Saturday Service

We have a back-to-back trend of Saturday service projects. This one was with Mike's company to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the acquisition. We went to Bill Baggs State Park and spent the morning cleaning up garbage along the beach. 

Two things we learned from this:

1. Wow. So much garbage. And so small. Like little plastic that won't break down, straws and SO MANY plastic bottle caps. 

2. It was really, really hot. Can't even put words to it.

Sometimes it's so good to just get into the thick of doing something hard together. I think we'll look back on this day with laughter and a sense of resilience of doing something in hard conditions. We have so much to be grateful for, and it always deepens perspective to get out and serve in the community. And that we can all be a little more mindful of what we're doing with our trash!

Getting the directions from the Rangers of what to look for, and to track everything we pick up on a sheet (they do research on the garbage and like to know what's getting picked up).

 Some of the group before heading out:

 Hard at work:

 These two digging for a big piece of plastic. Abigail thought the whole thing was like a big treasure hunt. The question she'd ask most "is this nature or is this garbage?"

Max found some cool blue crab legs!

 The distance shot hides to pools of sweat all over us! We drank SO MUCH water out there - Tayler and I had to go back and refill our big water bottles (definitely a good thing).

 We were able to catch a glimpse of this beautiful almost 200-year-old lighthouse.

 Abigail had a way of making friends with everyone. So sweet.

 The view of Miami on the drive home (crossing the bridge). Always so pretty!

 We came home and swam in the pool for the afternoon - felt SO GOOD to cool off!!

Spring Service

We were so grateful to take 70 blankets to Project Linus! It was a joy to see so many hands create something so meaningful. I love how inclusive this project is - ages 3-80 all participated. Abigail and I went on an adventure together to deliver them, where we met Kathy, who shared with us that these blankets were headed to the Guardian ad Litem program in South Florida.

I was chatting with our neighbor about where the blankets were headed, and mentioned that the blankets were nice, but they didn't "solve" situations. In her wisdom she replied, "yeah, but it's giving children something that is theirs. It's just for them. And even little things can lift." I loved her insights and thought about how much the small and simple really does cultivate and nourish connections in so many ways. 

Alexis was so excited to make her own blanket - start to finish!

The pile of blankets!

 After our blanket drop off, I treated Abigail to a little lunch date. She was a hoot with a little happy meal. We're looking forward to making this project a tradition!

May: Little Things

To say this kiddo loves playing out on the hoop would be a bit of an understatement. It's so fun. The other day, after he wrapped up his homework he bolted out the door to start shooting and I said "bud, you know it's totally raining, right?!" And he said, "yep. No thunder. I'll be good." And he was. Love embracing the season!

Painting projects are in full swing. I wrapped up Alexis' room last week, and am starting on the other kiddos this week. I love the sounds of painting - opening the paint can, stirring the paint, pouring the paint, the sound of the paint roller against the wall, the sound of the brush against the wall. There's something about taking a project on - jumping right in and seeing it through from start to finish that is so satisfying. I'll post some pics once we have them all done.

Abigail and I eat lunch together every day in the backyard. Then it's typically play set time. The other day, while I was cleaning up, it was so so quiet. Which usually means trouble! But as I walked around the play set and saw this, I couldn't help but smile. She fell asleep SO FAST and in such a great spot - shady, and with a little breeze to keep her comfy! It lasted about :20 minutes and then she was recharged, up and ready to go!

This is a pic of the service project we've been working on as a church group. I mentioned making blankets a few posts ago, and this is the pile ready to go to Project Linus. There were 70 blankets! So grateful for this experience. Loved connecting with Kathy, who leads Project Linus in this area, and she shared where these blankets were headed - to an amazing organization that supports children in the Guardian Ad Litem Program. She and I chatted about all kinds of programs that she connects with - and there are so many out there doing so much for others who truly need support. There is SO MUCH good in the world. And it's amazing how many hands can impact one another in small and simple ways. True happiness really comes from connecting and filling one another needs in ways that are possible. From strengthening relationships, to supporting one another, to lifting a burden in a small way. I am so grateful to have a small part in this beautiful project!

More Art

We’ve been trying to make good use of the window of time when the girls get home, but Max is still at school. Some days, it’s as simple as playing outside, but other days, I plan a little thing together.

And as much as I appreciate and value all the learning they do at school, having things they learn at home feels essential. Art is something that I feel gets a bit “boxed” with everyone doing the same project, or getting graded on specific aspects. I totally understand the need to go that route, but I want them to remember to embrace creating for the sake of creating! To enjoy art, not for the finished product, but for the process. My adult-self is learning how calming, mindful and a bit therapeutic it is! I remember reading “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brene Brown and really connecting with the need to give ourselves permission to create. It’s actually what started up the practice of handlettering for me, and I’m continually learning how much beauty there is in creativity! Here’s a couple of our recent art projects:

For this art project, we had fun with paint sticks! We read a classic, and then painted whatever came to mind from the story. "Wilma" is the crossing guard that has become a sweet friend to the girls, and they were so excited to make her some little notes.




And this one was pastel chalks. The focus was CONNECTION (our one word theme for the year). I love what they came up with. And yep, I'm choosing to create right alongside them. While there are always a bazillion things I could be catching up on, letting go of what I “could do” and mindfully choosing to focus on BEing there is something I strive to be aware of. Because these seemingly small and simple moments truly are great.

Art

Painting is one of Abigail's most favorite things. And I'm so grateful for paint that is easy to clean up! She wanted to paint a picture for her sister, and the painting time evolved into her making one for all of her siblings. It was sweet to see her light up with each one she made, and to hear her talk with excitement that we'd hang them on the doors as a "surprise" for when they came home. And I couldn't resist a reason to hang up some quotes! It was a simple thing, but a reminder to me that those simple things really do matter. In a small way, they strengthened a connection.












Her actions inspired me to be mindful those thoughts of connection and to act on them. I feel like it's much easier to push aside those thoughts thinking it's not the right timing, or not "grand" enough, or like it would take too much time. But the thing is, I've never regretted acting on those thoughts, but I have regretted NOT acting on them. No matter how simple they may feel. This painting project was a gentle reminder to me that service can happen at any time, by any age, and in any way.

The growth of spring

Okay, I had to laugh at myself. The amount of pictures I've taken of blooms, plants, green grass, and pretty much anything that resembles spring is a little ridiculous. Clearly I'm excited. But honestly, I LOVE seeing the growth and feeling the change in the air. Not going to lie, I actually really do enjoy winter, but those final weeks of winter are such a struggle. The days seem endless, we've done everything I feel like I 'want' to do in winter, and I hit a point where I'm tired of the cold!

And seeing these photos made me realize I should have a little more love for those final weeks of winter. The toughest part of the season (for me) is simultaneously developing the whole new chapter - spring! I just can't see it yet.

The funny thing about spring is the actual growth behind what I'm seeing happens much sooner than I can see it. Those little buds are hard at work long before they become buds. Change happens deep within the roots that triggers a series of progression. Plants are growing long before we see the beauty transpire.

Which makes me ask:

"What unseen growth happens in my life?"

I've found that change is usually kinda hard. Okay, sometimes it's really hard. And if change doesn't happen on 'my timeline' I'm frustrated. I'm ready to throw in the towel. If I don't see a result, why continue trying?

In my experience, there are loads of times where I've started something new only to feel foolish. So many setbacks. Failures. Trials. And oodles of weeds to work through.

I remember when we decided our oldest was 'old enough' to start reading scriptures as a family. He was two, and we thought bedtime would be a great way to finish the day. It was a habit we wanted to create, and while it seemed like a good idea, we soon found it fell far from any expectation. I picked up the picture/story version of the scriptures and imagined he'd sit on my lap while we read. In actuality, he rolled all over the floor, jumped, tore the pages, ran all over the room and did anything but listen. I was frustrated. If we were doing something that seemed right, why wasn't it working? It would have been super easy to shelf that idea for a future 'someday.'

Wisely, the Lord has reminded me again and again of this scripture. I think because I need to hear it. Over and over. And I've learned (over and over), the truth behind it is very real:

"Now you may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise." Alma 37:6

Often change and growth are both small and simple.

In the case of reading scriptures together, it was simple: change our approach. Instead of fighting against who he was, or giving up completely, we could choose to learn how to embrace where he was at. As an active guy, he wanted to participate. Through trial (and error), we learned he LOVED acting out the scenes and loved listening if we told the story and pointed to the pictures rather than reading the words directly. Over time, as he became more familiar (and older), he began to tell the stories. Gradually, he began to sit and listen. As other children were added into the 'bedtime routine,' he welcomed the opportunity to act out stories for them. Now, with a habit of family scripture study (while we still do miss nights from time to time), I'm grateful for his reminders to get us back on track.

Looking back, there have been loads of fails in the process (and I have no doubt this will be an ongoing continual work in progress - especially as schedules continue to change and kiddos grow). But, had I completely stopped all efforts, and 'shelved the idea' for when it would be right, I wonder when the 'right time' would have (if ever) happened. I know we would have missed out on those sweet memories of foam swords and laughter (he loved acting out the battle scenes the most).

Just as much as I seem to never grasp the complexity behind a simple beautiful springtime blossom, I don't think I'll ever fully grasp how much the Lord guides and lifts in small and simple ways. It's humbling to think how thoughts build on one another like an individual blossom. Choosing to listen and take action on those thoughts - no matter how small - are what build those blossoms into the framework of an entire tree.

Small and simple is a lesson I am continually learning from. Life is FULL of springtime. There is so much good. So much warmth and growth happening. I simply need to remember to see it.

I can't do a pull up....yet...

Looking at our newly mounted pull up bar, I had a flood of fear/panic. Because I can't actually do a pull up.

Rewind to the moment when I casually said to my hubs: "I want to do pull ups. Actual pull ups." He responded, "Sure, why not? I wouldn't mind a pull up bar either."

Of course I expected him to respond. I anticipated a chuckle. Not commitment. It was as if he'd been thinking it himself. Or is an incredibly talented mind reader.

Back to the newfound 'goal.' Turns out to do pull-ups, we'd actually need to practice them. And since working out from home is our go-to these days, we'd need a pull up bar at home.

Without too much pain, we installed one. Although I had the hubs hang on it first just to be sure. And the ceiling didn't fall down.

I realize this bar will be staring at me every day moving forward. And as much as I want to hang onto the fear of "I can't do a pull up" I'm going to add five words:

"I can't do a pull up yet, but I can try."

Then I'll breathe. And get to work.

Progress counts. Even if it's small.

ACTION:  As much as hanging onto fear feels safer, I'll move away from that known comfort by reminding myself I can try.

Move Update

A little over a month ago we started the process of our new chapter.  Lots of moving parts - and lots of conversations over the phone at night as Mike spent most of the working days in June in Utah while we hung out in Nebraska (although I'm not sure that hung out is the right verbiage.  More like survived?).

Honestly, when we first started tackling everything, I felt pretty dang overwhelmed (and still do at times).  Let's be honest, piecing together the idea of selling a home (while your husband is in another state), buying a home (that you won't actually go out to see), having a baby, and then actually moving and starting all the new stuff that comes with a move + a newborn and all of the above happening in less than a 2 month time period, the list seems a little daunting.

But, I have to say, that once we took the step into the direction that we both knew we were supposed to go, our lives have been filled with more blessings than we can count.  From the big ones, like selling our house in only 6 days, and then finding one that very same week, to the little ones like cute primary girls dropping off dinner for me and the kiddos one night, or someone calling me to take the kids for a few hours so I can tackle some of the to do list stuff.

I've taken a step back this weekend and realized that it truly is amazing to see how The Lord really knows and works the finest details of your life.  We've been so grateful to become branches with some really great people here who have long established roots.  It's been awesome to glimpse into their family roots and get to stem from part of it, even if our time here has been relatively short.

It also makes me realize how important all of the little things really are in life.  From stepping out to think about what someone might need - not on a big or even grand scale, but something small and simple - and how it really makes a difference in their life.

Things are moving on and forward.  Baby girl will be arriving on Thursday (if not sooner), and then we'll have two weeks left in our Nebraska home before we head out to Utah.

Yep, it's a tight timeline, but I'm so grateful that she'll get to be born here in Nebraska.  Just as Tayler won't remember a thing about Minnesota, I'm so grateful that she was born there - a beautiful way to talk about the awesome people and memories we had there.  And, our new babe will get to enjoy the same conversations about her birth, and our life, in Nebraska.

I feel grateful for change.  Not because it is anything close to comfortable or easy, but because it is something that builds who we are.  I look back on the great memories we've had here with a big heart of nostalgia, but at the same time a big heart of gratitude that we took the step to experience it all.

Bugs

Nebraska has a lot of bugs.  I knew that before we moved here.  In fact, I remember when Mike and I drove out to Minnesota the very first time, I stepped out of the car in Lincoln, and couldn't get over how loud all of the secadias were.  It reminded me of Korea!

Now that we live here I'm lucky enough to hear those guys rub their wings all the time.  And, we've discovered lots of other new bugs.  Like a hummingbird moth.  Or a black hornet.  And, rediscovered lots of bugs that we've always known about, but are twice the size here thanks to the climate.  

But, my favorite is the tomato worm.  We had a lot of tomatoes this year.  I can't even count how many bowls we picked that looked like these below.

Recently, I was ripping out the plants (we were done for the season!) and came across the LARGEST CATERPILLAR EVER.  I showed it to Max as soon as I found it, and he ran and grabbed a container from inside.  It was a big plastic container, perfect for him to hold and inspect the worm as much as he wanted.  And, he didn't have a lid - which was no big deal since he wanted to pick him up a bunch anyway.  Upon closer study, we found out it was a tomato worm.  Easily two adult finger lengths long, an inch in diameter and a long red horn just ready for poking another tomato.  A whole bunch of my tomatoes were scarred on the outside thanks to this guy.  

Max was studying insects at school and was so excited to take this guy in to show his class.  I was too - we'd never seen one so big!  He played with it outside, and I went back to my project.

One thing led to another, and Mike had to leave for a meeting, and we seriously needed some groceries.  Hastily, I packed the kids in the car and we zipped off for a quick trip to the store.  As we were leaving Max said, "what about the tomato worm?  remember we were going to put it in a different container?"  I was in a rush, really wanted to get this mom stuff done, and said, "oh, don't worry, we can do it when we get back.  He'll be just fine."  The back of my mind reminded me that the worm didn't have a lid on, but I figured it was way too deep for him to get out.

Arriving home from the grocery store, Max bolted out of the car to check on this tomato worm.  Only to find that it was gone.  G.O.N.E.  He was heartbroken.

And I was heartbroken.

We looked everywhere, only to discover he was G.O.N.E.

Max was so heartbroken about it, and I tried to stay positive, like clearly he's doing something somewhere that is better.  We created scenarios that were like this:

*A bird swooped down and ate him.

*A bunny hopped over and ate him.

*The wind whisked the container and he flew to find his family.

But the real truth (which I suspected) and was later confirmed, came down to the curiosity of other young kiddos who'd witnessed the catch earlier in the day.  

My heart sank.  If I'd only taken a bit more time to put the tomato worm in a better spot for Max, I could have avoided this completely.

Max said many prayers like this, "and please let me find the tomato worm so I can take it back to school to show my class."  or "please bless the tomato worm to find our house again."

Ouch.  The plants were ripped out, the worm was GONE and I felt like such a bad guy.

A few days went by and as kids do so well, Max moved on.

About two weeks later, Max had the day off of school.  Alexis is actually on a different calander, so she still had preschool.  I'd toyed with all kinds of things we were going to do, but since Tayler and I were battling a cold, a day at home seemed like the best choice.

Driving home from dropping Alexis off at school, I drove on a road that I run tracks onto.  I can't even tell you how many times I drive on this road in our neighborhood.  To one side is houses, and to the other is mostly an open field (with a handful of lots that have yet to be built on).  

Staring at the road ahead I saw it.  A tomato worm crossing the street right in front of me!  

I pulled the car over, we grabbed a water bottle (I knew I had water bottles in my car for good reason!), and stuck him inside.

Max was delighted!  So excited to bring him to school the next day.

Back on the same road a couple hours later, I spotted ANOTHER tomato worm, crossing just as the other one had!  Giant!  We snagged him up and added him in with his friend.

Two tomato worms found with Max on a road that I travel on all the time.  I've never seen a tomato worm before or after that day, and I know it was an answer to his prayers.  The odds of us seeing those worms (and not just running them over), coupled with the odds of Max actually being in the car with me at that time, added to the oddness of finding them in the middle of the road was no coincidence.

Sometimes the greatest reminders that prayers are answered are in the small moments of life.   Or as well stated in a talk written by David Bednar, the tender mercies from the Lord.  

I'm so grateful we had one of them that day.

Baking Soda x 2

Two times in two days, baking soda has been a lifesaver.

Yesterday, Max had a new friend over for a playdate.  Things were great for about the first 45 minutes as the two had their imaginary fights and battles with Hero guys in Max's room.  Then they meandered their way into the kitchen, where his new friend had a question for Max's mom (at least, that's what I heard as they were walking down the stairs).

They made it over, and the conversation went a little like this:

New friend:  "Can we play video games now?"
Me:  "sorry, bud.  We don't have any." (yes, folks, we might be old fashioned these days, but that's just how it is around here.)
New friend:  "Seriously?  Not even a Wii?"
Me:  I kinda laugh.  "Nope, not even a Wii.  You guys will just have to find something else to do."
Of course Max is standing there watching this whole thing.  I'm a little hopeful that he'll suggest something.  But, he stands silent.  A little thrown that this guy wants to play with something we don't have.  I'm guessing he'd already had this conversation upstairs, and the new friend didn't believe him or something.
New friend:  "Man, our Wii at home has like 56 games or something.  That's what I always play."
(Sigh.)  Looking at this guy, I realize that he's lost the idea of what "something else" means.  And, he's not going to let this go.  And, he's probably just trying to push some buttons to see if we really don't have video games.

I do what any mom would do when she has a big bag of baking soda and a bottle of vinegar sitting underneath her kitchen sink.

And suggest a volcano.

What boy wouldn't want to make some exploding bubbles?
They had a great time.  Counting down the explosions.  Picking what color of lava they'd go for next.
Before long, they were off to the basement, jumping and building obstacle courses.  A great way to get out that endless energy.  Check that one off as a success.

Baking soda saved me again this morning.  As we opened Tayler's room to get her up, we were literally blown away from the fumes.  So bad that Mike turned right around and walked out.  The kind of smell that you mentally remind yourself where the nearest toilet is, just in case.  I made my way over to the crib to find she'd manage to throw-up all over.  And not recently.  As if she'd done it right around bedtime, then was so tired that she slept and rolled in it ALL-NIGHT-LONG.  The poor thing was covered in it.  The sheet was crusty, her jammies were crusty, the blanket was crusty and her hair, well, just imagine.  As I'm typing this I still can't believe that she didn't wake up and cry at some point during the night.  Folks, this stuff was not recent.

Operation fumigation was in order.  Another love, is the sanitize setting on our washer.  Literally life changing.

Two baths, an open window, fan blowing, complete crib wipe down, a finger nail trim, and I could still smell it.  Like that annoying fly that you can't kill in your house in the summertime.  It just wouldn't go away.

How could something so small make such a big mess?  (And how many times have I asked myself that question over the past 6.5 years?)

I'd wiped the mattress earlier, but then decided to just stick my nose on it - and immediately had another mental reminder for the nearest toilet.  Whew.  I still don't understand how a plastic baby mattress could smell so bad.

Mentally kicking myself for leaving the mattress pad off of the crib last night.  Of course, our current mattress pad is a big, fleece blanket.  Our original one wore out, and I can't seem to ever remember to just pick up a new one.  Or, maybe I'm cheap.  Whatever.  The blanket worked great, and was flat.  But, it didn't matter anyway, as it was sitting inside my dryer.

Which brings me back to the mattress.  And baking soda.  I dumped a big load of the stuff all over the mattress (wet it a little to make it more like a paste).  Closed the door, opened the window (again), ran the fan, and left.  A couple hours later, I came back, cleaned the whole thing off.  Voila!

Added a few squirts of febreze for good measure, and ahhh...room is back to normal.  At least for now.

If you don't have a big bag of this stuff (yes, mom, I'm still using that big bag you gave me ages ago!), add it to the list.

How's Tayler? You might wonder.  Fine.  As if it had never happened.  She ate a little more than usual before bedtime.  Clearly she didn't need it.

Boycott

I went on a blog boycott for a bit, mainly out of necessity.  Two big reasons:

1) we moved.
2) we moved with a super old computer.  it's super oldness came out these last couple months.

Excited to share that I'm now typing on a computer that's no longer 10 years old.  I feel like just by buying a snazzy new machine (as my mom calls them), I have decreased my age by at least 5 years.  For anyone who thought we weren't hip around here, watch out.

And, as a somewhat brief glimpse into point 1):  Moving is tough.

Here's a super quick recap.  Pics will follow once I figure it all out.

In three short months, I feel like we've built confidence in our six year old like never before.  He had a rough two first weeks of school (hiding in the shower so he wouldn't have to go!).  Thanks to awesome people at his school, consistency, and a little time, by the end of the two weeks, he was back to his good ol' self.  Today, he's a rock star.  Confident, making more and more friends, loves his day to day routine, is having a blast on his soccer team (complete with scoring two goals in his last game), builds and draws like crazy and is currently trying to perfect his robot moves in his spare time.  With this snazzy new thing I'll hopefully figure out how to get that video on here sooner rather than later.

Our three year old loved setting the example and was super brave on her first day in preschool.  Loves dance and is happily making friends with everyone she can, especially our retired neighbors next door.  Her mind has already memorized routes to and from our regular places.

The babe is growing so fast!  Crawling, with two teeth, and working on some more.  Still makes it clear that she likes things her own way, and doesn't hesitate to let us know if something isn't right.  But, she's so happy, smiles at everyone around, and is such an amazing girl!

As for Mike and I, we are official residents in every way.  Plates, drivers licenses, the whole shebang.  Minus the huskers t-shirts.  We still have to give that one time.  But, grocery shopping is the best mid game.

Mike is cruising along in his new position.  Super busy, but loves the new challenges.  Did his first cross race of the season and pulled a 2nd place.  Not bad for a guy who has missed a lot of riding time lately!

And, I'm doing great.  Definitely had some ups and downs initially.  Moments where I wondered what we were thinking?!? and then taking some time to just breathe a little.  Amazing how with just a little more time, all of the newness and uncomfortableness seems to chip away, little by little.  Then, before you know it, you're back in business, full steam ahead, like you'd never missed a beat.  Hopefully I'll be able to recap and get a bit more specific with future posts.

A few things I've observed being here:

1-People are so, so kind.  Never lived anywhere like it.  Complete, genuine conversations with strangers all the time.  Can't even count how many times someone has offered to just help when I'm out and about with the kids.  From fixing Alexis' shoe that fell off, to helping carry something, to just taking the time to smile, it's awesome.

2-Very happy with the neighborhood and school.  Wahoo!

3 weeks

I can't believe Tayler has been hanging out with us the past three weeks. At the same time, it feels like it's been forever. The best way I can think to describe those first weeks with a newborn is that it feels like one day. One really long day. That starts the moment you see them, and then continues. Endlessly. With brief naps mixed in. Sometimes those naps happen to be when it's dark outside.

The second night I was in the hospital, Tayler really struggled to sleep. Dang fussy. The night nurse even seemed a bit surprised, and told me good luck before she left her shift the next morning (not sure if that's the best news you want to hear). Mentioned it to the pediatrician the next day, and who replied that it was probably a one time deal and she was just "transitioning into the world."

Let's just say her "transition" has taken longer than one night. Is she healthy? You bet. Is she eating? You bet. But she's been fussy. I still wouldn't put her in the category of colic, but would label her as fussy. Very particular about how to be swaddled, the position she wants to sleep in, where she wants to sleep, how she wants to be rocked, everything seems like it just needs to be certain way. Sometimes it reminds me of Max as a baby, but she's still her own thing with her own quirks. I think if it were all up to her, she would be held 24/7. I'm pretty sure I've convinced her that sleeping solo isn't so bad. And, for the rest of the time - thank goodness she's light and that there are handy things like baby carriers. I'm thinking she might have uncomfortable reflux or something, although she's not spitting up huge amounts. We'll see how it progresses.

Three weeks into this, and the most consecutive sleep I've had has been 2 hours. But luckily, I've started to get some of those back to back between feedings during night napping hours. And, she's figuring out a bottle here or there isn't so bad, so I'm hoping to time that right soon to snag some extra sleep while dad hangs out with her.

And here's where I start to get a bit teary eyed as I type. Mike has been a rock star dad with his help every minute he's around. And, I can't even express thanks enough to everyone that has made our family a part of their lives these last few weeks. From stopping in to pick up the older two for some much needed playtime, to pick up and drop off at the bus stop, to dropping off dinners, to just checking in -- I am amazed at how much making the choice to help a little here or there has become a huge help for us. One of my biggest fears pre-baby was that I'd be doing it all solo. I think that's a common concern when you're tackling something like this away from extended family. And, yes, there are some things that just mom can do, but I've been overwhelmed with how much support we've received for all of the other things.

I'd mentioned to one friend in particular that staying in the hospital this time would feel so different since my only visitors would be Mike and the kids. She jumped at the chance to be a visitor (the day after she'd already had my kids for a full day). It meant so much. On one of the countless times I thanked her for help she paused and said, "I know it's hard to be in your shoes and ask someone to help you. But I want you to know how much I enjoy being on this end as the one that can help."

Another friend, after dropping off my two kids that she'd had for the afternoon said, "Seeing you in this phase has brought back so many memories of when I had a newborn. I've just tried to remember what I would have liked during that time." And she's been spot on with her help!

I'm so grateful to be where we are, and welcome the chance to pay it forward during another chapter of life.

Will Tayler improve? You bet. And, I've honestly seen glimpses of it the past couple of days. Look forward to when those glimpses get a bit bigger and longer.

Mike and I celebrated our three weeks of three kids by taking Tayler on a walk. It was a snowy and windy day, so we kept it indoors around the track at the gym, while the two older kiddos got their "gym time." My own personal celebration included a shower and curling my hair. Capped off the night with some take out from our favorite Mexican restaurant. And the knowledge that I'm only a week away from getting back into some workouts.

I've tried to snap some photos of Tayler. Need to do more. Her eyes started gray and seem to be turning blue, although it's still too early to tell. Mike and I keep checking her hair for any signs of red, but it looks like she's sticking with the brown (for now).





Here's where she likes to spend time...

Max came up with this one. Even figured out how he wanted the eyes and arms. Minus the gluing, I really can't claim that I was much help.

Wearing the hat for his 100th day of school.
Showing off one of her "ballerina moves."

Sunday

Taking these photos of the kiddos prior to church gave me an enormous sense of accomplishment. Maybe it's because I do the whole Sunday routine solo since hubby is at meetings. Maybe it's because I leave a 1/2 hour early to get our seat and start playing the organ prelude. Or possibly because the task of ironed, no toothpaste on the white shirt, tights that actually fit my little girls legs, headband staying on the head, hair that actually still looks combed with clean faces while having the baby bag packed for Sunday is a tricky combination. And getting myself dressed. Or walking out the door when it should be nap time and little girl is actually smiling.

At this moment, many may ask, who would even notice? Why the effort? No one. And, oddly, it's actually a bit fun getting them to look so stinkin' cute. Maybe that's why little girls like to dress their dolls (or in my case, it was my childhood cat, Rusty, who endured many cabbage patch clothes and story times while in headlock. Yes, he loved every minute.).
And, what happens when little girl misses above mentioned nap time. She just couldn't stay up for dinner.Once they were tucked in for the night, Kermit felt exhausted. Because it's a lot of work supervising.

Our December

Our December has been a bit atypical. While it started out with some fun Christmas traditions, it made a sharp turn in a different direction a few weeks ago. Mike was the first to come home with the flu, knocking him out for a couple of days. Max quickly followed suit, and before long miss Alexis had come down with the same symptoms. Unlike the first two that seemed to begin recovery after the first couple days, her fever kept up, which resulted in a Dr. appt. and diagnosed ear infection. A prescription of antibiotic and she was back to her cute, happy self in no time.

Then it was my turn. But, instead of following suit with the rest of the family, my symptoms didn't really recover. In fact, over the course of a week, I just kept feeling worse. When it was to the point where I hadn't kept anything down in over a day, feeling completely dehydrated, and the chills kept getting worse, we made a trip to the local instacare (conveniently located inside the new Riverton hospital).

Tests made and the diagnosis. H1N1 + Pneumonia. IV Fluids, antibiotics and lost of rest. Unfortunately, it took two more trips back for more fluids and antibiotics before by body began to respond to anything.

All in all, I was pretty sick. Sicker than I've ever felt in my life. I now understand how people die from flu like symptoms and/or pneumonia. I had both this past week and have never felt so miserable.

But the important part is that I am feeling better every day. This combo has knocked me off my regular status of "productive Sara" and it's been teaching me how to slow down. While the energy levels will take some time to come back (I won't be running into the gym to teach my classes this next week!), I'm so happy to feel a little more like Sara again.

Another plus, we met a new neighbor. My doctor actually happens to live a couple streets over and was awesome. He even stopped by on his day off to make sure I was keeping fluids down on my own.

Our family combo of illness resulted in missing most of all of our holiday parties and festivities, but for me, I was able to receive a big blessing of service. I'm so grateful for our families and neighbors who stepped up with watching the kids, delivering dinners and running errands so I could focus on recovering. I'm so thankful for Mike who took two days off of work, took over all of the household work, and cleaned/sanitized our entire house so we wouldn't get a repeat of this ugly bug. And, when it all comes down to it, that really is the true meaning and spirit of the holiday. So, thanks for letting me receive some of it.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas holiday.