Devastation

Some very good friends of ours went to get their little 20 month old boy from his bed Saturday morning to find that he had passed away in the night.  I am so devastated for them and for their children.

We have been friends since before any of us were married and have continued to be friends all of these years.  We were pregnant at the same time with my 4th and her 3rd...due within days of each other.  We spent that summer throwing up and growing big together.  She went on to have another little boy and he is the one who is now an angel.  Seeing them go through this is heartbreaking!  Yet at the same time, the faith and poise and strength that has always drawn me to them is ever present.

At this time I have 2 requests.  Please keep their family in your prayers that they will find the peace and comfort that only the Lord can give.  Please take a minute to tell the people you love that you love them...you never know when you won't get another chance.

If you would like to know more about their experience, you can read her blog here.

Oh Christmas Tree!

I thought I would show you my Christmas tree.  It's a fake we've had since we first got married.  It will be retired after this year, and it has served us well.  Someday I will have a family tree in the family room that has all of our sentimental ornaments and a fancy tree in some other room that is just for me to look at.  For now, this is it.  Oh, and for the record, the ribbon was evenly spaced around the tree, but my kids won't stop messing with it.  Gotta love it!

I tried to mix all of the family ornaments with the pretty ones and I like what I got.  My kids keep pulling things down to play with, so it doesn't look like this anymore.  :)

I got the ribbon and these balls on sale after Christmas.  They are pretty and plastic, so they won't break when my kids mess with them.

This little guy has been hanging on my tree since I was a little one.  It's from Germany (where I was born).  My parents got him when my Dad was stationed there with the Army.  My mom gave each of us a few when we moved out of the house.

This is also from Germany.  It's from the year I was born...at least that's what I've told myself all of my life.  :)

I don't know how old this is.  My mom made it and I loved it so much that she let me keep it. I also have an ice skating girl that my girls saw and immediately took up to their room.  They crack me up!

This is Mr. Wonderful's from his childhood.  My almost 3 year old LOVES is and plays with it under the tree (which is where he is currently "resting".)

This is also Mr. Wonderful's.  His mom gave him all of his ornaments when we got married.  This is one of my favorites of what he brought with him.

Don't forget my new linky party "Whatcha Got Wednesday".  It starts this Wednesday and I have a really fantastic project to share with you, so come back and show me Whatcha Got!

Whatever Wednesday -- Just Love Them

Some days it is sooooo easy to love my kids.  You know the days...when everyone is happy and kind and loving so there are no temper tantrums or fighting.  I don't see those days as often as I would like, but when when I do, it is like a little slice of Heaven just for me and I just love them.

Some days it is a bit harder.  :)  You know those days too...when everyone wakes up on the wrong side of the bed and they are whining and complaining and fighting with each other non-stop.  I see these days a little more than I would like, but when I do, I remind myself to be patient and I just love them.

And then one day I find these.  First I panic because it looks like paint...but it isn't.  So I start looking for more clues to what it could be.  (I had a cold at the time, so I couldn't smell a thing)

Then I find these.  At this point I have two guesses...diaper rash cream or mashed potatoes.  

Finally I find the culprit...FROSTING!  (bad pic...sorry)

I really wanted to be mad, but I wasn't. Not even a little. The whole thing made me smile and I realized that no matter what, I just love them!

I'm linking to these sites.  Go check them out!

Thoughtful Thursday -- Siblings

I just got home from visiting my brother and it was such a great trip.  He is making steady progress and I'm so grateful to God and the Dr.s and my amazing sister-in-law and nephew for that.  I'm also amazed at what a strong person my brother is.  I don't know if I could handle what he (and his wife and son) has gone through and is going through.  Sometimes we have no choice but to do the hard things and they are doing it...every day.  I'm impressed and inspired and humbled to have the blessing and priviledge of calling them family.

To the outside world, we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time. ~ Clara Ortega

Thoughtful Thursday -- Oh Brother!!

I get to go see my brother this weekend and I'm so excited!  There are 7 kids in my family.  I am #2 and he is #3.  We share a birthday...exactly 2 years apart.  We were buddies growing up.  We are still buddies.  I love him and I know he feels the same for me.  I can't wait to see him and hug him and be with my buddy again.

This is a picture of us at teenagers...acting like we always did...like total goof balls.

This is a picture of us this past Christmas.

I will miss Mr. Wonderful and the munchkins like crazy.  I have never been away from them for this long, but I can't wait to get there and hang out with my bro.

Oh, and in case anyone was wondering, I am only 10 posts away from my 200th post.  I have BIG plans for it.  Stay tuned...

Happy Easter!!

What a great day!  We started the morning off by going to our church for an activity.  First they made and decorated foam easter baskets and then went outside for the easter egg hunt.  It was super fun!

When that was over, we went to Costco to buy some more bulbs (Hastas and Lilies) and food.  When we got home, we came inside for lunch and to put C to bed.  About 30 minutes later J looked out the window and what did he see?  Easter eggs all over our front lawn.  Our very favorite babysitters "easter egged" us.  So fun!  We're going to spend the rest of the day out in the yard and I can't wait.

Enjoy a relaxing weekend because on Monday we start our 1/2 marathon training.  We are following a modified version of this training schedule.  If you want to know what we are doing each day, just look at the "New You Challenge" section on the right of my blog.

Swine Flu Anyone?

E has swine flu. She has had a constant fever, aches, chills, no appetite, and an awesome cough. Her fever has been right around 103 for a couple of days. I hope it breaks soon. B and C now have fevers too and each of them is developing a pretty nice little cough. So far J seems fine. All 4 of them are on Tamiflu, so hopefully it doesn't get too bad. We are in quarantine for 7 days.

The saddest part is that because of the quarantine E doesn't get to finish the last few days of school and she is pretty bummed. I guess we are just going to hunker down and try to make this next week as enjoyable as possible. Lots of movies, lots of popcorn, and lots of meds.

Family Night Treats

There will be way too much sugar in this post, but if it is only once in a while it is okay.  Everything in moderation, right?

These are some of our favorite treats.  They are mostly cookies because they are the easiest and cleanest way for my kids to help.  If I know where I got the recipe from,  I will cite it.  If I don't know but you do, tell me.  Otherwise...thank you person I don't know!  I hope you enjoy them!

The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever

2 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 (3.4 oz) package of instant vanilla pudding
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cup. semisweet chocolate chips (1 bag)
1 cup chopped walnuts, optional

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.  Sift together the flour and baking soda, set asid.
2. In a large bowl cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar.  Beat in the instant pudding mix until blended.  Stir in the eggs and vanilla.  Blend in the flour mixture.  Finally, stir in the chocolate chips and nuts.
3. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes in preheated oven.  Edges should be golden brown.

Snickerdoodles recipe from here.

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Cream together butter, shortening, 1 1/2 cups sugar, the eggs and the vanilla. Blend in the flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. Shape dough by rounded spoonfuls into balls.
3. Mix the 2 tablespoons sugar and the cinnamon. Roll balls of dough in mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until set but not too hard. Remove immediately from baking sheets.

Brooke's Best Bombshell Brownies recipe from here.

1 cup butter, melted
3 cups white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
2. Combine the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each, until thoroughly blended.
3. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture until blended. Stir in the chocolate morsels. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake in preheated oven until an inserted toothpick comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove, and cool pan on wire rack before cutting.  

Beth's Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies recipe from here.

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup butter flavored shortening
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
3cups rolled oats
1 cup raisins

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, butter flavored shortening, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Stir in the oats and raisins. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until light and golden. Do not overbake. Let them cool for 2 minutes before removing from cookie sheets to cool completely. Store in airtight container. Make sure you get some, because they don't last long!

Family Night Ideas

Every week we spend one night together as a family.  We do it on Monday night.  Sometimes my husband isn't home from work yet, but we do it anyway.  Of course we miss a week every once in a while, but we really try to do it every week.  This is the format we follow.  You certainly don't need to follow this format, it is just a suggestion.  The important thing is to spend time learning and having fun together as a family.  If you want your kids to be close to you when they are teenagers, then you need to foster a close relationship with them when they are young.  It is never too late to start.  (I got this picture from here.)

Opening Song--we usually try and sing a church song.  Usually "I am a Child of God".

Opening Prayer--we take turns on this one.

Lesson--Whatever our family needs at the time.  Right now we are following these lessons, but it can be whatever you want.  Since our kids are so little, we try and keep the lessons pretty short.  Less than 15 minutes usually.  Below is a list of other ideas.

Activity--It doesn't matter what it is, it just needs to be FUN.  Below is a list of ideas.

Closing Song--this song is whatever my kids want.  Sometimes they make them up too.

Closing Prayer--we also take turns on this one.  Don't forget to bless the treats.

Treats--I think this is one of my kids favorite parts.  We don't eat treats very often, so they look forward to helping me make this every Monday afternoon.  I am doing a separate post of Family Night Treats in the next couple of days.

Lessons we have done in the past.

• Fire safety.  The love to practice the "Stop, Drop, and Roll" technique.
• Create or go over family rules.  Not as fun, but sometimes necessary
• Thankful wreaths--trace the kids hands on green paper and write on then what we are thankful for.  Arrange them in the shape of a wreath and display it during the Christmas Season.  This also works for using the hands for flower petals, or turkey wings or Christmas trees.  You can really get creative here.
• Anything you want them to learn...how to sew on a button, change a tire, bake bread, play tennis, etc.  "How to" lessons are really great.
• Role playing.  This is also good because you can teach them how they should react in a certain situation...Johnny hit Suzie at school.  What should Suzie do?

Activities we have done in the past.

• Make gingerbread houses.  Gingerbread and glue frosting recipe here.  Or you can just use the frosting recipe and make it with graham crackers.
• Pillow fight.
• Color with chalk outside.
• Go for a walk to the park to play.
• Watch a movie with popcorn.  My kids love this one, but we try not to do it too often becuase movies take away from the interaction with each other.
• Play board games or other games.
• Talent show.  I love this one.  My kids get so excited to perform for everyone.  This is also a good way to help them discover and develop new talents.

All about me...

My name is Sarah. I am barely into my 30's and I have 4 kids. I have been married 8 years. We live in the suburbs in the northern Midwest. We just bought our first house a couple of years ago and we love it. My husband is in a volatile industry and may very well loose his job this year. We certainly hope not, but it is a possibility. I am a stay at home mom.  I love my children and I love being home with them. I do not regret my decision to stay home with them. However, there are times when I wonder why it was such a good idea. :) I love to sew and read and do crafts. I also love to bake any and everything. I don't really love to scrub toilets or to iron.

Like I said, I have 4 children. We had them in 4.5 years (no multiples) and life gets down right crazy sometimes! Good thing we like crazy around here. With that, I'd like to introduce you to my children.

E is almost 6 years old. She is in Kindergarten and loves it.  She is really looking forward to 1st grade when she will be able to eat lunch at school.   She is about to loose her 4th tooth and can't stop messing with it.  She has lost more teeth than anyone else in her class and she is very proud of that fact. She LOVES to sing and do crafts. She really wants to learn to play the piano. I guess we will have to learn together. She is a really great big sister. She loves to help her brothers and sister. I think she also feels a lot of pressure to help me. My last pregnancy was really tough and she was only 4 when our 4th child was born. She had to grow up a little too quickly. I'm trying to help her relax and enjoy her childhood more.

J is 4.5 years old. He will start a developmental Kindergarten this fall. It is for kids who aren't quite ready for regular Kindergarten yet, but who need something. He has some speech delays, so he will be getting some speech therapy at school. He is so excited to finally be a big kid! He makes friends easily, so I know he will do well, but I am a little worried about whether his speech will be a problem. He has also had TONS of health issues since he was born. They are finally slowing down and I hope he stays healthy this school year. J has a quick smile and sometimes a quick temper. He loves doing "boy stuff" and wants to be just like his dad.

B will be 3 years old this summer. She is one of a kind for sure! She is spunky and adorable and mischievous. My mother-in-law (who I LOVE) jokes about whether there are horns hiding under B's pigtails. :) She is a total girly-girl. She always wants to wear a dress or skirt. Half the time she is wearing princess dress up clothes or her ballet clothes. She always wants her hair to be fixed and have some sort of bow or flower in it. B dances through life with giggles and twirls. She also loves to get into stuff and is the queen of making messes. She is VERY protective of her little brother, and she is taking great care in teaching him all of her mischievous ways.

C is the baby. He is 15 months old. He is a happy and lighthearted little boy. He has this smile where his eyes get all squinty and he shrugs his shoulders up and it totally melts my heart. He drags his blankie with him wherever he goes. He LOVES his siblings and wants to do everything they are doing. He pats everyone on the back...literally...when he wants to tell us he loves us and he blows raspberries when he wants to tell us he is mad at us. I can't wait to see what kind of boy he becomes. I just hope he doesn't become as proficient as B at making messes.