The Saga Continues and Prayer Request

We were "for sure" closing on Friday.  Our (less than) stellar mortgage guy assured us that we would be closing so that we could move on Friday.  After all, we had the moving truck, moving company, and a small army of volunteers all lined up.  Then, at 1:00 on Friday afternoon, (when we should have been signing papers) the bank asked for clarification on something on our taxes. We responded in less than 10 minutes to their questions.  So, you would think that took care of it, right?  Not so!  Each time the bank has a question, that gives them another 48 hours until they have to deliver their paperwork.  And, of course, the bank is closed all weekend which means they actually have 96 hours.  (((Sigh))) 

Todd's folks headed back to North Dakota. We cancelled the movers.  The rental truck went back.  We called off our volunteers.

The entire house is boxed up, which would be a good thing if we were indeed moving.  So, now, we begin to unpack boxes (((another sigh))) so that we can live in the rental house another week.  I can't stomach another fast food meal.  I took the little kids to Aldi to get some groceries.  I made tacos for lunch and supper is in the crock pot.

Supposedly, we'll be closing "for sure" on Wednesday.  Todd had to cancel his trip for work so that we can sign papers.  Hopefully, we'll be able to get the moving company to fit us in on Thursday or Friday.  Hopefully, we'll be able to rally our awesome friends to help us out.

And, did I mention, that Madeline is being Confirmed at the Basilica on Sunday?  I was really hoping to be settled in the new house so that we could have a nice dinner afterwards.  Looks like we'll be dining out and ordering a cake....I guess that's not so bad, huh?

Here's a peek at the disaster zone we're living in for the next week or so.

Little kids playing "Reading Eggs" in the school room.

The kitchen.

Living room -  complete with building blocks!

Madeline studying for her science test online.

Benjamin eating rice rusks - man can he pack them away!

But, in the midst of all of this, I received an e-mail asking for prayers for a Wisconsin family. The father died when their car was hit by a deer as he was driving his family to the hospital to deliver their 8th child. His wife gave birth shortly after the accident. The other 7 children were in the car, but only sustained minor injuries.  This could easily be my family.  The father was the same age as Todd.  Their oldest is about the same age as my Madeline. I can't even imagine the tremendous sorrow surrounding the mother at a time that should be filled with joy.  Please pray for them.  Visit their Go Fund Me page and contribute financially if you are able. Being a single, homeschooling mama to 8 children...I can't even fathom that.

As much as these past few weeks have been frustrating to me and my family, we still have each other.  Go give your hubby a smooch...hug your teens....snuggle your toddlers...rock your babies...it's all such a gift.  We must not take life for granted.

God Bless!

Heather :-) 

Prayer Request

There is a local family in great need of prayers.  The mother (Annie) was recently diagnosed with a cancer that is referred to as "triple hit lymphoma." They understand it to mean that there's three different types coming together. It is a serious and aggressive cancer, and of lymphoma cases in the last two years, less than 5% of them have been similar to Annie's.  You can see their story here from a local news station.

She is a mother to 5 children all under the age of 10. That is something that I can relate to!  I can't even begin to imagine the difficulty in trying to deal with cancer and chemotherapy with the worry of all those little ones.  Most importantly, this family needs your prayers. We know how powerful intercessory prayer can be - please get your children to pray as well. I firmly believe that God has a special ear for the prayers of little people!  The Mangan family could also use any financial donations you could spare.  Please prayerfully consider helping them out with a financial contribution. Their Go Fund Me page can be found here.  You can check her Caring Bridge site for updates on her condition, treatment, and family life.

Thanks for considering this - and thank you especially for your anticipated prayers!

God Bless!

Heather :-)

To Bring You Up To Speed...

Whew!  Each day seems to fly by more quickly than the last.  I can't say that we're busy doing anything spectacular, just the day to day "stuff" of family life.

Showings/Selling the House
We have a few interested parties and have had many showings.  Of course, they all want to view the house over the dinner hour which is highly disruptive to our family.  We spent an afternoon/evening last week viewing homes in the area that we would like to move to.  Nothing is set in stone.  I'm so glad that I'm not a realtor!

Haley's Foot
Haley has been having increasing discomfort and pain in her left foot.  She is a tough kid and has actually been in tears a few times the past week which was a huge red flag to me.  We went to see a foot doctor and he diagnosed her with Plantar Fasciitis.  She's wearing some temporary supports and tennis shoes in the house.  Ice, ibuprofen, and stretches have also helped.  We're due to go back in two weeks to discuss future treatment options.

School and Field Trips
We're plugging away and fitting in school whenever and wherever we can.  Last week we went to the aquarium at the Mall of America. The big girls had just finished up their study of sea creatures and it was amazing to listen to them recall various facts as we walked through the displays.  It truly is a joy to be home with the children...most of the time! :-)

There were a few nice days last week where I just sent the kids outside to play.  They rode bike and scooters, bounced on the trampoline, swung, and dug in the sandbox for hours.  I do love the flexibility of homeschooling.  As it turns out, those might have been the last "glory days" of fall as the temperatures have dropped and the windy, bitter days of autumn seem to have settled in here in Minnesota. 

We have our home school co-op that meets twice a month and the children are really enjoying it.  They like the interaction with the other children.  I must admit, that I like it too.  It can get a bit lonely in the day to day work of schooling the children and keeping house.  Surrounding myself with other home school mamas lifts my spirits.

Crafting/Sewing
The first three weekends in November we have craft shows.  We had a very successful crafting season last year, so we have had to replenish everything.  Todd and I have been plugging away in the evenings.  The list is slowing getting completed.

Madeline and Haley are going to have their own booth at a local craft show.  They're crocheting and knitting like mad to have a good selection.  I hope that they do well and are encouraged to continue.  You've gotta love the entrepreneurial spirit in kids!

Praying
There are so many intentions on my prayer list right now.  Please say a prayer for these dear family and friends who are struggling with various life issues.
- Ginny's recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
- Rod's irregular heart beats.
- Nick's recent heart transplant and recovery.
- Jim's unexplained weight loss and stomach issues.
- Tammy's brother diagnosed with West Nile Virus.
- Theresa getting treatment for early detected skin cancer.

Peter's Milestones
Peter is sitting on his own!  He is so proud of himself!  His siblings marvel at each new milestone he reaches.  He has started finger foods and drinking water from a sippy cup.  I don't like how quickly my baby is growing up!

Birthday Celebrations
We're getting ready to celebrate two birthdays this week.  The excitement level has reached record levels in the house.  I'm hoping to post pictures of the festivities!

The house is quiet...I must get some rest myself before someone is awake and in need of my services.

God Bless!

Heather :-)

Tomorrow....

We are still waiting for baby to make his grand arrival.  As of Thursday, I was dilated to 2 1/2 cm and very s...l...o...w...l...y... making progress on my own which makes me a good candidate for induction.  My doctor was out of town over the long Presidents' Day weekend, so I am thankful that baby Gyver decided to wait it out for our induction tomorrow morning.  There is still the chance that I could get bumped from the schedule, so we have to wait and see if there is room for me.  If Tuesday doesn't work out, then we'll try again on Thursday.

This weekend, we made a trip to Barnes and Noble and Michael's to use up the remainder of Christmas gift cards.  The children made some good choices and should have no trouble keeping busy for the next couple of weeks while we take our "baby break" from schooling.

A little something for everyone!

So, we're all waiting and praying that all goes well.  We have a lovely neighbor who has been on call the past week, just in case baby decided to come on his own. She has volunteered to spend the day with the children so that Todd can be at the hospital with me all day.  What a blessing to our family!

We're all anxious to add #7 to our next "Mom and Kids" photo!

I enter the end of this pregnancy with all the same mixed emotions that I have each time.  Being pregnant is such a blessing and I truly enjoy this special time.  I am nervous about the labor/delivery, but trying hard to trust that God will guide everything and take good care of us.  I know the children will be in good hands and that is a huge relief. 

Your continues prayers are immensely appreciated.  I can feel them and they are impacting me greatly.  I am much more at ease than I was a few weeks ago and I know it is due to all of the prayers that I am covered with.  Please continue them and we'll keep you posted....hopefully with some pictures of our baby boy tomorrow!

Now, I suppose I should go get a bag packed for the hospital....funny how preparations change from baby #1 to #7!

UPDATE:  (Tuesday early am) Todd is out snow blowing the driveway so that we can head to the hospital for our induction.  No snow all winter...of course it snows last night!  I've been awake since 3:00....anxious to meet our baby boy I guess.  As always, your prayers are greatly appreciated!

God Bless!

Heather :-)