Our Wilderness Adventure

Ok, so we just went camping.  But I'd say with two kids under the age of three - who have never even seen a camping tent before - it was an adventure. Its always nice to experience a new adventure with a family who has done it before.

This picture cracks me up.  That would be Annelise taking a picture of Elli, while they are supposed to be sleeping.  Stinkers!  Caught in the act...

And this is what Annelise looks like today...tired much?  We're laying low, cleaning and doing lots of school on the computer.

I couldn't resist posting this one.  In the midst of the camping mess (we literally dropped our bags in a pile and crashed when we got home) I found Mr. Piggy, sound asleep under Elli's blanket.  I wonder who is responsible for that?

Our Latest Project

 

My very generous parents bought this swingset for our girls last weekend.  We had been looking to buy one for a while, but wanted to make the right purchase and hadn't found anything that seemed to be long-lasting.  Well, grandpa surprised us with this gift!

It only took us 12 hours to put together (seriously) but it was well worth it.  The kids have been on it every day.  Thanks Mom and Dad...we love it!

Oh and don't mind the teeter totter.  We have since fixed it.  It was put together upside down. Ha!

Its true.

Another Neal baby is on the way!  We're very excited (and I wouldn't be completely honest if I didn't also say a little nervous) about a third little one joining our family.  I'm still very early in my pregnancy and experiencing lots of morning (ha! all-day) sickness and exhaustion.  Man, there is just nothing like pregnancy exhaustion, is there?

So, we'll be welcoming another baby during the same week that we celebrate our eldest daughter's 4th birthday.  Wow.

Camera Fail

Man, we spent a whole weekend in Kentucky visiting family and I didn't take one picture.

Fail.

I can't imagine how anyone with more than two kids manages to get pictures regularly.  How do you do it?

So, you'll have to imagine with me.  It was a beautiful weekend, full of sun and humidity.  We spent lots of time enjoying family, celebrating birthdays, eating favorite local food and shopping at the Gap outlet.  Man, I miss that place up north.  No good deals like that in Michigan.

We worshiped with our friends at Grace Fellowship Church and were so refreshed by the parenting series Brad is doing.  It was a great sermon for us to hear and apply.

The drive home was especially nice with no air conditioning.  (The sarcasm is just bleeding from that sentence.)  For those of you oldies like me, you remember the days of long road trips in the back seat - no seat belt, no car seat, no air conditioning.  That's pretty much how this trip felt...although the kids were safely strapped in their seats...most of the time.  Driving 70 mph with the windows down for six hours is enough to make your head explode.

When we arrived to our newly air conditioned home, we were ecstatic.  The temperature was 90 degrees.  Our house was 75.  Woo hoo!

So, we're back to the grind.  The final weeks of school are upon us.  We're itching for summer to arrive in full force.  And to help that along, I'm heading off to the farmer's market to see what kind of deals I can snag on some fresh food for us. 

Wordle

I've seen these word images before, but never knew how they were generated.  Well, a colleague of mine showed me this online tool and I thought it was worth sharing. 

www.wordle.net/create

You can enter a large amount of text (say, if you'd like to examine the key words in a document you're writing) or you can type in the location of your blog, which is what I did.  Very interesting.

Its also possible to edit the shape, colors and size of your wordle.  And the best part?  You can click on individual words to delete them (which I did not do!).

Have fun!

Sweetest Girls I Know

The Little Things

I really love air conditioning.  Yesterday was 87 degrees and very humid.  We have been without air conditioning for five years.  Five very long years.  Did I mention our windows don't open.  Yeah.  So, no air conditioning and no breeze, what. so. ever.  Oh - and we live in a brick house.  A heat, death trap.

So, after five long years of saving (having children and depleting our savings) and saving more...we were finally able to put air conditioning in.  And the best part, we paid cash for it!

Last night we went for a walk with the kids.  We played at the playground, walked by the water and came home hot, sweaty and pooped.  I opened the front door and almost cried.  Cool, un-humid air met us as we walked in.

Oh, the joys of air conditioning.  Its going to be a good summer.

Question:  What temperature do you keep your air conditioning on?

My Kids

Man, I love my kids.  You know, you go through stages of life where you think it can't get any better.  And then the next stage is more fun than you thought possible.

We're at a really fun stage of life right now.  The kids are growing daily and I love to hear them say new things.

Even when those things shock me.

Like when Annelise told me a week ago that she wanted someone to die.  I almost died myself.  Obviously she didn't know what she was saying, and it was a tremendous opportunity for us to teach her a life lesson.  She seemed to get it.

Until today when she said something equally shocking.  I put her on her bed immediately and went outside to consult Matt.  I told her the next time she said that she would have a severe consequence.  I think she understood.  Until next time...

And Elli is keeping pace with her sister.  She can't speak full sentences yet, but she thinks she can.  She is a sassy one.  Who knew number two could be as spunky as number one.  Wow.

If you've met Elli, then you know she's never tasted a food she didn't like.  And she's learned to say "I'm Ungie" - I guess you know what she says all day then.

We're also looking forward to warmer weather here soon.  We've been researching swing sets and are hoping to bless our girls with one very soon.

Phew...how's that for an update?

I am Mom.

I don't roar, but according to Annelise, I sometimes scream. 

I lose my patience too quickly.

I expect my children to act like adults.

I expect my kids to treat our home like a museum.

I make a big fuss out of dirty dishes, laundry and unkempt beds.

I forget to savor the moments and focus on getting "more important" things like, getting somewhere on time.

I have my faults.  Lots of them.  Thankfully, Christ has redeemed me.  And his grace is sufficient for me (and my children) each and every day. 

There is no task set before me that is greater in responsibility or importance.  If I do it in Christ's strength, according to his word, I am called blessed. 

So, when I scream, I ask for forgiveness.

When I lose my patience, I take a step back and a deep breath.

If my children act like children, I will remember they will someday be boring adults.

When my house is a mess, I'll focus on the hand prints that won't be there in a few years.

I'll do my best not to make a big fuss, because my kids need to witness a joyful spirit.

And when I forget to savor the moments, I'll remember back to a time when I was once little.  It goes too quickly.

I am mom.

Our Life As Normal

Things are finally feeling a little bit normal.  I like normal.  We're healthy, happy and enjoying the sunshine that we're seeing more often than not.

Last Wednesday our church had a skating party.  Annelise jumped on those skates like it was nobody's business.  I was so proud of her.

And this has been my most recent project.  Spray painting the lawn furniture.  This pink table set goes with our lime green picnic table and our sun yellow porch swing.

The Tulip Festival starts this weekend and we are excited, as always.  We love living downtown during this festival and we get to enjoy lots of beautiful flowers along our almost nightly walks.  

There's that yellow swing.  Oh, and two beautiful little girls are on it.  Doubly sweet.

And who can resist a green, sugary, marshmallowy, bunny sucker at Aldi?  Apparently not Elli.

Leland.

My sister Leah went into labor on Saturday.  She was supposed to be induced at 8, but Leland decided that was too late.  I awoke to a call at 7:04 am from my brother-in-law.  

Hello?

Hey, its go time.

Go time?

Yeah, Leah's in labor.

I thought 8, they induced her early?

No, we came in early.  You better get here.  She's moving fast.

Uh, ok.

Click.

Panic ensues.  (This is when it occurred to me...the words "she's going fast" mean get here or you won't see it.)  I have to see it.  It didn't happen if I don't see it. 

Turns out we had a little more time...but not much.  After 15 minutes and only 5 pushes, Leland Anthony was born at 10:51 am.  And I didn't just see it.  I videotaped it.  I narrated it (by accident).  Sorry Leah, my annoying voice, choked up full of tears is on both of your birth videos.  My sister is a machine.  A baby birthing machine.  She is 100 pounds and 5'8" tall.  She has big babies, with ease.  Yes, you can all be jealous.  It figures she would be the one to stop at two.  A boy and a girl are enough for us.

We are so happy to welcome little Leland into our family.  He is the first boy...the first grandson on both sides.   

 

 

 

Proud daddy.

Aunt Sarah recording our guesses for weight and height.

Please note my guess, it is the most important.

Leah.  She looks too comfortable. No epidural yet.

Leland Anthony Parks. 8 lbs. 12 oz. 21 1/2 inches.

Such a content baby.

Big sister Alayna.  She loves him already!

 Anybody have baby fever?

And We're Off.

I don't know what we're off to, but it feels like something good.  Spring, maybe?  One can hope.

My sweet baby girl had tubes put in her ears today.  She was such a trooper.  Any mom's out there remember that "I don't care" medicine they give your child before the surgery?  I'm wondering how I get my hands on that.  That's some good stuff right there.

And then she came out of surgery.  I didn't see her...but I could hear her.  Oh boy.  It took her quite some time to wake up and recover.  Actually, like a few hours. 

But she woke up this afternoon looking and feeling like a million bucks.  That's success in my book.

So, we're all healthy (finally) and itching for spring to make a more permanent appearance.  Tulip Time is around the corner and we can't wait to enjoy two weeks of Dutch nostalgia.  Hey. we aren't Dutch...but who cares.

Did I mention we're going to get to see some pretty cool people during Tulip Time?  Yuppers.  Can't wait for our Kentucky friends to make a visit.

We've been hit...again.

I no longer think this is the worst season of illness we have ever endured.  I know it.

Wednesday, we saw a specialist who told us what we already knew: 12 ear infections in 18 months is not normal.  Really?  So, Elli is scheduled to have tubes put in on April 25th.  That is if we can keep her healthy until then.

Elli has something nasty.  Neither Matt or I are fans of vomit (who is, really?).  But, when its your baby's vomit, things change.  We tag-teamed through the night and arrived at this morning...alive, but well-worn.

I'm guessing rotavirus.  Boo!  Its going around like wildfire.  Looks like we're in for a longer haul than the normal 24-hour bug.  Second Boo!

Here's to lots of hugs for a moaning, hurting baby - and lots of bleach spray to keep the rest of us germ-free.

Refining Frugality

I think frugality is somewhat like spirituality.  Just when you think you've got it down, you realize how far you have to go.  I've learned a few valuable (and humbling) lessons in the past few weeks that are saving us money.

Lesson 1:  Diapers.  Two kids and hundreds (maybe even thousands) of diapers later, I've jumped on the cloth diapering train.  Well, I actually still have one foot dragging slightly on the ground.

Coming back from Honduras I experienced a bit of reverse culture shock.  I was prepared.  I've been on many oversees trips and knew what to expect.  Or so I thought.  That was until I went to Meijer on Monday to grab a few things.  A pack of diapers was on the list, so I sauntered over to the aisle to find my trusty box of Dry Babies.  Can't beat $14.99 for 82 diapers, right?  Of course, Meijer decided to STOP selling their diaper brand while I was out of the country.  What?  No, I'm not going to pay $4 more for a name brand with less diapers in the box.  And NO, I'm not going to drive across town with gas prices soaring to get a box of diapers. 

So, I grabbed a handful of cloth diapers and angrily left the store.

I guess in my sinful attitude you could say the Lord showed me grace.  I actually really like the cloth diapers that I got.  Easy to use, easy to clean...and I'm not throwing them away!  We're still using disposables on the days I work and at night.  But, 5 days out of the week we're saving money...and I like that.

Lesson 2:  Bread.  Such a simple staple to have around the house.  So, why are we always out of it.  And why am I always running to the store for it when I have a breadmaker in my kitchen and flour in my cupboard?  Duh!  Reevaluating my grocery list is a huge part of our savings.  Do we really need the things that are on there?  Or do we THINK we need the things that are on there?

Sometimes its the little things that we don't recognize that cost us the most money.  So, we're rethinking things...refining our frugality.

I'll probably have this whole homemaking thing down when my kids are gone.  Hm.  Then I'll have to write a book, I guess.

God at Work

As promised, here is an update about our trip to Honduras.  I have bolded the heading for easy reading and skipping ahead for those that just want a quick summary.

Who went.  Our team consisted of 12 people - 8 high school students and 4 adults.  We had an even number of boys and girls, which was very convenient.

Where we landed.  We flew into San Pedro Sula and made our three hour trip to Sequatepeque.  It was a beautiful trip.  Our final destination was La Providencia children's home.  What a wonderful ministry!

What we did.  Our team had two main objectives: build a playground and conduct a three-day VBS.  Sounds easy enough, right?  Well, the work project was quite a challenge.  We spent the first day digging 10-16 inch deep holes in clay and rock.  Once those were finished, we filled them with cement that we hand-mixed.  And the last day, we built a concrete, mortar and cement frame for a slide.  All in all, we built a swing set, teeter totter, monkey bars, and buried tires.  Our kids also did a fantastic job helping to lead a VBS at a local church (completely in Spanish) where over 120 kids attended.

Our organization.  We partnered with LeaderTreks (which I highly recommend for teen trips).  They focus on building servant leadership in students while ministering to the native people.  During the trip we studied the book of James and had in depth meetings each night that helped us to debrief our experiences, document what God was doing in our life, and learn how to implement that work into our lives back home.  Our motto was: We are not here to be serve, but to serve.

The impact.  Several of our students had never been on an airplane before...a few had never been on a mission trip.  Seeing the poverty in Honduras affected them.  Many came home with a firm belief that God is leading them to serve after high school.  All of them were impacted for eternity.  I was so proud to be part of their team.  They led in extraordinary ways and took risks that God honored.

Every time I go on a mission trip, wherever it may be, my worldview is broadened.  I am reminded that God is sovereign, He rules the earth, and He wants to see people come to know Him.  I'm humbled that He uses us in the process.

Thank you for your support and your prayers!

Back from Honduras

We are back from a very busy couple of weeks.  Did you know it takes an entire week to get ready to be out of town for a week...and then a whole 'nother week to recover?

All the mommies out there just said AMEN.

So, I plan to write a very long blog entry tomorrow (with pictures of course) about our trip to Honduras and all that God taught us through our experience.  Stay tuned...

Monday Mumblings

Whenever I write a blog post on Monday, I always feel like its just a bit grumbly.  You?  So, I made sure to have an extra cup of coffee before typing this - and I asked for an extra dose of grace too!

The Lord has been so good to us.  I've been reflecting on all of our blessings lately - even those in disguise - and find myself praising God for His faithfulness to us.

I spent last week in California on a work trip.  I go every year and each time I come home with new ideas to serve the ministry I work for better.  I also come home refreshed and renewed.  There's something abut staying in a hotel room all alone that gives a mommy an extra boost for the months to come.  And when I returned, my family was in tact and the house was in order.  Such a treat!

So, today I'm focusing on loving my kids a little extra (is that possible?) and letting them build forts (without cringing at the mess they're making).  I'm tidying up and thanking God that we have little hands to make prints on windows. 

So Little Time

I'm in a stage where it feels like the days disappear in the blink of an eye.  Wasn't I just nursing a newborn a week ago?  Now my baby is almost 18 months old and saying things like "I need down." 

My oldest baby is walking through the mall with her hands on her hips (Lord help us).  And I'm taking her to see Disney On Ice Princess Wishes tonight.  I'm going to be out of town on a business trip for the week, so I thought a mommy-daughter date was in order before I leave.  Lets just say I'm paying for the experience.  I don't think Annelise really knows what's ahead, other than she gets to wear her pink princess dress and eat a snack with mommy.  I think we can meet those expectations.

So, I'm supposed to be packing for my trip, but it seems a little early.  Besides, there's still way too much laundry to do before I decide what I'm taking.

Happy Saturday.

Product Review: Mr. Clean Reusable Wiping Cloth

Its no secret.  I love to clean.  Which usually goes hand in hand with a love of cleaning products.  My favorite area of the house to clean is the kitchen.  When I cook, I start with a clean kitchen.  I can't sleep if the dishes aren't done.  And I hate, allow me to repeat for emphasis, hate dirty counters. 

So, its taken me a while to find a cleaning tool that really allows me to get my counter clean, without it being bulky, smelly and hard to dry.  I've tried the tradition washcloth, sponges...even a few specialty rags like these.  And while I liked the latter, I couldn't justify spending that much money every couple of months without a coupon.  Still vaguely on the prowl for a good cloth, I had almost given up hope.  That is, until I stumbled upon this...

(Angels singing, trumphets playing...you know, that heavenly music of wonder.)

I debated...but come on, a dollar for two?  That's pocket change and I was willing to spend the dough to see if we could form a marriage out of this deal.

And that we did.  I'm in love.  All the sufficiency of a sponge, without the bulk and occasional dripping.  All the beauty and hand friendliness of these, without the hefty price and fading.

Ladies (and a few gentlemen who made read this), you will fall in love.  Oh, and I paired this new cleaning wonder with my ever faithful spray...

And voila...its cleaning bliss.  So, fork out the dollar at your local Big Lots (that's where I found mine) and tell me what you think.  I dare say you will never go back to your slimy sponge or your stinky dish cloth again.

Oh...and they're biodegradable.  There, you have no excuse.

Health is not overrated

We have battled the icky sickness bug around here for many weeks this winter.  And minus a double ear infection for both girls (which happens to be pretty normal) we are healthy.  We're going to see an ENT about Elli's ears and the potential for tubes, which I think will make our lives so much more enjoyable in the future.

There's still a good amount of snow on the ground here, but Spring is on its way...we hope.  And a busy Spring it will be. 

Happy Monday to all!