Ninja Party

Asher and Colin were born about 13 months apart and share many of the same friends, so it just makes sense for us to throw one big party to celebrate them together! They decided they wanted a Ninjago theme (ninja legos), and it was really fun to come up with some creative ways to make a ninja party.

We met at a park that has a nice playground, so the kids that came early had plenty to do until everyone arrived and the fun started. Having the party outside is a must for my sanity!

Here are some pictures to share the fun we had as we celebrated Asher's 7th and Colin's 6th birthdays:

We had sushi, of course...





Ninja veggie cups.


Ninja cake!



The ninjas recieve their headwraps and are ready for training!





Sensei Dad prepares to train his ninjas.





Balance and agility training.





The "laser" course.





Katana practice.



A ninja with perfect aim!



Playing "Sensei Says".


Party favors in take out boxes...


We are truly blessed with wonderful friends for our boys!


What a great day.

Letting Go

I heard a story today that squeezed my heart.

A man was talking about a recovery center he'd served at several decades ago. A troubled teenaged pregnant girl had come to stay at the center for a few weeks. She wanted an abortion. And she wanted to kill herself.

She did her time at the recovery center, then went back to the real world. New patients moved in and out of the center and years went by.

Today, the man recieved a letter from his former patient, who is now a middle-aged woman. She'd left the recovery center as a healthier person. She had her baby. A boy. She was a loving mother and she raised her son to be a caring young man. He even became an Eagle Scout.

They recently visited the beach, and while they were there, a boy was swept out by the current into deep water and was drowning.

Her Eagle Scout son ran to the water, swam out and rescued the boy.

In the process, her son drowned.

This mom wrote a letter of thanks to her former counselor. She was so thankful for the impact he'd made on her life and for the gift of time she'd had with her son.

My reaction to the story was far different. I do not have the same open hands concerning my children. I want safety and security for them. A good job. A wonderful spouse. Happiness. A full life.

I do not want their lives sacrificed in anothers' place.

I want them to make a difference in this broken world, but the kind of difference that they write a book about. Tell stories that inspire others. I DO want them to save lives, but I want them to be safe while doing it. Get a boat! Throw out a flotation device! Don't lose yourself!

Be safe.

I am learning that safety is a mirage. A wishful hallucination of my desire to control. I KNOW I am powerless to really keep them safe. But, oh, I want to.

I need to let go.
I need to trust.
I need to rest in the fact that grace is enough.

That it will be enough.

Hiatus

I was a little ashamed when I realized that it's been a year since I've blogged. As I read through some of my previous entries, it was so precious to see those pictures and relive the memories that I decided it's time to start blogging again...if only for my future self!

My wonderful family. Summer 2011

Nick

As we were driving down our street yesterday, Nick suddenly said, "Should I help that guy?"

I had been looking down at my nails or something, so I had no idea what he was talking about.

He quickly pulled to the side of the road and said, "I'm going to see if I can help him." Just like that, he jumped out of the car and was gone.

I craned my neck to look out the back window of the van, and could not believe what I saw.

There was a man wearing sunglasses and a backpack, half on the sidewalk and half in someone's yard, flopping around wildly like a fish out of water. It was one of those horrible sights that just take your breath away.

What really took my breath away was to see Nick crouch down beside the man, talk to him gently, try to help him up to his feet, and then kneel in the grass with empathy as the man writhed violently again and again. During one seizure, the man's nose was broken as he helplessly banged his face into the ground.

Nick took the time to comfort the man and hear his story (homeless, no money for epilepsy medication). He was able to offer assistance while also giving the man dignity. He was there when the ambulance answered the call and took the man to get help at the hospital.

It was one of the proudest moments of my life to watch this scene unfold with our children. They watched their dad help someone in need while others just drove past. I hope this memory becomes a permanent part of them...a way of life they embrace for themselves.

Will - Two Months

Will is 2 months old.

He is still as sweet, happy and contented as ever. I tell people all the time (and I mean it), that if every baby in the world was as wonderful as Will, parents wouldn't want to stop adding children to their families!

He coos and "talks" all the time, and SMILES these huge grins that just light up his face. I've never seen a baby so young that is so full of smiles. Here are a few recent pics...

One of Our Favorite Places

Today's Soundtrack

Eva

In all the commotion of Will's arrival, I have majorly neglected blogging. I feel as though I have tons of material to write about, but not the time to sit and gather my thoughts. So, here's a catch-up post from February...

We celebrated Eva's second birthday.



It was a fun day of balloons, cake, presents and special surprises.



We asked her what her favorite things to do were, and she listed going to Chuck E Cheese, getting ice cream, and going to a candy store. So, that's what we did!



Eva is growing up into a beautiful, spunky, sweet and intelligent little girl. She loves books, hockey and football, food, dressing up and jewelry, singing, and playing with her big brothers.



Her latest love is her new little brother, whom she affectionately calls Baby Will.



We call her our little firecracker, as she's full of light, energy and sparkle.
We love you, Eva Diva!

Will

My baby is a month old.

Unbelievable!

Will has been a seamless addition to our family...a sweet baby boy who sees no need to fuss or complain. From day one, he's slept well through the night (wakes up once to eat), and is usually content to just quietly observe the family commotion all around him.

I have felt a special bond with him. Maybe it's because he's our last baby, so I am really treasuring the smallest moments...his adorable little self is so easy to love!

It's Time

My ankles disappeared last week.

The baby's head dropped into position, making me constantly wonder if I need to pee or not...and of course, that's not something you can leave to chance!

My back and pelvis ache, my stomach skin is about to split, and I think my ribs are permanently bruised from little baby feet.

BUT, tomorrow is my due date! The day that promises that my body's aches will soon be over, and our family will be able to hold a tiny, sweet-smelling little boy. I don't expect him to arrive right on his due date, but it's enough for me to know that the time is here...he will probably join us some day this week!

I also enjoy knowing that this little guy will complete our family (at least the members I am responsible to give birth to!). I can't express how much I am looking forward to this next stage of life...turning back into "Rachel" instead of "pregnant mom".

Funny story...we always keep our baby's name a secret until they're born (I know, I know), so the other day I told the boys that one of our favorite names for the new baby starts with a 'W'. Asher's guess?

Wedgie Hausam.

New Year

I love beginning a new year. Fresh calenders begging to be filled. Birthdays waiting to be planned. Vacations beckoning. The idea that growing, changing and living await me in the 365 days ahead.

This year, the thought of newness is even closer as our little son squirms and wiggles inside me...a mere three weeks from joining our family. I am so eager to see his sweet face, and also uneasy about the changes his arrival will bring. I am a bit nervous about scheduling, cooking, shopping, cleaning and parenting as I figure out how to juggle having four children ages 5 and under, but I also feel confident that things will work themselves out...if I just relax and don't try to be superwoman too soon!

The decade of my 20's brought college, love, marriage, home ownership, children and career changes. What will come in my 30's? I anticipate personal and spiritual growth, parenting challenges and successes, a thriving marriage and deep friendships. I hope we reach specific financial goals, travel to some new places and challenge ourselves to live even more generously. I really look forward to getting back into shape for good! : )

Welcome, 2011. Can't wait to see what you have for me.

Appearing soon on the Home Shopping Network...

Ash: My bottom kind of itches.

Me: Hmmmmm...

Ash: Do you know what I wish?

Me: What?

Ash: That there was such thing as a bottom scratcher.
But then, you'd have to stick it down your pants.
At least you could scratch your bottom any time you wanted to.

A Thanksgiving Psalm

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.

Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation

#9 My Children

They interrupt my plans daily, make giant messes as they explore their creative ideas, argue and fight with each other, complain when they don't like what I've cooked for dinner and generally turn my Type A control tendencies on their head. Which is exactly what I need!

Having 3-going-on-4 kids has taught me the most valuable lessons of my life...

That I'm NOT in control of anything except my attitude.

How wonderful it is to look over my children's heads as they wrestle around and catch Nick's eyes, sharing feelings in a moment that no one else can ever experience with us.

Understanding that the unconditional love that my father God has for me feels a lot like the fierce love I have for my children...only His love is stronger. This amazes me!

That although I'm making many mistakes while raising my kids, they are turning out ok. I'm so proud of the young men that are growing up in our house. I'll get back to you on how a certain young lady turns out... ; )

That the sweetest time of the day is when I tiptoe into their room at night and look down at their peaceful sleeping faces. They are beautiful and my heart fills with such love that it hurts.

I am so thankful for these lessons and the many other blessings that my three children have brought to my life. How rich these years have been!

#8 My Church

I smiled as I sat in church today.

Hundreds of people sang as one; age, race and status forgotten as we stood together to thank our God. I noticed a friend's beautiful 12 month old daughter dancing in delight to the music, a middle-aged couple smiling fondly at each other as they sang, and Colin listening to the worshipping people with his arms wrapped tightly around Nick's neck.

A good church feels like home. The people care for each other like family should, and truth and love are doled out together. It's a place to serve and to be served. A place to be challenged and a place to be healed.

I'm thankful that my family has found such a church...so thankful.

# 7 Beautiful Fall Days

I am so thankful for this weather!

It's been like one last taste of summer before winter comes blowing in and confines us indoors, and we are loving it. Nick was able to take the boys on a three hour biking adventure to several parks on Sunday, and yesterday afternoon we drove out to the Apple Blossom Farm playground...had the entire place to ourselves. It was nicer than the day we'd visited in September!

Balmy days, crunchy leaves and beautiful fall colors make me happy.
Thankful to have a few more beautiful days to make some more family memories!

#6 Nick

The most meaningful person in my life is my husband Nick.

We met when we were 20 and started hanging out together about a year later. We'd spend hours mountain biking, hiking or just talking...and then a wonderful friendship turned into something more. He was my first kiss, we shared dreams of travel and adventure, and we made each other laugh.

Married when we were 24 (while Nick was a full-time college student), moved 3 times, enjoyed vacations in the snow and in the sun, went through several job changes and will have had 4 children in about 5 years...whew! It is unbelievable to think about the many major life changes, joys and hardships that have been crammed into our 6 years of married life.

What is even more unbelievable to me is the fact that we are better friends and more in love than we were at the beginning. He is the dreamer to my practicality. The free spirit to my planning...the optimist to my reality. He challenges me to see the adventure in change, to enjoy the journey instead of just waiting to arrive at our destination. He helps me look for something good in everyone. He reminds me that everything will work out...and it does.

This final note is not a typical story of romance, but this weekend, I was extremely sick. As in, vomiting all over the bed. And the floor. And my hair. Sick. It was a blur, but through my groggy eyes, all I could see was Nick as he leaped out of bed (several times), cleaned up the floor, tossed the bedding in the washing machine, wiped my face and made me comfortable.

"In sickness and in health..."
That's love.

#5 This Morning

Things I'm thankful for this morning...

Three children happily playing together around the dining room table. (Actually, two big brothers being very patient as their little sister repeatedly destroys the game they are trying to play...)

My once-a-week phone visit with my sis...just the distraction I need to help me get through the laundry!

A date with my handsome husband to the Trans Siberian Orchestra this afternoon...with FREE tickets! Doesn't get any better than that!

Nick is only working half the day today. It will be so wonderful to be able to share most of the weekend together.

Crunchy banana nut granola, sweatpants and a lazy weekend ahead...

#4 My Bed

I have been just LOVING my bed!

Don't know whether to blame it on these cold, dark days or my extreme fatigue this week, but there is no sweeter feeling than laying my head down on my pillow and snuggling in for the night. Mmmmmmm....

And, when my alarm goes off in the morning and it's STILL dark outside, forget about it! I burrow in for just a few more stolen minutes.

It's weird, I know, but I'm thankful for my cozy bed!

#3 Friends

I said a sad goodbye to a friend today. She and her family are moving 3 hours away, which is *just* too far for an easy day visit...hopefully we will get to enjoy a weekend together this summer!

This afternoon reminded me that I have some wonderful friends, a fact that really hit me when I turned 30 this year and realized just how rich these friendships have made my life.

I love how very different each of these friends are...for example, a domesticated musician with a dark wit and generous soul; a sweet and intuitive social worker who loves mysteries and vintage fashion; a strong and lovely mama with a penchant for gourmet cooking and deep writing; a joyful and loving woman who excels in embracing others with her kindness and compassion...different, and yet, these women (and others I am blessed to know) are the same.

They are honest. Real.

Trustworthy of my deepest, darkest secrets.

They are fiercely loyal to their husbands, families and loved ones. They love my family.

They know how to laugh at life and themselves. They have cried with me.

They realize intuitively that a good conversation involves equal amounts of talking and listening.

They are the kind of women you meet and wish you could share your life with...even if only for a little while.

And I am just lucky enough to have had that wish come true.