the Whitney Kiddos

Six Months Post-Delivery of Baby#6

2011-10-12T13:49:00.000-05:00

We never posted the birth story of Baby #6. William wrote the birth story posts while we were still in the hospital looking out the window, waiting to be released. Since we opted for a home birth this round, that lull in time never happened. Instead, post-delivery, William was up cooking scrambled eggs for our hungry crew and beginning the (almost yearly for us) transition to having a newborn around. (By the way, Pops, great job! Very good eggs!)

Well, since Patience Ann turned 6 months old yesterday, he thought it time to get the story down to remember God's immeasurable kindness to us. Here's the birth story in William's words...

Sunday, April 10^th was unseasonably hot in Aurora – 83 degrees and sunny. As we were putting the Whitney kiddos to sleep that night none of us were comfortable in the hot weather. It had been a long, cold Winter and we weren’t adjusted for this burst of heat. I was up and down the stairs for several hours that night comforting the uncomfortable, hot and sweaty Whitney Kiddos.

As the night progressed, Momma thought she felt some serious motion in her lower areas. I’ve learned to cautiously un-heed these signs as they typically are not indicators of labor. I know the look she gives which means ‘babytime’ and she wasn’t giving it yet. In a moment of utter brilliance, I suggested we watch a Piper sermon to end out the day. The topic was quite intriguing (Abortion and the narrow way that leads to life), and we were greatly encouraged and provoked by the message. Some of us were provoked in more ways than one!

As the message was closing, Kia made it clear that it was going down. Sounded good to me, though I had some hesitation as I was still actively involved with comforting the hot and sweaty Whitney Kiddos. And, it wasn’t cooling down yet - it was such a hot day for April! Nonetheless, one doesn’t alter labor and delivery plans based solely on sweaty, unseasonably warm temperatures. We quickly gathered ourselves together and Kia went to the potty. I made the all important phone call to midwife Christina and left a brief message and she called back shortly thereafter. She was sending her “feeler party” (nurse Karen) to scope out the scene and report back. Soon Karen would arrive.

Our original plan was to give birth on our bed. Why we thought that was ever a good idea I don’t know. We had been sleeping on a vinyl shower curtain under our sheets for the last two weeks. Not comfortable or smart! But with the children upstairs trying to sleep, we wisely decided to alter the plan and go for birth downstairs in the schoolroom. I gathered the supplies from our bedroom and set up shop in the schoolroom, laying down a tarp to cover most of the floor.

The kind and friendly nurse Karen showed up around 10:00 pm and, after assessing the birth progress, decided it would be best for us to spend some time sleeping as the whole thing was moving along rather slowly. I liked that suggestion a lot and gave it a hearty second! Karen told us to let her know when the contractions picked up so that midwife Christina could be called to the scene. We made our way upstairs and I quickly fell asleep.

Meanwhile Kia was very concerned that labor would progress too quickly either for midwife Christina to arrive or for her to even make it downstairs. She didn’t sleep as well as me. And, around 12:30 am, gave me a shake to let me know it would be a good idea for us to head down and get word out for Christina to come over.

So we headed downstairs and were happy to find nurse Karen was now accompanied by midwife in training Stephanie. They were laying down also, trying to sleep, looking quite comfortable on our couches. Of course it was bit awkward since we didn’t know them at all but still exceedingly better than a hospital.

I decided to brew some tea but no one else was interested in joining me. Kia and I set up shop in the dining room, making awkward and hushed small talk about anything we could think of just to avoid the nervous silence of strangers half sleeping/half listening in your living area. Stephanie made her way over to the dining room and was very friendly and kind and excellent at interacting in the midst of such a situation. Clearly, she had done this before!

And so we stayed in the dining room for a while and eventually made our way into the schoolroom. After an hour or so of no visible progress, Stephanie suggested that Kia use the big ball as a leaning prop to help bring it on. Wow, that worked really well! Kia started having some massive “babytime” contractions and in a short while it was show time.

At 2:20 am everything was in place…except midwife Christina. She hadn’t arrived yet but momma and baby weren’t going to wait for her. I wasn’t the least worried as I could tell Karen and Kelly could easily deliver this baby. Either could have done it alone but we had the added benefit of both…plus my wise oversight!

Kia hunkered down and pushed through the pain, standing upright with hands spread out on the side of the couch. Behold, what beauty to see woman in all her glory! Bearing the full wrath of Motherhood, drinking it down in full gulps that would paralyze most men, only to brace herself up for another round and (figuratively speaking) say “thank you sir may I have another!”. It brings me much joy to say that Kia delivered like a pro and I continue to stand amazed by the God anointed gifting she has for this.

Stand and deliver indeed! Without notice the baby’s head appeared and the ladies told her to go ahead and push. Arms were ready to catch whatever might come out and, with no further discussion, Kia pushed! Standing up, leaning on the side of the couch, Kia pushed…and the baby shot right out, missing Karen’s catch but landing in Stephanie’s arms!

What a moment of beauty and agility. It was unlike anything I would have expected or even thought of! The words “tribal” and “cool” reverberated through my mind as I grasped what had just happened.

And then, to further revamp my expectations, baby Isaiah James faded in a distant memory…this little one was a girl! Unbelievable! I purposely read both Isaiah and James earlier in the year because that was his name.

Momma was laid down and baby girl was placed on her chest. I was a bit rushed by all the excitement but knew I wanted to clean up some of the messy stuff as soon as possible. I was surprised it wasn’t nearly as messy as they make it out to be in the big house – clearly another ploy to convince us to keep coming back to them! It only took 1 small trash bag to address the need and I gracefully finished off that task with no problem. Within a few minutes, midwife Christina arrived and knew from outside she had missed the show – she could hear baby girl crying from the front sidewalk.

Eventually we made our way to the couch and the midwife’s crew made their way to the dining room. I made them coffee and fed them a baked good Kia had made earlier in the day. They sat around the table and analyzed the entire event sort of like a post game segment on a sports channel. It was intriguing but I was close to passing out so I missed most of it. We excused ourselves with baby girl to head upstairs and get some sleep. They said we weren’t allowed to do that as government regulations require the baby be monitored by women in pajama like costumes for at least 24 hours. Ha, ha I jest.

They promised to lock the door on the way out…and we went to bed close to 4:00 am.

As the sun rose on April 11^th each Whitney kiddo made their way into our bedroom – one at a time – completely unaware of their new sister. And so they were greeted with the good news. It was really neat.

Later that morning we were tossing around ideas for a girl name. Keep in mind, I had predicted with 99% certainty that the baby would be a boy. I threw out names drawing from the last verse of 1 Cor 13 – Faith, Hope, Love – none of which seemed to stick. Which led us to the fruit of the spirit…Love, Joy, Peace…Patience! We all agreed that we liked the way it rolled off the tongue, especially with the middle name Ann.

Patience Ann Whitney…PAW. A perfect addition to the Whitney family.

William has a way making me laugh. I so appreciate his taking the time to capture these precious moments and to record them in his voice for our kiddos to enjoy reading one day. And, for the record, this is just the beginning of the story! Post-delivery had us almost in a similar situation to Autumn's delivery as Patience was also Coombs positive. But, God intervened so that we were able to steer clear of the hospital. We know that had we had a hospital birth, we would not have had control over caring for her at home in the way we wanted. Perhaps we'll share that story one day as well.

Fun at Cantigny

2011-06-14T21:27:00.000-05:00

And now for some other pics. Sadly, little Patience is in only 1 pic! Well, she's actually in Daddy's arms in another pic but it's from such a distance you can barely see her. (I'll do a separate entry with pics of her! Hopefully sooner rather than later!)

In these shots we enjoyed a warm Spring day at Cantigny. If you're in this area and you've got kiddos, this is a must. In fact, whether or not you have kiddos this is a must if you enjoy the outdoors. (Note: I'm not even big on the outdoors and I love this place!) We went last fall and had a good time but enjoyed our time even more this visit.

Patience crying in her car seat needing to be in Daddy or Mama's arms. Isn't she a cutie-pie though!

I am not fond of pics of myself BUT I love being with my kiddos. This is a record that I actually do attend these family outings! And I actually climbed this tree! What fun!

Kadin David

Big girl Saraina-bug

the J-man

Paloma... quite angry in this shot

Autumn saying one of the few words we can all understand

Climbing the tanks

Autumn in Daddy's lap

Paloma looking a little less angry and more pensive

And Saraina-raina again

Climbing a tree

Aubuddy and Lolo in the wagon

More tree action

Lady Loma in the tree

Autumn

Daddy with his arrows... minus Joshua

Autumn so wanting to climb this tree

A Windy Day in April

2011-06-14T20:03:00.000-05:00

I've done a horrible job posting. C'est la vie! To give a hint at life around our parts I wanted to share some pics. These pics are from a day at the playground the kiddos LOVE to visit. Sadly, I don't have a pic of Baby Patience but she was strapped to me and all bundled up! Trust me. She wasn't left at home!

Introducing Baby #6

2011-04-16T06:32:00.000-05:00

After ~5 hours of labor (story to come) at 2:24 am CST Patience Ann Whitney was born on Monday, April 11, 2011 weighing 7lbs 1 oz and measuring 19" long!

Patience is doing well though she is Coombs positive (like her big sis was at birth). We are praying and trusting God to allow her bilirubin numbers/jaundice to decrease. She is getting lots of sun and is being nursed frequently to aid this fight to breakdown the bilirubin.

Oh- side note: Patience is a fruit of the Spirit and Ann means gracious, merciful. Ann is also Kia's mom's middle name.

Note: These pictures are from a sweet friend who blessed us with a photoshoot yesterday morning! What fun to see a photographer in action!

Baby #6 - A Letter to You

2011-04-05T20:39:00.000-05:00

(Written last week but never published!)

March 30, 2011

Dear Baby #6,

Little one, you've got five big siblings excited to meet you along with two parents that can hardly wait to hold you near and kiss you all over! Our waiting time is coming to an end soon!!!!

Just today each of the bigger kiddos touched my belly and giggled as you kicked and stretched and visibly entertained us all as I went over some of the potential "game plans" for your arrival. As it stands, a good friend who is very experienced in home deliveries will come over and care for you guys. If it happens during the daytime, she'll probably drive you guys to her home and allow her 5 girls to "entertain" you. I'm very comfortable about her being involved as she's seen 6 home births and has delivered all of her girls at home.

I had a midwife appointment this afternoon and it looks like I'm still measuring ahead! By her measurement, I'm around 38 weeks though her calculations put me at only 36 weeks and 3 days right now. We've invited lots of dear people to join us in praying that you would not arrive until at the earliest, April 1st. For MANY reasons, your Pops and I do NOT want to go to the hospital... at all... so we're also praying that there would be no complications whatsoever.

Life around here is all about you, kiddo! We are all busily trying to get as much accomplished as we can because we know you will dominate our attention. Daddy has finished double digging our garden (some serious hard work!) and I marked it off with our new Spring 2011 plans so you'll have plenty of yummy vegetables to eat come September! We're calling you by the unannounced chosen name though we have no idea what sex you are and praying for you daily. We are seeing Aubuddy Autumn step up into her big sister role just as all the others did for the sibling who arrived after them. All in all, you are blessing our family even from the womb!

Looking foward to meeting you face to face,
Mama

Where to Begin?

2011-03-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

Blogging is very much not a priority for me these days. I never posted birthday notes to my boys (Joshua in November and Kadin in January). I never shared about our big trip after Christmas. Our new school year began in January (first grade for the J-man and S-girl) and I have said nothing about that as well. Yep.

So, where to begin?

How about where we are today?

Today we are...

~ watching Paloma's scar lessen after a bizzare incident which led to us having our 1st kiddo get stitches (four, to be exact)

~ watching and praying the Lord, the only One who creates life, allows our vegetable seeds to grow strong in our basement

~ preparing for Baby #6 by getting the homebirth supplies together

~ clearing out/giving away as much unused things as possible to simplify life around here (and hopefully to bless others in some small way, perhaps)

~ getting as many school systems in place to ensure a quick transistion back to school after Baby #6 arrives

~ completing lots of projects around the home like putting in a new sink and painting our little half bathroom and baking (and trying not to eat!) lots of loaves of bread

~ spending more and more time alone, as Hubby-Wifey, and with the kiddos marveling at our amazing Savior and how trustworthy His is

~ praying more as a family and enjoying the blessing of children who can pray for themselves, family, and friends even at the age of 2. And having ALL of them (minus Autumn) all WANT to pray! (Talk about faith-building!)

~ buckling down on specific training areas for Autumn (who is just beginning to walk more than crawl!) and Paloma (who is terrified to sit on the potty due to falling in a few too many times)

~ listening to sermons throughout the week to keep our souls fed and our minds from straying as we are VERY prone to forget how sinful we are and how wonderful He is

~ excitedly approaching April 1st when we will officially be health insurance free and when our membership with Samaratian Ministries kicks in

~ marveling at how eating lots of butter, drinking raw whole milk, making 14-16 eggs at least 3 times a week, preparing pancakes 3 times a week, and drastically cutting our addiction to sugar has significantly and greatly blessed our family

~ spending the weekends praising God by working together planning for our Spring and Summer gardens (i.e. I'm planning while Daddy and Joshua till the soil, and Kadin and Saraina add leaves and pine cones to our compost bin)

... and much more but life calls as the aroma of a certain child tells me I have greater priorities to tend to.

But, here are some pictures for you to enjoy of our world! Sorry about the randomness of them. I'm not in the mood to put forth too much effort in this endeavor.

Saraina got a violin from Uncle Freeman. (Neat story behind that but no time for details.)
She has wanted to learn how to play for the last couple of years.

Kadin's 4th Birthday - He wanted oatmeal with bananas for his breakfast.

Here's our four-year old boy. He has desired to play the guitar for awhile.
Daddy has taught him a chord tp play and he seems to have natural ability.

Another birthday shot. This is right before cake time.

Here's little Autumn dealing with the cold.
She didn't cry but she didn't look terribly happy either.

S and J enjoying the large snow drifts. Notice their positions.
J-man is the natural leader and S-girljoyfully following.

Sweet Saraina kept up with her big brother for the most part.
She explored our fenced-in yard, made snow creations, and
kept her big bro company.

The J-man LOVED being out in the snow.
Truth is, he LOVES being outside regardless of the weather.
He truly is a boy and truly is an outdoorsy kind like his Pops.

This is Paloma a couple days after receiving stitches.
She ran into a door at just the right height and with just the right amount of speed.

Kadin washing his hands in our "new" little half bath.
Check out the world's smallest sink!

Papa and the four bigger kiddos at the front of the house.
The kids were playing and Daddy was working.

Saraina still enjoyed swinging despite the cold and the snow.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

2010-12-25T21:36:00.000-06:00

(In case we didn't send you a Christmas letter by an error, Merry Christmas! Read and enjoy!)

“For unto you is born this day

in the City of David a Savior

who is Christ the Lord.”

December 2010

Dear Family and Friends,

Christmas is drawing near and we are excited to celebrate the birth of the Savior. He came and He will come again! Does that amazing truth cause your heart to swell? Like many of you, we are spending much time remembering this and trusting God to help our family live in light of it.

Speaking of living, this past year we have been living with such a greater appreciation for how He actively cares for us. Specifically, here’s how:

~Wisdom 356 (our year-round homeschool) opened in January for Joshua (6) and Saraina (5)and is in full swing...and we LOVE it! Homeschooling is SO much sweeter than Kia imagined! Talk about “training your children when you rise up and along the way...” We selected a curriculum in June that is working well for our kiddos and the Mama. (Even Paloma (2.5) loves saying her phonograms and playing with the abacus!) Kadin (4) is also enrolled in the pre-school program. The Lord has provided us a separate room in our house just for our school and even a kidney-shaped classroom table that all the students fit around! We are thankful.

~Food/au natural...ever since Joshua and Kadin tested positive for egg/peanut allergies and Paloma was unable to drink pasteurized milk, we have been questioning why? Early this year we decided to try some experimental food changes - drinking “farm fresh” (raw) milk straight from a local cow and buying “farm fresh” eggs straight from local chickens. After the kids did well with the eggs and milk we pressed on in this endeavor and have been consuming as much organic, chemical/pesticide free food as possible. The boys now are able to safely eat eggs and peanut butter and Paloma does great with the milk...and we are grateful! Kia is making all our food from scratch, so no preservatives or funky chemicals with foreboding names. It can be a busy and time consuming process. But is has been inspiring to consider how our food is prepared and where it comes from and what is God’s design in all of this. Plus the Whitney parents have shed some extra baggage!

~The harvest of our garden was exceptional this year and a family inspired project. We expanded our little plot and encaged it with a chicken wire fence to keep the wild beasts out. What a blessing as we harvested fresh veggies from June through October...green beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, banana peppers, cucumbers, butternut squash, zucchini, peas, kale, carrots, beets and even 2 pumpkins!

~And the harvest of people continues...Autumn (1.2) is going to be a big sister soon as baby #6 is due in April! (In our minds, a large fam is when you’ve got 7+ kids.) We are excited about going for a home birth this round with a certified nurse midwife! In anticipating the arrival of Baby #6, we upgraded to a massive 15-passenger, sweet ride since we were maxed out in our minivan. Need a lift? We have room now!

There’s always more to share but those are some of the highlights. Have a joyous and Merry Christmas!!!

Love,

William and Kia along with Joshua, Saraina, Kadin, Paloma, Autumn, and Baby #6

Saraina-bug Turns FIVE!!!!!

2010-11-30T06:57:00.000-06:00

November 5, 2010

Dear Saraina,

Happy 5th Birthday, dear daughter! Yay! Time to recount God's kindness in bringing you into the world five years ago today.

Daddy and I LOVE remembering the birth story of each of you kiddos. Your birth story was exciting because it involved Walmart, Chik-fil-a, a kind neighbor on the bottom floor of our then condo, speed, and our first beautiful baby girl with a head full of curly dark hair!

Lots has changed since that birth day five years ago but you remain our first beautiful girl with a head full of thick curls. What's so sweet about you now is I get to enjoy seeing the many ways the Lord has gifted you. You have an eye for beauty and an ear for music to match your hand for creating.

You take joy in pointing out colors and shapes and capturing them on paper, listening and singing to music, taking note of how things move and fill space. You are an artisit at 5, no doubt.

You enjoy school and the work that involves. You may be similar to how I was as a little girl, loving books and school and learning and playing school with my dolls. You are now the kid who can read things as you look out the window of the van.

While you are such an avid reader, you willingly ask my approval over books you select at the library and seem to accept without problem when I say you may not check out a particular book. What evidence of God at work in you, sweet girl.

Other things I'd like to remember about you at this age are:
~you cross your legs when you sit down in the van and are all buckled in
~you eat very well but still don't like to chew and swallow broccoli, green beans, or meat
~you still wear your veil around your head (really a ballet skirt!) even when we go out
~you like to wear your rainboots with your dresses and a bit of dirt doesn't phase you
~you are very thoughtful and always thinking of someone to make something for
~you suffer from nosebleeds often, particularly when we don't make you drink a glass of raw milk

Daddy and I adore you and thank God for you! May you, our little budding artist, use all of your gifts for God's glory and may you grow in your affection and awe of The Creator!

I love you, Saraina Elisabeth!
~mommy

Our Autumn Glory Turns One

2010-10-06T14:22:00.000-05:00

October 5, 2010

To my sweet little Glo Baby,

Happy First Birthday!

Well, so many things to recall so that I do not forget God's kindness to me in allowing me to give birth to you and to be your Mama!

As the fifth child, I am amazed at how different you are from your siblings! Yes, truly God has handcrafted each of you to fulfill yet-to-be-determined purposes. You are so different that Daddy and I LAUGH in amazement that you are truly the one and only little Autumn Glory!

Like that gorgeous tree that God made, you were designed to bring Him glory. And how blessed I am to experience a bit of His marvelous design in watching you grow, learn, change, interact, and even sleep.

So, what makes you such a unique WhitneyKiddo? Here's a little list:

~ you have no desire to stand which means you are FAR from walking
~ you scream with such a range of sound in your voice you startle us, esp. the deep growl which always gets our attention (though we try not to laugh!)
~ you are the best eater we've had, meaning you will eat whatever we give you (even chunks of liver!) and eat a significant amount of it. In fact, you've never had "baby food", i.e. store-brought baby food which may be one reason for your good attitude toward food
~ you are still nursing and are showing no signs of being done
~ you have a blast and remain totally content when your siblings (twice a day, before lunch and before dinner) pull you in the wagon outside
~ you move around but only by a strange-to-us slither

Of course, you are still a WhitneyKiddo! Here's a little list for that:

~ you have lovely, wild hair
~ you like being around fire with Daddy outside
~ you love music and are quite the groover
~ you've got those dark eyes that smile
~ you're just a little peanut of a gal, a lightweight indeed
~ you don't go to the doctor so we have no "official" numbers on you
~ one of your favorite foods has OATS as the main ingredient
~ you go to bed early... but also rise early

One of my favorite things to see you do is dance! I'm going to attempt to upload a video showing how you groove. In case it doesn't work, you put your head down and shake it all around. Oh, I love watching you do that!

And, precious Autumn Glory, I look forward to watching (and listening too!) much, much more as you grow into the special girl that God has created you to be... for His glory! Yes, Autumn, the wonderful changes, the amazing colors, the way nature is affected, the cool weather and warm clothes... is one of my favorites... and all opportunities to bring the Creator glory, much glory...

I love you, sweet girl!

~mommy

All Five...

2010-09-21T15:46:00.000-05:00

Here are 2 quick pictures showing all the kiddos together.

Though parenting them is EXHAUSTING and quite tempting, we ADORE THEM.

Lord, You truly have a sense of humor in making me the mama to these kiddos!

One Pic

2010-09-06T20:31:00.000-05:00

Had a fun trip to the city today to chill with Granddad, Grammy, Uncle Freeman, Aunt Jenny, and cousins Hamilton and Veronica. The few pictures I remembered to take didn't come out so great but I love this one where Autumn's checking out Granddad and Hamilton's checking out his little cousin.

Our Questioner

2010-09-05T20:11:00.000-05:00

Wasn't planning on blogging tonight but I so don't want to forget this. My heart is just overflowing with praise to the Lord as I see evidence of God at work in Joshua.

Joshua stays up later than the others. We've got a special thing where once you hit the big age of 5 years old, you get to stay up till 8:00pm (sometimes later when the conversations get real good!). Right now, it's just Joshua who gets to enjoy this special privilege.

This evening as Joshua was getting his devotional book out for us to read to him, he stops, turns to me and says, "Mommy, do ever wonder why God made you? Do you ever want to be dead more than you want to be alive?"

Lord, thank You for Joshua. Thank You for how You made his mind. Thank You that he asks us these types of questions and desires to know You more. Equip William and I to know exactly how to respond to him and point him all the more to You.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Lomita!

2010-09-04T13:49:00.000-05:00

(This is the birthday letter I wrote to Paloma back in July. The only reason I'm posting it now is to let her know that she was not forgotten. It was just a really busy summer!)

July 9th, 2010

Dear Paloma Joy,

We love you, little lady, and are thrilled to celebrate your 2nd birthday!

Because I am recording fewer of these moments, I'd like to share a little bit about the gal you are so that I won't forget.

~You are VERY small (still) for your age. I don't think you hit 20 lbs yet! Most people think you look average in size because the cloth diapers that nicely pad you in the tushy! In fact, we've realized we must dress you in different clothes when you do (on those rare occasions) wear disposables! Not that long ago I put a disposable on and had to put you in Autumn's 3/6 months shorts!

~You are VERY loud. You have tremendous volume with seemingly little effort on your part. Now that you are speaking more and we're able to understand you more we love that distinct voice of yours. Some of the typical phrases we hear out of your mouth are:

*Mommy! Mommy! I aunt waddy. (translation: Mommy! Mommy! I want water.)

*Jah-jah! Say-na! K-K! Aubuddy! Hiyeee! (translation: Joshua! Saraina! Kadin! Autumn! Hi!)

*I-ya Joe-joe, Daddy. (translation: I want a Joe-Joe, Daddy. Note: Joe-Joe's are Trader Joe's version of Oreo's, a treat for the kiddos.)

~You are very capable of keeping up with your older siblings. You want to be with your siblings and want to do what they do. It's funny and remarkable how quickly you can pick up on certain things just by their example. You pay special attention to Saraina and learn ballet moves from her. So cute.

~You remain extremely affectionate. You will have anyone pick you up and hold you!

In closing, sweet Paloma, draw near to God, little one. Receive His precious gift of salvation! My heart overflows as I think about worshipping The Creator with your Daddy, siblings, and you one day...

Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mommy

2010-09-01T21:27:00.000-05:00

Here they are. The Whitney Kiddos in age order. And come April 2011, we hope to add to this group of crazy kiddos.

Brief update...

Joshua - almost 6 y.o., enjoys bike riding, building structures that require bricks and poles, asking questions that require an internet search for me to answer, needs a badge because he thinks he's in authority over his siblings, and I love having one-on-one time with him once the others go to bed so I can hear more about what wonderfully interesting things go through his head!

Saraina - almost 5 y.o., enjoys writing, reading, has a high tolerance for pain, remains our songbird, is the peacemaker, and is just an absolute pleasure to be around as she often thinks of others over herself and is quick to give so that her sibling can receive!

Kadin - 3.5 y.o., enjoys playing with trains, killing bugs, is passionate about everything he does, must be a drummer one day, and I often forget how little he still is when his little strong body cuddles up and receives and offers affection!

Paloma -2 y.o., unbelievably strong vocal cords, loves singing and dancing, adores being a big sister, can hang with the boys or the girls, and is just the littlest thing that packs such a powerful punch as she bellows her giddy giggle out and words that are still covered in babytalk!

Autumn - almost 1 y.o., often said to look like Kadin but looks just like the girls baby pictures, beginning to crawl (finally!), outstanding eater, learning to sleep through the night, does the cutest things with her tongue and eyes, and I love nursing her and having her stop, look up into my eyes and giggle with a sweet grin on her face! I can't believe she'll be ONE in October!?!?!

Our "Quiet" Time

2010-04-17T07:46:00.000-05:00

This is what our "quiet" time with the Lord included:

Yep. All of the walkers... came downstairs to join us!

Our Five

2010-04-14T20:45:00.000-05:00

If only we had unlimited access to a photographer to capture the many funny moments... and not so funny moments over here on the corner. Maybe we will be the stars to some reality show one day and the kiddos will have an endless supply of footage to recall their wacky childhood! Er... or maybe not.

Well, at any rate, here are some pictures of life in our world...

Joshua's first time holding Autumn in a picture.

The kiddos playing in the backyard. I love Saraina's fashion sense!

And, of course, Miss Personality Paloma with the hat on.

This was me just before taking the kiddos to church.

Pops was playing on the worship team this morning so I tried

to be ambitious and snap a picture before bringing the crew to church.

Didn't work! Paloma was distraught because she had to sit still.

Saraina-bug was angry because I made her wear a sweater.

Kadin was very joyful though! And Joshua... always the curious one.

Oh- and AGW... chillin'!

Words of Love

2010-04-13T09:23:00.000-05:00

We don't call people much. We don't send cards in the mail often. BUT, we do talk a LOT about our fam and friends. And our kiddos write words of love a LOT!

Saraina did this just this morning and I thought it was too cute not to share.

translation:

Love Emily

Allison

I love you Emily.

translation:

I love you

Celeste.

translation:

Hamilton

Baby Veronica

And so we remember and pray for our cousins... especially Baby Girl arriving today in Dallas!

FYI...

2010-04-06T08:59:00.000-05:00

Not much time to blog so I'll simply let you know that there's a post HERE on our latest adventures...

Will try to post some pics of the kiddos since Autumn did turn SIX MONTHS yesterday! Wow! Half a year already!

Lady Loma

2010-03-08T14:25:00.003-06:00

This is our Loma! Yes. I LOVE that face!

Nothing much to write today. Just wanting to share a picture of one of my precious kiddos.

Oh- and I do hope to share a video clip later (if Blogger works okay). It'll be a short clip wishing someone a happy bday...

And if you haven't seen the latest Whitney gal, go to Team Whitney and you can ooo and ahhh over cousin Veronica Safiya! We did!

The Joy of Reading

2010-02-26T09:44:00.000-06:00

Our homeschool has been very "off" lately. With Pops having a hernia, multiple night meetings the past few weeks and Autumn up every hour or every other hour at night have compounded our normal chaotic busy weeks.

I've failed in my prayer challenge and have had some "low" moments thinking, "I just can't _____!" And if it had not been for the grace of God, I wouldn't be able to stand. Yes, among other graces, His Word has definitely sustained and held and strenghtened me.

One thing I have done more of this week is read to the kiddos. What a joy! I mean, I'll always read something to them in the course of a day. But this week we've been reading a lot more. And I love it!

And they do too! See them enjoying books on their own?!

And even Paloma gets excited about it!And if you're interested in books we are enjoying, check out our TWK Book Recs page!

Fun When Mommy is Out of the Room

2010-02-20T21:17:00.003-06:00

Here is what the WhitneyKiddos do when Mommy is out of the room and busy cooking dinner...

Yep. Having lots of fun!

Saraina's New Song

2010-02-01T20:59:00.002-06:00

Today our songbird Saraina was singing her own song this afternoon. She does this often. You know, making up the lyrics as she goes but singing really loudly as if it were a real song. I was listening and watching her as I was feeding Autumn and this is a bit of her song:

O Jesus made the waters and the sea.

Jesus made everything in the world.

Jesus created man.

He made them male and email.

Saraina-girl, I love you and your songs!

Prayer Challenge and the New Blog

2010-02-01T14:49:00.004-06:00

In case you're wanting to join me in our Whitney Adventures, here's the new blog address. As I mentioned before, this new blog will be more of those random, personal posts that are part of our Whitney adventures (hence the name).

The first entry there is about the challenge to pray for your husband I mentioned in my last post.

And happy February!

A Challenge for the Wives

2010-01-29T14:56:00.003-06:00

Soooo... the month of February is almost here and it is the month of L-O-V-E, right? Well, any wives out there ready to join me (and a small growing group of some of my dear friends!) with praying for our husbands during the month of February? What better to communicate LOVE for our husbands than through prayer?

Come on, now! You KNOW you can stand to pray MORE for your hubby!

So, if you're wanting to join me and some friends as we seek to lift our precious husbands up to the One who can do all things and takes our weak, small efforts uses them for His glory, go HERE. (FYI, I got this idea from the Passionate Homemaker though I've taken this challenge before. Thanks, PH, for reminding me of this excellent resource!)

Oh- one more thing. A sweet friend shared the prayer challenge with her hubby and he was able to add more specific things he could use her intercession on! What an idea! Ask your hubby if there are specific ways you can pray for him and add those to your list!

Finally, for those who care, beginning February 1st I'm starting a new blog (I know, roll those eyes along with me!) so that THIS blog is more focused. This blog will only be pictures, words, and video clips of my adorable kiddos - or things that involve them in some way. This new blog will be more of what this one has turned into - personal reflections, random updates, and news on all the weird stuff us Whitneys are into. Hopefully I'll finish my 1000 gifts blog one day, too.

Now, post those comments (or email me) letting me know you're up for taking up the 30-day prayer challenge!

What Do You Deserve?

2010-01-23T08:09:00.004-06:00

That's the question I need to continually ask myself.

What do I really beleive I deserve? I mean deep, deep down in my heart what is it that I truly believe I deserve?

The objective, unquestionable truth to that answer is... HELL.

Though I often forget that in the course of a day as I am faced with "challenges" and "temptations," God will open my eyes to the utter, disgusting reality of my sin... against Him.

Yet, thankfully, He doesn't keep me from the greatest news which is infinitely bigger than all my offenses against Him... He has died for me. He died the most horrible death for the sin that clings so tightly at times I feel it will overwhelm me. But that sin has NO CHANCE against God's power!

If you're interested in "my story," go here.

This blog post is more about where I am today though. I'm saved, by His mercy and grace, I'm held by His kindness and love, and I'm a work in progress!

Lord, my heart aches for those I know personally who do not have that awareness of just how sinful they are and just how much they need You, the only Savior. My heart aches as they can be as moral or upright or good as they please... but their pride... their pride is keeping them from true, lasting peace.

But, the good news is they too can "seek the LORD while He is near" (see Isaiah 55:6) for you desire ALL to see their sin and live for you (see Romans 3:23-26).

And the good news for those like me, saved but see anew their sin, we can run to Him and find mercy again and help for the race!

Thank you, Lord! You do not treat me as I deserve! Would You be as kind as to remind me even quicker of that as I serve, teach, train, engage, love my kids today? Thanks!

Can It Be? Kadin's THREE!

2010-01-12T14:35:00.007-06:00

January 12, 2010

Dear Passionate Kadin David,

Kid, you are w-i-l-d! What I mean is you are wildly full of so much expression, energy, and emotion that parenting you is never dull. And now you're THREE years little, buddy! Happy, happy third birthday, my affectionate boy!

When you were being knit together in my womb, I prayed God would allow you to be a genuine companion, friend to your siblings. Well, you certainly have been that. I love to see you with "Lopa" and "Babee Autumn" and how you interact with Joshua and "Reena." True, I am often concerned with how physical you are but I know it is just because you're just a little ball of love.

As far details on who the Kadin is at this point (i.e. a few months before turning 3), you were potty trained WAAAAY easier and quicker than your big sibs, all praise to God. You can hang with Joshua and Saraina and are considered one of the "bigger ones." You're fully a talker though not many cannot understand you at this point. You are tough but have started making your spills look more intense than they really are (thanks to others in our fam who do that). You have the tightest little thighs I've ever seen and look like you're training to be a future Iron Man.

And, because you're always cracking us up, here's a short video clip of you tonight which is evidence of how crazy you are. Oh, how we love you, little guy!

Oh, Special K, use that energy for our amazing savior! May God use your passion to draw many, many souls to Him!

love, mommy

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

2009-12-24T22:34:00.005-06:00

We were late getting our Christmas letter out this year. Then we got the letter finished and had printer problems (ran out of ink). We also had a hard time, like every year, getting a Christmas photo of our fam. We ended up scrapping the idea to have a photo of all 7 of us in a picture.

Anyway, in case we neglected to put you on mailout list, here's our letter:

December 2009

Merry Christmas and Happy Holy Days, friends and family!

Don’t you love this time of the year? Celebrating our Savior’s birth just before ending a year and preparing for a new one is a time we really try to savor. Regardless of our circumstances, our wants and needs, our haves and have nots, when we remember God’s kindness to mankind in Jesus’ birth, perfect life, painful death, and amazing resurrection, we have MUCH in which to be thankful!

As we reflect on this past year, the most exciting news for 2009 in our family was the birth of our fifth child, Autumn Glory Whitney on October 5^th. She is a very peaceful, mild-tempered baby and has a great smile that pops up when you look in her eyes and talk to her. Her siblings enjoy talking to and about her. She is a real treat.

The other kiddos are quite a lively group. Joshua (5), Saraina (4), Kadin (almost 3) and Paloma (1 ½) are growing as one would expect. They say and do very cute things which we try to treasure up in our hearts. They also do very annoying things which remind us of our and their need for the Savior. By His grace they are learning about God and His Word. We see God’s grace in their lives in how they relate to one another and their desire to know God. They are truly a blessing and we count ourselves privileged to be their parents!

Joshua will begin the real-deal kindergarten in January via our Wisdom 356 Homeschool. We can’t tell who’s more excited, Joshua or Mommy. Saraina will continue her training in princessness as she twirls and plays dress-up. She has a remarkable ability to mock imitate others. Kadin is full of zeal! His passion has him well-known and well-loved by many! Our little dove, Paloma, is just as adorable as can be and beginning to use words to communicate. She loves talking about food and babies.

As for us big kiddos, we celebrated 8 wonderful years of marriage in November. Wow, it has gone quickly! We have realized we are a bit strange but boring people and like it that way. We enjoy doing atypical things like planting cornstalks in the middle of our backyard and bolting a swing to the header in our foyer so the kids can swing indoors on inclement days. We are thankful to God for He has blessed us far more than we deserve.

Living in Aurora in our big old white house is a good time. All of our neighbors seem to have disappeared and the homes are vacant, so if anyone is looking for a home…come on over. We’re the white house on the corner with the wood fence. We can’t promise a clean home but we are certain you will find something in which to make you laugh!

May our Savior’s birth be more precious to you this Christmas!

~the whitneys (William, Kia, Joshua, Saraina, Kadin, Paloma, and Autumn

And here are some pics of the kiddos...

A Letter to My Five Year Old

2009-11-24T20:06:00.006-06:00

November 24, 2009

Dear Joshua Caleb,

Happy 5th birthday to you, son! FIVE years old! Big stuff!

Since you're the oldest, you know the drill. Mommy likes to write you kiddos birthday letters (especially since I'll never complete another Baby Book again. Actually, did I ever finish yours?). But, I'm switching things up on you. This round I'm simply going to share one story of how I know God is at work in you. Listen up.

The other day I got a glimpse of just how much God is at work, wooing you to come to His Son, Jesus. Remember the M&M day? I'll remind you.

I walked into the room and caught you, red-handed, sneaking M&Ms from the candy dish. I was so hurt I couldn't even find the words to say to you. I shook my head and walked into the kitchen. You quickly came after me and asked me what you should do with the M&M still in your hand. I shrugged and said, "Whatever."

But this is where I saw God at work! You threw the M&M's away and broke out into deep sobbing! Immediately I knew you were really crying. After a few minutes of me holding you I asked you why you were crying. You said, "Because I'm sad."

Not expecting much of an answer from you, I was shocked when you told me, "Because I disobeyed!" Again, more sobbing.

Why do I share that? Because my greatest prayer for you (and all your siblings too) is to see your sin and to turn from it as you put your trust in Jesus! Oh there is NOTHING better than Jesus!

So, I am more aware of God's hand on your life and your heart and mind beginning to understand how corrupt it is and how you desperately need the Savior. In fact, it's only been days since the M&M incident but I continue to see your heart softening as you confess your sin and grow in sorrowfulness.

Thank you for being so teachable. Thank you for listening so closely during out Circle Times. Thank you for asking such thoughtful questions. I believe those traits will serve you well in your lifetime.

Happy Birthday, my son. How I love you and thank God for you. I love being your Mommy!

Eight Years of Marriage

2009-11-17T19:43:00.006-06:00

Oh my Papa-son!

As I write this you're at an annual meeting for one of your properties. I just got all the kiddos down and though there are million things I want to get done before you get home tonight I MUST stop and publicly acknowledge our Eighth Anniversary!

Last night we had a good time going through our wedding scrapbook. As we read it aloud side by side on our couch we laughed SO hard seeing how utterly foolish and out of our minds we were! Can you believe it took us EIGHT years to see that your mother's name was misspelled in the wedding program!? And to think we gave people only around 2 weeks to RSVP! What laughs we probably provided for so many who attended the wedding! We were so young and clueless! It is humbling to see a bit of who we were not that long ago.

But, praise God, He did not leave us like we were then! Granted, I wouldn't mind fitting into a size 4 again, I thank God He knew just what we were doing back then and has kindly worked it out for our good and His glory. Only God could write a story like ours. I still marvel that I'm married to a white guy (who deep down thinks he's black) and that we have five children. When did that happen?

Here we are, much heavier and wider than we once were... We are laughing more, kissing more, going to one another for help more, talking and listening more, encouraging one another more, seeking forgiveness and covering offenses more. Do you remember reading and talking about The Prayer of Jabez? I think you read it first and gave me the book, maybe? Anyway, God certainly has "expanded" our "territory," eh? Yes, the boundary "lines have fallen for [us] in pleasant places."

What's my conclusion? There is NO place on earth I'd rather be than by your side, my prince. Everything is sweeter when I experience it with you for you help me see just how marvelous He is!

Thank you for learning that Babyface song and proposing to me eight years and five weeks ago! God is so good to me!

I love you, Hby!

~wfy

P.S. Have I told you today that I think you're sexy?

Princess Saraina, Happy 4th!

2009-11-17T08:54:00.000-06:00

November 5, 2009

Sweet Saraina-bug,

Daddy and I remember it so well. Four years ago today I made Daddy drive through Chik Fil-a TWICE as we were out shopping. Perhaps that was the help you needed for my water broke shortly after we got home that afternoon and you burst into the world less than 10 minutes after arriving at the hospital. Boy, you came FAST! And from the beginning, we loved our first princess.

You have so many neat qualities about you and so many things that make you so unique to us. Often I watch you from a distance and think, "Where'd she get that from?" and the only answer would be our amazing Savior, Jesus. Of course, I also see those things that Daddy and I want to address early so that you might live your life in a manner worthy of the Gospel. God kindly is granting Daddy and I eyes to see areas we can focus on to help you live to God and die to self. So, all that to say, I so enjoy just watching you, taking in it all.

In watching you I see how much you have grown in one year and how quickly our time with you might be going by. You amaze me at what you can read. Granted, we're not talking Pilgrim's Progress but I vividly remember my second and even fourth graders not being able to read short vowel words.

I love how you are all girl, wearing pink and purple, "decorating" your hair, and caring for your babies. But you love playing tough with your brothers! Yes. You can hold your own wrestling with them. This picture says it all me. Climbing a rope ladder with a jean skirt on boots!

You are growing so much in listening. How critical it is to be a good listener! As Daddy leads us in our morning Bible time you sit and really focus on what he is sharing. While the full comprehension will come later, you are putting forth good effort in trying.

You and Joshua have always had a special relationship since you're so close in age but it is really a blessing to see you and Kadin developing a sweet relationship. Oh he adores his "Nan nan!"

But, it certainly isn't hard to see why he adores you so much and why Joshua and Paloma seek you out to play. We love you, precious girl!

love,

Mommy (and Daddy too!)

Introducing Autumn Glory!

2009-10-10T06:49:00.009-05:00

Meet our Autumn...

For from him and through him and to him are all things.

To him be glory forever. Amen.

-Romans 11:36

This is one of the verses I've been meditating on leading up to and now after little Autumn's birth. Everything is all about Him. Not me.

If you read my husband's take on Autumn's birth, you probably got a sense of the excitement we felt on Monday. But shortly after posting that we found out Autumn Glory had to be admitted to the NICU.

It could be a long story but the short of it is:

- Autumn's B+ and I'm O+ and there was an A/B/O incompatibility. She tested Coombs positive.

- Autumn became jaundiced as a result of the incompatibility and required phototherapy.

- Her bili rubin levels (related to jaundice) finally declined and they were able to end the phototherapy and stop her IV Friday.

- She came home today but will still need to have some follow-up appts to check her hemoglobin count as she could still need a blood exchange due to the incompatibility.

This experience has helped me see a bit more of how all things works together for His great glory. Though we have limited vision and often don't see accurately, He sees and knows everything and He will receive the glory. And in His great kindness He has allowed this experience to be used for my good as well! Oh what a King! Oh what a marvelous Maker and Sustainer!

So, today, we are rejoicing in God's glory for we see more of His sovereignty, His perfect care and provision, His strength, His awesome power to save, His love.

Lord, You are over all and through all and all things are held together by You. You reign! Your ways are not ours. We exist for Your glory. Receive the glory! Receive the glory!

And now for some pictures!

Me taking a break from walking the halls. (By the way, you wouldn't believe the comments we got just walking the labor and delivery hallways! People say some of the most unhelpful, stupid things to people! Our favorite was, "Don't wear yourself out!" followed by "Looks like you're walking your way into labor!" But, we can't forget, "You're walking too quick to be in labor.")
The labor just about killed me but I think it made my recovery even quicker than my previous ones. Plus, this little baby girl was worth it ten times over!
A short 4 hours after welcoming her arrival we saw our little gal like this. Bili lights shining, goggles on, and that IV on her right hand/arm.
Don't you love those smiles newborns flash? I can't help but think of that passage that says something about the secret things of God. I like to think God is speaking to little babies, drawing their hearts to Him.

I love this picture of my man singing to God. This captures his heart of worship as he led the kiddos in songs of celebration and thanks to God for bringing Autumn home.The kids so love their "newborn baby" sister. Saraina keeps calling her "the newborn baby." The boys (thanks to Daddy) are already talking about needing another boy since they are outnumbered by girls.
Little Paloma's hand carassing her baby sister's head. (Note: this looks tender but Paloma is a bit stubborn and had to be kept from hurting Autumn!)
Joshua is such a wonderful big brother. It is amazing the things he does all without being asked or prompted. That coupled with his tenderness and care make my heart swell with thanksgiving!

Kadin has been the most timid with Autumn. He talks about her a lot but kinda keep his distance. He certainly keeps tabs on Lady Loma though. He alerts us on her whereabouts as she approaches Autumn.

Labor: Meditations on pain, childbirth and breast pumps. "Introducing Autumn Glory"

2009-10-05T19:22:00.007-05:00

"William, hurry, come here." It was 4:30 this morning and the urgency in my wife's voice could mean only one thing: some type of illegal activity was occuring outside our window. I braced myself ready, for the worst. Was someone's home being broken into? Maybe ours? Was a brutal homicide under way? Maybe the police were billy clubbing Javier into submission?

As I quickly ran down the hall, or rather stumbled, I realized the acrtivity must be right outside the "clothes" room - ooh my curiousity and fear peaked! But as I arrived at the bathroom I realized my wife was sitting on the potty - this was a strange development. Kia quickly whispered, "Paloma's on the changing table alone, my water broke, change her diaper."

Her water broke. My heart started to calm down - at least nothing illegal was going on. I made my way to Paloma and saw her laying there on the changing table. Jammies unzipped with a bright green 'cloth' diaper exposed around her midsection. As I found out later, Mommie had decided to check on Paloma's cloth diaper. The house was cold and a wet midsection would be rather unpleasant. As she was preparing to change the diaper - boom, come thou fount.

And that's how the day started! How exciting.

After some frantic prayer and struggling thinking, we decided to call Aunt Jenny and ask her to take the train from Chicago to Aurora. Shortly after 5:30am I phoned and Jenny answered. She would be out with Hamilton on a train to arrive at 8:00am.

A good start! If only we could postpone delivery till then. Kia was not getting many contractions and it seemed that maybe we could wait till Jenny's arrival.

At 6:00am I called my Mom and requested she make the trip from Chatham to Aurora. She didn't answer the first call (late night partying) but did call back promptly. She assured me her departure would be within the next 45 minutes to 1 hour. Wow, that was one fast moving Grammy!

Things were starting to line up nicely and I was confident the baby would be born by 9:00am. I speculated I would be able to make my meeting scheduled for 7:00pm that night. I would probably even have time to go by the house and put on "business casual" clothes. Assuming, Kia would be okay with that, of course. My confidence grew when Kia, down in the basement doing laundry, called up "I think you better call."

I knew what she meant - call the Dancas. In other words...she couldn't wait till 8:00am, the baby was moving quickly and was ready to party.

So I phoned and again Lidia Danca saved the day. I tell ya that Danca clan is unbelievable. Lidia was at the house within half an hour. Strangely, the contractions weren't coming, so we decided to pick up Jenny and Hamilton at the 8:00am train, drop them off at 301 Fifth, and then make our way to the hospital. Maybe this baby wouldn't be born by 9:00am...

So that's what we did. Except we also made a pit stop at Philip's Park to try and "walk up" some contraction action. The walk didn't go so well (note to self, by adult sized diapers before baby #6 goes into labor) so we decided to head over to Rush Copley. The only thing I could think of was, "would it be selfish to get a starbuck's coffee on the way?" I decided it was so I didn't mention it to Kia. I'm here to serve!

We checked into Rush Copley around 8:30am and they confirmed the obvious, Kia's water was broken. Strangely enough, contractions still weren't coming very often or very strong. For the next six hours we walked the halls, Kia sat on "the ball", hooked up the breast pump and did whatever else she could to bring on labor (I had a grand time making all kinds of jokes and strange comments). The latter worked the best and after about 3o minutes on the super charged breast pump (for those who don't know, a pump that uses a motor to draw out breast milk, conveniently stored in a bottle), some serious labor was setting in. (Ealier in the day I had seen the breast pump in the hall and tried to convice Kia it was an outboard motor for small pond worthy vessel).

At this point I must confess, I was a bit worried about my wife. She has an incredible pain tolerance, but this labor was taking longer than the last 3 and she was pretty tired. She seemed to be intimidated by this intense pain wasn't sure if she could handle it. We discussed pain meds and I assured her that it was fine with me. But I knew she wouldn't like the side effect. Kia decided to press on! Go Black Beauty!

About 3:00pm she was curled on the bed and in the middle of an intense contraction. She managed to say "I think you better call someone I feel like I need to push." Ooooh, this was a good sign. I glanced at her privatels to see if a head was sticking out, nothing yet so I pushed the little red cross button and told the nurse, "she's ready to push."

Within a minute the midwife, Noreen, and a nurse were in the room.

My wife then proceeded to demonstrate that she is hands down the toughest person alive today on planet earth or any other planet for that matter (take that you alien wusses). In the past I've seen her pick up red hot pans and as they sear into her flesh simply say "ouch." I've observed her three times push out a baby like its the side effect of eating way too much really cheezy pizza - constipation style - "ugh" and its out.

But today, she became my official hero. She is so tough.

Friends, family...this was some serious pain, so strong, I even felt it three feet away. The contractions were super heavy and long and the body was weak after wrestling with labor for the previous 8 hours.

But my wife, gripped down hard on my hand and rode them out olympic style. Noreen told her to do what her body was telling her to do, push. And she did. Two, maybe three pushes and there she was. Gold medal all the way, yeah!

Our sweet Baby 5 had arrived!

Autumn Glory Whitney, 5 lbs 14 oz, 181/4" in length. Good job Momma, good job baby #5!

Baby #5 Coming Soon!

2009-10-05T06:21:00.002-05:00

Well, last Monday I thought my water broke. This morning I KNOW it did! Contractions are weak so we've been getting ready. The kiddos are starting to wake up so... we'll update as we are able!

Please pray for this little one arriving shortly!

Words to Remember

2009-10-01T19:56:00.003-05:00

Our house gets cold quickly. We have zero insulation! (Seriously, William has drilled some holes through the wall from outside and there's nothing there!) All that means is we dress much warmer inside than many folks do walking past our house.

This morning we all had our robes on because it was so cold. The kids wanted Paloma to wear a robe so I got out cousin Celeste's old red robe which has been worn by each of the bigger ones at some point. The size on the label reads 4T so you know our skinny-minny Loma was drowning in it! I rolled the sleeves up and bunched it up so she could walk without tripping. She got a kick out of us laughing at her tote her little but padded self around. (She had the enormous robe on as well as an enormous heiny thanks to a cloth diaper!)

We're laughing watching Paloma and Joshua smiles and says,

"She looks like a prophet in that big robe!"

Then Saraina and Kadin laugh in agreement and keep saying it over and over. (Not sure they even knew what they were laughing about!)

Oh, Joshua! No one else may think that is funny but it so tickles me. Definitely words for this Mama to remember...

God at Work

2009-09-28T03:19:00.006-05:00

Since sharing about "the activity" in our neighborhood we have been greatly challenged and greatly encouraged.

Before getting on with the update though I must exhort you, if you are married and in a similar situation, to be on guard for how the Enemy of your soul can attack your marriage. By God's grace, our trial was not long but it was scary. William and I never argue. Well... rarely. So last Sunday after our quiet times with the Lord found us feeling terribly , terribly alone and distant. Why? Satan truly wanted to divide us. We were struggling with hopelessness (William) and caring too heavy a burden (me).

Yet, in the midst of our sin and struggle, one of us encouraged the other we needed to be at church and the other made certain we found a pastor to speak with. We KNEW we needed the help of the Body.

Ever been there? Urgh. Going to church when in conflict... But, praise God, He so gives grace to the humble! Thankfully, our struggle only lasted a few hours. One of the most helpful things our pastor reminded us of was our marriage covenant, the WE were in fact ONE flesh.

That said, here's the rest of my report! (And if you are just tuning in, go the end of THIS post to be filled in.)

~ The kids (at least 2 or 3 times a week) yell, "301 Fifth Street!" over and over till I come to the door and send Joshua out to pick up all the trash they have gathered.

~ I baked cookies and was preparing to give them to the middle school kids (even though in my heart I didn't want to because they actually turned out real good!) but only one girl was at the bus stop. I wrapped one up in a paper towel and sent Joshua (yes, our fear-fighting Joshua) out to deliver it.

~ The following week they were repaving the concrete sidewalks and I KNEW that would be a terrible time of temptation for the kids as soon as school let out. And so I became Psycho lady on the corner yelling out my window... again. But the walks look good!

~ The girl we gave the cookie to asked me as she was handing me trash one day, "You got any more of those cookies?" I told her I'd have something on Friday. Well, my week didn't go as planned and more struggles emerged (these on the lines of self-condemnation and failure feelings - I'll post about that another time, maybe). The only thing I had ready on Friday were these muffins that I wouldn't even eat. They were very nutritious but... HEAVY and weird. Anyway, I saw it was raining so I yelled out the window (my trademark by now) that they could stand on the porch as they waited for the bus.

I had the kids at the dining room table coloring and writing with markers and Paloma was down for an unusually long nap. Could THIS be my opportunity? I had to seize it.

I went out on the porch with the kids, who by now squeezed their large bodies in to my kiddos little chairs which tempted me, and I said, "I don't have any cookies but I do have some muffins you are more than welcome to but do not taste good. The only thing is this. You cannot throw them away here. Understand?" By this time the crowd was about 4 girls and 1 guy. I got some paper towels and the muffins and passed them out.

As they were eating I could not think of anything to ask them other than, "So how are you guys doing in school?" This led to them asking me if I "played school" with my children (they were peeking through the window at our Schoolroom), how many bedrooms do we have, are they all my kids, am I married, does my husband live with me, etc. God was kind to keep the conversation flowing. I asked if they went to church and then that led to the Holy Spirit having me say, "That is THE most important thing! Knowing Jesus!" I told them I wanted my kids to learn and become good readers simply so they could read God's Word for themselves and know Him. The one guy, Marcus, is a bit afraid of me, I think. He won't give me any eye contact and he has been the one I've yelled at the most. I made certain to tell him, as the sole male representative, he was to look after the young ladies.

Then I felt God prompting me to go back inside to my kiddos and let them finish on my porch alone.

~ I have had not very good contact with the police in our city previously but saw an opportunity on Saturday. William took us all to the Fall Festival down the street and one of the 1st booths we came to was for the City Police! What to say? What to ask? Just as we were about to stroll off I turned to the 2 officers and said, "I've got a weird question for you. We live in an... active neighborhood." They interrupted and asked where. When I told them the female police officer turned to the male officer and said, "That's your area!" HALLELUJAH! Only God would have that be the case! Anyway, he immediately knew where we lived and, in fact, even called out the house number of one of the 2 homes in which we're suspecting illegal activity. So, we got a little info, a big confirmation, encouragement, and a NAME in the department! What a difference a name can make!

Better stop there. It's late/early and I should be sleeping.

The Sacrifice of Suffering

2009-09-26T06:28:00.003-05:00

William found a John Piper sermon on the Desiring God site to encourage and exhort us in loving our neighbors that I found very helpful. The article can be found HERE and is called The Sacrifice of Suffering. It was given to his church, Bethlehem Baptist in Minneapolis almost exactly 20 years ago.

Would you check it out?

Then let me know how it has stirred you up! I so want to update you (whoever is reading this!) on how kind God has been in regard to our situation. Yes, God is active and so involved. If only we could see clearly. But, then, we wouldn't be as dependent on Him. Or at least I know I wouldn't.

THIRTY-FIVE!!!!

2009-09-16T05:19:00.002-05:00

THIRTY-FIVE!

Joshua wet the bed last night (not a big deal at this point as one of the bigger three ALWAYS seem to wake us up with news of "I'm wet!" each night)... wait... that wasn't last night. It was just an hour ago. Anyway, I'm awake now! I just put a load in the dryer and another load in the wash and thought... it's quiet. Why not blog? And that's when I saw the number... 35.

I'm now 35 weeks pregnant. But I'm also only 35 days away from Baby #5 arriving. (And I have yet to hit a due date.) And I'll be 35... soon.

It may be weird but I love my birthday and don't mind sharing my age. I think it's just another testimony to God's great transforming power. My life should be so different. But, He's so kind and merciful. And slow to anger. And abounding in steadfast love. O how He doesn't treat me as my sins deserve...

But I am still aware of 35... time is MOVING!

Not only have I been occupied (or is it preoccupied?) with preparations for Baby #5 arriving, there's a few other things that the Spirit has placed on me (and I know William would say him too) in growing proportions. Last week William finished reading the book of James and his summary was good, I thought, "Let's get to work."

Well, as I see 35... that's what I'm thinking. I need to get on with doing what the Holy Spirit is clearly telling me.

What is that? (Are you ready for a really long blog post?)

Be bold for Jesus. Open your mouth. Step out in faith. Let's get to work!

Our neighborhood, where has sovereignly placed us, is in need of the Gospel. At church on Sunday we sang a song with the line, "by grace I'll preach Your gospel till my dying breath." May that song be true for me, Lord! Help my unbelief, Savior. Grant me the grace to love others by seeing them as I was... and am: sinners in need of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We've got some illegal activity going on between 2 homes right out our window. One guy in particular I've nicknamed "Bulldog." He's ALWAYS on his porch and walks back and forth between the other house constantly. There's got to be drug activity. But I don't know for certain. What I have been convicted of is my wicked heart toward him. A couple weeks back I felt the Lord prompting me to bring him some fresh tomatoes from our garden. Well, last week God provided an opportunity. Now I know his name, Javier, and I cannot call him "Bulldog." I see him and my heart hurt as I see him running to Hell. But hope fills me because until the age of 22, that was me! Anyway, his "brother" (or who I call his brother because I don't know his name) was arrested last night just around dinner time. (Joshua saw the paddywagon and asked if he was going to jail.) That just confirms some of my suspicions but it still shows greater how they need Christ!

The 2nd neighborhood happening is because we're on a corner and popular bus stop, I suppose, we get the middle school kids from down the street to wait after school at our house. Not a biggie, right? Well, as I am trying to be faithful in home schooling this has posed a new challenge as I and the kids get very distracted by their presence. The kids are LOUD, curse, pull on the trees in the parkway, throw their trash, and more and all outside the two windows in the room where I home school. The sin in my heart was welling up as one of the girls decided to bounce her body on our fence so hard that the pickets would all move. Urgh!

What to do? What to do?

The kids are just taking it all in, running from window to window to watch them more and more. Fear in me getting bigger and bigger. Thoughts of, "What if I say something to them and they come back and spray paint all over our fence?!" kept coming to mind. When they decided to go in to the church's garden and trample all over it, I had enough and KNEW the Holy Spirit was saying, "GO!"

Quickly crying outloud to God, "Help me, Lord! Help me, Lord!" I opened the door and went outside. And you know what, it wasn't terrible! They responded to my plea. Oh- I basically said, "You know, this is our neighborhood. Let us treat our neighborhood better than this. That tree you're messing with is not mine but it is in my neighborhood. How you're treating it is not helpful. Messing up the church garden? Don't do that! That's not kind. You guys are here everyday and my kids are watching you and you just throw your trash on the ground. I live here. I don't mind throwing your trash away. Knock on my door. You know who cleans this corner up? We do."

Without any instruction they ALL (and I'm talking a group of maybe 10-15 kids) picked up their trash and handed it to me.

Last night I felt God telling me that I need to bake some cookies or something and be outside on Thursdays or Fridays and to interact with them. We'll see how the day goes and whether I get a shower in before 3:10pm when they arrive!

FINALLY... the pastor-neighbor next door asked me to come outside the other day to show me something. (She often calls at night when she leaves late so that William can escort her to her car.) She wanted me to be aware of a man who attends her church and who is a convicted sex offender. Then last night she called me and this hopelessness just seemed to hover over her words. Then I realized I had a gospel-opportunity. She is a pastor but does not believe in sin or the Word of God. This was a moment to speak Truth. And to remind her of God's sovereignty and great power.

Oh Lord, our neighborhood... needs You! 35 days till this next baby is due and I'll be locked up inside running between blow-outs, teaching school, baking bread, training kids not to choke their sibling, and wiping up potty-accidents. Help me to care about the people You are sovereignly placing outside my door, literally. Grant more opportunities for me to step out in faith (and wisdom, of course!) and share Your great love. May this witness to our kids how You care about souls. Use us in this neighborhood!

A Prayer Request and Recommendation

2009-09-13T08:44:00.003-05:00

Freeman and Jenny have friends going through some tough times. Their newborn baby is fighting to live. I've been checking their friends' blog since I found out and found THIS POST, like all of them, a testimony to this couple's faith. Check it out and pray for Baby Asher and his parents...

A Day in the Kitchen

2009-09-01T04:17:00.003-05:00

I was not the best Mama yesterday as I spent most of my time in the kitchen. Seriously, Paloma escaped and was chillin' upstairs alone doing something in the Clothes Room! I regret being so distant from them but just wanted/needed(?) to plow through and get as much done as I could before I had to freeze my recent meat purchases (which would've made another step later in trying to cook for post-Baby time). And I tell you, I was worn out by the end of the day!

I made an early and quick dash to the store to buy some chicken breast that was on sale only to find it not restocked for the day! Urgh! Yes, 6:30am is not the time to shop at Meijer. So I made an impromptu decision (generally not a good idea for me!) and got ~6 pounds of ground beef and ~7 pounds of pork ribs. Shortly after breakfast I cooked all the ground beef and browned all the ribs really well. Joshua came into the kitchen and asked if I was making bacon!!!

In the freezer I was able to add 2 containers of browned (not fully cooked!) ribs, four containers of cooked ground beef, 1 container cooked ground beef with onion, zucchini, & garlic, 2 big containers of a slightly altered with lots of extra veggies pizza casserole (which should have a different name as we generally don't prefer casseroles!), a batch of dough (made using the Bosch!) to be used for Dinner Rolls or Cinnamon Rolls.

Note: I used some of the dough to make the Dinner and Cinnamon Rolls last night and WOWEE! They were the BEST rolls I've ever made. And I started late in the day. The machine really, really makes a difference! Or maybe it's the recipe book that came along with it that makes the difference. Either way, Mama's happy, Papa's happy, and the kids are happy when they can still help! God is kind to us!

I'm taking a break from cooking/baking tomorrow and focusing on sorting through lots of clothing!!!!

Grace Abounding, Steps of Progress

2009-08-31T22:00:00.000-05:00

With the girls and boys separated and happy in their respective rooms, I've been furiously working as quick as I can to get the kitchen in some sort of order. A friend offered a brilliant idea - add shelving to the kitchen! Yes! But how?

I checked online (using Swagbucks, of course, and landed another $5 Amazon gift card!) and it seemed a Baker's Rack was my best option. But they were expensive. Or at least I was not willing to pay what they were asking for what I wanted.

It was time to turn to good old Craigslist! And guess what we found? This sideboard:

It's a HEAVY sideboard. It's a bit banged up and slightly special looking so it is completely our style! One day (i.e. when Joshua's big enough to help Daddy carry it outside) we'll paint it and make her look all prettyfied. (I know. It's not a real word!) Until then it is completely functional and a huge blessing! I'm using it as my pantry for the most part but since it has silverware drawers and all, I've been able to move my serving utensils in it as well as some other hard to stash stuff like my crockpot and waffle iron. I'll probably reorganize about three more times but for now I'm satisfied.

The other addition we purchased from Craigslist is a shoe cabinet. This was another one of those poorly measured pieces that only fit by God's grace as the measurement given were not very accurate. I was thinking I'd have room along one side to still hang some of our coats. Nope! But it's big and I think it will greatly help our shoe dilemma. Oh, here's a picture of it:

And the other evening just before bedtime I was able to fire up the Bosch for the first time to make a big double batch of Chocolate Zucchini Cookies! Oooo... is it so nice! Joshua helped me by shredding zucchini. He does quite a good job! Every day he tells me he wants to shred more! Here he is hard at work:

Maybe one day I will get the food processor attachment for the Bosch... On second thought, why would I do that when I've got such good help!?

And the other night I was short on time and needed a fast, semi-healthy dinner since Daddy was going to be home. (I often make noodles with parmesan cheese or fish sticks or chicken nuggets or something kid-appealing when Daddy has lots of meetings.) I didn't take anything out of the freezer and my kitchen was still a wreck so my options seemed slim. But then I remembered a recipe I had printed out and was looking forward to trying...

MUFFIN DOGS!

Well, that's not really what they are called but that's what Papa-Bear calls them. I got the recipe from Laura at Heavenlyhomemakers.com. I made a few minor adjustments but I hate following directions. Plus, I don't have the healthy sugar she uses. One day, perhaps! (And if you visit her blog, check out her other recipes! She's got one for homemade vanilla extract that I so want to do one day!!!)

I made a double batch of these Muffin Dogs but we ate them to quickly. I'll have to look out for a good hot dog sale!!!

Give Me Your Thoughts!

2009-08-26T10:38:00.004-05:00

I am a bit afraid of the comments or emails I'll get with this post but I realize 2 things: 1) I don't know everything and 2) I need the help of others.

So, here goes. I am considering using cloth diapers again.

There. It's out there.

Here's why.

1) We will have FIVE children in some sort of disposable product, at least for nighttime. That's pricey.

2) Pull-ups/disposable training pants just don't work for us. We still have to change/wash sheets (i.e. more laundry) and then either put the kid back into another pull-up or diaper. Again, more $$$.

3) We did it when Joshua was a newborn and it wasn't terrible. Of course, we stopped shortly after introducing solid foods. I think we'd be a it different this round and our parenting has changed a lot!

4) We experience running out of diapers or wipes and that is a terrible position to be in. (Thankfully, I do have an assortment of sizes and types which "get me through."

5) I HAVE to do laundry daily or every other day or someone is without a necessary item of clothing. Again, much of this is due to "accidents."

So, give it to me! What's your counsel? Have you cloth diapered your kiddos? What your take on doing it with multiple kiddos? How much do you think the initial investment should be (I got rid of my old stash after storing them for a couple of years.)? My hubby thinks I'm crazy to even consider switching but admits it wasn't terrible during those newborn days with Joshua. Plus, when I told him that on average, it costs $1K per year to use disposables. Multiply that by five! Even if we only spent HALF of that (from couponing and deal finding), it's a lot more than we want to "throw out!"

Oh- and I suppose I should tell you my initial game plan IF I go ahead with this:

~ cloth for Baby #5 (and possibly PJ, if she fits the same size as the newborn range, which is very likely!) except when we are out and about

~ possibly cloth nighttime training pants for J and S

Progress Being Made

2009-08-23T13:44:00.003-05:00

Because of God's kindness, progress is being made on the Baby #5 Preparedness List!

My (sexy) husband moved lots of furniture before and after work and I got lots of baking done Friday. We were busy. As a result, I've got whole wheat rolls, zucchini brownies, and zucchini bread all frozen and ready for post-baby time. And the girls love their new girly room while the boys are thrilled with their new space as well.

Here's a look at what things are looking like. Much more still to go though!

This is the boy room. We separated the bunkbeds. (I was always too short to change the top bunk easily.) This will be much easier!

This is the other side of the boy room showing Kadin's bed.And this is showing Joshua's bed, the bookshelf I moved from the Schoolroom and a desk formerly in the guest room.

See the zucchini brownies, rolls, and zucchini bread I made? I doubled the rolls recipe and made hamburger and hot dog rolls to go with our dinner Friday. I made them with the kids help and William said to me, "They taste better then they look!" I clearly need some practice in making hot dog bun shapes!

Oh- and I got this new mixer which will greatly help me in my preparations! Yes, a brand new Bosch Universal Mixer! I've wanted one for a couple of years now and thanks to an unexpected (and undeserved) monetary gift I was able to get it. William and I are a bit unsure how our nob and tube wiring will hold up though. This monster has an 800 W motor! Isn't it a beauty! I haven't used it yet (and won't till my kitchen is a bit more orderly) but I'll let you know how I like it! (picture below from www.PleasantHillGrain.com)

My (Practical and Wishful) Baby #5 Preparedness Countdown List

2009-08-21T10:21:00.001-05:00

Since BLee (our old housemate) has moved on to bigger and better things (i.e. preparing for marriage!) and our guest run has ended (shout-out to Aunt Beryl and cousin Krystle who left on Tuesday), it's time to get serious with preparations.

William has already graciously worked with my crazy spur of the moment plans that come to me at 1 am during potty runs. Last night he worked fast and furiously to help me complete the room changes upstairs before bedtime. It was a tense, loud time and I doubted the wisdom in my idea. But, God, in His kindness, granted us the grace necessary to get the major things done.

In fact, at bedtime last night, as we all sat in the new girls room singing the Gospel Song and praying, I was so affected by the Lord's unbelievable generosity. I remember thinking, "O Lord, help me to remember this sweet moment!" I can't quite explain in words why it was extra sweet to me. Some of it has to do with seeing Paloma in her Daddy's arms as we were singing. Some of it has to do with remembering Kadin 2.5 years ago sleeping in our closet back in our condo never imagining a boys room and a girls room. Some of it has to do with seeing Joshua and Saraina hold hands. Some of it has to do with hearing the voices of my kids singing together with us.

But there is more work to get done! Wanna know what's on my (Practical and Wishful) Baby #5 Preparedness Countdown? Take a look! Please send me ANY tips you have!

Freezer stocked

Pantry stocked

Weekly needs (dairy, fruits/veggies) list created

Advent season planned

Boy room set-up

Girl room set-up

Nursery/Guest room set-up

Full bathroom thoroughly cleaned and organized

All ceiling cobwebs removed

Windows washed

Kitchen cabinets cleaned (inside and outside)

Kitchen organized (cabinets, microwave cart, refrigerator)

Add shelving in kitchen

Schoolroom bookshelves organized

Winter clothes - assessment and purchases

Update storage tubs

Newborn items freshly washed

Newborn/size 1 diapers stocked

Paloma's diapers (size 3 & some 4) stocked

Baby wipes stocked

Christmas gifts purchased

Fall and winter bday gifts purchased

Curtains in Office installed

Paint girls’ room

Curtains in girls’ room

Kadin potty trained completed

Bench for dining room table

Family picture (boys, girls, kiddos, Daddy/Mommy)

Kiddos trained in doing chores with minimal assistance

Circle Time planned through Thanksgiving

Wood floors cleaned at least once

Purchase a Bosch mixer

Baby #5 Countdown is ON!

2009-08-19T21:10:00.003-05:00

Today I'm 31 weeks pregnant. Translation: I've got about 2 months to get prepared for our newest arrival!

My question to whoever is reading this:

Any tips on good foods to make ahead and freeze or store in the pantry?

Some of the things I'm considering are:

~ making and freezing waffles

~ making a pancake mix (dry ingredients only) to store in the pantry

~ cooking and shredding chicken then freezing in various portions

~ making (but not baking) cookie balls and freezing for treats

And because we may end up with a solid amount of zucchini and tomato (and possibly pumpkin!), I'm probably going to:

~ chop and boil zucchini and freeze

~ de-core tomatoes and freeze

~ shred zucchini and freeze

A Recommendation

2009-07-28T06:19:00.004-05:00

Both of my sister-in-laws are writers. Actually, I have a brother-in-law who is a writer too! I blog but they know how to write. I've recommended my brother-in-law's writing to you already. Remember THIS?

Well, today I give a plug for one of my sister-in-laws, Jenny, and her recent guest post over at the Money Saving Mom's blog. Why? Because she shares something very dear to my heart, stewarding God's money. Can you grow in this area? I sure need to and want to. Can't we all?

So, check out Jenny's thoughts as she shares her experience using cashola. She just might spur you on to think differently about your money!

Stop the Abortion Mandate

2009-07-24T04:39:00.003-05:00

This information is too important to not share.

Last night I listened with over 36,000 Americans who agree that taxpayers should NOT pay for abortion. While everyone can agree with the President that healthcare as it now exists must be changed, I agree with the majority of Americans when I say the new healthcare plan should not fund abortions.

Funding racist Planned Parenthood is unacceptable. Planned Parenthood receives money from the government that should go to help struggling homeowners, struggling schools, struggling families, any number of areas that need genuine assistance. We're talking more than $350 million worth of taxpayer money!

Think my statement about Planned Parenthood is too strong? Read THIS about Planned Parenthood's Founder, Margaret Sanger. Then go HERE to see a trailer for a new movie that I can't wait to see. Click on "Trailer" to see it.

Finally, do not stay silent about this. The proposed healthcare plan cannot go forth WITHOUT a specific abortion exclusion. If it does go through as is abortion will be greatly expanded and we will all be paying for this federally mandated "essential benefit."

Please go to www.StopTheAbortionMandate.com/call to act! This is time sensitive. Do it today!

O God! Have mercy on our country! Though many may not value life at every stage, You, the Creator of every life, do! Would You help us all to see just how we can make a difference by speaking Truth, by praying, by calling our elected officials. Grant us the time, ability, and desire to act for Your glory!

A Few Highlights of the Kiddos

2009-07-21T11:00:00.007-05:00

Blogging has been tough lately. Certainly not a top priority. Though seeing how often this is the only opportunity for distant fam and friends to know how we're doing, I really want to make it more regular. Not sure if that will really happen but I do desire that! The other reason I like desire to update this blog fairly regularly is because my days of scrapbooking are in the past! I have NO time for that! Poor Paloma never had a picture developed till recently! And the picture isn't even displayed.

But the purpose of this entry is not to go on and on about how infrequently I blog! It's to share a few pics of what the kiddos have enjoyed lately.

First, Kadin seemed to have a grand time (or was it borderline frustration!) eating pizza when the grandparents treated us to a little bday outing at a local pizza place. Kadin really seemed obsessed using the plastic knife to cut (or destroy) his pizza in little pieces.

Joshua and Saraina had a blast going to ANOTHER Cubs' game with Granddad. Oh, and Daddy went along for the ride too. Let's be real though. This is all about time and memories with the grandkids, right? The two bigger kiddos look like they didn't mind the extra TLC one bit!
Our newest toddler is... all over the place and LOUD. To the Papa and I, this picture captures what she;s all about! Look at those eyes and that smile. Does she look like she's got something on her mind or what!?
And the bigger two were also able to go camping for the first time last weekend. I was surprised but they LOVED it. Playing in sand, throwing twigs in a big fire, fishing... they came home filthy and exhausted. Isn't that always a sign of a great trip?

Lots of good (but tiring) fun!

Kadin at Naptime

2009-07-15T19:29:00.003-05:00

To my surprise, Kadin took a nap this afternoon... and without me having to discipline him. That is not something that happens often.

So, when I found him like you see in the picture below, I was even more shocked.

O Krazy K! I love you, my strong boy!

Happy Birthday, Paloma Joy!!!!!

2009-07-09T21:12:00.001-05:00

July 9, 2009

My Little Sweet Pea,

Happy 1st Birthday, PJ! You are such a blessing from God and a child I treasure mothering. Daddy and I truly believe this year went by extra fast - the memory of your birth is so vivid in our hearts and minds.

You had your big doctor appointment yesterday and seem to have a bit of the skepticism of both your parents. Though you didn't cry at all (of course, you didn't get any shots though!) you made it clear you did not trust the kind nurse or doctor. Thankfully you didn't smack either of them in the face and only pushed their medical instruments away. You are FIESTY indeed. I wonder if your great, great-grandmother, Linette Carby, was like that as a child. They called her Pepper and I wouldn't be surprised if that name caught on for you as well.

Want to know your stats? You weighed in at a whooping 16 pounds and 10 ounces! You're certainly a Whitney Kiddo because your siblings never reached 20 pounds by their 1st bithday either. Your Daddy, the rebel, already turned around your carseat anyway (a few weeks ago to be honest) as we knew you'd be no where near the 20 pound marker. Oh well! You love riding like a big girl. (And Kadin loves riding beside you! That will change when Baby #5 arrives though!) As for height, you are 26.5 inches long.

What does all this mean? Supposedly, you're in the 3rd percentile for weight and 50th for height.

Some special things you do are:

~ smile with those 2 big teeth showing

~ smile letting your big cheeks hang low, especially when we come in to get you out of your crib

~ walk!!!! Okay, you take about 5 quick steps and then crash on your padded bottom! But you're the first Whitney Kiddo to do that before 12 months!

~ eat, eat, eat, and eat more noodles, peas, and strawberries

~ throw food off your highchair to get our attention

~ responding to "No, Ma'am," "No touch, Paloma," and lots of other verbal reprimands and directives.

~ suck that little dirty thumb like it's the best thing around and then use your other hand to show you are ready for Night Night or a nap

~ sleep very well

~ use a sippy cup (since you never took a bottle)

~ scream and cry LOUDLY when stranger anxiety hits (generally at church in the nursery or when Daddy and I leave on a date)

~ fight for stolen toys! I wouldn't be surprised if you end up making Kadin cry one day soon!

Other sweet things I love about you are your love of music and how your face lights up when we sing songs to the Savior. I also love that you tend to be a Mama's girl right now. I am not in a rush for that "phase" to end. I love to be with you and watch you explore, learn, and take delight in watching your siblings.

I'm excited to see you as a big sister... one day soon!

Happy, happy, 1st birthday, my Sweetie Pie, Paloma! As we prayed over a year ago when we decided on the name Paloma, may your life be characterized by the peace which passes all understanding and that comes only from the One, True God. May God continue His work in you for His glory!

I love you precious girl,

Mommy

Indiana Sand Dunes

2009-07-07T20:51:00.002-05:00

After church on Sunday Papa Whitney came up with the idea of putting the kiddos in the minivan for a nap and driving to the Indiana Sand Dunes, the place of our first date almost eight years ago! So, after a mad dash to get swim suits on, snacks packed and beach toys stashed in the minivan, we hit the road.

To my surprise, the kiddos did GREAT! Joshua loved playing in the lake (although he still kept calling it the Jordan River!). Saraina was timid in the water but enjoyed the sand thoroughly. Kadin wasn't interested in the water but had a GRAND time with the sand. And... our almost one year old Sweet Pea hated the cold water but was FEARLESS in the sand! A handful of times I had to moved her back to our spot as she had no problem crawling away to do her own thing. But I think Papa had more fun than even the kiddos! What a blessing watching my husband play with our children in the water. We will be going back there again, Lord-willing!

The Boys Being Boys

2009-07-07T10:36:00.005-05:00

William captured the boys playing "swords." Not sure where the idea came from but as you'll see, it involves one pursuing (guess who!) and one escaping by climbing. It's rather amusing to us!

Quick Update on Saraina

2009-07-02T09:07:00.002-05:00

Yesterday morning the rash pretty much went away. This morning there is a faint trace of a rash on her upper torso and hips but it continues to be on the decline. And it continues to not bother her. From a friend's suggestion, I gave her one dose of Benedryl and so I'm wondering if that was the "help" she needed to fight whatever this rash is/was. Another friend, a former nurse, shared I'd want to find out if she does in fact have an allergy to iodine as that could mean a shellfish allergy too.

I also called the ER this morning and requested for them to release the results to me as our doctor's office will be closed tomorrow. The Charge Nurse I spoke with was very understanding and told me to call back later this afternoon. Praying the next Charge Nurse will be as understanding and willing to look for and release that information.

Because the rash has pretty much gone away, we cancelled Saraina's doctor appointment scheduled for this morning. There is not much for them to see/check and the doctor was unavailable anyway and the results wouldn't be in as of the time of the appointment. She will have a follow-up appointment with the Surgeon next week most likely.

Scarlet Fever Anyone?

2009-06-30T19:37:00.004-05:00

I haven't done well posting updates but I thought this worthy of sharing.

Saraina had her umbilical hernia repaired on Friday, June 26th. Then last night William took her to the ER because of a rash that developed just after the surgery. The (arrogant) doctor and (more compassionate) nurse were both very confident in giving him the diagnosis: Scarlet Fever.

There's a lot I would like to share but I seriously just want to eat a big bowl of Butter Pecan ice cream and call it a night! Would you pray for Saraina (who is feeling absolutely fine, praise God!) to be healed of this rash (whatever it is)? Also, pray for an accurate diagnosis. We're waiting for the 3-day culture to come back to tell us if she for sure has it. It's been weird and trying as she has had NO symptoms other than this mysterious rash which doesn't even itch.

Thanks for your prayers!

Glorious and Mighty - the kiddos version

2009-06-27T04:47:00.006-05:00

One of my favorite songs off the Psalms CD is Glorious and Mighty. I never really realized just how much our kiddos must enjoy it till a visit from William's folks revealed our children's love of it. They sang the song LOUDLY for Granddad and Grammy and each got their own instrument to play and lined themselves up. It tickles me how they even stand in height/age order without instruction to do so!

Although I missed their rendition for the Grands, I did capture it recently. They love singing it for the camera too! Oh, and little Paloma is behind the bigger three "locked up" for safety. But she was enjoying it as well!

Treasuring my Kiddos - Part 4

2009-06-16T15:30:00.001-05:00

Like with our other children, there are many reasons I adore our little eleven month old Dovey, Paloma Joy. So, Sweet Pea, this is for you!

Paloma you are a tough little lady. Though very petite, your punch is certainly bold and vibrant. You are well versed in taking hits from your brothers (especially Special K). In fact, your recent bruise on your nose is finally healing!

I love how powerful your lungs are! I imagine the songs you'll sing to the Savior with them one day!

I love how you groove. I am filled with delight as I see you moving your little body to music. Oh, Paloma Joy, dance like David to the Lord!

At this point in your life, you LOVE oatmeal, strawberries, and noodles. You seem to not be able to digest or like regular milk so you're drinking vanilla soymilk. You enjoy pears, sunflower seed butter or almond butter sandwiches, and will eat crackers and cheerios nonstop if we let you.

You are not slowed down by grass. Daddy and I are shocked that you don't mind crawling or walking barefoot in it unlike your siblings. You also are a child that will eat it though so we have to keep watch on you.

You are not talking so much but we're not too concerned about that. You facial expressions communicate a ton!

And as you are fully weaned, I am a bit sad as don't have that quiet one-on-one time with you often. Yet, I can't be too sad as I so enjoy watching your little two-tooth self grow and change!

Lord, what a joy it is being Paloma's mommy! Thank You for this precious gift of little PJ! Help us steward this most amazing gift. Remind me often that she belongs to You. May that truth penetrate my heart and be used to have me constantly ask You what you are calling me to in mothering her. Bless all her days and may she be used in mighty ways for Your kingdom!

Potty Training & Toilet Paper

2009-06-05T14:11:00.003-05:00

Sorry about the brief interruption in my four part series on Treasuring My Kiddos but since my last post was about how I am treasuring my big boy Kadin, I thought that this would be the perfect time to share a brief update on potty training and tp.

I recently went to CVS and got 36 rolls of toilet paper for $11.64 plus tax. The cashier was looking at me like I was crazy and said, "Wow! This must be a really good deal!"

Let's see... we've got three adults and now three kiddos using the potty. The kiddos are not yet proficient in getting toilet paper for themselves without dropping it in the potty, letting the entire roll UNroll, or without stuffing a third of it in their hand to wipe. We use some serious tp, folks.

That's why I'm thrilled to enter a free toilet paper giveaway from the peeps at Alice. Yes, I am entering to win a YEAR SUPPLY of FREE TOILET PAPER!!!

Wanna join me? Go here and get yo' roll on!

Treasuring my Kiddos - Part 3

2009-06-02T22:30:00.000-05:00

My tough boy Kadin, this post is for you. You seriously crack me up!

Your facial expressions are so... animated. Your energy level can be so... explosive. Your whispers are almost inaudible and your screams pierce our ears. For as hard as you play, you love to be held and kissed! Oh, I love how affectionate you are. Everything about you reminds me that emotions are gifts from God. You are the most passionate two-year old I have ever encountered and I am excited to see how that passion grows as you get older.

I love how you run hard. I love how excited you get. I love your concern for things. I love the way you phrase things in funny ways yet speak like you're the big man on campus. I love how nothing about you is dull!

I love your independence. I love how you adore your little sister, Mony, as you call her. I love how you play so well and carry on conversations with Saraina. I love how you learn from Joshua and look up to him but want to be your own man.

I love how content you are playing alone, reading alone, eating alone, singing alone, playing the guitar alone.

Oh dear Father, thank You for Kadin David! Thank You that nothing about him is out of Your sovereignty. From his birth order to his personality to his special giftings, You have created him. Thank You for the amazing joy he brings to my heart and our family. Help William and I to encourage his passion yet direct it to things that are for his good and Your glory.

Treasuring my Kiddos - Part 2

2009-05-28T20:23:00.006-05:00

My first daughter. My Saraina-bug...

You are the songstress of the house always creating a beautiful sound with your voice. You are the fearless kid who loves to say, "Oh I'm not afraid of that! Jesus is with me! Right Mommy?!" You are the girl that reads book and after book and entertains herself by pretending she's checking out books from the library. You are determined and fight fear head-on. You are always listening and always multi-tasking. You learn quickly and love to share your new-found knowledge with whoever will listen. You are polite as you play and always ask people their opinions. You know how to take fall and get back up without much drama. You are a natural encourager and your brothers most faithful cheerleader. You hug and kiss your Daddy and I (or your siblings!) with such gentle affection it melts my heart.

You are beautiful and I can't imagine my life without my biggest little girl!

Lord, what a treasure Saraina Elisabeth is! Use her to draw many hearts to Yourself. May the ways You've gifted her always be used in ways that bring You glory. Protect this sweet girl and help me to mother her with love and sensitivity and in truth.

Treasuring my Kiddos - Part 1

2009-05-27T20:06:00.007-05:00

Day in and day out of parenting can be... exhausting. And I often miss much of what God wants for me to see, do, and experience. So, in a small effort to remind myself what a precious gift I have in being Mommy to my kiddos, I thought I'd do a wee bit of a highlight on each of them.

Of course, I must start with my oldest, Joshua Caleb.

Oh, Joshua, Joshua, Joshua! The one who has experienced all of my mothering phases and has probably picked up my anal tendencies the most, specifically around cleanliness and safety. You are such an oldest child! There is no doubt in my mind that God has ordained you to be in positions of leadership for you excel in leading the way and making sure everyone is safe.

I love how you scream out the offenders name if someone breaks the holding hand rule crossing street. I love how you ask a string of questions to get a full understanding. I love how you are cautious in new settings and quietly observe all before fully engaging in something. I love how you enjoy helping me with just about anything. I love how you comprehend meaning and enjoy retelling what you have seen or read. I love that you have Daddy's sense of humor. I love that you want to be just like Daddy! I love that you participate in worship on your own accord. I love that you love being comforted. I love how you get a kick out of playing with Paloma and keeping her company. I love that you are very particular and that you know exactly what you like and what you don't like. I love that you extend forgiveness to me so easily and quickly. I love that God is using you to show me how to be a bit more like Him. I love you, son!

Lord, I thank You for creating Joshua and making him just as he is... with a purpose. I pray for the purposes You have created him for. Draw his little heart to Yourself. Help William and I to parent him in a way that is pleasing to You. Give us wisdom as we seek to instruct and direct him in Your ways, O God.

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-26T06:26:00.000-05:00

Happy Memorial Day! Here's how we celebrated this American holiday.

First, Daddy talked to the kiddos about the meaning for this holiday. We gave thanks for our family members that have served our country. We also were privileged to have a friend of Ms. Lee's over for dinner last week who returned from Iraq in December 2008. In fact, one of Ms. Lee's sister's will be deployed early this summer leaving behind a husband and 2 year old son. So grateful for so many who have selflessly served our country so well.

After the talk Daddy led the kiddos in our annual Memorial Day Flag ceremony where he leads the kiddos marching from the garage to the front of the house with our flag. The kids each held their flag too. Kadin took it all very seriously and marched the entire time!

After lunch we loaded the kiddos up for our big Memorial Day surprise. Daddy got free tickets to see the Kane County Cougars. Fortunately, we had JUST enough tickets for our growing fam since Kadin and Paloma didn't need tickets. Unfortunately, it rained as soon as we sat down. I think we lasted through the 2nd inning and then made the long walk back to the van in the rain.

New Fence - Completed!

2009-05-25T16:23:00.000-05:00

As promised, here's what our new fence looks like. But first, let me show you what our home has looked like.

Stage One: What our home looked like when we first bought it

Stage Two: What our home has looked like as we've been living here. Notice we got rid of those horrible bushes! And we've replaced 11 of the windows. Only 8 more to go. Well, more if you include the basement windows. But, let's just go with 8 for now.

Oh. Two pictures are of the old fence (really, not much more than chicken wire) being taken down. Thanks Eric, Keegan, and Andrew!

Stage Three: Tah-dah! What our home looks like now. Just shy of moving into our 3rd year

Colors for our House

2009-05-19T12:26:00.006-05:00

We are now in search of the colors we want our house to be one day. While we're not trying to paint our house now, we are looking to determine which colors we want so that we can paint our new fence later this summer.

Can't remember what our house looks like? Here's ya go:

So, have any ideas after seeing what our house looks like? We want three colors that would lend themselves well to our typical American Four Square. Initially, we were going for the traditional white picket fence but now we're not so fond of that for our house. We're thinking we need to go B-O-L-D and vibrant. Hmmm...

Looking forward to seeing/hearing the colors others come up with so do share your thoughts!!!! As you may have guessed, I am pretty inept when it comes to decorating/style/design.

The Digging - God's Provision

2009-05-19T08:45:00.008-05:00

The digging has begun! Ooooo... we are all so excited!

We are getting a new fence for our home.

This is a big deal for us. We're talking a good amount of dollars that had to be saved and not used for other things. We weren't sure if we'd really be able to get it this year until just about a month or so ago. (We have wanted a new fence since we moved in two years ago this June.) But God's provision cannot be mistaken. And today it begins!

And now that it is happening, I can see how good it has been that God didn't grant us this desire sooner. The waiting helped me (possibly Papa-Bear, too) trust God to provide, to wait on His perfect timing, to enjoy what He has given us, to appreciate His gifts all the more. I certainly see that we don't deserve this fence. Yet I am truly thankful for it!

This will be a three-day project (we're getting a kind of elaborate gate that covers our entire driveway and will take a day for the guys to put in) but I'll be sure to post pictures when it's all said and done!

Time, Space, and Faith

2009-05-19T08:43:00.001-05:00

If you've got time, check out this blog by Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience and have your faith in God renewed!

Umm... Time for Lock Down?

2009-05-13T21:24:00.004-05:00

Little Miss Paloma, or more frequently called Palomey by Daddy and now the other kiddos (hopefully that will end soon!), did this last night after dinner as I was washing the dishes.

I guess it's time for me to put her on lockdown and strap her down, eh? My! That little girl is FAST!

Today is the National Day of Prayer

2009-05-07T05:55:00.003-05:00

Did you know that today is the National Day of Prayer?

Well, although it was already marked on my Dualview Planner, I highlighted and wrote, "Make a list of what to pray for with the kiddos." Our kiddos have really become interested in and excited about speaking to the Creator of the Universe and so I didn't want to miss the opportunity to join with others across our land to pray. So, during our Circle Time I will make a list of things they want to pray for. But, I've already got a good list to begin with.

If you're wanting a list, a starting point really, for what to pray for, can I encourage you to check out Randy Alcorn's blog post from Tuesday of this week? And then pray to the One who made you, sustains you, loves you, and desires you to be conformed to His image.

Easy Homemade Rolls! - a recipe

2009-05-06T10:22:00.000-05:00

I decided to wait to post the recipe for our new favorite rolls until I'd made them a few times. My verdict: these are WONDERFUL!

What makes them wonderful?

1 - I know exactly what's in them and can control the amounts.

2 - They are more of a french bread-ish type roll making them a bit more interesting.

3 - You can EASILY turn them into hamburger or hot dog rolls!

4 - No fancy stuff needed. You don't need a bread machine OR a mixer. This recipe works easily with your good ole hands. Also, the recipe calls for Bread flour but you don't even need that! Use what ya' got.

5 - They make great sandwich buns.

Is that enough or shall I keep going?

This recipe is from The Happy Housewife. I found her from my daily visit to a site I cannot recommend high enough if you want to find small (or big) ways to save money, the Money Saving Mom (MSM). The MSM does these periodic "Baking Days" where she literally bakes all day and prepares all sorts of meals to continually have a stash of food and snacks on hand to deter from those, "I have nothing ready for dinner so let's eat out" moments. Check her out!

Without further delay, the easy and fun to prepare recipe!

Whole Wheat French Bread Rolls

1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups bread flour
2 cups whole wheat flour

In a large bowl, stir together warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.

To the yeast mixture, add the oil, salt, and 2 cups flour. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough has pulled away from the sides of the bowl. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

Deflate the dough, and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces, and form into round balls. Place on lightly greased baking sheets at least 2 inches apart. Cover the rolls with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

Free KFC

2009-05-05T13:51:00.003-05:00

I LOVE fried chicken! But I rarely make it. (When I do, I go for THIS recipe.) But more than loving fried chicken is enjoying FREE chicken, even if it's not fried!

Go HERE to check out the freebie dealio at KFC. Do it soon before all the coupons are gone!

Edited: FYI - You can print out TWO coupons. Use your back browser. Can you say date night?!?!?! Yipee!

Changes in our Home - Update with Pics

2009-04-30T13:50:00.000-05:00

So, I mentioned in this post that I had to make some changes to survive the laundry dilemma. It's amazing how moving around furniture can make ALL the difference! What a blessing!

Okay, some pictures to share - some of these are even old as I've since made changes and will continue to do so as I find deals to complete my "vision." Below is one of the bookshelves we had in our old guest room (aka the Narnia room)

. This is where I am housing all my homeschooling materials and is the hands-off piece in the school/play room.

Oh- and we're making a magnetized chalkboard to put up on the wall to the left. That'll be my main teaching area.
This is our new office/family room. We got these two big pieces of furniture off Craigslist for free. Not fancy but it provides the storage we need. We opted to use our flat screen TV screen as our computer monitor so this is where we do computer work and watch videos. By the way, have I mentioned how we LOVE having a Mac? You can't even see our little Mini Cube it's so small!This is where most of the toys are stored. And the kids play with that dollhouse (free from friends in our Care Group!) EVERY day!
This picture shows that same toy area along with the kid bookshelf in the right corner and the Daddy-Mommy bookshelf on the left. Definitely want to move our books to the office when I find a great deal for the right bookshelf for the office!
Another view of the school/play room.
And this is another view of the office in real life during the day. Chaotic, no?

This is in the Clothes Room. This dresser used to be in our room till I needed to put the rocking chair somewhere in our room. On top of the dresser is junk in need of a home and in the big white container we're growing our veggies.
I also opted to put the changing table in the Clothes Room. This is where the kids now get dressed and undressed and changed. It going well. The blue basket on the bottom of the changing table is where I keep all the jammies, except PJ's. The kids do well getting their jammies out and putting them away.
And as you can tell, I did not choose a fancy system. My purpose was to spend as little as possible to make life as simple as possible. Each kid has 2 baskets and it goes in height order with the except of PJ again. She's the only one who doesn't select her own clothes each morning. I do think I'll have to add another shelf though as I'll need to make room for Baby #5 in the fall.
This is what our foyer looks like as I still go through clothes and try to scale down how much I hold on to and as I try to work through having multiple season's worth of clothing out due to our unpredictable weather.
Well, there's more to show but the kiddos are ALL down for a nap. A rare moment. I'm going to flat iron my hair and, God-willing, get a short nap as well! Do send you comments though. I'd love to know how other people handle the never-ending laundry deal!

Videos - PJ and Kadin

2009-04-21T09:03:00.008-05:00

This was too cute to me. Paloma grooving to Kadin playing his music. Those two really do have a sweet connection.

And here's one more video of Paloma. This time it is Paloma squealing with delight as her Daddy gives her kisses from Sunday after church.

Paloma's Nine Months Old

2009-04-17T09:10:00.000-05:00

Our Sweet Paloma Joy turned nine months on the 9th. She's growing so quickly! Here's a brief update of what she's up to...

Paloma wakes up consistently ~5:30 or 6am and chills in her room till one of her big brothers or sister opens the doors. It usually is Kadin who then yells down stairs to Daddy and I, "Mony 'wake! Mommy! Mony 'wake!"

Mony loves to crawl everywhere and is totally on all fours! She started crawling just before she turned 9 months old.
Paloma in the picture above just had her bath so her hair looks different than it usually does.
She's still a light weight. But, not a surprise. All of ours are on the smaller side. The drs. always try to get us to supplement with formula to beef her up but we think she's doing just fine. I did just (yesterday) give her some soy milk to try to get her to drink through a cup. She has done well and so hopefully we'll be able to transition her to drink milk from a cup later this spring / early summer.
And she continues to be a great eater! William even commented on how little baby food I've purchased this round and I'm certain is has much to do with her eating regular table food early and easily. We'll have her tested around her one year bday to see if she has the peanut and egg allergy like her brothers.
And though I don't post often, I do have video clips as well. Here's one to share with you of PJ in her crib not long ago.

And here's another random clip of Paloma making sweet sounds.

Finally, here's a clip of one of our loud afternoons when Daddy is home.

Nothing special. Just real life for us! Hope you all have a sweet weekend. We're looking forward to almost 70 degrees today! Yippee!!!!

Insults

2009-04-17T06:43:00.003-05:00

My Quiet Times have revealed the following lately: I don't do well with insults.

The good news: God is so at work on me in this area!

I get lots of comments on "how many" kids I have all the time. Maybe that's why I try not to go out alone with them so often. The comments (or looks) usually come at the grocery store or the library, the only places I frequent on a regular basis.

My response has been nothing less than shameful, I am sorry to admit, though I have seen growth. This verse helped me realize this indeed is an area the Lord would have me call on Him and ask Him to help me in.

The vexation of a fool is known at once,

but the prudent ignores an insult. (Proverbs 12:16)

Why is it so bad to get angry when people "insult" (in quotes b/c often the comments/looks themselves are not insults but I take them that way) me? The answer to that is found in another good Proverb.

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,

but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. (Proverbs 14:29)

Friends, I do NOT have great understanding... yet. But I want to. And so I am on a mission to confess this nasty sin (which probably has it's root in pride and self-righteousness) and trust God to not stop until I am changed!

So, there you have it. God is using our family size to conform me more to His image! How kind of God to use our situations, different for each one of us and yet no less tough, exhausting, and multilayered, to make us more like Him.

And for the record, regarding our family size, the Lord (who alone controls the womb) has faithfully continued to do what He spoke to William and I early in our marriage, give us "a big family." And as we add kiddos to our family we realize how subjective "big" is! As William has said, "Five just doesn't seem like a lot anymore."

More Changes

2009-03-27T06:11:00.001-05:00

Baby #5 is a fourth closer to be being held in our arms this week! Ooooo! I can't wait to meet him or her!!!! I can't tell you how much I think about this newest little one being knit together in my womb, especially when I'm nursing Sweet Pea. She's getting SO big!

And this is what I (and because it affects everyone when I'm up to something) / we are living like lately:

I'm planning a big change. We're shifting LOTS of stuff around all because of the monster called LAUNDRY. Specifically, the monster has to do with the kids clothes. Even on a good day if I wash and dry them and even fold them, getting them in the right drawer in the right room is near impossible. And the baskets grow and the pile of clean clothes on the couch grows and then there are MORE urine accidents which calls for immediate washing of more sheets and more jammies and looking for more clothes. And then every month it seems someone has outgrown something and that something needs to be "stored" in a temporary place until I can get to the attic (or get Hubby to get the tubs down from the attic!). It is quite overwhelming and has been a growing source of trouble for me. So, in thinking about adding a fifth child's clothes to the mix... I almost lost it!

Put, praise be to God who gives wisdom to those who ask and need it, He has given me a plan! The solution, which will not be perfect but will greatly reduce much anxiety, is to have a clothes room! Some peeps call it a family closet. Well, I'm not putting the Papa and Mama Bear clothes in our clothes room BUT we are still being affected.

Dressers... gone... for the most part. Taking up too much space and allow for too little storage for a fam of 6, soon to be 7. Think about how much clothing a family of 7 might have! Imagine it! The rare chance the family of seven are minimalists and have 7-10 outfits per person that adds up to 49-70 outfits (and that's not including pajamas, socks, swimsuits, etc.)!

Rooms... changed. Not too long ago (last month?) we rearranged our 1st floor by switching our Dining Room and our Office/Living room. The room that used to be our Living Room has become our School/Play Room. One of the bookshelves from upstairs now holds all my teaching items. It's like a real classroom! And it is working out SO well! The highlight has been getting our new Mac Mini! It is SWEEEEEET and because my think-of-it-all Hubby had the idea to use our TV screen as our monitor, it's HUGE! (As a side, it's been great in the keeping me accountable area with wasting time online while throwing a video on for the kiddos. That can't happen anymore! Wahoo!)

The second floor has now changed too. Former Nursery is now Nursery/Guest Room because we moved the extra single bed we had in "the Narnia Room" in with the crib and later today (hopefully) we'll move the big desk and hutch into there as well. The thinking is when we have a guest we can have the baby sleep in our room in a pack-n-play. Our room is down one big dresser and holds the rocking chair and small 3-drawer bureau that used to be in the Office. The Kid Room is just losing the dressers and will be a bit shifted around to create more space. The former Narnia Room has been morphed into the Clothes Room.

The Clothes Room was stripped of everything and received the changing table, our old big dresser, and we got a big unit from Walmart last night (on our date night, of course) and 8 big baskets to go on the shelves. The plan is to have a shelf for each kid. I'm going to somehow label it.

I'm hoping this plan will generally, with tweaks here and there, last about five years. By then I'll have a 9, 8, 7, 5.5, and 4.5 year old and they'll be able to do a lot more. But since I'm the one washing, drying, folding, and putting away most of/all of it now, I need this change!

Future plans still include adding shelves to the two underused closets upstairs to house extra blankets, pillows, move towels there, and to house all my free or cheap razors, soaps, feminine products, lotions, etc. Our open space opposite our back door leading to the garage will hopefully be converted into a pantry/more organized shoe holder space. Depending on BLee's plans for the Fall, we may move to having a Girls Room (where BLee is now) and keeping the boys where they are now. But, honestly, they love being in a room together and Paloma can't wait to join them. She LOVES being in the same room with them!

I'll post pictures soon!

We Are NOT Animal People

2009-03-24T20:47:00.005-05:00

It's been a weird evening. Paloma screamed at bedtime and had to cry it out which is not normal for her. She usually loves her sleep. And then I spent about an hour trying to keep Kadin in his room and on his bed. Finally done with that I come downstairs and kept wondering if I was indeed hearing a stray cat around the perimeter of our house somewhere.

BLee came home and I told her that I kept hearing a crying cat but couldn't spot it outside. She, being an animal person, opens the door to find this little kitten right outside our door on the porch wanting to come in from the rain and be fed.

I could tell immediately BLee had affections for the animal. I, on the otherhand, thought, "Lord, please let this cat be gone before William gets home!" This was one of those moments I seriously thanked God for him not owning a gun!

Well, William did get home and I got some serious laughs from watching/listening BLee speak the language of cats and William trying to shew the cats (yes, there ended up being another BIG cat along for the fun). At one point, William hisses at the cat and tries to scare them away from being perched up in the tree next to our porch. He followed the big cat down the street to make sure it did leave.

For you animal lovers out there, we love all God's creatures... just not wanting to co-habitate with them for a few reasons, 1) I'm not willing to add that expense and they do cost money, 2) I'm not interested in adding that kind of mess to our already large messes, and 3) my brain couldn't handle trying to care for a pet. Our plants are already needing attention. It would be absolutely neglectful. And did I mention my husband hates animals?

Movies and Hope

2009-03-12T06:51:00.004-05:00

Recently we saw the new movie Slumdog Millionnaire for a date night. And while I generally find it very difficult staying awake through the evening news, I watched the entire movie without a hint of dozing off.

If you have not seen it, consider checking it out. It's not a warm and fuzzy movie, for sure. But we found our hearts squeezed, our minds challenged, and our hope strengthened. And as a side, we are looking for a good ministry to support that specifically addresses human trafficking. Love to hear comments you may have on that.

The other movie we decided to watch in chunks again, which we own, is Expelled. Oh my. If you have not seen it and you live near us, we'd love to lend it to you. It is incredible. Again. Not the warm and fuzzy kind of film that will make you smile. But, if you know Christ, it will strengthen your faith.

Both of these two movies make me think of our kiddos. Life can seem so utterly messed up. I can see how people may think life is not worth living for. Yet that's exactly why I couldn't help thinking of our kiddos and what we want for them.

We want them to have the HOPE that comes only in Christ.

Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You! There is no greater thing!

Kiddos, O that you would have that hope! In Christ alone our hope is found! For we know that life on earth is not the end of the story. And for those who love God through Christ Jesus, though they die, yet shall they live! Live for God.

So Much to Give Thanks For

2009-03-09T20:36:00.000-05:00

If you're interested in hearing about our newest reason to thank God for His kindness to us, check out our Gratitude blog.

12th Spiritual Birthday

2009-03-09T20:35:00.001-05:00

Twelve years ago today I gave my life to Christ at a Bible Study in Jersey. And lots has changed since that pivotal day. I was in my first year teaching Kindergarten through Teach For America. The Lord worked it out to have me become roommates with Charity, the faithful friend who shared her life with me and ever-so-gently led me to the Savior.

This afternoon I was singing the following song at the lunch table, amazed by the Truth in the words regarding who I once was. Here's the song...

So I Will Trust You by S. Altrogge

Almighty Maker, universe shaper

You put the stars into space

Yet You descended, You have befriended

Those who had hated Your name, just like me

Lord over nations, King of Creation

Heaven and earth bow to You

I am Your child, I've been reconciled

With tender affection You drew me to You

Chorus

King of Glory, I know You love me

So I will trust You, yes I will trust in You

God Almighty, You have saved me

So I will trust You,

Yes, I will trust in You

What you ask am I trusting God for now today? So much for He is so trustworthy!

But what it mostly boils down to is me trusting Him to help me do His will for my life. Daily (often more than that, truthfully) I ask Him to show me His will. What are You calling me to in this moment, O Lord God? Help me to hear You and then to obey You!

When I take a step in obedience He ALWAYS provides the grace necessary for me to accomplish what He's calling me to.

A Brief Update

2009-02-13T07:30:00.001-06:00

Here is a brief update on what's up in the Whitney home...

Papa Bear - Encouraged Saraina-bug to do poopie on the potty by proclaiming a "Poopie Parade" for her "beautiful brown poopie." Mama Bear is stunned it worked since she had tried (in vain) for months to get her to be fully potty-trained! He leads this crazy, loud family and everyone seems to joyfully follow.

Mama Bear - Having fun teaching (mainly) Joshua and (sometimes) Saraina to read. Joshua actually sounded out his first word (cat) on the 10th and couldn't get enough of reading -at family words. Saraina-bug sounded out her first word (sat) yesterday morning. They are so funny as they sit side by side. Reading showing off their "pretty letters" as Saraina calls them.

Joshua - He has enjoyed praying out loud, learning how to read, and helping Mommy clear the table, fold laundry, and recently learned how to put the pillowcase on his pillow. He is quite the leader at the age of four but continues to be on the shy side away from home. His memory is sharp, his focus applaudable, and his desire to learn high. He watches and hears everything and doesn't miss a beat!

Saraina - Sissy continues to remind everyone that though she can hang with her brothers, she is all girl! She wears her colorful jewelry, tiara, carries her purse to the library, and considers everything beautiful. It's adorable how she phrases some things. She'll say "stool step" for step stool. And today she wanted "muffin chocolates" instead of chocolate muffins. And she likes for me to call her "Daughter Saraina."

Kadin - Our lightweight chunk is... LOUD. His volume continues to increase as he plays the drum or guitar. He loves music and babies. His favorite baby is still "Mony" (aka Paloma) and remains being very affectionate towards her. His favorite word is still NO, he loves puzzles, will run your toes over with the big trucks, constantly wants to have his babies dressed, and thinks letters are very cool. The boy is full of surprises and contradictions!

Paloma - PJ is so sweet. Her long hair makes her look older than she is. She sings the sweetest songs in the early morning hours before anyone makes it into her room. She's a solid eater and enjoys banana, avocado, peas and carrots regularly. In fact, she is now "regular" which we thank God for! She makes all of us oooo and ahhhh on a regular basis.

Well, that's is for now. Papa, PJ and I are off to MN for a mini-vacation... I mean Marriage Retreat. BLee is chillin' with the kiddos. The kiddos are excited, B claims she's really looking forward to it, and well, Papa and I will be hanging on the corner with our bags waiting for our ride! Yipee!!!!! If you think of us, pray for B to have energy to keep up with Kadin, us to have safe travels, and the kiddos to obey with joyful hearts!

Beechnut Freebie!

2009-01-30T09:49:00.002-06:00

Who doesn't like FREE stuff? Go HERE to get a FREE Parent Pack from Beechnut!

I called and mine in on the way! Yipee!!!!!

The President, the Passengers, and the Patience of God

2009-01-30T09:36:00.002-06:00

Friends, can I encourage you to read this article by John Piper? I trust it will not be wasted time!

And I'd love to hear any peep's thoughts on it as well!

Have You Seen...

2009-01-28T10:15:00.003-06:00

Have you seen the latest Whitney clan blog? If you're interested in the Whitney fam history go HERE.

And for the record, Uncle Freeman, the blog is awesome!

Bedtime with BLee

2009-01-28T10:06:00.002-06:00

I thought I'd share BLee's blog post about our kiddos. This is what happens when Papa and Mama go on a date night. Too sweet!

I Won!

2009-01-23T12:20:00.003-06:00

I periodically check Freebates, a blog that lists all sorts of rebates (most FREE after rebate!) that are available. I've taken advantage of some of them, too, and recently won a Coupon Organizer from the woman behind the blog, Lori.

Can I tell you how PUMPED I am about winning this!? As many of you know, I have my coupon binder but lugging that thing to the store requires much effort and a constant battle of fear of man. Having this nifty organizer will allow me to only bring the coupons I need for the particular stores I plan to go to during my outing AND be ready for the cashier.

Note: It is CRITICAL being organized upon checkout. Last night William and I went to Meijer to get some dealios and as he was doling out the coupons I was checking the register monitor as I loaded the cart (in my anal way, I might add) when I noticed a mysterious $4 addition for "MAT LATTE."

I racked my brain quickly trying to figure out what that meant and as we were wheeling the cart away I realized that we did not purchase anything for $4 exactly thus making that an error.

The result? We went to Customer Service and got $4. 29 credited back to our credit card (which we pay off in full - another key to saving $$). Thank You, Lord!

Anyway, if you're interested in another SMALL way to make your money go a bit further, check out Lori's FREEBATES site!

NEGATIVE Temps

2009-01-16T07:52:00.003-06:00

We woke up this morning and got the coffee going. William checked the temperature. The ACTUAL temperature was -20 degrees.

As I write this, about 2 hours later, it has dropped to -21. And William and Bethany are outside trying to jump start her car.

Last night we had a date night and decided to return some items that have been on our to-do list. It was -16 as we ran from the parking lot to the mall and back.

We got some Chinese food and the dry cleaners next to it was "Closed due to the weather." Now that is COLD!

Praying the Jetta will start after it warms up to 30 degrees or so. Not even worth trying to start her now. She hates the cold.

How's the weather where you are?

Blessed by "The Order of Love"

2009-01-15T14:16:00.003-06:00

This blessed me today.

Thought I'd pass it along if you, like me, need a reminder in "love is patient."

Our Day Filled with Grace

2009-01-15T10:13:00.006-06:00

Yesterday Joshua came up to me as I was getting dinner ready and said,

"Mommy. I didn't get so many swats today."

(Yes, we discipline our kiddos. And when we need to administer the rod, we call them "swats.")

Well, I kinda didn't know how to respond as I wasn't sure where he was going with his comment. So, I asked a follow-up question.

"Why do you think you didn't get so many swats?"

His response...

"Because I obeyed today!"

Knowing some reading this strictly oppose disciplining children and consider it abuse, I wholeheartedly believe it is abuse to NOT discipline children. So hearing my son begin to put together that there are consequences to our every thought and action is motivation for me to continue training and disciplining them in the Lord. I want it to go well with my children when they are older. I want them to live for God as they become more and more aware of their sinfulness and His holiness.

One other note for those who oppose disciplining children, what we believe and practice is only effective when the training component has been in place. It's not about how hard and how much can I spank my kid. It's about us showing them and helping them discern what is pleasing behavior and what is not.

Thank You, Lord. We sure did have a great day yesterday and it had NOTHING to do with me! It was ALL simply by Your grace that any good came out of our day. Trust me. I remember my stinking attitude first thing in the morning and the hopelessness I shared with William. But by Your amazing grace, it was a day we watched no TV, saw no videos, and didn't leave the house. Instead we read a chapter in one of their kid Bibles, went through their Scripture memory (at the request of Joshua!), cleaned and organized and played all day! How kind You are.

And the last thing Joshua said on the subject was, "Today was the best day!"

Free Suave - Today only!

2009-01-14T13:19:00.002-06:00

This is random and not really important but something I signed up for as the kids were eating lunch.

Suave is giving every woman in America a free bottle of their shampoo, conditioner, lotion, or bodywash. Want one? Go HERE and they'll send you a coupon for a FREE bottle of your choice (up to $3).

Note: this offer is ONLY good for TODAY! So go now!

Happy Birthday, Kadin David!

2009-01-12T09:09:00.008-06:00

January 12, 2009

Dear Kadin David,

Happy Birthday, Big Boy! Since Daddy recently took you to the doctor to check on your fever and cough, it is official that though you are our "big boy," you really aren't that big at all! One week shy of your 2nd bday you weighed in at only 25 lbs, including clothes and a diaper! But 'baby' you are not!

Lil' Manimal, there are so many things I love about you, how God has wired you. I love that you are still such a cuddly guy and enjoy being held by me or Daddy... or just about any body. You are particularly sweet with Paloma Joy. I think you give her more kisses than you give me! I pray you remain affectionate, never refraining from extending the love of Christ to others.

I love how you are beginning to really put words and sentences together. Some of the words I love to hear you say are:

- water = wadee

- hug = hi eee

- help = how woo

- I want = Ah wanna Ah wanna

- Paloma = Oma

- Joshua = Oshwa

- Saraina = Aynee

- cow = moooo

And what most people comment on after spending just a short amount of time in your presence is your facial expressions. You have got to be the most facially animated kid I have ever seen. Perhaps we can market that and make some cash off of you! Either way, Daddy and I are set on steering you to use that in a way that brings God glory.

I love you, lil fellow and I thank our God for creating you and granting me to be your mama!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Kadin!!!!!

~mommy

Some Recommendations

2008-12-23T14:47:00.004-06:00

Things are busy as we prepare for Christmas. I've got tons of blog posts in my head but quite honestly, they'll probably stay there! I will update you on my adventures in cooking deer soon. That was just too memorable to not post. Hopefully soon!

Anyway, four recommendations for you. The first two are ways I've supplemented our income and have been able to save money. They are both free and require little effort - which I'm all about! The third is simply a rec on a good article from a great Uncle. The fourth rec is on a good resource for Advent.

Here you go!

1 - If you like sharing your opinion (like I do!) and are willing to do some online (or phone) surveys, check out SYNOVATE. I'm getting $10 for completing about 7 surveys in that past month. This is something I don't do often. Just when I've got a moment, about once a week or so.

2 - Another way I've been trying to earn a little to offset our budget is through SWAGBUCKS search engine. It is so easy! Use it anytime you want to search for anything (opposed Google or whatever search engine you normally would). And earn stuff like Starbucks gift cards for doing the searching you would be doing anyway!

3- Our very own Uncle Tim has written a cool commentary that we think you might find worth reading! Please check it out! (And to the Waits... we will miss seeing you guys but we COMPLETELY understand. The Jetta wouldn't start at church on Sunday it was so cold up here! It felt like -30 degrees!)

4 - Looking for a good Advent resource? We bit the bullet and purhased THIS and have been greatly pleased. The kiddos have actually been memorizing the text and ask to "read the Advent book" each night! It costs a pretty penny but we have high hopes that it'll be around for a good while!