The Stangers'

Easter

2009-04-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

Easter was great! The week of Easter I got some crafts in with Malachy. I love to craft. I was remembering that when I was a child my Mom always decorated a ton for Christmas. She even had these paper cut outs that were illustrations of the Night Before Christmas. She would tape them up in different places. (Usually the shoe hall) but I loved it! I was recalling that and decided I want my kids to have those kind of memories of the holidays. So even if it's a little hokey my house will be the one with little marks on the wall where the scotch tape took the paint off when I put up the holiday decor. We colored eggs and talked a lot about Jesus. Malachy understood a ton I was impressed. He also had a lot of good questions and thoughts. One being that he hoped the Holy Spirit (which I told him is God in us) has a little couch, TV, and lots of food in us.

I went to Easter service Saturday night. At the Easter service we talked about walls in our lives and that Jesus had overcome the greatest wall in our life (the mortality wall) and how that put all the other walls in perspective. Bill said that all our problems (even though some were quite serious) they all had an expiration date. We were invited to write down what our current wall in life was and place it in a basket and we would receive prayer. Mark and I have a lot going on right now regarding our finances and trying to sell the house and all that. I would have thought that situation would be my obvious wall. But in reality what I wanted prayer for more then anything else was to be a better, more patient, and joyful mother and wife who did right by my kids and hubby. Upon later reflection that gave me a lot of satisfaction because it said to me that I have my priorities straight. It was good to once again reflect on the tremendous sacrifice God made to offer us the free gift of grace! What a joy and a blessing it is to follow Christ. Bill reminded is as Kim did in her Bechnuer quote that when we are Christians we do not have to wait till death to start living in the eternal. Praise be to God!

Then Sunday family came over and we celebrated Easter together at my place. It was perfect...except Mark was at work. Mark now has 2 days off! Yay! All in all a really great weekend!

2009-03-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot this morning on what it is I want my boys to see in me. One of the things that I really admire about Mark is his faith. Mark's faith in Christ is a part of him like his arm or his head. it's not really an option or something he has to remember to do it is just there. I think a large part of that is because that is how he was raised. Christ was always present in the big decisions his parents made and just the normal everyday life. That kind of faith is such a blessing. I love that Mark knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is a child of God. While I certainly share in his faith and the blessings and joy it is to follow Christ it is not second nature to me. I have to think about it I have to remind myself that God is in control, that I can trust Him, that He is good....I have to work at it. I know another part of that difference in us is our personalities. I for sure am a more anxious person and full of fear where as Mark tends to be positive and trust it will work out. But if there is anything I can do to help my children have the same kind of confidence and hope in Christ that Mark has I want to do it. I want them to just know that God is a very present help in a time of need that He is a shelter. That worshiping Him and praying is not just paying lip service. Jesus is not a feel good bedtime story we tell our children He is the center, the point, the giver of life. He is mighty and reigns on high and that He knows and loves them...the individual them!

I was talking with my Dad earlier this month about his parents faith. Mommo (Dad's mother), as I knew her, was full of compassion and charity, love and dignity. She left a mark on me. I never knew Poppo, Dad's father. Dad was saying that his father was a fan of Frederick Buechner (who Kim and Dad also enjoy) and that his father revered God and was almost offended by the humanity that God choose to take on in becoming Christ. Offended isn't really the best choice of word but I can not think of the appropriate word. I found it an interesting conversation and it got me thinking because I do believe people have become too comfortable with Jesus and lost respect for the authority of God. We talk so much about Jesus loving us and being our friend and we just want everyone to always feel good that it seems some people get too comfortable with God and forget he is also Lord, that he is mighty and powerful and full of justice. I wonder if that is what Poppo found distasteful. While Christ is our brother we should not assume we are his equal and get too comfortable assuming we are more knowledgeable then God or his word.

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" Philipians 2

I don't know, I don't claim to have it all figured out. But these are my thoughts today and I do know that God is real and I have been saved by grace and I want my children to live in and share that grace too.

2009-02-25T19:33:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have not blogged in so long! Life is still feeling a bit stressful and I didn't want to look like a big complainer! You know...the whole if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all rule. =)

Today was a nice day for me and the boys because my BFF Crystal came over and hung out and brought Madison Jane and Frank Robert to play with Malachy. Malachy was so happy he LOVES the Kunzes. In his heart they are his brothers and sisters too. Which is special and awesome and I'm thankful.

I have not taken many pictures lately because I'm not loving my camera. BUT I do love Crystal's camera and here are some photos she took of my gorgeous boys and posted on facebook.

I have definitely had spring fever lately. Here are the things I'm looking forward to doing this summer.

1. A trip to Iowa...of course. Iowa has become my home away from home and I really miss and look forward to seeing my family there. I also want to go back to the living history farms!

2. For my 30th birthday in August me and Crystal (and anyone who wants to join us) are going to party...like 30 year old Mamas... and go to a scrapbooking B&B in Wisconsin. Oh yeah baby!

3. When I get my little Owen pants weened (hopefully in early summer) Mark and I are going away for a long over due romantic weekend! (which will include sleeping in and will NOT include changing diapers!)

4. If Mom feels better we are hoping to go to Georgia and visit family. We will take Owen pants but leave Mal with his other family, the Kunzes. =)

5. Trips to Mortons Arboretum, Faybian Park, Wild West Town and the Zoo!

Not sure if I can fit all that in but I'm willing to give it a try! Yee Haw!

2009-02-04T13:31:00.000-08:00

I made a post, but then I had to erase it. I'm not sure what to say anyways. I'm tired and I'm doing bad and life is hard today. Maybe I will feel better tomorrow.

Too much SNOW!

2009-01-12T15:59:00.000-08:00

There has been way too much snow lately. Thankfully the last time it snowed my awesome brother (Malachy calls him the guy who says dragons)was in town and shoveled so Mark (or I) wouldn't have too! The guy who says dragons got a little "help" from Malachy too! =)

Nothing much to report. Mark has been great about working with our financial advisor and trying to figure things out. I'm very greatful for him. Were both a little tired and grumpy lately but still really appreciative of all we have. Our boys are very exhausting but we know this is a special time and we are doing our best to value this time because we know it goes by in a blink of an eye. Owen is alredy crawling and trying to say words! And Mal is asking me everyday if it's time to go to Kintergarden yet. So cute, neither of us can wait. Haha!

2008-12-15T10:16:00.000-08:00

Im not a big fan of winter but I do enjoy it up until Christmas though. Mark and I have been making the most of every moment we get together and it has been fun! This weekend Mal and Mark played in the snow a ton and even built a snowman. Mal was super happy! We also went down town Elgin to see the lights it was a bit wet and chilly but felt like an adventure. Owen was pretty suprised by the cold, poor little guy! We also got to watch 2 movies as a family! Prince Caspian and Horton hears a Who! Fun! When I was at Moms house Friady night Mark and Mal watched the Gremlins! Still not sure if that was a good idea but Mark seemed to think so. =) Mal did like it, he loves scary movies. And the boys saw Santa! Tomorrow the boys and I are going to bake cookies at Kims with Mom!

We are working hard on our finances. Mark has been working with a woman the church got us in touch with and she has been a great help as far as getting a plan together. There is something comforting knowing that you have someone to give you advice and hold you accountable. It really helps and we feel blessed that she is willing to take the time to serve us in this way.

We are looking forward to going back to Iowa on the 26th. Iowa has become my second home and I really enjoy being there and seeing the family. I also love how much it makes Mark happy.

I think thats it for now. I have coffee brain so its hard to post! Haha!

Owen Pants

2008-11-23T19:35:00.001-08:00

Owen is nearly 6 months old already! Here are some pics of his latest developments!

Owen is trying very hard to crawl! I think we will be in the next 2 weeks. (but I could be wrong) He gets up on his hands and kness and can scoot forward and backwards.

He has started doing this funny tounge curl thing ALL the time!

The camera was dirty here. =) Sorry! This was his first rice cereal experience. He didn't like it to much but was curious enough to give it a try!

Here Owen is with his Uncle Jason and Uncle Noah. Jason, Noah, and Joey took Mal to see Bolt Saturday. Owen stayed with me but I was sure to get a picture. =)

Here little Owen is sitting! What a big boy. Time flys. =)

Compassion

2008-11-15T18:26:00.000-08:00

Hmmmm....Life is so bazar. I have been thinking a lot about a quote from Joyce Meyers that Kim used to have up on the fridge. It said," you can be pitiful or you can be powerful but you can't be both." I keep trying to be both. The scared girl inside me wants to be pitiful and have Mark, friends, family, God...anyone really... save the day so I can feel rescued, pursued, and loved. But the Mom in me wants to be powerful so I can protect my children, so they feel safe and loved. I want to be a strong example to them and others. And I have a deep desire to help others.

God has been drawing my attention again and again to the little boy I support through Compassion International. We have supported him for 4 years now. His name is Samuel and he has several siblings. He is 9 and is in 3rd grade. His father has died and his mother works as an assistant Mason. He lives in Dire Dawa in Ethiopia. Most adults there earn only $10 a month! Where he lives 50% of people are Muslim and about 40% are dif. variations of Christian. 50% of men can read and only 35% if women. Most families live in houses with dirt floors and tin roofs. Only 11% of the rural population has decent drinking water. 23% of the population lives below $1 a day. 5 years agon 1 and a half million people there were infected with Aids.

Lately when things are hard I can not help but think of Samuels mother. I wonder how challenging life is for her. Mark and I are having a hard time with money for sure but when I see how little she makes and how if I try to be more disiplined the little I have could honestly change her familys life. I think how could I not do that!? How can I not help Samuels mother? If that were me I would want someone to say," I see you. I care about your hardships. I care about your children! I want to help you." I have been writing Samuel and I tell him to let his Mother know I pray for her. And the past 2 months I have been able to send their family additional support outside of my sponsorship. With the additional support (as little as $10 extra) it can make a huge difference. I hope it dosen't sound like I'm saying this to pat myself on the back because I don't mean that. The thing of it is...this is what makes me feel powerful. It gives me some encouragement to be a better Mom to the kids I have. It brings me joy and that makes me stronger.

We were ready!

2008-11-02T18:16:00.001-08:00

The group of us Trick Or Treating! Mark took the pic and Corey was hiding! Grrr!

Madison Jane! My favorite of the Halloween pictures!

Frank helping Malachy

Malachy and Owen looking pretty serious!
Mark and Malachy playing while we get ready to go
All the Kiddos!

We had a great time trick or treating with the Kunzes, some Millers, and a Cooper. I think they had fun too...but I did see Crystal making different plans for next year...hmmmm. Mark's theory is I take too many pictures and annoy everyone! ;) It was the most beautiful day. We got so lucky. Then we went to Dennys for dinner and headed over to see my parents! Perfect. I couldn't have had a better day. AND Mark bought me a Pumpkin Spice Latte and a piece of Pumpkin Pie! Crazy good!

I think we are ready for Halloween Friday!

2008-10-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

Steph wants to be Love

2008-10-22T00:14:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 13:1-8a and 13

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails....And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is Love.

I made bold the ones I'm working on. It's a journey that's for sure! It is a comfort to know that God loves me this way!

Poor little Owen

2008-10-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

Little Owen burnt his hand yesterday! I was at Crystals and I was talking to her while she did the dishes. I had Owen on my hip and was resting his weight on the counter. We were talking about the yummy dinner she was making in her crock pot that I was standing next too. As it occurred to me that crock pots are hot and I should move Owen he flung his hand out and hit the crock pot. Corey saw it and says he touched it briefly but the damage was done. =( He cried, SCREAMED, for a very long time. 3 of his fingers turned bright red and had huge blisters! I took him to the doctor because when I called the nurse she said I had to take him in and get some antibiotics. Then after the 20 min drive, $25 co-pay, and 1 hour wait the doctor says I don't need a prescription. Just try not to let the blisters pop and keep it clean. Of course last night Owen popped the blisters. Luckily it didn't seem to hurt him but now I have the task of keeping it ubber clean so he doesn't get an infection. Wish me luck!

The doctor recommended band-aides. Crystal and I tried that only to have Owen tear them off with his teeth. So we decided that wasn't such a bright idea. So now I'm cleaning it and putting on neosporin 3 times a day with a mitten over it. Here's hoping that does the trick!

Hello, Hello, Lovely, Lovely, Smiles, Smiles...

2008-09-30T08:18:00.000-07:00

My title was inspired by my Mommo...Alice...she still makes me smile! I remember her little hand written notes she would send. They always included smiles and often told me that I had intelligent eyes and that she had told my father that when I was a little baby and it's still true... AND I brought sunshine! I'm happy now just thinking about her! Yay for Mommo who is in heaven with Poppo the love her life. Can't wait to met the man who captured Mommos heart because she was something else...he must have been special.

Anyways...I didn't start to write this post thinking about Mommo but she popped up into my thoughts leaving my morning a little brighter then it was...thanks Mommo!

Soooo....this new blog template is the handywork of Crystal! She also updated the link to Val's blog! Thanks Crystal!

Things are going ok here. Still getting dizzy spells fairly often....daily! Doctor says I have Vertigo. It might be from my allergies enflaming all things including the tubes in my ears making me dizzy. So I'm taking more allergie and sinus medicine. Mom's having a rough patch with her health too! Been praying for her.

Owen gets cuter with evey passing minute! I adore him. He's such a gemini and reminds me of Noah's personality. When he's in a good mood he's the funnest one in the room and you can't get enough of him and when he's in a bad mood...he's in a BAD mood! Both moods come on easily and switch often. =) Love him to pieces!

Malachy is exhausting! He is full of life and energy and curiosity! He has a wicked sense of humor which I blame poppo for in both the nuture and nature catagories! I'm trying to learn how to let him be himself and celebrate his energy while keeping him under control so I don't go nuts....ahhhh...parenting! He starts dance class with Madison thursday and I'm thankful he will have an outlet for all that energy!

Mark's still working hard. The Chapel job is over but he has some other part time work he is picking up already. It's one of those things that is our blessing and our curse. He's fighting off a cold right now, has a bum knee from a bball injury, and had a filling fall out! Poor Mark!

It was Dad's bday this weekend but we didn't celebrate yet. I was in a bad mood too. Poor Daddy! We will celebrate when we get together with Noah and Lauren in a few weeks.

Haha I just noticed that I have ended nearly every sentence with ! That's so me! Well anyhoo...theres my update!

Update and some pictures too!

2008-09-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

Hola! I thought I should update because I haven't in a while. Lets see...
Owen is doing really well and is already over 3 months old! He's so handsome and such a delight. I'm overwhelmed with love for him all the time and it makes me so happy. Of course Malachy continues to be the joy of my life as well and is always amusing me and exhausting me. I feel so blessed to have this time with them and never want it to end.

Mark and I are still struggling financialy. Mark continues to work 7 days a week and it is tring on us. I try and have hope knowing that this is only a season in our lives and will pass. However lately I have had a hard time believing it will pass. I'm trying to remain hopeful. =) Mark continues to be an amazing husband and I'm so thankful for him! We had an amazing time in Iowa and really enjoyed seeing the family there! Mark hopes to go back for his 30th birthday in November. I'm all for it if we can come up with the $270 in gas it takes to get there and back! I also have to start thinking about a birthday party for my little Malachy! I love birthday parties. =)

Moms had a hard month and I feel really sad for her. The worst of course was that Uncle Si died. Somewhat unepectantly and that was hard. Uncle Si was the brother that "found" Mom and I know that was very special for her. Growing up as an orphan it was important to her to have family that wanted her and Si did! He loved Mom alot and carried her picture in his wallet all those years till he found her. I will never forget the joy it brought Mom and how fun it was when they all came from Florida to stay with us for a week. It was one of the happiest times in our family for sure! I remember we stayed up late while Mom and Si played guitar and Si told us ghost stories! Sally made us yummy dinners and they taught us how to really be prepared for storms!

Si's passing came right after Kim had a miscarriage which was pretty devastating for all of us. It was a scary day and very emotional. Poor Kim was heartbroken and we were heartbroken for her and for ourselves because we of course were all looking forward to meeting this little baby. Kim is still grieving but is doing well. She is so brave and I admire her so much.

Mom made the decision to postpone her classes in order to be more available during this time. I know that was a disapointment for her. But it is another testament of her love for all of us and her desire to put family first. I know we are all greatful for her love and care and our looking forward to her getting her classes started next semister!

Dad seems to be doing well but his job seems tedious, long, and unpleasent. I'm hoping it ends soon because I barely see him and when I do he looks exhausted! I know he was pleased Notre Dame won this past week though!

Marks Mom is in Russia again so that is exciting! We only got to see her 1 day when we went to Iowa but it was a fun day! And we are happy that she still has the oppourtunity to serve Jesus and the Russian people because we know it brings her much joy and fullfillment! =)

I guess that is it...

Summer Photos!

2008-08-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

Mark has been keeping busy with work and me with the boys. But we have managed to squeeze in a few summer memories together! We hope to make a few more in Iowa pretty soon here! Until then here are some pictures...

A fun day at Mortons.

Some yummy diners at the parents

And of course Wild West Town

I'm glad

2008-06-21T18:07:00.000-07:00

I was thinking how much I love being a Mom today. I'm feeling really glad that Mark and I had enough faith in ourselves to follow our gut when I decided to quit my job. It was and remains a painful decision, and in a lot of ways I'm still seeking peace over some of the hurt I feel about how things went down. BUT again and again I feel like my life is securely in Gods will and He has me right where He wants me. While I miss being a part of the ministry and I miss the people I worked with, even the ones that ticked me off... I know that the work I'm doing now has an immeasurable value and I would have really missed out on too much if I were still working full time. God has been so faithful to us and has provided. Mark has been able to find side work that he really enjoys doing. And just last week when thigs were looking rough we got 2 checks in the mail, one a rebate from overpaying a bill over a year ago. It just reminded me that God knows what he is doing and all things are in his timing. I'm so blessed!

Baby Owen Pictures!

2008-06-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the last few days...

2008-05-28T16:35:00.000-07:00

Jason and Dee had us all over for Memorial Day. It was also Jason's birthday but he still got stuck doing the grilling. =) He did a great job and we all had a really nice time. Thanks Jason and Dee for throwing such a nice party. And happy b-day again Jason! (These pictures were taken with Mom's new fancy camera that is why they look better then mine normally do!)

Here are some pictures Mark took in the backyard with Malachy today! They are really fun! The one with Mal looking sad is because he got tired of having his picture taken. =) But then he decided he liked it again...

Fun Malachy day!

2008-05-25T19:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday was mine and Mark's fun Malachy day! We went to Lords Park to visit the Buffalo, play at the play park, and climb trees! Then we had Subway for lunch, yummy! Next we headed off too Randall Oaks so Malachy could go feed the goats at the petting zoo. He loved that. Every animal was his best friend and his favorite animal. After that we came home for a quick rest. Then we met the Kunze's at the Pizza Pub for a fun dinner and hit up the DQ for dessert. Finaly Mark and Malachy played out side for alittle while with the Scott and the kiddos before we headed home for bed. It was a very full day! I was so glad that Mark and I could give Malachy some fun attention before the baby arrives! Here are some pictures...

Owen and I tried to join in on the tree climbing fun but we just couldn't get up in the tree! =)

I didn't get many pictures at the petting zoo because my batteries died. This is Malachys favorite goat!

Here is one of Malachy being sweet at home.

Here I am as big as a house. We took this a week ago.

2008-05-23T17:01:00.000-07:00

Things are getting done, which makes me happy!
My house is getting more and more baby ready.
Mark has decided to stay at Willow and move in to his new position there when New Community is finished. I would try to explain his new position but it is kind of confusing to me. It seems to be a little of everything and I'm not sure of his title or anything. But it is good to know where he will be finally.
Also my baby is getting done and will join our family on Thursday!!
Mark is home for the next 2 weeks!!!!!!!! =)
So I'm feeling happy and excited for the future!

2008-05-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

Interesting week...
well maybe not to normal people but it has been interesting to me. =)

Mark and I are getting the Malibo fixed after over 2 years of it sitting around. We are using our tax rebate thing! It should be done on Monday or Tuesday and we will be excited that it will no longer be a piece of junk in the drive way but an actual functioning car with better gas mileage then the jeep.

Also, a friend and co-worker from church came over and fixed our oven! It hasn't worked in around 3 months or so. I'm really excited it got fixed before Owen makes his arrival and we have house guests and what not. And I was touched that our friend was willing to use some of his day off to do this for us!

Mark went to a Cubs game on Thursday which is a big deal for him as you all know. I was really excited for him and glad he got to go.

Mom and I washed my couch upholstery on Monday and I feel like I'm slowly getting the things I wanted done before the baby is here crossed off the list.

Mark and I spent some time in the yard today after he got home from work. He did the most work of course. =) But we got it cleaned up enough that we don't have to be embarrassed if people come over, or if we end up having a showing.

This weekend Mark and I are doing a major basement clean up. I will be making sure all the baby stuff is washed in baby safe gentle detergent and organizing the baby stuff and Malachy clothes. Mark will be doing the hard scrub down of the floors and such. And we will both tackle the 500 toys we have down there and getting the basement ready for when Marks Mom comes to stay with us after the baby is born.

Monday I'm going to hang out with the girl friends. Thursday is my last doctors appointment before the C-Section!!

Mark is still figuring out the work thing for those of you who were wondering. But he is happy and looking forward to however the situation plays out. He feels at peace with it.

Depending on how I'm feeling and how much we get done he may start his 2 weeks on Monday the 26th. If we are able to get enough done over the next 2 weekends then he may decide to wait until the 29th to start his 2 weeks. Of course this is all up in the air because I'm at that point where I can go into labor any minute. Sometimes I wish I would so I can have my little Owen and start to recover. Other times I hope I won't because the house isn't ready. We will see what happens.

Anyhoo that is probably the extent of my update. Hope all is well with you all. =)

The waiting game

2008-04-25T08:10:00.001-07:00

Hi Friends. I keep post poning a blog entry because I'm hoping some sort of plan will come into view and I will actually have something to post. Unfortunately that has not happened at this point. The house is still on the market with not much hope for it selling in the future. So we really have no idea where that will end up. Mark is facing a lot of changes at his job because basiclly his current job at the church will not exist in a month. Mark is thinking and praying about his options right now. We were hoping it would be easy and obvious what he should do but right now like most things in our life it seems to be a struggle to see "the plan". So we are still just rolling with it. Despite the anxitey I feel for not knowing what the future holds, I am thankful for this period in mine and Marks life. I have seen God provide for us again and again. I have seen Mark and I show eachother love and support when we were exhausted and grumpy and could have easily blamed eachother and given up. I have seen Malachy grow as a person and fall in love with being home with Mommy and I know that this time with him before our family expands has been a huge gift to me! So I guess we are still just hanging on waiting to see what the future holds and finding the treasures along the road while we wait.

2008-04-07T18:31:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends! Life is crazy busy most days and other days insanely long and slow. I'm doing my best to keep up with it and enjoy the moments until baby Owen makes his arrival. I'm really loving my friends and family right now and super thankful for them. I'm reading Shauna's book Cold Tangerines and I feel really encouraged and inspired by it. It's really beautiful!

Bad day...week

2008-03-19T15:31:00.000-07:00

Today has been pretty bad. I have been telling the people in my life that I'm closest to for several weeks now that this week was going to be hard for me because I knew I was going to need to rely on them a little more then normal. I didn't think it was going to be this hard.

It's a bit of a tri-fecta. The first and largest thing is that my miscarriage last year was this week. So all the Good Friday/Easter stuff brings back the memories of that time. There was so much going on this year that I feel like I haven't really given myself the time or freedom to really mourn that loss. With my hormones, the current baby kicking in my tummy and the Easter season it is all hitting me pretty hard. I feel guilty that maybe I did something wrong in allowing the doctors to do a D&C that early. Guilty that I got pregnant again so soon. I don't want to pretend like that life didn't matter. And this new little life inside me wouldn't even exsist if that one had survived. It's all very confusing. I'm not even sure whatelse to say because I can't explain how I feel to myself let alone write it down. I just know I'm sad.

The second thing... I haven't really gotten into on my blog and I don't want to say too much about it. But as far as my whole job thing goes. I think it is clear that I was unhappy and I quit. Until now I have just been sad about it. Now I'm in the angry stage and I'm pretty much pissed.

The third part of the tri-fecta this week is Mark is working a ton. I appreciate him doing it and I think he is the best husband in the world to give up his time to support his family. He has a temporary part time job at another church. Overall it is a huge blessing in our life and Mark is enjoying the challange. It just sucks right now. He is going to work early and coming home late today through Sunday. He probably won't even come home Saturday night and he does not know when he will be home on Easter but it will be well into the afernoon. And while I understand the need for him to work and appreciate his desire to do so I'm still sad. I need him this week and I don't want to do Easter without him.

I'm feeling alone and doing my best to be attentive to Malachy and not wallow in self pity. I suppose that is what this blog is good for. I can put my saddness here and hopefully not show it or pass it on to little Malachy. Who is not sad but who is loving life as he should be!

Mom and Dad did bring me Wendy's tonight and that helped! Food and good company is always is the best way to cheer me up. =) Now I just have to get through the rest of the week until I get more time with my husband.

Kim's Wedding

2008-03-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

This photo is Mark and I after the rehearsal dinner on Friday night. Then we all went to the "boat" it was a fun night but we were pretty sleepy afterwards!
Here is Kim and Ross after the ceremony. Quiet possibly the most handsome couple ever! They both look so great!
This was the "first dance" it was a little dark because the lights were dimmed to set the mood. =)
Dad and Kim dancing.
Me and Kimmy! Please excuse my massive face, I am 7 months pregnant!
Here is the beautiful Kim and Crystal.
Kim and I with Daddy!
Kim and Ross kissing, they do a lot of this. =)

The ladies (minus a few)
The sisters (Steph, Kim, and Valerie) with Mama
Kim and I again.
Me and my handsome Man!
Kim looking beautiful before the bouquet toss.

It is very sad that I have no pictures of my little Malachy who was more then adorable! I didn't take many pictures because I was busy and I knew the photographer was doing a great job! However the few times I did try to get photos of Malachy he didn't want to cooperate. I'm sure someone got some great ones and I'm looking forward to seeing them! Malachy did a great job as the ring bearer by the way. And he did a good job chasing all the "ghost" and "monsters" while dancing at the reception. He has a great imagination and more energy then anyone else I know. =)

I hope you enjoy the pictures and I look forward to seeing other peoples as they get them posted! =)

3rd post of the day. =)

2008-02-20T16:26:00.000-08:00

Crystal sent me this picture and I had to post it. They are so cute. I took some pictures for Gretchen and I hope when those get developed there will be more of the cuties!

Here are some random pictures of my growing belly.

Kim's friends Bridal Shower

2008-02-20T15:40:00.001-08:00

We had a little friends shower for Kim at my house a few weeks ago. It was really nice. Crystal, Mom, and Sandy all helped me make it extra special for little Kimbo. Thanks everyone for your help. I know Kim loved it.

Malachy and Madison helped Crystal and I taste test the green clover cookies! =)

Crystal's 30th dinner at my house

2008-02-20T15:33:00.001-08:00

Crystal and the other BFF Jami. =)

Crystal and her hubby, Scott.

Kimbo and Ross

The Vanderkooi and Kunze kids with little Malachy too!

Steph and Sara. Crystal and I are so excited that we have gotten to spend more time with Sara this year! =)

My favorite friend Crystal turned 30 this year. We had a little dinner get together with some of our close friends to celebrate. I wish I could have done more. I hope Crystal knows how amazing she is and how loved she is not just by me but by so many people. Crystal you are an amazing Mother, Wife, Sister, and Friend and everyone who knows you is blessed by your relationship.

Pictures from this winter...

2008-01-29T19:14:00.001-08:00

Why I'm so excited to have another kid...

2008-01-23T18:45:00.003-08:00

Mark and I sure make cute ones!

2008-01-11T14:18:00.001-08:00

Sorry I have still not posted. I find that I still have nothing nice to say and might get myself in trouble if I start typing for too long. But here is a short post just so Idon't forget how to blog.

Recent Goals:
Be the best Mom and Wife I can be
Get Kim's bridal shower planned
Pack up stuff I don't use before my tummy is too big
Potty train Malachy
Get my house sold

Things I want:
A weekend away with Mark
A stroller that has a place for Malachy to stand on back
A new camera
A laptop
to find out if the baby is a girl or boy

Things I need:
Sleep =)
Yummy food

For Poppo...

2007-12-08T18:41:00.000-08:00

Here is Malachy drawing on the wite board with the new software in the New Community Room. (Daddy's meeting room)
Here is Malachy trick or treating.
All of us on Halloween
Malachy with santa. Mal wouldn't smile. He was so doing it on purpose but he was happy to see Santa!
Mal in line to see Santa!

2007-11-13T07:18:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends, Sorry no posts in such a long time, Honestly I have been exhausted and mildly depressed so when I'm home I'm sleeping or chilling with Malachy and not on the computer. I'm thinking I will feel better soon and I look forward to getting back to it then. =)

Malachy and Madisons b-day

2007-10-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends, I definitely wanted to get more pictures then this up but I have been really exhaustively busy. So I'm sorry, here are a few. Also, Malachy was being kind of difficult and I was without my camera all night so I really didn't get any of Malachy in his costume that I really like. =( Oh well, you can kind of see in these that he was a knight. He ditched his helmet, shoulder armor, and sword 2 minutes into the party, but he was cute. The patry was the biggest thing that ever happened at my house basically. Thankfully, God blessed us with amazing weather because we would not have fit in the house. Also it was such a team effort! My Mom was the BIGGEST helper! She made so much yummy food and then prepared it and kept working the kitchen during the party. She was amazing and made it possible for Crystal and I to actually be with our kids, family, and friends at the party! Thanks so much Mom. I know how much work you did and I really appreciated it! Also Sandy made not 1 but 3 amazing cakes!! Homemade from scratch! They were soooo good! Everyone was super impressed and the were absolutely yummy. Crystal of course helped a ton too. She brought some great food and helped with a ton of cleaning. Sara, Kim, and Crystal parents also contributed. So we were really blessed. Thanks everyone it was a great night for Malachy and Madison. =)

Malachy is so cute!

2007-10-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

PICTURES!!!

2007-10-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

Kim still has my camera but I got some pictures developed from my "real" camera from my birthdat, August 20th. It was a fun day, I felt loved. Jason and Joey made it to the party too but some how I didn't manage to get a picture of them or Frankie!=(

Steph, Noah, and Kimbo
Malachy and Madison are excited to see the cake and help me blow out the candles!

Mmmmm...Madison and Malachy dig in!

Dee, Crystal ,and Mama!
Mom enjoying Mark's cooking!
Emily and Scott
The Birthday girl. =)

Emily and Ross kicking some butt in the bags game.

Busy!

2007-09-26T16:48:00.000-07:00

So I have been crazy busy and super tired! And it's only going to get crazier! This week is a conference week at Willow and I'm stage managing, then I have my promiseland weekend to do. I will have Monday off! =) Tuesday and Wednesday I have to get a ton of Promiseland Work done and I have some other things to take care of and then Mark, Malachy, and I are going to Wisconsin Thursday and Frirday. I can't wait for that it will be nice to have "family" time! I have to get back early Saturday to work the Promiseland weekend.

Mark leaves for Russia that Sunday for an entire week! (a week from this Sunday) Yikes, it will be a challange not having his help for a whole week! I haven't really figured out how I'm going to do that yet. I'm sure it will involve my support group...Mom, Dad, Crystal, Kim, Sandy, and Sara! I'm crazy lucky to have such great and patient friends!

Then the following weekend I'm going to do a Womens retreat with church, so I will be gone for 2 nights. I will miss my Promiseland Weekend. =( But I'm sure it will be ok. I'm looking forward to some time to stop and focus on God. I know I need it.

The next weekend, October 21st, is Malachys birthday!! We still haven't come up with a party plan but we will. =)

Then we are going to Iowa for Halloween!!! Wow! Malachy loves his cousins as much as I lovev using !! at the end of every sentence.

We also need to get a new furnace before the real cold hits, so I'm not sure what to think about that! Hopefully I still have a few weeks because I don't see it happening before Mark gets back from Russia. I may be moving in with Crystal for a week. =)

Anyhow, I have no pictures because Kim still has my camera!

Alright I better go do the laundry and dishes and try and get me and Malachy in bed. I'm getting picked up for work at 4:45am tomorrow! Yikes!

I bought stuff!

2007-09-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

OK so Gymboree had another amazing sale so I finally got the husband to let me buy stuff! I got the Fair Isle sweater I loved and some other stuff! Crystal went with me and after I checked out I was so happy I found myself chucking and smiling! I love Malachy clothes, happy day! =)

Another Town. By: Steve Earle

2007-09-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

This song came on my shuffle today
and I was like oh man that's exactly how I feel today!

One of these days when my minds made up

And I’m sick and tired of hangin’ around

I’ll be on my way in a cloud of dust

On the road to another town

Once upon a time I loved this house

Now I’m thinkin’ ’bout burnin’ it down

And I’ll be long gone when the fire burns out

On the way to another town

To see another city in another light

With my past behind me and my future bright

One of these days when I’ve had enough

Buddy, you ain’t gonna see me around

Just as soon as I get my courage up

Gonna take it to another town

I used to walk these streets with my head held high

Now I’m always lookin’ down at the ground

But I see my feet on the outbound side

Of a road to another town

And I’m gonna tell everybody I know

Yeah I’m gonna spread it around

That there’s a great big world out there where I go

On the road to another town

To see another city in another light

With my past behind me and my future bright

One of these days when my mind’s made up

And I’m sick and tired of hangin’ around

I’ll be down that road in a cloud of dust

On the way to another town

Just for fun!

2007-09-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for something amazing to get Malachy for his b-day look no further! Gymboree has a sale going on where seweaters that are normally $34 are now $2o for a limited time. The Moose on the loose line and tools like are adorable! Malachy is a 3T in tops. I don't get him pants there because they are cheaper else where... Check it out.

Here are some links for you...
You may have to cut and paste
http://www.gymboree.com/shop/dept_category.jsp
http://www.gymboree.com/shop/dept_category.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306232398&bmUID=1189561847043

I can't believe he is almost 3! Yesterday at Target he was telling me all the thing he wants for his birthday. Hes so funny the list include paper plates and garbage bags!

random update

2007-09-06T21:45:00.001-07:00

So life is going pretty well. A little overwhelming at work because there is just so much to do and not enough time. But for the most part I'm still loving my job and the people I work with so I feel really lucky. The blanket I have wanted at Target for almost 2 years finally went on clearance! So I got it for 50% off and I'm really excited about that. I seriously have checked every week for nearly 2 years so it feels like a huge relief to have it and not to have to check if it is on clearance yet every time I'm in Target! =) Crystal is taking me scrap booking for my b-day tomorrow! =) Then after work Saturday the Kunzes are coming over as well as KC's family. Then after work Sunday we have a family picnic with our department at work. So I'm crazy busy and tired!! But it's all fun stuff. Here are some old pictures because I love to post pictures!

random Vacation pictures

2007-08-23T15:17:00.001-07:00

We had a great time on vacation and I'm really sad it's over. It definitely showed me that we need more family time and more down time where we are not hurrying to the next thing! It was nice to be together. We stayed at a Holiday Inn in Iowa by the Amana Colonies. They had a little water park, playground, and mini gold. It was perfect. Marks Mom and Sister joined us with Malachy's cousins the first night and Malachy loved it! On the way home we stopped at the Iowa Children's museum and it was really great for Mal! Here are some pictures....

Now we are battling the puddles in the basement and preparing to go to work tomorrow. We wish we were out on a date because today is our 4th Anniversary!

Vacation day 2 part 2

2007-08-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, here we are at the Wild West town. I can not believe we have never been there before! How amazing it is! It was perfect for Malachy, and Mark and I loved it too! I know there are a ton of pictures but they are all great, how could I choose!? Today was so great, I'm loving vacation. And my family came over tonight to celebrate my birthday before we leave for vacation (Kunze's too...they are totally family to us too!) What a perfect day!

Vacation Day 2

2007-08-17T20:59:00.001-07:00

We took Malachy to the day out with Thomas. He LOVED it! He has some cranky moments for sure but overall it was a ton of fun and I'm supirised I have never been to the train Musem before. I would recommend it to anyone it was fun and interseting.

Woo Hoo Vacation has begun...

2007-08-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

Here is how we spent the day....

Haha =) Our dryer broke a few weeks ago and we had a lot of catching up to do! Thanks Crystal for watching Malachy while we got it done! =) At least now that's out of the way. Let the good times begin!

I still exsist

2007-08-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted in so long. I don't really have a ton to say I suppose. Life has been so busy it is overwhelming and exhausting. Most of that comes from work. I feel in over my head at work. Nothing in particular just a bunch of things. I'm REALLY looking forward to vacation. I just hope we have one! Our original plan kind of fell through so we are now searching for a plan B! Mark is also super busy with work and it feels like a big amount of our at home time is taken up by work e-mails and projects or just plain anxiety over work so that sucks. Malachy really deserves better from us not to mention we deserve better from each other! Sometimes I don't even want to talk to Mark because it feels like work. We are going to have to set better boundaries because this isn't healthy.

Anyways. We did get our deck cleaned that was exciting! We also got the air vents sanitized! Hopefully we can get the carpets cleaned soon! Unfortunately our dryer broke so we are going to have to get a new one and they are freaking expensive! Tomorrow is our only day off together and we need to get to the laundry mat, get the lawn mowed, make a video for Promiseland that will be at least 8 hours, and spend some quality time with Malachy and each other! Luckily Crystal is babysitting so we can go on a date! So that will help! =)

I can't remember the last time I spent at least 30 mins with Kim! It must have been when we helped her move? She is super busy. I hope she can find some time to hang with me soon it would be nice to catch up. =) Mark, Malachy, and I spent last Monday at Uncle Noah and Aunt Laurens and that was super nice! I'm so glad we went. Noah gave Malachy a Dinosaur named REX and Malachy hasn't put him down since he got it! =)

I started a facebook because the Husband really wanted me too! Other then that I don't have any news! I hope we find something fun and relaxing to do for vacation and that Mark, Malachy, and I can relax and connect! So please pray for that as I keep searching! =)

Inquiring minds want to know....

2007-07-19T18:19:00.001-07:00

Here is Kim's apartment. This is right aftershe moved in. So some of the wall art has changed but you get the idea.
I also posted Iowa pics below.

Iowa Pictures

2007-07-19T18:06:00.001-07:00

Malachy at the 4th of July Parade

Malachy and Elena, Todd and Kelli's, Girl at the Parade! They are expecting their second in the fall! =)

Mark, Todd, Elena and Malachy! Malachy is not a fan of pictures as you may see.

Ben and his Garden, it's impressive!

Mark with his niece, Chloe! She is so beautiful!

I'm sure Malachy is trying to tell his cousin Isaac what to do. I don't think it worked.

At the fireworks.

Mark and Grandpa

At Grandma and Grandpas

Sorry I have not posted in so long! We have been BUSY! Here are some pictures from Iowa! They are not in order because I'm too lazy!

The Week in Pictures

2007-06-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week (or last week?!) I went to the pool with Crystal! Malachy mostly loved it and he and Madison were so stinking cute together!

Here is Malachy blowing me aways with his awesome toddler swimming skills! I'm so proud of his bravery and adventurous spirit he is such a boy!

All the excitent got the little guy pretty worn out!

Mark and I went to the pool later that week and Malachy was all snuggles, it was pretty cold out that day! Brrrr...

We spent the weekend at church and Malachy played with 2 of his favorite friends Kai and Noe!

Today we got to go to lunch with Crystal, Nicci, Sara and all the kids! It was a special treat because Nicci lives in CA and Sara just had baby Lee 2 weeks ago!

Crystal, Nicci, Sara and Me! I got a hair cut on Friday by the way!

This evenning we took Malachy to the park to fed the ducks...more like gesse!

We climed some trees too! And Malachy got licked by a deer when he stuck his hand through the fence! I tell ya the kid has no fear! Unless you are a lawn mower or vacume! =)

Happy Fathers day Poppo

2007-06-19T07:24:00.001-07:00

Mortons Arboretum

2007-06-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

Mal and Poppo investigating
Cool Cicada Picture...they were everywhere!
My Red Cheeked little cutie! He's saying Cheese!
Mama helping Mal navigate the tree forts!
Mommo and Poppo!
Mommo navigating the tree forts!

The Art's Conference

2007-06-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

Oh my! It was all I hoped it would be and more! SO stinking good. Here are some photos I got from the Art's Confernce blog that will be up a few more days. You should really check it out.

This is a photo of the beautiful set! We are so lucky to have people on staff like Don and Glen who create these gorgeous sets!

Here is a photo of Aarron singing. Honestly I missed most of this session but I loved having people like, Aarron, Shauna, and Jon around the building. It reminded me of the journey I have been on and the people I have got to share it with. It's sad the way we all move on to other things at some point but it is cool to see how huge God is!
There were some hope canvas' arond the building that people could contribute too. They are being donated to other ministries all around the world to help bring them hope. How cool is that!?
Jay and Helena shared their storey and although I know it, it was so powerful to hear. I cried all morning! I have more thoughts to share on that at a later day...when I have more time.
Scribble was the coolest thing I have seen in a while! Wow! Their team was ridiculously talented and equally great to work with! Check out the video of sesison 5 at the blog to see their awesomeness!

2007-06-15T05:42:00.000-07:00

This is a video that I think Granger did. They showed it at the Film Festival at the conf. last night and it was one of my favorites...amazing!

The Arts Conference is this week!

2007-06-11T15:13:00.000-07:00

This is by far my favorite conference. I'm really excited about it. I don't love all the early call times and trying to figure out where to put Malachy and make sure he gets the time he needs from Mark and I, but I do love the energy and the excellence and the commodity that comes with this conference. Mark is stage managing so he has to get to church at 5:30 in the morning Wednesday and Friday! Blah! I'm helping him on stage but little Malachy can't go to Promistowne till 8am so I will join Mark then. Thursday is breakout day so Crystal is taking Malachy for the big chunk of the day and then Kim in the evening.

So today we spent some time getting the house clean, the laundry done, and hopefully grocceries done so that we won't have to worry about those things later in the week. Mark is working all day tomorrow and will work a ton through the week then on Sunday he is heading out with his BFF, Todd, to go to Cedar Point with some kids from Todd's youth group. He is pretty excited. Mark and Todd haven't hung out together in years. The last time they probably spent more then 2 hours together was our weddings! So I know Mark will really enjoy it and I'm glad for him.

Mom and Dad have said they will take Malachy and I out next Monday so we don't get too lonely! =) And I think Joey might have a b-day dinner on Sunday night. So Malahcy and I will keep busy.

In early July we hope to go to Iowa. Mark dosen't have New Com July 4th and Arnez can work a weekend for me so it seemed like the perfect oppourtunity to go. Beyond that we are not sure what the summer holds. We hope to get some car work done, keep going with the yard work, get the deck cleaned, stained, and sealed, and hopefully do a small get away or two.

Sorry I don't have any pictures, I hope to soon! =)

2007-05-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the last week. Kim and Crystal seem to be super busy right now. So Mom and Dad have been keeping Mal and I company. Thanks Mom and Dad! If you know me, you know I'm not a fan of being alone! So we have gone on some great Walks, ran erronds, or hung out in the back yard with Mommo and Poppo.

This weekend Mark, Mal and I went to our pal Ian's 2nd birthday party! Then Mommo and Poppo came over and took us to a new park! Mark and I also spent a ton of time cleaning! OOOHHH...AND Mom and Dad came over Friday night after Malachy went to bed so that Mark and I could go on a date! That was Great!

Kid for sale...

2007-05-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

Mark goes to get his stent out on Thursday. Which is good news because it has become increasingly painful for him. He is actually in more pain npw and able to do much less then the first week after they put it in!? So we are looking forward to having it out and getting on with things.

The procedure is only like 20 minutes or so but it still ends up being a long day because he still has to go under general anesthisa and all that. That makes pre-op take a while and then in recovery they want to see you eat and go potty and all that good stuff. So I'm guessing it will be like a 6-8 hour day.

Mark would like me to go with him so I can hear what the doctor says. The doctors always come and talk to you when you are way to drugged up to remember any of it. Mark would also perfer me there because even though it is unlikely there is always a chance something can go wrong when they put you under. I would like to go with him because it seems wrong for him to have to be there alone! Also I want to hear what the Doctor says too!

However, I really have no one to watch Malachy at this point. With Kim working I have had to rely on Crystal a lot more and I don't feel like I can ask her again. Mom and Dad haven't been feeling up to spending that kind of time with Malachy either. So I'm not really sure what to do.
If anyone knows of some reliable babysitters that I can look into for this Thursday please let me know.

Thanks!

HaHa!

2007-05-09T16:18:00.000-07:00

Crystal and I were chatting it up in the kitchen last Wednesday and we heard some commotion from the living room, upon further investigation this is what we found! Are they not to stinking cute! =)

Inquiring minds want to know...

2007-05-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

Well anyhoo...to make a long story short Mark's doctor did not find the kidney stone. Boo! It is possible Mark had already passed it and it is possible it is hiding. The doctor will do x-rays in a few weeks to try and determine what happened.

To make a long story short the Doctor said no to the D.R. He really did everything he could to help make it a possibility but Mark is just in too much pain. The pain is really only when Mark urinates but the Doctor was like how are you going to avoid that!!? Especially in the D.R. where it is hot and humid, the doctor dosen't want Mark to get dehydrated trying to avoid urinating. So Mark is obviously disapointed but he is dealing with it, poor little guy.

The pain mostly comes from the stent which will need to be removed in a week or 2. The stent runs from the bladder to the kidney and is put in to avoid narrowing of the ureter. This will help stones pass and prevent scar tissue from closing the passage. However it hurts like a mother. It causes urine to back into the kidney and that hurts!

Poor Mark. I'm sure he will have more opportunitys for mission trips in the future but he is obviously disapointed. Thanks for your prayers!

Stress

2007-05-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

WoW ! I'm sterssed! Kinda freaking out stressed. And in all the stress Mark and I totally forgot he had a side job this morning which sucks! Because we REALLY needed the money and it makes him look really bad to the company that hired him and we feel horrible it sucks all around, poor Mark!

Mark has kidney stone attacks for several months now and the Doctor implied it would be better to remove them before he leaves for the Dominican Republic on Thursday. The soonest he could get in for surgery was Tuesday so he will have the procedure done on Tuesday and we will hope to God there are no complications and he will feel well enough to fly to the Dominican for a week long serving trip on Thursday.

The procedure is called Ureteroscopic Stone Removal and is performed by inserting a catheter and retrieving the stone using a basket type deal. Which will obviously cause discomfort but the part that has me more concerned is that they leave a stent in to make sure the scar tissue dosen't close of any pathways. The stent is really confusing, someone told us that they have it tethered to a string and they remove it a week later. I also read somewhere they leave it in for several weeks. Appparently it is super uncomfortable. We also read that many people require 3-5 days of rest after the procedure and Mark will be in the Dominican within 3 days. I'm so worried about him but I'm also trying to be supportive because he wants to go. I'm just really scared for him.

After all of this I have to figure out how Malachy and I are going to do 5 days without him now that Kim is working. Crystal will be out of town most of the time Mark is gone as well. I don't know how I'm getting to work or will watch Malachy on the weekend or anything. But I will start dealing with that after tomorrow.

Please pray for Mark!

Yikes!

2007-05-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

It took me 10 minutes just to get logged in! Ever since I switched to the new beta blogger it always give me problems...Grrrr!

Anyhoo...I thought I should do my weekly update before bed! =)

This was a good weekend. I feel like we did something important on Friday but I can't remember what it was. Probably going to the rec center. We have gone 5 times now I think and it feels like a big step. It is a lot of work just getting packed up and getting there with Malachy let alone the work out. I hope all the work pays off. It feels good to be doing something proactive about our health!

Saturday we went to a wedding! It was in Indianapolis and we car pooled with our friend Bill from work. The wedding was for Matt and Jamie. It was a fun day despite the lack of fazolis. We can blame Mark for that. It was nice to get to hang out with some of our work friends out side of the building! (and of course the best part was getting to celebrate Matt and Jamie's wedding! Yay for them!)

Malachy spent most of the day with Crystal, whom he adores! Then Saturday night Crystal and Corey bought me some clothes for Malachy! Super cute clothes! I know they are both tight on money and I'm sure had better things they could have spent their money on but they did it just to bless Malachy and I! For no reason at all other then to make us feel loved and bless us! And we do feel very loved it was so nice of them! And Malachy is in style! I will have to get pictures up soon!

Sunday I went to work and then we came home and worked on the yard a bunch...we did a good deal of that on Monday as well. =)

Today we went to the the rec center in the morning. Then Malachy and I went for a super long walk and adventure with Mommo and Poppo! We walked down by the rive boat casino down town. It was beautiful down there! Elgin is looking swanky lately. We got some lunch and Ice Cream on the way! Yummy! Malachy got to see the boat, the trains, ducks, construction workers and many other exciting things along the way. Then I came home and did the house work while Malachy napped. Malachy got up and we played outside with the neighbor kids some. When we came in Malachy and had I some dinner (Mark works tuesday evenings)I Got Malachy bathed and in bed and felt like super Mom!

It would be odd not to mention that we have had some challanges going on in the family this week as well. I have been keeping everything and everyone in my prayers and I have seen a lot of strength in everyone despite some challanges!

Lauren got a great job earlier this month which she starts soon, and her and Noah just got back from helping a friend move. Mom and Dad have been doing a lot of walking and are feeling good about that. =) Kim started her job this Monday! And I have not heard anything bad from my Doctor so I'm assuming I'm ready to start trying for baby 2 again very soon! =) Oh and really good news about Marks Mom! Her surgery last week on her foot went well and it apppears they got all her cancer out and she will not have to have more surgery! She is still struggling with walking from the surgey but time will help heal that! =)

I think that is all our updates! Much love to you all and check out Mama's blog for fun videos of Malachy and Guinness! =)

Pictures from the last week or so...

2007-04-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

This is our family at Easter! It was great having Noah home and nice to see him and Lauren! Also we got to have Donna, Mark's Mom, with us. Malachy really loved having her and her dog, Shasta, stay here. And so did Mark and I of course! AND Ross joined us for Eater too! So it felt like the whole family was together! What a treat!
This has probably been the busiest week we have had in a long time! Busy in a fun way! Last weekend we went to the Zoo! It was beautiful out and Malachy loved it! The older he gets the more he enjoys these things and it is such a treat for Mark and I to get to see him react to it all. He loved the tiger, lions, and monkeys the best. Later this summer we will have to go back to Brookfield so he can see the Elephants and bears. =)

Thursday, one of our favorite friends Brett came over! Brett has been such a good friend to us. He helped us make our wedding invitations, has helped us move more then once I believe, and helped us do home improvements through the years. It was really good to be able to get together with him and share some frozen Staufers dinners!

Then on Friday night Mark bought a new Lawn Mower to mow the lawn. While Malachy and I got to hang out with Crystal and Madison! Malachy and Madison are so cute together. They have real conversations with each other and are adorable.

Sunday Kim, Crystal, Emily and I got to go to Sara's shower. That was great. It was so strange seeing her pregnant! Sara has been one of my best friends since High School and she just recently moved back here from Vegas. I have not gotten to hang out with her as much as I wanted but I'm hoping that will change soon! It was so good to see her!

Then Sunday we had a BBQ at our house. Our friends the Flieth's came over and gave Malachy their old swing set and brought all the food we could eat! They are so good to us and bless us so much! Sandy, Alan, and Kalvyn came too to help set up the swing set and hang out. Then we flew a kite. The guys were the most into it. I think it turned in to a man vs. nature thing or something!? Later we got in a game of Yahtzee!

Finaly...Monday Mark and I joined the Rec center! It is something we have wanted to do forever and so we just finally did it! The plan is to work out for an hour 3 times a week! I hope we do it. Then Crystal and the kids came over to play with Malachy!

Phew! It has been a busy couple of days but I feel great and I'm glad to be spending time with the people I really care about!

Update

2007-04-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

So...I'm taking a break from work to sit by the windows and see some "real" light and it feels like a sigh of relief! Having this whole week almost over feels like a bigger sigh of relief. I didn't want to come to work but I didn't want to use up my days either so I came. Wednesday was the hardest. I didn't want to talk about the miscarriage but at the same time if people didn't ask about it I resented that more and felt like they didn't care. So it was a lose lose situation. I'm glad to have it over with! I also got a ton done. The normal every week stuff for my program was quick and easy and I was able to get e-mails cleaned up, archiving cleaned up, and work on organizing my computer. So that feels great! I love these laid back weeks! I hope this summer will be full of them! =)

I went to the doctor yesterday and she said that they didn't send my "tissue" to pathology because they consider one miscarriage normal. She said that there was a baby but the baby had already died a while ago. She said that she was glad we did the D&C because there was an abnormal amount of blood and it was only a matter of time until I started bleeding. And she said it was so much blood it really would have freaked me out so it was better this way. Now I have to wait 2 months and then we can try again. The waiting is so hard! I still get depressed but I think I'm doing pretty well. It's hard to explain to people but I think anyone who has been pregnant understands (and Kimmy too because she is just really sensitive and compassionate) when you have a baby inside you everything feels different. You feel so special and so in love with the life inside you it's an amazing feeling. It's hard to lose that and to know that that little life didn't make it. But life goes on and I know God is in control and that God is good so I have to trust that.

I hope this 2 months goes by super fast! I had a blood test yesterday and I have another one next week just to make sure my pregnancy hormones go back down to zero. I hope that happens fast because I don't think I will get my period until they do and the sooner I get my period the sooner I can try again! Not to mention I hate blood test. I have had 6 blood tests and 4 pelvics in the last month. I'm so done with all that! Until I get pregnant again that is.

Anyways, I'm going out or staying in with Kim, Mom, and Crystal tonight! (and maybe Corey too! ) So I'm looking forward to that. It is suppose to be nicer on Monday and Tuesday so I hope we can do something fun with Malachy too! Will see...Well anyways that's all for now. Thanks for all your love and support.

Sooo, here's the deal....

2007-04-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I have some bad news. I know most of you who read my blog being Mom, Dad, Kim, and Crystal know but I still needed to tell Val, Sara, KC, and Jami so I will just post it on my blog rather then call you all and tell you... which would probably be the better thing to do...but I'm lazy and sometimes writing is therapeutic.

As you all know Mark and I are trying to get pregnant. Last month I went and got an all clear from the OB saying I was healthy and ready to start trying. She did a pelvic, a pap, some blood work, updated my shots, and even gave me an internal ultrasound with a sonohysterogram to make sure I was healthy and ready to conceive. Which I was.

So Mark and I got to work... on March 8 I conceived. I took 2 pregnancy tests about 2 weeks later that both came back positive. I made an appt. with my OB and she did another pelvic and a urine test and confirmed that I was pregnant. However, the next day I got a call that I had to go back for more blood work because my HCG level (which is the hormone you produce when you are pregnant) was extremely low. It was at like 121 when it was suppose to be in the thousands at this point in the pregnancy. I think I was around 4 weeks when this all started. (For those of you who are unfamiliar with pregnancy timelines...your pregnancy starts from the first day of your last menstrual cycle not your date of conception.) So for the next week and a half I went back to the Doctors office every 2 or 3 days for another blood test. I had 5 total. The worst part about this was I apparently have the smallest veins in the world and it would take 2 nurses and 3 stabs with digging every time before they successfully would draw blood...and I'm not exaggerating! However, my HCG level was continuing to rise and all was looking well so I was happy.

The Doctor then scheduled an ultrasound for Thursday April 5th. At that point I was one day shy of 6 weeks and my HCG level was 2900 so there should be no problem seeing the baby. I was excited that I was finally going to see the baby and know for sure all was well so I could stop worrying! That wasn't what happened.

The ultrasound tech could night find a baby or a egg/yolk sac. She told me that this can be normal at 6 weeks and said she was going to recommend I come back no sooner then 2 weeks for another ultrasound. I was really disappointed and shaken up. As I was checking out I was telling Kim how scared I was and disappointed that I hadn't been able to talk to a Doctor about any of this. One of the nurses overheard me and said that's a good idea why don't we have one of the Doctors talk to you. (my Doctor was on vacation)

So they put me in a room and here is what the Doctor came in and said. "You are having an abnormal pregnancy. There is no reason at this point we shouldn't be able to see a baby in your Uterus. With your rising HCG levels this causes concern because you could have an ectopic pregnancy. If this is the case you could rupture and bleed to death at any minute and my first responsibility is to you and your son. So we are going to do an emergency procedure right away." I was shocked because 5 minutes earlier I was just going home and coming back in 2 weeks for a follow up ultrasound. Aggghhhh! The doctors plan was to do a D&C and if she got enough tissue back she would be confident it wasn't ectopic it was a normal miscarriage. If she didn't get back enough tissue she was going to do a laporscopic surgery, find the egg, and remove it that way. The anesthesiologists refused to do the surgery before my breakfast was digested. So I went back at 3:30 and the procedure was done at 5pm. They put me under with a breathing tube and catheter in case they needed to go in and do further surgery.

My bigggest concern was that she would do a D&C while I was still having a pregnancy that could survive and for some reason was just missed on the ultrasound. She assured me she would not do that and I decided she is the Dr. my only choice is to trust her so I did. The Dr. did get back enough tissue from the D&C and so I didn't have to have further surgery. When she talked to me afterwards I was too drugged up to remember but she told Kim and Mark that it appeared there was a placenta and egg sac but no actual baby. She said we would know more after the tissue went to the lab. I have to make a follow up appt. with her this week and if my HCG levels don't go down they will give me a medicine that helps my body absorb any remaining tissue. Crystal found this article about blighted ovums that seems consistent with what the Dr. was saying. I think that must be what happened but I will know more after my appt. this week.

After the procedure and all day Thursday, I was definitely in shock from the whole thing. Obviously, we are really disappointed. We were so excited to be having another baby and Malachy was really excited too. Being in the Hospital was really hard because I had to sign papers and have stuff explained to me that was really hard to hear. Also they played the baby song (when the babys go up to the nursery) 2 times and then I couldn't stop crying. And being in the O.R. reminded me of my C-section so it just really sucked.

Since I have been home there have been a lot of distractions I had to help get the kitchen finished and the house ready for Mark's moms visit. (Kim and Mark did all the really hard stuff) Mark's Mom was here Friday through today. Noah, Lauren, Jason, Dee, Joey, Ross, Mom, and Dad were here today for Easter as well. So I have been busy. I was in a lot of pain Friday and Saturday (more back and neck pain then tummy pain which is strange) but I'm feeling better today. The sadness comes in waves. Sometimes I forget I'm not still pregnant and then that sucks.

I think I am in the anger stage of mourning because I have found myself mad at almost everyone the past few days. I feel angry that at work the people who knew I was pregnant didn't tell me to slow down when I was doing too much, or I feel like they gave me the impression they were annoyed by my pregnancy or it was inconvenient to them, I feel angry that people have not been more sensitive or caring towards me the past few days, I feel angry that the doctors office was just going to send me home, I can get mad at poor Mark about anything. I'm just really angry. I know in my head that no one really did anything wrong that this is just one of those things that happens. (with that said I really don't need any lectures along those lines I do know that) I know I couldn't have prevented it and neither could other people. I know people don't know what to say so they appear insensitive when it is really they just don't know and everyone has there own problems they are dealing with. I know all that. I think the anger is just part of the healing process and I have to go through it.

I'm going to do my best to go through the process in a healthy way and not allow myself to slip back into depression which feels like it is creeping up on me and weighing me down. But I will fight it. Mark and I hope to try again as soon as the Doctor gives us the go ahead.

Wow...long story but for those of you who didn't know I had to start at the beginning. Thanks for your love and prayers! I seriously do have the best friends and family in the whole world and I really appreciate you all.

Happy Easter

2007-04-07T17:13:00.000-07:00

Random Pictures

2007-03-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

Cutie Hannah Bannana!

Malachy with his pals Frank, Seth and Lydia

My super friends Crystal and Jami

a Standoff!

I may have posted this one already...but it is sooo cute! Mark took it a few months ago.
Also to whom it may concern: Malachy got a hair cut yesterday. I miss his cute curls but he is still super adorable and way to old to be my little baby! He says he's a BIIIIGGG Boy!

Malachy and Mark

2007-03-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

Mark and Malachy started work on a garden this week. It looks like it is too early to plant the seeds we bought. So they got the dirt ready and found a couple worms! Malachy loved it! =)

Look at Malachys beautiful hair! And to think you all want me to cut it! (except Crystal)

Day off and Poor Kimmy

2007-03-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

So I took today off to recover from last week. I was originaly going to take off Wednesday but then I moved it to Thursday because Sandy wanted to take Thursday off and that way we could have our Easter meeting on Wednesday. Well then Mark decided he would go help with a video shoot off site on Thursday which meant I had to get Malachy to Promisetowne and couldn't take Thursday off. So here I am taking Friday off. This morning was a little rough because I had to help Mark get Malachy ready to go and he was unusally sad the poor little guy!

Now I'm trying to figure out what to do about poor little Kimmy! She has been really ill for nearly 2 whole weeks now! Running a fever on and off the whole time and coughing severely. She had hoped to have a job and helth insurance by now but things just have not worked out as planned. Which is probably for the best seeing as she is too sick to work anyways. So we took her to our Doctors on Monday. He said it looked like Bronchitas and perscribed a not so cheap antibiotic. But we figured it is worth it, we gotta get Kim feeling bettter! The Doctor said if she didn't feel better by Wednesday to give him a call. So she called back Thursday morning when it was evident she was not improving at all! We hadn't heard back from them by this morning (Friday) so I gave the office a call and they told me that they had called in a new antibiotic to our local CVS. Well CVS dosen't have it. So I call the Doctors and they swear they called it in... back to CVS they still don't have it... Back to the Doctors office, a nurse will try again when they get another free moment...grrrrr! So here I wait to get a call saying it has been called in. Hoping it won't be super exspensive and maybe this will be the thing to get Kim feeling better! We hear her up all night coughing, and she is as thin as a rail! She has barely left her bed/couch in the past 2 weeks. I'm really concerned!

Anyways as soon as this CVS buisness is settled I hope I have some time to just chill! Although I know I should be paying bills and doing laundry!

Happy 27th Anniversery Mom and Dad

2007-03-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

Sooo MUCH going on but nothing to blog about...

2007-03-21T16:42:00.000-07:00

Totally random pictures from last summer/fall because I have no new good ones!

So last week was NUTS!! Mark was Tech Director for the Childrens Ministry Conference and I was Stage Manager so we were pulling some crazy long days. Starting at like 5am, YUCK! Kim was going to take Malachy to Promisetowne for us because they don't open until 8am. But then Malachy and Kimmy got major sick. =( So Poor Kimmy had to watch the little guy while they were both sick! Crystal, Mom and Dad helped out watching Malachy too. AND Sandy helped me with a ride. I'm soooo lucky to have such a great support team. Thanks guys!

Unfortunately there has not been any time or energy for baby making lately so it is very unlikely I'm pregnant. Boo hoo hoo. Oh well there is always next month. =) I can't wait to have a new member to our family! I'm getting really excited about it and so is Mark. We are hoping for a girl we would name her Evelyn. In the mean time Sara is having a baby soon so I will have to visit her when little Lee arives and let that hold me over! And she has a shower coming up so I will get to go shopping!

Things are slowing down at work but still busy. We have our Easter and Salvation weekends right around the corner! I'm excited for them because they are both new programs that Sandy has worked really hard on! After that things will slow down some and that is good too!

Beyond that, Mark's Mom is coming too town for Eater so we are looking forward to her visit. I wanted to have the kitchen done by the time she came, but I see now that will not happen. Mark and Kim wanted to tear down the wall paper but I haven't been able to convince either of them to help me wash the glue off the walls yet. Granted, we have been busy and ill around here so it is underststandable that the wall scrubbing task has been put on the back burner! Hopefully we will get to that soon! I can NOT wait to get the kitchen done!

Mark is going to the Dominican Republic next month or the next month I can't recall the dates. I was invited to go but won't be able too. We can't afford for both of us to go and someone has to stay home with Malachy. So that means Mark goes and not me. I'm alittle disapointed but I'm glad for him. I think it means more to him to go. And it would be harder for me to be away from Malachy for that long. However, Mark has done a ton of traveling in the past year and I'm sure he is hoping to go back to Russia this year. So I hope he will remember all of that and I will get a turn soon! =) I would LOVE to go to Irealand....

More locally....I hope I will be able to go to Michigan with Crystal to visit our friends the Vanderkoois for tulip fest! I think that is the end of May or something. I hope it works out, I'm really looking forward to it. Then I want to go to Minnesota to visit my Sister and Brother!

Well that is all for my updates, I better go play with Malachy.

I'm a bad friend to my blog!

2007-03-08T20:29:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted in so long! Not that there are people stopping by and disapointed at my lack of posting but I do like to flatter myself and pretend you are out there! =)

Work has been busy and only going to get more busy! The Childrens Ministry Conf. is next week. Mark is TD and I'm stage manager so we will be hard core busy! Then a few weeks later we hit Easter! Mark's Mom is coming to town for Easter which is super exciting. Malachy loves her so much (and so do we). So there are exciting and busy times ahead.

In other news, after a short series of Dr. visists I have been given the green light in the form of a clean bill of health for Mark and I to try and concieve baby number 2. So Mark and I will be busy there as well. I will be sure to keep you posted....well you know...no details or anything.... I just mean if I do end up pregnant I will be shouting it from the roof tops. Demanding shamrock shakes, sleeping in, and taking it easy! =)

I think that is all the updates I have for now...can't wait for summer!! Here is a random photo for you...(or 2)

Welcome KC!!

2007-03-05T14:38:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I just wanted to let you know that my super friend KC started a blog today! Pretty much all of you who read my blog know KC so please take a moment to stop by and welcome her to the blogging world and catch up on her adventures! =)

Click here to go to KC's Blog!

Welcome Home Mama!

2007-02-23T21:00:00.000-08:00

So Mom is finaly home after a week in the hospital (5days!). Welcome home Mom! I'm so proud of you for being brave while you were there and for not smoking! You are amazing! Way to go. I'm really glad it's over and now you don't have to worry about it...or at least worry about it as much! Thanks to everyone who prayed, visisted, and sent Mama gifts. I know Malachy, Mark, and I were definietly praying and I wish we had gotten to visit more. You are our favorite Mommo and we love you so much!

Grrrrrr...it's been a blah sort of day

2007-02-21T16:17:00.000-08:00

Im feeling icky today. It seems like my life is a bit out of control. Over 2 months ago when we decided Malachy would start "day Care" on Jan 1st there was a plan as to how things would go...that didn't happen. When we got married I had a plan on when we would buy a house...that didn't happen. About a year ago I made a plans to try and get my licsense...that didn't happen. Over 8 months ago when we decided it was time to have another baby there was a plan as to when to start trying...that didn't happen. A few weeks ago when we did our taxes there was a plan as to how we would use our tax return...that didn't happen.

There are plans of things I need fixed...My teeth! The flooding in the basement. The leaking faucet in the kitchen and bathroom! The 4 cats! The dogs shot's. Marks Malibu. The splintering deck. The kitchen which is missing half it's walpaper now and has no shades on the lights. The carpet we spent thousands of dollars on less then 2 years ago and now smells like cat and dog pee! I'm overwhelmed with things that need fixing and it seems like the list is just growing.

I just feel overwhelmed. I told Mark in the car this morning I feel like there is all this pressure building inside of me and I'm going to explode soon and it's actually really scary. It's a bad time for me to be in need of some encouragement because everyone seems to have their own problems and mine seem petty and inconvienent. Which I'm sure they are. I know my problems pale in comparisson to the rest of the worlds. And I do mean that litteraly not sarcasticly. But they are still weighing me down.

Happy Valentines Day!

2007-02-14T14:38:00.000-08:00

This is my attempt at being cool with my Photo Shop elements! Ha! I can only figure out how to use my paint brush! =)

Happy Birthday to my Favorite Friend Crystal who is almost 30!!! AGHHHHH! =)

2007-02-13T09:07:00.000-08:00

Hi favorite Friend! I love you so much! All the biggest moments in my life you have been here for me. Encouraging me and giving me strength! I love you so much. God couldn't have blessed me with a better friend!

Crystal, Scott, and Madison

Crystal and Baby Malachy

Crystal and Emily

The Kunze Family

Me, Mark, Crystal, and Scott

Remember when....I don't =)

2007-02-02T08:07:00.000-08:00

This first one is of my cute little Parents! I love it because it looks like a prom picture! awwww...aren't they adorable. I think it is from a Christmas party at Dad's work.
This one is from 1914! It is my Great Grandmother Traynor. (Dad's Grandma) and her daughter Dean. (My Big Aunt Dean) It's a speacil picture because Big Aunt Dean gave it to Mom. Big Aunt Dean has always been so loving and inclusive to Mom and us. she is a very geniune person and she is speacil, like Mommo and Mom! Our lives are enriched by knowing her.
I'm not quite sure who this is the back of the picture said July 43. So I'm assumimng it is Bill or Mike. Dad wasn't born yet...right?
This one is Dad, Betsy, and Tim playing outside. Dad is the older boy.

Again, Dad, Betsy, and Tim living it up.

This one is little Dean, Dad, and Tim at the beach! How cute is little Aunt Dean.

This one is John and Mary and possibly Aunt Ann on vacation.

Here is Dad at School. He is second back in the row second from the right....the nuns loved him! I think Malachy and Noah both inherited a lot of their boys will be boys spirit from Dad. Just yesterday I was telling Mark the story of Noah as a toddler climbing under the table to bite Dad's ankles and laughing histaricly! I can so see Malachy doing that!

Here is Dad and a friend. Noah makes this fake smile face too. =)

And finally here is a School portrait of Dad looking like me in jr. high with a buzz cut. Thanks Dad for giving me the boyish good looks! =)

2007-01-26T20:07:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the picture Crystal! It was a fun weekend hanging with you guys!
BTW...It's 10 pm and Malachy is still awake! =) He's keeping me company while Daddy is away...again!

ok, ok...

2007-01-22T15:50:00.000-08:00

Sorry for being dramatic. I'm not really super depressed. Just down in the dumps about stupid stuff at work. But that's normal it happens to everyone...I think. I'm lucky to have a job that I love so much and work with amazing people that I also love. This too will pass. Besides I feel like an idiot getting upset about petty crap at work when my favorite Crystal in the whole world is dealing with real problems!!!

Put's thing in perspective! I love you Crystal and I'm amazed by your grace and stength daily. You are my hero. Thanks for being the best!

I must be super depressed...

2007-01-20T19:42:00.000-08:00

because I started looking for my old journals this evenning. I have no idea why I look for my old journals when I'm depressed. I must be narcissistic because, in all honesty, my old journals are super depressing. They are from H. S. and the few years immediately following that.

Those were really hard years. I learned so much in that time but I learned it the hard way. I can't believe the person I used to be 10 years ago. Time puts most things in perspective . It gives me hope to know that in 10 years from now I will look back on these days and be in awe of how much I have grown beyond my current stupidity and heartache! Oh...that makes since. Maybe that is why I look for my journals when I'm depressed.

Regardless, I didn't find them but I did find my old scrapbooks.

America's most innovative churches

2007-01-14T17:28:00.000-08:00

Outreach magazine did a story on Americas most innovative churches. The story can be found here.
Here is the list.
1. LifeChurch.tv (Edmond, OK) :: Craig Groeschel
2. Granger Community Church (Granger, IN) :: Mark Beeson
3. North Point Community Church (Alpharetta, GA) :: Andy Stanley
4. Fellowship Church (Grapevine, TX) :: Ed Young Jr.
5. Mosaic Church (City of Industry, CA) :: Erwin McManus
6. Seacoast Church (Mt. Pleasant, SC) :: Greg Surratt
7. Community Christian Church (Naperville, IL) :: Dave Ferguson
8. National Community Church (Washington, DC) :: Mark Batterson
9. Mars Hill Church (Seattle, WA) :: Mark Driscoll
10. New Hope Christian Fellowship (Oahu, HI) :: Wayne Cordero
11. Mars Hill Bible Church (Grandville, MI) :: Rob Bell
12. The Potter’s House (Dallas, TX) :: T.D. Jakes
13. Crossover Church (Tampa, FL) :: Tommy Kyllonen
14. Church of the Open Door (Maple Grove, MN) :: David Johnson
15. Redeemer Presbyterian Church (New York, NY) :: Timothy Keller
16. Healing Place Church (Baton Rouge, LA) :: Dino Rizzo
17. The Journey Church (New York, NY) :: Nelson Searcy
18. Saddleback Church (Lake Forest, CA) :: Rick Warren
19. North Coast Church (Vista, CA) :: Larry Osborn
20. Willow Creek Community Church (South Barrington, IL) :: Bill Hybels
21. Imago Dei Community (Portland, OR) :: Rick McKinley
22. Christ the King Community Church (Mt. Vernon, WA) :: Dave Browning
23. Radiant Church (Surprise, AZ) :: Lee McFarland
24. Living Word Christian Center (Forest Park, IL)
25. The Sanctuary (Santa Clarita, CA)

I like this list because it means that there are at least 19 churches out there getting as much if not more crap then us for thinking "outside the box"! =)

pissy

2007-01-10T19:26:00.000-08:00

I spranged my ankle, which put me in a pissy mood! I went to the Dr. today which was somewhat discouraging because she encouraged me to stay off it for 5 weeks! I was like um, nope! I have a job and a kid so that won't happen. TThen she said well at least until Monday...still won't happen. Thankfully Kim has been super helpful! =) Dad came over to entertain Malachy last night and Crystal came tonight. Mark will be home the next several evennings. I'm so lucky to have such great people in my life to help me out. I just wish, with the whole taking a day or so off work to rest I could actually clean the house or get something productive done. It's like torture with my OCD to just sit in a messy house! Grrrr...Like they say...whatever dosen't kill you...

I'm feeling super hopefull right now because I have been icing, elevating, compressing, and taking advil and it seems like the swelling has gone down to almost none and the pain is pretty manigable. Maybe I will be back to myself sooner then expected! =) Or maybe it is just some killer Advil!

Happy Day!!!

2007-01-06T17:47:00.000-08:00

Sandy and Alan got married last night!! It was amazing! I loved the look of the chapel, I loved their picture montage, their vows, the whole ceremony was great! Sandy was absolutely beautiful!! I even cried! Which is bazar because I have never cried at a wedding before! I must be getting old! I think part of it is I just really love Sandy and Alan...for real!

Back in the day....

2006-12-31T18:26:00.000-08:00

Imagine Christmas

2006-12-25T17:47:00.000-08:00

Here is the fabulous rigging team!

The beautiful set!

Best angels...ever!

Debbie was amazing!

Christmas was sooo wonderful this year!! It was a beautiful service. The best part for me was the amazing people I got to meet and serving with the best rigging team ever!!! Now, I'm glad to be home with Malachy.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Links have been updated...Mom and Val added

2006-12-13T19:21:00.000-08:00

thanks Kim!

"Super Happy Snowman"

2006-12-11T12:11:00.000-08:00

Cirque De Christmas

2006-12-10T18:44:00.000-08:00

This is what has been keeping Mark and I very busy lately! Christmas services at Willow. I'm super excited about the service this year. The best way I have heard it explained is...if you were reading the Nativity story to a 5 year old what they would be picturing in their head. If you have ever seen anything cirque it has knid of that spin to it with aerialists, dancers, acrobats, amazing christmas music, some cool effects, and a beautiful set!! If you are from around here I would strongly encourage you to come. It will be like nothing you have ever seen before and it's free! =) But more importantly it will help us remember and be inspired by the wonder and miracle that is God's amazing love shown to us through a little baby.

Service times are:
Thursday, December 21, at 5 and 7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 22, at 5 and 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 23, at 2:30, 5 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 24, at 11:30 a.m., 2 and 4:30 p.m.

Willow is massive and a lot of people attend Christmas services so Willow has adopted an e-ticketing process to help make sure everyone gets seats. The tickets are free you just need to go to the website (www.willowcreek.org) and sign up for them. Then you need to be in your seat 5 mins. before the service starts, or it could be given away. There is overflow but believe me you want to be in the auditorium for this. (all of this is explained at the website)

For those of you who are interested in what Mark and I are doing for the service I will try to explain as best as possible. Mark is leading the Aeriailist Rigging team. We have hired 6 professional aerialists who are being lowered throughout the service. So Mark is leading a team of 7 of us who help the aerialists get in their harnesses, check the safeties, and actually lower them. I'm a part of Mark's team. That's the simple explanation. =)

For those of you who can't make it... Channel 2 here in Chicago will be airing the majority of the service on Christmas eve. I believe that it will air from 11pm-12am so set your tivos! =) I will double check on that for you and update if the time changes. =)

"When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." Luke 2:15

I'm still alive

2006-12-08T21:14:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have not posted in so long! I have not abondoned this blog I swear! I'm just working a ton! There is a lot of exciting stuff going on at work right now and it is keeping me busy. As much fun as it is, I am looking forward to Jan. and getting back to "normal". Things will get slower for a week or so after this weekend and then hopefully I can post more. =)

Dancing for Joy

2006-11-26T19:31:00.000-08:00

I have not posted in a while because I have been catching my breath and celebrating the Holidays. =) It has been such a wonderful week. I was really greatful to see Mom's brothers. Famliy means the world to me, and we so rarely see them. It was a time I will always be thankful for. Si and Sally are two of the warmest people I have ever met and I will never forget how cute Johnny was with Malachy.

As great as it was too see Mom's brothers, it is sooo nice to be home. I missed Mark too much! He has made me so proud this year and I love him to pieces. Thanks for being an amazing Husband Mark! You're the best!

We got to celebrate Thanksgiving with Kim, Mom, and Dad. They brought the food and we did the dishes. =) It worked out well. We had a really relaxed time. Then Kim, Dad, Mark, Malachy, and I went to see Jason and Dee on Friday and that was great as well. We had some awsome dessert and played a card game called golf. I saw Jason and Dee last month for Malachys birthday party but this was much more relaxed and I really enjoyed just being together. I worked this weekend and it was super easy. =) I also got to see Crystal, go shopping, decorate indoors and out for Christmas and clean my garage this weekend! Wow I have been busy but it has all been good.

2006-11-18T12:39:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures uncle John took the other day. He is a great photographer. =)

2006-11-17T19:54:00.000-08:00

Here are some random pictures for ya'll. One of the view from the back of our hotel, one of Malachy's ouchie face, one of Malachy and John's wife Barbara laughing at the bird, one of a pretty leaf, and one of Kim and Malachy in John's yard.

We went to Stone Mountain this evenning and had a good time! =) It was a great day! I would tell you more but I'm tired and I'm going to bed now. =)

ouch!!..Updated

2006-11-16T13:34:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit of a wreck right now. There was some confusion about our hotel and the red roof inn was like 30 mins away from Eatonton. So Mom put us in a hotel closer that is 90 bucks a night! Figuring all that out was kind of stressfull. The hotel we are in, The Lodge, is nice and we are happy to have a home for 4 nights in a row! When we got here Malachy was helping me put the pop from the cooler in the mini fridge. The Pop was wet from the ice. While putting it away Malachy touched the freezer part. I didn't know what was going on he looked upset and started crying and then screaming. I thought he pinched his fingers in the lid or something so I opened it and pulled his hand away. Turned out his little fingers had frozen to the metal. I ripped off skin and all 4 of his fingers have huge white blisters. He kept saying mommy help, kiss it, make it better all while screaming and crying. We tried to calm him down for 20 minutes and nothing worked. He would just shake andrub his hand and then hold it to mmy mouth saying kiss it. So finally we drove him to CVS to get some ointment and the only time he stoped crying for an extended period was because he feel asleep in the car. He's so sad. We are back at the hotel right now and he's sleeping but he keeps waking up and rubbing his fingers on the bed and then crying and falling back asleep. It's awful! This (to me) is the worst thing in the world to have Malachy hurting and not being able to make it better. Normally he gets over things fast but not this. He's really in pain. I don't know what to do. I'm so sad.

We are suppose to get back to Uncle Johns for dinner soon but there is no way I'm waking the little guy up. He is not hurting while he's asleep and I know he will have the blisters for a couple of days but I hope it will feel somewhat better when he wakes up.

The poor little guy has been stuck in the car or hotel or places where he can't touch anything for 4 days now. I need to have a day all for him where he can run around and be 2 without getting in trouble! Mom and her brothers might take a trip to visit one of their other brothers downstate. I'm hoping Kim and I can take that day to do a Malachy fun day and go to Stone Mountain or something speacil just for him. Pray for Malachy, he has asked to go home several times now and he has 6 day left. Everytime we are in the car he asks me if he can go to the playcenter and go play. I feel like the worst Mom ever.

Sorry if this post is a big downer, it's not all gloom and doom. We are finaly here which is great. Uncle Jonny and Barbara are great. They have a beautiful home and yard. They have 2 doggys that Malachy loves. The rain should be behind us and the weekend is suppose to be 70! It is beautiful here the trees still have their fall colors and there are old farms everywhere! So things can only get better here on out! =)

UPDATE: Malachy had a GREAT time with John and Barbara tonight they were so good to him! We got to see Uncle Si, Aunt Sally, and David tonight as well. So it was a good night. I think Mom is really glad to be here. So all is well! I think we are going to Stone Mountain tomorrow and most importantly Malachy is feeling better! =)

todays adventure...

2006-11-15T16:14:00.000-08:00

So at 1 am we awoke to Malachy rolling out of bed and hitting his little face on the ide table on his way down. The bed at the hotel was ridiculously high! Malachy was screaming and streaming blood from his mouth. The nearest hospital was 20 minutes away so we called the paramedics. By the time they arrived Malachy had calmed down a lot and the blood had stoped too. So they said it looked like he cut his inner lip and he would be fine. He has a bruise on his mouth and a bit of a puffy lip but other then that he seemed to have bounced back.

So after getting almost no sleep we ventured out to try and make it to our destination. We didn't. There have been crazy storms here in GA. We were hydroplaining all over the place and the trucks were making it nearly impossible to see. We would drive for 35 minutes and then have too pull over. We did this for like 4 hours and then we decided it wasn't worth it and stoped at a hotel about 30 mins north of Atlanta.

We checked into an econo lodge and got all unpacked and dried off when the phone rang. It was the frot desk and the women next door was complaining that we were too loud! So I went down there and explained to the man at the desk that unpacking wa nothing...jut wait until Malachy wakes up at 12 am and wants a BABA! So I suggested we move and he agreed. Feeling annoyed with the crazy lady we repacked and drug all our stuff to a new room. Upon doing so Mom ran into the lady next door who thanked us for moving and apologized for being so sensitive but her father was just murdered so she was feeling on edge! Yikes!

So we had a bit of a crazy day! It is still rainning. There are flood advisory's and tornado watchs here. Mom and I walked ot the store to get Malachy some milk and we got completely soaked. Kim is out getting us dinner right now and we are staying in.

We are only 2 hours fron our destination and will make it tomorrow! We didn't get to do the lookout mountain stuff because of the rain but we will stop by there on the way home.

Pictures for My Mark iee Poos

2006-11-14T16:36:00.000-08:00

Here are bunch of random pictures for my little husband. Today we made it all the wy to Chatanooga TN...I guess we are not making good time. That's ok because we are taking it easy and enjoying ourselves. We hoped to go up lookout Mountain today but we were too warn out when we got here. So if it is not pouring in the morning we will do that before we make our way to Georgia.

The pictures are from dinner at Craker Barrel last night, lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville today, a pit stop at a scenic rest area, and a quick swim at the pool here at our hotel. =)

I'm having a good time but Malachy and I still miss you Mark! Only 8 days to go! Mark don't forget to return that stuff at the party store! =) I mis you too Crystal! =)And you too Dad! =)

update...

2006-11-13T18:14:00.000-08:00

So we made it to Louiville, KY tonight. Still along way to go. Malachy was pretty good in the car. He got restless at the end and kept saying me go play now but for the most part he was really good. We are at a hotel now and we don't have a ton of toys so he is needing a ton of entertaining which has me alittle cocerned about our energy levels for the rest of the trip. Mark and I try to stop at Malls and Mc Donald play lands when we are in the car alot to give Malachy some run around time. Maybe will try something moreore like that tomorrow. I'm excited for the rest of the trip and hopefully hitting up Lookout Mountain tomorrow! Some prayer request would be for safety (we seriously were run off the road today). Also I'm already feeling really homesick. I'm in the back with Malachy so I'm kind of left out of the conversation up front and when I try to get involved they usully don't hear me. Also not having Mark here is challanging. Mom and Kim are helping some with Malachy but obviously he is my main responsibility and when I ask for help I feel like I'm putting them out. Not neccisarily because of anything they do just because he is a ton of work and we are all tired from being on the road. I just feel alittle alone and lonely without my Markie poo! But I'm sure things will look up in the morning. Much love!

Road Trip...

2006-11-12T18:03:00.000-08:00

so Malachy, Mom, Kim, and I are off on a 10 day road trip to Georgia! Wish us luck and pray for our safety and sanity! =) Hopefully we will be able to update you along the way! Mark-ie-poo I will miss you so much. Thanks for being the best husband ever and cleaning the dog poo out of my new shoes! I love you!

Malachy's Birthday

2006-11-09T19:43:00.000-08:00

So we had a birthday party for Malachy and Mark last Sunday! It was a really nice time. The Kunzes, Mommo, Poppo, Jason, Dee, Joey, and Lou helped us celebrate. It was a really laid back time. Mostly we just snacked and let the kids run a muck. Malachy got a super big truck from Lou, an adorable outfit from the Kunzes and another one from our pals Sandy and Alan. My parents got Malachy a couple Notre Dame shirts and Jason and Dee got him some great wooden blocks! Lauren and Noah had sent a present on Malachys actual birthday that Malachy has been enjoying for several weeks now. =)

Here are a few pictures....

This is Poppo...aka batman

Here are the boys playing Boggle...one of Marks gifts. =)

This is Mom, Key, and I at the Texan (the next day)

This is the ghetto part of our yard! In between the garage and the fence!

Here is little Malachy opening his presents...with a little help!

Thanks to everyone who helped Mark and Malachy have super Birthday!

2006-11-02T06:53:00.000-08:00

Woo Hoo it worked

2006-11-02T06:44:00.000-08:00

Daddy and Malachy in the park.

Even Superheros need their Mama!

Malachy and Grandma Stanger

My little Fall Munchkin!

Poppo and Malachy Flying!

Halloween!

2006-10-31T20:11:00.000-08:00

So I tried for like 30 minutes to upload pictures of Malachy but neither Mozilla or Internet Explore would cooperate so I gave up! Sorry, I will try again later. We spent the last few days in Iowa and had a great time. Malachy loved trick or treating, it was soooo cute! He was really good at it too. He would ring the doorbell and when people would open the door he would say trick or treat and some people thought he was so adorable they would give him seconds and he always said thankyou! Such a good boy. On the way home today he kept saying "More Halloween!". He wore his Batman costume last night in Iowa for what they call "beggers night". Their trick or treating is always the day before Halloween...go figure, it's Iowa. (Just kidding!) Today he wore Super Man and we stoped by Mommo and Poppos when we got back to town around 8. My dad loaded Malachy up with Ice Cream and Candy...I'm so lucky he's sleeping now. I will tell you more later but I have to go to bed now. =)