A year is gone, but not lost...

Last week we celebrated (huh...maybe celebrated isn't the right word), okay we hit (that sounds much better!) our one year anniversary of being in California. As the date grew closer, I (unfortunately) reminisced a lot about our last few days in Oregon. I thought of all the hopes, dreams and grand ideas we had before we moved here and hit reality. I remembered the very still small voice speaking to me as I drove away from a lovely home, beautiful neighborhood, and splendid friends. I must admit, last week was very sad...but then I came across this scripture:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord. Jeremiah 29:11-14

Yes, this year has truly been the most trying of our "Swanky Life". But, I also know that all these bumps and potholes are for a purpose. So, after reading this scripture, I decided to think about the positive sides of our move:

• I serve a great, big God that has truly supplied our needs (and some of our wants!)
• I am abundantly blessed with a gorgeous, hard-working, loving husband
• I have three of the sweetest, most sincere and amazing children
• We are blessed with an awesome church
• My children are loved by so many people (here and there - you decide which is here and which is there!)
• I have such awesome friends that haven't forgotten me and still call me everyday or at least every week
• I have a husband that lets me just cry and whine and say I want to run away without calling me a wimp (even though he should!)
• I have forgiving children, that keep forgiving me for my 'oops!'
• I have friends and family that are willing to come to California to visit us
• I have learned more about my faith and trust in God in the last year than I have the other 18 years of walking with Him.

It is good to know that in the midst of struggles, God is still working everything out to give us hope and a future!

A Late Happy Birthday...

So I am a few weeks late in wishing my sweet, dear husband a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! After vacation and getting settled, it just came up on me too quick. But, that doesn't mean it was forgotten at our house. We had the usual cheesecake and each of the kids called Daddy at work that day to sing Happy Birthday to him.

Last year I listed 38 reasons why I love him so much. So, this year I will add one more to the list:

39. You are steadfast, never moving, always sure of God's plan and His goodness to us.

In the midst of one of the most difficult years of our life together, you have not wavered once in knowing God is taking care of us and that we are where we belong. You are my strength when I think God has forgotten our address. You are my encouragement when I feel like I have gotten in way over my head. You are my love when I have no love left in me. You are everything I need in a husband and everything our children need in a father. We love you more than you will ever understanding and....

Thank God everyday that you are our "Man"!!

More pics...good friends and family!!

We spent Saturday morning at the pumpkin patch with the "Swank" Family. We had a blast with all the kids...and we did a lot of head counting - four parents and eight kids - we were a little outnumbered. Mom and Dad Swank went with us so that was helpful. It was in typical Oregon fashion - raining!!! Ughh...maybe California isn't so bad!

And then there were the puppies that were for sale - NO, did you hear me? NO!! We in no way need another puppy in our house!! The kids had a lot of funny holding these furry critters, they were so stinkin' cute! I do add the word stinkin' because eventually these beloved creatures (especially this breed) do stink...thus, we stick with the short-haired, sometimes not-so-bright Caedmon (more on him in another blog...he is becoming my fourth child!!)

That evening we were off to have our typical Barnhurst/Swank dinner and dessert night. Oh how I miss having these at least once a month - once every six months is gonna kill me!! We all had a blast and I was reminded again how much I miss this family!

One of the saddest parts of our vacation was driving back to Phil's parents and passing a place called "Rainbow". It is an indoor play area that has several "Rainbow Play Structures" set up and the kids can run and play. Kelly and I started going there when the boys were little. As I went past it, I started to cry. Not because I moved and can't go there anymore. But, because my kids have grown so much they wouldn't want to go there. Time has gone so fast since Logan was little and I truly desire for time to slow down. It is hard for me to look at my kiddos and realize they are all school-age and so independent. I can honestly say, sometimes I miss the days of never-ending diapers, fits on the kitchen floor (well we still have those sometimes!), having three children trying to fit on my lap or pulling on my skirt to be held, rocking at least one child to sleep at night. It is amazing how much life changes in just a few short years and scary how fast the next few years will go by....

I am thankful for vacations like this, when we can just enjoy being together. With Phil working as much as he does, I truly cherish every moment we have together - The Five Swanks!

A Picture Says it All

What a blast we had on our vacation...the picture sums it up. A lot of smiles, laughs, riding, eating. My kids are still dreaming of camping. There are moments that I think I can smell the campfire, I can still hear the crows in the morning and the sand between my toes at the end of the day. We had a blast, and truly words can't express how thankful I was that we were able to go on this vacation. So...for now I will let the pictures tell the story!

Spinning cookies in the sand...Go Grandpa Michael and Lo!

Victoria is getting more practice driving herself around. The sand wasn't very cooperative the first day so she spent most of the week riding with Grandpa Michael and driving him around on his 4-wheeler. Here is Mariah driving Daddy around and getting practice so that she can start doing it all on her own.

Unfortunately, it might be a while. Daddy and Mariah are sitting in the sand because Mariah decided to make a fast turn while going full speed. The 4-wheeler started to tip and Daddy and Mariah landed in the nice soft sand. None of our other kids have done this. Which tells us that we could be in for it once Mariah is solo. The girl loves to go FAST - must be from all the years of riding with her Daddy!

Then there was the "rainy day" - Mariah cracking everyone up (including herself), the kids teaching everyone their new "hand song", and then playing games on any phone they could get ahold of!

Then our old neighbors from Eugene came for the day...we all had so much fun being together again!

The vacation didn't end at the coast. We traveled back to Phil's parents on Friday and spent the weekend cleaning and enjoying family and friends. Pictures are coming...

God knows how to celebrate...perfectly!!

I am overcome with thankfulness today for the love and care God shows to my children. Yesterday was Victoria's birthday. This is the first birthday without any "Oregon" friends around. The other kids have had their birthdays but we were able to wrap our "Oregon" life in with them, for example...The day after Mariah's birthday, we headed to Oregon for a quick weekend and she got to go to Papa's Pizza with all her friends. Phil was able to take Logan's birthday off from work so that we could enjoy a day at Six Flags and then my wonderful friend and her children arrived for a week-long stay. But, since Victoria's birthday fell on Wednesday (church night) and we were knee deep in preparing for our trip, it was just going to be difficult to plan anything exciting. And, Phil had to work because vacation starts on Friday. I tried to think of how we could fit in a quick, impromptu birthday party in Oregon, but Phil didn't think we would have time. My mom and I planned a little cake celebration while camping, but nothing exciting for the "big day!" So, I must admit, I was a little nervous that Victoria would be disappointed and possibly "lonely" on her birthday. This is when I sit in amazement...

I must admit, I didn't have an hour long prayer meeting about it. I just asked the Lord to help her on her birthday (truth be told, she is a little sensitive), to not be lonely and to just enjoy whatever the day held for her. I NEVER said anything to her about my "mommy" concerns (that just wouldn't be wise!!). Then on Sunday, our sweet friend Jamie asked if she could bring some cupcakes to enjoy with Victoria after church on Wednesday. I thought that was wonderful. What I didn't know was that was just the chocolate icing on the cupcake for Victoria's day...

Victoria was awakened by her Daddy because he went into work late so he could have breakfast with her. Then she got to go to Safeway with him - ALL by herself!! Then the phone calls started coming and everyone was singing to her. Then the presents arrived from Nana and Grandpa - and that is ALWAYS a big hit. Then we were off to church...

After church, Jamie walked Victoria into the Fireside Room where all the kids were blowing horns and yelling "Happy Birthday". The area was decorated and there were CHOCOLATE cupcakes, with chocolate frosting (made with love by Brooke!!). Then they all sang to her and made her feel like a queen. Then came the presents from Jamie - who has truly become our special angel from God who makes my kids feel so loved (God knew my kids needed someone like Jamie!!). Victoria left church last night thinking that she truly was the most special person in the world!! And...that is what birthdays are all about!!

Even God knows how to celebrate birthdays - absolutely perfect!!

One very special, special birthday...

Here I am again reminded of how fast time goes by. Tomorrow is Victoria's once in a lifetime birthday...the special, special one. Little, tiny, petite Victoria who doesn't even hit 45 pounds yet. Smarter than a whip Victoria who can add and subtract like it is nothing. My daughter that tries to look at books and color by night-light. The girl that makes my heart melt every time I look at her beautiful eyes. Yes, that little girl will be 7 on the 7th of October.

As we scurry around the house preparing for our vacation to the Oregon Coast, I love that my "prissy" little Victoria has absolutely no problem turning on the "tomboy". I do love the beautiful little girl things; the singing, prancing, frilly dresses, purses, "clicky" shoes, etc. But I also enjoy watching her run past a group of boys with a football in her hand laughing hysterically because she just scored a touchdown on them. I love watching her follow her Daddy up a hill on her four-wheeler. I love watching her enjoy all that life gives her, whether it is a "Fancy, Nancy" birthday party, a good time of playing church in her bedroom, or a yard full of boys that want to play football. It was hilarious watching her Saturday evening play football on the trampoline with a group of boys. She had no problem tackling, breaking tackles and running over them like they were the road. It totally made my friend laugh. She had always seen Victoria in her "church" clothes, hair done with her coordinating purse in hand...looking as prim and proper as ever. Oh, girls are so much fun....I remember the day we found out we were having a girl. The anticipation was killing Phil's parents and as we walked in the house this was the conversation:

Phil: Well, I got myself another riding partner.

Mom: Oh, another boy. Logan will love having a brother!! (of course, she desperately wanted it to be a girl, but she would NEVER show any disappointment)

Phil: No. It's a girl riding partner!!

I was just reading the blog I wrote before her 6th birthday. In some ways it seems like yesterday and in other ways it seems like a lifetime ago. Time has gone so fast this year with all our "family" changes, that I can't believe it is this time again. So much has changed for Victoria this year. The amazing thing is that she has become such a bright, confident, social little girl. As I watched her play with the church kids today, I was reminded that she is truly the "socialite" of the family. She is so happy to be with people and enjoy them. She is our child that would be out and about constantly if we let her. She truly is just as happy without us as she is with us. With her sweet disposition, she has stole the hearts of several people in our church. Again, the "socializing" stigma of home schooled kids cracks me up. As she prayed her heart out at church Sunday night, I was once again overcome with a thankfulness that she loves God. She has always had a tender heart towards Him and I often wonder what great things God has in store for her. I pray her heart will always be drawn to Him. So, as I get ready to put her to bed one last time as a six year old, I get tears in my eyes and pray that He will watch over her and protect her this next year and for the years to come.

Sleep good, sweet Victoria for tomorrow you will be "7 on the 7th!!"

Pictures...First day of school!!

About 60% of Logan's schoolwork is done on the computer this year. Frustrating and annoying are the first two words that come to mind for this curriculum, but we could afford it and it is considered good curriculum. We are hoping for a couple bonus checks next year so we can buy the other curriculum that I LOVE....The one thing Logan likes about it is that it doesn't take as long....hmmmm, not sure that is a plus.

Here Victoria is....thinking hard!! She is halfway through 1st grade and will start 2nd grade in January (kinda weird, but she has a weird birthday month!!). She is loving it and reading better each day. She is an amazing mathematician at this age!!


Special note about my dining room table...YIKES!! This is how it looks until at least lunchtime or later when I finally have time to reorganize for the next day. This is definitely one of the downsides of homeschooling - a not so clean house!!

And to the right, is the newest addition to Swanks Home Education....She loves it, except it isn't long enough for her. And, no that is not her cup of coffee...that is mine, it is amazing how much coffee one drinks when they are sitting and teaching their children!!

We are finally settled into a routine, but soon quizzing will be added to the mix and that makes it all that more interesting. I still wouldn't trade my life for anything, just add a housekeeper!! I love having my kids with me all day and watching them learn and grow. I am so blessed...

We are in single digits...

Only 8 sleeps until we head to Oregon, walk in our trailer, smell the gas and camping smells and get started on preparing for our camping trip to the coast!! Only 9 sleeps until I get to see my MOM and Michael!!! We are sooooo excited. I am often amazed at how many times I have said lately "I just want my mom!!"...sometimes it is hard to grow up!!

I can hardly wait to stand in my trailer and smell the fun we are going to have. It makes all the hard work leading up to the trip worth it. My kids are dreaming of four-wheelers on sand dunes, campfires, and marshmellows. I am dreaming of the most delicious white mocha from Spencer's and Nina's, four-wheelers, sand dunes, sleeping in my trailer, holding my sweet cherubs by a campfire, and listening to the laughter of all that are going with us!!

I enjoy my life in California, but I miss my get-aways to the Oregon Coast with my family, trailer and four-wheelers.....Ready or not, here we come!!!

Don't turn the sound down...

I know a lot of you probably don't like the music part of this blog, but...I heard this song a few weeks ago and realized that if I could write each of my friends and family a letter (which all of you know I probably won't do!!) it would say a lot of what is in this song.

Just know, that I miss each of you dearly and look forward to each moment we do get to spend together. Over and over again, we are reassured that this is where we belong. No matter where my heart desires to be at times, I truly would rather be in God's will than mine. So...from the words of this song - these are the words I would say:

"Be strong in the Lord
And never give up hope
You're gonna do great things, I already know
God's got his hand on you
So don't live life in fear
Forgive and forget but don't forget why you're hear
Take your time and pray"

Lots of love and prayers are being sent to all of you from California...Be Strong in the Lord!!

Kids say the cutest things...

Ever wonder how much your kids repeat what you say? Well, I think I ought to be more careful. The kids and I were at the church the other day. I was in the office learning how the accounting system works so that I can help our Pastor's wife. The kids were banished to the annex (by me!) and told not to bother me unless it was an emergency. The Pastor kindly offered to get us ladies a coffee and we accepted - of course! Then, he called me on his way to Starbucks and asked if my kids drank hot chocolate. I said "Oh, Brother Brown, you don't have to do that!". He responded with "I know I don't but I want to". "Okay...the kids will be thrilled." Now, remember, the children are in a completely different room from me listening to Adventures in Odyssey and coloring, drawing, etc.....here is what happened when he returned with hot chocolate:

Brother Brown walks in with three hot chocolates.

Victoria says "Brother Brown, you didn't have to do that" (seriously...this is what she said!)

Mariah says with her twinkling eyes and bright smile: "He knows that Victoria, but he did it because he LOVES us!!"

So...guess I better be careful what I say, because my children will repeat it word for word to my Pastor even if they don't hear me say it!! And....I now have no doubt what Mariah's love language is....GIFTS!! Amazing what we can learn from a nice cup of hot chocolate!!

Wow...what a month!!

Okay, so we are still alive, just trying to keep our feet underneath us and our head above water. Yikes! School is in full swing. I must say that homeschooling three kids is a chore. I thought I had it all figured out last year, but adding Mariah's kindergarten stuff to the mix just made life that much more chaotic. No rest for the weary here. I even called a friend of mine back home and told her she was the most amazing woman I know. This year, she will add her fourth child to her "school" (she has five children, but one is still a toddler and not ready for school yet...imagine, schooling 4 kids and trying to keep a toddler out of trouble - wow!!). I think it is amazing she hasn't shipped them all to another place until they have learned all they need to learn!!

After school started, our computer broke (or at least the CD drive did, which is what Logan needs to do his schoolwork!!). The school at our church generously gave us an old computer. It is working great, but what a disaster it was trying to move all Logan's work he had done for the first week of school.

After that mess was fixed, we had another round of company - woo hoo!

We had a great visit with Phil's parents last weekend. The kids had a blast and Victoria was presented with the MOST BEAUTIFUL DAISY KINGDOM DRESS ever!! This is her early birthday present and it is gorgeous. My mother in law made it and you would think it was professionally done. So, if I ever thought I was going to start sewing, I think it just got blown out of the water - never in a million years could I make something that beautiful. If I made something and showed it to my girls they would probably ask "what is that??". I think I might just leave all this sewing business up to my mother in law!! Anyway, Victoria had people stopping her in the middle of Wal-Mart to tell her how gorgeous she was. I guess it is a rare occasion to see little girls that dressed up. Oh, and not to be disappointed the hair was all done in curls by her grandmother also....what a sight!

So, now company is gone and school is continuing. Pictures of the "first day of school" are on their way....

Life is busy, the house is messy, and we are tired. But, we can rest when the kids are all grown up and taking care of us!! Blessings to all of you. May God give you rest and peace today!

Ahhhhhh...what a beautiful sound!!

As I sit here, I can here several kids laughing, screaming, and bouncing in my backyard. What a long process it has been to get here....

After we moved down here and got settled, we decided one Saturday to put the trampoline up. As Phil started digging everything out of boxes and corners, we realized we did not have the very important pieces that hook onto the base of the trampoline. This was sad, because Phil knew how he had packed everything and could not figure out where they went. After tearing the garage completely apart and putting it back together - in a very organized fashion, we figured they had been left in our trailer in Oregon. So, on our next trip, we looked - not there. So, we thought they were scattered somewhere in mom and dad's garage - could not find them. Ugghhh!!!! We were so frustrated. The thought of having to buy new pieces was incredibly irritating and we weren't even sure we could get them. Then, a few months ago, I was looking for the perfect box to put old paperwork in. As I rummaged through the garage, I found a box on the shelf that would be perfect. I grabbed it and opened it and guess what??!!! It was the pieces. I did a loud yell and the kids came running downstairs to find me in the garage doing a little happy dance. At that time, the pool was up and there isn't enough room for both in our backyard.

So, the pool came down a week ago and today we have the long awaited for trampoline.....

The great thing is....our kids are getting older, so this Labor Day was spent watching our kids do most of the labor....

While Daddy did a lot of managing....

And as we all know, when we have to wait a little longer than usual for something it sure does make us love and appreciate it more!!! Enjoy kids!!

We always want what we don't have...

You know how people think the grass is always greener on the other side. Well, this week it has become so apparent to me that I am guilty of this. I remember a year ago thinking, oh if only Phil could get a store and we could move, then life would be good....

Well, here we are 9 months after our move and I am thinking, life was good back home!! Crazy - I know it. But, here I sit looking through pictures of "home"...and I must say some days I miss that place. I miss my sweet friends, I miss my wonderful neighborhood, I miss the fact that we would probably be heading to the coast on Monday for our annual "end of the summer" vacation with our dear friends, and I miss my family that adores us.

Today is one of those Saturdays I hate. Phil is working while all the other families are enjoying a "family weekend". It is one of those days I would have called my sweet friend Kelly and said "let's get together". She would have thought it was a fantastic idea because she too is at home on a lovely Saturday without her husband (another Schwabbie!!). So, we would have gotten together and the kids would have played, ate, argued a little, and played some more. All of this while Kelly and I would sit and visit, drink coffee, eat a snack and visit. Oh, how I miss her and her family!! A day doesn't go by when I think I should have enjoyed our time together more.

So, as I sit having a moment, I realize we think we have life figured out and how it could be better. Instead of thinking this way, I need to realize that God has given me this moment and this moment alone to enjoy my family and my life. Regardless of the empty spot in my heart for home, I will enjoy the moments we have in California and trust God to know what is best for our future!

Another reminder...

I was starting to think that buying school clothes, school supplies and cute little backpacks would be much easier. I don't think I would wake up at 3:00am worrying if Logan would want a football or basketball backpack. I don't think I would spend hours trying to find the perfect pencil for Mariah to learn how to write. And, I don't think I would have nightmares because my kids didn't get into college and they are going to be living at home, jobless for the rest of their lives all because the paper wasn't the right size. However, with my current choice of schooling (and yes, everyone, I realize it is something I choose), I have been waking up at 3:00am wondering if the curriculum I picked is going to be okay. I have spent hours trying to find the most "economical" way to home school. And I seriously have had nightmares that since I changed Logan's curriculum this year he didn't get into the college he wanted. Okay, a little insane - yes, but this is my life for the last several weeks!!

After I was thinking about the difficulties of home schooling, I decided that if I did send my kids to school - be it private or public school, I would be crying my eyes out at the thought of not being with them for 7 hours straight. I would wonder at every moment what they were learning, what they were absorbing into their minds, what they were telling everyone they saw (because let me tell you, my kids tell EVERYTHING!!!). At every turn of my day, I would miss their laughing, arguing, never-ending questions. So, at that moment when I think it would be easier for me to take a different road, I realize God has given me the desire to teach and train my children at home. And if I didn't obey that desire within me, I would be so miserable!!

Excerpts from a funny little conversation:

Lady buying Logan's bed: "Does she go to Kindergarten?" (Talking about Mariah)
Me: "Yes. I home school the kids and she is starting Kindergarten this coming week"
Lady: (Gasped) "You home school? All of them????" (She seriously looked at me like I had horns coming out of my head.)
Me: "Yes!"
Lady: "WHY?????"

Oh, how I need to come up with a good answer to this, but at that moment nothing witty came to me! Then after my meek and humble explanation:

Lady: "What do you do about socialization for them?"
I just looked at her, possibly like SHE had horns coming out of her head. Then I looked at Logan as he was having a very pleasant (and intelligent) conversation with her husband about football and I shrugged my shoulders and said "they really don't seem to be lacking in that area". Sometimes actions speak much louder than words!!

Let the school year begin!!

P.S. An update from my last blog - Yes, I figured the whole computer thing out - all by myself!!! It just took me vacuuming the carpet for the answer to come to me....Oh, how my mom was proud!

FRUSTRATED!!!

Just so you all know....I am NOT A COMPUTER GEEK!! I currently own a very old, almost ready to die, overloaded computer. If in this situation a few years ago, we would have just gone out and bought a new one. Instead, it is happening now, at a time when money is tight and we really don't have a few hundred dollars to spend on a new computer. So, I have spent the day trying to breathe a little more life into this old machine. I got everything done that I wanted to do and was ready to install Logan's school software....and it won't install!!!!! It keeps asking me these super technical, highly geeky questions and I DON'T KNOW THE ANSWERS. I even typed that in and it responded with a typical error message....

So, you all might enjoy reading my blog but you certainly wouldn't want me to try to fix your computer!! Pray for me, and the computer as it might just get thrown through the sliding glass window!!

Needing to hug my kids more...

Sad news was text to Phil on Monday night and I can't help but think about how precious and fragile life is. A couple that Phil grew up with in Oregon had a son, named Logan, die on Monday night at the tender age of 13. A couple weeks before his death, he was riding his 4-wheeler in Arizona and landed wrong after jumping his bike. He suffered severe head injuries among other things. He lived for a little over two weeks after the accident, in a coma and on life support. It is hard to imagine how a parent survives such a thing. I ask that anyone who reads my blog would pray for the Walters family as they try to put the pieces of their life back together after this amazing loss.


Also, hug your kids tighter, kiss them a lot, tell them you love them more than just once a day, play with them, laugh with them, teach them to love God and trust in Him, tell them they are the greatest gift ever, and cuddle them as often as they will let you. Unfortunately, we do not know what tomorrow holds, but we don't want to be caught wishing we would have done things differently.

Last day of single digits....FOREVER!!

Today is Logan's last day for single digits. Yep, it is the big one...and he is actually excited about it. Doesn't he realize that he WILL NEVER BE IN THE SINGLE DIGITS AGAIN!??! Some days I wish I could go back to single digits and stay there. Well, not really, but if I had his childhood I would!! Tomorrow, sweet, grown up, way too cute for his own good, smarter than a whip Logan will be turning 10!!! A decade - already!!

As I sit and look at the kid he has become I have to say I am quite proud. Nobody in our new church would ever believe what a tyrant he was when he was 2 and 3 years old. And to be honest, nobody in our old church can believe how that crazy, out of control, too much energy kid has turned out. I must say, I thank God that He gave me my difficult kid first. Scary that I decided to have more, but the last two have been a breeze after him. However, I digress a little....

Logan was the beginning of a new world for Phil and I. He was the beginning of our journey through parenthood. The little bundle that nearly didn't make it the night he was born, turned the life Phil and I had into a "family". I remember bringing him home to our two dogs and letting them sniff and meet him. Bruno (the favorite dog!!) sniffed him and then sat down and just looked at him. From that moment on, Logan had his own personal guard dog.

Life was chaos those first few days, because Logan refused to figure out how to eat and I was too stubborn to let him win. Little did I know that was just the beginning of our stubborn sides colliding!! I remember taking him out of church more times than I can count on one hand because he kept screaming. I remember Victoria standing on the pew holding herself up with her hands on the pew in front of her and Logan trying to "parent" her by pulling her hands off the pew. Guess what happened, yep, I nice crack in the chin for Victoria - thankfully they have this skin glue that works just as good as stitches!! Logan just kept saying "we aren't supposed to stand on the pew, mom". Then, I remember him coming inside from playing with friends saying,

Logan: "Mom, the kids are saying the 's' word"

Me: "what word is that Logan?"

Logan: "Stupid"

Me: (thinking whew!!), "okay, Lo, then just stay inside for a while"

Sometimes those stubborn toddlers turn into stubborn kids that know the rules and stick to them - no matter what everyone else is doing!! I love that part.

Now I look at him and realize he is only a few years from "teenager" and only a few more years from driving and then graduating and then leaving home and then.....oh, I just can't think about it sometimes. Some people think these are the hardest years, but truly the hardest years are going to come when he is ready to take flight on his own. That is when you have to trust in what you have taught them and PRAY - a lot!! So, for now, I will truly try to enjoy having my sweet boy around. I will try to not get irritated when he can't seem to figure out how to pick up his dirty clothes from the bathroom floor. I will try to cherish every moment when he wants to play a game with me (because there will probably come a day when he doesn't want to hang out with me!). I will thank God everyday that He has enabled me to home school him. I will enjoy spending a lot of money and time on his quizzing adventures. I will marvel at all his abilities and trust that God has an awesome plan for him.

Well, Buddy, you have grown up so much already and it is hard to believe how much you will grow and change in the decade to come. Just know that your mom and dad love you more than you will ever know. We are proud of the boy you have become and count it our privilege to be your parents. Sleep good tonight because when you wake up....you will be 10!!

Oh my...did I really allow this?

I realize I am incredibly over-protective and maybe sometimes a little "controlling" when it comes to my kids. I don't mean it in a bad way, I really do it all out of love and concern for my sweet kiddos. So, when I just watched a van pull away with my little girls in it with two other moms and their daughters I think I almost cried. Not only did my girls go without me or a close family member, but they were headed to a fancy girls only swimming party.

At first, I declined the invitation for the girls. Phil had to work, I have Logan (a boy) and I had 5 extra kids all week and wasn't sure if they would still be around. But, these sweet ladies were willing to take my girls so they could enjoy the fun. I know, how nice for the ladies to offer. But sometimes it is hard for me to let go. Funniest thing...Mariah started saying she just wanted to stay home and "take a nap" - hilarious kid - what five year says they are willing to miss a swimming party to take a nap?? My youngest, that is who!!

So, I am not sure what has happened to the mom I thought I was. To be honest, I haven't quit thinking about them since they left. When my cell phone rang and it was the mom that had my girls, I think my heart stopped for a minute. But, this is just all part of growing up...not just for my kids but for me as a mom. And, won't I be happy when I see their sweet faces in a few hours.

Is it time yet?

Stats from Branson...

So, in my quest to put something on my blog about Branson, I forgot the details of how the team did. In my (never biased) opinion:

THEY DID AWESOME!!

We could not be any more proud of each kid on that team. Tournaments are double elimination, they won 3 and lost 2. They took 17th out of 64 teams. Logan was high scorer in three out of the five quizzes. They earned a bronze medal during one of the quizzes, which is a team medal and is only earned if each child scores a certain number of points (don't ask me how many, because I keep forgetting!). The theme of this team was definitely "teamwork". Not one of them could have done any of this without the others and that is what made them so special.

Now we are enjoying a lazy week of NOTHING!! Well, the kids have nothing. In fact, Logan was telling someone that it was nice to get up in the morning and have nothing to do (oh, to be almost 10 years old again)!! I, on the other hand, have about six months of piles, cleaning, scrubbing, etc. to try to take care of. I had no idea how much I wasn't getting done during the quiz season until it was over. But, I truly would not have traded one minute of it!

Not to worry....the week of nothing is soon coming to an end. Our dear friends from Oregon, are coming this weekend. The parents are headed to a business meeting in San Francisco and I get to enjoy their five kids playing with my three kids. You all might think I am crazy, but I would rather say....I am Blessed!!

(Now see below for a slideshow of our trip to Branson....)

Nationals in Branson, MO

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Riding her bike....

Mariah finally did it. We have been trying for almost a year to take the training wheels off her bike, but she refused. Both the other kids were training-wheel-less by the age of 4. But, Mariah seems to walk and ride to a different beat - as long as she is having fun, why try something different...

Well, her bike tire blew out and she had nothing to ride. It took us a while to find a new one - in fact we had to order it off the internet. I guess this area doesn't believe in small, white bicycle tires. So, while we waited for the new tire to arrive, she decided she wanted to ride Victoria's bike - even though it did not have training wheels. So, I go out in my flip-flops figuring we would be done in about 10 minutes because she wouldn't be having any fun and she would be done. Well, just like the shoe tying experience, she just took off!!! I was a little nervous how long she would go, so I kept running beside her until I knew she was going to be okay - not an easy task in flip-flops. It took her a few turns around the cul-de-sac before she figured out how to turn, so she would just stop, get off the bike, turn it around and get back on.

It also took her a while to figure out how to get started without the curb...but she was determined to do everything herself...

One of the best parts...Nana and Grandpa were here to watch her do it!

Way to Go Mariah!!!

Busier than Busy...

The summer is flying by and I am hoping I am taking enough pictures. Actually, why hope - I know I am not. Things are going too fast for even my camera!! We have had such a busy few weeks that I think I might forget what we have been doing.

Our summer started with a bang at the beginning of June when we did our crazy south and north and south again adventure. We had a blast and I am glad we did it. The kids and I had a wonderful time in Oregon for a few days trying to visit as many people as we could. It was so enjoyable, but I think if my in-laws want to see much of us, they need to drive to California. It seems like the kids and I are going more than coming when we stay with them. It is so hard to fit it all in, but we give it our best shot. I had an enjoyable afternoon with my sweet friend, Autumn. We just sat and talked and drank coffee and talked and listened to our kids play and talked. Of course, it wasn't all that glamorous, she had to keep running in the house to hold a bowl while her 4 year old threw up...I have learned that no visit is without its distractions - especially with my life and the life of my friends. That is what is so great about it, we have come to the conclusion that life doesn't have to be perfect to be enjoyable. Life is definitely what you make of it. And now, both Autumn and I know you can have a great afternoon with a friend even when one of the kids can't stop throwing up!! It was just wonderful to be together. Then, that night three dear friends spoiled me to an evening of coffee, dessert, talking, laughing, talking, laughing, and even a sweet little birthday surprise for me!! It was great and I so appreciate their willingness to stay up until the very early hours of the morning so that we could visit!!

After Oregon came Arroyo Grande (which I already blogged about), but that kind of changed the tide for summer. Since then, we have been crazy with planning, fundraising, planning, practicing, etc. I wouldn't change it for anything, but it definitely added a little something to do!! Logan is counting the days until Nationals. Thankfully, with all the pledges we have received we are almost 75% of the way to paying for the trip. Thank you to everyone who so willingly supported Logan!!

And, the company has started arriving. It has been glorious. Our dear friends, The Barnhursts, were the first set to arrive. We had so much fun with them and will treasure the wonderful time we had...and think, if we wouldn't have moved we never would have spent three nights in the same house together!! The kids had a blast and Kelly and I just enjoyed being together.

Now, we have my mom and Michael and we are enjoying every minute with them. Logan and Michael have golfed 18 holes twice already and spent an afternoon hitting and putting at a local golf course. Mom and I have enjoyed shopping, eating, cooking, and spending time with the kids. Tomorrow we are off to SF and then Six Flags on Thursday - woohoo!! We had a great 4th of July. Our little town does a parade and fireworks and we thoroughly enjoyed both of them. Now, if only I could get my pictures ready to put on my blog....guess you will have to check back!

My impatience is learning a lesson...

A friend of mine told me about a daily devotional book she was given, Streams in the Desert by Charles Cowman. I found it on-line and have enjoyed it so much - thank you Rebecca! The devotional today was titled "How to Wait". It is awesome to be reminded God truly does care, He just has a more perfect plan than we do and our job is just to surrender to Him and His will.

Wait in quiet patience. Never murmur against the second cause, as the children of Israel did against Moses. Accept the case as it is, and put it as it stands, simply and with your wholeheart, without any self-will, into the hand of your covenant God, saying, "Now, Lord, not my will, but Thine be done. I know not what to do; I am brought to extremities; but I will wait until Thou shalt cleave the floods, or drive back my foes. I will wait, if Thou keep me many a day, for my heart is fixed upon Thee alone, O God, and my spirit waiteth for Thee in full conviction that Thou wilt yet be my joy and my salvation, my refuge and my strong tower." --Morning by Morning

I hope this blesses your day as much as it did mine!!

Could it be???

The amazing truly happened last weekend. We went to Arroyo Grande, after our crazy week, and Logan quizzed in the District Finals. His coach has been telling me all year that sometimes God just smiles and blesses even when we don't understand. In ways, this happened the weekend before at the quiz in Fresno. Two teams that had not done well all year, but had the potential, came away with 2nd and 3rd - however, it wasn't our team. So, here we are at our District Finals wondering if we could possibly place within the top three and be headed to Nationals. It is NOT that I didn't think they could do it. It was more a matter of if the kids thought they could do it.

The first quiz goes fine, we win by an okay margin. Then the kids realize they have to quiz against Sacramento next - the top team of the year. You could see the kids squirm and start to question their abilities. Then, they got up there and quizzed. Logan did okay, but it definitely wasn't his best quiz. But, his teammates did awesome and they won. I was pacing outside praying, that God would smile on them and help them do well. I always wonder how God is going to answer that prayer because I know the Moms from the other team are praying the same thing. So, I decided to pray for peace and calmness for the kids. They pulled off the win - and the kids were stoked!!!! They could not believe they had beat Sacramento. The kids were so proud of themselves. Then, they realized they were guaranteed Third Place - a spot at Nationals in Branson, MO. We kept telling Logan, don't quit at that - you guys can take First.

The next morning, we were up against Loomis. A team that has beat us everytime except once. Unfortunately, we lost. But, the kids weren't discouraged. I could tell Logan was really nervous and had a hard time pulling answers and verses out that I knew he knew like the back of his hand (or like the football stats in December!). His coach and one of the senior quizzers, took the kids out and drilled them for about 30 minutes. When they came out, the senior quizzer looked at me and said "We are taking first. Those kids got it figured out!!" That was exciting, but somehow Logan's nerves needed to get under control. The only thing to do, was pray.

We had to sit through a couple quizzes to find out who we were up against next, and wouldn't you know it...it was Sacramento (again!). Yikes....I talked to Logan and he said he was going to spend a few seconds praying right before the quiz on his own, asking God for a clear mind, peace in his heart and a calm spirit. As Logan sat down, I saw him put his head in his hands. He looked up and had a glow on his face like he knew everything was going to be okay. They ended up winning the quiz and going into the championship round.

Then they had to quiz against, you guessed it...Loomis!! And, in order to get first they had to beat them twice. Their first quiz was awesome, Logan quizzed out - meaning he got six correct. They beat Loomis and as Phil would say "got them off their game!". It was amazing. Then they had to switch sides of the table and quiz again. And wouldn't you know it, the computers went down. Then everything started working again, except the big monitor that showed the score to everyone watching. That stunk! So, I had to sit their without knowing the official score. After question #12 (of a total of 15), they called a time out and I went to a place where I could see the score. All that was left were 3 questions, each worth 30 points. After looking at the score, I realized all they needed was one 30 point question to clinch it. I went back to the back of the church. The question was read, Logan interrupted, I said "Dear Jesus, help him!!!!!" and he nailed it. CORRECT!!! The quiz was won and they got FIRST PLACE.....Absolutely amazing.

It was a perfect end (or kind of end since now we need to keep on going since we are headed to Branson) to a difficult year. Besides us moving and having to find a team for Logan to quiz with, he has struggled a bit more and has gotten more questions wrong than he did last year. In some ways, that is just growing pains but it has still been hard on him. But God truly did smile on them. It is like we have told Logan all year, you do your best and leave the rest up to God.

So, we are now off to figure out how to pay for our trip to Branson....But, as I told Phil, God saw fit to let them qualify that means He is going to help us get there!!

How Can This Be?

I keep asking myself this question today. It just can't be possible. How in the world could my youngest child, my baby, the last added blessing to our family be turning five tomorrow. No longer will she have to hide fingers when she shows her age. Now, when Nana calls, she can say "Hi(gh) Five!!". Now I have three "school-aged" children. Okay, okay, I know, I am very sentimental. But, it is so hard for me to believe it is here. When little Mariah was born, I thought I would never get another full nights sleep, never quit changing diapers, never quit searching for a pacifier. But, here I am, sleeping all night (unless I just feel the need to check on them and watch them sleep - they are so angelic), diapers have been GONE for a few years, and the pacifier left the family with the Sanipac Truck a couple years ago...


Oh, how we remember those first few weeks of her life. I wasn't allowed to lift anything heavier than my newborn babe. Did somebody forget to tell them that regardless of the fact that I had a c-section, I also had a 20 month old that still slept in a crib, a husband that worked 14 hours a day and was long gone before the 20 month old needed lifted out of her bed (and we are firm believers in "never wake a sleeping baby" especially if it is at 5:30am)? Good thing for a great 4 year old brother that helped me pull his little sister (seriously!) out of her crib each day...Good thing the 20 month old loved her bed enough to get in it when I told her it was nap time.


Then the school year started and we began our homeschooling career. I felt the need to be "super homeschool mom" of the year so I put Logan in a homeschool enrichment program - to make sure he was getting all the socialization he needed (I have sense thrown that philosophy right out the window, trust me...my children are not lacking in the social category!). That meant running around during the late morning hours taking Logan to Tae Kwon Do, art class and a geography class. All this while Mariah sweetly sucked her pacifier and held her blanky while seated in her car seat and Victoria sat on my lap (or any other mom's lap) with her thumb firmly planted in her mouth. While I felt like I was juggling many things that were much bigger than me.


Mariah was the most even-tempered baby I could ask for. Life was fine as long as she knew where I was...and I was always close by! Even despite her severe milk allergy and all its complications, an ugly, infected thing on her tear duct, and an inverted eyelid that caused her eyes to tear constantly (and eventually required surgery), she just went with the flow. She will be known for her floppy hat and sunglasses because this was the only way she could go outside without crying because her eye hurt!!


So, as I sit and reflect on how quickly five years can go by, I start to cry because I know the next five years will go just as fast - if not faster - and then she will be ten!! But, I am not going to go there today...

Today, I will enjoy having a four year old for the last time. And know that God knew we needed her and knew how much joy and happiness she would bring to our family. I will drool over her precious cheeks that I just want to suck on. I will remember the many, many nights we slept in the recliner together because I was too exhausted to get myself up to put us both to bed. I will cherish every moment when she wants to crawl in my lap and just cuddle. I will smile when I think of all the adults that adore her because of her many conversations she has started with them. I will listen to her sweet voice without getting impatient. I will watch her run off as fast as she can to keep up with her siblings and I will hold her tight when she comes running inside crying because they didn't wait for her....


Have a great day today Mariah....tomorrow you will be FIVE!!

Are We Crazy?

This week kicks off "The Swank's Craziest Two Weeks". I am really not sure if we are crazy or just over-indulgent parents. Everyone will have their opinion, I am sure. But Phil and I continue to do the best we can with the knowledge, wisdom and long-suffering the Lord grants us. Here is how it goes....

Thursday is sweet Mariah's 5th birthday...more on that in my next blog. I am not going there right now or tears will spring and never end until I need to ask my mom for another new keyboard.

Friday we leave for Fresno for District finals with the WPF organization. We had decided, nope not going there. No money, no time, tired, exhausted, we are headed for Oregon for Phil's meetings the next week, UPC finals are the following weekend, what will do for Mariah's birthday, etc., etc. Then the coach..."this is a great practice quiz for UPC District Finals" (very confusing about the two different organizations, but I don't have time for it right now!). Then Logan..."I really want to go Mom. I just want to quiz." Then my memory...the only thing my son cared about when we moved was that he could Bible Quiz (ouch - that hurts). More memory...when we moved Phil and I committed to Bible Quizzing being a priority for our family (our poor girls!!). Phil has meetings in Bend on Monday and Tuesday...when will we head to Oregon? The struggle is on and the decision is this....

We head to Fresno for Friday and Sat. Come home Saturday night and head to Oregon EARLY Sunday morning. Arrive at Mom and Dad's in time to unpack the car, shower, and dress for church. Then, Papa's Pizza after church for the kids to play and Mariah to get her wish for her birthday..."I want to go to Papa's Pizza with my friends". Who would have thought she would really get to do that when we talked about her birthday several months ago? You see, a couple months ago, I told Phil - no you go to Oregon by yourself the kids and I will stay home. Then the memories...Mariah could be with her friends a few days after her birthday. Then Logan and Victoria...we want to go see our cousins. The common sense mom...this is ridiculous, we can't keep running back to Oregon, when will we EVER finish school, when will Logan study for District Finals the next weekend. And the non-common sense dad...the company is paying, who cares about all that, let's go see our family and pick up your sewing machine from mom. UUUUGGGGGHHHHH!!!

We will arrive home from Oregon LATE Tuesday night and run to Concord the next few days for quiz practice. Then up that Friday morning to head to Arroyo Grande for UPC District Finals. Yikes....

So, when it is all said and done, maybe we are overindulgent parents. But, as our Pastor said, the kids are only young once and now is the time to make memories. There will be a day when we will be sitting at home after dinner and the house will be VERY quiet....Oh, Lord, please don't let that happen too soon. I often pray for time to slow a bit so we can enjoy the fact that we are blessed with three of the most wonderful children in the world and that I have the privilege of staying home with them teaching, training and molding them in hopes that they will become adults who love the Lord thy God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Over-indulgent or not, we are doing it for our kids - and how could we not?

Mother's Day, Quizzing and Summer Preparations...

I never knew how much love my heart could hold,

Until the day someone called me Mommy...

My mom gave me a coffee cup with this on it...and I must admit, it is my FAVORITE cup of all time. Because sometimes in the morning, when I really, really don't want to be awake, I need the reminder of what my life is all about...being a mommy. And on those days I wish my name was Daddy, because we all know his name just doesn't get called out as much...I just need to remember the first day Logan called me Mama!! He may have said "da-da" first, but his first real word with meaning was truly Mama (or was it football!!). Unfortunately it seems that I am called Mom more than Mommy - a true sign that my wee-ones are growing up WAY too fast and a constant reminder that I really need to enjoy these times with my kids!

It seems like we have been going more than coming lately, but truly I wouldn't change it for anything. Few people down here understand my crazy world and why I would want to homeschool my kids. But even with those days when I think I will actually go bald, I wouldn't trade it. This truly is the life God has chosen for us and even being in a new State (physically and mentally some times!) doesn't change the plan He has for me or my family....

Mother's Day:

I was blessed to have my mom spend Mother's Day Weekend with us and we had a blast. She was with us for three nights and, as you all know, we have three kids. So, guess what - one kid got to sleep with Nana each night. They were thrilled!!

We had a busy weekend with a quiz in Sacramento, but Mom was so excited to see Logan quiz and spend a lot of time holding the girls. In fact...she left feeling like a "couch". No, that wasn't a typo, she felt like a couch you sit on. During the quizzes, everyone has to be REALLY, REALLY quiet. This can be hard for a 4 and 6 year old. So, the best thing to do is to just put them on our lap and hold them. I wonder if her lap has recovered yet?

The weather was beautiful, but so beautiful that everyone in Northern California decided to go to Six Flags. After hanging out in traffic for an hour, we decided it wasn't worth it. She said she would catch it next time....in July. Thanks so much Mom for coming and spending the weekend with us - it was fantastic!!


Quizzing:

Between running to quiz practice and two quizzes a month, we have stayed busy. Logan's team did really well at the Sacramento quiz, but then a few weeks later we went to Modesto and that didn't go as well. So, we are continuing to work hard and hoping for a fun time at the next few quizzes!! Go team go...

Summer Preparations:

The kids are excited to have school coming to an end and we are super excited to enjoy the summer days in the pool. We put the pool up a week or so ago when the temperature was 100 degrees, but then it cooled off to the 60's...makes for some super cold water. So, we put the cover on and are letting it warm up during these beautiful 80 degree days...

We now feel like summer has officially started (except for the fact that we are still doing school!)...Mariah rang in summertime by becoming one big piece of road rash. This would be thanks to her brother's hand-me-down scooter, a bumpy sidewalk, and two older siblings that she insists on keeping up with. Last summer started the same way with Mariah's face finding a nice landing spot on Logan's bicycle tire while it was still rotating...yikes! So, here we come summer - pool, scooters, road rash and all...

This is how we started our trip...looking a lot like, um, can I say??? White trash...the truck was packed from front to back and side to side and the kids were three in a row. Besides one of the bikes scratching Phil's truck, all went well on the drive to Oregon. Then we were in for one FULL day of cleaning, packing, shopping, packing, and washing to get the trailer and four-wheelers ready.

We were so excited to be able to watch the Easter special at church. It was fun to see the sign team carrying on and continuing with the burden that we had when everything got started. They are all doing an awesome job and it was so much fun to sit and watch...

Here they are all ready for a ride...Let's go.

And she was off....what a blast she had getting herself from the campground to the dunes ALL BY HERSELF. It was her landmark trip, because now she is flying solo...just right behind her Daddy. Wherever he went that is where she was supposed to go and she did, even when he would circle around waiting for her she would go in the same circle. It was hilarious and adorable. We had so much fun watching her be on her own.

Mariah was just happy that her Daddy got his "blue banshee" back. It had been broken for a year and he was finally able to get it fixed and ride it. She absolutely loves riding with him on the banshee. We are sure that when she is all grown up she will ride a banshee!! But that wasn't all the fun she got to have...she got to drive the 50 with Daddy on the back....uh-oh...what did we start now??
That wasn't the only thing we started. Logan decided he wanted to try out the bike Nana was riding...Now he thinks a bigger bike would be really great - yikes!

But then he wouldn't be able to jump like this...

The trip was great and we felt so blessed to have friends and family there with us. It has become cherished time for us now that we don't get to go that often, but we truly enjoyed every moment of it. The only problems was...it wasn't long enough.

We ended the trip with a short visit with my Grandma and Grandpa....It was a great trip and now we have already started our plans for the next one. So...who wants to join us?