six hearts

Awesome God....!

2010-05-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

This is a very long post and I apologize, but I thought it was important to include all that I did! I think you will agree after you have read everything!
For the past several months I have been extremely encouraged and very challenged by an amazing wife and mother of two very handsome boys Zach and Dawson. Her name is Diana. I had the privilege of meeting her and her family (minus her youngest son who wasn't in the picture yet) while my family lived in CO. She and her husband (Cam) are the type of people that you instantly like and want to hang out with! About 9 months to a year ago I was able to reconnect with her on face book and her blog. Her journey over the past months has been one amazing ride and still continues to be. She is letting God use her in away that most of us would see as a awful thing that we don't deserve. She is letting the awesome power of our Father shine through her and through that I have been challenged, encouraged, and convicted. Her Living testimony is touching peoples lives and will continue to touch peoples lives for a very long time I am sure! May we never forget that the awesome, powerful, loving God that is working miracles in Diana is the same awesome, powerful, loving God that we serve!

Here is just a glimpse at Diana's journey.....

Nov. 5, 2009...

It began about 3-4 months ago. My body just didn’t feel “right”. It started out as twinges of pain. Nothing to make a big deal of, just something to keep an eye on. So, that’s what I did. Until I went to meet Cam for a Broncos game. It started out what felt like a side ache as we walked into the stadium. Having “run” into some friends we chatted for awhile before we took our seats. (In a stadium full of thousands of screaming fans…go figure my hubs found a big group of people he knew…it never fails!)

We watched the game and walking back it got worse. I barely could drive myself home. Morning came and into the ER I went. Here’s someone who has NEVER been to the ER and has never had any issues…it freaked me out a bit. Anyway, I couldn’t sit up or lay down and you better not be poking around or you’d find me screaming and getting ready to punch, just out of sheer protection. X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, blood work and a bunch of other testing to then have them send me home and tell me “there was nothing wrong they could find”. After 3 of these visits and a mix of visits to various doctors…getting no answers I started on my own research via the internet!

There were a few different symptoms that matched up with some diseases, but nothing I could pinpoint. So, I waited once again. Well, that’s when it went downhill, and at a very fast pace at that. I started dropping pounds a day and my skin and eyes were very yellow…that with a mix of other things I won’t gross you out about! My doctor sent me home and told me I’d be okay and that I should make an appointment with a gastro. specialist, but that it may take a few weeks to get in. With the urgency of some family members and friends and not wanting to get the same response I had gotten previously, I went to another ER. Within minutes they had me tested for all sorts of things and admitted me into the hospital right away. They said my liver was next to not functioning and all my tests done on my liver were “off the charts abnormal” they quickly had me in a room meeting with a bunch of surgeons.

They stated that if I had waited any longer…I would be no more. Those are some sobering words when just a few hours before that I had a doctor tell me to wait it out and get an appt with someone a few weeks down the road. Those “few weeks” wouldn’t have been there. Well, long story short I had a few operations. The first was a temp. stint that was put in my main bile duct coming out of my liver. They thought it was an issue with my gallbladder as well too. Their reasoning seemed legit at the time. So, we had that stuff done.

Nov. 13, 2009...

So with good reasoning at the time and a great “guess” from the doctors they removed my gallbladder as well too. Thinking that was what was blocking my main duct. I recently had that surgeon call back and basically tell me that my gallbladder was healthy and fine and not really needing to have been taken out as that was not the real problem.

Well, I’d been home for a bit after these surgeries and I felt pretty bad still. I had mentioned to the doctors if they thought it could be celiac disease(severe allergy to anything with wheat, barley and oats)…due to the links I had found up to that point and the dire pain that came every time I put something in my mouth with that in it.. They laughed and looked at me like I was nuts. I had hoped they were right about that as I LOVE to cook and LOVE to eat everything. Anyway, back to being home and still not feeling well….. I decided despite the doctors laughing at me to eat gluten/wheat free anyway. I have quickly come to realize that sometimes it’s best to stick with your “gut” feelings. I stumbled upon a website that links up celiac with atrestia (blockage/closing of your main bile duct out of your liver) and in very few cases has the person not been diagnosed with celiac. Hmmm….too many symptoms were linking up way to quickly, not to mention the fact that it causes multiple miscarriages because your body cannot absorb nutrients when you are eating wheat (it kills the villi in your intestines that absorb everything “good” for you) as many of you know I had two m/c in the past year. All of these, plus an abundance of many more side effects to someone with this disease. LOOOONNNNGGG story short, it is what I have. I am happy to report that as long as I’m eating how my body needs me to eat (wheat/gluten free) I feel the best I’ve felt in a VERY long time. My symptoms are mostly gone and now it’s just the time I need to recover fully.

Did this whole process stink…oh more then you know and more then I’ll say. Is it all over, no it has simply just begun. Celiac is an autoimmune deficiency and can effect a lot of areas of the body. There are many other issues that can arise and I have the next few weeks ahead full of testing on all sorts of things. However, I’m so grateful to God that it is as simple as a diet change and time, to heal my body. I know this is an opportunity to help others battling and know that God is leading me somewhere in the middle of all of it. I’m curious to see how God will use it all. One thing that I always praise God for is that He never allows to go through hard times (whether it’s health, finances, relationship issues) without using it for good. I find comfort in knowing that the trials in life will help and be of great use to someone/something else down the road. It’s a building block, used to help us see our need of more of Him in our life. And also to help someone else come through and fight their battles too.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. Still need them, so keep em coming! I’ll keep you updated on the progress!

Dec. 18, 2009...

For those that don't know exactly what is going on...

A few months ago I had my gallbladder removed due to some pain I'd been having. I found out I didn't need it removed, but thank God He knew...had they not run a test to check my CA levels (Cancer Antigen levels) this would have gone undetected...but God has His hands wrapped around this situation. Normal readings are between (0-35) mine were at 5,000. Six weeks later....they spiked to 9,000.
The doctors moved quickly to try to find where the cancer was and knew shortly after a liver biopsy that it was there. HOWEVER, liver cancer is a bi-product of cancer somewhere else throughout the body. I had a colonoscopy this past Thursday and they found a tumor about halfway up. Emergency surgery was then scheduled for Friday to remove it. They went in and found a tumor about the size of a baseball that they removed, they found a portion on my stomach (about 5% of my stomach was removed), quite a few lymph nodes and my appendix were all taken out. They reconstructed my intestines (colon) and now it's on to killing the cancer in my liver.
The oncologist told me I have stage 4 cancer, what they consider to be incurable....not according to the God I serve though. And that I have about 6 months to 2 years should my body hold up with chemo.
We are not choosing to take that death sentence and are also not doing the chemo route....we are completely at peace with the fact that God will not take my life one second sooner then what He already planned before He created me! :) We're excited to see how God will work everything out. I've been in the hospital since last Thursday and finally got eat (clear liquids) yesterday...let's just say I filled up fast :) I've had lots of entertainment with Cam and family coming in and out of here it's been a good time considering what all has gone on!
So, now you're caught up and we go from here!

May 19, 2010...

Wow, I'm always amazed at how fast time goes by. As I round the corner of the "death sentence" my doctors gave me back in December, if I were to take their "chemo" route...I'm humbled and so grateful to be feeling as marvelous as I do, there is no chemo in this body. Please don't misunderstand, I'm not downing that form of medicine, I just knew it would never be for me. God placed in my heart very long ago that the miracle that would happen wouldn't be from any medicine, or special treatment, but that it would be solely from Him. It's nothing short of a miracle, one that I am so grateful for every time my eyes open up in the morning.

As some of you know I had some tests done before we moved back to Colorado. It was the same test that Doctors gave me back in November when I was diagnosed. My CA (Cancer Antigen) levels were at 10,000 (normal readings are 0-35) with this finding came the news of how much time I had "left" which was 3-6 months. Three months if I took any other route or none at all. Six months if I took their suggested route of chemotherapyy. I never blogged about the results we got on that test in April, I asked for your prayers in the matter and can't thank you enough for all your support.
The results were astounding. My doctor wouldn't even let me see the paper...she started talking about other things and then I thought I saw 28,000. Here's the conversation from there...
Me: Did I just see 28,000?
Doctor: No, no (grabbing both my hands) you didn't see 28,000
Me: What is it then, what are the numbers?
Doctor: What is on this paper is a lie, Diana, it's a lie straight from the enemy (she is an awesome Christian woman). I don't want you to pay attention to these numbers, I don't want you to even think twice about them.
Me: What does it say?
Doctor: You didn't see 28, 000 you saw 280,000.
Me: What?
Doctor: We don't see anyone alive with these kinds of numbers, which is why I don't want you to even think about them. We are solely going by what your body is telling you and how you're feeling.

From there I was numb for a few minutes...then I just started to laugh. What else are you going to do? Crying wasn't going to help the situation. Then the pictures of all your wonderful faces filled up my mind as God kept gently reminding me...you are a miracle. This isn't just for you, but for you to share with the thousands that are watching and praying.
See, everyday is miracle for you, just as much as it is for me. You wake up breathing...every moment is a miracle.Your prayers and the amazing power of such an awesome God as the One we serve is the only reason why I'm still here!
Miracles do happen! When you look in the mirror, you're looking at a miracle. You. And because of you, when I look in the mirror, I get to see a miracle to.

I couldn't wait to turn 28. I new it was going to be a new beginning. But just before I turned 28, as a matter of fact May 2, 2010 was a day I'd never forget. I had just gotten back from the hospital and desperately wanted to go to church that Sunday. The news at the hospital wasn't very promising and being referred to "hospice" from here on out for pain medication etc....are not words anyone wants to hear. I was sent home with lots of pain medication and not promising news...it's a good thing man's opinion doesn't sway the God that I serve! Having been down this road a time or two now, it really didn't matter what they said. God hadn't changed, even though my circumstances may have, He didn't.
Here comes the story I will try to shorten for you. Back to Sunday...May 2, 2010.
We were talking with some our cousins after church and were one of the last cars in our dirt parking lot. We were loading up the family when a man approached our car and tapped on the window. My father-in-law started talking with him and then I heard these words...
"My name is Peter and I'm from South Africa, God drew me over to your car, is there someone very sick that I can pray for here?"
At that point we were all heading over toward him (my heart pounding inside as I wanted to scream Yes! Yes! Me!!!!!) Cam briefly described my situation and he asked if he could pray. We all gathered around and repeated what he prayed. After we were done, Peter then told us how he "got around". He hitch hikes. He was wearing slacks a very crisp white shirt and a red tie and carried a jacket. That was all he had and he did not have the appearance of a typical hitch hiker. All I can remember were looking in his eyes, that were as clear as glass. Chrystal blue!
Long story short, he needed a ride to 1-25 so we said we could take him. Five minutes later, and the most jaw dropping conversationn later we dropped him off in this little dirt field about a block from the highway. His departing words are the words I cling to today.
"Cancer isn't a big deal, it's not a big deal to God and it shouldn't be to you either. We've prayed, now all you need to do is have faith and believe. And wait for your miracle."
He gave to most sincere goodbye, whistling and waving goodbye. We pulled out of the little dirt lot and Cam looked back in his rear view mirror and he was gone. No, I'm not joking with you. Just to make sure he truly was "gone" we flipped the car around. Peter was nowhere to be found.
Here's one of the best parts for me...we went to grab a bite to eat and as we were sitting there Cam and I were in amazement at what had just gone on just talking out loud...Cam was pondering where he could have gone when Zach, piped up, mouth filled with pizza and so casually said in a matter of fact way.
"Dad, he's an angel he just went back up to heaven, you know, to be with God."
We've not had a ton of conversationn with him about angels,...so for him to so matter of factly state that was all the more amazing to us.
Well, since then, I've not had to have one pain pill. I hiked up to the top of Red Rocks just yesterday and I'm so excited!
I'm feeling great and I without a doubt believe that God will heal me. It's already begun...I'm doing things I've not been able to do in six months! I've added in a little fish to my diet and am eating more "regular" foods now, ones that couldn't go down before.
We topped off that week by yet another huge blessing...getting together with the elders of our church to pray. Amazing moments, ones that I'll never forget. The prayer started off with the same few sentences as the prayer Peter prayed...
So, here I am, feeling the most humbled I've ever felt and so incredibly blessed. I hope this bring you much joy and a smile on your face. And more then anything else, that you are inspired to ask God to show you Who He is. If you ask, He'll answer. Just because you don't get it the moment you ask, doesn't mean He's not able or willing. He'll show you just who He is in the perfect timing...just be willing to watch and wait.

If any of you would like to keep updated as to what is going on and read some of her other posts (you may have to sign up for a membership, but it really easy to do and you will not get a bunch of mail from them! I only get updates when she posts something new, and I think I may have gotten one or two others, but that's it.)

you can go to http://www.carepages.com/carepages/dianahummel

Installing a Husband...

2010-01-30T07:04:00.000-08:00

INSTALLING A HUSBAND

Dear Tech Support,

Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a distinct slow down in overall system performance, particularly in the flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0..

In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as
Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5, and then installed undesirable programs such as

NBA 5..0,
NFL 3.0 and
Golf Clubs 4.1.

Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system.

Please note that I have tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail.

What can I do?

Signed,

Desperate.

DEAR DESPERATE,

First, keep in mind,
Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while
Husband 1.0 is an operating system.

Please enter command: ithoughtyoulovedme.html, try to download Tears 6.2, and do not forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update.
If those applications work as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applicationsJewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5.

However, remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to default to

Grumpy Silence 2.5, Happy Hour 7.0, or Beer 6.1.
Please note that Beer 6.1 is a very bad program that will download the Farting and Snoring Loudly Beta.

Whatever you do, DO NOT under any circumstances install Mother-In-Law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the background that will eventually seize control of all your system resources.)

In addition, please do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0-program. This is an unsupported application and will crash Husband 1.0.

In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly.. You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and performance. We recommend
Cooking 3.0 and
Hot Lingerie 7.7.

Good Luck!

Tech Support

Have You?

2010-01-13T13:54:00.000-08:00

40 Evidences That You May Have Left Your First Love ....

1. You can go hours or days without having more than a passing thought of Him.

2. You don’t have a strong desire to spend time with Him.

3. You don’t have a strong hunger for the Word; Bible reading is a “chore” – something to
mark off your “to do” list.

4. Spending time in prayer is a burden/duty rather than a delight.

5. Your worship is formal, dry, lifeless, merely going through the motions.

6. Private prayer and worship are almost non-existent . . . cold and dry.

7. You are more concerned about physical health, well-being, and comfort than about the well-
being and condition of your soul.

8. You crave physical food, while having little appetite for spiritual food.

9. You crave human companionship more than a relationship with Christ.

10. You spend more time and effort on your physical appearance than on cultivating inner
spiritual beauty to please Christ.

11. Your heart toward Christ is cold and indifferent; not tender as it once was, not easily moved
by the Word, talk of spiritual things, etc.

12. Christianity is more of a checklist than a relationship with Christ.

13. You measure spirituality (yours/others’) by performance rather than the condition of the
heart.

14. Christianity is defined more what by what you “do” than who you “are” (“doing” vs.
“being”).

15. Your obedience and service are motivated and fueled by expectations of others or a desire to
impress others, more than by passion for Christ.

16. You are more concerned about what others think and pleasing them, than about what God
knows and pleasing Christ.

17. Your service for Christ and others is motivated by a sense of duty or obligation.

18. You find yourself becoming resentful over the hardships and demands of serving Christ and
others.

19. You can talk with others about kids, marriage, weather, and the news, but struggle to talk
about the Lord and spiritual matters.

20. You have a hard time coming up with something fresh to share in a testimony service at
church or when someone asks, “What’s God been doing in your life?”

21. You are formal, rigid, and up-tight about spiritual things, rather than joyful and winsome.

22. You are critical or harsh toward those who are doctrinally off-base or living in sin.

23. You enjoy secular songs, movies, and books more than songs or reading material that point
you to Christ.

24. You prefer the company of people who don’t love Christ, to the company and fellowship of
those who do.

25. You are more interested in recreation, entertainment, and having “fun” than in cultivating
intimacy with Christ through worship, prayer, the Word, and Christian fellowship.

26. You display attitudes or are involved in activities that you know are contrary to Scripture, but you continue in them anyway.

27. You justify “small” areas of disobedience or compromise.

28. You have been drawn back into sin habits that you put off when you were a young believer.

29. “Little” things that used to disturb your conscience, no longer do.

30. You are slow to respond to conviction over sin – or you ignore it altogether.

31. You enjoy certain sins and want to hang onto them. You are unwilling to give them up for
Christ.

32. You are not grieved by sin – it’s no big deal to you.

33. You are consistently allured by certain sins.

34. You are self-righteous--more concerned about sin in others’ lives than in your own.

35. You are more concerned about having the right position than the right disposition.

36. You tend to hold tightly to money and things, rather than being quick to give to meet the
needs of others.

37. You rarely give sacrificially to the Lord’s work.

38. You rarely have a desire or burden to give, when you hear of legitimate financial needs
within the Body, your church, or a ministry.

39. Accumulating and maintaining material “things” consumes more time and effort on your part than seeking after and cultivating spiritual riches.

40. You have broken relationships with other believers that you are unwilling or have not
attempted to reconcile.

Revelation 2:1-7
1
"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'The words of him who holds the
seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.
2
"'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot
bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles
and are not, and found them to be false.
3
I know you are enduring patiently and
bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.
4
But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
5
Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you
did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place,
unless you repent. . . .
7
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one
who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of
God.'

Happy 1st Birthday Asher!!

2009-12-14T07:05:00.000-08:00

Hope you have a fun filled first birthday big boy! Eat lots of cake for us!
Love,
Tod, Tarin, Damon, Toriana, Truen, and Graysen =)

Huston we have a CRWLER!

2009-12-08T08:31:00.000-08:00

For Maaca and Lynnea....

2009-11-23T14:15:00.001-08:00

Here are some videos for you! We love you and we miss you! Truen was still sleeping, but he will have a message for you little later today!
(For the rest of you out there watching, I realize that Graysen didn't want to show you how big he is, I just thought that if I kept on saying it, he might catch on! I realize now how repetitive I sound! Pour kid!)

Important Info for Parents....

2009-11-14T10:06:00.001-08:00

The Band....

2009-11-12T10:22:00.000-08:00

This Halloween the kids were very excited to be Rockers!

Damon and Truen were are the bands guitar players,

Toriana is the lead singer, and Graysen, well I guess he would be the

back up singer!=) On our way to Hot Springs we stopped for

a little photo shoot for the cover of their new "CD"! We had fun!

We also stopped at some road construction for some pix, and

G-ma LeBar's for some coloring and candy!

Something new....

2009-11-05T14:10:00.000-08:00

So, it's pretty obvious that I haven't been keeping up so good on the whole blogging front, but I'm hoping to be able to change that, and am working on it! I have done some catch up posts over the last few days, so for those of you who read, YOUR BEHIND!=) Nanny Nanny! I know, it's not far to post so many post in one day that you have to go back in the history to read them, but like I said, I'm trying to catch up! Anyway! All that to say, I have started a new blog!=) Boy, this post just keeps getting better huh! I love doing this blog and posting about the fam and posting pix, but I really want to post things about my spiritual life, what I"m learning, how I'm being challenged, the low points, the high points....just another outlet. It's easier for me to focus on one being about the fam and one being personal, so, if you are interested, here is the address.....
http://6hearts01.wordpress.com/
I have only done a few posts, and I hope to do one every week or so, or whenever I am struck and need to get it out!=)

THe many faces of Graysen....Sep. 2009

2009-11-03T17:57:00.000-08:00

Carmel Apples...welcome fall...Sep. 2009

2009-11-03T15:52:00.000-08:00

We all had a lot fun making carmel apples and decorating them

one afternoon this fall (what happened to fall anyway?)! Aunt Nettie

came over and brought all the supplies with her

to make it really fun for the kids and us!

Thank you for a fun yummy afternoon Aunt Nettie!

Tea Party...Sep. 2009

2009-11-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

My grandma Hay has been throwing special tea parties

for us since we were pretty young and has now been

doing them for our girls for the last couple of years!

The girls have so much fun! Grandma makes each of the girls

personal invitations for the tea party and whe we get there

she always has tons of her jewlery,

and hats laid across her bed and lets them

choose what they would like to wear....she uses special

tea pots and tea cups, sugar cubes (one of the girls favorite things=),

she makes yummy little sandwiches, amazing scones, and

wonderful little treats. The tables are always filled

with beautiful food and beautiful flowers!

She always makes it very special for the girls!

Thank you for all the hard work you put into it Grandma!

They will be very special memories!

Trips to Nettie's garden..

2009-11-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

Taking trips to Aunt Nettie and Uncle Bill's garden this

summer was definitely a highlight in our summer!

The kids loved picking carrots, peas, cutting broccoli,

and of course the girls got to pick their own bouquet of

flowers every time we went!

Thank you for sharing your garden with us!

Damon's 7th Birthday! Sep. 5, 2009

2009-11-03T07:21:00.000-08:00

A perfect fit...

2009-11-02T18:20:00.000-08:00

Well, almost anyway!

The waist is a little big,

but it will fit her next year!

(just like I was planning of course!=)

I loved this project! And now that

I have done it once I am looking forward to

doing another skirt knowing

that it will be easier next time around! I told my

mom that if anyone came up to Tori and asked

if her mom made it for her I would never do it again!

No one did, so I guess I will do another!=)

New foods..Aug, 2009

2009-11-02T18:07:00.000-08:00

We have learned over the last few months since

Graysen has been trying new foods,

that much to our enjoyment, he can make some pretty funny faces!

Hope you can enjoy them more

than he enjoys trying something new!

Our Anniversary...Aug. 25, 2009

2009-11-02T17:58:00.000-08:00

Birthday girl and someone new...

2009-11-02T17:44:00.000-08:00

Tiffany had Lynnea's 3rd birthday at the park...she got a new bike, a rain coat

(for those rainy days in WA), and lots of other fun stuff!

Washington? you say...well that's were the someone new comes in!=)

There is a face in the mix of these pictures that you may not recognize.

His name is Randy.

Not long after Lynnea's birthday, she and Maaca got something

better than any present! They got a new daddy!

Randy and Tiffany were married Sep. 30! (I will have

more pictures of that later...we are following a time line here!)

We are so excited for them, but yes, sad

because they are now far far away in Washington!

More on all the fun stuff a little later....this is it for now!=)

Let me just say....God is good!

Sweet girls....cute baby Aug. 2009

2009-11-02T17:26:00.000-08:00

A fun day at the park...Aug. 2009

2009-11-02T17:22:00.000-08:00

Learning to love swinging....Aug. 2009

2009-11-02T17:06:00.000-08:00

A sweet friend of mine and I took our kids ( Asher is her son....Graysen and

Asher are 1 month apart...they have a lot of fun together!) to the park one after noon

and Graysen got to have his first time in a swing...he LOVED it!

A Wedding filled with fun...Aug. 2009

2009-11-02T16:56:00.000-08:00

Photo Shoot...Aug. 2009

2009-11-02T16:52:00.000-08:00

Aug. 2009

2009-11-02T16:48:00.000-08:00

Hills Alive...July 2009

2009-11-02T16:38:00.000-08:00

Snap shots....

2009-11-02T10:21:00.001-08:00

Since I'm so behind, I am going to do just snap shots of my favorites! So, bare with me as I am trying a new program for uploading and blogging my pix! Enjoy!

Sweet Little Goof Ball....

2009-08-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

This is Truen....
He's this biggest goof ball in our family.
He likes to say funny things like...
"I'm a turtle, I'm a turtle"
when he has the toilet seat cover resting
on his back while sitting on the toilet, or
"for real life mommy, for real"
or
"your silly mommy or your silly daddy"
His smile lights up a room and when you look
in his little eyes they always make you
wonder what's going to come next
He has a way of getting out of trouble
with his cute little ways...
and sometimes his cute little ways
have a way of getting
him into more trouble.
Truen is a sweet little goof ball
and we love him...

A Weekend at the Berg's

2009-08-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

I guess it was about a month ago now that we went over to the Berg's to help do some work on their house and enjoy some time with them! We all had a blast as always! The kids had fun playing like crazy, riding bikes, taking walks, catching frogs and kittens, doing hair, loosing teeth....just being kids! They guys worked hard trying to get the rest of the windows put in, and gutters on....they didn't quite get it all done, but it's close! Sarah and I enjoyed long talks, making lots of food, watching Hannah and Graysen "play" and breaking up all the little arguments that come along with having 8 children 6 and under in the same house ( this part we did not enjoy quite so much)! We are so thankful that God has blessed with our friendship with the Berg's!

I know...I know!

2009-08-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

So behind yet again! I will catch up little by little...but until then I heard this quote from Amy Carmichael in my devos this morning and thought I would share....
"We have all eternity to celebrate the victories, but only a few hours before sunset to win them!"

Muddy Boy...

2009-07-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is about boys and mud, but for some reason they always seem to attract each other, and no matter how many times you tell the boy to STAY OUT of the mud, they seem to think that mud overrules mom's rules! UGH! My dear sweet Truen loves mud puddles and today he was trudging through our big mud puddle, after being told not to (at least twice!), and Damon came in and told me what he was doing. Well, I didn't go out there right away, and about 10 min. later Damon came in and said that dad wanted me to come out and see Truen. I did, and this is what I found.....

The boots......Damon's boots....they must just be easy to get on I don't know=)

Friends, Fun, and Stylin' Riders....

2009-07-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

This last week has been very busy but so much fun! Some good friends of ours that we haven't seen in five years finally decided to come visit us way out here!=) (J/K guys, I know it goes both ways!) We had an awesome time catching up with them! On Thursday night we had a B-B-Q with a bunch of friends and there was plenty of food and lots of laughing! Jared and Sarah were able to make the trip over on Thursday and stayed the night. The six of us (Scott, Selina, Jared, Sarah, and us) used to hang out quite a bit before everyone decided to move away and leave us here in SD! We have had some good times and it was fun to reminisce a bit!=)
J and S left on Friday, and on Sat. we went to the Gold Discovery Days parade, car show and kids "fair" at the park. Then that evening S and S took us out for dinner at Alpine and a stroll around Hill City, then back to Custer for our couples Bible Study! It was a crazy day, but very fun! So, that was our week! Thanks for coming and staying with us Scott and Selina! We miss you guys and we better not let another five years pass!
Here are some pix from the week, and few extra from the last couple of days!

Working on the tree house....maybe it will be done before the summers over!=)

Finally sleeping!

My stylin' kiddos

A new adventure....

2009-07-27T16:33:00.000-07:00

Last week we began a new adventure and chapter of our lives that we are very excited about! My family and some other people have been praying about starting a new church that would reach out to some of the small towns (Oral, Oelrichs, Smithwick, and Buffalo Gap) that are either without a church, have church only once a month, or have only one option......! So, with the blessing of our pastor and church family from Calvary, we are very excited to say that last week was our first Sunday in this journey and it went very well! My dad lead the music and had Toriana help pick out the songs and help him lead them! It was very touching for me because some of my most memorable times of church as a little girl were in a basement of some friends that offered their house as a meeting place. Those were good times and now that I look back I can see how God used those small (sometimes not so small) gatherings to reach some of the people in the community, and give us wonderful times of fellowship and encouragement. One of my favorite memories is of the sunrise service that we had at their house, out on their back porch, wrapped in blankets, singing as the sun came up, listening to my dad preach, and enjoying fellowship afterwards. All this to say, it hit me that this is a huge chapter in my kiddos lives that I hope will bring for them the good memories that I have! Needless to say, seeing Tori up there with my dad, seeing my boys singing Jesus Loves Me, and looking at all the people that are following God's leading in this new adventure, brought tears to my eyes! I am so excited to see what God has planned for His new little church! There is a lot of praying to be done in regards to a pastor, one with a heart to lead us and a heart to reach out to the small towns that surround us, a building that we might be able to buy or rent without much of a fee (right now we are meeting in my parents basement on Sundays and a different families on Wednesday nights), and of course that we would all have soft hearts before Him so that we are able to be used by Him in whatever He asks of us! We don't know what He is going to do, and that can be a little hard to sit back and wait on Him, but we know He has a perfect plan. I am going through a study right now on the Priesthood, and part of the study has been about things that God chooses to leave a mystery to us, the things that He chooses not to reveal. Sometimes He intentionally chooses not to reveille things to us because He wants us to experience the excitement and anticipation of what He is going to do. So, instead of getting discouraged that things are not going like we thought they would, or as fast as we thought they would, or we are lost as to what to do next because what we see in front of us is not humanly possible, God has a plan that far exceeds our expectations and He wants us to have faith that He hasn't had an "oops" moment, He is sovereign, He's just building our anticipation because He wants us to experience the thrill of His revelation in our situation. Right now we are thrilled to be anticipating what He is going to do next with our little gathering! Please pray with us as we step out in faith, that we will not be discouraged, but that we will be anticipating the answers and work that He has planned in this awesome adventure that He has chosen for us!

Camping...Family...Fun

2009-07-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

Every two years or so my mom's little brother and his family try to put together a camping trip or some other type of special get together for a Hay family "reunion". (Thank you guys for always making it happen and including us!) So, a week ago Sunday we packed up one of my parents campers (thank you dad and mom!!) and made the long journey out to Custer State Park for a few days! My Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandparents, and the rest of my family have been looking forward to this little camping trip all summer and were very excited to have it finally here! We did a couple of hikes, ate s'mores, did some fishing, rode bikes, swam, laughed, had a family photo shoot, went rock climbing, played Settlers of Catan,(an awesome game if any of you are looking for a fun one!) and had a blast! I took so may pictures that I couldn't put them all on here, so I tried to choose just my favorite ones....but it was very hard to choose, so there are still a lot!

Sweet Brother...

2009-07-20T18:35:00.000-07:00

Damon is such a big helper for me these days! Graysen loves him to pieces and lights up every time he sees him...when Graysen hears Damon's voice he is immediately searching for him. It's so sweet. Damon can keep him occupied for quite a while with toys, noises, sitting him up, feeding him a bottle....he does so good. Thank you for being such a big helper Damon, I love you!
The other day he was keeping him busy while I was making breakfast and I took this pix and loved it!

Growing up...

2009-07-08T12:16:00.000-07:00

Right now I seem to notice how fast Graysen is growing up and how quickly he is developing, and it amazes me how fast it's going! I forget that the other kiddos are growing up too, it's just not a noticeable....for instance, Toriana! She is growing up into a beautiful little lady with a huge imagination, a soft heart, a gift for telling stories, and is a very good leader (no, this is not my favorite quality at this point in her little life, but I know that it will turn into something that God will use in the future!)! It is such a huge responsibility to know that God has trusted me and Tod to raise her to be a woman of God! I pray that we will daily seek Him in setting a godly example, teaching and growing up each of our beautiful kids that He has given us!
~Here are a few of my favorite pix from the last month, of our growing little lady~

DrEsS uP dAyS...

2009-07-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

The girls all have so much fun together! The other day they came down all dressed up and were more than willing to have a little photo shoot!

Graysen's month in pictures...

2009-07-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

Watching cartoons in daddy and mommy's bed

I'm eating big kid food now!

I love my toys!

Time to choose

2009-06-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

I talked to my mom this morning and she told me that in their meeting on Friday they were told that they have to make a decision as to what they want to do with Brenden by tomorrow. They have two choices, they can disrupt the adoption, in which case they would (as far as we know right now) be charged with neglect and abuse and be put on a list as abusers, or they can place him with social services, were he would be placed in foster care. If he's paced in foster care, and say in six months they think that he is "all better", they have the control to place him back with my parents...what they don't get is that he's not going to just "get better", that's not just our opinion, that's the counselors too. Either way is not the best, so, if you all can be praying that God will lead them to the best decision and give them the peace that they need in it, we would be very thankful! My mom is checking with a family lawyer from East River today about all the ins and outs of disrupting the adoption and if there is a way to get around the whole being charged with abuse thing...I really hope that he will have some way to get around all that!! I will post more if I find anything new out, and if I don't, check my moms!

Verse of the day...

2009-06-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

Is. 33:6, "He is the (my) constant source of stability......" (NET)

A Happy Day....

2009-06-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday we went to On The Border with the family for my birthday....it was fun to be with family but they were so slow on getting our food (slow as in we were at the restaurant for around three hours!) that it made for a really late night! We were able to get some really good pictures with all that time on our hands! These are some of my favorites from the night...

Update...

2009-06-19T07:45:00.001-07:00

Mom has updated her blog with all the "results" from the interviews ect.....so, you guys can check it out there that way I don't get any thing wrong, and you don't have to read it twice!=) Thanx for your prayers!

Change up....

2009-06-16T06:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the interviews that my fam were supposed to be doing last week ended up being canceled, so they will be doing them tomorrow. My mom is meeting with the psych, that doesn't really like us, today to go over her eval of Brenden....should be interesting! Mom also has an interview with a possible placement option for Brenden, dr. appointments, and the list goes on! Please keep praying as all this stuff gets worked out!

Insanity

2009-06-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

The definition of insanity - Doing the same thing the same way and expecting something different....
I heard this today in my devos and thought about how often I practice insanity in my walk with Him. I have struggles that I try to deal with over and over and can't understand why they aren't going away or, well, ...I have lots of examples, but I'll keep this short and sweet!=) It's time to try something different! I want to live a sane life in a sane relationship with Him!

Wonder

2009-06-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

I know that everyone one goes through "dry" spells in their christian walk, and that those time can be a little frustrating, somewhat lonely feeling, kinda dead feeling, or flat. Like nothing you read or listen to hit "it" right. This is kinda were I have been lately, but the other day while doing my devos there was a little blip on the wonder of the God we serve, and it got me thinking and feeling a little more alive again.....
~ Our God is a God of a world were trees clap hands, were waters part, were donkeys talk, were dead men rise up and walk, were skies are filled with chariots, were God's voice sounds like thunders and the lightning has to check back in with Him and say "here I am", were rocks cry out if we do not give Him the praise He is do, were devils are dragons and grooms really do come for their brides on white horses called Faithful and True. Have you lost your wonder? Have we gotten so intellectual about the whole thing, so grown up, defined maturity as so far from the miraculous, from the wonder, from the childhood stories, so far from the things like child like faith that all we have left is boring stale religion? Our God is a God of wonders, Who does the miraculous, Who speaks to an inanimate object and it becomes animate, Who when He spoke to the wind and the waves He spoke to them as if they had a persona to them because when His voice spoke it gave them breath, it gave life. He spoke to things that were inanimate as if they were animated because His very breath, the very spoken words from His mouth bring life! That is a wonderful God! Not a God of legends, but a God of truth! Do not let ourselves get cynical! Maybe this is why He gave us Mathew 18:3. Maybe it's time for us to recapture the wonder! To let Him be mysterious to us again. To quit dodging the things we can't explain, because in that, He keeps our imaginations turning and in what we do not understand we are thrilled to know that one day we shall know as we have been known, and we are going to sit back, let our mouths drop to the ground and say "YOU ARE GOOD!"! ~
I don't know about you, but reading this makes my heart pound a little faster and makes me want to rejoice! We serve an awesome God that has given us life, a life that He wants to be alive, and a life that is filled with more wonder and amazement than we will ever realize....I pray that He will continue to make me feel alive in Him, that I won't get bored and begin to live a stale religious, routine filled life. That I will have the faith, the wonder, and the amazement of a child who sees and loves her Father!

Prayers needed and answered....

2009-06-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

Some of you know that my family is going through a very stressful (understatement!) time right now. For those of you who don't know, you can read about it on my mom's blog, http://mylifeasyomama.blogspot.com/. We have seen God answer prayers over the last few weeks, like bringing along a therapist who heard my mom speak in CO (she wondered why Laurie LeBar would need their help, she's amazing....), like letting the social worker that's interviewing all the kids think that the system that they are using seems great to her, not at all harsh or abusive (the main therapist that evaluated Brenden thought this, which is why they are having to go through all of these interviews), like the judge who dropped the daily charge for a child in JDC to something that dad and mom can afford...the list could go on! God is good and He does have a plan. Right now it's stressful, emotional, and tiring. It's not easy to not know what God is doing or what His plan is, and to trust that what He is doing is the best. Please be praying that the rest of the interviews that are going on as I write, will come out in my parents favor (there are a couple of girls that may make up a lot of stuff), that my parents will have strength through all of this, that He will make everything fall into place smoothly and without any more drama or cost to my parents and family, that the therapist will see past all the lies that are told and won't cause any more trouble, that my parents will grow stronger in their own walk with God, each other and as a family unit, that they would find rest in Him, they are so worn out, that the people that know them would show support, not just curiosity, but true concern and support, and that they would let them know that they are praying, that they would call and ask how they are doing, (not just think about them.....they need support, they want people to help and ask how they are doing!)....the list could go on! Thank you, to those of you who are praying!

Big eyes and funny lips...

2009-06-10T14:43:00.000-07:00

I was sitting in the car with Graysen the other day waiting for the Tod and the kids and decided to pull out the camera since Graysen was in suck a good mood! I ended up with some super cute shots and even got some with him doing his new lip thing (kinda looks like "kissy" lips)!

Sylvan Lake

2009-06-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we (mom, tiff, and kids) all headed out to Sylvan Lake for the afternoon! It was kinda cold, but we all had fun hiking around the lake, climbing on the rocks and picking the dandelions!=) Some how, we aren't really sure, but Graysen was the only one to get a tick stuck to the side of his head! I have no idea how this happened! He was stuck to me in a front pack the whole time we were outside. It totally grossed me out! Anyway! Here are some cute pix from the afternoon!

Birthday Boy...

2009-06-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

May 31 was Truen's Birthday and we spent the day with my dad's brothers and sisters in Glendo, WY. We had a lot of fun....after church there was a pot luck at the park were the kid got to play and we all got to enjoy a little sun! There was a little puppy that became Truens play buddy while we were there.

On Monday we got to celebrate his birthday. He got to help me make the cake while his brother and sister were at VBS and Graysen was sleeping.

Some of my favorites from that night that aren't of Truen!=)

Slip and Slide fun..

2009-06-09T19:45:00.000-07:00

On the same day as the Air Show, we let Damon spend some of his money on a new slip and slide...they have only been able to use it once because of the weather, but hopefully the sun will shine soon! They had a blast!

Air Show

2009-06-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

The same day we got the stuffed animal, we took the kids to the air show and Elsworth Air Force Base. It was a lot of fun....but long lines for everything!=) So, because of the lines, we only went in one plane.....but the kids thought it was great!

How we all felt on the way home!

Soft doggie

2009-06-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we were in Rapid City and we got Graysen his first stuffed animal! I got these pictures right after we got home and gave it to him....

Girls weekend...plus two boys

2009-06-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

A few months back I was at a ladies get together and was introduced to a girl that has turned into a very close friend. Katrina and her husband moved from NY in Jan. and have a sweet baby boy, Asher, who is a month and one day older than Graysen. A couple of weekends ago Katrina and I loaded up the babies and set off for Laramie to hear Beth Moore speak! (It was awesome and challenging as always!) It was a perfect time for us to get to know each other better! We enjoyed some wonderful conversation, some tears, lots of laughs, good coffee and food, and little sleep (and not because of the babies! They were amazing!)! Thank you for going with me Katrina and thank you for being my friend!

This little coffee shop was right by our hotel and it was awesome!

Asher was very interested in eating Graysen's hand!=)

Next...

2009-06-08T13:42:00.001-07:00

Pajama Cuties!

Truen was being so sweet, he saw Graysen and had to go get his own blankets so that way they could both have covers. He spread out one on Graysen and then laid down beside him. Too cute!

So Much so little...

2009-06-08T10:23:00.000-07:00

There has been so much that I have wanted to post lately, but there has been zero time to do it! So here I sit, kids outside (finally a sunny day...do we live in OR or SD? so hard to tell), Graysen eating (typing with only my left hand, this could take while), knowing that I don't have anything outside of the house that I have to go and do today....perfect time to catch you all up a bit! Lets go back....
~Mothers Day cards~

A cute "But Mom!"

2009-05-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

In the mornings the kids are aloud to watch cartoons until breakfast, the only rule being that they have to be "learning" cartoons (Dora, Diego, Blues Clues, Wonder Pets...you get the picture!). Well yesterday Damon came down and asked if they could watch Duck dodgers...I said no...he then said, "but mom, it's educational!" I just about died laughing! I guess that's what I get for letting them watch educational cartoons...=)

Cute comments and thoughts

2009-05-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

The way my kids think is always making me laugh! Their thought processes are so literal and to them, make perfect sense. A couple of examples from the last couple of months came from Tori and Damon.
Graysen was fussing at church and one of the ladies picked him up and started rocking him. Toriana's comment was that she didn't know why babies needed to be rocked because "they don't even have guitars!"
While driving around Rapid City the other day we had noticed some "monster trucks" that Damon thought were pretty awesome. His mind got to going (as if it ever stops) and he started talking about how cool it would be if there was a monster truck that went clear up into space! Tod told him that that wouldn't happen, but we all agreed that it would be pretty awesome. Then Damon told us that he knew why it would never work..."because then we wouldn't even be able to see the road!" Like duh! Why didn't we think of that!
Out of the mouth and mind of kids! I love it! I can't wait to hear what they will come up with next!

Mothers Day Banquet

2009-05-12T17:53:00.000-07:00

We had a mothers day banquet at our church Friday night, and took the opportunity to take some mother daughter pix! It's so awesome that God has blessed me with a beautiful daughter, my sister with two beautiful daughters, that my mom is blessed with us (hehe), and that God has placed us in the same place right now to be able to spend time together and be each others best friends and that the girls get to have thier Nana close! I love you guys!=) Anyway! The banquet was fun! The girls got to go up and sing a little special with some of the CBI girls which was really cute...I didn't get any good pix of it, but it was cute! The food was good and the desserts were amazing!

A Day at the Circus...

2009-05-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we were able to take the kids to the circus thanks to one of the residents that Tiffany takes care of at Pine Hills...he gets free tickets every year because he used to be in charge of the balloons. He gave all his tickets to Tiff and so all we had to pay for was Tod! Yeah! Anyway, the kids had a blast!

Maaca striking a pose=)

Yes he brushes his teeth....it's chocolate!

Truen loved it!

The spinning ladies...impressive!=)

Cute little girls

Birthday Party!

2009-05-02T11:16:00.001-07:00

Toriana's 5th Birthday!
The cake....

We like to lick the candles off after we blow them out, but this time some hot wax dripped on her hand and she wasn't to happy about it!

The presents! I wish we could have had a video camera going because her reactions were priceless!

All dressed up and no were to go!
(Alana you were missed!)

And of course the night wouldn't be complete without dressing someone up...the pick of the night....Uncle Mark!=)

Up in Tori's room checking out all the new stuff! Mainly the lip gloss!

Damon sat up on the staircase and watched her open her gifts...and Truen had his own fun while the girls got "all pretty"!

Say cheese...

I love this picture...this is what it's like when we all get together...laughter and good food!

A very fun evening with family and friends!

Good stuff...

2009-04-18T14:07:00.001-07:00

This is quote from Nancy Leigh Demoss that I heard in my devotions today, it hit me so I thought I would share...
"A stubborn determination to succeed alone without the help of others is a sure way to suffer defeat in the battle...no one can make it alone."

The Quiet..

2009-04-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is about having just one kid out of the house, but for some reason it makes life a lot more quiet around here! Damon is at work with dad today, Graysen is sleeping, and Tori and Truen are playing peacefully upstairs....although I'm sure the mess will be huge(Truen dumped out all Damon's legos...what Damon doesn't know will not hurt him!), I am enjoying the quiet time!

HHHMMMM....

2009-04-02T13:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, so that didn't work like I thought it was going to, but it's still cute! I will have to try acouple of other things and see what else I can come up with!=)

Something fun and new!

2009-04-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

I have always loved other peoples blogs when they have digital scrap booking stuff. I haven't known what to use without having to buy some program, but today I found a sight that has a free download with tons of stuff! So, be prepared for lots of pictures, some you may have seen, but I'm going to be playing for a while!=) Here is the sight if you would like to check it out... http://www.smilebox.com/
And, here is my first picture thing!=)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Friends...or not?

2009-04-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

This is Hannah.

This is Hannah wondering why Graysen was laid next to her...he's wondering the same thing...

This is Graysen hoping that if he just closes his eyes she will dissapear...

Graysen - IT DIDN'T WORK!

Graysen - Oh, hey, is she trying to hold my hand?
Hannah - Oh good grief...does he honestly think I would do that?

Graysen - I kinda like it...
Hannah - Here we go!

Graysen - Hey mom, is this ok?
Hannah - I can't believe this guy!

Graysen - I think I like her...
Hannah - Well, maybe he's ok, he is kinda cute!

The Tooth Fairy...

2009-04-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

My kids know that Santa and the Easter Bunny are not really real, but over this past couple of weeks we have learned that Damon really thinks the Tooth Fairy is real...Two weeks ago on Sunday Damon felt his first loose tooth during breakfast! He was so excited that by about 4pm he had wiggled it so much that it came out!
Needless to say, he was thrilled! We told him to put it under his pillow and the tooth fairy would come and leave him something special. So like a good tooth fairy, she forgot until morning ran up before he brought up the fact that she forgot, and to her surprise the tooth wasn't there. The tooth fairy got her husbands attention thinking that maybe he had taken care of it, but he said that Damon had taken it out from under his pillow because he still wanted to show some people before she took it away. This happened off and on a couple of other times, and then finally a week later, he left it under his pillow! And, like a good tooth fairy, she forgot (and didn't really even know if it would be there!)! So Damon came down Sunday morning very disappointed that she didn't come! I told him that he had tricked her so many times that she probably didn't check for it last night...but that she would come. When we got home from church the tooth fairy finally came!

So, maybe it's wrong for me not to tell him that it's me, but it was really cute to watch him get all excited and pretty humorous that he kept taking it out so she wouldn't take it! Maybe I will tell him with the next tooth....=)

Pictures at the park

2009-03-17T09:24:00.001-07:00

We have been enjoying the warm weather!

Let me tell you about my boy....

2009-03-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

Truen is something else! I'm never sure what he is going to come what he is going to do, wear, not wear, or say! He is always making us laugh! I've said that he will be the one that will get out of trouble by making us laugh. He is his own little person and I love the quirky way that he is! Here is a little bit of the silly, quirkiness...( you can't really see, but he has a cowboy hat on! one of his favorite things to wear is his diaper, cowboy hat, & goggles!)

A First....

2009-03-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

Don't ask me why, but today was the first time I have taken a picture of the kids all together since Graysen was born! Here he is two months old and I'm just getting around to it, and of course Tod had the camera so I took it with me cell!=) Talk about bad timing, and a little blurry, but a cute picture non the less! I will have to get some this week with the "real" camera, but until then, here we go!

The smiles keep coming!

2009-03-14T14:16:00.001-07:00

Graysen is growing so fast! (I know that new mom's say that all the time, but it's so true!) He was two months old on Thursday! Yesterday he smiled more than he has yet! It's so stinkin' cute! I have been able to catch a few smiles on camera, so I thought I would share...

I was trying to get him to smile and wasn't paying attention to were the camera was pointed! At least you can see the smile!=)

Here are just a couple of cute pix!

Fun Rides!

2009-03-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday the kids got to go for a ride with daddy on his new "toy"! (Ok, yes, I got to go for a ride too, but there aren't any pictures!) Anyway! They were very excited! We all had fun dispite the cold and getting pulled over (the nice man, who Tod knows, just wanted to let Tod know that you can't have kids riding in fornt of you on a bike, and that they have to be able to reach the foot pegs...somewhat of a bummer since Damon can barely reach!). Here are some pix to document the first rides, and maybe the last for awhile!

Quiet....

2009-03-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

AAHHHH! I'm just sitting down to enjoy a nice breakfast in peace and quiet! Tod took all the kids (but Graysen) to enjoy breakfast (donuts & hot chocolate) with Grandpa Hartman, Uncle Mark, and Great Uncle Dean! Damon gets to go do things with Tod quite a bit, so Toriana and Truen were thrilled to be able to go with this morning and I was thrilled to have a quiet morning all to my self...atleast until Garysen wakes up!=) So, I'm going to do my devotions, and maybe even get a workout in before they get back! Better run, times waistin'!=)

A Well Deserved THANK YOU!

2009-02-18T10:31:00.000-08:00

Last week after my little "get my thoughts out" post, Sadie gave me some good advice and turned me onto a wonderful web sight called flylady! Sadie thank you for telling me about this sight! If you all have never checked it out, I highly recommend it!

Caught in the act...

2009-02-17T18:35:00.000-08:00

One of my little indulgences right now is pretzels and chocolate chip. I have been having some for a snack lately while I feed Garysen. Today I was eating some and lost a chocolate chip. I figured I would find it when I stood up, but much to my surprise, Graysen found it for me! Too funny!
The Last picture is of Truen yesterday. He fell asleep in the door way down stairs. He was very sick...still is sick...but another picture worth sharing!=)

New and old...

2009-02-17T17:45:00.000-08:00

Tod got me a wonderful new computer for Valentines day, and it has the updated software that I needed to be able to dump pictures that would not dump on our old computer! I am so excited to have them off my camera! As you can see from the ones of the kids, they have been on there for quite a while! The scenery ones are from a trip to Buffalo that mom, Tiff and I were able to take without kids back about...well I guess it must have been 2 years ago! Wow! Time flies! Anyway, enjoy!=)

Valentines Day

2009-02-15T09:30:00.000-08:00

We were able to have two nights "out" for Valentines Day this year! Friday night we went to a dinner that the freshman class (CBI) put together. Babysitting was supplied for all the kiddos so we were able to enjoy a wonderful dinner of Prime rib, baked potatoes, wonderful green beans, and strawberry shortcake! We sat with my mom, dad, and Grant, who kept us laughing through most of the evening. Graysen enjoyed some much needed cuddle time with mom and dad. Mom even got a smile! It was a very good evening! Then last night Jeremiah and Amanda invited us and two other couples to join them for dinner at the Alpine, then dessert and games at their house! We had a wonderful time getting to know the other couples better! (Getting out of our "box" is always a good thing!) I wish I would have brought my camera, but oh well! Tiffany volunteered to babysit for us thankfully, because Tori came down with a fever on top of her already bad cold, yuck! Anyway! We had a blast and are looking forward to doing something like it again! Thank you Miah and Amanda for putting together a great evening!

Sweet words

2009-02-13T08:29:00.000-08:00

Damon is madly in love with his new little brother and he has been saying the sweetest things the last couple of days! He was holding Graysen and told me "I just can't take my eyes off of him, he's just so cute!" and yesterday, "I just can't bare to let him go." Too sweet, I love it!

Life...

2009-02-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

So for the last 4 weeks life for me has been a jumble of dirty diapers, laundry, recovery, feeding, gas (Graysen's, not mine=), catching up on sleep (I'm not there yet), cleaning, and trying to get life in some sort of order! I'm still not there yet on this either! Life is somewhat overwhelming for me with the addition of our sweet boy. The laundry never seems to be done, by the time I get the whole house cleaned, it's dirty again...

Truen seems to be into everything (not 'seems' is! he found some old lipstick of mine, while playing in garage, in the car, after dumping out all the contents of my purse, opening the garage door and trying to start the car...this all taking place while I'm in the shower and Damon is relaying what is happening. Oh, Damon took the keys so he wouldn't drive away!), and there doesn't seem to be enough of mommy to go around (not to mention wife!=)! So the challenge of finding a happy medium has begun! Finding a routine and sticking with it has always been a challenge for me, but I realize that if I don't the chaos will continue! Please don't misunderstand, I am loving being the mommy of 4 beautiful children, I'm not trying to complain! Sometimes it's jut easier to get all the thoughts swirling in my head out on ''paper"!I'm sorry you all are bearing the brunt of them, but thankfully I know that most of you are moms and you know what I'm talking/thinking about! One of these days I would love to have my quiet time, workout, bed made, and shower done before noon! Will that ever happen? (maybe when i get caught up on sleep right?) Anyway!

Baby update! Graysen is doing wonderful! He's only getting me up once during the night (see, I have nothing to complain about!), eats good, and besides a gas bubble here and there, he doesn't cry much at all! He does have his first cold, yucky! Thank goodness for nose suckers!
Yesterday he smiled at me for the first time, (it was a "real" looking right in my eyes, listening to mommy talking smile!), today he is 1 month old! I can't believe how fast the last 4 weeks have gone! He still has all his hair, he's put on almost a pound, he likes his swing, and he doesn't spit up too much. The other kiddos love him to death and are huge helpers!

Toriana has been helping around the house picking things up for me and putting things away ( I wish she would do the same with her room!)

Damon is great at helping Truen and Tori with whatever while Graysen is nursing

Truen helps get wet wipes, binky, and anything else I do or don't need for Graysen! So far no major issues because of a new one taking mommy's time, just your typical small ones. Daddy has been a huge help! Getting drinks for the kids in the mornings so I don't have to get out of bed or have them begging me while I say yet again, "I will when Graysen's done eating", changing diapers, keeping kids quiet while I sleep, putting kids to bed, I even got breakfast in bed our first morning home! What a man!I don't know what I would do without him! God has definitely blessed me with an amazing family! His grace is sufficient, and my patience is growing!

Watiki Family Fun

2009-02-12T09:08:00.000-08:00

This is a little behind the times, but the pictures are cute and we had such a fun time that I still wanted to share! We were able to enjoy an evening a couple of weeks ago with some friends of ours at Watiki Water park in Rapid City! For those of you who have never been, I highly recommend it! The kids (and dads) had a blast going down slides, riding tubes around the "river" and sitting in the hot tub!

Thank you Matt and Alisha for letting us join in on your family fun time!

Here he is......!

2009-01-29T13:37:00.001-08:00

Graysen Slade
January 15, 2009
1:20a.m.
8lbs 15oz 21in

December/January Catch-up!

2009-01-29T08:31:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick glance at some of my favorite pictures over December and January -
The Hartman Family Christmas

Maaca's 4th Birthday!
We had fun at Chucky Cheese and Build a Bear Workshop!

Tod's 32nd Birthday!

LeBar/Hartman Family Christmas

Halloween...A Quick Trip...Crafts...Thanksgiving...New Things...Dress Up Cuties...Christmas Tree!

2008-12-17T15:34:00.000-08:00

I know it's been forever yet again! So to catch up, I'm combining the last three months and going to call it good! We have been very busy with crafts, a little vacation, and the holidays, and are waiting "patiently" for the new boy in our lives to arrive! My goal is to get the rest of Christmas pictures on here before he is here, cuz I know that my time on here is sure to be limited! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Truen is my little helper when it comes to stirring whatever I might be making! The counter is his favorite place to be while I'm in the kitchen! He came well prepared to help me!

Truen is no longer in a crib! His first night in his "big boy" bed!

Truen and Lynnea all dressed up, well at least Lynnea is!

A home school project day. The kids all decoupaged (sp) fabric on mason jars! They had so much fun and came home with cute jars!

A new hobby for Damon! GG (Great Grandma Hartman) taught Damon how to knit!

Toriana decorating her fairy wings for Halloween

Truen the dinosaur and Grandma LeBar

Lynnea the lady bug and G-ma LeBar

Damon the detective and Toriana the fairy/punk rock/butterfly!=)

John and Jackie are some friends of ours that Tod met on the missions trip to Chili he went on two years ago. They are wonderful friends and we were able to spend some time with them at their home in Colorado in just before Thanksgiving. They live on campus at Camp Eden were they are serving right now. It is a beautiful camp as you can see from some of the pictures! We had a wonderful relaxing fun time! Thank you!

Damon getting ready to ride the zip line

Toriana getting all harnessed up for her turn on the zip line

Truen's turn!

The kids and I did a Give Thanks banner out of weeds, coffee beans, sticks, and pine cones!

Thanksgiving day

My Great Uncle Dick and Aunt Gail were able to be here! We had so much fun with them!

A favorite thing to do with Grandma LeBar!

On Thanksgiving we also did a little "target" shooting! If you would like to see pictures, you can check out my mom's blog! (My mama not yo mama)

We did a Christmas craft afternoon at my house and all the "little" kids made snowflakes and the bigger girls made felt owls. They all turned out really cute!

One of my projects over a couple of weeks before Christmas

The kids and I also had fun making little elves to go on our tree.

Decorating the tree

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T07:08:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
I pray that each of you have a wonderful day giving thanks to our Creator for all that He has blessed you with, is blessing you with, and will bless you with!
OH! Don't eat too much!=)