tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61738042178462468452024-03-21T22:19:48.200-07:00Chronicles of the Big Van ClanChildren are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.comBlogger176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-51112247000762528202017-05-08T23:56:00.001-07:002017-05-08T23:56:21.793-07:00Journaling to remember I was reading through some old blog posts and was cherishing the memories I wrote down so much that I was inspired to write again. This is a journal for me and my children. Their eyes lit up so much when I read them old posts and when the girls asked for their stories it broke my heart that I have written so few of them down. Life got busy, and my thoughts about life sometimes too intense and deep to really want to write down. But I'm going to do it for them, because I love seeing them smile when they hear an old story about themselves!<br />
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Rebekah has just learned to crawl this week, after learning to pull to stand in her crib last week! I feel like those two steps were backwards, but being only a week apart she basically learned to do both skills at the same time! It is such a quick transition from a four or five month old who can barely just sit up alone, to a seven month old who can stand and crawl! Ahhh I just want my babies to stay little a little longer! But of course these little milestones are always so exciting, and Rebekah has her own little pep squad cheering her on with each new accomplishment. The kids all truly love having a baby in the house.<br />
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Rebekah still does not have her first tooth, but a top tooth is just about through. I don't believe we've ever had a baby get a top tooth first! She is also one of our latest teethers. Noah was around 7-8 months when he got his first tooth but everyone else got teeth a little early than that, more like the 5-6 month range. Anyway, I love the gummy smile and it ok by me when they come in later!<br />
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<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-55018805466932048732015-07-22T11:26:00.001-07:002015-07-22T11:26:28.245-07:00I am so excited to report on the little summer experiment that has been underway at our house, and report what a blessing it has been to our whole family! <br />
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I decided in June that we had way too much stuff around the house that I was expecting the children to keep clean and organized. More clothing than we needed, too many dishes and cups, and too many toys! <br />
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So, first I boxed up toys and put them away in the attic, being especially careful not to have too many toy items down at a time that have many small pieces, like Legos. I also got rid of a lot of battery powered toys that don't hold the kids attention for very long anyway, and end up annoying me anyway! Toys like wooden blocks, a wooden train set, and matchbox cars are being rotated, so they don't lose interest in them, and then they don't have the raw materials all out at once that are needed to make a huge, jumbled mess! When I bring a "new: box of toys down from the attic that they haven't seen in a month or two, they feel like it's Christmas!<br />
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Then, I put away extra cups, plates and bowls, leaving only one for each child. This makes it so there is literally only one dishwasher load of dishes available to dirty in the kitchen!<br />
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Finally, I allowed two pairs of short, three shirts, one set of pajamas, and one swim short and shirt for each child. <br />
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What has occurred over the last few weeks, has been nothing short of amazing! Now, I am sure some of you are light-years ahead of me, and have never allowed excess child paraphernalia to accumulate in your home! I salute you! For myself, however, I had allowed stuff to start stealing my joy! Stuff was causing my frustration over messes that were overwhelming for even me to clean up, much less my children!Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-88603525829066436902014-02-04T13:43:00.002-08:002014-02-04T14:53:36.254-08:00Letter to a Senator! YOU can make a difference! <div dir="ltr">
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Please copy and email the letter below to <a href="mailto:Emily_Katz@boxer.senate.gov">Emily_Katz@boxer.senate.gov</a><br />
Please cc: <a href="mailto:DMDAction@gmail.com">DMDAction@gmail.com</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Dear Senator Boxer,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>As your constituent, I am writing to ask that your health staff attend an important briefing this <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://4/" x-apple-data-detectors-result="4" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">upcoming Friday, February 7, from 10:00am-11:00am</a> in 334 Cannon House Office Building. </b>The briefing will feature a preview of an upcoming documentary on the lives of boys who suffer from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). It will also include a brief presentation from a panel of renowned Duchenne researchers and scientists as well as DMD parents on opportunities to accelerate approval for the first-ever approved therapy for DMD using the tools Congress provided the FDA in the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA), which was signed into law in 2012.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>I am the relative/friend of Noah, boy with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, </b>the leading genetic killer of children that affects about one out of every 3,500 boys born in the United States. Duchenne has a 100 percent fatality rate and there is no approved treatment. A boy diagnosed with DMD around the age of 5 is expected to experience a loss of muscle strength that leads to confinement to a wheelchair by adolescence and a short life assisted by ventilators. This progressive deterioration leads to death in the late teens or early twenties.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Congress granted the FDA special authorities to accelerate approval of promising treatments for diseases just like DMD that are rare, orphan and fatal. We face a pivotal moment where a decision could determine whether our child is part of the last generation to die from DMD or among the first generation to live. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I know there are many demands on your time and on your staff’s time, but I am hoping you will be able to make time for this briefing to help Noah and so many more boys who have no hope unless our government acts to advance promising therapies. <b>I ask that your staff please attend the briefing on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://5/" x-apple-data-detectors-result="5" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">on February 7th from 10:00am-11:00am</a> in 334 Cannon. Please let me know if you will be able to attend by responding to</b><a href="mailto:DMDaction@gmail.com"><b>DMDaction@gmail.com</b></a><b>.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>S</b>incerely,</span></div>
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Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-92116166779681859302013-05-13T22:30:00.001-07:002013-05-13T22:33:24.567-07:00Springtime....Sweet Eliza! 5 months old she is! No teeth to speak of yet, but they are making their way! She didn't sleep much today, and she is so very drooly! She is just so sweet, and she is always on my hip. I enjoy her so much, and feel so blessed to have her in our lives. She weighs in at 14 pounds 5 ounces give or take, and 24.5 inches long. She has not yet tried any food, but is just breastfed. Will probably let her have some other foods in a month or so. I am not planning to do puréed food this time, but will offer her small chunks when she can get some in her mouth, until then mamas milk it is!<br />
She has been loving grabbing, biting and sucking on her toes and feet for a good 6 weeks now, which is one of my favorite baby milestones! I find it totally adorable!<br />
She has soft fine strawberry blonde hair and big blue eyes, sweet soft skin! She has a few pink stork bites still. Her 4 brothers are over the moon for her of course. It is so neat seeing their hearts for babies and I like to think being around babies will help develop in them a love of children, That is my hope. It sure melts my heart to see how much they love her, and each other.<br />
Eliza sleeps in her crib about half the night, wakes to nurse and then spends the rest of the night tucked in close to me in our bed. She only nurses back to sleep in the night usually, and does not usually fall asleep while nursing during the day, which is a mystery to me why she doesn't like to! Very different than Caleb! He still wants my milk before falling asleep and in the mornings!<br />
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Micah and Levi are sleeping very well at night now, and are getting into less mischief in the night and early mornings. They usually do not nap, but will if I have them lay down. They have always needed a lot of sleep. They both are quite string willed, but have the softest sides to them as well. Levi very much wants to please. They both are shy as well. Micah still loves his blue blanket so much. Levi is our adventurous eater. All three big boys can ride bikes without training wheels, they all learned last summer. The twins are very fast, Noah is slowing down on his bike now, which beaks my heart. Caleb is so very energetic and full of life, riding so fast with his training wheels, reminding me everyday that he's a bug boy! He tells me this all the time! His hair is so so blonde, and his curls are precious! I won't cut them off! Each one of them I love so much. Can't imagine if we hadn't had any of them. So glad we gave our family over to God. He has planned it so perfectly. Life is overwhelming at times, but so so sweet and precious. My heart is overwhelmed by live for them. I want them to know how much I love them, and that they details of their young lives imam trying to sear into my mind forever. I take pictures to remember, and I desperately want to hold on to the happy details of their childhoods. I feel guilt when I miss writing down the dates of some of those milestones, but know I watching them pass with my eyes wide open. I am here for each one that passes, I get to be with you all day everyday, and that brings me great joy. Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-18641576697242080862013-05-13T21:51:00.000-07:002013-05-13T22:07:12.429-07:00That dayOur world came crashing down when I self-diagnosed Noah with Duchenne muscular dystrophy on February 4 of this year. Devastation is an understatement. Those first moments when I realized that he had this disease were truly horrific. Alone in our bathroom, face on the floor, sobbing, I knew I was in the midst of a moment that was changing my life. I told myself aloud, that this was "it", the moment of knowing, where the veil is pulled back, and you can never go back to the life you knew before. I've been having a lot of those moments this past year. Heaving and sobbing hours later as I told Nick and then my mom and dad, I just kept repeating "I'm so sad, I'm so sad". I can't write this without recalling and having the same feelings bubble up, which is why I haven't written a word of this down until now. The weeks that followed were a blur of doctors appointments, and grief. Overwhelming grief, the kind where you don't care about much anymore. Of course my kids are what made me go on, my love for them and the fact that they need a strong mama who can show them what it means to cling to God when walking thru fire. Try as I might, I could not help torturing myself with every detail of this disease, and everything it would take from my son. Sickness in my heart beyond compare. Wanting to get away from that mental pain, but finding it a constant companion. I cried out to God and He would give me relief, peace, sleep. Getting out of bed crying in the middle of the night only to crawl into bed with Noah and wrap my arms around him, weeping for him, thinking about his deep peaceful breathing and imaging a time when his very breath would be hard to come by. These moments of despair were tempered with moments of peace beyond explanation, knowing God is in control and has Noah's life in his very hand. Knowing our God makes all things work together for good. Believing these truths about God even more so then ever before in my life. Storms in life do not change who God is, and knowing that He has known about this "turn" in our lives forever is of great comfort to me, he is not surprised by it. He hems us in, he goes before and behind us, and knowing this soothes me. <br />
And in the midst of this was our sweet children, our sweet newborn daughter. Unspeakable joy in the midst if unspeakable pain. The deep realization that God gives to us so freely his blessings, that we should appreciate them, and cherish each moment. God timing is impeccable, and seeing the joy he gave to us in the middle of such a hard time spoke to me volumes about his love and compassion for us. Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-72598485971470847182013-03-06T08:03:00.002-08:002013-05-13T22:04:40.000-07:00Today Noah has two doctor appointments. He is seeing a cardiologist, and will get an electrocardiogram, which is a sonogram of his heart. He will also be seeing a neurologist, who would potentially be overseeing his use of steroids if we decide to use them. <br />
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The fact the we need to see these two doctors today is still mostly unbelievable, and confirms further the reality that his DMD diagnosis is real, and that our boys heart needs to be monitored at such a young age, as well as nearly every other system in his body. Very soon he will also need to see a doctor in pulmonology, who will monitor his lung function.<br />
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My own heart breaks a little more on days like today, and yet at the same time I know how blessed we are to be able to give him the best care available. This disease has a rate of about 1 out of 3500 throughout the world, and my heart breaks for the many boys out there who suffer without any care at all, or poor care. There is much to be thankful for.<br />
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It's been a month now, and while the shock has worn off a little, I still find myself crying quite easily. The world now holds different meaning than it did a few weeks ago. Scripture, songs and sermons are now seen in a different light. The thing is, I know with all my heart, that the light I'm seeing is now clearer than it was before. Life has been distilled down to what means the most. I am able to focus my eyes on eternity so much easier, and I know that is exactly why God allows these things to occur in the lives of believers. Our suffering isn't worthless, it isn't meaningless, it is so very valuable. Priceless even. I know we have so much to learn, and a hard road ahead of us, but I refuse to prevent God from using this for his purposes, which I know are good.<br />
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The depth of our despair is deep, but God's love is so much deeper, and He is revealing himself to us everyday. I am in constant amazement at the conversations I am having with Noah and our other kids now everyday. The places I am easily finding to speak to them about eternity, and the ONE thing that truly matters in life, is astounding! I am finally seeing and understanding what God means when he says to speak to your children about Him when you rise up, when you lie down, when you walk by the road, and now it is easy! That alone is enough of a blessing from this situation. Our kids will know that the things the world thinks are important, are not. Beauty, athleticism, intelligence, wealth, worldly success matter not. We are now desperate to convey that to them, as all parents should be. But now we are forced to teach our kids that accepting Christ and furthering His kingdom is ALL that matters, and for this my heart is a so glad. We will not sit on the fence, we will not be lukewarm, and if this is what was needed to ensure our children and our family will all be together for eternity, I happily accept it.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-39596422797008469742013-01-15T14:01:00.004-08:002013-01-15T14:02:15.475-08:00I almost feel ridiculous writing here after so much time has passed and so much has happened, but I'm just going to anyway!<br />
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We have a daughter! Eliza Jubilee Swavely was born December 3, 2012. I will write her birth story soon and post it. In the meantime, before I forget a few things:<br />
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Birth: 7lbs 5oz<br />
1 week: 8 lbs even<br />
2 weeks: 8lbs 10 oz<br />
3 weeks: 9lbs 2 oz<br />
4 weeks: 9lbs 11oz<br />
5 weeks: 9lbs 15oz<br />
6 weeks: 10lbs 6oz<br />
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Our girl is a growing machine...3 pounds in 6 weeks!<br />
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Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-90704265683655465862012-05-08T22:12:00.000-07:002012-05-08T22:12:21.284-07:00ThankfulThankful to be 11 weeks pregnant and still nauseous. Thankful to hear our baby's heartbeat beating away inside my belly. Thankful for healthy, vibrant, funny children. Thankful for a husband who loves and takes care of us. Thankful for life today. Thank you, Jesus!Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-13908639277784255052012-02-06T09:58:00.000-08:002012-02-13T08:14:41.200-08:00The baby business...We are back in the baby making business! It took 42 days from the miscarriage to get my fertility back! It just bothered me knowing I couldn't get pregnant, but now my cycle is back to normal. Of course now of I get pregnant this month we'd be expecting another November baby, but that's fine by me! :) Our kids are destined to share birthdays with each other I think. <br />
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We painted part of the kitchen a light teal color this weekend, inspiration courtesy of Pinterest! Just trying to decide now whether or not to paint the cabinets white! I want to but there are just so many!Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-39346947372476162722012-01-18T02:48:00.000-08:002012-01-18T02:48:34.153-08:00Up in the wee hours with Micah barfing. He's sleeping now! Pray the other boys don't get sick too! :/Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-58314506014854418082012-01-15T19:53:00.000-08:002013-10-28T22:15:21.833-07:00Caleb is learning so much lately! He now puckers his little lips, leans in for a kiss and makes a smacking noise with his mouth! It is heart-melting! He does it if he hears the word kiss! :) He has also sprouted four, almost five teeth since his birthday! All four molars at once poor baby! The teething necklace is a miracle worker though. He is usually fuss free through it all! He is a rough and tumble baby while at the same time so squishy and sweet still! <br />
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He is still nursing at nearly fourteen months and I have no plans to wean him. He tugs on my shirt when he wants milk, and he knows the word milk when it is spoken. He still sometimes wakes at night and nurses for a minute, but other nights he sleeps all night long! I am happy to say he has never been left to cry it out in order to get him to sleep thru the night. This is a big deal to me after what we did with the other kids. I was determined not to do CIO thus time around and I am happy to see that a baby will sleep for long stretches on their own eventually without CIO, and it won't be at five years old! :)<br />
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Micah and Levi are talking up a storm, and can express most everything they want to say or are feeling. I love how they say things right now...pronouncing "L" as "W" for one thing. "Mommy, I wight here. I not Wevi, I Micah." They both also say "I be hungry, sick, tired" etc. So cute! I don't always correct them either because it is too cute and I know they will grow out of it on their own anyway! :) I am having a hard time believing they will be three in less than three months! They are my toddlers!!!! Yet, they are almost preschoolers! <br />
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Noah is at the most darling age! It really is the best! I just eat up all the random, "I love you so much mommy, you're the best mommy in the whole world." He is just so sweet and thoughtful, and usually very obedient and understanding of feelings. His depth of understanding was fully revealed to me after I told him about the miscarriage. I was careful to not say the baby died, I just said it stopped growing, and that it was still very small. The next day out of the blue he said, "Mommy, I love you. I'm just sorry that baby died." I was blown away how perfectly he understood even when I tried to sugar coat it. My little boy is growing up, and I am holding on to these moments and cherishing them while they last!<br />
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On another note, the kids have seriously been sick for 2 months now! Can't wait for the sick season to end! Every time we go to church they are sick again! :(Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-50414178656678251112011-12-30T23:06:00.000-08:002011-12-30T23:09:30.301-08:00MiscarryFinding out I am pregnant leaves me bursting with joy and excitement. Uncontainable joy that I don't try to contain. So, I tell early because I want to share my joy with the world! While I understand why people choose to wait to share such blessed news, I just can't do it! I've had people question the wisdom of this decision, asking what would I then do if something "happened". I've gotten the shocked question...Have you even heard the heartbeat yet?!!! Alas, I have always thrown "caution" to wind. My view has always been that if I miscarried my baby I would want the love and support of my friends and family to see me through that tough time. A miscarriage is a baby lost whether anybody else knows about it or not, and I just didn't feel like it would be something I would want to go alone.<br />
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We lost our baby on Christmas Day at eight weeks, and as hard as it has been, I am not sorry that I shared. The joy that we felt before was just as real as the loss that we feel now, and I am grateful for the acknowledgement of that fact.<br />
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I am left humbled by the miracle that each precious life is. I am reminded that few things in life are guaranteed. A baby in my arms next August was no more guaranteed than are long lives for the rest of our children, or even my next breath, and I don't ever want to take that for granted. God tells us that our lives are like vapor, here one second and gone the next. The only way to make that vapor count is to be living for Him everyday, throwing caution to the wind on a daily basis. In moments such as these the reality of this hits home. It is good to be reminded, and to be motivated to make life count in the way God meant it to. <br />
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God is good. God is faithful. His love endures. He binds up the brokenhearted. He makes our yoke easy and light. Thank you Jesus for all of our blessings. I am so very glad to know you.<br />
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Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-88615133502832195242011-11-30T21:08:00.001-08:002011-11-30T21:08:17.835-08:00I'm pregnant!Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-5491007627217536362011-11-21T22:04:00.000-08:002011-11-21T22:04:23.937-08:00BrrrIce froze the door handles of Nick's truck thid morn before work. He ended up accidentally breaking a window trying to get in. Spent an hour in the 30 degree weather and then had to call off work. Garage parking from now on! We are so new at this whole freezing weather thing! Anyhow, we used the day to go to Costco and get some things for thanksgiving, and boy was Costco packed! It was insane! They must have had like 1,000 pumokin pies there too!<br />
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We are doing Thanksgiving at out house this year! That's a first. I am supposed to make an edible turkey, so we will see how that goes. At this point it is still frozen solid attempting to be defrosted while in the fridge. Oh, boy.<br />
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The twins are started to remember and "read" certain books with me. Well, really just the one. Go Away Dog. Every night they tell me "read the dog". I LOVE hearing them learn and remember stories. It is adorable, and I really can't believe just one year ago they really only said, mamma, dadda, and baby. MY how they are grown from babies to toddlers, and now on the brink of full out little boys. Be still for a while clock.<br />
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Caleb is pretty much amazing! He is definitely advanced both physically and verbally! He can now say hot, ball, mama, dada, no, and uh oh! He actually said four words in a row once..."no no don't touch" after we told him that a bunch of times regarding the wood burning stove. Amazingly, he just knows it's hot and pretty much doesn't touch it. There have been no burns.<br />
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Noah is still our little softy, and pretty sensitive. He LOVES playing with Chey Chey, and he is just growing so fast. He is very perceptive, and really understands peoples feelings. He is also a very big rule follower. He will remind you to put on your seat belt, and not go to fast so you don't get a ticket. If he thinks a rule is being broken, he reminds me to keep it! Funny boy. He still lvoe being told stories. He will listen to a book being read, but prefers for me to tell him a story.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-8170403412173459392011-11-13T22:30:00.000-08:002011-11-13T22:30:26.221-08:00We went to church today for the second time at our new "Hillside" in Wrightwood! Noah did really good going into his class, especially since Jackson is in his class! Micah and Levi screamed for WAY less time than they did last week, and Caleb made it throught the whole service with out them having to page me! I guess he cried on and off though. I REALLY hated to leave him. He was clinging to me whiel I sat in there for a while trying to get him used to it, but I finally just went out quickly. I LOVE that he wants to be by my side, but I would like it if he could just spend that one hour in there so I can hear the message and not be sad that he is sad. Hopefully it gets better!<br />
Poor Micah and Levi too! They are just not used to getting left with strangers! I don't blame them for screaming, but they will obviously do better if we go every week! Hopefully they don't get sick as much as they did from church last year!<br />
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Noah, Micah and Levi all got really sick from church just last week! It started on Wednesday with Micah and Levi having 104 fevers and both throwing up, but only once each. Then it was gone as quickly as it came on, within one day. Then Noah came down on Thursday and was over it by Friday! Thank goodness it was short lived, and PRAISE Jesus Caleb didn't get it! I think my breastmilk played a part in protecting him from getting sick! God designed human milk so wonderfully amazing! I am so thankful!<br />
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Anyhow, we made breakfast burritos at Jeremiah and Nicole's after church and Noah stayed when we took the other boys home for naps, and watched Cars2 with his cousins! What a big boy he is getting to be!<br />
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The three littlest ones napped for 2 hours....all at the same time! Glorious! I took a nap myself, and actually woke on my own without being woken by someone else! That almost NEVER happens to my sleep! What a great feeling! <br />
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Overall, a very relaxing and restful day! Thank you Jesus!Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-47700145824370165892011-11-12T22:30:00.000-08:002011-11-13T22:35:26.743-08:00Six years and counting...Today we celebrated six years of marriage! Seems like yesterday, and yet an entire lifetime ago! Brianna and Ricky watched the kiddos while they slept so that Nick and I could go to dinner! We went to the Blue Ridge Inn in Wrightwood. It's a dimly lit romantic little place, and I had a yummy steak! Nick ordered fish and chips, and he said he like it. We just enjoyed each others company, and savored a little night out! It was way overdue!<br />
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I'm so thankful that Nick chose me, and I am so thankful that God has blessed out marriage, and continues to bless it! So very thankful for the children our home is blessed with, and excited to see the new faces He may bless our family with!Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-26041241247788920162011-11-02T14:56:00.001-07:002011-11-02T14:56:32.142-07:00I'm alive....just buried under boxes!We moved! I never write anymore! I NEED to. My baby can walk!!! And he's almost ONE! sniff!Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-57583648730758096772011-09-20T19:08:00.000-07:002011-09-20T19:08:52.450-07:00September so far...Is all about getting our house! I have been on the phone with a lot of agents, lenders, and insurance agents! I'm buried under mounds of paperwork, but soon it will all have been worth it! Our own house FINALLY, with four acres for the boys to run free! We've been in escrow since the seventh, and will hopefully be closing around October seventh.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-31631592280164866552011-09-08T20:44:00.000-07:002011-09-08T21:39:50.868-07:00The tale of a not so typical thursdaySo <em>Test Kitchen Tuesday</em> actually occured on thursday this week.<br />
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<a href="http://eatathomecooks.com/2010/03/italian-chicken-and-rice-casserole.html">Italian Chicken and Rice Casserole</a> was a little dry in my opinion, but had really good flavor. I think I will try to tweak it next time to make it a little moister. Overall it was yummy though, and a nice twist to a chicken and rice caserole.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFjWLJYDxnjHxe7I6ZHzC3LwxJVwZ0k-vKrNg_x4phrzkfbitJdFqEJ1w4HhXA2Ox3qkaf4NNU2s3YNVcte4WXt1C89FhbEfQo5xTGR1_AcLhPCk1UDKY7zCdgqzP73Y2hWB5me08g_Dm/s1600/italian-chicken-and-rice-casserole-done-1024x680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFjWLJYDxnjHxe7I6ZHzC3LwxJVwZ0k-vKrNg_x4phrzkfbitJdFqEJ1w4HhXA2Ox3qkaf4NNU2s3YNVcte4WXt1C89FhbEfQo5xTGR1_AcLhPCk1UDKY7zCdgqzP73Y2hWB5me08g_Dm/s320/italian-chicken-and-rice-casserole-done-1024x680.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Today Levi got the back of his head gashed open by the little tyke pool falling on his head, courtesy of Noah and Micah holding it up and then dropping it right on him. He ran towards the house crying and holding his head, and as soon as I picked him up and touched the back of his head, my hand came away bloody. I located the gash, and could tell right away it would need a stitch. So my Dad luckily was able to come home from work early and watch the other three boys while I took Levi to the doctor Naturally, I feel like a fantastic parent bringing my son, who has a broken collar bone, in to get stitches. Nice.<br />
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Levi was such a good boy though. He threw a fit when I took him into the doctor two days after he broke his collar bone, which now I know was because he was in so much pain. So, I was a bit nervous about what would happen this time. He suprised me when he just sat on the table like such a good boy and let the doctor search through his hair for the gash. Then he sat so good waiting for the doctor to come back and give him one staple, which is what he said it needed. I felt so bad that he didn't know what was coming and was sitting there nicely. It wasn't hurting him anymore at this point, so I felt so bad that he had to be hurt more. That boy has had enough pain in the last three weeks already! The doctor didn't recommend numbing his head first either because he said it would take four shots to numb it, versus one quick staple.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeiFt6uRmZCrxznV1hS4r5Fq8o1h7MDtUbEQZNECY7XyH2qVlWRHZq3Kjp6D16GUtLDlJwLongZ2BfiKFpkB4wIryqELRhIDXXlugXY9Iey8Ct5v134FPzwbMkgaEDukLMl33tJ8A03yz/s1600/Levi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeiFt6uRmZCrxznV1hS4r5Fq8o1h7MDtUbEQZNECY7XyH2qVlWRHZq3Kjp6D16GUtLDlJwLongZ2BfiKFpkB4wIryqELRhIDXXlugXY9Iey8Ct5v134FPzwbMkgaEDukLMl33tJ8A03yz/s320/Levi.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Anyway, he sat in shock for about a half a second after the staple went in, and then burst out crying, and cried for about three or four minutes. It sucked. Then the doctor gave him two stickers, and I promised him ice cream, and he was fine. My little trooper.<br />
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No more doctors, no more blood, no more scaring mommy, mmmk!?<br />
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Noah unloaded the top of the dishwasher rack all by himself today. I was one proud mommy! He put everything on the counter, which made it easier for me to put away! He really helped me, and he was veyr proud of his accomplishment. It was really cute.<br />
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We have been consistent with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Train-Up-Child-Michael-Pearl/dp/1892112000/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315540820&sr=8-1">disciplining and training</a> the boys over the last few days, and we are already noticing a big difference in their behavior. Yay for boys who are learning to obey well! I strongly believe that we teach our children to obey us, to teach them to obey God, so we don't want to slack in this area any longer. Lord, help us!Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-28493425286928712812011-09-07T21:11:00.000-07:002011-09-08T21:25:36.584-07:00Caleb...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUNRou7h9ZuqrEnXAAlB4hRtFYVQzYDGHAXZ9DvWxGUE9OSt8XEte5kY1jRyOiKQLZ0JQcOmsSqu7G8sIUQAAo48DH1kHjjiBCop2j342xUxtV8flo2pEWdN7BsKghxHm0Cf_eqfAF17E/s1600/Cel+water+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUNRou7h9ZuqrEnXAAlB4hRtFYVQzYDGHAXZ9DvWxGUE9OSt8XEte5kY1jRyOiKQLZ0JQcOmsSqu7G8sIUQAAo48DH1kHjjiBCop2j342xUxtV8flo2pEWdN7BsKghxHm0Cf_eqfAF17E/s320/Cel+water+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This sweet boy took his first steps yesterday. How can one moment bring up such conflicting emotions within my heart? Thank you Lord, for the gift of watching our children grow. Give us the wisdom to raise them in your <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A4&version=NIV">nurture and admonition</a>, as they spring up like weeds before our eyes!Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-45048808085559813122011-09-01T15:28:00.000-07:002011-09-08T20:55:07.965-07:00Meal Planning Week OneWen to Costco today and bought everything for a weeks worth of meals! I'm excited! <br />
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<a href="http://eatathomecooks.com/2011/08/menu-grocery-list-recipes-year-2-week-42.html">http://eatathomecooks.com/2011/08/menu-grocery-list-recipes-year-2-week-42.html</a>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-90540795118849226302011-08-31T20:09:00.001-07:002011-08-31T20:09:46.859-07:00Levi...DOES have a broken collar bone after all. 16 days and 3 appointments with Kaiser later. I am pretty mad. Kaiser is ridiculous. Their ER is quicker than San Antonio's, but apparently that's because they send patients with broken bones home before they even x-ray them!Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-86579764225562885132011-08-30T21:57:00.000-07:002011-08-30T22:01:05.539-07:00Test Kitchen TuesdayThat's right. I have dubbed Tuesday the night for trying new dinner recipes. <br />
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I have been recently attempting to meal plan, because I have faced facts that running to the grocery store is not possible. And when I don't know what to make for dinner, and I have only chicken breast and rice for ingredients, it makes me grumpy. Anyhow, I have been looking over lots of recipes to add to our collection, and I think I'll share my foodie finds. Yay! We are going to be saved from eating tacos or pasta every night!<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So, tonight I made <a href="http://eatathomecooks.com/2009/10/south-of-the-border-skillet.html">South of the Border Skillet</a> that I found on a blog called <a href="http://eatathomecooks.com/">Eat at Home</a>. You can find weekly meal planners with grocery lists already made for each week. Seriously, that is the stuff of fantasy. I am in love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuU3jDdj4RyqelKNWco3HcTAts-Nt3f01uPwRWogQwzESCN3kjtSU3ck2Qw4aTbDI9UzyGyzUvO8hDvcDJelkrUr0Jc1lV1kgYARaS_vnDZw8bW_plfw_HJuJixbb0ChyphenhyphenDfZl_N6PDBZb/s1600/south-of-the-border-skillet-in-pan-1024x680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuU3jDdj4RyqelKNWco3HcTAts-Nt3f01uPwRWogQwzESCN3kjtSU3ck2Qw4aTbDI9UzyGyzUvO8hDvcDJelkrUr0Jc1lV1kgYARaS_vnDZw8bW_plfw_HJuJixbb0ChyphenhyphenDfZl_N6PDBZb/s320/south-of-the-border-skillet-in-pan-1024x680.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This is the finished product from tonight. It's glorified beans and rice, but oh so yummy. We usually eat dinner with meat in it, but we didn't miss it one bit! I will definitely make this again! We paired it with fresh salsa from Costco, and the most delicious salad I have eaten in recent memory:</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">4 cups baby greens</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1 avacado, diced</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/3 cup salsa</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1/4 shredded cheese</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2 green onions, sliced</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Cilantro, handfull, chopped</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Toss. Enjoy.</div></div>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-66921359369392357282011-08-29T21:25:00.000-07:002011-08-30T14:32:16.440-07:00Our baby can stand alone!Noah went to my mom's after pre-school was done, so we went to pick him up, and stayed for dinner. Chicken legs, mac-n-cheese, and corn and peas. Yum! Nick snapped this picture of Caleb playing by the slide. I am sure he will be climbing up it in no time! He stood alone for about 15 seconds in the grass, the longest he has gone so far. He will be toddling in no time...no rush please! I want to keep him my baby forever! I never want his squishy chubbs to go away!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x2qA_UqkyuS3Dij3kpjRLpMqSsJTjCVdJ0O3VnT8mT5HK9R7BAdlA1TBeVsLzyAPkKNDcD7DkEGjRQvMq2fQnMd0s5Bfg2Q3cOOWu95giPlAkwZE3sAVkPQ4Ke6Uh6UJAZ_Rk2bmTNaa/s1600/2011-08-29_18-17-54_335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x2qA_UqkyuS3Dij3kpjRLpMqSsJTjCVdJ0O3VnT8mT5HK9R7BAdlA1TBeVsLzyAPkKNDcD7DkEGjRQvMq2fQnMd0s5Bfg2Q3cOOWu95giPlAkwZE3sAVkPQ4Ke6Uh6UJAZ_Rk2bmTNaa/s320/2011-08-29_18-17-54_335.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All four boys had a grand ol' time getting a shower with the hose. When it's this hot, just do have to do it! Maybe my parents should put in that pool...or we need one once we move to Pinon Hills!</div>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6173804217846246845.post-79682962044089378232011-08-28T20:52:00.000-07:002011-08-28T20:52:49.697-07:00It's so hot!The summer has officially arrived, even though it's just about ended! It has been over one hundred degrees the last four or five days, and boy is it hot! It's a good thing it hasn't been this hot most of the summer, or our air-conditioning bill would be so high! We have even been leaving it on at night, which we don't usually do. <br />
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If the boys go outside we have to be playing in the water. Luckily, Caleb loves the pool. I like putting him in there because it is a mini-playpen that he actually likes! He has actually learned how to crawl out in the last few days, but he usually stays in for quite awhile first. A few days ago, he watched Micah and Levi get out of the pool and go get on their bikes. He watched them for a minute and then crawled right out, went over to the little radio flyer bike and climbed on and sat on it just like you are supposed to sit on it! He learns so much from having big brothers!<br />
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Today at church Caleb crawled over to a 3 year old little boy in the fireside room and was being so friendly and cute. He really captures attention because he is so happy and smiley. He is such a blessing!<br />
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We cleaned the carpet this weekend and man did it need it! Too many spills and potty accidents, and it hadn't been cleaned in 2 years. Hopefully we find a house in Pinon Hills soon so we won't have to deal with nasty blue carpet anymore!<br />
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Had an enlightening <strike>argument </strike>discussion on FB about evolution and God. A girl I used to go to church with was claiming to be a Christian even though she said she wasn't sure if Jesus was real or not. Ummm, how does that work? I pointed out the fact that believing in Jesus is key to being a Christian, and she accused me of judging her! Don't you have to believe in Buddah to be a Buddhist!? Geez.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16672953312493414495noreply@blogger.com1