A Morning at Home

Bottle or scrap paper?  Scrap paper of course!

My living room became a playroom while I was gone.  I will be changing that.  I have this thing about rooms being what they are designed to be.  Bedrooms are for sleeping.  Bathrooms are for bathing.  Living rooms are for living.  Playrooms are for playing.  So, the toys will be moving back to Annelise' bedroom today.  No tv in there, no distractions.  Just playing.

I also came home to a professional fit thrower.

A little girl's dream.  Nanny Neal brought a dollhouse with her.

Annelise loves the little rooms.  She even "sits" the people on the couch.

I found the legs of this girl poking out of Annelise' mouth.  I think we need to talk about eating the children versus playing with them.  Apparently to her, they are interchangeable.

Annelise has enjoyed this morning more than most.   Mommy is home after 8 days away.  No rushing to get ready and go somewhere.  No work.  No cleaning.  Just babytime.  I think she's loving the attention.  And I know mommy is enjoying it too!

We're Back!

Blogging after a 10 day hiatus is difficult.  Would anyone else agree?

We arrived safely home at 3:30 am on Wednesday morning.  Our trip to Costa Rica was beyond words.  I've been on many short-term mission trips, overseas and within the States.  I never expect to have much impact on those we serve.  How much affect can really occur over 8 days? But this trip was different, very different.  It was evident that God met us in Costa Rica.  And His plan was for us to have a lasting impact on the ministry of the Rought family.  It was incredible to see each of our students get involved, grow in their love for God and people, and leave with an increased passion about the body of Christ.

I will share more in the coming days.  It's too hard to process everything and write it in one blog post. 

Oh and I'm sure you're dying to see pictures.  As it turns out, we left our camera at home. Fortunately, there were 11 other cameras with us!  Here is a link to one of the missionary's web albums.  She only captured the part of our trip that occurred at Sojourn Academy - where we did lots of painting and cleaning.  She takes fantastic pictures!

Thanks for your prayers and support.  Its wonderful to be home with our baby girl.

And We're Off

We technically don't leave until tomorrow evening - but since tomorrow is bound to be a crazy day full of last minute planning and cleaning, I doubt I'll have time to say "goodbye" to my blogger friends.  

Thanks for all of your prayers!  We are thrilled to serve God in this unique way.

We'll be sure to update when we get back.

Costa Rica Here We Come!

The excitement is building.  Matt and I have been preparing with a team of 10 students to go to Costa Rica over Spring Break.  If you're like me, you don't get excited about something until you're able to accomplish last minute things.  That's how I know the trip is close!  You know, things like printing tickets and traveler's insurance, packing supplies and cleaning the house.  All of those things are getting done today - just 6 days until we leave.

We'll be working with Ryan & Gretchen Rought - ABWE missionaries in San Jose, Costa Rica. They are a beautiful family!  Ryan works with TACTICA Ministries - ministering to the Costa Rican police force.

We are so blessed to be a part of their ministry for 8 days.  Please pray for our group...

• We need safety traveling.  12 people, 14 checked bags, 12 carry ons...it can get crazy!
• Strength for ministry.  Work projects, VBS, evangelism...a little bit of everything.
• Open hearts that are BOLD for the gospel of Christ.
• Servant attitudes - willing to put the needs of others before our own.
• Christ's love for the Ticos.
• Matt's parents - who will be staying in Michigan will Annelise.

Thanks for praying.  We look forward to sharing an update when we get back.

UNCLE!

Ok, Lord, whatever you're trying to teach me...I give in.  

The month of March has certainly been madness for us.  Annelise began the month with the flu (of the diarrhea nature).  We left for California, not knowing if we would make it there alive, or clean for that matter.  When we arrived home, Annelise promptly began teething.  A double ear infection and 3 molars later...Annelise woke up with green snot flowing out of her nose this morning.  Will it ever end?

God give me the grace I need for right now, today.  And could you maybe begin planning early for tomorrow's mercies?  I'm going to need lots of new ones.

One Sick Little Girl

When does it end?

The past two weeks have been miserable for Annelise.  Today has been no exception.  

She has been running a low grade fever since Thursday.  Not wanting to overreact, I assumed it was just teething.

After a 45 minute screaming fit tonight, I decided it had to be something more.  So, we took a trip to Prime Care.  Yes, I said it, Prime Care.  I was fully prepared to spend hours waiting with sick and broken people.  But, I didn't care.  My baby is seriously unhappy, which is making mommy seriously unhappy.  Therefore, hours or not, we're getting to the bottom of this.

Turns out she has a double ear infection, three molars breaking their way to the surface, one of which has broken a blood vessel in her gums, causing swelling and extreme pain.  I feel terrible for my little girl, but relieved to know I wasn't overreacting.

Well, its nothing a little amoxicillin, motrin, tylenol concoction can't fix.

PS - When we got to Prime Care, we were the only people there.  Is this possible?  That place is always swarming with sickies.  Thank you God!

Already 14 Months Old

A Collage of Thoughts

Pregnancy.  I wasn't in love with being pregnant the first time.  I must say my feelings have only worsened the second time around.  Lots of women love being pregnant.  Some of my friends even dread the arrival of their baby, knowing they will no longer be in gestation.  Me - I say lets skip these nine months and get right to the baby.  Oh dear...its going to be a long pregnancy.

Life for us hasn't slowed down.  We leave for our mission trip to Costa Rica in two and a half weeks.  Matt and I are leading the trip with ten high schoolers.  Lots of last minute planning needs to be accomplished.  Please pray for us.  We're leaving Annelise at home with Matt's parents for the 8 days.

Church.  Our senior pastor left our church about a year ago to take a position at College Park in Indianapolis.  Time has flown by and it appears the search team for our new pastor is making headway.  We've been asked to submit a photo and brief bio of our family for the new pastor when he comes.  I'm guessing this might be soon?

Annelise is growing and changing so quickly.  It seems like all in one week she learned to walk, talk and sing.  Here are some of the new tricks she's picked up:

• She says: doggie, DADDY, keys, cracker, thank you - and i swear i heard her say "welcome" yesterday
• She comprehends soooo much.  I tested her by asking her to put on her socks.  Wouldn't you know she did it!
• She's walking all over the place.
• She knows that when we ask where the baby is, she's supposed to look under my shirt. But, I'm certain she doesn't comprehend what's going on. 

California, California

We're back!  And what fun we had.  I spent much of the week working (since it was a work trip for me), but we did find a little time to fool around.  Who wants to go to California and spend the whole time doing business anyways? 

Waiting for our flight out of Chicago.  Annelise was such a trooper!  She loved all the planes.

Here we are on the Santa Monica Pier.  My dad is behind the camera - and the weird guy in the back is one of our board members.  It was such a fun day!

Here we all are on the pier - Santa Monica in the background.  A little chilly, but so fun!

Our family at Ventura Beach - where our conference was hosted this year.

Matt and Annelise by the elephants at the Santa Barbara Zoo.  

All of these pictures were taken on our camera phones, because I forgot the camera.  Yes, I'm a loser.  That would be another one of my pregnancy symptoms.  I do have an awesome video of Annelise feeding the giraffes.  But, its on my dad's blackberry, so as soon as we get it, I'll upload.

Nonetheless, we're thrilled to be home and are now gearing up for our next trip - Costa Rica!

A Secret No More

Matt, Annelise and I are happy to announce that...

Baby Neal #2 is on its way!  

With an estimated arrival on October 9, 2009.  We are thrilled to be adding a new addition to our growing family - and are excited for Annelise to have a sibling.

And yes, I'll answer your questions before they even get asked:

• I can't honestly say this was planned.  But as Dr. Laura says "anything not prevented is planned."  Let's just say, God has a plan and His is perfect!
• I am very sick - even more so than the first time around.  Always in the evenings between 4 and 8.  Which means lots of eating out - and definitely no cooking for me.
• Annelise is very excited, even though she has no idea.  Matt is equally thrilled, in spite of knowing all too well what is about to happen to us.
• I had my first Dr. Appointment yesterday, which confirmed there actually is a baby growing inside of me - both by the doctor's reaction ("You're definitely pregnant!") and the ultrasound she conducted afterwards.

Christmas 2008 was celebrated with one grandchild.  Christmas 2009 will be peppered with a two year old, a tenth month old and a newborn.  My parents are feeling older as the days go by.

We are excited to share this beautiful experience with you all.  Here's to another round of babies!

Talking

Here's a huge shout out to Eric - who showed me an awesome program to encode my videos!  I was able to encode this video in a FLASH and re-upload it.  Enjoy (without the "trial stamp")!

Sickly

The flu is bad.  But its worse when your 13 month old has it.  Yesterday, walking down the hall to get Annelise up from her morning nap, I could smell the sourness.  She threw up all over her bead.  The bed that I just happened to wash top to bottom the day before.  Figures.  The throwing up stopped, but the diarrhea ensued.  A little sip of water - dirty mess!  So, I'm home from work today, with a sick kiddo.   Things are looking up.  We haven't had a mess yet this morning and she just gladly ate a bowl of oatmeal.  I might regret feeding her that, but hopefully not.  The poor child can't afford to lose anymore weight.

Project Complete

 

Here lies my dining room chairs, plain as Jane.  I've thought for sometime that recovering them would be a grand idea.  And since our television left the residence this weekend (to pay a visit to the repairman) I've had the itch to be crafty.  I mean, what else is there to do?

And here is my chair - project complete.  You know, there's nothing a little clearance fabric from Hobby Lobby and a pack of hot glue sticks can't fix.  It took me a whole 45 minutes.  I'm pretty pleased.

This is Annelise' reaction to our new chairs.  I think she likes them.

I love my daddy

Annelise is going through a phase.  And  I don't like it!  She loves Matt - she hates me.  Ok, that might be a little extreme.  She probably doesn't hate me, but she sure acts like it!  Each day when Matt gets home, she puts on this attitude that says "forget you mommy, my daddy's home."  So, I've decided to go with the flow, instead of fighting it.  Hopefully she'll grow out of it and decide she loves both of her parents.  Here she is, readily giving kisses to daddy after a long day at work.

 

And I would really rob you of a good laugh if I didn't tell you about our crazy night.  First, I couldn't pass up this photo.  Annelise was doing a little "bootie dance" during American Idol. Not sure where she learned that, but her pants were falling off her bottom and it was too cute.

 

Last, but not least.  I heard a few subtle cries, followed by blood curdling screams.  The problem?  I couldn't find her!  After a few short seconds of an unwanted game of hide 'n seek, I found my trapped peanut.  I guess she wanted to sit in her bumbo seat, UNDER the high chair. Oh what a terrible mommy I am.  Taking pictures while my sweet baby is reaching for me.  

Hope you all enjoy your Friday!  I am thrilled for the weekend.  We're in desperate need of some family time and plan to use the coupons we received from Quizno's Million Sub Giveaway for lunch tomorrow.  Oh - and we will also be seeing that sweet, baby girl, Alayna - at home. Life is good.

Leah and Alayna, both doing great!

She looks just like her mommy!

Me the proud auntie - I love her already!

Uncle Matt (times two now) so proud to hold his new niece.

Baby Has Arrived - NEW PICS

My little sister Leah gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl this morning.

Alayna Jay

born at 10:01 am

8 lbs 15 oz 20 inches

She has lots of black hair!  Mom and baby are both doing fantastic. Leah's water broke at 1 am - and hard labor started around 2:30 am.  Only 8 hours from start to finish.  She was such a trooper - even let us stay in the room and watch the baby enter our world.  

Thanks for all of your prayers!

My Not-So-Little Girl

I think she's saying, "Look mom, I know its hard, but I'm a big girl now."

P.S. Don't you love those leg warmers?

Oh the Drama

Its been a little while.  Life has been busy.

This weekend, our school presented "Meet Me in St. Louis."  If you haven't seen it before, its about a family whose father is transferred to New York a few weeks before the start of the world fair.  His rambunctious daughters do everything in their power to thwart the move.  Each night, the director allowed the principals of the school to play a small cameo role as the trolley conductor.  Matt got to play that role on Saturday's matinee showing and during the final production.  He had a blast - and the entire cast did such a fantastic job!  

I forgot my camera, so as soon as I locate a picture of Matt (on Facebook), I'll get it on here.

Have a great week!

U R Sweet

It doesn't get any better than a big red sucker...for a one year old.  My Papa is the best!

PS - I got breakfast in bed and Matt got a box full of coupons to be redeemed in the future.  I know they are burning a hole in his pocket.  It was a wonderful day of love!

My Valentine

When we were dating - only a few weeks actually - my first Valentine's Day with Matt was like any other dating couples - it was about infatuation.  I loved Matt's ability to make me feel special. He always came up with the most exciting, adventurous dates.  We went to places in Chicago I never knew existed.  Initially, my love for his spontaneity caused me to fall for him...hard.  When he graduated from college a year and a half before me, our long distance relationship was tough. But he was always so good at whetting my appetite for the next time we would see one another. Valentine's Day 2003 started a month before, with pieces of postcards coming in the mail.  Each one had something written on the back.  When I received the last postcard, I was able to decipher the message.  It was a riddle.  I'm ashamed to say that I can't remember what it said, but I'm certain the meaning was disgustingly sappy.  A snow storm kept me from driving to Kentucky that weekend, so I did what any college girlfriend would do - I used my credit card to purchase a last minute plane ticket.  Matt's dad picked me up in Louisville and I surprised him with a Valentine's visit.  We got all gussied up and he took me to a fancy Italian restaurant somewhere in Cincinnati  Well, at least we thought it was fancy.  Until we got there, and everyone in the joint had jeans and sneakers on.  As if the embarrassment wasn't enough, they sat us in the center of the room.  I felt like everyone was staring at us.  But, we didn't care.  We were young and in love.

Valentine's Day 2004 was another milestone.  We were just a few months from getting married.  I was working two jobs, making my last attempt to get good grades before graduating college.  Matt was in between jobs in Kentucky - trying to scrounge up as much cash he could before supporting a wife in a few months.  I don't remember if we saw each other that weekend, but I know I sent him a card that said "Enjoy your last Valentine's Day as a single man."  Sweet.

Since getting married, each Valentine's Day has become less dramatic (less expensive) and more about enjoying the deep love we have for one another.  

This Valentine's Day, I'm celebrating Matt as husband and father.  He is a loving leader in our home.  He loves Annelise with a passion.  And he loves and cares for me daily.

We love you Matt!

Our Beautiful Savior

I came home from church today expecting a relaxing afternoon.  Sat down in the living room, with a large cup of coffee, hoping to catch up on blogs from friends around the world.  I didn't make it past this one.

Cora McClenahan is with Jesus today.  

Tears still well up in my eyes as I think of her beautiful family and the loss they are suffering.  I don't know the McClenahans, but their sweet little Cora bears a striking resemblance to my Annelise.  Cora would be celebrating her first birthday on March 6th, but before she could reach such a milestone, her life was shortened by cancer.  

Never have I felt so much sorrow for a stranger.  When I finished viewing their post about Cora's passing, I immediate made my way to Annelise' room.  She was sound asleep as I scooped her into my arms and wept.

"Why Cora?"

"Why not Annelise?"

Questions pouring through my mind...emotions like anger, confusion and grief.  

Maybe their story touches me so deeply, because its so very similar to ours.  A young couple enjoying the birth of their first daughter.  Celebrating family events like Christmas and New Year's.  Beginning 2009 with so many hopes for the future.  The only difference?  Our daughter doesn't have stage 4 cancer.  

I've never heard this song before, but its seems to have been a comfort for the McClenahans during Cora's last days.  I know its words are powerful and true.  Please pay for them today.

This Is Our God

A refuge for the poor

A shelter from the storm

This is our God

And He will wipe away your tears

And return your wasted years

This is our God

Oh, this is our God

Oh, this is our God

A Father to the orphan

A healer to the broken

This is our God

And He brings peace to our madness

And comfort in our sadness

This is our God

Oh, this is our God

Oh, this is our God

Life

is very busy for us right now.  Though responsibilities at work have calmed down for me, Matt's workload is just gearing up - and I'm involved in a lot of it. 

Here's what we have going on in the next few months:

SnowBlast Youth Retreat - This weekend

Sunday - New School Open House

March 9-13 - Work Trip to California

April 6-14 - Mission Trip to Costa Rica

Did I mention my little sister is having a baby anytime now?  Our life is super crazy.  We covet your prayers.

Chicaaaaaaaago!

I have the most wonderful husband on the planet.  Sorry ladies.  Matt graciously played "Mr. Mom" for the weekend, so I could have a fun reunion with my college girlfriends!  We had so much fun.  Here's one picture of the craziness (I left my trustee camera at home). 

And here's a big shout out to my husband - I love you!  Thanks for letting me take a short break from wife and mommy - to enjoy the city with my friends.

PS - Annelise is walking.  She waited until I got home on Sunday night to take 5 steps.

As Promised

A little birthday cupcake goes a long way.

Cousins.  Wyatt, Annelise and Ty

Now, who could resist this face?  As my dad would say, "How much money do you want?"

Buddies.  Angie - feel free to steal.

Birthday Update

Annelise had such a fun birthday!  On Saturday morning, my dad continued a very special tradition in our family.  He took Annelise to McDonald's for breakfast! 

It was so fun to watch how excited he was to take her.  And he said she ate like a horse - two pancakes, sausage and orange juice!  

Later in the day, we had the entire family over for cake and ice cream.  She got to eat her own cupcake and boy did she like it!  She also got some great presents (thanks family!). 

Sorry the quality of the video is so bad.  I'll post more pictures/video soon.

 

Today was Annelise's one year doctor appointment.  She is growing like a weed.  Here's her specs:

29 inches (50 percentile)

19.6 pounds (25 percentile)

and her head is in the 75 percentile

The past year has gone by so quickly, but we are thrilled to watch Annelise grow into the woman that God has created her to be.  She has brought so much love and joy into our family.

My Baby Turns One

Which One Doesn't Belong?

Birthday, the Stomach Flu and Biggest Loser

Trick question.  Actually, they all belong - and they are all occurring today.  

It's Matt's 33rd birthday.  Happy Birthday, Love!  And he came home from work today with the stomach flu.  Boo. What a way to spend your birthday!  

Also happening tonight is the Biggest Loser.  Which has new meaning now that I've decided to join the Biggest Loser challenge with my friends.  Yikes!  Did I just announce that for all the internet to hear?  Now there's some accountability.  I guess we won't be eating ho ho's on the couch while we watch the fat people weigh in.  I WILL be the fat people!  So far I've eaten very well and am experiencing my first sugar headache of the week.  Tell me it gets better.  

Financial Peace

Those of you that are non-budgeters may want to steer clear of this post.

We hate debt.  In fact, we have none.  We own both of our vehicles - paid cash for our van.  No schools loans, thanks to tuition free colleges and parents that were willing to help.  The credit card is off limits - except for reimbursable expenses for work.  We don't owe money to friends, family or any financial institutions (minus our house).  But, we do have this measly thing we call a "second mortgage."  You know, that's the creative lending they (meaning the banks) maneuver when you don't have twenty percent down on your home.  It's not much, just enough to drive us crazy.  After months of brainstorming the best way to pay it off quickly - the lottery isn't reliable, fabulous prizes on game shows are overrated, and we can't get a call back on "Deal or No Deal" - we've made the decision to follow Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University Baby Steps.

I realize that Dave can be a bit controversial.  No debt?  Is that really even possible?  We believe it is.  So much so, that we're taking extreme measures to ensure that we pay off our second mortgage and stay debt-free for the rest of our lives.  Starting January 1st, we've employed the cash envelope system for all of our cash purchases.  Groceries, gas, clothing - and are saving as much money as possible...so far so good.  You can't believe the emotion that cash spending evokes.  Purchasing an item of clothing requires much more thought and purpose.  I bought Annelise a dress at a consignment shop on Saturday - and thought hard and long if I really wanted to spend $6.50 on it.  When I pulled the cash out of my wallet, it was so...freeing. Not the word you expected, right?  I thought to myself...

"How satisfying.  I just purchased something that I had the money to buy and don't have to worry whether or not I've just cut into our grocery budget or worse, gone into debt to have it."

It was a very pleasing experience.  

P.S.  I know that some of you have done the envelope system before.  Would you mind sharing tips on what has worked and what hasn't?  Also, what do you spend on groceries each month.  I feel like our budget is high, but don't have anything to compare it to.

Reality Hits Hard

The past two weeks have been glorious.  Besides traveling to Kentucky for Christmas, we haven't ventured out much.  Its been nice to be at home, enjoying one another and experiencing true relaxation.  I can't remember that last time I slept in until 9 am - college maybe?  

Matt is back to school today and Annelise and I are getting the last few Christmas decorations cleaned up before our week starts tomorrow.  I will miss these days, but certainly welcome a semi-normal life from here on out.

Christmas Fun

A Plea To Read

Before I post pictures of our family Christmas (we're having another one today), I need to send out a plea...

PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR BLOG SITE READER LIST!

Some of you have decided to make your blogs private - but my email address doesn't seem to work on logging in.  So, please add me!

rachaelneal@gmail.com.

Thanks!

Snowed In...Literally

A snowdrift - similar to the one in our driveway.

Snow, creeping into our garage.  I guess it would help if we closed the door?

A picture taken out of our front door.  Snow still falling!  We haven't seen a plow yet today.

I only remember one other Christmas like this one.  The first year Matt and I were married, I was looking forward to a Kentucky winter.  Everyone told me it would be much milder than the Michigan blizzards I was used to.  Liars.  We got the worst snowstorm Kentucky had seen for years.  My wonderful, newlywed husband listened to me cry and whine long enough that we decided to set out north to Michigan.  There was no way I was going to miss Christmas with my family.  After 10 hours in the car (a usually 5 hour trip), we made it safe and sound.

We've been under a blizzard warning for a day now.  Its been a long, hairy day in our house. Board games, laundry, movies online - the worst part...I didn't get groceries this week because we're supposed to leave for Kentucky tomorrow morning.  So, we have no food (literally) and are stuck in the house for at least another day.  We've crafted up a few good meals nonetheless.

So, here are a few pictures of our snowy existence.  Now, pray that it lets up so we can travel to Kentucky for a milder Christmas!

Crazy Neal Christmas

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Again With the Snow!

The weatherman is totally unreliable...except for this time.  In the last two weeks, we've had several false alarms when it comes to winter storm warnings. One night, they said we were bound to get 6 inches or more.  Matt and I stayed up late that night, watching shows online, certain we would get a call at 5am announcing a snow day. (He's a teacher.)  But, alas, we woke up to green grass and clear streets.  Stupid weatherman.  

Last night, they warned that we were going to get hit with 6-12 inches of snow, just today.  We laughed and prepared for our duties the next day - Matt administering exams before Christmas break and me hosting a brunch for my mommy friend.  But, with mixed emotions, I declare that...hmmm (it's harder to say this than I thought)...

"Mr. Weatherman...you were right."  

Schools all over the area are closed...even some businesses.  All I have to say is...Good thing I finished up my Christmas shopping last night.  Oh, and a whole pan of baked french toast to ourselves?  I like it.

PS - Matt had to go to the new school building to unload furniture off the semi.  Poor thing.  I guess I'll have to eat his share of french toast - and drink his share of coffee.  Tough life.

Couldn't Agree More

Your Christmas is Most Like: A Christmas Story

Loving, fun, and totally crazy. Don't shoot your eye out!

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?