l-m-n-o-p-q-r

January 2011 - Continued

2011-09-05T21:56:00.005-04:00

Our favorite thing that we did in January was taking a trip to Great Wolf Lodge with my parents and my sister's family! Grandpa and Grandma rented a 15 passenger van so we could all ride together and the whole weekend was TONS of fun!!

Reuben was so excited he couldn't even nap...
until about 10 minutes before we arrived.

The backseat boys!

Reuben checking out the cabin he and Levi got to share.

The best part - the waterpark!!

Happy New Year - January 2011

2011-09-05T21:33:00.003-04:00

Continuing on with my blog re-cap...

Levi & Reuben during a moment of brotherly love

The boys' first trip to the public museum.

Even Matt took a turn on the big bike!

Christmas 2010

2011-08-31T21:54:00.005-04:00

Some more pictures from our Christmas festivities:

Our family photo for the 2010 Christmas card

Christmas day - just the four of us.
Stockings first!

New shirts for the boys

New PJs! Excavators for Levi...

...and monkeys for Reuben

The boys weren't so sure about diaper boxes for gifts!

Until they figured out what was inside the boxes - sleeping bags!!

Merry Christmas 2010

December 2010 - Continued

2011-08-31T21:13:00.007-04:00

I doubt many people actually check our blog anymore...BUT, in an effort to document our family happenings (mostly for my memory-keeping), I'm going to try and post some monthly pics to bring us up to date. It might take me a few days to get caught up, but I'm hoping after that to be a more regular blogger again :)

The rest of December was filled with Christmas festivities:

The boys and I made a clay pot nativity set (or activity set, as Levi called it).

The angel, baby Jesus, Joseph and the urgent Mary (according to Levi)

The finished nativity set - plus a helicopter (added by Reuben - he thought the pilot wanted to see baby Jesus too!)

A Big Day

2010-12-12T21:32:00.004-05:00

Today was a special day at our house for a couple of reasons.

Matt turned another year older today! We helped him celebrate with our traditional birthday sundae at Red Robin.

Happy Birthday, Honey
Wishing you a wonderful year to come!

I love Reuben's eyes in the picture - eyes on the prize!

This morning was special for Levi, too. Levi had the opportunity to sing with some of his friends at church while the Advent candle was brought to the front. It was quite a big deal for the quartet of 4 & 5 year olds! This week's candle was peace, so they sang "Light One Candle for Peace". They did a great job! Levi told me that he was a little scared to stand up there during church, but he was willing to do it again some time.

Levi with his friends - Natalie and Micah

Getting some instructions during practice.
Check out "Joe Cool" in the middle - hand in his pocket!

The whole group practicing their song.

This video was during practice - I didn't want to make Levi nervous during the service.

Happy Hunter!

2010-11-15T15:10:00.005-05:00

The hunter at our house returned victorious today!

Around 8:30 this morning, Matt shot his first (ever) deer:
a 4-point buck.

Congratulations on your deer, Dear!

Side note: I am welcoming any ground venison recipes that mask the taste of venison!!

Me Be TWO!!

2010-11-08T22:52:00.003-05:00

Today was Reuben's 2nd Birthday! He was quite excited and when we asked him who's birthday it was, we heard "My mon-key cake day!" Tonight we celebrated with cake and ice cream and had lots of fun.

The birthday boy - I can't believe he's two already!

Sitting with Grandpa and Meleah (for just a minute)

Levi made his own "card" for Reuben this year (it was a set of drawings he did) and wrote most of the note on the envelope: LOVE LEVI - DEAR RUBN - I LOVE YOU

Checking out his new dump truck, quilt and bike (below)!

A monkey cake for our little monkey!

Levi thought we needed the lights out for singing

Happy Birthday Reuben - We love you!!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T21:43:00.004-04:00

The boys had plenty of opportunities to wear their costumes this year! We started on Friday night at my parent's house and then on Saturday we went to a church "Trunk-or-Treat", as well as some trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. Here are some pictures from our Halloween activities:

Levi was The Cat in the Hat
Reuben was the Fish (from The Cat in the Hat)

The fish in his fishbowl

Gotta love that cat!

Trunk-or-Treating with Larry the Cucumber (Henry) and Bob the Tomato (Meleah)

Matt & I joined in the fun on Saturday
(Thing 1 & Thing 2)

Another picture of the Dr. Seuss Family

The fish minus his fishbowl

Off to some more houses!

Trick or Treat!!

Thing 1 got a little creative with his costume!

Carpool Conversations

2010-10-25T22:25:00.006-04:00

The route we take from preschool to Katelyn's house passes by a small cemetery. On our drive today, Levi and Katelyn got into a bit of a "discussion" about what it is.

I think it was Katelyn who thought it was a place to go camping and Levi thought it was a place to go dying. After a few times back and forth (camping, no dying, no camping, no dying...), Levi declared that they were both right. He said that it was a place to go camping and then you die.

He went on to say that when you die, they dig a hole and put you in the ground and cover you up with dirt. Then, he continued, you get a new body with new skin. Finally, he said that when he gets his new skin, it is going to be bumpy and scratchy like his dad's.

It was all I could do to keep from laughing out loud!

Fall Getaway

2010-10-17T16:54:00.004-04:00

This weekend, Matt & I had a chance to get away to Traverse City. The weather, colors and company was wonderful! We had a really fun time shopping, wine tasting and just spending time with the two of us. Here are a few pictures from our trip.

These remind me of "honeymoon pictures" (hardly any of the two of you together)

Carrying on Traditions

2010-10-11T16:13:00.004-04:00

When I was growing up, my mom always made applesauce in the fall. About 5 years ago, I asked my mom to teach me how to make applesauce, so I could carry on the tradition with my own family. Last year was the first time I made a few batches entirely on my own (no help from mom) and I tried canning it - my first attempt at canning anything. It went well enough that this past weekend, my sister and I got 3 bushels of apples for making and canning applesauce. We started around 4 PM on Saturday and finished up around 11:30 PM. We ended up with 49 quarts of canned applesauce and roughly 10 quarts to freeze or eat fresh.

We had two very interested "helpers" this year!

Levi was very focused when he got his turn at the masher machine!

Even Reuben took a turn crankin' out some sauce!

Indian Summer

2010-10-11T15:24:00.006-04:00

The weather the past week or so has been absolutely gorgeous! In spite of our colds, we've been trying to get out and enjoy the nice weather while it's here. After lunch today, the boys and I headed outside to play for a bit before nap time.

Here are some of the pictures I managed to take in and around our backyard (my subjects were more interested in playing than posing!):

The boys don't like to pose together, but I love their similar looks of disgust in this one!

Culture

2010-10-01T15:12:00.009-04:00

Last night, we decided to take advantage of the great autumn weather and take in some culture. I'll let Reuben tell you where we went:

The Top 10 were announced last night, but we didn't find out which ones they were until after we got home. As it turns out, we saw five of the Top 10 (including the Elephant Walk outside the Children's Museum last week). Every time we got in the van today, Reuben asked "ArtPrize?" and Levi keeps asking if we can go back. Hopefully we can get back downtown soon - 1.5 hours was not enough for us!

Here are some of the entries we saw last night:

Helping mom one penny at a time (Top 10)

SteamPig (Top 10)

A Dragon For Jonas

Dancing with Lions (Top 10)

A HUGE greeting card - the front of the card

Trying to find a spot to add our names

The inside of the card

8 Years!

2010-09-30T22:24:00.002-04:00

Last week, Matt & I celebrated our 8th anniversary! Tonight we finally got around to taking our annual "anniversary photo".

This year, our picture was taken by a budding new photographer - Levi! He was hilarious with posing us: "Is this going to be a family picture?" "You'll need to get in close to each other." "Oh, that's a good one!"

I'm thinking he might have a future in photos! See for yourself:

Carpool Buddies

2010-09-29T22:02:00.004-04:00

Today, Levi had his preschool friend, Katelyn, over to play for the afternoon. We carpool with Katelyn's family and the two of them have become fast friends. They had a fun-filled afternoon playing Legos, pretend and playing in the backyard. I'm pretty sure that Katelyn will be a frequent (and very welcome) visitor at our house!!

He's such a...Monkey!

2010-09-24T15:26:00.003-04:00

We've called him our little monkey since he was a baby.

He climbs up and on everything.

His room is in the process of being decorated with a monkey theme.

He was Curious George for Halloween last year.

Can you see the resemblance?

Curious, like Curious George!

2010-09-23T23:09:00.006-04:00

Tonight, Angie and I braved the ArtPrize crowds and headed downtown with the kids to the Children's Museum to check out the Curious George exhibit before it left. The kids seemed to have a good time and they didn't really want to stop and smile for pictures.

I got the best smiles at the space ship display:

We did get to see some of the ArtPrize entries while we were downtown - including this set of elephant sculptures right outside the museum. We'll definitely have to head back downtown to check out some more of ArtPrize!

P-R-E-S-C-H-O-O-L!

2010-09-13T14:19:00.006-04:00

The BIG day finally arrived -- Levi started preschool this morning! The first day went great and Levi had a fun time. He told me that his favorite part of preschool today was playing on the playground! I'm so excited for all the fun times he's going to have this year, the wonderful things he's going to learn, and the friends he's going to make! Welcome to school, Levi!!

Levi was excited about the sign I made him, but not so thrilled to be in the pictures with the sign.

"Mr. Big-stuff" ready for school with his new backpack

"What does this say, Mom?"

Reuben's world is about to change too!

Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom - will there be enough room for LEVI??

Levi finding his name when he arrived at his classroom

Levi with Mrs. Pat, his preschool teacher!

Where did the time go?

2010-09-09T16:23:00.005-04:00

Tonight, we have an in-take conference with Levi's preschool teacher. For the conference, I needed to gather a baby picture and a current picture of Levi. Here's what I found...

Levi at 3 months

Levi at 4-1/2 years old

When did he get so grown up? I can't believe how quickly the 4 years went! School starts on Monday morning - life is about to change again!

Hide & Seek

2010-09-07T14:27:00.003-04:00

Levi just emerged from quiet time and the following conversation took place:

Levi: Mom, where is the green glass bead that I was playing with? I can't find it.
Me: It's on your nightstand, next to your bed.
Levi: No, it's not. It's in here (pointing to his stomach).
Me: WHAT?? Are you serious? How did that happen?
Levi: It was in my mouth and then it went down my throat to here (again, pointing to his stomach).
Me: Are you telling me the truth? Is it really in your stomach?
Levi: Yes. It's in my tummy.

I'm not really looking forward to the seeking part of this "game"!!

I Heart You!

2010-09-03T20:12:00.003-04:00

As I was getting ready for bed last night, I noticed the kids had left their MagnaDoodle in our closet. Since Matt gets up first in the morning, I left him a note on it that said "I heart [the symbol] U!"

When I got up this morning, this was the note I found from Matt:

Talk about a wonderful start to a day!

Crazy Kid in a Cozy Coupe

2010-09-02T13:46:00.004-04:00

Both of our boys are funny - just in different ways.

Levi makes us laugh. Most of the time he does it without even trying to be funny.

Reuben is a total ham. He is always doing things to try and make us to laugh.

Last night, Reuben was working on his new "trick" with the cozy coupe car. Oh yes, he's honking the horn like that on purpose! Makes me laugh every time I see it!

Take a look for yourself - or as Reuben says: "Watch ME!!"

They are my sunshine!

2010-09-01T13:50:00.003-04:00

Another Visit to the Gardens

2010-08-30T14:21:00.006-04:00

Last week, the boys and I went with my sister, her kids, and my mom to the Frederick Meijer Gardens for the second time this summer. The kids love the Children's Garden and we wanted to check out the Chihuly exhibit another time.

Here are some pictures of the fun time we had:

Three out of four looking at the camera - that was the best I could do!

A new favorite! I missed this one the first time through.

Cousins checking out the Koi pond.

The whole gang...

...plus Reuben - wishing he could get out of the stroller!

Levi by a sculpture in his favorite color!

Freedom from the stroller for Reuben...finally!

Grandma is the BEST!! Thanks for taking us again!

Can't leave him alone!

2010-08-19T22:09:00.004-04:00

Apparently I didn't learn my lesson with the nail polish!

Today wasn't nearly as bad, but Levi was back at it again.

I have to give him credit for creativity...

No, Meleah isn't hurt - big cousin Levi just found the box of band-aids in my bathroom and helped himself to a few (or six)! Below is her "I'm the victim in all of this" pose. Thankfully the band-aids came off easily!

Then during nap time, Levi struck again - this time to himself:

He was so proud of his "artistic" work!

First Date

2010-08-13T14:28:00.004-04:00

It was the summer of 2000.

I had just returned from nine months in Ecuador, began a new job, started CPA review classes, and was reconnecting with friends.

Then HE walked in.

I had never seen him before and I secretly hoped he would head to the only remaining seat at my table.

He sat down.

We talked that night, as well as most of the Wednesday nights that followed.

Then one Wednesday night, in early August, I decided I was too tired from work and class so I headed straight home.

On Thursday, he called to ask me out for Friday night.

I said no.

I told him the truth - I wanted to go out with him, but I was moving that weekend and I had a wedding to go to on Saturday, so Friday was my only night to pack and move. I think he offered to help, but I turned down that offer too.

On Friday, he called to ask me out for Sunday afternoon.

I said yes.

Ten years ago today, on August 13, 2000, I went on my last 1st date!

Race Day!

2010-07-31T21:29:00.003-04:00

Today, I did something I never thought I would do.

I ran in a 5K race!

I've never been a runner or a fan of running, but whenever I'd watch Matt run in races, part of me wondered what it would be like to give it a try. So, this summer I got my first pair of running shoes and took to the streets. I still call myself a run/walker, but the ratio is starting to tip to the running side of the equation.

In the race today, I ran the entire first mile (of the 3.1 miles total) in just under 11 minutes. After that, I did walk some of the race, but I definitely ran more than I walked. My finishing time was 36 minutes, 47 seconds. I was quite pleased with my time - considering it was my first race experience and it was better than any of my training run times!

Getting ready to race - with my friend, Sara

On the home stretch...

My cheering section and faithful fans!

Heading to the finish line!

Still standing and still smiling!

Motivation

2010-07-27T21:39:00.002-04:00

My motivation for taking up running was to lose weight and get in shape.

My motivation for running this week is the 5K I'm signed up for on Saturday morning.

My motivation for running tonight:

I'm headed upstairs to cut my piece of reward (blueberry cream) pie right now!

Chillaxin'

2010-07-19T14:51:00.003-04:00

This summer, we have been taking full advantage of the HOT weather by spending most weekends at the cottage. This past weekend, we were able to enjoy a nice pontoon boat ride around the lake before the little boys' bedtime.

Here's how we're spending our summer -- chillin' and relaxin' = chillaxin'!!

The budding photographer, Levi, and his picture (below) of the lake.

When will I learn...

2010-07-02T14:57:00.005-04:00

...to take the extra minute to put away my things before going to bed?

...that silence with two little boys equals TROUBLE?

Last night, I painted my toenails.

This morning, when I came out of the laundry room to dead quiet (but the boys were in the room), this is what I found:

These are Levi's feet, but I found the darker color in various places on Reuben's hands and legs.

Levi was all too happy to tell me that he liked the pink sparkly color best!

I think I'll stick to painting my own toenails.

Lessons Learned (by Matt)

2010-06-28T16:37:00.003-04:00

Things I (Matt) learned this weekend:

1. It takes reeling in a fish every 30 to 90 seconds to keep a 4 year old's interest.

2. To a 4 year old, playing on the beach beats sitting in a boat.

3. A 4 year old will ALWAYS choose chicken nuggets and French fries, if given the option.

4. No camping trip is complete without packing up in the rain.

5. Any weekend spent with your son is a good one!

While Matt & Levi are away...

2010-06-26T22:32:00.004-04:00

Matt & Levi are on a fishing trip this weekend, so Reuben and I headed to my parents cottage. We enjoyed gorgeous weather, yummy food, splashing in the lake, and special Mommy-Reuben time!

Just hangin' out

Claiming Mommy's chair for himself

First time eating corn-on-the-cob!

He did take this in the water for a SHORT time

Just Mommy and Reuben

Feel the Love!

2010-06-15T14:40:00.003-04:00

This past Sunday, we went to a different church for our nephew's dedication. During the service, Levi made his way down the aisle to sit by his 7-year-old cousin, Faith. Levi was in his glory and behaved surprisingly well! After church we found the following note written in Levi's notebook:

Today, the fun-annoying pendulum was in full swing as Faith and Bella came over for the day. The kids played quite well together and I was able to get some things accomplished around the house! During Reuben's nap, the girls and Levi enjoyed a popcorn treat while watching CARS.

Levi and Faith cozied up in one of the Lay-z-boys...

...while Bella had the other Lay-z-boy to herself and kept asking Levi to come sit with her.

In spite of being "a little annoying", Levi was in high demand today!

Manic Monday

2010-06-07T17:09:00.007-04:00

One of these things happens on an almost daily basis around here. Can you guess which one?

A. I can be heard yelling like a maniac for/at one or both of my boys.
B. Air Force One flies over our house.

If you guessed B. you would be wrong - we don't live in Washington D.C.

This afternoon, however, both A & B happened at the same time!

We knew that President Obama was flying into town for a graduation ceremony tonight, so I told the boys that we would get to see a really big plane fly over our house. It was the highlight of our day -- well, Levi's day -- I'm getting my highlights at 6:15 :) The boys got up from their naps in plenty of time, so we headed outside and worked on the weeding. A few minutes before 4 PM, I told the boys they should start looking in the sky for a big plane.

Just as I notice Air Force One coming past our house, I call out Levi's name. No answer. So I snapped a picture real quick like and start yelling Levi's name. No answer. At this point, I began screaming for Levi & Reuben - running through the garage and the house to the backyard - no kids anywhere! In my head I was waffling between anger (I was missing Air Force One!) and fear (where are my kids?). As I ran back through the garage to the driveway, I notice the boys sitting in the two front seats of the van. Unbeknownst to me, the boys had let themselves into the minivan in the garage just after I told them to look for the big plane! Part of me just wanted to go back to the driveway and snap a few more decent pictures, but the rest of me knew that Levi would be totally bummed if he didn't get to see the plane at all. In retrospect, I kind of wish that I had left them in the van (I know that makes me a terrible mom!).

Anyway, here's the only decent picture I got:

The picture doesn't do justice to how big the plane really is! Matt works just outside of the airport and he took our video camera with him today - I'm looking forward to seeing the video footage he got!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T22:10:00.003-04:00

I have the best job in the whole world! Sure, sometimes (daily?) I need to remind myself of that fact...but I wouldn't trade being a mom for anything!

The boys who call me Mom:

And an updated family picture:

Too bad it doesn't work this way with vegetables!

2010-05-06T21:29:00.006-04:00

This was the conversation I overheard between Levi & Matt during snack time tonight:

L: Dad, I'm never eating ice cream again because I don't like this kind.

M: Then you won't mind if I finish off the rest of yours?

L: No! I'll keep trying it to see if I start liking it.

Flutter-bys

2010-04-22T21:49:00.008-04:00

Today, the boys and I went with my mom to the F.M. Gardens. We had a fun time looking at the butterflies and playing in the children's garden -- the boys' "frav-it" (favorite) part!

Here are my handsome butterflies:

And here are a few of the real butterflies we saw:

The boys love their Grandma!

We managed to get a decent picture of the boys with me (on our one and only try).

When asked what his favorite part of the day was - this was Levi's response:

"We can hear you, Grandma!"

This was the first time we walked up close to the big horse.

"But Grandma, I can't get wet with the boats from up here!"

Another fun trip to the gardens comes to a close...

Thanks for a fun day, Grandma!

No Foolin'

2010-04-01T21:49:00.002-04:00

This report on our weather station today was no April Fools joke. The weather was absolutely gorgeous today! If I had actually followed our weather girl's apparel suggestion - now that would have been foolish!

Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow!

2010-03-29T15:30:00.003-04:00

Here's the e-mail we received from Luka's Aunt Katie today:

"Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow!

Three weeks ago, I wrote all of you with tears in my eyes (cheesy, I know, but it's true!) asking you to pray for Luka. Today I write you again with tears, tears of amazement and wonder and love and thanksgiving and awe. Our God does indeed listen to his people--our prayers have been answered. Luka was discharged from the hospital in Kenya today! He and Josh and Mandy leave Kenya tomorrow and arrive in GR Wednesday afternoon about 1:00. I didn't talk to my mom (my daily "up-dater") but I did read Josh and Mandy's blog, so I decided to include today's entry in my email too:

After almost three weeks here, we are finally discharged from the hospital. God is so good! What a feeling to come with a child in critical condition and to now leave with a healthy child. What a journey it has been. Josh is so excited. I find myself quite emotional. I even cried while thanking Luka's doctor and saying goodbye. He helped save our child's life. Yup, it is a strange mix of emotions. A lot to process over the next few weeks. So today we leave Gertrude's Childrens Hospital, have our last visit with Luka's kidney doctor this afternoon, then stay at a hotel until we fly out tomorrow night.

Yesterday we had a nice day away from the hospital. Our IT friends took us for lunch, to see rift valley, and the giraffe center. We were so blessed by the fun day they gave us.

Keep us in your prayers as we travel to Michigan Tuesday/Wednesday. Pray for Luka. He is still not sleeping well at night. He has a TERRIBLE cold and cough which continues to give him a fever and keep him down. Pray for Luka as he continues his medical care under the doctors in Michigan for several more weeks. Thank God his blood level is high enough to fly (high as it has ever been through this whole ordeal) and that both toxin levels are back to normal. Praise God!

Someone wrote recently made a comment about following our story actually God's story. They are exactly right. This is God's story. Our whole lives are. It is all from God and for His glory. No one ever wants to go through tragedy or have their child critically sick, but to see God at work through it and in His people is a rare privilege. To be able to testify of God's love and power is an honor. To give Him the glory is what life is meant to be.

We cannot begin to personally thank everyone for each word of encouragement, all the offers to help and care for us, and most of all for the faithful prayers lifted up on our behalf. We have been richly blessed by all of you. Please except our heartfelt THANK YOU! You have shown us the love of Christ.

Thank you to all of you for the emails and cards and calls and conversations that you've given to/had with Chad and me (and the rest of my family). The love and support we felt from you the last few weeks is indescribable. It is an incredible thing to be able to literally feel prayers being said on our behalf. God has used you to bless us.

To our God be the glory!

Katie"

We echo Katie's thanks for everyone's prayers for Luka and his family during these past few weeks. Thanks for your continued prayers as their journey continues!

Please keep praying!

2010-03-26T10:16:00.002-04:00

In spite of the good news about Luka yesterday, we still have many things to bring to God in prayer. Mandy posted again this morning (Fever and Blood) and included the following prayer requests:

Keep praying for Luka! He is doing well but not done with this all.
Pray for his fever and whatever is causing it to be healed.
Pray that his hemoglobin stays above 10 after this blood transfusion.
Pray for all of us as we are getting quite bored around here - not complaining just ready to be with family and friends again. We need to rest in God's timing.
Thank God our girls and everyone arrived safely in Grand Rapids yesterday!

Thanks again to everyone who is joining us in prayer for Luka and his family!

Airport Fun

2010-03-25T21:37:00.004-04:00

Today we went to the airport to welcome Ryan & Rebeka, Lydia, Grace & Mary home from Africa. We were thankful to see them arrive home safe and sound!

Levi and Reuben have never been inside the airport (we've only gone to the viewing parking lot), so it was a new adventure for them!

Levi & Reuben watching for the plane to land

Lots of fun things to explore at the airport

Grace & Lydia

Levi, Grace & Lydia

Levi thought Grace's backpack was pretty cool!

Great Luka News!

2010-03-25T21:31:00.002-04:00

Here is the wonderful update we got from Luka's Aunt Katie this morning:

"Good Morning! Great news on the Luka front and I wanted to share it!

Yesterday, Luka had surgery to remove ALL his tubes and cords and wires etc... He is IV and dialysis-tube free for the first time in about 3 weeks. He is eating more and even playing a bit! Josh and Mandy said it is so good to see him up and actually playing again like a 14-month-old should do. It is POSSIBLE that he will be discharged tomorrow (amazing!), have a follow up appointment on Monday and fly to Michigan Tuesday-Wednesday. However, his hemoglobin level in his blood is still at 8.5 and it has to be a 10 or higher in order to fly therefore it is possible he'll have another blood transfusion to elevate this level. Pray that this level goes up on its own. All of his other levels though (even the urea level that was still so high) are back into the "normal range"; the doctors said that they're still a little off for a kid Luka's siza/age, but we are all happy that they are back to "normal". Also, he slept through the night last night; Josh and Mandy said it was probably due to post-surgery pain medicine, but they didn't care as it was the first full night's sleep they'd gotten since the first of March when Luka initially got sick.

Giving thanks for the healing power of God, Katie!"

Mandy also posted an update on their blog (No tubes!) that contains similar info and more. We continue to praise God for his amazing healing and we pray that all the details come together for Josh, Mandy and Luka to come to the States soon! Thanks for joining us in prayer!

Latest on Luka - From Katie

2010-03-23T22:00:00.000-04:00

"Hi! It's been a few days, so I thought I'd send a quick Luka update.

Luka is still doing quite well and makes a little progress every day. He is off dialysis (miraculously!); they took his cathetar out; he eats a little bit more each day; he walks a bit and plays now. His critenan level is down to 90 and it needs to be 50 (it started out at like 430 or something, so praise God it's almost back to normal!). His urea level is still in the mid-20s and needs to be down to 4; the doctors are a bit confused as to why it's not going down, so they are watching that closely. His blood pressure is quite high as well, but the doctors said that that might be a lasting effect of HUS and it might have to be monitered for the next several years. Nights are hard; Luka has been waking up an crying a lot at night (last night was a good night, though, as he slept for 5.5 hours straight). All in all, though, he has made a lot of progress. The doctors are talking about releasing him next week. Josh and Mandy and Luka would then come to the US for Luka's continued care; however, there are only 2 airlines that they'd be able to take out of Nairobi and the stewardesses of one of them are on strike, so pray that they will be able to get a flight when they need one.

Mandy's mom, Mary, and Grace and Lydia arrived in Kenya yesterday. They, along with Ryan and Rebeka, will be leaving Kenya tomorrow night (afternoon, Michigan-time) and will arrive in GR about 4:40pm Thursday afternoon.

Thanks again for your support and prayer. It means so much to my family and me.

Katie"

Great Progress - Praise God!

2010-03-21T21:51:00.002-04:00

It's hard to believe that it was just two weeks ago that Luka became seriously ill. Luka has a long road ahead of him, but we praise God for all of the healing that has taken place!

Mandy's update today (Doing Well) reports Luka's most recent progress, as well as prayer requests for the upcoming week. Please join us in praying for Luka's continued healing and wisdom for the doctors and Josh & Mandy as they decide on a plan for his recovery care.

Happy Friday - From Katie

2010-03-19T11:34:00.003-04:00

"Happy Friday!

I wanted to give an update on Luka, but from now on, I will only send updates if there is major news to share. It's a positive thing, I think, not to have such major updates to send to people everyday!

Luka is pretty much the same today as yesterday. He was moved out of the ICU because 4 other kids came into the hospital that were in worse shape than Luka and the ICU is only 4 rooms big, so he and Josh and Mandy are now all in the same room at the hospital. His various levels/counts etc continue to go in the right direction. He gets tired very easily and is too weak to walk, which frustrates him, so please pray that he'll get his appetite back (for now, he's content with watermelon, apple slices, and Pediasure) and gain strength and be able to walk and play again soon.

In Christ,

Katie"

More Good News

2010-03-18T10:46:00.002-04:00

The update today on Josh and Mandy's blog reports more positive news about Luka! We praise God and continue to lift up their requests (in the update) in prayer.

Encouraging Luka News

2010-03-17T16:03:00.004-04:00

Today Mandy wrote two encouraging posts on her blog (you can click here to read them: Pictures and update & Praise God). Below is one of the pictures she posted. It's so great to see Luka in Josh's arms!! I can't imagine not being able to hold Reuben for as long as they couldn't hold Luka!

Thanks again to everyone who is praying for Josh, Mandy, Luka, Lydia & Grace - they are seeing positive answers! Please continue to lift them up in prayer!

Go Green!

2010-03-17T11:43:00.003-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy Wednesday - From Katie

2010-03-17T10:43:00.002-04:00

"Happy Wednesday! My parents spoke with Josh this morning and here is what he had to say:

Josh and Mandy are trying to decide if Lydia and Grace should come to Nairobi to see Luka before coming to the States (probably). They're leaning toward having them come to Kenya for about a day, but it's still up in the air.

Luka's leg had been swollen and they discovered it was because of his IV, so they took that out for a while and his leg is doing much better. His dialysis machine malfunctioned during the night (he's back to having dialysis via machine), so they disconnected him from that for a while. Because he wasn't hooked up to dialysis and he didn't have his IV in, Josh was able to hold him this morning and even take a little walk around the hospital. They've sinced fixed the dialysis machine and have reinserted an IV. Dialysis seems to be working as his urine output is almost normal. He's at 277 units/day, and the doctor said normal is considered at least 300. They've also taken his feeding tube out of his nose, and he can have as much pediasure-stuff as he wants. The doctor said his lungs are looking better than yesterday and his oxygen levels are up a bit. The down side of things is that Luka's heart is beating too fast (something to do with his left ventricle) due to anemia, they think. So, another blood transfusion is likely sometime soon.

New news on the transfer-front: insurance will not pay for a medical evacuation to the US. So, it appears that this is off the table, unless the insurance company changes their mind or God works a miracle (which we know He can do!). However, a transfer to South Africa is still not out of the question (it appears this would be covered by insurance). The doctor said Luka will probably be in the hospital for 8 more weeks, whether it's still in Kenya or South Africa.

Another fairly encouraging update; praise the Lord!

Love, Katie"

Aunt Katie's Update

2010-03-16T10:32:00.004-04:00

Today's update from Luka's Aunt Katie:

"Today is a "take the good with the bad" day. The good is that Luka continues to produce more urine; he is up to producing about 1/2 of what he should be, but each days he seems to be producing more, so we are thankful for that! Also, the doctors are measuring 2 specific counts in his urine and while both of these counts are much higher than what they should be, they are going down, so we are thankful for that too. Both specialists from Nairobi who are working with Luka said today that they see slight improvements. Praise God!

The bad is that they also found out that HUS has affected Luka's lungs. This explains the low oxygen levels. His lungs are "cloudy" and do have some fluid on them. They have actually taken him off oxygen, unless his level dips below 75, because they want his lungs to keep working and not be dependent on the oxygen machine to reduce the risk of pneumonia setting in. Pray that his lungs clear up quickly and his oxygen level goes back up.

A transfer to another hospital is still not out of the question. Two doctors from the GR-area are trying to set up a medical evacuation for them from Nairobi to GR; if this happens, it would probably be some time next week, at the earliest. However, Josh said that South Africa is still not out of the question either. Please pray for wisdom for Josh and Mandy as they make decisions about Luka's care and as they deal with insurance, paperwork, etc...

Mandy's mom (Mary) and Tim and Angie [Mandy's sister and brother-in-law (also missionaries)] arrived in Soroti. Evidently, Lydia and especially Grace were starting to "lose it", having gone a whole week without their parents and little brother, and a missionary friend from Soroti told Josh and Mandy it was good, for the girls' sakes, that Grandma Beute was there. It is LIKELY that Lydia and Grace will be coming back to Michigan with Mandy's mom next week to stay here for the time-being. Ryan and Rebeka made it to Kenya safely and are with Josh and Mandy, giving them tangible support and encouragement. Pray that Mary and Ryan and Rebeka can be God's hands and feet to Josh and Mandy and the girls over the next several days.

Thank you all again for your prayers and concern and words of support. My dad made the comment "That is why we have people praying for us, because sometimes when we're so 'in the situation' we just simply can't pray, we just don't have the words." That is so true. Thank you for interceding for us. Love, Katie"

Good Monday Morning!

2010-03-15T09:45:00.004-04:00

We received this update from Katie this morning:

"Good Monday Morning! And I do mean good because we have been getting positive (as in, no more bad news) updates on Luka!

The doctors are still confused about his oxygen levels--his body indicates they are fine, but the machine says they are very low. He is still on oxygen and they've done an ECG and EKG on his heart and a chest x-ray to make sure his heart and lungs are OK. But, they've been able to increase again the amount of fluid used in manual dialysis--they're up to about 20 liters of fluid/day. He is also producing more urine--enough now to see in his catheter bag. We are so thankful for that, as he hasn't had a wet diaper since last Monday. He still has a feeding tube in, but he has eaten a few bites of watermelon and has had a few sips of Pediasure-type milkshake. He is only taking in about 700 calories each day and should be at about 1000, but the doctor said for now, they'll take what they can get! His brain waves are still good (he can still point to a ball in his book when they tell him to, for example), so they're encouraged by that too. It seems, on the whole, that the rest of his systems haven't really been effected by HUS."

We praise the Lord for encouraging news!!

You can also read the latest update from Mandy here.

And They're Off!

2010-03-14T15:40:00.003-04:00

Ryan & Rebeka left on a flight to Kenya (via Minneapolis & Amsterdam) at 1:00 PM today. They are scheduled to arrive in Nairobi tomorrow around 8:30 PM Kenya time (1:30 PM EST). Please remember them in your prayers as they travel and during their time with Josh, Mandy & Luka.

Last night, Rebeka sent the following update:

"In "Kenya" news, the package from Soroti that Josh and Mandy were awaiting arrived today, only 1.5 hours late--another miracle and huge item for praise! My parents called them around 2 our time, and it was the first "positive" phone call all week. The dialysis was working, Luka was eating a little bit and even wanted to be eating. It is still a very long road, and he is still in critical condition, but praise the Lord for these good signs and pray that they continue."

Today's Luka Update

2010-03-13T16:08:00.006-05:00

Luka's mom, Mandy, wrote an update on their blog: Shaarda News

Please also pray for Josh's sister and brother-in-law, Rebeka and Ryan, as they are making final preparations to leave for Kenya tomorrow. Rebeka wrote the following:

"As I see a few pictures of Josh and Luka, my heart breaks--they look so tired and worn and in need of support. I am really struggling with trusting God in all of this. I am trying hard, and He is being faithful and speaking to me through so many Scripture promises, but please pray for my faith and trust in Him to be strengthened so that I and Ryan may indeed be a source of that for Josh and Mandy. Seeing the pictures makes me so incredibly eager to get there!

And also, in the midst of all these requests, God IS being so faithful and ever-present. He continues to work in many ways to show that He IS indeed present and active. He has provided another missionary in Nairobi from African Inland Mission who has visited them and offered a place to sleep, etc. So thank God for His universal body who is helping! He is to be praised and worshipped!"

Thanks again for all of your prayers for Luka and his family!

Luka - Friday Morning

2010-03-12T13:15:00.007-05:00

Here is the update we received this morning from Josh's sister, Katie (Olivia's cousin):

They've stopped the dialysis machine because it wasn't working as well as the doctor hoped it would. So, for now, they are doing dialysis manually, which works better in situations like this. They are hoping to be able to use the machine again soon. The following information was very discouraging to Josh and Mandy as parents, but the doctor was not discouraged and said it is all just a part of HUS:

--Luka has developed a low-grade fever which the doctor said is very common in kids with 8 tubes coming out of them, so he is on a high-dose antibiotic to combat that

--his oxygen levels are dropping so he is on oxygen some of the time, but the doctors do not want him to become dependent on it, so he's on it until his levels reach about 95 or so, then they take it off until the level drops to around 85 and then they put it back on etc...

--his kidneys are now swollen and have completely shut down; they had been working at about 7%, after 12 hours of dialysis had gone to 8%, but now are at 0% (again the doctor said this is just all a part of HUS)

--he is on morphine, but they are trying to wean him off this so he doesn't become addicted to this either (this along with a huge lack of sleep and everything else he's been through in the last week has made him very tired, so he sleeps a lot, but at least then he's not fighting the tubes etc...)

--the doctor did say that although it doesn't seem like it, it does appear that Luka has stabilized, even though it seems to be at a low point!

Josh and Mandy are able to rent a hospital room just down the hall from Luka, so that is where they are staying. The doctors and nurses, they said, are VERY tender, patient, willing to answer questions, never in a hurry etc...so they are very pleased with the care Luka is getting. Josh and Mandy have also been in contact with International Teams and their insurance company about how to file paperwork, what paperwork to file, what will be covered etc...Also, Mandy's mom is flying to Uganda on Saturday to spend some time with Lydia and Grace and Rebeka and Ryan (my sister and brother-in-law), through some major divine intervention, were able to get passports within 24 hours and are flying to Kenya on Sunday for 10 days to give Josh and Mandy (and Luka too) some much needed support, hugs, and distraction (Josh said as crazy as it sounds, the days are actually quite boring because they don't ever leave Luka's room).

That is all we know for now. Again, thank you all so much for your prayers. The prayers of righteous people are powerful and effective, this we know!

Love, Katie

Luka Update

2010-03-11T14:55:00.005-05:00

We received the following update from Josh's sister today:

Luka has hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is severe complete kidney failure in children. He (and Josh and Mandy) were evacuated to Nairobi, Kenya, where Luka is in the ICU of a children's hospital there. He had surgery last night to have various tubes and wires put in, including the stint that will be used for dialysis. He now has 8 tubes/wires coming out of his little body and doesn't like any of them! They did do a blood transfusion and now they've started dialysis and will continue it for 48 hours, which is all the longer the machine can do it. At the end of the 48 hours, they will either reset the machine and do it for 48 hours again, or they will begin the next phase of dialysis, which will be everyday for at least 2 weeks (but they do not yet know how many hours of dialysis he will need each day). Luka does not seem to like the dialysis machine either and is very fussy! There is still a lot of talk of transferring them to a hospital in South Africa, but first they need to get Luka stabilized; so for now they're in Kenya.

Please pray for:

Luka, of course
Josh and Mandy: they are completely exhausted and still have a long road ahead of them and lots of decisions to make
Their box of "goods": Bobby and Rachel (the people in Soroti whom Lydia & Grace are staying with) are sending a box of their clothes and other goods to Josh and Mandy in Kenya. Pray that this box of goods does not get lost in the mail, get stashed in customs and that it will arrive soon!
Lydia and Grace (Luka's sisters), who know Luka is sick, but do not know the seriousness of the situation

Thank God for:

Mandy's blood type matched Luka's, so she was able to donate her blood for the transfusion
Luka does not have a fever, which means the toxins haven't attacked his system as a whole
Kids who started with diarrhea have a higher rate of recovery (Luka is in this category)
the HUGE number of people worldwide who are praying

Please keep praying!

Prayers for Luka

2010-03-10T15:28:00.003-05:00

Please join us in praying for our cousin, Luka -- 14 month old son of Josh & Mandy (missionaries in Uganda). Josh, Mandy and Luka drove 6 hours to a hospital in Kampala on Monday of this week for medical treatment, but the doctor there says he needs more care than the hospital can give. So today they are en route to Nairobi, Kenya, so that Luka can receive kidney dialysis and a blood transfusion.

For more details and recent pictures, click here to read their blog.

Matt, Reuben and Luka at Christmas

Sweet Spot

2010-03-09T22:32:00.004-05:00

Levi and his cousin, Meleah, have always had a special connection. Levi always makes sure to say "Hi" to Meleah and see how she's doing. Sometimes Levi will even ditch Henry for a little while to play with Meleah. This, of course, leaves Henry and Reuben paired up - they are a bit of an "odd couple" but that's another post!

Yesterday, Levi & Meleah got to spend some time together while Henry went to the dentist and Reuben napped. They had a great time playing trains and tools, etc. Then in the afternoon, we had both Henry and Meleah over to play. For part of the time, we watched the CARS movie. There are two prime viewing spots (the lay-z-boys), which Henry and Levi quickly claimed. As I was settling Meleah on the nearby couch, Levi scootches over in his chair and says "Here Meleah, I've got a special spot for you right here next to me!" He then proceeded to put his arm around her and there they sat watching the movie. They sat together for maybe five minutes, but it was sweet while it lasted!

A New Nephew!

2010-03-04T22:29:00.005-05:00

We got the call this morning!

Our new nephew was born at 3:51 AM today. He weighed in at an even 8 pounds and he's 20-1/2" long.

Tonight we got to meet Graham Evan and we're so happy to welcome him to the family!

Ten little toes - so cute!

Reuben isn't the baby anymore!

Matt and all the grandsons on his side of the family

"Isn't he so cute?!"

Proud cousin Levi - he thought it was so cool to hold his new cousin!

Names

2010-03-03T21:53:00.004-05:00

Every time the phone rings at our house, we hope that it's news of a new nephew. Matt's brother and sister-in-law were due this past Friday, so it could be any time now!

At lunch on Monday, I asked Levi what he thought they should name the baby. Here's how the conversation went:

L: I think it should be Cherry.
O: For a boy? Uncle Marc and Aunt Lori are having a boy baby.
L: Henry?
O: That is a nice name, but I don't think that will be it.
L: Levi?
O: We already have a Levi in our family.
L: But Uncle Marc & Aunt Lori don't, they just have a Lydia!
(Levi thinks for a bit)
L: I'm trying to think of an "M" name...oh, I've got it - Emma!
O: Probably not for a boy.
L: How 'bout Lightning - is that a boys name?
O: Yes, that could be a boy's name.
L: I think that would be a GREAT option!

I shared this with Marc and Lori and they are taking the suggestions into consideration. Lori didn't really think "Lightning" applied since he's apparently not in a hurry to make his entrance!

Whatever his name turns out to be, I'm sure we'll love it and we can't wait to meet him!

"Names, names - don't leave home without one!"
~Tony the Frog (The Pond)

Thing 1 & Thing 2

2010-03-02T22:14:00.005-05:00

Here are some updated pictures of the boys (I know that's what you really want to see)...

Levi - wearing his dashing combo of camo shirt, U of M fan shorts and Christmas socks!

Reuben - always smiley and seldom wearing socks!

Ketchup

2010-03-02T21:16:00.006-05:00

Yes, I'm WELL aware it has been a LONG time since I last blogged.

I've had lots of great blog posts in my head...

I've been writing a recap of our 2009 in my head...

I've been contemplating a whole revamp of our blog in my head...

It isn't that I haven't wanted to blog, but the longer I waited the harder it got. Tonight, I decided that if I don't start somewhere, I will keep putting it off. So, the "ketchup" will have to get mixed in with the daily adventures.

To anyone still checking our blog - we're back. I'm not making any promises as to frequency, but it should be more that once every seven months!

Weekend Project

2009-07-20T21:20:00.005-04:00

Since the weather forecast for this past weekend wasn't so hot (literally), we decided to stay home from the cottages and tackle a project Levi was very much looking forward to...a SAND BOX!

Before
Clearing the spot

Levi and his "dirt box"

First load of sand

Second load of sand

The peanut gallery

The finished product!

Backyard Boys

2009-07-19T21:32:00.003-04:00

Some recent pictures of the boys...

Carrots & Raspberries

2009-04-26T22:03:00.005-04:00

Reuben had his first taste of carrots this week...

...and he learned how to blow raspberries - not the cleanest combination!!

(Raspberries, blueberries - they're both fruit, right Levi?)

Spring, Glorious Spring!

2009-04-24T14:59:00.004-04:00

Blue skies, sunshine and hopscotch - gotta love Spring!!

Levi got some new "just his size" gardening tools - he loves loading and dumping! (He gets the "tongue-out concentration" from his Mom.)

Fresh air does these boys good!

100th Post!!

2009-04-24T10:12:00.003-04:00

Something Else...

2009-04-21T22:26:00.004-04:00

Today when I asked Levi if Daddy made a sandwich for his lunch: "Yes, but I didn't help him because I was too busy dinkin' around."

In the van on the way to Grandpa's birthday party, when Daddy was singing with the kids song CD: "Daddy, they know the words!"

At the birthday party when Grandpa sarcastically told Mommy 'thank you' for something: "Say 'You're welcome', Mommy."

Levi's been good for some laughs lately, usually followed by Matt or I saying "he's something else!"

(Not So) Extreme Makeover

2009-03-22T12:10:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, while Matt & Levi were at the outdoor show downtown, I rearranged Levi's room. I didn't tell him that I was going to do it, so I wasn't sure what sort of reaction he would have when he saw it. It wasn't a huge change, but to a 3-year-old who wasn't expecting it...well, you never know!

Before:

After:

Levi stood at his door and looked around, slowly walked in and checked everything out - all the while he was repeating

This is great!
Wow!
Thanks for changing my room, Mom!
This is great!
Cool

I think Levi just really likes the new nightstand - especially the drawer for all his "treasures". He was still talking about the room makeover at night when Matt put him to bed - he told Matt "Mom rearranged my room and I just love it!" I'm glad he's so easy to please - I just hope he stays that way!

Hello Old Friend!

2009-03-21T18:08:00.003-04:00

This morning we had an old friend stop by -- or should I say waddle by...

I first noticed her when she was at the end of our driveway and then watched as she made her way up our driveway and front walk. I'm guessing she was checking whether we would be good hosts for her eggs again this year. After a while, she and her mate (who was keeping an eye on things from the neighbors' driveway) flew away to "go and get some eggs to lay in our barrel" -- at least that's what Levi thinks they are doing!

The pictures...

2009-03-18T16:34:00.009-04:00

If there is anyone who still checks this blog, I'm guessing you're glad to see that I posted. But, I'm also guessing that you are probably disappointed my post didn't contain any pictures! So, here's the beginning of what you really want...the pictures.

My plan is to do a series of posts with pictures of what happened "last night" - the first of which was when Reuben joined our family:

Last Night

2009-03-18T15:28:00.009-04:00

When Levi talks about something that happened in the past, he says "last night". For example, Levi says things like "last night we went to the cottage" (it was last summer) or "last night we played outside" (it was today, before lunch). My favorite is "remember, last night, when I stayed at Grandpa and Grandma's house and we went to the hospital to visit Mommy and Daddy and Reuben?" Oh yes, I remember - that was about 4 months ago...right around the last time I really updated this blog!

So, as Levi would say, here's are some highlights of what we did "last night":

Reuben joined our family (Nov. 8)
Matt was laid off from his job (Nov. 13)
Thanksgiving day with O's family - especially thankful for family, friends and God's faithfulness!
Matt turned another year older (Dec. 12)
Snow, snow and more snow - welcome news since Matt took a job snowplowing!
1st Christmas as a family of four
Happy New Year - wondering and optimistic about what God has in store for 2009
Levi's 1st "date" - Bob the Builder LIVE with Mommy (Jan. 13)
Reuben was baptized (Jan. 18)
Levi turned 3 (Feb. 2)
Reuben started smiling, laughing, cooing and rolling over (back to tummy) - in that order, but not all at the same time
Matt found plenty to keep him busy with the "honey-do list" as well as construction projects for family and friends
MOPS, church council/deacons, tax season, and two little boys (plus one big boy) keep Mommy busy (perhaps that's why there were no blog updates for 4 months??)
Levi started potty training (Mar. 3)
Matt accepted a new job and his first day was today (Mar. 18)!

It's been an interesting few months around here -- full of adjustments, to say the least!

One Month

2008-12-08T20:56:00.003-05:00

Where has the past month gone? It seems like Reuben was just born and now he's a month old!

Behold, A Son!

2008-11-14T21:28:00.006-05:00

Last Saturday - November 8 - we welcomed
Reuben Thomas to our family!

He was born at 3:22 PM, weighed 9 pounds
and measured 22 inches long.

(More pictures to come - one of these days!)

Big Boy & Still My Baby

2008-11-07T14:30:00.003-05:00

Last night, Levi was showing us what a "big boy" he is (wearing his new 3T pajamas)...

...and today I found him trying to hang on to his "Mama's baby" status!

I went looking for him when it was too quiet in the house and found that he had climbed into the crib in the baby's room. I think he knew he was doing something he shouldn't and that's why he refused to show his face for the camera!

It will be interesting (to say the least) around here when Baby #2 makes his/her entrance...

Fun at the Zoo!

2008-11-05T16:08:00.005-05:00

Since we're on our third day of record high temperatures for November, Grandma suggested that we go to the zoo today! Levi and Henry had a fun time looking at the many animals that were also enjoying the fine weather. I was sort of hoping that all the walking would put me into labor, but so far that hasn't happened...

Hope you enjoy these pictures of the fun we had and some of the animals we saw:

Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T22:23:00.005-04:00

Hard hat: $1.06
Red shirt: $5.30
Yellow paint: $5.70
Being "Bob the Builder" for a night: Priceless

Back and Forth

2008-10-17T13:14:00.004-04:00

For this pregnancy (as with Levi), we chose to keep the baby's gender a surprise until it was born.

Until about a month ago, Matt thought that it was going to be a girl - to the point of shushing me whenever I suggested it was a boy. My gut feeling was that it was going to be another boy. Levi was siding with Matt and would tell us that he was going to have a little sister.

Then just about the time I started thinking that maybe it could be a girl, Matt told me that, although he would like a girl, his gut feeling was that it was a boy. Levi also changed his mind right about then and started saying that "Henry has a little sister, I'm gonna have a little brother"!

It seems that the only sure thing about the baby's gender is that it will be a surprise for all of us! Oh, except for the other sure thing - according to Levi - the baby's name (boy or girl): Clifford the Big Red Dog.

So, what do you think? Place your vote in our new baby poll (right-hand margin)...it is the voting season, after all!

Second Time Around

2008-10-16T20:31:00.004-04:00

When I was pregnant for Levi, on any given day I could have told you how many weeks, days and probably hours until I was due.

This time around, I've been relying on those annoying political ads to tell me how many days until the election and then adding two to get to my due date!

It isn't that I'm not looking forward to the birth of our second child, it just seems that life is a bit busier now with Levi and trying to prepare for number 2. Thankfully, we are getting close to being ready for the new baby: the new nursery is all set up (complete with a dimmer switch and closet rods/shelves), the car seat base made it's way into the van again, the baby book is purchased as well as pink and blue outfits for the baby, and the mini-suitcases are out of the basement and at least have lists of what they should contain for the hospital and Levi's stay at Grandpa & Grammy's house.

Now if we could only get over our colds and stay healthy - then we might be ready!

p.s. 21 days till my due date, in case you were wondering!

6 Years

2008-09-21T16:31:00.003-04:00

It seems like it was just yesterday...

...but look at us now!

Happy Anniversary, Matt!

Thanks for 6 wonderful, adventure-filled years of love and faithfulness!

Then & Now

2008-09-11T15:04:00.006-04:00

I'm not a huge fan of having my picture taken - especially posed pictures of just me - so I didn't document either of my pregnancies with the monthly baby bump pictures. On occasion, I have let Matt take a picture (a "fun" time for all involved, believe me), so I can look back someday and see what I looked like pregnant.

Last Saturday was the 1st baby bump photoshoot for baby #2. I went back and found a picture from when I was pregnant with Levi at about the same point. See what you think...

Levi - Day 233

Baby #2 - Day 219

Perhaps I'll have to haul out the overworn pink shirt and take a picture for a better comparison!

Totally Tuckered Out!

2008-09-05T14:26:00.003-04:00

This morning started out too early (in my opinion) with Levi screaming for me from his crib. Then, since we were trying to get out the door at a set time, I relied too heavily on the TV so I could get us ready to go. On top of that, the weather was still somewhat cloudy and dreary this morning. All of that combined made for a very whiny, tearful little boy by the time we made it back home around noon.

When I reached the point where I couldn't take the whining and crying anymore, I brought Levi to his rocking chair and told him that he could come out of his room when he was done crying and whining. I left the room and continued making lunch. After about 10 minutes, I realized that it was really quiet in the room down the hall, which normally isn't a good thing! Today, however, this is what I found when I reached Levi's doorway:

I debated about just leaving him in the chair for his nap, but decided to move him to the crib and was totally unsuccessful. Then I feared that those 10 minutes were going to be his only nap for the day, but thankfully he went back to sleep after lunch and he's been down for an hour and counting...

TGIF - Summer Style

2008-08-01T16:52:00.004-04:00

Q: What do you get when you put together a play structure, a pond with ducks, a package of old english muffins, and a sprinkler?

A: A whole morning of fun for two 2-year old boys!

This morning, Angie & I took the boys (and Meleah) to a nearby park and then headed back to my house to let them run through an old sprinkler in the backyard. Levi has been napping for about 3 hours now - further proof that it was a fun morning and a great way to tire out two active boys!

Showdown

2008-07-15T22:28:00.007-04:00

Saturday, High Noon

Boy versus Bee...

...and the winner was: the bee!

We were all outside, but neither Matt nor I saw exactly what happened. Matt responded to the screams first and found a red mark on the middle of Levi's upper lip. Levi told us "yes" when asked if a bee stung him. Later on, I asked him if the bee just flew up to him or if he was trying to touch the bee, he told me that he was "touchin' the bees" - so the details of the sting are still a bit fuzzy :)

The poor kid had quite the swollen lip until bedtime on Saturday night, but other than the swelling, he had no ill effects from the sting. I've since been told a few home remedies to try for reducing the swelling - good thing, since I think this won't be the only sting for our curious boy!

Auntie 'O'

2008-06-18T23:36:00.006-04:00

I'm an aunt again - my sister had a baby girl this afternoon!!

I'm still in shock that it's a girl - I thought it was definitely going to be a boy all along! We went up to the hospital tonight to visit our new niece/cousin and to bring Henry to meet his new sister. The little boys got to bed quite late tonight, so we'll see what kind of a "fun" morning is in store tomorrow!

Auntie 'O' & Meleah Rose

Proud Grandma & Grandpa!

Levi had to check out the spot next to Aunt Angie in bed! He thought it would be okay if we had a baby like that come to live at our house. That's what he says now - time will tell!

Healthy enough?

2008-06-18T15:40:00.006-04:00

In spite of being knocked down by the stomach flu all week, Matt ran in a 5K race on Saturday! I was thankful to see him still vertical at the end of the race - I wasn't sure how healthy he was after the week we had. Without any training during the week, he still managed to run it in 26 minutes, 13 seconds - a personal race best!

Reaching to give Levi a "high-five" on the way out!

Here he comes - finishing strong!

After the race, we stayed for the parade and then headed to the carnival in the park. The weather was perfect - warm, sunny and not a cloud in the sky!

Levi and his friend, Emmory, had a fun ride on the train - in the caboose car.

Levi tried out the inflated jumping thing, but spent most of his time like this - trying to stand up and jump!

It's all worth it...

2008-06-09T14:38:00.004-04:00

...when at 5:30 am -- after you've changed a very dirty diaper, slathered on a thick layer of diaper rash cream, cleaned up vomit from clothes, hair and face -- your 2-year-old son (now laying next to you in bed) looks at you and says (without prompting):

"You're the best, Mom!"

Yes, the stomach flu is back at our house -- everyone except me (knock on wood!).

Kickin' Kiddo!

2008-06-05T22:49:00.003-04:00

I've been feeling the babe kick for a couple of weeks now, but this week I figured out a sure-fire way to feel some extra kicks: lemonade cookies! Every time I eat one, I get an almost instant reaction from the little one.

On Tuesday, I had a bit of a sweet tooth (every day, really) and came across a recipe for lemonade cookies and gave it a try. They are different from anything I've ever had, but I think they taste pretty good. They also turned out to be a good way to get the boys to eat their lunches, although Levi was disappointed that his cookie didn't contain any chocolate chips.

Here's the recipe if you're interested in giving them a try:

Lemonade Cookies (from the SCHS Cookbook)

1 cup butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
6 oz frozen lemonade, thawed
Sugar

Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs, flour and baking soda with 1/2 of the lemonade. Mix well. Drop 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 minutes. Brush hot cookies with remaining lemonade and sprinkle with sugar. (Using the Pampered Chef medium scoop, I ended up with approximately 3 dozen cookies.)

Bob the Builder

2008-06-04T21:48:00.009-04:00

It's been a few weeks, but since Levi hasn't stopped talking about it I figured I could still blog about it...

Levi and I had gone to the Children's Museum this winter and ever since Levi has been wanting to go back to see "Bob a Builder at the children's mew-ee-um". So one Thursday night a few weeks back, Matt and I took Levi to family night at the Children's Museum. Levi was so excited that he ran from thing to thing to show Matt all there was to do and see (not to mention he has a really short attention span). Here are some pictures of our fun family evening:

Mother's day came early...

2008-05-10T21:24:00.005-04:00

...on our front porch!

The saga began a few weeks ago when a duck decided that the barrel on our front porch looked ideal for laying her eggs. Every day during that week, the duck would come in the morning, lay one egg, and then leave again until the next morning.

After she laid all seven of her eggs, Duck took up almost round-the-clock residence in the barrel. Levi thought it was great to have a duck live at our house. Every day he would look for Duck through the sidelight window of our front door. Whenever he went out on the porch he would say "Hi Duck! How ya doin' a-day, Duck?". He was proud to tell everyone that he had a duck at his house. There were some days that Levi "checked on Duck" so often, I think that Duck may have had second thoughts about her choice in a nesting location!

Today, when we returned home from our overnight at the cottage, we had to check on Duck to make sure she hadn't flown the coop! She was indeed still there, but much to our surprise, she had company! The baby ducks have arrived!! Duck let me take some pictures of the babies, but after a little while she started hissing at me and ruffling her feathers a bit to let me know she didn't want anything to happen to her babes - not that I blame her in the least! I thought it was so cool to see how caring and protective she was of her little ones and how amazing that we got to watch the whole process unfold right on our front porch!

Safe under mama's wing!

This little one poked it's head out from under Duck while I was taking the pictures - how precious!!

Happy Mother's Day, Duck!

Levi's News

2008-05-02T12:44:00.005-04:00

We finally let Levi share our news this week...in early November, he is going to be a big brother! We're all quite excited about the coming addition to our L-M-N-O family!

Grandpa's Birthday Party

2008-04-21T22:05:00.005-04:00

Today is Matt's Dad's birthday and tonight the whole family got together for supper to celebrate. The warm spring weather was wonderful for sitting outside and the kids had a fun time playing on the swing-set.

Happy Birthday Dad/Grandpa!

A New Niece!

2008-04-10T20:44:00.004-04:00

We're so excited to announce that Matt's brother and sister-in-law, Marc and Lori, had a baby girl this afternoon!! Lydia was born just before 12:30 PM and weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces. She's such a little peanut and slept the entire time we visited them tonight - go figure, being 6 hours old and all!

Welcome to the family, Lydia! We love you!!

A little laughter...

2008-04-08T22:41:00.006-04:00

on a somewhat gloomy Tuesday afternoon:

Never mind what Auntie O had to do to get them to laugh!

Gather 'round...

2008-03-23T20:58:00.006-04:00

...for a little after Easter dinner reading
with Daddy/Uncle Matt!

'Rella & Daddy

2008-03-19T16:47:00.005-04:00

This afternoon, Levi wanted me to read Cinderella to him. When we got to the first page that showed Prince Charming, Levi shouted out "Daddy"! He's thinks that it's Matt's picture in the book and now he flips through it saying "Rella and Daddy".

I always knew I married a prince!

Gettin' Jiggy With It!

2008-03-16T21:12:00.014-04:00

Yesterday was Matt's first race of 2008 - The Irish Jig 5K!

The 3-M racing team (brothers: Mike, Matt & Marc) added a new member this year - Mike's wife Sonny who ran her first race ever. Marc's wife Lori, Levi and I maintained our roles as cheerleaders at the start and finish lines!

The race was at 9 AM and when we got out of the van at
8 AM I think it was about 32 degrees outside. There were over 1500 runners in Matt's race. As you can see in the second picture, he decided to hang out toward the back of the pack at the starting line - he thought it would be less depressing than being passed by a lot of runners! He finished the race still standing (goal #1) and with an official time of 28:05 (close to his goal of 9 minute miles).

All bundled up to watch Daddy race!

Seriously, Matt - the race started 3 minutes ago!

Maybe you should pick up the pace and take your hands out of your pockets?? Oh, yeah - that's right, there are 1500 people ahead of you!!

The Finish line is in sight!

Sonny nearing the end of her race!
(middle of the picture - wearing sunglasses)

Way to go, Daddy - I'm so proud of you!
(And thanks for sharing your banana with me!)

Call Me Garfield

2008-03-14T20:52:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow morning is Matt's first race of 2008.

Levi and I will be cheering (and shivering) from the sidelines.

If there's a donut shop on the way to the race, I just might be eating a donut with my coffee while cheering.

Maybe one of these days Matt's resolve to run will rub off on me...or then again, maybe not!

Joy Ride

2008-03-02T21:21:00.002-05:00

Levi likes to sing.

He sings along with his Bob-Larry CDs in the van. He sings when Mommy plays the piano. He sings with Mommy at bedtime. He sings his own made-up songs at other random times throughout the day. He's developing quite the falsetto - but that's another story!

Levi's favorite song right now is the Joy-Joy song - he sings it like this:

"I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy - jump in the car!"

For the record...

2008-02-24T20:12:00.004-05:00

Levi thinks that Aunt Angie and Uncle Scott are going to have a girl!

Tonight after his bedtime "Jesus Story" of the man who said thank-you, Matt and Levi were discussing what they could say thank-you to Jesus for. After some brainstorming, Levi told Matt that he wanted to say thank-you for Henry's sister. Matt made sure he heard Levi correctly and Levi repeated it to him - Henry's sister!

So, time will tell if Levi knew what he was talking about...

The other one bites the dust!

2008-02-17T08:22:00.003-05:00

Whether it was the power of positive suggestion or just a powerful flu bug doesn't matter...whatever it was struck Matt last night!

We've got a 48-hour flu cycle going on at our house - I'm a little concerned for a second go-round on Monday night!