Catching up.....Pumpkin Farm

In October we visited a pumpkin farm in St. Louis. Kole had a fantastic time. He played in corn, rode a pony, (which he wasn't too sure about) and went on a tractor ride. It was a fun time had by all, especially Sonja who slept through it all.

 

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Fall and friendship tea

Maternity leave is awesome! It's so crazy not working, you get to do more things. We got to spend a week in St. Louis. Jason had a work trip in Kansas City so he dropped off the kids and me at his parent's house. We enjoyed beautiful fall weather and colors, good food as always, long walks, and plain old relaxation. While we were there I rediscovered my love for friendship tea. I think I drank more of this tea than coffee. I loved it so much my mom found the recipe and I made some for myself (and a few others). It's so easy and it makes a great gift. You could decorate the jars with fabric, cute labels and twine. I didn't have the time or the stuff to do this but maybe for Christmas I will?! That might be wishful thinking but we'll see!

Here's the tea in a cute mug.....see recipe below and enjoy some other snapshots of fall!

 

We've done so much driving lately....these two are so good in the car.

Friendship Tea

1 tang mix

1 lemonade mix

1 unsweetened ice tea mix

( I used the whole containers for all three of the mixes)

1 cup sugar

3 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp cloves

Stir all together and put in jars. When making tea use 3 tsp of mix for one cup of hot water.

 

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She's here!!

We checked into the hospital at 7:00 pm on Wednesday night.  I was induced with cervadil around 9:00 and started feeling action around 1:00 am.  Sonja was born at 6:30 am.  Just a few pushes and she was here!  She came so fast and I was so greatful for that.  We thought we'd get the whole night before to sleep and then they'd start me with pitocin in the morning, but that wasn't the case.  So we were up all night having a baby!  

We just can't get enough of her sweet face.  She is such a great sleeper, but mom wishes she would eat a little more!  It's been awesome having family and friends here to visit and help out.  We are excited to begin new adventures as a family of four!  

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Late(ly)

Baby #2 is late... So here is what we have done in the meantime!

I pushed a button when the baby moved.

We did our decorating duties for Sonja's side of the room.

We were continually entertained by this little man.

He loves the slide and does better without dad but was nice enough to let him join one time.

We took many strolls around the neighborhood.

We went to the fair where we met this guy...

Kole was thrilled to meet him and couldn't contain his excitement.

He even was able to pet this guy.

He loved eating his sweet corn.

We even walked up the giant hill for a Sunday morning coffee date.

We were invited by some friends to a Brewer game so we made the trip out to Miller Park, turned out to be a very late night but worth it!

Oh and I let my husband buzz my head!

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Our little guy

We are having so much fun with this little guy!  He is in love with golf.  The first thing he does when he wakes up is run and find his golf clubs. He makes the funniest faces and he's such a little smartie.  I'm so excited for Sonja to be here....but part of me is a little sad that our time with just him is coming to an end.  We are ready for this next season, and I'm so excited for Kole to be a big brother.  I think he's going to be so sweet with her.  We'll find out soon, five days until my due date.  

Ben Shanika and Judah

My brother and sister-in-law Ben and Shanika were due with their sweet baby Judah this August. Yesterday we got the sad news that the doctors couldn't find a heartbeat. Here's an update from my father-in-law about what's happening now. Please keep our family in your prayers!

 I need to just say how proud I am right now of my son and daughter-in-law.  The doctors expect that our grandson will be stillborn sometime tomorrow. At a time when their world is crashing in, they are unshaken.  Their feet are firmly planted on the Rock, their Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.  While gales blow around them, and lesser foundations crumble, they are standing firm.  Their countenances reflect a peace and hope that would be unfathomable to many.  They are surrounded by like-minded people who are reflecting back to them the strength, courage, and encouragement that Ben and Shanika have given to them in the past.  The result is a body truly working the way a body should.  We live in a broken world, but the relationships that have been established in this church family are mending the tears and even now fostering the healing that must happen.

 We are sitting in the hospital hallway.  Babies are being born in rooms all around us.   They are being rolled past in a constant parade.  Each one brings a genuine smile to my son’s face.  He is truly joyful at the blessings received by others, because that’s who he is.  I also believe that he understands the beatitude, “Blessed are they that mourn, for they will be comforted.” (emphasis mine)  He is experiencing communion with his Father, who knows the pain of losing his only son.  He is trusting in a larger purpose and a greater love than he can imagine, even as he cares for his wife with a gentle touch and a strong heart, and reconciles the expectations he had for his son with those that God had purposed.

We do not place any limits on God.  He who called Lazurus from the dead, and raised the Centurion’s daughter still lives and rules.  Our prayer is for God to take this cup from us, but not our will, but His be done.  Thank you to all who are praying.  We believe that God hears and answers with infinite mercy and wisdom.  Continue to uphold Shanika, Ben and Judah James, that all them, through the lives God has ordained, will bring glory and honor to him, and light to a dark world.

Trusting in Him,
 Harley and Beth