Friday, August 29, 2008
Flashback Friday
I've been pressured into the flashback Friday concept. :) My young friends participate in this fun concept. I must admit I had fun perusing the old files as I stepped up to the plate to find something to post. What a fun walk down memory lane. These are the hospital shots of the kids meeting Aaron for the first tim, November, 2002. Oh how time flies as my baby is now in school.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Big One!
Last weekend one of Zach's friends from church came home with us. As has happened on many occasions Zach wanted to fish. I always give him permission because he is a man in the making and he likes the thrill of the hunt. Rarely do we ever catch anything and if we do, it is a sun fish at best.
This time was very unusual because unlike most days, they actually caught something. Not only did they catch a fish, but it was the proverbial "Big One." What was really cool is that within minutes, yes minutes, Zach had caught one of almost equal proportion and we got to watch him real it in. Two catfish!
Before it was all said and done, they managed to snag one more catfish, the same size as the second one (all within 15 minutes). This is when I decided to put the ban on any more fishing. I didn't want to completely empty our poor little pond and ruin anyone else's chance of catching something. Besides, Scott was home working on a 10 pg paper for seminary and didn't have time to keep rescuing me and the boys (none of us had the gumption to try to take these mean boys off the line). Before it was all said and done with my dear man helped fillet the game ( I will spare you those pictures) to send Zach's friend home with dinner.
For the boys, it was a GREAT day!
Now this is a big fish!
A closer look at Phillip's first catch. Mind you, Scott does not have small hands.
A hard fought struggle with this one. Love Aaron's interest and how he investigates the bloody guy from a safe location.
Now for the traditional pose so you can see how big Zach's fish was.
This time was very unusual because unlike most days, they actually caught something. Not only did they catch a fish, but it was the proverbial "Big One." What was really cool is that within minutes, yes minutes, Zach had caught one of almost equal proportion and we got to watch him real it in. Two catfish!
Before it was all said and done, they managed to snag one more catfish, the same size as the second one (all within 15 minutes). This is when I decided to put the ban on any more fishing. I didn't want to completely empty our poor little pond and ruin anyone else's chance of catching something. Besides, Scott was home working on a 10 pg paper for seminary and didn't have time to keep rescuing me and the boys (none of us had the gumption to try to take these mean boys off the line). Before it was all said and done with my dear man helped fillet the game ( I will spare you those pictures) to send Zach's friend home with dinner.
For the boys, it was a GREAT day!
Now this is a big fish!
A closer look at Phillip's first catch. Mind you, Scott does not have small hands.
A hard fought struggle with this one. Love Aaron's interest and how he investigates the bloody guy from a safe location.
Now for the traditional pose so you can see how big Zach's fish was.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Repeat of Yesterday
May I just say that God is so gracious to me because today I received the same exact greeting from Aaron as he came off the bus. Little boy running off the bus at full speed into his mama's waiting arms, priceless. I know this won't likely be an everyday occurance but for now I'll treasure each and every one.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
First Day of School
Another summer has come and gone as ALL 5 kids started school this morning. Everyone was in good spirits and ready for things to start up again.
This year is unique of course because after 13 years of having children under my roof I will now be in the house alone. Surreal to say the least. I met with a dear friend today and came home in time to meet the kids getting off the bus. This made the transition smoother. It is time to take advantage of the opportunity to start on a long list of neglected projects and seek the Lord's will with employment. For today, time to rejoice over many years of abundant blessings.
The look on Aaron's face matched the enthusiasm of this mama's heart when the kids came home. God so blessed me with this greeting!
This year is unique of course because after 13 years of having children under my roof I will now be in the house alone. Surreal to say the least. I met with a dear friend today and came home in time to meet the kids getting off the bus. This made the transition smoother. It is time to take advantage of the opportunity to start on a long list of neglected projects and seek the Lord's will with employment. For today, time to rejoice over many years of abundant blessings.
The look on Aaron's face matched the enthusiasm of this mama's heart when the kids came home. God so blessed me with this greeting!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Birthday Tribute to a Dear Friend
Today, well it is past midnight but since I am still awake it is still the 11th of August, Emily's birthday. Today I honor this dear friend. She is someone God brought into my life that quickly made her way into my heart. About 10 yrs her senior, my friendship to this young woman has been a blessing to us both. I was allowed for two years to have Emily and her kids living life along side us. What a privilege and what fun for me and my family to get to know and love these guys.
My Tribute:
Emily, you are a treasured friend and sister in Christ. I first admired your loving admiration of your husband, I saw honesty and humility in your journey with our Lord, I was drawn to your love for life, laughter, and chocolate, and last but not least you gave me some little ones to get to love on, how it filled my buckets.
The Lord brought you into my home almost weekly for the past two years. I have so many fun memories of your time here: long talks in my kitchen, lunches together, making snacks and taking seconds (without worrying about what other women would think), many laughs watching your little one's antics, feeding Rebekah so many "firsts," sharing our concerns, speaking truth in love and encouraging one another, drinking a lot of fountain pops, and simply striving to be iron sharpening iron with one another. The Lord has moved you on simply in location but not in importance in our lives. The Sterners love the Malones and always will. I am so grateful to God for allowing our lives to intersect briefly but in eternally deep ways. Happy birthday. May the Lord bless you.
Unfortunately this is chronicled in reverse but it is late, grace me. This is the night before Emily and her family of 4 left on their journey to the great state of TX and eventually, on to Scotland where Josh will be attending Aberdeen college.
Who wouldn't be blessed by this sweet part of our friendship. Love this kiddo! ( Thanks Hannah for catching this.)
The second little one that I got to meet and love.
Here are the Malones, minus Josh, after cutting both her kid's hair. That is a very trusting friend. I am not professionally trained.
Emily bringing Luke over for his first visit to our home.
I was giddy with excitement here. I absolutely love hospital time with a newborn. Fun memories. Did I mention I just love babies.
Sharing a cold Iowa Easter egg hunt--note Emily does have a husband. Sorry Josh that I have so few pictures of you.
Had to throw in a fun shot of Rebes playing at our house. I am smitten, what can I say.
Malone girls come along for my kids field day.
One of Rebekah's many food firsts.
More play dates, this time with some other friends.
We really broke you into the larger family concept. You tolerated us so well!
A popsicle first.
Pickles, where the food journey began.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY!
My Tribute:
Emily, you are a treasured friend and sister in Christ. I first admired your loving admiration of your husband, I saw honesty and humility in your journey with our Lord, I was drawn to your love for life, laughter, and chocolate, and last but not least you gave me some little ones to get to love on, how it filled my buckets.
The Lord brought you into my home almost weekly for the past two years. I have so many fun memories of your time here: long talks in my kitchen, lunches together, making snacks and taking seconds (without worrying about what other women would think), many laughs watching your little one's antics, feeding Rebekah so many "firsts," sharing our concerns, speaking truth in love and encouraging one another, drinking a lot of fountain pops, and simply striving to be iron sharpening iron with one another. The Lord has moved you on simply in location but not in importance in our lives. The Sterners love the Malones and always will. I am so grateful to God for allowing our lives to intersect briefly but in eternally deep ways. Happy birthday. May the Lord bless you.
Unfortunately this is chronicled in reverse but it is late, grace me. This is the night before Emily and her family of 4 left on their journey to the great state of TX and eventually, on to Scotland where Josh will be attending Aberdeen college.
Who wouldn't be blessed by this sweet part of our friendship. Love this kiddo! ( Thanks Hannah for catching this.)
The second little one that I got to meet and love.
Here are the Malones, minus Josh, after cutting both her kid's hair. That is a very trusting friend. I am not professionally trained.
Emily bringing Luke over for his first visit to our home.
I was giddy with excitement here. I absolutely love hospital time with a newborn. Fun memories. Did I mention I just love babies.
Sharing a cold Iowa Easter egg hunt--note Emily does have a husband. Sorry Josh that I have so few pictures of you.
Had to throw in a fun shot of Rebes playing at our house. I am smitten, what can I say.
Malone girls come along for my kids field day.
One of Rebekah's many food firsts.
More play dates, this time with some other friends.
We really broke you into the larger family concept. You tolerated us so well!
A popsicle first.
Pickles, where the food journey began.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY!
Hannah is typing
Ok so this is Hannah (yes me, her daughter, is making this post). I know my mom doesn't always do the best job at keeping new posts up but when she does no one comments (tear). I know there are lurkers out there. Identify yourself. PLEASE COMMENT. It is fun to hear what people have to say and its encouraging for her to post more!!! I will make sure she does the same for you.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Vaction--Sterner Side
Time for a recap of the time spent with the Sterner side of the family. As I revisit the photos we took I came to realize that we did not do a great job at capturing everyone equally in the photos. Keep in mind then that there is no partiality based upon the number of times one does or does not appear in the shots.
Here are some of the kids with cousin Korrie out on their acreage. Fun on the "farm"involves a dip in an animal watering receptacle. Who needs a real pool!
Aunt Brenda is a jack of all trades and had once again used her creative genius to make her own enormous slip-n-slide. Here Elizabeth takes a flying leap.
Korrie fights hard to keep gravity from winning the tug-o-war challenge to pull her over onto the grass.
Apparently Hannah lost this battle.
Love taking water shots!
I mentioned in a previous post that there was a cargo story to be told. Here is how it all played out. We were packing up to head to a water park in a neighboring community with our 7 kids, 5 Sterners, 2 Cederbergs. With 10 people, two vehicles were needed. Riding assignments were made, supplies packed, children buckled, adults in, and off we went. We had gotten 4-5 blocks away when the phone rings. We missed it and were in the process of redialing Scott's mom when we see Scott's sister turning around. She motioned us up along side of her. When we pulled up beside her she said that she got a call from headquarters (home). Thinking she would be funny she said, "did we forget someone?" The reply that followed was, "yes!"
My heart sank when I heard that poor Isaac had been inadvertently left behind. We find this a little funny because he has on more than one occasion been told that he looks like the boy from the "Home Alone" movies. I digress.
As a mom my first concern went straight to his feelings, was he crying? The sick feeling stayed with me until we pulled into the drive way. Mom Sterner had attempted to "cover" for us by telling the slightly saddened boy that contrary to what Grandpa said they hadn't exactly "forgotten" him but were "just down the street" and would be right there. Such a good recovery, or so I thought.
I quickly ran up the stairs and Isaac saunters out of the house. I just wanted to pull him in my arms and love on him a bit, probably just as much for my conscience as for his heart. To my surprise he was not sad, not especially loving either as he moved toward the van and simply turned and said to me, "first you forget Zach, now me." I guess he has been a part of a big family for long enough to know that you can't sweat the small stuff. At our house the unexpected often happens regardless of how much planning goes into something. So much for a loving reunion. Off to have some fun!
In order to redeem myself I must first explain that the riding assignments were made and everyone who was supposed to be in my car, was there. I did my head count as I so frequently do because I don't want to give Child Protective Services any business. I had assumed that the same was true in the other vehicle. When will I learn I should NEVER assume. Besides who would have thought that anyone getting to go to a water park would have gotten distracted by a book in a back bedroom with all the commotion it takes for us to get anywhere. It may have something to do with the fact that moving us out of the house takes a small act of congress and is less efficient than I would like to be. More than likely, Isaac just got tired of waiting and quietly busied himself until he realized that it was much to quiet in the house. That is never normal either.
As a side note, Zach was not "exactly" forgotten, not like it sounds. This summer when our church was beginning to be crowded by the ensuing flood waters we were at the facility sandbagging. As stormy weather encroached upon us Scott told us to head home. I went. I got about 5 miles down the road I realized I didn't have Zach with us. He had went off with a friend in search of fish in shallow waters. So, I did inadvertently leave him behind but he was, after all, at the church, God's house, with his father. Now is that so bad? We will leave that one out for the jury.
The Z-man .
Korrie trying to help Isaac stay afloat, not an easy task.
Can you say "cheesy" grin?
Hannah banana!
Having fun in the wave pool.
Ok, I know this is an abundance of Aaron pictures but Scott was messing around with the camera and got some really cool water shots. What is more fun than summer colors and water to make a good photo.
As proof that there are more people in his family here is a random shot of Scott's sister and her husband. Say cheese!
Here are some of the kids with cousin Korrie out on their acreage. Fun on the "farm"involves a dip in an animal watering receptacle. Who needs a real pool!
Aunt Brenda is a jack of all trades and had once again used her creative genius to make her own enormous slip-n-slide. Here Elizabeth takes a flying leap.
Korrie fights hard to keep gravity from winning the tug-o-war challenge to pull her over onto the grass.
Apparently Hannah lost this battle.
Love taking water shots!
I mentioned in a previous post that there was a cargo story to be told. Here is how it all played out. We were packing up to head to a water park in a neighboring community with our 7 kids, 5 Sterners, 2 Cederbergs. With 10 people, two vehicles were needed. Riding assignments were made, supplies packed, children buckled, adults in, and off we went. We had gotten 4-5 blocks away when the phone rings. We missed it and were in the process of redialing Scott's mom when we see Scott's sister turning around. She motioned us up along side of her. When we pulled up beside her she said that she got a call from headquarters (home). Thinking she would be funny she said, "did we forget someone?" The reply that followed was, "yes!"
My heart sank when I heard that poor Isaac had been inadvertently left behind. We find this a little funny because he has on more than one occasion been told that he looks like the boy from the "Home Alone" movies. I digress.
As a mom my first concern went straight to his feelings, was he crying? The sick feeling stayed with me until we pulled into the drive way. Mom Sterner had attempted to "cover" for us by telling the slightly saddened boy that contrary to what Grandpa said they hadn't exactly "forgotten" him but were "just down the street" and would be right there. Such a good recovery, or so I thought.
I quickly ran up the stairs and Isaac saunters out of the house. I just wanted to pull him in my arms and love on him a bit, probably just as much for my conscience as for his heart. To my surprise he was not sad, not especially loving either as he moved toward the van and simply turned and said to me, "first you forget Zach, now me." I guess he has been a part of a big family for long enough to know that you can't sweat the small stuff. At our house the unexpected often happens regardless of how much planning goes into something. So much for a loving reunion. Off to have some fun!
In order to redeem myself I must first explain that the riding assignments were made and everyone who was supposed to be in my car, was there. I did my head count as I so frequently do because I don't want to give Child Protective Services any business. I had assumed that the same was true in the other vehicle. When will I learn I should NEVER assume. Besides who would have thought that anyone getting to go to a water park would have gotten distracted by a book in a back bedroom with all the commotion it takes for us to get anywhere. It may have something to do with the fact that moving us out of the house takes a small act of congress and is less efficient than I would like to be. More than likely, Isaac just got tired of waiting and quietly busied himself until he realized that it was much to quiet in the house. That is never normal either.
As a side note, Zach was not "exactly" forgotten, not like it sounds. This summer when our church was beginning to be crowded by the ensuing flood waters we were at the facility sandbagging. As stormy weather encroached upon us Scott told us to head home. I went. I got about 5 miles down the road I realized I didn't have Zach with us. He had went off with a friend in search of fish in shallow waters. So, I did inadvertently leave him behind but he was, after all, at the church, God's house, with his father. Now is that so bad? We will leave that one out for the jury.
The Z-man .
Korrie trying to help Isaac stay afloat, not an easy task.
Can you say "cheesy" grin?
Hannah banana!
Having fun in the wave pool.
Ok, I know this is an abundance of Aaron pictures but Scott was messing around with the camera and got some really cool water shots. What is more fun than summer colors and water to make a good photo.
As proof that there are more people in his family here is a random shot of Scott's sister and her husband. Say cheese!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Go-Cart Fun
Before heading to Scott's side of the family we had one last outing at my sister's. Here we were treated to go-cart rides by my niece and nephews. My children were thrilled with this activity.
Here Rachel gives Elizabeth a spin.
Uncle Randy was Aaron's chauffeur.
Matthias took Zach for a ride.
Hannah's legs looked especially long on the g0-cart. Didn't squelch her enthusiasm.
My brother's oldest, Jonah, giving his ride a thumbs up.
Even Jared could give rides, this time for Nolan, by brother's youngest. It amazes me how well the kids could maneuver the car.
I realize as I try to chronicle this event I didn't get Isaac's picture on the go-cart. Who knows, maybe he didn't even ride. This lack of recollection is somewhat bothersome in light of the other "Isaac" story. That will come in the next post about the Sterner side of the visit. I am sure you will all tune in because you are on pins and needles. One hint.....missing cargo.
My niece Rachel is a gymnast besides an amazing dancer. Her cool dad made her a balance beam on which to practice. After watching Rachel do her really cool tricks I was up for a challenge, minor though it be. After some instruction from the pro I mounted up and did my one trick. I jumped.
Yes indeed there was lift off and a "successful" landing. Not impressive but I did it. I stepped off after that so I could leave with my record unblemished. Hannah had apparently snagged the camera thinking she would get some incriminating photos. Not this time. ;)
I really don't know how these kids do such amazing tricks and make it look so easy. I will leave the cool stuff to pros and enjoy them soon in Olympic form. Can't wait!
Here Rachel gives Elizabeth a spin.
Uncle Randy was Aaron's chauffeur.
Matthias took Zach for a ride.
Hannah's legs looked especially long on the g0-cart. Didn't squelch her enthusiasm.
My brother's oldest, Jonah, giving his ride a thumbs up.
Even Jared could give rides, this time for Nolan, by brother's youngest. It amazes me how well the kids could maneuver the car.
I realize as I try to chronicle this event I didn't get Isaac's picture on the go-cart. Who knows, maybe he didn't even ride. This lack of recollection is somewhat bothersome in light of the other "Isaac" story. That will come in the next post about the Sterner side of the visit. I am sure you will all tune in because you are on pins and needles. One hint.....missing cargo.
My niece Rachel is a gymnast besides an amazing dancer. Her cool dad made her a balance beam on which to practice. After watching Rachel do her really cool tricks I was up for a challenge, minor though it be. After some instruction from the pro I mounted up and did my one trick. I jumped.
Yes indeed there was lift off and a "successful" landing. Not impressive but I did it. I stepped off after that so I could leave with my record unblemished. Hannah had apparently snagged the camera thinking she would get some incriminating photos. Not this time. ;)
I really don't know how these kids do such amazing tricks and make it look so easy. I will leave the cool stuff to pros and enjoy them soon in Olympic form. Can't wait!
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