tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15857345786924273962024-03-05T02:35:46.874-08:00A Bushel of BrooksCurrently a "bushel of boys" that I manage! While being a full-time mom and wife, I love to bake nearly anything and everything (while tasting along the way), exercise each day and challenge my body, spend time with family and friends, and most all ... enjoy the gifts and moments I get each day with my husband and four boys: Jonah, Reuben, Matthias, and Abram. Through it all, I want to come out with a smile and a heart directed towards the Lord.Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.comBlogger420125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-61796562377785158532016-09-07T13:22:00.001-07:002016-09-07T13:22:16.096-07:00GrowthIt seems like everything is growing in my world these days. These four boys in my bushel are growing like weeds ... and eating like they are growing like weeds! God has been growing me. Teaching me to enlarge my arms for the job He has for me right now. Digging into some of those tucked away areas to change my heart and heal up past hurts. It has been good!<br />
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And even our house is growing! We are currently working on an addition.<br />
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When we bought this house, it was truly an answer to a prayer long prayed. And we love the neighborhood, we love the house, the layout, all of it! But we knew from the beginning that "someday" we would like to add on a dining room. Not a formal dining room! Ha! Not in this house. Just a bigger space for our growing family to eat in, AND Eli and I look forward to the day when we can host holiday and family events in our house for everyone! Sure, we can cram in now. But Eli is totally envisioning Thanksgiving happening in our house this year = ) Which means more space for long tables is what we're working towards.<br />
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This is a huge project, of course! We have a walkout basement, so that means we're building a second story dining room that adds on to the kitchen. And will connect to the living room, making a more open living space for us. So we had to dig footings, get concrete poured, etc etc etc. Lots of work. We are so thankful for my dad, who has construction knowledge and has given us so much time and muscle work as we (okay, really Eli, not me!) have worked on the house. He spends his days off here to help, makes lists with Eli, gives us suggestions, and list could go on and on. Eli loves it when Dad is here and he has someone to work with, talk to, and sweat with! The lower level space will be a new home for our giant tortoise. And usable to store ladders, tools, etc., in as well. That way whenever we do sell this home (which hopefully is a long time down the road), someone without a 70 point tortoise can have a great shed ready and waiting.<br />
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We started at the beginning of the summer and are still at it. Eli wasn't able to take much time off, so he's working weekend hours on the house. We're taking it a week at a time! I'm crossing my fingers a lot of the major work will be done by the end of September and we'll just have finishing work to do. So far the majority of the "room" is done, but there is a lot of finishing work (mudding/taping), and then new flooring and painting and all that.<br />
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It has been fun to see the progress. From just holes in the ground to an actual room! Hard to believe ... but also hard to believe that at some point it will be done! It really will! Our neighbors are glad that the days of the huge trash container out front, and concrete trucks are over. I have lists of people I'm compiling in my mind that I can't wait to have over once construction phase is done!Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-48069965167662628872016-08-06T15:09:00.000-07:002016-08-06T15:09:14.933-07:00Summer Bucket List?Many of my friends have a "summer bucket list". I've seen it take many forms: a poster board filled with fun ideas; note cards with fun activities written on each one and framing a cabinet in the kitchen; and you name it! People have done it.<br />
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Don't get me wrong. This is one of those things that I often think about in May, and imagine myself creating. I picture myself sitting at our kitchen table with three or four sweet faces surrounding me, and we're dreaming of all the fun and different things we can fill our summer days doing.<br />
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I've never done one.<br />
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Never.<br />
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It has to be at least 4 or 5 summers have come and gone that at the beginning, I was planning to do one, And then I wouldn't pull one together and so I would have a list in my mind. And it is always ALWAYS bigger than possible. And somewhere in mid to late June, my mindset changes. Instead of how.much.can.we.cram.into.this.summer ... I let aspirations of many field trips slide, and realize that I have limits. Remember that there are always few things or places that should remain a goal, but many others can slide. Heaven knows that our schedule is full and carefully organized during the school, and so I cherish some of the summer afternoons where there is NOTHING scheduled and no place we have to be.<br />
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None of this is to say that I don't like the summer fun list. It's quite likely that next May I will be seeing some pop up on facebook or pinterest and think that I should do it! And maybe some year I will.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These three went swimming with Mommy while Jonah was at camp</td></tr>
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Bucket list or not, we have had a great summer. Jonah went to a day camp at a local church for the first time and loved every second of it. He made some new friends and reconnected with some old friends that he hadn't seen in a couple years. The three older boys went to VBS at church - which is always a highlight in the Brooks house! We went to a trampoline park for the first time, and little boy grins were lighting up that place. We've swam at the public pool, a friends' pool, and ventured to a nearby town pool that had more slides and more fun equipment to climb on. I've scheduled more playdates this summer than ever, so each week has been full of friends and places to head to. And although there are always afternoons in which someone is saying "Mooooooommmm, I'm bored", I certainly haven't felt bored! In fact, Eli told me a couple weeks ago that I needed to be more careful with how full I had been packing our afternoons because I was wearing myself out. And through all these little moments, the boys and I have certainly created lots and lots of memories to tuck away and pull out later.<br />
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School starts in less than three weeks, and I'm still looking at these two weeks ahead and planning the last few fun things to throw in there that we can all do together. I know that there are times during the school year for trips and events as well, but it certainly is easier to organize and go places when we aren't worrying about homework, schoolwork, music lessons, and regular scheduled life = )<br />
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Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-53706590929996550602016-07-22T13:04:00.003-07:002016-07-22T13:04:48.242-07:00Bushel Back in ActionSometimes life is wonderful and full and busy ... and that is where I have found myself in the last several months. We have been working on an addition to our house, Eli's workload at work is a bit ramped up, and life with four boys at home, summer activities, work, and all that goodness has definitely filled my days! And I let this slide for awhile.<br />
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But it hasn't left the back on my mind. I don't really expect that many people read my blog ... but I write here to have some method of writing down memories and little things that we want to remember and be able to look back and smile upon. To laugh at little boy things, be thankful as we are reminded of God's faithfulness in our lives, and have some thoughts preserved! Otherwise, I know that I won't remember!!! So, my hope and plan is to get back at it.<br />
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And I want to start with writing about Jonah. My oldest boy.<br />
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He seems to suddenly have grown so much. He's going into 4th grade this year. We have changes coming up for this boy. He is going to transition from homeschooling to Veritas this year. BIG CHANGE!<br />
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As the spring semester went on, I just felt like he and I could truly use a change. He is a really good boy. But I felt the tension of being teacher and mommy wearing on both of us. And not that it was an insurmountable situation, but my heart was to continue our great connection as mother and son. And sometimes my being teacher really strained our days together. And so Eli and I talked about sending him to Veritas. And then we kind of shelved that discussion because we weren't sure financially it was even an option for us. But, I still had the desire (and my social Jonah <i>really</i> wants to go to school!), and so I prayed. And just kept praying.<br />
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And then in June, Eli suggested we just send in the paperwork and see how it all started to land. And I was so excited! It was a process, and we were waiting on some questions from their financial board to be answered, but long story short, it is going to work out for him to go! It is still, in many ways, a step of faith for us to take the dive, but we believe it is the right timing for him.<br />
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And we are still committed to praying each year, and taking each year at a time. This doesn't mean he will go there forever, but it means he will go this year. We get to go school shopping for the first time, and he's thinking about new friends he will meet ... it is fun!<br />
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Yes, we're totally going to be <i>those</i> parents that have that choked-up feeling in their throat. Both Eli and I. Probably most families experience this in kindergarten, and here we will be with a 4th grader. I will feel like crying! I have loved having my boys home with me and seeing them learn. But I also know it is time for Jonah to experience something different, having someone else really working with him on math, spelling, english, history, etc. And I can be the support.<br />
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And I can spend some quality time with Reuben - and that second born boy could truly use those moments with Mommy.<br />
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Jonah played baseball for the first time this year, which he loved. We were so thankful he was able to play on a team with some friends that he knew, and some other really really great boys his age. Eli and I have always said we weren't going to be a baseball family ... but I'm kind of thinking that is about to change in the Brooks house. There are three other boys who are now carrying around mitts, balls, and swinging the bat at pitches whenever they get the chance.<br />
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And so I look at my blond boy, and I still give him as many hugs as he will let me (thankfully, he still doesn't mind snuggles with Mom every now and then). I've seen those pictures of him, a little round-cheeked one year old, and my heart has wrenched knowing that the time has passed fast. So I look forward to this next season with both anticipation, and a bit of sadness, knowing that he has already put a lot of childhood behind him.Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-35408541382457000902016-03-23T19:20:00.003-07:002016-03-23T19:20:56.981-07:00Family Time<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE MY SIBLINGS!!!!</td></tr>
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Last weekend my Uncle Phil came from Texas for a quick visit. We were already planning to get together on Saturday to celebrate March birthdays (we have quite a few!), but it made it extra special that he was able to be there with us.<br />
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Since KU is advancing in the NCAA tournament, everyone wore KU shirts, and our goal was to get some family pictures. You know, we have 9 kids between us: ages 9 and under. And getting them all to smile and be happy for pictures is somewhat of a challenge! But we had fun anyway. Of course it was a freezing day, and so we were running inside and out, shivering, but smiling!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're missing Selah in this picture = (</td></tr>
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I truly love my family. Our get togethers are somewhat chaotic, there of often one little kiddo getting upset about something or another, but at the same time, we can just hang with it! I look around at my parents, my siblings, our significant others, and now our kids running around ... it is AWESOME! No other way to describe it. I am so grateful to have them all in my life. Can't imagine life without each and every one of them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of us together!</td></tr>
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Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-41410061257304738462016-03-20T17:39:00.003-07:002016-03-20T17:39:41.736-07:00Spring RetreatLast Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, Eli and I took the youth group -the youth that could come -on our annual spring retreat. We're carrying on the tradition of a prayer and fasting retreat that our youth pastors' began 19 years ago! Wow! So amazing to be a part of the heritage being built into the youth of Lawrence, Kansas.<br />
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I think each year we learn more, apply things that we wanted to tweak from the last year, and continue to grow ourselves. We are so imperfect ourselves, that it is always amazing to see the Lord work in spite of who we are, and show up in a mighty way.<br />
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This year felt like the best yet. Our college staff really rallied around us. They prayed. They fasted, They worshiped. Alongside us with their whole hearts. As we ministered with them, God just continued to fill us all up. And although we came home physically tired (hellooooo late nights!), we didn't feel wasted. I felt so alive!<br />
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And there have been years in which I look back, and there were teens that came, but held back. The reasons don't necessarily matter at this point, but it was a struggle for them to engage. To let down their walls. And I often spent time and energy chasing after them. Talking to them. Encouraging them to fully participate with us. And I believe that even those times planted seeds in their life that they will look back on and remember that God does indeed love them. But it still added a different element into the flow of the retreat. But this year everyone just was all in. Each youth was there because they wanted to be. And even those that were newer to the group jumped right in and became a part of the group. It was so beautiful to watch.<br />
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My boys did great at home with babysitters cycling through, and I didn't have to worry one moment about them. I was able to enjoy those three days away. It was like a breath of fresh air to me. No house to clean for three days. No meals to cook. No laundry to do (yes, all of those things were waiting for me back home, but it was GREAT to have a few days without them constantly being in front of me!). Three days away from work. Just to really seek the presence of God.<br />
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I am going to treasure those three days. Some great memories made. And I loved having the opportunity to really spend time with the girls from Outstretch and continue to build relationship with them. I am already looking forward to the next one!Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-1855140928375628762016-02-28T07:04:00.002-08:002016-02-28T07:04:48.251-08:00His Faithfulness EnduresNothing like a reminder about God's faithfulness in our lives. Seriously.<br />
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I have been working on sorting through my pictures on my computer and getting them filed away appropriately and backed up online and all that. I'm a little behind! = ) The boys keep asking me when I am going to get our 2014 family photo book done ... yikes. That is how far behind I am. In actuality, it doesn't take me that much time. I just need to sit down for about half an hour for a few days and I can easily get myself caught up. It is just the tyranny of the urgent seems to usually trump those projects!<br />
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But, the boys are getting closer and closer to the end of the school year, and within 3-4 weeks, some of their subjects will be done. That doesn't mean I won't think of other things to learn to keep us busy! But, it does mean that hopefully in March and April I can finish up the photos and get myself completely caught up. One can hope.<br />
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As I was working on it the other, I saw this:<br />
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And what a reminder! Gosh, that was so exciting when the official "contract pending" sign went up on our house AND when everything went through! We sold that sweet little house full of memories to move on. But that was after a year of trying to sell, taking the house off the market, making a major foundation repair ... and then completely releasing it to God. I had held it so tightly in my own hands, wanting it to happen on my terms, in my time. Sound familiar? We've all been there. I know I have been there too many times!<br />
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When Eli and I both finally were broken before the Lord, willing to lay the entire desire to move in His hands and say it was fine if it NEVER happened, then He made a way. His way. His timing.<br />
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He brought us to <i>such</i> a great neighborhood. There is hardly a day goes by that I don't thank Him for this house, these specific neighbors, and this place. The boys are thriving here. There are Christian friends to play with, non-Christian friends to play with and witness to. We love it here!<br />
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And yet I want it to stay in the right place. I'm so so thankful for what God did. But at the same time? It is just a house. I hope we get to stay here a long time, but we are keeping it in the correct place in our hearts. Should God call us to go somewhere else, we will go. And while we are here, we want to stay focused that we are here to be a light!<br />
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The truth is that there are still days that bring about circumstances or challenges that cause me to question God's faithfulness. I wish I could say differently! But, I am still being formed and changed to be more like Him. But what He did for us with the house was a mark in our past that I cannot forget - nor do I want to! I can look back, point to it, and say "<b>God was and is and will be faithful.</b>" End of statement. That is the truth. And that causes my own faith level to rise again and look towards what might feel tough with renewed vision and focus - focus on the faithfulness of God to see me through. That's where I am today. Filled with thanksgiving towards Him, who is able to do immeasurably more than I can ask or imagine!Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-49974669498945794022016-01-28T12:51:00.001-08:002016-01-28T12:51:39.614-08:00Jumping in with both feetI'm not quite sure how it is already January 28th! The days go by ... and although there are certainly moments in my days that feel like the minutes are barely ticking away, I am amazed at how fast this month has gone. And how full it has been!<br />
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We REALLY enjoyed our Christmas break. Eli had more time at home, and the boys and myself needed our break from homeschooling. I got to take off the "teacher" hat and just be Mommy. Which was a breather on both ends! Needless to say, the first few days getting back into the school swing of things might have been a bit rough = ) We made it, and now the routine and rhythm seems back to normal. The boys gave me some pushback that first week.<br />
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Some of my most precious moments this month as I look back have been with Matthias. He is at a great stage. Still a little boy, but growing so much in mind and heart. He wakes up every morning and hopes to find Eli reading his Bible in the recliner. Crawls right up into Eli's lap and just wants to snuggle. Those mornings when Eli is early at work or at the gym, I make sure to find a moment to wrap my arms around that little brown haired boy and give him lots of kisses. He is often running to catch up with the two bigger boys, and I strive to ensure each day he (all of them!) gets a bit of one on one time with Mommy.<br />
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But at bedtime? At bedtime it is Mommy that he wants. And so I lay next to him to sing the EXACT SAME THREE SONGS that he wants every night and to pray over him. But nearly every night, he interrupts me about halfway through the first song to talk. He wants to talk. He wants to ask questions. And how they make me smile! For about three nights in a row, it was all about who he was going to marry. Mommy? No, Mommy is already married to Daddy. Ms. Betty? No, Ms. Betty is already married to Mr. Ed. And so then I had to tell him he will marry somebody around his own age ... and to that information his eyes opened wide: "I never thought of that before!" And we have had to discuss over and over that he can't really pick who he is going to marry right now. And he finally decided that at age 22 - he'll pick his bride!<br />
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We've also had long discussions about Rome and Romans. Because of various Bible stories and acting out of Bible stories at church, he has questions upon questions about Rome (think Roman soldiers, Jesus' crucifixion, etc). Are there bad guys there? Do they live in houses? Do they have food? Can he go to Rome someday? Are they still "hunting" Christians in Rome? Are there nice people in Rome? And on and on and on we go. This topic comes up at bedtime, in car rides, and any other random moment you can think of. Yesterday I finally reassured him that someday he can go to Rome if he really wants to! And he was so thrilled! And then had to be reassured that yes, there is water there to drink and food to eat and even houses to stay in.<br />
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And at bedtime after I redirect him back to his songs and we pray, then he relaxes and is asleep within minutes. And I look at those cheeks that still have some chubbiness, his long brown eyelashes, and just want to give him one more kiss.<br />
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Thankfully, no one my boys are yet too old to love Mommy and love hugs and snuggles. But I also see how the 6 and 8 year olds are busy. They are lean, muscular, and don't have any of that toddler fat left! And it causes me to - rightfully so - take time to pause and appreciate the little ones. Remember that this is such a fleeting moment in their lives. Not that each stage isn't wonderful! They are. But this halfway between toddlerhood and boyhood is special. The days are full and go by fast, but I hold these memories tight.Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-20031557009388864292015-12-29T14:11:00.002-08:002015-12-29T14:11:18.618-08:00Christmas 2015Christmas brought sooooo many good memories this year! We had our family Christmas together on Christmas Eve morning. For the first year (with probably many to follow!), we let the boys sleep in sleeping bags in the living room by the light of our Christmas tree. There was MUCH excitement in the room! My dad came over and read stories and sang Christmas carols with us to them that night. Since we both have big families, Eli and I really work to keep what we spend on the boys under control. They don't need big amounts of money spent on them. The focus is on giving to each other, enjoying gifts, and realizing that Jesus needs to be the center of our celebrations! It also helps that they are still young ... expensive electronic gifts are not at the top of their lists - yet! They love LEGOS, and board games, and small toys in stockings. Those things still bring big grins!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for Stockings!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All three big boys got Daddy a rubber mallet!</td></tr>
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It was fun to hear them stirring around 6am, and then have Jonah tiptoeing into our room to see if we were awake (we were). Such a sweet family time that morning!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonah got them mustaches = )</td></tr>
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Christmas Day we headed by 8am to Eli's parents house, just as we have done year after year. Our family has grown and grown, and I believe there were 22 of us there Christmas morning this year! That means present-opening can take quite awhile, but we enjoy it! We came home by 1 for some much needed nap/down time for ALL of us!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Seth, Aunt Ann, and Aunt Joy with the boys</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silly brothers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet cousins</td></tr>
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At 4 we headed over to Ed and Betty's house. Dear friends of ours. They were having an open house for family and friends to come over and have snacks and play games! We couldn't miss it. We were only able to stay about 45 minutes, but I am so glad we dropped by.<br />
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And then headed from their to my extended family's Christmas dinner. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and family we don't get to see all the time! Not everyone can make it every year, but I treasure the time with whoever can be there! My Opa and Oma would be so thrilled that the family continues to make time to get together a few times a year, no matter how big or spread out the Willems clan gets.<br />
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Exhausted? Yep! But, still happy. The boys were still wriggling with excitement because there was ONE MORE CHRISTMAS. Opa and Oma's. We let them sleep in the living room one more time = ) Why not? Before long the Christmas tree will be down and it won't even be an option anymore. I figured they could have naps if they needed it! We had so much fun with my family.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad and Abram</td></tr>
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And then? And it was Saturday afternoon and we were five Christmas celebrations behind us. Full of good food, good company, and lots of love. I was exhausted (I am quite a bit of an introvert and that was <i>a lot</i> of people time!), but it was such a great weekend. We all came away with wonderful memories and I am still smiling when I think back on all those celebrations!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother, Isaac and Selah</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Willems!!!</td></tr>
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<br />Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-1843540909738149082015-12-09T18:59:00.000-08:002015-12-09T18:59:05.941-08:00Trying to Slow DownJust when the year seems to ramp up its pace (hellooooo holidays!), I feel the urge and desire within me to s.l.o.w. everything down. I know there are many people who are not as fond of holidays, or maybe the holiday time is tough because of family members no longer around. Or perhaps it feels more like a lonely time. And my heart aches for those around me that are walking that path.<br />
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And so I want to draw them in. Into what? Into the beauty that I believe is in this month.<br />
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But the so-called "hustle and bustle" is surely trying to suck us all in. Suck my boys into the wanting and getting of it all. And I want to see past all that. I want <i>them</i> to see past all that.<br />
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See the babe lying in the manger. See the greatest gift of all. Realize that all these gifts and goodies around us are suppose to be just a physical reminder of the gift of God's son coming earth! I want it to stir our hearts to give to others. To be an extension of God's love throughout this season. And not just consumers.<br />
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We get to do so many fun things in December. A Christmas advent countdown that Eli started for me before the boys were even born (isn't he awesome?); gift shopping for family and friends; singing along to Christmas songs in the van and at home; practicing for the church program; wrapping presents; watching Christmas movies; and the list could go on and on!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WKvsaEamxxLvHrybWi0cpA3nlb9yp6NtswhhntC3Ohqi7y31QvH8Gqx0pcvxIjPRwpizA31tnyn7QHrEAHmhG0tF4SbLXLUHbtupembuyjT9LUPkTy9i2W63K1UzuCuFv5Otn25cs-g/s1600/DSC01010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WKvsaEamxxLvHrybWi0cpA3nlb9yp6NtswhhntC3Ohqi7y31QvH8Gqx0pcvxIjPRwpizA31tnyn7QHrEAHmhG0tF4SbLXLUHbtupembuyjT9LUPkTy9i2W63K1UzuCuFv5Otn25cs-g/s400/DSC01010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of Advent countdown - no one can smile normally!</td></tr>
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But what I really want my little family to get a hold of is the deeper message of hope. And to find it, I know that we have to slow down and take the time to reflect. Maybe some think that four little boys make such a lofty goal impossible. I say no.<br />
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Amidst their short attention spans and light saber fights, they have childlike faith. They experience wonder. I just want to catch it. Rein it in, even in short moments each day, and sit together to talk about how Spirit became flesh and <i>walked among us</i>. Ask them how they can extend love and kindness to those around us who really, really need to see it demonstrated. Sure, sometimes their answers are off the mark, but at the same time, my little boys know what it is to feel love. They are loved. They know it! I want to draw from that and teach them to find in their everyday moments, an opportunity to give it to others.<br />
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I know I fail miserably. And so will they. And the Lord keeps gently reminding me to walk in His mercy, because that is the only way I will have mercy to pour out. It's only two weeks until Christmas! And even though the days are packed (with good things!), it isn't an excuse to miss out. I don't want to miss the chance to be a light. Or to see the lighting up in my own Bushels' eyes when they realize the deeper meaning of Christ coming to earth.<br />
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And so each day, I am trying to take what time we can, and slow it down. Take more time on the couch to sit together. Reminding each other to look for moments. Taking more time to be silly and laugh even, so that the boys know that even though Mommy is busy, she is never too busy to be <i>present</i> with them.<br />
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I love Christmas. It is such a gift. And really, to truly enjoy a gift, don't we often have to slow down and savor it??? That is exactly where I want to be found right now.Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-42721936925422772422015-12-03T13:11:00.003-08:002015-12-03T13:11:54.902-08:00Full Recovery!November was full of great things, but it was also full of infections. I had mastitis twice, and Abram had two ear infections. Yuck!<br />
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Fourth kid. The third one that I have nursed sucessfully, and I had never EVER had mastitis before! Many of my friends had had it, and I have heard of the horrors. But when I woke up that morning in November (and Eli was out of town) with the pain I was experiencing, followed by chills, muscle aches, etc. ... I will forever want to do whatever I can for anyone else experiencing the horridness. I seriously told Eli over the phone that I would rather be in labor at that point: unmedicated labor. I walked around all day with this heat pad stuck in the side of my bra, alternating tylenol and ibuprofen and hoping for some relief.<br />
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Thankfully, since I was home sans hubby, the doctor called in antibiotics for me and didn't make me come in for an office visit. About two days later I was in recovery, although it took a few good days for everything "up top" to clear up and un-clog. Ugh.<br />
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Around that time as well, Abram got an ear infection, so we were dealing with a cranky boy during the day. His sleep isn't amazing anyway, so it doesn't seem that bad when he has had ear infections, and I count my blessings on that one!<br />
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Two weeks later? Yup. I woke up with the same exact thing. And Abram had already been back to the doctor and still had one ear infection. This time, though, our roles reversed. Poor little guy took a full five days to finally cheer back up.<br />
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Abram is a naturally happy boy. People comment on it all the time. He loves to laugh, play, and has such a sweet nature at home. But those five days he was <i>sad.</i> Lots of tears, and needing to be held. And that happened as we were entering Thanksgiving week. He and I missed the dinner at church because he was running a fever. He spent many times just laying on me that day, hot and tired and unsure why he felt that way. And four days into that, I woke up with mastitis again. = ( Abram and I were a definite sickly pair for one day. I carried him on my back quite a bit because he needed to be held, and I was attempting to not put pressure on my chest.<br />
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This time when I called, I just begged my nurse for another call in for meds. I knew the symptoms, Eli was working that day, and all I wanted was (hopefully) quick relief before we were at people's houses the next day for Thanksgiving meals. The doctor was in agreement, and this round cleared up fast.<br />
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Sometimes these things just happen! You can't anticipate them, you can't get out of them, you just have to walk through them, right? Much like a lot of life, I think. As I look around at all the things going on around us, I see how I often cannot change the circumstances and have little control over them. But I do have control over my attitude and how I approach what lies in my daily path. And some of what I encounter is just plain ugly, not fun, not easy. But I can still accept the grace God extends to me each day to walk humbly but confidently forward. I'm not asking for more sickness or infections (!), but no matter what happens, my joy can still shine.Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-62548534858983534842015-11-20T18:59:00.001-08:002015-11-20T18:59:16.744-08:00TodayOh Gosh.<br />
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I'm sorry, but can anyone explain to me how it is suddenly November 20th? Time flies. Always. And I know that it does and that it would, but here we are. Thanksgiving is next week. I have two turkeys to cook in the next five days. My brain has been exploding with gym choreography. We've been doing school. Eli and I have been trying to <i>clean out</i> all the boys' toys and rooms (ha!) before we even consider letting them get presents at Christmas!<br />
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There has been so much in my month. And much of it didn't even happen in my household. News of bombings, attacks ... transitions at church ... transitions at my work ... you name it.<br />
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And here's what is amazing. I can still experience peace.<br />
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Really.<br />
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Throughout this month, I have sought to focus on the best thing: Jesus. Let me tell you, there is no shortage of items that I could worry about all day and all night. In fact, I wouldn't even need to repeat items because the list could be so long. I could fear ISIS, terrorism, worry about job security, have anxiety over <i>so</i> many things! But I cannot and will not go there. I must focus on the One who holds the world in His hands.<br />
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It doesn't mean that sometimes I have to wrestle to get there. In fact, I have to seek after this peace, pursue it, take hold of it. But it is there. And I am so grateful for the tenderness of my heavenly Father that extends this peace to me and that I can find rest in His arms. I believe in this one true God. I can't explain all the whys of everything that happens. But I believe that He sees a much bigger picture than I can ever get.<br />
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I am only guaranteed what I have today. None of us have hands on anything more. We have what we have <i>right now</i>. And I want to experience fully what lies before me. My husband, My children. My family. My neighborhood. My friends. LIFE. And if I worry about the multitude of things out there to worry about, I immediately lose that fulfilled today that I have been given. I can't be thankful and worry at the same time! And so I am looking up. Teaching my children to look up. To extend kindness to each other and others (um yes, we fail all the time!). I may not be able to do much, but I want to make a small difference in someone's day ... every day! How can I bless as I have been blessed?<br />
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I was just thinking about someone who has been an amazing blessing to me and my family. And just filling up with gratitude for what she has given to us. Things that she might consider small, but have been HUGE to us. And challenged to look around and see who I can do the same for. In the darkness of the world, the nit-picky politics all around us, who can I be a light to? Who can I encourage? And I can only really do it well when I'm keeping my eyes on Jesus and letting the worries and fears drop at the foot of the cross.<br />
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I don't get there all the time. But that's where I want to find myself more and more. That would be taking my today, and living it well.Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-57880261180823393562015-10-24T19:18:00.002-07:002015-10-24T19:18:43.715-07:00BrothersEli is out of town. Certainly not on one of his longer trips, but still not <i>here</i>. And although the boys and I still keep a fairly regular schedule, and others always jump in to help out, it just isn't the same. Daddy is gone.<br />
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Today I felt like the behaviors were coming out all over the place. The boys were so excited about today! We were going to the Hy-Vee store to trick or treat, so they were going to wear their costumes. Seriously, though I kept warning them this wouldn't be a "big" event, Reuben was counting down the days all week. And they went to bed excited last night about it all. I was thrilled we didn't have to be at the gym until 11 this morning, so we would actually have bit of a morning at home. Time to be a little lazy in pajamas and not be trying to get out the door.<br />
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And it all started out okay, most of the boys slept in a little later than normal because they were tired from the day before. And they were happy to be reading books in the living room, and playing with some little toys a friend had given them.<br />
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But as the day wore on ...<br />
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And I don't want to unveil my children. I know I have my own ugliness that pops up when I am tired or cranky or something is off within me. And I certainly wouldn't be thrilled to have it broadcast to anyone who can find it.<br />
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But I just saw it - battled it. Jonah wanted to run the show. Daddy isn't here, and by golly, the firstborn wanted to step up and run things. And Matthias? Not about to tell than happen. In true three year old fashion, his fists came into play because his words don't feel powerful enough.<br />
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I know the job description. My job is to be a mother. Not a friend right now. To love them, but to train them. And I felt like a referee today. Only the time outs and talks weren't going through the ears and producing any change.<br />
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We talked some tonight. The boys tell me how much they love each other! And I know that they do. I see it demonstrated each and every day. But, they miss Daddy and they are excellent at pushing each others' buttons. But, it isn't enough. I shared with them about servant leadership. Talking to Jonah about how he <i>is </i>a leader, but he has to be a servant leader. Things won't go well if he gets bossy. Matthias has to use hands for kindness. To bring healing. And Reuben has to stay calm. We talked about fighting for peace in our home, not fighting for fighting's sake.<br />
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And then we pray. Pray that our hearts would be soft towards each other. And oh how I pray along with them! That my own heart would not get frustrated alongside theirs, but that I would find the teaching moments and teach with a gentleness that comes from Jesus. I love these boys with a fierce love that can almost feel overwhelming, but I hate when dissension breaks a day. Eli is a great dad! But, even he can't solve all those problems. The boys have to learn to step back and make right choices. We have to parent to help them get there (HUGE job!), especially in a tough day.<br />
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And so, as I lay my own head down tonight, my prayer is for them. That they would wake in the morning with renewed strength to grow. They are growing each day. May they grow into men of honor and strength. And when they get up in the morning, may their little hearts be inclined to be kind to their brothers. A friend of mine once said, "One of the greatest gifts you can give to your child(ren) is siblings." They'll have each other long past Eli and I. I believe that - and I know that someday they will too! Even if right now that is hard for a small child to see.Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-59578162130631885532015-10-21T19:05:00.001-07:002015-10-21T19:05:09.475-07:00Fire Station VisitMatthias got to join the ranks of his older brother this semester as he headed off to preschool two mornings a week. He does great in terms of being happy to run into his classroom, give us reports when he gets home, and seems to generally enjoy his time there. But, for the first several weeks, he would still express that he did not want to go when he work up and realized it was a "school day" for him. Most of this simply stems from the fact that he realizes the bigger boys aren't headed "to" a school, and so he would rather stay with them. But he loves his crafts, singing time, and his new friends at school. And just in in the last two weeks, we haven't heard those words when we mention school. Tuesday of this week, all three boys were eating breakfast at the table together ... I said "And Matthias, you get to go to school today!" And he just grinned right back at me and said "Yay! I love school."<br />
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Yeessssss.<br />
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At the beginning of this month, his class visited a local fire station - always a favorite activity with little kids! His brothers got the the same experience when they were in preschool as well. And although I wish I could have been there, I was glad that Eli was able to take the time from work to go with him. Eli got to accompany Reuben on his trip, and I think Jonah as well. Makes for good memories with a Daddy and his boy.<br />
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And they come home with great stories. To a little three year old, sitting in a fire truck is BIG stuff. And getting to hold the hose? Even better = )<br />
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It seems like schools do less field trips than they used to. And I understand, it is tough and takes work to pull off. There isn't a trip to the pumpkin patch as a school (which is fine - we had our family trip!), and I believe this fire station visit is one of the only field trips the kids go on this year. Definitely thrilled that Matthias got to participate and meet his classmates there.<br />
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Sometimes it is just the little things like this that can make such an impression and create stories for them to tell. And as an adult, I can often forget that. My little man loves adventure and trying new things and being brave. This little outing gave him a little taste of feeling "big".Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-23072121525082786212015-10-15T18:28:00.002-07:002015-10-15T18:28:52.898-07:00Field TripsLet me just be straight out honest and say that homeschool field trips intimidate me. Not because I don't love seeing the boys experience things and learn all kinds of information through hands on experience ... mostly because it is the littles that make it challenging. Not that I am wishing them away, but I can imagine taking on Jonah and Reuben on field trips and that sounds great! Easy! Fun!<br />
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But add in a three year old with loads of energy, a nearly one year old that needs to be carried, sometimes nursed, etc., and field trips (at least to me) can seem a bit more of a <i>task</i> than a fun outing.<br />
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With the baby being little last spring, we really didn't do many field trips at all. We used our backyard for outside learning = ) But I have purposed that we can do this! We can get out more this year in terms of outside learning activities.<br />
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Truly, we enjoy getting our school done at home. And there are sooooo many resources available online now that all kinds of learning can be done in all kinds of ways. But, there is nothing like seeing a reenactment of pioneer days. Or walking through a one room schoolhouse. Learning to march like colonial soldiers. Riding in a stagecoach behind horses. All those things can be talked about and watched on a screen ... but real experience trumps all that!<br />
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And so we have ventured out. On two. Hey! It's October and we have done two fields trips! I count that as success in my book (and that doesn't count the pumpkin patch, which of course we visited this month!).<br />
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In September, we went with our friends to the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop in Olathe. They were having a homeschool day, so they had lots of reenactors out on the land. The boys ate up being soldiers, looking at the animals, and hearing the cannon go off. I was glad to go with friends, because it made it much more enjoyable. They tried out pioneer kid games, ran around together, and we left sweaty, tired, and happy.<br />
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This week we visited Old Prairie Town in Topeka. Got to see lots of old buildings. And actually go inside and<i> see</i> everything. Our family went with us, so we were with cousins, aunts, and grandparents. The boys did fairly well, although a couple times they got a little antsy on the tour.<br />
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And so, I think that we need to keep those ideas going! Yes, it takes time, energy, and doesn't always feel easy to do. And truth be told, I would often rather stay at home (hello! mostly an introvert over here!). Yet at the same time, I love <i>doing</i> with the boys. <i>Going</i> with the boys. Even when I wrestle with putting forth the time, the effort, and knowing there are always moments of wanting to pull my hair out a little bit, my goal is to continue throughout this school year and make some great memories.Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-22928709275887757322015-10-07T17:54:00.003-07:002015-10-07T17:54:51.912-07:00Autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Fall is here! Although the temps have still been going up and down, leaves are starting to change colors and the nights are getting cool. And although I'm not ready for freezing cold Kansas to swoop in, there are afternoons that I look at my fireplace with anticipation. Thinking of a cooler day when it will feel like a treat to light it up and snuggle in blankets while we finish up school. = ) I do REALLY like fall.<br />
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My home is still such a delight to me. There is hardly a day in which at some point I look around, my heart swells, and I am filled with gratitude for this house. We have been here just a little over one year, and we are so so blessed. Neighborhood friends, space, a great backyard, and the list goes on and on.<br />
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I have a good friend - and her living room is always decorated for each season and looks beautiful (like it came out of a magazine!). Decorating is <i>not</i> a strong point for me. I don't "see" it like others see it, but at least I can tell when colors match! Ha! I haven't made it to the point in which each season changes all the decorations in the house, but I certainly wanted to put out things for fall. And I can't put together things to look as classy as she can ... I am content with my homey decorations and the always slightly messy living room no matter how many times we pick up every day.<br />
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I was so happy to change the mantel, put up our sparkle pumpkins, and feel like every time I walk into the living room it is singing out the autumn time song to me. Never mind that Eli started talking about putting Christmas decorations up on <b>NOVEMBER 1ST!!!!</b> Has the man gone crazy????<br />
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And so, as we go from day to day, some with jackets on, some back to shorts and t-shirts, we are loving fall time. Playing catch in the backyard in the evenings, lots of fire pits, and having the snuggle blankets folded up in the living room for cool mornings.Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-69099319795758090932015-09-23T19:29:00.002-07:002015-09-23T19:29:33.954-07:00MomToday is my mom's birthday.<br />
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You know, the older I get, the more I appreciate my mom. The more I ask for her insight and wisdom about situations. I can't imagine her not being around, and I am so so sooooo grateful that for now we get to live close to each other.<br />
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She is truly an amazing woman. Her life growing up wasn't the most picture perfect, but she has allowed so much healing to take place. She is kind. She is gentle. She will tell you like it is (and I love that!). She is not an attention-seeker. She plays a mean game of cards. She takes my boys out for treat time with Oma. She has a great laugh. She is a wonderful wife to my dad. She is waaaaay more stylish than me. She is strong.<br />
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My mom lives with a lot of pain due to back trouble. She doesn't complain. She still exercises, plays tennis, and stays active.<br />
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A lot of times I will ask Mom "How did you handle this? What do you do about ____?" And she will laugh and tell me she can't remember anything. And then I remember that I can't even remember what I cooked for dinner yesterday, let alone remember who's teeth came in when except for the one child whose teeth are actually coming in at this very moment, and I just ask for advice anyway! = )<br />
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She will pray for my kids when they are sick or hurt. In fact, often when one of the boys has come down with something, that want Oma to come over and sit with them. Stroke their heads.<br />
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I truly cherish my relationship with my mom. Sometimes we have lots to talk about. Sometimes we sit in silence (neither of us are good at small talk!). I am so proud of her. She has walked many paths with grace. Not perfection. None of us are there. But grace. And as she walks an unknown path ahead with that same grace, I am cheering her on. Hoping to encourage her. Hoping she knows that I believe in her just as she has so often believed in me when I needed someone to tell me I could do it.<br />
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I know the year ahead has beautiful and <i>good</i> things for her. I can't wait to see them happen and see her surprised by the goodness of God popping up in unexpected places.<br />
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Happy birthday Mom - I love you!Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-16305617863202584462015-09-14T18:47:00.003-07:002015-09-14T18:47:39.596-07:00AbramToday Abram is 10 months. Maybe it is that each and every child only is a stark reminder that time flies too fast. They grow up too quickly. Stages are achieved and passed on to another in only the blink of an eye. Maybe it is that I know there is a strong possibility that this is my last baby. My last toddler. My last chubby-cheeked Brooks boy. Or maybe it is because I can see even more clearly the miracle of l.i.f.e.<br />
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Probably it is the combination ... but this little sweet faced guy is such a joy in our days.<br />
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And not just me. The moment I walk into the living room with him in my arms at 6:30 am (because why would he want to give me more sleep, right???), the boys are all over him: "Abram! Abram!" Wanting him to give them smiles and giggles. Playing peek-a-boo with him. Matthias trying to hold him and walk him like he sees the other two do. I know that one day Abram will be 2 or 3, and will be the ornery one like Matthias is now ... and he won't seem so cute to Jonah and Reuben OR Matthias then! Because he will be getting into their things. But now? Now we just relish our ten month old.<br />
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Abram is crawling like a little mad man. He can move fast. He pulls up on everything - EVERYTHING. And he is completely comfortable with cruising along things as well. I don't think it will be long before he is attempting a few steps on his own. He is thrilled that he is mobile and is happy to follow us, or make a mad dash for the bathroom when he thinks no one is looking.<br />
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He loves to smile and giggle. He has learned to wave now, and mimics the sounds for "Hi" and "Bye" when he waves. He is very friendly to anyone, although he doesn't like to be held by strangers. He wants to give hi-fives, and is eager to give kisses to Momma and Daddy.<br />
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I would love to report that he sleeps through the night, but he doesn't. Sigh. I still am up with him at least once, maybe twice a night. We will get there! And I know I will feel amazing ... because I am going on 10 months without a stretch longer than six hours of sleep.<br />
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About two months ago he had no teeth. And now he has seven, with an eighth one looking close! That also might contribute to some of the not-so-great nights. Lotso teeth in a short time! But now those little boy grins are so cute with teeth popping through. He is long, but he isn't a chubby boy. He moves too much! = )<br />
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Abram is a great eater. We didn't do too many pureed foods, waited until about six and seven months, and then have done of lots of letting him try what we are eating as long as he can mush it and won't choke on it. He eats basically everything! Meat, pasta, veggies, fruit, cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese, crackers, cereal, oatmeal, you name it! Hoping this trend continues as we have already weathered our share of picky eating issues in this house.<br />
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He loves to play with his brothers, wrestle with Daddy, and pretty much be close to me whenever possible. He does well in the daycare at the gym for the hours that I work. He loves Oma when she comes over to help the boys with math or piano. Sure, there are times when I wish he was a bit more easygoing and would sit with toys or books and not <i>find</i> me and want me to hold him. But, I also remind myself of what I just put at the beginning of this: time goes too fast and soon enough I won't have a baby. I will have a toddler. And then a little boy. So, I give him snuggles and love and pray that he grows strong.Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-11811529579057117202015-09-02T11:17:00.001-07:002015-09-02T11:17:51.420-07:00MatthiasMatthias is in full-out THREE YEAR OLD stage.<br />
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I am not sure who said that the two's were or are terrible. And I'm not even saying three's are terrible, but I find them much more challenging than two's!<br />
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Matthias is extremely verbal. He always has been. This is great in so many ways, because he can communicate what he wants, what his needs are, what is hurting when he has an injury or feels sick. But, it also means that little boy can talk back like nobody's business. = ) Sooooo, we're working a lot on saying "Yes, Mom" instead of "no" or just spouting off whatever he feels like. Using kind works with his big brothers and not angry ones when he feels left out.<br />
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But this verbal ability keeps us rolling with laughter! This kid just makes us laugh. Because he says this silliest things every day! And he is processing new information all the time. Trying to figure out time: past and present. Many days he looks at me, "You're my Mom." and I respond, "Yes, I am!" And he responds back in a very satisfied tone of voice: "And I'm your son." And how can you not give that boy a squeeze after that and reassure him how glad you are that he is your son??? Cannot resist.<br />
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Matthias loves to play play play. Normally, he is always attempting to keep up with his big brothers and do what they do. But, in the last few months, it has been great to see him make good friends with a couple of other three year olds at the gym and really play more age appropriate games with them. House. Pet Store. Babies, Dinosaurs ... etc. He loves it!<br />
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He just started preschool yesterday. Just like the other two boys went to preschool at 3 years, so is Matthias. I think it is such a great time to play with other kids, learn to listen to teachers and follow instructions. Enjoy making messy crafts and singing songs. Preschool is full of those things, and I don't always get those kinds of things done in my house! He is pretty much fearless - in many areas, and there was no looking back at Mom when he ran into class yesterday! "Bye Mom!" as he settled right in at the playdough table. Although, after we picked him up and the boys were asking if he did his school, he quickly responded "They didn't even have any math books there. I will have to do my <i>real</i> work at home like you."<br />
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Matthias doesn't know strangers, and is happy to talk to most people. And he will ask you if you have any gum or lip gloss to share = ) He plays hard all day long, and usually falls asleep within minutes of laying his head on his pillow at night.<br />
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It thrills both Eli and I as we already see him desiring to know more about Jesus. The other day he was asking me when Jesus died on the cross. And then "where did he die on the cross???" And I was telling it him it was a long time ago, and he just sighs this huge sigh ... "BUT I WANT TO SEE HIM DIE ON THE CROSS FOR ME!!!!" He loves to sing songs from VBS and play praise music on his guitar for us. He is already a force to be reckoned with, and we pray all that energy get used for the Kingdom as he grows into a mighty man.Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-12249336572683381052015-08-26T19:07:00.000-07:002015-08-26T19:07:26.081-07:00ReubenReuben is such a great kid.<br />
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Maybe we would all say that about all our kids - and of course I think that about all my boys. But, each day, Reuben just does something that makes me laugh or smile or want to just pull him in my arms and squeeze him to death.<br />
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Reuben can be super intense. Watch out! If he is wanting to tell you a story, or recount something that happened, or explain something about Minecraft (sooooo not my favorite topic right now!), his blue eyes get really wide, and his voice gets and loud and you HAD BETTER PAY ATTENTION. Or he will keep getting louder. When he is allowed to play video games, the entire little six year old body in engaged. Mind you, all you need to do is push buttons, but his legs are kicking, his mouth is open, and he is moving all over the place. He reminds me so much of my younger brother Isaac. Watching them play video games together last week was sooooo much fun! He loves to do dance moves, and again, super intense and focused on his moves. And we just started soccer this week, and I have heard him say several times to me "My big game is in ___ days!!!!!" Focused. Intense. Ready.<br />
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And then there is the Reuben that moves s.l.o.w. Like molasses. Like could you walk any slower down the hallway??? He can work hard, but then he gives out. He has a smaller gas tank that Jonah, who requires probably two hours less sleep than Reuben for a good day. Reuben needs to go to bed early and sleep late to really have a good day. He is just that way! And how I mentioned in the last post that Jonah is ready for the next thing??? Reuben is always the one we're turning back around to and reminding to catch up (this brings back lots of memories of zoo trips and Silver Dollar City).<br />
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Of course Reuben wants to do everything that Jonah does. And many challenges in his little world are continuing to see that Jonah truly is two years older than him, and therefore things just sometimes are not fair. He can't run as fast, he doesn't always catch on to games as fast. This is hard for him, because he wants to be with Jonah always. And for the most part, Jonah is happy to have Reuben as his partner, but there are times it doesn't work out that, and Reuben takes it pretty hard.<br />
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What is Reuben into? Reuben loves music. Dancing to music, singing songs, learning piano. He is very excited about this soccer season. He often wants to play card games. He still likes to pull out stuffed animals and play with Matthias every now and then, but also loves to play with our neighborhood friends. And a lot of the time, he likes whatever Jonah likes. He has been saving saving saving up his money that they earn from making dog treats for their grandma to sell at the farmer's market, and is hoping Eli and I will give him permission to spend it all on a huge Lego castle set. We're still deciding on that one = )<br />
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Reuben loves Jesus. He loves to sing worship songs at church. He struggles with being afraid of being alone. He reminds me of myself when I was young. I have strong memories of going to get my dad in the middle of the night because of nightmares or feeling afraid. Reuben is like that. So, we're working through some struggles of trusting that our lives are in God's hands with him.<br />
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This boy is sooooo special. He has a generous heart. Some nights when I say goodnight to him, he will say "Mom? I think we forgot to snuggle today. Tomorrow can we make sure and have some snuggle time on the couch?" He needs those physical hugs. I pray that we instill courage into this mighty little man!Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-55283687915634483842015-08-16T19:03:00.001-07:002015-08-16T19:03:06.885-07:00JonahI figured I would write about my firstborn first, as I think about where all the boys are currently at.<br />
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Jonah.<br />
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8 years old. Preparing to start third grade within this next week. Growing up. Wearing size 4 shoes (yikes!). But still little boy enough to come and ask for some snuggles on the couch.<br />
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Jonah has a tender heart. Especially for the little ones. He adores Abram to pieces. He cares deeply for his little cousins. Love animals. Likes hugs.<br />
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But he is also growing up. And while Abram receives lots of smiles and tickles, Jonah struggles with Matthias. Matthias who wants to be "in" all of his business. Wants to mess with all of Jonah's things. And as any older sibling out there knows, it is a challenge! A legitimate challenge. And so there are lots of learning opportunities in Jonah's world right now about handling conflict appropriately.<br />
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Jonah is ready to be big at times. He wants to join Eli at youth group activities. Wishes he could carry a phone around at all times like the teenagers and his parents (not yet!). Likes to point out that it will only be three more years until he can come to youth group himself. He wants to go fishing and hunting with Eli.<br />
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And then there is still my boy that comes up and asks if he can help me mix brownies. Or when he gets hurt, there is still a little boy in there that would love the comfort of mom or dad's arms. And rightly so.<br />
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He is wondering about his world. He asks about right and wrong - and like any firstborn there is a lot of black and white! He asks questions about things he learns about church, and hears from friends. But I still see his childlike faith as he tells me the Trinity makes complete sense to him = )<br />
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When I think of Jonah and the things that he is "into" right now: He is a reader. We find him with his nose in books all the time. And getting him to put down a book can be tough! He is taking piano now, and likes to master songs. The game minecraft is waaaayyyy important to him right now. So much that Eli and I feel like plugging our ears sometimes when he and Reuben get to talking about it!<br />
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Jonah is still a super picky eater. We offer new foods, attempt to get him to try new foods, but this isn't an area we have seen lots of progress. So, we just pray a lot that at some point it will change! And we consider it a miracle he is so strong and healthy, because his diet is so limited.<br />
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He is already ready for the next thing. When we go places, Jonah is always steps ahead of everyone else, moving on! He wants to check the mail everyday, just in hopes something new or exciting is there for us. He can't wait to experience things, so much so that we often have to remind him to slow down a bit.<br />
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He is a blessing. He couldn't be anything else! I pray a lot that as Eli and I experience parenting with him first, God's grace will be on him. Being the first child, we of course make choices with him that we might not make later on because we ourselves are learning from our own mistakes. But each child is unique. We pray as we raise him, that we parent him and teach him in a manner that means something to him. That resonates with his personality and giftings. I can't wait to see what this school year brings for him! I love this boy!Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-84717065978596208802015-08-12T19:05:00.002-07:002015-08-12T19:05:38.818-07:00Bathtime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Abram will be 9 months in just two short days! Yikes! My little guy is growing fast. My goal (fingers crossed!) is to do a little post about each boy this month. So that I can remember where they are at right now. What they are learning, what do they struggle with? What are my favorite things going on with each of them during these particular ages!<br />
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But, we did have a little milestone with Abram last night. Ever since he has been born, this little boy has disliked water. Baths have always gone hand in hand with tears. I kept thinking that surely he would get past it! But, no matter the toy, the water cloth to suck on, the position we tried, that little baby would cry.<br />
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The pool was not any better. We tried, but even just getting his toes in the water made his little face scrunch up ... and then he wailed! So, the couple times we have headed to the pool, Abram has gone to Grandma's instead. It just doesn't work! Hot hot weather means a little baby needs to cool off. But if cooling off meant getting in the water, then why? I couldn't deal with keeping an eye on three other boys plus holding a baby that freaked out every time a drip of water hit him = )<br />
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I basically had given up. Baths were as fast as possible, and I didn't foresee a change.<br />
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But then last night! I was running water because he needed a bath. He has had a cold and that little face had snot all over it. His knees were dirty from crawling all over the house the past few days. It was just time! <br />
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Matthias ran in and asked if he could get in too. Why not? So, I let the water get a little deeper. Matthias climbed in. I set Abram in next to him, aaaannnnddd ...<br />
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He loved it!<br />
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He started splashing around and giggling and smiling! Oh, I was so happy. You have no idea how often I have put off baths with him because it felt so traumatic!<br />
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And Matthias just L.O.V.E.D. being the "big brother" in the bath this time around. Getting to show off toys. Helping wash soap bubbles on his little brother. He is so used to things the other way around in his world. I kept Abram in there as long as possible, because Eli was running an errand and I wanted him to see the boys in there too.<br />
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And of course? Had to take some pictures. Some of my favorite pictures from over the years are of little boys sitting in the bathtub, peeking little faces over the sides. Laughing. Splashing. Big 'ole grins on their faces. And finally, finally, Abram can join the ranks.<br />
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Are baths a mess? Yes. Water gets all over the bathroom. Heck, it gets all over me! But, seeing those happy faces is worth it. So worth it.Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-16829068992698306272015-07-31T19:37:00.001-07:002015-07-31T19:37:34.996-07:00ChangesJuly is winding up. August will begin tomorrow. And even though the temperatures are still high, I hear the whisper of promise that fall will soon be here. Moms are thinking about back to school shopping, I am getting slightly panicked that I don't have all my curriculums picked out and on the way quite yet, the boys have already started talking about the Harvest Party, I have pumpkins growing in my backyard. This summer is going by so quickly. Full of good things. But the fall is full of changes.<br />
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From the outside looking in, probably most would think that the change rocking my world is not really such a big deal. But from the inside of the change, it is huge.<br />
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I have grown up with my dad working the same place. Mustard Seed Church. His role evolved over the years, but I remember as a small girl sometimes visiting him at work. And I remember his various offices, office decor, etc., as the church grew. I saw him eventually take over the Lead Pastor position from my grandfather and lead our church with love. He has been a good shepherd. My dad and Eli top my list of amazing men that I have intense respect for.<br />
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And he is stepping down.<br />
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For me, I cannot imagine living my life without faith. Faith in a God that is bigger than myself. Faith in Him that holds the world in His hands. Because without that faith, <i>I</i> would be rocked. But as it is, though my world may feel shaken, I know without a doubt that I can still stand firm.<br />
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But I cannot also imagine my dad not being there, in the physical sense of being at the church building. Not having his office across from Eli's. Not being there when I go to events or Bible studies and being able to pop in his office, give him a hug and tell him that I love him. I know I will still see him! But, to close the door on this era is tough for me.<br />
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I have to believe, to chose to keep that faith, that there are great things in store for my parents. That what lies ahead of them can be even better than what they have put their heart and souls into the years behind them. Sometimes that is hard to believe. Some days it feel easier. I am not one who looks for change ... I would rather keep the status quo, maintain what feels secure and go on with life. Change isn't always easy. But even painful change can bring about beauty.<br />
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Some days I have walked down the office hallway and my throat chokes up. Or I have to take a deep breath when I hear Jonah ask <i>"Opa? Are you going to still go to our church? Because I don't want to miss seeing you there"</i>. Maybe that seems small to some, but it is a huge change for our family.<br />
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But as I enter the next two months of transition time and the true changes begin, I have to fight for that faith, for that belief that He really does have good plans for my parents. For myself and Eli. For my children. For the whole body of believers that I love. And in the times that I see them grieve the loss of what they have known, stand beside them as they look towards the unknown. Be their support, be their cheerleader as they walk out their own walk of faith.<br />
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There is no time that I can remember being this proud of my parents. Proud that they are willing to take risks, to step out in faith, and to be vulnerable. Most of us in the world would not be that brave. I know someday we will look back on this time and see the why. Sometimes it is hard to see the why in the <i>right now</i>. I can be okay with that. And I am also okay with admitting that some days I will be sad, and some days I will feel fine!<br />
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No matter the job, the vocation, etc., they will always be my mom and dad. The same mom and dad who were just at my house, making sure the boys were getting to bed okay since Eli is in KC tonight. The same dad who goes grocery shopping with Eli or I each week, just because. Because he loves us. I have truly wonderful parents, and I just pray that their next something wonderful shows up on their doorstep at the perfect time.Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-85516218746946515442015-07-08T13:50:00.001-07:002015-07-08T13:50:21.606-07:00Denver TripSooooooo, I had super high hopes for June and thought I would get in a posting groove. Ha! Eli had a long trip - and I assumed I would be able to get tons done?! Apparently I was removed from real life.<br />
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I didn't get near as much done as I normally do, and we missed him tremendously. Just shows what a great dad and father he is! I'll attempt to catch up this month, although I am already feeling overwhelmed a bit as I look forward to several things on my plate along the way.<br />
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The highlight of June was a family trip to Colorado. When <a href="http://www.followmyfitsteps.com/">Natalie</a> moved away three years ago, we promised we would bring the boys to hike mountains and visit. Fast forward three years and we STILL had not gone! It was waaayyyy overdue. And speaking of being due, my sweet friend is going to be having twin little girls within the next two weeks! I wanted to spend some quality time with her before babies arrived, and give the boys a chance for an extended camping time.<br />
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My dad came with us, which was amazing. He and Eli camped with the three big boys, and Abram - my little not-so-good sleeper - and I spent our nights in Natalie's house. A crying baby at night in a tent with six other people? Didn't seem like too good an idea to all of us! So, we spent our days together, hiking, museums, movies, swimming, etc., and I got evenings to sit on the couch and chat for hours with Natalie, which was a balm to this heart. I have missed her sooooo much.<br />
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The boys loved camping! It was hot, like 95 degrees during the day! But, they had a great time. And although we were nervous about how everyone would do on the drive, I would say overall it was pretty good. Good enough that we would actually do it again. = )<br />
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We tried our best to take some pictures on the "real" camera, so here are a few.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reuben and Daddy in the tent</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree Climbing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top 'o the mountain!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy and Abram hiking! He LOVED hiking in the front pack!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxjiJr0kVtLLdzCduBhJrHm4KH9YutXbIHRYY0bk8DiEWGLeMem8EmvFexZC2ojCY_iAf4E8dWdXIiLG_ZOhDXLQne-GBiidnbRZbFiTpHzLg4gfl8ImEMIOqlQEfqzWYBrYkt9kPeo4/s1600/DSC00586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxjiJr0kVtLLdzCduBhJrHm4KH9YutXbIHRYY0bk8DiEWGLeMem8EmvFexZC2ojCY_iAf4E8dWdXIiLG_ZOhDXLQne-GBiidnbRZbFiTpHzLg4gfl8ImEMIOqlQEfqzWYBrYkt9kPeo4/s400/DSC00586.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opa and the boys at the lookout spot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my stud</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvT-DInfzqDj0OYT-x4UhROSXCn-wwdkKaDWR_0qtsrrZ95eGgHFNFSBMCEAF6UjgwFkz2BjgKfZubhIGqGfZkBxRcDKAlWJKHB4MRcPGcWMCnx9vDP-RdOnGqkAIoAoghUFQ_Tydg4nY/s1600/DSC00601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvT-DInfzqDj0OYT-x4UhROSXCn-wwdkKaDWR_0qtsrrZ95eGgHFNFSBMCEAF6UjgwFkz2BjgKfZubhIGqGfZkBxRcDKAlWJKHB4MRcPGcWMCnx9vDP-RdOnGqkAIoAoghUFQ_Tydg4nY/s320/DSC00601.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing around</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClKib3ajDhCVyxWxAau_g2Swlx5b8iUMhp_b245-bwdCXq9RZdmV4wtrSAZW6gGbfrG18F0hwK_UV5qwc9Q7nfViGcWfVYUO61dpYVByf43Eeu8RRfk4b1FdbNrnvRBy9zg24ufBOTHo/s1600/DSC00609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClKib3ajDhCVyxWxAau_g2Swlx5b8iUMhp_b245-bwdCXq9RZdmV4wtrSAZW6gGbfrG18F0hwK_UV5qwc9Q7nfViGcWfVYUO61dpYVByf43Eeu8RRfk4b1FdbNrnvRBy9zg24ufBOTHo/s400/DSC00609.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out at the campground</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZDdiLYlx1SpQUP41ih5ImzO_JG4y2AUm8Pl-RHQXjJ8eX2xuasfkT-CnCPb4c_ndgdS2adttarYHKsLCkNJAtwOoALNK7Qoox06KsvOJtAuvdTnchez6Bt6Yd_pPiAtI1XTNsK5ATIQ/s1600/DSC00612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZDdiLYlx1SpQUP41ih5ImzO_JG4y2AUm8Pl-RHQXjJ8eX2xuasfkT-CnCPb4c_ndgdS2adttarYHKsLCkNJAtwOoALNK7Qoox06KsvOJtAuvdTnchez6Bt6Yd_pPiAtI1XTNsK5ATIQ/s320/DSC00612.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So glad Opa was there!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTIMADK_n5wIa_iYRCv1gRMllL3T4_KhWDvkMDDGE5ZcUjyHK3pSD7bOvH8reBTJntn6z8dMt1dR7l7lJkFxSY-mwdVhuEW4_7Kp5EeyFZr03egqcVVifKBIItlLhER9aPCmZ2Iu9sZA/s1600/DSC00618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTIMADK_n5wIa_iYRCv1gRMllL3T4_KhWDvkMDDGE5ZcUjyHK3pSD7bOvH8reBTJntn6z8dMt1dR7l7lJkFxSY-mwdVhuEW4_7Kp5EeyFZr03egqcVVifKBIItlLhER9aPCmZ2Iu9sZA/s400/DSC00618.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddies - at least most of the time! Matthias always pushes the limits at some point - Ha!</td></tr>
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Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-39485153982642882842015-06-12T12:07:00.005-07:002015-06-12T12:07:51.752-07:00Atlas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9326WJ1yQqijOvQcpkQOEvniGvk-BytBjG4wvCLQiRBf5FOoYUPE5bmkZ4dC2TiMcGAjvtDjtDA9SAY9qA2wCB4FNHjvglCsyps0H_0fmePuaHr_wx15UuIf7JDm6ZsLnbF2lDFw8nbI/s1600/IMG_0906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9326WJ1yQqijOvQcpkQOEvniGvk-BytBjG4wvCLQiRBf5FOoYUPE5bmkZ4dC2TiMcGAjvtDjtDA9SAY9qA2wCB4FNHjvglCsyps0H_0fmePuaHr_wx15UuIf7JDm6ZsLnbF2lDFw8nbI/s400/IMG_0906.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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With a second born allergic to dogs and cats ... and Eli being allergic to cats (and seriously disliking them), and honestly allergic to dogs as well, we knew that having a dog or a puppy or something similar is out of the question for us. Which has been kinda sad. We love dogs - especially huskies - and with four little boys, it almost seems wrong to not have them get a puppy and grow up with a dog around.<br />
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But not the Brooks. We can't risk it. One weekend with Matthias was a baby we stayed two nights with friends who had three dogs. Not realizing HOW allergic Reuben was. He had allergic reactions all over the place, and we nearly thought we were going to have to leave and get a hotel. Maybe we should have! We were using his inhaler, but the poor kid couldn't sleep at night because he was so congested and all sorts of junk. That's when we realized how bad his allergies were with dog hair.<br />
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So we switched our idea of pets to lizards or turtles. Eli was totally down with this, having worked at Pet World in town for years during middle school and high school. I just laid down my foot and said NO SNAKES!!! I can handle lizards and turtles just fine, but there are not going to be any snakes living in my house (at least not with my permission!!!!)<br />
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And as of the last several months, we decided that we might want a sulcata tortoise. They originate from the desert areas, and can grow up to 100 pounds and live nearly 100 years. Eli was quite thrilled with the idea it might help keep the grass mowed, and that the boys could learn to maybe ride one when they were little. I figured a vegetarian tortoise can eat leftover compost, grass, weeds, and sounded fairly low-maintenance. The boys? They just thought it sounded AMAZING!!!!<br />
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We waited a bit, thinking we would get a baby, which would mean a big set up inside for a few years before the tortoise would be big enough to live outside. On a whim, Eli went to Pet World several weeks ago to ask the owner if he might be able to get us a baby soon. He asked if we wanted a teenager!!!! Long story, but he knew of a teacher with a 16 year old sulcata that needed a new home. He was 55 pounds and getting to big to continue to live at the school, and be hauled to her house during summer break. He gave Eli her contact info, Eli called her, and the rest is history.<br />
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Or, the rest was a lot of work! She said Atlas could come live with us - which meant Eli (and my amazing dad) got to work building an 8x12 insulated house under our deck for Atlas. Complete with a good roof to keep out the rain, a door for us to go in, a little door for him to go in and out from, and all sorts of stuff. A Big Project! And actually still has a little to be done, but it's nearly there.<br />
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And Atlas moved in.<br />
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He is well loved. And all our neighbors are quite enthralled with him as well! As he lumbers around the yard eating clover, we love to watch him and I worry about him like he's a little baby. Is he warm enough? Does he seem happy with us? etc etc etc. Ridiculous, I know!<br />
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The boys are doing a great job taking care of him, checking on him morning and night. Cleaning up tortoise poop (which thankfully doesn't smell at all!), and the like. Matthias loves to slip on his boots and tromp after Jonah, who does most of the work. They are doing great with him.<br />
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We have had tons of rain the last month, which he doesn't like so well, so he has spent many days mostly in his house, but as the temps rise - and omigosh they are!!!! - we see him out and about more and more. And even a tortoise has a personality. He is determined to try and get into the shed. Even though we have now barricaded it because he figured out how to open the doors, yesterday he got past the barricades and go into there. Little/big Stinker. But we adore him. And since he has such a long life span, we will have him for quite a long time!!!!Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585734578692427396.post-85197371395834385782015-05-28T12:34:00.002-07:002015-05-28T12:34:57.316-07:00Ride 'Em CowboyWell, we're not really cowboys over here at the Brooks. We're a tortoise-raisin' family (another post about that later), but we're working on riding bikes!<br />
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Jonah really finally mastered riding his bike well last summer when we were living at my parents' house. We were finally on a quiet street, and we didn't have to worry about much about crazy traffic. So, we got him out on the bike a lot, and he was zooming up and down their street fairly quickly.<br />
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Reuben is struggling a bit more to master bike riding. He is just a different kid. What makes it hard for him is that he <i>sees</i> Jonah zooming down our street now, and he so wants to be able to do it too! And many five and six year olds already are great on two wheels. But he isn't yet. And he asks for help riding, but often ends up a little frustrated and hops on his scooter. I know he'll get there. He is actually very athletic (I could imagine him a great gymnast because he is smaller and muscular), but it is a matter of balance, and then having the courage to push off and keep trying. He gives up easily because he truly just wants to be where Jonah is at, and he isn't.<br />
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There are probably daily opportunities in which we have to sit down with him and remind him that he is two years younger than Jonah. And Jonah has had two years to work on math, or drawing, or building forts, or <i>bike riding ... </i> further along than Reuben. And it is okay to not be as good at Jonah as things. And that he has different talents, different areas in which he excels.<br />
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Life of a sibling, right?<br />
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And Matthias is unafraid - sitting on his trike, standing on his scooter, trying to catch up. Riding down the sidewalk, yelling "Bye Mommy!" Imagining himself on great adventures as he heads down a full three houses down before heading right back to announce "I'M BACK!!!!" = )<br />
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I think my three boys would nearly live outside if that were possible. Right now we have lots of rain, which make outside time a little more challenging because our back yard has standing water. But, we tromp out in muddy boots, or head to the sidewalks for bike time.Elisa Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07255783651650807276noreply@blogger.com0