The Thoennes Family

All Things Boy

2009-06-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to my dear friend Megan who has inspired me to update this blog after merely one year of not posting! :) Thanks girl for the guilt trip and here you go: (my long distance family, I'm sure, thanks you)

Well, by now you have all heard we anticipate the arrival of our THIRD BOY in early October! We have known this for a few weeks and are getting more and more excited at the thought of our 3 little men. In addition to our excitement, Ben and I both feel a shift in the responsibility we have been given. All of the sudden we are thinking, "you don't just turn out 3 GREAT MEN on accident." If I ponder the thought long I feel overwhelmed, but then I remember these little lives were entrusted to us for some crazy reason. What an honor and yet a humbling thought! We are so grateful for God's Grace that will guide us and cover us through the seasons ahead.

The recent news has made me all of the sudden keenly aware of all things boy, in my house and in our world. I think it is a way of anticipating our future. I have embraced (in a whole new way) things like; dirt hills and that they must be climbed or destroyed, snails, bugs and reptiles can (at any time) be declared a pet, how convenient it is to take potty breaks in the backyard, that injuries WILL happen MULTIPLE times a day, that I will hear roaring like lions and tigers as a second language for at least another 5 years, we now "need" more swords and guns to insure a proper dual can take place, and so, soooo much more!

As wild as it sounds, these things bring a smile to my face. How on earth could a mother be more happy and fulfilled?... To have one more precious little boy growing into a man as he rocks in my arms.

ROCKS...they just appear and are quite scary from afar!

22 daisies Everett plucked for "Mommy" and it happened to be Mother's Day Weekend

July 2008: Good Days

2008-07-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

Warm bath + 1 bottle of shave cream + summer afternoon baseball on TV = 2 hour nap for daddy!

Little E has not found a mud pit he didn't like! (Sy makes sure he finds plenty)

"Wanta play baby Elan?"

Baby Elan: One hansome Man!

His daddy's favorite Sunday afternoon pose...

A very proud sister!

Sue passing on to Lily the great Hair tradition: Loving family with great meals!

Morning of July 4th, 2008: Pumped up to eat pancakes in Canyon!

Hair Family Cookoff - July '08 Champ: Premium Chili Cheese Dog served on a yam. -Chef Noah

The Big Move Part 2

2008-05-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess we can say that we have "settled in". Although - there is so much more to do. I am finally realizing that it will take us at least til Christmas to accomplish what I had originally figured would take us a month. That's right folks, I am extremely optimistic about what one (like myself) can accomplish. I am continually learning the lesson that I have limitations, and my family should always have to be dragged into my insane conquests. So, I am activating the skills of planning, resting, waiting, strategizing, doing things one step at a time, etc., all of which are very unnatural for me.

Last weekend we finally got our sprinkler system installed...Yay! Now we have to transplant and till the rest of the yard which will prepare it for sod. Hopefully we will do the sod this weekend ...HALLELUJAH!!! I can't tell you what a pain it is to have a dirt backyard. The boys love it!

I have begun painting the kitchen cabinets. Ug! After making a huge mistake which cost me a day and a half, I'm taking a small break. Thankfully, I am only doing one section at a time.

So much to do, so little time (and energy). But, we love our new home and can't imagine being back on Lewis Ln already. God is SOOOOOOO GOOD!

The Big Move Part 1

2008-05-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Our last meal on Lewis Lane.

Wierd!

Moving Day! Boys ate powdered donuts on the counter. So fun!

Maybe the most special room in the house. Ben and bro Jon built these shelves together and then when the Sy was on his way, Ben and I designed and painted this room together. Still love it! Brought my sweet baby boys home to this room....I could go on but....on to the next!

The first load: Ben and my wonderful Dad!

Ta Daaaa! Our new home sweet home.

TO BE CONTINUED....

5 MORE DAYS TO MOVE!!!

2008-04-24T21:36:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say... still here...a bit busy (more like crazy)...can't focus on anything but new house...close on the 30th...will be working ALL SUMMER LONG...sorry it's been so long since I've posted.

More to come!

Amy

Ev is 1 year old!

2008-03-02T10:35:00.000-08:00

Not Much Here

2008-01-17T21:29:00.000-08:00

Well, so much for recipes. Guess I won't post those again. I couldn't handle the response :)! Not a lot of news here lately. Back to normal life (whatever that is). We are getting our house tweaked to sell here in a couple of months. We are excited about that! We have a new kitchen floor and are doing more minor things like a new front door knob, paint exterior trim, some touch-ups in the house. Sy is already reminding me of the things we need to remember to bring to our new house! This is really funny since there is no new house yet, but he BELIEVES one is coming!

I am really excited to be starting a Bible Study I will lead here in our home for other women on a bi-weekly basis. I know it will be great because HE is great, so when you learn about Him, how can you go wrong?

So, nothing significant to say today. Just didn't want to bore you with more recipes!

By the way...hope you like the new look. Those are our feet up top. Our friend/photographer has them featured on his site if you want to check it out. In his gallery he has two wedding shoots featered. I did flowers for both.

Some Healthy Tips...

2008-01-12T20:06:00.000-08:00

As many of you are, I am continually trying to find good and healthy things to feed my family's spirit and body. In the past few months I have come across some great finds from friends, websites, and some of my own experimentation. I thought I'd share. I would love any of your recipes too! I'm always gathering!

SWEET POTATO FRIES
Peel and cut sweet potato into fries
toss with olive oil
salt
cinnamon
brown sugar (if you feel like splurging)

Place on cookie sheet evenly and bake at 375 for 30 -45 min (til tender)

*My whole family loves these! I got this recipe from wholesomebabyfood.com when I was looking for food to feed Everett. Not only does he scarf them down...they are becoming a staple in our family! So easy too!

BROCCOLI SLAW
Did you know they sell this at the grocery store with the bags of salad. A dear friend of mine shared a recipe of hers with me and I had no idea this was available! Besides the recipe, I use it on salads and anywhere I need the xtra crunch. Broccoli is full of vitamins and fiber. Be creative and do something yummy! Here's Amy's recipe:

ASAIN BROCCOLI SLAW
2 packages Ramen noodles crushed (chicken or oriental flavors)
1 package Broccoli Slaw
4 Green onions chopped
1/3 cup sunflower seeds (sometimes I use slivered almonds instead)
2 or 3 chicken breasts (cooked, cooled, and then shredded or chopped into bite sized pieces)

Dressing
1 T sesame oil
1 T vegetable oil
3 T rice wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
2 T sugar (I used Splenda since dad is Diabetic)
1/2 t salt
1 of the Ramen noodle flavor packets

Bake crushed Ramen and sunflower seeds for 8-10 min in a 350 degree oven, then let cool. Wisk ingredients for Dressing and set aside. Combine rest of ingredients and just before serving pour dressing over it. (if you do it too early the noodles get soggy) Salt and pepper to taste, sometimes I sweeten it a bit more with sugar/spenda
You can buy just buy a low fat asian salad dressing and use about 1/3 -1/2 cup of it as the dressing.

POTATO AND CAULIFLOWER MASH- Surprisingly good. Sy ate these the night they were served and for leftovers. Find it when you scroll down to Jan 3rd entry on foodwishes.blogspot.com (link at the bottom of this page.)

Oh Happy Holidays!

2008-01-02T21:30:00.000-08:00

What a great way to catch up and show you what we have been doing since the last post! How about over 50 pics of the Thoennes Family? Hope you all had great Holidays! We sure did. May the next year be one of New Beginnings, FULL of God's presence.

Super Fly Sy and Everett the Brave

2007-11-12T20:01:00.000-08:00

COMING SOON: THE WONDER BOYS IN FULL SUPER-HERO DISGUISE!!!

2007-10-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

Under the Wings

2007-10-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

I have been involved in a great Bible study for the past few weeks. I am loving it and learning so much about God, His desire to know and be present with me, and His Word. It is Beth Moore's "Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place." I highly recommend it. I will be re-doing this very study in my home beginning in January. I love it so much I really want to share it with all of my friends. Anyway - if you are interested...let me know.

In one of the lessons, Beth Moore shares a story that she read. I've really been thinking about it in light of all that is going on around me. I thought I'd share it with you.

"In pioneer days, wood-burning locomotives frequently sparked fires. Wheat ripens enough to burn 10 to 15 days before it is ripe enough to cut, and sometimes the fires swept wheat fields for 10 miles. A farmer saw billows of smoke in the distance and knew his house, barn, and surrounding buildings were in danger. He set backfires and burned his own wheat fields in a circle so that when the great fire met the place he had burned, it passed around and went on. With that backfire the farmer saved his buildings but lost his crop. As he walked the burned field grieving, he saw the charred body of a hen. He tipped the hen over with the toe of his boot, and out ran a dozen little chicks. Because the mother's burned body was over them, the chicks lived. Because she had been willing to die, those under the cover of her wings would live." - Let Me Illustrate

Oh my goodness. That sweet little mama! I was thinking about how good of a mama she was to teach her little ones that when danger came to run under her wing and there she would keep them safe. If she had not taught them that, they would have all run around looking for some safety somewhere else only to perish. She was their only refuge and that she demonstrated (more than once, I'm sure).

The safety was only under her wing. They had to run into it and be saved. They had to know of the shelter she provided and trust that she would be that very shelter. I am broken-hearted to know that some mothers are not mamas. And they did not shelter their chicks. Those very babies have grown up and are running around trying to find a safe place, a warm place. I'm so glad that there is One! It just makes it so much harder for them to understand what shelter is and that there is safety outside of themselves. These chicks can be saved, but they must run under the Wing.

So all of you Mamas and Daddies: show your babies the shadow of your wing. Gather your chicks close and demonstrate safety and shelter. In this they will understand this likeness of God. "This is what God, our Refuge does." Let them see you run under the Shadow of the Almighty. Take refuge under His Wings. And if this blog finds you out from under His Wing, please...run under and get close.

"How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings." Ps. 36:7

Up counting sheep

2007-10-16T22:20:00.000-07:00

It's 12:20am. I was in bed an hour ago. Sy woke up and needed to potty. Soon after that I noticed it was lightly raining outside. I was almost holding my breath and waiting for Sy to notice (he's not wild about thunder and lightning). At any time he would be up mentioning the light show in his room. And there it came, "Mommy - I still need to go potty." Well, that wasn't exactly what I had expected but, nonetheless, I have to get up. Of course, while he is doing his thing, he notices..."it's raining mama." We had a mini discussion on lightning and how it stays outside even though you can see the lights through the window. All slightly interesting to my half asleep child. "I think it would be a good idea to sleep with you and Daddy." I fell for it and slid him in between Ben and me.

Ten minutes later, Everett decided he was missing out. I grabbed him thinking, "we'll cuddle a bit and he'll be back asleep soon, then I will return him to his crib." Five minutes later, I can't sleep. I realize that my three boys are SOFTLY SNORING IN PERFECT UNISON! Not only that, each was basically in the same position and they were perfectly graduated from little to big. They looked as though I was in their bed! Sound asleep and mommy now wide awake. It was so funny, I had to restrain myself from laughing outloud! So, here I am, trying to wind down again and there they lie peacefully sleeping in MY bed. I think I'll go move them now. :)

It really happened...

2007-10-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

It's official. The Martinez family now resides in Lubbock, TX. We spent our weekend there trying to help them settle in. Their home is wonderful, 2800 sq ft of ....blessed space. We had a fabulous time. My only complaint is that the weekend went too quickly. Truly, this is the perfect house for them. I love it and will love staying in it. We worked so hard and when we began to pull away, the tears came. I know that 120 miles is no big deal but right now, it seems really far.

A Great Birthday!

2007-09-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

It was a great third birthday for Sy! Truly it was so great! Most of Sy's friends were able to come and celebrate with hotdogs, cake, gifts and playing football. If you missed the "footballing," you really missed out. I do have some really great pictures that just almost capture the special day. Thank you all, for loving us and celebrating Sy and the love of his favorite sport (this year).

To him, the "Buffalos" are right there next to any NFL team. Go Buffs Go!!!

Ev's not so into the game.............yet, that is.

We went to the WTAMU game on Saturday night. This was all a part of Sy's birthday weekend. How great to have a home game this weekend!

At his party we had special guest Cort Johnson (punter for WTAMU). He was so great with the kids and Sy thinks he hung the moon. He helped the kids kick the ball and then when that got old - a game broke out with the dads and the bigger kids. It was a terrific time. Happy Birthday Silas! I can't believe you are already 3!

We're still here!

2007-09-12T17:48:00.000-07:00

I know, I know... I haven't blogged in forever. Neither have my fellow bloggers lately. We all motivate each other and well, it's time to break the silence. Life has been really chaotic.

Quick recap: Bought bikes for the whole family (including a bike trailer).We spent Labor Day weekend in Kansas City - had a FANTASTIC time! Lainie and Jason moved out of and bought a house in Lubbock. They will move in October 4th. Sy started preschool at Trinity. Done flowers for 2 weddings, have one wedding and 3 banquets coming up. Everett is sitting up, eating solids and looking forward to being mobile. Sy is currently recovering from bronchitis AND we are preparing for a great birthday weekend.

So - that's the recap. We will post lots of pictures after his party this weekend. Until then...

Just to make you smile...

2007-08-14T15:02:00.000-07:00

Change...

2007-08-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

Ok. I have been avoiding blogging because I don't really know how to tell you all that is going on. I guess the way I am wired is, tell you all really thoroughly what is going on in our lives and how we feel about it to the greatest detail. I can't do that now. It would take up too much space. The basics:

Lainie and Jason (and Lily) are moving to Lubbock. This is only 1.5-2 hours away but this is far for us since we see them at least 5 times a week. I know that almost anyone reading this knows that this is a huge deal to our family and us individually. We are so amazingly blessed by the Martinez family. We will miss having them close but know that our relationships are stronger than any distance. We KNOW they are going where God is sending them. He has been good and even spoken this to our hearts. We want them to be where God is asking them to be. So, we are sending them out with excitement knowing that this is for The Greater Good...for the Kingdom of God!

Besides the Martinez family, our dear friends the Harris's are moving too (coincidentally to Lubbock as well). They have become a very important part of our lives and we love hanging out with them as families. They have lived for a few years about 4 blocks away. Morgan and I used to say all we need is a tunnel between our houses and the kids could just go back and forth. I guess a tunnel to Lubbock may be a little far.

All this being said - things are a little emotionally raw here. Actually maybe a little numb. It all feels a little, no a lot, surreal. It's so nice to really know that God is in all of this. He is worth any sacrifice! I'm sure you'll here more. I just needed to get this out there.

Our world these days...

2007-07-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

Everett's first "big boy bath"! Sy was so excited to share the tub as brothers! These are the days of a lot of "firsts". Everett has discovered his feet and that his lips make funny noises. He is very wiggly. He even rolled over for the first time in the Dr's office at his 4 month check up. Here we are one month later and he is becoming stronger every day. He is exceptionally yummy these days! If I figure out how to get a video on here - I'll put one up of him laughing or blowing berries. :)

Sy is a delight as usual. He has figured out that his birthday is soon and is talking about what he is going to get. Who teaches him these things? :) We are going to have a football party. He is also very aware that football season is approaching. We have multiple football games in the stadium (the area rug in our living room.) Oh my, it is so adorable. Little boys are so much fun.

Here are some pics of Saturday at the pool with the Martinez fam. Everett loved to float in to pool. He was so cute. This pic doesn't even come close to how cute he was. Have I mentioned how great this summer is? We are having a blast.

2007-07-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

Blackberries!

2007-07-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

Last week a group of us got together and went to a precious little farm to pick blackberries. There is something about picking fruit from the vine (in this case bush.) The grocery store is nothing in comparison. While I'm glad to have the store just down the way, picking these beautiful berries is quite the experience.

Panic!

2007-07-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

It was Saturday morning. We were preparing for a fun day at the pool as a family. Ben had brought me a cup of coffee as I was crawling out of bed, we had nothing scheduled and we were easing into a perfect day. Sy and Ben were outside playing as I got myself and the baby ready. Preparing to go to the pool is not the easy thing it once was. Gone are the days of putting your suit on, grabbing some pool necessities and heading out. No, now we must prepare snacks, towels for each of us, dry clothes, diapers made especially for the pool, pool toys, etc. Of course the most important of all these, is sunscreen. To avoid any exposure to the sun I decided to apply sunscreen on him ahead of time, at home. It's a good thing I did.

I had prepared myself for the pool, bags were packed, big boys were ready and all we lacked was getting Everett ready. As I carried him to the changing table with sunscreen in hand, I pondered, "Does sunscreen have an expiration date? I really don't like this kind. I'm going to get something thicker next time. Is SPF 45 enough for a little baby?" (I have many thoughts in 30 seconds) I lay E down, gave him a dry diaper and began the application process. This was his first time to wear sunscreen. I was a little sentimental about how big he is getting and how he is truly no longer a newborn. I started with his legs. They are SO FAT. They took a lot and I was careful to get it evenly and thoroughly applied. I covered his tummy and each arm. Then I covered his bald little head.

As I finished with his face, I glanced down and noticed on his inner thigh a bruise was developing! I could literally see it appearing before my eyes. I looked further and another one was coming on his tummy! He acted fine. I looked away and then back to make sure I wasn't seeing things. It was real! All of those previous thoughts were plaguing me. "I should have bought new sunscreen this year! What is happening? Have I handled him roughly and this lotion is making it appear? Is this an allergy? It must be horrible, something horrible!"

I ran to our back door, knocked briskly and signaled to Ben to come quickly. He responded and came running. "Look, look at his leg! I just put sunscreen on and his body is bruising! What do we do?" Ben was calm and cool, even more so than normal, probably since I was in hysterics. "Wash it off," he said. "It's waterproof!" I exclaimed. We ran to the kitchen sink, I turned on the water and was waiting for the temp to adjust. That's when I noticed it. EEYORE! Yes, I said Eeyore. You know, from Winnie the Pooh, the donkey. Cute little Eeyore is on Everett's diapers and now the ink from Eeyore is on my chubby baby. Eeyore is placed strategically on the left side just next to the left thigh. And he is BIG enough and GREY enough that a fat tummy hanging over can even touch him!

I know - it's funny. I was panicking like this was my first baby. But it looked real! I'm serious, if you ever need to make a bruise somewhere, all you need is sunscreen and Huggies Supreme Diapers - Size 3 - Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore on the front. :) Everett is just peachy. And just for laughs: we bought generic white diapers tonight at Wal-Mart. We didn't want to pay extra for all that ink. :) Ha!

Known and Loved

2007-06-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

To be known and to be loved, that is what I was looking for. I mean, to be really known and still loved despite that knowledge. Isn't that what we all crave from the time we are born. I remember as a child wanting so much to fit in, to be cool and accepted. I played that game for years and had no clue who I was becoming or who Amy was created to be. I realize most don't figure out "who we are" til mid twenties or so, but I was not authentic to show my heart, or not to many. There are very few in high school that ever knew me. If you are reading this blog you are one of those few. The more I tried to be what would make me lovable or acceptable, the less I was me. Does that sound familiar or am I the only one who did that?

I'm so glad that is over. The years have passed and I have grown. I have come to know who I am more and more. The great thing is, as I have embraced who I am, I have these amazing friends who embrace me too. No one really knows me like God does. But people like my dear husband and a precious few others have seen me, A LOT of me. They know my gifts and my strengths but I have let my guard down and shown them my struggles. I guess that means I risked losing their love. I have confessed great mistakes and shared deep hurts. They've seen many great times and accomplishments and have shared treasured days. But you know how life is, stuff happens. If you spend any time being "real" with anyone, they will see your "stuff." It is unbelievable that they still love me.

Actually, what is truly unbelievable is that God is the one who really knows me. He sees the black. He knows my thoughts and intentions. He knows my sin better than I do. What is really cool and a true phenomenon, is that He separates me from that stuff. He sees me. He knows me. He loves me. He doesn't really care about the crap. He just wants me even if I'm funky. Can you believe that? That's God! Wow. Who are we to ever think we can get clean enough to be in His presence? The only cleaning agent that will work is the Blood of Jesus. He wants relationship with me despite my faults. He wants to know me and love me. Can I just tell you that this one thing has completely changed my life. I am attracted to those who know me and love the true me - all of it. That makes me want to know Him. (1 John 4:19 "We love Him because He first loved us.")

I don't think I would really comprehend all of this I have said about God if I hadn't had that very thing demonstrated in real life, with a few precious people. So thank you my beloved friends for knowing me and loving me. You have shown me who God is and how God is. I am KNOWN and LOVED by God! That just makes me laugh out loud!

Praise God for Mother's Day Out!

2007-06-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

I am convinced that Mother's Day Out was a God-inspired idea! Today was Sy's first day of "school" and I am pretty sure that I had more fun than he did. No, he really had a great time too. He was so cute carrying his camo-lunch bag (thanks Aunt Ivy). We had it filled with a special lunch, complete with a spider man juice box. He was so proud. And somehow he was able to get excited about our homemade nap mat. Before I even left his room he grabbed it and was ready to take a nap. That's a first. I left with no tears flowing (Sy or me) . What a great feeling!

Lainie and I spent the next hour at Starbucks analyzing the facility, the staff and our children's hoped (and feared) behavior. After we'd talked it all through, we confirmed our cell phones were on and thought very little more about our precious darlings. We let the day take us along on miscellaneous errands. We made some random stops to try a new lipstick or check out some shoes. At almost every stop we said, "Wow this is great... so much easier." More than once we relished the fact that we were not having to interrupt our conversation to break up an argument about sharing or remind someone to, "stay right beside mommy." Such a great day.

Sy was so excited to see me but had obviously had a fun time. He was exhausted but still hasn't stopped talking about school. After he showed me his art work I turned away and looked back. He was proudly describing to Everett where his name was on the paper. "Look Evwett, it says Silas Thoennes," he said. It was precious - I caught a bit of it.

I had Everett all day. But he is still really easy. Sy is a constant 2.75 yr old: constant questions, discipline, entertaining, teaching, trips to the bathroom and the list goes on. I only had to answer to the question, "Why?" a few times today vs. 100. It was a much needed break. We all need a break from our "constant" sometimes...no matter how cute they are!

Daddy's Gone Camping

2007-06-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

Ben had the great opportunity to have a mountain experience over the weekend with his brother Jon, and James (Jon's brother-in-law.) We were able to stay at my parents house (thanks M and D.) We all had such a great time on our adventures. Look really close at the warning label on the bucket Sy is in. We got a good laugh! (BTW - pebbles, not water in the bottom of the bucket.)

We spent Sunday at a friends house out at Lake Tanglewood. I wish I had more pics but Ben had the camera. Sy and Lily got to fish. You should have seen it, they were so much fun to watch. Lily cracks me up. She held a fish in her hands, kissed it then threw it on the ground where she stomped on it. (Yes, she's extreme :) Sy took more of the Ben approach...watch and learn. He did touch a fish just not with Lily's abandonment. It was a storybook day. Thanks Jeff and Saundra.

This summer is moving so fast. I'm sure many of you are wondering what on earth has happened to Amy? This is it. Seems to be the summer of family. I love it. We have really never had times like these and we may not again so, sieze the day - right?

Potty training is going really well. I'll spare you the details but I will say, I'm going to have a lot of left over diapers. A few days ago Sy mentioned he needed to "go." Ben said, "I'll take you." Sy said, "No, let's go as a family!" I guess he's catching our summer theme too.

Everett is gaining by the day. His newest nicknames are "Tub-o-Luv, Little E, E-Man, and Gushy Bear." He is very frustrated that he can't sit up yet and he notices if we have left the room. I'm thinking he may be Mr. Social.

I feel so blessed lately. I almost feel guilty. But then I am reminded that God is an extravagant God. He loves lavishly and He loves to bless His kids. I feel really loved right now. Thank-you God for amazing family, for the abundance we experience and the Life you have given us. You are truly good.

We're going to Dallas to visit Noah and Hayley this weekend. So, look forward to interesting pics and stories. Until then...enjoy life and let yourself be loved on by our Good God!

2007-06-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

A little time to brag...

2007-06-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I did flowers for a wedding. It was the biggest job I've ever done. I have a photographer friend who took a few pictures. I may put more up when I get them. These are great but there is so much more. I am just proud of myself. So, take a look. And, do any of you comment? I'd love to know who is reading.

My Sky

2007-06-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

Ok. So since I started this blog a few days ago, I think of things daily I want to publish for you all to read. The problem is, I don't seem to have the time or energy when it comes down to posting something. Oh well, that's kind of the story of my life but you all are probably not really interested in ALL of my thoughts so you have been spared.

We had a bummer of a weekend. Sy got really sick Saturday morning. We took him to "Urgent Care" yesterday and turns out he has strep throat. He is still pretty sick today (thank-you God for naps). That antibiotic should turn things around pretty soon.

Last night I was desperate to get out of the house. We were also desperate for groceries. That took me to the fabulous retreat of Walmart Supercenter. I must tell you, I hate Walmart. I avoid it as much as possible but it's almost foolish not to shop there when you are in the diaper phase of life. As much as I hate it, it was a wonderful break last night. I love going late at night alone with no one to worry about but me. I find it amazing how entertaining and enjoyable it can be to go into autopilot and just browse through all of those wonderful things you never knew you needed so much. I filled my basket with those great things and ended up putting most of them back before I checked out, but it sure was fun. So, one martini mixer, a razzle-berry pie, and a new kitchen timer later, (plus the needed groceries) I felt refreshed enough to go back home.

The best part of the day was the gift waiting for me when I went outside. The sky to the North (above my car) was astounding! It had rained while I was inside shopping so it was one of those beauties that came from the storm. There was a small window through the clouds to the sky. The sky itself was a bright blue. A little lighter than a royal blue. It was a back-drop for the clouds. I have never seen clouds this color. They were plum. Not quite black and too red to be purple. All around was a wall of plum color. The clouds were thick and formless all over except this one place to the North. There, you could see the same plum colored fluffy clouds and piering through, from behind, was that bright blue sky. I don't think a picture could have captured it. I love moments like that. God paints an amazing sky to remind us how vast and creative He is. What a gift His creation is to me and you. I felt like it was a specific gift for me last night. Breaking through the mundane and grabbing my heart with His Color! It just did something to my soul. I pray you all have experiences like that.

MH Pics

2007-06-02T11:26:00.001-07:00

Matthew is Home!

2007-06-01T15:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of our Memorial Day weekend. As I mentioned before, it was a great time. For those of you who haven't seen my brothers in years, you will see, they are men. Some of the pictures have captions. You have to click on the picture to read it.

2007-05-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

Check Us Out

2007-05-30T15:04:00.002-07:00

Welcome to our new family blog! One of my great friends has started a blog for her family and I love reading about her life. So, I am going for it myself! I hope to be able to share cute stories and pictures and an occasional thought from me. This is a great way to communicate to so many of you that I have lost touch with since becoming a mother of multiple children. (I'm still adjusting.) So grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends afar, and friends around the corner, check in to see what's going on in Thoennes life......

Three month old Everett Benjamin is officially a "chunky-monkey." (Named by his Aunt Hayley) You won't believe the rolls. Pictures can't describe his squishiness! I love it! He is smiling and even laughing often. His cooing melts my heart. He has been adoringly smiling at Sy when Sy looks his way. He is changing so quickly. Daily, I say, "God, help me remember him this way."

Silas is in the throws of potty-training. Wow - I have never celebrated "pee" and "poop" so wildly! We are in full blown reward mode. Sticker chart, Lightning McQueen anything and everything, gummy worms - gummy whatever, coke, pop-corn, ice cream.... and the list goes on. He is extremely opinionated about the strangest things and he can be quite stubborn. This is making training a grab-bag; never know what your are going to get! But we are slowly forging ahead into a diaperless promised land.

Memorial Day weekend was a special time. Matthew, my baby brother, got out of the Navy! We had one continuous party celebrating his return. None of us have seen him in 2 years since he has been in Japan. Noah and Hayley (other bro and sister-in-law) came so it was all of us together as a family for the first time in years. Great time. Between the partying and putting together an amazing play set given to us, it was a full weekend. We are still recouping.