New Year: New Post

Okay, so I apologize to all my faithful readers for my extended absence from the blog scene. After Ian (our little time bomb) FINALLY arrived, all I wanted to do was soak up every moment with him and our family...and naturally that didn't leave much room for recording on my blog.

I finally decided that I'd better either a) delete the ridiculous blog site OR b) record a bit of the life that has flown by since my last update almost a year and a half ago.

To begin with, Ian Saul arrived on October 20, 2010 precisely at 11:15pm (I do think 10/20/2010 has a nice ring to it!) after barely 2 hours of total labor. Finally freeing both of us from the very tight quarters that we were sharing! He was the biggest of the Measmer babies, weighing in at 7 lbs. 13 oz. The midwife was unable to make it, due to the swift nature of my deliveries, but her assistant did make an appearance a blessed 15 minutes before he came, thus saving Rich from delivering his third-born himself! Sparing you excessive detail, this was my best experience with childbirth so far and we are SO THANKFUL for our decision to have a home birth!

Our transition to three has been smooth and life goes on much as it did before. Jenna, and now Zachary, are home schooling under my supervision and I couldn't be prouder of the progress they've both made, especially since last fall. Both are reading and it is so sweet to hear their little voices change as they read narrations out of their books. Jenna in particular has become a reading maniac--much like her mother--and we finally invested in bedside lamps for each bedroom, as she was falling asleep reading each night with her bedroom light still on!

Rich and I and are looking forward to celebrating our 8th Anniversary this summer. It doesn't seem possible, but here we are! We are so blessed to be surrounded by faithful friends, loving family and many fabulous acquaintances who help make our lives complete as we serve our Wonderful Savior!

More updates to come!

Waiting...

Simple Woman's Day Book

Outside my window...the sun is shining and the wind is blowing the newly fallen leaves around the yard and front drive. It is definitely starting to look and feel like autumn!

I am thinking...about many things. I'm looking forward to the crisp autumn season. Scarves, pumpkin & hazelnut candles, the scent of woodsmoke in the cool air, the vibrant reds, oranges, yellows & in-between colors that decorate the landscape here in Colorado...mm. These are just a few reasons why it is my favorite season of the year.

I'm also pondering my ever-present-can't-seem-to-avoid mental To-Do List for the week. I try not to worry about things beyond the current day, but it seems to be a big challenge for me. 'Planner/Organizer/Obsessor' is so hard-wired into my mental framework.

I am hearing...the wind, along with the usual outside noise; cars passing, dogs barking, etc. Coming faintly from the kids' rooms are sounds of quiet play; Zachary is making car noises and Jenna is talking to herself - a more recent, entertaining form of make-believe. The 'conversations' she has while talking on her toy cell phone or playing with her dolls are a constant reminder that she is growing and maturing and it won't be long until the phone conversations, etcetera are real!

Some highlights from the week...in honor of Labor Day, we had my family over for a 'so long summer' BBQ, complete with brats, dogs, delicious fruit salad, macaroni salad, chips, ice cream and chocolate cake for dessert. The guys played football at the park after lunch - a perfect end to summer and beginning to football season!

I took my brother Seth's Senior photos last week and that was fun and sobering. Hard to believe another 'baby brother' is going to graduate high school in just 9 months!

I am thankful for...many things, but currently on my mind is that I'm just a few days short of 36 weeks. Hallelujah! This baby is taking up EVERY available (and not so available) space in my torso and I am ready to have him/her in my arms and not my ribs!

From the Kitchen...I have been much more inspired here lately. Could it be my insatiable appetite? I have tried several new recipes from The Pioneer Woman - check her out! - all delicious and crowd pleasing (as promised) and I've been doing more baking than normal which has pleased my family too. Mouth-watering cinnamon rolls, scones, pies...mm. I think you could gain a few pounds just thinking about them, but they are SO good.

I am hoping...but mostly trusting AND praying that this birth goes as swiftly and safely as my other two. We have all our birth supplies on hand, baby clothes and blankets are washed and ready - Rich has read the 'What To Do in Case Your Baby Arrives Before the Midwife' instructional sheet and 'Baby M' is in perfect position...now the hard part: we just have to wait and pray some more.

One of my favorite things...Did I mention cinnamon rolls? Though sleep is still VERY high on my favorite things list.

Some plans for the rest of the week...Finish edging the receiving blankets with colored thread; finish laundry; clean my house before the midwife comes on Thursday (whew!); school with Jenna [Side note: Jenna met a family at the park today and discovered that they were 'home schooled' too--talk about a thrilling revelation for her!]; I made an appointment at the salon for Saturday and some fabulous friends of mine are throwing us a baby shower on Sunday. It should be an exciting weekend!

A picture thought I'm sharing:

"These two crack me up!"

August Captured

Now that it's September...

I thought I should update the blog.

The first week of August the kids and I vacationed in beautiful Montana with my mom's parents, Grandpa Frank & Grandma Lyla. They have a cabin in the mountains that the kids talk about for months after we visit!

Zach & "Grandpa Frank" enjoy gliding on the front porch!

Jenna and my sister Hadassah (Jenna's Aunt - to the late person) 'hunt' for toads in the pond!

Mountain Sunset

Grandma Lyla and I enjoy the front porch too!

At Grandma & Grandpa's house in town, the kids enjoy the plethora of toys, specifically the 'dress up' closet underneath the stairs! Note the beautiful high-heels... (yep, Zach has some too)!

We visited each of my great-aunts & uncles ('great-greats' to Jenna & Zach) during our stay and they all loved having the small kids around - we saw many antique toys and ate delicious watermelon wherever we visited!

Great-Uncle Milo found a wagon - a big hit with the kids!

Jenna & Zach each got to drive Uncle Harry around in the little John Deere!

Uncle Stanley took them for a ride in his four-wheeler!

We also saw a few of our cousins - My cousin Rachel is due exactly 1 week before I am!

We celebrated Rich's 29th birthday when we got home to our equally scenic Colorado. We were happy to be together again after a week apart! Rich blessed me by completing a To-Do list for me while we were gone and I am so thankful for that. He enriches our lives in so many ways...it was fun to honor him! :)

His mom made this amazing quilt for him in honor of the day! Makes me want to take up quilting - almost (looks like a LOT of work)!!

My sister, Hannah, left for Australia on August 19th. She will be abroad for about 10 months, teaching at a YWAM school there. Before she left, my mom had a friend of ours take some family photos. Apparently it is impossible to take a photo where EVERYONE is looking at the camera. Here is our family tree (more photos on Facebook):

We got a lot of backyard playtime last month too. Can you say,

"Yay for sprinklers when it's 90 degrees outside!"

I have since passed the point where I am able to bounce around with the kids without feeling EVERY muscle in my lower abdomen ache, so they are always thrilled when Rich agrees to play on the trampoline!

We tried a few new things this month:

Mini Golfing

(We survived about 10 minutes - we'll try again next year Zach!)

Jenna showed some promise - look at that purple ball glide into the hole!

and

Go Carting

(This was a lot more fun!)

Whew! Now on to September...

Ear Piercing Time!

About six months ago, Jenna began noticing that several of her peers had pretty ear jewelry and she asked us if she could have her ears pierced too. So we made a bargain. If she stopped sucking on her fingers (night/day) for four-weeks in a row, then we would take her to have her ears done. Today was the exciting and much anticipated day for Jenna!

Our big girl is ready to have her ears done!

All finished: Jenna received a special bag, stickers and her ear care kit after the somewhat traumatic ordeal. :)

All smiles: Jenna loves her new 'bling!'

I'm so proud of my big girl!

Simple Woman's Day Book

Outside my window...it's already warming up to be a sultry summer day.

I am hearing...The kids trying to work out their differences.

I am thinking...At this rate it could be a LONG day.

I am hoping...That a few hours at the pool will cool everyone off, AND wear the kids out enough to take naps this afternoon. The whole 'rest time' has been 'hit or miss' lately.

Highlights from the week...Finally getting back into the swing of things after our fun-filled vacation, including getting back into my daily exercise routine.

From the kitchen...We have been enjoying the delicious raspberry jam that my Aunt Rosann made spread over my homemade bread - I think I need to make some more this afternoon.

One of my favorite things...enjoying the pool with the kids. Not only does it give us a few hours out of the house, but it's a cool way to forget the weight of a 28 week baby!

A few plans for the rest of the week...Today and tomorrow we'll be enjoying the pool with friends during the morning. Tomorrow evening Rich and I will enjoy an evening out to celebrate our 6th anniversary while the kids stay with their grandparents overnight. Saturday night, I will be out with my gal pals and Rich has a flag football game on Sunday. Should be a crazy weekend! :)

A picture thought I'm sharing...

I couldn't ask for more.

Independence Day Vacation

We spent a week in rural Minnesota (9 days if you count the 2 days of traveling) enjoying our Nation's Birthday. Minus the constant attack of killer mosquitoes, a good time was had by all!

Zachary and Jenna spent almost every minute on something with wheels!

They also got to participate in the local Fourth of July Parade with their cousins thanks to their great-uncle who owns a few old Army Jeeps!

"Happy Birthday America!!"

Rich and Jenna are pretty psyched about blowing off their fireworks!

Zach had fun too!

We spent a few days on the lake which was just as much fun as the farm!

Jenna and Zach brave the chilly water with their cousin Avah!


Watching cousin Teddy fish was very entertaining!


Jenna and Rich decided to try fishing too!

(Jenna caught a little 'Sunny' but he was able to jump off the hook before I could snap a picture!)

For more photos check out my Facebook page!