About Us ...

We are a large, homeschooling family. We are far from perfect, but by God's grace we continue to plug along and enjoy the life He has given us, the ups and the downs. Every day is an adventure with this houseful!

Saturday, February 28, 2009

IT'S A BOY!!!


Ok - probably not really news anymore. But I thought I should get an official 'It's A' blog posted.

These first few weeks with a newborn are crazy and precious not allowing much time for extras, like blogging!
Anyway...

Dennis and Carolyn Marks are thrilled to announce the arrival of their newest little blessing!

Joseph Gregory Marks
was born
Wednesday February 11, 2009 at 8:22pm

our 'little' man weighed in at
9# 11 oz. and was 21.5" long


Yes, he is our biggest (by 2 oz) and was our latest (by 2 days) and you are welcome to call him Joe, Joey, Little Joe, Baby Joe.... or Joseph :)

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Welcome Baby Snowman...



Today we had, more snow. Dennis and the kids decided to go out and play in it (of course!) They came in later and told me that they had made a snowman by the driveway to welcome the baby home - whenever that may be! :p Now to see if it lasts until then! I think they are more optimistic than 'mom' is! :)

Two More Birthdays....


Abigail turned 14 on Feb. 4th - she wanted a new sibling for her birthday, but that was not meant to be! We were having some cake issues, which is why she eneded up with three. (Only two made it to the 'candle ceremony!') Makes for fun memories! Her favorite gift was probably a set of six 'Warrior' books - she has read them all already. :-o
Yesterday, the 9th, was Nicole's 22nd birthday. Wow! What a way to make a mom feel old! It is so amazing to watch my children turn into young adults. Her birthday was pulled together with very little planning and forethought. We were sure we would have a new little one by this point or AT WORST mom would be at the hospital. Nicole too thought it would be great fun to share her birthday with the newest little Marks. But come Monday morning we were pretty sure it was not going to happen. In the afternoon Dennis loaded up the crew and we headed to town to do some birthday shopping. Making stops at Wal-Mart and the local art supply store - and then the grocery store was what we needed. I do believe she had a great evening and was pleased with our choices. On her wish list was a puppy, in the picture below you can see the puppy that Caleb got for her. I am not sure who liked it more - Caleb or Nicole!
Next birthday on the list... we are hoping it is our newest one! If not I guess we are headed for Caleb's early March birthday. Yikes! After those two, we get a birthday break until Dennis' in September. (I'm ready!)



Sunday, February 1, 2009

Waiting...

I have just not felt there is much to blog these days. My life can be summed up by one word, 'waiting', or so it seems. I am not actually due for another 19 days... but 5 of my 7 have been born at or before this point. Here is a picture of the waiting bassinet with baby quilts also waiting for a little person to snuggle! Abigail's birthday is Wednesday (the 4th) she REALLY wants this little one to come then - maybe that is what we are waiting for. At least I can tell myself that. All in all I can't complain, I am feeling reasonably well for a 37 week preggo - just getting impatient to welcome this new little blessing into our lives.
Life with a large family is never boring. Seems these is always something happening (just maybe not all 'blog worthy') The other night (Thursday evening) Dennis and I were playing on the computers and Abigail came running into the library/computer room right over to 'daddy' ~ Now if you know Abigail, you would know she does nothing abrupt, so she got our attentions right away. Apparently while rollerblading in our (yes, large & unfinished) basement she tripped and fell against the wood stove. Seems it caught her attention. We sent her to a sink to run cold water over her hands/arm right away and discussed what to do. I am never sure at what point to treat a burn. Anyway - long story short it was decided Dennis would take her to ER just to be on the safe side. (I am not driving these days - so it was an easy decision as to who would go - usually I am the one going!) They were there roughly 3 hours (maybe a bit less) She got cleaned up bandaged and sent home with instructions to go to the burn center in Portland the next morning just to make sure everything was ok. (apperantely burns to the hand you need to be extra careful with) Dennis took her up Friday morning, a lot of hurry up and wait but he survived. The Dr. feels her burns should be healed in 10 days - if not we are to take her back. The bandages in the picture were done by the nurses at the burn center. I should add one of Dennis' wrap job! :p She is doing well, has not let this slow her down any. Well, other than being happy she does not have to help with dishes - did I mention our dishwasher is broken?!
While Dennis and Abigail were up in Portland I had my 37 week appointment here in Mac. Everything is looking good, now we just wait. I did find out that getting a ride in your daughter's SMALL car is not wise when 9 mos. pregnant. My back has not been the same since. :p

Saturday was Amelia & Abigail's first debate 'day' for this year. It was a practice day. This is Abigail's first year, Amelia's second. Dennis went along as a judge. Debate days are long days, (starting around 7:00am and not getting done until after 5:00pm) but all in all everyone was happy with how the day went. Even my new debater - she is thrilled that she is 'good at cross-examinations' . If you want someone to talk to about alternative sources of energy they would be happy to give you an ear full as that is the topic for this year!
Other Marks news....
Nicole has changed positions within Mid-Valley where she works. She is now working in a group home. It is kind of like a retirement home for clients. There are 4 clients in the house she works at, and 5 in the house next door. She is enjoying the interaction with the clients and looking forward to a set schedule each week.
Charlyn is no longer a nanny as of this past Friday. She has had a good experience but she and the mom seem to have had some differences of opinion and decided it was best for them to part ways. She is taking the long way home (Visiting with friends). Sounds like her farewell tour will take about 6 weeks and then she will be back to life with sharing a bedroom and bathroom. :-o
I think that catches up most of the bigger news. Like I said, there is always something happening. Just never sure what is best to blog about!
Hopefully it won't be too long before we post more. We have two known birthdays (Abigail on the 4th, Nicole on the 9th) coming up soon, and, of course, our unknown birthday!