Christmas 08

Christmas has come and gone so quickly. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday with family and friends...and good health! :) With so many pictures and memories, it's hard to narrow it down for a blog post. So, here's a recap of some of my favorite things about Christmas.

Being together. Family time.

Family traditions. We've started a few of our own that I hope the boys will always remember. We're making some Christmas treats for our neighbors. The reason for Christmas....Jesus. Bart's dad reading the Christmas story before gifts.

Reconnecting with family and friends we don't get to see often enough. Relaxing and just hangin' out. :)Getting that "one gift" you'll always remember......

Yep, the boys got a Wii from my parents. They were shocked and are having a blast. Quinn hasn't yet been beat at boxing. :)

Happy New Year! God Bless.

Christmas Pinata

This past week when we were all sick. Everyone was getting restless. Too many days at home, not feeling well, stuck. So, I decided to do a fun project for the boys. A pinata, a Christmas pinata. The only thing I didn't think through was that this would take several days to complete. Just last night we had the pinata party. Here's several pics of the process. Oh, and I'm sure all this sugar will help boost their immune system after being sick, right?! :)

Step 1: Mix 2 parts water to 1 part flour.

Step 2: Mix, mix, mix it up.

Step 3: Cut 2" strips of newspaper.

Step 4: Spread the wet strips on a balloon. Step 5: Pop the balloon and pull it out. Decorate. Step 6: Have fun. :)

Better late than never

Last weekend Bart and I traveled to Memphis, TN for a marathon. This was his 10th marathon. He loves it. And he's good at it. He did awesome. God gave him a runner's body. With the right nutrition during the race, he could run and run and run. He really wanted to qualify for Boston. However, his time was 3:11.53. He missed the qualifying time by 54 seconds. Unreal. Really. But, this was his best time ever. He told me a few days after the race, he wished there was another one close by in about 3 weeks. We'll see where the next marathon will be. I have a feeling this is something he'll be doing for a while. (And I have to admit...I love it too!) :)

Loading up on carbs the night before the race. A great pasta meal with friends.

Got the Garmin, got the race number. Geared up and ready.

Mile 13. Feeling great and looking good.

Hey, this is Memphis, remember. Looks like Bart's "all shook up".

A great weekend, great memories, and great friends. Jamie, you're on for the next one! ;)

News from Ethiopia

Well, sadly, my brother and sister in law did not pass court today. They have a sweet little boy, Fisher, (who is just a doll by the way) who is waiting to come home. He turns one in January and when they found out he wouldn't be home by Christmas, they were thinking he'd be home for his birthday. But, it doesn't look like that will be the case. There is some good news out of this however. They are also on the wait list for an infant girl and they have moved up to the first in line! They are wondering if maybe Zion, the name they've given her, and Fisher could come home together. It'd be awesome if God would work it out that way. If not, we're still not going to question Him. He created these little ones and has a perfect plan for their lives.

After finding out about Scott and Heidi, I received a letter from my SW saying we are THIRD on the list!! Yes, THIRD. I can't believe it!!!! Really. I even emailed her back and asked her to check again b/c I thought there were more people in front of us. :) All of a sudden it seems so close, such a reality. I've really been gearing up for a long wait. We started at number 14, then 12, then 11. Things just seemed to be moving so slow. I know it could still take a little while. But, THIRD!!! Wow. Tears of joy. :)

This comes on a good day. The first day we're all feeling better finally. Yes, everyone (except Bart) caught the flu bug. Yuck. I haven't felt that bad in quite a while. So, I have some posting to catch up on. Unfortunately, I have lots of laundry, cooking, and cleaning, to catch up on too. :)

What's been going on

Okay, bear with me. This could really be about four seperate posts. But the days are flying by so this is just going to be one really long post. Thursday, we celebrated Thanksgiving with the Rinks. Here's Bart's grandparents along with some other family.

Lots of great food and good family time. Here's Bart with his cousin and uncle.

After being with the Rinks, we headed to my parent's house and spent some quick quality time with my fam. My sister Tracie is great with my boys. She's an awesome aunt! This is my sis in law Mindy and my oldest nephew, Noah. We love to play games. Just finishing up a game of "beans".

And look at this cutie. Levi Dale, my brother's second boy. What a sweet little guy he is. My brother, Michael and Carson spent a good amount of the afternoon on the computer. They are a little too much alike, right Mindy?! :)

My dad and Cole.

On Friday we headed to Indy to be with Bart's mom's family. His grandma takes the family to a Holidome every year over Thanksgiving weekend. I think there are around 117 now in the family so it's a big fun crowd as you can imagine. Lining up for pizza.

Playing at the indoor water park. Quinn going down the slide.

A little game boy action.

On Saturday night the last night, his grandma provides a catered meal for the whole family in one of the banquet rooms at the hotel. Here is Cole in the middle of dinner, in the crowd of about 100 people, stripping. :) He thinks it's great.

Such a fun weekend. But, it wore everyone out.

Fast forward a few days. The boys had their school Christmas program. Bart's parents with my boys. They do such a great job of being involved in our boys lives. Thanks Mom and Dad!

And now tonight. Cole has the flu. Not the 7-day fever achy flu (although I might prefer that) but the puking all over the house, never know when it's coming up or out the back end kind. Gross. He's usually so busy and all over the place. Tonight he was just miserable. He sat in front of my new washer and just watched it go round and round. You can pray no one else gets it from him!

Seeking to Save

We had a great Thanksgiving weekend. I have lots I could post about but instead I've spent the last two nights looking into grocery deals. I'd love to cut my "Walmart bill" down each month. I feel like Walmart has pretty good prices but still think I could be doing more. I've looked at several different things (The Grocery Game, My Grocery Deals, CVS/ECB, Money Saving Mom, etc.) and am just not sure what to start with. I'm wondering if anyone out there has found a good system or has tried any of these things. Any good advice??

Gratitude Tag

Thanks to Erin for "tagging" me. Here's a quick list, in no specific order, of things I'm thankful for.

1. Walmart! Seriously, I don't know what I ever did without it being in town. I practically live there. Groceries, school supplies, Christmas presents, Christmas cards, clothes, etc, etc, the list is just endless.

2. Sunshine. I really don't like cold winter days. You look outside and there's no leaves on the trees, no flowers, everything is brown. BUT when the sun is shining I can't help but feel better. Everything is golden and just a little warmer.

3. My Heavenly Father. He bought me with a price, loves me unconditionally, and daily wants a relationship with me.

4. My mother in law. She watched the boys AGAIN for me this morning so I could have lunch with a friend. She is a true servant, always serving in love, never comlaining! She is one of the most selfless people I know. I think God gave me four boys b/c I have such a great example of what a good mother in law is like. :)

5. My parents. I can't leave my own parents out. :) Over and over again, they love, support, and sacrifice for me and my family. They raised me to know God and know He's most important in life. They have modeled a perfect marriage for me to follow. I grew up in a home where I knew I was loved and secure.

6. My husband. He's a wonderful dad, my best friend, a Godly man, smart, and funny. He leads our family with integrity. He's committed and never keeps score.

7. My boys. I love them. They are all so different, fun, and just stinkin' cute. :) They make me pull my hair out. But I wouldn't trade them for anything.

8. Adoption. I never would have imagined God would lead me here. But, I'm being taught, stetched and emptied of self more b/c of this. Relationships and love don't come easy for me. I never thought I could really love someone who lives on the other side of the world, who I've never seen, and who looks nothing like me. But I do, and I understand more of God's heart now.

9. A warm house. A bed to sleep in every night. Food in my cupboards. Clothes in my closet.

Now,
Heidi
Holli
Jamie
Tasha
Christine
tell us what you're thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Four Little Monkeys

Just some fun pics of the boys. Cold days bring lots more activity (and noise) indoors. Anything loud, dangerous, funny, gross, etc. they think of. I wonder what life would be like with four girls...hmm.

Last night we got out the old video camera (we usually just use our digital camera). It's funny how big this thing seems already. It's kinda like watching slides a kid, remember? :)

One year ago...

November is National Adoption Month. It was almost exactly one year ago that I heard an interview on a Christian radio station about this. The interview focused on international adoption and was God's first calling to me. Actually, if you've been reading my blog since the beginning you'll remember our journey began when I felt a stirring in my heart while holding a little girl in our nursery at church. So maybe this was God's first answer to that desire within me. :) I remember hearing about the interview and thinking very casually, maybe I should tune in to that. Well, I did and it was just one step of many that have made this joureny. God was so clear in calling us to adopt. I really believe that not everyone is called to adopt but in some way IS called to "care for orphans" (James 1:27). Our agency, CWA, is undergoing a huge humanitarian aid project in Ethiopia, Acacia Village. You can click on that link and see what they are doing. There's also a short video on that page you can watch. I am excited about this project and pray they get the support they need. Pass this on!

Priceless, part 2

Tonight I watched as my three year old got the step stool out of the bathroom and carried it to the kitchen counter.

"Mom, watch this!" He then proceeded to climb up on the counter and on top of the stool.

"I don't think that's very safe. You might fall and then you'd crack your head open."

"Why, is there an egg in here?" (pointing to his head)

My thoughts

Random thoughts tonight...
1) This weekend Bart and I saw Fireproof. It's a great movie. Okay, yes, some parts are a little cheesy. But, the message is awesome, there were some good acting parts, and Kirk Cameron stars in it. Now, if you're over 30 (and a girl :) ) I know you had a crush on this guy. Growing Pains, come on. Anyway, I think it's important to support this movie. If you haven't seen it, go!

2) I found a new indulgence. Dove dark chocolate almond promises. Yum! My mom loves dark chocolate and I've always thought it so bitter. But, I found these and they really are delicious. The dark chocolate has got to be a little better for you than milk chocolate and I'm pretty sure with the almond bits, this sweet treat would make it on the food pyramid....in one of those categories that say you should eat 4-6 servings a day. At least, that's what I've been pretending.

3) Lastly, our family did Operation Christmas Child last week. I don't know if your mailbox is getting fuller these days, but mine is. Lots of magazines. And my boys are getting the "gimmies". They pour over these toy catalogs and already have a sizable Christmas list started. So, this fun and easy service project was a great way for our family to focus on giving instead of getting. We went to the Dollar Store together and everyone picked out items for their box. We came home and filled 6 shoeboxs that will be sent to kids somewhere. My boys loved it.

Priceless

Tonight my three year old had an accident in the bathroom...on the way to the toilet so it happened to be all over the floor.

I asked, "what happened?"

The reply: "Mom, my butt just did it all by itself!"

Quinn's narrative and adoption update

I didn't know Quinn took this little video until I found it on the camera. It gave me a good laugh.

Also, an adoption update. It's been forever. Nothing much has happened so I haven't reported. We were officially placed on the waiting list for an infant girl on Aug. 4th. At that time, we were number 14 and we were told it would be 6-9 mos. Well, today it's been exactly 3 months waiting and we are number 11. Unfortunately, the way things are going, I don't think we're going to be done in another 3 months. I'm guessing it's more like 6 from now. Which is okay. I mean some days I want to just see her and know who she is sooo bad. Other days I see a mother with her daughter and long to hold and love my little girl. But on the other hand, right now Cole has a double ear infection and really hasn't been to easy to get along with. Kade and Quinn have pink eye too. So, it's just a good reminder. God has a plan. He has from the beginning. He will bring our little girl home at the right time. It's just my job right now to trust Him to do that and to keep praying for her!

Fine dining, family memories, and birthday fun

Tomorrow is Quinn's 6th birthday so he got to choose his supper tonight. Well kind of...his first choice was Monicals and yes, it's delicious, but it's also the most expensive pizza in town. So, we suggested McDonalds. :)


And no, this isn't Quinn but I didn't get a picture of him eating so here's Cole.




After eating 1/2 of their meal, they wanted to run and play. When they had all left, I told Bart this was a good place for a date night! You don't even have to pay a babysitter!









After supper it was off to the Bowling Alley. Remember those gourds the boys sold? Well, with the money they made we told them they should tithe some, save some, and spend some. The spending was on a game of bowling. Our boys love it!








Hangin' out at the alley. My niece, Emilie, is here for a few days and got in on the fun.









This was also kinda for Quinn's birthday. At least, he thought so. ;)








Look at Cole's thumb....in his mouth! Now, this is normal for him but tonight just really grossed me out. I don't know why but I just think Bowling Alley's are dirty. His hands had been all over those balls, the benches, shoes, etc......gross.








Yo, yo, yo, I'm bowlin' baby. :) This move cracked me up.

Finally home to celebrate the birthday. A pirate ship. He loved it. Happy Birthday Quinn! You are a treasure. So considerate of others and compassionate. I love your gentle spirit.

Be Aware

This month is almost over, but it is Breast Cancer Awareness month. This means so much more to me today than just a couple weeks ago. Yesterday my mom had a double masectomy. We are so thankful that she had a "contained cancer" and that the masectomy makes it 98% curable. I wasn't sure I wanted to blog about this, but after seeing this ribbon, I thought it was a good approach. My mom had a digital mamogram and the Dr. said they wouldn't have detected the cancer if it had been a regular one. I'm just urging all of you to be aware and pass on the news.

I'm a little behind

Last weekend we went north for the Chicago Marathon. We met up with several frineds and had a great time. If you've never been there, you're really missing out. The atmosphere is electric. This was Bart's 7th marathon and by far his favorite. There are about 45,000 runners and about 1.5 million spectators. Runners write their names so the spectators can cheer as they go by. Here's some of the runners on Sat. night getting painted up for the big race.

Early morning before the race, the crowd has all arrived.

This is kinda like "where's Waldo?" Bart is in the yellow shirt. I know I'm not the best photographer. :)

Bart carried the camera for the start. Kinda cool. There are so many people that you have to walk for a while until you actually get to the starting line. Hear the cow bells and cheers from the crowd? Make you want to run a marathon?.......nope, me neither. :)

After the marathon, we headed to my parents to get in on some harvest time. The weather was gorgeous and my boys loved every minute of it!

If I have to

Okay, I've been tagged and if I have to, I guess I'll be a good sport. I don't really think I have anything interesting to say about myself but I've read that others say the same thing and I enjoy reading them. So, here goes!

1. You should have figured this out from the last post, but I hate cooking. Unless I'm cooking with someone. That's not quite as bad.

2. I can't make decisions. "Where do you want to eat tonight?" Me: I don't know, you pick. "We don't have any plans tonight, we should do something." Me: Yeah, good idea. What should we do?

3. I once killed a bat to protect my children. :) When we lived in our old house, the boys and I walked through the front door just in time to see a bat fly out of our chimney. I took action and called Bart! :) Realizing that he would be a while and seeing this thing fly around my house, I decided to roll up my sleeves and make a plan. I took the three boys into my bedroom with a game of Hi-Ho Cherry-O and proceeded to shut all the doors in the house. Then, I went to the garage and retrieved a big tennis racket (haven't you seen The Great Outdoors?). I went inside the house and tracked the bat. He was swooping back and forth through the house in the same pattern. I planted my feet in the line of fire and when he came around "Whack!". I think I probably screamed at the same time. But, I saw that little thing dive under the couch...dead thankfully! Just then, Bart walked in with a net. (He had gone to Kmart and bought a big fishing net). Looks like we don't need that now dear. :)

4. Appetizers or dessert? Love dessert. I could always go for a little something sweet after dinner. Preferably chocolate.

5. I'm not an animal lover. I grew up with a dog, but have zero desire to have one. I hate cats. We had a fish for a while and I didn't even like that. The only thing I half way like are horses. My grandparents had horses when I was little and I've always thought I wanted one. As long as I can hire someone to take care of it. I just want to ride it. :)

6. I always use way to many smilies when I write. :) Notice??

7. Although I grew up swimming, skiing, and boating, which I love, I have to say, fall is my favorite season. My dad's a farmer and I love going home and riding in the combine. I'm a country girl at heart.

Okay, so now I tag Heather, Erin, Rachel, Kristy, Mindy, Sandra, and Dawn. Have fun, no pressure. :)