End of Year Update

Okay, for those of you who check this blog on any sort of regular basis – you’ll probably know that I haven’t posted anything new since Thanksgiving. I’ve wanted to, but the follow-through just wasn’t there. I fudged the dates on the last few posts I added, so they seem more time-appropriate. Now, in the after-Christmas lull, I'm able to write and ponder some real thoughts. So check the last few posts, too.
This last month has been a bit of a roller coaster for us. Thanksgiving weekend, we found out we were pregnant, but then soon began dealing with some complications. After several blood draws and 3 ultrasounds, our doctors have determined that I have a blighted ovum, which means that there is no baby developing. This is the cause for roughly 50% of miscarriages. We are saddened by this news and will be dealing with the loss of this pregnancy. We thank those of you who have known and encouraged us. We look forward to the opportunity to share some joyful news with you sometime in 2007!
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)

The Joy of Giving

How precious this stage of life is! Tony asked me on Christmas Eve if I was looking forward to watching the kids open presents in the morning. Cynical me said, "Oh, yes, the greed and materialism will be so fun to watch!" He was, of course, disappointed in my response, as was I. He told me how he was looking forward to seeing them enjoy the good gifts that we, their parents, are able to provide for them. What a picture of how God sees us. He doesn't give me blessings with a cynical heart - "Oh, but she won't appreciate them. She'll just forget about it quickly. She'll wish she had more." Instead, he pours out gifts bountifully, with joy in seeing me receive. Yes, I ought to use those gifts for Him and for others, and show Him the gratitude He deserves. And, hopefully, I'm teaching my children the same lessons about giving and receiving (from God and from others). I just realize how much the Lord delights in my joyful responses to Him, as we delight in these 2 precious smiles!

Christmas Eve Cuties

We've all bit a bit under the weather, but I had to get some Christmas outfit pictures. There's little Miss Claus and a mischievous little elf.

Christmas Lights at the Plaza

While Aunt Meghan was in town, we took the opportunity to go down to the Plaza and enjoy the beautiful lights on all the buildings. Kansas City really is a pretty place! (I know that sounds strange - but it's true!) Maybe next year we'll talk Daddy into a horse-drawn-carriage ride!

Caleb's Christmas Program

Okay - I wish I were smart enough to be able to put sound recordings on our blog. There are several sounds I'd love to share: Ali saying "peese" (please), "Oh-doo" (Andrew), Ali giggling when tickled, but mostly, Caleb singing at his Christmas program. Oh, how we cracked up! The dozen kids sang "Jingle Bells," "Joy to the World," and "Away in a Manger." Caleb is so quiet at practice, barely singing and just taking everything in. But, I knew he knew the words because he sang them at home. Right before the performance, his teacher encouraged them to sing loudly for their parents to hear. Caleb took her instructions to heart and basically yelled "Joy to the World," holding every note longer than everyone. As soon as the song was over, he leaned toward where I was sitting and declared in a stage whisper, "Mom, I sang that louder than anybody!" In fact, he said it twice, grinning and nodding vigorously, just in case I hadn't heard him the first time. Love these moments!

Getting Ready for Christmas!

Caleb says that our house is getting ready for Christmas. He and Ali loved getting the tree decorated. I even took him to our neighborhood Santa visit. Sweet boy that he is, he told Santa that he already got his Christmas wish - a Christmas tree! Santa looked at me like, "What?" My heart melted. Caleb has not yet picked up on the whole "gimme" attitude that Christmas often brings. He is such a content and laid-back boy - so much like his father!
We've started going through a nativity book - setting up one piece of the nativity scene every day until Christmas. At library story time, our librarian told the kids the true story of Christmas. (I was pleasantly surprised that they would do that at the public library.) Anyway, Caleb was the only child answering her questions about the story of Jesus' birth. His questions continually challenge me - like, "How old is Jesus?" (Since he knows we're celebrating Jesus' birth...) And Ali loves reading these two little board books we have called "Mary's Story" and "Joseph's Story." We're so glad that they'll know the truth about what makes this time of year so special - and it's not a silly reindeer or jolly man!

SNOW DAY!!!

November 30 - Our first Midwest snowfall! Well, technically, it snowed the day we moved in this past February, but it didn't stick, so I say it doesn't count! But this was Ali's first snow experience, since Seattle didn't get any snow last winter. And Caleb was just barely 2 last time he got to play in the snow - so his excitement level was "Super-high!" We got all bundled and played for just a few minutes that first day. It was really cold, and Ali refused to keep her mittens on ("Mom, how can I play with those things on my hands!?!"). So, she started crying from cold fingers pretty quickly. But, we had more fun the next couple days. Now that it's melted, Caleb wants to know if spring is coming. I've had to tell him that it's not actually even winter yet. He informed me that it only snows in winter and the snow melts in spring. Too many educational books! :)

Thanksgiving Day

Here are some sweet pics from Thanksgiving Day. We tried HARD to get a good family shot. No luck! But how can I not love these shots of the kids!?
Anyway, we had much to be thankful for this year - God has truly blessed us beyond our understanding. Tony's job has provided many opportunities for him and our family. The kids are healthy, loving, and fun! We are all growing in our love for the Savior. Tony and I especially love how Caleb is beginning to grasp a few spiritual concepts, and sings along with us to worship music at home and in the car. We were recently singing a praise song, "There is no God like Jehovah." He asked us who Jehovah was and Tony told him that's another name for God. He said, "Oh, like LORD." Exactly! But, we had a harder time explaining, "Let the glory of the Lord rise among us, Let the praises of the King rise among us, Let it rise..." Our take was that everything we do should be overshadowed by our Lord and King - that He be glorified and praised before anything else. Wow! If our family could exemplify that in our lives, what an amazing grace that would be.

Cousin Love

Caleb and Ali are thrilled by their new cousin. Caleb must have held him for 20 minutes Thanksgiving afternoon. Caleb is quick to wash his hands, just to sit quietly with his sleeping cousin. He says, "I'll teach my baby to play when he gets bigger." And Ali even sat still for 5 minutes with Uncle Seth to hold him. She calls him "Ah-Doo." These relationships are so sweet.

New Cousin - Andrew Micheal Bledsoe!

Born on Caleb's Birthday! Caleb is a prophet - we just didn't know it. He had been saying for a couple of weeks that his cousin would be born on his birthday (10 days before his due date). 6 lbs, 13 oz and 20 1/2 inches long. He looks great - and his parents couldn't be happier!

Caleb's 4th Birthday Party!

We had a party for Caleb on Sat, Nov 18. Friends Sophie, Jack, Drew, and Quinten came. It was a fishing theme, so we ate fish-shaped grilled cheese sandwiches, goldfish crackers and blue-green jello. The kids played in the aquarium ball pit, made foam ocean scenes, "played pin the fin on the fish," and fished for frogs in a bucket with their nets. The fish cake was a hit, and we all had a great time!

Can't Wait For The New Cousin!

Aren't they sweet? Caleb can't wait to meet his new boy cousin. Ali will be thrilled; she just doesn't know it yet.

Fall Fun!

We have had a blast playing in the leaves this fall! Check the pile of leaves closely...you may see a pair of shoes peeking out.

I'm A True Missourian Now!

Deer + Minivan + 65 miles per hour = Disaster!Sooo...we had a little adventure! We were driving down Interstate 470 at 2:45pm yesterday when a deer bounded across the median and directly into my windshield. What kind of crazy place is this where I'm living? Kids and I (Kirsten) were in the car and thankfully uninjured.
God is so good! The police officer on the scene was shocked that the deer hadn't gone through the windshield. The Lord saved us from a potentially fatal accident and I have just minor scratches on my arms. The glass shattered all over the front of the car, but the kids didn't get a single cut! Two DOT workers saw it happen and came over to help me right away. They were so helpful, as was the police officer! He did scold me for not carrying a hunting license (ha, ha!), but was very kind. Uncle Seth came and helped us get home, since the van needed to be towed. Not sure yet about the damages to the van. We'll see about that. We just wanted to praise the Lord for His faithfulness and loving protection of our family!

Costumed Cuties!

We are proud to debut Caleb, the Super Scarecrow and Ali, the Lovely Ladybug, along with Sophie, the Darling Doctor. The kids had a great time saying "Ticker Treat!" and getting candy. Ali caught on to the idea very quickly! "Sure, I'll take some candy from your bowl and put it into my bag!"

Chiefs vs Seahawks 10/29/06

The thrill of victory!!! What a game! We had such a fun time at Arrowhead Stadium. We tailgated like pros and enjoyed every moment of the game. Chiefs won 35-28. Whew! A little too close for comfort at the end.

Family Shower and Grandpa's 60th Birthday!

Whew! What a big day! On Oct 28, we celebrated Grandpa Zeikle's 60th birthday, and then had a shower for Uncle Seth & Aunt Sarah's baby boy. We all had a great time, but Aunt Meghan was missed by all!