, he replied, "Because Cheez-its aren't healthy!" Hey, WHO told Seth that Cheez-its aren't healthy.........
Baby Genevieve is almost eight weeks old. Just eight weeks! Both of my older girls are ALREADY ready for us to have another baby!!! And people say we're crazy..........
And, as I'm finishing up this post, Ethan (1) comes downstairs in underwear! Not his diaper, underwear! There they go again.........those little ones are trying to potty train him AGAIN! Sorry, Mommy's not ready yet for that! I'd better go get that diaper back on before he........well, you know where that's going........
Friday, February 15, 2008
Sick Sabos
This doesn't happen often.......but.......
.....most of our family is sick! We all have varying degrees of illness ranging from severe colds to the flu. Fortunately, Greg and baby Genevieve are still holding strong. We've been praying diligently that the two of them will stay well. Greg has been doing a wonderful job of taking care of us and keeping things running smoothly.
The sad aspect of us getting sick is that I was unable to go to the Whole Hearted Mother's Conference this weekend. Our group left early this morning for a weekend full of refreshment, fun, fellowship and inspiration! I'll miss you, ladies!
On another note, we've finally decided to have our digital camera fixed. After doing the research, it is more cost effective for us to have ours repaired, rather than buy a new one or buy used on ebay. This is good news because I'll finally be able to post pictures again on the blog. It's not nearly as much fun posting without cute pictures to go along. We should have our camera up and running within a few days.......I'll be sure to post lots of pics of our nearly six week old Genevieve. Come on back!
.....most of our family is sick! We all have varying degrees of illness ranging from severe colds to the flu. Fortunately, Greg and baby Genevieve are still holding strong. We've been praying diligently that the two of them will stay well. Greg has been doing a wonderful job of taking care of us and keeping things running smoothly.
The sad aspect of us getting sick is that I was unable to go to the Whole Hearted Mother's Conference this weekend. Our group left early this morning for a weekend full of refreshment, fun, fellowship and inspiration! I'll miss you, ladies!
On another note, we've finally decided to have our digital camera fixed. After doing the research, it is more cost effective for us to have ours repaired, rather than buy a new one or buy used on ebay. This is good news because I'll finally be able to post pictures again on the blog. It's not nearly as much fun posting without cute pictures to go along. We should have our camera up and running within a few days.......I'll be sure to post lots of pics of our nearly six week old Genevieve. Come on back!
Monday, February 04, 2008
Part 2: After the Birth
Read Part 1 here.
The details of what happened after the birth may be a bit sketchy, so I'll do my best to remember.
After our sweet Genevieve was born, all was well and we were elated. I remained in the tub, with Genevieve resting on my belly, while we waited for the cord to stop pulsing. Once the cord had been cut, we then had to wait on the placenta to deliver. The bleeding at this point was minimal so there were no concerns. Once the placenta was delivered, Genevieve was passed over to Daddy so that I could begin cleaning up. By this time, it had been about 20 minutes since the birth . Just as Janet was helping me to get out of the tub, I suddenly felt strange. My arms felt extremely tingly, so much so that it was quite uncomfortable, then my ears clogged up. The next thing I knew, Janet had her hands on my face and she was yelling, "Candace, Candace!" I had passed out.
At this point, everyone began working quickly to try to get me out of the tub. My midwife determined that my placenta had only partially detached, so I was bleeding heavily! Time was of the essence, so my husband came to my side to assist in getting me out of the tub. As Greg and Janet lifted me to the edge of the tub, I felt that tingly feeling again and my ears began to clog. I yelled, "I have to sit back down!" I lunged myself back into the tub and, again, the next thing I knew, Janet was yelling my name again. I had passed out for a second time.
Once I came to, they couldn't wait any longer trying to get me out of the tub. I remember the other midwife, Holly, getting into the tub and explaining to me that she had to "go in" and pull out those leftover bits of placenta that were causing all the bleeding. I had no idea what that would be like, but I quickly found out. This was the most excruciating procedure I had ever been through in my life....a manual D & C....with no drugs! After labor, passing out twice, and loosing blood, I had nothing left in me to handle the pain. I am normally a quiet laborer. But at this, I screamed at the top of my lungs, begging her to stop. It took three times for her to get everything out, but once she did, the bleeding stopped almost immediately!
Now that the bleeding was under control, they could get me out of the tub and transfer me to my bed. I was very weak, but it was good to finally be out of the cold, hard tub and into my soft, comfy bed. Over the next couple of hours, the midwives worked tirelessly to stabilize my blood pressure. I would feel fine one moment and then very ill the next, vomiting several times. They kept me on oxygen and tried intermittently to get me to eat and drink. In the meantime, Janet had sent a friend out on a mission to track down liquid chlorophyll. It seemed as if everyone was out of it, so she pretty much drove all over town trying to hunt this stuff down. Thankfully, her mission was successful, because as soon as I began to consume this rather large bottle of green plant cell pigment, I began to feel better almost instantly! Hooray for chlorophyll! It should be a must at every birth.
Finally, I was well on the road to recovery. I was able to sit up and nurse little Genevieve for the first time....two hours after she was born. She latched on and nursed like a pro! All was well and the midwives stayed by my side for several hours to make sure I remained stable.
This was the first time I had ever experienced a partial placental detachment. All of my previous births had been smooth and uneventful. Of course, this would happen at my first home birth. But God, in His grace and sovereignty, had His hand on the situation and it was certainly no surprise to Him! He gave the midwives all that they needed to handle this emergency. He gave my family and friends strength in the midst of worry and fright. And He gave me the comfort of knowing I was in capable hands and surrounded by loved ones. I also felt a huge peace in knowing that our new baby was near at all times, and in the loving care of family and friends.
With that being said, I understand that this was a very alarming situation, quite traumatic for my husband, my older girls and my mom. From their perspective, seeing me pass out, turn ghost white, and convulsing, was extremely frightening! I'm sure there was a moment when everyone in the room wanted to call 911. Thankfully, the midwives were equipped to handle this type of emergency and would have called 911 if necessary.
My overall assessment of my first home birth: Wonderful! I do not regret in any way having Genevieve at home. Some people have assumed I wouldn't do it again. Why? My placenta didn't know whether I was at home or in the hospital. Midwives know their craft and I trusted mine to do what was necessary! And she did!
So this is my story and I'm sticking to it! ;-)
God is good and we give Him the glory for the entire birth! Feel free to ask me any questions regarding the birth, or, if you were here during the birth, to chime in where I may have left something out!
Today, our sweet Genevieve is one month old! My, how time flies!
The details of what happened after the birth may be a bit sketchy, so I'll do my best to remember.
After our sweet Genevieve was born, all was well and we were elated. I remained in the tub, with Genevieve resting on my belly, while we waited for the cord to stop pulsing. Once the cord had been cut, we then had to wait on the placenta to deliver. The bleeding at this point was minimal so there were no concerns. Once the placenta was delivered, Genevieve was passed over to Daddy so that I could begin cleaning up. By this time, it had been about 20 minutes since the birth . Just as Janet was helping me to get out of the tub, I suddenly felt strange. My arms felt extremely tingly, so much so that it was quite uncomfortable, then my ears clogged up. The next thing I knew, Janet had her hands on my face and she was yelling, "Candace, Candace!" I had passed out.
At this point, everyone began working quickly to try to get me out of the tub. My midwife determined that my placenta had only partially detached, so I was bleeding heavily! Time was of the essence, so my husband came to my side to assist in getting me out of the tub. As Greg and Janet lifted me to the edge of the tub, I felt that tingly feeling again and my ears began to clog. I yelled, "I have to sit back down!" I lunged myself back into the tub and, again, the next thing I knew, Janet was yelling my name again. I had passed out for a second time.
Once I came to, they couldn't wait any longer trying to get me out of the tub. I remember the other midwife, Holly, getting into the tub and explaining to me that she had to "go in" and pull out those leftover bits of placenta that were causing all the bleeding. I had no idea what that would be like, but I quickly found out. This was the most excruciating procedure I had ever been through in my life....a manual D & C....with no drugs! After labor, passing out twice, and loosing blood, I had nothing left in me to handle the pain. I am normally a quiet laborer. But at this, I screamed at the top of my lungs, begging her to stop. It took three times for her to get everything out, but once she did, the bleeding stopped almost immediately!
Now that the bleeding was under control, they could get me out of the tub and transfer me to my bed. I was very weak, but it was good to finally be out of the cold, hard tub and into my soft, comfy bed. Over the next couple of hours, the midwives worked tirelessly to stabilize my blood pressure. I would feel fine one moment and then very ill the next, vomiting several times. They kept me on oxygen and tried intermittently to get me to eat and drink. In the meantime, Janet had sent a friend out on a mission to track down liquid chlorophyll. It seemed as if everyone was out of it, so she pretty much drove all over town trying to hunt this stuff down. Thankfully, her mission was successful, because as soon as I began to consume this rather large bottle of green plant cell pigment, I began to feel better almost instantly! Hooray for chlorophyll! It should be a must at every birth.
Finally, I was well on the road to recovery. I was able to sit up and nurse little Genevieve for the first time....two hours after she was born. She latched on and nursed like a pro! All was well and the midwives stayed by my side for several hours to make sure I remained stable.
This was the first time I had ever experienced a partial placental detachment. All of my previous births had been smooth and uneventful. Of course, this would happen at my first home birth. But God, in His grace and sovereignty, had His hand on the situation and it was certainly no surprise to Him! He gave the midwives all that they needed to handle this emergency. He gave my family and friends strength in the midst of worry and fright. And He gave me the comfort of knowing I was in capable hands and surrounded by loved ones. I also felt a huge peace in knowing that our new baby was near at all times, and in the loving care of family and friends.
With that being said, I understand that this was a very alarming situation, quite traumatic for my husband, my older girls and my mom. From their perspective, seeing me pass out, turn ghost white, and convulsing, was extremely frightening! I'm sure there was a moment when everyone in the room wanted to call 911. Thankfully, the midwives were equipped to handle this type of emergency and would have called 911 if necessary.
My overall assessment of my first home birth: Wonderful! I do not regret in any way having Genevieve at home. Some people have assumed I wouldn't do it again. Why? My placenta didn't know whether I was at home or in the hospital. Midwives know their craft and I trusted mine to do what was necessary! And she did!
So this is my story and I'm sticking to it! ;-)
God is good and we give Him the glory for the entire birth! Feel free to ask me any questions regarding the birth, or, if you were here during the birth, to chime in where I may have left something out!
Today, our sweet Genevieve is one month old! My, how time flies!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Our Home Birth Story
Part I: Labor and Birth
It all began Sunday, January 6th, late afternoon. While visiting with friends, I noticed I was having regular contractions. At first, I didn't pay much attention the them, but once my friends left, I realized that I was still having regular contractions. They continued and seemed to steadily be four minutes apart. Unsure if this was the start of labor, I decided to take a warm bath to see if this would cause the contractions to fizzle out. While in the tub, they did spread out to about five to six minutes apart. But, as soon as I got out, they returned to about every four minutes. I felt this was indeed early labor, but knew the contractions weren't strong enough to be active labor.
After several hours of wondering if this was labor, I was tired of timing and just tired in general, so I went to bed around 10:30pm. I was so tired, in fact, that part of me hoped labor wouldn't intensify during the night, but rather "pick up where we left off in the morning", after a full night's rest. I had always wished that I could wake up in the morning and go into labor. I've had all my babies late at night, after a long day, and feeling very tired, so I desired a morning labor.
Well, I got half of my wish. I did officially go into labor in the morning, but I certainly didn't get that full night's rest I had hoped for. I guess my mind was just too focused on the possibility of labor, because I was up constantly during the night. I did maintain regular contractions through the night, although only a couple of them were a bit stronger than the rest.
The alarm clock went off at 5:30 am the next morning because I had planned to take my friends to the airport. Well, with having not gotten much sleep AND knowing I was possibly in labor, I awoke Greg and asked him to take them to the airport. The thought of being stuck in morning traffic and having my water break in the car was an unnerving thought.
Before Greg left, I had already experienced a few harder contractions and started to get nervous about something happening while he was gone. I sat down to post on my blog, and as soon as I stood up, I had a very strong contraction, hard enough to have to breathe through. At this point, I KNEW I was in active labor! I told Greg to get to that airport FAST! I also told him to call me every thirty minutes to check on my progress. As soon as he left, I went into labor preparation mode and finished up last minute things in my room and bathroom. In no time, Greg was home and we called the midwife. I think it was about 8:30am when we called her. She said she would go ahead and come because it was going to take her an hour to get here.
At this point, I pretty much stayed in my room as labor intensified. I tried various positions to find what was comfortable. I was almost overwhelmed with choices! In the hospital, I always did the same thing....I walked and stayed on my feet until it was time to push. Ahh, but here at home, I had choices! Almost too many choices. I couldn't decide WHAT I wanted to do! I walked, I stood, I layed in bed.......I was trying to hold out as long as possible before getting into the tub. I wanted to hold out for that much anticipated relief for transition. It wasn't long before the contractions became doozies, so Greg drew the bath......it was time. I had a couple of contractions in the bathroom so I held onto the counter and had Greg rub vigorously on my lower back. This helped tremendously to ease some of the pain. Tub time!
I had only been in the tub about 10 minutes when Janet, my midwife, arrived. While in the tub, I tried to relax and find a comfortable position. The water WAS a great relief, but I couldn't seem to find the right position during a contraction. I wanted to be upright so that Greg could have access to my back, but I felt like I was having to hold myself up which just exerted extra energy that needed to be reserved for the contraction itself.
Just as I was trying to decide if being in the tub was working for me, I had a HUGE contration and suddenly felt "pushy"! To everyone's surprise, including mine, I began grunting and pushing. Usually pushing affords me some relief, but I wasn't feeling any. But, with the next push, I felt a pop and then MAJOR relief. My bag of water had ruptured. Labor had advanced so quickly that it hadn't even occured to me that my water bag was still in tact.
By this time, my small bathroom had filled up with lots of people: My mom, the kids, my friends, and my midwife. Greg left my back to get into the "catcher's position". In one push, I felt the baby go from high up in my pelvis to crowning. I instictively put my hand on the baby's head to ease her out to prevent tearing. Once her head was out, Janet instructed Greg to check for any cord around the neck. No cord! Before my next push I remember yelling, "I hate the shoulders!" and bracing myself for the next push. The head is not what bothers me, it's those shoulders! Ouch! So, with one final push, Greg pulled our sweet baby girl out and placed her on my belly. She was perfect and breathing well! Our baby was finally here!
I can't tell you what a blessing it was to be surrounded by loved ones to share this miracle with us! I always love the sounds of all the people around me after giving birth. The shouts of joy, the praising, and the laughter. It's priceless!
Genevieve Julee was born January 7th at 9:52am. She was milky white (with vernix) and absolutley beautiful! The birth was amazing and Genevieve was strong and healthy! Best of all, Greg finally got to deliver one of our babies! God is good!
Part Two
It all began Sunday, January 6th, late afternoon. While visiting with friends, I noticed I was having regular contractions. At first, I didn't pay much attention the them, but once my friends left, I realized that I was still having regular contractions. They continued and seemed to steadily be four minutes apart. Unsure if this was the start of labor, I decided to take a warm bath to see if this would cause the contractions to fizzle out. While in the tub, they did spread out to about five to six minutes apart. But, as soon as I got out, they returned to about every four minutes. I felt this was indeed early labor, but knew the contractions weren't strong enough to be active labor.
After several hours of wondering if this was labor, I was tired of timing and just tired in general, so I went to bed around 10:30pm. I was so tired, in fact, that part of me hoped labor wouldn't intensify during the night, but rather "pick up where we left off in the morning", after a full night's rest. I had always wished that I could wake up in the morning and go into labor. I've had all my babies late at night, after a long day, and feeling very tired, so I desired a morning labor.
Well, I got half of my wish. I did officially go into labor in the morning, but I certainly didn't get that full night's rest I had hoped for. I guess my mind was just too focused on the possibility of labor, because I was up constantly during the night. I did maintain regular contractions through the night, although only a couple of them were a bit stronger than the rest.
The alarm clock went off at 5:30 am the next morning because I had planned to take my friends to the airport. Well, with having not gotten much sleep AND knowing I was possibly in labor, I awoke Greg and asked him to take them to the airport. The thought of being stuck in morning traffic and having my water break in the car was an unnerving thought.
Before Greg left, I had already experienced a few harder contractions and started to get nervous about something happening while he was gone. I sat down to post on my blog, and as soon as I stood up, I had a very strong contraction, hard enough to have to breathe through. At this point, I KNEW I was in active labor! I told Greg to get to that airport FAST! I also told him to call me every thirty minutes to check on my progress. As soon as he left, I went into labor preparation mode and finished up last minute things in my room and bathroom. In no time, Greg was home and we called the midwife. I think it was about 8:30am when we called her. She said she would go ahead and come because it was going to take her an hour to get here.
At this point, I pretty much stayed in my room as labor intensified. I tried various positions to find what was comfortable. I was almost overwhelmed with choices! In the hospital, I always did the same thing....I walked and stayed on my feet until it was time to push. Ahh, but here at home, I had choices! Almost too many choices. I couldn't decide WHAT I wanted to do! I walked, I stood, I layed in bed.......I was trying to hold out as long as possible before getting into the tub. I wanted to hold out for that much anticipated relief for transition. It wasn't long before the contractions became doozies, so Greg drew the bath......it was time. I had a couple of contractions in the bathroom so I held onto the counter and had Greg rub vigorously on my lower back. This helped tremendously to ease some of the pain. Tub time!
I had only been in the tub about 10 minutes when Janet, my midwife, arrived. While in the tub, I tried to relax and find a comfortable position. The water WAS a great relief, but I couldn't seem to find the right position during a contraction. I wanted to be upright so that Greg could have access to my back, but I felt like I was having to hold myself up which just exerted extra energy that needed to be reserved for the contraction itself.
Just as I was trying to decide if being in the tub was working for me, I had a HUGE contration and suddenly felt "pushy"! To everyone's surprise, including mine, I began grunting and pushing. Usually pushing affords me some relief, but I wasn't feeling any. But, with the next push, I felt a pop and then MAJOR relief. My bag of water had ruptured. Labor had advanced so quickly that it hadn't even occured to me that my water bag was still in tact.
By this time, my small bathroom had filled up with lots of people: My mom, the kids, my friends, and my midwife. Greg left my back to get into the "catcher's position". In one push, I felt the baby go from high up in my pelvis to crowning. I instictively put my hand on the baby's head to ease her out to prevent tearing. Once her head was out, Janet instructed Greg to check for any cord around the neck. No cord! Before my next push I remember yelling, "I hate the shoulders!" and bracing myself for the next push. The head is not what bothers me, it's those shoulders! Ouch! So, with one final push, Greg pulled our sweet baby girl out and placed her on my belly. She was perfect and breathing well! Our baby was finally here!
I can't tell you what a blessing it was to be surrounded by loved ones to share this miracle with us! I always love the sounds of all the people around me after giving birth. The shouts of joy, the praising, and the laughter. It's priceless!
Genevieve Julee was born January 7th at 9:52am. She was milky white (with vernix) and absolutley beautiful! The birth was amazing and Genevieve was strong and healthy! Best of all, Greg finally got to deliver one of our babies! God is good!
Part Two
Meme
I've been tagged.......again!
Okay, here's six not-so-important things about me:
1. Growing up I was a complete tomboy! I really had no use for girls and the things girls did. Boys were much more fun.......they played rough sports, weren't emotional and didn't care what my hair or clothes looked like! In sixth grade, I played Little League baseball. My positions were first base and catcher. Later, I went on to play (girlie) softball in highschool where I made MVP. Those were the days! My sophmore year in highschool, I played football. Yes, football. On the boys team! I told you I was a tomboy! My positions were split end and defensive back. I was good and I loved the game. I even made front page news in my hometown. And NO, I would never let MY girls play......are you crazy......football is dangerous and SO unlady-like! ;-)
2. Also growing up, I always said I was never getting married and NEVER having kids........
3. I cringe when people sneeze near me, especially behind me! It gives me the heebie-geebies!
4. Josh Groban's music can bring me to tears. Not much else can!
5. Having many children has mostly cured my germ phobia. Although, I still have occasional issues with restaurants and what employees do behind the scenes!
6. I have several OCD's. One is, the four pillows on my couch HAVE to be placed with the pattern sitting vertically with the seam down. It irritates me when someone places them any other way but this way! I'll spare you from rest!
I think everyone I know has been tagged except Adrienne.
Okay, here's six not-so-important things about me:
1. Growing up I was a complete tomboy! I really had no use for girls and the things girls did. Boys were much more fun.......they played rough sports, weren't emotional and didn't care what my hair or clothes looked like! In sixth grade, I played Little League baseball. My positions were first base and catcher. Later, I went on to play (girlie) softball in highschool where I made MVP. Those were the days! My sophmore year in highschool, I played football. Yes, football. On the boys team! I told you I was a tomboy! My positions were split end and defensive back. I was good and I loved the game. I even made front page news in my hometown. And NO, I would never let MY girls play......are you crazy......football is dangerous and SO unlady-like! ;-)
2. Also growing up, I always said I was never getting married and NEVER having kids........
3. I cringe when people sneeze near me, especially behind me! It gives me the heebie-geebies!
4. Josh Groban's music can bring me to tears. Not much else can!
5. Having many children has mostly cured my germ phobia. Although, I still have occasional issues with restaurants and what employees do behind the scenes!
6. I have several OCD's. One is, the four pillows on my couch HAVE to be placed with the pattern sitting vertically with the seam down. It irritates me when someone places them any other way but this way! I'll spare you from rest!
I think everyone I know has been tagged except Adrienne.
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Business of Being Born
The Business of Being Born
Greg and I (and Genevieve) attended a private screening last night to view this AMAZING documentary about birth and how women's view of birth has changed over the decades. We were floored by many of the statistics, both nationwide and local, concerning infant mortality rate (in hospitals) and the C-section rate in the U.S. We learned, that in Bexar County alone, the C-section rate is 50% for those on Medicaid!
And on this birth note, I've been working on our birth story and should have it posted soon!
Greg and I (and Genevieve) attended a private screening last night to view this AMAZING documentary about birth and how women's view of birth has changed over the decades. We were floored by many of the statistics, both nationwide and local, concerning infant mortality rate (in hospitals) and the C-section rate in the U.S. We learned, that in Bexar County alone, the C-section rate is 50% for those on Medicaid!
The Synopsis of the Film:
Birth: it’s a miracle. A rite of passage. A natural part of life. But more than anything, birth is a business. Compelled to find answers after a disappointing birth experience with her first child, actress Ricki Lake recruits filmmaker Abby Epstein to examine and question the way American women have babies.
The film interlaces intimate birth stories with surprising historical, political and scientific insights and shocking statistics about the current maternity care system. When director Epstein discovers she is pregnant during the making of the film, the journey becomes even more personal.
Should most births be viewed as a natural life process, or should every delivery be treated as a potentially catastrophic medical emergency?
And on this birth note, I've been working on our birth story and should have it posted soon!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Helping Children
Always ready to help.......I think?
The scene this morning:
Celeste runs upstairs to check on the little ones. You know.........when it's TOO quiet, something's up! She finds Seth, Sophia and Ethan in the bathroom. Ethan has no pajamas on and NO diaper.
Celeste: What are you all doing in here?
Sophia: We're trying to get Ethan pottied!
Celeste: He's not ready yet! Get his diaper and jammies on right now!
So then Sophia comes running to the stairs and shouts down to me, "Mommy, Ethan WANTS to be potty trained!"
Me: Oh really! Well, we'll have to think about that one! (Shaking my head, I send Celeste back up to get Ethan dressed.)
The funny thing is, the little ones probably COULD "get Ethan pottied"! I have to admit......I do love their enthusiasm!
The scene this morning:
Celeste runs upstairs to check on the little ones. You know.........when it's TOO quiet, something's up! She finds Seth, Sophia and Ethan in the bathroom. Ethan has no pajamas on and NO diaper.
Celeste: What are you all doing in here?
Sophia: We're trying to get Ethan pottied!
Celeste: He's not ready yet! Get his diaper and jammies on right now!
So then Sophia comes running to the stairs and shouts down to me, "Mommy, Ethan WANTS to be potty trained!"
Me: Oh really! Well, we'll have to think about that one! (Shaking my head, I send Celeste back up to get Ethan dressed.)
The funny thing is, the little ones probably COULD "get Ethan pottied"! I have to admit......I do love their enthusiasm!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Stop the Time
Someone please stop time......
It's hard to believe it's been one whole week since Genevieve was born! I know children are supposed to grow and all, but time is going by WAY too quickly! We are enjoying this sweet baby so much! We're also enjoying our visit with my mom. All the kids have attached themselves to her, and I always love any chance to spend time with my mom. She is so much fun to be around and always a trememdous help! I'm not ready for her to leave this Friday......although, I'd never be ready for her to leave! I wish time could just stand still.....just for a little while!
Well, here are a few more pictures of our sweet girl. The little ones love to hold her and love on her........
And here's our precious little girl at one week......
The birth story and more pics soon to come............
It's hard to believe it's been one whole week since Genevieve was born! I know children are supposed to grow and all, but time is going by WAY too quickly! We are enjoying this sweet baby so much! We're also enjoying our visit with my mom. All the kids have attached themselves to her, and I always love any chance to spend time with my mom. She is so much fun to be around and always a trememdous help! I'm not ready for her to leave this Friday......although, I'd never be ready for her to leave! I wish time could just stand still.....just for a little while!
Well, here are a few more pictures of our sweet girl. The little ones love to hold her and love on her........
And here's our precious little girl at one week......
The birth story and more pics soon to come............
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
All is Well
All is well and we're singing praises........
Hello to all of our precious friends and family who shared in our joy and our slight scare via the blog! I read each and every comment and so much appreciate your love and concern. All is well now and we are very much enjoying our sweet baby girl. She is a gift!
I will be posting the birth story along with many more pictures very soon, but for now I just wanted to take the time to thank you for your prayers, emails, and calls. I'm so sorry to those of you who were supposed to be present at the birth but did not make it, and thank those of you who were there. Everyone played such a vital role in the birth and we thank you for being apart of our miraculous day!
Thank you to Aubrey for running all over town to hunt down Liquid Chlorophyll, which made all the difference. Thank you to Shannon for the wonderful pot of Chicken Soup and all the goodies you brought. Thank you to Stacey, Shannon, and Tiffany for taking pictures. And thank you to everyone else for helping where help was needed! I love you all and was so glad you were there! I also want to sing the praises of Janet and Holly, the two midwives, and their apprentices, for their quick actions, their professionalism and their sweet spirits in the midst of a difficult situation. They were AMAZING!
In the end, God was faithful with His protection and gracious in His blessing of a new baby who was delivered into the arms of her Daddy! Stay tuned........more to come soon!
Hello to all of our precious friends and family who shared in our joy and our slight scare via the blog! I read each and every comment and so much appreciate your love and concern. All is well now and we are very much enjoying our sweet baby girl. She is a gift!I will be posting the birth story along with many more pictures very soon, but for now I just wanted to take the time to thank you for your prayers, emails, and calls. I'm so sorry to those of you who were supposed to be present at the birth but did not make it, and thank those of you who were there. Everyone played such a vital role in the birth and we thank you for being apart of our miraculous day!
Thank you to Aubrey for running all over town to hunt down Liquid Chlorophyll, which made all the difference. Thank you to Shannon for the wonderful pot of Chicken Soup and all the goodies you brought. Thank you to Stacey, Shannon, and Tiffany for taking pictures. And thank you to everyone else for helping where help was needed! I love you all and was so glad you were there! I also want to sing the praises of Janet and Holly, the two midwives, and their apprentices, for their quick actions, their professionalism and their sweet spirits in the midst of a difficult situation. They were AMAZING!
In the end, God was faithful with His protection and gracious in His blessing of a new baby who was delivered into the arms of her Daddy! Stay tuned........more to come soon!
Monday, January 07, 2008
Finally Nursing
Mama and Baby G are both doing fine. Candace is very stable and her BP hasn't taken any big dips in awhile. She is now eating chicken soup and sipping on a VERY large bottle of chlorophyll! Janet will continue to monitor her for a few hours.
G has nursed several times now like a pro. She likes to suck on those fingers when she's not nursing.
Thanks to all who have been checking in by blog, email, or phone. Your prayers have meant the world to Greg and Candace. Keep them coming!
This will be my last post for them. Hopefully Proud Daddy will be able to post some pics soon.
-Aubrey for all here
G has nursed several times now like a pro. She likes to suck on those fingers when she's not nursing.
Thanks to all who have been checking in by blog, email, or phone. Your prayers have meant the world to Greg and Candace. Keep them coming!
This will be my last post for them. Hopefully Proud Daddy will be able to post some pics soon.
-Aubrey for all here
Update
Baby Genevieve is 7lbs 14oz. 20 1/4in long.
Mama is better. She is sitting up and eating a few bites of egg and drinking some juice. BP is looking much better now. Janet is even smiling and joking now. She still has not been able to nurse yet but we are hopeful that will be very soon.
I wish you could smell this house! Shannon came over right after the birth and is making a huge pot of soup. The smell has reached Candace all the way upstairs and she cant wait to try it.
More later, Aubrey for all here
Mama is better. She is sitting up and eating a few bites of egg and drinking some juice. BP is looking much better now. Janet is even smiling and joking now. She still has not been able to nurse yet but we are hopeful that will be very soon.
I wish you could smell this house! Shannon came over right after the birth and is making a huge pot of soup. The smell has reached Candace all the way upstairs and she cant wait to try it.
More later, Aubrey for all here
Please Pray...
Pray for Candace. Janet and Holly finally have her in the bed. She had a partially detached placenta and fainted quite a few times. Thank goodness for oxygen! Janet is now sure she has gotten it all but is being cautious. Candace just smiled at me and told me to post so that is a good sign! Baby G is sucking hard on her first finger and thumb, waiting patiently to nurse! Update again soon.
-Aubrey for all here
-Aubrey for all here
Genevieve Julee
Her name is Genevieve Julee. She is lovely and doing just fine. Mama is hanging in there after a little blood loss and a fainting spell. Janet is taking terrific care of her. Weight still to come when Mama is taken care of.
-Aubrey for all here
-Aubrey for all here
Its a GIRL!
9:52am
She went from a 6 to pushing in about 5 min. Baby girl is crying and Mama is happy and exhausted. Dad did get to deliver. Weight and name to come!
-Aubrey for all here
She went from a 6 to pushing in about 5 min. Baby girl is crying and Mama is happy and exhausted. Dad did get to deliver. Weight and name to come!
-Aubrey for all here
In Labor
I'm definitely in labor! Contractions are about 3-4 mins apart and getting stronger! I've called the midwife to update her and I've been preparing my room and bathroom. Please pray......I'm a little nervous. I'll probably be making phone calls real soon!
Update
It's Getting Closer
My mom is now 5cm!! The contractions are getting stronger, and they're still
about 3-4 min apart. I will post again in a little while.
Please pray!!!!
My mom is now 5cm!! The contractions are getting stronger, and they're still
about 3-4 min apart. I will post again in a little while.
Please pray!!!!
Long Night, No Baby Yet
It's 6 am, and I definitely had a long night! I continued to have contractions through the night, more spread out, but fairly consistent. This morning I feel more pressure and have already had a couple of stronger contractions just being up and on my feet.
Greg is getting ready to drive our friends to the airport, so I'm praying nothing happens while he's gone. He should be home by 8 am. I'll start timing contractions again in the meantime and pray that my water does not break while he's gone.
At this point, I would be VERY surprised if this baby isn't born today! Please pray for us!
Greg is getting ready to drive our friends to the airport, so I'm praying nothing happens while he's gone. He should be home by 8 am. I'll start timing contractions again in the meantime and pray that my water does not break while he's gone.
At this point, I would be VERY surprised if this baby isn't born today! Please pray for us!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Not Much Change
Since out of the tub, I was having contactions every 3-4 minutes apart. In the last 30 minutes they seem to have spread out slightly. Since they're not getting any stronger, and I'm feeling really tired, I'm going to bed now just in case this is early labor. It will be interesting to see what happens during the night, if anything.
I wish I had more exciting news to report at this time......I'll definitley post again, or make phone calls if there are any changes. Otherwise, I'll talk to you tomorrow! Signing off.........
I wish I had more exciting news to report at this time......I'll definitley post again, or make phone calls if there are any changes. Otherwise, I'll talk to you tomorrow! Signing off.........
Still Not Sure
Well, I just got out of the tub. While in, my contractions were about 4-6 apart. I'm still not convinced this is actual labor so I still won't make any calls. I'll just continue timing and I'll post again if and when there's any change (to include fizzling out). I think it's gonna be a long night.........
Could This Be?
I'm not saying I'm in labor yet, BUT, I've been steadily having contractions about every four minutes for about the last hour. I don't want to get my hopes up, or anyone else's, so I'm not even making phone calls yet. I'll post again in an hour or so with an update. It's about 7:10 pm. We'll see........
Saturday, January 05, 2008
No News
No news.....yet.......
......except that my mom arrived safely yesterday afternoon. It is SO good to have her here and I'm so thankful she made it in time for the baby! Now I'm ready!!!
So far, nothing has been happening. I have an appt with my midwife this morning and after that we plan to be VERY active. ;-) Thank you to all of my sweet friends who have been calling to check on me! It's so exciting and I LOVE that the people around us are excited too! Hopefully, we'll have news very soon!
Have a great day!
......except that my mom arrived safely yesterday afternoon. It is SO good to have her here and I'm so thankful she made it in time for the baby! Now I'm ready!!!
So far, nothing has been happening. I have an appt with my midwife this morning and after that we plan to be VERY active. ;-) Thank you to all of my sweet friends who have been calling to check on me! It's so exciting and I LOVE that the people around us are excited too! Hopefully, we'll have news very soon!
Have a great day!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Family Update
Just some updates.........
Can you believe I'm just FOUR days away from my due date? I can't believe it! The funny thing is.......I'm still in no rush to go into labor. I think it's because I REALLY want to hold out until my mom gets here on the 4th. Just rwo more days........I think I can hold on! ;-) Initially, she was only able to stay one week, but thankfully, she was able to extend her stay to TWO WEEKS! Yippee! Now I feel like we have time..........time to visit, time for the baby to come, and time to enjoy the baby once he/she arrives!
I have been SO lost without our digital camera! It broke some time ago and I've realized it's not as much fun posting on the blog without pictures to go along with some of the posts. I'm sure we'll replace it soon, but before the birth! We do have a video camera, and a stock pile of disposable cameras, but without a digital, I can't zip out pictures of the baby to friends and family right away! SOOOOO, if you're coming to my birth (and you know who you are), will you PLEASE bring your digital camera with you? At least that way you all can email me the pics and I can email those out! I would really appreciate it!
A few friends have asked about the latest on our house situation. Well, as you know, we have not sold our current home yet, so the possibility of moving is looking slim. Although the new house is still not completed, we received a phone call the other day from our sales rep telling us that the "head honchos" want to cancel our contract because we have not sold our house. Honestly, we couldn't help but just laugh about it! If they want to cancel before the house is even finished, so be it! Our sales rep is still trying to fight the big guys and convince them to hold onto the contract until the house is done (at least another month), so we'll see what happens. In the end, it really doesn't matter though. God in in control and He already has a plan for the Sabo family so we'll just sit back and watch what He does in this situation. In the meantime, we'll just focus on the arrival of this sweet baby and enjoy my mom being here. I guess the only thing we may do if the contract is canceled is take our house off the market so we can rest and enjoy the baby without the hassel of showings!
Please keep in prayer the Cambron family! Many of you know already that Charles is leaving for Iraq for the second time in a couple of days. He'll be gone for four months. Please pray for his safety while he's away and the peace of knowing his family will be taken care of. Pray for Stacey and the kids as they wait for his return. May God fill them with His peace and comfort and may those of us around them minister to them daily! We'll miss you Charles! Thank you for all that you do to protect your country!
I guess that's all for updates. Hopefully my next post will be labor and baby news! Happy New Year!
Can you believe I'm just FOUR days away from my due date? I can't believe it! The funny thing is.......I'm still in no rush to go into labor. I think it's because I REALLY want to hold out until my mom gets here on the 4th. Just rwo more days........I think I can hold on! ;-) Initially, she was only able to stay one week, but thankfully, she was able to extend her stay to TWO WEEKS! Yippee! Now I feel like we have time..........time to visit, time for the baby to come, and time to enjoy the baby once he/she arrives!
I have been SO lost without our digital camera! It broke some time ago and I've realized it's not as much fun posting on the blog without pictures to go along with some of the posts. I'm sure we'll replace it soon, but before the birth! We do have a video camera, and a stock pile of disposable cameras, but without a digital, I can't zip out pictures of the baby to friends and family right away! SOOOOO, if you're coming to my birth (and you know who you are), will you PLEASE bring your digital camera with you? At least that way you all can email me the pics and I can email those out! I would really appreciate it!
A few friends have asked about the latest on our house situation. Well, as you know, we have not sold our current home yet, so the possibility of moving is looking slim. Although the new house is still not completed, we received a phone call the other day from our sales rep telling us that the "head honchos" want to cancel our contract because we have not sold our house. Honestly, we couldn't help but just laugh about it! If they want to cancel before the house is even finished, so be it! Our sales rep is still trying to fight the big guys and convince them to hold onto the contract until the house is done (at least another month), so we'll see what happens. In the end, it really doesn't matter though. God in in control and He already has a plan for the Sabo family so we'll just sit back and watch what He does in this situation. In the meantime, we'll just focus on the arrival of this sweet baby and enjoy my mom being here. I guess the only thing we may do if the contract is canceled is take our house off the market so we can rest and enjoy the baby without the hassel of showings!
Please keep in prayer the Cambron family! Many of you know already that Charles is leaving for Iraq for the second time in a couple of days. He'll be gone for four months. Please pray for his safety while he's away and the peace of knowing his family will be taken care of. Pray for Stacey and the kids as they wait for his return. May God fill them with His peace and comfort and may those of us around them minister to them daily! We'll miss you Charles! Thank you for all that you do to protect your country!
I guess that's all for updates. Hopefully my next post will be labor and baby news! Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The Race
The Race for the Finish
I hope that you all had a wonderful celebration of our Lord's birth. We had a great time of celebration, reflection, and fun! Hopefully, the kids will stay busy for at least two minutes with the new things they received this year!
Now that Christmas is over, I have this overwhelming urge to REorganize EVERYHTING again! I think this even goes beyond my nesting phase last week. We are prepared and ready for the home birth and definitely ready to meet this precious baby. But, as I look around the house, I see many things that need to be accomplished. As many of you know, organizing in itself is an ongoing event, especially in a large family, or in a family where Mom hates clutter. So, thankfully I have the desire and energy to get these things done. So yesterday, I began with a complete overhaul on my bathroom, with the help of my wonderful husband. Now it is fit for a laboring mama, complete with candles and new towels!
Next, it was time for another round of haircuts! I wanted to get this done before the baby, otherwise it won't get done after baby, at least for a while. Just Ethan's hair to go. After haircuts and dinner, while the rest of family watched a movie, Celeste and I cleaned every crack and crevice of Seth's room and closet! It was a disaster in there, and being that my mom will be staying in his room, it was definitely a priority, one that cannot be entrusted to a six year old! No, this was a job for MOM! And finally, after we finished in there, I actually had enough energy to tackle the playroom too! I am so thankful for this energy, because prior to my nesting phase, I had ZERO energy and didn't think I'd get anything done before the baby. It amazing how God gives us this burst of energy and excitement near the end of pregnancy so that we can prepare for the baby. I just have to be careful and not over do it so that I'll have what I need to get through labor, right? ;-)
Today will be another day of the same. First on my list is making another menu and grocery list. Many of know already that I have menus premade with coordinating shopping lists, but we seem to go through the five menus quickly so I want at least one more. This will give me six, two week menus, giving us a total of three months worth of meals. At least I can do this task sitting down! Ahhhhh! Next on the list is the pantry! It's been a year or so since I last conquered it, so it's time to go through again and get rid of the old and make room for the new. I got two new small appliances for Christmas and have no where to store them, so this is a MUST DO project today!
My final "to do" will be getting a post out to family about what's happening with each family member these days. I've wanted to do this for quite some time, and even began the post on Christmas, but it will be fairly lengthy, so I'll eventually get to it. After all, this blog was mainly started for family and distant friends to be able to keep up with the happenings of our family! Stay tuned........
Okay.......time to get to work! Have a great day!
I hope that you all had a wonderful celebration of our Lord's birth. We had a great time of celebration, reflection, and fun! Hopefully, the kids will stay busy for at least two minutes with the new things they received this year!
Now that Christmas is over, I have this overwhelming urge to REorganize EVERYHTING again! I think this even goes beyond my nesting phase last week. We are prepared and ready for the home birth and definitely ready to meet this precious baby. But, as I look around the house, I see many things that need to be accomplished. As many of you know, organizing in itself is an ongoing event, especially in a large family, or in a family where Mom hates clutter. So, thankfully I have the desire and energy to get these things done. So yesterday, I began with a complete overhaul on my bathroom, with the help of my wonderful husband. Now it is fit for a laboring mama, complete with candles and new towels!
Next, it was time for another round of haircuts! I wanted to get this done before the baby, otherwise it won't get done after baby, at least for a while. Just Ethan's hair to go. After haircuts and dinner, while the rest of family watched a movie, Celeste and I cleaned every crack and crevice of Seth's room and closet! It was a disaster in there, and being that my mom will be staying in his room, it was definitely a priority, one that cannot be entrusted to a six year old! No, this was a job for MOM! And finally, after we finished in there, I actually had enough energy to tackle the playroom too! I am so thankful for this energy, because prior to my nesting phase, I had ZERO energy and didn't think I'd get anything done before the baby. It amazing how God gives us this burst of energy and excitement near the end of pregnancy so that we can prepare for the baby. I just have to be careful and not over do it so that I'll have what I need to get through labor, right? ;-)
Today will be another day of the same. First on my list is making another menu and grocery list. Many of know already that I have menus premade with coordinating shopping lists, but we seem to go through the five menus quickly so I want at least one more. This will give me six, two week menus, giving us a total of three months worth of meals. At least I can do this task sitting down! Ahhhhh! Next on the list is the pantry! It's been a year or so since I last conquered it, so it's time to go through again and get rid of the old and make room for the new. I got two new small appliances for Christmas and have no where to store them, so this is a MUST DO project today!
My final "to do" will be getting a post out to family about what's happening with each family member these days. I've wanted to do this for quite some time, and even began the post on Christmas, but it will be fairly lengthy, so I'll eventually get to it. After all, this blog was mainly started for family and distant friends to be able to keep up with the happenings of our family! Stay tuned........
Okay.......time to get to work! Have a great day!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Nesting
We're down to the final two and a half weeks until my due date. I still can't believe I'm this close to delivery day. This pregnancy has zipped by so quickly, I almost feel like I need a bit more time. I said almost! We've been so preoccupied with house stuff and the possibility of moving, that it was hard to get into baby-readiness mode. Now that we know we'll be staying right here for at least another month or so, I've switched modes and have begun preparing for the arrival of our sweet baby.
Preparing this time around is quite different from our previous births. Rather than packing a bag and thinking through what I'll need to take to the hospital, I'm setting things up for our first home birth. Yesterday, we did some rearranging in our bedroom to accommodate the cradle and a table for birth supplies. I also washed all the baby linens and the car seat cover. I still need to pull out the neutral clothes and get those washed, but other than that, we're ready.....I think!
For those of you who may be interested in keeping up with the progress of my labor, I am going to try to live blog the event. I thought it was very cool to read the labor/births of Stephanie and Kim C while they were happening, so I'll do my best to post as much as possible, or at least have others post for me! This will be really great for family and friends who are far away. I'll zip out an email when I go into labor with the blog link. We'll see what happens.....
If you think of us, please keep us in prayer as we approach the big day. We thank God in advance for this gift and pray that He will allow us to have a safe and wonderful delivery at home!
Photo Credit
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Weary Mommy
God is so good to always be molding and shaping us into His image. He allows us to go through many trials, whether big or small, to teach us, to grow us, and to remind us that we can do nothing apart from Him.
Well, my trials over the past month or so have been small compared to many I know, but nonetheless, have taught me that our reliance upon the Lord isn't simply day by day, or even hour by hour, but rather, minute by minute!
This pregnancy has been my most difficult, hormonally. I've never experienced such drastic hormonal shifts, and ups and downs, as I have this time. I'm also the most tired I have ever been in my life.
I'm irritable, snappy, and grumpy most of the time!
As it is, life with six kids (two of whom are fairly needy) and being nine months pregnant with number seven certainly comes with a few challenges. But, throw in there some unpredictable hormones and voila!....you've got ME!
While all of these very things bring me great joy, hard days are just to be expected. But.....for all of this....I rejoice! I thank God for allowing me to be in a place where I am calling out to Him, and being reminded that I cannot get through the day, or even the next minute without Him!
I am also being reminded of what it means to love unconditionally through the love of my husband. Greg has shown such mercy, love, and patience with me during my not-so-pleasant mood swings. He amazes me by always displaying a heart of Christ. I have a lot to learn and he has always been a great teacher to me.
This post happens to be my 100th post, which took more than a year to get to. Traditionally, I guess you're supposed to list 100 things about yourself, but rather than do that, I thought I'd post a few things about me that show a little transparency, a little vulnerability, a little humility, and a lot of praise for my precious Lord, apart from Whom I can do nothing.
God is good ALL THE TIME...even at our weariest moments.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving
Giving Thanks........
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to ALL generations.
Psalm 100: 4-5
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!!!!!!
Photo Credit
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Poor Ethan
What a pretty little........girl?
No, this is not Ethan's secret twin sister! Ashamedly, this was Cheyenne and Celeste's doing in protest of Ethan's long hair. And sadly, it worked. He did end up finally getting a haircut, but, it's already time for another. I guess I'd better hurry up and cut it again before they get another bright idea.
Needless to say.......DAD WAS NOT HAPPY!!!
No, this is not Ethan's secret twin sister! Ashamedly, this was Cheyenne and Celeste's doing in protest of Ethan's long hair. And sadly, it worked. He did end up finally getting a haircut, but, it's already time for another. I guess I'd better hurry up and cut it again before they get another bright idea.
Needless to say.......DAD WAS NOT HAPPY!!!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Reformation Day
Reformation Day Faire
Do you all think that Covenant of Grace can pull this off next year? How fun!!! Be sure and check out all of the photos. Aside from the gorgeous costumes, my favorite pic has to be the one of the stocks, which were reserved for those who tried to sell "indulgences". Too cute!
Do you all think that Covenant of Grace can pull this off next year? How fun!!! Be sure and check out all of the photos. Aside from the gorgeous costumes, my favorite pic has to be the one of the stocks, which were reserved for those who tried to sell "indulgences". Too cute!
Monday, October 29, 2007
We've Been Tagged
......by the sick bug, that is! Just when we thought we had escaped it, IT got us......well some of us! Ethan, Chloe and Sophia are all croupy with slight fevers. Last night, we had to take Ethan to an Urgent Care clinic because he was having some breathing difficulty. After two breathing treatments and an oral steroid, he was back to his mischievous self. He slept well until about 3am and then began wheezing again, but not as severe. He's doing well this morning......we'll just keep an eye on him. Sophia seems to be getting over it already and Chloe seems to be in the thick of it. We're hoping and praying that everyone will be well by Wednesday in time for our Reformation celebration at church.
And to just second what Tami said about Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care , they were wonderful! We had been there before about a year ago, and had a good experience, so we were definitely willing to go back rather than deal with an ER. Anyway, they were a bit busy but because Ethan was having breathing issues, they immediately took us back to at least get his O2 sat checked, which was what we were concerned about. Since it was 97, they sent us back out to the waiting room. While we waited, his breathing got worse. By the time it was our turn, his O2 saturation had dropped so they began a breathing treatment immediately. We got to the clinic about 8pm and didn't leave until 11:30......the clinic closed at 9pm. Although I'm sure they're used to staying after hours, it was their cheerful spirits (that late at night after a long day) and their care for Ethan that really made us feel good about being there. Another neat service is that you can register on-line before you go (which is what we did) to avoid a lot of paper work once you get there. All we had to do was sign our name and give them our insurance card. Much quicker and much easier when you have a sick child. So, if you live in San Antonio and want to avoid the ER, I highly recommend this clinic!
Hoping YOU all are well and having a great day!
Photo Credit
Friday, October 26, 2007
This and That
We've had a very busy morning.......actually, it began last night with the deep cleaning and weeding out of Seth's room/closet. It's amazing how fast that boy's room can clutter up. This morning, the girls and I began another session of REorganizing and swapping out seasonal clothes. I wish this was a semi-annual event for us, but it seems as if we have to do this at least quarterly! I hate clutter so whenever the house starts to feel crowded or unorganized, it's time to declutter. We filled up a huge garbage bag of "goodwill" stuff, which may not seem like a big deal, but considering we filled about EIGHT bags just two months ago, filling another bag was a surprise. Now all of the rooms are in order and the closets and drawers are thinned out and very accessible once again! We also went through our baby bins and put away things Ethan has grown out of and reorganized those bins! Ahhh, it feels so good to have all of that done! Now for the downstairs.....
Okay, I have to admit I'm getting a little nervous about our house selling.....uh......not selling. All along, we have felt strongly that whether it sells or not, God's in control, He has a plan, and we want what He wants. Well, we still feel this way.......it's just gotten a little more tempting to REALLY want to move into the new house. A couple of days ago, our loan guy called and said we may be eligible for Texas Vet. Well, we didn't think we would be eligible because we thought you had to enter the military or exit the military as a Texas resident. To our surprise and joy, that's not the case. SO, what this means is that we were able to get an insanely low interest rate (and we had a low one to begin with) which would reduce our payment even more! It would be a bummer to miss out on living in this very spacious home located in a beautiful area for about the same as what we're paying here. BUT.......like I said, as great as it sounds, God has already gone before us and knows what's best for our family! We trust HIM, not us! If ya think of us and our house situation, would you please pray that God would bring a buyer (we have about a month to get a contract going), or that we would accept graciously and contently not moving into the house we're building! Thanks!
Fall is in the air!!! With the cooler temps sticking around, the sounds of Psalty's Christmas Calamity playing in the background, and the smell of Chili simmering away in the crock pot, it's definitely feeling like fall!
The reality of a firefighter is that it doesn't matter if it's a weekend or Columbus Day or Christmas, if you're scheduled to work, YOU WORK. Well, our reality this year is that Greg has to work on Christmas day. He is trying to see if any of the single guys are willing to trade him Christmas for New Year's Eve, but so far, no luck! I really can't complain though because Greg has been blessed year after year by having Christmas off. The worst we've had it was when he had to work four Thanksgivings in a row. Well, FOR the last four Thanksgivings, the other shift has had to work. It will happen again this year! So, like I said, I can't complain too much that Greg has to work this year for Christmas. We'll just celebrate on Christmas Eve and plan fun activities for the kids on Christmas. Another blessing is that we can go to Greg for Christmas! It's so neat that we can go to the station any time we want to visit him......like we'll be doing tonight for dinner! And, to remind me to be even more thankful....Greg is just at work, down the road......not in Iraq or some other dangerous place. Perspective is a wonderful thing! ;-)
Cheyenne will be starting Driver's Ed training! Enough said!
Wow, I can't believe I'm nearly 30 weeks along in pregnancy. The time has really flown by! I have begun my two week appts with my midwife and we're trying to mentally prepare for the home birth. The only thing that could make this easier is by knowing where I'll be giving birth! This house or the new house? Hmmm......
And finally, I should be out of this boot as of Monday! I'll cry if the doc says I have to leave it on! Okay, so I won't really cry, but you know what I mean! I'll let ya know....
I guess that's it for updates. Better get back to work!
Okay, I have to admit I'm getting a little nervous about our house selling.....uh......not selling. All along, we have felt strongly that whether it sells or not, God's in control, He has a plan, and we want what He wants. Well, we still feel this way.......it's just gotten a little more tempting to REALLY want to move into the new house. A couple of days ago, our loan guy called and said we may be eligible for Texas Vet. Well, we didn't think we would be eligible because we thought you had to enter the military or exit the military as a Texas resident. To our surprise and joy, that's not the case. SO, what this means is that we were able to get an insanely low interest rate (and we had a low one to begin with) which would reduce our payment even more! It would be a bummer to miss out on living in this very spacious home located in a beautiful area for about the same as what we're paying here. BUT.......like I said, as great as it sounds, God has already gone before us and knows what's best for our family! We trust HIM, not us! If ya think of us and our house situation, would you please pray that God would bring a buyer (we have about a month to get a contract going), or that we would accept graciously and contently not moving into the house we're building! Thanks!
Fall is in the air!!! With the cooler temps sticking around, the sounds of Psalty's Christmas Calamity playing in the background, and the smell of Chili simmering away in the crock pot, it's definitely feeling like fall!
The reality of a firefighter is that it doesn't matter if it's a weekend or Columbus Day or Christmas, if you're scheduled to work, YOU WORK. Well, our reality this year is that Greg has to work on Christmas day. He is trying to see if any of the single guys are willing to trade him Christmas for New Year's Eve, but so far, no luck! I really can't complain though because Greg has been blessed year after year by having Christmas off. The worst we've had it was when he had to work four Thanksgivings in a row. Well, FOR the last four Thanksgivings, the other shift has had to work. It will happen again this year! So, like I said, I can't complain too much that Greg has to work this year for Christmas. We'll just celebrate on Christmas Eve and plan fun activities for the kids on Christmas. Another blessing is that we can go to Greg for Christmas! It's so neat that we can go to the station any time we want to visit him......like we'll be doing tonight for dinner! And, to remind me to be even more thankful....Greg is just at work, down the road......not in Iraq or some other dangerous place. Perspective is a wonderful thing! ;-)
Cheyenne will be starting Driver's Ed training! Enough said!
Wow, I can't believe I'm nearly 30 weeks along in pregnancy. The time has really flown by! I have begun my two week appts with my midwife and we're trying to mentally prepare for the home birth. The only thing that could make this easier is by knowing where I'll be giving birth! This house or the new house? Hmmm......
And finally, I should be out of this boot as of Monday! I'll cry if the doc says I have to leave it on! Okay, so I won't really cry, but you know what I mean! I'll let ya know....
I guess that's it for updates. Better get back to work!
Monday, October 22, 2007
The Cool Weather
Just had to share my enthusiasm regarding the much cooler weather today.
A front is coming through the region and bringing along with it wind, rain and COOL temps! YIPPEE!!! It actually feels like fall today instead of spring or summer.
I'm looking forward to schooling today because there's just something so comforting about looking out the window at the wind and rain knowing we're safely nestled in the warmth our home. We don't have to send our little ones out there to stand on the corner to wait for the bus or walk to school in the wind and rain.
Yes, I know....I survived doing this very thing growing up, but on days like this, I'm just thankful they're here with me!
Have a wonderful FALL day, my friends!
Photo Credit
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Happy Birthday Beauty
Today, our sweet Sophia is turning FIVE! She's our little girl who is already thinking about when she'll turn 8, then 12, then "be big" like Cheyenne! She's also our first child (at such a young age) who is already talking about "when she gets married........" and to WHOM she will marry! This is new for us as none of the others have worried/dreamed about this so early. We simply remind her that she needs to enjoy being a kid and that God already knows who she will marry, so she doesn't have to worry about that now!
Sophia is a ball of energy and always has a smile on her face! And while she LOVES to be rambunctious with Seth, her favorite thing to do is play dress up......she loves to pretend to be a princess! She also loves to color! When she gets up in the morning, it's the first thing she'll ask to do, and any time there's a free moment throughout the day, she'll ask to color!
In school, math is her favorite subject!
She's our little Beauty and we're so thankful for this little girl who brings so much joy to our lives!
Happy Birthday Sophia!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Excuse This House
Read this sweet little poem on a friend's blog and had to share it!
Excuse This House
Some houses try to hide the fact that children shelter there,
Ours boasts of it quite openly, the signs are everywhere!
For smears are on the windows, little smudges on the door;
I should apologize I guess For the toys strewn on the floor.
But I sat down with the children and we played and laughed and read,
And if the door bell does not shine, their eyes will shine instead!
For when at times I am freed to choose the one job or the other,
I want to be a homemaker, but first I'll be a Mother"!
Anonymous
ht: Adrienne
Excuse This House
Some houses try to hide the fact that children shelter there,
Ours boasts of it quite openly, the signs are everywhere!
For smears are on the windows, little smudges on the door;
I should apologize I guess For the toys strewn on the floor.
But I sat down with the children and we played and laughed and read,
And if the door bell does not shine, their eyes will shine instead!
For when at times I am freed to choose the one job or the other,
I want to be a homemaker, but first I'll be a Mother"!
Anonymous
ht: Adrienne
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Garbage Finds
1 can of Great Northern beans
1 can of Olives
1 can of Coconut Milk
1 can of White Shoepeg corn
This is what I found in the garbage today shortly after dinner. Did I mention they were FULL, UNopened cans?
How we love our sweet Ethan.......such a "helper"!
1 can of Olives
1 can of Coconut Milk
1 can of White Shoepeg corn
This is what I found in the garbage today shortly after dinner. Did I mention they were FULL, UNopened cans?
How we love our sweet Ethan.......such a "helper"!
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Home Birth News
Go Janet....Go Janet....
I don't know how she did it, but my midwife, Janet, was able to get my insurance company to verify that they would completely cover MY HOME BIRTH! Woohoo!
Thank you Father for answering our prayers and allowing us to do this without the worry of incurring debt! We thank you for Janet and all that she does! May you bless us with a safe and wonderful birth.......at home!
I don't know how she did it, but my midwife, Janet, was able to get my insurance company to verify that they would completely cover MY HOME BIRTH! Woohoo!
Thank you Father for answering our prayers and allowing us to do this without the worry of incurring debt! We thank you for Janet and all that she does! May you bless us with a safe and wonderful birth.......at home!
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Happy Birthday Cheyenne
On this day, fifteen years ago, I gave birth to a beautiful 6 lb 2 oz baby girl. She came into this world at 3:16am in Huntingdon, England. We knew from that moment on that she would bless our lives more than we could imagine. Now, fifteen years later, we're left wondering how, we as parents, could be so blessed! For those of you who know her, I'm sure you would agree that she is pretty much a parent's dream (by God's grace)! She is a young lady full of grace, full of love, full of kindness, and filled to the brim with love for her family and most importantly, for her Lord!
We continue to pray that she will only grow closer to God with each coming day and grow in her desire to serve Him for the rest of her days!
We love you, Cheyenne, and thank the Lord for allowing us the privilege of being your parents for fifteen years! Happy Birthday, baby!
I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
Psalm 139: 14
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