Oh, what a project our bathroom/ laundry room/ hallway floor has came to be. 

I keep telling myself.... It NEEDED to be done.  We are not doing this---I am not putting my husband and family through this--- because I am selfish and wanted sheet rock that was not water logged, a tub that wasn't chipped, a tub surround that wasn't rusty, and all of the tile to match.

The back plaster of our old 1920's house NEEDED to come off... for insulation and heating purposes. 

I am not selfish, right?

We don't have a draft upstairs anymore.  And our bathroom is turning out more beautiful than imagined.

It's hard to believe that two years ago we started saving and gradually purchasing items for our bathroom.  Porcelain and glass tiles, granite topped vanity, jacuzzi tub.  Little did we know that our plan for starting our remodel last January would be foiled by a snowmobile accident. 

But now Aaron is plumbing and tiling and grouting like a mad man. 

I don't care if he grumps at me when he is upset with himself.  He can't bend and lift and pull like he used to.  Staying up all night working and munching on coffee grounds is now a thing of the past. And I don't care if it takes him until this summer to finish the bathroom, the laundry room and the hallway.  It is just nice to see him do it. 

And it is even nicer when big brother travels 3 hours and stays several days to help little brother complete his goal. I know that I have said it before.... but.... what would we do without Aaron's brothers?  We are so fortunate to have Aaron's other big brother, big in multiple senses of the word--- older and a gigantic 6'7"---- live right down the road from us.  He also gave a helping hand flawlessly cutting tile. 

Miss crazy hair also came to stay with us!  She and Abram had a blast while their dads were working.

The bathroom is almost complete.  Next is the laundry room floor and the hallway.  But that may have to be delaying because the construction of the chicken coop is in our near future.  And Abram has been driving us crazy with chicken talk!

Happy Alive Day

Today is the day.  One year ago, Aaron was in a snowmobile accident that changed our lives.

I wish that I was feeling better today--- so I could go to work.  I hated to call in sick (especially today.)  Work would keep my mind busy.  But, I have been under the weather since Saturday, and decided to stay home today (after dragging my kids to church yesterday and then leaving before Sunday school started because I got ummm... "sick".... during fellowship after church.  I'll spare the details.)

Instead, I am home accompanied by two snoring dogs, a crazy cat, and my thoughts about our journey through the last year.

I think about the frigid cold of last January and the snow that covered the ground.  Bucking icy roads, hurrying to get to the hospital Aaron was flown to--- two hours away from home.

I can't believe this our winter last year!

Get on your knees and be thankful you can stand~~ Irish Proverb

Sitting in the waiting room while Aaron was in surgery... waiting for a total of 18 hours in the same room.  Then, sitting on the hard wooden chair in ICU and crying for helplessness... for my husbands life... for being exhausted. 

And then the journey to recovery began.

Nice socks.

Not only the physical aspects of recovery... but relearning each other.  We both are different people now.  So, we had to rediscover each other and our new normal.  It was going to either strengthen our relationship or break us.  And I am happy to say we are stronger than ever.

This journey has tested us to the max.  But faith, family, and close friends have guided us through.

Happy Alive Day Aaron!!!

"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person."  ~~Mignon McLaughlin

A Car Ride Conversation

I picked my little guy up from school because he had a stomach ache.  An ache he had complained of to me before heading off to school--- of which I ignored rationalizing that it was a combination of post winter break jitters combined with anxiety from having to wear his back brace to school--- and sent him to school anyways.  But, the ache persisted...the teacher called... and then we were on our way home. 

One thing I love (out of many) about Abram is that he likes to sit in the car, listen to music, and watch the empty fields roll by.  He would rather have the car DVD player off--- usually opposed by big brother.

On this particular day, it seemed little brother had several things on his mind.  He made a mental list, even numbering the items in his mind.  I wonder where he gets that from?!

He started off by saying, " I have a few things I want to talk about."

"1.  When are we going to get chickens?  We need to get baby chickens to grow into big chickens, and a rooster."

"2.  When can Boomer have puppies?  I'll have to give her extra treats when I get home."

She looks so sweet and innocent... looks are so deceiving!

"3.  I am mad at the weather.  The snow is never going to come!" 

Abram has been so conflicted lately... obsessing over chickens and puppies and baby pigs.  He drew detailed drawings of plans for a "chicken house" including a rooster to protect the eggs. 

So, his persistence has paid off.  Mom and dad agreed to finance a small chicken coop (his request for 52 laying hens and 2 roosters was denied,) we will allow Boomer to attempt to have puppies--- but we will not keep any of then, one short hair is enough. 

Unfortunately darling, there is not much I can do about the snow.  I am hesitant to encourage Abram to pray for it... because we all know God answers prayers. And not having snow and basking in above average temps is fine by me.

Just a Few Things I Love

There is a lot about 2011 that I love.  Of course on the top of that list is family, close friends, and God.  Only He can turn a 'mess into a message, a test into a testimony, and a trial into a triumph.'  And that is how the first 6 months of 2011 went for us--- and are still going..... life isn't meant to be easy.

And I am developing a love/ hate relationship with a new book I am reading:  My So Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife.  But, that is a completely different post.
So, on with the last post of the year...

A few things that I loved about 2011~~~


1.  The Tooth Fairy returning to our home.  Now, it is little brother's turn.

This is what "Open your mouth a little so I can take a picture of your first lost tooth" looks like.

2.  A bathroom project two years in the making has finally begun.  Phase #1 to the eventual addition onto our home.

Good bye old green splotchy walls...  Hello beautiful tile!

3.  Hand made quilts on our beds.

4.  Big brother working to qualify for state with piano.

2012 will bring in a lot of new firsts for Noah--- he will be able to go hunting with mom and dad in the fall!

5.  Learning that boys will be boys and sometimes you just have to let them beat the crap out of each other--- and then intervene.

6.  The daily "I love yous" from my boys and my hubby.  They make my day a little brighter. 

7.  Shelves lined with our fall's bounty.  And the appreciation from our children for the homemade meals that grace our table every day.

8.  Actually learning how to use my camera~~~ and shooting only in manual. 

9.  Small classroom size.  Teachers who love to teach. 

10.  Good healthy, happy boys.  What more can a momma ask for?  (And actually I even have been sticking to an exercise program.  What doesn't kill us makes us stronger!)

I am not a big New Year's resolution fan, but, I do have a few simple goals for 2012.  I am going to try to be more patient... not sweat the small things... try to be a better mother and wife... try to maybe be a little more active in church... ummm... well I could go on and on.

It was a great 2011--- and I am looking forward to what 2012 brings!

Holiday Memories

Coming from a small family, I never realized all of the chaos induced by being married into a large family. 

Aaron actually agreed (with much persuasion) to wear a v-neck sweater to Christmas. 

This weekend was Christmas with Aaron's family.  Over the past year, I can name millions of things to be thankful for.  I have been writing a list in my head and in my heart.  On the top of that list is family and close friends...

Look who loves the Stella and Dot necklace!

We gathered with many of the most important people in our lives at Aaron's oldest brother's (Ryan) home.  And honestly, I spent the beginning of the weekend feeling slightly annoyed.  When so many people gather in a small space, there are many different parenting styles, many different temperaments, and walks in life.  I would think to myself, "Ahhh... do you [meaning my in-laws] not discipline your children... your child just nailed my child in the head with a wooden log and you didn't even bat an eye... no one cares about the spilt whatever that stained Heather's white rug... would you people just watch your own children... your children don't have a bedtime--- what????  Why is no one helping Ryan and Heather.... yadayadayada...  AHHHHHH!!!!"

This picture says a thousand words about the difference between Christmas when I was younger compared to where technology has taken our children (the kids gathered around a tablet instead of a board game or books.)  Good or bad... I am still undecided.

I could tell that my sister-in-law Heather was feeling the same anxiety (and probably palpitations) that I was feeling too.  Never has so many people gathered in her home before.  Two grandparents... one great uncle... nine aunts/uncles (moms and dads)... nine cousins ranging from ages 2-12 (grandchildren)... one old grey hound... two cats... yep... that's about it.

This little guy got exactly what he wanted for Christmas!

But then at one point, midway through our holiday celebration, I realized how fortunate we all are to have each other. 

A giraffe Pillow Pet, is there a better Christmas present for little brother?

Heather doing a much needed french braid in cousin Jasmine's hair.

The annoyance left me and was quickly replaced by the gratitude for all of the these people.  My boys will always have cousins to play with.  We always have family to lean on.  If I forget a casserole in the oven and am in the middle of a Christmas concert, there is always someone to call to run over to our house and take it out (that has happened more than once.)  When Aaron was in the hospital, feeling lower than low, and we needed reinforcements... all it took was a text message--- no questions asked--- and big brother was on his way.  These are people who do not judge you when you are at your worst--- smelly with no make up or being sick or recovering from major surgery.

We are all so lucky to have such a tight knit family.  But I think that when people are really close, their little idiosyncrasies get on each others nerves. I just have to remember to step back and enjoy everyone.  Especially when we are all under the same roof.  We have our own Christmas memories forming.  I love opening my eyes and watching my children's holiday memories come to life.

A Miracle

{Just a clarification:  The following story is not a privacy violation.  It happened in my personal life (not at work.)  And I was given permission to talk about it.  I was once told, "There's no HIPPA in the hair salon."  This did not take place in a hair salon, but you get my drift.}

I have witnessed many miracles throughout my life.  Perhaps more than I will ever know.  So, here is another one...

It was a typical Sunday at church.  I hate to jinx it, but the boys have been listening really well in church... so much so that Aaron and I actually hear the sermon.  The pastor was well into his sermon when it happened.  An elderly gentleman, Ken, passed out in church.  Not too unusual.  I would say almost every Sunday at least one person is brought into the ER from church for this same thing.

But... he did not look right.  His skin was pale and grey. 

"You better go over there," Aaron nudged me.

I found my feet running (in heels.)

To my knees I fell next to him.  Kent, another parish member whispered, "I can't find his pulse."
"Really?" I replied.  Pulse less.  And he was not breathing.  Oh, crap.  Really?  I told Kent (who is a big guy) to start CPR.  The AED magically appeared by me.  I unraveled the cord, pressed the on button, and stuck the pads to his lifeless chest.  Kent continued to do chest compressions. 

Ken's wife looked on.  And then started to take off his shoes.  We asked her to not touch him (because of the AED.)  "I thought he would be more comfortable with his shoes off," she replied.  Now that is love.

There was a slight problem (besides the guy not breathing without a pulse,) the AED would not turn on.  Nope.  Nothing.  Zip.  Zero.  Nada.  No beeps or some weird lady telling you what to do. 

Ken let out a couple agonal breaths, which Kent (now we are talking about Ken and Kent---confusing I know) thought was real breathing.  I told him to continue chest compressions.  I could hear my CPR instructor in my head saying, "Don't mess around trying to find a pulse...if the patient doesn't need CPR- he'll tell you... continue compressions until the patient yells at you to stop..."

Panic started to set in.  I thought to myself, we are not going to be able to save this 76 year old, successful independent business man.  He is going to die right in front of his wife, under our hands.

And then it happened.  The pastor sat down next to Ken's wife and started to pray.  I don't remember what exactly was said but whatever it was must have worked.  Because Ken woke up.  Like something on a movie.  The life was breathed back into him.  He was wide eyed (and nauseated--- but I won't go into that.)  And, he lived to tell his tail.

I have always been a believer in the power of prayer... or even just sending positive energy another persons way.  But something happened this Sunday.  Something miraculous.  Something words cannot describe. 

Scientific wise, we could explain what happened a million and one different ways.  Honestly, I do not think that the doctors really believed me that he was pulse less and was revived.  But, I also know that these same physicians do not believe in God (I have heard them openly say it.)  And someone was looking after Ken that Sunday.

All I know is that it was a miracle.  There is no other way to say it.

Oh Christmas Tree

On a blustery day, after the day after Thanksgiving, my children were driving me crazy with Christmas tree talk. 

For days they have been asking to put the Christmas tree up.  Well...really... it started last summer when they were complaining about how they missed snow!  But I forced them to focus on Thanksgiving before we busted out the tree.

And then they whined and cried after the brief snowfall that graced our home last week melted.  But I assured them, as surely as death and taxes, the snow would return.  And it did.  With avenging winds and sub freezing temps. 

I wanted to try something different this year, a real Christmas tree.  I had hopes of us all bundling up and going to our local Christmas tree farm.... picking out the most perfectly shaped tree, cutting it down, snapping some memorable photos, and hauling it into our dining room.  But I was painfully shot down by Aaron who brought me back to planet earth. 

The reality is that our cozy home contains too many boys, too many dogs, and a crazy cat.  We have a hard enough time keeping our artificial tree intact.  Maybe someday we will have a real tree.

So, we dragged our boxed up tree out of storage and then it started. 

To be truthful, we actually have three trees.  Two little ones- one for each of the boys- and then a big one.  All of which are prelit.  None of which the lights worked. 

Aaron spent hours cutting off the strands of lights (that were zip tied onto every branch of every tree.)  And then begged me, "Please, please, please do not buy any more prelit trees."  I can't argue with that. 

After what was suppose to be a 'quick Christmas decorating morning' (turned to Christmas decorating several days) the trees are up and decorated.  And the boys are ecstatic, which is really all that matters.  They each decorated their own trees, the way they wanted them decorating- it's so hard to give up control!

Even the crazy cat did her part.

We have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season.  Too much to count. 

So, thank you to everyone who has helped us out in the past year.  We appreciate every one's kindness!