Time for a new kitchen

I have been thinking that I need to invest in a new kitchen. 

One that is just the right size.

With all kinds of doors that open and close.

After a week of using this loaner kitchen I am realizing that buying a kitchen might be a great investment.

It would definitely add value to our home

and hours of creative playtime.  

Have I mentioned how much I'm loving having a little girl around the house again.  

Doll strollers, tea sets and Little People have all come out of storage.  

Next will be the princess dresses and tiaras.  

Swiss Chard, Goony kids and Family memories

A peak at some of this years garden and Silas in half his pajamas.

Foraging for breakfast in the Swiss chard?

A nice little hiding place...the mosquitoes like to hide there too.

 The kids are loud.  The house is a mess.  The laundry won't leave me alone.  The raspberries need to be picked almost everyday.  We're going through food faster than trips to town can keep up.   Life as usual.

We're keeping cool with Mr. Freezies...lots of them.  We use them as bribery actually.

Our household of 8 has meshed together quite well for the last month.  

It will be strange not to have them here next week.

I was just peaking at last summers posts with our Seattle relatives.  Last summer was their first visit to Canada and our first time seeing our nephew.  They have all grown SO much since last year.  Well, except for the amazing shrinking Auntie who has lost 100lbs in the last 2 years and just keeps dropping.  Every time I see her she has shrunk a few sizes!  You can reminisce with me here and here if you want to.  

Only 3 days left with our summer visitors.  It will be nice to try to restore some semblance of order and routine to our household...although I'm really going to miss having another live adult human to visit with during the day (not to mention help me with all the above mentioned tasks).   Please don't leave me...

This is my cutie sis-in-law and me enjoying some quiet time at the end of a day. 

Late evenings are my favorite. 

The three of us adults have had a lot of good belly hurting laughs , movie nights, and  story telling to fill in the gaps of all the missing years.  Too many late bedtimes.  

It's been a good summer. 

"Silas is Drowning!"

Today I'm feeling thankful for this boy.

He keeps me on my toes and forces me to stay humble as a parent.

His silly antics, goofy grin and frequent "I wub you mama" make up for the drama about food and shoes...or anything else that isn't particularly perfect.

I was reminded a couple days ago just how fragile life is.

I was also reminded how God watches over his little ones.

I am thankful for an Auntie who happened to notice the top of a blonde head bobbing near the surface at the deep end of a neighbors pool.   Just in time.

My husband, my sister in law Brook and our gaggle of noisy excited kids were all getting ready to go for a swim.  The weather was hot making tempers flare as little ones scrambled to find shoes and towels.   

Relieved I shoved them all out the door.  

I enjoyed a moment of peace as I buckled the baby into her car seat and drove off in our SUV to visit a good friend and her newborn baby girl.  I went bearing the gift of home made soup and armed with my camera.  

As I enjoyed my relaxing little visit with a friend and snuggled with an itty bitty brand new baby, my kids cooled off at a neighbors pool with their Auntie and their Daddy.   

I had  hoped I would beat them home so I could  help my husband with the drippy, wet, chaotic aftermath of swim time.   When I pulled up I noticed that they were already home and that the kids were showered and in their pj's.  I was impressed by their efficiency.

Silas came running down the driveway to meet me in his red sleepers shouting 

"Mommy we're home, I did something really dangerous but Auntie saved me!"

Used to wild 4 year old tales I smiled and said something like "oh dear, that was nice of Auntie".

It wasn't until I met the somber looking adults inside that the rest of the story unfolded.

Silas had been wearing his yellow life jacket while everyone played, swam and took turns jumping off of the little diving board.   This summer was the first time he was brave enough to join in the jumping.  He did his silly flips, splashed into the water and then doggie paddled his bouyant yellow body over the the ladder. 

Because he is a scrawny skinny little boy he gets cold quickly, even with a wet suit.  After some swim time Nathanael took our shivering little boy to a bench at  the side of the pool to get warmed up.  I had packed along a fleece sweater knowing at some point he would want to wear it, even with the heat.   Silas insisted on removing the cold wet life jacket and replaced it with his warm fuzzy sweater and a towel.   He sat happily bundled up while the others continued their horse play.  Nathanael checked on Silas a few minutes later and asked if he wanted to come back in the pool.  Silas assured his Daddy that he wanted to stay on the bench.    

Minutes later, no one noticed him get up, take off his sweater and walk toward the deep end of the pool.   He walked bravely to the end of the white board and jumped off forgetting that his skinny little body was no longer buoyant.   

Like all the times before he plunged into the water but this time he didn't pop back up.  He paddled and struggled to get his face above the water but only the top of his wet blonde hair broke through to the surface.

As he struggled quietly and unnoticed in the deep end of the pool his Auntie who was on the other side of the pool just happened to glance that direction.  It took a couple seconds to register who she was seeing and what was happening.   Her first thought was to call out to her brother but he was so surrounded by screeching, rowdy kids climbing all over him that  it would take too much time to try to get his attention.  In those quick seconds she decided to start swimming with her eyes focused on the struggling 4 year old boy.

It was probably only seconds later that she made it over to him but by that time he had stopped his fight toward the surface and was slowly headed for the bottom of the pool, pencil straight and perfectly still.  His open eyes stared through the water looking at nothing.  She grabbed him under his tiny armpit and kicked for the surface pushing his  body up over her head so he would reach oxygen before she did.  

As she surfaced she expected him to gasp for the air he had craved, cry , and cough but he didn't do any of those things.  He remained limp and not breathing.  She screamed  "Nathanael, Silas is drowning!" and pushed him up onto the edge of the pool.  

Nathanael swam over to the side of the pool where they managed to convince him to breath again.  Water ran from him mouth as he took timid breaths.  

Once assured that he was recovered and breathing properly they packed up and came home.

As bits and pieces of the story were pieced together for me,

the tears and trauma showed on Brooks face.  Stress and worry looked like weights on Nathanael's shoulders.  I felt guilty for feeling numb.  I wasn't there for those moments of fear and panic.   It seemed like only a strange story that couldn't be reconciled with the ornery hungry little boy whining for dinner.  

It didn't hit me until later.  

We were minutes away from losing a child or having him severely altered.   It can happen so easily, in a pool full of people. 

One child quietly slipping beneath the surface, unnoticed until it's too late.

I am so thankful that Brook was prompted to look in the direction of my struggling son.   I'm thankful that it wasn't his time to leave.   I'm grateful for a Heavenly Father who sends his angels to guide and protect.   I'm thankful for a  God who knows each of the hairs on our head and sees beneath the surface of the water to a little boy who forgot that he can't swim.  

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.  And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  So don't be afraid;  you are worth more than many sparrows." Matt 10:29-31

Sailing and Such

Yesterday we took the Tanzer 22 out for another sail.  This was the first trip with all 8 of us on board.

We have it parked at a lake/ river about 2 hours away.  There wasn't a lot of wind this time which is ok with me.   Keeping 5 kids from going over board and out of the way of the rigging can get a little crazy.  

We spent most of the afternoon in a little cove enjoying the sunshine and water.

We entertained ourselves watching kids swing off of the boat.

We're cramming lots of fun into the summer while my sis-in-law and nephew are here.  Only 1 more week left of our visit.   I think they'll be tired of our crazy noisy full house by then.  

The water levels were a little higher in this dammed off part of the river so our little private beach was nearly gone.  The kids didn't seem to mind and were convinced they could find precious gems or gold if they dug deep enough. 

Can't you just hear the shrieking and laughter?

These two little munckins could entertain themselves in the sand all day.  

Cece spent nearly 3 hours in one location on a few feet of beach digging sand and dumping it on different parts of her body.   She was one happy girl, despite no naps. 

This is our little picnic spot. 

Silas had a much better experience on the sailboat this time! (thanks to Dramamine)

Kid tossing. 

 It's like throwing an octopus.

This boy is getting so big I think he'll be the one doing the tossing in a few more years!

This girl ADORES her Daddy.

He hasn't dropped her yet.

  I'm so thankful that God has given us the chance to get to know, and love, the nephew that we didn't even know existed three years ago.  

He's such a big hearted, silly and quirky kid.  He fits into our tribe of goofballs well.  

I mentioned earlier the classes about Christian relationships and healthy conflict resolution I attended while we were at family camp. 

One quick thought I want to share with you was the concept of superficial community versus authentic community. 

Pseudo community or superficial relationships are full of facades and pretending.   They may appear healthy and normal because there is nothing beyond the superficial.   Conflict is ignored rather than resolved.   Topics are skirted around rather than worked through.  Hurts, bitterness and unforgiveness fester under a pleasant smile until eventually something breaks and the slow death on the inside shatters even the phony image making the carnage complete.  Marraiges can last for years in pseudo community.  Families can build whole phony realities while the  dysfunction is hidden behind deception and  ignored.   

Pseudo community eventually equals death.  Death of a church, destruction of a family, the end of a marraige. When people or churches don't learn how to deal with  little conflicts in a constructive, loving, biblical way they will be completely annihilated when a major crises hits.   Relationships can appear peaceful on the surface but in reality there is no authenticity.  Pseudo relationships are defined by an absence of trust, a fear of conflict, a lack of commitment, and an avoidance of accountability. There may be an appearance of harmony but there is no lasting fruit.  

Authentic community  involves the willingness to speak truth in love.   It involves the tough work of forgiveness, communication and grace.  Feelings aren't easily hurt and emotions aren't used to manipulate.  Problems and breaches of boundaries are worked through respectfully as they arise, before they are given a chance to fester and build offense.    Communication is ongoing, honest and constructive.   Words aren't used in slander, pride, deception and gossip.  Sometimes moving into authentic relationships in our families, churches or friendships involves some healthy conflict.   It may mean moving through a period of transparent, honest chaos in which assumptions, lies and hurts are uprooted and discarded in order to move into an authentic  relationship.  

Authentic relationships are defined by a foundation of trust built by time, effort and healthy boundaries.  They include transparent communication, unified commitment, mutual accountability, and an awareness of each others needs. 

 Having house guests for a month is great practice for these principles of authentic relationship.  Combining two households into one functioning home is a perfect test in practical application  :) Because we are committed to the authentic relationship and the principles that define it we are able to deal with the little irritations and personality conflicts that will inevitably arise.  

A peace maker is not the same thing as a peace keeper.  

Keeping the peace at all costs involves overlooking sin, stuffing hurts,  and sweeping problems under the rug.   In order to keep an appearance "peace" we would need let others trample what is ours and invade healthy boundaries.  This is where many Christians like to take the "turn the other cheek" verses out of their intended meaning.  Jesus was  talking about aggressive love for our enemies and intentionally removing ourselves from the position of victim into an interaction between equals... not  a lesson in "How to be a Door Mat 101. 

  Being a peace maker involves a willingness to wade through crap in order to be reconciled into an honest healthy relationship.  

Living with authenticity, healthy boundaries, forgiveness, and free from offense isn't easy but it's a pretty sweet place to be.  

  

My little Girl's room

I've never had a knack for decorating, crafting or creating domestic beauty.  

I'm practical to a fault.  Hot glue guns and I are not compatible.   

However,

I am loving having a little girl again.

This was Aili's room last year.  When we returned from Mexico, Aili picked her colors and we painted over the dingy, pealing, periwinkle paint that had been there since she was a toddler.  Aili was excited about her renovated big girl room although I wasn't thrilled with the colors initially.

A few weeks later a little sister unexpectedly arrived.  A few months after that Aili very graciously and willingly moved into the spare room in the basement and Celina moved into her own nursery.   

The furniture is second hand or well used by my several babies.

The decorations were passed down from big sis or bought at the dollar store.

There was no plan or intentional decorating...but I think it turned out pretty cute.

The little plaque above her bed says

"Love begins at home"

The flower was Aili's addition.   The hangy thingy draped from the window was made for us by our former Japanese exchange student.  It is rows of tiny paper cranes strung together. 

I really should add a nice little curtain or valence. 

I don't think kids need their own rooms, in fact my other three usually all sleep in the same room, but for a light sleeping baby it is practical and easier.  

One of the sweetest moments of each day  is the time I spend in this rocking chair.   I treasure this little bit of alone time with Cece.  This little girl is so affectionate and playful.  

She snuggles in close, sets her head on my shoulder and pats my back.   She steals smooches and curls up in the crook of my elbow and smiles contentedly at me.

She knows she's loved.

Although only  mother can understand this aching of love for a child.  

As I sing "Jesus Loves Me" to her she sways and sings like a smiley little bobble head.  

It struck me this evening just how much Jesus does loves her.

So much more than I do.  She was God's girl long before she was mine.  She will always be His.

It is incredible to think about how much she is adored by the one who lovingly created her.

I am so grateful and honored to be the one to rock her each night.

It is a big responsibility.  

   I pray that she will truly know how much Jesus loves her.

At 16 months Miss Cece is a toddler in every sense of the word.  She explores, discovers, imitates and asserts her budding independence.    Suddenly she has a very discerning palate and much of her food is dropped over the edge of her high chair tray.  She now refuses to be spoon fed her morning porridge and insists on managing the bowl and spoon herself.   She still has the best giggle of any baby I know.  

Family camp 2011

I have been virtually absent from blog world  for the last couple weeks.  Although it's been good to take a break from reflective narcissism and just enjoy summer for a bit I must say I miss keeping up with my blog friends.   

We spent all last week at Arlington Beach Camp and Conference Center enjoying "Family Camp".

A week of camping, playing, community, teaching, and worship all wrapped into one amazingly refreshing week.

The first few days were HOT!  Ridiculously humid and 40 degrees Celsius (over 100 degrees Farenheit).  It was crazy hot.  

Keeping kids hydrated and cool was a full time job.  After a long long winter I really don't mind a few days of a heat wave. 

This was the second  year that we had the privalege of bringing my American sister in law and her son with us to camp.  

It's a full house this summer but we're having lots of fun.  

Auntie is starting to get used to Roman's customary enthusiastic greeting.  

   

Although it's been just too hot for much snuggle time.

I celebrated my 34th birthday while we were at camp.  My mom (the little head on the far right) surprised me with a black forest cake) which my sisters and I thoroughly enjoyed.  

Aren't we a photogenic bunch of ladies?

Once again my children gifted me with treasures purchased from the camp garage sale.

Score!  It's about time I got a burl clock with a fabulously shellacked surface.  I'm still searching for the perfect place to hang it.  

I also received the book "Heaven is for real" by Todd Burpo which has been on my wish list.  I could have read it in one sitting if my little people would have left me alone long enough.  It was fascinating.  I wasn't sure what to expect but ...wow.   As a mother with two children who live in Heaven, the book had me in tears on quite a few occasions.  I felt like the veil separating my world from theirs was pulled back for just a glimpse.  Amazing.  

This is my littlest sister and her littlest baby. 

They are both so cute.

This is my biggest child having a water fight with hoards of well armed little people.

A highlight of camp other than the playtime, cake and fabulous presents was the morning seminars.

This week I attended a class called "A survival guide for Christian relationships".

It was SO good and so applicable to so many areas of our life.  I mentioned many moons ago that we have found ourselves weathering some pretty nasty stuff in the last few years.  I think at some point we all encounter hurt, attack, betrayal, deception, and conflict in relationships.   Those closest to us have the most potential to wound us.  Satan loves nothing more than to destroy families, marriages,  churches and friendships so how do we navigate conflict in a Christ like way and turn carnage into something constructive?  How can we avoid bitterness and offense?  Why is forgiveness important and what does it look like?  Authentic community vs. pseudo community.  What are boundaries and why are they important in healthy relationships?  Basically, how do we respond in a godly mature way as a part of a church family (or family in general) when all hell breaks loose?

I really want to share a bunch of what I learned this week but I need to find the time to do it.  I have pages full of notes and bullet point lists that for my own review I want to go through and study again.   Stay tuned for relationship survival tips.

Even when our life isn't surrounded by dysfunction and chaos there is no relationship that can't be improved or person alive that doesn't have something they need to honestly confront  and lovingly forgive.  

The fruits of living in honesty, grace, and forgiveness are sweet.  Sometimes it's hard work though! 

This week we're still in recovery mode.  Sleep deprivation, mountains of laundry, overgrown yard, and a garden full of produce is the after effect of a week away.  It was worth it though.  

One Summer Day

After too many hours of this... 

and a little of  this...

We decided to do more of this.

We took the Tanzer 22 sailboat out for a day.    Silas was at camp with Grandma and Grandpa  but I'm happy to report no incidences of sea sickness this time.  The weather was perfect!..not too much wind and plenty of sun.

Baby dipping.