Get on with it.

You may know I'm not always patient. :) And you may know that Jim is a joker. We are who we are. Jim has a million and one phone voices and "phunny" phrases he uses. I couldn't possibly capture the squeaky, high "hello. hello. are you my mother?" or do justice to his k.c. kasum, or his secretary or his ham radio impressions. You just have to have experienced it. Sometimes my patient, stellar personality and his PHunny one turn into this:

"Hello?" says a pleasant voice.

"Hi." The professional voice continues," this is Dr. (did he put that in, I can't remember?) Jim Caldwell from the management department of South East Missouri Univer -"

"Oh, get on with it!"says the interupting voice.

"Uh, ooookay." says the confused voice, but still polite! "May I please speak with David -"

"JIM!" says the impatient voice, "you called home!"

"What?" says the unbelieving voice.

"Jim, this is Shelby and you called home!" says the explaining voice.

"Oh" laughs the understanding voice.

And then the short, impatient voice starts to laugh to because really, until he realized it was me, Jim must have been thinking, "Well, that was rude!" Here he was calling a perfect stranger to offer some helpful information and that "rude" person interupted with a "Oh, get on with it!" It made me giggle because it was very surprising for Jim. Not that he doesn't deserve that every now and then. See what playing on the phone gets you? I am chuckling still, even though I was admittedly the short, impatient, rude one. Ah Jim, you bring out the best in me. :) Thanks for the laugh.

Forever

Elise was baptized September 5, 2009

forever family

forever friends

forever mine

We love you Elise!

chilled

It was quiet when I woke up. And cold. The chill must have woken me. The red numbers of the alarm clock glowed in the darkness assuring me I still had a few hours of sleep, it was only 4:45. I curled my cold body inward, pulling the light duvet cover closer and debated whether I should check on the kids. They always throw their covers off despite the cold. Motherly instincts won out and I tiptoed through the upstairs rooms, pulling the warm fleece blankets back in place. I hurried under my covers again and debated about going downstairs. It would be colder there, but Lindsey was wearing her purple fleece pajamas. What was Aimee wearing? I couldn’t remember. We’ve started adding pants to her night gowns, but she usually pulls them off sometime through the night. She does not like anything on her legs, including covers. She will be the cold one. Would it matter if I put something on her? She would most likely kick it off again.

Warming up under my own thin cover, I was nearly asleep when the door slammed. My eyes opened with a start and my body tensed momentarily, listening. It must be Jim. Oh yes, Jim was going to exercise with a friend this morning and he must have accidentally shut the door too loud. And then in the quiet a sound made my body chill and I held my breath, still. It couldn’t be, but yes, Jim was snoring right next to me. Even a whisper seemed too loud then. “Jim…. Jim!........ JIM!!” I silenced him when he awoke, I was still listening with the sound of the door echoing clearly in my mind as I tried to decipher from where it came. “Jim, I heard a door shut loudly in the house.” He came alive, tense as I was and I could tell that he too was listening. He reached under the bed and I wondered what he stashed there for our protection. Hopefully it was one of the solid metal bats. With a click, I realized it was the big, red mag light.

It was unfair, really, that I heard the noise and yet he was the one to search for it. I knew it wasn’t so close, but I didn’t stop him from checking on Elise and Nathan. It would prolong the inevitable walk downstairs. I could hear each step he made through the house, down the stairs. Surely I wasn’t the only one to hear it. For such a new house, it makes a surprising amount of noise. Nathan couldn’t sleep last night for the fear of it. The thumps reverberated scary thoughts in his mind that now crept into mine. Especially as I remembered that we’d played in the yard and I’d unlocked the downstairs door which was not usual for us. I’d never thought to lock it again. I held my breath to hear better.

The door creaked as he entered the girls room. I had not heard that creak with the shutting of the door and felt better to think it was not their door. But, I’d counted on that door, thinking Lindsey must have gone potty and shut the door too loud. We have two dark storage rooms I wouldn’t dare open at night if you paid me. Would Jim? He came back up. There was nothing. The girls door had been open. Really? I could still hear the door close in my mind. We both lay quietly, still tense and awake with the adrenaline of the search. There was nothing. But a thump. After another quiet, but obvious thump Jim asked if I was awake. Yes. Did I hear that? Yes. We both listened, still cold. There was silence before we heard the sound of movement through the house. And I thought, how silly are we to just lay there under the covers as the sound grew closer! I laughed nervously to think how spooked we’d be to see our own child and hoped it was just so. As the thumps increased to a quick pace I knew it was the familiar footsteps of a child, but still we both started as Lindsey darted to the doorway.

“Lindsey!” we exclaimed. It was 5:15 in the morning. Still dark. Still cold. Still quiet. Too quiet. We got up then. There’s nothing quite so loud as the quiet of the night. It can fairly crowd out all other thoughts. There’s nothing quite so comforting as the bustle of a busy house and I was glad Jim had a friend coming to exercise. And now, it’s 6:30. I suppose I ought to exercise too, as if my heart had not been quickened enough this morning! It would warm me up though. I guess that’s my Halloween fright for this year. I should hope not to have it, or hear it again. Brrrrrrr, I’m going to turn up the heat because, even moving round the house, I still feel a little chilled.

timeless

Granny and I

Isn't she beautiful?

She is also patient

kind

optimistic

wise

strong.

I'm glad she came to visit even though she does not like to fly. She and Aunt Bette came for my mother's birthday back in July and spent a day in Cape Girardeau. I loved having them in my home. It made me feel pretty grown up, I must say. :) I put a snickers on Granny's pillow and a nectarine on Aunt Bette's. We walked along the river, ate our infamous German meal and played farkle. Finally, it was my turn to host and treat her as she has done so many years for me.

She is the start of this beautiful family that I love.

Thanks to Aunt Bette for the beautiful pictures she took and shared of the family.

It is a timeless treasure! Especially the photos that capture the moments like Aimee's above. :)

Did I mention the time I lost Lindsey? It's one of those memorable moments that makes you feel like a winner of a mom. :)

Our REAL home....

The kids started school today. Elise woke up and had herself dressed at 6:20 am. “You still have an hour before breakfast!” She read a book until then. What a book worm she has become. Nathan was also dressed with his bed made before he even came out of his room to say good morning. If only they would continue this way after the novelty wears off. We had “Thootenanny” pancakes for breakfast. Their backpacks were lined up on the bench: blue, butterflies and pink. The washed, plump apples they’d picked for their teachers sat next to them just waiting for school to begin. Jim took Elise and Nathan this morning. He did not walk them in, just watched from the car. “I was so proud of them. They looked a little wide eyed and unsure, but they stood tall together and didn’t look back.” My how they’ve grown!

Lindsey had a hard time waiting to go to her class. Afternoon pre-k starts at 12pm. That’s four whole hours after the other kids leave and every few minutes found her asking, “is it time for my school yet?” Aimee and Lindsey played for awhile. Aimee found Lindsey’s white kitty and couldn’t find her own. Lindsey explained, “I think it’s still at our REAL home, the one in Florida!” “Oh….” I smiled at that one. How I miss our REAL home, the one in Florida!

We cleaned the girls’ room, watched a leap frog video, did four puzzles, had snack and got dressed before it was finally time to leave. With a thirty minute cushion, we walked the long way to school, zig-zagging up and down the hilly streets. As we walked along Masters Drive, we saw Nathan playing on the playground. It was easy to spot him in the blue shirt with a green stripe he chose for his first day. He waved and ran over when he saw us. Then he ran back and just stood by himself waiting for a turn on the swings. I could have stayed and watched him forever, but Lindsey was ready to move on.

Finally, we took our last picture and went into Alma Schrader Elementary where Lindsey got a name tag and stood in line with her new class. The lady handing out name tags looked over the students and said, “Did I miss anybody?” At which point, Aimee, who was clearly feeling left out, yelled, “MEEEE!” J Aimee was not about to be left out of the pictures, the class lines and all the excitement. “Wait for me!” has been a constant phrase for her as of late. Lindsey’s teacher collected them a little late and off they went to the big kid cafeteria with the biggest grin on Lindsey’s face and one final wave to me. On our way home, Aimee asked from her stroller, “Are we going to see my teacher?” “Oh sweetie” I said as I kissed her forehead, “I AM your teacher!” She sighed and looked away, falling asleep within minutes. I don’t think she was very excited about THAT! J

I am excited to hear about the kids first day. We are going to go out for ice-cream as our first day treat so I can hear all the details. I wonder who Elise befriended. Kate Smith, from church, is in Lindsey’s class and Sam Smith is in Nathan’s. Hyrum Dickson, from church, is in Elise’s class. It’s pretty amazing to think they each have a church member in their class. Nathan had his first homework assignment before class began. He had to pick a favorite shirt and explain it during a show and tell. The blue Key West shirt with a turtle and surfer design was my fav, it reminds me so much of Florida. But, Nathan is his own person. Last night he pulled me aside to explain what he’d chosen: “I picked this one because it has a number two on it and I’m going to tell the class you got it for me because I’m your number two main man.” J I melted in his cuteness.

Speaking of cuteness… for snack the girls shared a Clementine. Aimee peeled it and Lindsey ate it. J Although, Lindsey did her best to coax Aimee into taking a bite: “ Take a bite it’s yummy!” “No” “Yoooou’ll like it” “NO” “Aaaaaaand, it’s a talking orange. (she then continues in a real high pitch voice) eat me. Eeeeeaaaaat me. I’m yummy. Eat me.” I laughed and laughed because we are always making the food talk to Lindsey in a similar way. Of course, Lindsey usually giggles and gives in. Aimee held her ground with a final, “No thank you.”

Welcome to Alma Schrader Elementary

It's back to school night.

The kids can't wait to meet their teachers and see their room.

Lindsey was first, she has Mrs. Mehner (may-ner) for pre-k

Nathan has Mrs. Frazier for first grade

Elise has Mrs. Coots for third grade

our bags are packed and we're ready to go...

Lindsey and Kate

Some things never change...

Elise created a home for Katie's petshop hamster that accidentally came home with us. I'm sure the hamster is grateful for the royal treatment. I was grateful for the royal entertainment.

Aimee has her own way to entertain herself...

Reunions

The trip to Idaho was eventful. We flew on Delta and found that they had scattered our family randomly through the plane, twice. On our second connecting flight, we arranged it so I at least sat between Aimee and Lindsey with Nathan sitting one row back to my right where I could see him by the window chatting with a little girl and a mom holding a little baby. He was just fine, just like Jim. Elise and Jim were some five or more rows behind and I didn't even try to keep tabs on them.

At one point, Nathan realized he had to go to the bathroom. I could see his hand waving to get my attention. The mom and baby were asleep in the aisle and I suggested Nathan hold it. Nothing doing! So I convince him to get down on the ground and wriggle like a snake under this lady's legs. His head popped out with a triumphant smile and off he went. Meanwhile, I thought about how soundly Lindsey and Aimee were sleeping (it was 10pm) and had an aha thought. "If I put Lindsey, who is sleeping, into Nathan's old spot, she will not disturb that family at all!" So I scooped her up and plopped her into place before it dawned on me that I could not buckle her in. I carefully leaned over, up on my tip toes and tried to reach the seat belt with my finger tips. Nope. I tapped Lindsey gently on the head and whispered, "Lindsey, Lindsey! Wake up and put on your seat belt." Nothing. The taps become raps and the whisper escalated. "LINDSEY!" rap, rap rap. The lady wakes up. "Oh Hi" I explained softly as I am practically laying on her lap, "I thought I would put my sleeping child by the window so my son wouldn't wake you with his comings and goings, but (ha, ha) now I can't get the seat belt on her (and I'VE woken you up)" RAP, RAP, RAP. It quickly became evident that there was no other way to fix this, "I'm afraid I'm going to have to lean on you (and your sleeping child) to get it on, I'm sorry" (WHAT was I thinking?!) So there I was laying on this unsuspecting mom, trying to wrangle the buckle around Lindsey who is a sound sleeping heap of no help. I heard the merciful click, escaped back to my seat (now everyone was awake and watching) and busied myself with Nathan who could have just crawled back under her legs... but no, what's the fun in that?

All was well for another hour until the seat belt light came on with a ding and the stewardess announced that we should tighten our seat belts. The plane dropped a few feet and the dinging continued like an alarm. The stewardess repeated the need to tighten our seatbelts several times in a row as I thought, "Now why would she keep repeating herself unless she's nervous because she knows something we don't know." I was sitting right behind the plane wing and looked out the window as the noise of the engine slowed and then stopped (my mind thought "faltered"). There were clear skies and yet the plane started to sway side to side as it continued to bump up and down and the stewardess reminded us to tighten our seatbelts again and again and again. I gave a hearty tug at each reminder and then looked helplessly at Lindsey who was still propped against the window with a mere click of a seatbelt holding her down. Her head flopped and her mouth fell open as we bounced up and down, but she stayed asleep. I, on the other hand, was never so awake.

Each new jolt or swing brought a new plead and prayer in my mind that we would live to see another day. As the skies were a clear blue, the only reasonable explanation for the sudden swerving was that the plane was damaged. It had broken and now we were headed into our FINAL descent. I gripped Aimee and Nathan close to me and kept my eyes on Lindsey. There was no way that mother would bother with her when she had her own two little ones to worry about. All the plane crashes I'd read about these last few months came rushing to my mind and I prayed that if we were going to go down over water that we'd all die in the initial explosion and not pull through just to drown in the water -I just couldn't die twice! I couldn't watch the children pleading with terror in the eyes as they gasped their last breath. And then, with a final swerve, bump and jolt -we made it. We were on the ground, safe. I could have cried and started to shake. Lindsey didn't understand why I wanted to just hold her and not get off the plane. My stomache hurt and I realized, sheepishly, that each time they said tighten your seat belt, I did. :)

I was ready to reserve a car for our return trip! I just wanted to hold the kids and look at their cute, tired little faces. It made Jim's family reunion that much sweeter because we were alive. and THAT is the upside of living with a mind that caters to the morbid "what if" thoughts. When those "what if's" don't come to pass, I am even more grateful for the "normal" results than if I'd just cruised along expecting the normal. :)

We did make a less eventful trip back home ...even though we awoke at 3 am to start the journey and Jim and Nathan were on different planes and I lost my camera. :( I was just happy to have a more calm ride, sleeping children and obedient little girls. Though I am truly mourning the loss of my camera. It's the first time a missing item did not come back to me. But, I did find my wedding ring and driver's license. :)

So, I've no pictures to post of the reunion, just the mental snapshots of a lodge tucked up in the mountains with children roaming the meadows, collecting rocks and slapping at misquitos. There were family photos taken and I'm hoping that a few will find a way to our house, but I will say our house is the farthest away... The wood pole lodge had three levels and was large enough to give each of the 7 siblings and Jim's parents a room of their own with a great room up top with rows of cots lining the walls, leaving the middle open for dancing and the children's play, "The frog prince." A staircase of spiraling split logs led down to the lower level with a kitchen (no fridge) and small family room where we spilled over to gather for all the family meetings. It was rustic and cozy. Jim's family now boasts 16 adults and 22 grandchildren.

Aimee followed Uncle Rob and Uncle Orion around waiting to be held or cuddled. Lindsey celebrated her fourth birthday, dancing in her own little world, oblivious to the obvious change in scenery. Nathan embraced the wilderness each day and was delighted to make a bow and arrow set and play with all the boy cousins. Elise kept to herself reading books for the first little bit (I think she was a bit overwhelmed by all the new faces). She warmed up right as Elena (one of the cousins her age) arrived and they were quoting barbie movies over dinner, ne'er to part. All the kids loved Grandma's cookie tree. Sigh, sigh. I had the most beautiful pictures of them in the shady woods, picking cookies off of trees. Now that is my type of tree. Jim enjoyed shooting a rifle, singing with the fam and being together. Of interest, we learned the proper way to retire the American flag.

We returned home and had a few days to prep for the next family reunion here in St. Louis. My Granny and Aunt Better were coming to visit the family, play with the kids and see the new house. Coincidentally, my parents found a new house to buy in St. Louis, so they really got to see it all. It was fun to have them in our home and Jim and I were again grateful for such a beautiful home. At this point, it still has to be viewed for it's potential as we slowly work on the details. G.G. looked beautiful and was game to go, try and see anything. I can only hope that I stay as active, healthy and happy as she is. I learned that she used to make screws during the war. They spent one day here, touring the river walk and then we all headed to St. Louis -crowding Heather's home. It was like Mary Poppin's bag because somehow we all fit just right.

Better took some beautiful pictures of all the children with their G. G. (great grandmother) and I again was sad that my camera was gone. I am at the will of another to get some beloved photos to grace this blog. Now it's a race to see who is the more responsive side of the family with sending out pictures. Of course, at this point I am grateful for anything I get. And, at this point, I am grateful to return home once again and really start to feel at home. I'll let you know when it really feels like home.

Okay, so I just have to laugh because as I read back my blog, I realized that the auto spelling correction keeps changing aunt Bette's name to better. What can I say?

Hello Missouri

When pioneers moved to the west, with courage strong they met the test...

These last few weeks we have pushed ourselves to the limits: cleaning the house, painting the walls, unpacking boxes, preparing talks, settling in.... but we have found a lot of things to pull us through: a new house to call our own; new friends to meet at the park, have over for dinner or play some games; cable tv :) (though I have yet to actually catch one food challenge or allow the children to surf the channels); cooler weather; all the major stores bunched on just one street; the beautiful green trees and endless rolling hills (the children are a chorus of wheeeeeee's as we drive along); the super cool parks; and last, but not least FAMILY! What a blessing to be able to send the kids to Aunt Heidi's while we cleaned, painted and prepared the house for them. Of course, there's never enough time (or money) to do it all, but the kids were delighted as we brought them back on the Fourth of July and welcomed them home.

Here it is: 2425 Camel Back Rd

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Lindsey and Aimee went straight for the flowers.

so pretty!

My favorite part is the kitchen bar (although I love our new table behind it!) The kids and I feel like it's a diner, "may I take your order?!"

But, nothing is more exciting than having your very own room and even better, a brand new bed. (If only we had enough) After much deliberation about who to have downstairs, we decided that Lindsey and Aimee needed the space, while Elise would really enjoy the privacy of a smaller room upstairs. I was worried when Lindsey walked in and saw Elise run to her room and bounce on her bed in the pretty pink room and then listened to Nathan oooh and aaaah about the bunk beds in his smoky blue room, and then scooted down the stairs to her pink and purple room to see this......Lindsey's brand new bed. :)

But, she loved it! :) She dove onto the blankets and squealed with joy: "Mom, I LOVE my brand new bed!" She rolled around admiring the pink and purple walls while I laughed at her simple delight for her bed, or the obvious lack thereof. :) Won't she be surprised when Jim gets a paycheck and she gets a real bed?! :)

The best part of all is having family to share it with (although I bemoan the fact that my friends don't get to come and see it!). :(

uncle Andy and Baker

I think the best discovery so far (aside from some really cool people we've met) is the library. WOW -this is the best library I've ever seen for kids. There is a children's section about half the size of the entire Oviedo library and it comes with a wii, computers to work on, a puppet showcase to play with and a play center for the children that promises happiness on those wintry days ahead.

Katie

Griffith

I was able to quickly return the favor and watch my sister's children while she prepared for a letter boxing convention and the arrival of my parents (who are house hunting in St. Louis!). It's funny the comments you get as people see seven little children pile out of Heather's monster white van. "What do you DO with all those children?" "How do you do it?!" and really, I think that's not so hard as the real question: "What do I FEED all those children?!!!!!" :) You can see the start of the day with a line of cups and a PILE of french toast sticks!

We made fairy puff cookies found at the back of the fairy book Elise checked out from the library. Here are the little fairies rolling the dough, we all got a good laugh at this picture because of Nathan's new nose. :)

TA-DA!

And now that we have settled in, it's time to take off. We are headed to Idaho for a family reunion next week. So while the kids are playing, I've been packing.... each row represents a child and each column is a day of the week (mon - sun, and pjs).

The challenge is to take all that and fit it into the smallest space possible (we are aiming for carry ons to avoid the luggage fees)! It reminds me a bit of my talk last Sunday. It was on Romans 1:16 (for I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ...). I realized one night that it's not so much that we will be ashamed of what we say about the gospel in this life as the things we don't say. I then compared that to our move and the fact that though I'd packed all of our life into neat, little boxes we soon realized that not everything would fit in the truck. In the end we were left deciding if we wanted to keep the dresser or the night stands, the generator or the kitchen chairs, etc. And that is just like life. Sometimes we fill our lives with conversation and details, while the things we value most are left on the side wondering if they will fit. Even thought it's so clear to me, it's still a challenge to make things fit as they should. And, I learned the hard way (through this talk experience) that everything fits best when you are focused on Christ and led by the Spirit.

That talk kept me pretty focused (if not worried) last week. But, I've still had a lot of "what to do?" moments since I've been here. We've unpacked down to six boxes and have left it at that. The pictures are still waiting to be hung by the chimney with care.... ( Oh Ruth, you are my inspiration!). :) But my momentum died and I knew we just had to get outside because the kids are wandering around, wondering what to do with themselves. If I think about it too hard, I tear up and miss knowing where I am and what to do that day (the aquatic center, beach or friends) and then I miss my friends and Allison with a vengence and I know the kids are all missing her too.

At least it's easier for me because I can chat with my friends on the phone, but we worried how the kids would do. They've actually done quite well talking on the phone (Elise always goes to her room and shuts the door). :) I know Elise enjoys it. Of course, it's helped alot to have Katie and Baker here. That's instant entertainment, although I've no idea how they keep running late into the night and still wake up so early?

You'd think the stairs would wipe them out. After a few hours on our first night home, Lindsey sat down in my lap and confessed, "Mom my legs hurt from all that walking!" :) Ahh, the joys of youth. It's all fun and games until someone knocks over Griffith (Heather's little one). And so our day ends and today I've managed to fit in a few thoughts on the blog before we take off for a bit. I'm very excited about this reunion because it will be a real vacation for us. I can't work on the house and Jim will be away from the office. Here's to some fun family bonding and the hopes that it won't take a month before I blog about it. :)