A Relaxing Sunday

Sunday night movie night (one of my favorite weekly traditions)

The chair we moved upstairs for "my spot". I love curling up with a book (more often finding all 3 kids piled in the chair together!)

We had a beautiful snow falling all day today. It was like our house was in a shaken snow globe! Tom took the kids sledding and other than that we relaxed at home.
7 years ago today I went in to the hospital and began my journey of bed rest. That day God placed me in a loving protective bubble. I was cushioned in the palm of His hand like I have never experienced before in my life. I am thankful for that month, it made a world of difference in the lives of my children. We told the kids at lunch today that today was the day mommy went in to the hospital and that I was there all the way up to the morning of their Star Wars birthday party (on Feb 5). "Wow" is all they could say. "Wow" is really all I can say too when I look in awe at my miracles.

The year of 'Yes'

I like to think of a word for the year. This year will be the year of 'yes' for me. If you are interested, read on for a glimpse in to my heart as to why this word is my choice for 2011. Happy 2011 everyone.

When my triplets were first learning to talk I was determined to not have their first words be “NO”. It’s easy to have it become the first spoken word , at that age they are full of curiosity and mischief that leads easily to many parental ‘no’s’ a day. I tried very hard to avoid this by reserving that word for instances of instant danger or injury. Sure I used similar words occasionally like, “uh-uh” and did a lot of redirecting. With triplets you can imagine that there was a lot of redirecting going on at my house. My wonderful husband and I succeeded in our goal. Our triplets’ first words were not “No”. Nor their second nor their third.
Flash forward to the start of their 7th year and somehow the word ‘No’ is one of my most frequently spoken words. This does not mean that my kids are constantly in a state of danger. I speak this word for a variety of reasons. Least of all when they are in danger or their health is question. Mostly I speak the word when I am too tired. Or when I don’t want the mess. Or when we don’t have time. Or when it’s almost bedtime. Or when I’m busy. Or when I just want quiet. Or when I have other ideas. Sometimes I have observed that it is the first word I say to them in the morning (when they burst through my door BEFORE the set wake up time).
Not only am I speaking this word more than almost any other to my precious children but I am saying it to myself as well. Maybe not directly, “NO Anna” but more indirectly in my thoughts. Things like, “I can’t”. “There is no way” “It’s not possible” Negative self talk.
I am even saying “No’ to God. Not directly in my prayers, but indirectly when He places amazing new experiences and gifts on my plate. He blesses me with new experiences that obviously He knows I can handle. I respond with fear, frustration and the famous negative thoughts I mentioned above. I am not embracing the opportunities but focusing on the obstacles.
Somehow in the past 6-7 years I have lost my ‘No’ filter. It is no longer a word reserved for extreme bodily harm. In 2011 this will change. I want to fill my children’s heads and hearts with positive, affirming, strong words. Words that will make them grow. Words that will probably exhaust me a little more, words that will surely make more of a mess, words that might even make us late, or change the plans. I want to embrace all of that this year. Truly, I don’t want a quiet neat as a pin house (ok, every once in a while but not all the time!). I will also fill my own head with ‘yes’ words and phrases. I can. I am. I will. Finally, I will answer my God with a strong, bold YES when He places gifts and opportunities in my path.
2011 will be the year of Yes for me.

Christmas Baking

Today we made Speculaas (a Dutch spice cookie) and homemade pizza for dinner. I love baking with the kids. I love the sun shining in the window. I love preparing for Christmas.

Where have we been?

Where have we been in the past month?
We have been enjoying family time. Martha and her kids were here from Thanksgiving until last Monday. We savored every moment of having them in town. The kids are so close it is amazing to see. Martha and I sewed, knitted, chatted, cooked, laughed and shopped a little. Last weekend Laura, Gavin and their kids were in Livonia too. We spent the weekend celebrating Christmas (and the wedding of our cousin). It was amazing to have all 7 grand kids together (and the 3 sisters!)...so fun to watch. We were busy but enjoyed every moment. We were very sad to see everyone go.
We have also been sick :( Noah just got off of his Strep meds last Friday and had a chest x-ray to diagnose pneumonia yesterday. He has been out of school all week and is very frustrated to be missing all the fun at school. Prayers that he continues to heal.
We have been preparing for Christmas. We haven't been home much so tonight the kids and I finally got the decorations on the tree. We are trying to prepare more than our home though, we are preparing our hearts for true Gift of the season.
I am so looking forward to slowing down next week. Staying in our jammies. Snuggling with books. Baking. Savoring our blessings.

Our nightly reading of Christmas stories before bed.
Putting the ornaments on the tree (finally!)

Abby selecting her snacks at the class Christmas party

Abby (is it me or does she look 16?)

Sophie and her class stocking

Painting with Great-Grandpa

A couple of weeks ago the kids got to paint pictures with my grandpa. They loved learning from him and spending time one on one with him. What a wonderful experience!

We love him anyway

I apologize in advance for those of you who don't care about things related to our dog. But, I do. You may not know that I've always wanted a scruffy "Benji' looking dog. I have one in Ernie. Until his date with the worst groomer known to man (who works at Schmidt Veterinary Clinic in Holland, MI...DO NOT GO THERE). I specifically told her NOT to cut him like a poodle and to keep him scruffy. At 5:00 today we picked up our chocolate poodle. I kid you not.

Tonight he thought perhaps he had done something wrong (or perhaps he was embarrassed about his haircut) and was moping around. He LOVED snuggle time with Sophie...loved it. He laid like that for 15 minutes. It was adorable and they both cherished every moment.

Yep, we love him anyway.


Admit it...it's bad isn't it?

Halloween

We had a wonderful Halloween!! It was a busy week adjusting back to Michigan time, school, and work...plus a couple of 11th hour costume changes but we had fun!! The weather was 'helpful' that week because the kids had 2 days off one for a tornado watch and one when their school had no power!


We enjoyed a costume 'carnival' at the kids school with Bill and Joan. The kids carved their pumpkins entirely on their own this year....amazing! Trick or Treating was on Saturday night and my parents and Bill and Joan joined us for some of Tom's famous chili and trick or treating. Sunday (actually Halloween!) the kids dressed in costume for a wonderful birthday celebration for Joan and Steve.


The Pumpkins (with hair and ears!)
The trick or treating group

Noah "Aka touchdown Tommy jr" in Tom's jersey (and Brendan's pads/pants! thank you!)

Abby the Toucan (if you know Abby...you know why this is so perfect!)

Sophie the cat

Happy November!