Sick . . . sick. . . . sick . . .
We just got home from taking the "little miss" to the dr. She hasn't been feeling well the past few days and today she sounded very croupy, so we decided to have her checked out. So glad we did! She has an ear infection and strep! Poor little thing, she's so good about going to the dr. She always says thank you for everything they do! Just so stinkin' cute! Anyways tomorrow is her 2nd birthday, I guess she won't be up for much celebrating and since she is little and has no real clue about it just yet, we will postpone it a few days. Colson's birthday is on Thursday, but since I have jury duty and Ben wants to be home share in the festivities we will celebrate them both Friday night.

Conversations with Betty will have to resume next week, hopefully. She was not at church tonight. I pretty much knew she wouldn't be there with all the snow we were blessed with this morning. I was pretty disappointed but am thankful she knows when to stay put! I just can't express enough how this precious lady blesses me, her wisdom is amazing and her understanding of scripture and the way she relates it is astounding. So we will have to wait until next week to get more words of wisdom from sweet Betty.

On a lighter note, my sweet little missy is doing terriffic with potty-training and for two days, we have had two dry diapers at naptime! WOO-HOO! she is so precious to us and gives us unbelievable joy every minute of every day (just as our other children did). What an amazing gift God gives by blessing us with children!!!!

Slow week. . . .slow moving (especially since I've been out of coffee for two days). . . .but lots on our plate, as parents, as adults, as a couple, to bring before the throne; its a daunting task praying for the needs of our family and our children. . . not sure what to share, just trusting that God knows. . . . so thankful He cares and searching Him for answers and expectantly waiting and trusting. (and excited that tomorrow is "Conversations with Betty")

an afternoon of F-U-N!

Victoria and Colson

(he just loves hugging her and every now and then she lets him!)
Jacqueline and Colson
Daddy and his three cuties!

Mommy and her three cuties!

(Colson is all about the "bunny ears")

We had a great fun-filled afternoon. With only the three little kids

home for the weekend we thought we would take a little day trip to GLC. The kids

had fun at Bass Pro Shop, RainForest Cafe and then we topped the afternoon off with malts at Johnny Rockets! We hit a great sale at Childrens Place. Had to get some new panties for our little one because she has nearly potty-trained herself this past week! WOO-HOO. . . .diapers only at bedtime! We are so excited!

conversations with Betty. . . .as we were sitting in the nursery, last night, chatting I asked Betty how her painting was coming along (83 years old and painting her livingroom by herself). She said that she has the walls and ceilings all washed and ready to paint but that with all the snow it keeps her from painting. She sees my puzzled expression and begins to tell me that she has to keep her driveway shoveled, and its quite a job because its long and time-consuming. Now I am in shock and ask her why she doesn't have someone plow it and she says that she loves the exercise, and as long as she can do it herself she is gonna shovel it. She smiles and then says, Oh' no one knows the best time God and I have together. I just love spending my days with Him. I said, "O Betty I am beginning to know about your love affair with God and loving it myself." she just smiles and says, "I just can't tell ya' how exciting life is with Him, we do everything together!" She then goes on to tell me that she has this big pole barn out back and that the summer heat makes the door, for some reason, swell and leaves a gap at the bottom so she had to cut a piece of lumber and screw it on the bottom to cover the gap, then before winter sets in she removes the board because the door returns to its normal state, only this winter she forgot to take it off. She needed to get her dipstick to measure her fuel oil, from the pole barn, and couldn't get in because now the board was stuck in the snow and earth. She said she dug and pulled on the door for almost an hour, praying the whole time that God would allow her to get the door opened. She got it opened all right, removed the pesky board and got her dipstick. These were her words, "Praise Jesus, he helped me do it! He helps me do everything!"

Now I have to admit that when I am stuck in the thick of things, frustrated and irritated, my mind isn't usually on praising God. . . . far from it. I am gleaning, from my conversations with Betty, just what a real walk with Him is, how beautiful it can be and how its all about letting God choose the order of my day and following His path. It's not easy, for sure, because my desires, my wants, my demands are still ever present and I am beginning to see that its not about me, it can't be. . . it has to be about Him.

Thank you, dear sweet Betty for another lesson and a few cherished moments with you. What a gift you are to me and I praise God for you! (someday I will have to take a picture of Betty for all of you to enjoy!)

the last load! Den just left with the last of Benjamin's things. We have Brennan settled in his own room, and for the first time in ten years no boys are sharing rooms, only the girls! which is just totally weird! Colson is doing great by himself. He has more room to play, should he choose to do so, and is sleeping all through the night, no nightmares. We always pray each night that God would give him sweet dreams, no bad dreams and I always pray for the cover of protection too. We change up between music and odyssey, with most nights music. We had a great pj day yesterday. When Den came home he says, "you still haven't gotten dressed?" Lol he loves to tease me! Was fun and lazy. The three older boys have 1/2 days now until Friday. Will be nice to have them home in the afternoons. Friday they leave for a youth retreat. Brennan was making a comment to the fact that it will only be the three younger kids home all weekend. How crazy is that?

I have to say that God is so awesome! The house hasn't been totally quiet because we have had the craziest of school schedules this semester. Not sure why the school changed up their schedule but I am thankful because its eased over the older boys leaving and the quietness that is left behind. We are all adjusting, though there isn't a day that goes by that someone doesn't mention how different life is without them. Bry calls and texts quiet frequently, Branden touches base with me as he's driving to work each morning, and Ben usually calls while walking to class. We also do the FACEBOOK thing! what fun that has become though I can easily see it becoming close to an additive thing! LOL

Tomorrow evening brings a new Beth Moore study. First time I have been able to be with my friends from church for a Bible Study. Always our kids schedule did not permit my absence. I am excited and looking forward to it. I love her studies and love how she gets you to dig and think deep!

We are still on the journey of a career change. We just know its going to happen, so many things have fallen into place lately, and though not stressed about it, just excited to see what and where.

Its already mid-week, which brings us back to church tonight and my sweet friend, Betty. . . . . . . .

Fun-filled Tuesday
the kids enjoying a video and snacks together this morning.
(all showered with clean pj's on!)
I think they are watching Barney. We do have some
great videos we rented last night just for today.
Colson was so excited about today that he was up at
6:30am showered and ready to go!
Just gotta love his enthusiasm!

(they are eating strawberry fig newtons! UGH!)

WHEW! what a day. Den was licensed at church this morning. What a great charge Pastor Ron gave to him and to our family. We are so blessed to be a part of such an awesome church family. It will be hard to leave them as they truly have become a vital part of our lives.

This afternoon Brett and Blake helped Ben take a load of "stuff" over to his new apartment. When they returned home it was, then mine and Den's turn to go over. We loaded up the suburban again and headed back. While Ben and Den unloaded the car I began organizing Ben's apartment. What a sweet place he has. When I first walked it I looked around and it reminded me of an apartment you might find in NYC. The sink and stove are right next to each other, and the stove is one of those extra small ones. Its hard to describe but I love it. I made the comment about it looking like an efficiency in NYC and Den just laughed, saying only I would think of something like that (can't help it, I have NYC in my blood!). Anyways, once we got everything settled, off to Walmart we went to purchase necessities. What fun too. Den was such a good sport pushing the cart wherever Ben and I walked (well he was on his bluetooth as Bryan called from CO). I think we got him pretty well stocked with stuff. I totally forgot my camera so when I take over the last of the things he needs from home I will take a few shots of his new humble abode! It was so hard to leave, we three encircled our arms and prayed and it was hard to hold in the sobs. My little boys have grown into handsome men, almost over-night. I am so thankful that these man-boys are allowing God to direct their lives. Though they are away from home they are in much better hands.

"birthday celebration"

Jacqueline has wanted a Vera purse for like

"forever"
Her new cute and trendy NIV Bible
American Girl Movie and Kit Kitridge book
from Daniel and Elizabeth
(and Colson bought her a bouquet of suckers,
which of course he is holding above her head
and anxious to eat!!!)
a sweet card and Arch Card from Dave and Casey

and. . . .this is the dessert she wanted. She found

it in a magazine and clipped it out. It didn't turn

out too bad if I do say so myself!

Happy Birthday, Jacqueline!

When I look at you I still can't believe we have a daughter. What a precious gift, from God, you are! Your smiles, giggles and tender spirit melts my heart. I am so proud of you and the young lady you are becoming. I love you and am so thankful Victoria has such a sweet big sister to look up too!

-9 with the windchill somewhere around -25 and. . . . . . drum roll please. . . . . NO SCHOOL! enough said!

a bedtime Colson-ism. . . . . .
Tonight as I was getting ready to read and pray with Colson he was talking about when Brennan moves into his own room this weekend and how "scarry" it will be to sleep by himself in his room. I explained to him that Jacqueline has slept all alone in her room until just a year ago when we moved Victoria in with her. He said, "yeah but she didn't have those 'dolls' in her room then (referring to her 4 American Girl Dolls that are standing on her shelf)." I said that she's had the dolls in her room for a long time. Then he goes on to say, "yeah but I saw 'Chuckie' the moive at the video store and he had a knife in his fist, and those dolls are just plain freaky like Chucky and that scares me." Then he goes on to snuggle up close to me (I always lay with him) and says, "I don't have to sleep in here by myself do I?" now, what am I gonna say to that? he is such a cutie but he does have a tendancy to have nightmares from time to time. As I was leaving his room I put on an Odyssey and he then says, "the other night it was a bad one, mom, it talked about satan and everything and I couldn't sleep." Geez now he can't even listen to "good stuff" because it, too, creeps him out! What's a mom to do????

I just have to take a moment and share about the sweetest older lady that attends our church. She looks all of maybe 65 but is 83. She comes into the nursery, after prayer meeting, every single Wednesday night (I work the nursery every single Wednesday night) to sit and chat. I am loving this lady. She is the BIGGEST BLESSING to me! She is retired (single mom of 4, cab driver for 35 years), lives alone but is in total love with God. She is constantly talking about how she and God have the best time together; and how God is always showing her new things and new thoughts every single day. She never makes a move or has a thought that she doesn't, first, discuss with Him. WOW! (that totally rocked my world. . . .who really lives like that these days? aren't we all just a bit too busy to live for Him every minute of every day?) She began telling me that she and God had the best day ever and that He just lead her from one thing to another all day long and how exciting it was that He was directing her journey. Oh my gosh, I just sat there mesmerized. How long has it been since I let God direct my day? my thoughts? my life? As I continued to soak-up her story (a complete sponge) I was blessed by her spirit, her zest for life, her zeal for Christ and her amazing "love story" between Him and her. I walked away, wanting a walk like hers. To be so "in tune" with God that I follow His journey throughout my day, instead maybe once in a while having a passing thought of Him (a sad admittance but a truthful one).

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am for next Wednesday evening to come. To see her again, to listen to her and to be encouraged by her example. God always uses someone, who we least expect, to touch our lives. I am thankful he is using Betty in mine!

baby it's cold outside. . . . .only a mere -11 degrees. I can't even imagine what the windchill is but hey, if you have to be thankful about something be thankful you don't live in North Dakota where the temp is -15 below with a windchill of -45. I wonder if the kids have school there today???? or is it just a "normal" winter day????

UPDATE: received a text from Bryan late last night: "hey first day went very very rough pray for me dave wasn't kidding about the military bc that's all it is. will call the end of the week and update you." please keep him in your prayers this week. I know its a huge step out of his comfort zone and we know he can do it, but at the same time, it surely isn't easy.
so blessed. . .
Branden called this afternoon full of excitement. He had a job interview last Friday at a school system out west and today he heard back and he got the job! how awesome is that? what a great opportunity too. Full benefits, great working environment, and great pay. What confirmation that God gave him about moving west.

Bryan sent us several short texts last night. Not sure exactly what is transpiring with him other than he began his academy training today and he asked us to pray for him. I am sure this is a huge step out of his comfort zone. Though we know he is exactly where God wants him its still hard to know that he is struggling just a bit, change is never easy for him.

Ben left today for school. WOW am I gonna miss that kid. He has been home since mid-fall and it sure will be different not having him here during the day.

Again, our family is experiencing lots of changes, many as expected with sons growing and maturing, some that are much needed, and some that we are anxious for. Always seems like theres lots going on around here and there never seems to be a dull moment either. I love it and wouldn't want it any other way. . . . .well yes I would, I would LOVE for my kids to still be near but they must answer the call of God in their lives and go where He wants them too and become who He wants them to become. . . Men of God passionately seeking and living for Him! Is there anything greater?

a gorgeous winter morning

It's absolutely beautiful here today. We got

yet another snow storm last evening and today, in the

aftermath, the scenery is breathtaking.

Finally Friday. . . .
I can't belive how quickly this week went, and here we are to Friday already. First full week of the new year has come to an end. Thank you all for your precious words of encouragment. We were touched by all who commented. The boys made it to Colorado just fine without any problems, just road wearyness. Aunt Hilda and Uncle Gary have the gift of hospitality and have welcomed the boys with open arms into their home. We are so thankful for extended family who love our kids and care for them. What a blessing and gift. We are so excited for them, thrilled for them and all that God is going to do for them and through them. What an adventure. Branden has a job interview today with a local school system. He is pumped and it was such an encouragment to him as well (no jobs in our county) and Bry begins the academy on Sunday. We are hoping to travel west for spring break and for sure in July when Bryan graduates. We had planned a family vacation in Colorado for August, so now it will be July.

The rest of the kids are adjusting to life without two siblings, it is VERY quiet around here for sure, yet they find ways to make up for it. Its been a long week for them, mostly with getting acclimated to the school schedule again. Jacqueline and Colson have their belated Christmas parties this afternoon (school was cancelled the last day before break due to inclement weather) so they are excited. Colson is especially excited today because its "pajama" day and he can wear his pj's to school. He took special care a few days ago and laid them out himself. TOO CUTE! He is already showered and ready to go! don't ya' just love the excitment of a child? when you feel like life is tough, these little ones bring smiles and sunshine!

Ben will be heading back to college next week. . . .another goodbye! thankfully he won't be but an hour or so away, easy for this mom's heart to handle.

I have been so blessed the past month to hear from my oldest son, Brad, who is deployed to Africa. We aren't able to phone him but he can us. What a gift it is to his dad and I to hear from him, sometimes its hard to imagine him all the way around the world when the connection is so clear and good. He is now on the downside of his deployment with 5 months until he is home. I am so excited for him and his family and can only imagine the reunion that will take place when he steps off the plane after 15 long months.

We are blessed to have such amazing technology to keep in touch with each other, aren't we? Macbooks, email, blogs, facebook, etc. What a gift to allow us to stay connected.

the first 2009 Colson-ism. . . .
as many of you know our two older boys left for Colorado yesterday, late afternoon. It's been rough, heartbreaking, and painful. We all went through bouts of tears throughout the evening. This morning as the kids were getting ready to catch the bus Colson wanted to call Branden. He likes to check in and see where they are (like he has any clue, but he thinks he does) when he got off the phone Branden wanted to talk to Jacqueline. As soon as she got on the phone she began crying, I didn't see it but I could hear it. Colson walked into the kitchen and said, "Jacqueline is crying. . . .I am so over it! I don't have to cry any more. . . I just want to talk to them and know they are ok. " I told him that boys are different from girls and that Jacqueline probably would like not to cry but thats how she lets them know she misses them. He said, "well I don't have to cry anymore!"

Gosh if only it were that easy to just "shut the tears off"! If only I could just tell myself that and it would be ok, but unfortunately it isn't and I, like my sweet girl, let the tears fall quite frequently.

Happy New Year

from our family to yours!