Autumn Wonderland

Gotta love Nebraska! After a day out at the pumpkin patch that really made it feel like autumn, we awoke to a wintry mantel of beautiful white snow yesterday morning. I had to practically lock the kids in their room to keep them from frolicking in it at 6:30 a.m. ... I gave in about 8:30, when the thermometer hit 29*.I was pleased to discover that we have enough hand-me-downs & hand-me-overs to keep them warm. What a gift to have such generous families & friends!

Dad

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Thank you for your generous love, sacrifice, & support.

I'm so blest to have you as my father.

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Pumpkin Fun

Today we ventured out with Andrew's preschool class to a local pumpkin patch. It was quite the experience compared to our normal stop just down the road. His afternoon was highlighted by riding the school bus though Rebecca & I rode with some friends in their van. Tons of displays, barnyard animals, a huge castle slide, & ride-on toys... not to mention pumpkins galore...

made it a lot of fun.

Rebecca is such an animal lover. She was hugging & feeding everything that would let her.

"Come on daddy sheep. Let's go!"

P.S. Thanks to Kim & Andrea for your encouragement to go... it was a break that I needed & I'm glad we did!

P.P.S. Yes, I'm posting to stay caught up AND to keep you from wondering if we are at the hospital yet. No such luck, even on the due date today. If you want to give me a ring, I'd love to chat (as long as the conversation doesn't include, "Are you ever gonna have that baby?"). ; ] I'm running out of ways to distract myself! Halloween costumes? Thanksgiving dinner prep? Christmas shopping???

Creating

In preparation for their little sibling, I made these shirts for the kids. They're so excited to wear them! I said they have to wait until they come to visit us at the hospital... one more thing to look forward to with anticipation. As I've been busy attempting to create order around our home, Rebecca's been more busy creating... well, scenes like this. Busy, busy, busy.

Cinco!

Well, Andrew turned the big 5 yesterday. Hard to believe it's been five whole years since he was the one we were waiting so anxiously to meet! His doctor check-up measured him at 45 1/2 inches tall & 43 pounds... long & lean. He's a healthy, happy, wonderful kid. He made the whole day yesterday a bunch of fun with his positive & giddy attitude. We even had fun on a Walgreens run! =]

We gave him his first 2 wheeler as a gift... big hit! (The striped box in the first picture is actually a wrapped kick-stand. Darren had him convinced that we would just buy him a piece of a big bike every year, then when he's 12 he'd have a whole bike! He seemed okay with that, but thrilled/relieved when I told him maybe he should peek in the basement, too... where the bike was hiding.) He's been riding it in spite of huge wind gusts, cold temps, & rain. Red Grandma & Grandpa gave him a super cool helmet & pads to go with it, so that makes it even more fun. Thank you!

Werners, Uncle Jon, & Green Grandma & Grandpa joined us for a lovely lunch of pancakes, eggs, fruit, cupcakes... & pizza courtesy of Grandma. They gifted him with a Playskool Police Officer Helmet... very loud but very cool.

From the moment she saw the balloons in the kitchen, Rebecca was excited as well, especially at the prospect of having cupcakes for lunch & then cake for supper!Auntie Cara & baby Jonathan stopped over yesterday with birthday wishes & another super gift: a Nerf suction cup gun. Though one of the "bullets" is already missing, it has been a non-stop thrill! Lucky, lucky boy. Thank you for all of the well wishes, cards, prayers, visits & presents everyone! You've helped fill #5 with good memories.

Bubba is 5!

Happy Birthday, Andrew!

God has truly blest us with you.

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Philippians 4:6-7

"Do not be anxious about anything

but in everything, by prayer & petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts & minds in Christ Jesus."

~Philippians 4:6-7

~~~

Our Bible Study has recently started Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver. It has been a fantastic read & perfectly timed for my spiritual life right now. I've never felt more like a Martha in my life! There are so many nuggets of wisdom, new perspectives, & relevant references to make it one of my favorite studies yet. Especially helpful as of late is the discussion of anxiety & it's place in our lives. I could type forever...but you should just read the book. ; ) I'll just give you three of my favorite passages so far.

***

p. 34

What We Worry About

40% are things that will never happen

30% are about the past - which can't be changed

12% are about criticism by others, mostly untrue

10% are about health, which gets worse with stress

8% are about real problems that can be solved

(...all of my worries fit into that 8%, right?)

***

p.38

Healthy Concern vs. Toxic Worry

Concern

*involves a legitimate threat

*is specific

*addresses the problem

* solves problems

*looks to God for answer

Worry

*is often unfounded

*is generalized

*obsesses about the problem

*creates more problems

*looks to self or others for answers

(so I guess when it's too much & I just can't say WHAT exactly is wrong...)

***

p.59

"I realized then that, while there are many things that need to be done, things I'm capable of doing & want to do, I am not always the one to do them. Even if I have a burden for a certain need or project, my interest or concern is not a surefire sign that I need to be in charge. God may only be calling me to pray that the right person will rise up to accomplish it. What's more, I may be STEALING someone else's BLESSING when I assume I must do it all."

(I've often considered that I'm doing too much or being asked to do too much, but I rarely have thought that I might actually be taking away an opportunity for growth from someone else.)

***

Any of those strike a cord with you? Are you a toxic worrier? How do you separate what God wills for you to do from what you feel you must do for Him?

Silver lining

As we walked anxiously around the maternity ward at the hospital the other night, I realized that I was quite prepared to be there, but less prepared to actually bring our baby home! Well, since we were able to come back home, I've better prepped. Dresser is moved & full, bassinet is in our room, diapers are bought, pantry is more stocked, & much better full-term picture of my baby belly is taken. Hooray! NOW we're ready. Come on, little one...

Choo choo

Thank you to Uncle Fr. Jon for breaking me out of my no-news-yet funk this morning with a fun adventure. We (they) enjoyed a train ride at the zoo, (courtesy of the summer reading program)

browsing in the gift shop... okay actually playing in the gift shop,& a slow peaceful stroll down to the fountains. What a beautiful day to be outside in God's creation!

Fishin' in the dark

We met out at Darren's parents' pond last weekend for a little reunion. Look at that crazy group... growing all the time!
Thanks for the tasty food, amusing fishing, paddleboat & hayrack rides... but especially to Green Grandpa for building the "portapotty". ; )

Love you all! Can't wait to add another grandbaby to that photo. (Still working on that modesty thing with Rebecca.)

How are you feeling today?

Happy Birthday to Sr. Edith Marie!

Thank you for your amazing friendship & love. I'm so blest to have you in my life. May God smile upon you in a special way today! (Anyone get the title reference???)

Trial Run

A huge THANK YOU

to my little sister Cara for being part of what turned out to be a trial run last night. She graciously drove over in the middle of the night...again (she was our go-to for Rebecca as well). After laboring for 7 hours & being so anxious about who would be with the kids/getting there in time, we gave in & went to the hospital. It was not without progress, but stalled out around 4:00 a.m. Now this little one is just rejoicing to not be squeezed anymore by doing some crazy break dancing in there. So, here we are, very pleased at how smoothly our trial run went...just wishing it had been the real thing. Please, say a prayer that we can each find time to rest today & that baby Sprinkle is a healthy baby...

whenever we may meet.

Advice?

Anyone able to explain to this baby what 'fetal position' is supposed to look like?

Creative Construction

Today was all about construction at our house. First they built a castle, then a "hunting trip" (inspired by Red Grandpa's latest adventure), then this pick-up Andrew is driving below. He insisted on keeping it all together until Darren got home... after I explained that wouldn't be for 6 hours he let me take a picture instead. Ah, the joys of digital cameras! One of Rebecca's new chores is putting away the silverware out of the dishwasher. She usually does really well, though sometimes mixes together the big & little forks. Apparently, it's not exciting enough for her anymore just to be doing a "big kid" job. This is what I found her doing instead. Fun times in the kitchen!

A fit of nesting

In a fit of nesting, I realized both Andrew & Rebecca had hair that looked too scraggly for Baptism photos... in about a month. So I gave in & trimmed them up. Andrew was an angel the whole time ... very uncommon for him. Rebecca didn't know what to think. I've only ever trimmed her bangs before. Her hair was so uneven & getting caught in everything, so I guess it was time. Darren keeps reassuring me that it will grow back. She just looks so much older to me! Where's my baby girl? Andrew was intrigued by the fact that I saved a big bunch of her locks & put them in a bag for her scrapbook.
"Why is she doing that, Daddy?"
"I don't know, buddy. It's just something mommies do."

I know why. Do you?

It's official

I've been thinking it for a few days...

but the doctor affirmed it this morning; baby has dropped! It's SO much easier to breathe. Hallelujah! (Although I'm convinced my bladder is now the size of one of Rebecca's little tea cups.) I'm hoping it doesn't mean much more than that for now. Another 2 weeks at least would be best... especially since Darren will be gone to Minnesota 2 days next week.

Please, keep up those prayers!

A Week in Pictures

After much forgetting, we finally remembered to snap a shot of my baby belly on the way to the ultrasound last Thursday. It's by no means my favorite photo, but I haven't seen so many of you for so long . . . nobody believes me when I say I feel like a whale . . . I thought you deserved a little extra proof. ; )

I don't remember what superhero he was supposed to be . . . I'm still just amazed at his dress-up combinations! (Maybe I should title it: 101 Ways to Wear Underwear on Your Head)

We celebrated the birthday of Our Blessed Mother on Tuesday. This dessert was . . . interesting but delicious. The blue pools of frosting weren't exactly my original intent.

Rebecca has boycotted her nap for 6 days in a row now. I even "gave in" & slept in Andrew's bed the other day in hopes that she would take a rest. Instead, I awoke from my 3rd trimester stupor to this train she made out of books at my feet. At least she was quiet!
Andrew took his first single professional photos ever at preschool this week. I've never been big into posed shots at a studio; I figure if I just take a bunch wherever we are, we'll eventually have some good ones. Well, he was fascinated by the photographer. He built this camera out of Tinkertoys, set up his studio, & photographed Rebecca with assorted stuffed animals. My favorite part is the blue cloth napkins for the backdrop.

Rebecca was rather amused by the whole ordeal as well & inspired to take some pictures herself . . . too bad the camera was backwards!

Prayer for today

Dear Lord,

On this Labor Day I want to thank you with a grateful heart for Darren's job. Thank you for it's stability. Thank you that he enjoys working there. Thank you that he's good at it. Thank you that his hard work allows me to stay home to be with our children. Help us to truly appreciate it as a gift.

I pray for all those who are unemployed. Help them find work that will provide what they need to live. Help them find work that is stable, enjoyable, & fitting for their talents. Help them turn to you for guidance & confidence in their search. Help us to be supportive, generous, & compassionate as they seek out Your Will for them. Amen.

St. Joseph the worker, pray for us!

She's right, I guess.

Three times now in the last 24 hours

I have in some way called Rebecca "Baby Girl" or "Baby" & she has adamantly corrected me,

"I not 'baby', I'm Becca!"

Even though this new little one has been on-board for a full eight months, it's still hard for me to remember that Rebecca's not my baby anymore. I'm sure that will be much easier in a few short weeks!

***

On a similar note, my not-so-baby Rebecca has been dry for 4 days in a row! There is something about potty-training that really makes them feel & seem more grown-up. This has been a cake-walk compared to training her brother. If I didn't know better, I would wonder if they were even related!

Is baby hiding?

My dear Sprinkle,

It was such a gift to see you this morning.

Thank you for all of the kicking, stretching, & scooting that made it possible! You're a beautiful baby. At 35 weeks they say you are just over 5 pounds. It already seems clear that you have Daddy's chin & Mommy's nose just like your big brother & sister. We can't wait to meet you face to face!

Rebecca was sure we were going to meet today, but not yet. She thought it was funny that you were swimming & playing hide-and-seek with us. Andrew could recognize many of your little features. You are so loved! I'm going to try my best to appreciate every moment we get together even before you are born.

I love you so much! See you soon!
Love,
Mommy

Innovative Kindness

Always remember...

when your little sister wants to ride your tractor but her feet barely reach the pedals, you can just hop on the front & pedal it backwards for her while she hangs on for dear life! She'll love it!

Join in the fun...

We took advantage of Saturday's beautiful weather & ventured out to the Nebraska State Fair.We saw Melissa's three oldest march with their school's band. Good work, kiddos!
Rebecca enjoyed a ride on a "princess horsie".
Andrew opted for the motorcyles . . .
& this insanely high helicopter ride!
Rebecca started crying about half-way through. I thought she was scared for him (I was) but she just said, "Becca want ride, too!" They must get their thrill-seeking side from their Daddy.

The exotic petting zoo was a riot. I don't think Liz much cared for the camel, though.

Overall, it was an excellent time spent with some fun family! I'm glad we were able to go!

We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo

How about you, you, you?
You (could've) come too, too, too...

Thanks for joining in the fun Auntie Cara & not-so-baby-anymore Jonathan!