Jan. 7, 2009 - Welcome 2009 |
With every new year, we as a family always make new commitments and goals. This year we had a family meeting on New Years Day and we each set 3 new goals for the year and then some family goals.
Three goal? Why 3 goals you ask. Well, thanks so much for asking.
We based our 3 goals on JOY. Jesus, Others, Yourself.
The Jesus goal is a goal to strengthen our relationship with God.
The Others goal is to help us deal with and relate to others in a better way.
The Yourself goal is a new skill we want to learn or develop. Its not to be selfish, but rather a thing to learn and grow in.
So, what are mine.
J - I want to finish reading through the Bible this year. Last year with my difficult pregnancy and then the headaches, it made hard to read outside of my Daily Devotion time and I love my daily devotions (which I will blog about) and did not want to give that up.
O - I really need to focus on the way I talk to my children. Sometimes the volume goes up in my voice just to be heard over the noise that 7 children bring. But, more often, the volume goes up due to my own sin and frustration. I need to get back to focusing on the way I talk, to let it be honoring to God and encouraging to the hearer.
Y - I want to scrapbook regularly and faithfully to get caught up to 2008. I am done with 2004 and into 2005. I love doing it and it brings such joy to my children's faces when they see the story of their lives in albums.
I am excited to pursue these things faithfully and purposefully.
Wanna know what we have for goals as a family? Well, you'll have to come back for those.
Susan |
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Dec. 24, 2008 - Merry Christmas, from our house to yours. |
| Merry Christmas. May you enjoy the celebration of the Savior's birth and realize He did not stay a baby, but grew up to fulfill his role as the Savior of the World. |
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Dec. 22, 2008 - MRI Results |
I knew they would not get to me on Friday, but that's OK. It was good practice for me the put off the what if's of life that cloud my mind and put on Truth from Scripture. Clinging to what is true right now is good practice when life throws you a curve ball.
So, first thing this morning I hear the phone ring. I am snug in bed. It is warm under those covers. So I stay there and enjoy the toastiness of my comforter.
A half an hour later, when Caleb is done eating, I go downstairs and listen to the message. I call Lori back. She says the MRI came back normal. Little does she know just how abnormal I really am. But she is referring me to a neurologist because they need to find out why the headache is still hanging around.
The headache is better. It is a constant dull ache now, almost like noise in my head constantly. I don't really want to have to live in it, but it seems to be getting a little better every week. I no longer need vicadin except on really bad days.
I still think its directly related to the Tetnus (TDaP) vaccine I got just before leaving the hospital after Caleb was born. I won't make that mistake again.
Thanks for praying for me.
Susan |
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Dec. 15, 2008 - An Update on Us |
We are working diligently to get Caleb's birth announcement and Christmas letter out to our friends and families. Tonight we are going to exchange names for our Children's Gift Exchange. Caleb is growing and now weighs 11.9 pounds and is 21.5 inches long.
He had a high bilirubin level, but that is back to mostly normal now.
I have had a horrible headache since for about 10 days now. We believe it is just a reaction to the Tetanus booster I had before I left the hospital. Last week I had a CAT Scan that turned out mostly normal, but there is one spot that may have an anomoly so I am having a MRI on Thursday. At least I get two days to be able to pump extra milk for Caleb because I will have to pump and dump for 36 hours after the MRI.
Please pray for us as my headache is still there. It has made me quite irritable. But we are continuing with life. The headache is not as constant as it was last week.
I have never had a reaction to any vaccine until this one. I am thankful for God's provisions for us through this trial, including being able to borrow a pump so that I could pump milk for Caleb. We are thankful for our church family, family and friends who have prayed for us. Please continue to pray for us.
I will not get results until at least Friday. Which reminds me, I bet I need to make an appointment to go in on Friday.
Thanks for praying.
Susan |
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Dec. 8, 2008 - Remodelling the Bathroom |
When we moved into this house six years ago, our first project was to put a deadbolt lock on the front door. The second project was to put a shower in the claw foot tub.
We have wanted to redo the flooring and put in a new toilet and vanity in there ever since. Finally in February, Sean and the boys were able to tackle that job. We had to plan carefully. With only 1.5 baths in the home, we could not be without the tub/shower for too long and waking Ted up to use the toilet off of his room would get old quickly. So we planned.
Sean took apart the tub to remove the flooring under it right after we all showered for one final time.
We moved the tub to the other side of the bathroom. Thankfully, the bathroom is large.
Then Sean started the daunting job of removing the old vinyl peal and stick.
He has some enthusiastic help.
Then out came the old toilet.
The new floor goes in and its ready for the new toilet.
Now, after three days without a toilet, because we needed a special one, because of the age of the house, the toilet finally goes in, with help from the youngins.
Here is where the old vanity used to be...
And the new vanity. Notice the pregnancy test on the counter. (heehee)
Sean putting up lights.
 
Thomas mudding over the new drywall.
Pretty huh
Now I just need to get a completed picture taken and posted. lol.
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Nov. 29, 2008 - Baby 7-UP Has Arrived |
It is with Great Joy that we announce that Baby 7-Up has arrived.
Here I am on Thanksgiving at 40 weeks 6 days. Which is bigger, my tummy or the turkey?
Here I am confined to the bed with continuous fetal monitoring and miserable. About 5:30
Because I am a VBAC, I had to have continuous fetal monitoring and she had a hard time getting the heart tones in any other position but this one. My only freedom was going potty, so I took my time in the potty. Finally I simply could not take it anymore sitting in that bed. My bottom hurt. I was unable to change positions to deal with contractions so...
Here I am after I received my epidural.
That yellow button I could push to get extra medicine. I pushed it about once every 15 minutes because I could. 
About 30 minutes before I delivered Baby 7-Up, the doctor decided this was going to be a big baby because although baby's head had descended substantially, the butt was still in the same position right by the diaphragm. She called in a bunch of extra nurses to help with a probably shoulder distortia. Baby 7-Up did not disappoint and it was a worrisome 51 seconds of him being stuck. Me trying to push him out while I had literally 3 nurses pushing on various parts of my uterus and tummy and pubic bone. (I am still sore)
I had asked for Sean to announce the gender because I thought that would be special and it was, once he was finally able to see it because of all the concerns.
Here he is cutting the cord. What is Baby 7-Up? Here you can see.
Its a Boy
Because of the shoulder issue, he was wisked away to the warmer and I did not even get to see him. There were four nurses crowded around him. Finally he got a clean bill of health and there was talk about how big he was. There were wagers made (not really) about his weight and they weighed him.
Yes, 10 pounds 1.7 ounces and 20 3/4 inches long. He is all head with some shoulders and some arms, legs and body to finish him off.
We had no girls names picked out. Good thing he was a boy.
After about 3 hours of enjoying our new son, eating lunch together and talking, we settled on
Caleb Michael
10 pounds 2 ounces
20.75 inches
9:51 a.m.
November 29, 2008
The kids seeing Caleb for the first time.
All seven children and Uncle Ted
Caleb Michael
Have a wonderful and blessed day. I know we will.
Susan |
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Nov. 27, 2008 - Happy Thanksgiving |
What a wonderful day to celebrate with my sister and her four children. We had so much fun the last week. We laughed, we napped, we walked, we went to the Science Center, we ate pizza, we just enjoyed each other's family.
Today after lupper (combination of lunch and supper) and dessert, she left to go home. I cried. I was supposed to have a baby while she was here, but Baby 7-Up is a stinker. He or she is just determined to be a late bloomer. I personally think that Thomas has made an agreement with Baby 7-Up to be at least 9 days late. That way, we can't call Thomas pokey anymore.
Here is a quick update. I am not feeling any indication that labor is on its way. I am having contractions every now and again, but nothing that is lasting or overbearing. If I don't have this baby by Saturday, I need to go in for a non-stress test on Saturday. If I don't have this baby by Monday, I am scheduled to have a repeat section at 8:30 a.m. on Monday. I am hoping to have him or her before Monday as once I have another c-section, I will not be allowed to have a baby any other way.
But, I am thankful to have until Monday. At first I was told that Friday, November 28th would be the day I would have to have a section. But God saw fit to delay it to Monday for various reasons.
Please continue to pray for us all.
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Nov. 19, 2008 - 10 Things You Should Say to a Pregnant Woman |
1. You look beautiful. - This does not really need an explanation. I don't think any woman can hear this enough, pregnant or not.
2. You are a great Mom. - Again, no explanation really needed, right? Well I'll give one anyway. Its so hard to not get down on oneself during pregnancy, a Mom can't hear these words enough.
3. When can I bring you and your family a meal? - I don't know about you, but when I get to the end of pregnancy, my appetite is nothing and my desire to cook food leaves my body. So any offer for a prepared meal is a tremendous blessing, not only to me, but even more importantly to my family who is sick of frozen pizza, sandwiches and tacos.
4. Is there anything I can do for you? (and really mean it) - Even if I don't have anything that I need help with, its nice that you acknowledge how difficult the end of pregnancy is. Even getting to the bottom of the washing machine is nearly impossible. I am always so thankful when people ask if they can help and really mean it.
5. Did I tell you that you look so good. - Again, no fat pregnant woman can hear this enough.
6. I am so excited for you and your family and can't wait to meet this baby. - In a day and age when so many are critical of any family that chooses to have more than 2 children, it is always a blessing to hear people say nice things about a new addition.
7. Here's my cell number, call me if you need anything. - You know those people who really mean this, they are a blessing beyond belief. There are often unexpected things in the end of pregnancy and to be able to have that one or two people that I can call to just take the kids because the super super crabbies have arrived, what a blessing.
8. Go take a nap, its good for you. - Thank you for acknowledging how tired I am and letting me know its OK to rest. That it is actually good for me to rest my body.
9. Here are some brownies and ice cream. - Brownies and Ice Cream at the perfect time, need I say more?
10. You look fabulous, glowing. - See previous posts.
So, my challenge to you is next time you see a pregnant woman say something encouraging to her and edifying to her, something she maybe has not heard recently and stay away from those other cliche things.
Susan |
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Nov. 18, 2008 - 10 Things to Never say to a Pregnant Woman |
1. You are huge. - I personally don't even think this needs an explanation. But truth be told this is something you should never say to any woman.
2. You are so small are you sure you are that far along? - When women get to the end of their pregnancy, they want to be done. They want to have their baby. They don't want to even think of the prospect of having to go extra weeks or having a baby that is underweight.
3. You have not had that baby yet? - Um, yes, as a matter of fact, I did and now I am pregnant again with another baby. Did you not get the memo? Obviously I am still pregnant and have not had the baby. That is why my belly arrives in the room minutes before the rest of my body does.
4. When are you going to have that baby? - My guess is that after the contractions have started and are consistent for a few hours and I dilate to 10 and push the baby out. Then I'll have delivered the new baby.
5. I don't care. - Pregnancy brain is in full effect now and instead of having to make certain decisions, I would much rather you just told me what you would like me to do or what I need to do because I keep forgetting.
6. Let's do it my way - What do you mean that I can't do it this way. I am not stupid. I still have a brain here somewhere. Why do we have to do it your way. (often 5 and 6 will come in the same sentence because the pregnant woman will give both arguments, its really just the pregnant woman's way to torture whoever she is talking to at the same time. Throw in some tears and you have the full effects of pregnancy hormones in one scenario.)
7. Any phone call where the conversation is only about when the baby is going to arrive. - After receiving yet the 10th call in one day to talk to me it becomes wildly apparent people are not really concerned about me, but rather want to know how soon I think its going to be until this baby comes. Go back and read the rest of the list.
8. You should be over your sickness by now. - New Flash, woman lose stomach capacity towards the end of pregnancy as the baby takes over the tummy cavity. That, combined with a super sensitive sense of smell makes for the great return of nausea and vomiting.
9. You are going to have your hands full. How are you ever going to do it all? - First, I will just do the next thing. Second, its better to speak words of encouragement rather than words of discouragement. Many other women have had many children. I won't be the first and I won't be the last to deal with this.
10. Are you going to call me when that baby comes? - Um, not if you ask me that question one more time. Seriously, I am going to call everyone but you. Yes, you will find out when the baby arrives, either by phone call, e-mail or announcement. Just remember I'll be busy adding the new one to the family so I will not be able to talk on the phone or visit very long. I need my rest.
Come back later to see my list of 10 things you should say to a pregnant woman. |
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Nov. 17, 2008 - Things to do before Baby 7-Up is born |
My hope is to update this every week and get lots of stuff crossed out. Here is my to do list in no particular order.
Updated 10.20 two things done. added one more.
Updated 10.27 Completed a number of things. Added a couple more.
November 3. Lots more stuff crossed out....still lots to do.
November 10, still more done and I will rearrange the list a bit. Getting shorter, but still lots to do.
November 17, still lots to do.
STILL LEFT TO DO
5 Verify Address list for announcements.
6. Address envelopes for announcements.
9. Get rid of dresser in boy's room.
14. Find nursing pads and wash them
16. Get all Creative Memories products organized.
18. Pack my bag
20. Pack bag of toys/activities for kids
23. Pack the video camera bag with everything it needs including charged batteries.
29. Put away home school stuff from last year.
30. Complete everything on this list.
31. Decide on a name.
34. Redo birth plan and print it off.
DONE LIST
1. Make a girl quilt.
2. Make a boy quilt.
3. Decide on announcement wording for each gender.
4. Update address list.
7. Dump all pictures onto the computer.
8. Back up all pictures on the computer.
10.Rearrange boy's room.
11. Make hat for girl
12. Buy girl outfit
13. Wash clothes boy/girl
15. Clean up area for mini crib in our room
17. Pick out a song for Baby 7-Up
19. Pack Baby's bag
21. Buy a new video for kids to watch while visiting
22. Burn CD's for labor
24. Buy wintergreen Lifesavers
25. Buy extra rechargeable batteries.
26. Buy newborn diapers
27. Cut Bounty for wipes
28. Make swaddling blanket or two for a boy.
32. Order important things online
33. Buy socks and tights.
35. Go over labor suggestions with Sean. |
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Nov. 11, 2008 - Our Name Rules |
Yes, I realize that we are getting down to the wire with choosing a name for Baby 7-UP. I think the law in Iowa is that the parents have 6 months or a year to decide on a name, so I guess we are really not under the gun too much.
We are very particular with names. You know Scripture says that names are meaningful or important or something like that...I am too crabby to look up the reference, I'll edit it in later. Sean and I take the naming responsibility very seriously.
Here are our "rules"
- We do not want to repeat first letters for the first name.
- We do want the initials to make any weird word or meaning.
- Names that are not easily shortened. We don't use nicknames. Full names here all the way, babycakes.
- We like definate feminine names for girls and definate masculine names for boys.
- We want them to be somewhat normal/traditional names.
- We want them to be normal spellings.
- We prefer names that are not made up, but are not opposed to Hebrew or Greek names (you know Sean, the Bible language geek, and I mean that respectfully, he worked hard to be a language geek.)
We have some ideas, but today I am going to the library and checking out a baby name book.
So, no
A, B, K, M, N, O, T, S
Strong masculine names or very feminine names.
Prefer minimum of Two syllable names.
You can feel free to give suggestions.
Off to the library now.
Susan |
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Nov. 6, 2008 - Election Day 2008 |
What a beautiful day to go out and participate in the process of letting my voice be heard. I had heard there were long lines in some places. I do not understand that concept. Too few polling places? To few machines? I don't know, but that is not right.
We went after story time at the library. We picked up my brother and brought him with us. Yes, I took all six children.
We had to park a little ways down the street, but that is OK, it was a beautiful beautiful day. Perfect election day, day.
We vote at an elementary school that the children would attend if we did not homeschool them.
My dear friend, Alisa, who keeps me up on everything political that I need to know about was a poll worker. I love seeing a friendly and young face behind the table.
I love her. Do you see her stash of knitting/crocheting stuff to the left of where she is sitting? Yes, she is like a Boy Scout, she is always prepared. She also read my blog regularly. Thanks for letting me put you in my blog Alisa.
My girls watching intensely as they wait for me to sign my name and get my ballot.
In order, its Bethany, Miriam and Abigail.
Here are the children looking on as I prepare to vote. The ballot was really long because we vote for judges here in Iowa. Seriously. I voted no on all the judges. I don't know anything about them, so I voted no. Well, what I know about many judges in Iowa, I am unimpressed.
Here is the machine where my ballot went in. I voted around 11:30 and was number 189. Sean voted later and was around 400. I suspect there were a lot of early voters in our precinct.
After I was done voting, there was no line, we went outside and waited for Uncle Ted to get done. The windows of a classroom were open. I tried to keep the children quiet, but they were having so much fun. I wonder if the kids in school were jealous of my children. I would have been.
Did I say it was a perfect fall day? Cuz it was.
 I did take a video of them playing, but I can't get it to upload. Maybe another day. |
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Oct. 29, 2008 - Trust and Obey - Baby 7-Ups song |
- When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
- Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt nor a fear, not a sigh nor a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
- Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief nor a loss, not a frown nor a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
- But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
- Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
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Oct. 17, 2008 - Weird place for windows? |
Where is the weirdest place you have ever seen windows?
While on vacation, we went to Moose Jaw. I think I found the most unusual place a window could be place on purpose. Well, I actually did not see these windows, but Sean told me about them and I had to ask him to take a picture of them for me. He is such a sweetie and took the picture for me.
I still laugh every time I see the windows above the urinals. What a weird location for windows. |
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Oct. 15, 2008 - Knitting and Crochet and other yarn arts |
I have relearned to knit in the last couple of years and have tried to keep my hands busy at night by knitting and crocheting. The great thing about the internet is all the free patterns that are available and the inexpensive patterns that you can download. I am too cheap to buy too many patterns, so I often google what I want to make to find a free pattern.
About a year ago I heard about a great website Ravelry where, once you become a member (which is free) you can search through thousands of patterns or join one of hundreds of different groups. There are all sorts of wonderful tools on that site and wonderful things to explore. I have not take full advantage of it yet, but have only played around a little.
If you want to get back into knitting, crocheting or other yarn arts, go and join. It may take up to a week to get your invitation to join after you register, but trust me, its well worth the wonderful resources there to wait.
If you do join up, add me as your friend please. Asomok
Susan |
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Oct. 10, 2008 - How to Make a Proper Root Beer Float |
So, I know that summer is officially over, but its never a bad time to have a root beer float. But I hate the way most people make floats. Most people make big messes that are really just imitations of floats. They put the ice cream in a glass and then add the root beer. Wrong!!! Wrong!!! Wrong!!! This only makes for a foam mess that gets all over the table and leaves you with too much ice cream and not enough root beer. So here is the Proper Way To Make a Root Beer Float.
First assemble all the necessary components, including the glasses you are going to use. For our children, we like to use plastic cups. This night, only 3 children earned the right to get dessert.
Next, pour the COLD root beer in the cup, being careful to only fill it just over half way full.
Then, gently place one scoop of ice cream in each cup.
After the ice cream has been placed in the cup, gently take a spoon and push the ice cream so that it is submerged in the root beer. This will cause the foam to form gently. (Ignore the little spill, I was getting "help")
After the ice cream has sat in the root beer about one minute you can add another scoop of ice cream and let the foam rise gently over the top of the cup. The foam will hold together if the cup is not moved too much.
Gently place a spoon in each cup and serve and enjoy. |
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Oct. 8, 2008 - A Sweater for Isabella |
Remember my new niece that was born while we were in Wisconsin? Well, I made her a sweater. I started it while Cathy was in labor and finished it September 22.
Here it is.
And the pattern I used
I just switched the colors around (yes on purpose) because I prefer purple over white any day. Maybe I should make one for Olivia now. nah. |
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Oct. 5, 2008 - My Friend Julie |
This is my friend Julie and she is holding and loving on Olivia.
We were able to eat lunch with her family while we were in Wisconsin in September.
Julie is one of those friends who I may not talk to in a long time, but when we do get together its like we have not missed a day. She has had a major influence in my life since I was in high school and I am thankful for her continued influence and guidance to this day.
Her children are growing into wonderful young men. Our boys love going to their home and spending time with them and enjoying playing with them.
Julie is a friend among friends and we have such fun with their family.
Susan |
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About Me
Life is busy, so I am trying to "just do the next thing"
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