Restart

This blog has been on my heart for awhile now.  It has never been forgotten, I just haven't taken the time to look it up.  Lately I've been wondering if I could pick it up again.  I was almost afraid to type in the address for fear it had been deleted somehow because of lack of use.  Nothing is safe in this digital age.

It's still here. Unchanged and undelted.  Memories are safe.  Now to try to figure out where to start catching up on life.  This is why I struggle with journaling.  Some big thing happens and I don't have time to journal about it.  Then something else happens, but I can't record that because I haven't recorded the last big event.

There is no way to record all that has happened in the last 2 years.  Where would I start?  The birth of our 5th child, Simeon Creed on March 4th, 2016?  The story of moving  in May 2016 from the home where we brought all 5 babies home?  The love our new home?  The amazing provision of our mighty God through so much?  Would I share the low times like two more surgeries for Jeremy in April 2015 and August 2016?  Maybe I should skip the low times and focus on the good.  However without sharing the lows how could I explain how God so graciously carried us through those times?  Through all of it one thing has become very clear to me in the good and the bad GOD IS ALWAYS GOOD.  In the past years He has become sweeter to me then I can express.

So where do I start?  I have no idea.  I'm just hoping I can jump back in right here, today, and hopefully start again.  My track record isn't great on restarts, but I'm going to attempt it.

So here's to new starts.

Nathan

Nate turned 6 last August.  Some things I want to remember about him being 6 1/2:

-He's sensitive. If his feelings are hurt his big eyes fill with tears.
-He's an artist. (he decorated his cake) He can often be found drawing.  I've noticed on many occasions when I've asked him to write a word for school that he will start drawing the picture instead of the word. I am on a mission to find ways for him to use his gift of drawing to help him learn.
- He is also an expert Lego building.
-Nate wants to know how things work and is usually pretty good at figuring it out.
-He's in 1st grade.  He's reading well, but not real fast.  The speed seems to have more to do with his mind wondering to other things that his ability to ready.  When he's reading something he's interested in he reads very well.  He still sticks mostly to reading the books that came with his Phonics program.  I'm looking forward to that light bulb moment when he realizes that he can read the Cheerios box.
-He and Isaiah are best friends, though they probably wouldn't admit it.  I love hearing them talk after they've been tucked into bed or hearing one call the other's name in the morning to see if he is awake.  They enjoy playing games together.
-When Isaiah is busy with something else Nathan also enjoys playing with Callie.  He even does fine playing house until she starts calling him Honey. :)
-Of the three oldest, Nate is the one that will spend the longest amounts of time with Zachary.  He is very good at following Zachary around and keeping him out of trouble and entertained.
-I recently asked Nate what he wants to be when he grows up.  He answered "Well, I guess a doctor or a preacher is best, right?"  I was glad I asked him the question.  I'm not sure where he got his answer, but we had a good discussion about it.
-Nate sees things in a different light.  I love the questions he asks because they almost always force me to look at a situation in a way I never have before. There were times when he was younger that he would asked questions that we had a hard time answering because he just couldn't get out the right words to let us know what was going on in his brain, but the older he gets the better he is at picking the right words to explain what he is wants to say, and I love hearing them.
-He's very good at making weird, crazy noises.  Especially, when very bored or tired.
-Favorite color: Red or blue
-Favorite food: Pizza
-My pray for Nate is that he would become exactly who God has called him to, not what he feels he should be based on others giftings or interests.

Some of Nate's artwork:

If Mommy refuses to buy you a castle to put in your fish tank, you draw one to tape on the wall behind it.  The little white piece of paper taped to the tank says "Cowboy", that's his fish's name. 

This is how Nathan counted down the days until his birthday.  The square with the brightly colored dots represents the big day. This hung on our kitchen wall.  He rarely asks where he is allowed to hang his art work.  It just appears. I don't mind.  

Speaking of hanging art, one morning last fall I was ready to start school, but I could not find Nathan anywhere.  Our house is not very big, so it was rather strange.  Then I glanced outside and this is what I found...

...taped to the fort.   The Lion head is a sticker.  And sitting next to the fort was this:

I should have posted a close up picture of Nate.  He's sitting in his lawn chair wearing shorts and a jacket and his favorite crocs and covered up with his blanket.  There is a bag of something beside him, but I can't remember what was in it, possibly black walnuts he collected from our yard, or maybe some stuffed animals, or a flashlight and pocket knife. With Nate, you just never know.  (you can see the picture hanging on the fort next to the red swing)

I love how this kid rolls.  I sometimes like to imagine what God has planned for him.  I think it will be something rather unique.  Something that requires a brain that thinks outside of the box. And a Mom cheering from the sidelines.  I'll be there, Nate. 

Zachary

These pictures are now old, but still so sweet I'll still post them. 

First swing ride

Brothers:  Isaiah loves to see Zachary doing new things and is often the one calling for us to come look at what Zach is trying to do.  He is currently on a quest to get Zachary to sit by himself.

Brothers: Nathan and Zachary also have a special bond.  Nate is the one that will spend long periods of time with Zachary, talking to him, singing to him and making baby sounds that only Zachary can understand  and that often sound like Zachary's jabber.  The picture above was taken after these two had been "talking" for awhile in Zach's crib. 

Teeth, at 7 1/2 months (he's younger on this picture -I think it was taking in July) Zachary as 2 teeth and 2 just about to pop through.  

Jeremy's Family Vacation Weekend 2013

Another highlight from our summer was a weekend with Jeremy family (missing Alex and Boky :( ) My pictures were rather scarce from the weekend, but here are a few to record that it did happen. 

Zachary (4 months), Joshua (3 months)

 The kids LOVED the tea party Grandma Flo made for them.  This may become a tradition! 

Family Life

More pictures from our spring/summer

My strawberry jam helper princess

Nate's sign.  I can't remember what it was for.  Let's just pretend he's sitting in our neighbors flower bed...

Brothers.  Notice the missing teeth.  Nate lost one soon after this pictures was taken.  I think they lost 3 teeth between the two of them in 48 hours.

Because I don't want to forget


Family night at the local state park

May 2013 -Mom and Dad's Visit

We enjoyed a visit from my mom and dad in May.  Dad and my brother Matt flew to OR to surprise Brandon and attended the service at he and Cindy's church when Brandon was licensed as an associate pastor.  Heather and I and our children (we missed Cindy and Anna, Adam and Ashton! :( )took the opportunity to surprise mom with a 60th birthday party.  By the time Dad and Matt got to OR and Mom's party was over I was so tired of keeping surprises!  You know that feeling where you don't even want to answer the phone for fear you'll tell someone something and ruin a surprise?  That was me for about 2 weeks.  It was well worth it. 

We moved to this house almost 8 years ago.  I've often dreamed of serving friends a breakfast on our back porch.  Mom's party was the chance I was looking for.  We invited a few of her close friends & family (from this area) and we enjoyed brunch and fellowship on the porch. 

Did I mention we missed Cindy, Anna, Adam and Ashton? :(

  While Mom was here she helped the kids and I make donuts.  Wow, were they good. Sorry about the weird color on these pictures.  Some day I'll learn how to use this camera! 

When Dad got back from OR he took the boys fishing.  They loved it.  Nate was very interested in cleaning the fish.  He did NOT get his interest from his mom.

This visit was the first time Dad got to meet Zachary (4 months) They liked each other just fine. :)

Saying goodbye. :(

Four generations 

7 Minutes

I told the kids they had to get ready for bed at 7:30.  That gives me 7 minutes to blog.

• We just go home from Family Camp at Covey Valley.  We had a great weekend.
• Todd Wilson (FamilyMan) was the speaker.  He was hilarious and very encouraging. 
• We stayed at Jeremy's parents house instead of staying at the camp.  We were too lazy to camp in a tent.  It we nice to be in a familiar place to sleep.
• The kids are EXHAUSTED but had so much fun.  
• I am sitting on the couch.  Behind me, on top of the couch, are clean and folded clothes I didn't get a chance to put away before we rushed out the door on Friday.  Beside me is a bike helmet with dirty underwear in it?!?
• I should note here that because we didn't stay at the camp we didn't have a room so the kids changed for swimming in the van.  What a mess!
• I haven't even opened the suitcase yet. There's always tomorrow
• Tomorrow night our church starts a week of VBS
• Neither Angela or Kate had their babies over the weekend. :(  (Angela, I'm much more excited about your baby than Kate's, but I only have 2 minutes left so I didn't want to use up to bullet points:))
• Zachary is sleeping and can't wake up.  He did great at camp, but didn't get very many long naps. Now he's catching up. 
• I pulled out our Sonlight instructors guide for this year (instead of unpacking!) I'm excited about this coming school year. 
• It's now 7:31.  Time for bed.
• One more, my cousin and her husband just loaned us their treadmill.  Now I have no excuse!
• Maybe tomorrow. 

Can you feel it?

Here is comes!

Ahhcooo!

So much better!
(4 months)

Blogging, facebook style

I love facebook.  I strongly dislike facebook.  I'll keep my reasons to myself.  I often think of posting something, but then I figure it would only be interesting to my mom and 3 friends so I decide not to bother the rest of my "friends" with it.  However, this is my blog and I can do what I want.  So, here is a running list of things I could post on facebook, but decided not to.

-Should children be allowed to say hate?  Or should they say "strongly dislike"?

-Isaiah and Nate started swimming lessons yesterday.  Isaiah had a hard time yesterday, but today was much better.  God's does answer prayers!

-Me: "Callie, where did you learn that?" C: From my friend online.  Isaiah: Probably on pinterest.  Me: dumbfounded

-Callie loves watching "baking movies" (full episodes of cooking shows) on foodnetwork.com Proof that she probably watches to many:  While eating a lollipop, "This lollipop gives me texture in my mouth", while choosing which show to watch, "Not the man man one"  I finally figured out that she meant not GUY Fieri.  Guy, man, get it?  The Pioneer Woman is one of her favorites.  Callie calls her "The Pineapple Woman".

-Zachary had his 4 month check up on Friday.  He weighs 17.6 lbs.  We call him chubs. :)

-Why do kids decide they want to learn AFTER school is finished for the year?

-We are finished with school for the year! We were a few days short of the 180 we'll have to have when we start recording days, but we finished the goals I had so I am pleased.  We did a lot of reading.  I figured we read somewhere over 2800 pages and that didn't include any extra books we read that were not related to school.

-My house needs cleaned.  I might go on strike until summer is over.

-I found $20 in a pair of pants that I hadn't worn for awhile.  I of course was very delighted.  Jeremy just shook his head.  I figure we're up $20.  He doesn't understand how I didn't realize we were down $20.  Now to decide if it was grocery money or "my" piano money.

-Quote from somewhere "Organized people are too lazy to look for things"

-Jeremy does not have a lazy wife. See previous post.

-Is it possible to organize and back up digital pictures and still have a sound mind?

-twentytwowords.com is a very interesting web site. They have all kinds of useless information that I find very interesting.  I'm not sure what that says about me.

-I'm very sad to not have a bigger garden this year.  A walnut tree on our neighbors property (bad for tomatoes I'm told) and ground hogs are the reason.

-We just found out that one of our neighbors is FEEDING the groundhogs. :(

-Isaiah is missing his two front teeth.  Someone mentioned that he looks older.  I think he looks younger and I secretly love it.  Sometimes he is way too serious for a 7 year old.  Seeing him with no front teeth helps me to remember that he is just a kid.

-Zachary is one of the most kissed on and loved babies in the world I'm sure.  He brings us so much joy.  He "talks" so much.

I love using " "'s

-Nathan: "Being a lifeguard would be boring.  Not many people drown.  It would be really sweaty".  ?

-And since this is facebook style blogging I end with "What a day!  I'm off to bed".

-Here is a great recipe for bran muffins.  (because no one should ever go to bed without first checking pinterest)

Homeschooling

Yes, we homeschool.  I realize I don't mention it much on this blog.  The thing I dislike (can I say hate?) the most about homschooling is the division that is felt between those who homeschool and those who do not.  Jeremy and I feel educating our children at home is right for our family, for now.  I realize some will read this and think we are some amazing, got-it-all-together parents and some will instantly judge us for this decision.  It just goes with homeschooling.

I hesitate to say much here because I don't want to paint a false picture of a perfect home with perfect kids getting a college degree at age 5.  Nope, you should see us most days.  We're learning a lot everyday.  Many times what we're learning has more to do with building relationships and getting a long with each other than learning the sum of 2 +2.  We're not perfect.  Homeschooling is an option and we're using it.  As we finish up our second year I'm happy with what the boys are learning.  There is much more I could say, but my main reason for posting was to link to this article by Ann Voskamp.   "The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling."  

So very well said.

Pumpkin Pie

I get asked for this recipe so often that I decided to share it here.  I got it from Mom, but I think she got it from the Mennonite Community Cookbook.  I've never made a different pumpkin pie so I don't know what makes this one better than any other recipe.  Possibly the spices.  Anyway, it's very easy and everyone enjoys it. 

I use Pioneer Woman's The Perfect Pie Crust recipe.  I use half butter, half Crisco and I mix it in my food processor.  

Pumpkin Pie

1 c. brown sugar

1/2 teas salt

2 teas. cornstarch

1/4 teas. ginger

1/4 teas. cloves

1 teas. cinnamon

1 15 oz can pumpkin

3 eggs, beaten

1 1/2 c. milk, scaled

Preheat oven to 425.  I usually put an empty cookie sheet in the oven at this point so it is hot when I am ready to bake the pie.  I also back pies on a lower rack than other things because sometimes the crust doesn't brown right even with the cookie sheet.  Any suggestions?

Mix brown sugar, salt, cornstarch, ginger, cloves and cinnamon together.  Stir in pumpkin. Add beaten eggs and stir.  Added scalded milk and stir.  (I usually add the milk a little at a time so it doesn't mess up the eggs -that could happen right?)  Mix well and pour into unbaked pie crust. Then (this is important!) sprinkle more of the spices over the top of the pie and swirl with a fork.  

Back at 425 for 15 minutes.  Reduce heat to 350 and continue baking for 30 minutes (longer in my oven, but my oven is weird) or until crust is browned and pumpkin is stiff in the middle and does not move when you move the pan.  

Easter 2013

Pictures from our Easter celebrations this year.  

I love Zach's face on this one. :)  By the way, this was taking AFTER church.  Easter pictures before church didn't happen.

This might be my favorite picture from the whole weekend. 

 A highlight of our weekend was meeting our newest nephew Joshua, he's just 5 weeks younger than Zachary.   He's a sweetie!

We have high hopes of Zachary and Joshua being great friends someday.  Maybe next year. :) 

Isaiah at his great-grandma's yearly brunch and Easter egg hunt

Callie loved the hunt too. 

Nate posed for this picture.

My cousin's beautiful daughter 

Another cousin and her beautiful daughter. 

Zachary getting to know one of his great-uncles. 

The oldest holding the youngest.  Zachary with his Great-Grandma L. (Mom's mom)

So sweet