Road Trip

When you live in the country, such as the overisel area, every time you get in the veen, it is bound to be a road trip. every destination just takes a little time to arrive. thankfully, we are perfecting the joy in the journey.

i usually pass the time by trying to use the trip as an educational opportunity, i ask provocative questions such as " wow, why is it all hazy over here?"; to which brad responds "smoke, honey".

Brad typically is in charge of the running commentary regarding local farming insights. Bear provides additional entertainment by showcasing his dance moves. Maxwell utilizes the time we are all strapped in close by to tell us stories, describe surrounding landscape, and request shows for the vhs our trusty veen is equipped with. we are currently delighted to have the addition of hunter scenarios and christmas lights to watch.

when i first started my life as a farmer's wife, i really resented having to plan for a full 30 minutes of commuting to get anywhere. now it has become clear that instead of just getting through the journey so we can get on with our objective, choosing to enjoy where we are and what we are doing in that moment brings much more satisfaction.

how true this is with my life! instead of living for the next big stage on the horizon, the fun vacation or event ahead, or just until 4 pm when brad gets home from work, it is so advantageous to see what i have here and now and love it up before the moment is gone.

ecclesiastes 3:1

there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the sun.

may we live with purpose, Lord. i praise you for placing me here, now and ask that I may fully grasp, enjoy and take advantage of your blessings.

A thankful heart

when you have been down and out for a couple days (or an entire week), due to the flu, or life, or whatever, things are especially beautiful once you come out of that time. friday was a day of renewed appreciation for feeling well. my sissa's and austin came over for some thanksgiving and some max celebrating. auntie beans gave maxer an awesome racetrack and such fun was had setting it up and watching it run.

thankfully, austin had some previous boy experience to assist us in the assembly.

the afternoon brought some good eating together and some good bonding. the food tasted just delish after a strict diet of toast and bananas. the company was just beautiful. i adore my sisters!

after a week of not feeling our best, it is good to feel good. we are all especially thankful for good food, an entire night's sleep, rambunctious boys, and enjoying one another's company without the presence of a puke bucket.

Happy Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving is not what i envisioned for my fam. the stomach flu has ravaged through our entire family and has lasted a whole week. each one of us getting our turn a day and a half after the one before. bradley is still recovering, currently at work, yes on thankgiving day, but not 100% healed just yet. therefore we will be spending this day like we have spent the last 7. at home, just the four of us, trying not to puke.

despite the circumstances, i find myself filled to overflowing with thankfulness for god's faithfulness in our lives.
i am SO grateful for the healing that has taken place, thank you jesus.
thank you jesus for allowing me to wake up to the kisses of baby bear.
thank you jesus for all my boys so we could bond over monster trucks and tractor pulls already this thanksgiving morn.

thank you jesus for max's amazing potty training and for wes' adorable dance moves.

thank you jesus for goldfish for breakfast and popsicles for lunch.

thank you for blessing my family with plenty.

while our extended families and friends gather together for turkey, we will be continuing to regain strength, replenish fluids, and relax our sore tummies, all the while reveling in god's graciousness in our lives.

Maxer's Turn

Just when bear was feeling better...





maxer got the flu.

lots of recovery and laundry at our house this weekend!! i hate seeing my boys sick. during max's bout of vomiting, i would often stroke his hair and ask him questions about how i could make him more comfortable. at one point, in between "are you warm enough" and "would you like a little sip of water" max looked up at me with his precious pained eyes and said, "mom, just leave me alone".

got it

The Big 3, Yippee!

As of today, only the baby got ill!! praise the lord. look at this precious sick one:

We were still able to do a tiny bit of celebrating for the big brother yesterday. i am flooded with mom-guilt for not giving him the party i had wanted, but maxer is gracious and forgiving of the lack of real good times yesterday. Gradma made an adorable choo-choo train cake that maxer ate all by himself, daddy ran out to get max his supper of choice: french fries, and maxwell got to open up some presents!! he opened an adorable mini semi and was so enamoured he offered to give the other present to weston!! here i was, saddened by the fact we only got him 2 presents and maxman goes and gives one to his bro because one was enough. love that little man!!

maxwell alan,

you are such a big boy!! 3 years old! in your short three years you have brought such joy to daddy and my lives. you are such a sweet boy, thoughtfully ensuring your brother bear is well cared for and happy. you absolutely love your daddy, you always tell me he is your best friend. what a beautiful relationship to watch maxer. know your daddy and i will do anything and everything for our buddy. we want the very best for you Maximilian.

we are super proud of your potty training achievements in the last week. you are even trying all on your own and are deservedly proud of your accomplishments!

you are the best at listening for tractors and then running to find them as they go down the road. you are so content to ride along with daddy as he combines, chisel plows, and does pretty much anything else involving farm equipment.

you are still captivated by movies and are currently enjoying ratatouille. you find a select few foods delish, and i aim to please that tiny little palette! so we eat lots of pop tarts, mac and cheese, spaghettios, chicken nuggets, and grilled cheese. your fave toys are farm or construction related.

you fill each and every day with absolute joy. we cherish each moment god gives us with our firstborn baby boy!!

love daddy and mommy

thank you jesus for granting us this child. we pray our family glorifies you lord.

Max is 3!!! Wes is Throwing up..

Happy Happy Birthday to my firstborn son maxwell! my heart is breaking that so far this birthday has consisted of a lot of puke from wes.

please join me in praying for healing and protection over my fam.

bear is still vomiting. max's tummy is hurting. be near jesus!

Come and Gone

After many, many days of this:

waiting anxiously for brad's arrival home from his big hunt, i am ecstatic to announce he is:

HOME!

safe and sound. good times were had and he is home!!! also, i am saddened/frustrated/upset to announce that he is gone again. this time in the fields. while i am very privy to the knowledge that this is his chosen career, it does not lessen the blow that the boys and i have been in brad's presence for approximately 13 minutes since friday. errrr. trying my best to remain a gracious wife, but not really succeeding that well. while i do so adore each and every moment with my sweet boys, the moments are even better when brad is here too. Brad's jovial and strong demeanour is the perfect counter to my currently overwhelmed and overworked spirit.

rather than throw myself a mini pity party, i will rejoice in the following:

1. max peed in the potty for the first time after three days of peeing in undies

2. and most importantly,

"it is the Lord who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure" 2 sam 22:33

thank you jesus for bringing my man home, for strengthening me in motherhood and wifehood, for giving maxer his opportunity for success as a reward for all his time spent involving pee, and for loving us with a mighty love.