Townes Turned 4

Wow, we can barely believe it's been 4 years already!

Time has flown by and we are so blessed to have spent them getting to know you and love you.

Everyday that goes by I see myself in your little eyes. When I show you a photo of me as a child, you always say it's you and don't believe me when I say " No, that's momma". It warms my heart to see both Daddy and myself in you. You are rough and tough but as sensitive as they come. We've seen you grow so much over the last couple weeks. We are so proud of you and your desire to obey us with a "happy heart".

Right now, you are SUPER into sharks, trucks, and airplanes. You love to be told " Townes' stories", you love to play with Momma;s and Finch's hair, you love to dance, entertain, talk, color, read stories, and just be all boy!!!

We love you more and more everyday Sweet boy! I look forward to the many years ahead. We are look into the future with anticipation of what's to come. Which may be a 6"11 260lb son all the more for us to love!!

12/03/2010
Weighs: 51 lbs
Height: 48-49"

Wednesday

It's a better day today because I decided I can turn the TV on. It won't make me a bad mom and my kids won't become addicts...ah, that was nice to say. lol.

It's hard trying to always have everything together, good thing I figure out I'm not the only Mom out there who doesn't have it all figured out.

Thanks to my sweet friends who help me see that this season will to pass....the nausea one. :)

mind blahhhh

I'm sick in tired of being tired.

I have wanted to quit my job at least 4 times this week.

Why does Townes always have to have the same thing as Finch?

Why can't I sleep good anymore?

I hate peeing a million times a night.

I really don't like being pregnant...maybe when baby starts kicking around I'll like it better. Right now it's just aches, pains, bloating and sickness.

I'm a little depressed that my husband isn't home again this weekend.

I just need to complain today.

I'm hungry all the time but when I eat I feel sick

Ok, happy thoughts :) I love to watch the kids dance

Finch can count to 5

Townes is getting so big, we have the funniest conversations.

Townes rubs my back and always ask if I'm feeling better yet? :)

Finch has the funniest laugh it makes us all laugh out loud.

I would love to go to an island for 6 months and let the kids play in the sand all day.

I'm really NOT looking forward to winter...really.

I have a list of To-do's that keeps growing.

A friend brought us 2 casseroles..God bless her!

I'm bored.

I need to spend some good time in the Word.

wow, sorry you had to read this. :)

Our life

First off...HI! It's been too long and way to much has happened. I just can't seem to be able to stop. think. write. So I'm going to make a list of the things that have/are/and might happen.

1. We are having another BABY!! Yeah, for babies. We are very excited and so far I'm feeling great! Praise the Lord hope it lasts!! I'm due April 24th..ish...

2. Townes is way excited for another baby! He keeps waiting for baby to kick him..so I make my belly move around and he is utterly amazed and shouts "The baby kicked me"! He doesn't need to know it's me :)

3. A very special person passed away on Saturday. Danny's Grandpa Hyde. Townes 'Hyde' is named after him, he was an amazing, loving man. He is with Jesus and as healthy as ever in Heaven and we rejoice with that. Though we do have moments of great sadness..like tonight..as Townes prayed " Jesus, please help Great Grandpa Hyde get better so we won't be sad". The tears ran down our faces as we had to again explain where he was.

4. We are putting our house on the market, ASAP.

5. Danny's been doing a lot of photography lately.

6. I'm getting Doula certified next weekend, I'm very excited. I've gotten to share the precious moment of births with several mothers and want to make it official.

7. We are planning on moving to OMAHA, NE.

8. I'm very excited about all the opportunities in Omaha but I'm so sad to be leaving my family, my dear friends and even my sweet little house.

9. I got super sad today when Townes said " I love Townes' house, I no want to move"!

10. Had an ugly.ugly cry the other night...hormones..but my sweet husband just listened. Wow, it really helped.

11. Moving, pregnancy, looking for maternity care, loosing Grandpa, selling our house, going through all our junk, $$ all made me do #10

12. Really feels the need to love my little brother more.

13. Misses being a part of our nephews/nieces lives :(

14. Is ok with not being able to do it ALL!

15. So thankful for God's mercies every morning.

16. Is having a difficult time with making dinner lately..I'm bored with our foods.

17. Loves my husband more than I ever thought I could, and hope to love him even more as we grow old together.

18. Misses my children when they aren't with me or they are asleep :)

19. Has got to get a handle of my basement..junk everywhere.

20. Loves that the weather is almost chilly outside.

21. Needs to take more photos of my kids.

22. I decided to not read blogs that make me feel like less of a wife and mom.

23. Found a midwife in Des Moines that will come to Ames to deliver baby

24. Well, we might not be in Ames when baby is born soooo baby will be born at Grandma and Grandpa's house if we move out of state... Ha, My Dad doesn't know what to think of that

Thursday...

I have so much to blog about but I just can' t seem to get my thoughts together to update my blog! If I knew people really read this bad boy i'd update it more often but there's only someone here or there that reads it so...for those of you..we are still alive and busy!

I've been working on my photoshop abilities lately so that I can help out on that end of the business. It's been so great to work with Danny as he's doing something he totally loves. We are ironing out all the little details and he's really taken charge at making this happen. I'm so proud of him. I really pray that one day soon he'll be able to dedicate all his time to doing what he loves.

We had an AMAZING time on our photo tour! God was so good to us, we stayed out for 3 weeks, 7 states, 7000 miles, and many.many.drive ups. It was fantastic. We can't wait to hit the road again! Danny's style seems to be very different then many we see, we really want to "sell" his style not just the photo gig itself. B/c so many people have cameras these days and feel like doing it themselves is the "same". So we are finding our niche!

Like I said I'm new to photoshop but it's been a lot of fun and hard to get my mind to remember things(kids)!

I helped a friend out and did this one for her daughter's 1st birthday. What do you think?


BEFORE



AFTER

Wednesday

This week seems to be a week of change at our house...

Townes is using full sentences all the time, which is super fun but makes me sad at the same time. He's really growing up. He negotiates with us about things, wow, didn't think that time would come so soon. Plus, sometimes he makes a good point! :)

Finch decided it was finally time to start walking. So since Monday she's started walking everywhere, picking toys up while she walked by them, walking faster...well, almost running. I'm still a little shocked when I'm in the other room and she comes walking in. So cute! I just love seeing how proud she is of herself.

On to other things going on..

My dream job (other than the one I have) would be to a personal shopper and clothing consultant!! Ah, I really am thinking about doing it on the side. Do you think I could drum up some business??!?!?

We decided that at the end of the month we will be taking a HUGE road trip..yes, across half of the US to California. We are excited to get in our AWESOME van and see our beautiful country!

Speaking of VAN....I love it! We are so excited about it, whenever I need to go somewhere, it's so much easier, it's so nice, it's fun. Ah, we are so thankful for God providing it!!

Our Church is having a donation garage sale on Friday in Burgies parking lot from 10-5pm. It's to raise money for a local needy family! Please come by, or come donate some stuff we are taking it from 8a-10a on Friday at Burgies in front of Lowes.


Hope you are having a great day!

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Nothing but the blood of JESUS

What can wash away my sin?
What can make me whole again?

For my cleansing this I see--
For my pardon this my plea--

Nothing can my sin erase
Naught of works, 'tis all of grace--

This is all my hope and peace--
This is all my righteousness--

Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Thank you, Lord for saving me. Thank you, Lord for setting me free. You have truly made me white as snow and no sins do I hold. You are my one strong KING, Thank you, Lord for purchasing me.

Townes tells the story perfectly. Tonight as we laid in his bed, he retold the story of what Easter was. " Mama, Jejus died on cross ..stone rolled away and empty"!! With excitement is his precious little voice he goes on to tell me.." Jejus(jesus :)) died for sins, He's ALIVE, the bad mans not kill him". Oh sweet angel, you are so right, he is ALIVE. He went on to tell me that he wanted Jejus to die again so that we could have the Easter story after Easter (this makes me smile) because I can see his little heart and what he really means to say. He has shown such a great love for Jesus and he wants to know more all the time, he just doesn't want the story to be over. With tears in my eyes I answered him, " Honey, Easter is never over, we should make the story of Easter our favorite story the one we remember to read everynight." He grinned from ear to ear, " that a good dea (idea) mama!" Oh how beautiful the heart of a child.

Beauty and the geeks...

Our lastest family photo session...BTW Townes LOVES to dress up and take funny pictures! Danny is very excited that he has a very willing subject!

I'm feeling a tug..

Fellow me, my child
Hold on to my hand
Don't fret
I AM..
Let me fill your empty cup
So it overflows with light
My Spirit will enable you
To do what's right
Trials you will endure
But lost you are not
Come with me my child
For I have LIFE in sight...

A grateful heart

This is an excerpt that I took from passionatehomemaking.com. It really hit me right in the gut, I can't wait to get started on this book....

This has hit home to me as I have recently read it retold in Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy by Nancy Leigh Demoss. Through my recent struggles with insomnia, God has been teaching me many lessons. This has been one of them. I confess…I am a whiner. I complain when I am tired, when the children don’t behave, when my husband doesn’t arrive on time from work and dinner gets cold. It is so easy to focus on the problems, the struggles, the challenges in our lives, rather than actively striving to choose gratitude. It does not happen by chance. It is not acquired in a moment. It is the fruit of a thousand choices.

Things to Be Thankful For
(Originally published at Revive Our Hearts)

-Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means you have enough to eat.
-Be thankful for the mess you clean up after a party, because it means you have been surrounded by friends.
-Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means you’re employed.
-Be thankful that your lawn needs mowing and your windows need fixing, because it means you have a home.
-Be thankful for your heating bill, because it means you are warm.
-Be thankful for the laundry, because it means you have clothes to wear.
-Be thankful for the space you find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means you can walk.
-Be thankful for the lady who sings off-key behind you in church, because it means you can hear.
-Be thankful when people complain about the government, because it means we have freedom of speech.
-Be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means you’re alive.

FEAR NOT

I feel as though God's teaching me more these days then ever before. It's a good thing, I suppose. It's just not easy. I just like they say most good things don't come to easily.

I'm slowing finding out more about myself and about how God wants to use these lessons for His glory. Fear....ah fear...being my biggest stumbling block. Fear of all kinds of things, crippling fear. But what does God have to say about it.

FEAR NOT.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. (Psalm 46:1-2)

Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)

But now says the LORD who created you, O Jacob, and who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name; you are mine." (Isaiah 43:1)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

The LORD is on my side. I will not fear. What can man do to me? (Psalm 118:6)

You drew near in the day that I called on you: you said, "Fear not." (Lamentations 3:57)

Didn't God tell Abraham, "Fear not, for I am your shield and your very great reward"? (Genesis 15:1) Didn't God tell Hagar, "Fear not; for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is"? (Genesis 21:17) Didn't God tell Isaac, "Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you, and multiply your seed for my servant Abraham's sake"? (Genesis 26:24) Didn't God tell Jacob, "Fear not to go down into Egypt, for there I will make of you a great nation"? (Genesis 46:3) Didn't he tell us to fear only God? Christ did not promise that we should have no trouble. Instead, he promised that in this world we would have trouble, but that he had overcome the world.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. (Psalm 46:1-2)

Constant running blog..

It's funny that I go through most of my day thinking of it in "blog terms". I think about all the things I'd write about myself, the kids..mostly nonsense but I'd still write it. Then I set down to write something and my mind goes blank. Go figure.

What's in my head right now..

- I love to vacuum. I think I want a Dyson for our 5 yr anniversary. Yeah, that might be wierd..I guess diamonds would be nice. But a vacuum..man the things that I could clean with that baby.

-If I'm somewhere that hasn't been vacuumed in a longtime. I go a little crazy. Yes, maybe it's your house. I just am a little OCD about vacuuming. So for probably the first hour at your house I'm thinking I really would love to vacuum.

-Have you ever vacuumed and cleaned the filter out right after one use? it's disgusting. Always, so full. Have no idea where it all comes from since I vacuum everyday.

-Don't know what I'm going to do with my hair.

-love that Townes tells me "I missed you , momma"! When he wakes up from his naps.

-I'm super proud of Townes he is changing and growing so much. He's really such a kind, lovely little man.

- I've lost 12 lbs

- Need to lose another 30-40lbs.

-Trying to figure out when it's time for another baby, but need to lose weight first. argh!

-Can't wait to go see some sunshine.

-Somedays I HATE iowa

-would really love a van.

- Sometimes feel like i have no friends.

- Love how God always provides in really cool ways.

- Just got a "new to us" beautiful dining room table.

- don't like video games

Ok, I'll stop. Why did all those random things just come to my head. So weird. Sometimes the blogging world can be a little pretentious , I guess I'm just putting it out there that my crap isn't all together :)

A beautiful reminder to all women

Before you read this married, unmarried, young or old... This is a part of a letter that a mother wrote her young unwed daughters preparing them for the greatest role taht someday they might do. Hope it can touch you in some way as you may be preparing, or in this role of a lifetime.

Remember to be a helper to your husband. Stand behind your man with prayer, encouragement, and trust. Honor him, bless him and serve him as unto the Lord. He will thrive before God in his environment. As he grows, your children will grow, and your cup will be so full it will overflow into the lives of others.

When you are peeved with him for some silly offense, remember you are cutting off the prayer line. Don't allow hurt feelings to fester and disease the relationship. Be careful, thankful and ready to forgive. (ah..insert sigh..a big struggle for me) Your children WILL watch you. If you show disregard, disapproval, anger, irritation, or dishonor to your husband, it will open the door for the children to do the same-not only to their father, but, in a greater degree, to you. In Proverbs it speaks of this very thing: "Every wise woman buideth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands(Prov. 14:1)."

Don't get caught up in pouring your life into a good cause- even the rearing of a large family. Pour your life into knowing and serving the Savior and seeking that every life you touch be touched with the knowledge of forgiveness in the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

(taken from a beautiful letter Debi Pearl wrote to her three young daughters)

A beautiful reminder to me of what God desires for me as I attempt do my job to the best of my ability. God is so good, and He continues to prove himself not only faithful but just plan GOOD!

Falling in love with Jesus is so easy to do, if we just allow ourselves to do it.

You are so good to me..

Many times when I truly reflect on God's faithfulness and goodness, all that I can seem to mutter is Thank you. The tears that roll down my face are those of disbelief that He sent His only Son to die for me...ME. God is just and merciful, He hears the cries of those suffering, He wants to give them new life.

Psalms 34:
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their cry;

16 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.

18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19 A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;

20 he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.

21 Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

22 The LORD redeems his servants;
no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.

Praying for those who need Him especially the people of Haiti.

Life Lessons from Birth..by Jenny

My sister in law, Jenny, just wrote this on her blog. For those of you who don't know her she is an amazing, God fearing women. I was so encouraged by this letter she wrote, I wanted to share it. Please fill free to share it with anyone else. BTW, the imagery really does work, I rested in His arms during my home birth with Finch and it was wonderful. Not many people say that about birth..she's taught me a lot.

You can read up on her blog at http://menafamily.blogspot.com/

Life Lessons from Birth
It's been a week since my little Jedidiah was born and I've had some time to reflect on his birth. Being my 6th birth (5th without pain medication or medical intervention, 4th home birth), I've learned a few things about how to get through the pain and difficulty that birth naturally brings. And it seems that each experience keeps getting better and more manageable. This is not because of anything special in me or that I am some sort of supermom. Not at all!!! What I have learned is this: "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matt. 19:26) I've come to wonder how anyone can birth without Jesus!

Having experience as a childbirth assistant I have helped many women find ways to make the pain of childbirth manageable. There are lots of ideas and helpful information out there! But through personal experience I have come to believe that it is only when we rest in Jesus that we have the kind of joyful, God-honoring birth that He desires us to have.

So what does this look like? Here's my experience with Jed's birth. As labor intensifies the contractions feel like a tight band wrapped around my pelvis with strong cramping all along the front radiating around through my lower back and even down into my thighs. I imagine the giant, powerful, loving hands of my Creator God wrapped around my hips squeezing the baby down further and further with each contraction. This beautiful imagery helps me to relax and surrender my body over to Him to do His work in my body and bring my baby to me. I trust the wisdom of His perfect design when He created my body to do this work of birthing this baby. I think about how He has secretly fashioned and formed this baby in my womb all these months and has known my baby which only His eyes have seen. He is now working in my body to bring the baby and reveal His special gift to me!

As the contractions intensify the only thing I must do is surrender more to my Creators hands, relaxing my whole body and resting in Him. This seems opposite of what I want to do. It seems the natural tendency in response to pain is to tense up with fear and worry. But instead I must respond with more trust and surrender and completely relax my body. When I do this the pain begins to subside. When I fear and tense up, the pain intensifies.

The morning I went into labor a friend of mine gave me a verse that helped me so much through my labor. Isaiah 26:3, "He will keep you in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee because he trusts in Thee." With each contraction I would whisper this verse or pray, "Jesus, bring the baby," or sing praise to Him. We listened to worshipful music in the background. Steven was there helping me, he would sing to me about Jesus. It was peaceful, restful, worshipful. This was Jesus' work. And oh how beautiful, as He brought the reward out of my body and into my arms. Oh the joy! A beautiful baby boy! I am always overwhelmed by the goodness and love of my Father to give me yet another amazing love gift! I am so undeserving and it truly overwhelms me.

As I have reflected on Jed's birth and the things I have learned, the Lord has shown me how these lessons apply not only to birth but to all of life. Birth is just the beginning! I've heard it said (and have said it myself) that birth is the hardest work you'll ever do. I've come to see things differently. The work that comes after birth is the most challenging- raising these little ones day in and day out, teaching, training and disciplining them so they will know, love and follow Jesus! The pain a woman experiences as part of the curse continues through all of motherhood. And the natural tendency of our flesh in response to these trails and "pains" of life is to tense up in fear, anxiety or frustration. But just like birth, this is Jesus' work! He will do it in and through us if we let go, surrender and trust in Him. "He will keep you in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee because he trusts in Thee." ( Isaiah 26:3) The more life hurts, the more we must trust and relax. "Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:6)

We must fight against our natural response and train ourselves to respond in trust until we are totally surrendered to Christ, letting go of our fears and worries about the future and rest in perfect peace in Jesus. He is the Creator God who not only designed a woman's body for birth, but also designed and planned every day of our lives before there was even one of them! (Ps. 139:16)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding..." Prov.3:5

No matter what you are going through in life right now, remember "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Mt. 19:26) As we trust in Him in the midst of the trial or "pain", God can transform our experience into a peaceful, restful, worshipful one. And oh how beautiful, when He brings us through it and we see the reward of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives! It makes me wonder, how can anyone live without Jesus?

A few Christmas Photos...

Christmas Eve...new pjs! Both our families had the tradition of new pjs on Christmas Eve. Danny's family also got ornaments, so we are carry that tradition on.

Christmas morning, ALL Townes wanted for "Jesus's Happy" was a white Roy Rogers Hat!! He got it!

I think this might be our only family picture. Um, haven't even showered!

Kids and their stockings, Fun!

She loved opening the presents and eating the paper!!

Here's a cute one at my brother's house Christmas Eve. Matching!!

Aunt Amy and Finch, she should come by more often the kids really enjoy her!

How sad is this..It was Finch's first Christmas, and I have about 15 not so good pictures to show for it. What in the world happened to taking pictures? And what is it that my husband does????

Or maybe this is why no pictures were taken on both holidays...Townes got sick Christmas Eve, so we sleep with us..and then Danny got sick..poor boys! This has been a yucky, sick winter!