You knit me together in my mother's womb

A little late but here is the ultrasound picture from the day we found out the baby is a girl. For some reason I was so shocked. It's so fun to think of Olivia having a little sissy; and I have to say so nice to be able to use her toys and clothes again. Though, we would have been thrilled with anything. I have 5 weeks until my due date. Cannot believe we're being blessed with another precious child! Thankfully the Lord does not give us what we deserve because I definitely don't deserve this!

We went on our first road trip this past August to Northern Washington to visit dear friends and family where Steve grew up. We were gone for 3 weeks. It was so fun and such a great time for our family. Here are some of my favorite pictures from our trip.

We went to San Francisco for a day
Alcatraz in the background

Steve with his parents and sister

Mark and Tara

Date night Mark, Tara, Petra and Kevin

Gorgeous Lake Whatcom

Pete and Kevin

Livy and Grandma "Lene"

4 months along

the drive to Mount Baker

Jaden fishing with grandpa

Livy enjoying some beat juice from Tara's garden

The boardwalk with Grandpa Rocky. This is right by the house Steve grew up in.

Grandma and the girls

Grandpa and the boys

Grandpa's cows

The deck outside the house Steve grew up in. Mt Baker is just to the right.

Livy and her special friend, Stephen. He doesn't know yet how much he loves her

Christine has a few inches on Auntie Petra:)

Planning to catch up, little by little.

Wow, I'm so behind on my journaling! I have this problem where if I get behind on something I avoid it until it turns into this huge monster. Well, it's time to catch up; or at least try to. So, I thought I'd just slowly go back and post pictures from our life since my last post in July. It's been a little strange lately, to say the least, because I've been on full bed rest for over 5 weeks and before that I was pretty much down for weeks (more on that soon.) It's been really hard physically and I haven't had it in me to try to catch up but I think I'm ready now- especially since our little girl is coming soon! More to come........

Luke's Green Thumb part 2 -The Garden

I'm easing back into blogging. I love doing it so much but have been feeling pretty yucky lately so everything has kind of been on hold. I wanted to get some pictures posted of Lukie's garden. We've been taking pictures everyweek to see the growth. He and Steve worked a whole day in the heat to prepare the soil and get everything ready. (Luke actually passed up a chance to go swimming with cousins to stay home and work.) We took down our old swingset and gave hime that whole area for a garden. I'm so proud of him and grateful to God for the unique way that He made him. I remember in the weeks after he was born I would just stare at him and I would look into his eyes and I vividly remember thinking "there is going to be something special about this boy."

Too cute not to try

My friend, Emily, told me about this website with a recipe and instructions for these adorable little cake balls. The kids and I just had to try them.

Please allow me a moment to brag on my husband...

My cousin, Melinda

The original invitation

My (manly) artistic husband

The finished product

Here are some pictures of a gift that I gave to my cousin, Melinda, for her wedding shower today. I need to brag because Steve basically did it all by himself. It is made up of some lettering I ordered from Uppercase Living and the rest is a collage Steve made using two of Lindy's wedding invitations, and one save-the-date card; oh and also a white 12x18 frame. Let's just say it was a huge hit. Everyone loved it and Melinda was speechless and she didn't even want to put it down. Thank you honey, I give you all the credit. I'm so grateful for you and how much you help me with so many things. I Love You, Stephen Randall!

Christine and Drew's baptism.

Christine's Testimony

Drew's final draft of his testimony

Drew's first draft

Our Youth Pastor, Kullen Welch

A couple weeks ago Steve and I got to experience one of the proudest moments of our life; while we were surrounded by dear friends and family, Christine and Drew were baptized. They both had a very strong desire to do it and I was so amazed when they sat down to write their testimonies. I have to say that I have been so blessed and humbled through it all; and most of all grateful to the Lord for putting His love in their heart.

Randy's property.

My cousin, Randy, has a beautiful property up behind Lombardi Ranch so I had to get some pictures. It's so nice and peaceful up there; I could easily get used to it.

This was the day after my grams funeral so my brother was still in town.
Matt and Randy are on each end.

Salt of the Earth

This is a copy of a letter my gram wrote to her family and asked that it not be opened until after she died. A copy of this was put in each program at her funeral.

My brother and my boys

My brother helping my dad after the burial

All but two of her grandsons were pall bearers.

Words can't express how wonderful my dear grandma Margaret was. She was the cream of the crop, the salt of the earth. I'm so glad she was able to meet her Lord after such a full and wonderful life of 93 years. The really neat part of her going to be with the Lord was being able to see so many family at her service; and a bigger treat was that my brother was able to come from Hawaii for 3 nights. The most amazing thing about my grandma was reading her prayer journal after she died. She prayed for everyone and I mean everyone. What an example of a prayer warrior.

Our Morning Ritual

So I may have gotten carried away.....

1. This past Christmas I decided for the kids it would be the year of Playmobil-they have a little sentimental value because Steve used to play with them when he lived in Germany. They're my absolute favorite toy for kids age 3-10. That's another reason I love them; even though they're a little pricey, four of my kids are able to play with them for many years so it's well worth money. Well, the funny part is how overboard I went, (although I do have to say that some were bought by my parents.) By the time the kids were done unwrapping gifts Steve and I just looked at each other in amazement at how much playmobil we had got. I was trying to be wise and frugal but I still went a little crazy. So, here are some picts of our playmobil toys; I highly recommend them.

The Forest Lodge

Luke loves his French gardener


Lukie's Floral Shop-I couldn't resist because of his love of gardening.

The kids say this is Steve and I (notice the bunny ears behind my head.)

This is just a small sampling of how much we have.......

Dancing bottoms and Mysteries

Olivia and I have a little ritual at bedtime. I have to scratch her back while singing "You are My Sunshine." Tonight while I was singing and scratching her back she started wiggling her rear a little; then she said, "Look mommy, my bottom's dancing." I thought that was too cute. Another funny thing that I wanted to jot down was something Andrew said recently. We were talking about why he has to study subjects like History and Science so much in school. And I of course was doing my best to explain why, but then he said "Why can't some things just remain a mystery? Do we really need to know EVERYTHING." He's very content with Science and History being a mystery and thinks others should feel the same way. For some reason that tickled me.

Sad News Happy Life

When I got the lab results a couple days ago that my numbers were not rising like they should I started to prepare myself for the ultrasound today; So, I was not surprised when they could only see a sac-at this point they should be able to see a hearbeat. All day I've just been wanting the day to pass and get past this but I decided that I at least want to write down the things that keep crossing my mind-this is my journal after all-so here are some random thoughts in no paticular order:

-Children are a miracle
-The Lord causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him
-I didn't realize how much I wanted another child
-My husband couldn't be more supportive.
-Andrea went through this also so she understands how it feels.
-I don't want to ever take for granted my family and friends
-God calls the womb the "secret place" and is in control of everything that happens there
-I am to be grateful for everything
-Through some mystery God allows trials to make us love Him more
-I have suffered very little in my life (so far)
-I really, really hope the Lord allows us to have another child
-My brother really loves his sister
-I'm a little concerned that having two miscarriages in a row may mean that we cannot have any more kids -silly, I know.
-I'm thinking that waiting to find out the results was worse than actually finding them out.
-I really tried to work on patience throught this process-I hope I improved.
-My mother is as sad (actually sadder) than I am about this-that's true motherly love.
-My cousins are priceless
-The Angry Whopper might not have been the best comfort food.
-And I'll end again with one of my favs "BE STILL and know that I am God."

My Big Girl ...and a Tiny Baby

Wanted to get a picture of my big girl riding a motorcycle like a pro. She went camping with the Nardones and they all ride motorcycles (even Brenda-go girl!) I think Christine is hooked now. I'm proud of myself for making it through the weekend while she was gone. Now I just need to make it through her first camp experience. Winter camp is next weekend and I have to admit I'm a little nervous (windy roads in a big bus.) I know I don't have a choice; I need to let her have her independence and remember that the Lord loves her more than I do. Oh, and along those lines of trusting God, I'm very excited to say the that we found out last week that we're pregnant!!!! We are so excited we can't stand it; but, I do have some concern that is preventing me from the joy I could be having. I miscarried a couple months ago so now I'm just much more cautious and not getting too excited until I have confirmation that everything is Ok. I'm trusting the Lord implicitly but also hoping that it's His will that this baby be healthy. I will be getting another ultrasound on Thursday and I'm hoping and praying to see a heartbeat. I will end with the words that keep coming to my mind, "Be still and know that I am God."

Mish Mash

A mish mash of pictures from the last couple weeks....

That giggle I love

Grandpa Rocky tickling

Picking oranges in Fillmore-Steve and the kids juiced them all.

I finally got these pictures framed in the boys room-the rock art that Steve did of each of the kids names in Carpinteria.

Jaden's front tooth dangling

How Livy likes to eat apples

Livy felt like she was going to "fro up" so we made her a bed on the bathroom floor.

Lukie making Christmas treats for teachers.

Livy turned 3

Still catching up on my blog......

We had a little cupcake birthday party for Livy's birthday. Christine and Brenna had a "nail station" and did the girl's nails; and the girls got to decorate their own cupcake. It was very simple but very fun.

Happy Birthday, my sweet girl

Speed Blog

Jaden's 7th birthday on Christmas Eve

Every Christmas I buy the girls an ornament for them to take with them-this year I got Livy ice skates.

The boys really excited about their gift.

Christmas Eve at Uncle Paul and Aunt Judi's

I am so behind!!!! I have no excuse except the business of life-and you know when you get behind on something you put of catching up. But, since I use this blog for my own journaling purposes it is torturing me to be behind. So, I'm going to "speed blog"-try to quickly recount the last month. We had a wonderful Christmas and plenty of great family time because Steve had the last two weeks of December off. On New Years Steve's parents came for a visit and we had a lot of hanging out time-and perfecting our 6 Dice skills. Steve and the kids got to take his parents to the Getty Museum, also. The kids were pretty scarred by some of the statues and paintings-it's culture, right. So far most of January has been pretty mellow; I've been spending time trying to get organized and get back into school mode-that's been a little challenging-maybe it will happen this week!

A sad discovery (Ok maybe I'm being dramatic.)

I have a lot of blogging to catch up on from the past two weeks; but it's going to have to wait. Right now my heart hurts a little-Ok, it's going to sound completely ridiculous to most of you but when I tucked Andrew into bed tonight, I noticed the beginning of some hair forming on his upper lip. I have had a pit in my stomach since. I know I'm being dramatic, I just can't help it. It's just that he's my first baby boy and to me he's still a little boy{I'm trying to ignore the tears in my eyes.) I've taken such comfort from the fact that he still loves to play with toys and all the boy stuff that 11 year old do. But when I saw what could be the beginning of a mustache I got very sad But God made it clear to me tonight that we are on the threshold. We need wisdom from our Lord how to train and lead these boys that I love so much. My prayer is that my boys will grow to honor, obey, and fear the Lord of Creation. There are times I feel so unworthy and incapable to lead them. Thanks to the Lord for his abundant mercy and love.

Pics from this week.

Luke making snowflakes for our window
Jaden getting talked to by a Roman soldier at "Back to Bethlehem" Christine and my dad going to the Master's College Christmas concert
Our Thankful Tree that Christine made

Christine pulled out all of her stuffed animals for Livy to play with-she was giddy.

If I could save time in a bottle.....

So, I'm sitting here trying to remember what we did this week, what made it feel so busy that it's all a blur to me now? It started me on another train of thought-how fast time goes. Sometimes it's downright painful to think about it, how big my kids are getting, how long ago it seems that we got married, how my baby girl that was just born yesterday but is now turning three on Tuesday, and how my firstborn, Christine, is now two inches taller than me (and she's only 12.) It's funny because we take so many pictures and videos of the kids and yet it's sometimes so hard to look at them all because it reminds me of how fast our life is flying by us (another reason I homeschool.) But, I can say that there are wonderful things about kids getting older. You can have such amazing conversations about the Lord and you can start to see them becoming their own person with their own set of strengths and weeknesses. Another benefit is how much the older kids can help. This week for our co-op school day Christine got to teach the little kids because my friend, Yvette, was out of town. For science we were covering rainbows so she made rainbow jello cups. They turned out so cute. As hard as it is to raise kids it is so rewarding and fulfilling. I'm so grateful to be able to be home with my kids being their mommy.

Our Thanksgiving Tradition

Christine and Reagan

Livy and Andrew

The Sauer Family

Steve decorating our annual jello salad.

We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. Our tradition every year is that we go to my Aunt Judi and Uncle Paul's house. This year more family were able to come into town so it was extra special. My dear cousin Aaron, his wife, Nicole, and their two boys, have been in town all weekend and we have had such a fun time with them and the rest of my family. I am so thankful for my family and feel extra blessed to have them. My cousin, Aaron, makes me laugh like no other. He is so funny. So, there isn't anything extra-ordinary to write about; just a wonderful weekend with wonderful people.

The joys of a little girl in her polka-dot jammies.

A little behind......

Better late than never. I wanted to post some pictures I loved from Halloween. Steve, Christine and Drew were in Mexico; but we had so much fun trick or treating with family and friends.

Livy and Avery-little princesses

Jaden was a ninja but looked more like a terrorist.

Luke and Jake were constantly being asked for a "Double, Double."

Livy and Coley be precious.

Her dress was not overly comfortable-she hasn't learned that beauty is pain.

A good big brother

Tonight Livy wasn't feeling well. The sweet part is that, for some reason, all she wanted was Andrew. I was proud of him because he was in the middle of doing something he really loved but he stopped because she needed him. He got down on the floor and played Littlest Pet Shop with her and cheered her up. It's little things like that that just warm my heart and help me get through the more challenging times.

Respectable Sins

That's the name of a book we're reading in our home group. Let me just tell you that I've only read three chapters and am already feeling about an inch tall-which is a good thing. There are so many areas that I want to grow in spiritually. My biggest struggle right now is that I feel like I have a lack of Zeal for God. I feel like a lukewarm Christain right now. My friend Andrea lent me the book 'When I Don't Desire God.' by Jon Piper. I have it next to my bed right now and am planning to read it soon. So my prayer to God right now is "Lord, please help me love you and have a passion for You." On kind of a side note, this morning I was reading a Psalms to the kids before school and I randomly choose Psalm 139,

"Oh Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up, You discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold O Lord , you know it altogether."

The funny part is that when I was reading my book tonight the same Psalms I had read in the morning was being used as an example in the book. It's very convicting to remember how well the Lord knows us; he knows what we will say before we say it. He knows our thoughts (even when we're able to hide them from others.) My prayer is that I will seek to please Him more than other people and that I will choose to lay aside my selfish desires for His will.

A little slice of Heaven

Walking into town in Carpinteria
Nice, Jaden

Steve's rock art-he did it with all of our names

The bridge near our campsite

Surprise, you caught a shark

This past month has been extra special. It started with a trip to Oceanside for a few days to see my parents while they were vacationing there. We stayed right on the beach and had such a blast. Then this past week we went camping on the beach in Carpinteria in my cousin's RV. I'm still lamenting that it's over. It was almost the perfect vacation. My cousin Julie and her family were there for the first half of the week then the second half of the week was just our fam. We spent our time sitting on the beach, eating and then sitting on the beach some more. Steve, Jon and the kids did tons of fishing. Jaden, Steve and Christine even caught little sharks and Luke caught a Halibut. Altogether about 50 fish and right off the shore! It was truly the best family time we have had in a long time. We were able to just linger and enjoy each other-we spent most of the time on the beach but we also walked to town a few times, fed ducks, read, and watched The Office and Nacho Libre in the RV (such refined taste.) There were many times I would have liked to freeze time. I hope we can do it again soon. With our family size it is becoming the only vacation we can afford. Now it's back to real life again. Not quite back into the swing of things but getting there slowly. This Friday Steve, Christine and Drew go to Mexico for a weekend mission trip so maybe I'll catch up then. Thank you, Lord, for this crazy, wonderful life.

Mom and Dad

We celebrated my dad's 64th b'day the other night at Macaroni Grill. I love these pictures of him and my mom. I feel so blessed to have them live just a couple miles away. They are always so loving and patient with my kids-such a blessing to our lives.

Face lift for the boys room

My boys room has needed some TLC for a while. Steve worked on it a couple weeks ago and gave it a major facelift. I love it so much (and so do the boys.) I still have a lot I want to do in there but it's getting closer to the beach room I've always invisioned.

My Drew turned 11

His new fishing pole

he was so nice to make me a list.......

One of my favorite picts of him as a baby

His very special shark pinata that Steve made for his 5th B'day

In my tummy

My Drew turned 11 last week, how can that be?!? We had some of his best friends sleep over in the tent in the backyard. They had so much fun-I love that he still gets excited about capguns and star wars. He has been such a blessing to us since he was born. Not that we haven't had our challenges; but there is something about him that is so endearing. He reminds of my brother in so many ways ,but one of the biggest ways is that he is such a people magnet and gets along with so many personality types. Thank you, Lord, for this precious boy you gave us to take care of.

"I say night night to boys, mommy!"

Every night when we get Livy ready for bed she goes through this whole routine where she has to give the boys a hug and kiss goodnight. If we dare try to put her to bed before she does this she says over and over, "I say night night to boys, mommy!" It's so precious, I can't stand it!!

First Week of School

Our first day of school was last week. Its good (and hard) to be back in the swing of things. Homeschooling can be so totally overwhelming sometimes and there are times that I feel I cannot do it anymore (ask Steve, he usually gets the brunt of the breakdowns,) but when I come to my senses I realize how grateful I am to have my kids home with me during these precious years. I hope and pray that the Lord will be honored and my kids will be blessed because of it.

The kids first day at the Huckleberry Learning Center

Our first day of school at home. The kids opening their annual "first day of school presents." They scored this year
Our first day at our coop. We get together one day a week with our friends and do History and Science together

Luke and Megan

Mary and I have talked often of how blessed we feel with the special relationship that God has given Luke and Megan. They are 5 weeks apart (and I think two feet, too) and they are as close as can be. The best thing is they are so content just hanging out together and playing with their Playmobil sets, gardening, playing on Webkinz and many other things. I can't think of one time they have argued or fought. Just one of the many reasons I feel "overlyblessed."