Journey of Grace

It’s a…..

2012-05-23T20:41:00.001-05:00

Boy!!

We had our ultrasound today, at 18 weeks 1 day.

Everything checked out great, all extremities present and accounted for, no seen intrauterine bands, four heart chambers seemingly flowing in the right direction, a heart rate of 166, gall bladder, stomach, kidneys, bladders, all accounted for.

Baby was actually being a little shy, not wanting to show his face at first, and then he actually had his hands between his legs (that’s when I suspected it was a boy ;)), and Alexa actually called it when she saw the baby’s head circumference she said “Oh yeah, it’s a boy, a girl’s head is not like that” :)

It wasn’t until towards the end of the ultrasound, we got a perfect shot of his “parts” to know for sure what we were having.

Tim and I saw it first and made eye contact, and then the (super sweet) ultrasound tech started talking the kids through it. Tim asked Treyton if he saw anything and he said “Yeah, a weiner. Girls don’t have weiners.” and Tim said, no they don’t. So at that point, we assumed that he “got it”, however, about 2 minutes later he said “So do we know if it’s a boy or girl yet?” So we had to explain to him again, that what he saw on the screen was in fact our baby, and it was a boy.

When the tech told us “I’m not allowed to say with 100% certainty of course, but…” Treyton was thrown for a loop…. and was like “Well, when will we know 100%, what do we have to do to know 100%?” (oh, how I love the mind of our absolute, black and white child!)

We are measuring right on for the October 23rd due date.

We are still undecided on a name, which is a first for us, usually by now, we’ve already known for a while. We have a girl name, but have 2 options for boy names…. I think we’re pretty decided on one, but still not for sure, so I’ll try to keep it to myself until we know.

Treyton is super pumped for a baby brother and is already talking about all the things he is going to teach him. And I’m happy to say Alexa is not really bummed at all, even though she wanted another sister. She’s still okay with a brother, and all Audrey likes to do is rub, hit and kiss my belly – I’m pretty sure that’s her way of showing the baby she loves him too.

I put on four pounds in the last five weeks, my blood pressure was normal and all seems well on big mama’s end.

Our next appointment is in 4 weeks, when all they will do is a heart beat check and belly measurement.

First Camping Trip 2012

2012-05-21T10:41:00.001-05:00

This past weekend (May 18th-21st) we went on our first family camping trip to High Cliff State Park. We decided to stick close to home, being last minute, and our first trip of the year we figured this was our best bet.

We got a great campsite (#106) for being last minute, and the weather couldn’t have been better. We left Friday night, after Tim got home from work. By the time we got there, got our water tank filled and the camper level, it was about 8 o’clock. I made a quick fire, while Tim was leveling the camper, so we enjoyed smore our first night, just to make sure we were actually camping :)

We (and by we I mean Tim) got all three kids to fit in the two bunk beds (Treyton on top, girls on bottom), Audrey didn’t sleep well the first night, but by the third night I think she got the hang of it.

Saturday after breakfast we decided to go on a family bike ride. Alexa wanted to ride her bike, and we let her. She’s actually a great bike rider, Treyton has taught her well.

The loop we took (from the campsites to the tower) was 3.4 miles. Alexa made it on her own the entire way there!! It was a beautiful trail, there were a couple nice scenic spots, we stopped to rest at one where you had a beautiful view of Lake Winnebago.

She rode back in the trailer with Audrey to get back, just because we never want to over work her knees, and because even though she wouldn’t really admit it, you could tell she was wearing down.

Treyton raced to the top of the tower ahead of the rest of us.

That sort of stuff gives me a heart attack, but Tim usually makes me let him (I guess that’s what dad’s are for).

The view was beautiful.

Oh yeah…. after we did the tower, Audrey was up on Tim’s shoulders cuddling – I took the camera out to take a picture and then she started acting goofy, leaning back and forward as far as she could without falling and laughing.

I was taking pictures of her, when she finally leaned a little too far back…. the look she made (and I was able to capture) was hilariously priceless!! Tim said the camping trip was worth it just because we got this picture!

After we got back to campsite we made lunch and then headed out for ice cream in Sherwood. After eating our very fast-melting cones and dishes, we were sitting at our picnic table when all of sudden, we hear a “zap” and Treyton starts screaming! Apparently, the fence that he was playing near was electric – a surprise to all of us, but mostly just him. (Here he is, with the fence, obviously not too happy, he got the shock on his left elbow)

After naps and resting time, we ate dinner, had some more smores and took showers for the night.

Sunday was church, and after church we went out to eat.

After we got back to the campsite, we decided to try swimming. The weather was warm enough, but as you would expect the water was a little chilly – though not as cold as any of us actually expected.

Treyton and Tim swam, Alexa got most of her body in and Audrey and I after getting our feet “damp” sat on the grassy area and watched our crazy family.

That night we had rueben and grilled cheese pudgy pies (AMAZING) and of course MORE smores! We packed up most the campsite and went to bed.

We headed out early this morning for dad to get back to work at a reasonable time. We managed to feed the kids breakfast, load up, empty our tanks, get home, unpacked and a load of laundry in all by about 9:30!!

It was a very relaxing and fun camping trip. None of the kids wanted to come home (well maybe Audrey did, I’m not sure, she didn’t say :)), Alexa says she loves camping and she wants to do it her whole life, forever. Treyton loves being with his family no matter where he is, but camping is his element for sure – all the biking and smore eating – the kid is in little man paradise!! I’m so glad we took this camping trip, although it was unplanned and I forgot a few things here and there, it was so nice to spend that time together as a family and to just enjoy one another, God’s creation and the beautiful weather He blessed us with.

Alexaisms: Peacock

2012-05-16T21:11:00.001-05:00

Right as we were leaving the zoo last week, we saw a peacock strutting his stuff right outside the door. The kids were inches away. Alexa must not recall having ever seen one open before, because she was completely taken by the entire experience.

She looked at the peacock and gasped “Wow! Look at all his eyes!!”

Treyton quickly corrected her mistake, but she didn’t believe until I backed him up.

(This picture is from a different day… but you get the “picture”)

Soccer 2012

2012-05-16T19:54:00.001-05:00

This year we chose soccer as our family sport. Alexa and Treyton are both on teams. They play every Monday and Wednesday evening from June until mid-July.

Tonight were the soccer pictures – I wasn’t able to get ones of the kids individually but I did get their team pictures.

Audrey – What She’s Saying

2012-05-10T22:47:00.001-05:00

(Isn’t she adorable even with a little shiner? She seriously walked around with this helmet on her head for 30 minutes this afternoon while playing outside)

Audrey has been a little slow in learning to talk.

Up until recently she said four words – very sparingly:

Mom
Dad
Bye
Please

She would say “bye” anytime someone would leave and it was by far her most used, and consistent word.

She is an excellent communicator and gets her point across very well by pointing, grunting and tapping.

In the past two weeks, we’ve gotten her to try a few more words, they aren’t very clear and if she wasn’t repeating after one of us I don’t know if you would even know what she was saying, but the consonant sounds are slowly coming and she’s at least beginning to try.

Bubbles (this one she actually says pretty well, but not only when there are bubbles, but sometimes when she is trying to talk about something else, I can’t figure out exactly what it means to her)
Bee
Cow
Goat
More
Book

It doesn’t sound like much, but this is pretty huge for her. Just trying to put sounds (primarily consonants) together is great progress, and I think once she finally starts being understood, she’s really going to take off.

We actually have a speech therapist coming in next week to do an evaluation on her. We haven’t decided yet if we want to pursue anything right now or not, but wanted to see where she was, at this point, and what our options might be. Please keep us and Audrey in your prayers, for the Lord to direct us where He wills.

Treytonisms: Seeing things his way

2012-05-10T22:35:00.001-05:00

Treyton is a truly special child. I love watching the way his mind works, as he gets older, I love watching his personality and perception shape who he is and the way he views the world.

The other day we were reading a book for school about the difference between insects and spiders. There was a random fact in the book that stated something like “There are 10,000,000,000,000,000 ants alive on the earth.”

We were driving in the car the other day, and Treyton (randomly) brought this fact up to Tim. But after he through it out there, he waited a second and then said “But actually, there aren’t that many any more, because the other day, I killed an ant! So now, there’s 1 less.”

I seriously could hardly stop laughing. It’s not what he said, as much as it is EXACTLY the way he sees the world. Everything is black and white, he is completely logical, honest and takes things at face value. We have tried several times to explain things like estimation and grey areas of life, but he just can’t seem to comprehend it…. and that’s okay, for now.

~~~

The other day an AT&T truck was parked out on our road. The kids and I were in the yard. I hardly noticed it there when Treyton said “What’s an at-tat truck doing there?”

“What?” I said

“The at-tat truck? Why is it there?”

I told him it was AT&T but he must not have believed me, because a few days later when driving in town Treyton said “I just saw an at-tat truck!!”

Piano Recital May 6th, 2012

2012-05-07T17:01:00.001-05:00

I had a few pictures from the recital that I didn’t get the chance to post earlier. This is Treyton before his recital.

This is Treyton’s entire class. Mommer, Papa and Aunt Toni came to watch his performance along with Dad, Alexa, Audrey and I.

This is Treyton and his teacher, Miss Paula.

Treyton's Piano Recital 4.6.12

2012-05-07T12:59:00.002-05:00

After one year (34 weeks) of piano lessons, Treyton had his first piano recital this past weekend. He did AMAZING! Tim and I are so proud. I teared up during the recital, and even rewatching the videos now, I still tear up.

Baby #4: First Trimester Recap

2012-04-24T14:10:00.001-05:00

Today marks my 14th week of pregnancy! To be honest, I actually forgot about it (surprise, surprise), but thanks to my handy-dandy little phone app, I not only received a reminder but learned that our little bundle of joy is the size of a lemon (3 1/2 inches long) and weighs in at roughly 1 1/2 ounces!! His or her liver started producing bile this week and the kidneys started functioning, which means from now until birth he/she will be able to urinate into the amniotic fluid when needed (a little disgusting, I know :)). God is so amazing, putting such complex miracles together piece by piece in the womb.

The first trimester went by fairly uneventfully, and I say “fairly” because, it’s still me, so of course there were a few events!! :)

My first appointment was not technically scheduled until the 10th week (I believe), but I ended going in a week early for an ultrasound, after two separate occasions of spotting (one lasting several days, one lasting for only a few hours). Praise God, the baby was fine, as was I. The baby measured a few days smaller, than what my cycle calculated, so they temporarily moved my due date back 4 days (to October 23rd), but said they wouldn’t set my official due date until the 20 week ultrasound.

Morning sickness was not bad at all comparatively speaking to the girls (pregnancies 2 and 3) and lasted a mere 3 1/2 weeks compared to the 7 I had with both of them. By 10 weeks, I was almost completely over all morning sickness, minus a light gag reflex I can’t seem to shake, that Treyton finds hilarious.

My energy was pretty low – being almost nothing until about 12 weeks, but even now, remains lower than normal.

After my 9 week appointment, I received a call from the doctor saying I had some glucose in my urine and they wanted me to come in for a simple blood test to rule out diabetes. I did that, and failed that test, so I had to go back in to take the 1 hour glucose test, which I not only passed, but (and I quote) “Passed with flying colors”.

This was great news. They weren’t actually concerned with my having gestational diabetes, so early in the pregnancy, as much as they were concerned that I had developed actual diabetes, in between pregnancies and was coming to them a diabetic (without knowing it). This last appointment that I had, my urine tested positive for glucose again, which the doctor said she was not concerned about, after me having passed the 1-hour test. She said sometimes women just pass glucose throughout their pregnancy, it’s not all that common, but that it does happen. My older sister, Skye, actually did this with her first pregnancy, too.

I had my second appointment last week (at the 13 week mark). Everything was great. My blood pressure was 102/62, I put on only 1 pound, and the baby’s heart beat was 165.

The doctor set my next appointment in 5 weeks, I will be around 18 weeks, at which time we will do our ultrasound as well!!! I believe it’s set for May 23rd.

Praising God for a healthy happy pregnancy so far!!

Easter Weekend

2012-04-12T22:06:00.001-05:00

We had a very busy and exciting Easter weekend.

Friday night Tim and I attended (for the second year in a row) the simulcast for Secret Church put on by David Platt, it was a 6 hour (plus) teaching on the Cross and Suffering. It was AMAZING! Saturday morning, Mommer, Alexa and I went to get some manicures and pedicures done. This was Alexa’s first experience and she loved it :) She smiled almost the entire time, I mean you could barely see her eyes she was smiling so big!!That afternoon, Mommer, Treyton and I had some sewing time. Treyton and Mommer worked on a pillow case while I worked on making two dresses for the girls.

Afterward Mommer put together another dress for Alexa using the same pillow case pattern. They all turned out really cute!! His pillowcase turned out awesome – he actually tried to convince me that his pillow is softer now :) So cute. Resurrection Sunday

We spent Easter at my sister and brother-in-law’s house, as is our tradition. They do a really great job making it fun for the kids. They do an Easter egg hunt, crafts and this year they even got a pinata. This was Audrey’s first year participating in the Easter Egg hunt, and she caught right on. She was so excited to pick up eggs, she couldn’t stop there she collected eggs, leaves, rocks and anything else she could find. Treyton and Ryan prided themselves on finding the “tough eggs”. Alexa was also excited and found a record number of eggs! She was so quick I barely saw her picking one up.

My little niece Madison is so adorable, she loves to be held, and she will walk up to almost anyone (she knows) and asks to be picked up. My kids have never really been like this, so it’s nice to have a niece who is so warm and cuddly with me.

For the pinata, the little kids got to go first, up to the big times, every one got two different turns. Here is Uncle Aaron helping Audrey hold the bat (it was a little heavy for her). Alexa wasn’t that interested in it, she only took 1 of her turns (2 hits), and didn’t want to go again.

Treyton did some serious damage to the pinata on both rounds, but Ryan, the oldest cousin in the group, ended up breaking it completely open. The boys were pretty excited about the entire thing.

Here we are collecting the candy for the kids!

It was a great Easter!!

Thank you Skye and Aaron for all your hard work!!

Alexaisms: Pee-YOOUUU and Prayers

2012-03-31T19:23:00.001-05:00

Alexa and Treyton have started this “hilarious” saying around our home whenever they smell something stinky or see something disgusting. I can’t remember exactly when it started, but after the first time I hard one of them say “Pee-you, that’s delicious!” I asked where it came from (thinking it was some movie or TV show I missed). But, no, that’s not it at all.

Supposedly the story goes (and excuse the brashness of this story if you will). Alexa had this great idea to place her butt near Treyton’s face and pretend to fart. She then told Treyton that he was supposed to say “Pee-you, that’s delicious”, to which, apparently he agreed.” Since then, it’s been all the rage!

Tonight, we found some moldy bread in the pantry – Alexa upon seeing it said what? You guessed it “Pee-you, that’s delicious”.

We found a smooshed worm in the driveway to which one of the kids replied? Yup “Pee-you, that’s delicious.”

Honestly, I don’t know where this girl comes up with this stuff.

The sad reality is, I don’t get the chance to post even half of what she says, and I wish I did …. she is such a hoot, and half the punch line is always her expression. She is a true clown at heart! She makes me laugh EVERY DAY – multiple times!!

~~~~~ (Alexa covered in mud, after following her brother up a pile of sand to collect rocks, after playing in the water)

Treyton is our little theologian, always has been, he knows his Bible stories well and understands things far beyond his years. He has a love for the Word that I’ve seen in very few people, particularly children. Alexa does not share this passion, but she is however a mighty, mighty little prayer warrior.

She has the ability and the confidence to speak to our Lord as a true friend, and she thinks often of going to Him with whatever she needs, big or small.

Her prayers usually start out with a small request, something like “Dear Jesus, please don’t let my knees hurt today,” and then continue on into an explanation and/or conversation with an old friend, just filling Him in on the details of her life. “When my knees hurt, I don’t have any fun, and it’s so hard for me not to cry and whine. I know that I don’t like it, and I don’t want to feel it anymore. Sometimes when I am outside playing my knees hurt, but usually it’s when I’m inside. It’s so hard to play with my knees hurt, so please make them not hurt and help mommy not to yell at me, and Audrey not to whine and cry. Dear Jesus, Amen.”

She’s quite the little talker, so her prayers can actually last a little while, which I think is so awesome. Rarely does she need to think of what to pray, she just says what is on her heart.

Just now, Tim came downstairs, where I’ve been working on lesson plans and said “Your daughter is praying.”

Lately Alexa has been working really hard on not peeing in her diaper at night (she is potty trained during the day, but not at night). I made a deal with her that when she doesn’t pee in her diaper at night, she can do quiet time instead of nap time. Last night, she got up for the first time (at 2am) to go potty!!! We are all so proud.

So tonight after dinner, I was downstairs, Tim was cleaning up from dinner and Alexa was sitting in the living room, seemingly talking to herself. Tim asked Lexie a question and she said “Just wait, I’m praying.”

When Tim came downstairs, you could still her “going to town” just talking to Jesus!! Tim said she was asking him to help her not to pee in her diaper.

Isn’t that the most precious thing you’ve ever heard of?!?!?

Treytonism: Forever, It’s Hard to Understand

2012-03-30T21:28:00.001-05:00

On the way home from Bible Study on Friday Treyton was watching a movie in the backseat. He asked me to pause it and then says to me from the back seat:

“Mom, so after we die, we go to heaven, I get that.”

“Yeah” I said

“And it’s forever, right?”

“Right.”

“I just can’t get that in my mind. I mean I try, you know? I think until the end of what I can think, then I think a little more, and I just can’t understand it!!”

“Oh I know, buddy, I hear ya. I can’t understand it either. It’s pretty huge.”

“Yeah, I guess it’s just one of those things Jesus will have to tell us about when we get there, huh?”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“Hmmm….” he said, as he turned back to watching his movie (Pilgrim’s Progress) :)

Alexaisms: March 2012

2012-03-17T18:05:00.001-05:00

While Tim was grilling some steaks, Alexa was outside on the patio playing in the sandbox. It’s been a beautiful weekend here and most of the neighbors have been outside at some point or other. At this time, one of our closer neighbors had two young men playing basketball out in their driveway.

As Tim stepped outside to check his coals, Alexa said to him. “You can go play with those boys if you want, Daddy. They’re the dolphins!”

~~~~~

We were watching an E-Trade commercial on TV where there is a new dad looking into a nursery window with the E-Trade baby sitting next to him. At the end of the commercial, the E-Trade baby sees his friend in the nursery and says “What are you doing in there?” To which his friend replies “Speed dating.”

The commercial must have made an impression on Alexa, because in her usual line repeating fashion she said “I’m free, Baby!”

She apparently misunderstood the line, which was fine by Tim and I, and we think she made it even funnier.

Audrey's Second Birthday: Part 2

2012-03-11T22:25:00.001-05:00

After Mommer and Papa arrived, we went in and did presents, Audrey was blessed in a big way, by her Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles, she got more than she needed for sure.

After presents, we did dinner – steak on the grill, salad and potato cakes.

For cake, we got an ice cream cake from dairy queen (yum). I couldn’t believe it! Audrey actually blew out her candles – on purpose – like she actually knew what she was doing. I have been to a lot of kid birthday parties, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a two year old blow out their own candles. She did it 4 times (because we kept lighting the candles to get through the song ;))!! What a little genius we have!

It was really a great day, relaxing and all about Audrey – just the way we wanted it!

Audrey’s Second Birthday: Part 1

2012-03-11T22:06:00.001-05:00

We celebrated Audrey’s second birthday today. It was a GORGEOUS day out – which she shouldn’t get used to because it’s never 60 degrees in early March (or anytime in March) in Wisconsin!

After going to church, we went to lunch to Chili’s, came home and put Audrey down for a little nap. While she was napping I pulled out her presents, the house was already decorated (thanks to Daddy-o, the night before).

I did a little yard work, and waited for the Grandparents to arrive.

We decided, for the first time ever, not to do a party with our entire family, only because Audrey really doesn’t like a lot of people at one time. It tends to over-stimulate her and get her overly excited and anxious. Yesterday, when Tim came in with some balloons and the kids got super excited, even that sent her into a tizzy…. I knew then we made the right decision.

Grandma Lex and Papa Luke arrived soon after Audrey woke up from her nap, we spent some time outside, playing with bubbles and chalk on the driveway. Audrey LOVED the bubbles, she kept squealing and showing everyone her bubble wand.

We spent a good 45 minutes the girls (including mom and Grandma) doing bubbles, and the boys (Treyton, Papa Luke and Daddy-o) playing basketball nearby.

I got a lot of cute pictures of Alexa running in the bubbles…. the kids were so pumped to have such beautiful weather… and I can’t blame them - you really do feel like a new person!!

I think the best thing about this birthday, is that the Grandparents actually got a chance to spend time with the kids, usually they are surrounded by ALL the kids and it’s hard to spend one-on-one or one-on-three time. I think they had fun….

I thought this was a cute picture of Tim and Treyton doing huddle time!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Audrey!

2012-03-11T21:17:00.001-05:00

Audrey is my precious little baby girl…. still (and forevermore)!! She is a lovable cuddler, which brings such joy to this mamma’s (and daddy’s) heart. Although she still doesn’t talk, she is learning to communicate in her own way, which is nice.

The other day, I was painting Alexa’s fingernails and toenails for her date night with Daddy-o. Audrey came in plopped herself down next too us, and slapped her own feet – clearly telling me she wanted her toes done as well. So, for the first time, she got her toenails painted an unmistakably bright pink that could not go unnoticed!! In addition to her own unique methods of communication, she has also learned to say “please” and “thank you” in sign language. I plan on teaching her more, but to be honest, I can’t decide which ones to teach… maybe “more” and “all done” those seem to be popular ones.

She LOVES to dance with Alexa and Treyton, and is getting faster all the time. She’s taking stairs up and down completely on her own, which has only expanded her options for “hoarding” and “collecting” miscellaneous items throughout the house. I can’t remember a day when I didn’t have to look for at least three things that she has wondered off with for her own collections.

Audrey enjoys being a part of school. She has her own chair, and tools to use, which keeps her involved throughout the morning. Most of the time, she just likes to sit in the chair with me, on my lap, behind me, next to me, doesn’t really matter, as long as she’s close.

She’s got quite the joyful personality, she laughs a lot especially at Alexa. I love the sound of the girls playing together. It’s been within the last couple of months that they’ve actually started interactive playing with one another.

Audrey is also becoming nurturing and sweet to her brother and sister and is often seen patting their backs, and rubbing them when they are sad or crying.

She is a little ham saying “cheeeeese” for all pictures, which makes it a little more difficult to get a natural smile from her, but that’s okay I guess… it’s part of who she is, and it really does show her personality.

Tim and I feel so blessed to watch our little peanut grow into a little girl, it really doesn’t feel like two years since she was born… I know it sounds cliché’ but it really does feel like yesterday…

Bicycle & Tricycle Fun

2012-02-23T14:52:00.001-06:00

It is a gorgeous February day here, which happens like once every 25 years, so we dug the kids bikes out of the garage and took the time to enjoy it!

Seriously…. my kids are stinkin’ cute!

Our Little Man

2012-02-23T13:56:00.001-06:00

Throughout our parenting journey we have gone through some great times and tough times with each of our children as we try our best to train and disciple them.

We have recently come through one of the tougher patches with Treyton, as we were dealing with difficult behavioral and attitude issues that we couldn’t just “change” but had train him through. We crawled on our knees, as we prayed our way through it, and while of course we don’t have a perfect home, child or parents, we seem to be going through a “high” with our nearly 6 1/2 year old, little man.

In the last several weeks the Lord has encouraged me repeatedly through things that Treyton has said or done and I wanted to record them on “paper” as well as ponder them in my heart.

I was talking to a friend of mine this past weekend about our children’s love languages and it really hit home with me as I started to really think about how Treyton feels the most loved. So I decided to ask Him myself. Many of his answers I knew, but it was still emotional to hear it come from his own mouth.

He said he felt most loved from Dad and I when:

We go on dates
When we cuddle in bed after the girls are laid down
Anytime that it’s the three of us
Talking and telling stories
Playing games
Writing and getting notes to mom

A while ago I wrote a note to Treyton and put it on his bed, just to say I love you. He was ecstatic about the entire thing and that night, I found my own little note sitting on my pillow. Since then we have been leaving each other post-it notes (anywhere we think to put them). I have been saving them all in a little notebook to keep forever. On Valentines, I found this on my bed. Treyton loves to talk about his (and others) feelings, how and why things are they way they are and things that are far beyond his years. I treasure my talks with him and I wish I could somehow record them to remember all of the wisdom he speaks. I pray often for God to continue to develop this gift in him, for I know that it isn’t nearly as important how you start as it is how you finish.

Recently, Tim has started reading through the book of proverbs with him at night. They cover several verses a night, Treyton reading them and then the two (and sometimes three of us) talking about what they mean. Since this has started Treyton has expressed an interest in reading the book of John next. Tim said “Sure”. Well, apparently Treyton couldn’t wait, during quiet time one afternoon, Treyton asked if he could use the i-pad to read the book of John (we use the i-pad because it is easy to make the print larger, which for some reason seems to make a big difference in reading). We also pulled out his NiRV Bible so that he could read it from either source.

At dinner, I asked him what he read, and if he had any questions. He ran to his bedroom and brought me his Bible, he said “I found a verse that I want to memorize… I was so excited to read it I was like ‘Yeah! Awesome!!’ here it is.”

He pointed to and read John 1:14 which says “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

He’s currently memorizing Psalms 23 for AWANA, but he says he wants to memorize this one too. Tonight, when I tucked him in he tucked his Bible in at the foot of his bed, telling me that he was going to keep his Bible there from now on.

I love how God is opening his heart to His word and giving him his own passion for it. Oh, God I pray that this continue throughout ALL of his days.

Treyton is a very sweet kid, he continues to struggle with gratitude and a respectful attitude, but I see the Lord working on his heart in these areas, and I trust Him to complete the work that He’s started. He has a big heart, and loves to have fun. He’s funny, energetic, fast-paced, organized, precise and controlling.

I am the most blessed mom in the world. God has given me so much more than I deserve.

(okay, so I couldn’t decide between which edited picture to post, so I posted them both ;))

Book: Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges

2012-02-17T18:14:00.001-06:00

Well, finally, after three years of being on my “want to read list” I finished “Respectable Sins” by Jerry Bridges.

This was a great book, dealing with subtle sins that we in the Christian community regularly struggle with. According the Bridges “the primary purpose of this book… is to help us honestly confront the subtle sins we tolerate in our own lives so that we will tend to walk more humbly before God and with respect to the unbelievers towards whom we may be so judgmental.” I think he does a great job fulfilling the purpose.

My favorite aspect of this book is the fact that Bridges reminds us over and over, not only about the gospel, and the grace of the cross, but of the sovereignty and wisdom of God.

The sins discussed in this book are:

Ungodliness
Anxiety and Frustration
Discontentment
Unthankfulness
Pride
Selfishness
Lack of Self-Control
Impatience and Irritability
Anger
The Weeds of Anger
Judgmentalism
Envy, Jealousy and Related Sins
Sins of Tongue
Worldliness

This book has much to offer all of us. The first part of the book is handled and written so gracefully to explain the grace and truth of the cross, the commandment of dealing with our sin, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

I enjoy Jerry Bridges writing style – it’s to the point and easy to read. He’s trustworthy, truthful and has a God-given gift to teach and explain the Word.

Blessed Beyond Measure

2012-02-14T21:16:00.001-06:00

So…. for a while I felt like I might never write this post again, but God was and is faithful and has brought our family yet another blessing to proclaim his glory.

This past week, we found out that we are expecting our fourth miracle! We are expecting little Schoessow #4 on or around October 20th, 2012.

Tim and I are over the moon excited and are looking forward to this next chapter of our life. The kids are pretty excited as well.

When we told the kids Treyton was PUMPED!! And since then he seems to be constantly thinking about both me and the baby. It has actually caused a big change in him, in a good way, and I’ve noticed him treating his sister’s more kindly and considerately.

We went out to eat this past Sunday and when the waitress asked us “Five?” Treyton said “Actually, there’s 6 of us!” as he pointed to my belly.

He came to Tim and I one night after dinner and said “So, I’ve been thinking of some names for the baby… what do you guys think of Troy?”

He’s completely in love with this new baby, and I can hardly wait to see them together.

Alexa, who has been less than receptive to some of the new babies in our lives (three new babies in the last 6 weeks), but when we told her we were pregnant she took a deep breath in and said “Oh my word, mama!” She hasn’t said much since then, and I’m not sure if she even has thought about it since then.

Audrey of course doesn’t realize what’s going on, but is typically excited anytime the rest of us are :) She loves, loves, loves to hold all of the new babies, so I am sure she will do great with it!!

I will be updating throughout the pregnancy as things continue to progress.

Treytonism: Exercise

2012-02-13T12:47:00.001-06:00

Treyton asked me today why I don't exercise.
I said "I don't exercise because sometimes I feel like I don't have time to exercise."
He said "If you have time for snacking you have time for exercise!"
Hmmmm.... I guess he gave me something to think about!

Recipe: Nutty Granola

2012-02-03T23:00:00.001-06:00

I’ve been in a rather “home maker” mood lately, and felt the recent urge to do a little bit more in the kitchen.

I had seen on several blogs that I read different granola recipes that looked good. I started reading them all, comparing and figuring out things that I thought our family would like (or not like) and created a recipe that I thought would fit our family.

This is my best attempt at writing my recipe down (I'm not always the best at measuring things out, and I "tweak" a lot - go figure ;)) It's pretty easy though and WAY good!!

Ingredients
3 Cups Old-Fashioned Oats (these are not the same as minute oats)
1 Cup almonds (unsalted)
1 Sunflowers (unsalted)
1 Cup Cashews
1 Cup Coconut Flakes (I wanted coconut chips but couldn't find them, the flakes work fine)
3/4 Honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter melted
Handful of Chocolate Chips

Directions

mix "dry" ingredients"
mix "wet" ingredients (including brown sugar)
mix together
Spread onto a baking sheet covered with a GREASED aluminum foil sheet.

Bake for 30 minutes @325
Stir every 10 minutes.
Let cool in the pan - the longer it cools in the pan the bigger your clumps are going to be. We like clumps, but if you don't I would remove from pan fairly early.

I allowed mine to completely cool in the pan and it was a little "tricky" getting it off of the aluminum foil. Doable, but tricky. So maybe it's best not to allow it to cool completely before you take them off.

Store in an airtight container.

(Side note: The handful of chocolate chips I added completely melted and after the first "stir" so they basically just coated the granola.)

Alexaism: Movie Lines

2012-02-02T11:31:00.001-06:00

Alexa has an unnatural ability to remember things that she hears, particularly if she hears them more than once. She usually learns her AWANA verse for the week after the first few times of us telling it to her, she learned my phone number after just one day, and she repeats things I (and others) say often (too often sometimes) :) A few of her favorite things to watch/listen to right now is her Tangled movie and the Lion King Storybook CD (like every morning she listens to it).

So throughout the day as she’s playing, coloring or even sitting by herself, it’s not uncommon to hear her repeating lines from the movie/book – lately a few of her favorites have been:

“Who are you and how did you find me?”

“We must leave pride rock.” “We’re not going anywhere!”

“You gotta put your past behind ya!”

“Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your hair!”

“Just let me heal him” (when Rapunzel wants to heal Flinn after her mother stabs him) this one she says with a “voice” – so funny.

“Okay, we’re going to be late, it’s time to go, it’s time to go. We’re going to be late!” (this one is from one of the Free Willy movies that her and Treyton watch in the van).

She has an amazing memory, and has such a flare for the dramatic, together it’s entertaining, to say the least! I love to see her developing her gift of memory, and I can’t wait to see how the Lord will use it in her life.

Treytonism: A Tiny Bit

2012-02-02T09:19:00.001-06:00

I tell Treyton this morning “You are so smart”

He says “You’re smarter, by a tiny bit”

Not sure if that’s a complement or an insult….

Treytonism: Not So Good & Daddy’s Hands

2012-01-31T12:00:00.001-06:00

I made homemade granola, and when it was time to taste it the girls and I went nuts… I was worried that we wouldn’t have any to save there for a while.

Treyton, however, just took his initial small piece, ate it and walked off and continued playing. I asked him “Did you not like the granola?”

“Welll…” he said “I don’t want to say your a bad cook. I mean, I’ll eat it, but no, it’s not my favorite. I think that I should stop talking though, because I don’t want to say anything mean for your feelings.”

“Okay, thank you for telling me the truth, but being so nice about it. That’s good manners, bud.”

~~~

This morning we were talking about hands for some reason. And Treyton said

“Yeah, like Daddy’s hands, you know, like Dad’s hands.”

“No, I don’t know what exactly you mean. How are Dad’s hands?”

“You know, they’re like tough, and like strong and really big. Not like ____ and ____’s. My Dad’s hands are, you know, tough. Probably like what Jesus’ hands were like.”

“I like Daddy’s hands too, but you know what. Jesus actually worked with wood, so his hands were probably a little rougher than Daddy’s.”

“Yeah, that’s true, especially after the cross, they were probably real rough after he was nailed to that cross!!!”

“Yes, you’re right, in fact the Bible says he still has the scars on his hands.”

“Yeah…. hmmm…”

And he wandered off, thinking on that.