Locks of love

This was her Before.

Ashleigh has been "dying" to get her hair cut short forever! We told her she could but because she has such great thick hair we thought she should grow it long enough for Locks of love (the hair goes to make wigs for kids with cancer and it has to be 10+ inches). Once we explained to her what it was she was all for it. "So it is kinda like helping Ruby?" was her response. Yeah kinda like that!
After lots and lots of begging I finally gave in!

The first cut


Making sure it is all straight! After the first cut I was having the lady cut it a little longer in front and Ash said "Ummmm I like it but can you cut it shorter?" She is all about short hair. Apparently me combing it has really traumatized her!

Here she is all done with her ponytail. We hadn't washed it yet in this picture and once we did it got a little bit more curly and I forgot to take another picture. Now she went to stay at her friend's house so I'm anxious to see it in the morning after she has slept on it. I have a feeling it is just going to get curlier. She is absolutely in love with her new do! I'm only sad because I think she looks so much older.

Caleb is the big 10!!!!

I can't believe my baby has grown into such a sweet boy! I LOVE YOU BUDDY!!!!!

Now that he is in the double digits means I'm getting old!

Jake the babysitter

Going through my camera I found this video of Jake that Jocee took.

I guess he may have a future in babysitting.

Jocee is the big 04!!!!

Jocee in her new b-day clothes....I had bought her some new jeans and then got smart and realized she wouldn't wear them anyway so I took them back and got her a full skirt that spins!

Jocee with ET

Today was Jocee's 4th birthday. She decided she wanted an ET cake. Thanks Jocee!

I've been tagged to play this fun game!!!

The "5 things game" the rules are to write 5 things under each of the headings and then tag 5 other people.


10 years ago...

1. I was 16 years old
2. I weighed the same weight my older brother wrestled at
3. I was very pregnant
4. I didn't have my license
5. I had no idea what I was doing

5 Things on Today's "To-Do" List...

1. finish folding laundry
2. make dinner
3. help kiddos with homework
4. greet my awesome husband when he comes home from work
5. sit down and relax

5 Snacks I Enjoy...

1. yogurt w/granola
2. wheat thins and string cheese
3. twizzlers
4. homemade bread
5. apples with laughing cow cheese

5 Things I Would Do if I were a Millionaire!

1. Make my husband retire-at least for a little while
2. Help young moms get on their feet
3. College funds for my kids
4. Move GMA Hickman to my backyard-in a nice house of course
5. Get the church a giant dishwasher!

5 Places I Have Lived...

1. Easton Blvd, Des Moines, IA
2. Walker Street, Des Moines, IA
3. Urbandale, IA
4.
5.

5 Jobs I've had/Still have...

1. Babysitter
2. Cashier @ Dry Cleaner
3. Customer Service Rep.
4. Loan Facilitator/Underwriter
5. Mom

Okay I'm a total loser and I don't have 5 blogger friends that haven't been tagged!

Clean bill of health!

We went to the Dr. last week on Tuesday for Andy and got the results of his blood test on Friday and his liver levels have returned to almost normal. So we don't have to follow up with any Dr.s except his family Dr. YEAH! I just want everyone to know how much we appreciate their prayers and help with the kids during the last month! And also for all the great meals, cookies, etc. that people brought. It was really helpful and very very much appreciated. We love you all!

Daycare

I've been really praying about doing in home daycare recently and today I got a phone call from a friend who's neighbor needs to stop doing daycare for family reasons and was wondering if they could give the families my name. I guess that is a pretty good answer. So far I haven't had a chance to talk to either of the families but hopefully we will be a good match. If not, or if the families have someone else I'm still just trusting in God to bring the right family to us. I don't want to jump in with both feet with 5 daycare kids but hopefully God will bring me what our family can handle and Jocee and Jake will adjust well to having extra playmates during the day.

My basement project

Our basement flooded this spring/summer, whenever the "every 15 year flood" hit the Des Moines area. So I tore out all the flooring and drywall that was yucky and mildewed but since then it has just been sitting there still pretty messy and very depressing. My neighbor just recently moved their master to the basement to give more room upstairs for the kiddos. Which has always been our plan as well. Now that she has hers done I'm ready to do ours. It can't be that hard right? Well I probably won't actually do anything but I'm at least in the very seriously thinking about it stage. Ever since Daddy has been sick Jake just screams whenever I put him in bed and I think Caleb is ready to move out because of it. So if we moved the bedrooms Jake could stay put in the boys room and we could just put the computer etc. in with him until he is big enough to sleep in a big boy bed in Caleb's new room. See it's a great plan. All I need now is to learn a few trades like plumbing, drywall, electric....just minor details and wallah I'll have a new bedroom. We'll see how far this goes.

Getting better

We went to the Dr yesterday to retest Andy's blood levels and just make sure he is doing better overall. We had Jocee and Jake with us so we didn't wait for the results of the blood tests but the Dr said they would call if anything was elevated and if not just mail us a copy of the results to take with us to the other Dr we are following up with. So far no call so I'm taking that as a good sign. He went in to the office for a couple hours yesterday and ended up staying about 5 which I was not very happy about...men! Last night he was absolutely exhausted and even this morning he is already napping again. I know he is so ready to get back to things and have normal life but I think he now realizes he has to take it slow. I'm just sooooo thankful he is home and recovering. Keep praying for him and patience as he recovers. Thanks again for all the prayers and help from everyone. To God be the glory!

getting better

Today the liver Dr came in. Andy's liver enzyme levels are in the 400s (they can get as high as 10,000+) so in the grand scheme of things his really aren't that bad. Yes they are elevated but not enough that we need to be doing anything additional and he won't be needing a biopsy. The Dr said it is most likely related to whatever virus he has. I felt like he had some forgetfulness but that appears to be just exhaustion. They are going to let him come home hopefully this afternoon. He also was having some puffiness in his abdomen and his legs, but this morning his IV came out and so he hasn't had IV fluids for 4.5 hours and he is already starting to improve. So that says his body was probably just overloaded with IV fluids and now his body is starting to flush them out. They liver Dr also said he isn't sure why he is still here. Most likely they are trying to put a name with the virus which is something they may never be able to figure out and in the end we don't need to know the exact strain of virus that he had. They wouldn't be able to treat him differently even if they did know. I'm very thankful for all the help we have had and most importantly the prayers. Keep praying as it sounds like he still has weeks ahead of him in recovering.

Still sick

Today the fever is back and Andy is just very out of it. We are praying they will find something soon! There was some concern about him having pneumonia but on his chest x-ray it was clear. He does have some sort of bronchial something that is giving him coughing fits. They are just baffled as to what is wrong with him which is frustrating but I'm trying to just trust God and learn what I can. If he isn't doing any better by Thursday they will do a liver biopsy but even with that they have no idea what if anything that will tell us. I'm waiting to get a call back about whether or not we need to seek treatment elsewhere or what I need to be watching for. Just pray for strength for me as of right now Andy has little to no ability to make decisions and its hard for him to concentrate even when I just try to run things by him. The kids are getting frustrated with going places so just prayer that they will have strength and I will have extra patience. Thanks for the help and prayers! I should put a disclaimer for any sentences that don't make sense...I'm totally sleep deprived!

Fever Free!!!!

Andy has been fever free for 24 hrs! YEAH this is very exciting! He ate lunch and dinner yesterday and kept them both down. That is also very exciting and very much needed. Hopefully he will continue to improve and we will be able to bring him home by the middle to end of the week at the latest. They still have no clue as to what it is and we are waiting for more tests to come back today or sometime this week. We appreciate all your prayers and everything everyone is helping with. Thanks!

Just a little update

Andy is still in the hospital, and they still have no idea of what is wrong with him. They are going to run a few more tests on Monday but they really don't have any clue. They have ruled out most of the really scary things, and keep saying that they think is just some sort of virus. Right now he is at least getting fluids through his IV, and today ate a tiny bit of food. He is still having a really high fever and throwing up several times. We really appreciate everyone who is helping out with everything and praying!! I would just ask that you would just keep praying for him and also for the kids and me. It is really tough not having Daddy here! Thanks again!

This is an e-mail.....

I got today that I thought very much applies to my life and many of my friends lives as well and was a huge encouragement to me.



"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26 (NIV)

Devotion:
Good Mom? Bad Mom? Good Mom? Bad Mom? Do you ever feel as though you are the ping-pong ball in a heated match bouncing constantly between feeling like a good mom to a bad mom?
One minute I have a great discussion where my child finally gets it... GOOD MOM!

The next I get an e-mail from a teacher that lists the three parents who have yet to turn in that permission slip and I am on the list for all the world to see... BAD MOM!

I calmly handle the stresses of the morning routine... GOOD MOM!

But then during the afternoon homework session, my child's irresponsibility over a last minute project just about sends me over the edge. I find my neck muscles tensing and my voice rising... BAD MOM!

I make sure they pack something healthy for lunch... GOOD MOM!

The schedule falls apart in the late afternoon and I wind up feeding them sugar cereal for dinner... BAD MOM!

Sometimes I feel like that ping-pong ball mom bouncing from feeling good to bad. Yesterday morning I sat down at the kitchen table after getting everyone where they needed to be and cried. Sometimes having kids is the greatest thing that has ever happened in my life. Other days I feel like the task of parenting little people is driving me to the brink of craziness. Just the other day I was processing some recent family things with my friend, Renee, over the phone. Suddenly a strange theme seemed to arise. I just started laughing. I told Renee that so many of my days seemed to tell the same kind of story... I was on the verge of a breakdown and then I spent time with Jesus and He made things better. Renee quipped back to me, "Well, isn't that where most of us live every day?" Not that we are on the edge of a breakdown, but we live in a place of utter dependence on God. I know as a mom, I live in constant need of His love, encouragement, wisdom, perspective, strength, patience, and grace. Anything I do right as a mom is because of my constant dialogs with God. Anything I do wrong as a mom is because of trying to do things in my own strength and slap wearing myself out. That's where grace steps in. And I need lots of grace. God's grace steps in and says, “Lysa, you are doing better than you think. Stop bouncing from feeling good to bad to good to bad. In the good times, rejoice and thank me. In the not so good times, call out to me quickly." And suddenly it occurred to me; with God I'm never a bad mom. I might be having a bad moment... or two... or seventeen. But a few bad moments do not define me as a bad mom. God's grace is there to cover me. Teach me. And even in the middle of a bad moment, interrupt me, redirect me, and change me. Forgiveness is there. Love is there. A second chance is there.
You are a good mom my friend even if, like me, you’ve had a few bad moments... you is the exact mom God knew your children needed. Let's live in that truth today.

Dear Lord, being a mom is a great privilege but one that can be so challenging at times. Teach me how to lean on You with every action and every reaction. And when I mess up, please help me to not define myself by my mommy failures. Help me to only be defined by Your love that assures me and Your grace that covers me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Jocee's first day of school

Jocee has started a preschool program called the Goodtime Gang...yes keeping with the east and south side roots and putting her in a gang. She is really liking it and seems to be learning new things already.

New Church

We have switched churches...not officially yet but we are going to take the "new member" class so maybe soon. Caleb isn't totally thrilled but I think is warming up at least a little bit. The septuplets go to this church so there are at least 4 other boys close to his age that have lots of energy. I'm praying it is just a matter of time. Ashleigh is loving it since AWANA has started. She wants to do her church "homework" every night, and Jocee is liking it too. She has made some new friends Adi and Clara and Kate and I'm sure many more. Jacob doesn't seem to mind either! I guess as long as someone keeps changing his diaper and giving him his snack and sippie he is good! It has been a really good change for our family and we are getting more involved everyday. There is a new pastor and wife...they came about the same time as us. So at least we weren't the only "newbies". We are really enjoying the fellowship with other young believers with and without kids. It is a pretty great group. The preaching has also been pretty great too. I feel like right now we are just where the Lord wants us to be.

Running....

This is something I really need to start again. I have been slacking quite a bit for the last few weeks but I'm going to start back again. I have two neighbors that have been running that I can hopefully tag along with to keep me motivated. I have slacked so much recently that I haven't decided if I'm going to do the half marathon or not. I'm sure I could complete it but my time would probably be worse than my dam to dam average which would be depressing....since you are suppose to get better over time not worse. It is about 3.5 weeks away who knows we'll see.

The frog hunters

sneaking up on frogs

the ride home...kinda bumpy for the poor frogs

The catch

These two can't get enough of the frog hunting!

my fearless babes contd

Fearless babes

Our big catch

Jake and Jocee checkin' it out

this is what it we think it should turn out like



Today we went to the park up the street from our house and found this huge caterpillar. I don't think I have ever seen anything this huge before in my life. I think it is a cecropia silkmoth. We are going to see if we can keep it and maybe it will hatch out for us in the spring!

Andy's leg

It seems like everyone has been asking how his leg is doing so I thought I would post a little update. Right now he is doing physical therapy 3 days a week, and has been for the past 5-6 weeks....it is totally kickin' his butt...but in a good way. His ankle was soooooo weak when he started that his physical therapist said it was worse then it was right after he broke it, and had his surgery. Not good. He has however gained a lot of strength over the past weeks, and even though he is extremely tired when he comes home from therapy, his leg is feeling better and not swelling as much/easy as it was before. (His great sis Amy also let him borrow her cryo cuff, which fills up with icee cold water and puts pressure on his ankle at the same time to relieve the swelling. Thanks Amy!!!) We go back to the Dr. on Wednesday and may or may not know more after that. We haven't been real thrilled with this Dr. so we may be switching here soon. He may have another surgery down the rode (to realign his bones which are off by about 8 degrees)which would take him off of his feet completely for 6-8 weeks,(so similar to the surgery on his leg) but he needs to regain his strength and more if possible to get the "best case" scenario with that. Who knows. Right now I'm praying for wisdom with what to do with the Dr. situation and that he will continue to improve through therapy!

Fall

Tomorrow Caleb starts football...I can't believe it is September 1st...According to me that makes it fall, which is of course my favorite season. I have already started pulling out my decorations for the fall season and have my wreaths from last year, which I LOVE, hanging on my front door (I'll be posting a picture of them soon too!) It also means that it is time to go to the pumpkin patch/corn maze/petting zoo! What could be more fun right?! I can't wait!!! We have a crazy busy week this week too, I don't think we have one free night this week! I think there is just something about this time of year. Well HAPPY FALL!!!!!

Labor Day!!!!

Tia, Jocee, Trinity, Ash...Trinity would only hold the little girls hands she wanted nothing to do with her big sister...Poor Tia!
Caleb and Tate on the space shot...right as it was taking off

We had a very productive and fun labor day weekend. Saturday we stained the deck (which took forever) We started out with what we thought was regular stain, that was more like the paint/stain but all in all it looks pretty good. (I'll post a pic soon) and there are just a few areas that we will need to "retouch" before it is totally done. Then Sunday we had a great day at adventureland with our friends Troy and Theresa and their kids. Caleb and Ashleigh are big enough to ride most of the "big" rides and they don't seem to be scared of anything at all. So they rode just about everything they could and also enjoyed some time at Kokomo Kove the new water park! Jake and Jocee had fun too on the kiddie rides. Then Monday we had the whole Kistenmacher fam over and grilled out. I think GPA Ed is so in love with my Gazebo that I should probably keep a good watch on it because it may be disappearing soon, I think if he could get his hands on it he probably would!!!

Mud rats!

Aunt Katie and Lilly came over to hang out for the day....Then Caleb had the great idea to go to the crick (aka: nasty water hole at the park) to hunt frogs. Well this was the result.

Kids bathroom-update

This is what happens when...

The big kids go to school and you have nothin' to do...Jocee decided to twist/rat her hair into a nice little knot that we had to cut out...so she now has her first 1/2 set of bangs. She wasn't real thrilled about me taking a picture!!