Lydia's Blankie

The Beauty of Blue Grass!

So these are the pictures of the place that I took the kids off-roading last week. We found this park by mistake a couple of weeks ago while we were driving around town looking for something to do. I believe the place is called Blue Grass Park. It is a beautiful place to drive around and looks like it would be good fishing and hunting (for birds at least). So far, it is one of the most beautiful places around Evansville that we have come across. As it looks now, it will soon be a memory, but a place that I would love to visit again someday.

This is a picture of the day after going off-roading with mommy. I took her since I had taken the kids the day before. Even Lydia loved it, but Crystal was not as thrilled. A lot of the mud had gotten washed off from the rain and snow, but I had to capture whatever evidence was left. The second time we went was more wet and muddy, and we could have gotten stuck. Lucky for us we didn't, but we did bang a few rocks on the bottom and hit some branches. I don't think it was anything too serious. The car still runs and we are grateful for that. We are also grateful for all the good times we can have as a family.

UP!

Well, seem that things are looking up for our little family again!

(And if you haven't seen that movie, you are missing out..."Up!")

A little nun came and sat next to me yesterday while I was working; here's how the conversation went...

Nun: Aren't you grateful you have a job?

Me: I am SOOOO grateful I have a job right now. Actually, my husband is currently unemployed, so I am indeed grateful to have a job.

Nun: Well, what is his name

Me: Steve

(she writes his name into her little black book)

Nun:Well, I will pray for him. What faith are you?

Me: LDS...The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Nun: Well, say a prayer to St. Francis. He is wonderful at finding things! (and she gives me the cutest little smirk and nod of her head. I think it was St. Francis, my memory fails me when I am pregnant!) Now, what is your name?

Me: Crystal

(she writes my name into her little black book)

Nun: Well, Crystal, let me give you my number, and you call me when he finds a job! He's going to find one, I just know!

Me: Sister, I will call you. We need your prayers, thank you so much!

(she walks away, turns one more time to give me a little wink and a nod, and then leaves the unit)

Well, I said a little prayer this morning after dropping Connor off at school. I prayed to Heavenly Father, it only felt right, and I told Him about the faith of this sweet little nun. I mentioned St. Francis, for her sake, and begged, yet again, that we would find jobs together. The Lord opened His windows! I called the recruiter from the hospital we are working with in Louisiana this morning, left a message, and somehow she called me back and left a message without me hearing the phone ring. I listened to the message with Steve in front of me, eyes wide as a surprised child. I smiled and let him know that she said she has two job offers for us, and he began to cry a fountain! Poor boy has been through a lot with this move. He was offered a position in the ER, and I will be in the ICU.

We told the boys about the news today--Aiden was thrilled when I let him know that Heavenly Father answered our prayers (they have been praying every day that we can get jobs). He said that he wanted to be the one to tell Connor.

When Connor got home, Aiden told him the good news, and he looked at me stunned, gave me the tightest hug, and started jumping up and down--his head bouncing against my chin because he is the biggest six year old ever (unless I am just very short!). This means another school change for first grade, but i think he'll be okay!

Louisiana...here we come!

Making Memories

Christmas time is magical for our little family as we open the season remembering our little innocent babe, it is a perfect way to open the Christmas season in it's true glory. The Christ babe was born, grew to manhood, overcame sin and death, and rose to new everlasting life for us. We use December 2nd--our Baby Shane's birthday--to open our Christmas every year--it is the best gift we have, to symbolically look at our baby in connection with the Christ babe for hope of everlasting life to come.

Aunt Sara and Uncle Tim can always be counted on to give us a little piece of happiness on Shane's Birthday. We love the flowers, it helps to know that someone is thinking of our happiness and continued sorrow on these anniversaries.

I enjoyed sitting under our Christmas quilt while the boys decorated the tree!

And she enjoyed the sweets of the day. Seems she is attached to her Daddy--after all, he tends to her 100% of the time these days, from feedings to baths, fits, naps, and the many yummy treats. Actually, she even did a little off roading with the boys this week while I was at work! Oh,the life of a stay at home Dad!

Baby Boy

Baby boy, you entered this world 3 years ago. Little did we know that your temporary sojourn on this Earth would be so very temporary. We miss your beautiful face; your smiles and laughter! Today we celebrate you, even though we cannot see, touch, or hold you. We long for that day! We hope that you will be close today and that we can honor your special little spirit, especially today on your birthday. Today is your day, Baby Shane.

This is one of the few pictures we have of our three boys all together, and what better place than in your mother's arms. She loves you. Your brothers love you and they talk about you still all the time, especially Connor. You were "his baby". Please look after him. He is such a sweet boy, but has experienced so much tragedy in life at a young age. Please look after your mother, Aiden, and Lydia too. We will soon be adding baby number five. We hope to be the parents we need to be in caring for these sweet spirits that must remain here with us.
From day one, you left your mark. There was just something special about you. We did not know what until we had to say goodbye. But today, on your birthday, we are grateful for your sweet entrance into this world. We are grateful that God gave us the chance to spend a little time with you. Somehow, someday, we will hold your little body again right where we left off. Until then, we will celebrate each passing year until you are once again in our arms. We love you, all of us! We miss you! Happy Birthday, baby boy!

The Ups and Downs of Life

Well, it took a few days to post our Saturday adventure pictures, but here they are...

As for the ups of life...we have these beautiful children! Yes, they are busy as ever, but they are ours, and we are grateful for that. I guess (even through the sickness) I can say we have another little one on the way who is being called "Ferb" by Aiden. Aiden even says that we are going to have another baby and call him "Phineas". I don't know about either of those statements.

Another up...Connor is developing a love for our country as he named Veterans Day as one of his favorite holidays to me recently.

These two boys wake on Saturday morning, stay in their room, and Connor reads books to Aiden--I would have to call that a huge UP!!!

This guy (above) is getting use to the life of a stay at home Dad--NOT what we intended. Yet, I find myself grateful that our kids are in his hands while I am gone for my long 12 hour shifts. Yet, I do pray that something will take it's turn in the next 5 weeks when I move to my night shifts. So, there you have it--the down in our life right now--Steve is unemployed. We have started another very challenging time in our life.

But at least we have her! :)

Misc. Happenings

Well, there's lots to say (some good and some bad), but I am very tired...and I need to put two little boys to bed, so here it goes. We spent the day walking a riverfront; we walked too long as evidenced by a pinched sciatic nerve (me) and aching knees, legs, and a back (Steve). We are officially old, but we had a good time. Those pictures will come tomorrow once they are uploaded. In the mean time, Lydia discovered the cap of a bottle substitutes well for a binki in times of desperation.

I also got brave enough to let you see the 12 week belly. I am being approached by people at work--and they naturally assume I am pregnant. Seriously, 12 weeks along, and everyone can see! I guess that's what happens with baby #5!

And...Lydia is just such a doll lately! She did this same routine about 10 times in a row tonight--which means the boys ate way too many of MY mints. The mints are saving me hour by hour these days!

Haven't Heard?

Well...if you haven't heard yet, here it goes:

1. We have moved to Evansville, IN

2. Steve got a job in the Emergency Department

3. I got a job in ICU stepdown

4. We are stressed as ever unpacking our place before we both start full time jobs

5. I am suffering working mother syndrome--yes, I cry a lot!

6. Steve and I BOTH passed our boards!

7. We're pregnant!

In case you didn't know...#7 was NOT planned...we are not interested in driving ourselves crazy, but when the Lord has a will He has a way! Yes, working mother syndrome is very similar to the first trimester of pregnancy...I cry a lot! I am 9 weeks along! Actually, I was at my OB office waiting to get an IUD. They are instituting blood pregnancy tests, which I had done only two days prior. I waited...and waited...and waited for the doctor to come in and do her thing, but when she came in, we had quite a conversation! "Crystal, I have some good news and some bad news....the bad news, you will not get an IUD today, but the good news is that you are pregnant!" Hmmm....what would you do? Cry? Laugh? I did a bit of both, but left laughing, and full of joy! Baby #5 is coming...whoa...that sounds kinda crazy!

The Many Faces of US!

The Princess--who smiled FOR THE CAMERA for the first time today!

The Brother--bound and determined to hold princess arms down just to snatch a picture of his wonderful creation! (Yes, it was Aiden's idea to place the glasses on Lydia!)

The Librarian--in need of a shower, make-up, and well placed hair!

And....the Monkey! Need I say more?

Adoring Lydia

Just thought we would remind you...Mr. Aiden adores his baby Lydia...

and Daddy does too!

This little girl is feeling much better these days. After several weeks of sleepless nights and pink antibiotics spilling onto every cute little pajama set she has, Lydia is a beautiful picture of health!

We have received numerous requests for an update on Connor with school. I will try to snatch a picture of him smiling one day as he exits the school bus to deceive you into thinking that he actually enjoys his time there. As for now, we try to make his homework a positive and exciting experience; I think it helps him look forward to school day by day. Still, "there's just not enough time for play!" His youth will pass quickly, and there will always be time for fun and play, but never as much as he would like!

Aiden misses Connor terribly when he is away. He has no clue what walking, talking, and playing even are until 3:28pm when Connor exits the school bus.

Mommy and Daddy--We're hangin' in there! We will take our boards on October 7th! YAHOO!!!

Never Forget! Never Surrender!

Today my thoughts turn towards that eventful day we all experienced in some way, just 8 years ago. I cannot forget what I was doing, as I'm sure you cannot either. I cannot forget watching that television screen and the images that just did not seem real. I wept, and then I wept some more. How could this have happened to us, I wondered. Some questions, I think, will never be answered in this life. That was such an eventful day. I think it exposed the weak parts of our great nation. Now, I find myself wondering what parts aren't weak? I fear that we are now crumbling from within after an attack from the outside; just as these great building did! Our government is corrupt! The pieces are being set and sides have been chosen. Tomorrow we will see who will still stand for truth and freedom. I will never forget! I will never surrender! I will defend and protect this nation and its constitution until the day I die! My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of September, 11 victims. I also pray, however, that those who have not woken up regarding the destruction of our constitution will yet see and rise up to the challenge! I pray for those who have seen and are fighting to protect what is left; to bring back what was lost! I pray that tomorrow will be the dawn of a new day, but that we will not find ourselves more divided when the day is done. God bless the United States of America!

Can't Bring Me Down!

This little beauty has had the sickies...along with most of us these days! Yet, this little beauty will not let the sickies bring her down!

Instead, she'll just show her brother how much she loves him! In affection, Lydia began leaning into Aiden today, touching her forehead and nose to his, and pausing for several seconds. She did this over and over again--and when Connor came home, he received the same sweet affection! It's good to have a girl in the home!

"A Quick Road Trip & The First Day of School"

So, this past Sunday morning we all took off on what we knew from the beginning was going to be a marathon road trip. Crystal and I both were fortunate enough to get job interviews at the same hospital out in Indiana. It was over 13 hours of driving to get to our destination and by the look on Connor's face you can tell that he was worn out by that car ride, as we all were. We pulled into the hotel parking lot around 8 o'clock at night after leaving the house around 6:30 that same morning. We decided that night to not drive the whole way back home in one day. We got some poor quality rest, as is always the case in a strange bed, but the kids loved being in a hotel room. It is so exciting for them.

We awoke early to get ready for our interviews on Monday morning. The anxiety began to set in and we hoped the kids would do alright with our friend wathing them while we went to the hospital. We mostly worried about our little Lydia. She did not like being left in a "stranger's" house for those few hours. I'm not sure what Aiden is doing here, but I'm sure it was his way of saying good luck (not really--he's just a boy).
My little princesa calmed my fears and brightened my world as usual that morning. She is such a sweetheart! She was an angel in the car ride as well.
I think my other Princesa was also put at ease holding her little babe that morning. Aren't they both beautiful? So, off we went. The interviews went well, we think, and we will just have to wait a few more days for now. Hoosiers, here we come (I hope)!
This is how the boys looked on Monday night after we stopped at a hotel on the way home. I think we were all exhausted from the hustle and bustle of our quick trip out and back.
We made it home around dinner time on Tuesday night and had to get the kids ready for bed right away because Connor started school today! He woke up this morning and seemed excited about the whole idea, but his smile quickly disappeared when we got to the bus stop.
He is a lucky boy though to be able to ride to school with his cousin Hannah in the morning on the way to school. Which one seems more excited here? She said that he talked to her a little bit once the bus pulled away. It did not look like he would by the picture I have at the bottom of this post.
Momma was proud though and Connor clung to her like Saran Wrap! That's what mom's are for I guess. He is a momma's boy. Lydia was happy to say goodbye and even happier to see him return from school.
Here is Connor looking even more thrilled about the idea of sitting at a desk for most of the day. First grade is a big adjustment when you have half day kindergarten. He will be fine someday, I hope. Apparently, a boy cousin of his was just as thrilled about school as he is. Maybe it's a boy thing.
So, we have had a busy few days. We are hanging in limbo for now, waiting and wanting to find out about our job interviews. We are anxious to move if that is that plan and make Connor's adjustment to first grade as painless as possible. But for now we are here, and we will try and do it all with a few more smiles on our faces.

Graduate Nurses--YAHOO!!!

Years ago, I knew I wanted to be a nurse, following my Grandmother's (Nonna) and Great Grandmother's (Maymie) footsteps, but never before did I consider that my husband would venture into that path with me! It has been a long, hard, and almost unbearable road to travel, but we did it! Yet, it wasn't only "we" who did it. First and foremost, we had the strength of our Heavenly Father to pull us through the late night, early mornings, dirty laundry, and piles of dishes. Never mind the care plans, diagnostics, medication actions, priority assessments, procedures, etc, etc, etc! We had children who patiently endured each exam as they spent their days becoming the best of friends all for the sake of Mommy and Daddy passing another test. (Until Lydia came along,then we just prayed that we would pass! She made it almost impossible to study!)

I had a husband who saw me pass my first semester of nursing school, and then he jumped in with two feet, ready to take a journey that would allow him to grow far beyond who he was before! (It takes a pretty strong man to be a nurse...seriously!)

Finally, look at all those beautiful faces! We would have never finished this journey without those beautiful people there. Grandma and Grandpa walked high and low to get us through nursing school. They gladly did all this and more: drives out to Lititz just so Connor could get to school on time while we headed to.....school, Monday meals (being a very busy day for us), dishes hand washed--and I mean DISHES galore, children fed...clothed....hugged....and loved, and many prayers (I am certain of it!).

SO MANY MORE people helped us along the way, with unceasing encouragement...thank you!

Now...on to finding a job! Let's pray the Lord will open doors!