We'll take it!

       
Steve got me up yesterday with "the look."  The "oh no someone's sick" look.  It happened to be Megan.  She had a fever and bad headache.  As I was in the living room talking to her, there was a banging on the wall, (Leah's room is on the other side).  I thought, wow isn't she lazy, but I walk in there and low and behold, she's sick too.  That's super!  I had to go to work, because calling in the week of Christmas is not nice.  So I left the 3 younger kids in charge of the 2 older ones.  I said, "do what ever they say."  I came home to a very upset Brooke.  Not about fighting or illness, but about the fact we were not going to our Christmas party that night.  Oh boy!  I get it!  I get the disappointment, but we weren't missing a party, we were rescheduling.  It's all good.  But to her it was not, and she was quite verbal about it.  I told her I had a story for her, but she informed me she didn't want to hear it.  So an hour or so later, she asked about my story.  I told her about a baby that got really sick on Christmas eve.  And the baby's 4 sisters missed many parties, time with friends, family, parents and normalcy for a long long time.  But it wasn't the babies fault, it was just God's plan.  She listened and then said, "are you telling stories about me again?"  Yes, yes I am!  I told her how they sacrificed a lot, and now it's her turn.  I haven't heard complain since. 


As Steve was moping around today, yes he's sick now too, I said, "6 years ago we were in ICU."  He said, "yeah I thought of that.  We'll take this."  I look back at 6 years ago and think, "wow, I knew nothing, and it was a GOOD thing."  But then I figure in 6 more years I'll look back and think the same thing.  God has a spectacular way of shielding us, and giving us just what we need to know.  I always picture Him taking our hands and walking us through.  And that goes for everyday.  I think sometimes everyday is harder than crisis mode.  In crisis mode, you have little choice, but told hold onto faith, family and friends.  In everyday mode, you have time to think through things and over analyze.  We are our own worst enemies at times.  I'm not saying I need a crisis mode anytime soon or ever, but I am saying I've learned a lot.  And am so happy to be sitting here 6 years later with our ladies, opening gifts.  Even if they are in pj's with fever's.  We'll take it!   Thank you Jesus!!!

Ultimate gift

We had Christmas Sunday night with my grandparents, Uncle, Aunt and cousin. We laugh because my extended family is about half the size of Steve's immediate family :)  Steve and I show up with half the party!  My grandparents give us money each year.  The last 2 years I have not spent the girls money on gifts.  We take them away for a weekend get away.  They all agreed that's what they wanted again.   After we ate, my grandma had all the kids pick a number and she gave them each a bag.  They all opened huge, wonderfully crafted, colorful, handmade quilts.  If you don't sew or quilt it's hard to imagine the money, time, patience and love that goes into each and every quilt.
Each piece is so intricately pieced together. The girls were SUPER excited!  What a gift!! (as were the adults!  We each got one too!!!)  I would suggest every year we make each other gifts, but I realize I'm not even a smidge as talented as my grandma and I'd be embarrassed :)  She has a gift, and we are so blessed that she shares it with us. 


           


      


 

Let's talk bathrooms!

Yup, you read right, bathrooms!  You see, the conversation comes up often around here.  Not by us, per say, but by others.  We have 5 girls, as most of you know. As well as myself and Steve.  We have 1 1/2 bathroom.  2 toilets and 1 shower.  Very adequate in our eyes.  Not so much in other's eyes.  We have a system.  We can run those kids right through the shower.  We can pick locks and turn on the dishwasher when people take to long of showers  hehe (all in good fun.)  It's all good.  We share, we argue, we have good talks, sometimes we are silent.  The strangest thing, for me, when all the kids went to school, was taking a shower in silence.  No one asking me questions or to do things while I'm in the shower.  I missed it.  You see, I like our chaos.  I like our, "quality" time.  I'm ok with having kids lined up in the bathroom doing their hair.  We know not to spray hairspray when Leah's putting her contacts in and don't flush the toilet when someone is in the shower. 
Seems strange to so many.  I'm sure if we knew any different, this would be craziness.  But it's not.  It's our normal.  Steve doesn't even complain.  He says, "it's fine."  He even joins in with the hair brushing and accessorizing.  I married an amazing man, that it seems, many people don't understand. :)




With all that being said, the amazing man got back into the fields on Saturday.  I was sooooo excited for him.  Until he came home, and realized how hard the combining was, with all the mud and corn stalks laying down.  But today we got home from church, and he said, "I needed that." Time in God's house, meditating on His word.  Reset so he can start again tomorrow.  Playing in the mud, getting the crops off.  God is good.  Even if it's not our way, His way is better.   Happy harvest my friends!


        

SNOW!?!?!?!

For real?!?!?!?   I'm praying these weathermen are SEVERELY messed up! 
I LOVE fall!  I love the harvest, the field, the combine, I even try not to complain about all the dirt, corn and soybeans that collect in my van.  It's just all good.   This fall has not been, all good.  This weather is RIDICULOUS!!!  The farmers often complain about things during harvest.  After all these years, I've figured out encouraging words, humor and food help everything.  I tell my sweet husband, "the crops come off eventually, no worries, have a piece of cake."   However I'm now starting to have the same anxiety as him.  I watch the weather in anticipation.  My mother in law texted me today and said, "oh no, the weather looks bad." I talked to Steve today.  We talked weather (of course) and he said, "I don't think it'll snow til midnight."  I told him, "DO NOT LEAVE the seat of the combine until you HAVE to!"  I then realized, what happened to the supportive, laid back wife I've been.  It's crunch time!
You see, we planned a fun vacation with friends in December.  Who combines in December right?  Plane tickets bought, we are ready to go.  I LOVE the time away with my Stevie!  But if this weather doesn't change, I will be the 3rd wheel with our friends.  I'm not sure they can handle me!!!!


With all that being said, there is actually nothing we can do.  We know God has a plan. We know His plan is best.  I know I'm being somewhat selfish.  So, whatever happens, happens, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE weathermen be wrong!

Labs

Brooke had labs done last week.  Her normal immune studies.  I remember when I would be so anxious with anticipation of what the results would be.  That was a few years back. I don't really give them a second thought now.  We got emailed that Brooke's T and B cells (the cells that fight off infection) reacted "normal" when tested against virus's.  That's a change.  For the better.  Her over all immune system is still compromised, but her, lack of, immune system is reacting better.  Our nurse said, our MD and PA are VERY happy about this.  So with that, we are happy too. 

I've struggled with my lack of emotion of this.  I feel nothing.  No excitement, no happy dance, no jazz hands.  I'm glad about it.  I'm not upset.  Someone was telling me they are rejoicing and so excited.  I felt like, "what's wrong with me?"  But tonight I got a little seat time in the combine and mentioned it to Steve.  He seemed to have the same reaction as me.  "Ok, sounds good."  I realized, this changes nothing for us.  Brooke is still Brooke.  Cute, amazing, spunky, a sister, a daughter, a grand daughter.  We live with her everyday.  We don't see an immune system, we see a beautiful girl God has given to us to raise in His image.  When we drive, or fly or go away, we no longer worry about germs or illness's.  We just take our kids in tow, and raise our family.  God has removed that fear and told us, "I got this."  We trust Him. He's walked with us through this whole journey and He won't leave us now.  So we check her labs again in April.  We'll see how much better she gets in 6 more months.  Her nickname as always been "Eeyore" (as well as one of her big sisters) because she's slow with E V E R Y T H I N G!  Even figuring out her immune system.  Slow and steady wins the race :)  You go Brookie!  Take all the time you need.  God's got this! 

Parenting 101, or 102, or 103?

Everyday the kids come home from school.  I say, "how was your day?  Anything fun happen?"  Sometimes I get elaborate stories about something, sometimes I get grunts, sometimes they just walk by.  They eat, then I ask, "how much homework do you have?"  The twins always say, "NONE!" and then we go through what everyone else has.  This week Sunday, I asked if everyone's homework was done.  One daughter said very casually, "I have a book to read but I'm so far behind I just quit.  I read most of it.  I have a quiz tomorrow."  Ok.  Usually once she gets behind/gets sick of reading, we get the book online and she listens/follows along.  So I asked her why we didn't do that.  She said, "I don't really like the book, so I don't want to read it or listen to it."  All good, common sense answers.  Steve and I just let it go.  We said, we'll see how the quiz goes.  We can't force something at 9pm on Sunday night. 
I've been asking how the quiz went.  Today she says, "I got a C."  I'm like, "hey that's not too bad, for not reading the book, kudos to you!"  She said, "yeah last time I read the book and I got a C.  He said this quiz was harder."  I did add, "maybe next time we should try to read the book."

Wow are kids different and unique and I LOVE THEM ALL!!  This parenting is fun (most of the time) and a wild ride.  The crazy thing is we all parent so different, but most of us, with the same goal.  To have a child that LOVES the Lord, and that's heart is filled with Him. 

I had conferences this week and I called Steve before going into one of them.  I said, "I think I'm prepared."  But he knew, chances were, I'd be crying by the time I got back to the car.  He said, "Don't sweat this!  She's a good kid.  She's passionate about life.  She's going to be ok."  We'll she has the BEST teacher.  Because she said the same thing. It was the best conference and she really has pretty decent grades. Go figure!

I look at all these kids and how they learn so different.  I kinda feel bad they are stuck with us as parents, but I figure we'll all just muttle through and we're going to be alright.  They all definitely have a passion for life!!  To God be the Glory!!! 

Fall is in the air!

The girls had a  break from school last week.  So we were fortunate to be able to head to Florida with my parents.
Steve and I had talked about it for a long time.  It felt strange going away without him, but he said, "go, I'm just working crazy hours."  So we were off with my mom, girls, nieces, and sister in law.  My dad drove and met us down there mid week. 

It was a great time with the girls and family. Rest, relaxation, and HEAT!  We LOVE heat!  Especially Brooke :)
 

 

 

 

 

While we were in Florida, Miss Leah turned 16.  1st on the agenda when we got home was the Secretary of State office.  We NEEDED that license.  I've been given much reassurance and asked if I was going to cry.   WHOOO HOOOO BABY SHE"S 16!  I haven't had any worries about her driving.  I'm sure she'll make mistakes, we all do, but I pray for her safety and I'm so excited for her independence and ours.  I remember how excited I was when I turned 16 and how I still love to drive, I want her to feel the same.  Enjoy Leah and stay safe!   LOVE YOU LADY!!!

 

 Last is Harvest! Oh boy!
 I'm not sure what to say.
We usually have a happy
fun harvest stories, but so far
it's been pretty stressful.  The
weather has not cooperated.  It's way to wet, the beans are wet, fields are wet and farmers are stressed. When I got home from Florida Steve needed a belt to keep his pants up!  What!!!!  I said, "see you need me to fatten you up!" His mom fed him supper I think he's so stressed he's losing weight.  Combining is action packed.

Tonight the twins and I brought Steve supper. He was so busy fighting mud he didn't have time to eat.  The stress on his face was intense.  The twins picked up on that fast.  We didn't stay long, got in the van and Brooke said, "I'm going to add farmers to the prayers at school.  We need fields to dry."  Oh sweet children.  Join us in praying the farmers can get the crops off and the rain subsides. 



Warms my heart!

Do you ever have a moment that makes you smile?  I had one tonight.  Having 5 girls, I hear, "mom, mom, mom, mom," about a million times a day. I try to go with it, because I've been reminded someday the house will be so quiet that I will wish to hear it again.  Bedtime is in shifts at the Koeman's. Many ages = many bedtimes.  The twins are first, and there is typically some whining, wanting help, yada yada.  The hair was a particular nusense tonight. Macy's hair was in a bun, because it was grandparents day and she wanted to look nice.  But that led to many bobby pins, clips etc. I was dishing out ice cream and Steve said, "come here Macy."  As he proceeds to go through her hair, pulling out bobby pins, hair accessories and brushing her hair.  It made me smile.
I think to all my poor husband endures.  When we got married, if anyone said, "you'll have 5 girls," we would have laughed and laughed and laughed.   I never would have imagined how amazing my husband is.  He can put a great outfit together on Sunday morning and make sure they girls have matching shoes.  He can also, make sure they have junky clothes on and has them in the pig coops to do chores.  He brings well rounded to the family. 
Tonight he is playing poker (kind of a must in a house full of women) and tomorrow, Lord willing, harvest will finally start.  Happy Harvest to all the farmers and farming families!!!   Stay healthy and stay safe!

Fall

 That's right, you see Macy playing soccer!  We've made progress.  She's been out there getting it done, and liking it!!  Crazy what a week would do.  I had emailed her coach after the first week and said, "I'm planning to give it one more try and then we'll be done."  I didn't want to disrupt the whole team.  He was so kind and said, "oh no, we just keep trying.  Even if it takes all season."  Luckily, she was scared the 2nd week but she did it.  And has been having a good time.  Success!!!

A couple weekends ago, some friends and I planned a "guys day."  We started out at the shooting range. Very fun.  No animal has to worry about me.  I'm not sure I hit the target once, but Steve did, so that's all that matters  :)

Then we were off to a pond for a little hanging out and fishing. 

 

To the Grill House, yes we made then cook their own food.  They seemed ok with it  :)

And last the Allegan County Fair to the Derby's.  It was a fun day.   Fun because they had no idea what they were doing.  They had very low expectations, but we did ok!

Last...........there are 2 new drivers at the Koemans.    The twins started driving the go cart.  Watch out!! Macy can reach the pedals (kind of).  Brooke, is a funny sight.  Brooke is cautious, takes turns slow, just needs a few reminders to pay attention.  Macy is F A S T, doesn't believe in slowing down around turns and laughs the whole time.  We make sure and tell them they HAVE to have an adult ride with them.  Last week Steve told Leah to go with them and her response was, "heck no!"  hehehe.  There's a little fear factor yet, but we'll keep trying.  

Fall is around the corner. I look at our calendar and there are bunches of fun things planned!  I'm liking the ages of the girls.  We can just pick up and go.  There's always something to explore!  Happy fall!

Fall begins..................

And it's begun.  Today we had kids everywhere.  All good.  Work, babysitting, soccer, etc.  We had a schedule, Steve and I knew who was going where.  He was at soccer with the twins.  I was waiting for my nieces to come over (they are staying over night, we are SOOOOO excited!), and then I was meeting up with him.   I get a phone call that says, "I KNEW THIS wasn't going to go well.  They are SCREAMING!."  And to say the least, daddy wasn't to happy either.  So, I head to the soccer field.  Yup, sure enough, 2 PISSED OFF 6 year olds and an even more pissed off dad (and that's putting it nice :)   Steve asks me what I'm going to do?  (I feel so honored, that I have all the answers :) NOT!  But taking them home doesn't seem to be the right answer.  So Steve goes home and I take 2 very upset girls to watch their team play soccer. 
God was on my side.  You see my devotions that morning read, "give people permission to not be perfect."  "Accept yourself and others, faults and all."  I had also seen a poor mom at Meijer the day before with a screaming kid, and my heart ached for her.  Now it was our turn.  The girls had 2 games, so after much talk and explanation of what a soccer GAME is all about, who the refs are, why there are so many people, etc etc..........Brooke headed out to play the 2nd game.  With a smile on her face and nerves calmed.

Macy didn't fair so well.  She was having none of it.  And playing soccer was not in her game plan for the day.  She had numerous consequences for her decision.  But I can't tell ya what next week will bring.  All I can say is, we'll try again.  Someone asked what was wrong?  Valid question.  I wish I had the answer.  Scared, tired, mad, strong willed, a bafoon?  I don't know.  All I know is we are all imperfect, but God is perfect and Loves us unconditionally, which is the same love I must show.  Love the person, not the action :)  Next week is another week.  Gotta love parenting :) 

2 Corinthians 12:9 ......My grace is enough for you; for My strength and power are made perfect and show themselves most effective in weakness.  

A few fun pictures from Labor day weekend.  Our last camping extravaganza!  We had so much fun with great friends and ate so much fried food my mouth is still watering.  It was yummy :)

We went to Grandpa and Grandma Blueberries on Labor day.  What a contraption?!?!  The girls couldn't get enough. 

The man responsible for all the fun :)  Love his laugh!!!!

 CLAY!!!!

The day has arrived.........

Monday was the day.   The twins, Ash and Megan hopped on the bus and headed to their school destination.  Ash got up to her alarm.  I told Brooke to get up, in which she responded, "YES!  THIS IS GOING TO BE AN AWESOME DAY!"  I got Macy up, to which she responded, "ARRRGGGHHH!!!!  NO! LET ME SLEEP!"  Wow!  Two kids, the same age, such different responses.  Macy cuddled with me, asked if she could stay home with me all day.  Luckily I had to go to work, or I would've said, "sure."  She then asked when is the next snow day.  Hehehe!  But she finally work up and got excited.  It was ok.  I went to work.  I had to be home to get Leah to high school sign in and bring her to work.  Busy day.  I was waiting in the driveway for the ladies when they got home.  Everyone was excited.   A few tears (from mom) but I kept it to myself so they didn't think I was nuts.

Then came Tuesday.......a 5 in school and I didn't have to work.  We had a good morning.  They got on the bus.  But Steve was still home.  We hung out: coffee and the Today Show.  Then he said, "I gotta go to work, love ya."  I said, "wait, what am I suppose to do all day?"  He laughed at me and told me to do whatever I want.  Have fun!    It's a strange feeling, is all I have to say.  It's a lonely, lost feeling.  It's quiet.   So I ran, but you can't do that all day.   Then I majorly cleaned the bathroom (boring).  Then I went out for lunch and hung out with my mom (YEAH FUN). 
All in all, it was a good day.  I only called Steve 3 or 4 times :)  When you've had kids under foot for 15 years it's strange to just do whatever you want or need, without thinking about the child that's attached to your leg. I told Steve maybe I should work full time, but he said, not quite yet.  (I think he thinks our house needs to be cleaned first). 
The girls are having fun, so I have to be excited for them.  What amazing ladies!  Praise the Lord!

Fun Fun Fun

Brooke did have her appointment with her pulmonologist (lung doctor).  I asked Steve to come with, because 4 ears are better than 2, and he can buffer my thoughts (I have a strong personality sometimes that needs taming.)  When we get there Brooke goes and does a bunch of breathing tests.  It took a little while this time.  I kept thinking, "oh brother, we're in trouble."  The inhalers they told me to give her last year, I failed to give.  I voluntarily didn't give them and I was prepared for them to be upset with me.   Brooke came back, PA came in and said all the tests look good.  She does not see why Brooke would need the inhalers, with the exception of if she's sick.  She said she might get sick faster than others, due to a lower immune system, but it appears she had a great year.   WOW!  We were so happy!!!  And we agreed, but the doctors don't always agree with us :)  So it's a pleasant surprise when they say, "don't come back unless you need us." 

So now that we put the asthma thing to rest, Brooke has decided to carry on with something else.  Glasses!!!  She is actually super excited about them.  At her physical they said her eyes changed a little, have them checked out.  So we did.  It appears one eye is normal and the other is not and she has astigmatism.   She is suppose to patch her good eye, once a day, to strengthen her other eye and then wear glasses as much as she can.  All do able.  Macy was bummed.  She said, " I was the one that wanted glasses.  Brooke gets all the fun things."  Hehehe, oh my!  Poor girl! 
Macy is wearing my glasses.  Had to feel included :)

The other new addition is...........a car!  We found the car for Leah.  The venture for a car has been interesting.  It consisted of Steve and I both on line searching and sending each other links (often times we were in the same room).  Then I'd drag him all over to look at some crappy car.  I don't think Leah had much hope.  Her expectations were/are low :)  But when we asked her, what she thought, she said, "I'll drive whatever you buy.  I may not tell you it's good looking, but I'll drive it."  We found some interesting automobiles. And we laughed a lot.  We settled on an Intrigue.  Oddly enough, we had an Intrigue when she was born.  She doesn't remember that :)  She seems ok with it.  There's been a lot of washing, fixing up, making it her own and saying, "dad can I drive it.  Dad can I drive it, Dad can I drive it.  Please DADDY!".  She has 2 months til she gets her license so I told her I'm going to break it in :) 

2 girls are off at camp!  Megan and Ashley are at camp Geneva.  Home is quiet, in a strange way.  But we pray they are having a riot, away from their sisters and family.  Becoming the young women God intends them to be.  Let your light shine ladies!!!

1 1/2 weeks til school starts.  So crazy!  I'm ready, and I'm not ready.  On days they are fighting, it's time to go to school.  On days they are getting along, I want summer to last forever.  Soon enough they will all be in school.    What shall I do with myself?   :)  I'm pretty sure it'll be ok!