end of week :)

Our study last night was on God's goodness. When we step back and see the big picture everything we go through is from God for our benifit. Marilyn was not out again so please pray she does not use her illness as a excuse to stay away.
I found out last night that my mom got a hair cut. not sure she has ever really had it cut so it will be fun to see.
MOPS, grocery store then home for lunch. Mom and DAd will be here at lunch time. Looking forward to seeing them. Allthough this is kinda a bad time but we will just be very busy and tired:)

Food:
coffee
Mops brunch :)
pizza, salad, rootbeer
pork, cheese, mayo, bread, juice

crazy tired

We did not get home till late last night and after we got the kids in bed Roy and I taled till after midnight :( I have not stayed up that late in a very long time. Thankfully Levi slept till 6!
Awana sounds like a great program however Right now there are only 4 of us to work it and one would have to take the babies. We are going to have a general assembly meeting to discuss it. Like Rachel said it can be quite an expensive undertaking too. Please pray for the Lords leading in the matter.
Tonight is the kids meeting and ladies bible stuudy. Not sure how awake I will be :)
Tomorrow my parents are coming till sometime next week. Nice to be able to have them for more than 2 days.
Avery, laundry and kitchen are all calling! Have a wonderful day!

Food:
coffee w/ pumpkin spice creamer
Life cereal, milk
orange
oatmeal, b sug, rasins, milk
pear
iced latte

tuesday

Tonight a Awana rep is coming to talk with the assembly about the program. Praying Roy gets home in time to have dinner and not be too rushed. he rest of this week thru thanksgiving is packed full of activity.i am tired just thinking about it.
I will look to the hills from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved, he that keepeth you will not slumber.

Food
coffee
blueberry muffin, butter, milk
pb&J
apple
iced latte
pork roast, onion, applesauce, mashed potatoe, acorn squash
coffee

New week

I just got covered in spit up. I think Levi got too full and his burp was projectile and a lot! So much that I had to change shirt and bra.
Last week our computer was down in the beginning of the week and I never got rolling with bloggng.
It was so nice to talk to Rachel and Julie on Sat am. Roy REALLY enjoyed talking to both his brothers. He was going to call back on Sat night but Josh called and they had a long talk. So looking forward to this coming summer. I will probable stay a full 2 weeks So I can spend some time in Greenville I so need to spend more than a few mins with Cris, Linda, Lara, Elizabeth, and The Maggios. It is like I left true family members behind there and my never get another chance to see them!
Roy has gotten a slightly bigger storage unit so I spent time yesterday packing everything under our bed, the crib, and books. The more we can get packed now the better off we will be. Still waiting for the call to order our house.
Roy was wrestling with all three boys yesterday and Avery just threw herself into the mix. Such a brave little girl. They had a blast with daddy! Tried to get the pic off the camera but cannot find the right cord maybe Roy knows where it is and I will post it later.
Praying everyone has a great beginning to their week!! Love you all!

Food:
coffee
blueberry muffins w/ butter

pb&j, apple

muffin

spaghetti

busy weekend

Saturday we created more room in our livingroom. Levi is starting to nap upstairs so we took down the pack n play. moved a couch and the TV. Getting rid of the rocker that we used for sitting at computer. so we have a slighttly larger area and can actually get to the closet easily now :)
I an had his first seizure free fever on sat! Praying he has grown out of that stage also so glad it only lasted one day.
Sunday we went to meeting, over to Mark and Shellys for yummy Greek food, then over to Josh and Glorias for a meeting on what to do with our $. Did not get home till almost 6.
Marilyn has stage 4 colon cancer which has spread throughout her body. Today she is having a port put in and will start chemo very soon. With new meds they are giving her 2 years which is a big jump from the usual 6 months. Please pray for her and that her husband will get saved or rededicate his life to the Lord!

Food:
coffee
cereal, milk
apple
chocolate
grahm cracker
chix biscut bake, salad, ranch, juice

MOPS thursday!!

Must get a move on it today. I did not lay out clothes for the kids so it will be a rushed morning. Being out late on Wed always makes getting out the door by 8:15 difficult.
Tonight I am meeting a friend from an old MOPS group for coffee. I have not seen her in over a year so it will be good to catch up :) I also have not sat down in a Starbucks in forever!

Food: coffee

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY!!!

Emily praying your day is full of love and pleasant suprizes!! Anything special planned? Relax and try to enjoy your day!!
Julie you sure sound like the perfect nurse! Hows the patient? Praying that your balancing act stays balanced. You have made it through the first month and with God on your side you can make it through many more. Keep trusting in Him!
Rachel where are you??? Its not like you to be gone a soolid week :( I'm sure you are just really busy. Praying for you too!!

No food in this house and Ian had a major crick in his neck yesterday so Roy stopped by the store to pick up milk bread and stir fry fixings for dinner. He came home with pizza and pop. What a treat for the kids. Today I must get to the store :)

Food:
coffee
granola, milk
bran muffins, butter
iced llatte
chix stir fry w/ noodles
green tea
chocolate bar

well rested

Levi slept in till5:45 so I got over 7 hrs of sleep and am feeling great.
Posted some more pics on fb and will try to finish the sept album today. I load them while Levi nurses so it takes a while to type one handed but I am trying to get caught up.
Must get to my reading by 6. I got a little behind with being gone but the program has 2 grace days. Have a wonderful tuesday!!

Food:
coffee
eggs
chocolate
bran muffins, butter
chocolate
pizza, orange soda

Exausting but fun weekend!

So glad to be home andon our own schedual!! We ended up not leaving till after 6 on Thrusday (Praise the Lord Roy has lots of work!). So we got to Jos rather late and not to bed till close to one :( Fri we (jo, mom, oy and I) met dad at Boeing. Got a driving tour of the planes just being finished and the new 787. Spent from 10-2 having lunch and party for dad. Levi did great away from mommy although mommy started leaking toward the end :( Name tag clippy thing saved the day :)! Had Jaggers bday party when we got home. Jo had to work every night so we took care of Jagger. Sat was the open house party from 11-3. 70 people in and out all afternoon. Then it was back to Jos to dress the kids and do a little trick or treating in the rain. Sunday was meeting, lunch, pack the van, then got on the road by 4. Most interesting ride home ever. Lots of tears wanting to stay with auntie Jo. That turned into knock knock jokes. For close to 1/2 hr the boys did them themselves and they made no sense. Everything was ending with pee on your head, poop stuck in your ear and you are so funny. All with them laughing hysterically :) Roy intervened and taught them how to do the joke properly. Then they went on to why did the... jokes! The final leg of the trip was singing patriotic songs very loud!! Got home by 9 and in bed at a decent hour for a change :)
Todays plan is school, unpack, menu plan, and laundry.

Food:
coffee
pancakes
snickers and tootsie roll
boiled eggs, salt
pork chop, onion, potato casserol, zuchini

Another late night...

I am not a leader. Bible study last night was poorly led by me. Nver been good with words or leading sso was not fun for me. However we made it through and learned a lot of Gods love.
Packing today and leaving as soon as Roy gets home from work. Praying the pass is clear they have gotten a lot of snow this week.
I posted some pics on fb. So need to get caught up with that. Then keep upp with it :)
I need to go pump and get to my reading. Praying you all have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend :)

Food:
coffee
bran muffins

too tired

stayed up last night till 11. I havent done that in a long time. Usually I go to bed very soon after Levis 8 oclock feeding. I watched biggest loser last night then just sat till 11. Praying I make it through the day.

Food:
coffee

too much to ask??

I feel it is not too much to ask help of my big and little men to get our living areas picked up every night. However last night it waas like pulling teeth. AAARRRGGHHH!! I cant do everything and a few mins of quick pick up every night would so relieve some of the stressors of our small space.

On a much happier not a lady from the assembly offered to take the four older kids this afternoon for a few hours so I could prepare for the bible study W night! Such a blessing!
Levi had his first bottle last night. We are going Friday am to a celebration for my dad at Being and thee is a no children policy. I assumed Levi could go (nursing babe and would be strapped on to Roy or I) No exceptions they say. So he needs to take a bottle once or twice on F. Funny story here I will tell you later. I need to go wake Roy. Josh is coming over for prayer soon.

Food:
coffee
bran muffins
pb&j, pear. milk
iced latte
snickers
meatloaf, mash potatoes, carrots
icecream, coffee

New road

Our houe will be the third one on the right side. There is a nice park behind me! We are buliding with Olin and will probably order the house next week. Then three months till we should be in!

Last night Levi was noisy. Slept the whole time but was making some sounds like he was conjested but hes not. I cant wait to have my own room again. :)
Please pray for me. On W I am leading the bible study. Not something I am overly comfortable doing but it is always good for us to get out of our comfort zones.
They have the curbs done on our new road. Looks like they will start paving very soon! Took some pics a few weeks ago and will post.
We went to Josh and Glorias yesterday for lunch and ended up staying till after 7. Great time of fellowship! Roy and Josh finished our statement of faith for the website and the kids had a great time playing outside.
Today is a regular day and today or tomorrow I need to pack for the weekend. Have a great day all!

Food:
coffee

just another day

Roy has to work today so we are having school on Saturday! Works out great cause we are going to my parents next Thursday night and will miss Friday. The Lord knowinly gave Roy work today!

The boys had a slumber party in the livingroom last night. They ate icecream drank egg nog and watched cars while in bed!!

Avery is watching baby motzart, Ian and Josiah are building a fort with all the blankets and stuff and Levi is sleeping while Micah does his seat work.

Better go while things are peaceful :) Praying you all have a wonderfully peaceful weekend!

Food:
coffee
scrambled eggs w/cheese
oatmeal cookies

Twin sisters hike

The pic of the boys and I was taken on the sister to the left. So yes Julie we were on a cliff it was a great hike and not too long. Here we are on our way to some little sand dunes where we saw lots of trax, beetles, scat, and small animal holes. Great education on desert living :)

tired!

Avery was sick in the middle of the night and Levi was restless at times. So not too good of a sleep for me last night. The Lord will give strength!
Yesterday was a ver good one. Micah and I had a bonding afternoonwhile Ian and Josiah bonded. Micah's favorite thing is playing the computer. I found a great pirate trade game that we played together. He and Roy played it last night too. I went to bed at 9:15 and they were still at it.
Now I know why Avery has been a pill the last few days. Praying she is better already and that no one else gets it.

Food:
coffee

So quiet :)

I love my mornings!! I have never been a morning personn but I am loving it. 2 hours of quiet b4 anyone rises then I enjoy eachone as they wake.

Rough day looking forward to tonight

Avery was a pill this am. However through her screaming and ??? Micah and I got school somewhat done. I am so proud of Micah as he was so patient and sat for a long time. Needless to say Avery went down for a nap just b4 noon and is up already :( should make for an interesting night for Roy.

W nights will be a ladies bible study and a kids bible club. So looking forward to it. This is the first ladies bible study I have ever done from a book.

YesterdayWe went to the pumpkin patch. Got a few pics but was difficult with all the kiddos by myself. I started off with Avery on my back and Levi on my front. We were there early and our start time ended up being pushed back. After standing for over 1/2 an hr someone asked about strollers and it was all stroller friendly so I was happy. They have a zebra and wallaroo along with donkeys, turkeys, pigs, and goats. Kids had a blast and then got a hay ride to the pumpkins!

Better run Micah just reminded me to gaurd my mouth :) As soon as I get them settled with a snack and sit down to write they come asking everything from me. :) Now Levi is hungry too.

just regular busyness

Sorry I missed your call lastt night Rachel. I tried to call you back at 6 but it was busy.

Last week was just plain crazy. We ended up going out every day but Monday.

Sunday am I was frusterated but trying to focus on having a positive attitude when Roy fixed everything! He suggested we get food at walmart, go change clothes, then go hiking!! What a great family adventure we had.

We are slowly adding more and more to our school day and Micah seems to enjoy it most of the time :) Avery is down to one nap and that is challenging but working. Levi is a perfect baby! He eats a last time at 8 and sleeps till 5or 5:30. During the day he is so content and happy :) He is just sitting here smiling at me now!!

Today we are going to the Pumpkin patch with our MOPS group. Should be interesting. Not sure if I can take the stroller for part of it. Will carry Avery in the backpack and Levi in the baby carrier for part of it. Good exercise for mommy :)

Food:

coffee

Good day!

Yesterday Roy sprained him ankle playing bball in the am and worked all day. He is in a lot of pain this morning so Tim told him to take the day off. Soo.. I will start school soon, clean some, have lunch, and thinking of taking Micah and Ian on a special nature hike. We try to do one once a week even if it is just in the neighborhood. Very limited when we have to take the stroller :) Maybe soon I will be in better shape for better hikes with the kids!

Where are you Rachel?? Must be a very busy week for you. Praying for you all!

Food:
coffee
toast, eggs, apple juice

See other blog

Hey how are ya'll?? I accidently put my post on the wrong blog. Not sure how to get it over here w/o rewriting it. Maybe Roy can help me later. Have a great day!!

Another long day

Yesterday Roy was going to do one small job in the am then be home. I called at noon and he was on another job waiting for Tim to bring a h2o heater. Would be home soon :) I know better. He called at 5 telling us to eat w/o him would be another hr or so. When he left to take truck back to shop highway was at a standstill. He called me to find out the problem. Major accident w/ 2 cars on fire 5 hospitalized 3 of them children flown to Seattle. needless to say he did not get home till 7:45. This am he said there was not much work and would probably be home all day or at least early. Well... he is driving over the mts to do some work on The restaurant they did in Bothell. 6 hrs of driving to do a very small job crazy! So he will definitly not be home early. Prayinghe gets home earlier than last night.

So now what to do with this day?? Would like to do something special with the kids but Avery has a cough. Anyway better get on with the day we have school and cleaning every day so that is a given to do !!

Food:
coffee
egg and cheese on bagel, milk
chili, few corn chips, cheese
cottage cheese, trail mix
french press coffee
turkey burgers, bun, ketup, tomato & onion
icecream

Goals

I am on day 10 of my newest goal. Read the bible in 90 days. I have never read the bible straight thriugh but have always wanted to. My friend Jenise has done it every yr for the last 9 when she told me it made me think... Several times this spring I heard about Zondermans read the bible in 90 days program. I printed out the schedual, started it twice but only got thru the first few days, got behind and frusterated. So I am on day ten and all finished for today. So want to stay on track so thought if I told yall you would keep me accountable :)

Still working on getting clothes back in storage. Roy got called into work on Fri. Sat the men and big boys went hiking. Sun had a wonderfull day of true fellowship. Prayer, coffee&cookies, worship, lunch, games and talk, and then Gloria and I took Levi left the other 8 kiddos w/ daddys and went to Costco and Toys r us! Late dinner, kids to bed, Levi fed, and got myself to bed kinda early.

Praying Roy is home early (he only has a small job this am so far) so we can take boxes back to storage.

Food:
coffee
english muffins, w/jam
chili, corn chips, milk
1/4 apple
iced latte
pizza

MOPS Thursday

Levi slept till 5:30!! Made me happy as I did not get to sleep till late (almost 11).

We have MOPS this am and school in the afternoon.

Must go make coffee now!! Happy Thursday to yall!!

Another good day!

Tuesday did not go as planned but was still a good day! 1)Roy got called in for work b4 bfast.
2) miscommunication and will not be ordering house till end Oct beg Nov.
3) Micah complained lesson was too short :)

Today Got messed up in the am but is still a good day!! First thing in the am as Im feeding the babe I look at FB. Then once I have babe all burped changed and settled in bouncy seat I blog then pray and read b4 everyone else wakes. This am someone :) started chatting with me on Fb! So blog went to later much later. Thanks Rachel I so enjoyed our chat!!

Roy was home today!! Levi annd I went and ran some errands that would never otherwise get done like fabric store and goodwills. Roy needs new work pants and I am in desperate need of a few tee shirts and casual shirts. got home and went through oour room while Roy went out to let the boys ride bikes in the alley.

Well Roy is off to meeting. Avery has a cough and needs to go to bed soon. M & I are watching McGee and Me, J is playing Thomas the train, A is drinking her b4 bed milk and L is napping.

Food
Coffee
eggs, cheese, sausage, orange apple juice
iced latte
yogurt w/nectarine and granola
chips
pork, corn, rice, cheese burritto

Going to be a good day!!

1) Roy is supposed to be home (he often gets called in but...)

2) Appointment at 12:30 to order our house so he must be home by then!

3) I am well rested! Roy had a meeting last night so I went to bed with the kids at 8:30!

4) Micah is loving school! He especially loves math :) (gets to watch a lesson with mom)

5) I am a joyfull mother of children!!!

6) I've already had my coffee!

7) Last but not least I get to chat with y'all!!

full speed ahead

a weekend of new things and now the week is off and running. I feel as if we have gotten into a good system of time with the Lord, school, nursing, cleaning and playing. The Lord brings His PEACE at all times and in every situation. This I must keep in mind! Yesterday we had our first meeting in a home. Went really well even though Avery did not want to nap. Boys were really well behaved and very still! :) Now we will begin some new gospel outreach methods.

Emily how was the bday party? Hard to believe he is 1 already give the boys hugs from these Ficeks!!

This week we are going to order our house. The road is still in progress so I don't know when they will start building. Rachel I too love the name Jackson!! Although lhaving lived in Jackson made it weird for Roy.

Food:
coffee
yogurt, nectarine, oats
toast w/ pb&j, piece apple and pear, oatmeal
iced latte
handful choco chips
2chix dstix, rice, zucchini, cream sauce

Survivor Thursday

Last week my fav show started up again so I am looking forward to this evening!

Matt 23:23 has been on my heart as of late. Why do we do what we do? to be seen of men? Why do we not do what we the Lord has shown us in scripture? because man will see me? Man looketh on the outward but God looks at the heart. Who cares what others think? Unfortunatly I do and am guilty of all above ?s! "his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid"

need to go to store today however with a late night last night may wait till tomorrow. See how the morning goes. Going to try to get pics of gpa and gmas visit onto FB if I don't go out. Thats the goal and clean the bathrooms :)


Food:
coffee, monkey bread
cereal

Got the pics up, Glo called and she is going to pick up the few things I need from the store and then meet us at the park. What a great friend!!

new day

So tired!! Levi goes to bed between 8:30 and 9. I stay up till 9:30 or 10. he has been waking at 4 I spend most of an hour getting up and putting his pasi in. We get up between 5 and 5:30 but officially I have been awake since 4ish. I just wish he would sleep till 5 then I would gladly get up. I really enjoy spending a few hrs in the word with my babe! God is good!!

food:
coffee
putting hashbrown cass in oven now :)

new news

So with everything going on in the assembly I totaly forgot to tell our news. Thanks to Rachel fo asking about our house situation. We put 500 down to reserve a lot on the new phase of houses being built in West Pasco. Our new road will be Jackson Lane which we thought kinda funny. Now we are waiting for the call to come in and pick the house and all those details. They are digging the road now. After lots of looking in that area we realized it is much cheeper to build than buy one already built. We have definetly seen the Lord work in this decision over the last year plus. GOD IS SO GOOD!!

must go monitor the childrens breakfast adventure. Sounds bad :)

Truust and obey

Another crazy weekend! On Saturday Roy and Josh drove over 4 hours to a 4 hour meeting with the elders from Marysville and Arlington only to drive the 4+ hrs home. What faithful men!! Result of meeting is that everyone from the "Tri-Cities Gospel Hall" will meet together in a home as just christians. Glad for the resolution and reconnciliation and praying all work together for the furtherance of the gospel not a personal agenda of mans traditions.

Marilyn has sugery on Thursday and is not doing well at all. Please continue to pray for her.

well baby needs to be changed, Avery put down for nap, and school started so I will run for now and try t come back later:) Love you all!!

Food:
coffee
cornflakes, milk
tomato and mayo sand, apple
iced latte
chocolat chips
sausage, polenta W/cheese, fruit salad, scrambled eggs, milk
ice cream

importance of prayer

Life here has been very up and down crazy as of late.

Went over the mts for Labor Day weekend. for 2nd cousins wedding, see a new 2 day old baby, attend a sing, visit family (uncle died a few weeks ago so spent some time with my fav aunt) and nap while Jo held the babe.

last week was a blurr... W stress at prayer meeting... F Gloria took Micah, Ian, Josiah, and Avery from 10am on then had us over for dinner. What a blessed day of relaxing and enjoying Levi! (Got my first smile justfor me. He had smiled at Roy several times over the holiday weekend but not for me.)

This weekend was dramatic... the short of it is yesterday was our last Sunday to meet in the hall building. We (4 couples and 11 kkids) will gather as christians in homes. Bryon&Joni and Marilyn will continue in the building. This was a decision a long time coming. The recognized elders finally made the move away from the building bryon will not submitt to them and Marilyn is "committed to Bryon and Joni". Pray as this is not good. The elders are possibly going to Arlington and Marysville to infoorm elders there of what has been going on here. I have had a constant headach since Sat am when Action started taking place instead of all talk. God is so good and his word trumps any tradition man put in place.

Marlyn either has lymphoma or a bad infection. Waiting for more test results. all other medical issues have been put on hold till tests return. She and I thank you all for the prayers. Yesterday she said that this has brought her and Rob closer together!

I finally posted reunion pics on FB! Now to get the ones from Ficek grandparents visit.

Food:
coffee, chocolate nip
oatmeal w/butter
orange
toast
iced latte
chix, rice, salad, mixed veggies
ice cream

Another day another adventure

What a night last night. Flows into this am :) I had a headache all day yesterday. Therefore I switched dinner plan to something simple... spaghetti. Roy got home at 5 while I was just finishing feeding the babe. Went to make dinner had water boiling and went to put noodles in and realized they were angel hair and not reg (someone brought them to us after Levi was born). So they would be done much quicker than i thought. Oh well! Marilyn calls so Roy talked with her as I Tried to quickly fix meat and sauce all the while Avery and Josiah trying to help. Si left the stool by the stove and Avery burned the tips of three fingers. Poor baby they looked like nicly brown toasted marshmallow's in seconds! Spent time running cool water on them whilst she screamed. Set her on floor in living room with bowl of water and Micah holding bowl. Water everywhere. Roy gets off phone and starts questioning children about all the water on floor. I yell my fault from kitchen. Avery is a mess she hurts and is hungry. I start feeding her as everyone gathers. I realize I have forgotten to make the toast. By the time I get my food on my plate Levi starts to cry almost feeding time again. I hold him as I eat. Roy gets a cup for Averys fingers she keeps putting wrong hand in :) Ian chose to sit by Avery and shee kept stealing his prized "meatballs" ... I left early to feed the babe again... and so it goes in the Ficek home one never knows what a meal will produce. The evening went well I took a very quick bath, got Avery to bed, held Levi till feeding time, fed put to bed then I went to bed too at 9:30 very early for me but also very important. Problem was the dinner table never got cleared. So this morning I face the mess.

Roy went to play basketball this morning! So glad he is. Levi was up just after 5 and I had a wonderful quiet time. Avery was up at 6:30 and soon after Ian. Avery wwas a bear yesterday am and again this am. 8:30 she was obviously too tired so I put her down for a nap. May go bback to that with school in the am I am not able to keepher happy till 11:30. another time of adjusting the routine. Every day is a new day to say "with the help of the Lord..." Praying he helps you all with whatever you face this day (easy and hard as all is good!).

Food:
coffee
toast w/pb&j, nectarine

Please pray

The Lord is in control of all. Marilyn is a 50 yr old lady in our assembly. She is married to Rob who is a professing christian but long ago was offended by a christian and will not go with her to anything. They have no children but Marilyn loves our kids and plays with them. She had a Dr apt yesterday so she sugested we meet at Glorias for a little fellowship. When she arrived she was in tears. She has Assists on her ovaries again. this time they also found some other stuff going on with her falop tubes and she has a lump on her neck. She has a cat scan taday, colonoscape (no idea how to spell that), and several apts w/specialists this week. She is scared and has no one to turn to as both her parents have passed away. She also had no medical coverage. Please pray for peace for her and that through this between her testimony and the christians here reaching out to support them emotionally and financially Rob will see not all christians are the same and fellowship publicly with his wife. There is a lengthy story here of the Lord working I wont go into that all but it is obvious that Gods timing is perfect.

Since Marilyn was so late and I did go a little early I had a really nice visit with Gloria. With the crazy summer we have not gotten together at all so it was a wonderful time. Her girls were at school but the other kids had a great time and Katie did come home at 11:30.

Food:
coffee
cornbread and milk, orange
chips
pb&j pear
1/4 apple, iced latte

new week new school year

We are kinda starting school today. All were up early ate and read. Getting ready to go to Glorias house for fun and lunch. Home for some mommy made seat work and chores. The cirriculum I have suggests starting on a Thrusday so we will do a lot of reading till then and start the books.

So cute right now Levi is laying on the couch. Micah just pulled up a chair and is singing to him!!
Avery iss really starting to love on him more. I think she has finally adjusted to the one nap thing.

I need to feed Levi and read to the kids b4 we go. Love to you all

Food:
coffee
toast w/pb&j

wonderful morning

So yesterday we went to the fair. Had a great time and everyone was good till all the rides started up at noon. Left at 1o to 9 and got back at 2. Lots of walking an sunshine which is the most of each I have gotten since Levi was born. He was excellent!! I carried him in a sling, woke him at 11 to eat (he only snacked too tired i guess) and he did not wake again till I took him out to go home :) The only problem was very few pics.

Last night we did not get home till almost 10 so no one got up till 8:30!! Levi slept straight thru till 5 so I got up fed him then reading, coffee and snuggling with him for 3 hours!! Now Micah is playing with Avery and Ian has been holding Levi so I am getting this done! All without me even asking! Such good big brothers!

Today I am going to clean the fridge, mop floors and plan menu for next two weeks.
another 100 degree day so the boys will play in the kiddy pool while I get things done. With the heat they should stay there longer than usual!! :) Levi is ready to eat again so I better get to his needs :)

Food:
coffee
pancakes, eggs,
peach

to go or not to go

trying to decide if Iwant to take the kids to the fair. The boys got free passes from the reading program at the library good for only today. I usually take them on Thursday come home and go back after dinner for the rodeo. Not an option with meeting tonight. Getting everyone ready and out the door by 9ish is the hard part.

Josiah has a whiny nasaly voice. Sunday he said he wanted mussert and yesterday when Levi spit up he said "thats muckusting" I guess he puts a m in for some d sounds. Never noticed it bfore so we got some good laughs!!

Food:
coffee
oatmeal w/ rasins and br sug, milk

not feelin too hot

Since I have been home from the hosp I have had a lot og allergy flare ups. Mostly itchy eyes and more recently nose. This am it is headach, runny nose, itchy eyes, and slight throat issues from drainage. Not too sure what the deal is.

Last night we got pre approved for a loan! Then put a sticker on a lot. They just started clearing the road so once official reserving of lots starts we will get a call to come in to get our choice! They are predicting the houses will be finished between Feb and April depending on weather. We have not decided on a plan yet so please pray that we would pick the right one for our family.

Got to get everyone ready to go run a few errands after Levi's feeding and b4 Avery's nap.

Food:
coffee
toast w/ pb&J
pb&honey sand
iced breve
grapes
grilled chix, salad, couscous, peas

New week!

Would love to be your neighbor Emily but... can we build a 2049 sqf home for under 150,000? Even so our commitment is here and we strongly feel the Lord wants us in this assembly at this time. We have heard and found the truth on sat that in W. Pasco it is cheeper to build than buy! Since that is the area we are going to live we will probably be building soon. Hard for me to give up the idea of wanting 1-5 acers but it is so clear the Lord is at work! Thankful thatI can be content to trust Roys leadership and the Lords leading of him with regards to our family!!

Took the kids to Eatza Pizza (just like Cicis!) for lunch to break up being in the car all afternoon sSat. They also have a chuckie cheese like gaming area that the boys love!

This week will be getting everything in order to begin school next week. Could get interesting with Avery up in the am. Praying she and Josiah will play together during that time then there is always baby einstine they both love!

Just heard someone jumping out of bed! Love to you all!

Food:
coffee
scrambled eggs, toast
chocolat chips
oatmeal, br sug, raisins
grapes, blueberries
iced latte
pasta, toast
chocolat brownie cookies, milk

Did it!!

This morning I got up at 5:30! Levi woke at 5 and I got up a few times to give him his paci praying he would go back to sleep. So I think as always I am awake now why not get up. I have been praying that the Lord would help me get up early and he has given me this special little alarm clock :) just get up!! Tired but it has been a wonderful morning just holding Levi and reading all with a glorious cup of coffee in my favorite mug!!

The house is pretty much a wreck this am. I took a bath after dinner last night and the kitchen never got totally cleaned. After bath fed Levi, read, sat with boys and just never got going. :( Did not even pick up the living room after kiddos went to bed. So today will be a cleaning and laundry day after we get back from the Dr.

We are going out tomorrow to look at houses in a very serious way!! Roy has also suggested we look at building!! A month ago he was saying move to an apartment. Please pray that the Lord will lead and that we will follow Him and not our own ideas. I a so thankful that Roy is such a great spitirual leader in our home and have full confidence he will make the right decision for our family. Will be a busy Saturday and who knows after that... thankfully the Lord! Our rent is going up in Oct so the plan is to be moved by then.

Have a super friday all!!

Fridays eats
coffee
scrambled eggs w/cheese, toast

Waiting for Levis last feeding then to bed. Last night he slept till 5!! Praying this trend will continue again.

Busy day today. We had a MOPS play date this am. Started at 9 and I got my 1st dose of trying to get everyone out the door fairly early. We didnt get theretill almost 9:30. Lots of fun there with big swimming pool, bounce house, large playground and lots of yummy snacks. Micah will no doubt be begging to go to Phebe's house for quite some time :) They were wiped out so we had a quite afternoon.

Today was our last day for dinner being delivered. Such a blessing to be loved on in such a pratical way after having a baby!

Tomorrow we have a follow up dr apt for Levi at 8:45. will post later in the day too.
This morning Roy said to look for tix for SC next summer so... I also saw a news feed on yahoo that said airlines are dropping their prices this fall to try to boost the slow air travel. My vote would be for the days that included the 4th to be able to get the Houghton reunion in too. I have never been to one and I am sure Roy would love to see extended family!

Food:
coffee
cottage cheese w/blueberries, toast w/jam
grapes, chips, salsa, watermelon, lemon bars, & lots of water (104 today)
iced latte
chocolate chips
tuna casserol, peas, roll (the bun kind;))
ice cream

late start again

Since Sunday when Roy moved back into our room Levi has gone from easily going 8 hrs between feedings to waking every few hrs and taking quite awhile to go back to sleep even with the paci. Needless to say getting up early has been too hard for me. The benifits so outweigh the sleep so please pray I can get going earlier tomorrow.

Other than thepoor nights recently Levi is doing great. The pic w/Ian was the day he came home. The last one was on his 2 week bday! They all look so much alike but I think he is looking more like Micah. Seems to not have the deeper set eyes that Josiah and Avery have. Will try to
post reunion pics on facebook. I have lots to put on so I better get busy :)

Food:
coffee
toast w jam
cottage cheese w/blueberries

Levi Samuel Ficek

day 1 on my own

Mom left yesrerday! She was very helpful but also quite frusterating. She would ask permission to do anything and I had to tell her what to make for all meals. We have been blessed with meals every other day from my MOPS group so that helped. She also wants me to talk to her. I am not overly talkative and especially with my mom. She did play games with the kids, did several crafts with them, put Avery to bed, entertained Avery alot, read to them, and helped me when we had to go out. Last week was busy several Dr. apts for Levi and also had to have his 2nd PKU test done. He seems to have a very high pain tolerance. In the hosp he didn't even flinch when they poked him to get blood for the PKU. Thurs hehad his circ I left but the nurse said that he cried more when they strapped him in than when they cut. Nurse had never seen a baby so calm. He is such a content baby and besides last night has gone at least 8 hrs between night feedings since the 2nd day home!!

I was a bit worried about today 5 kids by myself! Then when I sepnt all night up and down with Levi I was very concerned. However it has been a great day. Micah has been overly helpful. We have a MOPS dinner at the park play date tonight and I had forgotten to get stuff for a salad so we had to go out. Went to two stores for gifts then to the grocery store then the park. Avery was a bit cranky tword the end of the grocery store as it was nap time but other than that everything went smoothly!! PTL!!

Looking forward to getting into a set routine then start school after labor day. Levi is starting to stir and is due to eat so i'd better run. Praying you all are having a great Monday!

Eats:
coffee
bagel, cream cheese
snickers bar
cottage cheese w/ blueberries
iced latte
pizza, watermelon, several salads

Good night!

Sorry Rachel but we had an excellent night!! Levi slept till 5am ate then slept till 8:30! He is very faithful to wake up and eat every 2 hrs in the day so we will see what happens tonight.

Rachel My suggestion would be to completly remove the sippy by her bed. When she Wakes up and wants a drink either take her for a drink or bring her one. I would also just give her water or at least the same thing every night. It may be too hard for her to see or know a sippy is so close and not be able to hold it. Anyway it is just a suggestion and you may have already tried. Praying the Lord gives you wisdom and strength to deal with the blessings he has given to you :)

Better run for now I have been trying to write this for a few hrs!

guess I need a new title

Get Fit and Run! not anytime soon :) Roy saw my blog title and laughed so I'm thinking that I need to change it.

Went to have Levi weighed today he is up to 5# 11 oz!! Nurse at hosp was very happy with his progress. Life here has been interesting but very natural. Levi means joined in harmony and except for his birth he is fitting right in. The boys love Levi and wake up begging to hold him then going to bed asking to kiss him goodnight! Avery is crazy!! Not sure if she is acting out and jealous or what but I'm not too sure what to do with her. She will come up to Levi and smile at him and touch his hair. If you bring him to her she runs and if I try to have her hold him she pushes him away. Even when she is not around him she is acting like a wild little boy and not my active little girl. I also realize that this entire month has been completely messed up from anything she has ever known.

So far nights have been rough. I am not a feeder at night mommy but with Levi so small I have kinda abandoned that for now. Even with one night feeding I am not getting much sleep. Figured out last night the AC vent is under the crib so guessing he did not sleep till after 2 because he was too cold. The first night I brought him in bed with me (something I cannot do) so I got no sleep then. Tonight the vent is closed and right now he is very awake and happy so I am praying that at 10 when I feed him and put him down he will sleep for a good four hours.

Meant to post our birth story today but the day is gone :) Will try to tomorrow.
Love to you all!!

Getting ready

Almost ready to go to the hospital!! Lots of emotions and praying baby is not too small. I don't know how people schedual the birth of their baby and expect to have much sleep the night b4!!?? My parents got here around 11:30 so the kids will be home and that sure takes a load off! I will try to update on FB as soon as we can. However it may be a long process as my boys don't come easy nor quickly.

Have a great weekend together in Savannah.
Emily sure wish we could send you some sunshine :) Baby pics will have to do. Praying you have a sunny weekend none the less!!

Food:
coffee, yogurt w/peaches and oats
raspberry leaf tea

Next few days yummy hospital food (and I do mean yummy!!!)

Going to see midwife today :)

Yesterday was interesting. Avery pulled the pack n play over to the bunk and got out somehow!?? We may need to go to one nap :( I so wanted to wait till 18 mos. We will see since we have been a month in many different sleeping places. Please pray she adjusts to being home. I don't want to give up the 6+ hrs of napping a day.

Since she slept little if at all yesterday afternoon she was a crank. Everyone was bathed and ready for meeting and the girl would not stop crying, Ian got his finger smashed in a door and joined her. Needless to say I stayed home with three and Roy took Micah to prayer meeting. Avery went straight to bed and I got some good reading time in with Ian and Josiah.

Todays plan is to pick this place up (already a bit of a mess) , Go see midwife, walmart, spray park, then home to scrub some floors. Took all day yesterday with Avery up but reorganized cupboards in kitchen! As I was pulling things out she pulled all the canned and unopened stuff out of the lazy susan and put it all on the table. Just more work for mommy! :) She just wants to help and do whatever I or the boys are doing.

My lifelong best friend Cathy just had her baby this am. We are two days apart and thinking it would be so neat to have boys two days apart!! We will see :)

Midwife sent me staight to The Richland office to get a u/s, NST, and see a dr. Took all afternoon thankfully Roy came got the kids and took them for lunch, to the park and swimming! Verdict is baby is not growing. Last u/s was 24th % now his head is the same but body has dropped close to 0% . They will start inducing tomorrow at 7am. I am 50% effaced so the goal is to get the cervix ripe and baby down then break the water and have a quick birth. I am praying that it will progress like this and not have to use petocin. May take a long time but he said the heart rate is good and fluid levels are great so no need to rush it and I can go how I want till the water breaks then he has to be born within 24 hrs. Wonderful to be able to rest in peace knowing God is in complete control and all things work together for good!! Love to you all!

Food:
coffee
yogurt w/ granola, orange
grilled cheese, banana, potatoe fried things, brownie
iced latte
grapes, raspberry leaf tea
pork, rice, corn
ice cream

stay home day!!

Today we are home all day. The last day we were in our own home all day was back end of June. So much that needs to be done here. Got the Wheatleys ccleaned, our bathroom and 1/2 our kitchen scrubed down! Will do the rest of the kitchen now while Avery is napping.

Food:
weak coffee :(
toast w/pb&J, cookies

Not today Lord not today!!

Now would be the worst possible time to have this little one! I have been awake since 2:30 feeling weird and a horrible headach!??
Came home Sunday pm to tons of fruit flies :( Roy had been coming and going here and we cames here first for a few hrs on our way to the Wheatlys from the reunion. So the house I made sure was clean b4 the reunion is a mess. Roy and gpa had watered the lawn and walked mud into the kitchen :) Carrotts were left in the trash and at one point Roy was home chopping something up and left some on the counter. Then to top it off we found a bananna falled in behind the bread/banana cupboard!! Fruit flies everywhere so I cleaned and organized the bathroom real good. Started killing flies like crazy in kit. Every time I thought I had gotten most of them scads would appear. Around 4ish I realized they were all over the iguana cage too :( So I took it outside and atartted killing again. No way I was cooking dinner in that kitchen and Avery had had a really rough day. We were supposed to meet Roy at the Wheatlys to finish cleaning but I told him to go make the bunk fix the swing change a light bulb and I would go during nap time tomorrow to clear out fridge, dust and mop. All were supposed to be done last night. So we will set a bug bomb this am and go do our work there only to have a complete mess in almost every room watingin for us at home. Not to mention a kitchen that must be scrubed good and not much food in house. (notice all the pb&J)

Rachel and Julie I pray you both had good weekends with friends!! Sounds like Emily had a fun and successful sat am to herself!! Go Girl!!

Going to go read and then try to sleep a bit more.

Tuesday (start of week 39) food:
tylenol
toast pbj, millk, orange

back home

All cramped up again :) We came home last night so we could start the week off from home. We still have a few things to do at the Wheatleys but should be quick. They come home late tomorrow.

So nice to know what a 2000 sgft home would be like to live in. Definitly all plusses from me. Only drawback I found was unloading the dishwasher. In my kitchen everything is one step (most just turn around and open) away and it gets unloaded very quickly. Many more steps there and takes a bit longer. Also had to get used to all the walking :) A good thing I lost a # at each dr visit. I will now be content where the Lord has me. I noticed last night Roy was looking online for houses again with renewed vigor.

Got a call from gpa and gma last night. They are still in MT.
Gotta run the children are up :( They slept better over there too and had places to play if I was on the computer. Too many outside noises here I guess.

Food:
coffee, handful of choco chips
toast w/ pb& honey, milk
pb&J

computer screen down

The computer screen would not work the last 2 days?? Roy was able to fix it last night! He is so awesome a fix it man!!

Julie I tried to give you a birthday present of birth but alas!!! Drank prepatory tea, rasp leaf tea, long walk at the mall, eggplant for dinner... I have learned that no matter what we do the Lord has his perfect timing for the birth of his little ones! So refreshing to rest in the knowledge of His peace and safty!! So Happy late birthday!!! Hope your entire b-day week was full of joy from the Lord and happiness from those around you!! Love you!

Grandpa and grandma left yesterday am. Actually I don't know when they left I left for a Dr. apt just after 10 and they were still here. So I am still measuring extra small, He is a little concerned but is starting to say "guess thats just the way you carry." I can't believe I am over 38 weeks!! Time has flown!!

Food:
cereal, milk, coffee
cottage cheese w/ blueberries (last of the blueberries and the season is over here :( )
pb&j on thick heel of homemade bread, milk
handfull of chocolate chips
iced breve
1 1/2 hotdogs, bun, kup, carrott salad, bulgar wheat salad
grapes
ice cream w/ fudge topping!!

quiet morning

I just experienced a wonderful bfast all by myself!! What a good day so far. Spent quality time with my heavenly Father, got Roy off to work, ate bfast in peacefull quietness while reading a psalm and now a little computer time maybee... Expect a child to be up soon. Maybe I should check on them as they were in bed at 8 last night. Nope will enjoy this :)

Last night grandpa took us out to eat. Went to a buffet and ate way too much. The boys were a riot. It was cold and poor Josiah was freezing (wouldnt eat dessert) Grandma got a towel from their car to wrap him in. All 3 boys ended up curled up on the floor under the table with the very bright rainbow towel covering them. Too bad the camera which is always in the diaper bag was at the house :( Good momories!!

Grandpa wants to take the boys fishing and to the spray park today. They will love it! I am glad he is feeling up to playing with them again. Last week they did almost nothing with the kids. Grandpa s gout in his foot was bothering him and grandma is still bothered by the time change.

Food:
coffee
overnight carmel french toast, grapes, blueberries

confusing morning

I was very confused this am. at 7:15 grandma and grandpa were down and dressed?? Besides Sunday this is the first morning we have seen them both up b4 at least 10. Then no one ate bfast. Oh well! Now grandpa and micah are working on the car, Ian and Josiah are playing in the sand pit, Avery is taking a nap and grandma is upstairs.

I really thought that last night was the night. I have rarely had any braxton hix with any of my pregnancys. For me contractions mean I was induced or baby is coming in the next two hrs! 11:30 I had three long fairly painful contractions that woke me up. spent over a hr up with these random contractions. They quit b4 1am and now I am off to a regular day :) So we will see. Side note three of the four kids were born between 2 and 2:15 am. Kinda weird. Ian was born at 5:24 pm and is the most different of them all.

Still praying grandma and grandpa stay a little longer. Sat they said they would leave Mon. They are definitly not going today. God knows what is best for them and us so I will pray and leave it in his capable hands :)

Todays food:
coffee
rice cereal, br sug, cinn, milk
cottage cheese w/ blueberries

Dragging

Last night we were up till 12:15 talking. Actually more like listening to Roy and mom hash out prayer. They are funny to listen to :) We did not get home till 10 so the kids were in bed much too late. Will make for a interesting day! Maybe I could get some of those steroids for the day :)

Interupted alrready.... Ian is "hungry for something." he already ate bfast grrrr I hate cereal not filling at all for these boys. So I best go and you all know I rarely get back :) I also have to eat so ta ta for now. Praying the day is a joyfull one for all!!

Food:
coffee, 4 squares cadbury chocolate for baby of course :)

quick post

I just wrote a little :) comment on Emilys blog for all to read. Took a long time with many interuptions so this will be quick! Why this works best b4 everyone gets up!

Micah woke up this am and wanted to read his bible!! He read Jn 1:1&2 with ease and the we had a good talk about what he read and how to apply it to his life. He wants to obey and is praying for the Lords help. His specific prayer is that he would stop peeing in his pants. He gets too busy in the day to go to the potty every time. He and Roy are praying that he would get this under control by the end of the month. If you think of it please pray for him too!

Food: coffee
cereal, milk
cottage cheese w/ bllueberries

tired too

Sounds like many kiddos were up last night. Avery was up a long time around 1. Ended up she was poopy and hungry too much watermelon and cherries :) Then Ian fell out of bed. Because og the grace of our heavenly Father we will make it.

Nothing planned today I think everyone needs a break from the routine of business we have been in. I also have some baking to get done.

Food:
coffee
oatmeal, b sugar, milk, fruit
cherries
cottage cheese w/blueberries I think Brittany has me addicted

No baby just yet!

Had a busy day. U/S late am took everyone as they have a waiting room with kid videos. Grandma came in to see the wee babe. I went back at 3 for a follow up with the Dr. Baby always has his legs over his head so getting a good pic is hard (impossible today) crazy boy! Head down and very low, 5.5 pounds, seems healthy, and I am dialated a little not much but I have never been dialated this soon. My midwife has my uterus measuring almost 6 weeks behind but the Dr is measuring 3 weeks behind and is not concerned. Will go back next Thursday if there is no baby b4.

After the u/s we all had a picnic and played at the park. I am looking forward to a day w/o going anywhere!! Planning on it being tomorrow :) I also need to get these boys back in a discipline pattern. Being gone on vacation and daddy being here all last week and not being home has created three monsters. Kinda glad baby is waiting a little while to come.

I must get to bed at a decent time (b4 10) tonight. Too many late nights lately.

Food:
coffee
juice, pancakes, cherries, watermelon
pb&j, watermelon, chips
cherries, tea
chicken, rice, salad, cauliflower w/cheese sauce
ice cream & decaf coffee

crazy fun times

Having a great time in the heat. Our van said it was 107 yesterday! We are all enjoying being in a large house with a large yard with lots to do. We went cherry picking Fri and picked just over 80#s of cherries! Sat spent the morning pitting and freezing cherries then went to the fishing pond and then a spray park.

Emily I had nor do I have any intention of being cynical. Sorry if I sounded that way. I even looked up the word to make sure of its meaning. I just want your parents to feel welcomed here for as long as they want. Baby is not due till Aug 4 so I do realize that is a while to stay in one place when it is not your own home. A little tidbit; this is only the 2nd time I have ever been with just Roys parents and the first time I was gone part of the time and there was too much going on to say we spent much time together. I remember very little of it. Fri mom Ficek and I went out and I believe that is the first time I have ever done anything just the two of us! We had a great time shopping :) Still praying they stay till baby comes. However Gods will not mine :)

I have another u/s tomorrow. I am measuring 51/2 to 6 weeks behind. They will measure amniotic fliud, check baby size and movement, and then make a decision. If they are unsatisfied with any of them or feel like baby is not thriving they will induce labor. I am so thankful that God is in control!! Will let you know how it goes.

Food:
lots of fruit
stew
polenta (a first for me and I kinda liked it)
eggs
meat and cheese wraps
coffee
tea

home kind of

We had a wonderful time with the family at Mark and Brittany's cabin! There was so much to do. Fishing, swimming boating, wake boarding, tubeing, jet skis, soccer, croquet, campfires, hiking, swinging in a hammok, great food and lots of sitting in the sun talking. The cabin is quite large so there was plenty of room for all. I tried to take lots of pics but there was so much going on... will post one of these days when we are home.

We are so blessed to have Josh and Gloria as close friends here. They left yesterday to visit her family in Quebec and gave us the use of their home for the 3 weeks they are gone! Grandpa and grandma will have their own room and bathroom upstairs and we havee three bedrooms to use down. Josiah is in a room by himself for the first time ever and woke up this am confused wondering where his brothers were :) Quite a blessing to have the extra space and all stay together esp with family here!

Not sure if Lance has been trying to get ahold or wants to talk to his parents. We have not told them anything. You can call them on Roys cell 509 947 7070. He took the whole week off so anytime is fine!

Today we are planning to go raspberry and cherry picking. Picnic lunch at the park. Then to the grocery store for sure as we ate most everything we had b4 we left.

Please pray with us that gpa and gma will stay with us for longer than they say. I really do want them to stay untill baby comes but do not want to push them. Saying they may leave as early as Monday! I was surpised and I think Roy was really dissappointed. My specific prayer is that they will stay till baby comes because honestly they may not see him till he is a toddler or bigger if not now.

food:
coffee
cereal, milk

Busy day ahead

Changing the order to my am routine! Took a long time to post yesterday just dosent work too well with kids up! :)

Today we are packing the car, going to a MOPS BBQ and swim party, home to tie up loose ends, Dr. apt at 3:20 then hit the road. It is funny that we have the least to travel of anyone coming to the reunion!! Thankful too as we are the only ones with kiddos!

As far as I know we are staying at the cabin till Monday evening or tues am. Then it is home bringing Roys parents with us. I still have no idea how long they plan to stay. I offered for them to stay till baby comes. I figure if they havent seen Avery yet they best stay and meet the new little guy for who knows when they would ever meet him! Will take it one day at a time.

I will try to take lots of pics and post next week for yall! So wish you were able to make it out but I understand that is a long way! Have a very Happy 4th of July! May there be showers of blessing upon all the Ficeks near and far!! Love you all!

coffee
rice cereal, milk
vanilla coke, hot dog, chips, churros, jello
iced latte for on the road
turkey or roast beef sub, chips, grapes,

Day 2 back!

So far I hav only 2 up and one is Avery so this will be quick :) She is the most demanding of all my babies. Right now she is trying to pry my bum off the seat. Very pushy little girl!!

Today I want to clean the kitchen completly. It always gets 1/2 done. Since the fridge is low on food I really need to clean it too! I also want to dust and get the boys sheets washed.

The kids are all packed but I need to get myself packed sometime today. I will let Roy take care of his own packing :) So much to do and so little time. I hate leaving for a trip and coming home to a mess. However that usually always happens. It is usually laundry in the living room and rooms not picked up properly.

Todays food:
coffee
toast, 2 eggs, milk

I can't believe it has been so long since I have written a blog. I seriously intended to get going again many times but...

In the last several months I have been trying to faithfully seek the Lord early. While I don't always make it our Lord is full of grace and mercy toward me. I have found that our days run much smoothly when mom is up b4 everyone and has spent quality time with the Lord. I have never been a morning person but again the Lord has blessed with grace and help in this.

Our days are much more scheduled now which helps me keep my sanity some:) However I still have trouble keeping the house picked up let alone clean. It is also hard to fnd time to be on the computer for extra stuff! We had also experienced the reality of Proverbs 29:15b a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. These boys need constant attention and instruction. The sin nature reins in them and they bring out the worst of sins in mee too. Thankfully the Lord has given us all the instruction we need in his word now I must be more faithful to read it and obey what he has revealed unto me!

Mornings are spent schooling. I read to them, Micah reads, Iread some more and then we have about 1 hr of seatwork. I read to them for 2 hrs a day usually in 2 chunks. Micah hates his seatwork so I have to really focus on him and be creative. Ian begs to do seatwork and although I am grateful he is so ready to learn (he has already started reading a little) I don't feel I am ready to spend the time just yet. Josiah is wonderfully conttent to color or play on his own! Avery still takes a morning nap. As soon as she goes down we hit the books. This week I have stopped schooling (except for the reading) in order to focus on cleaning and packing for the long weekend. I plan on schooling till baby comes then take a break for a while.

This little boy has been a difficult one. As far as due date I had no idea (not even a guess) when my last period was so we are going purly by u/s. I 1st predicted Aug 21, 1st u/s said 15th, then at 21 weeks said 4th so who knows?? Thankfully the placenta previa from the 21 wk u/s is no longer a issue. Our God is a God of maricles! All glory to Him!! However since March I have been going in every 2 weeks bcause I am measuring small. Not fun to go in that much with all 4 munchies with me! The boys are very good Avery is often another story. I have found she likes dum dums! :) Right now I have the feeling that I could easily walk him out right now. Without too much activity I start having low contractions (something I have never had b4) . I will be checked on Thursday and am interested to see what we find!

I have kept up with reading all your blogs and am encouraged that everyone seems to be doing so well!! Julie your post on peace was a much needed meditation for me last week!! We have been going thru about 9 months of turmoil in our small assembly. It is all coming to a head now and I had been overly stressed over the whole thing. Please pray that brotherly love will prevail and the Lords will evident to and lived out by all!!

Best go referee the wresteling match going on :) Love to you all!!



So I have wworked so hard to get a good working schedulee down for us and soon baby will be here and I am guessing I will have to start all over! :) Don't know how this got down here it was written in a paragraph up top. Oh well!!

the wind has arrived

Every Feb (usually earlier in month) we have a few weeks of warmer weather with severe winds. We moved here during that time 6 years ago and it was very startaling to see sagebrush blowing down the street like cars and shopping carts on their side in the parking lots. Anyway yesterday the winds came. This is also the big clue that March and warm weather is just around the corner!! Looking forward to switching the clothes and lots of walks to the park and time outside!!

Yesterday I had 2 of Glorias kids for the am and was unable to get the computer in the evening. Roy was listening to Dr. Mazak online :)

Today I took the kids to the store after lunch and then for a walk at the mall and some time playing for them. Roy is home early so dinner is in the oven early and I get a few mins to blog!

Tuesdays food:
coffee
pear crisp covered in milk
gloria brought pizza for lunch
cottage cheese, 1/4 apple
2 chocolate chip cookies, coffee
chix drumstick, brocc, cauliflower, couscous, salad W/ balsmic vinag.
2 choco cookies, milk while watching biggest looser :)

Wed food:
coffee
pear crisp covered in milk
1/4 apple peel
pb & honey sand. milk
iced vanilla latte
1 small chocolate doughnut
shepherds pie, salad

better late than never

Avery is teething
Josiah woke up with a fever
Roy had jury duty, work , then a mens meeting
I am still in my pjs why change now??
Kids are all tucked in and I am just waiting for Roy
They may be awhile so I may head to bed too!

Mondays food:
coffee, 2 choco chip cookies
bagel w/butter
tomato, ham and cheese pizza
milk 2 more cookies
chex mix
pasta, salad. garlic bread
going to have milk and a cookie then off to bed. Sweet dreams yall!

waiting

Today is MOPS. I was up early and had a good time of prayer, made a potatoe casserol, and am now waiting for the boys to wake up. It is always a difficult am as they sleep in due to meeting the night b4. Then I try not to eat very hard for me as there is so much good food at MOPS!! Soon I will go get their clothes out and try to rouse them!

Thursdays food:
coffee
lots of egg dishes, potatoe casserols and fruit. fresh bread, cookie, coffee
hot dog from costco, root beer
cottage cheese w/ pineapple
baked potatoe w/ sour cream, cheese, broccoli

Differences

Have missed you all. I am so a creature of habit and the weekend always throws me off.

I was just reading your blogs and realized how totally different we all are. There are only 4 of us and we have a full time worker with no kids, full time worker with kids, work from home mom and one who brings in no income with kids. Juust neat to see the many different paths the Lord has for us Ficek women! I love you all and marvel that Jesus died for each of us!!

Last night Roy brought donughts home for a special treat (hes been doing that a lot lately). They are from a local Mexican bakery and are huge and delicious. I took pics of the boys with theirs and the chocolaty faces after. Will try to post those later today.

tuesdays eats:
cereal, milk
coffee
pb & banana sand.
yogurt w/granola
trail mix
pork, couscous, broccoil& carrot orange stir fry, doughnut
orange

Wednesdays eats:
steel cut oats w/ dried cranberries, apple, br sugar, cinnamon
coffee
more oats
2eggs, celery stalks w/pb, chips w/sour cream and salsa
trail miix, cottage cheese
pancakes, oats, OJ
coffee, a handfull of hersey kisses

Friday Friday!

Last night we had a great time. Since 8 of the bodies were little people we were able to squeeze around the table. Avery and Silas sat in laps :) Roy and Josh go preach at the mission once a month. Gloria decided to take the kids this time to see how it goes. I did not feel too compelled to go but sent Micah and Ian along. Josiah Avery and I had a quiet yet fun hour while the big guys were gone. Roy came home with DQ yummies!

On to today. Kinda lazy morning cleaned up some in kitchen need to go clean boys room. We are going over to Glorias this afternoon for a Valentines party! Tonight we have a babysitter lined up :) Going to go out to eat with our gift card!! Thanks Lance and Julie :) We have not had a date night since early summer so it will be fun! Hope to get out early and a day early too to beat the crowds.

Fridays food:
cereal, milk
coffee
PB&bananna, milk
orange
coffee to take to the party!

Going to be a good day!!

Roy will not be going to work today!! We have company coming for dinner so he will be a big help with the kids and or helping clean and get ready. Still not sure how we are going to seat 12 bodies in our home but I am sick of not having people over because there is no room at our table. Should be fun and I plan on setting up the boys little people stuff in their room for the 6 bigger kids to play. A new Survivor starts tonight!! Going to be a busy but fun day.

TH Food:
cereal, milk
coffee
pasta bake
apple
chix, couscous, peas w/ baby onions, salad, orange cake
pb cup blizzard suprize from Roy :)

running late today

The boys slept in this am so when I put Avery down for her nap I dozed on the couch foor awhile :) So even though I was up early our day is running behind. Fortunatly we have no where to go till this evening.

Wend food:
cereal, milk
coffee
orange
pb&banana sand. milk
yogurt w/blackberries and granola
pasta bak w/cream cheese and sour cream, garlic bread, apple juice
coffee, 3 bites of Ian's left over ice cream

early appointment!

Good late afternoon to you all :) Our morning started off early as we had to be out of the house by 8 am. Have a good dr visit then went to grocery store for milk and a few produce, then to the pet store. By the time we got going from there it was almost lunch time I caved and we went to McDonalds.

Micahs dr visit yesterday went great. The Dr was pleased with his hand and it did look much better than it did sun am. She told him that he didn't even have to wear the splint anymore!! Boy am I tired already and the week is not yet 1/2 over. With prayer meeting tomorrow and a bible study Thursday am I will have been out every day this week very unusual for us!!

Tuesdays eats:
cereal, milk
coffee (sample at grocery store)
milky way
McChicken, few fries
apple, coffee

Week of dr. visits

Today I have to take Micah to the dr. foor his hand. Roy and I are concerned that the glue did not take properly. When we change the bandages the cut looks open and just not right. Thankfully there is no sign of infection. Just glad the apt is for today! Tomorrow I go to the ob dr. and I have to make dentist apts for everyone this week. I have not been since my BJ days so this should be fun!! We also have another medicalish apt on Thursday. no one has been to the dr since Averys 3 month visit so i don't mind the flurry of dr visits :) Although by the end of the week I will be exausted!

Went to Josh and Glorias for breakfast Sat am and had a wonderful time of fellowship with them. We watched Fireproof that evening. Great movie what a testimony of the love of Christ for his bride!! "We love him because he first loved us" seems to have been our weekend theme. Sunday was a very normal day of worship and fellowship with our Lord and his saints! Now on to the week.

Today I will tackle a very messy kitchen! During the week I spend at least two times a day cleaning it (not to mention clean up time directly after a meal). On the weekend that number turns into 1 or 0 hence Monday my kitchen is always a disaster :( Roy is amazed at how bad it is but last night I told him that I am not as I know how much time I spend keeping it up during the week and on the weekend well... So I better get a move on it to have it done b4 lunch and our apt.

Mondays eats:
coffee
cereal, milk, banana
pb & banana sand, milk

I love MOPS Thursdays

Had a great time at MOPS this am. Today we were challenged to take the 21 day love challenge. We are to do a little something or say something special to our "project" every day for 21 days. Will see how it goes this is not something I excel at :) After we stopped at the grocery for milk, gas station, then the pet store. Home for lunch and some down time (naps and reading) for the kiddos! My kitchen needs serious attention so I must get in there soon :(

Thursday:
cottage cheese
coffee
potatoes, bean salad, deviled eggs, cinnamon bread, fruit, sugar cookie, chocolate hearts!
espresso milkshake
oatmeal w/ honey, milk

3 reasons for tuesday

What a day yesterday was!!!!

1. Internet connection down in the am
2. Went to Dennys with Gloria and her kids for free grand slams. The line was into the parking lot so... she treated us to Taco Bell and then we went to the park. There is a long story here :) will eloborate in the future. Got home late afternoon.
3. spent the evening in the ER with Micah. I have always marveled at the fact that with three boys and Micah being such a dare devil we have never been to even the dr for injuries. Not so anymore. After dinner the boys were clearing the table as they always do, Micah fell with a casserol dish and sliced his hand pretty bad. Roy took care of it (there was a lot of blood and screaming) and told me to take him to the er for stitches. When we got there he kept crying saying he was scared and did not want stitches. He was also very white :( A nurse cleaned it out while I held a screaming boy and tried not to cry myself. Then the Dr came and glued it, bandaged it and put a splint on that he is to have on for a week. All in all not too bad a experience I am so glad they glued it the marvels of modern medicine! We got ice cream on the way home for a special treat.

Tuesdays food:
cereal, milk
coffee
planning on eggs and pancakes but settled for a chicken taco, beef-n-bean burrittoand water
1/4 apple
grilled chicken, scalloped potatoes, white corn, salad w/ thousand Isl.
fried tortilla w/cinn and sugar
ice cream

Wednesdays food:
coffee
cereal, milk
coffee
pb banana sandwich, cheese,, milk
yogurt w/ granola
1 1/2 grilled cheese, tomato soup
coffee

New week

This weekend was a busy one! Roy was home Friday. Between fri and sat we got rid of the entertainment center and rearranged the living room. I also got all the toys away in their PROPER place and started cllearing out the boys room. We are trying to come up with a plan for Avery!? She is such a light sleeper that Roy often wakes her in the night. He has slept on the couch the last few nights and she has slept till at least 5am. She had been waking at least twice during the night. We may put the pack n play in the bathroom or downstairs. Will experiment this week.

I enjoyed watching tennis and both of my picks won the mens and womens championship!! The my pick lost in the superbowl :( oh well can't win em all!!

Today is another day to live in humble faith for out Lord! I pray youall find comfort and strength in that faith today and throughout the week! Love you guys!!

Mondays food:
coffee
cereal, milk
cottage cheese
toast w/butter and jam
coffee
orange
goldfish
baked potatoe w/cheese, sour cream and broccoli, cornbread, water

Wonderful Friday!

Roy did not have to work today!! We got some things done around the homestead and got next months budget done. He is off to the bank now. Looking forward to getting extra done tomorrow it is wonderful to have two days in a row to get extra stuff done!!

Friday eats:
coffee
pancakes, OJ
egg salad sand, rootbeer
coffee
Stew, water

Thursday

Going to take the kids over to visit with one of their friends. Have to clean and do laundry this am :)

T food:
coffee
rasin bran, milk
toast w/butter, milk
pizza and rootbeer Roy's suprize!!
cinnamon toast w/ butter

Another slow morning

Avery decided to wake at 4am after letting her cry for 1/2 a hour I fed her. In that time she woke up Josiah :( She has a bit of a cold and slight cough praying it stays small. Then she slept till 6:30 so did I so it is another late morning. I am excited the weather is supposed to be in the mid 40s so I will make the boys play outside today!! It has stayed in the 20s the last month +.

I am working on getting this house organized. I come from a disorganized family and want to change that. Actually it has gotten to a point where I have to for our sanity. Small space with 6 people means you have to be organized :) or go absolutly crazy!!

Food for ewdnesday:
rasin bran, milk
coffee
toast w/butter
oatmeal w/brown suggar
tea
bean burritto, milk
chips, snack, coffee

Tuesday

So very tired today. Stayed up late last night watching Andy Roddick win his tennis match!! Today is Serenas turn :) So my day got a late start and I have not had my coffee or done my reading yet :( These are the days I am glad to have the boys watch while I have my quiet time however it sure puts everything else behind. So I better get going!

Tuesdays eats:
rasin bran, milk
coffee
1/2 pear
tortillas, calico beans, salad, chips w/beans&sour cream, milk
ice cream a must while watching biggest looser :)

made it back

We had a great Christmas with the family. saw extended family at the funeral and spent Sunday evening with a dear friend Lisa Peters Lloyd. What a true time of fellowship and blessing with her Dan and their 8 little ones (#9 is on the way)! I do not have many friends but I can say that the ones I am in communication with now are both striving to put Christ into every second of their life!! How I long for that.
Last week was busy getting home and back into a routine that is new. 2 long stories there are the reason I did not blog. The short of it is in the near future (hopefully today or tomorrow I will be starting a new blog of my meditations. Very scarry for me to even think that way but...
Sooo to get back on track with my food blog... I sure did miss you guys!!

Food for Monday:
coffee
toast
coffee
corn dog, katchup, broccoli slaw, milk
frapaccino
pear
spaghetti, salad w/ranch, sour dough bread
pear, ice cream

Gooing away

When Roy gets off work we will leave to go over th mountains. My elderly uncle passed away so we havwe a funeral to go to Sat pm since that was the only time we could do CHRISTmas Roy is taking Monday off. So I will not have access to a computer till Tuesday. Pray you all have a wonderfully restfull weekend. Will miss you :)

Fridays nummys:
sscrambled eggs, grapefruit
coffee

busy day

Today will be a busy day and since I stayed up way too late last night... We are getting ready to leave tomorrow for my sisters house to celebrate CHRISTmas. Josiah is sleeping in , Avery is down for her nap, Iaan is doing stickers, and Micah is waiting patiently for me to come play a game with him. Good times had by all!! :) Hope your days have all started out as wonderful as mine!

TH food:
grapefruit
coffee, 2 eggs in a basket, cheese
pancakes w/syrup
grapes
latte
chix biscut casserol
OJ milkshake

January is flying by!!

Last night Roy watched Steamboat Bill with the boys. It is a old black and white silent film. I was suprized how much they loved it :) First thing this morning they were begging to watch it again.
Josiah was sick again yesterday afternoon but seems better today. Totally weird to be so sick better for 2 days then sick agaain. Oh well this too shall pass!

Wed food:
2 eggs in a basket, grapefruit
coffee
toast w/butter
1/4 apple
a small cheap frozen pizza Yuck!
apple
big spring greens salad w/tomato g peppers & a balsamic spritzer
chips salsa and sour cream
coffee, chocolate cake

Post 100

Hard to believe I have done this 100 times! So glad ya'll convinced me to join in :0) Stayed up late talking with Roy about how to live more by faith and less in control. Good conversation however not going to bed till 1 am will make today a little more sluggish. Thankfully we do not have anything planned today just regular school and some cleaning.

LET GO AND LET GOD!

T food:
grapefruit
coffee, 2 eggs in a basket
mandarine orange, toast w/butter and jam, milk
toast w/cheese, grapes
apple
steak, seasoned potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower

Monday

I am very tired and queezy this am. I think it is mostly from lack of food and sleep. once my breakfast settles hope to feel better. Wondering why the Lord chooses the begenning of every week to start out a mess? His ways are better than ours I must remember that! Am going to try to get this day and week back on track quickly.

Mondays eats:
yogurt, grapefruit
tea, 2 pancakes w/strawberries and whip cream
2 slices chix & tomato pizza
grapes
apple
meatballs, rice, pineapple sauce and salad

weekend

What a weekend. After a wonderful morning with the fam on Sat am I went to meet some ladies from MOPS then run some errands. When I got home I found a white Josiah on the couch. Roy informed m that he had thrown up twice. Roy went for a hair cut and by the time he got back the little guy had thrown up several times and made a mess of diareah all over the couch. Went to bed early expecting a long nigght. 10:30 Ian threw up all over his bed, Roy moved him to a extra mattress in the hall, b4 he got settled Avery threw up, then Josiah and finally Roy. During the night Ian , Avery and Roy all had another episode. I did not sleep much in between as I felt horrid. Everyone thankfully slept in and Avery took a good am nap. I spent most of the late morning "peeing out my bum" (my sisters description). Micah never got it and kids were all pretty fine on Sun but Roy and I felt awful. All in all it was very dissappointing as we had special visitors at meeting yesterday that we missed out on:(

Saturdays food:
coffee
pancakes, strawberries, whip cream, milk
soup, roll

Sundy:
tried milk in evening
did not settle well so had some grapes b4 bed

Thursday

We had MOPS this morning then ran some errands. Busy but fun day. Avery had a rough morning. She cried from 5:30 till we left at 8:20 (she paused briefly to nurse). I have never had a baby do that to any extent :( She is so different in soooo many ways.

Thursdays eats:
coffee
brunch at MOPS lots of egg and potatoe dishes, muffins, fruit andsome veggies w/dip
espresso milkshake
large mandarine orange
steak, seasoned potatoes, zuchinni, stuffing
will probably have some ice cream while watching the end of the BCS championship game

We had a much better night last night. Avery woke up at 4:30 ate then slept till 6. Today we are going out I have a dr apt for Avery and Josiah at the health dept then we will go walking at the mall followed by coffee for mom and fun in the play area for the kiddos. have not been out of house since Sunday pm so looking forward to it.

FOOD FOR THE DAY:
rasin bran, milk
coffee
grande iced 2 pump vanilla latte
1/4 of a mall pretzel
tortilla chips w, salsa and sour cream
grahm crackers
toast W/butter, milk, grape juice
coffee, rice krispy treat
toast w/ butter, milk

tired tuesday

Avery slept poorly again last night. Today will try to catch up on laundry.

Tuesdays food:
coffee
bran muffins w/butter
rice krispie treat
3 corn tortillas w/beans, cheese & tomato

french press coffee (no milk for my latte)

another rice krispy treat

donught (thanks to Roys shopping spree)

chicken burger w/mayo cheese tomato and spinach, tortilla chips w/sour cream and salsa

OJ

New week

It is finally back to a regular week for us. I am going to experiment a little with the schooling schedule. Avery has a fever and was up every three hrs last night:( Praying it is teething. It snowed a couple of inches last night so the boys can go out and hopefully Avery will sleep longer. Havve a great week all!!

Mondays eats:
coffee
scrambled eggs, toast w/jam
4 corn tortillas w, beans, rice, sour cream, salsa, juice
1 slice toast w/jam
tangerine
chix drumsticks, rice, corn, salad w/ranch, juice

Saturday

coffee
pancakes w/butter and syrup, milk
2 egg in a basket, OJ, tangerine
tri tip roast, mashed potatoes, carotts, zuchini
yogurt w/blackberries

Went for a walk this afternoon. Did not stay out too long as my face was frozen:)

Holiday feast

Yesterday we had our first big meal of the holidays. We went over to Josh and Glorias. Had a great afternoon and the kids had a blast playing inside and out:) They love it over there because there is so much space and it is always difficult for them to leave. It was a great start to the new year even though I missed the Rose Bowl for the first time ever :)

NEW YEARS DAY:
coffee
bran muffins, butter
OJ
ham, corn, scalloped potatoes, salad, punch
coffee, cinn rolls, ice crream, brownie, date squares (had a little of everything)
pizza w/tomatoes & cheese, ranch, milk

Fridays foods:
coffee
rasin bran
sausage cheese biscuits
toast w/jam, OJ
yogurt w/blackberries
spaghetti, salad, grape juice, garlic bread
OJ shake (thanks to Roy)