Resolutions

It’s that time of year again. Time to make our resolutions; time to reassess our physique and vow to kick old habits.  As the ball drops this year and we enter 2011 I will be reflecting not on any new resolutions, but rather the resolutions I made for 2008.  In retrospect I can see how the Lord put these resolutions on my heart to prepare me for the transformation to follow only 2 months later.

On New Year’s Day 2008 I scribbled the following resolutions on a post-it note:

Quit smoking

Get a teaching job closer to home

Be the man my wife needs me to be

Be the father my children need me to be

I had my last cigarette on February 20, 2008 (Olivia’s birthday).  What I had in mind for the second resolution was that I would get a job closer to Ames.  I had been trying so hard to fulfill that goal for years. I interviewed for several positions closer to Ames in 2008 and 2009 and was even offered a job at North Polk where I student taught but I felt compelled to turn it down. 

The Lord revealed His plan to us a little bit more in 2010.  In my mind I wanted to stay in Central Iowa, but in February a position opened in LeMars.  At first I didn’t consider the job because it wasn’t part of our plan.  We discussed it and our hearts opened to the idea of being closer to home.  I applied for the job.  It all seemed to make sense and seemed to be the “happily ever after” scenario.  I interviewed for job and felt great about my chances.  Obviously, I didn’t get the job.  How devastating.  This wasn’t part of the our plan.  We had set our hearts toward Northwest Iowa and now the rug had been pulled out from underneath us all.  How unfair.

That wasn’t the end of the story as you all know.  Less than a week after being passed over at LeMars a position opened in Spencer.  Again, this wasn’t part of our plan and still reeling from not getting the job I wanted I hesitated to apply.  Interestingly enough a position also opened at the Spencer Hospital for weekend package in the ICU, the same position Abbey had at MGMC.  Our hearts told us to go for it.  We both ended up with the jobs and here we are, closer to home.

As far as the last two resolutions are concerned, they are still a work in progress.  I continue to seek the Lord’s guidance to help me lead my family and be a man of integrity. 

The lesson I have learned from 2010 is to trust in the Lord’s plan.  Sometimes He gives you things you didn’t even know you wanted.

I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity… 1 Chronicles 29:17

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.  For what son is not disciplined by his father?  Hebrews 12:7

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  Proverbs 3:5

So as you begin the new year I hope you keep your heart open to what the Lord has planned for you.  Let us all be reminded of Paul’s words to the Colossians:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17

May the Lord bless you in 2011.

Sylvia turns 4!

We had a mini-celebration for Sylvia's birthday in Le Mars before finally heading home on Wednesday evening.  Check out some really funny birthday pics here.  You would think these kids would get tired of all partying...but nope, they don't:)  We are definitely enjoying the kids being at the age when they can "go with the flow" a bit more.  Babies are wonderful and all, but we're feeling blessed to be able to enjoy this new season of freedom, dare I say?

Fruity Pebble cupcake treats with candles.

Today was Sylvia's big day.  She turned 4 years old!!!  I keep begging the children to quit growing up so fast, but they just can't be slowed down.  Sylvia enjoyed two balloon bouquets, favorite lunch of mac-n-cheese, a dry nap, more gifts, skyping with family, another favorite meal: stromboli, and finally ice cream cake!

First balloon bouquet attached to a pillow-pet!  She got to pick out her outfit too:)

Sparkle Jesse boots! 

Cutie-patooties!

The newest 4-year old poses with the ugliest ice-cream cake ever made:( Ha!

Fitch Christmas

Back to Le Mars we went for more family fun, this time with more of the Fitches.  Seth and Jen joined us for a couple of days, which we thoroughly enjoyed.  It happens far too infrequently, so we treasure time spent with them.  

Joey put everything but cars down his new ramp:)  The subject in this pic is none other than Woody the Cowboy.

These kids are soooooo adored!

Mom finds a way to make meal-times fun!

Two guys and Wrigley girl.

BC visit

Next stop: Grandma Lola's house.  After checking in at my Mom's house, we met Seth and Jen in Battle Creek to visit Great-Grandma Dorothy.  We had a wonderful brunch and got to hang out with more family.  As much as it wears out Grandma Dorothy to have us and our little ones there at once, the glowing smile on her face keeps us coming back for more!  She even finds ways to spoil them with gifts, vintage toys and books, and jell-o with whip cream:)

Isn't she beautiful?

 
 

Ruden Christmas 2010

Christmas Eve morning, we headed out of town...destination: Le Mars.  We made it in one piece, though the weather slowed us down a little.  Celebration #1 was at the Ruden household.  G-ma and Papa had all the fix'ins for a family fun-fest.  There was more food and drink than you could imagine, along with love and laughter.  Seeing the whole family together again was great.  We are praying Drew will be able to celebrate holidays with us in the new year.

Sylvia with cousin Ashley

What a handsome bunch!

Olivia waits patiently for her "turn".

Joey loved hanging with the big boys.

Santa Morning

We kicked off our Christmas celebrations with a private Santa morning at home a few days before Jesus' birthday.  You can see the pictures of some gift opening here.  It was a leisurely day filled with food, new toy/treasure playing, laughter, and some napping.  We enjoyed each other's company and really had something to be thankful for already ...God's blessing us with our own beautiful little family.  As we geared up for the upcoming celebrations, we couldn't help but get excited with anticipation!

In the Shadow of the Glorious Cross

In the past few weeks I have made a return to the "studio" to record music, something I really enjoy doing (I had forgotten how painstaking of a process it was!).  I decided to record a song that has really been an inspiration to me and that I love to play: In the Shadow of the Glorious Cross. This is the first song I have ever done vocals for.  You can download it here, the recording is a bit rough but not too bad for being a little rusty in the studio.

In the Shadow of the Glorious Cross

In the shadow of the glorious Cross

Compelled by Grace to cast my lot

I'll discard the loss and bare Your name

Forsaking all for Your own fame

Your hymn of Grace sung over me

Abounding forth in glorious streams

My thirst is quenched by You my Lord

Sustained am I, redeemed, restored

Hallelujah!  Hallelujah! 

When death's dark shadow's at my feet

When I am plagued by unbelief

You placed my hand into Your side

By precious blood identified

Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!

These crowns I've clenched with fisted hands

I cast them down before the throne

Of Christ my God the worthy Lamb

Christ crucified, the great I AM

Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!

A Special Christmas Memory

Today "Santa" left me a really great gift.  I can't recall very much about when I was quite young, but one thing I remember is watching Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas at my grandma Gaffey's house.  Not many people I know have seen this movie since it was aired on HBO, but I think that makes it even more special.  I really loved this Christmas Special and even named some of my toys after the shows namesake.  So this morning my family got to experience Emmet Otter and his jug band for the first time, and I saw it once again after over 25 years. 

Thank you, "Santa"

The Toothless Wonder

Olivia has been so brave about losing her teeth lately.  The tooth fairy has been very busy at our home.  Now Olivia can literally ask Santa for her "two front teeth".  She looks absolutely adorable with three missing teeth!

Thanks Madi

Joey's new best friend is a Woody doll action figure he received from cousin Madi.  Since Woody was busted from his box, Joey has not let him out of sight.  See him watching Joey eat breakfast?  That two inches between them is the most Joey can bear...without throwing an all out conniption that is!  I think he'd be content if there were no more presents all season.  He'll just have to suffer through all the gift-opening that lies ahead:)

"You're my favorite deputy!"

Goody Helper

Since Olivia is spending her days at school this year, Sylvia became the designated Goody-Making Helper.  Olivia got to help a little, but it was Sylvia who took the brunt of my instruction as far as Christmas baking is concerned.  She was a willing pupil though, loving helping in the kitchen as much as her big sister!

More Christmas Programs

The girls participated in our church's Christmas program this morning.  I was blessed with "call", so I got to see the whole thing and even enjoy lunch afterwards with the family.  We were also blessed with a visit from Matt's folks, who didn't want to miss seeing the girls perform.  Since they are the little ones of Sunday School still, there part was very minimal, but exciting for us just the same!

The kids with G-ma and Papa

Olivia's Kindergarten Christmas Program

Olivia had her first school Christmas program the other night.  She got over her thankfully short-lived stomach bug just in time to be able to perform with her class.  The kids sang beautifully and Olivia even got to read a little part solo.

Olivia with Mom before the recital.

Sylvia and Mom waiting for the recital to start.

Goofy Joe and Daddy before the concert.

Goofy Boy

Joey can be such a joker!  He really cracks us up sometimes.  The other day, when I went in to get Joey up from nap, I found him like this.

He had his teddy bear's sweater on his head and looked like one of the Snorks.  It was especially hilarious when he started jumping up and down in his crib.  That sweater sleeve sticking out the top of his head just bounced and bounced!

Nice Kitty

If you read our blog very often, you've no doubt seen posts regarding our cat, Gizmo.  "Why on earth do they insist on posting about their dumb cat?", you may ask.  In short, due to her being a bit of an anomaly...we must share with the world:)  Wanna know more about our animal friend?  Check out this post, or this one.

Gizmo is enormous...notice her back end hanging off Sylvia's lap?

See the pretty tree in the background?

Sylvia Writes Her Name

Sylvia is learning to write her name.  It's very exciting to see her do these new things:)

Gingerbread Tree

Last time we went to visit Grandma Evelyn, she sent us home with a fun activity to look forward to doing together.  The cookie tree kit has been taking up space in the freezer for some time, so we decided to pull it out and make our gingerbread tree.  The kids had a blast decorating and sampling, and now we're enjoying looking at the masterpiece.  (We have to make more gingerbread cookies soon so we can eat them:)

Sylvia trimming the tree.

Olivia taking a turn.

Sylvia taking a break.

Ta-da!

Team Spirit

As we sat nestled in our house and listened to the wind howl and watched the snow blow during the blizzard Olivia escaped for a little while by drawing a warm scene from summer for us.

She wanted to make the flowers the colors of her family's favorite sports teams (how thoughtful).  So from left to right: Iowa State Cyclones/Kansas City Chiefs, Spencer Tigers/UNI Panthers, Iowa Hawkeyes, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and LeMars Bulldogs.

No paper waste

I was not about to let this huge piece of butcher paper go to waste.  After I unwrapped my 10# tube of ground beef, I let the kids go to town with their crayons and pencils.  They doodled and colored while I browned the meat.  It was nice to be able to keep an eye on them while I worked.  We will definitely be repeating this activity...next time I bring home the beef:)

Roller Night

We had a little fun after bath the other night.  The girls got curlers and thought they were "so cool".  Such girly girls we have!  They love primping and being primed upon:)

She couldn't wait to see her cew-ly hair, "like Olivia's".

Joey taking in some Veggie Tales while the girls got their hair rolled.

Bedtime stories.

He refuses to share a lap with his sisters...he'd rather draw by himself:(

Magnet Nativity

There wouldn't be Christmas without the nativity!  I think I've lost count of the nativities the kids have at their disposal these days.  This magnet one is great.  It's funny to see what the kids do with the characters.  Olivia usually places everyone in a straight line across the entire refrigerator, Sylvia seems to be fixated on the placement of the angel and the star, and Joey likes to rip all the pieces down off the fridge and carry them off to another room.  

"Baby Jesus"

There she goes with the star.

...and the angel.

Decorating Fun

Promptly after the Thanksgiving celebrations, we got busy decorating for Christmas.  I'm so glad Matt and the kids treasure everything about Christmas like I do.  I'm definitely one of those "crazy Christmas lovers"!  Ever since I can remember, I've loved it.  I think it's passed down from my mother, who still gets completely jazzed up for Christmas.  She used to joke that my Dad was a saint for putting up with all her Christmas huh-la-ba-loo.  She drug him through countless Christmas shops...all year round.  She made a huge deal about Christmas and it's true meaning and we do too:)  Along with that comes all the magic and excitement Christmas brings to children.  

No matter where we live, once the Christmas tree goes up, it feels like home.  We have proved that true once again this year.  We haven't braved the "real" tree yet, though I'm sure we will one of these years.  (Getting a real tree is one of those things I'm sure to get a wild hair about, insisting we need one...like when I insisted on my Grandpa carving the Thanksgiving turkey at the table when I was 10 years old because "that's the way they do it on TV and it's more magical that way".)  See us assembling our "fake" tree?  

Olivia is becoming quite the photographer.

The girls had to pose by the lights.

Even Matt gets into the decorating anymore!  The girls have begged to have lights on the outside of our house, which he has promised them will be a reality next Christmas.  (He'd better stick to it, because they will NOT forget:)

Hallelujah

My Mom emailed me this video.  When I watched it, I was moved to tears.  I know, it's such a rare occurrence and all, ahem.  While I was bawling my eyes out the second time through, I was asking myself, "really woman, why are you crying...why are you so touched by this...why are you so ridiculously sensitive???"  Below, I've tried to explain myself.



Hallelujah, by definition, is a shout of joy, praise, or gratitude.  How could one not be moved by a song dedicated to such a thing?  Some of the lyrics include, "for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth", "and He shall reign forever and ever", and "King of kings and Lord of lords".  These are simple truths, but have gigantic implications.  Those of us that hold a Christian worldview live by these truths, but they are not accepted in the secular world.  To see these words being belted out in a public arena is uncommon...and I love it!

This particular song also holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me fondly of my high school years.  I was part of, what I thought to be, the most talented choral group EVER!  Not to mention all the members of our the choir were my best friends:)  We sang this song every year for the Christmas (not winter, not holiday, but Christmas) concert.  LCHS alumni were always invited to come join in singing or playing in the orchestra.  It was always so neat to see former members of the LCHS choir and orchestra come streaming down from the bleachers to come play and sing with us.

• side note: Remember when Mr. Watson would have us sort of randomly sing for people?  Like on our trip to St. Louis...before ordering our meal at "Denny's", we'd gather and sing one of our pieces for the patrons.  I will never forget how special it was to share our gift of music with people like that. 

I have so many thoughts and feelings right now.  I'm having trouble putting them into a concise essay here, so I apologize if this post seems lame and disconnected.  The bottom line is, I was moved and I wanted to share.  I'd love to hear your reaction to watching the above video.

Our new favorite snack

This morning, clementines were discovered to be our new favorite snack around here.  After watching Joey practically inhale the little fruit while I prepared Sylvia's, I knew I was in for a lot of peeling of citrus today.  Sylvia was more than willing to peel her own 2nd and 3rd clementine after tasting how delicious they are.  I can really appreciate a snack that encourages my childrens' independence:)