MORE UP NORTH PHOTOS:)

THERE WAS A LOT OF TREE CLIMBING AND RUNNING AHEAD TO JUMP OUT AND SCARE THE PARENTS ON THIS HIKE... WHEN WE LIVED IN WISCONSIN WE LIVED LESS THAN A MILE FROM BOTH OF MY BROTHERS, SO COUSIN TIME WAS ABUNDANT BACK THEN... THEY REALLY TREASURE THE TIME THEY GET TOGETHER NOW:)

ISN'T THIS A BEAUTIFUL PICTURE? I THINK I MAY TRY TO BLOW IT UP IN BLACK AND WHITE AND FRAME IT WITH THE BIBLE VERSE AT THE BOTTOM... TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING, IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT.

RIGHT NOW I CAN'T REMEMBER WHERE IT IS FOUND. TO ME THE TALL TREES LOOK A LOT LIKE THE HUGE CHALLENGES OF THIS WORLD JUST STARING YOU IN THE FACE... BUT THE PATH IS STILL STRAIGHT. AS I SIT HERE 11 MONTHS FROM THE DAY I HELD MY SWEET SAMUEL, I KNOW THERE IS SO MUCH THAT I DON'T UNDERSTAND... I DON'T THINK I WILL EVER REALLY UNDERSTAND HIS WAYS. THEY ARE SO NOT MY WAYS, NOT AT ALL THE WAY I WOULD HAVE HAD THINGS PLAY OUT. BUT I NEED TO CONTINUE TO TRUST AND ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE WILL MAKE MY PATHS STRAIGHT. GOOD GRIEF... LEFT TO MY OWN GRIEF....MY PATH IS ALL OVER THE MAP, UP... DOWN...WIDE...NARROW... BUT WITH MY SAVIOR HE CAN KEEP MY PATHS STRAIGHT EVEN AMIDST MY GRIEF:) THAT COMFORTS ME TODAY AS I THINK OF MY SWEET BOY AND MY HEART LONGS FOR HIM. WE WILL SEE IF I EVER GET AROUND TO DOING THAT WITH THE PHOTO... GOTTA ADD THAT TO THE TO DO LIST:)

ME AND MY HONEY AT THE OVERLOOK POINT. WHAT WOULD I DO WITH OUT THIS MAN?... HE ALWAYS SAYS HE IS MORE LOYAL THAN A DOG... I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT WAS KIND OF FUNNY SINCE I HAVE NEVER HAD A DOG. BUT HE HAS BEEN MORE LOYAL TO BE PATIENT, KIND, LOVING AND IN TRYING TO UNDERSTAND ME IN MOST THINGS THIS PAST 11 MONTHS. I AM BLESSED GREATLY BY HIM EACH DAY.

WISCONSIN FALL PHOTOS

THESE 2 PEAS IN A POD, BORN JUST 12 DAYS APART, ABSOLUTELY LOVE

THEIR TIME TOGETHER. THE MORNING WE LEFT WE HAD TO RUN BY THEIR HOUSE TO PICK SOMETHING UP AND ANNA HAD TO RUN UPSTAIRS TO WAKE SOPHIE UP TO GIVE HER A HUG:) SUCH LITTLE LOVEBUGS!
GRAMPS AND JOJO
DURING OUR HIKE.
ANNA AND GRANDMA




THE COUSINS ON THE HIKE THROUGH THE KETTLE MORRAINE FOREST. THERE IS JUST SOMETHING ABOUT HIKING THROUGH THE WOODS IN THE FALL. I LOVE IT, THE SMELLS, THE LEAVES, THE CRISP AIR... ALL OF IT.
FALL IS MY FAVORITE SEASON... WE JUST MISSED THE CHANGING OF ALL OF THE LEAVES. THAT IS ONE THING I MISS HERE IN OK, YOU GET SOME CHANGE OF LEAVES HERE, BUT IT ISN'T THE MAJESTIC CHANGE YOU GET UP NORTH:)

ME WITH MY 2 SWEET SISTER IN LAWS:) KATY AND JANE

A WISCONSIN WEDDING:)

THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE AND GROOM, ANNIE AND BRETT:)

This precious couple, Annie and Brett are finally married. We were so blessed to be a part of their special day. It was Greg's first wedding to perform, so that was kind of exciting. But really it was just so exciting to see them get married. We always knew that they would, but it was so fun to have the day finally arrive for them. Annie was one of Greg's youth at St. Paul's, and she and Brett have dated for the past 8 years... Greg was so honored to get to marry them. It was kind of funny after the ceremony Greg admitted to me, that when they opened the door and Annie and her dad were starting to walk down the aisle he started to get all teary eyed. I hate to think about what he will be like when it is his own daughter. It was a beautiful ceremony, beautiful bride and groom, beautiful day and great to get to talk with old St. Paul's friends.

We absolutely enjoyed our trip to Wisconsin, although it was REALLY quick we were able to cram in a lot. For me the at the wedding I was struck with a bit of the long term reality of not having Samuel here with us. I couldn't help but think that we would never see him get married. We know there is no guarantee that we will see all of our living children get married, that may not be what God has for them... but at least they will have a chance to. So far I have really missed all of the here and now that I would be missing, cutting teeth, crawling, almost walking, smiling, snuggling, etc. But it made me realize I will never get to experience him learning how to drive, graduate from High School, get married... all of those long term things. Kind of made me sad in a new, different way.

We went to the church that I grew up at, Brookfield Lutheran Church. It was amazing. We had never heard their new pastor... but today I spent time in the car writing him a letter. I had to tell him what a miracle it was that we were there yesterday to hear the message that he preached. Seriously, I haven't been back to that church in at least 10 years. But the week we are there, the pastor preaches a message that was written for me. All of it, every single bit of it. It was on Lazarus being raised from the dead. He talked about worry, doubt, fear, our faith,and the big one WAITING ON GOD'S TIMING. I am sure he wondered what was going on when our eyes connected during his message and the big puppy dog tears were just rolling down my face. He was a dynamic, powerful preacher, but really I was amazed by what he said and how God brought us there to hear it. I think I will download it so I can listen to it again and again when I need to. Seeing old friends there was wonderful too, and it always neat to see how other churches do things.

I will post more pictures in a couple of days from our hike with all of the family. We praise God for safe travel and a wonderful time with family and friends... I do have to admit traveling with a bit of space was an incredible blessing for us.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR...

MY LITTLE MONKEY JO:)

LOUIS WITH DOOFUS, SPARKEY... WE JUST DISCOVERED HIS NAME IS REALLY FRED. NOW YOU BETTER SIT DOWN, WE LOVE THIS DOG... YES I SAID WE, MOST PEOPLE KNOW THAT I HAVE NEVER LIKED DOGS, REALLY HAVE BEEN PRETTY SCARED OF THEM MY WHOLE LIFE. BUT FRED IS JUST SO SWEET... BELIEVE IT OR NOT, I ACTUALLY TOLD THE KIDS THEY COULD GO ASK HIS OWNER IF WE COULD HAVE HIM. THEN I RETHOUGHT IT ALL. WHAT BETTER KIND OF DOG THAN THE KIND THAT IS HERE TO PLAY WITH, LOVE ON, BUT YOU NEVER HAVE TO FEEL OBLIGATED TO FEED, OR FIND HELP FOR WHEN YOU LEAVE TOWN. BUT MAN, HE IS THE NICEST DOG... KIND OF HAS BECOME A PART OF THE HINTZ CREW:)

ANNA KISSING SWEET SAMUEL IN MY TUMMY

What a week, take a deep breath. It has been busy, mostly because we had to get ready for a quick trip up north. (side note, Caleb just came in and said, " Freddy is a good dog, I just done feeding him the leftover bacon schniblets." Is that even a word? No wonder this dog loves us, kids to play with all day long and left over bacon:) Anyways we are so excited for Greg to do the wedding for his former youth girl Annie and her sweet fiance Brett. We can't wait to see them become one. So it will be a jam packed weekend with the wedding, and trying to spend some time with family. We are excited and a bit frazzled I might add. We will be back on Monday.

Just another little tid bit, we got a call from another agency in OKC last night that wants to show our profile to a girl due in a week and a half. Interesting... what a road the adoption process is... these last 2 places have sought us out, just because we are willing to bring home a baby of color. Wild. The adoption journey is not for the faint of heart that is for sure. There are lots of ups and downs and waiting. So as always every day we continue to pray for all those girls that are having to make such tough decisions because they love their babies and want the best for them. We are always praying that God would protect them and their little ones and guide them in their decisions and really give peace to their hearts. I can't imagine willingly giving your baby up, wow!

I really want the baby God has planned for us, not just any baby. I will say Greg and I have said from the start that we would love a drop off baby, one that just arrives and they need to find a home for. That would be ideal, not to have to go through 8 mos. of planning and waiting with a birthmom who could change her mind when the baby arrives... you just never know. But I will admit, my patience and hope grows very thin at times. But I don't want a baby that really isn't meant for us... does that make sense?

Not sure if I will get a chance to update while we are gone.

So as always... waiting on Him and His timing.

NEED A LITTLE HELP HERE...

Eating watermelon at Grandma and Grandpa Bottoms
I couldn't help posting this one, check out Anna's eyes... HMMMM, what does she see in that watermelon... a big black bug, a 100 dollar bill... what could it be? Wooh, this was some gooooood watermelon.


2 satisfied customers

OK so I need help. I am going crazy with the fruit flies at my house. Does anyone out there have a sure fire way on how to get rid of them for good. I have tried a glass of vinegar, that was somewhat successful, but I need something that will really work. I think with living in the country and having a bunch of kids coming in and out all day long we have invited the little critters to join us. Between that and the regular house flies, I am starting to loose my mind... Oh yeah, that already happened last month when I forgot my husband's birthday after 16 years of marriage... good grief. I would love any ideas.

One other thing, we have never had a thumb sucker till Anna and in fact she had a pacifier till she was 2... had nothing till 3 1/2, then after seeing some other little booger sucking his thumb, she took up the habit at 3 1/2. Who does that? Well apparently my precious little girl does. Here we sit at almost 7 and she is still doing it. Has anyone tried something that will work to break the thumb sucking habit. We try to have here sleep with a mitten on at night. We have tried to work towards a fun pizza party out with the family, but I am fresh out of ideas. I would love what ever ideas you might have.


Today was just one of those days. I was either on the verge or crying the majority of the day. I don't know what set it off, but whatever it was, the grief came back heavy and with a vengeance. Plain and simple, I still just wish things were different. So much has changed and quite frankly it exhausts me sometimes just thinking about it. Many days I still don't recognize myself... this former social bug, much rather sit in the comfort of my own home, or with a smaller more intimate group, than be in a large crowd. Today for the first time, I had a brief moment where I just thought I am going to take all of the pictures of Samuel down... and pretend he never existed, then would the pain go away or lessen? Then my gut just felt sick, that is what it has felt like so many others have done, pretend he didn't exist. That has added to my grief BIG TIME over the last year. So obviously, all of his pictures are still up:) And there is no way I would give up the 9 months I spent with Samuel, just to avoid the pain I feel now... it was a fleeting thought, once I thought it, I knew it was wrong for me. Just one of those days....

Baby Joel

A few days ago we got our Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep pictures from when Joel was born.

The top picture is the little card they tape to the door of the room that has a family inside that has lost their baby... we all remember that same card from the day we lost Samuel as well.

I feel like my hands look huge in the second picture... Joel was just that small... teeny, tiny, but still perfectly created by our creator.

Just thought I would share a couple with you.

Tonight we had Faith and her family over. We haven't seen her in over a month. We all miss her. We got to meet her little brother and cousin. Her mom, grandma and little sister came too. We had an absolutely wonderful time. They invited us for Thanksgiving if we are around and don't have plans. I thought that was so nice. There were so many times I looked around all night and just felt a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Anna was sitting on Faith's grandmas lap just laughing away, the rest of us all were playing Monopoly Deal together having a really nice time. The kids were absolutely thrilled to have them all here. I am so glad she is doing well, and am so thankful that God brought them into our lives. I really have learned so much from them and I think them from us. This may sound odd, but I haven't had that many opportunities to spend tons of time with any other African Americans. Honestly, I NEVER even notice any color difference when we are with them...(except when they bring over greens for us to try, boy were they delicious... loved them:) We are all just people who love each other. It really is such a great thing for us and the kids. I will say it does make me long for that little black baby Joel who would have been a part of our family already or very shortly had he lived.

This verse gives me comfort in the fact that both Samuel and Joel were here on this earth for exactly the amount of days that the Lord had planned for them... not what I had planned for them, but God's ways are sovereign and good... even when they don't necessarily feel good.

For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb. I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are WONDERFUL, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:13-16

Continually trusting in the one who holds our future...

FULL DAYS

I know my kid needs a haircut... but can you believe the size of that green bean someone from church gave us?


Ok, I think it is official.... running in the rain is my absolute favorite weather to run in. Probably not the best for your shoes, but really good for the soul. You know a lot of people talk about the storms of life hitting you... the downpour. I can certainly relate to that and I can appreciate that word picture. For some strange reason though in this journey I am on, the rain is actually a good thing. Sometimes just seeing the rain fall, feels good to me, it sometimes just perfectly suits my mood. And other days it feels like a healing rain, a cleansing rain. I have a dear friend Becky who has been praying together with me that this year, 2009, would bring renewed promises, intense healing and flooding... and we have been praying for flooding in a good way:)





I feel like our days are always so full. I enjoy it all, but sometimes I feel like I am under the gun. This will sound crazy but I finally feel like I have the energy to cook and maintain the meal part of our life again... For a while it was going better, then after Joel died that was one thing that just seemed to be overwhelming to me. I know that sounds so lame. That is very unlike me, I love to cook yummy, homemade things, but I just didn't have the energy to. So I am finally back to it, and it feels good. I made some really yummy quinoa today for lunch. All of the kids actually loved it.



Tonight we had the MEND, my infant loss support group, fundraiser. This was funny. I had asked the ladies at group if there would be men there and it seemed like plenty of them said yes... it just so happened that they gave their husbands jobs to do at the fundraiser. I think my husband was the only man, and Louis and Caleb were 2 of 3 kids there. They had a ball, Greg on the other hand said that I owe him Big time. I think he will be coming to collect:) Poor guy, he was a pretty good sport though... He even won a prize, which embarrassed him even more. It was a big success which was great. I have to say that of all the things that have helped me since losing my son, my counselor, my dearest friends, the volunteer photographers at Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, and MEND have been some of the biggest blessings to me.



This week we were also blessed to trade in our old minivan for a BIG van, an 11 passenger. I realized as I drove to church in it last week, when I declared out loud, "I love this car" what a total geek I have become. Really I do love it. It will be such a HUGE blessing when we have to travel... like next week when we hit the road for a 12 hour drive to Wisconsin for a wedding. Greg is marrying one of his youth that he had in youth group up there before we went to the seminary. We will stay 3 days and then turn around and head back. It will be really quick, but it will be so nice to travel with a little more room. Previously I was always traveling with 3 bags at my feet and every nook and cranny filled. This will be so nice.



Praying you have a blessed Friday... Yeah, the weekend.

THERE IS A FIRST FOR EVERYTHING

I love, love, love that picture. A big kiss right smack dab on the lips. There wasn't a hint of fear or trepidation with the kids that day... they just wanted to see their little brother and be by him... they had waited a long time.

Sweet little 5 year old Anna with Samuel... She was either holding him, kissing him or snuggled up to whoever was holding him that day. What a tender heart God has given her.

Sometimes you have things happen that you never expect to happen in YOUR life. Yesterday was one of those days when I had that happen.

Yesterday we had our new friends over from church, the friends who just moved from Sweden. Well, Nicole was so sweet and asked to see our pictures of Samuel. I took her into my closet to get the box of pictures out of our Samuel bag that is filled with all our cards, pictures, some gifts from our time with him. Well Anna comes bounding in the closet and says, "I want to see Samuel"

I first need to go back and tell you about my conversation in the car with her last week. We were talking about how baby Joel had been buried and she asked where Samuel was buried. I think we had already told her about having Samuel cremated, but she seemed to have forgotten. So I had to re-explain to her that we didn't know if we would still be living here and that we didn't want to bury him here and leave him here if we had to move just 8 mos. later. (There were other reasons for cremating him, but I thought that would be enough for her to hear) I didn't have to get into all of the details but she knew that we now have just her little brothers ashes with us. She asked where they were and I told her in my closet.

Ok, I know some of you may be thinking....AHHH THIS IS WEIRD. Well, really it is just small part of the reality of life after losing a child. Honestly, we haven't decided what to do with them. For now, they stay in my closet until we decide on something and I am ok with that. I don't really want to spread them anywhere, I want him here with us. I know he really isn't here, but you know what I mean.

Ok, so back to being in the closet with my NEW friend Nicole and Anna. So I pull the small plastic box off the shelf. She says she wants to see the ashes. I can't remember now if I mentioned on my blog about the night I looked at Samuel's ashes just days after we picked them up from the funeral home... but there was no way I was going to let my little girl look at them. Too hard, too much for her little eyes to see. So I explained she could see the box, but not the ashes. Then she took the box from my hands and said out loud, "Hi Samuel", so happily and sweetly and then she gave the box a big kiss and handed it back to me. I don't know why but it just melted my heart. She loved him so much and still does. And although it may sound strange, I felt sad for her, but yet it felt good.

Then in that next instant I realized how weird it must be for people to be my friend. It is not too often that you walk in your friends closet and watch her daughter kiss the box that holds her little brother ashes. But my friend was so gracious and didn't seem the least bit bothered by it. Wow, that felt good, amidst the craziness and sadness that is my life, she didn't seem the least bit uncomfortable with it. That was a gift. Then she and I sat on the couch and poured over all the pictures I have of my precious son. She saw every single one... we cried... we laughed about how big he was...we marveled at how beautiful God had made him...

It was a gift to me... even though I cried, it felt good. I know I have said this before, but, I love telling his story... I love hearing someone else mention his name... music to my ears. My heart aches as I sit in my quiet house tonight with the rest of the family sound asleep... sleep comes so easily for all of them.... I am thankful for that, for them... But tonight, I miss my son...I can't wait for our joyful reunion one day... Longing for Heaven...when I can hold him again.

And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation, they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night, in his temple;and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. NEVER again will they hunger; NEVER again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them, to springs of living water. And God will wipe away EVERY TEAR from their eyes.

Revelation 7:15-17

THIS JUST TOUCHES MY HEART!

UPDATE: We finally got our computer working so I could post of picture of Ryane. Isn't she beautiful... inside and out:) This one was taken back in March the night we got our tatoos:)



I just have to let you all know what an awesome amazing friend I have. I know I mentioned Greg's cousin Ryane before... she is my tattoo buddy. ( My regular computer is down so I will have to post a picture of her in another post) She is also one of Jojo's godparents and has been such a HUGE support to me over the past 10 months. She was the one who came up here to just hang out and support us last January. She got my rear running again after Samuel died.

Well, she is about to run her 4th (I think:) marathon. She is running it in memory of Samuel. She is running with RUNNING HOPE. It is a division of Shaohannah's Hope, the organization that Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth founded to raise money to give grants to people who are adopting. They also have built Maria's House of Hope in memory of their daughter Maria who died 17 months ago. This home takes care of special needs orphans and even has a surgery floor to do surgeries for these children that otherwise may not ever be done. After Samuel died Ryane and her husband immediately sent a gift to them in memory of Samuel. Little did she know that was one of the foundations we wanted to send memorials to in lieu of flowers. This girl can read my mind sometimes,it is crazy.

She is also doing a big chili cook off the first weekend of November in Louisiana to raise money for Shaohannah's Hope. I think she runs the race the following week. Ryane is such a go getter. I am amazed with all she does, but my heart is just warmed that she would do it this in memory of Samuel. As time passes by, less and less people mention my son... it seems that many have forgotten or certainly moved on. But for us, we haven't, we couldn't, we will never forget the precious miracle that Samuel was to us. And it just makes me smile to know that Ryane hasn't forgotten either. I know she won't. She has been faithful to call and check in on me, and faithful to always mention Samuel, and now she is helping his memory bring good to orphans all over the world.

The kids and I may try to head down there the first weekend of November to be a part of the cook off, we won't cook, just hang out. That will be just a few short days after our boy will have been gone a full year. Boy we miss that sweet baby, but we are so thankful for precious friends and loved ones that validate and honor Samuel's life. What a gift that is to us. Thanks Ryane! We love you so much!

A LITTLE CHANGE IN THE ADOPTION PLANS

MORE FAMILY PICTURES FROM INKS LAKE

Not a whole lot of new things going on here, we have had a busy week, adjusting to our home school schedule. Every year I have to remind myself that it usually takes about a month before I really feel like we are in a groove... we're getting there:)

I thought I would give you a quick update on all of the adoption stuff. Faith would have been due in just a couple of weeks. For so long everything revolved around Sept. 25th the due date. Being young like she was, there would have been a good chance we would've had that little one in our home already. I can't help but be sad about that, and wish in my heart that things were different. It is weird, it seems I am constantly feeling a mix of emotions. Of course I wish things would be different, but at the same time, I trust in God's plan and I can rest in that.

Anyways... A couple of weeks ago we got a message from a friend on a Friday evening... saying to call her back ASAP. It seemed rather odd. I got online because it was much too late to be calling her home. So we chatted on facebook. Basically the nuts and bolts of the conversation was that she had been told by someone that there was an adoption agency in another city in OK that really needed adoptive parents that were willing to adopt a child of a different race. They had one baby that had just come and one due that week. The director of that agency called the next morning asking us to try to get all of our things to her, like the home study and a whole slew of forms she emailed me to fill out.

This is an agency. CPO is more of a ministry, strictly run by volunteers. They both seem wonderful, just different. So we gave her all that she asked for. Who knows where God may have a child for us... We certainly can't claim to know what He is up to. So basically we were super excited hoping just maybe we could head out of town to pick up a baby. It didn't happen, but who knows what God has in store. It just hasn't been the right time, but we know that if it is God's will, He will have the perfect baby or babies:) for our family. Now we just have to wait. That is the hard part.

I thought it was so sad that people don't want a child of another race. We have always thought, that if we adopted it would be a child that didn't look like us. We will love deeply and treasure any special child the Lord brings our way light skinned or dark skinned. My parents first foster baby when I was in High School was a little biracial baby named Ross that we had with us for 6 months. He was so unbelievably precious. He was also the best natured little guy. I have always had a soft spot in my heart biracial little ones ever since then... so sweet. Who am I kidding all little ones are so sweet:)

For me it is a constant ebbing and flowing of all of the emotions. That can literally wear me out. I want to trust fully that the Lord has good for us in the future. So it is easy to get excited, let your mind wander, yet at the same time a piece of you is really holding back at all times, sad to say, wondering what tragedy is just around the corner. I know that sounds so pessimistic, and normally that is not me at all.

Please pray boldly with us that the Lord will bring us a sweet little baby... sooner rather than later:) We know it is in His timing, yet he wants us to make our requests known to Him right? We so appreciate your prayers on our family's behalf.

One of my favorite verses from Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Ahhhh, Peace, such a great thing. Praying you all have a peaceful weekend.

Hoping you have a great weekend.

SOMETHING CRAZY ABOUT ME:)

THE START OF OUR CRAZY IMMUNE BUILDER TINCTURE...

YES, I DID SAY TINCTURE...

THE FOUR JARS READY TO BREW IN THE CROCK POT FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS





I am not sure where my love for all things natural really started. I think it was when we were close to having to get tubes for Louis. He had quite a few ear infections and our pediatrician said if he gets one or 2 more, we had to look at tubes. My mom sent me some homeopathic drops to use when he got another cold or when we were suspicious of another ear infection... and let me tell you, he never had another one. I think that is what started my interest in more healthy living in general. From there it went onto using more homeopathic remedies, eating better, teaching natural childbirth classes, becoming a doula, and yes, making herbal tinctures:)




So let me preface it all by saying, I know these things don't appeal to everyone. I know not everyone loves natural childbirth like me, and many aren't even remotely interested in it :) and that is totally ok with me. I certainly am not religious about how we eat, we just try to make good choices for the most part and then when we splurge or have treats I don't feel bad. I am very thankful to have doctors that can help us when we need them. We don't avoid going to them at all, it just seems that since we have started to be more concious of what we eat, and using the homeopathic things when little things come up, we rarely NEED to go see them. I like that:)



It is funny, Greg calls all that natural remedies and such, "my witch doctor stuff". The funny part is, if he ever feels a sickness brewing, he is the first to ask for some of it.



And that is where the immune builder tincture comes in...



Basically it is a whole mess of herbs like Echinecea roots and tops, elderberries, nettle, peppermint, rosehips, and ginsing root. You put the herbal mix in pint size jars, cover with hot water, and then fill the jars almost to the top with vegetable glycerin. I am not going to lie, it doesn't taste the best. It is incredibly sweet. You can put it in tea, but we just tend to take a spoonful and wash it down with water. Last year, we literally had only one child with one cold all winter. So since we already had one child we know diagnosed with the swine flu, I thought I should get the concoction going. I am thankful to be able to use some of the wonderful things God put on this earth to help stregthen our immune systems. If you are at all interested in herbs a great place to get them online is www.bulkherbstore.com

Do you think I am kind of wacky now? Hopefully you'll still come back wacky or not:)

KEEPING BUSY!

HERE IS THE HOME MADE WATER BOTTLE JOJO AND ANNA MADE YESTERDAY WHILE THE BIG BOYS AND I WERE DOING SOME SCHOOL... I THINK HE WILL BE GETTING MORE THAN ENOUGH WATER DOWN HIS PRECIOUS HATCH.

WE COULD HEAR LOTS OF GIGGLING IN THE DISTANCE:) THESE 2 LITTLE GOOFBALLS WERE QUITE BUSY GETTING THESE LITTLE OUTFITS ARRANGED AND ON. THEN IT WAS OUR TURN TO LAUGH. THEY SAT THROUGH A WHOLE SCIENCE LESSON LOOKING LIKE THIS... SUCH FUNNY KIDS. I KIND OF HAD A HARD TIME KEEPING A STRAIGHT FACE:)

WE HAVE HAD A SUPER BUSY WEEKEND SO FAR. THE KIDS WERE AT THE BOTTOM'S FARM YESTERDAY. THEY ALL SLEPT OVER AND THE BIG KIDS HELPED WITH THE FARMERS MARKET AGAIN. THEY HAD A BIG SLEEPOVER WITH THE BOTTOM'S OTHER GRANDCHILDREN. THE KIDS HAVE TAKEN TO CALLING THEM THEIR OKLAHOMA GRANDMA AND GRANDPA. GREG AND I GOT A LOT DONE WHILE THE KIDS WERE GONE... HONESTLY I CAN'T REMEMBER THE LAST NIGHT GREG AND I SPENT WITH OUT ANY OF THE KIDS.

GREG AND I HAD SUCH A NICE TALK WITH MRS. BOTTOM AND HER DAUGHTER OVER DINNER. SHE HAS WORKED IN HOSPICE FOR YEARS. IT IS SO NEAT TO HEAR HER TALK ABOUT THE BEAUTY OF WHEN A PERSON PASSES AND HOW IT IS SUCH A SPIRITUAL TIME. IT WAS FASCINATING. ONE THING I HAVE SEEN OVER AND OVER AGAIN IS PEOPLE'S UNCOMFORTABLENESS WITH DEATH, THE PROCESS OF DYING, AND THE ONES LEFT TO GRIEVE. SHE HAD SUCH NEAT INSIGHT. I TOLD GREG SHE NEEDS TO SHARE THAT KNOWLEDGE... I COULD SEE THE WHEELS TURNING IN GREG'S HEAD, HOW TO MAKE THAT POSSIBLE.

I WILL TRY TO UPDATE ON SOME CHANGES WE HAVE HAD WITH THE WHOLE ADOPTION PLAN... WE ARE STILL ANXIOUSLY... NOT REALLY ANXIOUSLY, PROBABLY MORE EXCITEDLY AND IMPATIENTLY WAITING FOR ANOTHER BIRTH MOM TO CHOOSE OUR FAMILY. I WILL TELL YOU ABOUT SOME OF THE CHANGES WHEN I HAVE A BIT MORE TIME.

FOR NOW I WILL LEAVE YOU WITH THIS... SOME OF MY FAVORITE VERSES FROM ISAIAH....

THE SPIRIT OF THE SOVEREIGN LORD IS UPON ME,

BECAUSE THE LORD HAS ANNOINTED ME

TO PROCLAIM GOOD NEWS TO THE POOR.

HE HAS SENT ME TO BIND UP THE BROKEN HEARTED,

TO PROCLAIM FREEDOM FOR THE CAPTIVES

AND RELEASE FROM DARKNESS FOR THE PRISONERS.

TO PROCLAIM THE YEAR OF THE LORD'S FAVOR AND THE DAY OF VENGEANCE OF OUR GOD,

TO COMFORT ALL WHO MOURN, AND PROVIDE FOR THOSE WHO GRIEVE IN ZION,

TO BESTOW ON THEM A CROWN OF BEAUTY INSTEAD OF ASHES,

THE OIL OF GLADNESS INSTEAD OF MOURNING.

AND A GARMENT OF PRAISE INSTEAD OF A SPIRIT OF DESPAIR.

THEY WILL BE CALLED MIGHTY OAKS,

A PLANTING OF THE LORD FOR THE DISPLAY OF HIS SPLENDOR.

ISAIAH 61:1-3

WHAT A CAMP OUT!

JOJO AND ANNA AND THEIR BIG GIRL BUDDY KELLY

HEADING TO CHECK OUT THE DUCKS

CALEB AND JACK


LOUIS KNEE BOARDING


LOUIS, CALEB AND ANNA ON OUR HIKE


THE HINTZ AND STOCKTON CREW AT INKS LAKE

We are back safe and sound from our trip to Inks Lake. No blown tires this trip... Yeah! But that doesn't mean it wasn't with out adventure. Would you call being 2 feet away from a skunk with its tail raised in the dark an adventure? Really, I think it was a miracle that Anna and I didn't sprayed especially when we had to high tail it because I couldn't get her to stop screaming. She was so scared, by the time we made it to the bathroom, her lip was bleeding she bit down on it so hard. I felt so bad for her. Anyways, it was kind of a whirlwind trip, but so worth it and so much fun. We left Sunday after church, and headed back Wednesday morning.

The neat part about it was that our sweet friends the Stocktons invited us to go with their small group from church. We had known most of them when we were at Salem 10 years ago. But a couple of them were new to us. They were incredibly sweet to welcome us with open arms. They are all home school families, hence the reason we could all be there during the week this time of the year. One of the neatest things was that most of the other families besides the Stocktons and us had older kids. These were the neatest older kids. The first morning we were there we went hiking with everyone. These older kids were so incredibly helpful. They took such great care of the littler ones, just scooping them up or giving them a hand when needed. And the really cool thing was that they did it so joyfully. All week they were taking the little ones under their wings, teaching the how to knee board, sitting on the beach, drying them off, helping them get food, no matter what it was, they were there to do it. What neat examples of great young Christian teenagers. They helped the little ones and accepted the bigger ones right away to hang out with them.

The first morning we were there we hiked. The Texas Hill Country is really beautiful. We hiked to this area called Devil's watering hole. Louis, Caleb, Anna, and Greg all did some jumping off of of the cliffs. The kids were pretty brave... braver than I would have been. Then we hung out by the beach at the lake and just swam, floated around, watched the kids play. Some one brought a huge water trampoline that was loads of fun for the kids. They had a blast and were completely worn out by the end of each day.

The kids were also amazed with all of the creatures we saw. We had a baby armadillo living under a tree outside of our cabin. We saw many deer. And yes, we saw at least 5 skunks. The crazy thing was on way down to Inks Lake we were slowed because of an accident caused by a car hitting a cow.... a HUGE, enormous bull cow, big, dark and black.... not to easy to see in the dark. Thankfully the driver was ok, but wooh, that was strange to see.

We did lots of visiting and sharing about what is going on in our lives. It was nice to be with all of them knowing that they have been praying for us this year. One of the moms, specifically said that she feels so close to me because she has commited to pray for me everyday. When you pray for someone everyday, they are on your mind and heart. It was so sweet of her. We had lost of great late night talks with the Stocktons. It was so nice to share our hearts with them. We all remember very clearly sharing with them our fertility struggles before we ever conceived any of our children. They were supportive then and they are supportive now with the journey of losing Samuel and then Joel. They are great listeners. We still miss the fact that we don't live closer to them.

But I do have to mention that regardless of how great they are... we still weren't going to let them beat us in spades:) (Who knows I am sure they will probably get us next time... we have a long standing competition with them... it used to be tennis when we lived right by them.:)

They are some of the funniest people I know. Really, I know they are funny, but I think it is the combination of all of our goofiness that when put together for any amount of time leads to lots of belly laughing. And it felt so good. I love the comfort level with old friends, just picking up where you left off the last time. It was a precious gift to spend a few days with them and their friends.

Beautiful weather...

Beautiful, cabins... (well not really beautiful, but it sure beat the tent camping we usually do:)

Beautiful creation...

Beautiful conversations...

Beautiful laughter...

Beautiful friends...

God has been gracious this week and we are so thankful.

JUST A TASTE OF OUR TEXAS TRIP:)

JOJO CAME THROUGH THE TREES LOOKING LIKE THIS, I THOUGHT FOR SURE HE HAD GOTTEN A BLACK EYE WHILE GREG WAS WATCHING HIM.... NOPE, JUST PLAYING IN THE DIRT.

ANNA CLIFF JUMPING. IT WAS A LOT HIGHER THAN IT LOOKS.

ME AND MY SWEET FRIEND MARY

ALL THE GIRLS AT THE TOP OF THE HIKE.

ALL OF THE BOYS AT THE TOP OF THE HIKE.

I WILL POST MORE ABOUT THE TRIP SHORTLY... JUST THOUGHT I WOULD GIVE YOU A LITTLE PREVIEW.