The Fure Files

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Metro Women's Center

I am so happy I have been able to volunteer some more at Metro Women's Center lately. God is really doing a great work there, and it's a blessing to be a part of it. I had a couple of ladies in our church ask about going there with me, and what a blessing it's been! We have been able to meet some clients, pray for Colleen while she met with two abortion minded women who then chose life, and practically speaking, we have helped with a mailing and organized many donations in the store. I enjoyed getting back in the groove, and I always love organizing, and I love spending time with all of the ladies who are such a blessing. So thanks, Jessie and Maryann! I look forward to more of this!

Ava's snowman dress

Thank you, Grandma!

Happy birthday to me - again

My friend Libby made me this sign that I put in the wreath. And I love it hanging on the old door. She knows what I like! And she is talented enough to make it. So thanks, Libby! It was fun seeing her and Lexi last week at Jack's party. I also got another one of my gifts that Nancy had ordered for me. One of our family's favorite movies - Private Eyes. I can't wait to watch it! Thanks, Nanny!

Jock at 3 months

I think I can safely say that Jock is doing better! He is pretty well potty trained and listens to us a little more. (I think anyway.) He has been a little sick this week and so has been a lot calmer. We don't want him to be sick, but are enjoying the calm. He is having some good moments, so that is nice!

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Jack at 8

I like to reflect on birthdays of our kids (and myself I guess too) to point out the growth and changes in them. I know some people really have a hard time with their kids growing up and I do understand that, but I also have enjoyed every new age or phase. There was a time about 2-3 months ago when I wondered when or if Jack would grow. But all of a sudden, his appetite has tripled or more, and he can wear pants for his age (size 8). Some of them anyway. He also has not lost his two front teeth yet, but they are loose!

So he had a doctor's appointment and is "perfect", she said. He weighs 65 lbs and is 51" tall.

We are starting to have more serious conversations with him about things in life that come up and definitely more spiritual talks as well. It all goes together. One thing I love about our time here in Fairmont is how much quality time we have together which can lend itself to those talks. Even though I still crave more.

Jack is active, and loves any kind of games. He loves his friends. He loves our church and the people and activities there. He loves the Lord and wants to please Him and us. He loves to excel in school. He loves Ramen noodles, Chinese food, and pizza. He loves cookies and crackers. And blue Powerade. He loves anything blue. He says Jock is his best present ever. He really loves Ava and tries to look out for her.

Don't misunderstand - I am not under the illusion that he is a perfect 8 year old. I still worry about lots of things in his development. Chewing with his mouth closed and having manners! Watching out for other people instead of charging ahead. Being easier to be with instead of always having a better idea. Getting distracted instead of focusing on the task at hand. And most of all, I worry about him possibly thinking there may be something better out there than a relationship with the Lord. I think most parents have these fears, but this is where we leave them with God. After all, Jack belongs to Him, and God loves him more than I do. I think back to the times God has pursued me because I am His, and I'm so thankful and filled with love for Him. And to think, He loves my kids that way, too!

Jack's birthday

Jack's birthday this year has been drawn out, so that is nice for him since he was able to do lots of special things. A little harder for me since I like everything organized and done. This was the picture we handed out at his Lego party. He is having a hard time smiling in the picture because of his stitches.

Cards in the mail! Always fun!

Kids 4 Truth Lego cupcakes

Swimming with friends at the Holiday Inn

Choosing Chicken Alfredo for special dinner

My mom let him bring cookies to his old class, so he had fun with his buddies. And it was Spirit Week at Woodcrest so that's the reason for the crazy hair and face paint.

Finally! Party at Chuck E. Cheese's. Jack wanted a big cookie, and Matt made the centerpiece that says JACK 8 out of Jack's Legos which also used to be Matt's Legos. The family came along and also Libby and Lexi.

Love this card from Lexi. Definitely a keeper!

Blue Powerade - he loves it!

Big gift...the Wiiu! A bunch of us went in together for it. Pretty exciting!

Bat mobile. He really loves gifts that he can build or make so this will be a fun one.

We spread Legos all over the table and had a contest of who built the best thing. The gold medal winner is on the napkin holder built by Uncle Brent. The silver medalist is on the left by Auntie Heidi, and the bronze is on the right by Aunt Bek. Jack was the judge.

Best buddies

And best buddies

Total birthday weekend since we were able to go to Jack's buddy Sam's party at Zero Gravity, a trampoline and laser tag place. He especially loves laser tag. And it was fun to catch up with our friends.

The Vikings sweatshirt is a birthday present from us along with cowboy boots not pictured.

The kids playing with Maddie. It was nice to play with a calmer dog. Jock hmm. Overall we think he will be a good fit, but we are in the annoying phase with the chewing. He was 3 months old on Friday so still a baby. A BIG baby. Pictures will come! So it's over - I can breathe! And there's a house project I've been thinking about...

Kids update

I haven't updated in a while! Here are some random doings of the kids.

They like to have sleepovers.

Tater sack race at co-op

This is Daisy who we share Ava's clothes with. They officially met finally! She is a year younger and her mom who is an ultrasound technician helped me out quite a bit when I was pregnant with Ava and didn't have insurance. Her kids are both a year younger than ours so the clothes work out perfectly.