Indiana Pacers vs. Orlando Magic

A HUGE thank you to the Majercik family who sent our family to see the Pacers on Friday night. Every year, they have been so kind to give us tickets to their box seats.

I am not sure whether the kids enjoy watching the game more or visiting the dessert cart. This year we took the entire family.

Noah and Samuel were rather reluctant to go down the steps in fear that that they would fall over the glass. This was forgotten when they got their own can of lemonade.

This year we bought boom-boom sticks and the kids thought that was awesome. Unfortunately, the boys didn't know they were for cheering...swordfighting was more appropriate. Sorry to all those in the box with us.

Jason "thought" he was getting his picture taken with Larry Bird????

Routine is Where it is At

We get asked often, "how in the world do you guys do it with all of those kids?" This morning I was reminded of how blessed we were to get some great information early on for our baby Lynnea. I know so many people have heard or experienced mixed emotions "On Becoming Babywise", but I can testify that after 6 children including a set of twins, following a balanced approach to this book is the best thing out there for parents of newborns and older babies. As new parents, we were able to have very happy babies who slept through the night at 8-10 weeks. We knew when they were supposed to eat, be awake and sleep without the guesswork of "are you hungry already again?". Our children are some of the best sleepers, healthier and it even made our marriage stronger. It was a great foundation for behavior and being better parents. I just wanted to pass this along in case the Lord would use this to encourage you or a friend . If you would like to learn more about this, you can get with me or check out http://www.gfi.org/. Visit their store and scroll to the bottom to get a copy of the books.

Lynnea at 6 months in Florida.

Trusting Actively

For as long as I can remember, I would say that I "trust" the Lord to provide my needs or I "trust" that God cares about me. Recently, God is teaching me a lot about trust. I am beginning to learn that trusting the Lord is a very active state of mind. I can tend to worry about many things. I can worry about our finances, the safety of my children, what might happen later in my day or various things that are fairly common to most mothers. I am learning that trusting in God means stopping my thoughts right in the middle of the concern and beginning to think truth. It might be as simple as thinking, "God, I know you promise to provide for me, I trust in you". I might emotionally not agree with what I am saying and many times have opened my Bible to read familiar passages. I am amazed at how quickly the Holy Spirit speaks to my mind and heart and I am comforted to truly be able to walk in trust again. My thoughts might wander again later to fretting, but I am beginning to catch myself sooner and as an act of will choose to think on the promises of God. I am challenged by this, but my stomach feels much better my relationship with God much deeper. I am truly His child.

Baby Baby

Jason and I are quickly learning why the baby of the family becomes the baby of the family. It's amazing how quickly Isaac can do things...or do we just miss it because we are busy tending to the needs of another child. I think that we do pay closer attention to the cute things Isaac does because we don't want to miss it on our very last. I am sure that he can get away with plenty when he gives that cute little melt your heart smile. So, I felt the need to post these pictures to show why I think the last child is so determined...it's the only way to get fed around here...

I must say that he did not get his way with Spaghettios today. He very much wanted to feed himself, but we have to draw the line somewhere (oh, and did I just admit to allowing my children to have Spaghettios!!!!)

For my Girlfriends...

I begin this post by writing that I give 100% glory to God for what I want to share. I know that without His power, I cannot accomplish anything on my own. In 2008, I was watching "The Biggest Loser" show. I was somewhat saddened that our country would embrace obesity by creating a show about weight loss. In my own embarrassment, I realized that I had 20 lbs. that had been creeping on from having babies. I decided to figure out what I had to do to be 20 lbs. lighter. I thought that it was going to have to be this formula that only a genius could figure out with an exercise regimen that required 2 hours a day. What I found to be true was that it's very simple. I began counting calories and walking. I cut back my caloric intake by 500 calories and exercised 5 times a week for 30 minutes (http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm helped me figure this out). In 4 months, I have been able to lose 21 lbs. I really felt that God wanted me to share this 1)because I need somebody to celebrate with me! and 2)I know that many of us set this New Year's resolution and never follow through. We all have this crazy rationale that keeps us from being the slim woman that we want to be. Believe me, I have said them all. But, I have also conquered them too. I have 6 children, 4 preschoolers at home, serve in ministry, have been up several times during the night, love going out to eat, have sore knees, am married and have date nights, been exhausted, gone through major hard losses in life, wished that I had planned better, etc. I found that I had to have perseverance and by God's grace, I have 9 lbs. to conquer before March 1. Sometimes, I have had to work out before bed or get up at 5 AM. I survived the holidays and didn't gain a pound. So...I challenge you to really get going. Make it bigger than skipping the cookie or not choosing dessert after a meal. Counting calories might feel consuming, but it is to accomplish a greater goal. It gets easier once you get in a routine. Get good sleep at night. And, get out those old exercise tapes and get moving. YOU CAN DO IT!!! I really want to be of some encouragement to you. I know that I needed someone to give me a swift kick...too bad it was TV. Let me know if you have decided to get moving. I would love to pray for your motivation and know that I have another person working alongside me. We can do great things for God in our healthier slimmer selves!!!

And a Happy New Year!

Just thought that I would post some pictures from our time with Jason's family. Of course, it's always a good time together...

Lynnea really enjoyed having Aunt Jewel do her hair and spend time listening to her.

You sunk my Battleship!!!

Papa Joe & Little Joe

"Mom, Will is my best friend"

Crazy Cousins

"Did Papa Joe and Mama Teresa get me that puppy I asked for?"

Daddy & Joseph

Lauren takes refuge with her parents away from Isaac's attack.

Posing for a cute picture

Traveling for Christmas

We braved the winter ice and snow to travel to Michigan to spend time with my family. It took 7 1/2 hours to make a "normal" 4 hour trip. It was all worth it to be together with family. I just wanted to post some of our pictures with some of them...

Benjamin with Grandma

Lynnea poses with my niece Samantha. Lynnea really enjoys doing "big girl" things with Sam!

Me with my sister in law, Betsy. Isn't she cute?

This is the guy I roped into driving me through the messy weather just so I wouldn't miss out with family.

Samuel loves his new big toy!

Of course, we can't leave out Anna. It was so great to have her home from Peru to spend Christmas with us!

Jason and my brother Dave sport their new Farm all shirts from Betsy.

When did Nick grow up? I made him pose like that with the new shirt we got him.

My sister Juli poses with the girls.