doin' the duck...

When Jesse pouts, he makes a duck face, so we sing "Doin' da duck," to the tune of an old 80's song...can you guess what it was? Anyway, he gets sent to his room for doing the duck because it is disrespectful. It is one of those little rules that is probably only a Lichtenberger thing and people would think we were crazy if they simply overheard,
"If you are gonna do the duck, you can go to your room until you have a better attitude and then you can rejoin us after putting on a happy face and apologizing."

Lucy.With.Straight.Hair!

You can tell Jeka is in town when the girls come home with new hairstyles! While I was at the hospital this morning with Mom, Jeka straightened Lucy's curls! It is the first time ever in the 3 years she has been on this earth that she has not had a fro. I almost didn't recognize her. She looks so old!

I didn't even know it was possible to straighten hair like Lucy's...I am amazed!

She said it took a really long time, so I can't promise that I will be straightening it myself anytime soon. My poor daughters...their mom is hairstyling challenged!

another future funky fashionista...

James said that he was standing in the kitchen and Preslie came strolling in looking like this. He grabbed the camera and captured her first -totally on her own- dress up session. The girl's got her big sister Shelby's funky style already. I love it!

This is one of the scarves Matt brought us back from India. It is so beautiful and twice as long as Preslie! She could totally wear it as a sari.

I love her little blond curls that are starting to pop out. She is definitely working the baby mullet just like the others. We'll just have to wait and see if it curls up as tight as Lucy's. Right when she gets out of the bath it is super curly.

My baby is growing up! Will she always seem like a baby to me since she is the youngest?

Grateful for my Momma this Thanksgiving...

We didn't have dinner today. We are putting it off until Saturday when we can bring Mom a plate in the hospital. This year, Thanksgiving is bittersweet. Not having Mom at home could have made it a very sad day. I thought it would. But surprisingly, it might end up being my favorite one so far.

Today, Shelby, Jeka and I spent most of the day with Mom in the hospital. She had her spleen removed Tuesday after spending a week in there hoping it would heal. Recovery is slow and painful for her, but she is looking better every day. I could never have imagined how much I would treasure this time with her. She is always the one who takes care of everyone else. She is a rock and the strongest woman I know. Taking care of her while she is vulnerable and weak is such a privilege. To be able to repay her in some small way is truly amazing. Jeka and I gave Mom a sponge bath today to help protect her modesty. We are a family of extremely modest women and it is painful and humiliating to have to rely on strangers to bathe us or care for us in that way. It was such an honor to be able to do that for her. She also had us brush her hair a lot and pull it back for her. There is something so special about brushing your own Mom's hair. Shelby ran back and forth to the nurses kitchen to bring Noni fresh cranberry juice and ice chips. She helped pull the curtain when necessary and heated up chicken broth for her. She felt so big and useful. When I left to come home she begged to stay with Noni, so I let her. I can't believe at 8 years old she spent an entire day in the hospital with her Noni. She loves that lady! We all do! I am so thankful for this upside down Thanksgiving. I will always remember this sweet time with my Momma with tenderness.

Psalm 15

Psalm 15

LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
Who may live on your holy mountain?
The one whose walk is blameless,
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart;
whose tongue utters no slander,
who does no wrong to a neighbor and casts no slur on others;
who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the LORD;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind;
who lends money to the poor without interest;
who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
Whoever does these things will never be shaken.

When I was sitting with my mom in the hospital the other night, I noticed the nurse's tattoo on his forearm. It was a scroll with "Psalm 15" written on it. I asked him about the significance of this particular Psalm to him and he said it was his motto for life. I agreed that it was a pretty awesome motto and something we all should strive for. How much peace would we experience if this Psalm defined our lives?

Pizza Camp...

Yesterday morning we got to go to the long-awaited Pizza Camp at Sardella's. Lucy woke up feeling pretty good, so we took a chance and went. It was AWESOME! Shelby and Jesse got to tour the kitchen and freezer, play lots of pizza dough games with other kiddos, roll and hand toss their own pizza crust and make pepperoni pizzas. {They even made me a gluten-free one so I could indulge!} Preslie and Lucy were too young to participate in the camp, but they gave them some dough to play with. We all had so much fun! It was definitely a bright spot in our week! They are already asking when we can do it again.

update on mom and lucy...

Lucy's procedures went fine yesterday. She was a real trooper. He found a lot of inflammation in her stomach and esophagus, so he took some blood and some tissue for a biopsy to check for a number of things. Hopefully we will know soon. She is still vacillating between feeling okay and doubled over in pain.

My mom is not recovering as well as we were hoping. Her spleen isn't going to make it, so now they are waiting to find out if she will have to have surgery to have it removed or if it will reabsorb into her body without further complication. She has some fluid on her lungs and a high fever, so they are worried about pneumonia. We are all praying for a speedy recovery from all of this. She is longing to be home before Thanksgiving, but if she can't, we are bringing dinner to her!

Please Pray for my Mom and Lucy...

My mom is in the hospital with a ruptured spleen due to an ATV accident last weekend. They thought she just had some bruised ribs and a sprained wrist, but yesterday her pain became unbearable and she couldn't breathe, so we had her taken to the hospital where they discovered the ruptured spleen and did a procedure to stop the bleeding and try to save the spleen. She is in ICU while they closely monitor her to make sure the bleeding doesn't return.

Lucy has gotten worse and we made a trip to a GI doc today. He is very concerned and has scheduled a colonoscopy and endoscopy for 6:30 tomorrow morning. We are praying for answers. Please join us...

Arizona, this time of year...

From about the end of October through the beginning of May, Arizona is a dream. The schools should have winter break instead of summer break around here! The scorpions, reptiles & most other troublesome creatures go hide somewhere and we can open the windows and doors and let in the fresh air. we can tie back the curtains and let the sunshine in without worrying about blocking out the heat to keep the electric bill down. It is in the 70s during the day and it gets down to the 40s or below at night sometimes. I can wear my flip flops every day, but at night I sometimes need a sweater and in the early morning, a sweatshirt and sometimes even a stocking cap. After we finish school, the kids spend most of the day playing outside because they can (after 115 degree summer days when they couldn't go out past like 8:30 a.m. without having a heat stroke!)

While we are doing school in the morning, Preslie and Lucy run in and out and enjoy their freedom. (when Lucy is feeling good, that is.) They are starting to really play together and become good friends. Preslie loves putting on her shoes and going in and out of the sliding glass door. She will run to the shoe box and grab some and bring them to one of us to help her put them on. Then, she smiles and whispers, "su, su," over and over.

Child, if you'd just do what I'm asking you to do...

We are still dealing with poor little Lucy's tummy issues. After a trip to the urgent care last Wednesday, where they told us it was a virus {once again}, Lucy continued to lay around, refuse to eat more than a bite of toast, moan, and be up half the night wanting to snuggle or be held. This thing she is dealing with is obviously not a virus since NONE of the rest of us have gotten it. We do have a cold, but no tummy issues. None of us got the "virus" she had in October either. I understand that doctors diagnose based on what they see at the time, so I am not blaming the doctors, but this Momma knows when something more is going on with her baby.

So, on Friday, I took her to Mendy's Place at John C Lincoln hospital. It is a children's ER and they have some of the best pediatric specialists in the area on staff. They X-rayed Lucy's belly and said she was severely constipated and probably withholding for fear that it would be as painful as the time in October (that was emotionally scarring for all of us). They gave her an enema and a catheter to check for a bladder infection and she finally went some in her diaper, providing a little relief. It was so hard for me to see her go through that traumatic experience knowing it would further complicate the constipation and potty training issues. The doctor said to stop all potty training for at least a couple of months or it would be even worse. We have to give her laxatives for a few months so that she never has pain when going and eventually she will not withhold out of fear. Saturday was her 3rd birthday, and I have no pictures. Because she was feeling so icky we didn't do anything.

Fast forward to today, Monday...she is still laying on the couch, moaning and wanting to be held. She was up much of the night once again last night. I don't know what to do for my baby. I try to get her to eat fruit and veggies or oatmeal and to drink her juice with miralax mixed into it, but she just wants to have a bite or a sip and then just be held. She refuses to go in her diaper, even though she feels the urge, so just a tiny bit leaks out every once in a while. I'd just hold her all of the time if it would make her better, but she is going to have to do her part in order for her tummy to feel normal so she can get back to her usual joyful self...as hard and as scary as it is, she needs to do what I am asking her to do. I will help her and hold her when she is in pain, but to come out of this, she has to move past her fear and take a few steps toward healing.

Maybe it is because I am a teacher and in my busy (sometimes annoying) brain I can turn almost anything and everything into a teachable moment, but I am still seeing this whole situation with her as a metaphor for our relationship with our Heavenly Father. I can recall several times in my life when I was desperate for God, but I just wanted to be held. I just wanted Him to hold me and brush the hair out of my eyes and reassure me that everything would be okay. Even when He had held me and steadied me and given me instructions for moving forward, I just wanted to cling to Him and stay in that place where I felt safe and warm...My situation wasn't getting better because I was paralyzed, but I just needed a little more time. Once I stepped out in obedience and proceeded (hand-in-hand) with Him by my side, hope returned and I started to see that I was going to be okay...or even better than okay.

Child, I love you so much and I only want what is best for you. If you'd just do what I am asking you to do, I promise I will be right there with you, and things will get better...Trust me.

I need you...

Tonight, when I was rocking Preslie to sleep, Lucy was laying in her bed moaning and crying out for me saying, "I need you. Momma, I need you." Those words are so precious to me. "I need you."

To be needed, wanted, for my child to cry out and acknowledge her need for my comfort and protection...is painfully precious, the ultimate bitter sweet feeling of intimacy.

Sure, I enjoy it when she entertains me or tries to please me. I am grateful when she obeys me because I know the value of obedience in keeping her safe and happy. I love it when she draws me a picture or gives me a gift. When she talks about me to others, it makes me smile.

But when she needs me, I know that she trusts me...loves me...feels safe in my arms.

As she cried out to me tonight and my heart longed to meet her every need, it occurred to me that my Heavenly Father might just cherish most the very same moments with me. My moments of most desperate need are probably even more precious to Him than all of my efforts to please Him.

I need You...

Poor little lulu...

Lucy is sick again. I hope it is just a bug and not a symptom of something bigger. When the kids have repeated tummy troubles I always become suspicious of food intolerances. I am sure it is because I am gluten-intolerant and it is hereditary, but I don't want to hypochondriac on behalf of my kids just because of my issues. Maybe it is just a coincidence, right? She has been puking and lethargic since early Monday morning. Poor little thing. She is laying in the recliner watching Madagascar right now while the oldest two skate on the driveway and Preslie toddles in and out the back door. We have all of the windows open and it is BEAUTIFUL! I am so thankful that we have several months of this incredible weather ahead to look forward to. It has been a stinkin' long and hot summer...We are just now getting to the good stuff and it is November. I wish Lulu could enjoy it.

Yesterday, Shelby set Lucy up on the porch with a blanket and pillow so she could sit out there and watch them skate and ride bikes. It reminded me of the beach scene in Beaches where they were all frolicking on the beach and she was sitting there in a lawn chair wrapped in a blanket. So sad!

This is the only smile I have managed to squeeze out of her in two days. I can't wait until she is feeling better! AND, I hope it isn't contagious.

This was Sunday evening before she started feeling bad. I want this spunky little thing back! It is quiet around here without her at her best.

the last leg of the trip, NM...

After KC, we went to Wichita to see James' Dad and Grandma Vivian and pick up Sherri to ride back with us. I will post those pics as soon as I get them. These are pictures from the day we spent in Albuquerque. New Mexico has the most amazingly vivid rainbows I have ever seen. It is just beautiful. We loved our hotel there, but the shop owners in Old Town were not kid friendly, so we didn't do as much shopping as we wanted to. I did get to experience some over priced authentic stacked enchiladas with a fried egg on top, though, and it was DISGUSTING! The smell of Pinon wood burning everywhere we walked almost made up for it. Love that smell!

We drove from Wichita to Anthony to Albuquerque and were in the car for about 13 hours give or take. This collage captures the chaos of the car ride, complete with Lucy smelling her blanket, Shelby squeezing Jesse's cheeks, lots of giggling, & Sherri wearing my glasses under a pile of blankets and pillow pets...Doesn't it look like a dream?! I don't know how she survived back there! Good memories, good times...

Halloween, Sweet and Scary...

Fall is our favorite time of year and we always enjoy dressing up and trick-or-treating on Halloween. This year, Shelby was Cleopatra. Jesse was a pirate (after his mummy costume itched so bad that Noni ran him to Target to get a new costume.) Lucy was a cheerleader (after her fairy princess costume was so itchy that I ran home to get her a OSU cheerleader dress to wear.) Preslie was a kitty cat. Shelby and Jesse were inspired by our study of Ancient Egypt and that is how they chose their costumes. I wish I'd have gotten a pic of Jesse dressed as a mummy before he ripped off his costume. I couldn't get to the camera faster than he was clawing it off. So, yeah, we have always had the "no scary costume or decoration" rule around our house, but this year we reconsidered. Jesse and Papa love scaring each other and being scared. The play tricks on each other and tell scary stories. My kids know it is all make-believe and they aren't really afraid. They don't have issues with bedtime or bad dreams, so we consented to my Dad's grand plan...a Haunted Courtyard for Halloween.

Boy oh boy, did Papa go all out?! He was told over and over that his house was the best and scariest in the neighborhood, complete with a smoke and sound machine, spider webs, 3 huge life-sized characters, Dracula looking through the window, and James dressed as a scary skeleton clown rocking in a rocking chair in the corner.When we returned from trick-or-treating, Shelby and Jesse took turns being the scary clown. Shelby scared one lady so bad she screamed and then returned 4 or 5 times with other neighbors to show them the courtyard. It was a night to remember ,that is for sure!

At the Shore's...

Yea!!! Carrie sent me some pics. When I look at these all together like this it blows me away. Just 8 short years ago we were both teaching with our first babies in our bellies...Who could have imagined our lives {and hearts} [and schedules]would be as full as they are now?! We are both homeschooling our 4 kids 8 and under and if you would have told either of us that we'd be doing this 8 years ago we'd have told you you were insane! We were public school teachers, after all! We have a lot in common and even across the miles our hearts are forever connected. We love the Shores!

Next Stop, Kansas City!

Ahhh...Kansas City. When we arrived, we drove straight to the park next to Cedar Ridge Christian Church to meet some friends. It was like a family reunion. We got lots of hugs, had lots of laughs, ate some yummy food provided by Angel and Allison and tried to make sure no one drowned in the pond. The kids picked up with their friends right where they left off and ran themselves silly. Shelby and Jesse's wish to play in the leaves came true. The colors were so beautiful. Fall in Kansas is truly amazing after being in this desert for a few years!




I wish I had pictures of everyone who came, but I got most of the kids and I guess that is what is important! They are the ones who change so much from year to year while we adults just stay the same, {if we are lucky, right}!

I am sad I didn't get more pics of James with his friends. Matt C, Seavie, Brian, Jeremy, Randy, Ben, and Ken were there, along with Cindy, Katie, Anje and Izzy that I didn't get pics of. We missed seeing a few more families that didn't come, but we will be back next summer and spend more time there, hopefully.

While in KC, we stayed with the Shores. This is the one and only pic I got while we were with them, (what, I know!?) The 8 of them played really well together jumping on the trampoline, playing pirate, dressing up, and just hanging out. Carrie, DeLand, James and I stayed up late both nights cracking each other up and plotting ways to get us back to Kansas. It was so nice to be with friends who are more like family!

On Tuesday, we spent the afternoon at the Wiltse's...I got no pictures. : ( The kids were off playing in the woods behind their house for hours while me and Jenn lounged on the couch and the littles took long naps. It was a short visit, but one the kids will never forget. It was probably their first real taste of freedom!

Whirlwind Tulsa Day 2, the Woodlees...

Gigi and Papa were ready with open arms when the Lichtenberger crew arrived. They had Joey and Sadie over to play with the kids and it was like Disney Land. We had so much fun just hanging out all day, eating yummy food, watching football, and catching up.

The noise level was something I am sure Gigi and Papa weren't used to, but they seemed to enjoy having all the kids there. I loved seeing the kids run around their huge back yard just like Jay and I did when we were little. It brought back so many sweet memories.

It was so good to see Jay and Jeff! They always have so much fun with the kids. Jay is a ball of energy since he started teaching all of those classes at the gym. He held his own with the kids, chasing, scaring and wrestling with them.

Aren't they the cutest grandparents you have ever seen? You should see them cut a rug!

Curly headed Lucy charmed Papa with her adorable antics.

I snapped this one of Preslie and Jeff a little too late. She had been sitting on his lap for the longest time playing on the computer. So sweet!

Sitting on that step that goes down into the living room and making sure the kids don't bonk their heads on the bricks is something that is so common on our visits. They had to do it when me and Jay were little and now we have had to do it for 8 years, ever since Shelby made her appearance along with all the little ones that have followed. It is the best seat in the house because you can see into the living room and kitchen and you don't miss out on any of the action. My brother came too and watched football on the living floor {as usual} while the kids AND James wrestled him. At one point James got him into some special wrestling hold and spanked his booty in front of us all. His face turned redder than a beet. It was AWESOME!

Good times...I miss them already!

Whirlwind Tulsa, Day 1

Nene and Papa Jones met Miss Preslie for the first time on our trip and boy, did she ever steal their hearts! She even had Papa dancing in the kitchen.

She loved the tupperware sippy cups that were used by her aunt and uncle and cousins 25 years ago. The drinks come out much faster in these puppies. She was feeling like a big girl.

She warmed right up to Nene and talked up a storm, never mind that no one could understand her. Great grandmas know how to speak babies' languages, I think.

Shelby was wearing the special outfit Nene bought her for her 8th birthday. Nene loves to see us in the outfits she buys for us. She gets such a kick out of picking out just the right thing.

Lucy is still in the "I am not gonna behave for a picture" phase, but at least she was happy to be with Nene. She had a ball and only made one major mess with perfume in the back bedroom.
We stayed with Jen and Emmy at the Points' abode. I can't believe I have no pictures with them! The kids so loved being spoiled by their aunt Jen and eating out of the special baseball cap cereal bowls while we were there.

On our way tot the Woodlees', we stopped by Tricia and Cody's house to get some hugs and say, "Hello!" It was their daughter Allyson's birthday and they were getting ready for a party. The kids wanted so much to stay, but we had to get movin'. Isn't Ally beautiful?!

Tricia is the best mom for a girly girl. She was sporting her very own tiara and made the most fabulous Mum cupcakes for her princess! T-Ta was my first friend at Union High School. I moves there in 9th grade. She was a cheerleader and I was a skater girl and she befriended me right away, before she even knew I had moved in right across the street from her. She saw me in the office with my straight black hair with short severe bangs, vintage outfit and patent leather shoes covered in buttons and immediately struck up a conversation. As different as we always were, we were such good friends. She is a precious girl with a huge heart. It was so great to get a hug from her and her sweet hubby.

James knew Cody in college before he even met Tricia. Cody was in the same fraternity as one of James' best friends so they partied it up quite a bit back in the day. He was all ready for the OSU homecoming game in his orange shirt! I wish we would have had more time with them...maybe soon.