Maurer Masterpiece

An oldie but a goodie

2012-02-04T14:13:00.000-08:00

Clara, 1 year

Judah, 1 year (with uncle Andy)

It is so hard to believe that in a few short weeks I'll be adding a picture of Wesley to the 1 year club. Oh man! It's going by so fast.

Clara-isms

2012-01-17T18:39:00.000-08:00

Clara turned 4 recently--oh the funny things she's been saying. I've been meaning to write this post for FOREVER but with all that's been going on I just haven't. She's beginning to mimic all the little phrases she hears around the house in her most grown up voice. Oh it's a total crack up! Some of my favorites though? Here is a sampling:

In the morning:
"We need to go upstairs and have brepkest. I want frozen flakes."
"Wesley, let's get you in your chair high."
"I can rinse my own dish mom. You just need to turn on the sink"

During Play time:
"Judah, if you keep doing that you'll get a spankin'"
"Oh commear baby doll, did you get hit by your big sister?" (remember she's mimicking common phrases)
"Raggaley Ann, wont you come and play?" (raggedy ann)
"Time to go! We're going to be late. I hate being late" (wont tell you who she hears that from!)

During Cuddle time: (this makes me laugh all the time when I think of it)
Me: Clara, did you know that Jesus loves you and can help you all through the day? He can help calm your heart when you get angry. He can comfort you when you are sad. He loves you so much! When you get scared, He will give you a peace."

Clara: A piece?

Me: Yes, a peace.

Clara: A piece of meat?

Me: laughing hysterically, the spiritual moment was lost!

During School Time:
We were doing our Bible verse and I was asking her to "repeat after me"
Me: Say "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

Clara: Blank stare.

Me: Repeat the words after me. "I can do all things..."

Clara: "I can do all things by myself".
Aaahhh depravity is seen even in the babes.

33362

2012-01-17T13:15:00.000-08:00

I did it! I RAN a half marathon. 13.1 miles people. What an experience...one I have likened to having a baby--not like the pain--but the time frame. I thought I was running forever and then all the sudden it was over. I had done it and I had this "accomplishment" under my belt.

When I walked up to the race it dawned on me exactly a year ago I was 9 months pregnant watching this very same race. As Owen and our family of 4 walked to our viewing place, I remembered having so may contractions I thought I might deliver right there (I didn't). There was a seed planted that day that maybe I'd be able to run the race next year...

I did and I cannot believe it!

I will call my brother the WILD CARD of the race! I told Alex that I would be running it and in a passing comment he said he'd run it with me. Well turns out he was serious and totally did. Every brutal step. I know I could not have finished as successfully without him. There was one point I wanted to take a break and he just said no...that we were going to keep running. And we did.
Thank you Alex! Definitely a "Hallmark Moment" in our lives together.

I began running in August of 09 after Judah was born to help me recover from PPD. It was out of necessity. Judah would cry at night for long periods and I would go on a run in 105 degree weather and Owen would call me and say "keep running, he's still crying". I had never been a runner in my life prior to that.
I stopped running at 26 weeks preggers with Wesley. I started up again in March when he was 3 weeks old. I thought that maybe this would be the year that I would run the half. Keep in mind that at this point, running 2 miles was about it for me and I felt like death afterwards!

And then in steps this little firecracker in my life. I've mentioned her before, Grace, my running partner. She just moved here to Phoenix a few months ago and it was such great timing. God's perfect timing if you'd ask us! I was just contemplating the race when I met Grace and no sooner had she unpacked her house in Phoenix when she said she was going to start training for the half and she needed a running partner. She added up our miles, both together and separate and we've put in just over 200 miles through our training. WOW! A big prop to Grace, when we started running together her mile was about 13:30's and now she runs a swift 10:10. So proud! I have been so blessed to share this process with her, get to know her sweet determined spirit and have such great accountability. I know I could not have done it without her!

These are the long run girls, Kim, Grace, Me, Sue and Kelley--Well, Kelley didn't run with us at all but we were missing our girl Taylor so she stood in for us. We ran every Saturday together during the training season.

These pictures were between miles 10-11 after 3 miles UP HILL. Yep you read that right, miles 8,9, and 10 were all up hill and I totally wanted to stop. I think we were barely running...but we were still running. Owen greeted me with the kids at this point and it did work to boost my spirits. It has meant so much to have Owen's support and know that my kids are seeing me do something great. Gave kisses to everyone and then kept.on.running.

I seriously thought if I stopped and bent over to kiss Wesley all the way down in his seat that I would fall over. So he just got a big smile.

This was just a few yards from the finish line. I was so happy to be done. I seriously could not believe I did it. We ran the whole thing!
Definitely had pain immediately following the race in my feet & my hips but after that subsided and I got some sugar back in my body I began to feel a little more normal. I was sore the day after but already have that urge to go back out and run again. I think I am hooked. What an exhilarating experience--I have never pushed my body that hard before. I will do it again and I am already pining for a better time & better overall race!

Family Hiking

2012-01-05T13:46:00.000-08:00

We hiked North Mountain on New Year's day. What a great way to start the new year, it was beautiful out and the kids again were real troopers hiking a mile!

I once a gain wore Wesley in the moby wrap...unfortunately he wasn't super happy about being tied up for the whole thing--he's getting quite active himself! These hikes have been so fun and a nice change for me from the running. The half marathon is in a week and a half. I cannot believe I am here. Struggling with a little cold or sinus infection right now which has me a little nervous that I'll feel 100% for the race. But I know I have put in the time and all of the training and hopefully everything will feel just fine!

I love this man...these kids adore him.

Enjoying 'trail mix' at the top of the mountain

Look mom. an M&M

This one was just too cute not to share.

Christmas

2012-01-05T13:17:00.000-08:00

Although this is a picture of Wesley, I felt more like him this Christmas! Drowning in activity (of our own doing) and gifts our kids were shown more love and generosity than they knew what to do with!

The boys. Judah looks like he's doing something naughty...Wesley just looks like he's going to out grow Judah over night!

A little sister lovin'....a little too much lovin'

The happy boys

The Happy Family: I LOVE how our picture is different every year, with a new addition.

Clara and Judah last year 2010

The family in 2009

Clara & Mom and dad with Judah in the oven in 2008

Yep, this is Clara's first Christmas. In the blur of a one week old first baby who was tinier than I can remember, the idea of a 'first Christmas photo' was lost on me!

Clara Turned 4

2011-12-21T13:47:00.000-08:00

Oh My, how is it possible that I have a four year old? As my girlfriends and I were talking, I realized that having a four year old somehow makes me feel like I am a "real mom" now. Laugh if you want, that's how I feel. Clara's birthdays always tend to be quite exciting because her reactions are so genuine, unrefined and hilarious. She did not disappoint. Her face for most of the evening below.

My brother and sister were saying all night long that she reminded them of a certain girl they used to know--what? You've never seen a girl get rightfully excited over gifts? And oh that mouth. Yep it's from me too. But lets stick with the non genetic birthday presents. She was super excited about a couple of things. She's been asking for about 6 months for a bike. We kept telling her that when she turns 4 she can get one. She has a mind like a steel trap (again, a gift from me) and she had not forgotten. GB & Grandma Lynn were in on the gift idea with us and provided bike accessories like wheel beads, knee pads, elbow guards, basket and of course the bell. We gave her all of those gifts first. She kept saying "where is the bike?" When I told her she would just have to use those things on her tricycle, she tried very hard to be OK with that. Then daddy "remembered" that there was one more gift. He wheeled out the bike and her reaction was totally priceless. She had her hands over her mouth and was so excited. One of the most special giving moments so far! I'll remember her face forever.

She got right on and was ready for a ride. Seriously one of the cutest bikes I've ever seen. And yes, I purposefully bought her a purple outfit to match her new purple bike.

We had cake pop's & s'more cup cakes afterwards. Thanks so much to our family and friends who made Clara's birthday special.

It was completely lost on Judah that he could take bites of his cake pop.

Clara sporting her new biking gear

The glaze after the party. Cake smeared faces, over stimulated brains and half dressed kids seems about right.

Christmas Party

2011-12-21T13:38:00.000-08:00

It seems every year the only time Owen and I get "dressed up" to go somewhere is for the annual Custom Controls Christmas Party. And just in case you were wondering, yes this is me and Owen dressed up. Ha! It makes it to the blog every year, and this year is no different

But lets keep it real, we're no longer DINK's and our real life consists of three kids in their pajama's most of the time! Amazing how just about every year, there has been a new baby in our photo or at least one on the way.

Fun with Clifford

2011-12-21T13:24:00.000-08:00

A few weeks back I saw a commercial stating that Clifford the Big Red Dog was going to be at a local shopping area. Clara LOVES Clifford and I have a soft spot for him in my heart since he was one of my favorite characters as a child. So we packed up the kiddos and didn't tell them until we were on our way what we were doing. Above: Daddy & Wesley taking the back seat so we could be up close. Wesley looks thrilled doesn't he?

Mommy, Clara and Judah enjoying some story time before Clifford came out. See him in the background?

Kill me now. I just love this kid and with a hat on he's even more precious. Yep, that's my boy with a hat, no jacket, a car and his kakki pants on backwards at a very "trendy" mall.

Me and Wesley...gain, doesn't he look thrilled?

Clara waited very patiently to get her picture taken with Clifford. She couldn't wait to touch him, but when it finally came down to it, she wanted mommy in between the two of them. As for me, I'm always a little curious about who's under the costume, this particular Clifford seemed very happy to have to pose with all the mama's! He really squeezed me in tight.

This was Clara's "most excited face" after meeting Clifford. k

Mr. Cheese

2011-12-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to introduce to you Mr. Cheese. If Judah was guy smiley at this age, Wesley is so Mr. Cheese.

Random Happenings

2011-12-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

Our kids got mail...for the first time in a long time! They were rediculously excited about the said mail. They asked that we take pictures with their envelopes...well Wesley didn't but you get the idea. Yeah, those are my boys flashing their Abe Lincolns. Thanks GB & Grandma Lynn for the Thanksgiving money & cards. The kids loved it as you can see!

Seriously? I will announce once again that Isaac is single! And now we can see why. Just kidding, if this picture says anything, it's a true representation of how much fun the kids have with Isaac on a daily basis. Isaac truly is great with the kids--now if we could get him to be great with the house cleaning we'd be onto something. Ha ha.

This picture is a little teaser for Grandma. Yes it's here, yes its set up...but not completely. A whole other post is devoted for that.

Here's my special dude. Mr. Cheese at the moment. Can you see his 4 teeth? Yeah, you're right, how could you miss them? They're huge! Wesley had his 9 month appointment several weeks ago already and at the time he was 18 lbs 1 oz. He's doing all the normal 9 month things and is happy and healthy. We're so thankful for this joyful and peaceful addition to our family. Quiet. Content. Determined. Focused. And pretty darn handsome if I do say so myself.

Hiking & Training

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

We went on a family hike up 'A' mountain on Thanksgiving weekend. Yep, Clara and Judah hiked all the way up the mountain by themselves. I knew Clara could do it, but Judah has a tendency to have an "I can't monster" riding on his shoulder. He did fantastic! He needed help in a few places but was totally confident all the way up and all the way down. I wore Wesley in the moby wrap backpack style...he was a happy camper. When we got to the top we posed for a family picture. Here is where my husband and I differ...There was a couple below us just a bit that I wanted to ask...but conveniently there was a 10 year old boy right next to Owen...Guess who got to take the shot? Yep the 10 year old boy. Hence the reason we look more like we're standing in front of a prison. Gotta love it. At least in this one all five of our faces are in the frame.

Judah posing above the city. You can really see how high the hike was from this perspective. And no, we don't know who Taylor & Sarah are, but apparently they want their love on a rock in permanent marker for all to see. Here ya go!

Clara was a little more model-esque

By the end of the hike Wesley was hanging a little low--still smiling though

This is my "I am woman hear me roar" face. Oh don't ask!

I am still training for the PF Changs Half Marathon. I still can't believe that I am doing it...well I've paid for it and if you know me, if I've paid for something I am going to do it! I have been running 3-5 times a week depending on the week...several miles each weekday run and a long run that I just got up to 7 miles this weekend. A blessing from the running? I am getting to know a lovely new friend who has also committed to this torture--I mean running. We are able to run at least once a week together and it's been a blessing to have accountability and encouragement along the way. It's amazing what training can do...I am at a place that 4 miles seems easy-ish and 7 miles did not kill me. I never thought I would get to this place. I can honestly say that I am running and enjoying it (not the super long runs) and I can see/feel my body changing.

Thanksgiving.

2011-12-06T18:41:00.000-08:00

Yep, I realize we are almost on to a 4th birthday party and Christmas and I am just getting to Thanksgiving. You don't have to read it if you don't want to. This is more for me and the recording for my family! Something we are all thankful for? The life of our newest niece Callan. This is Wesley "holding" her for the first time. Wow does he seem giant compared to her! Another "WOW" is that we added the 6th, 7th and 8th baby to this family this year. Woah! Let me just say that GB & Grandma Lynn and Noni & Puff you have fertile children...it's amazing that 3 kids can produce that many grandchildren so close together.

Thanksgiving turned out to be a fashion show of sorts between Clara and Olivia. They came up the stairs several times saying "We're so fancy!" What I am thankful for? My sister (and brother) living so close and that our kids can grow up together. Doesn't get much better than that.

Another special thing was that my mom was in town for Callan's birth and to help afterwards...we realized that this was the first Thanksgiving that we have shared together since 2002. How did that happen? More than ever, the deeper I get into this motherhood thing the more I am thankful (and amazed) for my mom. She had her hands even fuller than me! And she survived although she doesn't remember much. Haha. Here she is with mr. Cheese himself!

There has been much to be thankful for this year, 3 new babies in our family, a new place to live, renters (never thought I'd be sayin that!), healthy family relationships, healthy kids, and so much more. Wow. What a year (so far).

2011-11-27T21:04:00.001-08:00

Thx Giving Gunning

2011-11-27T20:13:00.001-08:00

Have a few pics here of me and the Boys shooting. Ya, his is Daddy Owen posting. I was informed by my warrior Queen this will not be a regular feature. Or so she thinks. I have to say the Blog is pretty accurate day to day as to how we really live. But, you know a "good wife" typically tries to hide any and all red neck and hill billy moments. Hope to sneak back in soon. Owen Out....

Single Uncle Isaac

Callan Elyse

2011-11-19T18:25:00.001-08:00

Announcing the birth of my third niece Callan Elyse. My sister Rachael had her baby girl a few weeks early, much to her relief and our joy!

The Tres Amigos. I've been at 2 of Rachael's births with my mom...Both have been at all three of my deliveries. I couldn't imagine it another way.

Obviously comfortable! Thank God for modern medicine.

I think this is the best face ever. I told Rach to give me her "Oh my, I just realized I am about to have my 3rd child" face. I think she nailed it!

Callan Elyse--5 lbs 9 oz born at 9:32 pm. Callan is our maiden name, we'll call her Callie

The happy family!

Boo for Sickies

2011-11-19T18:17:00.001-08:00

So we have made it almost 9 months without a true illness for Wesley...it seems he's made up for it this past week. Man oh man, there's pretty much nothing sadder than this little boy being sick. He ran 103+ fever for 4 days and then came the explosions from both ends. Poor baby is so tired--he's not played much this week at all, he just wanted to be snuggled or held. If he didn't want to be held he wanted to be sleeping. Praying that today's more up beat baby will stay.

We happen to have his 9 month well check on Monday. Umm hello? Where did the last 9 months go? I cannot believe that he is 9 months and that he's 3 months shy of a year! God has been so merciful, with each passing month I can look back and can remember where I was with both of the other two kids...Clara was still work every day for me--trying to figure this whole mommy thing out. Judah was in the beginning throws of his failure to thrive and I was feeling crazy managing all of his symptoms and calculating his intake & calories. With Wesley, we're happily enjoying the snuggle time with a small illness and blessed that things are going so well!

We are here

2011-11-13T19:47:00.001-08:00

We are here. Still. Busy. loving life. Home Schooling. Celebrating a legacy of marriage with family. 60 years people. We are still here. More to come soon.

Camping

2011-10-31T13:22:00.000-07:00

We went on a camping trip this weekend. Oh my what to say what to say? I did have fun. I did freeze, there was a bathroom, and I probably will do it again. We joined 6 other families from our church--There were 26 in all, 14 adults, 12 kids ranging from 8 weeks to 7 years of age and 2 dogs. We went to Camp Verde, just south of Sedona and camped in this beautiful canyon area with a creek running through it. So here are some snapshots.

The littlest Maurer getting ready for his first Camping trip.

Our loaded 4runner. The first indication that we brought way too much stuff!

The oldest Maurer setting up the tent (OK I confess, this is Owen taking down the tent at the end of the trip, but who could really tell?) And can we say saggy pants?

The fuel for the weekend....Starbucks Frappaccino's. Note to self--next time bring some coffee that can be heated when it's only 37* outside! We didn't anticipate that it would be that cold, Owen and I and all three of the kiddo's snuggled together to keep warm. The first night, pretty much every hour of the night one of the 12 children were crying! It was the longest night ever!

The littlest Maurer and the Middle Maurer chillin' quite literally in the morning. Can I just say how thankful I am that I don't regularly rely on a camp fire to warm up milk for my baby?

The big cheese!

Clara was in heaven being outside with her daddy all weekend long!

Our youngest camper, Caleb...can you see him in there?

Is it just me or does Mena seem like she's got something up her sleeve for Judah?

Eating breakfast...

Green Machine.

Dan and Katie enjoying breakfast---about 3 hours after the rest of us! They "slept in" as their camp site was away from the rest of us...not far enough though because they still could hear all the cryin' babes!

Clara and Judah enjoying a treat from their daddy. Twinkies are not something that I would give them! They were so happy! Owen took them on a "trail" of exciting and bumpy driving.

The beautiful stream right by our tent. This was my "white noise" for sleeping.

Ahh and here's my mountain man! When I first laid eyes on Owen my sister told me that I wouldn't like him because he was "kind of a mountain man". Ha! Believe it or not, this was our first real "outdoors experience" since being together--not sure how I lucked out to get someone who is "so prepared" for EVERYTHING. I love you babe. Give me at least 6 months before we have to do that again.

Look Mom!

2011-10-31T13:20:00.000-07:00

I hear the exclamation "Look mom!" about 100 times a day. Usually It's not something that I run to. It's usually a picture in a book, a princess sticker, a spilled cup of something or whatever else kids think worthy of showing to me. I heard "LOOK MOM!" from Judah in a voice I hadn't quite heard before. I couldn't tell if it was excitement, fear or trouble so I came running. Judah thought it would be cool to put the music table, Wesley's favorite toy up on the stair landing. Wesley did think that was cool and apparently high tailed it up the stairs to play with it.

Be still my heart. He's quick and cute. He's so proud of himself. He does it regularly now! We'll have to spend an afternoon very soon teaching Mr. Wesley how to go down the stairs.

Keeping an eye on it!

2011-10-15T20:58:00.000-07:00

So we're keeping an eye on Wesley's eyes. All in all his eyes are formed perfectly and the A-symmetry we were seeing is just that--his face is not perfectly symmetrical. We did discover during the exam that he has astigmatism--he's near sighted--so we will keep an 'eye' on that. Ha ha! So thankful though for a pediatrician who would rather seem overly cautious to another doctor than risk missing something on one of my kids.

As you can see, Wesley is pulling himself up and he's so tall! That's a pretty tall stool he's holding onto and it was no biggie for him to go from the music table to the stool. He's so proud of his new skills! Clapping, crawling, and now pulling up onto things all before 8 months! I'm slightly proud myself. Such a sweet little stinker he is.

We have a RENTER!

2011-10-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

OK can I just say how much of a confirmation that Owen and I have has been such a blessing? Our confirmation? We have a renter--for the next 12 months! Some amazing things about this? We only advertised on our street and on Craigs list. The renter is one of the first of several who contacted us. They wanted it and everything checked out. It was in our desired time frame too which means we've already begun to save! God is so faithful--remember? We really felt that this is a huge step of faith for us that was directed by God for our family. We are so thankful!

turning this home over to someone else is hard for me...more so than Owen. This is where I brought all three of my babies home...this is where I cried more tears than I care to remember over those babies and how my life had just changed so drastically! I have spent so much time in this house. This house covered my head for 6 years, the longest housing for me in a 12 year period. This is where Owen and I dug our hands in (OK it was all Owen) and made a beautiful yard, warm home, perfect custom shelving---oh the shelving. But I know that this is just stuff. There is nothing in that house that makes it a home because all the stuff that makes it a home is with me. My husband. My Clara. My Judah. My Wesley.
As Owen and I were cleaning it for the final time on Saturday, I just had more of that sense than anything...this place is empty without my family. So now I am saying goodbye (for now--and maybe forever) to our first home. She's a beauty ain't she?

Another room

2011-10-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

Oh Man! I know you all are ~~waiting patiently and checking back daily~~ dying to see pictures of the new digs. So here ya go.

This is the entry from the stairwell. Can I just say how huge this room is? It's a good thing we have a big couch! There are two colors, the white-ish and then a soft "porch gray"
There are a few things that we've inherited while living in the basement. Exhibit A--the kitchen table. I've turned it into a desk & family office area. It will soon also serve as a home school area--yep you read that right. Home school.

Our Maurer wall--recreated. The metal crates were a trash find...haha. I think they're camping fire toasters.

This is another view of our "family office/home school area" Keep an eye out for more pictures as I am adding and transforming this into our school area.

Things are still going great here. We're all finding our new normal. Next week we're going to be starting our new routine preparing for home schooling. We're all learning here!

The one where I take a picture of a urinal

2011-09-30T20:36:00.000-07:00

Betcha didn't know that there's a urinal in our new house. Yessiree. Pure design genius for a family with four boys! So just in case you didn't hear...we have a urinal in our new house, you now have the proof.

And this is just a tease of our bathroom...

More pictures of the rest of the house to come.

Many faces of Wesley

2011-09-30T20:25:00.000-07:00

We recently started Wesley on solid food and the child will.not.stop.eating. So different from our other experiences! He's eating everything he can get his hands on. He eagerly opens his mouth and waits for us to shovel it into his mouth. His face is quite funny after each bite. He's mastered the fish face. LOVE IT!

So Much fun to be had...

2011-09-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

At our new house we have LOTS of dress up clothes. But we don't have little boy pants...ha ha.

Cowgirl Clara

To be honest, I have no idea what we'd call Judah's character, but does it really matter? He looks so darn happy & cute!

Unexpected

2011-09-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

There have been many things that have been unexpected about this move...Of course some of the funniest things have come from the kid's. They've been saying things like...

"Mom, I can't find you anywhere"

"Mom, I can't see you all da time in gramma's house"

"When are we going home?"

"We live at gramma's house for a really long day now?"

"You wanna see my new room now?"--If I hear this one more time I might die...they don't get that I did their new room...and I am done with their new room.

"Where's uncle Isaac?"

"Can we wake him up?"

"Papa come home on the air port plane."

"Gramma's seeping. We can wake her up if we want"

There have been a few unexpected things for me too...my compulsive cleaning is back! My feet don't hurt after a long day because there is plush carpet throughout the house. My calves are sore from walking up and down the stairs. I LOVE having a garbage disposal. Yes people, I've lived for the last 6 years without a sink aerator. A garage, oh how nice. I really enjoy using the new-to-me washer and dryer--I actually look forward to doing laundry!

Another unexpected thing? JOY---not the emotion, the person. My mother-in-law is in town. Now I know that there sometimes can be a negative association with that title, but let me tell you there is nothing farther from the truth here! It's not like she was unexpected, but I didn't expect all of the perks of having her around! She say's things like:

"Well, the kids are sleeping, why don't you go to the gym?"

"Can I please give Wesley his bottle?"

"Don't worry about sweeping or mopping the floor, I'll do it after the kids go to bed"

Can I get an AMEN here? Let me just tell you that Angels have been singing the Hallelujah Chorus in my heart all week. I am going to be so spoiled while she's here! I think she's going to be equally spoiled having her grand babies at arms reach any time she wants them.

We are settled for the most part. There are a few odds and ends that we need to get hung up or put away, but it's feeling more like home. When those projects are done there will be pictures I promise! We feel so blessed to be entering into this season of life...It's not where we thought we'd be 6 months ago, but we know it's where we're supposed to be. We've yet to find renters for our home, so be in prayer for that. Pictures to come...

These are my thoughts on Laundry

2011-08-26T13:42:00.000-07:00

I think EVERY mom can relate to this! Every member of my family was on their last pair of chonies this Monday...it got me thinking, how is it that I don't have time for the laundry?

In a family of five there is always laundry to do. I HATE doing laundry. Every week I give myself that pep talk that goes something like this: "Emily, if you just do the laundry on one day, like TOMORROW, and fold it all right AWAY, and then put it away right AWAY the Laundry monster will not haunt you all week." So then I go to sleep resolved once again to not let our laundry get out of control. On a side note, those of you who know my hubby, he likes to keep it clean...meaning his clothes. If he has sweated for 5 minutes in anything he has on, it goes right in the laundry, even if it's really not dirty...he does not have a 5 wear rule with his jeans. One time, even for just a trip to church you can bet those jeans are going to be in the laundry five minutes after we get home...and when he's caring for the kids, the same rule applies. So yeah, I really do have a laundry monster. Each Monday passes and I inevitably get caught up doing something different around the house, you know like raising three kids, making meals, wiping noses, kissing booboo's, talking through disagreements, mopping up spilled younameit etc. So although I may have started the laundry first thing Monday morning, by nap time on Monday I realize I have a dried load in the dryer, an almost sour load in the wash...and of course, one load I actually unloaded from the dryer and did not fold. Here's my thought process...

Ok, the load in the dryer has to get heated up so it's not wrinkled...go into the laundry room and turn on the dryer. Oh my, the kitchen counter is far too dirty to put clean clothes on it, I need to wipe it down. Oh, now the floor is dirty, I should really sweep it while I am at this cleaning thing. Oh, the table needs to be wiped first. Sweep under the table...don't forget. Oh, the computer is open with my e-mail up...what's that I have a new e-mail? Oh boy I love getting e-mail. I should respond to this right away so I don't forget. Wow, that e-mail took a little longer than I expected. Well, the dryer has five more minutes, I should check some of the blogs I read. While I am at it, I should update our blog. Hmmm what should I blog about? How I hate doing laundry? Sounds good...Oh hi Judah. You're up from your nap early. You want to snuggle? Oh I love snuggles from my big boy. Oh you need a snack? OK. Milk, fruit or crackers. Crackers it is. Yes, you can sit next me on my chair and watch some funny videos on the computer. Don't worry about the crumbs you just got all over the counter I just cleaned up. Oh Hi Clara, I hear Wesley too...we should go get him. Wesley needs a bottle, and would you look at that? I spilled powdered formula all over the counter, again. Well Wesley's really hungry I should feed him and clean that little spill later. Hi Hon! I am so glad you're home. Yep, I got several loads of laundry "done". You're starving. Well let me get to making dinner. Do you mind playing with the kiddos a little bit? OK! Dinner's ready, lets eat! How does preparing a meal for five create So.many.dishes? Well, I really should get the dishwasher loaded so that I can unload it first thing in the morning. We want to go swimming? Ok! Let's get in the car. Time for showers...if you get right into the shower and wash quick you can watch a few minutes of a show...here's your milk, drink up it's time for bed! Oh no, I forgot! Laundry. Oh I'll just start the dryer again and heat up those clothes. Ugh, the ones in the wash are starting to smell sour--I cant stand sour clothes! I better run this, this time with baking soda to help with the sour smell. Wow, that counter top is far too dirty to put clean clothes on it, I should wipe down. Oh the floors dirty, again. Sweep sweep. My e-mail is open, wow, five new messages? I feel loved. I am really behind in responding to several of these! You ready for bed Owen? Well, let me get the kid's milk ready for the morning...you'd like to do what?

Sound familiar? I think if it weren't for Owen, sometimes we'd never have clean clothes. Thank you honey!
Here's Wesley Thomas at 6 months and 5 days. Wow he's getting so big! We went to the Ped. on Monday for his well check and he looks great! He's 15 lbs and 13 oz and I think 27 1/2 inches long...the nurse moved rather quickly so I had to look fast. He's ahead of schedule on the development area--he's sitting completely unassisted, almost crawling, tracking, grabbing at food & toys, babbling up a storm and has even mastered the art of pulling down his baby bed bumper to play peek-a-boo with his siblings...at nap time.

One thing that wasn't super fantastic at this appointment is that we've been referred to an optimalogist. Wesley's right eye is smaller than his left. Although I have noticed that they were not quite symmetrical, I couldn't really determine the difference. My Ped. noticed and asked if I had noticed and since I did, wants to just have it checked out.
Is there anything sweeter than brotherly love? Although I don't think that Judah has really noticed, Wesley has certainly noticed that Judah is around and I can already tell that Wesley wants to be doing whatever it is that Judah's doing. It's so sweet! Judah is always bringing Wesley his trucks & cars and saying, "Wesley, you wanna pawk it?" SO CUTE!
Clara's love for Wesley continues to grow as she watches him start to develop more and more. Every day as he's in the crawling position she cheers him on and says "Come on bubby, you can do it! Come on". She's excited that he's trying food and always says how much he loves her because he always smiles when she comes around.

Even if these kids create lots of laundry, I wouldn't trade them for laundry free days for the rest of my life. I am even more thankful that they help me to remember what's really important, like taking pictures of cute kids, NOT THE LAUNDRY!

Just some sentances

2011-08-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

life has been busy lately.

I took my sister on a surprise girls only babymoon last week. It was the longest I've left Wesley and I missed him terribly but we had a BLAST. I have found that giving surprises makes me extremely happy but oh so nervous. I don't think my heart was beating at it's regular rate until we were half way to Sedona. I love massages and I need to get them more often! Umm Hello! Why hasn't anyone told me about Slide Rock? So much fun!

My mom is in town and it's been wonderful to have her here...I hope that by adding her 8th grandchild she'll be high tailing it down here permanently. Just to clarify, its Rachael that's pregnant, not me!

I am training for the PF Changs Rock & Roll Marathon 1/2. I cannot believe I just typed that sentence. I have been running since I was diagnosed with PPD after Judah was born and might as well do it with a purpose in mind now. The training schedule I am using seems to ease me into the distance required. Yes, I am running on day's when it's a 115 out--thank God for the golf course and a very consistent sprinkler schedule.

Wesley is growing so fast. It makes me so happy that he seems to be a "super baby" learning tings ahead of the curve, but it makes me sad too. The time is going by SO fast. He is almost crawling. He's sitting unassisted and seems to be growing an inch by the week.

Clara has been saying the funniest things lately. She says that she needs to go to the "doctor to get a shock if I gets sick". She says "I do love brushing my teeth, but I don't"--that sentence can be applied to almost anything. She has learned to talk back and sass me. Wow where did that come from? She tells Judah what he "likes". "Judah, you like holding my hand". Clara's face is beginning to look more like a little girl and less like a baby. It still makes me laugh a bit when I see the remnence of the haircut she gave herself. My mom says she can see how she's 'matured' in the last 6 months and can see how she battles between being a toddler and a "grown up little girl". I can too. She can swim pretty well and is adventurous but cautious.

Judah is my little sparkler. He's swimming well too. He has what we call a "silent entry" to the water. He makes no noise when he enters and then he just floats there face down and thinks he's swimming. It's quite terrifying to watch--he comes up smiling every.single.time. I usually stay home with Mr. Wesley but a few days ago made the trip to swim...he jumped in all by himself that day--just to impress his mama. Oh I love that kid. He is talking up a storm and can be heard shouting "No Clala" a million times a day. At least he's not just submitting himself to her any more! He discovered while I was away that color crayons are not for coloring on the walls & doors. He also discovered that when daddy's home he doesn't have to get dressed. He says "I wanto do somthin' fun mommy" When I ask what that is he smiles and says "Go to gamma's house". The boy LOVES his gramma!

Owen and I are working hard on the move...our house is being de-cluttered, things are being donated and given to friends. Moving is a great way for me to see that I really don't need all this stuff. We've been stretched as a couple in our communication. I have learned that two very type A people--two visionaries obviously will have their own visions of how a process should go...if it's not communicated that can be well, a mite difficult! Owen is sleep walking a lot again. He swears he's not stressed out.

God continues to be merciful to us and has held my naturally anxious heart in His hand. We have a real peace about all of the 'unknowns' in our future but know that He's going to guide us where ever we go!

Movin' Movin' Movin'...

2011-08-07T19:26:00.000-07:00

Literally minutes before I snapped this picture my mom had just asked if Wesley was indicating any interest in crawling..."no, it'll be a few weeks" I replied. Ha! next thing I see is Wesley on all fours...smiling--Goodness I love this kid! As of today, he's able to move his knees at the same time and propel himself forward and then he promptly face plants. Today he spent 2 hours of his 3 hour "nap time" up on his hands and knees trying to figure this out. He's already woken 2x this evening--is there such thing as sleep crawling? Wesley turns 6 months this month--SIX MONTHS! That's nuts! The time is going by so much faster than I can handle.

This is how we found Clara sleeping the other night. She's not as particular as her mom about her sleeping conditions. Clara is a fast paced little girl who is challenging me (in the best way imaginable) regularly as a parent , as a woman and as a Christian. In all of her antics I am finding myself being brought to this great point of realization that I cannot parent her on my own strength! As she gets older and discovers more things I find that my desire to protect her and mold her becomes stronger and stronger. Of course I can't do this on my own and have to rely on Christ. Thankfully He's always giving...His mercies are new every morning! And of course His mercies are new every night at bed time!

Things are going great as far as the move goes. The basement is completely painted--a special thank you goes out to Joy for watching the kids while Owen and I painted AND a special thank you for letting me pick colors. I'll post pictures when were in and all decorated.

Cha Cha Cha Changes!

2011-07-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

So I mentioned a post or two ago that there are some "exciting changes" coming to our family. I guess I am ready to post about those changes now that most of our immediate family & close friends know now.

We are moving...into Owen's parents house!

Call us ambitions, crazy, lucky, blessed, stupid, brave or whatever, this is the decision we've made after a lot of prayer and talking about our future. Don't you want to know how all this came about? Oh good! I'm glad you're interested.

As most of you know, Owen's dad Tom has been working for Sundt for the past several years. Since the economy has turned, there isn't a lot of local work, however Sundt has a contract with our Military to do renovations on bases etc. Tom and Joy have been in El Paso and in San Antonio for the past 2+ years. We all thought they'd be sent home after their last stay in San Antonio but God had other plans! They're being moved to North Carolina.

When I found out, selfishly I was frustrated...I LOVE having Joy around. She's the "glue" that holds our family together. She's the one who organizes family get togethers, dinners, holidays etc. Oh yea, and my kids absolutely adore her and ask daily if we can go to "grammas" house. Not to mention all the worry-free babysitting and "R&R" for me. And of course there are always "adventures with papa". Never a dull moment for the kids when the grandparents are around. I was bummed that our "short season apart" was becoming a longer and longer season.

I am not sure how it came about originally, a passing comment, a conversation or a joke, but it was said that we should move into Tom and Joy's house since it was so big and only Uncle Isaac was living there. Well, actually he more or less just sleeps there!

Owen and I talked about it...kind of like "wouldn't that be so funny if ...?" and then we kept talking about it and kept praying about it and it dawned on us that this was a good idea! We are not planning to sell our place right now, but rather rent it. We've been working out the details, cleaning out both houses, picking out paint colors, deciding where things can go and lots of other nitty gritty moving details.

Do you want to hear all of the pros of moving into Tom and Joys? Oh good. Me too!

A new adventure for our family where we get to learn to lean on each other, both our immediate family and extended.
Space--this home is just short of 3x's bigger than our current home, although we'll be primarily occupying the basement, we have access to all the common areas.
When the grandparents are in town we have the rare opportunity to spend time with them. Our kids are going to create special memories while living there.
In the same vein, living with Uncle Isaac...need I say more?
Saving money
Saving money
Saving money
Most importantly though we really feel like this is where the Lord is leading us for the next 24 months or so. There is no better place to be than smack dab in the middle of the Lords will!

The primary reason that we even began considering this is that it's been our dream to expand our current home...and each year the amount of time it was going to take us to save for the renovation kept getting slightly farther than we were comfortable with. Let's remember, we have 5 people living in 980 square feet (1000 if you consider the un-air conditioned laundry room!). But we LOVE our house and our neighborhood so at this point we feel lead to keep the house and save to remodel. Living at the in-laws and renting our home will cut our time in half.

We are grateful beyond words to Tom and Joy for letting us take this leap of faith! We are aware that this new adventure does not come without challenges. We (let's be honest, me) have talked about the difficulties and sacrifices that will come with this blessing. We ask that YOU, our family and friends would join with us in praying that this transition and season would be smooth and most importantly God honoring!

Fun Stuff

2011-07-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

You lookin' at me?

Just a few questions. What in the world is that? Why are these things crawling around in the dirt in my backyard. Why did God make these frightful creatures. Perhaps most important though, Which one of my children is holding this grotesque bugs? Do you think it is my girlie girl who insists on wearing "pink, pink and pink" as she points to her pink shirt, her pink skirt and her pink shoes. Is it my girl who recently gave herself a haircut with bangs to be "just like mommy"?

Or is it my fierce boy who rarely has a free hand due to always holding a car in it.Is it my boy who runs around the house letting his biggest "lions roar" rip with his sharp claws stretched out?

Judah wouldn't really have much to do with this strange creature, but Clara couldn't get enough of it. She comes running inside the house to get me and show me "this really awesome stinky bug!".

Is it just me or does Clara look like she's contemplating where she can put that devilish bug on her squeamish brother?

She's braver than I in so many ways.

Sitting up!

2011-07-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

Although you can hardly tell, Wesley is sitting up in this picture! He's starting to change so fast. I can hardly stand it. He's looking pretty proud of his new "tripod" sit.

All I have to say is you have to LOVE the blue eyes. That's practically all you can see in this picture. No question that these three are siblings.

Judah's face is so appropriate for this. He was practically captured and kept in this little box by his older sister. She was playing "house" and of course she was the boss mommy.

I think they had fun with this big box (mostly) that Owen brought home from work. It was so big that I could almost not get it back outside when I was done with it taking up so much precious space.

Bye Bye Facebook...a confession

2011-07-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

I recently said goodbye to Facebook. Gasp, sneer, boo or cheer. It's the truth and I have a lot of different reasons for it.

You're going to think I am crazy...if you don't already! I was on Facebook a few weeks back and I was updating my information. It asked me to put in my profession, and of course there was not a little drop down menu listing "stay at home mom". So I put I worked at "Clara, Judah & Wesley". Sounds like a pretty nice firm huh? That moment, and many moments afterwards I began to think about my role as a mom. I began to wonder if my role could be considered a profession. Don't get ahead of me--this is so not a post about equal rights, the value of working or stay at home moms or anything like that.

As I began to think about being "employed" by/for my children my perspective began to change a little bit. I started to see things, little habits and behaviors that I wrote off as permissible simply because I am not getting a pay check. For example...

When a late night sneaks into the early morning and I am too tired to get up, I will let my kids go in the family room unsupervised and play until someone starts crying.
When I feel overwhelmed with all the tasks at hand I will take short cuts and not do things the right way--creating more work for me & Owen later in the day.
I blatantly choose not to do parts of my job on a regular basis. (i.e. laundry, sweeping, mopping, folding clothes, making the bed, menu planning, disciplining, oh the list can go on and on!)
When I am tired in the middle of the day no matter how much work there is to be done, I take a nap.
Waste company time searching the internet, namely Facebook.

We all know that if I was "professionally " employed, any of the above behaviors would lead to termination. No one can come perpetually late to work, perform half hearted tasks, ignore work that clearly needs to get done OR sleep on the job and still expect to be employed. While all of those things are a part of reality--sometimes children are too demanding to get a whole weeks worth of laundry done in 1 afternoon. Sometimes it's OK to pile dishes in the sink rather than load them in the dishwasher right away. A nap is often times a necessity after a night caring for a sick child or a newborn.

What I have been realizing though is those things were becoming the norm, not the exception. I was choosing on a regular basis to ignore my "job". Let me put it another way. I was choosing on a regular basis to ignore my kids, their needs, their minds, their need for discipline, redirection and spiritual development. I was ignoring my need for Spiritual development too...I was ignoring the WORD--even though it was sitting right next to the computer. If my boss had been watching me in any other place of employment, I know I'd get fired. So what's a job lost? There's no way I can measure or estimate the time I've lost with my kids & spouse while "Facebooking". But I know that being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's prompting will not be done in vain. Sure I miss the FB and I miss seeing funny updates or a juicy bit of gossip--what I don't miss? My kids pulling at me while I am sitting at the computer. My kids asking me for the millionth time to meet a need that I've ignored or disengaging from moments that I can never get back.

I am not saying that Facebook is bad. I am not saying that you are bad for using Facebook. What I hope you hear through this post is that there are distractions, excuses and lies that keep us from doing and being the best that we can be in our lives. Especially for us mamas--who is there to hold us accountable for those lax moments? I don't think that my 3 year old is going to report to her daddy that I spent "X" amount of hours playing with her, and "X" amount of hours playing on the computer. It's only by Gods grace that I heard a prompting from the Holy Spirit that my "innocent distraction" was becoming something that was jeopardizing the quality of several areas of my life. What is jeopardizing you? For me, at this time in life that major distraction has been Facebook. So bye bye Facebook.

Proverbs 31: 10-31

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls... She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks...she opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet....Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. he speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things but you surpass them all". Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting;but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the rewards she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

Disclaimer: this post and almost all other posts are done during "nap time" or after bed time to keep me on track of not tuning out from my kids!

What a weekend.

2011-07-04T19:09:00.001-07:00

What have we been up to this weekend? Oh, a lot! Things started bright and early on Friday morning with snuggles from the three little ones.

A visit from Auntie Rachael. Have I mentioned that she's expecting in December? Yippee for babes. Rachael looks so happy because she's dropping off her two kiddos at my house for the whole day. So yes, I had 5 kids in my house...and actually 4 of them napped at the same time. It was pretty nice.

We got all "berried up" so that we had lots of energy for all of the things that we had to do! As co-leaders of our small group, we hosted a pool & pizza party for our whole group. Thankfully it wasn't at our house. We had a blast using the Eatons pool & backyard. There were about 35 people there. What a neat group of families we have. Such fun.

We also had a great time on Saturday night at a family BBQ with the Maurers. Tom and Joy are in town for a little bit of time. We made it to church on Sunday and also had a short but great visit with My brother's family and our step brother who was able to meet Wesley for the first time.

The big project this weekend was pretty spur of the moment. Owen came home from work on Friday with all the supplies to paint our house. Yes--on the hottest weekend of the year so far. Ha! So the unidentifiable color below--pink-ish tan was the old color and now we have this rich creamy brown called "Toffee Crunch" by Behr. I love it. We also painted our aluminum windows and the frame around it. We have briefly discussed painting and had kind of agreed on a color, but I guess Owen just got an idea in his head...well you know how it is when he gets an idea!

Below is the almost finished product. We have some trim to do and the door as well as the remainder of the trim around windows. Since the house is painted brick we have some touch up to do on the large portions of the house but all in all the hard work is done.

After all the hard work, paint, playing and cleaning up our kiddos were dirty! We had to use a little extra soap to get them all cleaned up!

Lots of fun changes coming up for the Maurer family--NO I AM NOT PREGNANT!--But I'll be updating soon with some exciting news.

Happy Boy

2011-06-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Boy

This was Wesley tonight just before bed time. Gah! This kid just absolutely blows me away. He's super happy...I love that even past bed time he finishes his bottle and looks up at me and gives me that smile.

Cooing, smiling, eating and sleeping--that's what this little dude is all about!

Clara had nothing to do with this...

2011-06-27T19:48:00.000-07:00

This was all Judah. Oh my. He's keeping me on my toes. He's all boy.

He's all messy & muddy boy.

Morning Glories

2011-06-25T16:46:00.000-07:00

Well summer must be in full swing because my kids are up with the sun! Think 5:15 or 5:45 am. Oh it's brutal but when I wake up to these morning glories, it's worth it. Here are the kids cheesing for the camera the other day.

Judah's doing great. He's continued to make great strides in the potty training area. Going #2 is getting much easier for him on the TOYLET. I know you were just dying to know! He had his well child check up at the doctor and is a whopping 24.5 lbs. This is a huge accomplishment for us--all other developmental areas are right on track too

He's also had some pretty awesome language explosions lately. This kid just says so many things. His favorite phrases this week have been:

No, no sanks.

I like cake, it's my favorite

I goin'. She ya ladder

I back. I miss you so much

Soooo.--he really says that, randomly standing in the middle of the room like he's trying to think of something to say.

Clara is going through a difficult smile stage. I should have her practice in the mirror more, no? Clara's doing great and seems to have developed even more into a big sister. She's thrilled with helping Judah get to the toilet on time. Helping him get dressed and telling him what he can and cannot do. She often tells him that he needs to go to his room for whining--the funny thing is he obey's her EVERY time!

She's becoming quite the imaginative little girl and occasionally has such realistic conversations with herself that I think she's really talking to me. When I ask her she says "no mom, I just tending". Got to love it. She keeps telling me that when I had a baby in my tummy my belly was "so big" but now it's "really flat". Now I really love that. That's my girl!

Wesley is doing well too. He had a long battle with a tummy bug--10 days of the runs. It was a long week but thankfully we successfully avoided dehydration and any need for IV fluids. Way to be Wesley! He is cooing up a storm and has even learned to squeal at very high decibels. Sometimes it's hard to tell if they're happy screams or sad screams. All music to my ears. He's weighing in at 13.06 lbs at his well check up last week. He's doing all the normal 4 month old stuff. He's sleeping through the night regularly, although since his tummy bug we've had a few wake ups here and there. I am hoping to get back to a full nights sleep this week. Still the easiest baby ever. Happy boy. Happy mommy.

Clara and Judah isms

2011-06-09T20:37:00.001-07:00

It's been a really long time since I've recorded all of the silly things my three year old going on 13 year old says regularly. Owen and I spend the majority of dinner time stifling laughter at the funny things she and Judah are saying. So just for the record:

Most every sentence starts with "I probably need...

Swim soup & sun scream

I probably need my vimanim (vitamin)

I probablyneedabanaid (I need a band aid, said as one word)

It'll feel bedder in few weeks

I can do ___________ when I olwder in few weeks.

Go to your room, Judah

Go back to your fadder!

I hungy mommy.

I need newnacks (fruit snacks)

I need a cool bar (granola bar--seriously?)

He can't jump yet, but when he's owlder he can. (referring to Wesley)

Judah is pretty much a parrot. By all appearances at this time, this kid doesn't have a thought of his own in his head. Oh he can mimic Clara absolutely perfectly. The kid has an enormous vocabulary! At any time of day he can be found with some sort of car and at least one of his "lambys". He does say a few words of his own though.

Mamma, peepee toylet

Kachow! (lightning McQueen anyone?)

Twuck

Dum twuck

Car goes vooom vooom

I feezin'

I hungy, i need nack

sleep mommy (every mom's dream)

I lwove you mommy

Wessy seeping

Wessy seep my wroom

Shoeon

**One of the funniest things that both kids say nightly is "CHOCOLATE MILK". But imagine both kids sitting across from each other. It usually starts like this

Clara: "If we eat our food all gone we get..."

Judah: "CHOCOLATE MILK"

But, he doesn't say it...it's like the treat is too sacred to even speak out loud. He just mouths the words with the tiniest raspy whisper. Oh the joys of dinner time!

Out to prove me wrong

2011-06-09T15:28:00.000-07:00

Back in February, just before Wesley was born, I was lamenting to my MIL that I wasn't looking forward to having two little ones in diapers. I was explaining to her that we had already been potty training Clara when she was Judah's age--but of course it seemed Judah was at least 6 months away from being ready to PT. Judah was out to prove me wrong. About 1 month after this conversation, Judah was in the bathroom with all of us getting ready for bath time and he said he wanted to go pee pee on the "toylet". We put him up there and he "peed on command". Amazingly he's been doing it ever since--with a few minor accidents like that at his birthday party!

So here's my "self training out to prove his mommy wrong" little dude. Is there anything cuter than baby boy undies? And yes, I did fold them, stack them and take photos of them!

Wesley 3 Months & Change

2011-06-08T15:06:00.001-07:00

"Oh my dear sweet Wesley"...name that movie! Seriously, sweet is such a perfect word to describe this third babe. How has 3 months already come? I cannot believe how much faster each "newborn" stage has come to an end with each additional child...honestly, I felt like Clara was a newborn FOREVER. I am sure that was partly due to her peanut size. Judah seemed to be a new born for just a blink and all the sudden he was babbling and belly laughing. Wesley is 3 months, seriously? Did I miss it? It was gone so fast!

Things Wesley is doing:

Wesley has been sleeping through the night for about a solid month. We do a dream feed at 9 pm and he's good until about 6 am. He's up for about an hour and then he's ready to go back to sleep for 3. Yep, you read that right folks. This kid likes to sleep. Then he's up for about another hour and some change and ready to sleep again...and I wake him at the 1 hour mark. Then he's up for another hour and then down for 3 sometimes 4 and then he's up for about 1 hour and some change...and then it's yet another cat nap, up for an hour and then down for the night. The amazing thing about this kid is that when he's awake, he's smiling and cooing. He LOVES to stand and is learning that his legs can kick and bounce. He doesn't like to be left alone, he seems to know that there is always a "low roar" in our house and wants to be a part of it. When he's ready to go to bed he makes this cute "whaa" sound until you put him down. Oh I love it. Don't get me wrong, he has his moments like all babies do, when he wants to eat, he wants to eat. When he's tired, he's really tired--but this is nothing compared to what his older siblings did.

People are saying that Wesley is getting his own look--not such a carbon copy of his older sister and brother. But since I found it, here's a picture of Judah in the same shirt as Wesley's in above. I see the difference now! But there's no doubt that they're cut from the same cloth.

Judah's Birthday

2011-05-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

Judah turned 2 last week! All Glory to God for bringing us through this very challenging year with Judah. We will not diminish the miracle that God performed in his life and in our love for him. What a wonderful picture of Christs love in our family!

Just a note about the pictures above, yes, that's Judah. It's his party and he can cry if he wants to! The middle picture, although you cannot see the puddle, Judah is peeing his pants. We've been potty training for just over a month, we had a couple of days of accidents. Judah was standing in the middle of the family room very still, Judah never stands still. His aunt Charity says "Wow, Judah's swim suit is really wet!" And I realized then that it was not wet in the sense that she thought!

Mama and Judah next to the chocolate cake. I think he was a little partied out! Or he could be a little upset that his older sister "helped" him open all of his presents. Seriously, I don't think he got to open one gift byhimself.

Here's me, Judah and Great Grandma Dort...who also celebrated her birthday on Saturday...she turned 83. Doesn't she look AMAZING? It's pretty special that Judah is born on her birthday and Clara is born on Great Grandpa Erv's birthday.

What a year this has been for me as a mom. Learning to love my child(ren) in ways that are far beyond what I thought I was capable. A year ago, I took Judah in for his 1 year well check and we jumped into high gear to see why this guy wasn't eating...he'd lost 2 lbs in about 1 1/2 months. NOT GOOD. We started on Pediasure (just about broke the bank), we started appointments with a GI doctor and also scheduled swallow studies and feeding studies. I worked practically all day long to get the weight back on Judah, not knowing that he actually had a condition that made eating and drinking very painful for him. We used butter, avocado, greek yogurt, heavy cream, and every other kind of good-ish fat that you can think of to get him to gain and it was not really working. Little did we know that things would get a little more intense. Judah was diagnosed with silent aspiration and we began treating it immediately with thickners. The thickners were very expensive and VERY thick. He was drinking yogurt essentially and barely getting what he needed calorically. Things came to a head over Labor Day weekend last year when he was so sick with vomiting and diareah--the weight was litterally falling off of him and so we took him to the hospital where he was eventually admitted for 3 days. He had an intense bowel infection coupled with dehydration. Watching my waif of a child scream in pain and be lethargic and eventually have a tube placed down his nose so he could get much needed calories--how I wished I could have taken his place. I know this was so minor compared to what many parents go through with much sicker children...but it was scary and painful for us. Oh the love that I have for that boy. After the hospitalization, he used the tube for about 8 weeks on and off as his eating improved...as the fall season approached he was doing great and we got rid of the tube permanently. God's timing is perfect...Judah is completely healed of the aspiration and has no remaining symptoms or food aversions. Mealtime is pleasant again. We ended the horrible eating chapter just as a new one began...Judah as a big brother!

So many lessons learned as a mom...sometime I'll have to write them out so I don't forget! I love my babies...

Dedication

2011-05-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

Owen and I have had the privileged of having all three of our children dedicated to the Lord at Camelback Bible Church. We believe that children are given to us as a gift from the Lord and that He entrusts us to raise them, pointing them to Christ--and we ask the church--our extend family family to come along side us to help raise our children. To make Wesley's dedication extra special for me, it was held on mothers day.

Judah & daddy clapping during worship. Judah loved all the attention that morning.

A special thank you to Jamie Maurer and Charity Maurer for taking these beautiful pictures of our family.

Both of these photos were taken by Charity who has a budding photography business...if you need a photographer!

manventure

2011-05-19T06:17:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, my husband and 4 other dads went on a man-venture. It was 5 dads and 8 kids. Brave, brave men! They camped in tents with no facilities for 2 days & 2 nights. They cooked all of the meals and kept the kids safe! I am super impressed that they all did this and came back still loving their children! These were all kids 5 years and under, the youngest one just turning 1 last month. Like I said, brave, brave men.

As you can see above, they ate a lot. It seems that in most pictures I have the kids are eating or have food on their faces.

By all accounts, the kids all played well together. Owen said that there was someone crying or whining almost the whole time (welcome to my world) but that all in all everything went great. All of the kids who came have been in Clara and Judah's life since birth, James & Maebelle, Lydia and Ben, Andrew, and of course Judah's BFF Bradley.

Here's some face time of my big kids. Where was Wesley and I? We were gratefully in Sacramento! We spent time with the grandparents while Owen roughed it with the big kids.

This is probably my favorite picture of the whole weekend. Clara's face seems to say "you want me to do what?". Owen built and brought home this contraption the day before the trip and I had a good laugh over it... apparently it came in very handy! Leave it to my husband to be crafty in ALL areas.

Brotherly Love

2011-05-19T05:58:00.000-07:00

I love this picture! It's such a story of how I think the relationship between Judah and Wesley will be...Wesley has turned out to be THE MOST LAID BACK KID EVER. He's super content all the time, loves to sleep and will just go with whatever is happening in our life. Judah as most of you know goes about a mile a minute...I think in about 1 year we'll see Judah' running and Wesley holding wide-eyed to his coattails for whatever adventure is around the corner!

It's all out of brotherly love though I am sure! I often just have the boys up early with me--such special times--and Judah is always saying, "I wuv wessey". The poor babe gets a slobber bath every morning!

There will be more on this, but Judah's turning two on Saturday. I cannot believe it. What a year this has been with this special boy. To know what the Lord has brought us through with his health issues, I never would have thought that we would be "issue free" at his two year birthday when things were looking bad at his 1 year birthday. God is so good.

Cutie Pies

2011-04-30T20:18:00.000-07:00

These are just too cute not to share...Got to love Wesley yawning. Life is hard...going 45 minutes awake at a time. Thank you to Grandma & Grandpa for the super cute Easter clothes for the kids. I've never done the matching thing before...but I think I wont be able to stop now. LOVE IT!

Wesley Thomas. Can you see the dimple? LOVE it. We had his 2 month check up yesterday. Wesley weighs 10 lbs 12 oz and has moved up to the 25% for height, weight & head size. He has slept through the night (on and off), 11 hours (holy cow) and is doing great. He's only going about 45 minutes awake at a time and is a champion sleeper. He prefers to be asleep by himself, in his crib, on his tummy. It's the earliest I've let go of the swaddle, but he's so much more comfortable on his tummy. He's doing great eat, awake, sleep patterns. He LOVES smiling at Judah and Clara, is definitely a mama's boy. I've put away his newborn clothes (boo) and am falling more in love with him each day. He still earns the "easy baby champion of the world" title from yours truely...I even asked our ped. if she thought there was something wrong with him...but no, she encouraged me to enjoy (thoroughly) my "first" easy babe.

Easter Celebration

2011-04-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

Easter is one of my favorite holidays...HOLY-days that is. What a wonderful reminder of what our Savior did for us. It's a celebration of THE VICTOR...like the song in the previous post by Keith Green.

The day before Easter we celebrated Lila's birthday. It was so much fun. And as you can see from the photos above, we had a lot of "face time" with our family

The White family and the Maurer family right after church

After naps on Sunday we hosted an Easter dinner in our backyard. We had 13 adults and 5 kids and 2 newborns. It was busy and full. We LOVE having our family in our home...we wish our house was bigger so it was more comfortable, but it's nice to share close proximity...for short periods of time! We had appetizers, salad (from our garden), mortons of omaha tri-tip, party potatoes, mango, bread and homemade cinnamon rolls. It was a wonderful time!A special thanks to Grandma Lynn and Grandma Jo for putting together the Easter Egg hunt for the kids. As you can see in the first photo, all the kids lively and enjoying their pin-wheels...the second photo, as they're lined up for the egg hunt looking a little, well worn. Especially my two big kids...

and yes, that's mine in his undies, doing the Easter Egg hunt. So proud, so proud.

The Victor

2011-04-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

Swallowed into earth's dark womb

And death has triumphed

That's what they say

But tried to hold Him in the tomb

The Son of Life

Rose on the third day

Just look

The gates of hell

They're falling

Crumbling from the inside out

He's bursting through

The walls with laughter (Hah!)

Listen to the Angels shout

It is finished

He has done it

Life conquered death

Jesus Christ

Has won it

His plan of battle

You know it

He fooled them all

They led Him off to prison to die

But as He entered Hades Hall

He broke those hellish chains with a cry

Just listen to those demons screaming

See Him bruise the serpent's head

The prisoners of Hell

He's redeeming (Oh!)

All the power of death is dead

It is finished

He has done it

Life conquered death

Jesus Christ

Has won it

Just look

The gates of hell they're falling

Crumbling from the inside out

He's bursting through the walls with laughter (Hah!)

Listen to the Angels shout

(Listen, oh, listen)

It is finished

He has done it

Life conquered death

Jesus Christ

Has won it

It is finished

He has done it

Life conquered death

Jesus Christ

Has won it

GB & Grandma Lynn's Visit

2011-04-30T19:29:00.001-07:00

My dad and step-mom came to town last week to meet their TWO new grand babies, Wesley and Maureen--for those of you who missed it, my sister in law Jessica had her 2nd daughter two days before Wesley. What a happy time.

They happened to be here during Lila's 4th birthday party...at the train park. Judah's holding on for dear life on the carousel.

This was the first moments seeing Wesley...as you can see he's wide-eyed!
Does he look old enough to be the grandfather of 7.5? Of course not! (no I am not making an announcement, my sister Rachael is expecting her 3rd in December).

Fun times!

Mayhem, Madness & Mercy

2011-04-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a week chock full of funny happenings around the Maurer household. Having 3 children 3 and under can do that to you! There's usually a naked child, a boy running around in girl panties, mischief of all creations and me in the middle of it all. Ha!

Of course this post has to do with mud. Although after the last muddy buddy episode, we explained to our children that playing in the mud was reserved for special times and not every day would be a special time. Of course like the good little angels that they are, they completely IGNORED our warning. Especially Clara--she did not get as dirty as Judah simply because she was "washing" him in the mud...exclaiming all the while "Don't cry about it Judah, it's like soap". Judah lovingly took it. Some day your reign as Queen will end Clara.

More Mayhem you ask? Clara in her queenli-ness decided to exert her rule over Judah today and shut him in the dryer. Although I have a picture, I will not post because I don't want to make light of something that could have gone terribly wrong. I was on the phone with Owen and the kids had just "helped" me empty the dryer when I hear the door slam and Clara is laughing hysterically and Judah is also half laughing-half screaming--his noise was quite muffled. I realized what happened very quickly and hung up on Owen to rescue Judah. He was all smiles until he and Clara were appropriately reprimanded for that dangerous yet hilarious stunt.

Oh Lord have Mercy...oh wait He has! Do you see that good lookin' kid up there? Yeah has to be the easiest babe in the history of the world. Talk about God's Mercy. It's no secret that our older two were difficult babies. Clara was tiny and starving for the first several months of her life and Judah was aspirating every time he ate. Both of these scenarios = very fussy babies and a very fussy mommy. Wesley, I will sing his praises for his first 7 1/2 weeks. So content, eats, sleeps a lot, eats, sleeps a lot, eats and smiles, sleeps a lot. Although he's not sleeping through the night, he wakes 1 x to eat and quickly goes back to sleep. He's a champion during the day, sleeping through whatever mayhem is going on in the house. He's great at going with the flow of whatever adventure we have going on for the day. He is very laid back. Again, I will say that it's purely the Lords Mercy on our family for giving us this chill kid. Thank you Jesus! Oh, and his smiles totally slay me. Can't wait to see how he's grown at his appointment next week.

Priceless Grace-Extravagant Generosity

2011-04-10T20:19:00.001-07:00

We have recently been studying Generosity at church. The scripture is 2 Corinthians 8 covering the Macedonian's extreme generosity in the midst of their poverty. Paul, the author, is amazed at how they are able to give of their time, talent and treasure despite the fact that by the worlds standards at that time, they were the poorest of the poor. The reason that they could be generous was because they were so filled with Christ, they knew that they had the greatest fortune of inexhaustible grace and they could not help but give it away. It is too rare, the examples of extreme generosity. The world says we perpetuate our joy by taking in more, saving for ourselves and spending on ourselves. We were not made to save or spend on ourselves, we were created to be a conduit of Christ love to this world. The Macedonian's knew that! What but Christ can fill the void in the human heart... And what fills a heart and life more than to be emptied for Christ...

In our small group to help us make this applicable we worked through some questions. One of the first questions that was difficult to answer was "Apart from God's gift of Himself (Jesus Christ) , what is the most extravagant giving you have ever observed, been on the receiving end of, or participated in?"...we'll come back to this.

Owen and I had the AMAZING opportunity to go to the Azusa Pacific University Choir and Orchestra 30 year reunion this past weekend. Thank you to Tom and Joy for babysitting Clara and Judah--we took Wesley with us. It was a once in a life time experience to see a whole bunch of people I love and see Al Clifft (pictured above) direct a 300 voice choir. It just about killed me to not sing but it was enough to be there.

As we were driving back to the hotel, my heart was filled to the max with the joy of seeing my friends, worshiping and watching Al. Once again I watched him give himself completely to the group and worship experience. Owen said, "That's the picture of generosity that we've been looking for."

Al has lead this group for 30 years pouring out the love of Jesus Christ onto thousands of students. I know from experience. There was around 100-150 students in each choir/year and Al made heart penetrating eye contact with each student at rehearsal and concert. I know he spent much of his "office hours" listening to the cares and concerns of students. I know that he prayed for all of the students he directed (and knew them all by name). He gave gave his best to each congregation the music was presented to. I sat in a room during Al's last tour and for 3 hours, every single person present gave an out pouring of their heart for the way that Al had given of his time, talent and treasure to them. Al will be remembered by his students for what he gave, not what he accumulated in this life. I know Al enough that he would say that it's been easy for him to give much of himself because he has been so filled with Christ.

What a legacy Al has. What a beautiful picture I have of what it really means to be so filled with Christ that I cannot help but give His endless love and inexhaustible grace away.

Speaking of love...here are two gals I love dearly, Kristin (middle) and Andi. These girls were my roomies in college

Here's Andi and i feeding our babies just after dinner before the concert. So much fun to meet her "big little guy" Ezekiel. Andi is one of my dearest friends.

300 voices and instruments--what heaven.

Muddy Buddies

2011-04-05T19:10:00.000-07:00

The kids have discovered mud. There are no words...

Before we forget

2011-04-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

Wesley's tiny-ness is so fleeting. I had a few moments to take pictures of this precious bundle without the big kids disturbing us today (thank you Joy). It's already going by so quickly. Each time I have had a baby my first thought is how quickly I forget how tiny newborn babies are. The fragile tiny body with little or no fat, fuzzy hair all over their body and absolutely no control over their movements. So totally helpless. And the Lord sees it fitting for us to take care of them and mold them into the people He intended them to be. As I watch Wesley grow and develop, I hope I never forget the precious first weeks and the many dreams we have for him.

Family of Five

2011-04-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

Here's our first picture as a family of five...outside of our hospital pictures. We had the pleasure of having many family members in town last week--Eric & Christy, Kim and Ruth, Lem and Marilyn, all on the Maurer side. It was a lot of fun to see everyone and introduce Wesley. He was super well behaved too. Of course we waited until the end of the night to take pictures, hence the pajamas...the kids wer done. Ha! Getting ready to head to LA for a reunion concert for the choir that played a major role in my college life--impacted me for the rest of my life for sure. It's going to kill me not to sing, but I know that would have been a little much at this time in life. Being there and seeing those whom I love so much and hearing music that is the soundtrack of my life will be enough!

Masterful Creator

2011-03-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

Clara Joy 4 lbs 12 oz December 17, 2007

Judah Henry 6 lbs 3 oz May 21, 2009

Wesley Thomas 6 lbs 1 oz February 21, 2011

Genetics are amazing. People are starting to say "wow, he looks just like a Maurer!". What a masterful Creator that we have, creating such similarities in a family yet each child completely different. What a miracle!

Growing

2011-03-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

It's amazing that although we've recently added a babe to our family and I don't have any time to "tend to the garden", things are still growing! I need to learn when to harvest!

We have potatoes,

string beans

lettuce, onion and cucumber...somewhere in there.

Just a few months ago, our flourishing garden looked like this. What fun to see the "vegetables" of our labor!

Having fun

2011-03-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

We're having fun...eating

Playing on the play mat

holding baby "wessey"

And getting really dirty!

How He Came...

2011-03-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

I have been working on this post forever!

On Saturday the 19th I started having consistent contractions...then I went to bed and had more. We got up and went to church and of course they stopped. On Sunday evening, Tom and Joy were in town and they wanted Clara and Judah to spend the night. Owen and I had a nice night together--Monday morning Owen went to work and I stayed home and cleaned like a mad woman. I noticed as I was mopping & sweeping and doing laundry that I felt a little "leaky". I called Aunt Laura who happened to be working and she said to keep an eye on things and if it continued to call the OB. No big thing though,

I was determined to get the house clean and go see my new niece Maureen who was born on Saturday. I went to Jessica's house and was holding Maureen on the couch, feeling oh so maternal when I suddenly needed to get off the couch if you know what I mean. I called the OB and they said go to OB Triage. By the time I met Owen at home I was certain that my water was leaking...by the time we were in OB Triage, it was more than leaking! We were hooked up to monitors and admitted.

We waited for a LONG time to get into our room. It was OK though because I wasn't in active labor and I was not uncomfortable at all. See. Here we are in triage.

Around 5 pm we got to our room and the re-enforcements arrived. Rachael and my mom have both been at each of the deliveries of my kids, so Wesley's arrival would be no different. Shortly after the pitocin was started. Since my water had broken, the doctors only give 18 hours before they want the baby out due to the risk of infection. Contractions started slowly...

A few hours later I was ready for the epidural. For some reason after I got the epidural, I had a slight case of the giggles. I could not stop laughing for about 1 hour. Everything was hilarious. Laughing, laughing and more laughing. The doctors and nurses, including Aunt Laura were beginning to think I was crazy. It's on video, I'll see if I can post it sometime.

The laughter only lasted a short time, by the time I was 5 or 6 cm dilated, Mr. Wesley wasn't happy. His heart was having significant decels with each contraction. To help him a little "water" was put back in to help cushion him during the contractions. This only helped for a while and we had several times where the nurses had to move me to make his heart speed back up. That was pretty scary for me. I was finally put on "the throne" to help Wesley be more comfortable. See..

After putting in a probe to really monitor him better and track the contractions more effectively, it was time to push! Unfortunately my epidural had a "blind spot" I could feel all of the pain in one area...and that area spread as I began to push. All I can remember is yelling that it hurt really bad.

But we made it through with encouragement from Aunt Laura, Owen, my mom and my sister. As Wesley was born, we discovered the reason for his dramatic decels, the umbilical chord was around his neck, stomach and shoulders. He was blue when he came out and a little limp but he pinked up and perked up pretty quick. I am so thankful that this birth didn't end in a c-section! Aunt Laura was a champ at not letting me get stressed out about Wesley, constantly telling me he was OK.

I was one tired mama but I was instantly in love and INSTANTLY thrilled to not be pregnant anymore. It's amazing that something that takes 40 weeks to develop can be relieved in an instant. Ahhh to have my own body back (in a sense). Now to get the pre baby figure back!

Our new Life

2011-03-06T14:21:00.000-08:00

In our new life...little boys run around the house in long sleeve shirts, diapers, shoes and sock but no pants.

In our new life, little girls and boys run around with no pants on!

In our new life, Wesley sleeps very soundly after nursing and nursing and nursing and nursing.

In our new life, daddy learns how to give baths to 3 babies rather than two and no longer has time to shave.

In all reality, life is super busy, hence the lack of posts lately. We're doing great though. God has been so merciful to us with all the support from family and friends. We have meals coming for about 5 weeks 3x a week. Our big kids have been behaving and sleeping well and Wesley is easing into our family like he has been here all along. I love him so much. We're tired, our house is a little messy, but in our new life we are certainly blessed!

Wesley Thomas Maurer

2011-02-23T16:14:00.000-08:00

Here are a few quick pictures of Wesley's arrival. Owen and I in OB Triage.

We'll skip the details of how he got here for this post..I know most just want to see what the little dude looks like. Doesn't Owen look like a proud papa?

Although this was my "biggest" pregnancy, Wesley was only 6 lbs. 1 oz (barely)! We were all surprised. He looks just like clara in tis pic.

A family of Five. Thank you Lord Jesus for your gift and blessing of life! We're tired and happy.

They can't be ruined

2011-02-17T13:21:00.000-08:00

I am a pretty good mom. Don't stop reading. Follow me here. I have always wanted to be a mom and have been thrilled to be given this highest calling to raise children. I am intentional with the way that I parent. I work hard with Clara and Judah--seeking to discipline them in the right ways. I seek to have a ton of fun, create memories, develop their character and help lay a foundation for their education. I play on the floor with them and get dirty at the park with them. I try my best to feed them the right foods, read them the right books, expose them to all kinds of experiences and help them build healthy relationships with friends and family. We sing silly songs in public together. I let them fall at the play ground, but not too often. I hover over them in new circumstances but not too much. I check them for fevers and expose them to germs. I enforce a strict bed time, but not when there's a babysitter. I give rewards for good behavior and high fives for new skills learned. See I am a pretty good mom.

I am a pretty bad mom though too. I get frustrated when either of my children don't obey immediately. I get angry when I am disciplining for the um-teenth time for the same offence. I raise my voice. I slam my hand on the table to get attention. I turn a blind eye to broken rules when I am too tired to get up and correct. I will discipline one child for doing something wrong and not the other. I am harder on Clara than I am on Judah. I have punished Judah for things I never thought to correct Clara for. I roll my eyes at the whining. I am impatient when a determined child wants to do everything for themselves. I choose not to praise when good behavior is noticed because I just don't feel like it. I pretend I can't hear one child crying because I KNOW the other one has done something mean. I break my own rules in front of my kids because "I am the mom". See, I can be a pretty bad mom too.

I feel on many challenging days that I have done something to ruin my children.

Just a few weeks ago I was crying at the end of a very long day confessing to Owen all of my short comings and frustrations of the day...well, maybe I was venting all of the short comings of my children and how they were making me feel. Of course I can't be responsible for everything. To cope and "fill myself up", instead of going to Christ, I went to the blog world and read some of my favorites. Well, Christ is found in the blogs too people! And I felt that this mom was writing just for me. She was having a hard day with her 3 children too and was crying to her husband (imagine that) and instead of caressing her ego and saying all that she did well, he reminded her of one fundamental truth. She can do nothing to ruin her children. They are already ruined. They are ruined by sin and separation from Christ. The only thing that can be done is continually show the love, correction, mercy, grace, discipline, sacrifice of Christ to children each day.

Talk about a moment to re-focus. The truth is I cannot ruin my children..they already are ruined. I have the high calling to point my children to Christ and all I can do is cling completely to Him for the wisdom that's needed to parent. The other truth is that I am ruined or I was before I surrendered my life to Christ. I am an imperfect person trying to parent ruined children. Wow that seems hopeless! But it's not because I know that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Jesus' grace is sufficient for me...and my 3 year old! When I can remember that I am not ruining my children, but that I am to point them to our Lord and Savior the parenting task is much holier, much more urgent, much more compelling. I don't want them to obey me simply because I am their mom and I want them to. I want to teach them honor, respect, obedience, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, love, joy, peace, gentleness and self-control because those are the Fruits of the Spirit...the Spirit of Christ! Although on a daily basis I fail. I forget this principle and listen to so many lies--His grace is sufficient for me. His mercies are new every morning. I trust that this parenting thing isn't futile. No I cannot ruin my children. I cannot separate them any farther from God. I am not that powerful. All I can do is humbly submit to Christ, seek His strength in my weakness.

Nothing yet people

2011-02-17T05:37:00.000-08:00

Baby is still very comfy inside...not ready to come out yet. I however, am pretty uncomfortable and feeling very "lived in". Go to the doctor tomorrow and hopefully we'll have some progress. Also, I believe that they set an induction date--although it could be as much as 2 weeks out. I cannot imagine still being pregnant in two weeks!

Kids are doing great. My mom is in town and the in-laws come back home tonight so I hope that my mind (thinking: everyone is here now you can come out now) and my body (please go into labor) will all line up now!

Still enjoying being the mother of only two for the time being--although preaching that mantra to myself is becoming a little harder! I can't wait to meet Wesley

A few more days as 4

2011-02-12T17:29:00.000-08:00

My dad was in town last weekend coming to see the bumps and the grand kids before the craziness of a new baby takes place. This is us together...not the greatest self-photo ever, but whatever.
Judah had a blast playing at the park with GB--he thought it was so much fun to have his GB push him on the swing.
Clara on the other hand wanted to show off her newly mastered skill of swinging "all myself" as she says. All I have to say is thankGodIdon'thavetostandpushmychildontheswingthewholetimeweareattheparkanymore!

This will probably be one of the last family pictures as a family of 4! Have to excuse the kids...looking at the camera and into the sun they were not so thrilled!

When dad was in town and we had a family dinner at my house. We ate salmon, roasted veggies, a huge salad, home made bread...lots of goodness. It was a fun time had by all. Jessica, my sister in law on the far right is 38 weeks pregnant in this picture...you can't even tell!

You can however, tell that I am 38 weeks! Here's Mr. Wesley just cookin away. The belly button still has not popped out. We like to call this the "wabaamm" picture.

Too cute not to post. My dad and Judah just after Mr. J woke from his nap. That's my favorite time of day, when he wanders out of his room all rosey cheeked and cuddly. Got to love it.

A Garden!

2011-01-24T17:32:00.000-08:00

As I think back on my childhood, one of the most prominent memories is that of playing at my grandparents house, having tons of fresh produce, canning and baking with items just picked from the tree or ground. I have recently realized what a special gift that was from my grandparents and I am excited to be able to give it to my kids. Over the Christmas holiday, Owen lovingly laid the block for our new and purposefully very small garden as well as made bench seating all the way around. We were able to plant seeds this past weekend with the kids. I think they had a great time. Their favorite part was spreading out all of the potting soil, second only to digging the holes and planting the seeds. We planted green beans, cucumbers, onions and 2 kinds of potatoes. This is both Owen and my first time trying our hand at gardening so we'll see how it goes. Hopefully I'll be posting lots of pictures with the kids working in that precious plot of land.

I couldn't resist taking & posting these two pictures of my little boy. Look at those skinny little legs! As mentioned in the past couple of posts, Judah has been loosing a little bit of weight due to the re-curing colds & stomach flu epidemic in our house! His little legs and arms just get so skinny.

Last week though, both of the kids had a great healthy week and Judah has already gained his weight back--check out the cheeks. I am so in love with him! I am very interested to see how my affection and love for Judah changes and grows as we welcome his brother into our family in just a few short weeks...
Speaking of Wesley Thomas, I am still pregnant. I went in for my weekly appointment today and there's absolutely no progress--he's just sitting happy in there right now. My measurements are falling a little behind which I am disappointed about so we'll be doing weekly ultrasounds to double check how he's doing over the remaining weeks of pregnancy. He sure is active! I had the dreaded stomach flu over the weekend and between contractions and the other "commotion" happening in my abdomen area, he was certainly reminding me that he was in there. Thankfully the flu was short lived and I am fully recovered. Hopefully that's the last we'll see of that!

As Promised...

2011-01-18T13:43:00.000-08:00

Here I am at 35 weeks and 2 days. Yes, that's a shadow. I couldn't fix it in my photo editing.

The kiddos, playing and having a grand time this morning. Really playing well together for the most part

We had play group this moring at the park, enjoying or 75 to 80 degree weather. So nice! The kids are still sleeping...thank you park!

She's so big! So grown up.

Oh So Pregnant!

2011-01-16T19:21:00.000-08:00

We're at 35 weeks--and wow I am pregnant. I had an ultrasound last week and Wesley Thomas is weighing in at 5 lbs already! That's wonderful. Of course there could be a half pound different either way but I'll take it! My fluid levels are also considered "back to normal" and for that I am thankful. We start our every week visits on Wednesday and I am interested to see if there is any
"progress". I have been pretty uncomfortable for the past week, but today is a whole new level of discomfort. Lots of irregular contractions and lots of difficulty getting up, bending down, sitting, standing well, you get the picture, doing just about anything is uncomfortable.

Thankfully, I am not preg-zilla. Despite the discomfort I am in a great mood, I have enough energy to make it through the day and more than anything I am super excited to meet this precious little baby boy. We went as a family yesterday and picked out Wesley's come home outfits and bought a few baby essentials like bottle nipples, pacifiers etc. I have also started getting all of the blankets cleaned, burp clothes ready and we're trying to figure out how we'll manage different things throughout the house. It feels good to get organized! I promise the next post will have a prego picture and a picture of the kids!

So Thankful

2011-01-10T18:40:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for...

"Pergo" and Tile flooring
Clorx disinfectant wipes
Enough towels to be laid on the carpet, bedding & pillows for me, Owen and our children
Baking soda
Laundry detergent
Washer and Dryer
A toilet
Bowls
Baby wipes
Pedialite
The BRAT Diet
A hot water heater that doesn't quit
A husband who is forever selfless and can see obviously what needs to get done and does it...i.e. clean up endless piles of vomit!

Since Thanksgiving, this Maurer household has had a few illnesses--Owen had Pneumonia, the kids have both had a head cold that has stayed forever and then moved into a chest cold with a croup-like cough. I have been totally healthy until last week when wiping those said children's noses finally got the best of me! Nothing could have prepared me for the stomach flu that shot through our family this week though! Both kids were up all night on Saturday without a single symptom, just not sleeping (more on that later) but then on Sunday morning Clara began dry heaving and then continued to be sick right after she ate or drank anything. She was lethargic and sleepy all day. Judah didn't get sick until Sunday night...although he threw up significantly fewer times than Clara, he packed more punch with his since he doesn't know how to run to the toilet! He's been lethargic all day today and looks like a sack of bones he's so thin now. He's been refusing to eat since he started with the head cold--weight loss is expected and not freaking me out at the moment. Owen and I seem to be OK and have been on a pretty strict BRAT diet since yesterday morning. I pray that I don't get it...throwing up at 34 weeks preggo is not my idea of a good time.

Owen stayed home today to help with the kids and to help me get some rest since sleep has been a rare commodity since Thanksgiving! (translation: Owen sleep walks regularly) I am plum worn out! We transitioned Judah to his big boy bed over Christmas break and he's had a hard time adjusting, and his older sister has had a hard time quelling her excitement over him being in the bunk bed. The average is about 4-6 hours of broken sleep...hopefully tonight will be a full night sleep since everyone is sick and tired.

I am not sure at the moment how we'll handle life's "special moments" like this when we have a 3rd baby. I am just glad he's not here yet! I know that the Lord will provide and sustain but the thought does make me shudder a little bit! Be thankful for the conveniences in life that make common things like colds and the stomach flu a little more tolerable. I kept praying that the Lord would show us MERCY and He did. Thank you Lord!

More of what we've been up to...

2010-12-31T20:02:00.000-08:00

Tonight Owen and I were letting the kids play etc. and Clara found the baby boppy and said to Owen as soon as she saw it, "Oh, I feed my baby milk from boobies." and she proceeded to hop up on the couch, lift her shirt and "feed her baby" like an old pro. Seriously people, she hasn't seen me do this since Judah was 8 weeks old...and hasn't seen the boppy for just as long. talk about a mommy in training.

We moved onto a more "child appropriate" activity pretty quickly after that! Clara in her new apron from Noni getting ready to bake Chocolate Chip & Coconut cookies with Daddy.

What a mess! Batter flying everywhere and flour all over everything! I lost my urge to bake before the project started, but the kids & Owen really wanted cookies. I said they'd have to make them all by themselves and they did.

Everything turned out good! The kids enjoyed testing all along the way.

What we've been up to

2010-12-31T19:55:00.000-08:00

Owen has had the week off after Christmas...our first time as a family in a LONG time. We've spent a lot of time outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather...until yesterday and today of course. It's freezing! We broke out the finger paints for the first time from Clara's birthday party. She's so excited!

Judah wasn't so sure about the whole thing.

I was surprised that they weren't as into getting their hands dirty--I guess that will come. The paint brushes, not pictured, were more of a hit. LOVE the art smocks...easy to clean oil cloth from Etsy. Thank you NONI!

Today the kids came back tou our place after a night with the grandparents and delivered this beauty...an outdoor kitchen/BBQ set! It was a Christmas gift from Grandma and Papa Maurer, who proudly found it at goodwill for just $6.50! What a steel. It's in great condition and I know will provide HOURS of fun for the kids. Clara was already bringing me coffee and icecream. Love that girl.

The "BIG" gifts

2010-12-31T19:46:00.000-08:00

Judah is obsessed with pushing things...anything. Owen bought him a new TONKA truck to push outside which has been his constant companion outside since Christmas.

GB & Grandma Lynn bought Clara this super cute Radio Flyer scooter...Clara calls it her "onderone bike-Scooter". She's already getting pretty good at steering and wizzing by her brother...who really likes to push the scooter.

Judah is thrilled about his new tough bike...but he definitely has a little growing to do before he's masters this bike. He looks so proud...that is a nasty goose egg on his forehead. He was just walking out back and took a fall on the brick. He cried for just a short minute and then continued playing. Owen looked at him a couple minutes later and could see an enormous goose egg forming and brought him in for ice. It was HUGE and shiney. Amazingly, he smiles right through it!

Christmas Pics

2010-12-31T19:38:00.000-08:00

All dressed up for church the Sunday before Christmas....it was so warm, they hardly needed their coats!

I am so in love with that kid!

No more photos mom!

This is what they were waiting for...presents. Thank you so much to our family who absolutely over did themselves with all of the wonderful gifts! The kids are set for life...well at least for this year of life!

Happy Birthday Clara!

2010-12-18T15:16:00.000-08:00

Clara Joy and Great Grandpa Ervin Maurer. They are special together since they share a birthday!
Me & Clara...just proof that I was at the party.
Clara's birthday morning, blackberry pancakes, a candle, syrup and pink sprinkles.

Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Clara, Happy Birthday to you!

This year for Clara's third birthday I did an "arts and crafts" themed party. I haven't really introduced arts to Clara and now that she's a little older and able to have more self-directed play, I thought it was time to get all geared up!

We had tons and tons of fun! We celebrated with friends and family and are so grateful for all of the wonderful art supplies. Everything from an art smock, to paints, paper, playdoh, crayons, magnadoodle, water colors and much more. We also had the blessing of a borrowed jump house for the kids--definitely a hit! Clara's request for her party food was hotdogs, pop and cake. That's what we had, with salad, fruit and chips. The majority of the party was outside in our new backyard. So nice!

My special project for the party was the cake. I didn't want to pay for a cake, but I wanted to make something that kept the theme so I made cake pops. They're chocolate cake balls dipped in white chocolate--that was dyed to look like "art paint". The big cake, in honor of Clara's Great Grandpa Maurer was a Wikki Wikki cake--lets just say a lot of whipped cream, coconut milk & flakes. YUMMY! The cake pops were a huge hit for the kids.

Christmas Letter 2010

2010-12-16T13:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Please don't be too disappointed! This is the official Owen Maurer Family Christmas letter. Sorry that there's not something to put in your hot little hands. Too many irons in the fire...or children under 3 and a husband that sleep walks.way.too.much.

Speaking of Owen, thankfully the Lord has continued to supply the small company he works for, Custom Controls of Arizona with bountiful work. Owen has worked more at CC this year than any other, not to mention all the side jobs/ creative ways at making money). He continues to be an energizer bunny of sorts and always has time for me, the kiddos and projects around the house. We celebrated his 30th birthday this year and he reminds me daily that he's getting so old! (Insert rolling eyes here) This year has also brought a wonderful leadership role for Owen through our small group. Owen co-leads a group of 7 couples who meet bi-weekly. This has been a wonderful growing experience for both of us. We have just completed a study written by Tim Keller and we're excited to discover more about our Savior and the body of believers He's placed us in the coming year.

Additionally, Owen also completed a backyard make over for all of us! We have a very sturdy block wall, grass and new trees. We've already spent so much time outside. This has been such a blessing to have expanded "living space".

I have been busy at home with Clara and Judah. The Lord continues to teach me through my daily happenings with the children that I can only rely on Him for my joy, peace and strength. He is so faithful! I still walk with the kids most mornings and am very anxious to get back to running once we welcome our 3rd baby, a boy, in February.

I am very involved with a playgroup that meets bi-weekly. It's amazing how God can use even a play group to grow and challenge me as a mother, wife and friend. I have learned so much from the other women in our group.

I am also leading a Bible study for 4 other women through a very challenging book called Lies Women Believe and the Truth that sets Them Free. We meet weekly and discuss the Truth of the WORD and pray for our marriages and children.

Clara turns 3 December 17. She is spunky, full of energy, afraid of almost nothing and talks.a.lot. She has blossomed into her role as big sister quite well, although for a while I was not sure Judah would make it to his first birthday! These days however, Clara wakes up and gives Judah a morning hug and says that she "woves her broder". Her favorite things to do are go to "Voila's and Corey's house" (her cousins) and play as well as go to the "Muzoom" (museum). She has a very special relationship with Owen and can often be found doing projects around the house with him...she is VERY handy with power tools and is always eager to learn about how they work and what they can accomplish. You should see her with a power sander! I look forward to the coming year and am entertaining the idea of starting home pre-school lessons for her this summer.

Judah is our crazy busy-bodied 19 month old. He is quick to offer a smile, a laugh and loves a good game of peek-a-boo. He is very energetic and keeps me on my toes with his antics. He has a true knack for misbehaving and then offering that killer smile that makes me not want to discipline. He can be found following Clara EVERYWHERE and is always ready to play with her.

Since Judah was 6 months old he has struggled to eat and gain weight. Finally after many doctor appointments we discovered that Judah was aspirating all of the liquids he was drinking causing failure to thrive. We were relieved to get this diagnosis since it was treatable with thickened liquids--and they were THICK! Through this process we also had our first ER trip which ended in a 3 day hospitalization for a bowel infection. During the hospital stay we opted to "drop" a Nasogastric-tube--a feeding tube that went from his nose to his tummy to help him regain weight and get him back on track. Thankfully we only had to use the tube for about 8 weeks total. Miraculously, Judah started eating solid foods on his own completely out of the blue. This is a HUGE accomplishment and stress reliever for me. Although he's still on small amounts of thickener and receives 100% of his caloric needs through pediasure, he is gaining weight and it looks as though he'll be eating & drinking like a normal toddler very soon! This season with Judah has been the most challenging for me as a parent, but also a great learning time for Owen and I. Our children are such a gift and blessing from the Lord!

Our family is waiting anxiously for the birth of Wesley Thomas. We are praying for a quick and "on time" delivery mid-February. I had a great time tackling the challenge of creating an appropriate space for 3 kids in one bedroom.

We are so grateful to God, giver of all good things, for the challenges, joys, successes and failures this past year. Thank you for your love, support and most importantly prayer, for our family.

May the LOVE of Christ fill your hearts this Christmas season,

Owen, Emily, Clara and Judah

Judah Update

2010-12-05T19:03:00.000-08:00

I realize that I've not updated on Judah for a while, well, in our land, no news is good news! Judah has been amazing me every day with his eating. Its like a completely different kid--like there never was a problem. At his 18 month check up he weighed 22 lbs and 8 oz. That's up 15 whole ounces in just 4 weeks! He was only about 8 oz away from his "target" weight and so the ped & GI docs were absolutely thrilled. He's still on the thickner but just a small amount, as well as still getting complete nutrition from Pediasure, however, what's different is that he's eating at every meal. Although there are times when it's not a full serving of food, it's a huge improvement from where we were even just 3 weeks ago. Additionally, he's even happier (if thats possible) all day long. What a relief. We also were able to send back the NG-Tube supplies to the home health company. That felt like a major milestone to me. The docs expect that he'll be completely off Pediasure by February! All Glory to God. There's really no other explanation to why he decided to start eating on his own and certainly no explanation why he's not been sicker from this condition. I really believe it's a miracle in our lives--albeit seemingly small, it will not be lost on us!

Yes, Our house is small

2010-12-05T18:54:00.000-08:00

But not that small! Clara was cracking me up the other day as I was cleaning out the refridgerator. She was playing *perfectly* occasionally coming to help me with my project and also enjoying time by herself with her dolls. I knew she had been making a bed for her babies out of some of our storage bins for toys...what I didnt realize was that she too was in their bed!

This box is no bigger than 12x12. She had herself, a blanket and 2 dolls in there...and she was pretending to sleep in the middle of the kitchen floor. Oh she makes me laugh. Maybe she was giving me & her dad a hint...the 252 square feet that each person has in this house is starting to cramp her style. It's a good thing that Mr. Wesley wont have to sleep in that box (at least not intentionally).

Hard Work!

2010-12-05T18:45:00.000-08:00

She's such a girl! Actually, while this photo cracks me up and captures the best of both sides of Clara, she really was working hard! Owen was building his work bench out in the back yard and Clara, fresh up from her nap, really wanted to help. Although the photo doesn't really show it, she was REALLY into using the drill and actually did a good job handling it and drilling holes with daddy. Of course she has to look fantastic while she's workin' so the 'so sof heart jamas' as she calls them and pink & grey shoes that match were the only thing that would do during this work project!

Judah also took his turn with the drill, although not yet as confident as his sis. He too, was fresh up from a nap and in his jamies. I have a feeling that these early projects with dad are going to be a foundation for some really creative, crafty and build-happy kids. I just hope that they can apply what they learn when we decide to remodle!

Fun with Daddy

2010-12-05T18:38:00.000-08:00

Saturday I had a few errands to run and things to do so Owen had the kids...they have so much more fun with their daddy than they do with their mommy! Owen built and obsticle course in the back yard and had the kids running & jumping and flying all over the place

It's so awesome to know that when I leave the kids with their dad, not only are they safe (in a calculated sort of risk way), they are well cared for, loved and having the time of their lives!

Making Room for 3

2010-11-21T19:39:00.000-08:00

Over the past month I have been working to re-decorate Clara, Judah & Wesley's room. It's been so much fun! Since we have just 2 rooms and obviously one is just for mom and dad, I needed to create a space that was going to accomodate all 3 of my babies--girl & boys. Although the colors look a little washed out in the photos, they're all on the "warmer" side. The pom-poms above the crib are made out of tissue paper and hung w/ fishing wire above the crib. All three kids got an "initial hook" although I only took a picture of the 'W'.

EVERYTHING in the room was hand made...pretty impresive! This is a book sling, I originally saw them on Ohdeedoh.com and they're super easy to make! I did all of the preparation (pinning and ironing & measuring) and Amanda, my bestie who I am indebted to forever for helping me on this, sewed all of them, and the bedding!

The pattern & colors all came from the same theme of fabric, although Clara's bedding is flowered, Judah's is striped. The bunk bed was the biggest deal, thanks to Owen's parents for buying this bed from IKEA for the kids. They both love it! We're hoping to have Judah in the bottom bunk by the end of December.

I also wanted to incorporate some really fun color into thier room. I used cross-stitching rounds to trace out the circles and free-hand painted it. The color looks a little funny in the picture, but it's OH.SO.CUTE. in person. I have a few "finishing touches" that I have been looking for on-line but haven't found what's perfect yet. But mostly, the room is DONE. Judah will also have a book sling above his bed, but a certain measure-er made the sling too long and a certain handy-man cut the dowells too short...we're a great team.

Special thanks to Amanda, Megan and Lindsay for all their help & input into making this room great. Love to each one of you!

Apparently, That's Funny!

2010-11-18T13:45:00.000-08:00

This is Judah right fresh out of bed the other morning...Clara too. Apparently it's funny to wake up and read books.

He was just laughing hysterically. I'll take it!

Such precious times we've been having in the mornings though. It's been in the high 40's when the kids wake up and so we snuggle on the couch and read some books. Each morning isn't a comedy show (thankfully, because that makes mornings like this extra special). But we three do spend time together looking at and reading books. I started doing this a few weeks ago when it started to get cold mostly because I can't walk outside when it's that cool! Hard to believe that just about 5 weeks ago it was so hot in the mornings that I was racing to get myself and the kids out the door before it was too hot!

I realize I've not said anything about baby Wesley. He's doing great! We had an ultrasound yesterday and he's measuring within the 'normal' range for babies at this stage gestation. He's 1 week and 2 days behind my dates which is about normal for me at this stage. I still feel huge and now I have a reason why, I have a ton of amniotic fluid. The UT asked me if I was feeling large and I told her yes and she said that's because this babe is floating in the most fluid that I can have (safely though) and that makes a lot of mommies feel 'large and in charge'. Well, at least I know I am not going to be pushing out a football player in 13 weeks! The tech let me watch Wesley swimming around in there for a while which was so special, he was moving his hands around, sucking his thumb and even opening and closing his mouth. What a miracle. Oh, and I lost 1.5 lbs. I wasn't trying to loose weight, but I certainly wasn't trying to gain any either. My hard work and careful attention to what I was eating paid off--that and it feels like even when I have a small something to eat that it's going to burn my throat--oh heartburn. All in all, we're doing great!

The light bulb

2010-11-18T13:30:00.000-08:00

The light bulb has come on folks...I think (hope and pray)! On Saturday evening we sat down for dinner just like every night...and just like every night I was dreading it a bit in my heart thinking it would be another meal that Judah would not touch. But much to mine and Owen's amazement, Judah ate, and ate, and ate. We sat there with our eyes bulging out of our heads and our jaws on the table just astonished at how much he ate and how happy he was--so happy that I had to get the camera to take a picture. This was a different kid.

This kid...Clara was not different though! She ate too, and true to form she spilled her milk on her shirt and was sad so she de-robed and then wanted pictures of herself nakey at the table. That's the face I get from her when I tell her to give me her 'prettiest' smile. Maybe I need to take her in the bathroom and practice infront of a mirror!

Oh Joy, Oh Bliss! My two happy (full) boys. I'm thinkin' Judah looks just a little bit like his daddy. Silly boys.

Outside Fun

2010-11-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

Clara has almost outgrown the swing! I can hardly believe that we've almost a three year old on our hands. She reminds me daily that her 'burfday is comin'. I love the goofey face!

We've been spending a lot of time outside now that its cool. Last week I even had to go and buy some longsleeved shirts for Clara since she didn't have any! With the addition of the block wall in the back and new grass & trees (pictures coming soon) all evening Owen takes the kids outside to 'work' in the yard. Whatever he's doing they do it with him. Bless his heart for the patience--I know that sometimes it's two steps forward and one step back with his two 'helpers'.

Judah...obsessed with the pink baby stroller. But so proud.

It's a miracle when I am able to get both kids smiling at the camera and looking at the same time. They both look like they are up to something don't you think?

Naughty

2010-11-13T16:58:00.000-08:00

The other morning the three of us were having breakfast, clearly it was yogurt. I noticed that Clara kept brushing her bangs out of her eyes and getting the yogurt in her hair. So I ran to the bathroom and grabbed a rubber band to pull her hair back with. Seriously, I think it took about 10 seconds.

Apparently Judah thought it was Beauty School time and he was doing his hair too, with yogurt. He's so naughty! So straight into the bath he went. I told Clara she needed to sit in her seat and finish eating breakfast.

"What's that you say mom? Judah get's a bath without me? I don't think so!"

"I need a bath too". Can you tell that these two are already pulling shenanigans on their mom? Oh my.

Large and in Charge

2010-11-09T15:26:00.000-08:00

This is me pregnant with Clara at 24 weeks. Oh the days that were pre-stretchmarks and I wasn't embarassed to show my tummy!

This is me pregnant with Judah at 28 weeks.

And this is me pregnant with Wesley at 25 weeks. Can we say YIKES? I even tried to wear black to minimize the growth. It's true, I tend to have small babies, and the smaller bellies have been a reflection of that, however, I think that Wesley is going to break the mold (and his mommy's body!). My BFF and I were comparing pictures today of where I am now vs. where I was with other kiddos and we had a good laugh. Especially after I tried and tried and TRIED to get this pair of jeans on that she was going to let me borrow. Note to self, for your next BFF find someone who is not quite so skinny! (JK Amanda, you're irreplaceable.)
We are still "monitoring" Wesley's size since we've had small babies. We'll find out next wednesday where he is and if I am going to need to buy a moomoo.

Smiley Kids

2010-11-07T20:44:00.000-08:00

All of us are enjoying the cool-ish fall weather. We've spent a lot more time outdoors causing my kids to be smiley...

and slightly cheesey.

This young lady also is picking out her clothes every day...several times a day. So although I feel like I can direct her to pick out a super cute outfit to wear...it never lasts! Hair either. Maybe soon I can catch a photo of her dressed and with her hair done!

After

2010-11-07T20:34:00.000-08:00

Judah was in heaven watching the workers...and he wanted to do a little work too.

Owen put Clara's body weight to work along with her booster seat. He needed his rake to be a little heavier so he strapped the kids on with the booster seat and went to work. You've got to hand it to Owen, he's very inventive. Anything to accomplish the goal and its always a bonus when he can entertain the kids at the same time.

Bye-bye ghetto.

Hello beautiful private back yard...with tons of potential.

During

2010-11-07T20:28:00.000-08:00

The workers placed 14 pallets of block around our yard.. Lots of concrete, rebarb and other, ya know, building supplies.

The block provided some entertainment in the evenings for the kids...

and a lot of mess for us in the house! But all totally worth it.

Before

2010-11-07T20:22:00.000-08:00

These are before pictures of our yard...it's been a long time goal of ours to make our backyard an "extension" of our home...since we have kids, we love to have folks over and our house is well, kind of small. So the past few months we've saved up for a block wall. It was so great to see how God provided great workers, a smokin deal and quick completion of this project. So these are the before pictures of our yard. Can we say ghetto? Needless to say, the chainlink fence, wood slats, and other hodge-podge fencing items are now all gone!

I am so in love...

2010-10-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

I am so in love with this girl...she was being so cute at lunch the other day. It was post a long day at the park and after bath time. It's moments like these that make me remember how special each moment is--especially in the midst of the challenges of raising a very intense two year old...well if I am honest with myself, almost a three year old.

Showing off her nails.

She is becoming very chatty. She cracks me up! Her best line yesterday was that her hands were so cold that they didn't work any more. Mind you it was only 60 something degrees. She keeps telling me that it's so cold outside and that she needs to wear a jacket. Oh my. I am raising a Phonecian.

Judah, oh Judah. We were in with the GI Doc today. He lost 2 oz. despite having the tube in. We're going to go a different route--trying to do just pediasure w/out the tube and see if we can get him eating more solids. Hopefully he's going to start chunking up a bit more! Still as happy as can be--as energetic as any 17 month old. Running his mommy ragged sometimes! And he's discovered the joy of climbing. He makes me laugh at other parents, I know he can make it, but when we're at the park other moms & dads hover over him to make sure he's OK. I am always saying "He's OK--he'll make it!" And he usually** does.

We're having....

2010-10-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

So several weeks ago I mentioned that we knew what we were having! Here's a hint, we already have one. Ha ha. First of all let me start by saying that the baby is absolutely healthy and perfect looking according to the initial ultrasound. Thank God for making healthy babies! This little babe is also following in the footsteps of it's older siblings and measuring on the small side so the ultrasound technitian expanded our "due date" to anywhere between February 19 and March 1. Hmmm. I'll just plan on March 1. That way if baby comes early I wont be too crazy waiting.

Isn't the suspense killing you? Well, lets do a little more about this pregnancy. The puking & horrible nausea is over. Thank God. I have gained weight...however due to my little remaining dignity I will not reveal how much. I am feeling baby move pretty regularly. I am at least walking 2 miles every morning with the kiddos--I think I reached my limit with running last week. I just can't do it anymore. I am determined to walk every morning all through the 2nd trimester. So depending on what dates I look at I am either 20 and a half weeks or 22 and half weeks.

Ok, here it is. We're having another Boy! We are so excited (and really surprised) to be welcoming another boy into our family. The name will be Wesley Thomas

A visit from GB & Grandma Lynn

2010-10-19T19:49:00.000-07:00

My dad and step mom came to Phoenix a few days ago...it was so much fun! We had time at the park, eating an amazing chimmy changa dinner and went to the pumpkin patch at Mcdonald farm. I told Clara and Judah that the grandparents were coming on Monday...they didn't get here until Thursday. Lesson learned. I wont do that again. I didn't hear anything but "I wanna see GB & Grama Lynn doday"Judah had a hard time the whole day there...maybe it had something to do with the fact that he didn't eat ANYTHING! By the time we had taken the hayride Judah had reached his max. It was also pretty hot that day since fall has been elluding us Phonecians for weeks.

So that chimmy changa night...we had the whole family over at Rachael's house and at our fill of homemade chimmys. My dad makes these fabulous chimmys, spicy, salty, meaty, peppery and best of all deep fat fried. Oh my. We looked like this before we ate..... But we felt like this when we were done! The chimmys are so good, but so deadly. It's a once a year treat for sure.

We better find a bigger bench...in February there will be TWO more babies in our family. Jessica & Alex are also expecting, they'll be having another girl just a few weeks before we add our baby to our family!

Holy Hail

2010-10-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

So we knew there was a big storm coming in and we had a GREAT view in our backyard. Owen and I set up our lawn chairs to watch it come in...it was coming fast, but we didn't think that fast. We're sitting in the sun and all the sudden there is a HUGE rock that hits me out of no-where on the back of my neck. It hurt bad. We realized instantly that it was hail. We quickly grabbed the kids and the picture above was about 10 seconds later. Toys left. Mud made. Ice piled. Tears cried--over the said toys.

After the hail, the rain came. Sheets and sheets of rain. Oh how we needed the rain.

And the loot. Owen had the forethought to collect some of the best "specimines" of hail. They were big. The kids thought they were awesome.

So much fun. What was not fun is the slight damage to Owens truck, and the massive clean up for our yard...oh yeah and the loss of power for about 9 hours. We lit candles and put the kids to bed early-ish...simply because it was so dark we couldn't play with any toys! Thank God that it was a beautiful evening and cool outside...not a storm last week when it was 110 outside.

Lately

2010-10-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

Oh life is full, life is busy, life is heavy, life is life. It's been a really long September. So much in my mind--but no where to put it. That's OK though. I have these beautiful kids that I can pour myself into and there's nothing better in this life--outside of Christs love for me of course!
Clara is becoming such a young lady. You can see she enjoys being a princess. I've avoided having princess stuff in the house because a lot of times I don't like the attitude that comes with the territory--but I have been using this little crown that Clara made as a reward for her when she behaves lovingly towards her brother, completes her chores or makes it through a rough situation w/out complaining or winning. It's been fun.
The funnest thing right now is that she's beginning to recount her daily activities. It always cracks Owen and I up at the things that she chooses to remember and then enthusiastically demonstrate during her stories. Her little voice is the most precious sound. I hope I never forget it.

We have had a lot of really fun exciting days with Judah as well. He is starting to talk more and more. My favorite thing right now with him is asking him a question (yes or no) and hearing his raspy "YEAH!" It's really cute when he gets an ouchie and I ask him "did you hit your head?" and he says "YEAH!" and runs to me. Oh melt my heart. He's had his NG tube out for a week. We had his second swallow study and had a 75% reduction in his needed thickner. What a HUGE answer to prayer. This means that instead of putting 4-1oz gel packs in each 8 oz. bottle, I only have to use 1 pack...thats down from 16 packs a day to 4 packs a day. Holy reduction! This is a huge blessing and relief to our stretched budget.
I believe he's lost a little weight since we removed the tube, to be expected since he completely refuses to do solids right now. With the reduced thickener needed, I expect that he will bounce back, although just to be sure, we'll put the tube back in tomorrow for the next 10 days just to be safe.

This was Clara putting "the boys" to bed.

The pump. UGH how we are not fans of the pump. the beep that wakes us is crazy. We needed a break!

Still here!

2010-10-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

We're still here. I have seemed to have a busier life than usual lately. Its good though.
We have Judah's swallow study on Tuesday so I'll post more about that after the fact.
We also have GB and Grandma Lynn coming in this week as well as a fun girls night out with my small group ladies and a trip to the Pumpkin patch with the grandparents. Lets hope it's not over 100 on Saturday!

I am tired a lot which is why I choose to take a nap during the kid's nap time and not blog or do anything else. But I hope that the tired-ness will slow down a little as it gets cooler outside. Oh...I also know what we're having! Haha ha. I'll save it for a post that's more interesting though. Lots of good ultrasound pictures. Most important though, baby is perfectly healthy. Praise God.

The kids are great and more and more fun each day. Of course I'll share more later...I just looked through my uploaded pictures and realize I don't have anything new. I'll do lots of pictures soon.

On the Mend...

2010-09-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

I'll say it again as I have several times with this journey with Judah, what a difference a week makes! These top pictures are of Judah the day we were released from the hospital...still looking a little, well, little.
The picture below was taken just one week after our hospital stay. The difference is so amazing! There's my full cheeked boy with a little bit of neck fat that I love to kiss! We went in on Monday for a weight check and follow up appointment and guess what? Judah has already gained back the 1 lb and 4 oz. he lost! He is officially comfortably back on the growth chart (in the 5th %--I'll take what I can get) and seems to be doing GREAT. The pediatrician (have I mentioned that I LOVE her?) said that she was absolutely thrilled with how Judah looked and was very happy with his progress. Me too. I knew he'd gotten bigger, but I didn't imagine a whole pound +.
He pulled his tube out on Wednesday at about 3:30 am. We removed the tape and left it out for a full 24 hours to give him a rest and to let Owen and I get a full nights sleep. We replaced it this evening without incident--even easier at home than in the hospital. He was bothered for about 5 minutes and was back to his normal self...it helped that Grandma was here!
Lots of people have been asking the same questions so I thought I'd answer them in one place.

1. Does he eat through the tube exclusively?

No! We feed Judah "normally" all his bottles of thickened liquids as well as offering finger foods at all our meals & snacks. He is only fed through the tube at night time. He does a 16 oz. drip over an 8 hour period 9pm-5 am.

2. Isn't 16 oz. a lot for him to take?

Yes...that's the idea. Since the majority of Judah's calories are from liquids at this point, he needs high calorie liquids, unfortunately since he has to have his liquids thickened, he can take in the volume of the high calorie foods like he needs inorder to gain or maintain his weight. So even though he's drinking about 24 oz of "liquids" that's really only 16 oz of caloric liquid. That really sets him back! And because his volume is so high, he often times isn't hungry for the solid foods like a lot of kids are. The NG tube allows us to give him straight calorie dense food w/o thickening which clearly has helped him gain weight.

3. How long will you be doing this?

We are committed to keeping the tube in full time (changing it if it gets pulled out or every 10 days) until October 1. We will remove the tube and give him a "rest" for 5 days and then on the 5th of October we have his second swallow study. Depending on the results of that study, we will leave the tube out (hopefully) and move forward with less thickened foods and begin anew on the solid food in take.

4. Has it been easier for you?

YES! I cannot express how much stress has been relieved from my shoulders since the tube has been in. Yes there's a little bit of maintenance on the tube, but it's not nearly as time consuming as counting his ounces and calories all day long. I didn't realize how much time I was spending at each meal...LOTS OF TIME. Not to mention the constant worry and second guessing about what he'd eaten. Amazing, my kids are now more regularly dressed before 9 am and have their hair done, my house is cleaner and I have a little more energy (I say a little b/c baby #3 is still sapping me dry!).

5. What is the biggest difference for Judah?

Judah has been sleeping signficiantly more. He's sleeping until about 7 in the morning as opposed to 5 am, he's taking a full 1 hour morning nap and usually at least 2 1/2 hour nap in the afternoon. It's so different than before...which again, just confirms that he was barely getting what he needed. Miss Clara happens to be sleeping more too since her baby brother isn't waking her up anymore! THANK GOD!

Five, Five and Under

2010-09-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Olivia's 5th birthday on Tuesday evening with the whole family...can I just say that I cannot believe that it's been FIVE years since Olivia was born and that it kind of makes me feel old that I have a niece that's five? This was a pretty special picture since all five of the kids were looking at the camera. Lila, I believe was looking in her best future modle pose! So like her mommy. From L-R it's Lila, Corey, Clara, Olivia and Judah. Happy birthday sweet girl!

We're home!

2010-09-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

We're home. We have an NG tube. We are relieved parents. This will be a long update. I kind of want to write this chapter and then move on

First and foremost, thank you to each one of you who have offered to help, have prayed for us and called with your concern. We needed your support!

A special thank you to Tom and Joy for taking such good care of Clara while we went through this. God is so good to us.

So after our experience on Saturday in the ER we went home with Judah--although I had mentioned several times to the nurse prior to discharge that I did not feel comfortable going home based on how he was acting. Judah was still lethargic and dosile. They gave us the default ER answer "it's a virus" give it 7-10 days and he'll be fine. Since he didn't have a bowel movement when we were at the ER we were at a loss as far as a culture. I knew that we didn't have 7-10 days either.

Saturday he slept all day and went to sleep and stayed asleep on and off from the time we got home throughout the night. He did have some diarrhea through the night and then seemed to perk up on Sunday morning. We woke up, did our morning routine and even went to run a few errands. Clara had been picked up by her grandparents on Saturday morning and we were expecting her to return just after nap time.
We laid Judah down and gave him a bottle but--at this point he had complete refusal to eat. At 1:30 he woke up and cried and cried and cried. He started having diarrhea again, and continued every 45 minutes until about 10:30 that night. At about 5ish he vomited--projectile--all over me & our rug. I e-mailed the pediatrician and told her again what was going on and she recommended that we go back to the hospital, but this time we would be a direct admission. Thank God.

He continued to cry and moan and have diarrhea until we actually got into the room etc. Thankfully for that first night we did not have a roommate. Around 10 pm he had to get an IV, we requested the IV team based on our experience the previous day knowing tha this veins weren't in good shape. Even the IV team had to place it twice--I had to leave the room again. So not fun.

He cried on and off throughout the night and received IV benedryl to help him calm down, and that didn't really make a huge difference until about 3 am. What a long night. Lots of crying, holding and shushing. At 6 am we were woken for vitals and then the stream of doctors. Thankfully we had a culture taken right when we arrived at the hospital and had the results first thing. C. Dif was the diagnosis. Don't ask me what that stands for--all I know is it's a horrible bacterial infection. Antibiotics were started immediately and the IV fluids kept coming. On Monday morning they started him on Dextros which is the sugar solution and by mid day he started urinating again.

We are so thankful to have a children's hospital here in Phoenix. We knew that he was getting the most complete and thurough care that he possibly could. It was difficult however since we had to share our story a million times to get all the residents, nurses and attendings, specialists, nutricionists etc. on the same page. Oh to be able to get everyone in the same room. I know it wasn't possible though!

Monday was a long day because Judah felt horrible and we were isolated--but he was cranky and scared. I knew we were in the right place and I knew that Owen and I had a decision to make about the NG tube. We had been debating back and forth since he was diagnosed with Silent Aspiration and kept avoiding the tube. At his 15 month check up though his weight gain slowed significantly--he stayed on his curve but just barely. With this illness he'd already lost about 1 lb and his hydration levels were obviously dangerously low. We decided that we'd most likely be leaving the hospital with an NG tube because we didn't want to be back in this same position in just a few weeks and with cold and flu season coming up we didn't know how he'd be tolerating any other illnesses. Usually with both our kids, no matter the illness, eating is the first thing to go and Judah can't afford that. So after lots of talking about our situation with our doctors and finally the major support and go ahead from our pediatrician and our family members we decided for sure to go for it. Another major factor that played into this decision for me personally is that I am feeding this kid all the time. It is normally a battle, always stressful for me. I am constantly counting ounces and calories and just hoping each day that it's enough. The stress had me "at my whits end" about 2 weeks ago and I had this huge desire to stop trying and stop caring. I didn't--of course--but that's how I felt. And lets face it. I have a two year old, I am 15 weeks pregnant and I am a busy mom! Hours of being consumed with his eating was not serving anyone at this point! We agonized and agonized over making this decision, but at this point it's whats best for Judah. Hopefully this will be a very quick solution to his poor weight gain and continue to aid in helping him re-learn how to properly swallow w/out aspirating.

On Tuesday we had a long day of meetings with doctors & nurses to get all of the information about the NG tube and then also with the home health company to get supplies and also a case manager to help us figure out what the costs etc. would be (YIKES). One of the best parts about Tuesday is that my sister came by to pick up my house key and she and two close friends cleaned our house top to bottom. It was fuming when I got home later that night, but that's what needed to happen to kill the C. Dif.

We planned to "drop the tube" as they say at 6 pm on Tuesday night. We practiced on a doll so that we knew how to do it. We decided that in order to expidite us getting out of the hospital that I would drop the tube the first time in front of the nurse so that we could go home sooner. I surprised even myself and did it perfectly the first time! Judah of course did not like it and cried hysterically during the proceedure and was fussy for 15-20 minutes afterwards, but quickly calmed down and drank.his.whole.darn.bottle. and went to sleep. Go figure!

Owen stayed the night again and was trained on how to use the pump that gets the food to him in the middle of the night and I went home and slept. Judah did great and didn't wake until 7 am. We had a few more meetings and then we were out of there!

There are a lot more details, but of course, it's hard to contain everything--especially when I am so tired and I can hardly keep the days straight as they happened. I have a couple of amazing moments that I'll share about in another post.

Little Mister--with pics

2010-09-05T16:18:00.000-07:00

Our little mister is getting to be a littler little mister. It's been a really long 4 days. I've known since about Tuesday/Wednesday that Judah wasn't doing well. He had been completely refusing to eat any solids and then was slowly decreasing his pediasure intake. He absolutely has to take at least 36 oz a day to maintain his weight & hydration due to the thickner he's on--so even though it sounds like a lot, he's really only getting about 15-18 oz of caloric intake. On Wed. afternoon he started having more frequent diarrhea and then on Thursday he went 7x...on Friday AM I picked him up out of his crib and he was covered in diarrhea as well as his bed, blankets, and me! YUK! After I called my bestie and cried my eyes out because of concern, I took him in for a weight check and he'd lost 7 oz. I just started crying again and the nurses went in search of Judah's Pediatrician. The weight loss is not good for him and our goal to avoid the NG tube. I was able to see my pediatrician (w/o and appointment and she wasn't even supposed to be there--God is so good). She recomended we re-check him on Wednesday and take him to the ER if anything changed over the weekend. We also did a stool sample (results to come on Tues.--so much fun). I have tried my best to get all my tears out in one day so that when the time came, I can just focus on what needs to be done, being pregnant adds to the amount of tears for sure! Friday his in-take was down to 24 oz and then he threw up a TON in the middle of the night and continued to have diarrhea. This continued this morning, making a very lethargic, pale and skinny looking kid. We decided to skip our trip to Flagstaff and instead we took a trip to the ER. Grandma and Papa were in town (again, God is so good) so Clara gladly went and hung out with them and is in fact still there. We went to Phoenix Children's Hospital and our Pediatrician called ahead to make sure that the attending doc was up to speed with us. When we arrived at the hospital, they did a weight check and he'd lost another 5 oz in just 24 hours...I am so scared about that. Within 10 minutes we were in our room and having the nurses try to get an IV in. It took 3x to get an IV in his veins as his veins were collapsing right after or before the needle was getting in. The vascular team was called in order to successfully get a line. I had to leave the room because he was so upset & my mommy gut was going into overdrive. He got IV fluids, zofran (anti-vomit) and also IV glocose because his blood sugar was very low. Of course he didn't have diarrhea the whole time we were there 10-4 so they weren't able to get a stool culture to see if it's not something more serious.

We're home. We're really tired. Judah slept in my arms all day and has been "up right" for about 45 minutes total on Saturday and has had about 4 oz of liquids. If you know our little mister, that's so not like him. He's more the 5 seconds in your arms and then gone like a lightning bolt after a toy or his sister. He spiked a fever on Saturday after we got home but thankfully it broke during the night.

Please pray that he can eat something today (and through out the long weekend) and perk up a bit. We (along w/ docs) expected him to perk up after IV fluids & sugar on Saturday but he slept for the remainder of the day & night (on and off). Pray for wisdom for Owen and I as we need to make a decision going forward about the NG tube. We've avoided it successfully so far, however, we knew that once the "cold & flu season" came that we may be headed down that path quickly. Because he's already so small & having a hard time maintaining weight, he can't afford to deal with even simple illness like a cold. Crazy that our "completely healthy baby" is having such a hard time.

Judah's had a lot of these types of baths lately because of how much diarreah he's been having. It's amazing that so much can come out of such a little mister! We covet your prayers and support throughout the next 10 days especially.

Peek-a-boo

2010-08-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

Where did my babies go?

Peek-a-

BOO!

My kids are having such fun playing with eachother--oh I love it--lots of smiles all around this morning as these two played peek-a-boo for a good 25 minutes...that's a long time for a 2 1/2 year old and a 1 year old!

In other news--Judah is doing well on his eating. Still doing about 36 oz. a day which is great, but despite all of that he only gained 2 oz. at his last check up. I was hoping that we'd be able to get him off of pediasure but with the insignificant weight gain that's a no go. He's walking up a storm though and that's been so much fun.

Clara becomes more and more of a young lady each day. She is saying some of the funniest things! She is talking in sentances, copying everything we say which means Owen and I have to guard our mouths often! Not that we say bad things, but we want to make sure that the speech she is learning is edifying. What fun what fun.

Have a check up on baby #3 tomorrow. I am going to take Clara with me so she can hear the heart beat. It'll be fun (I hope) for her. Keep the Crane's in your prayers. You can see where they are in thier journey at www.cranesuccess.blogspot.com

Special Friends

2010-08-26T18:36:00.000-07:00

Clara has some "special friends". So much fun to watch Clara develope and change into a young girl who can play with her friends in a special way! I believe I have pictures of myself playing with at least this many dollies when I was her age.

Small Group Vacation

2010-08-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Owen and I went on our first vacation in 2 1/2 years. It was a real vacation because we did not have our kids with us. First off, a HUGE thank you to Grandma and Papa for taking such good care of the kids. Let's just say they didn't notice we were gone. When we got to their house to take them home, they were less than thrilled.

We along with 5 other couples, we headed to San Diego--everyone else left their kids at home too. We stayed in a beautiful house that Megan Holm found--totally remodled, clean, beautiful, and the beds (at least ours) was super comfortable. The weather was absolutely gorgeous! I can't tell you what it's like to leave Phoenix at 114* and go to San Diego where it was about 70* when we arrived. Ahhhhh.
We ate, walked, beached, slept, ate, slept and relaxed. Exactly what we needed. Owen and I had a great time hanging out with our friends. It was a different experience since we all were sans children. Having uninterupted conversations was amazingly efficient and eating meals without getting out of our seats was heavenly.
Great fellowship and the love of Christ was shared by all. We're already thinking about next year!

He's Gonna Be Trouble

2010-08-17T18:55:00.000-07:00

Judah was ready to go the other day...diaper and all.

He pushed the chair all the way to the door, climbed up on top of it and

Fiddled with the lock. He wasn't even walking last week...I think he's gonna be trouble.

And with a face like that, I think he'll get away with it!