New Year's Eve fun - and photos!

I'm not sure if I've mentioned before, but I really enjoy holidays and creating traditions around them.  I've begun to enjoy things being simpler though so as not to be stressed out during the holidays so that I don't enjoy them.  Well, this year some friends on the Five in a Row board were talking about these "New Year's Eve bags".  It sounded like fun and I thought while I was sitting around with my foot propped up that I could plan something fun with these.

Well, I didn't get to it until the night before and it still turned out wonderfully.  I was helped in large part by many of my friends.  They posted their activities and rhymes.  I copied some, changed some and did a little (very little) of my own to make the night our own.

We invited friends to come over about 5pm and then the fun started.  There was a little prep work in advance and some last minute shopping, but all in all it was pretty simple.  Did I mention that I'm really liking simple?!  Just wanted to share that part because I'm not a super mom by any stretch and this is something fun that anyone could do.

I downloaded a picture of a clock face from the internet and drew the hands on to represent the time that the bag could be opened.  Inside each bag was a small rhyme and items to go along with the "hourly" activity.  (Mine didn't always end up being on the hour - just adjusted so it worked for us!).

Here are the bags:

*5:00 – In the bag: paper plates, beans, stapler, markers

It’s time to get loud, it’s time to celebrate,
The party has just begun!
With markers and beans a noisemaker we will shape,
And have some FUN, FUN, FUN!

My younger boys especially loved making these - and then making lots of noise with them.  Eliana also likes to shake things so she had a shaker of her own.

 *5:30 – In the bag: cardstock with questions, pens, lollipops

We’ll also think ahead - 2008 is almost here.

This surprise comes on a stick,
You'll enjoy it with a lick!
It’s fun to reflect and think back on the year

We took some time to answer the following questions and share our answers.  I'll put mine in after the questions.  I think it will be fun to save these and look back on them next year or in the years to come.  A fun item for my scrapbook - whenever I might get around to doing it.  LOL

 *Favorite book you’ve read this year  So You Don't Want to Go To Church Anymore.  It's not what it sounds like, but rather is a fictionalized story about a man and his walk with Christ.  One of the main characters asks a lot of questions to get the other main character to really examine his relationship with God.  It has given me a lot of food for thought too.  I borrowed the book and liked it enough that I'm planning on buying it so I can reread it and share it with friends.

*Favorite trip you’ve taken this year The beach with my family.  It was our first trip with Eliana and she was 9 months old.  It was fun and relaxing and just nice to be together as a family.

*Name something you are most thankful for - Eliana's repaired heart.  There are many other things I could list, but this was the first thing that popped into my mind.  It was also what Roger listed.

*Something you have learned - This has been a process for me and I've shared it before.  I have learned that God is good - even when my circumstances aren't.  He loves me and it isn't shown by how things are going in my life.  It's all about my relationship with Him.

*Something you hope to do next year - Travel with my family.  I miss our trips around North Carolina.  I miss long field trips. I think I'm feeling like this is something we can do again sometime soon. 

*6:00 - In the bag: pizza crusts, olives, mushrooms

Is your tummy getting rumbly?

Are you ready for some food?

Pepperoni, olives, & cheese,
Sauce and dough ~ Make dinner please!

 *7:00 – In the bag: Spoons game, colored cardstock, markers to make a "Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008" sign.

If your tummys are full and you are ready to race
You’ll be grabbing a spoon to stay in the chase

Then let’s make a sign to say goodbye

And welcome the new year with a loud cry!

 Yes, I'm in the background on the computer.  I'd been on my feet and was taking a break to prop up my foot.  Spoons is a fun game that can be played with a group. 

*8:00 – In the Bag: Makings for cookies – cutters, sprinkles

A better snack there never will be,
You can use your skill and creativity

You can add frosting, sprinkles too

As we wait for the year that is new.

*9:00 – In the Bag: Pictionary Jr, Bible Outburst, Cranberry limeade

Let’s get out a game ... and test your skills
Drawing and knowledge ... this isn’t a drill!
Let’s play a board game for a minute or so,
Only 3 more hours to go!

This has been a fun game for our whole family.  It works well with a wide spread of ages - and is short (can play as many times as you want) and interesting. 

*10:00 – In the Bag: Movie – Ratatoille, popcorn

By now it’s time for some laughs and a movie.
Has this been fun? Has this been groovy?
Let’s all grab a spot and start the show,
Let’s eat popcorn…. 1, 2, 3 … GO!

We hung a sheet up over the fireplace and used a borrowed projector to make a great big screen for our movie showing.  During the evening, Eliana hung out, crawled around and played with lots of people. 

*11:45 – In the bag: A scripture for each person to read. shake noise makers, take pictures, cups for bubbly drinks

It's time to say good-bye to '07,

 

A hug, a prayer, a sweet drink for the toast,

Happy New Year, it's 2008

Watching the ball drop will be great!

I think this was one of my favorite New Year's Eves.  I look forward to doing this again!

With love,

Leslie
   
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit

Romans 15:13

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

 

A short update on what is going on here ...

Things have been busy here the last few days.  We've had my sweet friend that moved (and her children) here to visit so my time on the computer has been minimal.  It's been crazy and fun having 10 children running around the house.  Here's an update on what's been happening.

Mon - We met with a speech therapist as well as Eliana's case worker (that coordinates therapy services for us).  The therapist played with her and observed her doing various things.  The activity that was the most fun for *me* was watching her do some "pretend play".  I was stunned that she would do some of this.  Now, I realize that it is just copying at this point, but I was still amazed.  The therapist took out a small (doll sized) bottle, bowl and spoon and cup.  She pretended to feed Eliana's little cow.  (It's one of her favorite toys.)  Eliana did some of the same things - though not always the one that she had just seen.  It was really cute!

Wed - Feeding therapy for both Eliana and Daniel.  Physical therapy for Eliana.  It's a busy day.  One of my children today asked what we had going on tomorrow and my answer was "Therapy, therapy and therapy".  The response was "Is that all?"  It's also Roger's birthday - so if you see him or want to phone/email - give him some birthday greetings!

Thur - We have a visit with our Ped.  In the afternoon, I'm having a gal come over to show me and a friend some skin care things.  Hopefully it will be relaxing and fun too.

Fri - Nothing in the morning.  Science lab and other activities for the older girls here with a sweet friend and her children.

My foot is doing fine.  I'm still able to get around on it, though it does hurt more over the last couple of days.  I'm not sure if it's because I know where the break is now, but I can feel it at times.  My heel (in the boot) has been getting sore some too.  Trying to stay off of it is tough, though I don't feel like I'm too active most days. 

Before I close I want to list some things for which I'm thankful.

*Good health - This is always a nice thing, and especially appreciated after having dealt with sickness on and off the last couple of months.  We have no sickness here now and I'm thankful for that!

*Friends - I'm thankful for friends that send encouraging notes, offer hugs and share wisdom.  I'm thankful for the experiences of others from which I'm learning.  I'm thankful to have been able to visit from friends living far away over the last couple of weeks.  We had friends from MI visit for a few days.  We hadn't seen them in a couple of years and what fun our children had playing - and the adults too!  What a busy house with 7 boys running around in it!  (The girls just didn't seem as loud.  LOL)

*Family - I've been incredibly blessed.  I'm thankful, very thankful, for the precious people God has given to me as family.

 I'm going to go try to add in the New Year's post separately and hope I don't lose it this time.

Blessings and hugs to you,

Leslie

Short update

Ugh!  I just wrote a long entry - lots of thoughts and ramblings.  Sharing about our New Year's Eve.  Lots of pictures.  When I went to save it - some computer error - it's gone.  *sigh*  It's too late to redo all of that now. 

I'll share a bit about our week and then some notes about things I hope to write about soon.  (Maybe I should just put that on a to-do list.)

*My foot - I went back to the orthopaedist this week and had x-rays.  I did indeed break a bone.  Interestingly, it isn't where there is a lot of bruising.  She noted that I didn't have "something" (can't remember) growing around the break.  I asked if it should be there and she said yes.  I told her that if I should have been keeping off of my foot more, then I haven't been.  I'm able to walk  well with the boot on and I do walk about as much as I can.  She wants me to tape 2 toes together and keep wearing the boot for at least another week.  I can wear shoes then as I want.  I'll go back again in 3 weeks.  I'm not in much pain and seem to be doing fine with getting about.  I really can't complain at all! 

*Therapy for Eliana is going well.  We only had PT this week as our feeding therapist is out of town.  Eliana is slipping off the "normal" developmental curve.  It was only a matter of time before this would happen, but we are still encouraged that she is doing very well.  She is working on standing with support and we are trying to teach her to pull up.  Things she'll need to learn before learning to walk.

*Speech therapy - We have our first appointment next week.  Eliana is babbling some and we have been encouraged to go ahead and start with speech.  I'm not sure what this will entail - but I'll share more when I do know.  If this ends up being weekly, we will have 4 therapies a week.  That's quite a bit for me - and my preference for an uncluttered weekly schedule.

*Ped - We had an unexpected visit with our ped this week.  She wanted a pic with one/some of her patients (for an interview) and asked if I'd bring Eliana by for a photo.  We were most happy to oblige.  I was happy she even asked.  I love that Eliana is known and cared for by her ped (who is wonderful!). 

Things I want to post on:

*New Year's Eve - We had a blast and have lots of pictures.  I want to share our activities.  We had so much fun that we are all hoping to make this a tradition.

*Word of the year - This is from a really neat post by a friend and I want to share it all with you to encourage you in this New Year.

*Some organizations that I think are neat and making a difference in the world that I want others to know about as well.

*Homeschooling - I'd love to share some pictures and some of the things that are going on at our house.  We had an awesome field trip this week and I have some cool photos of that as well.

Sometime it's hard for me to write on some of these things.  Items that seem so unimportant in comparison to all that we've dealt with in the last year.  I remember well struggling with 'normal everyday things" when we were trying so hard just to accomplish basic things for survival.  I wonder sometimes if this stuff is too light, unimportant?  Is this what I'm here to be doing?

I used to think that life was about finding ways to be happy, to help others and to live a good life.  I'm not saying any of those things are wrong, but I think that there is so much more.  I think we are called to live a life of purpose, to be challenged, to take risks and at times to do things that make sense to nobody else just because it is what God wants us to do.  I've been pondering a lot of things and wondering what God is calling me to do.  What changes do I need to make in my life in order to do what He wants me to do?  Am I bringing glory to Him?  Am I willing to step out in faith and do His work for me?

I do think it's good to share our light, fun and happy times.  I want so much for people to know that life with a child with special needs is not dreary or burdensome.  Yes, there are burdens, but I don't feel that my life has a weight on it due to Eliana.  I feel just the opposite - incredibly blessed that this precious little girl was chosen by God to be a part of our family.  I want others to be able to share in this blessing - even if it's just from knowing us via this blog. 

I am thankful for many things.  God has blessed me in ways I could never have imagined.  

With love,

Leslie

Update on Eye Appointment

I am thrilled to report that at this time ...

Eliana does not need glasses!!! 

One of my friends said that she hoped I'd be crying tears of joy with the news that I received today - and that was indeed the case!  I'm thankful that Eliana does not have to deal with this right now.  She will still need to be seen again in 6 months so it's not as though it will never be a possibility, but for now, they are not needed.

So many of my sweet and faithful friends were praying and things went so very smoothly this morning that I could hardly believe it.  We had a short wait before being seen and then were out of there in less than an hour and a half!  That doesn't sound so short when I type it, but it is compared to some other visits.  None of the children needed eye drops so that helped a lot.

Joshua's vision is holding.  He has been patching to try to strengthen one of his eyes and thankfully it had not deteriorated at all.  Isaiah is doing well too.  If we could just keep his glasses in one piece it would be much easier.  That cute boy is constantly breaking his glasses - more than all the other children combined. 

I know that even if the news had been different, that God would still be good - and that He would still be answering prayers.  I am grateful that today's answer was one that I really wanted. 

With a grateful heart,

Leslie

Eye appointments

Well, I haven't been very good about updating here recently.  Sorry about that.  Here's a quick look at what has been going on over the last week.

• We had a wonderful New Year's Eve.  We celebrated with friends and had a fun party with "surprise activity bags to open throughout the evening.  I plan to share what we did and pictures.


• Friends came to visit us for several days and it was so much fun!  They live far from us and we don't get to see them often.  They have children the same ages and genders as our oldest 4 and the kids had a blast playing together!  Lots of boys running around the house!


• I received some fun gifts in the mail!  A digital photo book from Michelle.  This is going to be a fun project - thank you so much!   Also some stamps from my sweet friend Hollie.  Thank you!


• I'm still trying to finish Christmas shopping.  Yes, this has definitely been my year of being behind in EVERYTHING!  LOL  I'm hoping that *maybe* this week I'll get things done.  We'll see.  We are making donations for several of our gifts and I'll share those sites with you a little later - after I've sent them. 


• We started back our homeschooling today.  It was a good day despite sleeping in late (due to being up late the night before).  We accomplished almost everything that was on the list which is a great day in my book!

Tomorrow - Tuesday

Three of our children have eye appointments - Eliana, Isaiah and Joshua.  Eliana has been seen once before in the summer. At the time she was slightly far-sighted and within the bounds of normal for a young baby.  At that time the doctor wanted to wait six months before seeing her again.

For a little history, ALL of our children have had some vision problems. The boys worse than Rebecca (who does not currently wear glasses). Neither Roger or I wear glasses.

I'm so hoping and praying that Eliana's vision will be fine. I won't be shocked (like I was with the first couple of children) if she needs glasses, but I so don't want to deal with one more thing.

I am thankful that my children are able to see with the help of glasses, but I really don't want to do this again. I just want her little face to be free of glasses.   

I would love prayers for our appointment. Since we have 3 appts - it could be a very long morning for us. (They don't tend to be very prompt or quick, though they are very good.) I'm not sure if anyone needs to have their eyes dialated - I'm really hoping not this time. Please pray for my mama's heart. I've cried each time one of my children's vision has been diagnosed as poor. My tears come so much more easily now too.

It sounds so selfish to say this - but I'm just wanting some time of "nothing new" in terms of medical issues with our sweet girl. I know we can handle it - and am almost expecting it - but I'm really hoping we don't have to.

Thank you friends for walking with us on this journey.

With love,

Leslie

 

Happy New Year ... and more

Happy New Year!  It's 2008!  Do you ever start the new year wondering about what lies ahead.  I wonder what joys, surprises and challenges this year holds.  I wonder what ways I will learn more about the God who loves me deeply.  I wonder how He will show His faithfulness, love and compassion.  I don't want to know now - as I truly believe that He only gives us the grace to handle things when we need them, not in advance.  Sometimes it doesn't even feel like there is enough to get through the day.

Just one year ago, I started on a new adventure for me - blogging.  Yesterday Roger pointed out that the one year anniversary of this blog was coming up the following day.   My very first post was an attempt to share pictures of our new little girl.  She was just 2 weeks old - but it had been a difficult first two weeks between medical diagnosis of heart problems, feeding difficulties, a stay in the NICU, 2 weeks of sick family members and much more.  I felt broken, confused and sad.  This just wasn't how I imagined things would be.  I hadn't had an opportunity to share photos of our little sweetheart and thought a blog might be a good way to share.

Here are those first posts if you want to see them.

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/LeslieNelsen/262111/

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/LeslieNelsen/262114/

I didn't know what having a blog would mean to me either.  I never really understood why people blogged.  I knew blogging wasn't for me - afterall, I'm not a writer and had no idea what I would say.  With Eliana's birth, all of that changed.  We had a lot of information that we wanted to share with family and friends  so that they could join us in praying for our little girl.  We wanted others to know what was going on as we walked this new path God layed before us.

When I look back at photos, I can see how hard this was for me.  The joy and lightness I've experienced after the births of my other children just wasn't part of the experience with Eliana.  That kind of makes me sad now - like I somehow missed something.  I know though that I was doing all that I could.  I was trying my best and giving my all to our sweet baby girl.  I was learning how to trust and lean on God in ways I hadn't done before.  God was showing me that He was enough, that He is faithful, that He loves me.  God had much to teach me and I continued to pray that I would be open to learning what it was He wanted to share.

Thank you for caring for Eliana and our family.  We have experienced love in so many different ways - prayers, letters/notes/emails, phone calls, meals, hugs, housecleaning, gifts and so much more.  I can't even begin to share how deeply I've been touched by each and every act.  I wish I had been better about writing thank you notes and hopefully I'll still get caught up, but I am grateful nonetheless.  Each thing has touched my heart.  I've been encouraged that people want to know what is going on - and humbled when something has touched their hearts too.

As we start a new year, I can say with all of my heart, that I'm thankful.  I'm thankful to be Eliana's mom.  I'm thankful that Eliana's heart is repaired.  I'm thankful for my precious family and dear friends.  I'm thankful for the services we have received - both for medical and therapy needs.  Mostly, I'm thankful to be a daughter of the King.  I'm thankful to know that God loves me (and you) with a love so deep we can't even imagine it - and a heart so forgiving that nothing can drive Him away.  Isn't that amazing?!

Eliana's name means "My God answers".  A year ago, I wondered what exactly He was answering.  He certainly had not answered all of my prayers - but instead He has given me more.  He has given me the opportunity to learn things I would never had learned without Eliana.  He has given me the chance to experience His love and faithfulness in ways I've never known before.  He has shown me grace, power and beauty in ways that truly touch my heart.  The exciting part is that I know that this journey will continue and that there is much more ahead of all of us.

This past year has been an amazing and memorable one.  At times I wondered if I would ever get to a place where I was thankful for this path.  Would I have chosen for some things to have turned our differently - yes.  (I think the thing that still hurts deeply is not being able to nurse Eliana.  I still wonder at times if I did all that I could.)  However, I am thankful to have walked this path.  I am incredibly thankful for a delightful daughter named Eliana that has taught not only me - but so many others - about love, courage and strength.  And Joy!  Oh, does this little girl bring joy! 

I would walk this path again.  A year ago I could only fear what lay ahead, but now I'm able to look back and give thanks.  I can truely say with a thankful heart - God is good.

With love,

Leslie

PS  Eliana has her first tooth!  I noticed it just after midnight last night!  We had a wonderful celebration and I'll post more about that later this week. 

 

 

Christmas photos

I've been wanting to post a little more on our Christmas traditions - but have spent time doing them instead of writing.  I asked each person at the beginning of December to name one thing that they wanted to be sure that we did this month.  We've done all of them, but mine.  We can still do that one.

Eliana - She was really too small to make a wish for this year, though several of her siblings were willing to make one for her.  *grin*  I am thankful for a healthy, happy, curious little girl that we all think is just the cutest!

Daniel - Make and decorate cookies.  Daniel is learning to like spreads (like frosting) and adding sprinkles.  Just recently he even started to eat them (instead of just adding them).  He takes great joy and pride in his work.  I am thankful for his beautiful smile and happy heart.

Isaiah - Make a gingerbread house.  We make the pre-packaged houses with lots of candy and frosting.  The children all enjoy making their own designs and are happy to share the decorating of a house or two as well.  I am thankful that Isaiah is willing to share and work with his brothers in making a beautiful house.  (The 3 younger boys worked together.)

Joshua - New ornaments (photos in an earlier post).  This is a tradition that is special to me as it has been passed down from my family.  I love that my children treasure it too.  I am thankful for Joshua's tender heart and desire to preserve traditions that are meaningful.

Rebecca - Give toys to the underprivileged.  She held her own toy drive - making signs and distributing them door to door in our neighborhood.  We delivered them to a local shelter.  I am thankful for her sweet and generous heart.

Christopher - Lights on the tree (I think he didn't want to think too hard on this one!)  I love how he enjoys sharing things with Eliana.  It warms my heart to see him with his sister.  He really enjoys playing with her.  I am thankful that he enjoys spending time with her.

Me - Handprints on the tree skirt.  Hopefully we will get to that soon.

Roger - Visit a "Journey to Bethlehem" (photos in an earlier post)

Here are some random Christmas photos.  Enjoy!

Christmas Eve service at church.  Rebecca was an angel in the play.  I was home with Daniel and Eliana who were not feeling 100%. 

 

Eliana with her new stocking - almost as big as her.

Daniel was so happy to get a new tie in his stocking.  He wears one of Roger's ties every day.

Our little pirate - happy with his new loot.

Joshua has been wanting  pajamas with foot - and was thrilled to get some!

A set of face paints was a gift Rebecca was excited to receive.  Unfortunately, none of her brothers were willing to be painted.  So, she experimented on me, her Daddy, and herself. 

This guy is hard to get a picture of - he prefers to be behind the camera instead of in front of it.  He enjoyed some of our new games and spent a lot of the day working a new puzzle of lighthouses of America.

Not my favorite picture - but one of Roger and I - holding ornaments that Rebecca made for us.

We have had a blessed Christmas season.  We have enjoyed reading Bartholomew's Passage together as a family and studying the Christmas story.  We are thankful for so many things - a precious Savior tops the list.

A quick health update:

*Daniel seems to be much better.  He did get sick once yesterday, but we think it was a fluke as it had been more then 24 hours since his long sick spell.  He is energetic, eating and just happy to be out of the  "sick room". 

*Eliana is improving, though still very congested in the mornings and coughing some (and it's in her chest).  The more critical part though is her eating.  She is still not eating well at all.  We would love for you to join us in praying that her appetite would pick up and that she would be able to eat again.  It is taking a long time for her to eat one bottle and she frequently does not finish it either.

*My foot is improving too.  I'm able to walk around while wearing the lovely blue boot.  I can't complain about pain either.  I'm thankful not to be scooting and crawling.  :-)

We have a fun night planned for tomorrow - New Year's Eve - and I'll share more of that later.  I hope you all have a blessed one too!

Love,

Leslie

What a day!

It's been quite a day around here.  We awoke to find Eliana with blood all over her face, hands, clothes and bed linens.  :(  We determined that she had a bloody nose at some point during the night, but obviously just dealt with it herself.  I was surprised since she has runny nose and we had the  humidifier going.  I guess it could have been worse.  After cleaning her up, her nose started bleeding again.  It did on and off for a little while as I tried to clean her and just get it stopped.  Thankfully it didn't happen again during the day.

Roger went back to work today, but went in a little later to help get us all settled before he left.  I was very thankful for this!  I stayed in my pjs and just went downstairs where I stayed - on the couch - for the rest of the day.  It was hard to just sit when I can see soooo many things that need to be done.  My older two children were very helpful.  Rebecca even planned and made "bag lunches for the boys" with chicken nuggets, homemade fries, a small toy and more.  She pretended that they had gone through a drive-through to pick up their order.  :-)  Isn't she a fun sister?!  Christopher fixed me a fun lunch tray.  I had lots of helpers with Eliana since I can't pick her up or carry her.  We just stayed in the family room for the day.

Things were a little chaotic around here.  I miss having some routine and the boys seemed to need to burn off lots of energy!  LOL  I hope tomorrow will be a little better.

Eliana is still feeling a little crummy - congested, runny nose, some coughing and not eating as well, though today was better.  She plays well, and is such a little delight even when she isn't feeling 100%.  I'm hoping that this will pass soon.  The younger boys have all had it and it seemed to linger for awhile. 

My foot is doing alright.  I have been trying to wear the lovely boot more.  One of my friends pointed out that hopping really wasn't a good idea in case I slipped and came down on that foot again.  I think it may help to protect it some from the children when they forgot not to touch or step on it.  I'm thankful that I'm strong enough to get around and lift myself from crawling/scooting when I need to.  I don't have crutches and may look into the possibility - or may just tough it out for a little longer.

Daniel, our 3yo, has been sort of cranky and out of sorts.  He had a VERY hard time going to sleep.  He kept crying and saying various things hurt -  his finger, his lip, etc.  Finally, he threw up.  Roger was with him (I was with Eliana) and helped him.  He then got sick several more times.  Poor little guy!

Eliana is having a hard time sleeping too.  I've been trying to get her to sleep for quite awhile.  She just ate some and fell asleep, but woke back up.  I'm listening to see if she'll put herself to sleep or needs me to hold her.  Daniel is up again crying - and probably sick.  I'm glad that it's just 2 children that need attention tonight! 

We would love prayers for health.  I would especially ask prayers for Eliana not to get what Daniel has.  I don't want her to have that on top of what she already is dealing with.  I think it would be too much. 

I thought our days after Christmas would be filled with games, books, some cleaning/decluttering and even some craft projects.  Guess we'll have to do those another time.  I'm looking forward to some days of nothing - boring - no drama.  :-)  I hope I don't sound as though I'm complaining.  I'm choosing to be thankful through all of this, as we are really all doing well despite some health issues.  I'm thankful that all of the things are short-term and not life-threatening.  I'm thankful that we have all of our basic needs met.  I'm thankful for my family and the many ways we are blessed. 

I am thankful that we can draw together in prayer and praise to the One who loves us and sent His precious son.

With love,

Leslie

PS  I'll hopefully add some Christmas photos tomorrow. 

Christmas Surprise - A New Shoe!

I am not one that has many pairs of shoes.  I'm guessing I have far fewer than "average".  I have very narrow feet which makes finding shoes that fit very difficult!  I know the couple of places around here that carry shoes in narrows.  Then they are expensive to boot.  Well, that just ends up meaning that I have a few pairs that fit well and I wear them until they are worn out.

I have gotten gift cards for past holidays which I've spent on shoes.  This is a treat, as I don't often buy shoes for myself unless necessary due to the cost.  I didn't expect a new shoe this Christmas.  I really didn't expect the way that I'd get it either.

I just wanted to take a moment to share a small bit of our Christmas.  We started the morning with the children playing upstairs until we were all ready to go down.  Since Eliana and I had a hard night (she had a lot of trouble sleeping), they let us sleep a little in the morning.  Before we went down, Rebecca recited the Christmas story from Luke 2.  I love this passage and remember memorizing it each year when I was a girl.  I told Rebecca about this and she loves having this tradition continue.

When we went down, we first took our traditional picture on the steps.  I love this picture each year of all of our children - in their new Christmas pajamas - in various states of cooperation.  :-)  Breakfast was in the oven (thanks to Roger!) - a traditional breakfast casserole of sausage and eggs.  Our children love this breakfast.  Having traditions is fun and meaningful.  It gives our family a variety of ways in which we say "We are the Nelsens and this is what we do."  It isn't stiff or a "have to do", but more of a remembering of the past and a celebrating of the present. 

When we finished the photo I went to pick up Eliana.  We were planning to open stockings and then have breakfast.  I was just a step or two from the bottom.  As I went down, my socked foot slipped on the wooden floor.  I don't remember too much except trying to protect our sweet baby.  I do remember my foot twisting in a most unnatural position.  Both my ankle and toes on my right foot were twisted up under me.  Someone took Eliana and the children were crowded around me.  I couldn't help it and just started crying.  It hurt!  After sitting for a moment, I began to feel like I was going to pass out.  I did let them know as I didn't want it to frighten them.  Someone (it's all kind of fuzzy) gave me some water.  Thankfully I didn't pass out. 

I was helped off the floor and into a chair.  My ankle started swelling.  As the morning wore on, I found I had a swollen "ball" on the front of my foot just where it bends.  My toes were also swelling and starting to bruise.  Due to the pain, I thought I'd see if the orthopaedics office was open - they weren't.  We then started trying to treat it at home as best we could - ice, elevation and staying off of it!  Yes, I spent the entire day in a chair watching everything around me.  Sweet Roger did all of the things that I normally do from helping the children, to cooking and more. 

I posted on my homeschool board for advice on how to know if a bone was broken.  Several of my friends encouraged me to get it checked out.  I also talked with my SIL who gave me tips on how to treat it.  I just didn't want to go to the ER on Christmas!  I figured I was "messing" things up enough with my drama and didn't want to take away from the day if it wasn't needed.  I thought that anything that was going on could probably wait.  The odd thing to me was that my foot felt numb.  I thought it was due to the ice and elevation.  As we stopped doing some of this, the numbness continued and stayed throughout the day.

By late in the evening, some friends convinced me to go to the doctor the following day and Roger agreed.  He called in the morning to find which office could accomodate us.  By late morning we were visiting the orthopaedics office. 

We met with an PA who examined my foot and asked some questions.  She told me that they could do an x-ray, but that the treatment would probably be the same with or without the x-ray.  Since it didn't seem to matter, we decided to forego the x-ray (which was actually an answer to prayer for me).  I'm being treated for a stress fracture in my foot.  I was given this lovely boot to wear.  My new shoe for Christmas!

I'm to wear it for about 3 weeks until I improve.  (I don't have to wear it at home when I am relaxing or resting my foot!)  I will also go back in a week to check to see how things are doing with my foot.  I had hoped that having the boot would mean that I could walk.  (I've been hopping or crawling or scooting around on my bottom - gotta love those wood floors!)  Well, I tried at the office and ... OUCH!  I hopped out wearing my boot.

I know it will get better, but will just take some time.  For now, my foot is numb most of the time (kind of like it is asleep) which we were told is due to nerve damage that occured when I fell. 

This shoe isn't a present I would have chosen, but I'm really alright with it too.  It is a small difficulty and will pass.  I hope that I'll be able to learn from this time, from this pain and from the need for help through much of my day.  I know there are lessons there for me and I'm hoping my head and heart are ready for them.  I can be quite stubborn at times and really would like to get the lesson the first time.  ;-) 

We would love prayers for our sweet Eliana.  She is congested and coughing.  (Same thing several of our other children have had.)  It has made it hard for her to sleep - and even harder for her to eat.  Today was the worst day in quite a long, long time.  I've hesitated using the tube as I want her to be able to get it out!  (We need to go several months without the tube before we'll be approved to get it out.)  I  know that if tomorrow is like today, that I will probably have to use it.  Please pray that Eliana would get better and be able to eat.  I'm also concerned that this may develop into something else for her and am praying that it would just run its course soon and she would have no lingering yuckiness from it.  It's just not fun seeing her miserable either.  She has been a real trooper through it all too.  She is such a sweetheart!

I need to go crawl up to bed.  ;-)  I will write more about Christmas and post pictures too soon I hope.  We had a wonderful day and I'm thankful for our time together.  We have worked to keep things simple - well, as simple as Christmas with six children can be.  I'm thankful to be able to celebrate Christ's birth with our precious family!

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Leslie

Birthday Photos

There were so many that it was hard to choose just a few.  Here is a glimpse into our sweet Eliana's first birthday party.

She had fun opening her gifts - and had a LOT of help!

Can you see what her shirt says?  "I love my life."  I thought this was just perfect for our sweetie!

Next is the best part - eating the cake.  She tried some but didn't "eat" a lot of it.  She did seem to like the chocolate frosting though.  She definitely liked playing in it. 

What fun it was to celebrate our Eliana.  Thank you God for blessing us with this adorable little girl. 

I wanted to update on some of our medical/therapy appointments this week. 

Eliana's appt with her pediatrician went well.  Our ped is such a delight and it's just nice to see her.  We finally got a picture of her with Eliana too.  Eliana is growing taller, but unfortunately not gaining weight.  We are going to work to give her more food each day to increase calories.  I'm not concerned about her weight (yet).  I think it's due to the volume we are giving her (and it's been the same amount for quite some time) and also due to recent illnesses (having diarrhea for weeks can't be helpful in trying to gain weight!).  She is still on the typically developing growth chart for both height and weight though.  Way to go little girl!

Daniel's dental appointment also went well.  We were in and out in less than 30 minutes which is nice.  He did cry during some of it, but was able to pull himself together and finish it well.  He was cooperative and I was proud of him.  Given some of his sensory issues, I wasn't sure how the dentist visit would go.  The dentist we see is wonderful - very calm and patient with the children (and I have one that has definitely tested that fully!). 

Therapy today for both Eliana and Daniel.  Daniel LOVES going to therapy.  He has been talking about it since we were there last week.  Today he was taken into a sensory play room.  He was so overwhelmed that he couldn't do any of it at first.  I told his therapist (OT) that this was typical behavior when in a new place.  He did eventually play at a sand table and then some on a swing which he seemed to like.  It seems that he avoids some things so as not to have the sensory input.  I know this may make no sense - it honestly doesn't make tons of sense to me.  Most (or all) of us have some sensory issues (bothered by noises, light, certain textures, etc.), but most of us can adapt and not have it affect our quality of life.  For some, they need help in learning to work through it.  That's what we are doing with Daniel.

Daniel also tried some foods.  He spread frosting on a cookie and then added sprinkles.  He tried it (which surprised me since he had a fit over sprinkles on his ice cream just a couple of weeks ago).  His first comment was "ouch".  He did keep trying it though.  He seems to like spreading things and we are going to try this with other food items.  Cream cheese is next on the list.  He also tried some jelly on a graham cracker.  This is a first - the jelly.  This is a step toward a pb&j!

Eliana also had feeding therapy.  She is improving - though it is slow.  Her OT noted that she seemed to like textures (graham crackers) better than the pureed baby foods.  She didn't make quite as big a mess today - but enough to get a bath when she got home.  :-)

Eliana also had physical therapy today.  She was tired and it was more work for her than she  wanted to put into it.  Her PT noted that she is doing better with her standing.  We learned some new exercises to do with her too.

On other fronts, I am trying to declutter the boys room.  What a mess!!!  I'm hoping to remove quite a bit from their rooms so that there is less to make a mess with.  We'll see if I can get through it before they make another mess in there.

Eliana has finally fallen asleep in my arms so I'm going to head to bed soon too.  Even though we are having a busy week with lots of appointments, it has been a good week.  I'm thankful for much.  I find myself often thinking back to a year ago.  We were still in the hospital - and it was hard.  It's so nice to holding my sweet girl in my own home now.

Many of my dear friends on the Five in a Row board wished Eliana a Happy Birthday!  You can read those  Birthday Wishes.  So many notes of people who have prayed for us - and their children too!!!  It was a sweet thing to have so many people rejoicing  and celebrating with us.  I loved what one friend had to say.

"Happy, happy birthday to the little girl who has driven all to our knees in prayer and who has caused every one of us to lift up our arms in praise!"

Have a blessed day as you celebrate the One who loves you so much!
Leslie