Christmas 2014 is coming!  We had a nice Thanksgiving celebration plus a fun weekend adventure of cutting down our own tree.  It all went much better than anticipated which is wonderful!  This is the kids with my parents at the tree farm.

I'm having some holiday blues which is kind of odd for me.  It seems as though celebrations have been stressful in the past but now they are just tiring.  Although it seems like the kids require less and less "help", they still need to be managed.  But there is rest in the Lord.

I am hoping this year to really focus on slowing down, simplifying and truly focusing on the Advent season as it progresses through scripture.  My hope is this will really center me and our family on Christ and others instead of busyness and materialism.  I desire for peace, joy and truth… pray and focus on scripture with me this advent season.

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Life

Isn't this the truth.  This is just a little quote I came across on a blog that I follow.  It is so true.  We do this.  I find myself doing this even today.  We have a house full of sick kids and a couple of sleep deprived parents.  I find my fuse very short this round of illness.  I'm usually right on task as helping people that are sick was my lifes work for so long.  My nighttime shift has always been a little hard but this one seems nearly impossible.  I'm out of sync.  For some reason, my body just won't adjust to this one.  And our youngest is trying me to the moon and back.

And I think I'm being tempted, tempted to be less Christ-like than I desire... and I'm not winning.  I want to be kind and loving but my words and actions just are not there sometimes.  I'm studying James; I want my life to reflect the words in this book of the Bible.  I also want my husband's work at our church to be fruitful and give him the time he needs for that to be guilt-free.  I want my husband to also be able to full fill his dream of having a productive adventure with animals on our farm.  And I want to be an active part of saving the lives of unborn babies and the lives of their families.  I want to be a great wife and mom.  I believe God desires all these things for us too and I think because our desire to bring glory to God in all these things, we are being tempted... being tempted to give up.  But I won't.

I really want my whole life to be a wonderful story.  Even the darkest of nights.  But I have to remember that everyone has challenges and struggles and that I'm not in this alone and I don't need to compare especially my struggles with everyone's triumphs.  I need to LEARN to give thanks in every situation. 

I will go back now to my puking kids, baskets of laundry and be grateful.  Grateful that I have a family. And be thankful that my behind-the-scenes acts with ultimately one day be the best hightlight reel I could ever hope for!

LIFE.... Fight for it!

LIFE.  When does it begin?  I guess I have never questioned that life began at the moment of conception but I really never planned to have such a heart for saving a life from that moment until the moment a child is born and beyond.

I know of people who have had abortions but not anyone close enough to me to talk about it.  I really have always wanted to know why or how it felt or how it felt when the did carry a baby to term.  All of these are not even questions that would be right to ask but I've thought about them.

Then a couple of years ago my husband and I attended a banquet for a local clinic to help women and families in crisis with a pregnancy.  At the time I was pregnant with our fourth child.  The pregnancy that was really not any less planned that our last but was more overwhelming due to the number and ages of our other children.  At that time we had a 2 year old and 7 month old twins.  I was an emotional basket case and didn't think this was the way it was supposed to be.  Which it was completely how it was supposed to be because God is good and she was part of His perfect plan.  Even though abortion NEVER crossed our minds, I felt like I could relate to women who were pregnant and felt hopeless.

We have financially supported this clinic ever since and continue to attend fund raising banquets however recently I have felt such a heart tucking from the Lord to become more involved.  Just after Christmas my friend gave me this book.  I couldn't put it down.  It answered some of my questions and I so feel Abby's passion!  Yesterday I gave the clinic a call and left a message stating that I have a heart to serve at the clinic personally.  I have no idea where this will lead but I am so excited to serve the Lord in this way.  Help save His creations and help their moms and families along the way!

Expanding Family

Hvidsten Christmas 2011, a photo by janelleh1 on Flickr.

I write this post as a person who is pretty sure I make a plan and then pray about it. I heard on the radio the other day, that rather than that we should pray about something first and then come up with a plan. It seems like a minor difference with huge differences in outcomes.

I love this picture of the cousins at Chistmas! They had such a good time together. You see get togethers are hard for me because I feel like I am always on alert.... which I am even if we are not in a group setting but anyway. This year seemed more relaxed. The kids came be trusted a little more, chairs aren't really an issue at this point and everyone can eat on there own and some even at their own table! Gift opening even went better, at least for me. There was one adult for every child so it didn't seem so chaotic; which was so nice!

Anyway, back to my previous thought. I am quite sure this group will be expanding. I can be pretty confident in this as my sister-in-law is expecting her third child at the end of April. Hopes are that Jack will have a boy to help him out with all these girls but one never knows; we could have the next cheerleading squad on our hands.... or basketball team.
Then there are Jay's two sister who will probably add to the numbers at some point too so it will be quite a group someday, as it is already.

This is where my planning then praying comes in. I have a plan... I thought. And I was all ready to pray about it and then I heard the message on the radio. Pray then plan. Oh my word. This should not be eye opening to me but it was. I think I very often plan and then pray. I knew I was to have our next child between February 2013 and February of 2014. I was quite sure. And now I'm back to the drawing board. But really I'm so much farther ahead... I know God already knows and I just have to pray to find out. What a relief!

So even though I'm clueless to whether or not I personally will add to these numbers; I do know that most importantly I have a heavenly Father to represent to the ones we already have and to continue to grow and mature in the relationship I have with him.

So enjoy gazing at these beautiful children and pray for me if you think about it as we continue to pray about God's plan for our family.

It beginning to look alot like Christmas!

I decided to go out and try for a Christmas card photo one afternoon.  It was actually quite cold and windy but the moment I mentioned outside to the kids there was no going back.  They were so good to work with but getting all four to look, smile and hold still for more than a milisecond was not possible.  But I still like the photos anyway.  They were outside which they LOVE and were laughing and hugging almost the whole time and that was worth the work it took to get them out there.  I also think it is such a representation of how are family is right now.  We try to work together but get sidetracked easily, we are happy but not always at the same time and often someone is a little out of focus and sometimes were are just watching one another with wonder.  So this is us... minus my husband and I of course but someone has to take the picture and someone has to provide for the family so this is where we were at this particular afternoon.

I also love watching my kids together when they are having fun.  It makes my heart hope they will always be close.  Early this week I had to go to GF to get groceries, Christmas presents and bring Julia to her 18 mo appointment.  On Mondays, my mother-in-law has some combination of 2 or 3 of the kids so I thought I would get a bunch of stuff done on this trip.  No, not so much.  My father-in-law was recovering from surgery on his foot and my mother-in-law did feel so well this past weekend so I was on my own.  Jay volunteer to have one of the kids be with him at work and while he made root beer with his family that day so Bekah was taken care of.  It ended up that my mom had an MRI sceduled at the same time as Julia's appointment so she was dropped off at my parents that morning and picked up by me at the hospital just in time for her appointment which worked out really well.  So Jack, Hannah and I headed off for GF.  These are the times I feel like we have fun together, adventures together and I hope that I will be able to do it with all four of them at the same time someday!  But let me tell you even though all went well, I was exhausted.  My main moment of panic was when we were in Macy's.  I, (not even thinking about my children copying my every move) noticed their Yearly crystal ornament ($75 value) hanging with 5 or 6 others on a metal display tree and cupped it in my hand for a better view.   Wrong move, seconds later Jack was about to do the same.  And even though he seemed to be approaching them with care, all I could do was quickly multiply 75 x6 and I didn't like the figure that popped into my mind and jumped to stop him as I didn't want the tree to topple over!  There was no disasters, little whining and really no major melt downs but it did take a lot out of me.  However it was so fun to see the fun the kids had together.  We looked at Christmas stuff in stores, spotted Santa and sang our own version of Jingle Bells in the isles of Target and it was a great Christmas time memory in the making.  Oh how I love these kids and hope they are learning to love the season that celebrates our Saviors birth!  So I will leave you with these photos in anticipation of the official Christmas photo and also a question of what family traditions are you forming for your family?  I want my children to remember our Christmas seasons so fondly.  I'm trying to come with my own.

Presents

I get stressed out during the holiday season now.  I really don't think that I used to do that.  I know that I had more time and less people to buy for just a few years ago but I don't think that's it.  I think my heart is changing but my actions are not changing with it.  I don't want stuff.  I don't want more.  I don't want to necessarily give more to my children.  I want to just give.  To see something that could really inspire someone or help someone in need and get it to give to them.  And maybe without them even knowing it was me who gave it to them.  Why do we make lists?  We don't need anything.  The world needs Christ and things that only He can give.  This is where I am at.... it is even stressful to make a list of things for people to buy me or my children, let alone to then receive a list and have to find the perfect match.  Why is my heart troubled?  I think we should make the most of Christ during Christmas... and maybe leave the crazy gift buying alone and just focus on others.  I have to pray about where God is leading my heart.  All I know is I want my life to mean something and not get caught up in the world's idea of what the meaning of Christmas is!  What are your Christmas gift giving traditions?

Checking in...

I am so glad that a few people are reading the blog... sorry I hadn't updated for a while. I had a great trip with friends, a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and now am planning a much anticipated getaway with my husband this weekend!

This pictures of the kids were taken at my brother in law and sister in laws home the morning of Thanksgiving. They hosted a bruch for my husband's family. It was a yummy as ever. And I had to take advantage of this beautiful back drop! Thanks to Kristen (www.thehvidstens.blogspot.com)

After naps at home, we went to the Thanksgiving celebration with my side of the family which was equally as yummy and fun. The kids did so well this year. They sat a the kids table at all meals, ate their food and get this... took naps! The holiday seemed less stressful and a little more fun.

But lets get back to the vacation coming up with my husband. Do you take getaways without children?

I love them and think they are so important for our marriage and family. We plan to spend 4 days and 3 nights away. We are planning on spending time with family, shopping, relaxing and focusing on eachother. These times make me feel so special. And I'm glad I can take time to focus on Jay. He so often gets moved to the back burner because he is older than 4.

Anyway, pray that our time away is refreshing for everyone. And that I get ample time at Ikea!
Will return soon.... coming up is a book review for Fos on the Family.... stay tuned!

Thankfulness

I'm really am thankful.  The last couple of weeks have been hard.  The kids were crazy from Halloween candy.  And they were puking from the flu the next.  But I did it.  I got away.  With friends and no kids.  It was wonderful.  I wish it would have worked out for the other five girls to come but that just makes another girls weekend a must!

My friend Melissa invited me on a weekend away trip.  No kids, just shopping, eating, talking, lattes, hot tubs and friends.  It sounded too good to be true so when my husband was completely for it, I was in.  He and the kids did so good.  No one else got sick.  They went to Bemidji to bring our dog to the breeder, Christmas shopped, went to church and had fun together.  My mom watched our youngest and it was a success.  I've even been encouraged to plan another.  Yipee!

I think it is so good to take care of ourselves to be able to take care of others.  I am so thankful for friends, husbands and grandparents that make it possible.

These women along with a few others enrich my life.  Ann is a lifelong friend that has had great influence in my life.  I've watched her become a wife and mother before me and learned so much.  We have been together through sunday school, confirmation, highschool, Bible camp, college and life.  She is a treasure to me.

Alesha is like a sister.  We are both nurses which is how we met.  I fell down the stairs at a movie theater and sprained my ankle the first time we did anything social together in a group of friends... so she knew what she was in for.  She is my listening ear.  She is always there for me.  And she is like an aunt to my children which is such a blessing that her friendship has continued through all our changes in life and location.

Melissa is a friend that has recently come back into my life more intentionally.  We have known eachother for about 5 years but have not really been really close.  However, now we find ourselves in the same season of life and are intentionally putting effort into our friendships.  We have started meeting at eachother's homes once a month (she lives an hour away) and just letting our kids play, our lives meld and our thought and feeling spill.  It's great and oh so refreshing.  It's nice to just have someone to hang out with for the day and not let distance, naps or emotions prevent a good time. 

The other few friends are equally as valuable to me but I can expand on their special place in my life later!  I love my friends and am so thankful for them.

So the kids are glad I'm home and so is my husband and parents.  We work really well together.  This week is not much smoother so far but I'm trying to treasure each moment and give my kids grace.  We are in this together and have so much to look forward to this week and weekend!

Random Thoughts

I have had a roller coster of emotions these past couple of weeks.  And one would think that children that make such great/crazy faces would bring everlasting joy to my heart but they don't all the time.  Isn't that sad... how discontent we all can be with all that we have been given.

I made a conscious decision about a week and a half ago to fast and pray one morning for a girl at our church who was having surgery which included pathology that would confirm or deny malignancy.  I have had such a growing desire to minister to the girls in our youth group at church and she is one of them.  A battle in my mind started the moment I started to wake up.  My mind went back and forth from excuse to benefit this fasting and prayer could bring to my day.  And from the moment I decided I was going ahead with the plan I felt God had laid on my heart, my day fell apart and so did most of the week.  I let it get me down... I fasted from food and said only a couple prayers but guess what.... the surgery went well and the pathology on the growth (where the report could have taken many many days only took a couple of days) came back confirming a diagnosis of it being benign!  God is so good!  And that's when it hit me...  as long as we are serving the Lord, things are ok.  They may not always to be going well but God is so much bigger than all of that. 

Also one the subject of children.  I want more.  I know I want more.  But I also want to concentrate on the husband and family I have now and not dwell on past or future.  So there, I said it, I want more children.  I don't know from where or when they will come or if they only be the grandchildren or nieces and nephews I will hold in the future but there will be more.  For now, I'm ok with just dwelling in the present.  Loving and cherishing my husband and children now where we are at.  Oh the relief.

Sickness and friends too.  I don't always mind when my kids are sick.  I don't want them to be but when they are (like they have been this week), it gives me an excuse to lay low and veg and not feel guilty about it.  However, this weekend I have a girls weekend planned.  Shopping, sipping coffee, talking, eating out and sleeping through the night.  It sounds so lovely but my kids have been sick.  Should I go?  Everyone is on the mend and only one child has yet to get it so I think everything would go well.   Plus my husband is encouraging me to go.  He thinks I need a night away (he really is so good to me).  But am I being selfish if I go?   I hope not because I really think I am going to go.  I need this, I want this.  And I could get Christmas shopping started and buy my husband a birthday gift; these are all good reasons right?  So we will see.  I hope all stay healthy so I can enjoy nurturing friendships!

Also our dog is ready to breed.  This is one of the main reasons we picked the puppy we did.  She has great genetics.  This has not worked out in the past but we love her and she is such a loyal family pet so it hasn't bothered me.  I'm not a dog person so I have my preferences, like the dog doesn't sleep in our room, she isn't in the kitchen when we eat, etc.  But this is one of my husband's dreams... breeding dogs and I want to support him in it.  So this weekend we will make the decision whether or not to try breeding again.   I hope we do and that is works.  I really want something special to happen for Jay.  He takes such good care of us.

So these are many of my random thought.  They don't really make sense together but they are in my head so I'm glad I could share!

I Heart Faces- Autumn Splendor

Fall Adventures, a photo by janelleh1 on Flickr.

I had to enter this week's photo challenge because I love fall! I truly love everything about it. Pumpkins, leaves changing colors, harvest, cooler temperatures and the arrival of holidays with friends and family. These are 3 of my children enjoying a fall adventure. Head on over to I Heart Faces to enjoy more picutures of this great season!

This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces photo challenge – http://www.iheartfaces.com/

Children

Mark 9:37 "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me."

I had a plan.  3-4 children... mostly boys probably but two girls and two boys would be great.  Maybe adopted (because I was told it would be hard for me to get pregnant) but at least one biologically would be nice.  Then I met Jay.  He wanted alot of children, like 6 or 7, maybe more if God gave us more.  We settled on simply that we would like to have children.  I, of course, still thought 3-4.... you get the idea.

We thought it would be nice to be married at least a year before our first child was born but also had no plans of really "waiting to have children".  We also thought 18mo to 2 years would be a good age gap between each child. You can see I had a lot of plans for our children.  So when decided we were ready to be pregnant,  it happened.  I mean really in 3 months we were pregnant, only two cycles went by without getting pregnant.  This was a wonderful moment in my life... the fear of never being able to be pregnant was gone.  It ends up that I seemly have absolutely no problems getting pregnant.... don't worry about tomorrow.  I had spent my whole life thinking I was infertile and not trusting God for his promises.  After our first child was born, we had a set of twins 18 months later (perfect time frame) and a mere 16 months after the twins, we had another girl.

Wow!  So here we are.  4 children in 3 years... and I'm tired but extremely blessed.  And now it's time for evaluation.  Do we want more children?  I don't know.  I really think so.  Somedays I want to be pregnant now and somedays I never want to be pregnant again.  Somedays I want to adopt children and sometimes I think of the struggles that can bring too but sometimes I dwell on the blessings it would bring.  I want children to have a home.  A loving family and to be taken care of and be able to hear about Jesus.  I want all child rearing to be to the glory of God and I fail so often.  I need to continually surrender my selfishness.

There is also the longing and potential to be part of our church youth group.  To mentor and love other children, who have a home but maybe just need someone else to speak truth into them, to just be there if they need help.  I want this too.  Could these be the next children I am supposed to welcome into our family.   I don't know.  I am at a crossroad and not sure where to turn.  This is the life situation I am dwelling on in my devotion times or in my mind most of the time.  I am trying to not think about how hard my days are right now but to think about how the ultimate goal is to make children's lives count for Christ.  I have so many failures everyday but really want my life to count for the glory of God in children's lives.

So I want to receive all children.... but I am struggling with what that means in my life.  I have given up on all plans and have no current expectations.

I hope this makes sense to someone but it might be just a whole bunch of random thoughts and statements.

I heart faces-Black

Julia, a photo by janelleh1 on Flickr.

I love entering this contest! I should expand to my other children and maybe even adults but this is a must. Julia again but focusing on her black rain boots. This girl loves shoes and especially the boots. She would wear them around the house if we would let her. Plus she loves being outside so what can I say... This is Julia in her element! Go over to I Heart Faces and enjoy everyone's talent!

This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces photo challenge- http://www.iheartfaces.com/

Photography

I have really never dreamed of being a photographer of humans.  Animals and landscapes, maybe... but really never people.  But now that I have a decent camera and lens, I really wanted to take pictures for people for fun.  Meaning, if they have no expectations for perfect pictures and I have no expectation of payment it would be fun.  So I had the opportunity to take pictures of some friends.  While it was fun and a great learning experience it was stressful.  I really felt the need to capture perfect moments in time.  I did capture some but they were blurry or dark beyond editing repair.  Wow what a gift professional photographers have in their responsibility to capture these moments perfectly.  I love this challenge.  I want to learn, improve and continue to serve others in this way.  I am having fun taking pictures of my own children and family and hope the tradition started by my dad (recording family life through film) will continue with me!  Any photo tips for me?  Like in the above pic... I wish I had paid attention to getting the entire rocking chair and her feet in the frame... maybe next time.  Let's talk and learn from eachother!

Julia... my challenge.

How interesting that I "started" this post many months ago but didn't really write anything.  I know for sure that I had no idea what was coming.  To say she is a challenge can be an understatement but to say she is a blessing is the truest statement I can say.

This is something I started writing for her about 8 months ago...
You are my baby. What can I say as you approach 9 months old? I really don't know where the time has gone. You came as a huge surprise; one that was accompanied with tears. Tears of fear, anticipation and eventually joy. You came with a delivery that I can not possibly ever truly explain and with your delivery I didn't know what to think about having another daughter. I think for me, daughters are scary. I don't think I am yet the woman I or God wants me to completely be so how am I to form three little girls into godly women? But you are so happy and engaging. You love people and their faces... from afar. You are a mamas girl which I admit challenges me more than anyone can imagine. I love you so deeply and cannot imagine our family without you. At 9 months you are crawling, clapping, pulling yourself up on your knees and wanting any type of "real" food you can get you hands on.

The above paragraph brings tears to my eyes!  Julia is the first child I am going to write about as a contribution to my legacy files.  When I suspected I was pregnant with her I was scared and frustrated.  Scared that I wouldn't be able to handle 4 children and frustrated that my husband and I hadn't thought about trying to prevent pregnancy.  Afterall, we want 4 to 5 children and maybe more so why prevent it until we are there?  But with 7 month old twin girls and a 2 year old boy, the spacing seemed too close.  I cried!  As the preganancy went along, and I knew we had family support, the joy of having another child came.  It came slowly but as her birth approached my children got older, I felt like I had more energy and the anticipation of meeting my child was wonderful.  I also knew I had Emily (a cousin-like relative of my husband) coming to help with the three older children and the house for the summer.  (More on Emily later-what a blessing she is to our whole family).

We she was born there was a period of a few minutes we did not know if she was a boy or a girl.  On the way to the hospital though, my husband and I had settled on a first name for a girl because "you know this baby really could be a girl".  Julia-I loved the name.  It was so beautiful and timeless.  And when they said she was a girl.... I wanted her to be a boy.  This is not said to hurt her; just reality.  But at the same time, I knew my Julia was here and I wanted to meet her.  God had given me a good pregnancy and birth and God had given me HER.  Another girl to love, discipline and form into a godly woman.  I hope we are great friends when she is older because she has a great spirit!  From the moment I held her in my arms I knew she was meant to be here, be a girl and be mine.  I praise God for that.

What can I say about our Julia?
She is a smiler.  She can capture an audience with one smile a shoulder shrug and crickled nose.
She is the child who can capture a stranger's whole world.  I mean this literally.  People will just stop, stare, comment but will not leave.  I will finally leave an encounter with someone and they will just keep staring.  Seriously it's weird.  But they love her.  She has presense!
She is a talker.  She will be 17 months in 1 week and she speaks in sentences.  Ex.  What's that?  Whose that?  Looking at a picture of herself, "That's Julia, Mommy", and Hannah, where are you?
And she can get around.  Up, down, climbing... no problem.
She is helpful.  Bringing each person the right pair of shoes or whatever she my find; she gives it to the right person.
She wants her mommy; there is no question.  And papa Clarence is not far behind.
She has volume.  You never have to wonder if she just said something.
She love apples and m&ms.
She wears size 3 diapers, 12-18 month clothes and size 4 shoe.
She LOVES being outside!
She is a hugger.
She can sing most of Jesus Loves Me, God Made Me and Deep and Wide
...No lie, I think she just said "candy" as I picked her up out of her crib this morning; she wanted more than we would give her last night!
And we think she will change the world; prayerfully to the glory of God.

I love my life with Julia in it.  She has challenged me for the good.  Patience is a neccessity. And blessing abound.  I cannot wait to see all you will become.

A house in order Part 1

This is a literal and figurative sense.  We really have been able to get our house in a little more order this past week.  And the challenge continues this week.  Last Monday  I FINALLY got my carpets cleaned!  I have thought it would be a good goal to get my carpets cleaned every year to year and a half... now I'm quite sure it has been at least 3.  Gross... at least for our family.  I have let my kids eat in the living room and of course for all get togethers we have, we have people eating meals in rooms with carpet plus a dog, that sheds and toddlers that are potty training... need I say more, no!  So dog is out of living room area, only snacks that vacuum up and water are permitted in living room (exception of parties... although children will need to eat in kitchen then too) and potty training, well we will just hope transition out of pull ups goes well.
So anyway this was just the jump start I needed.  Everything out and as little as possible back in!  Our computer made a move to the basement and the kids now have a little space to call their own.  I did not put as many toys back in the room and they play much more intentionally and even are better at picking up.  This is huge for us.  We have 4 children 4 and under and playing well together or alone seems to always pose a challenge.  It makes me wonder how any more children will fit in but I think we need to realize that more children does not have to mean more stuff!
I have gotten rid of loads of stuff either to the garbage, garage sale bag or give away bag and it feels empowering.  It clears my mind and I can function better.  I can take better care of my spiritual life, family and my self!  I love it.  My husband loves it too.  We plan to start shifting some responsibilities around as well so this could be big.  I feel like we are on the verge of something big; just really refocusing ourselves and it's good.  God has began a good work in us.... and will be faithful to complete it.  I know this work began long ago but we feel like this is a new season for us.  There may be more babies to come but it seems like a least all the children won't be babies at the same time anymore!

Friends (cont)

Making time for friends and cultivating relationships has been heavy on my heart lately. My heart's cry was encouraged to know it was on to something when I read one of my favorite blogs the other day (http://www.kellehampton.com/) and at my weekly Bible study on Tuesday morning. Kelle wrote her Hallmark post on friends, which was such an insightful read for me as my heart had been stirring and mind had been rolling through thoughts and feelings of my friends. But at my Beth Moore Bible Study, the video message she presented touch my soul.  She spoke on how we need to be good traveling partners (http://www.lifeway.com/Product/stepping-up-a-journey-through-the-psalms-of-ascent-video-sessions-M00000129#).

One of the Bible verses I came across was... Exodus 33:11a "Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend."  This made me start thinking.  Negatively at first in regards to people who don't bring their complaints directly to a person.  They just write a facebook status or blog post about it or talk to someone else about it.  How many times have I done this myself... shame on me.  Perhaps more conflicts would be easily resolved if we just talked directly and only to the person with whom we have the problem.... but I'm getting away from my point.

Friends talk face to face!  And while I love facebook and blogs as much as the next person; I love my true friend more.  They are part of me.  Last Wednesday felt like the perfect time to put my thoughts into practice.  I went to visit a friend.  She used to live close and even attend the same church however since they moved (almost 4 years ago), other than emails, facebook messages, occasional phone calls and Christmas cards, they only time we see her and her family is when they came or were passing through.  So I packed up all four kids (ages 1, 2 1/2, 2 1/2 and 4) and headed out for a road trip.  It was a great adventure.  It was exactly what my heart needed.  I  loved the visit more than you can imagine and I think it touched her too.  We made effort to go to them, to see their new home, to play in their yard.  What a blessing.

We plan to do this again tomorrow except with different friends.  I want to make the effort; to go (even if traveling an hour or two can be hard with so many small children), to spend time in their life.  I cannot wait. We have pizza, pumpkin carving and pumpkin patches and visits to the mall planned.  I love these women and their families... they are family to me!

So love your friends.  Make real time for them.  Love on them.  Talk FACE to FACE with them and your hearts will bond!

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge- Let them be little.

Her "little" personality!, a photo by janelleh1 on Flickr.

I'm entering again just because it's fun and it challenges me and my photo skills plus I get to look at other people's amazing photos.
So here's mine this week. Julia.... our littlest one!
Julia may be little but she has a BIG personality. Sometimes I don't know what to do with her but at other times she does nothing but awe me and make me laugh. Oh what a challenge she is but what an even bigger blessing!
This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com

Friends vs Enemies

Tea & Sweets, a photo by janelleh1 on Flickr.

Friends are the best! I feel so blessed with friends in my life. I feel like I have always had close friendships with a few people. I love groups of friends... and feel like I wouldn't know what to do without them. But what about the FRIENDs that feel like sisters and the friends that you feel like as the years pass are becoming like sisters. These are the best.
The above photo was taken because I had a friend call and ask if she could just come to visit and bring me cookies to bake. Can you? Sure.
To be continued...

I Heart Faces-Tickled Pink (Stop breast cancer!)

Stop breast cancer!, a photo by janelleh1 on Flickr.

I really didn't plan to enter a photo each week but when I started last week with the "Hands" theme; it was an opportunity to enter one of my favorite photos. This week I'm entering because I have great ties to breast cancer and thought this photo fit.
Both of my parental grandparents died from breast cancer. What are the odds of that? They were quite young (i think my grandfather was in his fifties and my grandmother was maybe 60). I never knew them. They had died many years before I was born. My grandfather died the week before my parents got married... that is so hard for me to comprehend. This has made cancer close to my heart.
A mere 6 months into my nursing career, I started working on the cancer unit of a hospital, eventually giving chemotherapy to patients there and then continuing chemotherapy administration in a clinic setting. What a blessing this was in my life! I know it seems like it would be sad work but it was so rewarding. We became like family to our patients and we'd look forward to seeing them and were saddened by any bad news they received but rejoiced with them when good news came. I would never change those years for anything. I still sometimes wish I was still serving patients there but am happy to be at home taking care of my family now too. Breast cancer is truly close to my heart and I would love to be able to "Stop breast cancer"! This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces Photo Challenge-http://www.iheartfaces.com/