Meet Samuel David!

I am so happy to announce that I am aunt to another Sam!  Samuel David Rickert was born on Monday, March 26, 2012 at 5:57pm.  Sammy surprised us all by his size, weighing in at a whoppin' 10 lbs. 8.4 oz. and 22 1/2 inches long.  I declared that my sis deserves an award (which ended up being some of Sam's great-grandma Kanost's chocolate chip cookies).  What a gift and honor it was to be there to witness the birth of this precious little guy.  I love him so very much and am excited to get to spend some more time with him once my kids go back to school next week (this week was spring break).  Here are finally some pictures...sorry it took so long.

Big News!

My sister, Sarah Beth and her husband, Matthew are welcoming baby boy into the family today!  Yay!!!  Got the call this morning at 7am.  Now it is 8:20.  I am patiently trying to hold off on trying for babysitters since it is spring break for many and they may be sleeping in.  Will be excited to post birthday pictures for baby boy!

Some Phone Pics

This was Claire at the eye doctor last month (quite dilated).  She had failed her depth perception eye test at school and it was recommended to do a follow up with an opthamologist.  My hunch was right about the fact that her age has to do with why she failed it.  She passed it at the office using a different testing method.  Her vision was tested as well and she was 20/30.  The doctor said this is "normal" for kids her age as well and to bring her back in a couple years or earlier if we have reason to believe she is having trouble seeing.  My journey with glasses started in the 5th grade.  We shall see if the kids have more of my eye genetics or their daddy's!

This pic shows better the *big change* with Claire.  Notice her "Repundle" hair is gone!  Ten inches cut and sent to Locks of Love!  Would've done more of a post on this, but my friend, Nancy, who cut her hair took the pictures and I haven't gotten them from her yet.  Oh, it is soooo easy to take care of!

Notice anything strange in this pic?  How about a closer look...

See the tape?  Jake's earphones were too big so he figured out a solution!  Silly boy!

I used my Kitchen Aid for the first time to make icing for a cake for my Sarah Beth's diaper shower.  I love that it is so much easier than using my little hand mixer.  Claire wanted to help and asked if she could turn it on.

Turn it on, she did!  It was a little hard for her to switch it on and she bypassed the lower speeds.  Powdered sugar was everywhere!  Which made me think of the story my parent's told me of when I was a toddler.  We'd gone over to an elderly neighbors house and I managed to disappear for a few moments.  They found me quickly.  I had gone to her back porch were she had a big bag of flour that I had gotten into.  Apparently, they were able to zero in on my location when they saw clouds of white appearing around back.  I'm sure I was having the time of my little life!

Happy Birthday, Anna Jane!

Happy Birthday to my sweet niece, Anna!

Dear Anna,

Wow, you are 1 already!  How fun it has been to watch you grow this past year.  I have enjoyed taking care of you once a week and treasure the memories. You certainly have captured the heart of your cousins, that's for sure.  They love you so, so much!  And while the squeals of delight between you and Claire are ear-piercing, it is so precious to watch the two of you entertain each other.  Of course, Lydia is like another mommy to you...always watching out for you and not wanting you to get hurt.  And Jake has been enamored with you, even as a brand new baby.  It's so fun to watch the smile light across your face when you see one of them.  I hope there will always be a cousin-bond between all of you.  My prayer for you, Anna girl, is that you grow up to love the Lord and be a blessing to those around you.  The Lord knows He gave you lots and lots of determination and it will be exciting to watch His plans for your life!  We love you much, Anners!  Happy, Happy Birthday!  Love, Aunt Gwen

Still Alive!

Where to begin...

Life has felt like a juggling act recently.  Conclusion = I don't really like juggling!  And when we try to discard one of the balls, another one seems to be tossed in.  Some of it has been by choice, some has been temporary changes.  But due to the fact that I am not a good juggler, my blog has taken a backseat.  That, and the last time I tried to post, I was having such difficulties that I gave up. 

I love the beginning of each month when I make the new calendar on my dry erase board.  Such whiteness (with the exception being the monthly "garage sale").  Needless to say, it fills up ever so quickly. 

My goal is to get back into more of a habit of blogging.  The kids love to go back and read (and so do I).  Dan's been having a hard time with Claire getting so big.  And I am having that hard time with Jake and Lyd.  So I love that we can go back on here and reminisce. 

No pictures tonight though.  Just asking for prayer.  Lots of prayer for lots of people.  Here are the ones that have been on my mind a lot...

*Dan's mom fell and broke her hip and is in the recovery process right now.  His dad is undergoing radiation treatments for the next few weeks to come.  I know they would covet your prayers.

*My sister's going to have a baby any day now!!!  We celebrated Anna's b-day yesterday.  She turns 1 on the 20th and Sarah Beth is due on the 28th! Been making sure my phone is charged and by my bed each night!

*Also on the 20th...my sister's sister-in-law has a pre-trial court date.  She was falsely accused and arrested for shoplifting at Elder Beerman (Dayton Mall) and taken to jail.  She was shopping with her 1 yr. old son who was getting fussy.  She had put a toddler coat on the handle bar of her stroller, considering whether to buy it or not.  She made her purchases and left the store forgetting about the coat.  She was approached as soon as she got out the door.  They would not listen to her explanation and called the police.  This is just so hard to believe that this happened to her.  Any mother can probably relate.  Anyhow,  we know God is in control no matter what.  This is just one of those times in life when I have to remind myself that our perspective is different and His ways are Higher!

*A close friend of mine is going through a huge trial involving her marriage.  My heart hurts for her.  Cannot give details...just pray!  And while on the topic of prayer, could you lift Dan and I up, as well?  Don't read between the lines!  I just know all marriages need prayer...so why not!? =)

*This has been on my heart a lot recently.  I pray that my kids will grow and develop strong friendships with other Christians their age.  This was a blessing for me growing up and I still have strong connections with some of those friends!

*I also pray for wisdom and patience as I/we parent these kiddos God has entrusted to us.  Man, there are days when I feel like a big, ol' F-A-I-L-U-R-E; when I need to seek the forgiveness from my kids and the Lord.  So grateful they are willing to give that forgiveness to me.

Thanks so much!  And come back...I might surprise you and actually have another post up already!