The Spence Seven Report

Two years ago...

2010-01-28T08:54:00.009-05:00

...Kaiya Elaine and Reyna LaVonne, you were born. You were small and beautiful and everything I hoped you would be. You were healthy and feisty and wrapped us all, yes even your big brothers, around your twenty, tiny fingers. You left the hospital after just four days and were welcomed in to the joyful, noisy existence known as your home.

Since then you have crawled, walked, talked, laughed, danced, played and grown into such beautiful little girls! You like to change your clothes and take off your diapers and dress your babies and eat lot and lots of pears. You are independent and funny and determined to get what you want.

We all love you so much and are thankful for your lives. Happy birthday, sweet girls.

The Best Things in Life

2010-01-17T12:29:00.003-05:00

It has been said many, many ways.

"The best things in life are free."

"Sometimes the best things come in small packages."

"The best things in life are worth waiting for."

"The best things in life are worth working hard for."

I have come to a new realization. I think that the best things in life are those things that we have always known. Those things that are true and deep within us. We may not remember when we first discovered them or how it happened or where we were. They are those things that don't change over time and are not altered by new experiences or circumstances. It's almost like a sixth sense. In deeply knowing, even our dreams are transformed.

The best things in life are those things that we have always known in the deepest part of us to be true.

Not sure.....but ready.

2010-01-01T23:46:00.004-05:00

I guess that's how I feel about 2010. I have no idea what it will bring and am actually full of anticipation for all of it, what ever "it" is. I have to trust that it's already been worked out. I am eager for change and hopeful that it will come. My life is full of blessings and challenges and I expect much of that will remain the same. Who can complain about that? I am thankful for family and friends and the ability to learn everyday. I am grateful for unexpected gifts and surprises that remind me how much I really don't know! I am ready for anything...come what may.

37 years ago today....

2009-12-02T10:30:00.003-05:00

...this man was born.
7lbs 4oz - 19 inches long
big blue eyes
in a military hospital in Denver

now, he's all grown up
he weighs more
he's taller
he no longer lives in Denver
but he still has big blue eyes
and he gets more good-looking every year
i am proud to call him my husband
and the father of my children

happy birthday, sweetie
hope it's a great one

So Very Blessed

2009-11-25T20:29:00.004-05:00

There's no way to list everything, but here are some of the many blessings I am thanking God for today:

My dedicated husband
My amazing, silly, energetic children
Friends and extended family in many places
Kind and generous in-laws
Growing up in Nebraska

My church
My education
Waking up in my home every morning
Never going hungry
Having enough to share with others
All 5 of my senses and a body that carries me through each day
Making mistakes and seeing beauty in the learning
Seeing beauty every day - really, Ohio is beautiful!!
Grace, Redemption & Forgiveness

Long Overdue......

2009-11-23T10:02:00.006-05:00

The last picture was taken just one week ago at our favorite park. It was so warm we all had red cheeks and were sweating profusely when we left! It has been SUCH a gorgeous Fall here and we are so thankful for the extra time outside. Don't get me wrong Nebraska family and friends, we are eagerly anticipating our first snowfall, too!

Oh, if you're wondering, Grayson was a jellyfish for Halloween. A really good one!!

Happy "middle-aged" Birthday Mom (& Grandma)

2009-11-16T23:45:00.003-05:00

Hey - you haven't changed much at all! That wasn't really that long ago, anyway. Just think, since then you've left a great legacy of musical knowledge for thousands of students, had two smart and good-looking children (okay, one of them was!), enjoyed the addition of SIX grandchildren (so far) and kept a home cleaner than any I've seen. Now - your life is just beginning!! Go out and have some fun. Be spontaneous. Drive the speed limit. Buy something online. Go out after dark. Don't clean house for one whole day.

We all wish you the happiest of days. Happy Birthday!

Love - Paul, Monica, Grayson, Elijah, Camden, Kaiya & Reyna

Happy Birthday Cousin 'Manda!!

2009-11-04T12:56:00.003-05:00

.....or as Elijah would say, Aunt Manda!! Hope you are having a great day. We LOVED having you here for a visit. Please come back again and stay longer. I will post the pics I took soon....hopefully today.

Happy Birthday Little Brother

2009-10-21T09:48:00.004-04:00

Many things have changed since that first birthday. A few things haven't. You have always been the best brother a girl could ask for (except that little period when you kept trying to get me in trouble for hurting you and I really wasn't). :) :) You have always made me extremely proud - at every stage in your life. You have always been supportive and kind and caring.

Now, you are a husband and a father and an uncle!! I miss you dearly and wish you were my next door neighbor. Maybe, someday........!

Happy, happy birthday to you. Praying you feel blessed today!

For the Love of Tennis

2009-09-29T21:42:00.007-04:00

***To Comron, Travis, Tyler and Nate - I am so sorry this is so late! I have no excuse. Not even five of them.

A few weeks ago we had the privilege of hosting a few "tennis guys" from back home. There is a huge tournament every year here and we think we have started a tradition of hosting those who are brave enough to make the trek and put up with our large family. This year we had three guys with us for ten days and a fourth joining them for the last weekend. I don't know how much fun they had, but I know my boys have not stopped talking about their "big brothers". There was laughing and wrestling and little boys waking up big boys every day. We are already looking forward to next year, although we may need a bigger house!

It All Adds Up To Twelve

2009-09-06T20:47:00.003-04:00

2 Apartments,
3 Houses,
5 Vehicles,
2 Dogs,
6 Jobs,
5 Children,
1 Big Move,
1000's of miles traveled,

and much, much more...... all add up to 12.

Twelve years of a wonderful, challenging, blessed, life-changing, laughter-filled, love-growing, on-going marriage. I consider myself privileged to be one half of a great partnership that has endured a few of life's storms and sailed through countless sunny days and celebrations. Above all, I know I am blessed by the One who planned it all from the beginning.

Aren't They Lovely

2009-08-11T13:23:00.013-04:00

Reyna

Kaiya

Reyna

Kaiya

Kaiya & Reyna Touching Their Noses!!

Our sweet little girls are 18 months old! They have been for a week or so, but the check-up last night made it official. Here are the adorable stats:

Kaiya is 22 lbs 2 oz and 29 3/4 inches tall (or short, since that's only the 10th percentile!)

Reyna is 22 lbs 6 oz and 30 inches tall (also a shortie!)

They say ball, baby, puppy, waffle (faffle), down, bye, hello, cracker (caca), pizza (pita), diaper, mommy & dada.

They love to dance, wear shoes, purses and hats, put on their own clothes, read books and play outside.

On our way home from the appt I heard a great Stevie Wonder song. It's a great song and I thought I'd share a few of the lyrics.

Isn't she lovely
Isn't she wonderful
Isn't she precious
Less than one minute old
I never thought through love we'd be
Making one as lovely as she
But isn't she lovely made from love

Isn't she pretty
Truly the angels best
Boy, I'm so happy
We have been heaven blessed
I cant believe what God has done
Through us hes given life to one
But isn't she lovely made from love

Truly, they are lovely, precious, pretty and sweet as can be. We have been heaven-blessed indeed.

Precious Moments

2009-08-05T14:11:00.006-04:00

Just look at that sweet baby boy.....
.....and his handsome daddy,
......and his gorgeous mama,
.....and his aunt Monica who loves him so much,
.....and those feet. Trust me they are totally kissable!

Caleb is a blessing and I am so happy to have had the chance to spend a few days with him. The time spent with his parents, yummy Nebraska food and romantic comedies were all an extra bonus. I miss you all already!

Christmas Songs

2009-07-30T00:14:00.003-04:00

I just had an impromtu amazing time with my boys tonight! Camden fell off of a chair, which he is becoming a pro at, and skinned up his elbow. He was pretty upset about it, and with it being close to bedtime, he cried and cried and cried. Well, he loves Christmas songs (as do I) so we sat in the rocking chair and I sang him to sleep. It was pretty great! While he is my biggest snuggler right now, I know the days are numbered.

After I put him to bed, Elijah requested a sing-a-long, too! So, he and I shared the same songs in the pink rocking chair. He had a to have a little "back tickle" with the singing. I have ruined him for life! Just ask Paul.

Grayson came next, although we didn't sing. He told me all about his favorite computer games and had me completely pulled in with all of his hand gestures and facial expressions. It's adorable how he always says, "Hey Mom, can I tell you about this one part? Hey Mom, guess what happens in this part.", right in the middle of a conversation!

I am leaving Friday to spend a couple of days with my new nephew. I am SO excited. I will however dearly miss my family! Please pray for Daddy to be strong and courageous!

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."
2 Timothy 1:7

A Quiet Week

2009-07-21T08:55:00.003-04:00

Well, as quiet as it can be! No swimming lessons, cub camps or vacation bible school. Just good old fashioned summer play days. I asked Grayson to read yesterday`and he said, "Mom, you said it was a free week!" I think this is the only "free" week we have! Next week I will be snuggling my new nephew, then getting ready for Paul's tennis buddies from Nebraska, visiting teachers for three boys, packing backpacks, starting school on three different days and going to a great concert with Grandma Beth. Oh, and somewhere in there celebrating a 12th anniversary!! Where has the time gone?

It has been cool here, the coolest summer on record supposedly, so it has been great playing outside. I look forward to a day of bubbles, popsicles and cleaning - there is never a free day from that!

A Great Time at Studio Go!

2009-07-12T15:06:00.003-04:00

Well, we made it through the week at Vacation Bible School and had a blast! Grayson and Elijah were actually in their own classes and Camden and the girls were in the nursery - no lack of attention there!! The theme this year was a game show and each morning started of with a crazy host and some fun games. Grayson proved to be quite the contestant a few times and played a very convincing Saul later in the week. I was even given the opportunity to play Esther (though I didn't think it so great at first!) and help lead music all week. We ended the week with a closing program on Friday night and the boys sang in church this morning. Grayson is off to Cub Scout camp this week and he and Elijah are in the second week of baseball. We are busy but enjoying ourselves!

Suggestion From My Husband

2009-07-02T14:26:00.003-04:00

My sweet husband was thinking of me and sent this for a blog post. I think it's pretty convicting.

Some TALK the Talk but may stumble WALKING the Talk

A man was being tailgated by a stressed-out woman on a busy boulevard.
Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right
thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red
light by accelerating through the intersection.

The tailgating woman hit the roof, and the horn, screaming in frustration as
she missed her chance to get through the intersection with him. As she was
still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face
of a very serious police officer.

The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to
the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and
placed in a cell.

After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the
door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer
was waiting with her personal effects.

He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your
car while you were blowing your horn, flipping the guy off in front of you,
and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'What Would Jesus Do"
bumper sticker, the 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper sticker and the
chrome-plated fish emblem on the trunk. Naturally, I assumed you had stolen
the car."

Our Best New Purchase

2009-07-01T13:42:00.003-04:00

A Special Occasion

2009-06-26T16:56:00.003-04:00

I changed the background of our blog for a Very Important Person whom we will have the great honor of meeting in a few short weeks. My brother and his beautful wife are expecting their first baby, or more importantly, MY first nephew the first week of August. I am thrilled to say the least and am finding it hard to resist all things baby boy. I am praying for the oppotunity to fly back home and spend even a couple days with them shortly after he, Caleb, is born. Any more than that and my sweet husband may fall under the pressure of five very sweet, very adorable, but very time-consuming children! Above all, we are praying for a healthy baby and mommy, and that my sweet brother develops the courage to change diapers. (Seriously - he tried with his three nephews and two nieces but could never get past the smell!) Love you, Colie!

Reyna's Glasses & The Favorite Outfit

2009-06-25T14:50:00.002-04:00

What a sight; what a sound.

2009-06-24T14:05:00.003-04:00

I am staring out my bedroom window as I type watching my two oldest boys play with our neighbors' grandson (Elijah's best friend!). They are splashing around in two little plastic swimming pools, playing with the hose and a watering can, and sqealing with happiness. They're doing "cannonballs" as well as one can in a four inch pool and having an absolute blast.

I consider myself someone who appreciates the simple things in life, a lot, but oh how I wish that they were always enough; that I didn't think at times that I need just this or just that to be content. I keep moving to a more simple life and am enjoying the journey, but the world does not always make it easy. So today, I am blessed that God allowed four children to bring home the message that even the small pools are worth swimming in.

Not gone, just busy!!

2009-06-10T22:10:00.005-04:00

We have not disappeared. It has been a busy start to summer! A new playground in the backyard, getting Reyna to wear her glasses, taking three boys to swimming lessons, signing up for t-ball and Cub Scout camp, planning for visitors and just plain day-to-day stuff has kept us running. We are all enjoying the great weather and being outside (even the girls, who a short while ago would not put one toe in the grass!) as much as we can. I really do promise to post some of my favorite recent pictures. I have so many picture files that I am beginning to not remember where I have certain photos!

I am also trying to clean and sort out as much of our "stuff" as possible. We are so blessed. We are beyond blessed. I am reminded every day wherever I look how blessed we are. I am compelled to live much more simply and without as many things that I clearly don't need. God has provided so much and I am so very thankful. I guess that has kept me busy, too!

I Passed On What?

2009-05-21T19:38:00.003-04:00

It now seems as though two of my children have "inherited" my eyesight. Grayson is wearing glasses already and little Reyna is getting hers tomorrow. Elijah is probably not too far behind since at his last check-up the doctor said, "You may want to have his eyes checked again in a couple months. There seems to be a difference in vision between his right and left eye." Really? You're kidding. I guess it could be much worse, and they are still adorable. (You'll have to believe me for now - pictures to follow tomorrow!)

We are leaving tomorrow for NE/CO. The boys get to spend a week with one set of grandparents and the girls get to spend a week with the others. I will be with the girls in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. I am soooooo excited to see mountains again. The boys are super excited to have a week at Grandma's without Mom and Dad. They're not even shy about telling us that!! I will miss them much more than they will miss me, but I guess that's how it's supposed to be. I'm pretty sure Grandma and Grandpa will miss having us around a few hours after we leave. They have never done this before and I don't think they know what they signed up for. But it is too late now!! God is so good and He will give us what we need to make it through. In fact, my Encouraging Word verse for the day was, "God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all."

Don't Burn Pacifiers

2009-05-07T09:34:00.002-04:00

When the packaging says, "boil for two minutes to sanitize prior to first use", they really mean it - especially the two minute part. By the time you smell burnt plastic it's way too late. The saddest part is, if I can't be focused for two minutes I've got a few things to work on!

On a lighter note, I discovered my oldest child is very fond of chicken. So much so that he literally cleaned the bones of two chicken legs and two wings! He is my only real meat eater these days. Elijah and Camden will pick all of the meat out of spaghetti no matter how long it takes. The girls aren't extremely thrilled with meat either, but they'll eat a good cheeseburger every once in a while! We have been trying to do more meals without meat and add proteins of other kinds. I'll let you know how that goes!

15 Months

2009-04-29T10:11:00.001-04:00

A Tree Came Down

2009-04-19T10:59:00.004-04:00

The boys were so thrilled yesterday. The neigbors were cutting down a 33-year old tree in their front yard. I called them all outside because Paul was helping and I didn't think they'd ever seen a tree come down in person; in fact I don't think I had ever witnessed that in person. Anyway, the sound of the saw, the tree crashing down in the street and the mountain of branches to climb in afterward were quite a thrill for three little boys. They had a blast helping Miss Linda pick up all the branches and leaves. The love to help OTHER people with chores!! It's fun to see them doing that and Paul can't wait until there are three boys to mow the lawn.

Gotta love those socks!!

2009-04-16T11:18:00.002-04:00

Family Picture

2009-04-15T16:58:00.002-04:00

This is a picture taken of our family right after the wedding. It was a little chilly in Texas that day so the girls have jackets on. I think it's the first picture of all of us since last Easter!!

Elijah's Birthday

2009-04-14T16:14:00.006-04:00

This post is actually late - Eli's birthday was April 7, but since we left for Texas that day, he and I went to Union Terminal (train station) the Saturday before for his special day. We had so much fun!! The building is beautiful and houses 4 museums while still serving a few Amtrak passengers. You have to see it to believe it and fully appreciate it, but these are few of our pictures. We got to go up to the Control Tower where they still manage some of the train traffic. I think Elijah could move in there and be completely happy!

We're back!!

2009-04-14T14:50:00.005-04:00

Well, we made it - through Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas and back again! We had a great time seeing interesting places, good friends, new friends, favorite cousins, grandma and grandpa and most importantly, Uncle Andy marrying Lisa (now Aunt Lisa!). Grayson and Elijah were excellent ring-bearers and Paul was a handsome best man. Everyone did quite well considering the 18 hour trip did involve one little boy throwing up twice in the van!!
We were blessed to be able to make the trip and have many memories to share. These are just few pictures from the trip.

2009-03-31T10:32:00.006-04:00

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!! Hope you have a wonderful day and take some time to celebrate.

And for those of you wondering, that really IS me in the photo!!

God Bless your day Mom and Dad!!

Love - Paul, Monica, Grayson, Elijah, Camden, Kaiya and Reyna

My baby is seven years old!!

2009-03-27T10:51:00.004-04:00

He came into the world one week late (by calculations), by unplanned c-section (well, it was HIS plan), at 7:13pm, weighing 7 lbs 12 oz, on Wednesday, March 27, 2002. He had dark hair, chubby cheeks, beautiful blue eyes and the most adorable feet I'd ever seen. We found it difficult to let him out of our sight for even one minute!

Now, his hair is lighter, his eyes are brown and his cheeks aren't so chubby. It is still hard for me to let him go out into the world (on the big, bad school bus) but I do it. He is smart and funny and creative and I adore him even more today than I did that special day seven years ago. He is a blessing to us and to his brothers and sisters.

Thank you, God, for Grayson's life and all the joy he brings!

Couldn't resist one more...

2009-03-26T10:54:00.002-04:00

Been busy...

2009-03-26T10:35:00.005-04:00

I am finally back! The retreat was this past weekend and was wonderful! The weather was gorgeous and the facilities were equally enjoyable. About 50 women attended and everyone seemed to enjoy the messages, worship and fellowship. Paul survived two nights without me and the kids didn't even seem to notice I was gone. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing!

Grayson lost two teeth in two days and was pretty excited! He will be SEVEN tomorrow and is having a Wii party on Saturday. He has been sick, though, so we are praying he's back to 100% by then!

A friend from church took some pictures of the girls and I posted just a couple. We have a bunch more and they are SO good. She did fabulous job!

I think the pictures are out of order, but oh well!!

Another week's gone by...

2009-03-10T15:34:00.003-04:00

...and still no post! I have been working on a few things for a women's retreat coming up so that has been taking up most of my computer time. I think of so many things to write during the day, but (A) I never write them down, so I forget them, and (B) I end up doing something else. I thought I would mention a few of the cute things I have thought about, overheard or witnessed lately.

Elijah was sharing his trains with his sisters the other day. It was adorable - he would start the battery-powered engines and point them in their direction and then cheer when they grabbed one. He was even talking in a cute little voice. The girls were giggling.
It is beautiful here today, so we all went outside for a while. The girls don't like the grass at all! I put their little bare feet down and they cried every time. We'll have to remedy that by spending a lot of time outside this summer.
Camden told the woman working in the 2's and 3's room at church that his sisters wouldn't be walking until they were boys. Reyna however is walking - all over the place. Kaiya couldn't care less!
Grayson, while practicing writing at school, wrote this sentence - My dad is the silliest dad I ever had. And this one, while doing a lesson on Martin Luther King's speech in which they had to start a sentence with "I have a dream..." - I have a dream that all of the animals will get along. He also stated this when asked what he would do if he was President.

Hope you're all having a great week!

As promised...and a few more!

2009-03-03T11:04:00.003-05:00

First Real Fight

2009-02-26T13:38:00.003-05:00

Well, Kaiya and Reyna had their first "real" fight today. I was in our bedroom and heard Reyna screaming, like she had pinched her finger or fallen down, so I hurried to the door only to see her reaching for a round, Disney Princess tin that Kaiya had. She (Kaiya) was waving it in front of her, smiling, and then hit her on the head with it. She wasn't really hurt but she was REALLY mad. I think I solved the argument when I looked over on the floor about six inches away and grabbed the other identical tin for Reyna. It's not always going to be that easy, is it?

A little bit of everything...

2009-02-25T09:54:00.003-05:00

So, it's been a while since I added any pictures. Today I will try to make up for that. Here are a few things we've been up to:

Bathing Beauties, Camden at Chuck E Cheese, Grayson's Pinewood Derby car, Camden and Elijah playing trains in rice (it's not as messy as it might sound!)

This is funny...

2009-02-17T10:53:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I changed my background again because I was bored with the old one but really didn't have anything to say. I've gone through this period where I'm thinking, "What do I really have to say on this blog?" I read so many others and and think they are so interesting, even when they are just describing their everyday lives, that I have been finding myself at a loss for words lately. But, then I remembered that I really only did this for family and friends far away to catch up, so if I'm not writing - they're not catching up! All that said, there is a lot going on around here and these are a few things I may not have found worthy at the time but you might like to know! I do realize pictures might help, too. I will try to get better a including them - just not on this post!

Grayson and Paul are building a Pinewood Derby car for Cub Scouts to be raced next weekend. Good father/son bonding time!
Kaiya and Reyna got their ears pierced a couple weeks ago. Paul and I wanted to for a while and finally decided that regardless of all the comments for and against it, we really just wanted our little girls' ears' pierced. They are quite adorable and have had no complications.
This one is a warning: Be careful when going through a drive-thru after a snow and ice storm and when the sun is starting to melt the large chunks of ice from on top of the fast food restaurant you are visiting. It CAN fall off the roof and WILL possibly shatter your windshield and dent the roof and hood (of your 3-month old van) and you WILL be driving a rental for a month because the body shop is so busy. You might however discover that THEIR insurance company is generous enough to cover $3,200.00 worth of damage and that the coffee you were getting in the first place was indeed, definitely worth it.
Grayson informed me that he wants to now be a game-creator/gym teacher/dad when he grows up.
Paul does all the boys' haircuts, along with his own, so they are ALL now sporting their spring/summer short (I like to call them "buzz cuts") hairstyles. I have to say, though, they are very handsome!

I guess that's all for now. Off to make lunch and play Moon Sand....

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T13:42:00.003-05:00

Not much to add here. I feel really blessed and loved today. Hope you're feeling the same - and eating lots of chocolate, too!!

12 months and counting...

2009-02-10T12:59:00.005-05:00

The girls had their one year check-up last night and all is well! They are little and petite - much different than the boys!! It seems like they are always eating but are still pretty small for their age. Should I tell them now to enjoy it while they can?! We are very blessed to have a really great doctor's office to take the kids to. The day after we left the hospital with the girls (a year ago) we had to have their weight checked and the person they set us up with was a nurse practitioner. We like to call her Miss Laurie. She is so great and has twin girls of her own (teenagers now) so it's really fun to talk to her. She asked us if we'd like to trade her girls for ours!! I'm not ready for teenagers yet and considering we'll have FIVE at one point I think I better start preparing now - if that's possible.
Anyway, thanking God for two healthy, growing, adorable, almost-walking baby, no wait, toddler, girls.

Camden Is Three!!

2009-02-03T09:44:00.005-05:00

It's time for another special birthday in the Spence house. Camden Joseph is three years old today! I was thinking last night of some of his favorites and what he is doing at this stage of his precious life.

Favorite Foods: macaroni & cheese, pizza, spaghetti, strawberries
Favorite Movies: Cars, Pokemon, Thomas
Favorite Toys: McQueen, Mater
Best Friends: Elijah, Grayson & Daddy
Other Facts: he is fearless, he loves to snuggle, he says really big words, he likes to sing Christmas songs, he's absolutely adorable

I will post pictures of the celebrating later! We are thankful for the blessing of Camden in our lives and pray for many more adventures and milestones.

For some reason I can't download a picture of him. I'll work on that.

Finally, Some Cake!!

2009-02-02T11:11:00.005-05:00

Well, we finally got to enjoy some cupcakes and celebrate a special 1st birthday. The girls were so adorable and knew exactly what to do. They ate a whole cupcake in a matter of minutes. It was really fun and really messy!

You'll Have to Wait...

2009-01-29T11:17:00.005-05:00

Well, unfortunately we don't have any pictures to showcase of a party. Kaiya and Elijah both got the same stomach virus Paul and I had earlier this week. Also, it was snowing and raining ice for two days so most everything was closed or cancelled and we had invited church members to come for a birthday open house. Hopefully we will be ready for a big celebration this weekend. I really want to see them dig into their TWO butterfly cupcake cakes. We certainly can't eat all of them ourselves!!

Here is also a really great picture of the whole group watching Daddy scoop mounds of snow and ice. This is before the throw-up-seven-times-all-over-the-place fun.

Hope to have more fun, less cake pictures in a few days!! Thanks for your birthday wishes!!

Kaiya and Reyna are 1 YEAR OLD Today!!

2009-01-28T10:12:00.003-05:00

My sweet baby girls, as of 9:46am and 9:47am are one year old today. I am overwhelmed by how fast this year has gone and how much joy they have brought to our lives. More comments and photos to come after our party tonight!! We love you girls!!

What Are They Up To?

2009-01-15T23:38:00.005-05:00

I had to add this picture! I had so much fun thinking of possible comments from Reyna (the one looking right at the camera) to Kaiya:

"Hurry - put the shoes back. She's coming!"

"Don't look now, she's got that green, bulby thing again. Is your nose clear?"

"No, I don't see anyone coming. Keep eating the Cheerios we brought back from lunch."

"Yep, it's naptime, but if we take off in different directions she can't take us both."

Some Recent Pictures

2009-01-15T17:30:00.004-05:00

Thought I would let you all see what the kids look like now since that's why anyone reads this anyway!! The girls are looking more and more different. They are all hilarious and make me laugh every day. Must get that from their Daddy!

Sugar & Spice and all Things Nice.....Well, Mostly Nice

2009-01-09T10:04:00.005-05:00

I thought I'd mention a few things I have experienced differently with the twins. It has been SO MUCH FUN (mostly) to watch. Here are some of the things I have seen them do that my boys didn't do:

1) take all of the clothes out of the drawers they can reach and spread them all over their bedroom floor (early sign of "what should I wear"?)

2) dance and wiggle and clap when music comes on (okay, I had something to do with this one)

3) throw themselves face down on the floor in apparent agony and desperation when they don't get what they want

4) point their cute little toes and cross their legs like little ladies whenever they sit (okay, I had NOTHING to do with this one)

5) wrap themselves around their Daddy's finger ( I have never heard him say "precious, sweetie and baby girl" in a cute little voice so much in all my life

They, along with their brothers, are truly God's handiwork and a testament to His perfect love and goodness and faithfulness.

Happy New Year

2009-01-05T09:48:00.005-05:00

Wow. 2009 is here already. I remember last year at this time wondering when the twins would be born and what they would look like and what they would be doing now. Well, now they are almost one and almost walking and almost perfect (and their big brothers, too!). We are blessed and looking forward to another amazing year.

I will try to write more often. I really don't know how other busy moms do it! They write daily and post pictures and hold contests. I applaud them! Maybe one of these days I can get my act together and multi-task like a pro. Until then, enjoy the simple things!

With Sadness and Joy

2008-12-22T11:36:00.003-05:00

I had planned to write much sooner than this but our plans are not God's plans. My dear grandma passed away on Friday, December 12. I flew back to Nebraska for her funeral and a few moments with family. I was literally gone only about 48 hours from the time my plane took off! While it was a beautiful tribute to her life, it was also bittersweet knowing that the grandma I love and cherish will not be around to make memories with my children. She was, as my brother wrote, "the perfect grandma; the kind every kid hopes for and dreams of." She really did make the holidays wonderful and special. In memory of her, I thought I would make a list of all that has been special to us so far this Christmas season.

1) Knowing that none of the following is possible or as meaningful without the God who sacrificed so much for us.

2) Family and friends, near and far.

3) Watching Elijah teach his baby sisters how to clap.

4) Christmas Tea with the ladies of Grace E-Free.

5) Setting up the Christmas tree - and then again two more times when an eager 2 year old pulls it down.

6) Having snow and watching the kids play in it.

7) Christmas music.

8) Singing Christmas songs with Camden at naptime.

9) Kaiya and Reyna getting their first teeth 2 days apart.

10) Grayson convincing us to have hot chocolate every day.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2008-12-02T10:19:00.004-05:00

Thank you daddy for praying, loving, wrestling, snuggling, reading, feeding, changing, singing, playing, working and being with us every day. We love you and appreciate you!

Celebrating Paul today and thanking God for him,
Monica, Grayson, Elijah, Camden, Kaiya and Reyna

Camden's Prayer

2008-11-25T11:13:00.004-05:00

I just wanted to share this short prayer with you. Camden says this prayer 99% of the time at night before bed. You'd think it would seem repetitive but he says it with such sincerity and volume that you can't help but smile.

Camden: "God is great. Dear God, help us help mommy and daddy and all my family are great. In Jesus' name. Amen."

Thank you Jess for writing about the 7 x 7 prayer goal. It is something that I desire to become a habit for all of us.

Sweet Elijah

2008-11-24T23:39:00.005-05:00

I had one of those "gulp" moments today. Most of you probably have another name for it - like "aha moment" or "the light went on". I describe it like it feels to me. Let me go back in time a little bit so you can understand where this came from.

About a year ago, Elijah and I started clashing. It seemed like any button he could push with me he did. This has continued and I have felt really guilty about some of my thoughts. I actually had a conversation with Paul one day and said, "I love Elijah - deeply and beyond words - but I don't really like him right now. I don't think we would be friends if he was our age. He is always loud, insensitive, selfish and whiny."

Okay - if you remember, this is also the boy who also says things like "I love you - wherever you go I go" and "I am going to live here forever." The latter of which he said today - while I was in the bathroom. I told him to wait for me outside the door just so I could have a little privacy (who am I kidding?) and he wouldn't budge. I asked him why he wanted to stay and never leave. His simple response, "Because I love you."

It only took a few minutes for those two scenarios to mesh together, and I gulped. I realized that is what God goes through with us every day. I can be selfish, whiny, unteachable, ungrateful - did I say selfish? The list could go on. What is amazing is that God loves me. He wants to be with me and never leave. I don't even deserve it and could never measure up, but He doesn't ask me to. All I have to do is love Him back. I know this and am beyond thankful, but I was grateful, yet again, for a child's love to put things in perspective.

My Team

2008-11-24T11:02:00.004-05:00

Well, here's the whole team. I figure I better start calling them "team members" now so they are prepared when Paul hands them all jerseys, balls, bats, racquet's, etc. In this picture the boys are building with play-doh. They might tell you that yesterday was a near perfect day - playing outside with ice and dirt, warming up with hot chocolate and playing with play-doh. I would have to agree because the messes were fairly minimal! The only small disaster occurred when Grayson decided to mix the black, white and green play-doh colors together and Elijah was devastated to learn that it could not be reversed. I calmed him down by saying that now they had a really cool new color that no one else had. That will only work for so long!

Now, for the shocking news. For those of you who have so diligently teased Paul about his McDonald's addiction, and there are many of you, your work is far from over! He had a physical last week, which was great, and the doc had no concerns. Just today he got his lab results and they, too, were fabulous - too fabulous??!?? His cholesterol was only 141!! Now, I had mine tested a couple years ago and it was 162; a number that the doctor was completely thrilled with. So, while I am greatly relieved that my husband is a healthy man, I have to say, "go figure"! Before he ended our conversation on the phone this morning he said, "Well, I guess I need to go celebrate." We all know what that means.

I am ending with a request for help. I am trying to add music to this blog and can't seem to figure it out even though all the sites say it is sooo easy. If you can help, let me know. Thanks!!

What We Like and What We Don't

2008-11-21T13:29:00.010-05:00

You probably can't really tell from the pictures but Kaiya and Reyna LOVE waffles. Last night I decided to give them one because they were still hungry but not wanting anything else that was mushy and gross. The waffles were gone in about 5 seconds but the mess took much longer to clean up! It was great to see them so smiley. What they don't like is the baby gate. I put in up in the doorway of their room in the morning so when I'm changing one and getting them dressed, the other doesn't crawl out the door and fall down the stairs. You would think I was closing them off from the whole world. They see me get it out and start screaming. If I leave the room to get something, they both stand there pounding on it. I'm guessing that Paul's plan to keep them sheltered in our basement until they're 30 is not going to work.

The Cardboard House

2008-11-19T11:36:00.003-05:00

Elijah and Camden really wanted a box house this morning so we went to the basement to find just the right one. Elijah insisted that it have "two windows and a big door". After cutting those out to his liking we decided to "decorate" the inside. I drew some pictures on the wall. Elijah drew an oven with pizza and macaroni inside. Then we looked for a small box to use as a DVD player. His last request was to get mail, so we made some cardboard letters. Home sweet home! The funniest part was watching Camden. He threw everything that Elijah brought into the house out the windows. Needless to say, Camden didn't stay very long!

35 Years Ago

2008-11-15T20:38:00.004-05:00

A few days ago I reached my 35th birthday. While the day itself is not that extraordinary, nor does it need to be, all that has happened since that first "birth" day is. I thought throughout the day about all that God had done, and continues to do, in my life. I marveled at all I have learned, the growing I have done (in some pleasant and not so pleasant ways!) and how much love I have experienced. I thought back to when I was around ten years old; when I always wondered what I would be like when I got older. Back then, I thought 35 was ancient. I wondered what I would look like; what I would like and not like. I was really puzzled about what kind of person I would be. I figured that there was no way you could be the same person you were as a kid.

Well, I have come to realize that not much has changed - on the inside anyway. I'm still pretty shy. I like to daydream. I love to be outside exploring. I want to have snow at Christmas. I could ride roller coasters all day long. What has changed the most are the countless blessings I have received since then. I look at my kids every day (not just when they're sleeping peacefully!) and say, "Thank you, thank you, thank you God for choosing me to raise these amazing children." I thank Him for a husband who surpasses expectations, a loving family, supportive friends and experiences that I will never forget. I thank Him for guiding my life and giving me a perspective I otherwise would not have. I know that life isn't always sunny. I have experienced heartbreak and am positive I will experience it again - I'm pretty sure it's a guarantee in this life. I am aware though that when I glance back in time its not the "storms" that stand out. Even in this last year, I could not think of one thing or one date that stood out as a negative. I continually pray that when the rain comes I am ready and willing to be faithful and strong.

I would guess that if you are reading this, you are one of those blessings in my life. Thank you. I look forward to another year of amazing moments.

Don't Cry Over Spilled Coffee....

2008-11-13T14:40:00.008-05:00

...or is it milk? Anyway, if I'm drinking it, it's probably coffee. More on that later - let me set the scene for you.

It was kind of cold and gloomy this morning, so instead of cleaning or picking up after Grayson left for school, I decided to sit down with Elijah, Camden and the girls to watch a little PBS kids. It was great. Mr. Rogers came on and I suddenly felt 30 years younger! The kids all took turns on my lap, which is where Elijah's quote came from, and we laughed and talked about something different every minute. The boys and I made a "secret treasure map" out of a brown grocery bag and filled it with lots of silly places - Pink Tree Forest, Grey Boulder Park, Blue Mountains, Red Lake. I thought I was being really clever using colors as a learning tool. Then Elijah says, "Mom, we forgot a church." Umm, yeah. Isn't there some phrase about childlike faith somewhere?

After a while I decided that the dishwasher really wouldn't unload itself so I went into the kitchen - happy that the kids were so content and quiet. After what seemed to only be a few minutes, Elijah, again, says, "Mom, we have a mess in here!" Reyna was just a little too curious about the white cup, untouched until now, sitting on the "coffee" table (how ironic IS that label?). Well, praise God for cold coffee! It had remained in its place since the beginning of Mr. Rogers but was now all over the table, blankets and a little baby girl - who was laughing and slapping her hands quite vigorously in the puddle.

So, while I ended up cleaning more, washing blankets and baby clothes and going without my coffee, I wasn't crying at all. It's just another one of those days when my children end up teaching me more than I teach them.

In Honor of Veteran's Day

2008-11-11T16:37:00.005-05:00

I thought I would honor a veteran that I had the privilege of knowing by sharing a few short stories. Donald Robert Wieland served in World War II and was my grandpa. I am so thankful that the Lord blessed me with such a fun-loving, adventurous and truly authentic man to spend so much of my childhood with. Here are a few of my favorite memories.

He and I once drove a golf cart through the small town of Blue Hill, Ne just to get ice cream at the local "drive-in". We later tried to make that same cart go up a really steep hill on the golf course - a stunt we would not conquer.

My grandpa was a dentist and I remember many times making jewelry out of the silver he used for fillings. I also have several plaster molds of my hands from various ages; he actually made one into a nightlight. I still have all of them. It was fun to sit in his chair without being a patient. I should mention though that he did manage to pull out many of my teeth without my even knowing it. I would worry and avoid him if I had a loose tooth, knowing that he would "just want to look at it". I would lean in and open my mouth and it was already over. He was that good.

He taught me how to drive on the dirt roads north of Grand Island. He would say, "Let's go for a drive", and I always knew that meant a lesson for me.

At Christmas, he always made up games for the whole family to play. My favorite was the "balloon game". He would blow up balloons of all colors and sizes and fill them with coins or clues or directions. They would be hanging from the ceiling and you had to pop them to see what you got. It was really funny when the adults had to do crazy things like dance or answer a tough question. I remember laughing so hard every year!

We both loved hot beef sandwiches (I still do) and it seemed like whenever we went out to a restaurant together, that's what we both got. The Ok Cafe in Hastings was one of our favorite places. The one difference being he would drown his with ketchup, as he did most things, and I preferred mine just the way it came!

I think I learned to love and appreciate nature from him and am so grateful for the time we got to spend "exploring" I think of him whenever I cross a river or see hunters in the Fall.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!

An Adventure

2008-11-04T20:40:00.004-05:00

It was so beautiful today - 73 degrees, in fact. The fall foliage is endless here and I don't think I could ever get tired of seeing it all! Elijah, Camden, the girls and I went to a park that Grayson played soccer at this season. I'm not sure what its real name is but we lovingly renamed it The Forest Mountain Park today. It almost looks like you're in the foothills of the mountains. There are rocky trails and built in steps going up in various places. We collected rocks and leaves and oohed and aahed for two hours!! The boys were so tired that they fell asleep before we got home. In all honesty, I'm not sure who had more fun - them or me!

Kaiya and Reyna had their nine month check-up last night. All is great. They are both about 17 1/2 pounds and 26 inches long. Their doctor, Miss Laurie, always goes crazy over them. She has twin daughters of her own, teenagers, and quite frequently asks if I'd like to trade! She also added last night that she thought we should have more kids, to which I just laughed hysterically. The really funny, although scary, part of this story involves Grayson. He went along to be my helper - a job which he lovingly performed and did and excellent job with. The scary part occurred when about halfway through the exam of the girls he decides to whisper to me, "Mom, I accidentally fell in love with a girl today. " ACCIDENTALLY. FELL IN LOVE. WHAT???? "She had a really cute face and a really cute voice." He doesn't know her name and she's not in his class. Whew! Daddy, of course, says that he should really introduce himself and find out her name. Good thing he's going to be dealing with all of that "stuff" from now on. I'll stick to cooking and laundry - that's MUCH easier!! Please pray for Grayson that his loving heart will not get broken and that there is no other crush until he's 25 - that goes for the rest of the kids, too.

1...8...9

2008-11-02T21:23:00.003-05:00

I hope it doesn't sound like I'm bragging. This is actually a HUGE praise I have to share with you. The significance of these numbers should not be overlooked. They represent the price of GAS in Cincinnati!! We are so happy and looking for reasons just to drive around, with no destination in mind, just to fill up again. Okay, not really. You know Paul, right? There are no unnecessary trips!! Anyway, thought you might like to know our good news.

On a sad note, we still have not won the million dollar prize through McDonald's Monopoly game. This should not reflect on Paul's effort. Tomorrow is the last day - so I guess the good news is I won't have to prepare breakfast, lunch or dinner. We have to give it everything we have, or at least all the money we're saving on gas!!

Tricks, treats and interesting questions!

2008-11-01T23:14:00.003-04:00

Halloween was fun - even for us! We had two little girls dressed in orange and green, a cowboy, Spiderman and a robot. Grayson wanted to be a robot so I got to be a kid and make his costume all day Friday. Elijah and Camden "helped" with the painting! They got plenty of candy for Paul and I to enjoy. They don't need it all, right? Camden actually ended up with the most because he kept going back in for two and three handfuls! I guess people didn't notice - or maybe his big brothers were distracting them! Above all, the comment we heard the most was, "Are those all YOUR kids?" - like maybe we picked up a few from the neighborhood!

I have to share this story about Grayson. We're sitting at dinner tonight and he says "Mom, is meat good for you?" I said, "Well, it's not bad for you if you eat the right stuff and not too much of it." He then said, "Well, I was just wondering because I was trying to decide if I should be a vegetarian." I was really trying hard not to burst out laughing because he was so serious! I said, "Yes, meat has a lot of things you need as a growing boy." He said, "Okay, I won't be a vegetarian." I told him he could make that decision again when he was a little older, but he said he was pretty sure he wouldn't change his mind. I hope all of those life decisions are that easy for us to talk about!

Hope you all have plenty of sweets - if not, we have some to spare!

Not Forgotten!!

2008-10-28T16:19:00.010-04:00

Hello all! I haven't forgotten about this or given up; I am getting a few pictures ready and as with most things it takes me a little while!

We are doing really well. We got a new van last week when our trusty old green one saw its last day - with us any way. The manager of the shop where we go for repairs has a ministry of sorts in which he fixes up vehicles and gets them to people who otherwise might not be able to have one. We felt good about that. Plus, the new van, a Honda Odyssey, is really great. The boys love all of the buttons and gadgets. I love the six disc CD player!!

The boys and I went to an event this past Saturday for Cub Scouts. It was at a beautiful place called Cub World. We walked a "spooky trail", played games and brought home way too much candy!

I put little skirts on the girls today! I thought that they would be too big and that their little legs were too short, but they are so adorable! (a picture of that to come for sure!) I can't believe how big they are getting and how different it is with them than their brothers. They pose like such little ladies and scream, yes scream, for your attention. The boys are always telling people about them and will say, "Look at our sisters. Aren't they so cute?" I think they are spoiling them!

Well, more later - hopefully with pictures!

Updates

2008-10-23T15:15:00.009-04:00

As you can see, I didn't tell anyone about this yesterday. I wanted to look at it one more time before I actually brought attention to it! I thought maybe today I would just give a little update on what the Spence's are up to. We'll start with the youngest member and work our way up!

Reyna: standing up with the help of whatever she can find, feeding herself Cheerios and fruit puffs, wrestling with whoever is willing

Kaiya: learning to sit up by herself, also stuffing herself with cereal, starting to defend herself when Reyna comes to her ready to wrestle

Camden: talking like a little man, hugging and loving on everyone, being best friends with Elijah

Elijah: getting more competent on the Wii (much to Mommy's dismay!), learning all kinds of cool stuff in preschool (aka: mommy-is-the-teacher-at-home-preschool), enjoying laying in the dirt and digging up rocks

Grayson: loving 1st grade - especially gym class("It's NOT P.E. Mom!"), taking a break from soccer and hoping to start karate, enjoying Cub Scouts for which he is currently selling popcorn and doing very well(people tell him he's quite the salesman)

Mommy: treasuring the opportunity to witness all of these precious moments, taking the kids on "an adventure ride" to get iced coffee from McDonald's, helping to plan part of the women's retreat at church

Daddy: working hard to provide for his family, taking time out to play a little tennis and soccer, wrestling daily with his children(yes, even the girls)

We are a busy and blessed bunch. In fact, Kaiya is waiting not-so-patiently for me to finish this so she can have a little snuggle.

Something New

2008-10-22T15:55:00.003-04:00

Well, I'm going to try this out! I didn't think I would ever be interested in writing a blog or even reading one until a friend recently introduced me to hers and I was pleasantly surprised. I experienced how much fun it was to hear about her family and see pictures of them. She is back in Nebraska, which is far from Cincinnati if you aren't sure (!), and I really enjoy still feeling like I'm right there listening to her. So, I thought that maybe family and friends of the Spence family might enjoy that as well. The kids are always changing and doing a million things at once. It will be fun to share some of those precious moments.

I don't promise that you will see something every day. Did I mention that there were five beautiful Spence children? Grayson, Elijah, Camden, Kaiya and Reyna do take most of my time, but I wouldn't have it any other way. The Lord has been so, so good to us in blessing us with this family. I feel it a privilege to enjoy them, teach them and love them every day.

Please be patient as I figure this out!