Stories Of Everyday Life At The Steendahl’s

Well, yesterday, was our all afternoon hospital visit. We had to be there at noon for a 12:30 sonogram. The sonogram was an hour, but she was able to tell the sex right away… The baby is all folded up with it’s head and feet all right next to each other and it’s butt down. Hopefully baby doesn’t stay too comfortable in that position - head down would be good…

After the sonogram we went to lunch and Big R. Then we went back to do my gestational diabetes test - fun fun! So I got to drink that lovely drink and then wait an hour and then get my blood drawn. I am praying I pass that so I don’t have to take the 3 hour test.. I always have before, so I’m not too concerned. I ddin’t take it with Dane though and since he was over 9 pounds it was a must this time. While we were waiting the hour we went and toured the tiny maternity ward. They have two delivery rooms and maybe like 4 postpartum rooms. There was no one up there when we were there. The nurses were very nice. Chances are we will be the only ones these when we deliver, so I’m sure we’ll get plenty of attention. Of course, it seems when Ryan and Christian were born both times the hospital was packed - so who knows!

Then we went home through Watseka and picked up our veggies and did a few errands and brought home pizza.

Before we left we took a poll on the baby’s sex.
Ryan - thinks it’s a girl, but wants a boy
Christian - thinks it’s a girl, wants a boy
Dane - thinks it’s a boy, wants a boy
Matt- doesn’t know what it is - wants a boy
Mom - thinks it’s a boy - wants a girl

So……………………………………. It’s a GIRL!!! I am soooo happy!

I adore my boys, but there is just something in me that really wants that mother/daughter relationship. I want to shop for prom dresses, I want to be the mother of the bride, I want to be there when she has her first child (and it’s just different with a daughter) etc. Not to mention all the fun girly clothes and toys. I don’t think Matt really knew what to say after we found out… His main comment was - I don’t really like pink… how about purple or something…. LOL (sorry hun, I like pink! -although I’ll try to keep that in mind.) Anyway, I am ecstatic and the boys all seem okay with it too now that they know.

John and Clara arrived late Sunday night (actually early Monday morning). Their opinion on the train ride? It was LONG…. I’m glad it was them and not me… I’m guessing next time they will fly… But I could be wrong. We are enjoying having them with us. The days have felt busy, but we haven’t really done anything out of the ordinary. Swimming every day - both lessons and swim team have occupied our mornings. Monday afternoon we had naps, Tue afternoon Clara and I went to town, Wed. I had my Dr. appointments and today I think it will be naps again. John has graciously offered to take us out to dinner, so I couldn’t turn that down.

Tomorrow - the 4th we will have a fun day. We have the church breakfast at 7:00 a.m. church at 8:00 (which I am in charge of), the parade in Watseka around 10:00 or 10:30, then home for lunch and naps. Then in the afternoon/evening we will head to our friend’s for their yearly 4th get-together, which is always very enjoyable. I look forward to it every year. The swim meet for Sat. morning got cancelled and changed to Wed (which I am thankful for - I wasn’t too excited about leaving the house at 7:45 a.m. after being out late on the 4th.)

Our 2nd mommy cat has disapeared and the kittens were still tiny so we were bottle feeding them. Only 5 of the 7 left made it. I am so sad our mommy is gone - she was the one who started all the kitties by just showing up on our back porch one day. She was the nicest kitty ever. We have certainly had a rough time with kitties lately. We gave away 2 so we’re left with 3 who seem to be doing pretty well. They are eating and drinking on their own now. Other than that, I think all we have left are two adult males. I’m not sure if coyotes are getting them or what is going on.

This morning I woke up to crying - the crying where you know there is definitely something wrong - not the we’re just not getting along crying. So I rush out to find Christian completely covered in blood - hands, face, couch, carpet etc. It took me a minute and I finally determined it was coming from his nose. It turns out they were rough housing and Ryan kicked him in the nose. All I know is it was a lot of blood! I made Matt get up and help shampoo the carpets before it dried and soon Christian said he was feeling fine…

Well, I think I’m off to nap.
C-

We had a big thunderstorm yesterday morning around 4:00 a.m. Lots and lots of lightning, but just felt like one of our normal midwest storms UNTIL… Until our house and bodies rattled with thunder - thunder louder than we have ever heard. Soon Matt said “I think lightning just hit our house!” Well, it didn’t hit our house, but the tree right outside our bedroom window and pieces of tree hit our house. There were tree pieces quite a ways away from the tree - I’m so glad no one was outside and that none of them came through our bedroom window…and of course that the tree didn’t fall on us. It peeled the bark off the tree like a banana. You really have to see it in person and see how far the wood traveled to get the full effect, but here is a picture. The tree will probably have to come down, but we’re all safe, so that is the important part.

Hello! We had a great Vacation Bible School last week. The kids had a fun time and everything seemed to run smoothly. Of course I was exhausted by the time the week was over and I’m glad it’s over… but it was a good week!

This week we only have a few things on the calendar, so that is nice. Unfortunately, I caught a nasty cold so I haven’t been too motivated to do much of anything. What’s up with getting sick in the summer anyway? Apparently it is fairly contagious as I went to get my hair done yesterday and my hair sylist had it. Then Dane went to a friend’s house today and his mom has it. I had great plans to do many organization projects this week… but hey there’s always next week I guess!

Next week Matt’s parents arrive (actually in half a week - It’s Wednesday already!) It is also 4th of July next week already! I am in charge of the 4th of July service at church as well, so once that is over I can actually relax and enjoy summer.

We had a beautiful weather week for VBS as well - perfect temperatures and no rain. Today it is raining, but that’s okay we can use a LITTLE rain… We were supposed to go swimming at our friend’s down the road today (where Dane is playing at the moment) but I think we are calling it off since I’m sick, it’s not very warm and it’s raining. That and she said the pool isn’t very warm at the moment. Put that all together and it doesn’t sound too fun.

The boys have continued to be busy with swim team. They have practice every day and then a meet at least once per week - this week two. It gives them something to do for sure! I personally think I should invest in a sunscreen company. Next week they will add swim lessons to their daily routine as well for two weeks. If you need us… we’ll be at the pool.

Matt and Christian just got home from their trip to Big R. Christian had received a gift card for his birthday to there and it has been burning a hole in his pocket ever since. Matt had to pick up a couple other things so he agreed Christian could go along. Needless to say his gift card and all his allowance is now gone, but he seems happy with his new treasures.

The baby has been doing lots of wiggling and kicking lately. My last appointment went pretty well, I was measuring back on schedule instead of 4 weeks ahead like last time - so that was a relief! My blood pressure was a bit high, but then she took it again later and it was back to normal. She did said to take it easy when I can. I have noticed if I do anything remotely energetic (such as gardening or walking up the stairs) I can tell my blood pressure is rising. So I am indeed taking it pretty easy. Like she said, I really don’t want to be on bedrest with 16 weeks left to go, so it’s best to take it easy when I can. A good excuse to be lazy I guess! We get to find out the sex next month if he/she cooperates during our ultrasound - crossing my fingers! I can’t wait to find out - this is the longest we have ever had to wait. I was able to talk her out of the end of July and into the beginning of July so that is good. I’ll have to take my gestational diabetes test around the same time as well - yuck! I haven’t had it with the others, so I’m praying the same is true this time. Well, I guess with Dane I didn’t get tested… so it has been a few years since I’ve drank that lovely drink. Yum Yum! (ha ha)

I go to pick up our vegetables this afternoon, so I think I’ll make a grocery list, take a shower and head to town. I was planning on cleaning Dane’s room while he’s gone at his friend’s house… but so far I haven’t made it in there. Hope everyone is well!
C-

We made it home safely. Now I just need a maid to come do all the laundry and pick up some groceries.

This week we have the Barnabas Team with us from AFLBS - the AFLC Bible School - to help out with Vacation Bible Schol. I am in charge of overseeing everything, but it is certainly a help to have them around to lead the actual program. It does turn out to be a bit of a tiring week getting up early each day, and then feeding the team periodically, hosting the youth/team BBQ on Tues, and swim lessons each day. I also have a baby appointment on Wed. and am watching a friend’s little boy that afternoon as well. (I guess Matt actually gets to watch him while I go to my appointment) The boys also have their first swim meet Wed. evening. Friday we have the VBS closing program. This weekend is our Milford Fun Days little town festival.

This afternoon I took Ryan and Christian to see the local musical - Peter Pan. It was pretty good, but I thought last year’s Sleeping Beauty was a bit better. I think they enjoyed it though. Ryan wanted to really see Peter Pan fly though - not just dance around acting like he was flying. Ryan really wanted to be in it, but they performed last week as well and we were out of town last week so he couldn’t audition. I think he might need to take some singing lessons if he really wants to be in one, as they all sing quite well.

I guess we bring the storms with us. It didn’t rain a single day while we were gone, and now that we’re home we’re having a big thunderstorm.

Unfortunately, we came home to 4 dead kittens. I had a friend checking in on them and she called mid-week to inform me of the news. I don’t think the mama of that litter was making enough milk. The other mama took in the two remaining kittens of that litter without hesitation so that is good. Before we left two of the older cats were missing and now that we are home, I have only seen 1 of the 3 that were still around… I’m not sure if they are running away or coyotes are getting them or what. Thankfully the babies are in the shop, so they’re safe.

Well, Matt is requesting Chicken Enchilladas for dinner for Father’s Day, so I need to see what I can concoct with the few groceries we have sitting around. Take Care!

Hello, we safely made it to Oklahoma City and the boys are snuggled into bed and sound asleep in our hotel. I guess Matt and I need to head there shortly as well. We are here for the AFLC Annual Conference.

The last week before we left was just crazy. Here are some highlights:
- We received over 9″ of rain in a week
- We were under tornado watches for 4 nights with a tornado warning Wednesday where we hunkered down in the basement. Thankfully none hit us, but they did hit a bit north
- Christian and Ryan started swim team and were even at the pool twice a day for a couple days
- Matt and I had church meetings M-W
- All 11 kittens opened their eyes and a couple were walking around when we left (we have someone checking in on them)
- The baby has a fun new routine of kicking every night at 10 p.m. guaranteed
- The boys had their school picnic/program
- Matt and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary
- Christian turned 6. He had a party for his friends on Sat. and then Sunday was his big day so we had family presents and a campfire in the backyard per his request. We bought him a Nintendo DS which Ryan is very very jealous of.
- We had a church member over for dinner Sat. night (after the b-day party)
- We have 4-5 church members who have not been in good health and we’re wondering if we will actually be able to stay the rest of the week here as planned.
- We ran around like crazy trying to get out the door for our trip - we were swamped all week, so we didn’t get anything done until the last minute and didn’t get out the door until 3:30 p.m. on the day we were leaving - but that was fine we took two days for 11 hours of driving.

Phew! So, that’s a brief update. The boys are excited to be here and I feel pretty relaxed after sleeping for part of the drive. Missouri was beautiful with the rolling hills and trees - reminded us of Idaho a bit. We stayed just outside St. Louis last night in a Drury Inn & Suites, which we had never tried, but it was very nice. Extremely clean, quiet and breakfast was excellent. The kids enjoyed the free popcorn and soda in the evening when we got there as well. Definetly a place I would consider going back to - not sure if they are all that good, but if you are traveling and happen to see one, might be worth a try.

I’m off to bed.
C-

Rain Rain Go Away, or as the kids would say “It’s raining, it’s pouring and mommy is snoring - giggle giggle giggle giggle” They find that very funny. LOL The point is we still have ponds in the yard and fields from the big storm and the forecast for the week is rain, rain and more rain. Last month we had about triple the normal rain amount for our area. And right now? Thunder and Rain… I was planning to go work out in the garden this morning, but I didn’t make it out there before the downpour.

We did have really nice weather this weekend - sunny and arond 90 both Sat. and Sunday. Sunday we had our big new church parish hall dedication. It was a really fun day. The president of the AFLC (the type of church we belong to) came to preach, and brought along with his wife and 3 other guys from the AFLC. They flew in on a private plane for the day (so one of th visitors was the pilot). Matt had the day off from preaching, although he was obviously busy in other areas. He made a big slide show from all the pictures he took while the building was being constructed. We had a HUGE potluck (we needed that big new kitchen) and everyone had a great time.

So let’s see… the boys have officially not had school the last two days… and they are already testing our patience at times. LOL They play really good for awhile and then we play with them for awhile and then all the sudden they are fighting and bored. (That’s when chores get assigned). Ryan seems to be the extra challenging one this summer so far - he is displaying some attitude that is not much appreciated. He might have a rough summer if he doesn’t choose to work on that. He is currently in his room thinking about the fact that he just came by out of the blue and totally destroyed the lego “masterpiece” Christian and Dane had been working on for over an hour (and were still actively working on). Why he did this… I have no clue, but this is the type of behavior he has been displaying the last few days. Last week we took them all to Chuck E. Cheese and the next day he asked me why we had to take him there (after he had been begging to go there) he said “You ruined my day by taking me there and making it so I wasn’t home all day!” HMMMM not sure what he wanted to do at home, but we didn’t leave until 1:30 p.m. so we weren’t gone ALL day… Let’s just say the comment was not much appreciated. I’m not sure if it is the age or what…. We did instate a rule that he has to read 45 minutes in the morning before he can play gameboy, Xbox, computer or watch TV. He is not at all happy about that, but such is life. We also are signing him up for swim team - which starts tomorrow to give him something fun that is just for him and keeps him busy and away from that crazy GameBoy this summer. Anyway, we’ll see how it goes in the days to come. I’m praying things get easier. Of course I am told the little trials of today are nothing compared to what is to come in the teenage years… UGH I love him lots anyways though! He certainly has some good qualities as well.

So let’s see - our coming schedule…Friday Ryan has to be at school to practice for the school picnic program. Saturday Christian is having a little birthday party with his friends (hopefully it won’t rain), Sunday is Christians B-day, our Anniversary, the schoool Church Picnic,/Program/Parade and we’re invited to a meal with a couple from church who also share our annviversary (not sure if we’ll make that or not). Oh and Bible Study that night (maybe, I just might cancel that so I can pack). Monday we leave for Oklahoma City for the week for the AFLC Annual Conference.

Unfortunately, Matt is occupied today visiting members in the hospital. Our dear neighbor/friend who lives across the field is not doing well at all, and it sounds like it is only a matter of time… They were supposed to attend the conference with us next week in Oklahoma. Of course if the timing does not go well, we may not be going to Oklahoma either. We just have to trust God’s timing, and of course it is a comfort to know he is a strong Christian who is excited to meet his Savior. Apparently he was even trying to witness to the ambulance workers while he was being transported to the hospital last Saturday.

I am off to do Hooked On Phonics with Christian - that is what I plan to do with Christian each weekday since we are asking Ryan to read. Hopefully that will keep them both on track for school in the fall.

Allright, here is the video from the storm. It is still thundering and raining periodically - 5 hours later, but I think most of it is over. Matt is over in the church basement helping clean up the huge flood. Our basement is flooded as well, and I was supposed to be working down there, but I dropped the container for the old carpet shampooer we use to suck up water and it broke. I think we need a shop vac or something - I don’t really want to take my really good machine down there to do cement basement floors… We’ll see how bad it gets - I might have to. Anyway, for now I am just leaving it and I’ll get Matt’s opinion when he gets home. We had fun with the Flip Video today. Hopefully we’ll have many more to share as the summer progresses on. I hadn’t used it for awhile because the software to upload the videos wasn’t working properly, but I think it is working okay now - although it is VERY slow… Obviously as you’ll see from the video below it is not the best quality machine (it didn’t pick up the lightning strikes very well) - it’s meant to grab and do quick videos or take places with you (It’s like a small normal digital camera size) Anyway - enjoy!