out as a family

We went to BJs wholesale food store yesterday to purchase ingredients for my two-week-menu-plan. I usually like going alone, with just me so I can think and maybe stay on the budget that my husband so carefully plans. But the thought of leaving them all brought a missingness feeling to my soul. So, away we all went. While the rest of Richmond sang songs in church services.

When we got there, Caleb took the three little ones in one large cart, along with a filled box of Teddy Grams. They traveled thru the isles while I shopped, eating every last one. I checked out while my family wondered about. As I began to pay for our food, they joined me and that's when I heard a voice to my left shoulder. It was an ugly voice with a very annoying tone. "my, you sure make things complicated...But it's cute to have them all in one cart like that..." that is all I heard from his nasty face as he looked at my family. I usually try to say something kind in return but I was in no mood. Instead of saying what I really wanted to say ("I'm going to make your sorry excuse for a face even more complicated then it already is if you say another word. I would rather have my complicated life then yours any day...") I ignored his words and walked away.

So now you know. I don't always have loving thoughts towards those that look about with dumb comments. There are many moments that I'm not prepared to or don't feel like shining Christ's light. I learn from this and pray that I will have something wise to say next time.

Be Still

It has been a time of being still. Never leaving the house while fighting viruses that seem to be waging war in my home.  It started over a week ago with me. Coughs, aches, pains, tissues, tears from all the coughs, exhaustion. Then it was the kids. All of them. Fevers, coughs, and more tissues. The man of the home is well. We call him the horse because he is rarely sick. The poor fellow stayed home from work three days in a row to care for everyone else. When he went back yesterday, I thought it fitting to make him some pies. To say thank you and all.

Before the sicknesses began, I redid the dining room. I shall post pictures soon. Caleb blames it all on being pregnant. He is probably right.

Tomorrow is Caleb's birthday. 29!

We have two round trip tickets to use anywhere in the world that Airtran goes. We want to go somewhere before #4 comes. Any idea??!!

Random Rants

I am amazed at how undependable people are in general. Myself included. People busy themselves with an array of junk that distract them from other stuff that maybe should be more important. When I put all my hopes in people, I'm always let down. We are all flawed.

I LOVE that I can be home all the time. My goal is to only fill the gas tank up once per month ($100) and I really think it's possible. I'm thinking that I will go out every other week for food, once a week for bible study/social gatherings and then once for church. I'm not going to be legalistic by any means but I think it's realistic with my love-to-be-home nature.

Today I am trying to make Babkah. I've never heard of it before not but it looks really cool. You should try it too.

My credit cards are all cut up. I love cash.

I just started using mineral makeup. I'm never....I mean NEVER going back! Easy, natural, looks good...what's not to love?

My husband was grumpy last night. When I asked him why, he said that he wanted to buy me the Bosch mixer that I want but there is a bill that needs paying instead. He's a great guy.

Perhaps a nonboring post

My husband informed me last night that my blog is downright boring. When I told him I haven't thought about blogging these days, he said I should just delete it then. I'll take that to mean that he (and his coworkers mind you) enjoy regular posts about my momhood life.

So as most of you know, we're expecting our 4th child. A part of me is just crazed that we're at 4! I was one of four and I (and lost of others) thought that was a lot! Another part of me is so excited. All of me knows that this child was planned from the beginning of time. My flesh is tired at times but I am renewed by grace everyday.

I have been working on my new Norwex business lately. I have dreams that I will help reach the city with this wonderful stuff. My husband is extremely supportive of it and there is no way I could do it without him. We hope to be debt free in three years, even when seasons of bills seem to come and come. God is faithful and we are trying to obey.

Caleb passed his PE test. This means he is a professional engineer and can legally design structures or a lot relating to structures for you. Give him a call if you're interested. He's a smart one. He received a gym membership for Christmas from me this year. I want him to have muscles.

I kids are just wonderful. Emarie is daily displaying her big sibling abilities with tender lovings. She loves to rock her sister when Claire is sad or tired and she loves to wrestle with her little bud brother. Claire loves her family and reminds me of that everyday. When she says "I love you mommy", she always adds "and I really love my daddy too". Elliott is toddling around here at fast speeds. He tries to copy the words we say and the steps that we take. It is so fun to see him grow and learn.

Christmas is past but we continue to celebrate around here. Caleb's siblings and their families are coming here this weekend to have our annual Lange sibling party. Let the festivities begin!

People

I am  not home. I am far from it. In a place where I once did call home but now it's a place where I visit and remember where I grew up with all it's memories. I am thankful for growing up in Vermont but have no desire to live here.

The kids and I ventured north while Caleb worked his tail off in Cuba. I don't know what's tougher, drilling for hours on end in a wierd land, or driving three small kids 11 hours in the car. I'm going to bet that he had it harder. So I'm here until Friday, and then over to Potsdam, NY I go. The thought of seeing some forever friends in my early saved days makes my heart sing! From Potsdam, we'll go to Rochester and meet Caleb for Thanksgiving.

At this present moment, I feel wiped out on all fronts. Body, soul, emotions, mind...Today I feel like surrendering everything and just letting God steer this ship. The beautiful thing about it is that this is probably exactly where God wants me. I'm glad I have that to lean on.

Blessings

My parents graciously invited us to go on vacation with them in the blue mountains of Virginia. Boy, was is a wonderful place! We stayed at a resort where there was things for all people of all sizes. My children had a blast and loved spending time with their Granny Dee and Pops. There were many tears at their departure. Here are some fun pics of the experience:

He wants me

I did something terrible today. Something that required a 911 call...

I took my kiddos to the store. When we got home, I helped the two girls out of their seats. When I went to get Elliott out of his, the door was locked. Every door was locked. Don't ask me how, they just were. My phone was also locked in the car. I ran to the neighbors and used their phone. After calling Caleb a million times, there was only one thing I could do....

Soon the fire truck arrived, then the police, and then the ambulance. They smashed a window and retrieved my sobbing son. The EMT man checked him and he was ok. Praise Jesus it is a cool day. The police got a statement. I can't remember what I told her. I hope she doesn't call social services.

Now as the kids peacefully sleep, I ask why. God, do you want to humble me? Do you want me to see that I can't do this parenting thing without You? Do You want me to see the gifts that my kids are?

This event surely forced me to see all of this and meditate on it all. But I think He is telling me that He wants me. He wants a relationship with me. He wants me to talk with Him, for me to be in complete wonderment. I once heard someone say that if you're not praying, then God will give you something to pray about. He cares more about my heart then a passenger side car window.

If you think I'm flawed, you're totally right...