Todd and Noelle's Blog

Christmas

2012-01-19T21:22:00.001-07:00

We were so blessed to host Christmas at our house this year!! My parents were here, along with my siblings and their wonderful spouses. I am so thankful that they all made the effort to come and be with us - it was super special! I missed our little Lucy. I had imagined a Christmas with our baby girl scooting around. We hung a stocking in her memory, and a couple of ornaments. Todd gave me a little figure called "Forget-me-not" that I had wanted since Lucy died. I read recently that a Jewish custom is to introduce some sorrow into important joyous occasions by remembering loved ones who have passed from this earth. We certainly remembered our little girl, as well as my two grandparents who died this past year. The sadness was real yet did not take away from our joy. I am thankful for the birth of our Savior, the Savior who makes possible the certain hope of a future where every tear will be wiped from our eyes, where we will dwell with the Lord, free from sin and sadness!

Aunt DD and Eleanor playing "Sturdy Birdy"

Eating kringle for Christmas Eve breakfast

Eleanor loving on Aunt Polly

Learning some engineering from Papa

My kids are always ready for a book!

Christmas Eve. I.LOVE.THIS.PHOTO.

Mom and Dad loving their gift of Brian & Polly's wedding album

The boys got little army men in their stockings...I think they would have been happy with just those!

Stockings...a favorite in our family.

The newlyweds. We are SO happy that Brian is a part of our family!

Family photo for the office

Eleanor and her new doll, Jessica Ann. So sweet.

Eleanor and Jack got Will a "samurai dragon wagon" that shoots things out of it - right up his ally!

Uncle Andrew and Aunt DD gave Jack a toy deer. He named it after himself, "Jack Charles." :D

Diana's super cute camera bag

I love Christmas!

Sisters! (pardon my wacky hair)

Hhmmm, I think Uncle Andrew may be ready to be a dad...

Playing with Daddy

Leading up to Christmas...

2012-01-16T21:11:00.001-07:00

having neighbors over to decorate cookies

driving to look at Christmas lights, bringing homemade hot chocolate

visiting the Broadmoor hotel one evening with dear friends

falling asleep under the Christmas tree (aren't they sweet?!)

gift exchange with miss Amy

organizing a gingerbread-man making activity for Eleanor's class, and again for home

legos

shoveling snow - yay for a white Christmas!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-07T20:59:00.000-07:00

We made many wonderful memories as a family this Christmas season. The birth of Christ indeed gives us many reasons to celebrate!

On New Year's Eve we visited the zoo and even let the kids have the pony rides they have always asked for. Upon dismounting, Eleanor declared that she IS going to be a cowgirl when she grows up. On New Year's Day we enjoyed a Communion service at church and then made homemade doughnuts...a big hit!

Classic play this Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T21:06:00.000-07:00

Barbies, Lite Brite, Books, Trains, and the Great Outdoors!

Just a few that make me smile

2011-11-16T22:10:00.001-07:00

On a lighter note: some wedding flowers

2011-11-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

(I think my sweet sister-in-law Diana took a couple of these photos - thanks, D!)

Lucy Louise

2011-11-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

"Whate'er Thy sovereign will denies,
I calmly would resign;
For Thou art just and good and wise,
Oh, bend my will to Thine.
Whate'er Thy sacred will ordains,
Oh give me strength to bear,
And let me know my Father reigns
And trust His tender care."

6 months ago our sweet baby girl was born...just hours after she had died. Her life was so short, yet she was still a gift from God!

It is hard to write in part because there is so much I could say. I've decided to just include here a letter (lightly edited) I wrote to a friend who had a miscarriage, a couple of months after Lucy died.

"In the first few weeks after Lucy died, I would look in the mirror and wonder who was looking back at me. I felt like I grew so much older in the span of just a few days. There have been times when the sadness I feel is nearly crushing! Now, the days have gotten much easier, but there is a sadness I will carry the rest of my life on this earth. How thankful I am that Christ, full of compassion, carries that burden with me.

I have gained much comfort thinking about the fact that Lucy will never experience the pain and sadness of this sinful world. That she isn't "missing out." I am missing out, and that is what hurts. But she is with our Jesus in perfection, and when I think about her tiny body laid in the grave, I cling to the hope of the Resurrection.

I read something recently about how it takes a "careful eye to see the hand of God in our bitter disappointments." His hand is there, working out His good, perfect, and pleasing will. I have been reminded of the significance of life, every life, no matter how short. Lucy's short life has had such an impact already, and although that doesn't take away my heartache, it brings me great encouragement! God is working in my heart, in Todd's, and the hearts of our other three children. The conversations we've had with our kids have been amazing. They got to see their baby sister, hold her, be a part of everything. This is never something I wanted them to deal with, but God gave it to us, and they are doing well. We talk fondly of Lucy every day. The things we have been able to talk about with friends, doctors, and neighbors because of Lucy! I pray that people come to know the Lord because of her. I pray that fellow Believers are encouraged as they see how God is faithful to us.

I have never seen God's love shown through His church as I have these past two months. I can't imagine what we would have done without both our families and our church family. We had to move 9 days after Lucy was born, and the church moved us. The church cleaned our house. The church painted and did yard work. The church brought us 4 meals a week for 6 weeks. The church took care of Lucy's funeral. A lady from church sends me a postcard with Scripture every day that the mail comes. We have a beautiful tree in memory of Lucy from college friends. I cannot tell you all of the ways that God's people have reached out to us in love. The phone calls, the letters, the remembering.

There are days I am pretty dry-eyed, and days I am so teary. No day is void of joy, but some days are full of sorrow. I am so thankful for my dear husband and precious children, who bring me so much light and laughter! They are God's intentional gifts to me..."

6 months later, we are doing well. God has been so faithful.

Wedding prep

2011-11-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

Abide with Me

2011-11-07T21:51:00.003-07:00

Tonight, my Grandma Harriet is dying. I am thinking of many fond memories I have of her...

walking to her house every afternoon to practice piano when I was a little girl without a piano,

feeding the birds on her deck,

listening to her read to me
(The Chronicles of Narnia and The Borrowers were two of our favorite series),

gathering around her piano on Christmas Eve to sing carols while she played,

learning silly songs she had grown up singing (like the Hot Dog Man!),

together finding the first little pasque flowers that poked up in the chilly Colorado springtimes.

Her last 10 years or so have been spent in the shadows of Alzheimers. I am so glad for her that she will soon be Home, with Jesus, free from what has trapped her here.

"I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, tears lose their bitterness.
Where is Thy sting, death? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, abide with me.

Lift up Thy cross before my closing eyes,
Shine through the dark and point me to the skies;
When morning breaks, and earthly shadows flee,
Through life and death, Lord, abide with me."

Trick or Treat?

2011-11-05T21:37:00.000-06:00

13 hour day in the car. Arrive home at 7:45 pm, kids begging to trick-or-treat. In 5 minutes pull together "costumes" (over pajamas from night before) - princess, army guy, construction man. Knock on 5 doors, get candy at one. Go home. Mope a little. Eat candy. Go to bed.

"Polly and the Prince"

2011-11-03T12:21:00.001-06:00

My sister got married last weekend! To a wonderful man. Our time with family and friends was precious; the wedding was perfect. My sweet niece Nora captured it well with the phrase "Polly and the Prince"!

From my Aunt Celia's blog:

"Polly was a beautiful bride. Her dress was perfect with a sheer inset yoke that brushed over her shoulders accented with enough bling to set the day apart as no other. Her vintage style reception with giant pastel paper flower balls hung from the ceiling; deli delights; cakes, doughnuts, cookies; jars of water flavored with fresh cucumbers or oranges; punch and coffee; canning jars with candles and fresh flowers, calico bunting banners made a sweetheart setting.
Beautiful vows, "enthusiastic "I do's," touching speeches by the fathers of the bride and groom, darling little children who were so well behaved before limply falling to sleep exhausted, private stories of how Polly met Brian and how their love grew and meeting all the people who had prayed for them to meet that someone special who was God sent especially for them combined to make a treasured night. Grandparents and far away relatives watched by Skype in Colorado and Canada dressed up for the occasion with their own cake to celebrate. Even my own mother- lost-in-alzheimers' shadow of her presence was felt in the use of her oak leaf patterned silver punch ladle she had treasured then shared with the next generation. Tears of joy were the diamonds worn by many rejoicing in the beauty of love personified."

(Oh yes, the "prince" goes by the name Brian!)

More photos to come.

And to those of you who commented on my last post....thank you for the encouragement!!

Beginning somewhere

2011-10-20T21:49:00.001-06:00

I wonder if anyone still checks this blog? Over a year since my last post!

A month or two ago I got ready to write here, but as I thought about everything that has happened in our lives over the past year, I got about as near to an "anxiety attack" as I ever have! In tears and with my heart racing, I went to bed and skipped the blogging. God has been absolutely faithful and good to us...it is just overwhelming to think about too much at once!

Other times I have sat down with the computer only to get lost in thousands of photos, beautiful photos. Too hard to choose which photos to share.

But I've decided to just "begin somewhere." So here are a few photos from the morning of our celebration of Will's 4th birthday. He had one of the best days of his little life! It was also our first snow of the season. These pictures are simple, but they remind me of the joy and blessing of our family and our home.

So, I think I'm back.

My Winsome William is Three!

2010-10-16T21:42:00.001-06:00

Will is three! He was so excited, he was telling random people in line at Costco a month before his birthday, "Hey, I've got a birthday coming up!" We had a great party with our family and the grandparents...a special day for our special boy. William is such a winsome mix of sweetness and mischief! Full of affection, a twinkle in his eye, and "built on springs" - like I hear his Daddy was at this age! He loves playing and reading and singing and pretending with his sister, playing with and pushing around and "taking care of" his brother, wrestling with his daddy, and cuddling with his mommy. He is a jumper, a climber, a mover. He is articulate, and constantly saying things that make us laugh. Impulsive. Strong-willed. Winsome! SO excited about construction trucks right now!!! He knows a lot about them, can tell you what you want to know! I love you, birthday boy, and I am so thankful for your love for me!

First Day of Preschool!

2010-09-09T22:01:00.001-06:00

Eleanor began homeschool pre-K this week! We will be participating in something called Classical Conversations (which I am really excited about) one morning a week beginning near the end of this month, but Eleanor could NOT wait any longer! So I did some planning and purchasing and we began on Tuesday. I think she was made for this! When our hour is up she moans and groans - "Why can't we do preschool ALL DAY?" I am thankful for her bright mind and motivated attitude!

This is what we are doing right now:

*I sit on the couch with all three kiddos and we read a book together.
*We go to the piano - they each get to choose a song we know, and then I am working on teaching some great hymns. Right now we are singing through the first verse of "Grace that is Greater than All our Sin."
*I take the boys upstairs for "roomtime" - Jack with some toys and books in his crib, and Will in his room.
*Eleanor and I go through our lesson from "Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons"
*We do something from the curricumlum "Handwriting without Tears" - build "Mat Man" (pictured below) and draw him and sing as we go, or write letters on a slate, or color/write in a workbook....etc. She loves it.
*I get the boys, or at least Will if Jack is still having a grand old time, and Will joins us at the table.
*We do something numbers oriented....a workbook or more of a manipulative - for Eleanor.
*I have Will color or paint, or do some alphabet flashcards with me, or let him play with a barrel of little cars/trucks/planes etc for counting and sorting. The first day William was doing these and Eleanor came to get a closer look, and he said "Eleanor, don't touch these! This is my preschool!!!" *grin*
*We learn or review questions/answers from The Catechism for Children.
*Ta-da! the hour-ish is up!

I am having a wonderful time and I know this is a great thing for our family. I am so thankful to God for the opportunity!

Copycat

2010-08-05T19:55:00.001-06:00

So, I have a Yellowstone post coming, I really do.
But Jack has been so funny, I just have to write this now!
Two days ago he climbed up on the top step of the bathroom stepstool, TURNED ON THE WATER, and washed his hands. By himself!
And yesterday Eleanor and Will were watching a PBS episode of "Clifford", and when Todd turned around, Jack was sitting in the rocking chair, rocking, and watching TV! By mid-afternoon he had progressed to STANDING in the chair and rocking like a crazy man. A big grin, too, at every "No" he got.
He also finally learned how to drink out of a straw when we were at In-N-Out with Todd's family on our way home from Yellowstone, when we offered him a sip of chocolate milkshake! As soon as his lips touched that thing, no kidding, he was Straw Master and demanded half my dessert.
He climbs the small slide in the back yard, just like the "big kids". He is watching everything they do and is becoming able to DO it! And SO close to walking on his own. I am going to have my hands full very soon...as if I don't already!!

Independence Day, Birthday Cake, and The Plague

2010-07-07T20:41:00.002-06:00

We headed to Lake City this past weekend to celebrate the 4th and Jack-Jack's first birthday! 15 of us at my parent's house made for a fantastic time (and quick showers)! My wonderful in-laws were with us, and we joined up with Andrew and Diana, and the Frevert family from California. We hiked, played games, swatted mosquitos, ate great food, shopped, hung out around the campfire (lots of mosquito swatting there), jeeped, sung around the piano, and celebrated the 4th of July in grand Lake City style: an outdoor church service, a parade (with lots of candy throwing!), games in the park, ice cream, BBQ, and fireworks. We had a little party for my sweet baby, and generally just enjoyed fellowship with a lot of dear people. Also, on our last day THE PLAGUE (also known as the stomach flu) hit us - taking down 10 out of 15. Ugh. To see more photos of the fabulous weekend - we have hundreds, I think - see facebook in a day or two!

I want to praise God for Jack's first year!! He is a special boy. Content, active, snuggly, happy, funny, verbal. He has 6 teeth, stands well on his own, and "walks" by pushing anything he can find around the house! He loves the pool, and baths with his brother and sister. He says a number of words - Dada, Mama, sssss (sister), MMMMM! (food), puffs, muh - muh (mr. monkey), dog, off, light, honk-honk, fish, balloon or ball. He calls his blankie, which he loves DEARLY, "tz". He does sounds for fish, and for things that go - cars, trucks,trikes, planes, trains! He points everywhere and wants to know what things are called. Mostly what he eats is table food. He rolls with the punches and puts up with plenty. He is sweet, sweet, sweet!!! Jack adds so much to our family. I love you, Buddy!!

Father's Day

2010-06-24T21:58:00.002-06:00

A few days late, but I want to express my deep love and thankfulness for my husband, my dad, and my father-in-law - three men who have had and are having eternal impact in and through the lives of their children! Praise God!

"My daddy
Is a very, very, very good man.

He reads the very best books
And sings the very best songs.

He tells the very best jokes.
And rights the very worst wrongs.

My daddy
Is a very, very, very good man."
~Steven Layne

this, that and the other

2010-06-15T21:59:00.001-06:00

If you are looking at this photo, I probably don't need to tell you that pipe cleaners have been a big hit with Eleanor!!

Also, a few mornings ago I was turning on a Curious Geroge episode for the kids, and Rachel Ray happened to be on and she was saying something like "delicious 5 ingredient meal in 15 minutes" or something like that, so of course I had to listen! And in the 1 minute I did I got a good meal idea: bring a couple boxes of your favortie broth/stock to a boil. Add refridgerated tortellini. After that cooks, wilt in some fresh spinach leaves for a minute. Once in individual bowls, top with fresh grated parmesan/romano and some lemon zest. Voila! I made it tonight and it was great. Will even ate some spinach!!! (it's like I hear the sound of angels singing when I say that!)

Also, Todd took Eleanor to a baseball game tonight. Isn't that sweet?!! Her favorite song of late has been "Take me out to the ballgame" so it was very appropriate!

Also, a young woman from church was here today discussing wedding music with me, when Eleanor was having some tummy problems and Will ran yelling and crying through the house, "I want to see the diarrhea!! I want to see the diarrhea!!" Hhhmm. I'm quite sure I've never had that thought in my life, much less screamed it in the presence of a houseguest!

Also, Jack is still the sweetest baby ever.

bedtime talk

2010-05-29T21:04:00.003-06:00

So, I listened outside the door of Eleanor and Will's room last night when I noticed they were still talking loudly a while after I had put them to bed. They were talking about cows, there was a cow in the room, and they were calling the farmer to get it. Eleanor said she had called that farmer NINE times and he still hadn't come. And Will said the cow was being naughty and saying "MOO!" Will also said he was going to California to see Aunt Polly. Then he said that he was sick but there were no doctor's offices. Eleanor replied that she would call 911, and she and Daddy would ride with him to the hospital. Will said he caught the hospital with a string. Hmm. When I went in a few minutes later to tell them to quiet down, Will had taken his pants - and diaper - off. "They had throw-up on them, for pretend," he said. These kids, what a pair!!!

Jack's new thing

2010-04-14T20:32:00.001-06:00

4 years ago

2010-04-02T15:19:00.001-06:00

4 years ago, my life changed in a big and precious way...my first child was born! Eleanor's birthday was the 29th, and we had a wonderful few days of celebration. This past year Eleanor has become such a wonderful helper. She demonstrates kindness to and affection for her brothers, has grown greatly in obedience to Todd and I, shows a great sense of humor, and has a tender heart towards the Lord. She is sensitive and has remarkable insight. She loves pink as much as ever, loves doing crafts, and enjoys being outdoors. She makes us laugh often! She can be incredibly silly and loves to laugh herself. She has an amazing vocabulary and is good with letters and numbers.

For her celebration on Saturday she chose cinnamon rolls for breakfast, hot dogs for lunch, and pizza for dinner (actually she wanted pizza for lunch AND dinner but settled for hot dogs!). She asked for a pink cake with purple m&m's, which is what she got! Todd decorated with pink crepe paper and everyone showered her with gifts. She has been excited about her birthday for at least 2 months, asking about it most days! The anticipation was so fun. And she was not disappointed! She remained sweet even with all the attention, and after opening her gifts gave everyone a big thank you and a hug. "Thank you all for everything, I love all my presents so much!" she said when she was done. On Sunday her 3's class sang to her and she told me it made her feel very happy. On Monday, her actual birthday, we sang again and she opened one more gift. On Tuesday she got to go the zoo and invite a friend (anf of course grampa and gramma) along for viewing animals, riding the carousel, and eating cupcakes! Will was such a trooper. He did ask at one point, "Mommy, when is my birthday coming up?"

Just last week Eleanor and I had an amazing half hour conversation about salvation. She asked where people go when they die and do not know Jesus. I told her they go to Hell, which is a real place, the opposite of Heaven, where there is sadness and hurting and separation from God and His Son. She disolved into tears and cried that she did not want to go there. I reminded her that if she loves Jesus and trusts Him to save her from her sin, then she has nothing to worry about! That God's words are true and that He has promised earthly joy and a home in Heaven to those who love and trust in Jesus. I read to her John 3:16, and Romans 10:9. She interjected during Romans - "Yes, I confess Jesus is Lord! Yes, I believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead!" She had so many questions, some that made me cry and some that made me laugh inside! What a precious thing to see her responding in this way to what she knows about the Lord.

Eleanor enriches my life in countless ways. Happy Birthday, Eleanor, I love you!

a conversation

2010-03-20T15:01:00.001-06:00

I went to pick Eleanor up from Cubbbies a couple of Sunday nights ago. She usually bounces out with a big smile and lots to tell me, but this time she was standing against a wall with a quivering lower lip. In the hall I asked her if something was wrong. Holding my hand, "I'll tell you when we get home, Mommy. I don't want the other kids to hear me." My heart went out to her! I had never heard say something that would indicate self-consciousness in that way. I took her down the back stairs and asked if she wanted to tell me, since no one else was there. She looked at me with big eyes and in a trembling voice said, "Mommy, is it true? Is it true that wicked men put Jesus on the cross and killed Him?? Did that really happen?" My eyes filled up with tears! That was the last thing I had expected her to say right then. I realized that although I talk almost every day about "Jesus dying to save us," I have never talked about Him being KILLED. "Yes, Eleanor, that is true" I told her, and she began to cry, like a friend had died. She asked, "Is that going to happen to me?" I told her that she would not be killed on a cross, but that her body would die someday, because everyone dies someday. And most likely that it would not be until she was very old, but that we never know when we will leave this earth - only the Lord knows. And I reminded her as we have talked about before, that those who trust in Jesus Christ to save them from their sinfulness will spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus. "I don't want to die and go to Heaven, I want to stay here and live in my home forever!" *sigh* Sometimes I feel like that, too, I told her. But we have to trust what God says, that Heaven is so much more wonderful than anything we can even imagine here. No more sin, no more hurting, no more sadness or tears! Being with Jesus! I told her, "Eleanor, Jesus died for your sins so that you would not have to. " "But Mommy, He didn't do anything wrong!!" That's right, He didn't, but you did! I did! We talked about one of her Awana verses, "While we were sinners, Christ died for us." And I reminded her that Jesus didn't stay dead! He rose up from the grave! He is alive now! Then we were back in the church gym, surrounded by people, walking out to the van to sobbing, tired brothers. It was a conversation I'll always remember! I was so touched, and reminded in a precious way of the sadness and enormity of our sins, of Christ's death in our place. I was reminded to pray earnestly for tender hearts for all my children, for the seeds of the gospel to find fertile soil in them. I am so thankful for the tender heart of Eleanor!

Ain't That the Truth!

2010-03-04T21:50:00.002-07:00

Mommy's Work

"Mommy, juice!
Mommy, sleep!

"Mommy, books!
Mommy, sheep!

"Mommy, bath!
Mommy, ball!

"Mommy, shirt!
Mommy, doll!"

Bring it, find it,
See it, wind it.

Help me, show me,
Tell me, hold me.

From morning's dawn
To setting sun,

A mommy's work
Is never done.

~Steven L. Layne

Ain't that the truth!
But isn't it wonderful "work"?! Look at these faces!

some recent favs

2010-02-17T10:04:00.001-07:00

every day these kids do and say things that are hysterically funny, or sweet, or otherwise memorable in some way. sometimes i am seized with the fear that 20 years down the road - or 10, or even 2 or 3 - i won't remember these things. i have a little journal i write some things down in, and a few things i put on this blog, or even facebook, but it is such a tiny portion of all things i desperately want to remember! *sigh* here are some recent memorable moments:

ELEANOR - listening to a worship CD with the lyrics "the Word of the Lord stands forever", says to me, "but mommy, the Word of the Lord isn't for forever; F is for forever!!" and this girl is a master in the art of debate. a reason for every idea she has, for every request that she makes. and often a pretty logical reason! and she loves princesses. and when her daddy brought her a long stemmed rose on valentines day, she was so enamored that she hauled it around with her for hours. no vase of water for that baby! she held it in one hand while she ate lunch. she unwittingly wacked people with it. finally the blossom broke off and it is now floating in a bowl of water. eleanor loves the name "kate." most anything she can give a name to, it is kate. often "kate jane faris." but recently she had a breakthrough with a tiny toy dog that looks a bit rodent-like....she named it "mousy"!

WILL - his most recent thing he is into is the movie "cars." todd bought it a couple of weeks ago and the kids have watched it in half hour segments a couple of times since then. (side: this is how we usually watch the few movies they see. eleanor was talking to our friend miss amy recently about a movie and asked, "did you get to watch it ALL AT ONCE?!" what a novel idea!) the movie is full of things william loves - most especially orange cones, tires, and tractors. when todd's parents were here this weekend, they bought him some "car" PJ's, toys, and swim truncks. what a hit! will is talking so well. i love his sweet voice. he can be quite expressive and i'm sure has learned a little drama from his sister! when he started his little gymnastics class a few weeks ago the instructor had the kids introduce themselves and who they were with - ie mommy or daddy. when it came to us, will very serisouly said, "william robert faris"...and looking up toward me, "noelle faris." it was SO funny! we have had some real struggles with william the last couple of months....whining, tantrums, etc. but prayer and persistence have paid off, and last couple weeks we have experience the full return of "SWEET william"!! he has been so joyful, so obedient, so helpful....what a blessing to my heart!! a couple of days ago he told me, "my buddy mommy!!" what a precious boy.

JACK - well, i guess i just did that little 7 month post. but i will say again, this baby is HAPPY! so content, so snuggly, so sweet. my little friend. his first two teeth have broken through. he waved bye-bye for the first time this past weekend, to his mimi ruthie! my heart melts when he reaches for me.

okay, at least i got a few things down in writing!

Jacky at 7 months

2010-02-08T20:26:00.001-07:00

Jack remains our "smile-boy" - he is an amazingly content baby! He enjoys being held and entertained, enjoys watching Eleanor and Will and playing with them, enjoys playing by himself. He had a shot last week and didn't even cry! He's my buddy, my little friend, a snuggler. He reaches for his Daddy and Mommy. And he's becoming a little ham! He does peek-a-boo, "so big", pat-a-cake, and loves to imitate head-shaking. Pat-a-cake is his favorite! He rolls and scoots a lot; I know crawling is in our near future! He sits perfectly steady and loves holding on to our hands and standing. Strong boy!! He sleeps most often on his tummy, snuggling with his tiny blankie. His first tooth is JUST breaking through. He is eating some solid food along with nursing - rice cereal, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, squash, green beans, avocado, banana, applesauce, and cheerios. I just started letting Eleanor and Will feed him cheerios under supervision, which they think is so fun! Can't imagine life without this sweet boy.

the past 24 hours (or so)

2010-02-06T22:16:00.001-07:00

yesterday i wore pink ballet flats. william told me all day, "mommy, that's BEAUTIFUL shoes!!" my sweet boy! we drove to castle rock and met my mom, who was at a conference in denver, for dinner. eleanor was very excited and made up a song about it earlier in the day. *grin* we had a great time together! hhhmmm, somehow mom and i squeezed in a tiny bit of shopping at the outlets, too! at the restaurant our server seemed vaguely familiar to me, but i didn't say anything. after we left, todd told me she looked familar to him as well. we figured it out and looked her up on facebook - we went to college together! funny. eleanor and will got to watch "curious george" on the way home last night - they were thrilled and GLUED. they hardly noticed when their beloved mimi said goodbye! we didn't hear a peep from them the whole way home, other than the laughter of comradery now and then. this morning the two of them both had gymnastics, back to back classes. todd took will, eleanor and i stayed here a little longer while jack napped, we woke him a little early and headed to her class. hand stands, forward rolls, hula hoops, balance beams... while jack and i watched eleanor, todd and william went to costco and bought all the flooring we need to do our downstairs! i am so excited! they also ate chocolate cake, i hear. quick lunch, the boys went down for naps and eleanor had her rest time. we woke william a bit early to head to jcpenney's for pictures - jack's 6 month portrait (yes, he turned 7 months today), will's 2 year portrait (uummm, his birthday was october), and eleanor's 4 year portrait (march - see, i'm ahead of the game!). we wanted close up head shots, to match what we already have, for a wall collection. i brought one from home to show the photographer, to make sure we got what we needed. the kids were sweet and cooperative, although will was quite stoic and jack "smile boy" was too puzzled to do much smiling! 45 minutes later we had some cute shots....but, well, NO HEAD SHOTS. and a family of 6 was waiting behind us, and we had to leave without ordering ANY photos. and so of course i cried! i had gotten the kiddos clean, the clothes washed, jack was fed, i had woken will up early. so my wonderful, understanding husband went back in (after we had driven out of the parking lot, of course) and worked his magic! we had to wait until the family of 6 was done with their photo shoot, but we got back in and got our head shots. 2 and half hours after we had started, and almost an hour after jack's dinner time, we finished! so we decided to go to chick-fil-a to grab dinner. eleanor and william scarfed their food, they were SO excited to go in the play area! but of course there was vomit in there. gross, gross, gross, and quite the disappointment! after the tears, will said "what's throw-up means??" eleanor helped explain. boy, what a day!

phone calls

2010-02-04T20:09:00.001-07:00

The last few nights at the dinner table Todd has been working on having Eleanor memorize my phone number. She has it down pat. So tonight he let her call the cell phone from the home phone - by herself - and hear it ring. Can we say excited?! She loved it! Todd explained to her that she could call it in an emergency.

"Like maybe when I'm 10, and it's Thursday night when you're at choir, and Mommy goes to the store and leaves me home with the boys and I'm in charge because they're only 7 and I get hurt really bad and I can call Mommy and say 'Mommy, I'm hurt really bad, I'll see you when you get home!'"

Yes, Eleanor, I think that would qualify as an emergency on a few accounts!

we are still here!

2010-01-28T21:54:00.001-07:00

todd told me i would probably be sad later if i didn't do any blogging in december...he was right, of course. so i can't let january slip by, too! i am coming back! stay tuned!

What we've been up to

2009-11-12T20:58:00.002-07:00

Making homemade pretzels, popcorn cake, personal pizzas. Sponge painting, finger painting, water color, plain old coloring, making titles for our pictures - like "Bird and Butterfuly Holding Hands" by Eleanor, and "Bagel and Cream Cheese" by William. Eleanor getting "Cubbie of the Month" in Awana - we were so proud! Jack rolling, drooling, laughing, drooling, sitting alone for 5 seconds, drooling, going on a nap strike. The rest of us listening to lots of screaming during "naps". Will's new word: UM...UM....so cute! Will pretending to talk on the phone: "HELLO! Yeah. Good. Um, um , pumpkin patch. donut shop. costco! All righty, bye-bye!" Growing, growing, all three kids growing! Jack in the 93rd perentile for height, Eleanor gaining half an inch in a month and Will gaining a quarter inch in one week! Eleanor calling her Uncle Mike a "rascal becuase he juggles!" William wanting to marry his Aunt Polly. Eleanor wanting to marry her Daddy. Eleanor telling us that when she has kids someday and they want to get out of bed she will tell them, "You sleep until I say it is time to wake up!" Eleanor and William in bed at night, chatting....Eleanor says "No more questions, William! I will just say 'I don't know'! Unless it is really important, like saying 'Please forgive me.' " William asking her more questions. Everybody loving on Jack, can't remember life without him. Eleanor up at night with growing pains, needing drinks, wanting to chat it up. Watching Sesame Street. Hearing William refer to both Bert and Ernie as "Bernie" - hey, I used to get them mixed up, too, never thought about just calling them Bernie! Me wondering about H1N1 vaccines, feeling like I can't get to the bottom of loads of conflicting information. Giving all three kids a bath at once. Doing the weekly grocery shopping with all three kids. Taking a meal to sick friends, meeting Todd after work, playing at the park. Making little "obstacle courses" in the backyard. Never ever getting caught up on laundry. Finding Will playing on top of his changing table, reaching up to push his airplanes hanging from the ceiling, checking out the Vaseline. Calling poison control for MYSELF after licking dishwasher detergent (long story). Becoming hand washing fanatics. Enjoying Jack sleeping in my arms at church. Buying new running clothes - have yet to go for a run. Eating an AMAZING chocolate peppermint milkshake Todd brought me from Chick-fil-a. Needing to run. Going to eye doctor appointments, well check-ups, random appointments. Saying the words "No whining" 902,783, 042 times - at least! Enjoying snuggling, tackling, laughing, singing, reading, playing, pretending, hugging, loving. Praising God daily. There's a smattering of what we've been up to.

if it's pictures you want...

2009-10-29T15:31:00.001-06:00

...here are a few cute ones! but you can find LOTS more on my facebook page, so look there if you want to look at more shots of these adorable faces!

today we had a few inches of snow, so the kids (minus jack) and i braved the cold wind and played in the backyard for a few minutes. we had a blast! the snow wasn't wet enough to make a big snowman, so we opted for a tiny "snow baby." eleanor chose leaves for the eyes, a pencil for it's nose, and a carrot for the mouth. luther promptly tried to eat the carrot, then peed on the snow baby...well, fun anyway! *grin*

the things they say...

2009-10-20T20:37:00.004-06:00

Eleanor told Todd tonight she was afraid of giants. How does she know about giants?! Wise Daddy told her they were just pretend, and that she could squish them in her mind (insert sound effects and hand motion). Eleanor laughed, "I can?!" Todd said over the next 10 minutes she would randomly pause what she was doing and "squish" a giant! Poor girl, she must have kept having the thoughts pop into her head...but she knows what to do! *grin* On a more serious note, you would not believe the questions this girl asks about spiritual things. Like this one in the middle of the night recently: "But what if I don't like what God knows is best?" Or, "Will some people not go to Heaven when they die? Why?" What opportunities to talk about the Gospel and the character of God with our little girl!

Will is enjoying telling "jokes". Like this, "ABCD...Daddy Jack!" or "ABCD...doggie!" or "ABCD...lamp!" You get the idea! Then tonight he came up with a new one as were reading a bedtime story about dump trucks - "Dirty book!" He did get a good laugh from us on that one!

Jack, sweet Jack, his hair getting long enough to stick up like little duck fuzz, laughing and smiling all the time, content as can be.

All's well on the kid front.

Chit-Chat

2009-10-17T21:28:00.002-06:00

A little conversation I overheard Eleanor and Will having tonight, after we tucked them in:

Will: Costco, Eleanor, Costco!
Eleanor: Maybe we'll go to Costco tomorrow, William.
W: Trash day tomorrow!
E: I don't know William, I have to ask my Mommy and Daddy.
W: What you doing Eleanor?
E: What are you doing?
W: Looking.

Made me grin.

Also, Jack rolled over for the first time today! And then he couldn't stop. He rolled 12 TIMES!

William and Too Much Birthday!

2009-10-10T22:20:00.001-06:00

Today was Will's 2nd birthday, observed (really it's the 12th). He has been looking forward to it all week! "Birthday! Yellow cake! Macaroni and hot dogs!" he's been saying. Talking about the grandparents coming, Miss Amy, the presents, the birthday song. I asked him what kind of cake he wanted, not surprised when he said yellow, his favorite color! I of course added some chocolate, but there was plenty of YELLOW. When he came downstairs after his nap, we had yellow and blue balloons up, he loved them! When we served up the macaroni and hot dogs (per his request) he could hardly wait. "Excited! 'Caroni!" he said. Then the cake came. We dimmed the lights, lit the two candles, and sang. He soaked it in and began picking M & M's off the cake while we were still singing! Then, with a little help from Mama, he blew out the candles. THEN we realized that the video camera wasn't working, so we repeated. *grin* And he gobbled up the ice cream and asked for more, but decided to leave the cake, funny boy!
Present time came. He opened a few gifts, enjoyed them, wanted to play. And then the gift from Aunt Polly. A big box, "Love it! Love it!" William was saying even before he saw what was inside. He must have had a hunch. He pulled out a REAL trash can and two REAL orange cones....and the rest of the night was history!!! Obssessed, that's the word. And possessive! He transferred the cones and trash can up and down the hall, over and over. Took the lid off, put it on. Stacked the cones, unstacked them. He could not contain himself! "Trash!! Cones!!" He forgot that anyone else existed. Several other wonderful presents were waiting to be opened, but he couldn't tear himself away! It was so precious and so funny, a memory I'll certainly carry with me! Eleanor was trying so hard to be patient, waiting for him to open the rest of his gifts!
Then bedtime came. "This is not going to go well" - Todd's words, prophetic! I can think of only one tantrum to possibly rival this one. As he was being hauled up the stairs, we told him to say goodnight, and he complied, screaming through his tears, "NIGHT NIGHT JACK!!! LOVE YOU PAPA!!!" The drama and distress lasted a while. Eleanor had to join in by crying for more cake as we tucked her in. OH MY. Well, Polly, you hit a home run!! More pictures coming soon. I praise God daily for William, for his energy and his sweetness. I adore that boy, my boy. Happy birthday to my sweet Will!

On another note, I just finished sewing patches on Eleanor's Awana vest. SEWING. This is coming from the girl whose husband had to show her how to sew a button on! True story. I did sew once as a child - a pillow stuffed with DOG HAIR. Another true story. GAG!!! Anyway, I think tonight I started to redeem myself!

addendum

2009-10-03T21:54:00.001-06:00

How cute is he?! This was supposed to be in my last post but didn't show up.

Bits and Pieces

2009-10-03T21:50:00.001-06:00

A couple of weeks ago we visited our family in WA and had SUCH a great vacation! We all stayed healthy and the kids traveled extremely well. I packed lighter, getting the hang of this! We went to the Puyallup fair, where we ATE scones, saw a huge pumpkin, ATE BBQ, petted lots of animals, ATE ice cream, saw dogs do crazy tricks, ATE crusty pups, watched a great juggler, ATE more scones, rode the carousel...as you can tell, going to the fair involves eating a lot of amazing fair food! We played at the park and spent great time not only with the grandparents but with Todd's brothers Scott, and Mike and wife Julann, and new baby Nora - our first neice! She and Jack are just a month apart. I have a ton of pictures from our trip on facebook if you want to see more!

The kids are always changing, always doing or saying so many great things! This stage of life, as well as being somewhat tiring, is so amazing and fun and precious. Sometimes it hits me how fast it is going, and I want to hold on! Eleanor is truly a little girl - no baby left in her! She is a perfect big sister. I love hearing her talk to her brothers, sometimes using the same phrases/voices I use...a little mother! She and Will are such playmates...pretty inseperable. It is fun as Will's vocabulary expands and the two actually converse! Eleanor is also quite dramatic these days! And she can debate like no tomorrow! She asks some wonderful questions about Jesus and salvation. I pray that God is working in her heart!

William will be two in just over a week! His love of trash cans and orange cones continues. He thinks Todd can fix ANYTHING! "Daddy fix it" is a phrase he says often. He loves yellow, loves to jump with extreme athleticism, loves to tackle and hug his sister, wants both to hold and kiss Jack and also poke his eyes and squeeze his head! Loves "I spy" books and trying to find things faster than Eleanor. He is a great talker. He loves nicknames. He refers to his grandparents both as "Papa and Mimi" and "Grandpa and Grandma." In fact, in WA one day he pulled out "Grampy"! Very funny, he came up with it himself. Jack he also calls "Jacky", and Eleanor is "Ellie-boo-boo" and "Sister" as well as "Eleanor." A few days ago he even asked me for a "nanny" instead of a "banana"! We continue to have bloodtests for his blood disorder, and things are looking very good, praise God!

Jack will be three months this coming week! He smiles all the time - more and more lately at his siblings. He has started to laugh, enjoys baths, and sleeps throught the night . I recently discovered he loves books! He smiles and coos at the pages and has begun trying to touch the book and bring it to his mouth. He came to our church's women's retreat last weekend and was the perfect little snuggle buddy for me. God has blessed us greatly with all three of our children!

I have thought more and more lately about the culture we are raising our children in, praying for God's wisdom. I read recently that in 2008, almost 50% of children in our country were born out of wedlock! Society is changing in so many ways. And just yesterday, I was heartbroken in learning that in cases of pre-natal diagnoses of downs syndrome, 92% of babies are aborted. I am horrified at the "culture of death" around us. I wonder what the world will hold for our children, and I just pray and pray for God's saving power in their lives!

My to-do list is so elusive these days, but I keep learning that that is okay! Trying to figure out daily how to best "redeem the time."

This week we are looking forward to a visit to the pumpkin patch, and family in town for Will's BD. Should get some good pictures!

There's a tiny taste of my world. And now I'll finish the laundry, pack a bag for church tomorrow, feed my sweet baby, and hit the sack! Hopefully all THREE kids will sleep through the night, and the toy chiauaua in our neighborhood won't be making any nose in the wee hours of the morning!

a day in lake city with my parents

2009-09-14T21:58:00.002-06:00

a quick trip, but a great one!! complete with dinner with friends; the park, the soda fountain, and the pond for fishing and rock-throwing. the kids even got to sit in grandpa's huge yellow frontloader (the bucket could almost pick up our van!) and see mimi's kindergarten/first grade class. todd got up early and went looking for wildlife with my dad. we didn't want to leave!

Jack - 8 weeks!

2009-09-01T22:08:00.001-06:00

177, 000

2009-08-28T20:13:00.001-06:00

Will endured another "poke" today at his follow-up appointment, and this afternoon we received the fantastic news that his platelet count is 177,000 - completely normal!! Praise God!
We can go 10 days or so before the doc wants another count done. This is much better than we hoped! My soul is giving thanks to the Lord who is good and mighty in all His deeds.

Update on Will

2009-08-27T13:35:00.003-06:00

I have been reminded this week that we don't know what tomorrow holds! BUT that our sovereign and loving God does.

On Sunday morning as I was getting the kids breakfast before church, I noticed that Will had a rash on one arm - tiny little purple-red pinpricks. Getting him into PJ's for his nap, I noticed more, and also several bruises that were in odd places. I had no doubt that something was really wrong, and spent most of the afternoon and evening in tears, praying that God would help me think on that which was true and real instead of what I could not know! By bedtime Will had more bruises and a blood blister on his lip, and by Monday morning things were worse. That's not saying that my little guy seemed sick...he was acting completely himself, praise God! We had a Dr's. appointment by 9:15, were told that whatever the cause of his bruising it was probably significant, had bloodwork and a chest X-ray, and were sent home to wait. By mid-afternoon we got the results and were sent immediately to the hospital - William's platelets were too low for the lab to measure, somewhere under 10,000 (normal is 150,000-300,000).

We all went to the hospital only to find out that NO one under 18 could be in the room with Will. Praise God that He had moved in the heart of our sweet friend Elaine and she was there at the hospital, waiting to see how she could help! I was able to stay with Will and just head to the family gathering room a couple of times to feed Jack and say hi to Eleanor.

Will was diagnosed with pediatric ITP - Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura, which means that his immune system is destroying platelets much , much faster than his body can produce them. This puts him at risk for dangerous bleeding from something like falling and bumping his head, from a nosebleed, etc. During his 2 night hospital stay he was given 2 treatments called IVIG, which by the time we left had boosted his platelet count up to 54,000, more than enough to safely come home! We have to be careful of activities where he could sustain a hard bump to his head, etc. It could get a little tricky with our boy who is built on springs!

On Tuesday we met with a pediatric hematologist who explained the blood disorder to us more thoroughly. It is the result of either a virus or a vaccine, and in most children it corrects itself in time - usually a few weeks to a few months. The treatments Will received will not help his body stop destroying platelets, but will definitely make life safer for him until the disease remits! In about 20% of kids ITP does not just go away, but becomes a bigger problem, but still treatable. The specialist was very positive in the sense that Will's other blood cell lines look great, meaning no cancer, etc.

We have a follow-up appointment tomorrow to check his platelet levels again and discuss the next month or so. Will will probably be having some bloodwork done once or twice a week to track the disease, to know if he needs more treatment or restricted activity (I am thinking a helmet and a padded room?!?!) and to know if/when his body corrects this problem.

I was not able to stay overnight in the hospital because of breastfeeding Jack, but I was there as much as I could be! Todd and Will had a bonding experience - "kind of like camp" says Todd. *grin* I have the greatest husband and kids have the best Daddy! Will was quite the trooper and never acted sick. He got tired of being repeatedly poked by needles and hooked up to IV's, but he was a brave little boy! One of the blood draws I was there for broke my heart as I watched him laying there, chin quivering, trying not to cry. "Hurt, Mommy" he kept saying as he saw the needles and blue rubber bands coming out. I was NOT as brave as he was!

He was so excited to come home! You'll see him in the picture with his backpack on, looking for Mommy and Eleanor and Jack to pick he and Daddy up! Eleanor really missed him. She was fine during the day, playing with friends, but in bed at night cried and missed her brother. The first night it was late when we got home and I told her we were going right to bed, no bath or book, and she said, "But we can talk and laugh, right? OH NO! Will isn't here, that's not fun!"

We had a great few hours here together before he developed a fever and started throwing up. Another call to the doc, and back to urgent care, where they said it was most likely a bug he picked up at the hospital. *sigh* God graciously allowed him to sleep well and today he does not appear sick. And the rest of us are okay, too!

I am weary in just about every way, but very hopeful! I am so thankful for the prayers of the saints, for our loving families, and for our church family who have met our needs very practically by caring for Eleanor and Jack, even bringing the baby to me to nurse him, by visiting at the hospital, by preparing meals, by grocery shopping for me, by taking care of the dog, and by numerous offers to help. It has been so encouraging!

I will update as we know more. Please keep praying for sweet Will! (who thankfully, doesn't know he's got a problem)!

aaawww...

2009-08-13T19:52:00.001-06:00

isn't that a sweet picture?! taken last week, jack weighing in at 10 lbs...such a cute little chunk!

Pictured: at least 3 good reasons why I haven't blogged lately...

2009-08-07T15:09:00.001-06:00

aren't they sweet?!

Jack Charles Faris

2009-07-06T16:22:00.002-06:00

Jack Charles Faris was born at 2:56 AM on July 6th. He was 7lbs, 2 oz and 20 1/2 inches long. Mom and Baby are doing great!!

summertime

2009-06-25T10:57:00.001-06:00

37.5 weeks

2009-06-21T21:47:00.001-06:00

Getting close! I feel like 38 weeks is my due date, I always feel like that! Come on, little Buddy, come soon!

Will and Daddy

2009-06-21T21:41:00.001-06:00

Will has always had a good time with his Daddy. But these past few weeks he is EATING UP playing with Todd, and "helping" him. I think he has realized that he and Todd are the BOYS!! He likes to follow Todd along taking the trash out, grilling, using a hammer, working in the yard. He loves, loves, LOVES to be chased and tickled. The laughter is unreal! And he likes to do things to get Daddy's attention, too! Here are some recent photos of my boys.

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T21:30:00.001-06:00

First of all, here's a shout out to my own dear Daddy, with whom I have so many wonderful memories, and with whom I continue to make memories! I remember him rubbing my legs at night when I had growing pains, making up adventure stories to tell to me, taking me hiking and looking for mountain lion tracks, building an aluminum can crusher for a science fair project, teaching me the value of being a hard worker, together with my mom showing me what hospitality looks like, walking me down the aisle on my wedding day, loving God in front of me...I love you, Dad! And my father-in-law, who helped make my amazing husband who he is, and who has always welcomed me into the family with open arms! I am so thankful for both of these men.

And now MY husband, the father of my children! He is the perfect daddy for Eleanor and Will. He shows them unconditional love, makes the best choices for them, talks to them about Christ, plays with them, makes them laugh (and laugh and laugh and laugh!)... These last few weeks especially I have enjoyed watching the three of them at the heights of good play.

Here are some pictures of Eleanor and her Daddy. The second one is of Todd making his own Father's Day dinner (his choice, I promise!)...it was amazing! He was in true "Grillmaster" form - beer-can chicken, grilled zucchini, even grilled pineapple and ice cream for dessert! The next photo is of Eleanor giving Todd a Father's Day card. This is what she directed me - all on her own - to write on the inside:
"I like you to play with me, Daddy! Hi Daddy! I like you to color. Thank you for getting ice cream with me. Will you watch a movie with me when you get home? Thank you for getting me a bike! I love you!"

How SWEET is that?!

Pictures of Will next...

just the two of us (and baby in my belly)

2009-06-18T22:07:00.001-06:00

A couple of weekends ago my mom came over and Todd and I actually went somewhere, just us, for 24 hours!! It was amazing! We had a ton of fun downtown in our own fab city, eating our hearts out, strolling around, seeing a movie (Star Trek - I loved it! Although NO pregnant woman should have to watch the first 10 minutes), enjoying a wonderful B & B, even stopping by a church related party! It was so good for us. I did call 4 times to check on the kids, and talk to them, and I even felt teary at night knowing I couldn't give them a hug and a kiss...but they were in good hands! I loved hanging out with my husband!

last of the gymnastics pictures

2009-06-17T21:01:00.002-06:00

notice will getting in on the action?! he has even learned to do somersaults by himself after watching sister!

more pictures...

2009-06-17T20:58:00.001-06:00

...because i KNOW you all want more! *grin*

Our little gymnast!

2009-06-15T21:04:00.001-06:00

For Eleanor's birthday in March my parents bought her a series of gymnastics lessons. She has had SO much fun doing them over the past 9 weeks or so! And I have had a lot of fun watching her interact with the other kids; listen well to her teachers and follow directions; use her imagination (which can be quite vivid!); and learn to forward roll, backwards roll, monkey jump, donkey kick, swing on the bars, and walk on the balance beam with the best of 'em! *grin* Her little class was seriously so much fun to watch. She recently had her show week, the end of the semester of classes. She came out and stood bravely in front of everyone and said her name and did her favorite trick (monkey jump - you'll see it in one of the pictures!), and the show began! At the end there was a little ceremony with music and the kids got medals and it was SO CUTE I can't even tell you. I was one proud mommy! The instructor told the kids to smile when they got up on the podium, and she pointed to her mouth to show them...so in the picture, you can see Eleanor pointing at her mouth, just as demonstrated!

silly kids

2009-06-10T21:49:00.003-06:00

Eleanor's funny phrase of the day, drinking her chocolate milk: "Mommy, this looks like poop, but it sure tastes good!"

Will's new word of the day, looking up in the grocery store: "PEPSI!"

1st visit to the dentist!

2009-06-02T20:41:00.001-06:00

Eleanor has been looking forward to this day for weeks! She did so well doing everything the hygienist told her, like opening her mouth like an alligator and "kissing Mr. Thirsty" (the straw-like sucker-outer....what is that thing really called anyway??). And of course she was thrilled to get a new pink toothbrush and a toy from the treasure chest. I was proud of her! Will watched and ate a pop-tart...wonder what the dentist was thinking about HIS teeth?!

pals

2009-05-30T21:10:00.001-06:00

my new best friend, maybe...

2009-05-27T20:54:00.002-06:00

i can't believe i am doing s post without pictures! a short, very random post, but no pictures?!

*first of all, i am happy to say that after ONE MONTH, eleanor and will have had 5 DAYS straight with no digestive issues! yep, for one month, no more than 2 days passed that someone wasn't having diarrhea, vomiting, up in the night crying with tummy pain, not eating...it was weird and concerning. tests came back fine and now all is well, praise the LORD! miraculously, by God's good grace, i escaped the illness. i can't even say that for the dog. true story. eleanor has learned a lot the last month of sickies: we were out to eat a few nights ago and the waitress brought her some milk...she exclaimed with a little laugh, "no, don't bring me MILK, i have DIARRHEA!"

*eleanor and will are now sharing a room! as of monday night. it is very cute and very sweet and also tiring. up late, up early, but hopefully things will smooth out soon! i will post pictures soon. they were pretty excited that first night! we heard eleanor coming out to go to the bathroom, "i'll be right back, william!" he cried until we heard her walk back in, "i'm back, will!" so sweet! i remind myself of the sweet stuff when i start thinking about how much less sleep they are getting...

*will is saying "mommy" now instead of "mama"! so cute. "mommy, mommy, MOMMY!" he has also added a good number of words to his vocab over the past couple of weeks. up, off, diaper, yellow, apple, oops, no wipes, birdie...and so on and so on! i love it.

*on a final note, the day that eleanor and will seemed to really be WELL, i got sick with a bad sore throat/head cold. after 2 nights of poor sleep and one night of almost NO sleep, when i got to the point where i started to go crazy, my good husband made me take tylonol pm. yes, it is dr. approved for pregnancy, but i was still hesitant. but all i can say is, that stuff just may be my new best friend...!

so that's what's been happening here. and, by the way, our new little guy is due in just 6 weeks!!

me and mine on mother's day

2009-05-10T21:27:00.003-06:00

First of all, how thankful I am for my own Mom! I realize more and more how significant her investment in my life has been...and still is! She has always been a giver, such an example of giving herself to her children. I love you, Mom! And my dear mother-in-law...how grateful I am for her years of investing in and raising her wonderful, amazing, Godly son - my husband! I love you, too! And now I have the blessing of watching these two women with my own children.

And my own sweet ones...I echo Psalm 127, what a blessing they are from our good and gracious Lord!! I LOVE being their Mommy. For those of you who read my "Overwhelmed" post...these last couple weeks have not been quite so challenging, I am thankful! All in all, I have been reminded through the past 2 months that mothering is about sowing...and knowing that although there are MANY daily rewards, much of the reaping will be future!

Some of the daily rewards I have enjoyed very recently:
* Eleanor singing so, so many songs to and about the Lord, about Jesus!
* Eleanor's questions about God, salvation, Heaven. Her sweet spirit.
* Her love of books, the way she grasps letter and numbers, watching her do a gymnastics class!
* Watching silliness and senses of humor continue to develop in both my kiddos!
* Eleanor and Will playing so happily together! Eleanor calling him, "William! William! Come on! Come play over here!"...encouraging him, "You can do it, Will!"...even "William Robert, don't disobey me!" *grin* Will looking for her after his nap, "Sister, sister!"...copying her...making her laugh.
* Will's love of planes, trucks, dogs, birds, and especially TRASH CANS. Driving in the car, listening to him yelling in the backseat as we drive through neighborhoods, "Trash! Trash! Bye-bye trash!"...repeated every 10 seconds!
* Will's growing vocabulary and love of moving - running, jumping, somersaults! Also, the way he loves to play with things that are not toys (outlet protectors, paper cups, anything with a lid, egg cartons...)
* Spontaneous expressions of affection from Eleanor and Will toward me, Todd, one another.
* New baby - lots and lots and LOTS of movement!

It's been a good Mother's Day. And to top it all off, Todd brought me a gorgeous red geranium, it's hanging on the porch!

picnic in the backyard today!

2009-05-07T20:55:00.001-06:00

Fancy

2009-04-29T20:28:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I'm interrupting my California posts to share with you a quote from Eleanor, who since she received a certain book from "YiaYia" on her birthday, has become quite enamored with "Fancy Nancy"!

Looking at her soft pink blankie with a satin edge, she said with a grin, "Mom, my blanket is POSH!"

Love my girl!

The Beach

2009-04-25T20:30:00.002-06:00

So, our trip to California was fantastic! Todd spent his days at MusiCalifornia, but was back with us around dinner time. The kids and I hung out with Polly and Andrew and Dave and Tricia, and were also blessed to see some other friends, including two of my special girlfriends from college, Mindy and Cristy! We hit Zuma Beach, the hotel pool, and a great park. We hung out at the college, let Eleanor and Will experience the caf, sat in on a Majesty rehearsal and had a great little visit with the Plews, who hold a special place in my heart! The kiddos got in some naps and down time at Aunt Polly's and at Dave and Tricia's, which helped with having later nights and a couple of early mornings. *grin* We got to visit a couple of our favorite places to eat, and even made it to Diddy Riese - best ice cream sandwiches EVER! Todd doesn't believe me, because I've never chosen to prove it, but I still maintain that I could eat THREE of those babies in one sitting. Amazing.

Here are a few of the pictures from Zuma. Will's favorite things were the orange cones set up near the lifegaurd station. Eleanor loved laying in the sand - quite the bathing beauty - and flying her kite. I think they thought the ocean itself was a little overrated!

california....

2009-04-20T21:00:00.001-06:00

more pictures coming!

Easter

2009-04-19T21:15:00.001-06:00

We just returned from sunny southern California! A GREAT week, lots of pictures coming!

Here are just a few shots from Easter. Although we had a great time coloring eggs and doing Easter baskets on Saturday, we tried to make it clear to Eleanor that what we were actually celebrating on Sunday was the Resurrection of Jesus Christ! We enjoyed having my parents here as well as several friends for Easter dinner.

By the way, Will's first tie, isn't it cute?!

in the interest of being "real"...

2009-04-09T21:30:00.001-06:00

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed…

How many “why” questions can I answer in one day without my head exploding? 23 bzillion? Because I probably answer that many, and somehow my head is still intact. *grin*

How little sleep can I survive on? How to make good decisions and demonstrate infinite patience when I am exhausted and pulled in different directions?

Just when I think I figure something out, something else changes and needs tweaking. Variety is the spice of life, huh?!

I have learned to listen to several voices talking or calling me at once, and somehow feel like I answer multiple questions and respond to multiple needs at the same time. Is this possible, or am I imagining this phenomenon?

How is bedtime 7, but I’m running up and down the stairs until 8? How do I teach a little one about the motives in her heart that cause her to ask for one more drink, a snack, a different blanket, a band-aid, another potty trip, a different stuffed animal…

Does my 18 month old “get it” when I correct him for certain attitudes?

Should I change a nap time? Offer something different at a meal to a picky eater?

Is our trip next week going to be smooth? Sleep issues in a hotel?

And what about when Eleanor and Will begin sharing a room? They will have so much fun…but what about when one takes an hour (a loud hour!) to fall asleep? Or one is teething and up crying in the night? Will any of us sleep?

Am I demonstrating Christ to my children? Am I helping them understand the sin in their hearts? Pointing them to the grace of God in Jesus, to the glorious Gospel? Am I training them biblically? Getting at their hearts or just outward actions?

Is there really enough of me to go around?! For my husband, my 2 children, soon a third? Scripture tells me I am my husband’s helper…why do I at times view it the other way around? God gave me the most amazing and understanding husband EVER.

Am I complaining? Is God going to think me ungrateful? Because, really, I wouldn’t change a thing about my life, my family. I love them. And I want MORE kids!! I am so THANKFUL! Todd has been sweet to remind me that the Lord knows my heart.

Will I ever have enough wisdom?

I have been reminded of my sinfulness, my weakness, my humanness, my selfishness. But I have also been reminded of the grace of Christ! He is my hope not only for eternal life, but for daily life. He can give me the strength and energy I need to take care of my family! And only He can supply my children with what they need more than anything…Himself.

Eleanor and Will are sleeping peacefully upstairs right now. I have a smile on my face already thinking of their sweet faces, and how I will be greeted in the morning with happy calls of “Mama!”, little arms around my neck. This is a sweet life.

I am not discouraged, just recently overwhelmed, and thought I’d share…in the interest of being “real.”

I've got some good posts coming...Eleanor's questions about God, Will's funny antics and new words...

we love our grandparents!

2009-04-07T20:50:00.002-06:00

my parents came for a short weekend, todd's stayed over a week. we all had a blessed time together! will has wandered around calling "mimi!" over the past couple of days since they have been gone. eleanor packs her little suitcase and pretends to visit them. they are obviously missed!

Birthday Fun...Parties 1 & 2

2009-04-06T20:42:00.001-06:00

Birthday Fun...Party 1

2009-04-06T20:10:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday, Sweet Eleanor!

2009-03-31T21:36:00.000-06:00

My sweet girl turned 3 on Sunday. She was so excited for her big day, had been counting down for a couple of weeks. We had a family party Saturday evening, complete with balloons, flowers, a new dress, and the requested pizza and pink cake! Our lives changed forever - in a most amazing and wonderful way - when God blessed us with Eleanor THREE years ago. She has grown so much and keeps us constantly laughing at her antics, huge vocabulary, sense of humor. She amazes and blesses us with her questions about God, Jesus Christ, Heaven, prayer, salvation, sovereignty...Her sweet spirit is a source of joy in our household; she is adored by her daddy, mommy and little brother! Happy Birthday, Eleanor Jane!

24 weeks! and the kids that keep me hoppin'

2009-03-19T10:05:00.000-06:00

in the tub

2009-03-17T21:45:00.000-06:00

Playing in the big tub at my parents' house. Who knew a dry tub could be so much fun?! The fun ended after about 15 minutes when Will decided to turn on the water. *grin*

Wrestling

2009-03-09T21:33:00.000-06:00

Maybe someday I'll write something on this blog again, but for now I'll try to keep the pictures coming!

zoo - my last of the series!

2009-03-04T19:57:00.000-07:00

if only i could get picasa to upload more than 4 pictures per post...

2009-03-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

more of the zoo

2009-03-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

Taking advantage...

2009-03-03T20:23:00.003-07:00

...of crazy 70 degree weather in the beginning of March! Monday was Todd's day off, so we went to the zoo! Here are a few pictures...more to come. We came home for naps, then went grocery shopping as a family and had dinner "out" at Costco - a fantastic day for a total cost of $6.89! (okay, minus the groceries.)

20 Weeks, 2 Days!

2009-02-19T21:05:00.000-07:00

So, the long-awaited belly picture! *grin*
I had my ultrasound this week...the baby looks perfect and healthy, praise God!
We are having another BOY!! I am so excited. He was moving all around...we saw great pictures of his face, and even his tiny feet kicking my bladder! Eleanor and Will came along with us and enjoyed watching their new brother.
In the words of my sister, "Eleanor has the personality of about three girls..." so she'll be able to hold her own with these boys!

Be Mine, Valentine!

2009-02-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

We had a fantastic Valentine's Day!! The kids and I made valentines and pink cupcakes. Todd came home with red roses for me, a pink one for Eleanor, and a box of "transformer" chocolates for Will. My parents drove all the way from Lake City to stay less than 24 hours and watch the kiddos, and Todd and I went on a BIG date with two other couples...to P.F. Changs for dinner and then to see comedian Brian Regan!! It was an amazing treat. I am SO thankful to God for the ones I love!

feelin' the sibling love!

2009-02-12T20:07:00.002-07:00

My Birthday

2009-02-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

My wonderful husband and kids gave me a wonderful, relaxing day!

My Boy

2009-02-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

My Girl

2009-02-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

Aunt Robin

2009-02-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago my Aunt Robin was in Denver and we drove up to have breakfast with her. It was wonderful to catch up, and Eleanor and Will obviously thought she was pretty fun (she really is)! We spent some time in her hotel room - the kids would happily have stayed all day, playing on the king size bed and the luggage rack!

the park...again!

2009-02-07T16:57:00.000-07:00

I know we've had lots of park pictures lately...we are just enjoying this kind-of-crazy winter weather that doesn't feel like winter! It probably won't last, but we'll take it while we can get it!

Playdate

2009-02-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

Our friend Abigail came over to play recently...her mom and I had fun seeing how our girls have gotten old enough to actually talk and interact with one another, playing together instead of just beside one another! Will holds his own and has fun with the "big kids."

Park Play

2009-01-26T19:32:00.004-07:00

My husband is such a great photographer...

2009-01-19T19:58:00.001-07:00

Playing with the New Camera

2009-01-17T21:03:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year - With My Grandparents

2009-01-15T20:09:00.004-07:00

We took a day and drove a couple of hours to see my grandparents - they are all four still living! My mom's parents have been and still are pretty spunky people. My dad's parents are in a nursing home and have greatly declined physically and mentally. It was hard to see them, sad, but very good as well. I was so glad to get to give them both a hug and a kiss, to sing to my grandma songs she sang to me when I was a little girl, to get pictures of my kids with my grandpa and grandma.
I don't know, I wonder, I hope...that they can pray, that they can think on Scripture and be comforted by Christ.

Happy New Year - Artistic Shots from Todd and Andrew

2009-01-11T10:52:00.003-07:00

Happy New Year - Out in the Snow

2009-01-10T19:23:00.003-07:00

Happy New Year - First in a Series

2009-01-09T20:58:00.004-07:00

We spent a week in Lake City with my family over New Years and celebrated Christmas together. We had such a great time relaxing, being out in the snow, playing cards, visiting old friends, attending the church I grew up in, just spending time together! Eleanor received a tricycle, and Will a "retro rocket" from Papa and Mimi...lots of fun MOVING!

"Big Boy" and Gang

2009-01-07T10:35:00.005-07:00

These are some pictures from my parents front yard/front door. They are crazy, but they are real, I promise!

What they're up to

2009-01-04T20:57:00.004-07:00

We are vacationing in Lake City (headed home tomorrow) and have taken 665 pictures with our new camera! I am not kidding. I just counted. You'll be seeing a fraction of those, they'll come!

But for now, what my kiddos are doing these days.

Eleanor - singing songs, riding her new trike, counting past 16, learning letter sounds, wanting to choose everything and control her life down the color of straw she drinks out of or how her sunglasses are folded, asking lots of questions about God and Jesus, loving holiday sweets, using her imagination, doing lots of things herself, playing with Will and bossing him a little, talking all the time and giving commentary on her life, saying funny things like:
"Who is going to pray in this family?!" at mealtime...
"When my piggy jammies are dirty, I like to wear my hippo jammies, and when my hippo jammies are dirty I wear my piggy jammies, because I love them both and they are cozy and beautiful!"
"Can I see your underwear?" (She is not shy about asking this question - watch out!"
"Daddy, are you going to ask me about my day?"
"Can we go see some other old people now?" (visiting my grandparents at the nursing home)

She keeps us on our toes!

William - shaking his head NO (shakes his whole body actually), saying words "yep" or "yeah", "all done", "amen", "nana"(for banana), "juice", and now, in addition to "Dad-Dad" and "Mama", he is saying "Eleanor"! Her name sounds a little like "On", but he is definitely talking about his sister! The night after we got back from WA was the first night they hadn't been in the same room in a week, and when I put him to bed he cried and cried and pointed at the door, "On! On! On!" Oh my goodness melt my heart! He does a lot of animal sounds - bunny, frog, snake, sheep, lion, bear, tiger, cat... Also the sounds of cars, helicopters, and airplanes. Signs for airplane, all done, and please. He can identify 6 or so body parts. He loves to be outside, loves to be tickled by his Daddy, loves to play with Eleanor (often trying to destroy something she is working on!), loves to cuddle with and hug his Mommy. Doesn't love car rides, but enjoys then more now that his carseat is facing front! Loves to eat snacks and loves to be chased. Understands so much of what we say. Finds things he shouldn't have. Likes to play with non-toys, carries things around like tupperware and empty pepsi bottles. Still has a grin that melts me.

Wow, I love them both!

Promised WA Pictures

2009-01-04T20:29:00.005-07:00

Christmas

2008-12-30T19:52:00.012-07:00

I have been absent from the blogging world for a while! I hope you all had a joyous celebration of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us. This was a wonderful Christmas season for me, with all of Eleanor's questions about Jesus, and many opportunities to discuss the birth of Christ and the reason for His coming...to save us! We spent the week in WA and had a very fun and relaxing time with family. Eleanor and Will adore their grandparents and aunt and uncles, and they did so well with all the travel! Here are just a few of our favorite pictures.

Playing in the snow!

Opening presents - 2 times! With Uncle Mike and Aunt Julann before they left for NY, and on Christmas morning. Oh, and one present each on Christmas Eve - jammies! Eleanor enjoyed helping everyone open their gifts. Will enjoyed the boxes and wrapping paper, as well as some new toys! Thanks to our family for being so generous with us! And GUESS WHAT - Todd got me a cell phone! A PINK one, ringing inside a pink water bottle (no water) when I opened it!! I feel like a real person now. *grin*

Our beautiful children! They had some great fun together on this trip, especially getting to share a room!

And more...

Okay, I have about 8 more pictures and I CANNOT get them on this post!! I'm done for the night.
We got an amazing gift this Christmas...a new camera! So lots and lots of pictures will be coming!

Leaving Tomorrow...

2008-12-20T21:29:00.005-07:00

...time for a few quick pictures!

Eleanor and Will got to open their gifts from Faris grandparents today...too big for the plane! You can see, they were thoroughly enjoyed!

And here are pictures from the lights at the zoo:

AND Eleanor and Will with their beautiful new scarves from Miss Amy!

Bye-Bye Pacis

2008-12-11T09:59:00.002-07:00

Will said goodbye to his pacifiers today. We had some great reasons for doing it at this time, but as I listen to pathetic sobs coming from Will's crib, they don't sound so great anymore!

Way, Way Behind!

2008-12-08T20:14:00.002-07:00

Maybe someday I'll catch up on blogging...maybe I won't! This picture will have to do for now!

Back in Lake City

2008-11-20T20:08:00.002-07:00

This past weekend we were able to spend in Lake City, as Todd did a worship seminar at my parents' church. He did a great job, I trust the Lord will use it! And we had a great time with "Papa" and "Mimi"!

Polly in Town

2008-11-20T19:53:00.003-07:00

My sister was in town 2 weeks ago for an alumni event - something she organized single-handedly! - for The Master's College. It was a dinner at a castle, so fun! My parents came over for the weekend as well!

Hmmm, can you guess which cookies were decorated by Polly, and which were decorated by Eleanor?

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-12T15:01:00.000-07:00

Election Day!

2008-11-04T09:59:00.002-07:00

Check out this article by Al Mohler on how we can pray today! I feel more uptight about this election than than any other previous one, particularly because of the abortion issue. It is heartbreaking to think of all the tiny lives that could be lost as a result of how the vote goes today. But I am reminded that every governing official is appointed by God, and as Todd prayed on Sunday, that our kingdom is not of this world! Anyway, Mohler's article is informative and encouraging!

Angelina Ballerina and the Bumble Bee

2008-10-31T19:59:00.006-06:00

Todd and I got some great laughs out of our evening!! Super fun.