Been awhile!

So much has been going on.  Time is a flying!  Leah had her last orchestra concert as an 8th grader.   I had this bright idea to bring all the children to the concert. I told them they had to support their sister and it was only going to be an hour.  Well, an hour and a half into the concert 2 girls decided to break out into a sibling fight.  Oh for the sake!!  Thank goodness for Grandma Koeman.  She was so calm and smiled and held the girls hands.  And 1 of the girls laid her head on grandma's shoulder and took a little nap.  It was like magic!  Just what this mama needed, because my blood was boiling!  I praise the Lord for grandma's and the sweet music my Leah makes :)

 Ahhhh, Tulip Time!  We got to watch a parade with friends.  Ash did a great job walking, even in the heat.  She earned her elephant ear.  These 3 were just along for the ride :)

 Here's another story.........3 years ago I started painting the barn.  We borrowed my brother in laws sprayer and it looked like a fun toy, so I painted the back of the barn.  Well, our barn got broken into after that, and the sprayer stolen.  So it never got finished.  I recently told Steve I was going to see how much it cost to get it painted and magically he bought a sprayer.  One Saturday I was working.  I came home and he said, "are you ready to paint?"    My response, "NOOO!"  1st of all, I had a crazy busy day at work and had a ton of charting to do. #2 WE DON'T PAINT TOGETHER!!!!  Don't get me wrong, Steve is the love of my life, definitely my better half.  But we know our limits. He just stood there and smiled.  I couldn't say no, so I made him PROMISE not to yell or divorce me and I would help.  Here we are!!!  Barn is painted and we had a great time!  I think the girls had fun too.  Age is definitely making us better :)

 Speaking of age......................wow mama, look whose driving.   Yup our little Leah Rosa!!  We figured out the whole drivers training thing.  Not so hard so far.  We showed her all the different drivers education programs and said, pick which one you want.  I think she choose this one because she really wanted to drive sooner rather than later :)  She gets done next week, but has her permit.  She is chauffeuring us around.  I've been asked if I was nervous with her driving and I have to confess, the first time she drove me around I almost fell asleep.  It's so relaxing sitting in the passenger seat, looking around, talking.  If she has questions, she asks.  However now she's looking at cars for sale.   Oh help :)  (I had to take this picture out of the window.  She did NOT want me out in the drive way with the camera.  bummer :)

 And we just got back from camping with friends.  So fun!!  Below Brooke is on a "big bike" with training wheels.  I brought the bike out and she couldn't even peddle it.  I lost ambition and told her I couldn't push her around anymore.  I just figured her legs weren't strong enough.  She spent 1 night trying and trying and she got it.  So she's riding a bike with training wheels!  Macy's been doing that for a while, but Brooke's always a little bit behind, but determined.  Nice job Brookie!!

 This is a jumping pillow.  Oh so fun!!  Even the mom's got in on the fun.  The pic above is Miss Dawn, our babysitter.  The girls were sooooo excited to camp with Miss Dawn.  She's SOOOO cool :) A lady that worked at the park said she drove in and heard the screaming and said, "sounds like mom's are having fun on the pillow."   hehe  We might be "older" but we are still fun!

 Archery tag! Another 1st for me but fun.  You shoot each other with nerf arrows.  (unless you are like me who screams and surrenders before she gets hit :) Ash couldn't wait to shoot me.  Kids had a great time, moms too.

 And the pool.  Macy has a friend that jumps in the pool with her.  So cute!  They jumped and jumped and jumped.  The swim lessons really helped her. She was confident and crazy :)

That about sums us up.  We've been busy, but it's all been fun.  Looking at these pics I again realize how blessed we are.  5 lively, crazy, relatively healthy girls. They fight and have their melt downs, but don't we all.  They keep life interesting and they LOVE life.  I thank God daily for the gifts He has given us!

A day in the life.....

 "Man's steps are ordered by the Lord. How then can a man understand his way?" Proverbs 20:24

The above pictures are the sight at the Koeman's.  Yesterday Macy started with a "fummy ache" in her terms.  I brushed it off, when I got home from work she resorted to the couch and I thought, "Hmmmmm this could be real."  Then she vomited.  Yup, it's real.  In the middle of the night Ash decided to get in on the action.  Cuz sharing is such a nice thing to do.  I was up most of the night, which is not a big deal. We use to do this all the time.  Makes me appreciate the full nights of sleep. Steve ventured home from the fields around 4am.  At 6am I got out of bed. I thought I better be prepared for whatever comes my way today.  My devotions read, "Man's steps are ordered by the Lord. How then can a man understand his way?" Proverbs 20:24  So true, it then went on to say, since our steps are ordered  by the Lord, we need to calm down and thank God that we are right where he wants us to be. 
I am so glad I read that this morning.  That gave me good perspective as I was driving down the highway with 2 kids puking in the back seat (in buckets, no worries), while taking another one to an orthodontics appointment that ("I CAN'T miss it mom"), as another child sang Away in a manger over and over and over.  Ahhhhh yes, this is where God wants me be, so I will do this with a smile on my face.  However, I won't deny, I was happy when the car ride was over.  I think the girls are much more content on the couch.  And singy girl has more space to use her vocals.
I must say, up until last night, we were pretty low key.  Planting has been going great!  The rain last night may have delayed them a little, but Steve got a little bit of sleep and hopefully they rain was just enough.  Spring for the Koeman girls has been going very well.  I decided on no rec sports this spring and my children didn't protest.  When you end up with practices every night and games, I find it hard to manage.  My priority is my family and hubby, so this has worked for us, for this season.  I told the girls I think we might skip soccer this fall as well, they haven't argued yet (I know for you sports fanatics you can't imagine :)  It's ok, I'm just trying to keep it simple, and happy :)

 Happy Spring to everyone.  I can't express how HAPPY I am to have warmer weather.  It just boosts every one's spirits and the girls talk about camping every day.  Between camping, sports camps, summer camps, and drivers training (oh boy!) I am afraid summer will fly by.  Enjoy every minute God gives us, and smile, because we are right where he wants us to be!

"You're gonna miss this...."

Steve and I are song people. Love music, all kinds of music.  "You're gonna miss this" is a county song.  I like it, I like the lyrics, I believe it.  It's about time going to fast and not to rush things.  Enjoy the moment because it changes so fast. 
There are some things, I believe, I will not miss.  I read things about missing certain things about having your kids home.  So I finally asked my mom, "do you miss the clutter and mess of having your kids home?"  Nope!  She doesn't miss it.  And I don't think I will either. This is just one bedroom and actually looking at the picture I can see the floor, so I'm thinking it's not so bad. (that's how warped my mind has become)  I've chosen to ignore the bedrooms.  When things are left laying in the entry way and tables, I just throw them on their beds. I'm just amazed!

The other thing I won't miss is " mom mom mom mom mom mom mom mom mom mom mom mom"  I know that is my name and role in life.  But why do they have to say it over and over and over.  This morning before church, Steve started saying, "Ashley Ashley Ashley, Ashley, Ashley" "Brooke Brooke brooke brooke" "macy macy macy macy macy macy"  They were like, "dad you are being annoying, why are you doing that?"  They had no idea he was copying them. 

It all comes down to, they are children, they act like children and think like children.  If they acted like adults, wanted everything clean, and never called my name I would wonder what was wrong with them.  Instead, they are pigs and I know someday they won't be (I may have been messy myself and I KNOW Steve was).  I still call my mom often.  Sometimes more often than others.  I expect my children will do the same. Some days when it's x 5 it can be a little overwhelming.  But the good always outweighs the annoyances.

Happy Spring and planting season.  Steve has started, whooo hooo!  Brooke asked him early one morning why he worked so much.  He responded, "because I love what I do.  And this season, it's what we do."  Warmed my heart.  As much as these farmers work, they love what they do.  Praise the Lord.  I pray for a safe season for all farmers and sanity for all mothers!! 

Parenting!

When you have this amazing little baby, so cute and cuddly, soft, smells so good (most of the time) you never imagine how hard parenting will be.  Terrible two's, at this house, are not so terrible.  3's are usually pretty good.  For some reason we hit ages 5-8 years old and we are in for it.  Each child is a little different and it's so hard to describe the struggles, but it's a struggle.  A mental game that we play that is literally exhausting!!!  Because it depends on the child, my ages of this struggle could be off, but I pray that by 9-10 years old we have an understanding of the way the world works. 

Our goal, as almost any parents that I know, is to raise our children to love the Lord and love others.  To make good decisions and realize their are consequences when you make the wrong decision.  To understand, your attitude can make or break a situation.  I don't often write or talk about parenting woes.  There are a select few that have seen our children act out, or have children of the like that we confer with.  I once was explaining to a person how my daughter was acting and her response was, "my child would NEVER act like that!"  Well that got the blood boiling and I decided not to share some things.  But I've realized lately, why?  What child does not act like a buffoon from time to time.  Some kids act like it more than others.  What adult doesn't do stupid things?  But instead of helping each other as parents we smile and pretend it's not happening. (we use to call that "church face" with a friend.  We'd all be yelling at our kids, "get dressed, comb your hair, get in the car, we are going to be late!"  Then we'd walk into church with BIG painted on smiles)  haha  makes me laugh just thinking about it.  Anyway, not sure where I am going with all this, guess we've just had a few weeks of parenting woes, but as parents we trudge on and hold to God's promise and the promise we made to raise them. 

This weekend we got to experience a parenting high.  Leah made Profession of faith.  She made the personal commitment to follow Jesus. I can't describe the joy as parents to be part of this journey with her.  It's amazing how fast time is flying and for her to make this decision is an answer to prayer.  We also know that this doesn't make her journey in life any easier, there will still be hurdles, but she does know where to turn for help and knows that we are all here to help her!   Love you Leah Rose!!!!

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous: Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you: he will never leave you or forsake you.

 

Some of the people I love!

 
 Happy Birthday to some amazing people!!  Lynn and Steve turn 40 this month.  My dad turns 67.  There is no better reason to celebrate than the lives of the one's we love. 

We are blessed by the people God has placed in our lives and it was fun to be with some of them Saturday night.
Megan and Leah did a picture boards and they found some, "oldies but goodies."  I enjoyed listening to some comments from people.  Like, "have they been married forever!"  "Did they get married when they were 12" and the best, "look at that mullet!"  Many of Steve's friends did not get married til they were in their 30's.  Steve and I did get married young. That's ok!  To put into words what this man means to me is impossible.  I have learned more from him in the 21 years I have known him.  I have learned confidence, peace and contentment.  Even though he is a whole 40 years old now, I am excited for the next 40 years.  He asked if we could have another party when he's 80 :)  Yes sir, we can!

I like to take some credit for this adorable couple below!  If Steve and I hadn't started dating, then Brent and Lynn may have never met.  (actually it was all in God's plan, not mine).  They are such an amazing and giving couple.  My brother had the hardest job of getting the barn ready for the party. But he just grins and carries on.  This couple has big, caring hearts!

This couple just makes me laugh.  If you know them you will laugh too.  They love to have fun.  Brooke just crawled on my lap, saw the picture and laughed.  They are contagious!!!  I pray that their love and care for others is also contagious. I just want to squeeze them!!!!








Yesterday when the girls got off the bus Steve and I were both home.  Glued to the tv watching the Boston Marathon.  I like to run.  I have never run a marathon but I can only imagine the feeling of victory and accomplishment crossing that finish line.  Then to think of the cowardly act of who ever placed the bombs made me ill.  I was watching, saying "who would do this?"  Ashley came up and so nonchalantly said, "and God knew this was going to happen."  I had to think about that, and I just said, "why?"  Ashley said, "it looks bad, but He knows what He's doing. We have to trust Him."  The insight of an 8 year old.  My sister in law, Lynn, always says to listen to Ashley.  She says her heart is in the right place, she's wise, give her time. You must know how much I LOVE Ashley.  Her spunk and love of life is amazing, but I often question her motives in some of the choices she makes.  Sometimes I have to stop preaching to them and LISTEN to them.  As the conversation went on last night we came to the conclusion, we don't need to get rid of guns or bombs.  We need to let God in.  We need MORE of Him and His word and His peace.  Prayers!

Spring break!

Good thing we don't rely on nice weather for Spring.  So far we haven't found it.  However last year it was too warm.  I complain the farmers are never happy with the weather, but us wives aren't much better :)  Anyway, Spring break here was great.  They girls kept busy with sleep overs, friends and grandma's.  We had planned to take them to Fair Oaks Farm and the Indianapolis children's museum.  However Steve was busy with work.  So for him to get away for 2 days was not going to work.  The ladies and I decided we could handle it.  It's never as much fun without dad (I don't have all the fun facts dad does) but we survived.

 I love this picture, Ash has perfect form :)

 Brooke eating a cookie while jumping on her bed.  Obviously we weren't at home :)

 My children attempting to be serious for a "posed" picture.  Ash is the only one that can handle this.

From Fair Oaks, we went to a hotel for a night.  I already blogged about that.  A cool realization of how far we have come in 4 years.  I love how God just places these reminders in our path. 
At the hotel we swam, sat in the hot tub, and ate. 
The next morning we were off to the Children's museum.  If you like Children's museums, this one is huge.  It seems I have farm girls on my hands.  They were amazed by the size of the museum and the amount of people.  Other than that, they wanted to go back to the farm.  (they found out the farm is getting a pig area this summer and other expansions next year, so they can't wait to go back). 
All in all, it was a great Spring Break.  I had so much fun with my girls.  Even though they fight and get on each others nerves ,and mine sometimes :)  I still am sad when break is done.  But only 30+ more days and we are on Summer vacation. 
Brooke is doing well.  She is gaining weight and a friend saw her yesterday and said, "she looks good."  She really does!  She's getting a little fat on her again and eating like a champ. She's playing with Macy and sleeps on a normal schedule.  She has no symptoms (currently) of any illness' or virus'.  She is going out again and living her life.  Next week she has a clinic appointment and they will draw her platelets as well as all her immune studies to see where her immune system is.  We have no expectations for this.  We assume everything is status quo.  We are content with the road God is leading us down. 
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!Philippians 4:3-5

craziness!!

Funny story, today the girls and i left for Indiana. We went to Fair Oaks farm, a farm girls dream. From there we headed to our hotel. I got this hotel on line, its on the way to our destination for tomorrow.  As we drive up, I completely recognize this place.  I remember where we parked, what room was ours, where I stood and talked to my brother on the phone. This is the hotel we stayed at 4 yrs ago when we got stuck in the snow storm and we were not suppose to take Brooke out. I nearly had a panic attack back then. I called Steve to tell him the coincidence. What a difference and a joy this has been. Look at Brooke!
We also got platelets back today. 134 whooo hooo, progress. No blood draws for 2 weeks. Tomorrow off to the children's museum. Praising God tonight for a hotel room full of my ladies. My heart is full!