Blessed to be One of the Committed Few

As many already know, we've been attending a newly planted church in our little town.  It's actually a satellite location for a church down the highway a few miles, in Warrenton.  Being a part of this long-prayed-for start-up has been one of the most exciting experiences of my life.  I could relay all of the wonderfully intricate details of how this idea of a church was thought up, planned, and executed...but I'd rather just move on to the meat of my thoughts.

To say that this church means a lot to me is an understatement.  Oh, if you only knew how much I have vested in this endeavor. Our very first meeting was held at my house with folks I had spent months chatting with...hoping that they might see the value in bringing this church to Knappa.  Thankfully, we now have a committed few who are faithful to be there.  A committed few.

Last Sunday, as I was sitting in the pew with my husband and kids I could hardly focus beyond my thoughts. I didn't even sing in worship, and I half-listened to the message.  My mind was wandering in the valley of anger, worry, and discontent. "Why aren't there more people here?" "Is our church going to fizzle?" "Why don't people make church a priority anymore?"....and on and on.  I knew I needed to change my attitude, but the discontent continued to stew.  I was tired of trying to be a cheerleader for the church, tired of hoping friends would show up, and tired of being one of the committed few.

The pastor's message was coming to a close and he caught my attention with something he's said many times before..."church isn't a social club." And he went on to talk about how church is a safe haven for the lost, and how it's our job as Christians to seek and save the lost.  It's that simple!  So often I get sidetracked into thinking that church is for "me."  When really, "I" am the church!  I don't go to church to be served...I go to serve others.  We all make excuses for not going to church...too tired, need a family day, got a sports commitment...or the biggest one..."I'm already a Christian and I don't need church."  Well, I've got news for you...the church needs YOU!

Pastor Tony really made me think about this, and I wish I could just repeat exactly what he said.  It's nothing that I hadn't heard before, but it was exactly what I needed to hear at that moment. The church needs its Christians to do what they are all called to do. What kind of an impression are we making if the "lost" come to church to find that none of its Christians are there?  Do you think those people will ever want to come to that church again?  The "lost" are looking to us (the church) to be an encouragement in a discouraging world. That is our job!

 It isn't about me.  Believe it or not, I actually tell myself this every Sunday (especially on the days I have nursery duty!)...but last Sunday my mind was in a fog, and  I was having a hard time getting beyond "myself."  It was odd timing, as my kids didn't rattle on a handful of complaints that morning about having to sit in service.  We don't have a children's ministry beyond childcare for kindergarten and under.  The fact that we don't have a kid's program is also a sore spot for many.  For some people, they don't come to church because there is no children's ministry.  I understand...having kids in service can be difficult.  I was raised going to church every Sunday, and I spent many many Sundays "suffering" through church during times when children's ministry wasn't available.  Guess what? I survived!  And though I feel bad that my kids don't enjoy a dynamic service geared just for them, I know that (if anything) they will always remember watching their parents worship the Lord through singing, studying, and communion.  It's a good thing.

That brings me to my last thought.  Communion.  Growing up, taking communion was a very serious act.  We were asked not to partake until we understood the meaning, and were able to partake thoughtfully.  Unfortunately, many folks see it merely as a "religious" act and allow their kids to partake even when they don't know what it means.  Our church takes communion every Sunday, and every Sunday my kids take it as well.  Of course, I have spoken to them about communion and they understand.  However, kids will be kids, and it's hard to tell sometimes if they are only eager do what everyone else is doing.  Well, last Sunday, after the pastor had my attention with those last few minutes of his message, we moved on to communion.  I was already prayerfully preparing to receive communion and not paying attention to my surroundings.  Usually, the rustle of my kids next to me is enough for me to open my eyes and notice that the bread and the juice are being passed to our row.  This time was different.  My eyes were open as Synnove and I were handed the tray, but Soren's hands weren't reaching on the other side of me.  I glanced over to see him with his eyes closed and bowed head rested on his folded hands...and his lips were silently moving in prayer.  I grabbed his juice and bread for him and silently wept in thanksgiving to God for showing me, yet again, the reason I'm blessed to be one of the committed few...

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:23-25)

Soren's Super Mario Birthday

I really need to get back to picture-posting on my blog.  There are so many events that I've missed over the last couple of years.  I don't even think I blogged Soren's awesome Angry Birds themed party last year! This year, Soren is obsessed with all things Nintendo...especially Super Mario!  Soren turned SEVEN this year!  We had his party on October 6th (actual birthday the 5th) and it was a gorgeous day! We had a houseful...I counted at least 40 people at my house!! I have tons of pictures...but sharing just a very random few will suffice :)

Soren wanted to juice some apples for cider from one of our trees

Soren got surprised by Mario and Luigi (Chris and FiFi)! 

Amanda surprised us by bringing Brandi over from OSU :)

I was impressed that "Mario and Luigi" stayed in costume WITH mustaches the entire party

Aunt Suzie, Ian, and Grandma Q.

Gift extravaganza!

Blue funfetti Mario cupcakes

Mario and Luigi waterbottle and mustache straw favors! Soren is wearing his new Nintendo hat and glow-gloves :)

Soren's Preschool Graduation

From Soren's preschool graduation on May 31st, 2012...

Bored.

Bored-er.

Bored-est.

Though Soren looks bored in these pictures, he did a fantastic job in the ceremony.  He was one of the loudest singers and said his memory verse with volume and confidence!  The kids even said the Lord's Prayer and he knows every word. I'm so proud of this little guy and there is no doubt he will excel in the years to come.  Ha ha...he gets annoyed and confused when Synnove doesn't do her math homework right because she insists she's got the right answer.  I'm sure you can imagine the look on Synnove's face when either Adam or I tell her that Soren is actually right!  What Soren "lacks" in sass, he makes up for in smarts :)

The Last Days of Preschool

Soren had a busy last month of preschool.  We started May with a field trip to the market to pick up supplies for the annual Spring Tea.  I forgot my camera for that trip...but have similar pics from last year.  Grandma Quashnick, Grandma Patty, and Grandma Suzi were able to make it to this year's Spring Tea.  Again, no pictures.  Soren made me a giant heart cookie and a card with a magnet with a cute picture of him on it.  The kids sang songs for us (Soren was the LOUDEST singer) and did a great job being adorable.

Synnove's Daisy Troop donated some of their cookie money to the preschool to help them build a new sink in the classroom.  Part of the construction of the sink is going to be tiles with the kids' hand prints on them.  So, we took a last minute field trip to the high school to make the tiles.  The kids also made their own pinch pots as well.  They still haven't been fired or glazed, so hopefully I'll get to see his creations soon. 

The kids celebrated Hawaii Day for their last day of preschool.  Soren had the perfect outfit with his special pirate boat sweater and the shell necklace Miss Kara brought back for the kids from her Hawaii trip in January.

As a fun experiment, the kids helped Miss Kara crack open a coconut and drink the stuff inside.  Out of Soren's group, he was the only one game to try it.  From the look on his face, it didn't taste too great.

Coconut bowling.

Miss Alyson and Mr. Jim made yummy smoothies and Papa Murphy's pizza for snack.  The kids also celebrated all the summer birthdays.

Soren's Tummy Revisited

Last fall/winter/spring was rough for Soren. He was getting sick all the time and his occasional tummy troubles turned into an all-the-time misery. I wrote a short bit about it HERE. Anyway, it would take me a long time to write every detail of the last year, so I'll try my best to give you the abridged version.

After a handful of unsuccessful visits to the doctor, Soren was referred to OHSU Pediatric Gastroenterology. I was getting desperate for answers. Not only was my little Soren in misery, I was a stressed-out ball of anxiety myself. I dropped a good 15 lbs without even trying! Still, the thought of going to OHSU didn't settle with me completely. Our family doctor told me that if OHSU didn't call within a week to give her office a call. Over a week went by and OHSU didn't call. I was sort of relieved because I had already started Soren onto the path to what I was hoping would be some recovery. Soren was already feeling better! So, I said a big prayer..."Lord, if we're not supposed to go to OHSU please shut the door...please, please, PLEASE!" Still, I decided to call our family doctor to tell her that OHSU hadn't called. The nurse said that they were a few days late in getting the referral sent out, but that it was definitely sent out. She said to call in a few days if OHSU still didn't contact me. To this day, they have never called...we haven't been to the doctor since.

During our month of visits to the doctor and visits to the lab, I was busy at home doing my own research. I had recently gotten involved with a company called Young Living Essential Oils and was already having great personal results with the few oils that I had. Although, I hadn't begun using any for Soren and his tummy. I was also trying several diet changes for Soren. I would try one thing after another with no success whatsoever. Most advice was telling me he was allergic to something...but that was proving untrue. His tummy hurt all day...all day! It would hurt from the moment he woke up till he went to bed. For some time it didn't affect his eating too much, but as it got worse, he began to eat like a bird. He still pooped daily...and it was neither diarrhea, or hard/compact. Forgive me for the TMI, but it was usually several long, skinny poos. In my research I learned that your poo should be fairly firm/formed and the the size of your colon. Soren's was too small.

I was learning a lot about the products offered by YLEO through my friend Shari who had introduced them to me. She has been using the oils for almost 20 years and 30 years ago, through diet and herbs, she helped cure her husband of advanced Lymphoma in the span of 7 weeks (no chemo or radiation)! In fact, he had a tumor the size of a volleyball in his gut that was absolutely GONE in that 7 weeks! When she was introduced to the oils 10 years later and learned that they were exponentially more powerful than the herbs, she was sold. All that to say, she is a wealth of knowledge and testimonies. I had discussed Soren several times with Shari, but it took me a long time to fully be "on-board" with what she had to say. She told me to put him on a cleanse of raw fruits and vegetables to see what would happen. I was reluctant at first, but desperate enough to give it a try. Fortunately, Soren is extremely compliant! It only took two days for me to discover that he wasn't digesting his food...at all. I could see his breakfast in the toilet at lunchtime in full color (didn't look like poo)...and his lunch in the toilet at dinnertime. He was also starving! I thought that maybe his body just wasn't accustomed to the diet change, but Shari was adamant that regardless of diet change, his poo should look like poo!

She suggested enzymes. Again, I was hesitant. The product labels have dosages for adults. I was worried his little tummy couldn't handle it. But, after even more research, I found that most all the oils and supplements are safe for all ages. I also found that I couldn't really overdose him either...the worst that could happen is that he would throw them up. The labels are put on the bottles to appease the law/FDA. Also, because none of the products/oils are FDA approved it's hard to find information about them. Much of the info is shared through testimony. ANYway, it was during this time that YLEO was having a promotion on their probiotic, enzymes, and oil used to aid in digestion. I listened to an informational conference call and took copious notes. After that, I was convinced that these products were going to help my little guy get well. I ordered them ASAP!

At the time I finally received the products, Soren had been enduring tummy pain for over a year and had been enduring CONSTANT tummy pain for at least 2-3 months...all the while, catching every virus on the planet! I immediately started him on the probiotic and enzymes. Each capsule was able to be taken apart so I gave him 1/3-1/2 a capsule at each dosing. He took enzymes with at least two meals a day and the probiotic before bed. I also applied the oil blend on his tummy for times of extra discomfort. I was prepared for a gradual change to start happening over the period of a couple of weeks. His pain was greatly subsided and his poop was normal within TWO DAYS! I was floored! It's been an uphill roller coaster ever since. I say "roller coaster" because there have been several changes to his daily regimen.

YLEO offers several enzymes and enzyme blends, so I experimented with many. Only after a few weeks of splitting the capsules he was on a full dose with better success. He was on the probiotic for 3 straight months and then gradually weaned off by early summer. By August his tummy pain started to return on a regular basis. I was discouraged...but had done even more research and finally settled on the right enzyme. BUT, just as I was about to re-do his routine, YLEO introduced a new dual-capsule enzyme. One capsule releases in the tummy to break down carbs, and one capsule releases in the intestines to break down proteins. After having Soren on the new enzyme for just 2-3 days, his 6-week bout of tummy pain was over. He's been virtually pain-free ever since.

Yes, Soren still gets tummy aches...usually when he has too much sugar or other simple carbs...OR when he spends the day without mommy and forgets to take his enzymes! But, I couldn't be happier with the results of this journey so far. As I have learned more and more, I have discovered that Soren's problems likely stem from his time in the hospital as a baby (story HERE). He was put on extremely high doses of the strongest antibiotic his little body could take and it destroyed his immune system. I have learned that your immune system stems from your gut. If your gut isn't working properly, then your body has a harder time fighting off disease. I also learned that the average person's enzyme stores in the USA is virtually nil by age 30. Our diets are filled with an overabundance of processed foods (including our "healthy" produce) that have little nutritional value and fill our overworked livers with harmful toxins. Those toxins build up in our bodies and manifest...creating disease and cancer. Enzymes, I'm learning, are the keys to optimal health! They are what break down and assimilate the nutrients we eat. BUT, because we eat "dead" foods stripped of their good bacteria and enzymes through pasteurization, irradiation, and canning...we are not replenishing our enzyme stores. Make sense? Well...it's the best I can do for now.

Here is some information on a few of the key products that helped Soren's tummy:
Life 5 Probiotic
Essentialzymes 4
Di-Gize Essential Oil

Please note that not all essential oils are made alike. The ones from the health food store have little to no therapeutic value and canNOT be taken internally. All YLEO are safe to take internally, unless otherwise noted, because of the pureness and are of the highest therapeutic value because of the way they are distilled. If you are at all interested in starting a journey of your own, I'd be happy to help steer you in the right direction. Oh the stories I can share! Email me at nicolelouiseb@hotmail.com

Disclaimer: The information on this site is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Anyone suffering from any disease, illness or injury should consult with a physician. 

"B"irthday During "B" Week...again

Last Wednesday, October 5th, was Soren's actual 5th birthday...his golden birthday! Adam and I had decided to get him a new bike since he had outgrown his old one, so we picked one up on the long drive home from Whistler, B.C. (we were at a wedding there in late September). We didn't give it to him at his party because we wanted him to thoroughly enjoy the gifts everyone had given him. Plus, we thought it would be fun to surprise him on his actual birthday. So, that morning, he woke to find it waiting for him upstairs. He promptly put on his new helmet (gift from my mom) and went outside to try it out in his jammies before school.

He wasn't outside for long because we needed to head out the door. Miss Kara had asked the kids to wear "B"lack for "B" week...so he dressed accordingly. I was snack helper that morning and Kara had planned to "B"ake "B"iscuits, but I was planning to do "B"rownies and "B"lueberries for snack, so the kids helped me "B"ake those instead of the "B"iscuits. We got to work right away so that the "B"rownies would "B"ake and have enough time to cool before making them into "B"at "B"rownies with a cookie cutter.

While waiting for the "B"rownies to be ready to eat the kids learned about "B"ats and made "B"at cut-outs with wings made out of their "B"lack hand prints. They turned out pretty cute :)

Of course, last year, Soren's birthday was during "B" week as well...only they made "B"rown "B"ears :)

"B"aker "B"irthday "B"oy "B"aking "B"at "B"rownies

"B"lowing out his candle

The "B"rownies were almost a disaster. Cutting them out with a cookie cutter was difficult, but the kids didn't seem to mind that a couple of the "B"ats were "B"roken. I had also ordered more than enough Candyland stickers for all his preschool friends to have one so Soren passed those out as well.

After school, I thought it would be fun to take him out to lunch at the Logger. It surprised me when he said he just wanted to go home. Duh...he wanted to ride his new "B"ike!

Soren's 5th Birthday Party

Oh how I love throwing birthday parties for my kids! Although, it will be sad when they no longer want family parties anymore and they only want their friends over. Family parties are a fun and relaxing time that everyone seems to enjoy. Like many of Soren's birthdays, this one was was quieter than usual. Many folks were hunting in Eastern Oregon, but we still had over 25 people come to celebrate.

Soren chose a Candyland theme this year. He's been a bit obsessed with Candyland since last winter when I did a Google search on how long the game had been around and found a blog on it. He became very interested in all of the different versions of the game that have been made over the last many years. We found one at Goodwill a while back and Soren enjoyed discovering and sharing the differences between that one and the one we already had. For a while, it seemed to be all we heard about! He loves playing Candyland, and he loves winning...but most of all I think he loves talking about he game characters. Anyway, he chose his theme a few months ago and I was having a very difficult time finding party supplies online. Most of the Candyland themed supplies I found were homemade. I ordered stuff here and there when I found it over the period of a couple of months. Then, about 3 weeks before the party, I was happily surprised when I found a company that had some commercialized supplies!

The party turned out great. Soren wasn't too optimistic that any kids were going to be there, so he was surprised when Alice, Cash, Faith, and little Khol were there to pass favor boxes to. Soren also received some fantastic gifts...and I think all of them were hits!

I couldn't believe it when Aunt Suzi showed up with this gift. Soren had actually asked for this type of ball when Suzi asked him what he wanted at Elise's baby shower. I didn't think he had ever seen one before...so I wasn't sure he even knew what he was talking about. Well, Aunt Suzi found one...he loves it!

I had found a Candyland beach towel complete with game pieces and water-resistant cards on Ebay. He thought that was pretty cool.

I found a lady on Ebay that made personalized cake toppers. Because of some miscommunication, I actually ended up having to buy two of them. At least I had a back-up in case one tore...I guess...*sigh* Soren really loved his cake this year...as I was decorating it with candies he said "this is going to be a really good cake mom!"

Soren ended up with 4 dart guns and they were a source of great entertainment for kids young and old!

Enjoying playing some Rock 'em Sock 'em by...himself?

Our Car Accident 1 Year Ago

It happened September 25th, 2010. We were on our way to the Enchanted Forest when only 25 minutes into our trip, Synnove decides she needs to go potty. We take pull up to take a left into the Clatskanie boat launch when an oversized late 70's model Chevy Blazer (stopped to pull into traffic) misses seeing our little car and rams right into us. If you've ever been in an accident you know that you can recount ever moment as if in slow motion...and that's how it plays in my head. Minus a few details, I look back at the kids and see they are stunned to silence and then blood begins to pour from Soren's head. Adam has to force the door open to get out while I reach over and grab Soren to pass to Adam once he gets out of the car. Bystanders immediately begin to help while I frantically think of what to do next. 911 has already been called so I call my dad cause we're gonna need a ride. He's about 45 minutes away...but is on his way as fast as he can go.

Synnove is silent. By now I've assured her that everything is OK and have gotten her out of the car. I can hardly think straight. I just stand there by the side of the road listening to Soren's crying "daddy daddy daddy..." over and over again. I can tell that he's going to be OK. The driver of the other car is sick with grief over what he's done. He's only just a couple years younger than I with kids of his own (not with him). I talk with him and calm him by trying to lighten the situation with smiles and pats on the back. I notice Synnove going back to the car ever so quietly. She grabs the blanket in the back...for Soren. She is still silent. The police are taking forever to get there and the ambulance/fire rescue finally arrives. By now the traffic is successfully being directed by bystanders and we have a fairly large crowd of people. A nice older woman has grabbed several towels (for the blood) from the restroom and is helping to calm Soren down. She was a breath of fresh air. I stand with Synnove as Soren is being strapped to the board and onto the gurney. I look over at Synnove...she is white...fading. I yell, "she's going, she's going!" and have to literally force her to lay down. She is in shock. I am appalled by the apprehensive volunteer fireman standing right beside me who does absolutely nothing until I have her down and resting. He checks her vitals. We caught her in time and I force her to stay completely down for the next half hour.

The ambulance leaves for Longview's St. John's hospital with Adam by Soren's side. I stay and talk with the police officer (who I'm pretty sure arrived AFTER the ambulance left) with the other driver and wait for the tow truck and my Dad. Synnove is still laying on the ground on the side of the road. I have already refused several offers from bystanders and the other driver's wife (arrived after accident) to drive Synnove and I to the hospital. I'm waiting for my Dad...not only will he take me to Longview...but he will make it "all better."

I watch as the tow truck driver loads up our little car and drives away. I think of the many recent discussions Adam and I had had about which car we were going to purchase after the new year to replace the little Civic. That little Civic was purchased as a commuter for Adam until a few short months later when a lady hit him in our Ford Explorer. Money was tight, so I drove that little car for 2 whole years...weird that the Explorer was also totaled in September two years prior. Adam had actually put quite a bit of time and money in that little car for maintenance...in fact he had just put in a new alternator the week before and we had JUST sent in the check to renew our tags...arg! It's not important...my little Soren is on my mind.

While sewing up the details with the police, my dad finally arrives. He is a welcome sight. Synnove is still on the ground and he sits with her while I finish up. She is happy to see him and in a few minutes feels well enough to sit up and eventually stand. We get in his truck to start heading to Longview but stop a few hundred yards away at a service station to grab a snack. I run into a bystander from the accident...he makes it clear he doesn't like the other driver too much and is glad we are OK.

Once at the hospital I get stopped to do a bunch of paperwork. I'm the only one allowed in, so my dad and Synnove sit and wait. I enter the exam room to find a lady literally poking and prodding at Soren's heavily gouged forehead. She's feeling for tiny shards of glass. I wrote a bit about it in a prior blog HERE. Adam and Soren had already been there for quite some time and I was there with them for at least an hour more...that's a lot of poking and stitching! Soren was an angel.

We left the hospital. Soren was in a dazed state...tired, yet wide awake. We decide to head to Rainier to find the car and photo the damage and get our belongings. It was sort of on our way, so it was going to save us a trip later on. Here are some of the photos from the accident...

At the accident site. It doesn't really show much other than the rear tire seal is busted and the rear window is shattered.

You can see why Adam had a hard time opening his door...

Soren received all of the impact. I'm pretty positive, from the injuries he received, that he was looking right at the Blazer when it hit...he calls it a "monster truck" (that's what it looked and sounded like!)

His carseat was bent and saved him from a lot more hurt

After the accident we endured a LOT more headache with the insurance. It was kind of a mess that I'd prefer not to delve into. Soren followed up with a couple of visits to a laser dermatologist in Portland. He healed up nicely and didn't need laser but had another small procedure done to improve his raised scarring. We have been religious about keeping him in hats when in the sun and today his forehead looks amazing. I credit that to God and the amazing ER Dr. who sewed him up.

It didn't take us long to decide that we needed to opt for a full-size SUV instead of the mini that we were discussing prior to the accident. We found one with top crash-test ratings and excellent reliability.

I feel very blessed...it could have been so much worse...especially in that little car.

Preschool Olympics

Every year Miss Kara does a special party/event for the last day of preschool. This year it was "Preschool Olympics." Soren hasn't shown too much excitement when it comes to preschool fun. He's always very subdued at school. In fact, throughout the year several different parent helpers would come up to me and say "Soren actually talked to me today!" followed by something like..."and he talked my ear off!" If Soren decides that you're OK to talk to, he'll talk...and talk! He's such a serious little boy and his talking is usually of a serious nature. And lately, I've noticed, he's got a lot to say. Anyway, like I was saying before, he doesn't usually get too excited about preschool. There's no doubt that he enjoys it though! When the last week of school came around, he couldn't stop talking about the upcoming Preschool Olympics. He was actually very excited to participate, and I made sure he was outfitted for the occasion. Unfortunately, his shoes were a bit too small, but with summer just around the corner, I wasn't about to run out and buy him a brand new pair of tennie's.

He was shy when we arrived at school that day, as many of the kids forgot to dress for the special event. He was one of only 3 or 4 that were in appropriate attire. The first thing they did was create their number tags. Soren picked the number 100. After that, the kids practiced for their end of the year program, ate snack, then headed outside to complete 6 different events. We all split ourselves into pairs and rotated around the yard.

Soren was VERY serious about doing his very best. He was definitely faster and more agile than many of his classmates. He's also one of the tallest and oldest. He completed each even with vigor, and hardly cracked a smile the entire time. But, I knew he was having fun.

One of the events was an obstacle course that was timed on a stopwatch. It started with climbing the wall on the playstructure (below). He finished in 20 seconds! Miss Kara said that was the fastest of all 3 classes! Many of the kids took over a minute to complete it.

Once all the kids were done Miss Kara orchestrated a little medal ceremony. As the National Anthem played in the background, Miss Kara put a medal on each child and we all clapped. Everyone was all smiles...mostly the parents.

The next evening was the end-of-the-year program and graduation. Soren doesn't graduate until next year, but he was able to participate in all of the songs. He sang every word and did every hand motion. I was so proud of him.

May 5Th: Spring Tea

A few weeks ago, Soren's preschool went on their annual field trip to Hunt's Market to shop for soup ingredients for the Spring Tea. Each of the kids got a short list of items to purchase after getting the full tour of the store. Potatoes were one of the items on Soren's list...

After getting back to the school, all the parents stayed to help their kids prep for the soups. The kids scrubbed potatoes, cut up break for croutons, and helped Miss Kara mix ingredients. The kids made potato soup and taco soup.

A couple of days later was the actual event. The kids set the tables for their visiting family members and then gave a short musical performance. I'm pretty sure they were reciting a poem they learned below. Soren did a fantastic job! I wasn't expecting him to even sing, but he did all the motions and sang wonderfully!

Once the performance was over, the kids and families were led to the foyer to dish up their soup and view special Mother's Day hearts with the kids' answers to the question "what is your favorite thing to do with your mom?" on them. Soren's is the purple one in the middle...he's obsessed with collecting Candyland games of all vintages.

Three of Soren's grandmas showed up (two had to cancel last minute). Soren gave me a fancy glass jar with flowers in it covered in crepe paper shapes as a Mother's Day surprise :)

Soren the Artist

Like most kids, my kids (especially Synnove) love to make pictures and cards...hundreds of them! To be honest, it can be exhausting getting all of those papers with a few scribbles. Synnove isn't known to take her time on any drawing, and her coloring often starts out nice and turns to scribbles because she just wants done with it. I try to emphasize that I want them to take their time and make something worthy of the fridge (not in those exact words). Plus, they are expert paper wasters...am I supposed to be happy that I have umpteen clean white sheets of paper with the same one-color stick figure on them?

I suppose Synnove is really the main culprit when it comes to the mountain of papers I have to find places for. After a month of sitting in a pile on the counter, they secretly make their way to the recycling bin. Of course, I save the seemingly extra special ones. You know...the ones that the kids bring to you with thoughtfulness and a big smile on their face?

Soren isn't much of a draw-er or color-er. It's not that he doesn't do well at it, it's just something he doesn't love to do. I very much enjoy getting Soren's papers from Sunday school and preschool. I can really tell that he likes to take his time to get everything right. His serious and methodical nature shines in his artwork. When he started preschool in September, he was still struggling to hold the marker or crayon correctly. In fact, he held it in a way that made it nearly impossible for him to apply enough pressure to make a mark. Though it was difficult, he would take his time to stay in the lines and fill in the white space as well as he could. Watching him would warm my heart...still does. Since then, he's learned how to hold his crayon and has even learned to write his own name.

A few nights ago, the kids were downstairs making cards. Synnove had given Soren one of the blank greeting cards she had earned as a prize at school. When they came upstairs to present their cards, their faces were beaming. Synnove had made a nice card with scenery on it for me, and Soren had made a special one for Adam. Adam waited till we got to the dinner table to open his. And when he did Soren made sure to describe what he drew. He said something close to..."that's YOU dad! Those are the hairs on your tummy, and that's your stinky button!" See below...

We all laughed uncontrollably for several minutes! Soren wanted Adam to take his card to work so that he could show it to his coworkers. But Adam wanted to make sure it made it to the blog first :)

Gnat Creek Fish Hatchery Field Trip

Last week Soren's preschool class went on a stellar field trip to the Gnat Creek Fish Hatchery. I love how interested those little 3 and 4-year-old's were in the life-cycle of the fish. And even though a lot of the words and concepts were over their heads, they were completely fascinated! Soren soaked in every word. Every time "Mr. Steve" spoke, he would inch his way to the front and listen intently. He had learned a bit already from his Uncle Henry and my Dad from his many visits to the Warrenton High School Hatchery, but this place was set up a bit differently. Soren even got to touch the tongue of a grown rainbow trout! In fact, I think he might have been the only kid brave enough to do it. Unfortunately, I wasn't in a good spot to catch a picture of it...but Miss Kara caught one!

From egg to fish...

There were no fish in these tanks, as they were already grown passed this stage...but the kids wanted to stick their hands in the cold water. Soren watching Steve feed the baby fish. There were so many, that it looked like rain on the water when they came up for food.

There are lots of scenic trails at the hatchery...and it's only 2 miles down the road from the preschool.

All the kids made it to this trip!

Parent photo-op time!

The Everyday...

It feels good to be getting back into the old routine after almost two months of sick. I suppose Soren's tummy has been the main focus for the last several weeks. Diet changes, patterns, and daily poop examinations have led me to believe he's having digestion issues. I've been trying some new things with his diet to help him with his digestion, and it seems to be starting to work. I'm saying a lot of prayers and keeping my fingers crossed! Meanwhile, he's been referred to OHSU and I've yet to hear from them about setting up a consultation. Synnove's insecurity has been slowly getting better. I'm so incredibly thankful! We still have a long way to go, but she finally lets me go outside without freaking out. She still opens the door every 30 seconds to check on me though :) Baby steps... Lucy ran off a few weeks ago and was gone for 15 loooong hours. She came back filthy, stinky, anxious, and completely freaked out. We've spent a lot of time with her in the last 2-3 weeks trying to get her back to being her old self. Long story short, we got a goat (more on that later). By the way, Lucy turns ONE tomorrow! And...she's getting spayed on Monday :( Adam has caught himself another bug. I've been praying hard and doing all that I can to boost our immune systems so that we don't get it as well. Poor guy has been on the couch for the better part of 3 days. I don't know that I've ever seen Adam so beat down with sickness. I'm pretty sure he already got the same flu Soren and I got last month...so this is something new. And what about Me? Well, I've been doing the usual laundry, dishes, errands, MAJOR bill paying (March sickness has put us in the poorhouse), Bible study, field trips, etc. Oh, and I learned how to make sock monkeys! I'm not finished with my first one yet, but it's gonna be super cute! Here's a random picture from a couple of weeks ago. As usual, the kids were goofing off in the bathtub and they started playing with Synnove's hair bands. They were pretending to be nutcrackers...clever :) ***If there are any Blogger friends out there who know a trick on how to ensure your post doesn't get all smooshed together...I'd love to hear it! I'm so tired of these random 1-paragraph posts!***

Snow Catcher

Happy Belated Halloween!

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is less than a week away...and here I am, finally posting about our Halloween.

This year, Halloween threatened to be wet. It seemed to pour the entire week prior, but we had a nice break to go to the pumpkin patch with the preschool. Miss Kara told the kids to bring their costumes instead of wear them since she thought it would be mucky, but it didn't rain and the muck wasn't too bad. Like last year, we went to the Weaver Dairy.

Once back at school, all the kids dressed up in their costumes for a party. Soren was Spiderman this year, but he wouldn't wear his mask in public...unfortunate, because it really completes the costume. Oh well. I caught a shot of the kids praying before their snack. Like a good boy, Soren was one of the only ones (if not THE only one) closing his eyes...

Synnove also went to the pumpkin patch. I couldn't chaperone because I had Soren, so Synnove came home from school one day with tears in her eyes. She thought that because I couldn't go, she couldn't go. She didn't understand that field trips at school were different than field trips at preschool. Once she understood, she piped up a couple of days later and said, "Mom, I'm gonna have to give you a hug before I leave to go to school on Friday." I said, "how come??" She said, "Because I'm gonna go on the bus to go to the pumpkin patch!" How sweet that she thought that because she was leaving during school that she was going to need to give me a little extra love.

The kids stayed the night at my parent's house on Friday night so that Adam and I could leave very early in the morning to go look at a car to buy in Salem. That night the kids carved their pumpkins with Auntie Weesie. This year was actually the first year that they ever carved pumpkins. They've always painted them instead.

• On Saturday, we brought home our "new" car...an '04 Honda Pilot. LOVE it!!

The next day was Halloween. That night, we took the kids to my parent's house to get ready for trick-or-treating. We then went to all the grandma's and friend's houses and finished off in the old neighborhood. We did that last year...it's a good route for us :) Along the way, we ran into Tay, Brielle, and Faith...here's a picture of them all (including Auntie)...