Umphress Family

Tourette Syndrome

2012-01-31T14:21:00.000-06:00

This is one of many websites I have visited the last year learning about Tourette Syndrome (TS). Why? About a year ago Zayvn was diagnosed with TS. So began our journey and understanding of why he makes the little noises he makes and why, when he gets upset or angry, he uses words that we don't normally use. It's been a year of teaching the teachers and the students at his school that he doesn't make those noises to bother people and he doesn't roll his eyes because he's being rude. Those are part of TS. Some have it worse than him, some have it less severe. It's been a teaching lesson for me as well. I've learned to recognize his tics and when he uses them most and when they are seldom.
Activities he's involved in will find them seldom. New surroundings, excitedness or nervousness brings them up the most. I've learned how to gently tell someone that he's not doing the noises on purposes but is something he can not help.
TS, unless you are familiar with it, is not something easily to understand. If your interested to learn more follow the link below and it will help you learn about TS. I wish I could tell everyone that comes into contact with us to read this before they decide that my Zay is just being rude to them when he's talking and little noises come out.
http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/brain_nervous/tourette.html#

Meatloaf kind of day

2012-01-30T21:37:00.002-06:00

As I was cleaning tables today I noticed one of the 1st graders hadn't eaten any of his main meal. So I asked him what was wrong. He said "it tastes too much like meat". As he walked off and I walked back to the kitchen I couldn't help but laugh.....our lunch today? Meatloaf!! Gotta love those little ones!

Winter Jam

2012-01-21T20:04:00.000-06:00

Taken from Kevin's facebook page:

Ok, you hear people say when their kids are out of their house that they would have made more of the time with them when they were young. Renn and I had one of those “more times” last night and it was awesome.

Just the 2 of us went to Winter Jam and we stood in line for 2 ½ hours in the sky walk but once we were in it could have not gone better. We had amazing seats on the first level of the bleac...hers about 25 yards from the stage. We could have got floor level but was afraid we could not see as well.

Once we claimed our seats unbeknown to me they called all the pastors back stage to pray so Renn and I was upfront and personal (5ft away) with a number of the artists, Toby Mac was his favorite. We did not talked directly to them they just shared their hearts with us.

Then just as the night was coming to a close Toby Mac came into the audience and Renn ran up to him and Toby looked over and gave him a high five. You would have thought he died and gone to heaven

$8 Date Night

2012-01-15T22:43:00.000-06:00

Kev and I are trying to have a date night once a month. We tried this last year but found it hard to do for many reasons. One being childcare. We are pretty particular in who we leave our kids with and we don't have relatives near by that we can just leave them with. Renn will be 12 in a few months and we have recently left him by himself for an hour to two hours. He does pretty good and we leave one of the phones with him in case he needs to reach us. So, Friday night we left Renn at home and Zayvn was at a friends birthday party. I won tickets to the Iowa Home and Garden Show so we went right when they opened. Nice because there with hardly any people there and we didn't have to fight the crowds. Left there and headed to Jethro's BBQ http://www.jethrosdesmoines.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=69&Itemid=81 for a bite to eat with a gift card we received for Christmas. Not a fan of BBQ but it was just nice to have a dinner without interruptions!! Dinner done so we picked up Zay from the party and headed home. Not a bad night when we only paid $8 out of our pocket!! Oh, and Renn? He was fine. "I'm an Umphress! I was fine Mom!!"

Post Christmas Trip

2011-12-30T21:03:00.000-06:00

We decided to surprise the boys with a trip to Branson, MO and Silver Dollar City. We went several years ago during the summer but had never gone during Christmas time. Silver Dollar City is decorated with 100,000 lights. We left on Tuesday morning and returned on Friday. It was a short trip but a wonderful time to get away with the boys. We spent all day in Silver Dollar City on Wednesday and then Thursday just hung at the condo playing games and watching movies. Such a fun thing to do and the memories are worth it all.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-26T11:46:00.000-06:00

A day late but MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE UMPHRESS FAMILY!!

Gingerbread Houses

2011-12-23T21:01:00.000-06:00

The boys did their annual Gingerbread House. They always have a good time putting it together but that poor house covered in candy never makes it very long. Slowy, slowly the candy starts to disappear and then it's just a frosted house without decorations!

Go Back

2011-12-09T21:37:00.000-06:00

I was at Walgreens tonight and had just walked out the door when I ran into some kids who were hanging around outside the building. I recognized them as kids from our church who ride the van to Wednesday night service. I stopped and chatted with them for a few minutes, noticing one of the girls didn't have a coat on in this 20 degree weather. After chatting with them, I hopped into my van and as I was pulling out of the parking lot noticed they were just hanging by the building. As I'm driving down the road I hear the small, faint voice say "Go Back". I'm thinking "Go Back" and do what? "Go Back" and make sure the kids are okay. I'm not feeling very well and just want to go home. I'm not in the mood to "Go Back". I turn the van around and head back to Walgreens. As I pull in the parking lot they are still in the same place. I roll down the window and tell them that I was concerned about them and asked if they were okay. They said yes they were justing waiting for a ride. I tell them okay and as I drive off I think about my own two kids. These kids are 11 maybe 12 years old. Out in 20 degree weather. What parent would let thier child that age be out in the cold, with no coat at that time of night? I sometimes wonder what in the world are parents thinking? Can they be so involved with their own selves and lives that they can't even give the attention theier child needs? It saddens me. I said a little prayer for all of them asking the Lord to protect them and watch over them, not just now but in the future.

Iowa Energy Game

2011-12-04T12:28:00.000-06:00

The kids at Renn's school receives reward tickets during the day. Renn had enough saved up that he bought two tickets to the first game of Iowa Energy's basketball season last night http://www.nba.com/dleague/iowa/. Kevin and Renn went and boy what a blast they had! While there they won two more tickets to a game in February and two pizza's. They saw several people they knew as well. Highlight of the game was halftime where they had Acrodunk http://www.acrodunk.com/. Both Kevin and Renn said it was one of the most amazing things they have seen.

It Pays To Get Up Early

2011-12-02T21:57:00.000-06:00

This morning Van and Bonnie from 1040 WHO radio http://www.whoradio.com/main.html were giving out pork loin roasts from 5am to 8am. I told Kevin since he gets up at o dark 30 to go work out at the campus he should try and get us one of those. So, off he went to the fairgrounds where they were giving them out. He showed up about 4:55 and was out of there by 5:15am with a roast. I told him it pays for him to wake up that early then he can go do all the early bird giveaways!!

Memorial Service

2011-10-21T15:23:00.000-05:00

Today was my grandma's memorial service. I was not able to make it however our music pastor told me about this wonderful online site called Ustreamtv.com. I was able to go online and watch her service. Grateful for the internet and technology. Made me feel a little bit closer to home.

A Long Journey Ending

2011-10-11T21:33:00.000-05:00

Taken in 2010 during our vacation back to OR

As I sit here tonight writing this my precious grandma Sigrid's journey on this earth is slowly coming to an end. She has lived such a long life, 96, to be exact. The last 8 years she has lived alone, missing my grandfather who passed just a month after we adopted Zayvn. Soon, she will be reunited with him in Heaven. She has missed him so much! My grandma's journey on this earth has not always been easy. She didn't always make the right choices. There were many mistakes she made. She didn't always say the right things. We all make mistakes and say wrong things at times though, don't we? The one thing she did though was pray for me. Pray that I would have a life filled with the wonderful beauty of the Lord. She was the one person I could count on to pray for me when I needed it. I will miss our talks. I could tell her anything knowing she would keep it to herself and not share with anyone. My mind is filled with memories of younger days as I sat at her kitchen table playing Uno or Rumikub, two of her favorite games. Laughing, joking, sharing. Weeks, upon weeks, in the summer where I stayed with her. I loved her company. I loved spending time with her in the kitchen as she cooked. I am grateful for those memories as I will carry those with me these next few days. I know she is going 'home' however death is never easy. The pain of losing a loved one hurts. I will miss her terribly. I will miss hearing her voice. I will miss her smile. I will miss our talks. My heart will hurt for a while and eventually the pain will subside. Grateful though for the memories she and I created together. Thank you for being such a wonderful grandma. You will always hold a special place in my heart. Bye Grandma, I love you....

JBQ

2011-10-01T16:12:00.000-05:00

JBQ (Junior Bible Quiz) began a few weeks ago. Both boys decided to do it again and today was Renn's first match. He got a Quiz Out, meaning he got 5 questions right in a row! I missed it due to the Girls Overnighter but am so proud of him. He's worked so incredibly hard!

Four Mile Family Fun Fest

2011-10-01T16:10:00.000-05:00

PTA sponsored a Family Fun Fest last Thursday at Sleepy Hollow. Families could come and play mini golf, take a hayride and roast marshmellows. Nice family outing and a beautiful night.

Alien Day at School

2011-09-25T14:43:00.002-05:00

Last week was homecoming for SE Polk. Monday was Alien Day so I made Zay and I head gear.

Cheese Factory

2011-09-25T14:41:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we took a trip to the Kalona Cheese Factory with our friends Heath and Ali and their girls. We had never been there and since Tillamook Cheese Factory in Oregon is too far to go we decided to make a day trip to Kalona to get some yummy cheese. After stopping in the Amana's for lunch we journeyed on to Kalona. Boy, was that place busy!! After watching the assembly line in the little window we stood in line to get our squeeky cheese. Love squeeky cheese!! What a fun day of friends, fellowship and food. The kids even did great!. Might have to do with the video they were watching in the car!

Back to School

2011-08-27T16:57:00.001-05:00

The boys and I went back to school last week. Renn is going to Spring Creek, which is the 6th grade center and Zayvn is still at Four Mile. Both had really great weeks and the mission transition Renn did in August really helped with him entering middle school. His teacher recognized him from after school assistance at Four Mile so he was happy about that. He has joined the science club which is every Tuesday after school. It's going to be a great year for him.
Zayvn is doing great too. He loves the fact that I work in the kitchen at his school. He has already made friends with my boss Becky! I make sure to go out and say hi to him at every lunch. He has started the week of well and looking forward to a great time at school for him as well.
I am enjoying my new job at Four Mile. It's been a little bit of a transition from the high school but one I like well. Only one main dish served rather than five and it's a much slower pace. Not sure I'll want to go back to the high school! I start a half hour later than my other position so I use that time to go into Zayvn's class and do some volunteer work. I enjoy doing that as well. Working at Four Mile is also giving me an opportunity to see many other of the children's faces who come or have come to our church. Plus, those elementary kids are still so sweet and nice!

Update

2011-07-02T20:27:00.000-05:00

My trip to OR for my cousin's 40th birthday party was for the most part great. It was wonderful to see many friends I haven't seen in a while. My cousin had a great time and I think her favorite was the pinata'!

I saw my grandma and leaving her Monday was one of the hardest things I've had to do. I encouraged my mom, aunt, sister and cousin to go and visit her and encourage her to get out of the rehab place she is in. Encourage her to do her physical therapy. She knew who I was and I talked most of the time. She knew everything I was saying. A few times she said she wanted to go home. I looked her in the eyes and repeated to her about going home and then I told her if she wanted to go home she needed to do her physical therapy, get those legs moving and get out of that place. That rehab place was no place for her. She could do it. She could prove those wrong that want to keep her there. She didn't need help feeding herself or drinking. She was capable to do it. With some encouragement from family she could be out of there. I was so sad knowing I was leaving and I couldn't be one of the ones who could go visit her and help her walk and get her out of there. When I left her I told her "the next time I see you I want to see you out of this place". I do not know when I will see her next but I believe she heard me. As long as she is encouraged to get up and get walking she can do it.

Renn made All Stars this year so we are not quite done with baseball. He is excited about it. I, on the other hand, was hoping we were done. We have this next week to go and then we can officially say ball is over for the season. Tournament games Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. It will be quite the busy week.

Zayvn will turn 8 in 6 days. Crazy to think he will be 8!! We celebrated his birthday today since Renn has ball games next weekend. He wanted to go roller skating so we went to Skate North. It was a fun time with his friends. He was very excited about the roller blades we got him for his birthday. On a side note: we are working with the nurses/docs again at the U of I. Things can get pretty hairy around here with him and we are trying to come up with some solutions. My God is bigger than the situations that we are dealing with but sometimes it takes other people that God has trained to help when we don't know how.

Kevin is heading to Russia in just a few short weeks, right after Kid's Camp. He is going with some youth and leaders from our church plus from some other churches. He is excited about going and having this opportunity to go. I am happy for him but dislike not being able to talk to him for 15 days. I know that God is going to use this group for mighty things and I look forward to hearing all about it.

Renn, myself and Kevin will leave in 10 days for Kid's Camp. This will be Renn's last year going. I'm grateful we had a few years with the three of us going together. I always look forward to camp. The many memories we make and the times where God meets the kids and the counselors during chapel times. This year my niece Savannah will be a counselor in training. She flies in next Saturday and will go with us to camp. I'm excited for her to be here and for her to have the experience to be a counselor.

This also will be my last post for a while. I've decided to take a little break from blogging. I'll return at a later date. I don't know how many read my blog but if you do thanks for reading! Until next time....

Hold on Grandma

2011-06-18T14:40:00.000-05:00

I'm coming grandma. I pray you will hold on for another week. That's my thoughts this afternoon after talking with my mom. My grandma has not been doing very well. My aunts and mom moved her out of her place into a nursing home where they were hoping to get her back on her feet and moved into an assisted living place. Unfortunately, after moving her to the nursing home she has made a turn for the worse. I am flying back to OR on Thursday. It's a trip that has been planned for months as my cousin is turning 40 and I'm going back for the party. Now, there's a dual purpose for my going. This will, I know, be the last time I will see her alive. That saddens me. However, I know she has not been happy since my grandfather passed away almost 8 years ago. She has missed him greatly. After almost 96 years of life I suspect she is ready to go home and see her Jesus. Death is always hard, especially for those you love so much. She has been such an encouragement to me and was my prayer warrior when I was living a life for myself instead of Jesus. I have missed her since being back here in IA. Calling her every other week to make sure she is okay. Now, I can not even talk to her as she does not have the strength or motivation to talk on the phone. One week from tomorrow I will see her. I pray she'll hold on that long.

Engeldinger Marsh

2011-06-16T21:40:00.000-05:00

I asked the family today if they wanted to go to the Pleasant Hill library and see the movie Pinocchio or we could go to Engeldinger Marsh and explore the creatures that live in and around there. I found that activity through the Polk County Conservation website http://www.conservationboard.org/Pages/em.aspx. They always have activities that go on throughout the year. So we decided to head to Engeldinger. It is just 5 miles outside Bondurant, about a 25 minute drive from our house. We arrive and a lady was talking and giving instruction. After a few minutes she says grab your nets and lets go exploring. Well, when they say explore the marsh, they really do mean explore the marsh! We started walking on the trail and pretty soon the trail became wet. Not just wet, but very wet and muddy and well, just marshy!! As we got further out it got deeper and deeper. The boys, well mostly Renn, was finding frogs, tadpoles, crawdads and lots of bugs. Zayvn? The marsh was up to his hips and he had a hard time getting around. Eventually Kevin had to go rescue Zayvn since he lost his boot out in the marsh. All of us, mostly the boys though, were so muddy and wet! I can tell you this wasn't one of my brightest ideas but boy did we have a laugh on the way home!!

IA Cubs Game

2011-06-09T15:24:00.000-05:00

Kevin found this incredible deal on Groupon.com. 10 IA Cub Tickets for $25!! Enough tickets for us as a family to go to two games and each boy could bring a friend. Tuesday night was Zayvn's turn and he brought along his buddy Drew. It was bobblehead night so the boys each got a bobblehead of the IA Cubs Manager. I thought it was going to be a hot evening but actually there was a little bit of a breeze and turned out to be a nice night. Cubs played a great game and the boys had fun. They even got the camera guy to film them and they made it on the big screen!! After the game they had a chance to run the base so they went down onto the field and ran from home to 1st base. What a great night of fun!

Spring Creek

2011-05-29T16:00:00.002-05:00

Spring Creek is where Renn will be going to school next August. The school had an open house last Tuesday where the parents and kids could come and check things out. Kevin took Renn ( I had another obligation) and walked around. From what Kevin said and what I read from the info they brought home it's going to be a good transition from elementary to jr high. The first part of August they have a few days where the students can come and participate in activities, get to know where the lockers are, meet the teachers, etc. They also have after school clubs that the sixth graders can join. One thing Renn realized is he will have to get up much earlier since school starts about 7:20am. Huge different from elementary! Plus side, he gets out way before his brother!

http://www.se-polk.k12.ia.us/SpringCreek/index.html

Do I Have To Eat My Vegetables?

2011-05-29T15:49:00.000-05:00

A cook position came open at Zayvn's school for next year. I asked him if I decided to bid for the job would he be okay with me working there. He looks at me and with a straight face asks me "Do I have to eat my vegetables?" I asked if any of the other cooks make him eat his veggies and he said no. I just chuckled and left the conversation at that. On Friday I got a call from my bosses' boss asking if I was interested in the cook position still. I said of course. So, I will finish my last day at the high school on Tuesday and then next August I will be at Zayvn's school. I'm really excited to be able to work there while he is going to Four Mile. Renn was a little disappointed but I told him that I could stay at Four Mile for three years. After three years he would be at the high school and then we can pray that a position comes open and I can try and get a position at the high school. He looked at me and said "that would be great mom!" We'll see in three years if he still feels like that!! :)
On a side note: just writing about him going into high school in three years just brings tears to my eyes. I know it will come fast and I'm sure going to make the most of these years with him.

Family Free Bowling All Summer

2011-05-24T22:57:00.001-05:00

Fun. Active. Social. Local.

AMF's Summer Unplugged is this summer's best bowling deal!

Zip, Zero, Zilch for Kids 16 and Under

•At select AMF centers, two free games of bowling per day for kids 16 and under. (Shoe rental not included, but they’re worth paying for.)
•Time: open until 8:00PM, 7 days a week.
•Dates: Monday, May 30 (Memorial Day) through Monday, September 5 (Labor Day).

•Parents go to http://bit.ly/AMFfree to select a participating center (over 200 locations) and complete a simple registration form.
•Free game coupons emailed every Sunday starting May 29 for the following week – it’s that simple!
GREAT DEAL FOR EVERYONE OVER 17

•Share the fun and save!
•For families of registered kids, a one-time payment of $27.95 buys 2 games per day for 4 people all summer long – it’s the AMF Summer 17 Plus Pass. (Same dates and times as above.)
•Less than $7 per person for 2 games everyday all summer.
•Available online at http://bit.ly/AMFfree.
THE EXTRAS

•Kids combo meals all summer for $2.99.
•Pin decorating contest:
◦Most votes on Facebook in each of 4 age divisions wins a $2500 scholarship prize
◦AMF donates 25 cents per vote up to $10,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
•Schedule of learn-to-bowl and fun competitive sessions.

Don't Fret the Sweat

2011-05-23T23:01:00.004-05:00

5th Grader No More

2011-05-20T21:06:00.000-05:00

Well, for another 6 days he is but 5th grade graduation was last Wednesday. I can't believe Renn is going into middle school next year. Just doesn't seem possible. He's grown so much and I'm so proud of him. God has got some incredible things in store for him. As I sat in the gym and looked around me I realized that, if all these parents stay within the SE Polk school district the next six years, we will be doing the same thing. Sitting in a place watching our kids graduation from high school. The feeling was just so surreal. I'm going to enjoy these next years with Renn as much as I can. I know it can go by fast and I don't want to look back and say how did I miss that?

Four Mile Olympics

2011-05-16T21:27:00.000-05:00

Kev and I went to the olympics that are held each year at the school. What a great time watching the boys. Renn participated in the gunny sack race (getting 2nd), 100 yard dash (1st place) and relay race (2nd place). Zayvn participated in the gunny sack race, wheelbarrow race and 100 yard dash. Way to go boys!!

Where Bitterness Ends

2011-05-14T22:57:00.000-05:00

My grandma is 95 years old. Up until last week she has lived on her own in an independent assisted living facility. Recently she fell down which has is becoming more and more common. She also has not been eating and its hard for her to get up and out of bed. So, because of these circumstances the facility has asked that she be moved, which is understandble. My grandma is not perfect. For that matter no one is. We all have things that we have done and not been proud of. My grandma is no different. She has made choices that probably was not the best thing. Things have happened in the past. Unfortunately there are those in my family who can not forget the past and move on. Bitterness has intertwined through them so much that that bitterness is choking all the healthiness out of their lives. Unless they can let that bitterness go their lives will never be happy. I know my grandma is not going to be here too much longer. This saddens me. What saddens me even more is that my family can't get along and let the bitterness go. The only way for the family to move on and be healthy is to end the bitterness. My prayer for my family, first and foremost is that they would come to a personal relationship with Jesus. Then, maybe the bitterness that they have lived with so many years can be given to Jesus and He can do the healing work in their hearts that they need.

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T17:01:00.000-05:00

I am blessed to be the mom to two wonderful boys. Renn Daniel Umphress, born in April weighing in at 6lbs, 5oz. Zayvn Samuel, born in July, weighing in at 8lbs, 7oz. They have brought me much joy, tears, heartache, laughter, patience, happiness, excitement, scared to death moments and sorrow. I would not change it. God chose me to be their momma and for that I will be eternally grateful. God could have chosen any woman, any where, yet He chose me! It is not something I take lightly. It is something I take very serious. It is a gift that was given not only by God but by two very special women who gave something up knowing it would bring them much heartache and sorrow. Not one single Mother's Day has gone by in the past 11 years that I have not silently thanked those two women for their sacrificial gift. I know what it feels like to yearn to be a mom however I think of this day and wonder what they must be feeling like, giving up the very child they gave birth too. I know it was not an easy choice but one they felt they needed to make to give them a life they could not give them. Thank you Lord for your gift. Thank you Lord for these two women. I pray for them and ask your blessings to be on them not just today but every day.

Kids Choir

2011-05-08T16:42:00.000-05:00

Here's some pictures of Zayvn in the Spring Kid's Choir at church Acorns to Oaks.

Renn Pitching

2011-05-08T16:38:00.000-05:00

Graduations

2011-05-07T15:42:00.000-05:00

Today is the day. The first of many graduation parties we will go to and will last the whole month (into June if we were in OR). We have many to go to this year. Most of the kids that were in our kids church when we were here the first time around are graduating. Kev and I were talking how about how we had the time to minister to them and now they are moving into adulthood and we get to see that. We are blessed to be a part of their lives. They are not even my own but as I attend each one of these parties my mind will travel backwards. To kids camp, VBS, kids church, Missionette outings and Royal Ranger outings. I will see them as they play games in kids church young and full of joy and laughter. My mind will travel to the day we left. The tears and sorrow of those kids that we had for so long in kid's church. Then my mind will travel to when we came back the 2nd time. Walking through the foyer and looking at faces and recognizing but yet not recognizing them as many of them had grown up. No longer in kids church but moved onto youth. Older, wiser and still loving and serving the Lord with their whole heart. I will feel a sense of pride as I go to each party. Looking over their pictures and awards they have won. I will get teary eyed because each one that came through Kid's church was not just some random kid but one that we took as our own, to grow, nurture, teach and love them in the Lord. Whether they were in our kid's church or from back in OR I am proud of each one of them and their accomplishments they have done. So Cameron, Kourtni, Stephanie, Kyle, Joshua, Jeremiah, Natalie, Ryan, Jake, Breanna and Josiah PK and I love you all so much and we are proud of you. May the Lord bless you as you follow His calling in your life.

Easter

2011-04-23T18:51:00.000-05:00

New Again

2011-04-21T20:32:00.001-05:00

2011 Baseball Season

2011-04-14T21:32:00.000-05:00

Renn's first game of the season was on Monday. They played a great game only losing by 1 point. Renn had most of the hits and the whole team did an awesome job playing together. He is very happy to be back on his Little League team. He has the same coach as last year and we couldn't be more happier. Coach Tom has been wonderful these last three years and we will sure miss him at the end of this season.

My Boy Turns 11

2011-04-09T15:19:00.000-05:00

Wow! Where has time gone? Renn turns 11 tomorrow!! He has grown so much not just physically but maturity as well. This week alone I had quite a number of people tell me or him how much they've seen an improvement in his maturity. I am proud of him. I am proud of the choices he is making. I am proud that God called me 11 years ago to be his momma. I admit there have been days that it's been rough but I wouldn't change it for anything. I look at how handsome he is and know that God has incredible things for my Renn. My "defender of righteousness". Happy Birthday Renn! We are proud of you!

Updates

2011-04-03T15:13:00.000-05:00

Life just gets so busy sometimes and I realize weeks have gone by since I posted to my blog.

Zayvn is doing much better in school since being put on a different medication. He is on a light dose of meds which help with his ADHD and Tourette's. It's night time that can be long. Seems between 1am and 3am he wakes and is awake for at least an hour every night. He's not one to just lay in bed but will come stand beside my bed and whisper "mom" until I wake. I get him settled in bed only to do it all over again a few minutes later. We are hoping his doctor can figure out the right meds so WE can have a good nights sleep. He is excited for baseball season to start. He's the unofficial mascot of his brother's team and absolutely loves it!

Renn is doing wonderful in school. For the first time this year he made incentive. We were so proud of him we rewarded him with going roller skating. Every day I can see him mature more and more. Kev and I made the decision to take him off AAU Baseball League due to the tournaments and our Sunday/Wednesday schedules not meshing together. Many of the leagues tournaments are weekend tournaments playing on Sunday as well and we just couldn't do that. After we made that decision Renn's Little League coach from last year called and asked if he would consider being on Little League again this year. So, we are gearing up for Little League season with practices already begun and our first game of the season next Monday. Renn was okay with our decision on the AAU and seems a lot happier to be back on his Little League team.

Kevin is doing what he loves best: ministering to the children and families at Berean. He's always got some sort of crazy idea he's going to do. Recently he and Pastor Gary, our senior pastor, did a fundraiser at Over the Top. Kevin came dressed as Cousin Eddie and scooped ice cream for the customers (mainly Berean people). He had a blast! He's preparing to go to Russia in July with the youth. I'm jealous as I would have loved to go!

Just 40 more days and school will be out! Yes, I am doing a count down!! I am thankful for the job the Lord provided for me however it's not exactly where I want to be. I keep praying and asking the Lord to provide something within the school district that would be working in the school office yet be able to have summer's free for the boys. A lot to ask? Yes, yet I know my Lord hears my prayers and will provide at the right time. For now, I plug along in the school henhouse (LOL!!) and do the best job I can do.

I'm coming....shortly

2011-03-29T18:29:00.000-05:00

I'm not gone forever but will return shortly with some updates from the Umphress household!

Chris Medina

2011-03-04T15:04:00.001-06:00

What an incredible song!

Pee Wee Quiz

2011-02-28T22:40:00.000-06:00

Saturday was Zayvn's last Pee Wee Quiz match. He has learned so much!! I am proud of him for sticking with it even when studying got tough!

Wrestling is Complete

2011-02-21T22:49:00.000-06:00

Zayvn had his final wrestling tournament a week ago in Pella, IA. Grandma was able to go and see him wrestle. Zayvn also had a visit from our friend Heath and his two girls. He was so excited to see them and he wrestled hard, coming in third place. For his first season he did a great job. Asked if he was going to wrestle next year his response was "I'll have to think about it". I'm glad he did it this year and if wants to do it again next year we won't feel so unsure of the whole thing. Thanks to Ryan who helped coached Zayvn and came to his tournaments to coach him along. We couldn't have done it without him!

Birthday/Anniversary Weekend

2011-02-21T22:08:00.000-06:00

Today is my birthday. This coming week is our anniversary. Kev's mom came to visit so we used this weekend to spend a few nights away. We didn't go out of town but stayed right in Des Moines. It was just a really relaxing time away. We went to a movie, out to dinner and breakfast, to a Bucs hockey game and shopping. We had a great team of people who covered for us on Sunday. We couldn't have done it without them. Tonight the family took me to Applebee's for my birthday. Came home, opended gifts and had cake. On top of all that all the wonderful birthday greetings on Facebook!! What a wonderful day!

Grandma's been here

2011-02-17T22:27:00.000-06:00

Kevin's mom has been here for about a week. It's been wonderful having her here. Not because she does my laundry and dishes while I'm at work but because it's been nice to have a familiar face from back home. The boys have been enjoying her visit as well. She taught them a new game called Phase 10 Masters. Seems like they want to play it all the time. Zayvn was worried about her when she first came because he didn't want her to be by herself. I told him she'll be fine. She's got her Kindle, her laptop to play Farkle and her bible study!! I will miss her when she leaves next week.

JBQ Update

2011-02-07T20:16:00.000-06:00

Word Warrior Buttons

Saturday was JBQ. Berean Team Mercy qualified for state in March. I am proud of Renn and Zayvn for sticking with it all season. It has been a good experience for them and hopefully they will choose to continue next year. Zayvn has one meet left at the end of February. Team Mercy won the best sportsmanship team award.

My 10 year Commentator

2011-02-03T20:28:00.000-06:00

Kevin was sick over the weekend and I thought I was free from catching it. However Tuesday night I came down with it. When I saw Renn Wednesday morning he preceded to give me a commentary on the sounds that were coming from the bathroom. You don't need to hear it here on how I sounded but I tell ya, that kid he had me laughing! I am blessed to have such wonderful boys! I love them!!

Where's the Water?

2011-02-03T20:21:00.000-06:00

So I wake up this morning ready to do my normal routine only to find out that there is no water in my house. NO WATER!! Anywhere! It's been extremely cold here in IA. Like in the negatives. Evidently our pipes froze. The side garage door being open all night long might have contributed to our pipes freezing. Being the good sport I am I grabbed the ice cubes from the ice maker and put them on a pan to warm up on the stove. I'm sure you can guess what happened next! I wasn't about to go to work without feeling somewhat clean. Kevin had today off so he called a friend to find out what to do. Slowly he started warming up the garage and pipes only to find out there was a crack in the pipe. Call to Water Works and they came out and fixed it for FREE!! PTL!! I can't imagine how much that would have cost! By the time I got home from work we had water once again. Makes me think of all those people in other countries who live day to day without fresh, clean water. They make it work with what they have. Could I really live without water for days on end? If I had to I suppose I could but I'm sure I would be grumbling and complaining. Water is a precious commodity and we really find out that it is when it's gone. Thanks Lord for providing the water but also for blessing us on having it fixed. We are grateful!

Clorox Get The Dirt, but Keep It Clean

2011-02-01T14:25:00.002-06:00

One2One Network: Connecting Brands with Women and Moms -: "We know it, you know it: women love celebrity dirt. This Valentine’s Day, a new mobile campaign from Clorox® Regular-Bleach helps women clean up their own dirt while they enjoy their Hollywood news.

Clorox is sharing quick clean-up tips on how to keep fashionable winter whites white, keep flowers fresh longer and host a Hollywood-style party. And with Valentine's Day just around the corner, a girl can use some help. Tips like…

* Nothing says “I love you” like roses. Want to enjoy those flowers longer than a celebrity romance? Just add ¼ teaspoon of Clorox® Regular-Bleach to each quart of cold water you put in the vase.

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To get more tips from Clorox® Regular-Bleach and extend the Valentine’s Day romance, readers can enter the Get the Dirt, but Keep it Clean sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip for 2 Hollywood, CA! To enter and view official rules, visit www.Clorox.com/GetTheDirt.

In Defense of the Lunch Lady

2011-01-25T23:10:00.000-06:00

I'm going on a rampage tonight!  The High School I work at has a newspaper they put out. Today there was an article in there from a student who bascially bashed the lunch ladies. He was pretty much disgusted with the lunches because they can't have the HUGE cookies and the DOUBLE BACON CHEESBURGERS anymore.   He said the lunches at school used to be awesome but now they are not. The end of his article said "I think we can do better. So if you're listening lunch ladies, please go back to the great lunches we once had".   What these students don't understand is we did not do this.  We didn't take away what we can and can not serve.   Obama's new healthcare law has given us many restrictions on what we can and can not serve. It is not us that took away your cookies and double bacon cheeseburgers.  Laws will become even stricter next year in what can be served for lunch so I suspect we will hear more complaining.
I am disappointed in how the high schoolers have no respect for the lunch ladies and all the hard work they go to to supply them a meal each day. So sorry that because you abused the ranch dressing in the pumpers we had to serve ranch in cups and you only get one now. Maybe if you hadn't abused it so much we would not have had to do that. It's called portion control. When you fill three of your tray compartments with ranch then we've got a problem. Not only have you abused but those students who have not abused, well, they get punished for it. Of course, because we didn't have the pumpers out so you could get as much ranch as you wanted your complaint to the district was duly noticed. So sorry that we couldn't give you the pumpers. How about next time we just give you a bottle of ranch for lunch?
These kids are very spoiled when it comes to their food choices, hence the complaint about the ranch pumpers. I have worked in two different high schools, one being out of state. Neither one of those high schools have as many choices that these kids get here.   These kids get choices, beyond choices, yet at times it seems they are never satisfied. How much fruit can we pile onto our tray? How many items can we shove in our pocket and not have to pay for it? Walk into the two high school I have worked at in the past at lunch time and see what is being served and I can guarantee you that they will think twice about complaining.
Without the lunch ladies students would be hungry and starving! Young man who complained today, maybe you should just start bringing your lunch from home.   That would solve you not having a very good lunch. Then if you didn't have a very good one you could blame it on yourself because you were the one who made it.   We do the best we can with what we have. Don't be so spoiled and disrespectful.
TO THE LUNCH LADIES ALL OVER THE US: KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK LADIES!!  WE ROCK!!

Don't Pick My Name

2011-01-14T19:59:00.000-06:00

I entered a contest on 1040 WHO Radio with Van & Bonnie a couple weeks ago. Last week my name was one of 50 people chosen to see if I would win a shed they were giving away at the Iowa Home Show tonight at the Varied Industries Building. We were also given tickets to get into the show. I signed in and then they had us sit on the bleachers. One by one they chose a name and if that name was called they had to leave, which meant they didn't win. Van walked over to Zayvn to pick a name and I yelled "Not my name!" Thankfully he didn't. Couple more names are drawn then Van walks over to Renn to pick one. Out comes the name and you can guess right here what happens huh? Yep, Renn picks MY name!! I couldn't believe! Van was laughing and asked if Renn really was my son. I said yes and he starts laughing again. Anyway, we had a great time and it was fun to look around the Home Show. Great way to spend a family night together!!

Sitting in the bleachers

Hilarious Video

2011-01-11T21:33:00.001-06:00

My Unending Journey

2011-01-08T16:18:00.000-06:00

My friend has a blog titled My Transparent Heart. I should title this blog entry that since I'm going to be VERY transparent here today!! The first of the year I decided to watch what I eat. I know, I know. I've been on this cycle before but a friend and I decided to keep each other accountable on this unending journey. I've made it 8 days and I've kept pretty good track of what I've been eating thanks to Calorie Counter http://www.caloriecounter.com/. With my bmi (you don't need to know this! wink, wink) I'm to have 1500 calories. The first day I started I didn't even make it. The 2nd day I flew right on by. The last six I've been meeting the mark just shy a few calories. It's really opened my eyes and to be conciously aware of what I'm eating. Yes, I do have the temptations to snack, however if I do, I know I have to write it down. I never ate breakfast in the morning, skipping out until I had break at work. I didn't like to take the time to make something so now I grab a breakfast bar or something easy. It's made a world of difference when I take break and get something to eat. I don't feel like I'm starving to death. My friend keeps telling me to go buy a scale (oops, I was just at the store last night!) but I don't want to. I don't want to step onto it and see the pounds I haven't lost. I don't want to have to be controlled by a scale, so therefore I won't buy one. I would rather feel the loosening of my clothes than be subject to a scale that is not going to be my friend. No, I haven't forgot about the exercise part. That does come with eating healthy. Exercise is not my friend either. We have never been friends although I'm trying. We have a membership to the campus, however finding time to go there is beyond me. No, I'm not making excuses. It truly is hard to find time to go. Kev goes early in the morning (like at 4:30am. Yeah right!! Says the night owl!!) I could go in the evening but I enjoy spending time with my family in the evening. I would rather be with them then at the gym. I do a lot of walking at work, on my feet for all but 15 minutes of my 5 hours. Especially when I'm catcher in the dish room (putting all the dishes away). That walking has helped tremendously and in the evening when everyone is in bed I do my own little version of exercise. Not long, but I feel, for me, long enough and hard enough. I kick myself for not grabbing the treadmill that someone offered to us last year!! Will this journey end? I don't think so. It is a journey I have traveled most of my life. However, it's been a journey without asking the Lord's guidance and help and a journey without faith and belief. Faith and belief in myself that I can make better and wiser food selections. Dinner rolls around and I make the same meal for everyone, I just choose to take a little less than I use to. My unending journey may not ever end because I will always have to watch what I eat but it's a journey that can make me stronger and better. Physically, spiritually and emotionally.

New Year

2010-12-31T12:00:00.000-06:00

No New Year's Resolution. Just wishing everyone a blessed and happy 2011!!

Christmas Pictures

2010-12-27T14:33:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T10:36:00.000-06:00

The Conception of Jesus Foretold

Mary, a virgin, was living in Galilee of Nazareth and was engaged to be married to Joseph, a Jewish carpenter. An angel visited her and explained to her that she would conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit. She would carry and give birth to this child and she would name him Jesus.

At first Mary was afraid and troubled by the angel's words. Being a virgin, Mary questioned the angel, "How will this be?" The angel explained that the child would be God's own Son and, therefore, "nothing is impossible with God." Humbled and in awe, Mary believed the angel of the Lord and rejoiced in God her Savior.

Surely Mary reflected with wonder on the words found in Isaiah 7:14 foretelling this event, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (NIV)

The Birth of Jesus:

While Mary was still engaged to Joseph, she miraculously became pregnant through the Holy Spirit, as foretold to her by the angel. When Mary told Joseph she was pregnant, he had every right to feel disgraced. He knew the child was not his own, and Mary's apparent unfaithfulness carried a grave social stigma. Joseph not only had the right to divorce Mary, under Jewish law she could be put to death by stoning.

Although Joseph's initial reaction was to break the engagement, the appropriate thing for a righteous man to do, he treated Mary with extreme kindness. He did not want to cause her further shame, so he decided to act quietly. But God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream to verify Mary's story and reassure him that his marriage to her was God's will. The angel explained that the child within Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit, that his name would be Jesus and that he was the Messiah, God with us.

When Joseph woke from his dream, he willingly obeyed God and took Mary home to be his wife, in spite of the public humiliation he would face. Perhaps this noble quality is one of the reasons God chose him to be the Messiah's earthly father.

Joseph too must have wondered in awe as he remembered the words found in Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (NIV)

At that time, Caesar Augustus decreed that a census be taken, and every person in the entire Roman world had to go to his own town to register. Joseph, being of the line of David, was required to go to Bethlehem to register with Mary. While in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus. Probably due to the census, the inn was too crowded, and Mary gave birth in a crude stable. She wrapped the baby in cloths and placed him in a manger.

The Shepherd's Worship the Savior:

Out in the fields, an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds who were tending their flocks of sheep by night. The angel announced that the Savior had been born in the town of David. Suddenly a great host of heavenly beings appeared with the angels and began singing praises to God. As the angelic beings departed, the shepherds decided to travel to Bethlehem and see the Christ-child.

There they found Mary, Joseph and the baby, in the stable. After their visit, they began to spread the word about this amazing child and everything the angel had said about him. They went on their way still praising and glorifying God. But Mary kept quiet, treasuring their words and pondering them in her heart. It must have been beyond her ability to grasp, that sleeping in her arms—the tender child she had just borne—was the Savior of the world.

The Magi Bring Gifts:

After Jesus' birth, Herod was king of Judea. At this time wise men (Magi) from the east saw a star, they came in search, knowing the star signified the birth of the king of the Jews. The wise men came to the Jewish rulers in Jerusalem and asked where the Christ was to be born. The rulers explained, "In Bethlehem in Judea," referring to Micah 5:2. Herod secretly met with the Magi and asked them to report back after they had found the child. Herod told the Magi that he too wanted to go and worship the babe. But secretly Herod was plotting to kill the child.

So the wise men continued to follow the star in search of the new born king and found Jesus with his mother in Bethlehem. (Most likely Jesus was already two years of age by this time.) They bowed and worshipped him, offering treasures of gold, incense and myrrh. When they left, they did not return to Herod. They had been warned in a dream of his plot to destroy the child.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS!!

Funny Kid

2010-12-24T16:06:00.004-06:00

Wrestling

2010-12-18T20:19:00.000-06:00

We have entered the realm of wrestling! Zayvn had his first tournament today. It was a very LONG day. Six hours later and a 4th place trophy we were finally able to leave Lincoln High School. I'm very proud of Zayvn. He did a fantastic job considering he's never wrestled before. By the third round Zayvn was just going out there and taking his opponent down. I'm sad to say Kevin missed it as he is on his way back from Chicago however I got pictures for him. Thanks to Ryan, Russell and Scott for helping Zayvn out, especially since Kev wasn't there. Zayvn's coach couldn't always be there right beside him so those three guys stepped in to help. Zay's pumped and ready for more!

First Snow of the year

2010-12-13T19:55:00.000-06:00

Time for a Visit

2010-12-13T19:41:00.000-06:00

Tony and Sis came through Des Moines yesterday so Renn and I went to meet them at Bosselman's Travel Center. We had a great time visiting although not nearly long enough.

Christmas Musical

2010-12-13T19:19:00.000-06:00

Here's some pictures of Zayvn in the Christmas Musical "Angels Alert" last night at church. He was one of the wiseman and did an excellent job!

Jingle Bells

2010-12-06T18:47:00.001-06:00

O Little Town

2010-12-05T14:25:00.000-06:00

Zayvn's a Winner!

2010-12-03T19:59:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago we went to the Family Fun Festival at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. While there Zayvn picked up a color sheet from the Iowa Energy table. Iowa Energy is a minor league of the NBA http://www.nba.com/dleague/iowa/. It said to design your basketball floor. Zayvn took his home and designed it. I sent it in and yesterday I got a call from the Iowa Energy saying Zayvn was a winner of two sideline tickets for Sunday nights game! He was so excited!! So, Kevin and Zayvn will go to the 4pm game on Sunday. We usually don't go to these times of things on Sunday evenings since we have church but this is a rare and special occasion. Way to go Zay!!

Christmas Time

2010-12-03T19:51:00.000-06:00

Christmas Shoes

2010-12-02T20:36:00.001-06:00

All I Want For Christmas Video

2010-12-01T21:36:00.003-06:00

Christmas

2010-11-30T21:50:00.000-06:00

Crazy Frog

2010-11-29T20:27:00.005-06:00

When it Rains, It Pours

2010-11-28T22:37:00.000-06:00

You know that old saying? Well, it's definetly pouring in the Umphress household. Wouldn't you know it right before the Christmas holiday our van decides to go kaput on us? Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! Frustrating!!!!! Decisions, decisions to be made. Kev and I lived with one car for many, many years. Many, many years ago we didn't have two kids though and kids schedules like we do now. Kev needs his car more often now as do I. Soooooooo, for now, we live with one car as we make some decisions on what to do this week with the van. I know. I'm complaining about our van and I know there's many people out there that have no transportation at all. Didn't I just come off the Thanksgiving holiday giving thanks to the Lord? Yikes! Lord, help me to not complain too much about the van being down. I know you can work wonders and miracles so I leave it into your hands. Thanks God!

Questions

2010-11-28T22:25:00.000-06:00

For some reason the boys have gotten on this kick about being adopted. They, mostly Zayvn, ask if they are adopted. Kev and I tell them they WERE adopted. Zayvn has been asking a lot lately about his birth mom. When we adopted both boys I told myself that I wouldn't be bothered by questions if the boys asked. We've always been open about their adoption and open to if they have questions. I really thought I had years (like when they were in their teens!) before I had to even give answers to their questions. We explained to both boys that when they turned 18 we would do everything in our power to help them find their birth moms if they so chose. Zayvn has such a tender heart. Mostly his questions are why did she gave him up? Did she have a bad life that she gave me up to give me a good life? Does she have dark skin like me? He even went so far as to go to the prayer room at church tonight and pray about it. A friend of ours was in the prayer room and Zayvn asked if he would pray for his birth mom that she would have a good life. Our friend was so touched by that that they came to me to share about it. We reassured Zayvn that God chose him to come be a part of our family. That his birth mother thought no less of him, but in fact loved him so much she gave him up so he could come be with us. So that he could have a much better life than maybe what she could have given him. At 7 years old I'm sure it's a hard thing to process. Yet, I don't doubt that he won't quit asking. I know when he's 18 he will ask us to help him. When that time comes I will help him with a willing and grateful heart.

Thanksgiving Weekend

2010-11-27T20:27:00.000-06:00

We had a nice day. Skyped my parents in the morning. I love Skype! It's such a wonderful way to connect with those back in OR, especially when I miss them. In the afternoon we headed to Bob and Dee's for a wonderful meal. Ate too much and then just sat around and visited. Bob took the boys on the ATV for a ride around the property. They love to do that with him.

Friday morning Kevin got up to go watch all the Black Friday shoppers. No, not to buy. But to watch all those people who came out the night before to get a special deal. He ran into several people from our church who were looking for those great deals! We put our trees up (yes, 2 this year!) last night. We put our formal tree (purple and silver) upstairs and then the family tree downstairs. We had a blast decorating the tree and house!

This afternoon a friend of ours (thanks Angela!) gave us tickets to the Festival of Trees downtown at the Convention Center. Such beautiful trees! We ran into some friends of ours whose daughters were dancing with their dance club so we decided to stay and watch that. What a great afternoon of fun and fellowship we had.

Boys playing football after the meal

Zayvn and Drew getting an ATV ride

Still eating....

Kev and I in front of fire

Our formal tree

Kev decorating tree

Renn decorating tree

Family tree downstairs

Zayvn decorating tree

Festival of trees

Snowman tree

Toy Story tree

Day Seven

2010-11-25T12:19:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for the Lord who so graciously saved me from a life of ruin. He picked me out of the miry clay and set my feet upon the solid rock. I am thankful that He loves me just as I am. I am thankful that He provides for me and my family and loves us with an unending love. Without Him I would be nothing. Thank you Lord for everything.

Can you be just a bit more ruder?

2010-11-23T21:11:00.001-06:00

So tonight I took Renn to get some oil cards he is selling for his baseball team (btw, if your interested, they are $25 for 5 free oil changes, here in the Des Moines area) at the Batter's Box. After getting the cards they gave us two free tokens to go into the batting cages. I decided to let Renn do some batting. We are waiting our turn and I happen to hear this girl say Renn's name and then cover her face. She then proceeds to lean over to her dad and whisper something. She then tells her parents that "he's the boy that always gets the punches in class and he has about 20 of them". They ask if the punches are good or bad and the girl says those are bad. Now, I'm standing there listening to this whole thing going on, not believing my ears. Are they seriously having a conversation about my boy like that in front of him and me? The mom looks up at Renn and says "I hope you work on that a little bit better!" Who does that lady think she is? Man, was my blood boiling. I so wanted to open my mouth and spew out some not so kind words. However, after Pastor Gary's sermon on Sunday night talking about evangelism and how to reach people I'm not so sure that would have been very Christlike. I walked up behind Renn and told him not to pay attention to those people. He shrugged it off but if he was like me as a kid you don't shrug those things off very easily. Who in their right minds let thier kids talk like that about other kids in public so everyone can hear? And the parents are standing there talking about it as well? I told Renn as we were leaving that I didn't say anything because I was trying to be Christlike. I was trying to be an example for my kids. Then I got to thinking, after we got home, what if Renn thought I wouldn't stand up for him for something major? I reassured him that I would stand up for him and would always stand up for him. As we were saying good night and praying I could tell that what those people said really bothered him. We prayed about it and I asked the Lord to help Renn and to help those people who talked so wrong about him. Some people just don't have any common sense!! Guess I better ask the Lord to help me calm down!!

Day Six

2010-11-23T15:19:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for my husband of almost 15 years. He loves me in my worst times (yes, there are a few!) and my good times. He's always there for me when I need him. He can still make me laugh after all these years. Thank you Lord for bringing Kevin into my life and allowing me to be married to him. Love you babe!

Day Five

2010-11-22T08:24:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for hot water and a warm house on cold mornings like today.

Day Four

2010-11-21T15:11:00.002-06:00

I am thankful for the weather we are having. Temperatures have been in the high 30's to mid 50's and no snow in sight! Thanks Lord for the wonderful weather thus far!

MegaMind

2010-11-20T22:30:00.001-06:00

On a Saturday that was rare for us to have open we decided to take the boys to go see the Megamind movie. Great movie for the kids to see and even Zayvn sat through the whole thing. The beginning was a little questionable however, the way the beginning began set it up for the rest of the movie. Wonderful afternoon treat for all of us!

Day Three

2010-11-20T11:26:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for the ability to work. I thank the Lord for providing jobs for Kevin and I. Jobs that are flexible and a job that I'm able to have the same school schedule as the boys. Jobs that provide for our family and keep the bills being paid. Thank you Lord!

Day Two

2010-11-19T08:20:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for my children who bring such joy into my life. The Lord hand picked Kevin and I to raise Renn and Zayvn as our sons. Full of laughter and energy they are. They have their moments where I want to say "Calgon, take me away" yet I thank their birth mothers who gave them up so they could have a life that was good and healthy. Thank you Lord for my children.

A Week of Thanks ~ Day 1

2010-11-18T15:20:00.000-06:00

I'm thankful for the wonderful church family we belong too. Kevin and I are blessed to be a part of such great church who love us and care for us and our boys. That brings comfort to our families back in OR!

Goodbye my friend

2010-11-17T22:35:00.000-06:00

Today a wonderful man was remembered and laid to rest. He was a good friend of ours from Salem, OR. He wasn't just a good friend. Jerry was like family to us. We came to love him and his family. His daughter and son in law are good friends of ours. When we lived in Salem and even this past summer when we went back for vacation we spent time on the farm enjoying one another's company. Visiting, laughing, talking. Sunday morning Jerry passed from a sudden heart attack. Kevin had just talked to him three days before. I am still in disbelief when I think of him being gone. He loved the Lord so much. I can't imagine what his wife and two daughters and thier families must be going through. On the outside he looked like a tough old codger. However, on the inside he had the sweetest heart. He loved his family so much, especially his grandchildren. I can't explain why the Lord brings our loved ones home so suddenly and so young (Jerry was 68) but one thing I do know is this. We have re assurance that someday we will see them again. In that wonderful place called Heaven.
On Sunday night we were singing a song called The More I Seek You. As I was weeping for the friend I had just lost the Lord brought to my attention the words of the song. The words of that song is exactly what Jerry was now doing.

I wanna sit at your feet

Drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath, feel your heart beat
This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming

You will be greatly missed by so many people, Jerry. You will be forever in our hearts.

Convoy of Hope

2010-11-16T21:39:00.000-06:00

Saturday the Royal Rangers and Mpact from our church helped bag beans for Convoy of Hope. Total adults and children were 36! You can go to the Filling Station blog at http://www.theefillingstation.blogspot.com/ to see pictures that I uploaded there. Knowing that we had a hand in helping someone else in need was such a blessing!! Look forward to the next time we can help them out!

Family Fun Festival

2010-11-16T21:32:00.000-06:00

I won tickets to the Family Fun Festival this past weekend at the fairgrounds. Saturday was too busy to go so after church on Sunday we went over there. Boys had fun going from inflatable to inflatable and seeing the reptile animals. We ended our time there with some much needed ice cream!

Follow Up & Tourette Syndrome

2010-11-12T22:29:00.000-06:00

Tuesday the boys went back to the U of I for follow up on the medicines they have been taken. Dr. Brandt decided to change both boys medicines and thus far both of them are doing quite well. Kev and I have not seen a change in personality which is real good. We didn't want the boys to be on meds that would make them zombies. Kudos to Dr. Brandt for working so diligently with the boys.

While doing the follow up Dr. Brandt also diagnosed Zayvn with Tourette's Syndrome. Not a clue what that was but as I looked up Tourette's it became clear to me. So many times I've told Zayvn to quit with the sniffing of the nose, or go get a Kleenex. I've told him to quit clearing his throat or quit making those funny noices. However, those things are all part of Tourette Syndrome. Boy did I feel awful after reading about it. I can still see myself getting after him about that.

Tourette's is basically a tic. Something that is done repetitive, over and over. In the case of Zay it would be clearing of the throat, sniffling and more recent a little noise that comes from his throat. Once we get Zayvn on a steady basis with his medicine Dr. Brandt is wanting to put him on a medicine for Tourette's. For now, we wait and with that comes the explaining to his teachers about him having Tourette's.

Not everyone understands Tourette's. Especially those people who do not know us. Take for instance: sitting in the midst of people watching a play and here my boy is making all those sounds. I could see people turning their heads and I wanted to stand up and yell at them to just mind their own business!! The other part of me wanted to run out the door with Zayvn because I know it was distracting to those around us. He can't help it, poor guy. I am learning to have more paitence with my son and not to be so harsh on him. I'm also praying that I will be kind and loving in a Christlike way when people make rude comments or look in rude ways. Maybe I'll just tell them it's Tourette's and they need to go look it up.

I've copied some info on Tourette's and this website was very helpful in me understanding it. http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/tourette.html

What is Tourette syndrome?

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. The disorder is named for Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette, the pioneering French neurologist who in 1885 first described the condition in an 86-year-old French noblewoman. The early symptoms of Tourette syndrome are almost always noticed first in childhood, with the average onset between the ages of 7 and 10 years. Tourette syndrome occurs in people from all ethnic groups; males are affected about three to four times more often than females. It is estimated that 200,000 Americans have the most severe form of Tourette syndrome, and as many as one in 100 exhibit milder and less complex symptoms such as chronic motor or vocal tics or transient tics of childhood. Although Tourette syndrome can be a chronic condition with symptoms lasting a lifetime, most people with the condition experience their worst symptoms in their early teens, with improvement occurring in the late teens and continuing into adulthood.

What are the symptoms of Tourette syndrome?

Tics are classified as either simple or complex.

Simple tics
Simple motor tics are sudden, brief, repetitive movements that involve a limited number of muscle groups. Some of the more common simple tics include eye blinking and other vision irregularities, facial grimacing, shoulder shrugging, and head or shoulder jerking. Simple vocalizations might include repetitive throat-clearing, sniffing, or grunting sounds.

Complex tics
Complex tics are distinct, coordinated patterns of movements involving several muscle groups. Complex motor tics might include facial grimacing combined with a head twist and a shoulder shrug. Other complex motor tics may actually appear purposeful, including sniffing or touching objects, hopping, jumping, bending, or twisting. Simple vocal tics may include throat-clearing, sniffing/snorting, grunting, or barking. More complex vocal tics include words or phrases. Perhaps the most dramatic and disabling tics include motor movements that result in self-harm such as punching oneself in the face or vocal tics including coprolalia (uttering swear words) or echolalia (repeating the words or phrases of others). Some tics are preceded by an urge or sensation in the affected muscle group, commonly called a premonitory urge.

Some with Tourette syndrome will describe a need to complete a tic in a certain way or a certain number of times in order to relieve the urge or decrease the sensation. Tics are often worse with excitement or anxiety and better during calm, focused activities. Certain physical experiences can trigger or worsen tics, for example tight collars may trigger neck tics, or hearing another person sniff or throat-clear may trigger similar sounds. Tics do not go away during sleep but are often significantly diminished.

What is the course of Tourette syndrome?

Tics come and go over time, varying in type, frequency, location, and severity. The first symptoms usually occur in the head and neck area and may progress to include muscles of the trunk and extremities. Motor tics generally precede the development of vocal tics and simple tics often precede complex tics. Most patients experience peak tic severity before the mid-teen years with improvement for the majority of patients in the late teen years and early adulthood. Approximately 10 percent of those affected have a progressive or disabling course that lasts into adulthood.

Committed

2010-10-31T21:24:00.001-05:00

Commitment

Definition: the trait of sincere and steadfast fixity of purpose; a message that makes a pledge; the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action

My tv woes certainly don't compare to the heavy burdens that a dear friend of mine is carrying. It pains me to see her hurt yet all I can do is pray. As I sat with her tonight and just prayed my thoughts turned to the wickedness of the world and all it does to those we love. Satan has so many people deceived, not just worldy people, but many, many Christians too. If we really, truly love Jesus shoudn't we follow Him in everything? Shouldn't we have a heart like Him? Shouldn't we love like Him? Shouldn't we be friends like He is a friend to us? Satan has people so blinded by bitterness and ugliness that all it does is turn people into mean, spiteful, vindictive people. I don't understand. I don't understand why someone would turn family members away from one another, or say mean and spiteful things about another family member. Aren't family members suppose to support and love? Yet, for some reason out of jealousy or anger they won't or can't. Out of selfish ambition they choose to hurt those they love rather than love them as Jesus would love. I think of the pain my friend is going through and then I think of Jesus and the pain He must be going through to see His children acting in such childish manners. When His children hurt He hurts all the more. I imagine all those tears that my friend has shed these past few months are being placed in bottles for her to see when she gets to Heaven. I could give no answer. I know Jesus has the answer yet it's up to us to be committed to Him to help us get through those rough areas of our lives. Sometimes when the tough times come our committment to the Lord falters and we start to go to wayside. I'm not saying this about my friend. She has too much faith (although she may not think it this moment in time) and loves Jesus too much to falter yet how many of us, at times, falter on our commitment to the Lord. We think, it's getting to hard so let's just jump ship. That's not what the Lord wants. He wants commitment in the worst and the best of times. He wants commitment when the storms are brewing and there's no end in sight and when the ocean is calm and smooth and you can see clear to the other side. Lord, help me to be committed to you. Committed to you all the time and not just when things are going good for me. Help my commitment be truly geniune and not something that is fake. Help my commitment to be steadfast and sincere to you oh Lord. Help me to wake in the morning and commit the day to you and what you have in mind. Thank you Jesus. Amen.

What? No TV?

2010-10-31T20:43:00.000-05:00

This was the response I had yesterday when I came home from grocery shopping. I walk in to see my tv (not the one that is pictured!) sitting up agaisnt the wall, all cords uplugged and looking oh so lonely. As I jaunt up the stairs, trying not to be too upset, I ask Kev why the tv is the way it is. Evidently the boys were fighting over which channel to watch. He was frustrated with the fighting and decided thatNO ONE was going to watch it for a whole month. A MONTH???? Are you crazy? My whole mind was thinking what in the world am I going to do now? That's how I relax at night. Sit in front of the tv and watch my favorite shows. Can I tell you I wasn't a very happy camper? Kev than preceded to tell me that for the first four years of our marriage we didn't have a tv. Then when Renn came along we had a little 10" tv that we played videos on for Renn. Eventually people kept giving us bigger tv's and the tv not only became for videos but tv shows. I told him that was then, this is now. Kevin wanted the boys to remember why the tv got taken. So not only are the boys punished but I am too (or that's how I perceived it). After I calmed down I told myself that I had no choice I was going to have to go a month without the tv. The boys, Kev and myself were just going to have to figure out other things to do besides watch tv. Then, alas, I had a thought. I do have a computer so all those shows that I like to watch I can just watch on there the next day! Isn't technology grand? I will survive the month! He said no tv for a month. He didn't say no computer!

Giant Haystack

2010-10-30T19:28:00.000-05:00

Here's pics from our annual Giant Haystack we do at Halloween time. We had a great turn out this year and the Lord blessed us with some pretty awesome weather. We couldn't have done it without all our wonderful helpers too!

Kids inside the haystack

Getting started

Making balloon animals

This is before all the kids went in

Protect Your Active Kids from MRSA

2010-10-27T22:22:00.002-05:00

Pee Wee Quiz

2010-10-24T14:09:00.000-05:00

Zayvn had his first match yesterday. Berean has 3 Pee Wee Quiz Teams. All the kids did a wonderful job! Each team member on Zayvn's team, called Team Truth, answered questions and one little guy got a quiz out (answering 5 questions correctly). After the meet the team went to McDonald's to celebrate!

Fall

2010-10-14T21:12:00.000-05:00

Zayvn decided to get the rake and pile up the leaves and jump in them. He was having loads of fun!

Kevin got the basketball hoop fixed today so we've been enjoying that!

Jonah of Ark

2010-10-12T22:13:00.002-05:00

I took this from Kevin's post on his facebook wall today:

So while studying JBQ with Zayvn to day. He became adamant that Jonah built the ark not Noah. After discussing it at length He said in frustration “Dad haven’t you ever heard of Jonah of ark?”

Love that kid!

Great Day!

2010-10-11T20:25:00.000-05:00

What a great day it was at my new job! I am so grateful to the Lord for directing me there. The ladies were wonderful to work with. I caught on real fast to what I will be doing and possibly have an opportunity to work at the register. It was funny to watch some of the students who I know come through the lunch room. I had one student look at me and then do a double take. One student came through my line and gave me a great big smile and a hello. I found out later she told her mom I was the egg roll lady! Then I had one student who saw me but wasn't sure what exactly he should do. He looked away and then looked back and I finally said hello. He then said hello. I saw several other students walk through the lunch room but they didn't see me. The variety and busyness of the job is what I like. There's not a lot of down time which is good. Thanks Lord for providing such a great job! We'll see what tomorrow brings!

New Job

2010-10-10T16:13:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow morning I will begin a new job with Southeast Polk School District. This is the district the boys are in which means that I am on the same schedule as them when school is out. I will be working in the lunch room at the high school from 9am-2pm. I'm very excited for this opportunity. Majority of the youth that come to Berean go to the high school. I haven't told very many that I'm going to work there. I just want to see their expressions when they come through the lunch area tomorrow and see me there! No longer will I have to deal with going to different schools, different starting and stopping hours and not being able to take the boys to school. I can drop them off in the morning and be at the high school in less than 5 minutes. I just give thanks to the Lord. He works out everything in His timing.

People To People

2010-10-10T15:59:00.000-05:00

I don't know how it happened or who suggested Renn's name but several weeks ago he got an invitation from a group called People To People International http://www.peopletopeople.com/. People to People is an educational exploration program founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Renn has been invited to become a member of the official state of Iowa delegation traveling to England and France next summer. We have an informational meeting this week to go to to find out more about the program. Renn seems pretty pumped about it however we told him until we find out more information a decision will not be made. Of course, he would never go by himself so Kev or I would go with him and cost is a big factor as well. I'm looking forward to hearing more about the program. What a great opportunity for him, as well as the other 5th & 6th grade students, who were invited to be a part of this.

He Has Not Forgotten

2010-10-03T22:39:00.000-05:00

As I was in church tonight just worshiping the Lord my heart became heavy. Heavily burdened for friends of ours going through a very rough time.  Burdened for the family within our church who just loss their 1 year old daughter. I sat there wondering why things happen the way they do. Why did this family have to lose their precious baby? Why do our friends have to go through the heartache they are experiencing? It aches my heart to not be able to take the pain away that my friend is feeling. Her burden is so heavy. I will never fully understand. Until I'm sitting in Heaven next Jesus then I hope to understand. One thing He did speak to me tonight though was so clear in my head. That no matter the circumstances, no matter the heartache, no matter how bad we hurt Jesus is still a sovereign God.   He is still the ONE who will bring us the comfort we need when we need it the most.   We can not forget those things that He has done for us in the past. He loves us with a love that we can not even begin to imagine.  No matter how hurt and painful it is we are going through He is hurting much more than what we are.   No matter the pain and hurt He wants us to remember that He is still here and has not forgotten us! Easy for me to say huh? I'm not the one experiencing the loss of a baby. I'm not the one experiencing the heartache that a daughter is bringing.   In the midst of the tornado, when all around the only thing that is seen, is the dust and debris, the Lord is there. We need to reach out and grab His hand and He'll pull us out of that.
Lord, I pray tonight for my dear friends and this family who are experiencing such heartache. I pray you will reach out and touch them tonight. Console them in their pain and hurt. Heal the brokeness. I pray you would bring answers where they are needed. I pray for peace within their heart. I pray for daily strength, to make it through each day. Bring comfort through the night and in the morning.  Lord, your a God that cares for us and I pray they would remember that. Touch them tonight Lord.
Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong.
They are weak but HE is STRONG.
Yes, Jesus loves me.  Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so.
I pray Lord they will feel your love tonight. Amen

JBQ

2010-10-02T18:49:00.000-05:00

Team Mercy with their Coaches

Coach Ryan giving a few last minute pointers

Kevin telling Renn how proud he was of him!!

JBQ, short for Junior Bible Quiz. Berean's JBQ team name is called Mercy. Both the boys decided to join this year. Zayvn is actually in Pee Wee Quiz and they meet twice during the season. Wednesday nights before church the team gathers together and practices. Neither one of the boys have ever been in JBQ. Renn joining came as quite a surprise to us. He began about two weeks later than the other kids however he is doing a wonderful job. Watching him today buzz in and answer the questions made this momma quite proud! Actually all the kids did quite well. Five matches were played today and Team Mercy was undefeated!! Two of the team members got quiz outs (answers 5 questions). Renn buzzed in and answered two questions right. Most of the team members are returning quizzers so they have a few more years experience than Renn. However, he is holding his own and even said at the end of the day how much fun it was. I'm glad both boys decided to join. Them studying God's word over and over is a wonderful thing. I look forward to seeing Team Mercy go all the way to State!! Proud of you Renn!!

Conferences

2010-09-30T20:59:00.000-05:00

Tonight we had conferences for the boys. We sort of knew going into Zayvn's what to expect. We've been in constant contact with his teacher since the beginning of school. With Zayvn's ADHD we've been trying to work with his teacher and the school on a good plan that works for him, works for his teacher and satisfies Kev and I. We knew Zayvn needed a little help in reading so we are working on that. He's a whiz at math though and we were proud to hear that. Zayvn has one more appt to see a pediatric cardiologist and from there we can get some meds for him that hopefully will help him out. Other than the school work he's doing well. We are proud of him.
Renn totally blew us away though! Last year was not such a great year. This year? Incredible!! His teacher says he is focusing and getting things done in class. He's a typical 10 year old 5th grader, as his teacher points out, so sometimes he can get goofy. However, he's doing much better than Kev and I even thought. We are so proud of him! He's been after us to get him some Nike Shocks. I think with some of his allowance and us pitching in he'll get those Shocks! Mom and dad are proud of both of our boys!

Spider Web

2010-09-19T21:40:00.000-05:00

Kevin and I saw this at our old church in Salem, OR when we were back there to visit in June. We liked the idea so much that Kevin came back and put one up in his office. I had a wall down in the family room that I thought would be great for a spider web so I had Kevin put it up for me this weekend. I love being able to display all sorts of pics and at the same time being able to change them around.

A Piece of Me

2010-09-19T20:36:00.000-05:00

A piece of me misses
your smiling face.
the many talks we have had.
the hug.
the times we have laughed and laughed together.
getting together with you and talking about our daily lives.
your companionship.
your friendship.
everything about you.
you calling me your knucklehead.
hearing your voice say "Cotton Pickin Deal"
your prayers at the most important times that I've needed them.
I miss you Grandpa, even after 7 years, I still miss you. I miss seeing Jesus all over your face. How you loved to share Him with everyone. You could always make everything all right when I felt like things were falling apart. I miss you so much.
This I know. One day I will see you again. I will look into that wonderful face of yours and touch it so gently. I will hug you for the longest time. I can picture, as I did on the day of your passing, having a great time with our Lord.
A piece of me misses you so much.
Your forever in my mind and my heart.

On a rant

2010-09-12T21:54:00.000-05:00

So I've been on a rant and pondering lately why one person should pick up a phone and call someone? What motivates someone to want to call someone? Shouldn't it go both ways? Shouldn't each person call each other? I've thought about this question as I struggle with always having to be the one that picks up a phone and call. Particulary calls back home to OR. Maybe I'm being selfish? I don't want to always have to be the one that calls all the time. I want to receive phone calls as well. Maybe the person thinks that they are bothering me if they call me. Or I would be too busy to chat with them. Psssst.....is what I say to that. How long will I hold out? How long will I wait before I eventually call? Better yet, how long will it take them to pick up the phone and call? I'm pretty stubborn and could hold out a very long time. Kevin would tell me to just get over it. Maybe I just don't want to get over it? I know what I should do but doing it is another entirely different thing. Eventually I'll make the call but just once I wish it was not up to me to have to call all the time.......I wish they would just pick up the phone and call......
I know, I know. Sounds like I'm on a self pity roll. Just for a few minutes, because this is my blog, I can be.

Pics of House

2010-09-11T20:20:00.000-05:00

Looking at the back of the house from the backyard

Backyard

Downstairs Family Room

Standing in Living Room looking into Dining Room

Living Room

Our bedroom

Zayvn's Room

Renn's room

Kitchen

Bathroom upstairs

Better shot of our bedroom

Front of our house