I sang my own version of the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” on the way home from our doctor just a little bit ago. It made Addie laugh, which made me smile…..so thankful that the Lord gives me the ability to smile and praise Him in all things.

Addie and I both have pink eye.

Sigh.

I will spare you the scary photos of that, which I didn’t take anyway.

Before I drove 30 minutes to our doctor this afternoon, I drove 45 minutes the other direction this morning to see Eliza’s referring physician to have her pre-op physical done. We were there all morning.

We are praying that the blood tests that were done STAT, and all the paperwork will quickly make it to our surgeon in Madison like it is supposed to.

But I am learning quickly in the medical and insurance and paperwork world, that that is not usually the case!

Another part of my trying-to-smile song was about Tate’s Supplement 3 paperwork.

I messed it up.

Big time.

So, I am praising the Lord through my guilt that our awesome caseworker, who has spent the last three days trying to get in touch with our immigration officer, was able to finally get through to her today and we are now praying that it will all be fixed.

Because this little man of ours is weighing on our hearts.

In other prayerful news, my Dad was moved to a higher level of care on Monday, which is not the direction we were praying his health situation would go. He is slowly getting better, but I want to be there so bad.

I am also constantly surrendering Eliza’s health situation and upcoming surgery to the Lord.

I can’t carry that one either, try as I might.

So, I am going to just keep singing, praising the Lord, and letting Him carry us through this next week!

Because I think you would agree that our mighty munchkin needs a strong Daddy and Mama by her side.

Thank you, Lord, for choosing us. You are worthy to be praised!

We have been staying put for quite awhile, trying to avoid all the illness that seems to be everywhere right now.

We venture out and about for the “have to’s”, but that is all. And only those of us that have to.

I seem to have a lot of nervous energy after being in isolation this long!

Maybe it is because my Dad is in the hospital, and our little sweet pea is about to be.

Maybe it is because the majority of the adults I have been talking to are insurance folks, nurses and doctors.

Those folks aren’t much for small talk.

Wherever this energy is coming from, it has helped me get lots done and also to start our winter organization projects!

Friday Kayla came and spent the whole day blessing us with her help. Her extra hands were such a gift!

She and I started and finished our Christmas cards!

She made granola – which was always one of her jobs here before she was married!

She got some gifts under the tree for me.

And was really enjoying the noise and chaos of two little people under foot all day!

She enjoyed some cuddles….

And then after doing a million other things for me, made some cut out cookies with those two noisy little people for some fun!

Everyone else was working hard too, and we whipped this place into shape!

School needed fixed….so I worked on that yesterday. (more about that later!)

Today, Addie and I tackled the huge job of “winter cleaning” the office/school room. Ugh.

I had a renewed vision for this room, though, because I plan to teach Lane and Eliza (and soon Tate!) together for part of school. I knew this spot would be a perfect place for that – where we would not be a distraction or be distracted!

I forgot to take before photos! We went through e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. The boys helped for awhile too. We switched the stamping/scrapbook area into a school/craft area!

Voila!

AND, I found the bottom of my desk!

We moved the stamping/scrapbook stuff to the closet and got it set up in a useable way. (My scrapbooking days are over, though, so what is left I am going to sell!)

After all that, I still was going strong, so I made lunch (split pea soup and banana bread) and prepped dinner (roast, carrots, and cauliflower “mashed” potatoes) for tomorrow!

I still had time for a rowdy tournament of Uno Attack and Uno Spin…which currently stands at a tie and will be continued tomorrow!

Oh – and time for some photos of a little someone who says “Mom. Mom. Mom! MOM! Picture. Picture!!” every time I have my camera out!

Oh my, she is just so cute though!

Ok, prayer warriors…please pray with us!

*Continued prayer for my Dad. He had a rough day.

*For David, who has been sick the last two days with a high fever.

*That we will indeed remain healthy for Eliza’s surgery.

*For strength and wisdom to be ready for what lies ahead.

Thank you so much for your prayers!

Look what was in our mailbox today!!

USCIS has received our Supplement 3 and is processing it now!!

I would say we are all quite excited about that! Especially Tate’s little sister!!

Celebrating each step to our little man!!! Rejoice with us today!

P.S. Please pray for my Dad. He has pneumonia and has been admitted to the hospital. Our hearts are heavy as we can’t stand being so far away.

Hello, you all.

I am sitting down to take a break from reality.

Ahhhh.

And to share another fun Christmas tradition we have.

We have renamed it “pretty, pretty” because that is what Eliza said 1,492 times that night.

At least once during the Christmas season, we head to La Crosse to drive through their light display.

One of the first years that we did this, we took our little pup, Zoe. The kids loved how one of the guys at the live nativity would yell, “Seven in this chariot. And a dog!”

Zoe going to the light display with us has become a tradition too.

It was a very fun outing. Eliza still struggles with riding in her car seat, so fun outings that involve the car seat are a good way to try to conquer this struggle.

After we visit the light display we come home, start up the fire, sip something hot, and listen to a sermon together. I love how excited the younger boys get about these simple things!!

Since then, our week has been a little c.r.a.z.y.

But since Tuesday was really my Monday (since we were gone all day Monday), what should I expect?

We finished out this week with six dentist appointments this morning. A 45 minute drive from the farm. And the appointments started at 8:45 a.m. Who does this to me??!!

Wore one sweet pea completely out.

UW Madison called this morning and they have moved Eliza’s surgery one week sooner than it was originally scheduled for. I have been rearranging all kinds of things this afternoon! Praising God that it is all working out.

Back to reality!

Happy Friday, everyone!!!