Well, I'll admit it from the start. I dropped the lap top and it broke the hard drive. SO we are hoping that a friend is able to recover the data. If not, then Silas' 5 month is gone and unfortunately we haven't backed up the computer since he was born. Thankfully some stuff is on Facebook and I can pull it back off to have again (except for the 5th month). That was a really hard couple of days for me- I have been trying to focus on what God wants me to learn here - I need to be more careful and I didn't realize how much an earthly possession meant to me. If it had broken before Silas was born then I would have been sad but having all of his baby stuff on there is what broke my heart. However, I still have Silas! And God has been good too show me to live in the moment with him and cherish my time now. Yes, it's wonderful to look back but the present with him (and Him) is so sweet!
Here are some videos(that were still on the camera) to show what I mean!

Jumpin' Bean


Hi ME!


Giggles



Puppy Love

La la la la

Hmm I have the time to write at this moment but really my mind is kinda empty and not cause I'm super tired, it just is. And I've had so many things I've wanted to share lately! I'll try to just give a quick rundown on everyone here.

Twiggy: She is doing good and it still as cute and sweet as ever. We try and spend time with her so she isn't jealous. I usually take her on 1-2 walks a week or just a car ride if I'm just running one errand. I think it's good to get out and explore :) Here she is enjoying the sun on a warm day and sniffing the camera




Nate: Oh I'm sure he is ready to get rid of that cast! I think he has about 4 weeks left and then therapy. He is moving along with his school work. He did get an extension since he can't type or write really. He is still enjoying reading and it's fun to see him get excited over things he has never read before.
~Work has been going good too. Some of you may have gotten an email that said they finally shot down the test missile which is the whole point of this project so it's a pretty big deal.
~Matt has been coming over to help with the chicken coop and Nate directs him LOL Poor Matt - we do try to feed him!
Here is sweet moment with "dew two" - we call him that for some reason? He likes that noise!


Me: Doing good. Silas slept a few more nights all the way through! I'm settling into a routine with the house and taking care of Silas. I am starting the second semester of Biblical Counseling at the church but this time I have to take part of the class online since Nate can't take care of Silas while I'm gone. I'm working my way through Hebrews - I'm chapter 11 now and I've been learning some really great things about faith. It's sparked frustration in me though with those who claim to have faith and really don't live a life of faith or those who know the truth but whose lives aren't changed. And the frustration comes because the Bible very clearly states the destruction that will come to these people. Now, I'm not perfect at all but I hate the idea of watching people nod their head in agreement with Christianity but never make it a reality for themselves. I am scared for my friends who have something they won't let go of and actually commit themselves to Christ. (I'll pot the link for the 2 sermons at the bottom)

I've also been learning more about repentance. There is being sorry for sin and agreeing with God that you sinned - that's not repentance - repentance is turning from sin (this I knew) but coupled with it is the idea that you intend not to sin against God in that way again. That really puts things into perspective! I can say "God I'm sorry for not spending time in the Word today or I'm sorry for my words with whoever" but that is completely different than saying" I know it is sin, I'm sorry and I intend to not do it again. Help me to turn from this sin. How many people would be speechless while trying to confess sins if they understood the need for committing to removing that sin from their life? I think many like to just say - sorry. and then next week say sorry. And of course I'm guilty of this at times but I'm learning daily and growing!
Playing with Silas as usual, I love doing this with him and he loves playing with my face!


Silas: He can roll over as you can see in the video below - that was his first day rolling over and he is much quicker now!
A day in Silas world
Here he is peeking out from blankets as he woke up from a short nap. I tried to make him think he was still in my arms - the smirk says it all "mooooom, I caught you!"


PLaying in the high chair for the 1st time


Playing some more - this time with baby Helen. He is really looking forward to me nannying Helen while "Aunt Kathy" has her baby in April


Nakey time!


A warm bath at the end of the day





If you don't know about apostasy, I can tell you it is a very serious thing. If you click the link you can read the sermon and from that page you could choose to listen as well. They are longer but if I don't have the full time then I just break it up. I pray that none of you will be an apostate!
Apostasy: The Negative Response to the New Covenant, Part 1
Apostasy: The Negative Response to the New Covenant, Part 2

Rolling Over:


Wind:


Raspberries:

Broken Arm and Broken Swaddle

"Hey! Why are you calling me so early?"
"Well I broke my arm"
"No you didn't, did you?"
"Yes I did"
"Seriously?"
"Yeah"
"Well, how do I KNOW you broke your arm?"
"You can meet me at the ER in 30 minutes"

As many of you know, Nate did break his arm. For those of you who don't know the details of this last week, I will write them down for ya! How did Nate break his arm? He was snowboarding, fell on a jump and tried to catch himself. He said he heard it break and knew right away. His cousin, David, was with him and he didn't believe Nate until Nate took off down the mountain! Nate walked into ski patrol and they gave him oxygen since he looked a little pale and then David' friend Matt Steele drove him home to the ER locally since Matt needed to come in to study for school anyways. David kept snowboarding and Matt Walters met him up there to keep boarding LOL That's how they work!

SO I dropped Silas off with a friend and met Nate at the ER. Fortunately, the receptionist could tell that he was in a lot of pain (his teeth were chattering uncontrollably) so she got him back right away. I was surprised that he was able to talk and function so well and that his arm didn't look all that strange. He told me it was really painful and I could tell he was hurting but I think if it were me I would have been on the floor. The first nurse came in and asked Nate his pain level,8, then some more questions, then his pain level, 8, then another question, then his pain level, 8? Is she still asking us that?? LOL Weird. Then he walked over to xray. The technician doing the xray said "OH", Nate asked "What?", "Oh I can't talk to you about it." That's just what you want to hear when someone is looking at your bones! The Dr. comes in and tells Nate it is a completely broken radius about midway up his forearm (usually breaks closer to the wrist) and they need to reset it by pulling the bones apart and then putting them back in line, they'll give him local anesthetic and he shouldn't feel much. To which Nate replies, "Can't you just put me to sleep?" Dr.:"No, there are risks that come with that that we would rather avoid if we can. It's not a big deal, i just did this same thing on a 16 year old girl last week no problem."

Dr. starts to draw up the anesthetic and the lid comes flying off - anesthetic goes everywhere.....that should have been the sign. Dr. cleans up and proceeds to numb the area which involves injecting Nate intot he most painful areas and Nate hates needles. That was painful in itself but nothing like what was about to happen. Nate tells the Dr. that his wrist is hurting really bad and that his arm doesn't feel all the way numb but the Dr. assures him that it is and that the wrist pain is just because of everything else going on. And Nate also says - how will you know if it is not all the way numb and the Dr. says oh we'll know. Dr. brings in the second Dr. who will be pulling on the other half of Nates arm - she is WAY smaller than me and Dr. #1 wasn't a big guy either -how is this gonna work?? Well it doesn't. Nate is yelling in pain as the struggle to pull his arm and they finally stop. Nurse Nice runs in, "Is he ok???!" And she requests that he gets an IV for pain. "Well buddy, we can't get it. You did real good, I know that was painful. Looks like we will try again but we'll give you an IV for the pain and re-numb the area" Poor Nate then has to have more needles! Dr. is numbing one arm while Nurse Nice is putting an IV in the other.

Not his actual xray but an example -I'll post his real one later:


Second try =Nate wiggling around in pain, yelling and they think they got it...they wrap up his arm and Xray comes in. An hour later we find out it didn't work, not even close. Nate will need to be put to sleep temporarily so they can reset it. "That's what I told them to do in the first place" It's discouraging when you endure pain on top of pain for nothing. I couldn't be present for the next procedure so I went to feed Silas and brought him back with me to pick up Nate after it was done. The attending Dr. came in and told us with a surprised look on his face and says "We got it and it looks perfect. If you don't do anything else, I think you will be good" Great news! The Dr. got us out pretty quickly after that because the lady next to us was recovering from a suicide attempt and it was getting loud and nasty. Plus it was about 2 am at this point.

The next morning we called and got an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon in Valencia- closer to LA. Most people avoid specialists in this area because of repeated bad experiences -it appears that the knowledge and skill level of the doctors here isn't the greatest. We asked friends for recommendations and almost all said to go "down below" (LA). I guess it makes sense because the desert isn't the most desirable location to live and practice medicine. So we went to SCOI -Southern California Orthopedic Institute. They were great, very professional. Dr. Hanker came in, looked at the xrays and said "You need surgery. Anytime an adult breaks a bone like this it requires surgery. In addition, you have a specific kind of break called a galeazzi fracture which means that not only is the radius broken but your ulna is dislocated as it tries to compensate for the radius. Plus the ligaments surrounding the ulna are torn."

After surgery:


DISLOCATED WRIST?! No wonder the ER visit was killing Nate! They were pulling on his dislocated wrist without anesthetic to try to set the radius which ended up being pointless since he needed surgery. Now, I'm not saying that we aren't thankful for ER doctors because they do have an important job however in this case they should have just left it alone. And we understand that they were trying to help. They just are not trained to see specific things like this and really could have caused more damage not to mention the unnecessary pain. Nate had this happen with a dislocated finger a few years ago so he has sworn off ERs.

So we scheduled the surgery for Thursday morning. We left the house at 6am, me, Nate and Silas. Surgery was supposed to be an hour and ended up being 2 hours. So we were there from 7:30am to 3:30pm. Silas did great sleeping in the stroller, playing on the floor, sleeping some more. I was tired and hungry though! Nate was doing ok with the pain level until, well, until he wasn't. We got home and got him in bed then I went to drop of the prescription. Fortunately I had medicine at home from my c-section so I wasn't rushed. Oh I completely forgot to mention that we had been having extreme weather conditions with flooding and snow which of course made traveling around super fun! Thankfully, the Lord kept us safe. Suddenly Nate was in excruciating pain - it involved a 103 temperature, our friend Mandy picking up Silas while another friend Jasanna brought us the filled prescription and then we took off for the Urgent Care to treat the pain. We got o UC through the river/roads and Nate's arm is feeling better, so good that he wants to leave. Alright, what do you want to do Nate? "It's weird, sitting up helped it. Let's go to Bryan and Mandy's cause they have those big reclining chairs that I can sit it and we'll get Silas" Nate ended up staying the night there while I went home with Slias - I didn't see that one coming! It allowed me to a little most rest and not run around so much and Nate felt much better.
Puffy fingers:


Bruised Bicep:


Since then he has felt pretty good. He has to take breaks and it is still painful and swollen but everyday it gets a little better. WHe went to work for the first time today so we will see how that goes. Tomorrow we will visit Dr. Hanker to see how things are going and get the permanent cast. He ended up needing a plate in his radius and pins in his wrist as well. I'll put up a picture of what Nate's xray looked like below but I'll post his actual xray later.You can pray for his recovery to be quick, for Nate to contune on with school one handed (I have a lot of underlining and typing to do!) and for me to be a servant to my boys during this time. Nate can't help nearly as much now although he did get himself ready all by himself today LOL that sounds funny to say!


Now to the broken swaddle: Silas and his swaddle. That boy loves it! He is 4 months old and I can't just lay him down. Every tmie I battle to keep him asleep while I swaddle him and then put him down- which is fine at night cause he is really tired but during the day? It doesn't work so well plus he is almost out growing the blanket I use to swaddle him. I think part of the reason he wakes up at night is because he breaks free from the swaddle. Yesterday he didn't sleep at all for naps. I keep trying the just let him cry, squiggle, whine it out thing but he wins! After 45 minutes I usually go and get him because he is wide awake, He can be in a dead sleep on my shoulder or super tired and I will lay him down and he will fling or stretch himself awake. And then if I leave him there and walk away - he just stays awake playing or yelling at me. Sigh, any advice on how to get him to just lay down? Or take a bottle for that matter?
Swaddled

Unswadded:


Big smiles:


playing with daddy:


Best time of the day:


Cooking with mom:


Our front yard grew grass and lots of weeds cause of the rain

Christmas summary

I know it's been a little bit since I wrote so no time is better than now - Silas is sleeping peacefully. I was able to go to FL for a month and it was wonderful! Not only did I get a huge break from my household responsibilities but we were able to spend lots of time with family and friends. Silas loves his family! It was a great age to visit everyone because he recognizes people and smiles and has even started to laugh. I had heard him half laugh once before we left but it was so fun to watch him find things that made him laugh. We both really enjoyed spending time with our nieces and nephews who have grown so much. As I reflect on my month at home I can't help but smile at the fun we had taking crazy pictures with siblings, playing games (Walter's Olympics, made up games like kick the ceiling fan string, Taboo, Loaded Questions - ol' no bones! HA HA), dinners and fellowship, a wedding, eating at Moe's. Plus as we get older and slightly (I said slightly) more mature it has been really sweet to get to know our families on a spiritual level too as we discuss and grow together - that time is so cherished and really encouraging. We love our family and it was very hard to leave, the day of our return flight was tough because people were saying good bye in waves and I wished that I could just cry all at once! But I was reminded by Mr. Folrod(who was speaking of his missionary son) of a saying, "There is no safer place in the world than in the center of God's will" and I believe it also true that there is no better place either. For now, California is God's will for our lives.
Now that we are back, I am ready to start making this a home. I was energized to get things done like decorating and painting after my break but I soon realized that I still have a lot of responsibility that comes first. I love the new year because it feels like a fresh start although it's no different than any other time, we start over. I've really been challenged lately with my thinking of God's Word. I hear many people talk about reading the Bible like it is a chore similar to cleaning the toilet (myself included) but this is God speaking! The one who created all things has spoken and given me instruction for how to honor Him and enjoy Him. Christ, who literally took my place on the cross, and I act like I haaaaave to speak with Him. What a privilege that I am even allowed to read His words! I'm hoping that I grow and mature in my view of the Scriptures. I don't know about you but I can have such a horrible attitude when circumstances are not just as I want them to be (middle of the night feeding) and that alone shows me how wicked my heart can be. Praise God for His overflowing grace in my life!!

Dinner with friends, playing cornhole in the freezing weather -ok so it was probably only 42 but still and then we warmed up with hot chocolate and the homemade photo booth :)


Eating pie with Matt and Katie although they will probably deny this ;)


Julie is married and we now share the same wedding anniversary - it's she beautiful?! And the best part is that her heart is even more lovely!


Baby Love:







One of our favorite pictures: Uncle Bob





My mom and Silas played with this singing/dancing stuffed animal called the "Bouncy Snowman" Silas really liked that one for some reason


little feet







Uncle Ant and Aunt Christina


cousins


Walters


Mimi


Big Group


Zelaznys


Aunt Lindsay


Playing with Joli


cousins


Papa





Grandpa Don and Nana GG


Uncle Zach and Aunt Malia


Justin and Laura


Love these two pictures!

1.5-2 months with our little man

Well, now that Grammy and Gramzy are back in Florida, it is harder for me to update here because I'm too busy loving on the little guy myself! Things have been hard and wonderful at the same time. I got this cartoon that showed a mom holding a baby and her thoughts were "oh no, I don't know how much more of this I can take. I'm so tired" and the baby's thoughts "and here comes my first smile!" There is a lot of truth to this! As tiring as being a mom can be, it all goes away when they give you that big gummy grin. I saw a friends blog the other day and her little boy is getting teeth and she was looking back on all the gummy smiles (perfect example)

I will miss those so much but then I will love those one toothed smiles lol I think there have been moments where I am about to lose my head and I'm just really in need of sleep or even to just lay down - Nate usually can step in and help me out (wait til you see the pictures) This last week has been fantastic sleepwise - Silas is sleeping from 8:30-2:30 which is a LONG time in babyland! We are able to go out more now too which means I can go grocery shopping or to soccer games. I am still learning to not over do it so that by 7pm I am dead. I'm been trying to focus on
Philippians 4:4-7 4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.,
(I need to rejoice and give thanks in all things and lift my concerns to God)

Hebrews 12:1-4 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
(great verse for fighting against sin and reminding me of where my focus should be and how Christ endured so much for me)

and the latest Philippians 2:!4 14Do everything without complaining or arguing, (pretty straight forward!)

Other than the little dude. Nate and I are building a chicken coop, ok so mainly Nate. Yes it is for chickens....that may sound obvious but sooooo many people say, "What are you building a coop for?" What other purpose does a chicken coop have but to coop chickens? I don't know! Nate is loving working on a project like that. And through doing this, we have been able to meet our neighbor Mike. Mike is a construction worker so he has the best tools - he is also in the process of getting a cow to raise and, well, let's just say he isn't planning on milking Bessie. It's nice to know our neighbor and he looooves Silas - it is hilarious to see this man who is a little rough, turn into a softy with Silas. He is a sweet guy and he has a 17 year old son Calvin. We hope to build a relationship with them and maybe it will lead to being able to share Christ with them as well.
the start

frame progress

frame finished

adding chicken wire to the windows

always playing


Silas just had an appointment and at 9 weeks he is 13.15oz and 24in long...which means he is in the 90% for height and 95% for weight. It was really sad to watch him get his shots, I just wanted the nurse to move faster so I could pick him up! He calmed down pretty well once I was able to feed him - that seems to cure all things in his world. We are truly loving our 'morning happies' with him which includes 'gooing' at us and smiling a lot while daddy flies him around in the air. He is such a sweet little guy and he is looking forward to spending time in FL. I'm so glad that everyone will get to see him at this stage where he is able to respond and smile at people and things.
The pictures of from most recent to older
Playing with baby Helen - the 6 month old Kathy nannys for:

She was fascinated by him and kept trying to grab him - SO CUTE


Still loves this:

2 month 'watch me grow' pictures:




Silas has only had massive spit up 3 times..the first two were right when we got home from the hospital and then 6 weeks later he covered Bailey and himself at the park while I was playing football. His back up outfit was too little so he was a nakey baby and he loved it


hmmm, whats going on?

Nate really wanted to use the electric whisk- it's everywhere!!


Then I made corn bread and he said that he would take them out so I could do something else...they were in chunks when I turned around - that may be due to not enough pam or just Nate? "I'm made for the kitchen" - Nate

Typical night plus Nate helping


7 week smile:

Kyle and Kathy:

Nate was working 3rd shift (overnight) so this is what I woke up to:

Taking a MUCH needed nap this was at 5 or 6 weeks and I was dead- Twiggy helped too!

Peaceful


Snuggles with Daddy:

Silas making sure Matt eats enough ice cream:

Checking out the ceiling fan with Uncle Matt:

Big boy! Check out his 'bald' man hair do :) I don't know if you an see it or not


Nate made us a fire:

Future fireman?

No way! He is an aquaboy! He has a cranky time of day and usually this is when bath time happens - he LOVES it!

See?


Watch me grow - monthly picture - 1 month old






Sorry for any dead time, I don't have an editing tool to shorten it. You can stop the music on this page by scrolling down to the bottom and pressing pause on the music player.

Jumping bean


Gooing with Nate


gooing with me!


bean burrito



Sometimes this noise scares him and then he usually grins but this time he was puzzled.