Momm's Birthday

For the past 8 years we have Celebrated my Momm's birthday with some beautiful ladies. These are women, chosen by my Momm, who either she has influenced or been influenced by. Typically, it goes both ways. 

 Kelly always graciously hosts the party and sets the table beautifully. Kelly's talent is evident. Every year there is a different theme, and every year the table is a fest for the eyes. Plus, she always sneaks me an extra treat!
This is a highlight for all of us. The encouragement, joy and faith in each of these women always builds me up. It is fun to know the women in my Momm's life.

Back Row: CeLinda, Brianna, Terry
Front Row: Carolynn, Momm, Carol, Lisa, Kelly

We had the party a bit early this year because of people's travel schedules and this baby's imminent arrival.

Pretty Pedi's and Birthday Traditions

Beginning at my foot, clockwise: Me, Syndi, Jess, Momm, Grammy Mary, Gail, April and Tammy

Now, let's just see how well you know me. Which foot is mine?
My friend Tammy is exactly 10 years and 1 day younger than I am. Can I say that is exactly? I mean if it was 10 years, or 4 years, or even 1 month, but is 10 years and 1 day exact?
Two years ago, we went out for pedicures and Thai food, Two of my favorite things! Since we have done it twice we decided that we had started a tradition and traditions must be followed! This year Jess, Tammy and I all brought our moms, maybe that is a new tradition. But if it's new, is it still a tradition?  Or is it then a new tradition?
We got our pedicures first, then went to Busara, one of my favorite Thai restaurants and closed the place down. In fact, we stayed way past closing. I am really surprised that they did not kick us out. I guess they didn't want to mess with the ladies who had the gun case on the table. I love the dichotomy of my interests and how well my friends listen and pay attention to what is important. I got a flour sack tea towel (I mentioned recently how much I loved them) and a new case for my gun! I also got dinner and some fabulous soap and bath teas. It's really difficult to hoard my soap when I share a shower with 4 other people, not at the same time though.  I suppose that is another lesson God is teaching me in being selfless. However, If I could, I would hide the soap. Since I can't, I will learn to share with a happy heart.
I am shameless. I took not only my leftovers, but Tammy and my momm's as well. Right on par with Jess, who wanted to taste April's Thai Iced Tea, then kept it and had her order another one. It made perfect sense to me, and it was a good thing because the waitress forgot to make April's with Coconut Milk instead of half and half. I really wanted to hide 'my' leftovers and have them for lunch the next day. Instead, I did the right thing by giving Sean the small box of Pad Thai and keeping the Orange Beef all for myself. No, just kidding, I didn't, but I wanted to. I gave Sean all the leftovers, again learning that by serving others with a happy heart I will learn to be happier.
As C.S. Lewis said, "Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival."
My life is more valuable because of the friends I share it with.

Momm's Birthday Celebration

About 7 years ago we started a tradition of honoring my momm with a Celebration of her, at her Birthday. It is such a precious tradition, a highlight of my year. 

my beautiful mother, at a beautiful table

 I love the women that she chose as being influential and important in her life. I have been greatly blessed by these women.
Kelly, is the hostess for these events. Kelly can take simple everyday items and make the decorations spectacular! Every year I look forward to seeing how she will decorate. This year she joked that she did not know what she looked like all week because her bedroom mirror was part of the table decorations. Of course, she looked as fantastic as ever! Kelly is the kind of friend who can graciously tell you the most difficult things and you will thank her for it. She is very humble and will gladly sacrifice sleep to stay up half the night talking.

The table was like a feast for your eyes!

 Brianna, is a wealth of knowledge anything health related and is someone I strive to be like in providing for my family from the work of my hands.
Lisa is the most gentle prayer warrior. She diligently seeks to win her children's hearts and intentionally trains them in Biblical Principals.
Celinda, is always good for a story! She knows how to have fun. She has also walked with my mom through some of the most difficult seasons. She can knit, shoot a gun, and whip up a feast for half of Texas.
Rachel is an amazing example of beautiful things that are made under pressure. She is always waiting with a hug and a smile. She has had some tremendous difficulties but still puts her trust in God and because of that hope, she knows she doesn't need to worry. She is beautiful.
Terri is one of my momm's friends that I don't know very well. When we all stop talking long enough to listen she is a hoot! She recently told me a story about putting a cow in her VW Bug! Terri is a dancer and takes very good care of her health. She does not like chocolate or coffee. I usually bring dessert and it almost always has chocolate or coffee in it. This year, I decided to make something that Terri would like, so I made a 4 Layer Coconut Cake. Sadly, Terri does not like coconut either! I discovered that she loves peanut butter so next year will be something Peanut Butter!

Coconut Cake

 Of course, my momm. How do you narrow down something wonderful to say about your momm in one or two sentences? She is amazingly generous and encouraging. She supports me and my family and has super fun activities to do with the children. She loves to play! I don't really know how to play, I have to ask my children what I am supposed to do. I like to build Lego, play a game, or set up Playmobil with them, but not play. My momm knows how to play! I will often find her in the middle of a tea party, playing babies with the girls, fixing up the play house or even playing Lego by herself!

The inside scoop

 I looked all over for a Coconut Cake recipe that looked delicious. I couldn't find one that I liked, so I adapted several different ones. Here it is if you want to try it, you really should, it was good!
Cake
3/4 pound butter
2 cups sugar
5 extra large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 tsp coconut extract
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 cup coconut milk
4 oz shredded coconut
 Frosting:
1 lb cream cheese
1/2 pound butter
3/4 tsp vanilla
3/4 tsp almond extract
1 pound powdered sugar
toasted shredded coconut

It's the details that make the difference. 

Directions: preheat oven to 350, grease and flour  4 8 in pans.  Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, add eggs one at a time, add vanilla and coconut extracts, mix well.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, soda and baking powder, and salt. add dry mixture alternately with the coconut milk. mix until just combined. Fold in the toasted coconut.
Pour batter evenly in the bans and bake until the cakes are browned and a tester comes out clean. Cool completely on a rack. Frost the cake beginning with the bottom layer and finishing with the top and sides then gently press (Or throw hard, like I did) the toasted coconut on the to and sides.

I pray that you are are as blessed as I am to enjoy delicious food, and friendships that build up, encourage, and strengthen one another. I know this is a precious gift and for that, I am so very thankful.

Look Who's 4!

My baby is 4! This year has had some huge changes, taking down the crib, selling the toddler bed, saying, "Good-bye" to pull-ups at night, being able to buckle herself in her car seat, graduating to 'real' chores, and so much learning.

Sporting her new dress and making cupcakes! 

I am so thankful for my sweet, spirited little girl. She is growing up way too fast. I am cherishing each milestone thinking that it is the last time we get to enjoy these moments with our children. 

I know that she isn't growing up with the same mama Mikaela had. In some ways that is good, others she is missing out. 

 For some reason I do not have any pictures of Liberty's Birthday Party. We had 26 people at the house. For dinner my momm made a wonderful Prime Rib!
I scanned Pinterest for ideas for her party and we had a super cute Owl Themed party, complete with a Happy Birthday banner, missing a 'P' in Happy, Owl cupcakes with Oreos and M&M's for the eyes, cute owl goodie bags.
I love that it was only 5 families and we all agree to do all together. I love that the 11 year old girl and 12 year old boy can be as excited for the 4 year olds birthday as she herself is.

When Liberty opened her gifts she just tossed the clothes over her shoulder, but later LOVED the new clothes, especially the pink sparkly tights from Grandma. she got her own box of cupcake mix and frosting with sprinkles. Ruby gave her a huge purple plastic ring that can often be seen on Ruby's finger. 

She is such a big girl with an even bigger personality. 

Happy Birthday Aaron

It is hard to believe that a dozen years have passed since Aaron joined our family! He is becoming a wonderful young man. I still see glimpses of him as a child but more opportunities to see how he is growing an maturing. 

He loves his little sisters and jumps at any opportunity to serve them or make them smile. 

I would love to reminisce and put eloquent thoughts down but Alas, I must leave. We have one child camping with Boy Scouts and attending a Merit Badge Extravaganza, another at a wrestling tournament and another has Pinewood Derby today. 

Guess I know why the blog has been so quiet lately.... we are living life. 

Family Reunion

Noah and Erik

Actually it was my nephew, Noah, who declared that we were having a family reunion. I really wanted the opportunity for Mikaela to see her cousins and Aunts while she was here. So I asked my mom to host a gathering of Sean and his sisters! She lives in the middle of all of us so it was a central location. That, and she is a very gracious host. Oh, and she has a fabulous sledding hill in the back yard!
When we planned the menu she told me she had it all under control and I didn't have to prepare anything, or bring anything. How's that for planning a get-together on my part?

Princess Cousins: Ruby and Sarah

 I was concerned that we would not be able to continue with our plans due to the crazy snow and freezing rain. Mikaela's last day here turned out to be fairly decent as far as travel was concerned.
Mikaela has not seen her Aunts since Karina's baby shower, and Loden is now 2!

Taylor and Aunt Karina
This was our first get together since Nicole was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in February 2011. Nicole's amazing attitude and beauty radiate through her gorgeous smile! It was so nice to spend some time together and watch the cousins play.
Erik was so gentle with the baby and played for hours on the sleds with Noah. His compassion warmed this mama's heart. 

Aunt Nicole and Mikaela

Aaron had Loden with him most of the time. Loden loved riding on Aaron's shoulders. Plus Aaron is kinda like a big puppy dog as far as fun is concerned.  Loden practiced all of our names and was quite good and communicating who and what he wanted. He is the sweetest little boy. He has a great smile and gentle disposition.

Ruby, Sarah, Geaba, Uncle Moo, Kimberly

 My brother, AKA Uncle Moo, had just gotten out of the hospital and had a few major surgeries, he felt well enough to join us but lamented the fact that he could only eat a couple bites of lasagna before he felt full. I completely agree with his statement that, "I really like to eat and want to enjoy more than a taste of my food before I'm too full to eat more." Unfortunately for me I was able to eat 3 helpings of lasagna before I felt full. (wonder if that's my problem?)

Ian and Karina

Don't you see the family resemblance here?
Ian is my sweetie!  He loves playing with the girls (Ruby, Sarah, and Libby), he has it figured out: he gets to be the hero and the conqueror, and the dad. Whatever the coveted role is, when he is playing with the girls, he gets that role. Smart boy!

Karina and Nicole

 I couldn't have gotten better sisters in law if I had hand picked them myself. They lavish my children with genuine attention. I love how they love them.

Sweet Loden

It took Karina 15 minutes to get Loden ready to go outside and play in the snow. 5 minutes later it was time to come in for cake and presents. We like to lump the celebrations around here. Noah will be 9 on Jan 26th, so we had dessert in his honor. Apparently Noah didn't like our singing. Really, though he didn't want us to see his wet bum from sledding in the snow. Don't know why covering your ears helps cover your bum, but whatever works!

 After brownies, we gave some belated Christmas gifts, and Noah's birthday gifts. My favorite quote was from Noah, while Loden was opening his gift,"That looks amazingly like a toddler toy."

Backyard snow fun

Riding a Ski Do down the hill, pushing cousins in the wagon down the hill, hitting snowballs with a bat up the hill sounds like a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, it was the perfect ingredients for a perfect day of memory making with family.

Loden and Mikaela

That's Loden's angry face! He was not impressed that we told him he couldn't take home the first gun he ever played with. Makes me laugh that boys (even ones who have no experience with guns) will change anything into a gun, and know exactly what to do with it!
I am so very thankful for the time we have and for the people God has given to us. It was hard to share the time we had with Mikaela, but I know how important it is to let people know they matter and are important to you while you can.

Yippee Libby's Three!

I remember 3 short years ago, Sean and I went for a walk on New Year's Eve. This baby was due Dec 23 and the doctor wanted to induce me on Dec 11. I canceled my appointment and just didn't make another one until after the new year. I was feeling huge and uncomfortable and my mom was still at our house from Christmas because we all kept thinking the baby was going to be born any day.

Finally on New Year's eve we were about a mile and a half from the van and my water broke! My water has never broke at the onset of labor so we were quite surprised. I am talking like gallons of water! Not just a small trickle, but big gush. Sean offered to run back and get the van but I was feeling fine and did not relish the thought of sitting on the side of the road soaking wet freezing cold while all the people out to celebrate the new year were driving by. 

We walked back to the van and a couple times I had to stop a puke. One time Sean missed it because he was watching the custom Harley's drive by. It's OK, I don't really need an audience to puke anyway. 

Just before I got back in the van my water gushed even more! 

I went home and took a shower and did my hair and makeup. Hey, you never know how long it's gonna be till you get to do that again. (with Ian it was 5 days!) 

I called my friend Jess and told her that I wasn't really in labor but we were going to the hospital anyway. She met us there about 9:00 p.m.While being admitted they told me that they couldn't get a reading on my amniotic fluid so they didn't think that it had broke yet, and it didn't look like I was in labor so they might send me home. Ummm, this is my 7th baby and I'm a Childbirth Educator and  Doula, I know that my water broke. Plus, I was 41 +1 weeks pregnant I had to tell them that it was time to have the baby. 

 I walked around a bit and the nurse said that I looked a little flushed so maybe she should check my progress. When she checked I was at 9 1/2 cm! I yelled, "Praise God!" It has never been this easy before. Jess was in shock and said, "no wonder you have so many babies, you make this look easy."

I mean really, I was hardly sweating, my makeup was still perfect and I was almost there!

Alas, that is where the joy stopped. We all thought she would be born 12/31/08. That's when the real contractions hit! I felt like I was in transition the whole rest of the time. The doctor offered to break my water to help things along. I agreed because my water had already broken and it couldn't hurt. They were flummoxed when they couldn't find any bag to break. Duh. I tried taking a bath, doing deep knee bends, getting on my hands and knees, I even tried pushing a few times (even though I had no urge). I can honestly say that is the worst feeling I have ever had! I thought maybe I could push past that 1/2cm. I think that is when I got mean. I cried and said I couldn't do it anymore (the first time I have ever felt that way). Sean was shocked. Plus when I got out of the tub I did not want to get dressed again so I labored hard completely naked for the next few hours. I was pretty disgusted with everyone when they all cheered "Happy New Year!" Then I was encouraged with the promise of having the first baby of the year (who doesn't want a years worth of free diapers?)

I could see the doctor trying to decided what to do. Obviously the baby was malpositioned and nothing I had done had changed that. Because of my genetic bleeding disorder C Section was a last resort option and an epidural is not an option at all. Finally at 2:15 a.m. I crawled into bed completely exhausted and out of ideas. Jess encouraged me to try Fentanyl. I have never had it, and have seen women use it plenty of times. I did not really want to be in a intoxicated state when I had the baby but since it seemed to be my only option, I decided to give it a whirl. Liberty was born at 2:24, just 4 minutes after the Fentanyl. I have cursed myself many times wondering if she would have been born 5 hours earlier if I had just swallowed my stubbornness and taken the stuff. She was born with her fist right by her ear ~ Ouch. 

She has grown so much! It's hard to imagine that we don't have a baby in the house anymore. She constantly reminds us that she isn't a baby, but a big girl. She wants to do everything herself and is every one's number one helper! 

Syndi made Liberty this awesome Tea Pot Cake. I think Libby has a special bond with Syndi and could pretty much get whatever she wanted! Libby loves tea parties and before the last drop of tea is finished she is already planing the next party. 

Libby wanted, Isobel, Ben, and Syndi at her party.  Because we do things involving the whole family Abigail got to come along and I was able to get some good baby cuddle. 

Liberty wore her new dress from Grandma, and enjoyed her cake with her own special Tea Cup from Syndi, she also got a tea set to have tea with her babies. She loved her puzzles that Ruby wanted to 'organize' for her, Super cute purple Keen's, a baby stroller, carrier and high chair! I guess if we don't have any real babies we still have plenty of baby gear for the girls' dolls. 

Happy Birthday my sweet, independent, cuddly, funny girl. I love you!

Happy 14th Birthday Taylor!

One of our Birthday Traditions is that the Birthday girl, or boy, gets to choose all the meals for the day.

Taylor had high standards for breakfast and dinner, but lunch was a breeze. 

For breakfast she chose Swedish pancakes, in our home they are known as roll-up pancakes. It took me over an hour of actual cooking time and 2 dozen eggs, 10 cups of milk and 8 cups of flour! 

I know she is really happy to not be eating gluten free right now. 

Taylor reading her new book from Grandma Chris to Liberty

 Lunch was super easy and I applauded her choice for dinner ~ Sean's homemade calzones. This was the first party that I didn't make the meal.  I loved being able to visit and take care of other small details. I think it was a bit stressful for Sean, calzones for 15 people.
other than the food, we don't have regular traditions or parties for our children. Some years we go all out, like here, other times we go more simple. We almost always combine the boys party.

Sean and Mark finally getting to enjoy some delicious Calzones. 

Our good friends, Mark and Christine and their children recently moved back to the area. We couldn't be more thrilled! Taylor didn't want a big friend party she only wanted to have the Landis' come over, eat calzones, and play in the woods then play 'ghost in the graveyard' which is hide and go seek in the dark outside. I'm still trying to come up with a better name for it than that, any suggestions?!

All the party guests! My mom and niece, Kimberly, the Landis' and my children.  

I cherish the fact that at 14 Taylor was equally thrilled with the books and clothes that she received and promised to share the Playmobile that Ruby, Liberty, and Ian gave her. A toy that entertains both the 2 year old and the 14 year old and everyone in-between is priceless!

This is one example of why I don't have any family photos!

I can hardly believe this was almost a month ago, Aaron is now officially taller than I am, and Taylor has been taller for almost a year.
Taylor is growing into a lovely young lady. She is learning to run a house quite efficiently. She is still the leader in the home and all the other children will happily oblige and play whatever she has in store for them. The other children wait for their turn to have a game with Taylor. She is very cleaver when it comes to using that time as a reward.
Taylor is my #1 kitchen and bathroom cleaner. I am thrilled with the work ethic I have seen develop this past year. I give her her work list for the week and she will work diligently to complete everything on her list. She will even be responsible enough to pass up something fun because she needs to do her work. I am looking for a way to clone that gene!
It is amazing to watch how God is molding her and shaping her into a young woman that is more beautiful on the inside than she is on the outside. I am excited to watch her mature over the next year and see her become more responsible. She is a joy and I am so blessed to participate in the molding and shaping and teaching and training of her life.

It's A Girl!

Most of the time I would say I am pretty reasonable. I generally don't give in to my children's whims, or fleeting desires.

This time, Erik's birthday wish was to have his very own bunny. I like animals but I do not go out of my way for them. Sure I will swerve to miss hitting them if possible, I feed them, and will even pat them occasionally.

Erik on the other hand LOVES animal and wants all animals to have a good life.

Since it is not easy to wrap a rabbit we 'blindfolded' Erik and lead him around the yard till he stopped in front of the hutch. He was shocked!

My friend Shelly found this bunny with hutch and food on Craigslist and I was sold!

Her name is Thumblina but Erik has called her Stellaluna, Leapster, and Erika. Hopefully he will settle on a name soon.

We don't know much about rabbit care. He is taking a rabbit class at the Youth Fair so we should get a better picture of what is involved. He loves to hold the bunny and is trying to make friends but he is a little gun shy and afraid.

He said he never thought in a million years he would get a bunny. I think we won some cool parent points!

The really funny part is that Taylor thought we were crazy and should not let Erik get a bunny. She did not want on in her yard, not on a train, not in the rain, She did not want a bunny! Now she is saving up her money and wants to buy her own bunny.

Guess Who's Two

It seems impossible that 2 years have passed since this sweet little girl has entered our lives. 2 years since my water broke a mile and a half from the van on New Year's Eve, 2 years since I had my last baby, 2 years...

What Fun He's One

Look at this cutie pie! This is my one year old nephew Loden. His birthday was 3 weeks ago! I know I have been slacking on the blog a bit lately but I guess my excuse is that we are living life, not blogging it.

We had a super busy November with a birth, birthdays, birthday parties, and snow. Our family was really looking forward to our trip south to Celebrate Loden's First Year.

I am extremely jealous that my Sister In Law, Nicole gets her hands on Loden on a regular basis. Because they are in such close proximity, and Noah thinks of Loden as his brother, Noah was given the honors of making a toast to the Birthday boy. Noah is very articulate and extremely funny. Noah said that he thought Loden was very cute as a baby but as he is getting older his is becoming less cute ~ Thus the reaction from Karina above.

We don't see family near enough but it is always fabulous to see them. Ruby was especially taken with Aunt Shelby because she listened to Ruby's stream of consciousness speak.

Taylor, Aunt Karina, Grandma

I was hoping for a photo of all the girls together but was pleased with the one I was able to get. We were all disappointed that Aunt Nicole was not able to make the party due to illness, and would covet any prayers for miraculous healing.

Aaron is my most tenderhearted child. He loves to hold babies and is always good for getting a smile.  Loden was completely thrilled with Aaron and offered up not only smiles but contagious belly laughs as well. 

Sean, Ian, Aaron, Grandpa Ivan, Erik

I am not sure even a professional can get a good group shot with my boys. This was about the only picture where Ian's fingers are not in someone else's nose, mouth or ears!

All the cousin's on Sean's side are in this photo except for Mikaela
Again, I challenge a professional photographer to capture 5 boys and 3 girls for a frame worthy picture.

Happy First Birthday you cute little man! 

Babies, Babies, Birthdays and More

I have not slept more than and hour and a half since Wednesday. I had the blessing of being able to help a friend get some coveted time alone with her husband. As a result I had 11 children at my house ALL day Thursday. We had a blast and will post about that soon.
When I went to drop the children at another friends house I got a call for a baby!
The Labor was beautiful and I will share about that soon but for now please lift baby Sophie up in prayer. She is not breathing unassisted and had to be transported to Children's. Mom is anxious to recover enough to go be with her baby and hold that precious little girl.
I came across this verse today:

You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions;
stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Go out to face them tomorrow and the Lord will be with you.
2 Chronicles 20:17

I stopped on my way home and got what I needed to have a birthday party for my 13 year old Taylor. We had 13 girls here for games, jewelry making, dinner and ice cream sundaes!

Tomorrow We will be attending a reunion for some very dear friends and the sponsors of my Birth By Design Classes. After that we are headed to my nephew Loden's First Birthday Party then to Children's to visit baby Sophie and to Grandma's house for another Celebration of Taylor!

I am humbled by the blessings God has bestowed upon me. I am unworthy of all His provision and faithfulness. Praise God.

Twenty

My first born turned 20 this month. My youngest turned 20 months this month.
I have always heard that they grow up way too fast, I am not sure I believed it but now the reality is here that they do grow up way too fast. I noticed it when Mikaela was in high school and we had about 10 minutes a day of influence on her. That was when I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that we would be homeschooling all the way through for the rest of them! There was not enough time to teach her all the things God laid on my heart for this beautiful girl.

My heart was filled with Joy that we were all able to celebrate the birth of Mikaela together. Mikaela and her boyfriend drove over to Yakima and we went to the fair then took the family (minus the little girls &Ian) to the Extreme Bull Riding. Then my mom and niece, Kimberly came over for a party. It seems more and more difficult to have everyone together with how busy everyone is. When it does happen it is fabulous.

I know I have not always made the best choices and that I have fallen short many many times but I am so thankful that I chose to give this young woman life. I was 18 when I discovered I was pregnant. I was alone in the emergency room with an ovarian cyst that was about to rupture. I had recently broken up with my high school sweetheart and was on a date when I got really sick and the guy dropped me off in the turn around of my dorm. The ER nurse came in and said, "Taught you a thing or two about birth control."

It was really scary and there was pressure to "take care of the problem". It would have been simple to justify it. I hoped that when the cyst ruptured that the baby would go with it.

But I always knew that life was a gift from God and it is His to give and His to take away. There was no way that I was going to question God.

My journey has not been easy. I Praise God for His faithfulness, His provision, and His providence. I am humbled and know that I am not worthy of all His Blessings, especially the privilege of raising Mikaela, of praying for her to have an undeniable love for her Saviour and waiting for Him to capture her heart.

Welcome Paisely Grace

Welcome Paisley Grace! Paisley was born to Jason and Jessica
July 27, 2010
8 pounds 7 ounces
20"
7:58pm


I had the honor of being their Doula for the second time! Jess' due date was Monday and I was praying that she would have the baby before I left for vacation, I know it was selfish but I really did not want to miss her birth! They planned on having a water birth at the Birth Center after doing much of the labor at home.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

God's plans are not always our plans. Jess had her first contraction as she was leaving our favorite beach at 5:30pm. She picked up Little Caesars Pizza and headed to the park for a picnic dinner with the family. My cell phone decided to quit working and I knew that Jess was going to have her baby soon so I was trying to get it to work and at 6:30 it finally turned on and I received a Text from her asking what I was doing tonight. I replied, Costco or a birth or both.... We talked and she told me that her contractions were not very long but they were close together, she was still at the park at that point. I decided that I would finish Costco then drop the girls off (Sean was haying with the boys) and head to Jess' house.

Jess called at 7:05 and was clearly in active labor, I prayed with her and told her I was on my way. We left our cart at Costco, I did get the girls a smoothie on the way out, loaded up the van and started for home. Syndi was going to meet me at the off ramp and get my children and I was going to Jess'. On my way there my phone rang once, I saw it was Jess and then it completely died!

I pulled over at the nearest gas station, called Jess back and Jason said, they were on their way to the Birth Center the contractions were coming fast and hard. Jess was hanging on to the sun roof and breathing for dear life. I quickly called Sean and told him there was a change of plans and to please call Syndi and tell her I would not be meeting her and ask Tami if I could drop the children off at her house until he could get there. I could not make any other calls because I did not know any numbers they are all in my phone, which was inexplicably dead.

I drove by Tami's house, pushed the girls out (almost literally) and arrived at the Birth Center a few minutes before Jess. She got there at 7:49pm and was obviously in Transition!

Jason left his car with the keys in the ignition and we helped her inside. The midwife arrived a few minutes after me and before Jason and Jess.

We took off her pants and the midwife checked her, she was already complete! The bath was already filling so I helped her in and Jason moved the car. By the time he got back Jess had had a few more really strong contractions with some heavy back labor. I was trying to give her counter pressure on her hips to help with the pain but I couldn't reach so I climbed in the tub and started offering her a bit of relief.

The midwife asked me if I wanted to take off my skirt so it wouldn't get wet. I told her no, I did not have anything on under my skirt. Then I realized how that sounded so I clarified that I did have underware on but I wasn't going to stand there in my undies!

Jess asked how come her water had not broken yet as it was bulging. The midwife said she could reach her hand in and break it to which she declined. Then I felt a huge gush of water all over my legs and heard a pop. Jason said, What was that! I said, Her water just broke!

Then, because of the position we could see the baby's face as she emerged! It was one of the most amazing thing I have ever seen!

It was not a water birth because the tub had not even filled enough to cover the baby! She was born 9 minutes after their arrival to the Birth Center!

We passed the baby through her legs to Jess and she was standing there, in the water with the baby still attached and had to get out of the tub, and to the bed to deliver the placenta.

The baby was so content with a healthy little cry and pink chubby cheeks!

Seriously one of the most efficient deliveries ever. It is stressful to have a baby that fast because it is all the pain of a longer labor condensed into a smaller amount of time. Jess was fabulous and still looked amazing after it was all over!

I never cease to be amazed that God has chosen us, as women to have the privilege to have another life grow in our bodies and that he has Perfectly designed us to be able nurture and nourish that new life.

For you formed my inward parts;

you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from you,

when I was being made in secret,

intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

in your book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me,

when as yet there was none of them.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!

(Psalm 139:13-17 ESV)

My prayer for you dear sweet Paisley Grace girl, is that you will grow in your wisdom and understanding of your Lord and Saviour. I know your parents will train you in the fear of the Lord and His love for you. God had chosen the perfect family for you! You are a gift that He chose specifically for your parents. The Bible verse I have chosen for you Paisley is:

May the Lord direct your heart to the love of God

and to the steadfastness of Christ.

(2 Thessalonians 3:5 ESV)