Baby M's sweater is done. It's quite dapper! I really don't have to worry about any baby sweaters until after the first of the year now. So, I've been working on my shawl and several pairs of socks. I have several things that I want to make for Christmas, so it will nice to concentrate on just those things.

You know, God's really been working on my heart to get back into the Word, work on our relationship. It's been great. There have been many challenges recently and God has been reminding me of His sufficiency.

I just finished listening to Candace Cameron Bure's testimony (you can get it at Way of the Master). She played D.J. on Full House. Wow, what a powerful testimony. It's so easy to get complacent, but we have so much to be thankful for! Where would we be without God's mercy? I feel for those that are in the dark, yet they believe they are the enlightened ones! God is so merciful and so kind, yet people (including myself 13 year ago) kick against His Word, kick against His love, kick against His commands.

I've recently posted on our newspapers website regarding someone's taking Scripture out of context, but they didn't get it. They want to continue in their sin. Yes, Christ taught peace and love, but He didn't tolerate. He did not tolerate sin. He told people to repent and sin no more. If we don't repent of our sins, for which He died, His death was in vain. That makes no sense.

Why was my blog fine the other day and now the stuff on the side is down at the bottom? I've tried fixing it from the template page, but it won't fix. Ugh!!

I'm wearing my Cyclone t-shirt, listening to the Iowa/Iowa State game on the radio. Iowa State has already scored!! Yeah!

The liberals seem to be getting more and more scary. This week, Rosie O'Donnell compared radical Christians to radical Muslims. Huh? Sean Penn declared that President Bush has done serious damage to humanity. Huh? If only the rest of the world would stop listening to celebrities.

I'm not going to worry about it, God is in control. His plan will not be thwarted.

Back to knitting! Go Cyclones!!

I'm slowly getting the hang of this new blogger. Once the bugs are worked out, I think that I'm going to like it.

Do you ever think that everything is just going crazy? It just seems like there is so much conflict, drama, struggle. I can't elaborate yet, but there is a lot of prayer going up these days for several situations.

Tomorrow is the anniversary of September 11. As the day has approached, I've found myself reflecting more and more. What a sad, scary day that was. Just as everyone else, I remember it like it was yesterday. The images, the feelings, they are all there with full clarity. I remember the kid's reactions, too. How scared my son was, at 11-years-old, it seemed that his world was crashing to an end. At the time, I didn't know anyone that perished, but I mourned for the loss of security, the awful loss of life, the loss of our naivete. Now, I know the widow of one the thousands lost, her daughter attends my church and I've had the priviledge of getting to know them both. I mourn for her husband, Jim, and I pray that as she returns tomorrow she will find a little bit of closure. His body was never recovered. She spoke to him after the first plane hit, he was at the hotel and was going to head home. She never heard from him again.

It was all so sudden. It was all so harsh.

It saddens me to think how many people we have in our country who just don't get it. They believe we were attacked for our politics. They don't seem to want to understand that we were attacked because of our religion, because we are "infidels". We were attacked for our way of life, whether the lives of true followers of Christ or followers of a decadent lifestyle, it matters not. This struggle goes back to the beginning of time. It will not be solved with diplomacy or war, God will solve it, it is His battle to fight.

Deuteronomy 20:2-4(NIV)
When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army.
He shall say: "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."

God will have His victory. In the mean time, we pray, we reach, we teach.

This is my first post with Beta Blogger. I have messed with my template. Not sure I like the blue, but the colors aren't very muted, which I would prefer.

I'm supposed to be working on a brochure for my candidate, but I don't have a lot of ambition. I've been dinking on the internet all morning! I guess I'd better get the laundry going and get the brochure done!

Witnesses tell of freak death of Steve Irwin | NEWS.com.au

Witnesses tell of freak death of Steve Irwin NEWS.com.au

How sad! I remember when the kids were little, we'd watch him every Saturday morning. I feel so bad for his family, his 8-year-old daughter was with him when the accident happened. Of course, the saddest part was his relationship with God. I can only hope.

Lorna's Laces Child's Play socks 

Baby DG's Marble sweater. It's much prettier in person.
My Socks that Rock yarn, Fairgrounds colorway. Can't wait! 

I'm so excited! I got my first "Socks that Rock" sock yarn and the Rock and Weave. I can't wait to get started, but I'm going to have to, there are too many other things to finish! I'm almost done with the last August baby's sweater and I have to make a bigger sweater for Baby M. Soon, I'll be able to concentrate on Christmas gifts and other items.

I do have other activities vying for my time. I'm acting campaign manager for a young man in our district running for the state House of Representatives. This will consume quite a bit of my time for the next couple of months. It's a great opportunity for the kids, as well. How many kids get to do a campaign "unit study" for the first part of the school year? It's a great opportunity for us all.

I've been trying to do some reading also. I'm getting into the 5th Yada Yada book. They are awesome books, really make you think about your prayer life, judgements against others, etc.

I praise God for His continued faithfulness. This summer has not been easy, but God continues to show me that I do not need to worry, He has everything in His hands and He will deal with it all.

We're sitting at my mom's, waiting to hear if my uncle's flight is delayed or canceled. He's coming in for my aunts funeral. It's been a very stressful week. Stuff going on with my oldest dd and my aunts passing. I crave my knitting when things are this stressful, but I don't get much done.

One thing I know, God is faithful! He is totally in control of the entire situation.

Baby K's sweater. It came out really cute. I like this pattern and it was quick to knit in Encore DK, so I'm using the same pattern for the last August baby. I'm using a different DK yarn, it's called Marble and it's got a neat self-striping effect. It will be nice to have all the baby sweaters out of the way this early, then I can focus on projects for Christmas and a couple of left-overs I need to get done. 

After we visited Baby M, we made a stop at our new racetrack. The Richard Petty Driving Experience is here through Sunday and we were able to see several ride-alongs. We weren't to sure that the track would be a good thing, but since Rusty Wallace designed it and is extremely involved, it looks like it's going to be a great thing for our community.


I love NASCAR, so it's exciting to have some of the cars so close to home. We live about 10-12 miles away and I could hear the cars going around the track with the south breeze we have blowing. While NASCAR hasn't signed on yet, they are coming to test on the track before the final 10 races. It could get very exciting. 

Baby A, she's 14 months now and is taking her first steps! 

This is Baby A's baby brother, Baby M! Welcome to the world!! He was born at 39 weeks! Praise God!!! Since he was full-term, his sweater is way tooooo small. He weighed in at 8 lbs, 8 oz, and is 22 1/4" long. He was able to be born at the birthing center with the midwife, rather than the hospital. He's absolutely perfect!! He looks like his daddy. Baby A likes him and is being very gentle with him.

I still have a couple of August babies to knit for, but I've been able to keep up. 4 have been born in the last week and a half. 

Baby J's sweater. Dale Erle, made with Dale Baby Uhl. Only 2 more August babies to go!

We're obviously back from vacation. We had a wonderful time and when I get the chance, I'll post photos of the highlights. Suffice it to say, we'd move there if we could. 

In the Basic Life seminar, Bill Gothard talks about our lives being cyclical. I do believe it's true. I've always struggled through March (don't know why for sure, by my dr. suggested SAD and it's my birthday month) and I struggle a lot in the summer. Sin rears its ugly head. Food and old habits take hold in my life. I haven't gained, but I haven't lost. My heart races from the carbs and sugar. So, I started wondering about why summer is so hard for me in the food area...

We buried my step-dad 29 years ago today! That entire summer, before and after, had been very stressful. He was laid off, struggling with many things in his life, getting deep into things he shouldn't have been involved in, and then he died. Everyone brought the young widow and their 13-year-old daughter tons of food!! It was totally acceptable for me to eat and eat. We couldn't let it go to waste. The rest of the summer (and for several years), life was sad. Sometimes, it was out of control. The next summer, his natural children finally found my step-grandparents (we lived in a different house, but on the same farm. We were very close). My step-grandparents were thrilled that their grandchildren had found them. I went from being their pride and joy (I was an only child, as well as my step-dad being their only child-they were so heartsick when he died) to being Kenny's step-daughter. That hurt my heart. It was summer, again, and I had now lost my grandparents. The kids came to visit that summer and oh, the joy! We had to show them off, take them everywhere (the boy was 2 years older than myself, and the girl was a month younger than myself). Everywhere, we ate. I sucked it up and went along with all the fun, but I look back now and realize that my heart was broken and I was hurting.

That relationship, with my grandparents, was never the same and within 4 years, we were estranged. My grandpa came down with cancer and died-I never saw him during that process.

I've learned to face March with prayer and an understanding that it's okay to "coast" as the dr put it, I guess I'm going to have to approach summer with the same preparation. I've got to give myself a little break (while gently making changes) and remember that this is somewhat programmed into my being. Lord, help me face this cyclical times in my life filled with your grace and mercy!

I had an amazing experience at the county fair the other night. There were members of the Christian Motorcycle Association (yes, B, you know several of them!). I got to chatting with them and shared my story of Moose. They let me know that they know of someone that goes to the clubhouses and shares the Gospel. I know that God is going to do a mighty work in Moose's heart, the same as He did in the hearts of the men I met the other night.

We also walked in the parade. Oh my goodness, it was so hot!! I was feeling it yesterday morning when I woke up. I definitly had the "sun-kissed" look!!

Today is cleaning day, as well as getting a bunch of magazines sent off that I auctioned off on ebay. Vacation is just a few days away!!

Baby N's little matinee sweater. I made it with Dreambaby Dk and the pattern in off the internet (shells & columns). 

Baby Hooded Cardigan (from Creative Knitting). I used Di Ve, Teseo. It's a beautiful yarn. 

One week to vacation!!!! Yeah!!! We are really looking forward to some R&R&R (rest, relaxation, and romance!). It is such a blessing to be married to a man that loves me, that enjoys me, that would rather spend time with me than with anyone else. Next Friday, we'll have been married 19 years and I love that we still laugh, tease, and enjoy each other.

I've been somewhat reflective lately. There is a part of me that likes to return to my youth in the summer. Favorite books, movies, music. I enjoy it, but I'm finding that it has me thinking about who I am-who I was before Christ, who I am in Christ. I've been thinking about the liberal vs. conservative thing.

I was a flaming liberal. Always wanted to be "bohemian". Flowing skirts, peasant tops (they are even back in style and I still like the style-although I'm more a t-shirts and jeans gal in reality), no makeup (I'm still clinging to that one most of the time-hubby doesn't like makeup, so that helps!), and simple hairstyles (although a little curl would be nice, but this hair of mine is so heavy that it won't hold!). I believed in feminism and I was pro-choice. Looking back, though, I realize that I was always fiscally conservative-didn't believe that the government could or should take care of everyone. I've also never been much of an environmentalist-at least, not extreme. I grew up with a grandmother who gardened organically and taught me good stewardship, but she didn't go overboard.

I think that extremism is a lot of the problem these days. Everyone is either far right or far left. Now, I'm pro-life, I believe that homosexuality is sin, that it is a behavior (not a genetic thing-we're all born with the proclivity to sin in one form or another and homosexuality is no different), I believe that free-sex for all ages, "live and let live" attitudes, and the teaching of evolution have done so much to harm our society and country. But, on the other hand, I think that those of us that are very concerned with social issues (in the sin department) have become very complacent and negligent in fulfilling the Lord's call to reach out to the poor, the hurting, the ugly. We do it in name, and we cry out against the government doing it (which they shouldn't-it's not a part of our Constitution and it should be the responsibility of families and churches), but we're not really doing it. We're to comfortable.

Jesus ate with sinners. He shared God's kingdom with those that others thought were "worthy". He didn't pour money into the downtrodden, He poured Himself into them. He shared the ONE thing that would give them forgiveness, peace, relief, hope, and help. I don't believe that money is the answer to anything. Christ is!! If we share Christ, people can get through anything with Him. He can leave them as paupers, but He can also prosper them beyond anything they could have imagined. Does that mean that if they don't put their faith in Christ that we don't help them? On some levels, we probably shouldn't, especially if they are hostile to the Gospel, but, at the same time, in order to show the true love of God, we should do all that we can to love them.

I don't agree with the liberals ideas of just throwing money at the problem and keeping people victims. That does more harm than good, but it seems that their motives are sort of in the right place-some of the time. ----- So where is all this coming from. Well, I've watched "Dirty Dancing" and I've done a little research and I've watched it with a more discerning eye. I've always noticed the illegal abortion and I've always caught the pro-abortion spin. You know, this is what happened before Roe v Wade and wasn't it a shame. Rather than addressing the behavior (which seems to have been born out of the characters desire to just be loved), they address the need for social acceptance of their solution to the problem. Of course, they never really address how the character feels about the baby being ripped from her, but if they did that, they would have to acknowledge that it was a baby. But, there also a current of '60's liberalism running under the main plot, which is just how the liberal author wanted it to be. That's her right, it's her movie, I just never really noticed it before.

I'm not sure where I'm going with all this, but I do know that we've strayed. No one wants to be a sinner or say that their behavior is sinful. We want to justify it, reason about it, make it okay, but God's Word is clear-sin is sin! No matter what pretty packaging we wrap it up in, no matter the emotions behind it, no matter what the world is saying. That being said, I do believe that it's important to understand the "other side's" reasoning. I believe that it's good to know your enemy, send in spies, so to speak. Some of our "enemies" are truly against the things of God, but others are just hurting, deceived, burdened people (just like I was before Jesus!) and we need to be responsive to that.

I feel as those I've really rambled. My thoughts are still all over the board on this one. I've been reading in Isaiah and that does bring some clarity, I know that God's Word is absolute truth and it explains everything that we see, everyday. I know that He is doing something in me, leading me somewhere, I'm just not sure what or where yet. I know that He is going to use all that He has brought me through to get me where He wants me, though!

On a lighter note, we're starting to put in new windows in the house-one by one, with the first one today. I'll be judging textiles at our county fair this afternoon. My 4th year. I guess I must do a good job. It's going to be a hot one though, mid-'90's.

Well, basically very little has gotten done in the last two days. I've been dealing with a humidity sinus/migraine. I'm feeling better tonight.

I've been reading my all-time favorite book (next to the Bible), Seventeenth Summer by Maureen Daly. It's a beautiful first-love story set in the early 1940's. The simplicity of life, the sweetness of a pure and innocent heart, oh, it makes my heart soar. I love her discriptions of the weather and nature-you can feel it as you read. It always makes me want to write! I find myself thinking about it in contrast to my life. It actually inspires me to live more simply.

The evening was spent making phone calls for our local Republican party. Had some good responses. It's exciting to be getting involved so heavily in the campaigns.

Knitting is coming along. I'm working on a hooded cardigan out of some gorgeous yarn. I'll post a picture soon.

Baby A's little brothers sweater is done! I think the hat is too small, but it might be alright.

Spent another morning at a parade, campaigning for a young man in our district that is running for state representative. We're looking at becoming more heavily involved. I seem to really enjoy the campaigning part-I just have to be careful that it doesn't get me over-involved and mess up my priorities. 

We went to visit Little Baby A today! She's beautiful! Mommy still isn't getting much sleep, but it's improving. Babies are so therapeutic! 

Little Baby A's sweater and hat are done! Big Baby A's little brothers sweater is almost done. We're hoping to deliver this one tomorrow and see that little sweetie. They aren't getting much sleep, though-something to pray about.

I've had a pretty yucky day. Not bad, just not great. I haven't been eating well, haven't been exercising and my body and mood are proof. Lord, help me to get back on track! 

My best friend's hubby has this boss car. My hubby and son are riding along. After the parade, they picked me up and we went cruisin' for awhile. Nothing like a '57 Chevy on the 4th of July. We're looking forward to grilling steak this evening and enjoying the fireworks.

I also want to say "Godspeed" to our brave astronauts. We just watched the lift off. It never ceases to amaze me how that get that gigantic thing in the air. Talk about fireworks!! 

Happy Birthday, America!!! I spent my morning participating in our 4th of July parade, marching for our state senate candidate. It was a ton of fun!! I think the tides are turning. What use to be a democrat stronghold was quite receptive to a change! 

Little Baby A is here!! She arrived safely into this world this morning around 4:00 AM. She weighed 7 lb 8 oz. I can't wait to see her!!

I'm not doing very well in the diet department. It is so easy to fall back into old habits. They just die so hard. I'm tired of fighting the food battle! I've quit exercising, but I'm going to get started on Wednesday. Tomorrow, I'm marching in our 4th of July parade for a local senate candidate, so I think that will be plenty of exercise. I know that I've been eating emotionally. I'm mad because the weight isn't falling off as quickly as I'd like. I'm mad because I don't like to cook and that makes things a bit more difficult (that's of my own making). I'm mad because it's summer-which makes no sense because I love summer!! It's just that I feel like all the regular routines are just thrown out the window and I'm not sure how to get the routines back.

I really do love summer! I love the sound of the birds in the morning, the warm breezes, the smell of freshly mowed hay. I love not having to wear a coat, I love having my toes free, I love the freedom. But, the freedom seems to be a double-edged sword. I feel like I should be able to eat what I want, when I want. It just seems that sin is far more present in summer than at any other time of the year. All that I can do is fall on my face before God and seek His mercy! Thank God, He gives it freely. It is only by falling before Him and admitting my inabilities that He can work and do a dramatic change in me. Lord, help me to reach that place!

Yesterdays sermon was very good. It was based on Romans 12:9-21. It's a checklist for believers behavior.

Romans 12:9-21 (NIV)
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with GodÂ’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.£ Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for GodÂ’s wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"£ says the Lord.

On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."£

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

So, here's a checklist for you (courtesy of Scripture and our associate pastor):

A. Personal Duties (vs. 9)

• Love must be sincere
• Hate what is evil
• Cling to what is good.

B. Duties to the Family of God (vs. 10-13)

• Be devoted in brotherly love.
• Prefer one another in honor.
• Never be lacking in zeal.
• Be fervent in spirit.
• Serve the Lord.
• Rejoice in hope.
• Be patient in affliction.
• Be faithful in prayer.
• Share with the saints in need.
• Practice hospitality.

C. Duties to others (vs. 14-16)

• Bless those who persecute you
• Rejoice with those who rejoice
• Mourn with those who mourn
• Live in harmony with one another
• Do not be proud or conceited

D. Duties to those who consider us enemies

• Never return evil for evil
• Always do what is right
• Live at peace with everyone
• Do not take revenge
• Overcome evil with good

Do a word search-for every "duty", there is at least one corresponding verse for each duty somewhere in Scripture. God's Word never contradicts itself and always backs itself up.

Time to get knitting!

Baby A's little cousin is on her way! She could be here even as I type this. Mommy was having back labor and things were progressing slowly, but hopefully, things improved through the night. I'm almost done with her Dale sweater and I've started a quick hooded cardigan as well.

Much to do!

I’ve been surfing through the Christian Knitters Ring this morning. I don’t do it often, I have dial-up, so it takes quite a bit of time, but since I subscribed to bloglines, I wanted to get them in my list.

One of the things I read was from a young lady questioning how she could be sad and yet content. It’s weird because I’ve felt the same way and didn’t know how to put it into words.

I’m so saddened by the condition of our country. The division. The rampant sin. The politics. And, yet, I’m content in the sweetness of my home, my marriage, with my children. Things are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but God is good, and I know that I am where I belong.

I have really become content in being at home. Now, I’ve been at home for almost 20 years, but I finally feel comfortable. I miss it when I’m not here. I like keeping it up. I love how much more content we all are when we’re not running all over. Not that our schedules aren’t still busy, they are, but we are making wiser choices and trying to do more when we are away from home so that we can be home more often.

However, I am really looking forward to our vacation in three weeks. We are returning to Wyoming for a week. We absolutely love it out there and if it were logistically possible we would seriously consider moving out there. We are going to be able to get across to the Tetons this trip, probably our favorite spot on this earth.

I’m trying to keep up with my knitting, lots of little ones still to come. Baby A’s little brother is still safely in the womb. Praise God!! Her little baby cousin has yet to arrive either. She’s due any minute.

Only in Iowa can you spend a beautiful (a bit chilly, though) day sitting on a hay rack, in a ditch, watching about 500 antique (and some newer) tractors going down the highway. It was so much fun!

My ds was baptized last evening. It was a special time. There is nothing more wonderful than having your child profess Christ as Lord and Savior. He knows where he is headed!

I feel for those that continue to reject the gift of Jesus Christ. God, came as a humble servant, to take the punishment that we all deserve in order that we might have forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

The world continues to discuss "global warming". They wonder why people of faith aren't getting all worked up over it. Why? Because we have hope. We know that nothing that happens on this earth is out of God's control. And, for those who continue to reject, and Scripture tells us that they will, God's "global warming" will be an all-consuming fire. I pray that there will be a revival. Praise God for His patience.

Despite having trouble staying motivated, I cleaned the house up today. It's always nice to look at a clean room!

I'm working on transfering my collection of audio tapes from previous homeschool conferences to the computer and then on to CD's. I've got 14 left to do. (Keep in mind, I just attended my third homeschool conference and only started getting cd's at the 2003 conference!) I've been wanting to do this for quite awhile, but I finally just decided to get it done.

Baby D's sweater is coming along. She's coming any day! I'm so excited! Before to long, we'll have two more little ones to snuggle and cuddle! In August, there will be several more!

Dieting and exercising has been a struggle the last couple of weeks. I'm praying that I'll get back on track again soon.

I tatted this for my husband's grandmother. It's a tatted Colonial lady from the August, 1954, Workbasket magazine. I needle tatted her and it came out quite nicely. Grandma is going to sew her to a sweatshirt.

Life has been busy on the weekends and fairly quiet during the week. We've spent a couple of days with Baby A's mommy and her sister-in-law, both on bedrest. Auntie is now off of bedrest and we are eagerly awaiting her little ones arrival. Baby A's mommy has several more weeks.

Last weekend was spent at our states homeschool convention. It was my eleventh. This one was one of the best for me.

Yesterday was our Republican State Convention. It was exciting to be a part of the process. We're looking forward to doing some volunteering for the fall election. 

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day, the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He Whose Name is Counselor and Power;
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
Ever to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.

We have survived the graduation season! It was a fun couple of weeks! Lots of friends and loved ones! Now, it's time to get some of the baby sweaters done, get some socks knit, do some more work around the house, scrapbook, and relax.

S's graduation sweater! The front bands need some more blocking, but otherwise, we were quite pleased with it! The day was beautiful! The party went really well. We almost ran out of everything! 

Baby A is 1! What a blessing this little one has been to our lives! Mommy is once again on bed rest, waiting for her baby brother to be born. Mommy is only 29 weeks along, so we're praying the God will protect Baby Boy K in his mommy's womb for at least a few more weeks. 

So, here I sit! Things are coming together nicely for the graduation reception. Macaroni salad, cakes, meat, rolls, etc., all ready to go! Yeah!

I finished S's graduation sweater and I'll post a photo of her in it after graduation. I'm starting on some baby sweaters, since we might have a couple of preemies again this summer. Baby A's mom is on complete bedrest, she's at 27 weeks. Baby A's aunt is also on complete bedrest, she's at 30-31 weeks or so. We're praying that both little ones will take their time, but if they don't, I'll have adorable baby sweaters made from Dale baby book, number 162. They are just the cutest, with Dale's Popcorn on the cuffs. Of course, their matching, although, one is a boy and one is a little girl. I plan on resting with my feet up this evening and knitting!! Tomorrow and Sunday are set to be very busy days!!

It's been quite a day today. There seems to be so much going on that is sad, so much sickness, so many hardships.

An 11-year-old girl from our church is in surgery for the third time, trying to find the infection that is wracking her body. Her situation has been quite grave for a couple of weeks. We're praying for a miracle. Another friend is dying of cancer, she only has a couple of weeks. Her oldest child is graduating from high school in just two weeks. Please pray for their family, they don't know the Lord. Another friend has discovered a lump on her hip, another friend was diagnosed with lung cancer yesterday, our neighbor is having surgery on Friday, my cousin is fighting cancer and has given up on treatments, and the largest manufacturer in our town announced today that they are leaving----and in the midst of all this, we're planning a party.

I should be exercising, I should be baking, I should be knitting, I should be cleaning. What am I doing? Losing myself in the music on my ipod, writing on my blog. My dd is stressed. We cried and prayed, trying to move forward. The party will be a welcome distraction, but at times, it seems almost frivolous, or, at the least, insensitive. It's not, but with all the hurt and pain, it's kind of hard to celebrate.

We are looking forward to loved ones coming to share in our celebration. That will make it all worth it!

Psalm 5:11-12 (NIV)
But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Yeah!!! It's finally done! I just got busy and finished it up today. I love it, it's gorgeous! I know my little L will look adorable! 

As a part of my recent "clean it all" productivity spree, I went through all of my stash and got all the summer baby projects lined up. Each project is in a labeled ziploc bag, each pattern is in my "current projects" notebook, each pattern is labeled with the recipients name. Since there are 7 babies coming between June and August and I know that 4 of those are boys (what's with all the boys!!!???), I felt like being prepared was a good thing. Now, as I finish them, I can just grab the next bag and keep knitting.

I was able to get S's sweater fixed and the left front attached to the back. I started Baby D's Dale baby sweater. I need to finish weaving in the ends on my Olympic sweater. I have trouble getting started with that, but once I do, it's not so bad.

I sent a letter to Moose. I shared with him a little about my life and my testimony. I'm praying that God will be glorified and that Moose will be receptive to the message. God is certainly during a work there, more than I can reveal here, but I have no doubt that I was to contact Moose. It really is amazing how God works in such fine detail in our lives. I'm so grateful for dear friends who pray and encourage! I'm also grateful for new friends who's only desire is to be obedient to God and to share His life giving message.

I'm a little down today, though. I was able to do my 5-mile and felt good doing it, but it hasn't really helped my mood as it usually does. I can't really elaborate on here about the struggles, but I know that God is in control, no matter how badly I want to fix, analyze, control, or correct the situation.

I often wish that I had something witty and wise to post about, instead, life seems blissfully boring right now.

I've recently been feeling very convicted about getting the house in order, keeping it relatively clean, keeping myself occupied with one thing or another. In Titus 2:3-5, one of the commands is to be busy at home. That has been weighing on my mind. How often do I look around the house and see all the doggy hair (she's going through a major shed right now) and then go back to dinking on the internet? So, I've been working alot harder at...well, working.

I have so much more energy when I'm faithfully working out, I have to send it somewhere. Now that the kids are older, I don't have to spend nearly as much time getting them here and there, I can actually put more effort into our home, which pleases hubby greatly.

Yesterday, I actually cleaned the (are you ready for this?) the broom closet!!! This was the one door where everyone prepared for action before opening it. No telling how many long handled items would choose to spring out of their prison door. My daughter looked at me with disbelief when I told her what I was going to do, but she managed to recover and actually help me out.

Part of my drive to rid the house of clutter deals with my anxiety and depression. Having a bunch of stuff around tends to make me a bit crazy, so I've also decided to weed through my knitting magazines and books. I've actually posted a couple of books on e-bay, true collectors books. One of them I actually found on a rare book site selling for upwards of $333.00. I doubt that I'll get that much, but half would be nice. So, I'm sorting through all the magazines, ripping out the patterns that I would actually make (which is turning out to be a lot less than I expected) and then I hope to put the whole ones on e-bay for a mere pittance. It's been a bit more difficult than I thought, emotionally. Weird what we'll connect ourselves to. S has been going through them as well, trying to build up her repertoire of patterns.

Another part of the drive to clean is the upcoming graduation. What better excuse to deep clean than a party! I've been able to come up with a schedule for deep cleaning each room (now that the closets are almost done) that will bring us up almost to graduation day, saving kitchen and bathroom til the last. Of course, I've also got to squeeze in baking & decorating at least 4 cakes (1 for a baby shower, 3 for graducation) and possibly a smaller cake for a secondary graduation party we are doing with my niece on Mother's Day. We've also got to deal with the food. It will all get done.

It will be nice to have graduation out of the way. I'm hoping this summer is a relaxing one, although ds has several jobs lined up and until the end of July, when he gets his drivers license, he'll need someone to haul him around. I still think that we'll be able to relax a bit more. We're looking forward to a trip out to Wyoming and Yellowstone this summer with my mom and pops. Mom has never been to Yellowstone so it should be quite an experience for her. I absolutely love Yellowstone, I'm fascinated by all the plumbing. Hubby and I's favorite place though is the Tetons. We fell in love with that mountain range when we visited in 1999. It's breathtaking. We bought the movie Spencer's Mountain just so we could get a glimpse now and then.

Well, time to get back to sorting through magazines, weaving in ends on L's sweater, and frogging dd's graduation sweater (I forgot to shape the neck-my mind must have been somewhere else!)

Baby Z's finally done. It's actually Vikings purple! 

Another week flown by! I did the 5-mile walk again this past Saturday. I feel so good when I get done! I've done 3-miles yesterday and today. I'll concentrate more on strength training tomorrow.

Resurrection Sunday was a beautiful day (well, it was raining, but the sermon, the message, were beautiful!). I did overeat, but was able to jump right back on the right track on Monday.

I've been trying to get some knitting projects out of the way, I just don't feel like I'm making much progress. We're trying to get ready for daughters graduation and several other festivities in the month of May--somedays, I don't know how we'll get it all done!

Daughter is working on a project of her own (after finishing two baby blankets since the Olympics). She's making me a sweater to wear for graduation and I'm making her one. I'm quite excited. She's become just a good knitter. Her tension is perfect.

Yeah!! I did Leslie Sansone's 5-mile walk today!! I feel so good! I didn't know if I could do it, the most I ever done at one time was 3 miles. It felt great, though! I've lost 4 more pounds this week, but that just puts me back to where I was about a month and a half ago. It's so exciting to be back on the right track again!

Baby L's sweater is almost done. I've got to weave in all the ends, sew the sleeves on, and do the neckband and button bands.

Praise God as we prepare expectantly for Resurrection Sunday!

It's been a long time since I've really updated the blog. March was a rough month for me, it always is. My dr. says that I have SAD (seasonal affective disorder), so March is almost unbearable. When I saw her at the beginning of the month, she told me to just maintain, get through the month and hit it hard in April. So, I gained about 4 pounds, but I made it through March. I praised God for getting me through again and on the 1st of April, I got busy. So far, I've walked (in-home) 8 miles since Saturday. I'm already feeling so much better. I've been able to control my eating (exercising really helps!) and I'm getting back into better habits. I'm so thankful for the times of anxiety and depression that the Lord has allowed me to go through, He taught me how to come against those things when they rear their ugly heads in my life.

We are working on preparing for middle-daughters graduation this coming May. When I think about it, I get a bit overwhelmed. On top of that, my youngest is taking drivers education and will have to drive on graduation day. We're going to be in the field pretty soon, also. Oh my, sometimes, I just want to run and hide!! It will be okay, though, the Lord will see us through. I can't let myself get all worked up, the Lord always deals with it.

I've had some interesting moments in the past week or so-with my past. That probably sounds strange. One morning, at church, we discovered that a lady that I've been going to church with for a couple of years was actually my babysitter when I was about 4. Through a strange course of events, we figured out who each other was. Small world!!

That same evening, I sat down to watch "History of the Chopper" by Jesse James. My mom had taped it for me a few weeks ago on the Discovery Channel. You see, I grew up around bikers. Not just guys that rode Harleys. I grew up around El Forasteros, choppers, drugs, s**, and rock and roll. I grew up with a chopper shop in my backyard-literally. My step-dad had a shop where they tore down their bikes every winter and rebuilt them-motor up. So, when Mom said that she was taping this, I was excited. It's always interesting to see what they come up with.

My step-dad died when I was 13, the result of a drunk driver hitting him from behind. The girl on the back of the bike was killed instantly, Dad died two days later from cardiac arrest-he was paralyzed from the chest down. The man who hit him went to jail for only two years (this was in the late 70's).

So, with interest and a little anticipation, the kids and I sat down to watch the show. I knew that I had lived through an interesting time, but I didn't expect to see anything or anyone that was familiar. Plus, I figured it would be pretty localized, California.

The first couple of segments were very interesting. We went to a commercial, came back and Jesse was welding on the old school chopper that he was building from a frame from the 70's. Next thing I know, we're in the rolling hills of northern Iowa and southern South Dakata. Whoa!! What's about to happen here. My mind was whirling as he started talking about the El Forasteros. Surely there wouldn't be anyone that I knew. We see this older man riding his chopper down the highway and then we're outside the clubhouse. A man says, "My little piece of heaven is getting crowded, everyone wants a Harley". They cut to his picture and my heart jumped, then they put his name on the screen, "Moose". No! It couldn't be. I knew a Moose.

After a couple of conversations with my mom and some deductive sleuth work, we knew it had to be him. He talked about being in Des Moines. We knew that there was only one "Moose" in the El Forasteros in the early 70's. Mom hadn't watched it, but once she did, it was clinched. This was Moose. My main memory of him was at a bike show in Des Moines. I was standing with my dad, I was about 6, and there was this very big man standing on my other side. He scowled at me, I smiled, and he smiled back. My dad always told me that as long as Moose was around, I'd be safe.

What a strange thing. I've been pondering, praying, wondering what this means in my life at this moment. I've actually been able to find his real name and address. Do I contact him? Get his take on my step-dad's life and legacy? I know that he needs the Lord, is it my job to share with him or just pray for him? Is it time to put my past into words, show how God works in the heart of a child in the midst of a world most people are afraid to enter?

I know that I've been thinking about judgmentalism. I think that we are entirely to generous with our negative judgments of that which we don't understand. I know that people jump to conclusions and judgments without really understanding or even trying to understand. I know that most bikers have earned their reputation, that is often their goal, but I also know that thay are some of the most loyal people you would ever meet. They protect those they consider their own and sometimes they protect because no one else will (case in point, bikers protecting mourners at soldier's funerals because the Kansas nuts are protesting).

We are all sinners, bikers are just more open about it. We need to quit judging others and start loving them, sharing the Gospel with them. None of us are worthy of the Gospel, we need to get off our high horse and allow the Lord to work through us. Jesus ate with sinners, went where others would not dare to go. He didn't tell them to clean up their act before He came, He shared the truth, the Law, and Himself and gave them a choice. Once they make that choice, the Holy Spirit can take over.

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Timothy 1:16-17

Baby J wearing his lady bugs! 

Baby A, 10 months! 

The lady bug sweater is finally done!! I'm not sure that I'll do another, weaving in ends is not my favorite thing to do and there were so many ends!!!

Now, I feel like I can focus on some other projects. Since there are six babies coming in August, I need to get some uni-sex sweaters done. The only one we know for sure is Baby A's baby brother! He's due in Aug, but with Baby A coming so early, there is a good chance that Baby brother will come a little early.

I have a confession to make. I've become addicted to Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. Growing up I didn't think much about their music, but after watching "Walk the Line" and downloading several original songs, I'm hooked. June's stuff is so good!! There is humor, it's clean, I just love it!

Other than that, not much is new. I'm ready for spring, but winter is going to rear it's head over the next couple of days. My husband's 91-year-old grandmother was telling us a early May snowstorm one year!! Ugh! I hope that doesn't happen.

Psalm 103:1-5 (NIV)
Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Finally!

Baby J's Dale Lady Bug sweater is done! 

I know that it’s been quite awhile since I’ve actually “written” anything. I’ve really been in hiding. I’ve had a sore ankle so I haven’t been going very much, just sitting in my chair knitting with my foot up. I’ve also been battling my migraines and sinus issues. Since the weather is changing, I think that will clear up for awhile.S and I went to the Republican County Convention yesterday. I was a delegate, she was a junior delegate. It was quite interesting (this was my 4th). One thing that I noticed-the families. It was good to see several families and how they are passing down the idea of civic duty and service. These families were Christian, so not only are they passing on civic duty and service, they are passing on godly duty and service. All of these families (mine included) are going to the district and state conventions. One thing that it brought to mind, how Opinion Journal is always talking about the “Roe effect” (and it was substantiated by an article a couple of weeks ago about liberals dying out) and how those who stand for abortion and other liberal causes are not reproducing and passing down their beliefs while conservatives are keeping their children, having more than 1, and passing down their conservative beliefs. Well, we shall see. I’m not sure that it matters, it seems that the Lord’s coming is drawing nearer every day.