I do have childhood memories!

So today I was sitting in the living room watching Jamin and Paige wrestle. This is a common occurrence in the Klose home. Paige was winning when out of nowhere Jamin scrunches up his face, takes the stance and screams out RAAAAAHHHHHHH as he charges. It is at this point that Paige loses all control because she is laughing so hard and Jamin is able to defeat her. A few minutes later as they are both recovering Paige says through her giggles "Jamin, you know that saying that word doesn't make you stronger." Right then I myself begin to laugh hysterically. I actually have a childhood memory and it is so similar! You see, I too fought with my brothers and sisters, (o.k. mostly the sisters) and one particular sister, (I will keep her idenity secret) who, like Jamin thought one word would give her "super strength". Anybody remember that word..... TOTAL! We would be in the midst of fighting and at any given time she would shout out TOTAL and would go crazy!! Just flailing like a mad girl, every limb swinging and of coarse, she would at that point win because the opponent was too busy laughing to defend herself. She swore for many years that the word gave her super strength and she could fight anybody and win. Oh, the joys of watching my children fight!

Lessons from Paige

Well today was the day. Paige and four friends came here after school for her first Bible study! She and a friend Abby came up with the idea, got together to plan where in the Bible they would start, what game they would play to get the point across, what time parents would pick up their girls, the whole thing! I was pretty impressed with what they came up with. They were going to start with the Romans road, (their desire in all of this is for their friends to know Christ!)The next step was for them to start in Genesis. Jack and I both have offered help, but Paige and Abby seem pretty confident and have done the planning faithfully. (her independence here is killing me!) My prayer in all of this is that Paige and Abby would have the boldness to press on, even if, no... WHEN persecution comes. I also pray that they would see the fruit of their labor and that they would grow to be more like Christ because of this. What a proud moment for me as a mom, and yet, I recognize that it's all by the grace of God!

These are a few of my favorite things

Sitting in the sun sipping iced tea, wathcing the kids play.
walking the park with Jack.(really doing anything, anywhere with him.)
Cheering on the kids with hubby in whatever sport they're in.
floating on my raft in the pool all alone.
a giant gilatti, mango if they have it.
listening to the kids talk when they don't know I'm listening.
a hiking trip with the family.
getting together with the sisters. (I like the brothers too!)
a real good book
a good workout followed by a good long bath.
my hammock.
rocking on the back porch.
a big snow and sledding with the kids. (followed with some hot chocholate.)
being the one my kids run to for comfort.
those special talks with my kids.
getting an unexpected check in the mail.
picking strawberries and blueberries.
finding a good deal at the grocery.
accomplishing anything!
being able to complete a thought!

The necessities of motherhood

Down to six weeks left! Where has the time gone? My family surprised me with a long distance shower for mothers day last week! Thanks to everyone who participated, and for Dana the organizer (we always needed one of those in our family!) It's crazy how God just takes care of everything! We were almost 9 years removed from the baby scene, can't believe how much has changed over the years! I have already given blood 4 times! (as opposed to once with the others) I have had 4 ultrasounds, not just one. I have to get an IV automatically upon going in to have the baby! No needles before! Is it just Jersey or what!!! This is just a few differences for me, now for baby: They have plastic or net coverings for strollers and pack n plays. They have not just three or four, but 72 varieties of bottles spoons and plates, there is a toy in every fabric and color, but you need a different one every month for your changing baby. One can match your car seat with your wall border for the kids nursery at home! The swings for babies are loaded! They come again in any color or pattern one would desire, they vibrate, play music, have lights, toys hanging from them, battery or plug option, raise and lower options. It's crazy! Lets touch on the cosmetic end of having a baby- rows and rows and rows of shampoos, lotions, oils! Apparently depending one the season or the shape of the moon, your baby has the option of 86 different lotions! Then we come to the food and snacks! Now I am all about food, but they've taken graham crackers, made them little and boxed them with a cute baby on the front and sell them for three times the cost of regular graham crackers! Babies get their own fruit snacks, their own cereal, their own fruit and veggies, It's amazing! I must say that Gerber has done quite well for themselves! Because I am going to be a new mom again I have been watching moms a little more closely. They can't seem to go anywhere without two diaper bags per kid, along with a bag full of toys and snacks just in case!! They can't seem to plan their day because they never know what the baby will want or when he or she will want to lay down or if they'll be cranky. The gates and locks for kids are for any and everything you could think of. They even have a toilet seat lock! With all this craziness it's no wonder moms are stressed! For me and my house we will survive with a dog and a blanket!