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Today is Neko's 2 month birthday. We have been blessed having him in our lives and in our family. He has made a huge imapact already and everyone enoys holding him througout the day. He is more awake during the day and makes a lot of little noises, plus he melts everyone he sees with his smile! Here is a picture of the baby boy!
One of our favorite family Christmas traditions is to act out the Christmas story each year. This year Neko received the favored role of Jesus. Not bad for only being two months old. Below are some photos from this years story.
The Angels
Joseph, Mary and Jesus
The wise men |
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If you are planning to be sick this winter, I'd highly recommend doing it as a family. It is much more exciting to be together. We have spent the past four weeks being sick in some way or another. None of the illnesses have been horribly horrible, but enough so that we couldn't go out and do a lot of things. It hasn't been all that bad. We have played a lot of BINGO, watched some fun Christmas movies like "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", as well as done a lot of art. Normally, during this season, we participate in lots of different Christmas activities, but this year we did a lot of staying home and resting. It seems like maybe we have been able to focus a bit more on each other, and on Jesus, instead of making ourselves crazy in the hustle and bustle. Don't get me wrong, I don't really like seeing my children - or husband sick, but if we had to be, it was a perfect time to be home. Some of our favorite moments have been watching the movie, "The Nativity Story" for the first time. This really helped us turn our eyes to Jesus, and remember that his birth was indeed an amazing event. It was kid-friendly and everybody, including Charity sat and enjoyed the movie. Another favorite activity has been playing "Charades". I don't know why we have never played this before, but we hadn't. It is now our favorite favorite game and all of the gang enjoys acting out and guessing. So, I guess, in spite of the flu, we have had a bright and happy holiday season. We are so grateful for each other and for the opportunity to travel to be with our family today. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... |
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Thanks to those of you who prayed for our return to health. We haven't returned completely, but we are definitely on the upswing. This has been an icky bug. Harrison and Charity got it worst and the rest of us just got it! Thankfully Neko is nearly better, just a teeny weeny stuffy nose on occasion. I was most concerned for him and Charity. She has done beautifully - I think having a repaired trachea is very helpful... We are hoping to be totally well by Christmas, but even if a little cough remains, we're thankful to be on the road to recovery. Just wanted to let you all know! |
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Tears spilling over my eyelids and down my cheeks... ...as I sit watching my precious baby girl (who isn't really a baby anymore) singing "Away in the Manger", as only she can sing, adding her own unique hand motions. God, You didn't have to return her to health, but you did. In fact, You gave her even better strength and health than before. You didn't have to allow her to survive multiple "near-death" moments, but You did. Along with that, You gave us the strength to bear it. I am overwhelmed at your goodness to our family. This child who has long been our treasure and joy - without whom we would have lost so much. Thank you Lord for what You have done. That would have been enough. For always. But, You didn't stop there. You gave us Neko, and now our hearts are overflowing. For all of Your good gifts, for Jesus, we thank you. "Away in the manger, no crib for the bed, the little Lord Jesus, laid down His sweet head, the stars in the sky looked down where He lay, but little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay. " |
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We have had a few weeks of sickies around here. It seems like it's been two different bugs, but could be the same one? Either way, we are all hoping to be better by Christmas. Neko is stuffy, and so we're keeping a real close eye on him. Doctor said to bring him in if he gets a fever. So far, the sickest are Harrison and Charity. Everybody else is tired and a little ill-feeling, but not full on sick yet. I made a list that I put on the refrigerator yesterday. It gives seven things that the children are to eat or drink each day. There are vitamins and garlic and some of my other "secret weapons" I'm hoping this bug gets out of our house quickly, but in the meantime, we are listening to stories, coloring and blowing our noses :)
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For about three weeks now I have been seeing it. Well, maybe dreaming or hoping, but I think it's there - the pre-smile. I am sure, I assume, that Neko wants to smile at me. I imagine that he is just gearing up, psyching himself up for that first big smile. Of course, I am confident that he wishes he could say "thank you" for all of the hour long feedings in the night, as well as the many poo-poo diapers I've changed, and for sure, my diligence in keeping him safe from the over zealous loving arms of siblings. With each one of the children, I have longed for the smile, the one that really makes everything more than worth it. Not like it isn't worth it anyway, but you know what I mean...it's just the icing on the cake. So...I went grocery shopping a couple of nights ago leaving the children with Will. He ended up holding Neko for about an hour, and the two of them had a ball. He claimed that Neko had smiled at him, and quite honestly, I didn't believe him. Not that he would lie, but I just couldn't bring myself to accept it. However, last night while Will held him, I leaned over Will's shoulder and watched with wonder as Neko smiled several times with a beautiful full mouthed grin. He wasn't looking at me, he was smiling at Dad! Was I jealous? Not even a bit...I realized this time as before, that Daddy is very deserving of the first smile. After all, he's the one who puts up with my bursts of energy that usually result in a crash somewhere along the way, and he's the one who willingly gets up early to take the baby so I can have an hour more of sleep. He's the one who will sacrifice his health and comfort sitting up all night holding a sick child and he still goes to work the next day. He is a good listener and a hard worker. I think the smile was rightfully his! Don't get me wrong, I'm still waiting...and thinking, maybe...oh, wait, was that a smile?!? |
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SpellQuizzer is a spelling program that helps kids learn their spelling and vocabulary words. Having homeschooled "officially" for about 8 years, I am always thrilled to find a product that will help me help my children. One subject that is ever so important to producing good readers, writers and communicators, is spelling. I loved spelling, but didn't always like the studying that was involved in preparing for my weekly spelling test. My folks were very good about drilling me, and testing me at home so I'd be adequately prepared, but I'll bet if a software like this had been available, they'd have been thrilled. For my own children, I find that each one needs individual time with someone else who can quiz them orally. Though I enjoy this, it is time consuming, until now! I recently came across a wonderful product called "SpellQuizzer". Each week, I use my microphone (which can be purchased very inexpensively) to record each person's spelling list for the week. Sometimes I use a silly voice and sometimes I include a little sentence or definition to help aid vocabulary building. The kids love it! They take turns with earphones, listening to and then typing in the spelling word. "SpellQuizzer" checks their work and allows them to repeat the missed words until they get them correct. I could see right away that they enjoyed using this program, however the results that came out of it, showed me that we needed to implement this into our spelling program for the rest of the year. Two of the three received 100% on their tests and the third child missed only one word. A time saver, a fun activity, and a help for learning to spell well...I'm in! The SpellQuizzer web site has pre-made downloadable spelling lists that you can download and use with SpellQuizzer. SpellQuizzer is great for homeschoolers. |
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Thank you Lord, for Neko, and for the priviledge of being able to be his mommy...would You always give me grace and mercy in loving my children and allow me to see them as Yours, on loan to me for a little while. Help me to do everything I do with the good of their eternal souls. Raising them to love You and worship You for all their lives. You are so good...
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Today was our first pediatrician visit for Neko. It took a couple of weeks to get an appointment with our very much in-demand doctor. We love her to pieces and appreciate her gentleness and calm demeanor with the children. Today was a bit of a challenge since the rooms are very small and all six children were going to be in the room. Tucker volunteered to read books to Harrison and Ellie, Chloe had Charity, and I was in charge of the star of the show. It ended up that Charity took over holding Neko since Charity was rather "busy" and needed a little more Mommy attention. Neko had gained over three pounds in his nearly 7 weeks, and is now in the 25% of the growth chart. This little fella eats all the time...he's gearing up for his wrestling career apparently! Neko loved having his clothes off and wiggled, kicking and squirming on the little exam table. He was bright and alert during the visit and our doctor was very pleased with his good health. She has high hopes - as do we - that he will not struggle with health issues as Charity has. Our evening was fun-filled as well. We headed over in our coordinating outfits to the Sear's Portrait Studio for family photos. We haven't done this for three years, so everybody was understandably excited. The photographer was good about getting Charity and Harrison to smile, so we ended up with a number of cute poses. We all had a great time clapping and cheering trying to get each other to smile at the appropriate moment. She even managed to get Neko with his eyes open looking at the camera. So, feeling rather tired and thankful that so much was accomplished today, I'm off to bed, hoping for a couple good hours of sleep...
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Just been a little busy :) I can't even remember what kept us so busy on Saturday and Sunday, but I'm sure it was something! Monday we travelled to my hometown for a funeral service. We made the two-hour trip there, stayed for three hours and then came back home. The service was for a dear family friend. She had gone in last March for a routine surgery, and was never able to fully recover. She had a series of set-backs, which finally ended in her passing away last week. Aunt Juanita, was loved by everybody, simply because she loved everybody. She made us all feel like the most special person in the world, and of course to her we were. Lots of people shared memories, and we all came away feeling her loss profoundly. We're so glad she's finally well, and with Jesus, but boy will she be missed! Neko handled his first "road-trip" very well. He slept there and back. It was fun to introduce him to my friends at the church there. It was also good to share Charity with everyone who hadn't seen her since her hospital stay. This week we are getting ready for our school co-op on Friday. This year we're studying the 50 states of the USA and each family presents one to three states per meeting. Our theme on Friday will be the Kentucky Derby. Hopefully, I can get some great pictures. Now to clean up the tornado that blew through my kitchen.... |
In case you thought I fell off the side of the earth or something...I didn't...|
My four oldest children went to the Nutcracker today - thanks to their Grandparents. I have taken Tucker, Chloe and Ellie a couple of times in the past. Each year our San Jose Performing Arts Ballet Company offers a significant discount to all of the school children. It is their dress rehearsal, so we come knowing that there may have to be a stop and start again, although I've never seen that happen. The ballet officially opens tonight, but a roomful of school children get to enjoy it first! My wonderful parents (who happen to be very busy right now) came specially to take the children since Charity isn't quite old enough to sit through two hours yet. I stayed home with her and Neko. Here they are ready to go...
In the evening the kids' choir sang at the downtown Christmas in the Park event. We love going to this event each year. One of the favorite things is the "snow". Here's Grandpa and four of the children getting caught in some of the white stuff...
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Tucker demonstrates how to really wear a turkey hat. He is quite the funny guy... Harrison loves his "bwuddoh, Neato" Celebrating the first day of December, the children opened the first door of the Advent Calendar. Inside is a piece of chocolate. The past two years they have been taking turns, so that every four days they get to eat the chocolate inside. Today it was Tucker's turn...
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Somebody woke up early and crawled in Grandpa's sleeping bag...
First activity of the day was decorating turkey hats. They were a little ridiculous, but we wore them during the scavenger hunt. Next, we followed clues throughout the house and yard that finally led to a "treasure" for all of the children. They each received an art project and were paired with an adult who helped them complete it. The boys put together race cars and the girls decorated small jewelery boxes.
After naps and busy dinner preparations, we sat down to a delicious meal. It was all so festive thanks to the placemats and centerpieces that my children made. Here is the kids' table, - Grandpa in the background with Neko.
The highlight of the day might have been the scavenger hunt following our turkey dinner. We divided into three teams and divided the neighborhood. Each team went to a designated part of the neighborhood, knocked on the door and asked if the people in the household might have one of our twelve items needed. There was a thirty minute time limit. Two teams ended up with nine items and one had six. Our neighbors really got into the game and helped the teams come up with lots of needed items.
Here we are geared up for the hunt, waiting for the"buzzer" So glad for Thanksgiving and the chance to be with each other!!!
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We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends, but more on that later... Friday morning, most of the cousins were outside playing Cops and Robbers while the adults sat inside visiting and enjoying Charity's antics. She was being especially charming and adorable. Uncle Dave called to her and said, "Charity, come see Uncle Dave" Her response was to slowly and deliberately balance herself into a standing up position in the middle of the floor. Without anything to hold onto, she stood there for about three seconds before landing on her bottom. The room erupted into cheers and applause. Her little face beamed radiantly. She knew she had done something pretty incredible. This was particularly special because all of the people in the room had prayed fervently for Charity not so many months before, while her life hung in balance. We can't believe how blessed we are to have witnessed a miracle in the hospital. Now watching this little girl whom the doctors warned us might end up being brain dead, growing and changing every day, reminds us that God has His hand on her life and through her He has indeed touched us all! |
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SO...taking a picture involving six children is a bit of a challenge. This one was the best. Not sure what Harrison was doing, and I think Neko was irritated that Charity kept rubbing his head. Charity only has eyes for the "baby" as she calls him in sign language. Ellie was feeling pretty pleased with herself for being the lucky one holding the baby. We have had a busy couple of days as we've been preparing to host Thanksgiving in our home. The four oldest made two pumpkin pies - all by themselves. I couldn't have done them any better, in fact, I usually burn my baked goods! As if eating the thanksgiving meal isn't fun enough, we decided to add in a craft or two, a treasure hunt, and a scavenger hunt. We'll let you know how it goes! For now, Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours!!! AND happy one month birthday to Neko (yesterday)....
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How 'bout those cheeks...
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The girls, Neko, and I attended a holiday craft boutique on Saturday. One of our friends was selling her hand crafted notecards, gift tags and a few other nifties. I was so impressed. Seriously, these are so well done. Actually two good friends have their own online stores, selling paper goodies. Just wanted to mention it with the holidays arriving, check out these adorable Christmas cards and tags! http://www.etsy.com/shop/kristinsanchez http://www.etsy.com/shop/mypaperhabit
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Trials come in all sizes and shapes. What may feel nearly crushing to me, seems to another, like nothing very much at all. We have been reading in Proverbs chapter 3, that the son/daughter whom the Lord loves, He disciplines. None of us likes trials or discipline, for that matter. We'd prefer to learn our lessons without the hard things. But, what our family is learning, is that, the Lord has the most amazing love for us. He wants us to be like His wonderful self and sometimes the best way to accomplish that, is by giving us difficulties. These are intended to bring us closer to Him, to cling to Him and thereby, become like Him. Wouldn't we all like to be more like Jesus? I would. As you know, we now have Neko in our family, and truthfully, we are overwhelmed with joy for this little boy. My daughter Chloe has been praying faithfully for almost a year, that God would give us another baby. She hasn't given up although, it lead to many a discussion as to why God doesn't answer our prayers when we want Him to... When we found out that Neko was to be a part of our family, it would be difficult to describe how Chloe responded. She saw God answer a prayer right in front of her eyes. Then, came the hard part. She had had a rash for a couple of days, but it seemed to have gotten worse, so I sent her to the doctor's with Grandpa and Grandma. The doctor felt that it was a highly contagious rash that could easily spread, particularly dangerous to a baby. Of course, that meant that Chloe couldn't hold or kiss her new little brother. She was devastated. We couldn't stop her tears for almost two days. The first week was one of great sacrifice for Chloe. She already loved Neko, and understood that though she selfishly wanted to hold him, she wanted him healthy more than that, and so she was choosing to give up her right. She began to pray for Neko's family, knowing that their sacrifice was greater than her own, and beginning to understand in a small way, how love sometimes causes us to do great, hard things. For some children, this trial would have been minor, but for Chloe, it was huge. Happily, for all of us, Chloe's rash was nothing more than a really icky rash that needed ointment to help it go away. She gladly held Neko after the alloted time, and I think with a much more thankful heart than before. Here is my beautiful Chloe holding Neko in the sling for the first time. How very thankful...
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For some reason our bed is the local hang-out spot in our house. It seems like most mornings we end up with a ton of little people in bed with us. Feet and arms and heads every which way, everybody clamoring for a spot, wrestling, pillow fights - then Dad sounds the alarm so the chores must begin... Sometimes, even when it isn't morning time, I find people using the bed as a fort or book reading nook. You name it, the bed in our room is a hot spot!!! Here are some little cuties I found there today...
"My, what big eyes you have."
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On Sunday we brought Neko to church. He slept through the whole service! It was fun to introduce everybody to our sweet guy! One of the families of our church hosted an after-church party following the service. We all met in the home for lunch and fellowship. Several of the ladies worked to make everything come together. They all purchased a gift for Neko and of course everybody who wanted to, got a turn holding him. It was a special "welcome Neko" celebration. Our church has been supportive and encouraging throughout the years of our many adventures. On another note, Charity has become quite the big girl since Neko arrived. We weren't totally sure what she would do as she's been known to be, shall we say, a little over-exuberant in her loving! We have been pleasantly surprised...she LOVES baby Neko and strokes his head while "holding" him. Here's a shot of the two of them...
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