Time of Thanksgiving during trials

This past year has been a very difficult year for our family. We have had many difficult situations to walk through and hard decisions to make. I was hospitalized 2 times, had a difficult first trimester of nausea, and the long decision making process has taken an emotional and mental toll on all of us.

"And we know that all things work together for good to

those who love God, to those who are the called

according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew,

He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,

that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Moreover whom He predestined, these he also called;

whom He called, these he also justified;

and whom he justifies, these he also glorified."

Romans 8:28-30

It isn't always an easy process to be conformed to the image of His Son. It can be a very painful process. However, we are promised to be glorified if we love God and work according to His purpose.

In spite of all these trials, God has also blessed us more than we deserve. We are expecting a new daughter early next year after 2+ years of prayer, have the opportunity to have our first home birth, the children have learned new skills and taken on new responsibilities during my health struggles, Daniel and I have learned to listen in greater detail to each other, and learned to appreciate the roles God created us for, we have grown closer together as a family, and our family has had several opportunities to visit with friends for refreshment and encouragement.

It isn't easy to be thankful for our trials, but looking back there is evidence that God has used them to grow us and to grow others. For instance, when I was in the hospital in September, we had several opportunities to talk with the nurse on duty. We found out that her and her husband were thinking of homeschooling. Weeks later we find out that they have decided to start homeschooling their oldest next year. We are continuing to see other evidence and are seeing that God does use all things for good.

Thought for the day

“The terms and conditions of a relationship determine the nature of the relationship.”

~ Dr. Norm Wakefield of Elijah Ministries

Hymns

Today I had my 25 week check up. It's hard to believe it's already 25 weeks! This pregnancy is going by so fast! The office is about a half hour drive away. This gives me an opportunity to listen to music, radio programs, or messages that I don't normally get to. On my way home this morning, Family Life with Dennis Rainey was on. Joni Eareckson Tada and Bobbie Wolgemuth were the guests. For those of reading who do not know these women, they have put out a series of books called "Hymns for a Kid's Heart" (there is also a series for adults called "Great Hymns of the Faith" ) In these books there is scripture, prayers, music and all the verses for the hymns, and the story behind the hymn. There is also a cd which is wonderful to listen to. To hear the interviews: part 1 and part 2.

I love hymns. Not just like singing them, but really love them. I love listening to them. They lift me up and encourge me when I am discouraged. Playing them on the piano is very relaxing and inspiring to me. It doesn't matter if they are straight from the hymnal or arrangements. Hymns are deep and filled with so much doctrine - you can't just sing one verse either. All the verses need to be sung in order to get the true meaning behind the song. They touch my soul in a way that modern praise songs and choruses can't.

It is so hard to pick my favorite hymn. So here is a list of some of my top favorites - in no particular order. If you click on them, you will be brought to CyberHymnal, where you can view the words and hear the tune.

• Abide With Me
• Amazing Grace
• Are you Washed in the Blood
• At the Cross (with the Hudson Midi)
• Great is Thy Faithfulness
• Hallelujah Praise Jehovah (Kirkpatrick or Psalter)
• He Hideth My Soul
• How Firm a Foundation
• How Great Thou Art (under copywrite)
• Near to the Heart of God
• No Night There
• Not What My Hands Have Done
• O Jesus I Have Promised
• O Master Let Me Walk with Thee
• O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
• Our God our Help in Ages Past
• Trust and Obey (I can still hear my Grandma singing this song)
• When We all Get to Heaven
• We're Marching to Zion

Now, go get out your favorite hymnal or find one online, and find your favorite hymn!

Pregnancy Ticker

If you are interested in following the development of "Baby Ryken", there is a new pregnancy ticker at the very bottom of the page.

As of this writing I am 25+ weeks. "Baby Ryken" can now respond to noises. We have found this to be true. She loves to hear me play the piano and wiggles to the music. Her other awake times are also very predictable. Without fail, at 10 pm, she is awake. It doesn't last long, but is such a nice way to end the day. She also starts the day around 7 am. It will be interesting to see what her schedule is like once she is born.

With her birth we will be charting new territory for our family. We are planning our first home birth. A physician from HomeFirst will be attending the birth. The care I have received so far has been the best I've had and I love the low intervention approach they have. Everyone here is very excited for me to be at home for the birth and I am looking forward to not having to make the trip to the hospital and spend a night or two alone. I'd much rather be surrounded by my family at home. To some people that may sound crazy - especially while giving birth. A night or two away from the children may even sound wonderful. However, we love to have our children around us, and hate to be separated from them. Birth is a family affair and while they may not be in the room during the delivery, they will be able to see their new sibling immediately after she is born.

Finally, here is the answer to the question I'm sure some of you are dying to ask, but may be afraid to.....No, this is not our last, unless God's plan is for her to be our last. We will continue raising an army for God. Whether that be 7 or 20 children, we seek God's design for our family ~ not our own.

Psalm 127

"Unless the LORD builds the house,They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early,To sit up late,To eat the bread of sorrows;For so He gives His beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate."

Reformation Day Faire ~ Peoria, IL

This past weekend we left the "city" and headed to Southern Illinois - or more specifically Peoria. Neither Daniel or I can remember ever being in this part of Illinois. The drive was absolutely beautiful. The sun was starting to break through the clouds, trees were all adorned in the fall colors and the small towns were quaint. I wish I had thought to take some pictures. Here is a photo album of our day.

When we arrived at the park, we were welcomed by several young ladies dressed in medieval costume. Thankfully they knew where the bathrooms were. After coffee, cappuccino, and water on the trip, we were in desperate need. The outhouses fit really well into the whole theme!

The park was set up as the town of Wittenburg in the 1500s. There were booths set up by different families from Providence Church. The boys made boffers for the Boffer War after lunch. Here they are practicing and then participating in the War. Mathias's boffer was a bit big for him, but that didn't stop him from having fun!
The Evans family taught the girls how to spin wool into yarn using a drop spindle.
The Price family showed Ashly and Cara how tedious printing was. Now-a-days we have it so easy with computer run printing presses.
In additional to these booths, families were also demonstrating beading, sketching, candle making, and soap making.

On the outskirts of Wittenburg there were games and archery contests. Justin was top scorer in the spear throw for a while. Daniel threw the shot put quite far. The children also challenged each other in checkers. I don't know who won all the games, but Cara and I tied!

Finally it was time for the Feast! The day before a pig had been roasted. MMMMmmmmm All the dishes were wonderful, as were the desserts!

After the Feast we gathered together for some hymn singing, a skit, and narration by Martin Luther. This service was to remind us of the what the Reformers did for us. It was a very moving service.

After Chapel, the Boffer War began! Boys young and old were out on the battlefield. There were a few casualties, but most just came away tired.

To close the Faire, the young ladies hosted a dance. It was a lot of fun watching the young people.

Thank you McDonalds, and the members of Providence Church for hosting the Faire! The day was wonderful ~ the weather was cool and sunny, the fellowship was sweet, and new friendships were formed among the adults and children.

A Day of Fun and Relaxation at the Zoo

Today we had a nice relaxing day at the Zoo.

Daniel has been in California since Sunday, and things were lonely around here. So we headed out to Brookfield Zoo. It was free day, so we only had to pay for parking. The weather was sunny and in the upper 50's - just beautiful weather for a walk around the zoo. Mathias has looked forward to this day. He doesn't really remember the zoo, because it has been over a year since we last went! The thought of seeing bears unnerved him a bit (Daniel takes him on scary "Bear hunts"), but he loved them!

The zoo was quite empty, so we were able to see the animals without having to fight the crowds. Most of the animals were out for the public, but seemed to be laying around. The polar bears were the exception. They were in and out of the water, putting on a show for everyone.

Mathias enjoyed seeing all the animals, but he really disliked the smell! He reaction EWWWW!

In the penguin house, there is a waterfall that looks like it is going to come right on top of you. The older children thought is would be really funny to see Mathias's reaction. Here is a picture of that reaction:

Whenever we go to the zoo, we have to get a picture taken with the gorilla statue. Along with calling himself a "bear", Daniel also calls himself a "gorilla". So the children have affectionately named this gorilla, "Dad". Being pregnant and going to the zoo was also interesting. The children think that we should be marsupials, so that I can carry them around in a pouch. Thankfully we only have one child at a time. Otherwise this is what I may look like!:Overall, we had a great day. Everyone had a day of no school work and was able to relax, enjoy the animals and enjoy the weather. Mathias now has memories of the animals at the zoo. He also was able to spend the day shadowing some of his favorite people.

If you'd like to see the rest of our day, here is the photo album.

Hiking at Starved Rock

Psalm 8
O LORD, our Lord,how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.

From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise

because of your enemies,to silence the foe and the avenger.

When I consider your heavens,the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars,which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him,the son of man that you care for him?

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings

and crowned him with glory and honor.

You made him ruler over the works of your hands;

you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds,and the beasts of the field,

the birds of the air,and the fish of the sea,all that swim the paths of the seas.

O LORD, our Lord,how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Saturday we went hiking at Starved Rock. For those of you who are not familiar with this state park, it is a wonderful place fullof God's creation. There are trails for hiking, canyons for exploring, beautiful autumn colors on the leaves, and waterfalls. My pictures do not do any justice to the majesty of the creation seen here. (To view the photo albumn, click here)

Happy Birthday! Cara is 6!

Cara worked very hard in losing these 2 front teeth!









Six years ago God blessed our family with another beautiful little girl. On Friday, this girl turned six. Cara Grace has been such a blessing to our family. She is funny, loves to smile, and has such a sunny and caring personality. Thank you God, for giving Cara to us.



Cara with the purse and apron Jesica and Ashly made for her birthday.








Her brothers bought her 2 sewing kits to practice her sewing.












A new mini trampoline to practice her jumping and to burn off extra energy!




A bright yellow star cake for the star of the day!

Wedgits!

For those of you who don't know what Wedgits are, they are building blocks that can stack inside each other and can also interlock. All ages have fun with them. Today Josiah and Mathias each spent some time building. Mathis built a tower and Josiah built "X-orbiter". Wedgits can be purchased from Timberdoodle.

A glimpse into our mornings

It's Tuesday morning and our school day is into full swing. It didn't start off as a smooth day. Jesica made scones and put in baking soda instead of baking powder. YUCK! However, she quickly made a new batch and they were YUMMY! I wish I had pictures of the faces when they tasted the bad ones. Now we are finished with violin and piano practicing, things have settled down, and everyone is busy studying. Well, everyone except Cara and Mathias. They are busy playing house and learning on the computer - their favorite things to do!

Not all our days are this quiet, with everyone doing what they should be. However, we are getting better and having a routine has really helped. Daniel has been Justin's primary teacher this year, so that has freed up some of my time. Cara is in the process of learning to read and having the extra time has been beneficial for both her and I.

Last week a bought a stick vac for vaccuuming the kitchen/dining room/entry way. Everyone has been eager to use it! Justin even volunteered to take over Ashly's chores for the day, so he could use it! Mathias has had the most fun with it. He does a pretty good job for a 3 year old!

"Even a child is known by his deeds,Whether what he does is pure and right."

Proverbs 20:11

Day of Painting

We finally did it....the trim on the house has needed to be painted for a while and it is now finished! We even have the trim for the shed painted! What a successful day. The best part is the house looks so bright and fresh with the new paint. Jesica took most of the pictures, so she's not in any. She painted the trim around the garage and helped Ashly with the garage trim. Here are some picture of the day.

Ashly painting the trim for the shed

The men, who hate heights, up on the ladder and roof. Mom couldn't go up because she's pregnant, otherwise she probably would have been the one on the ladder!

Grandpa came out for the day to help with the painting. Grandma is in North Carolina helping take care of the newest grandson, Ethan.

Now it is time to relax and listen to Dad read "Journey Through the Night". Josiah, Cara, and Mathias fell asleep early, Jesica is crocheting, Justin is relaxing, Ashly is holding a sleeping Mathias, and Mom is blogging. What a great way to end a busy day.....

Thanks everyone for a job very well done!