Reflections on a year

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

God gave me this verse about a year and a half ago when I was pregnant with the twins. I was in a Bible Study and we were doing a study written by a woman who became blind in her preteen years. The study was all about faith without sight. While I wasn't facing anything near as tragic as losing my eyesight, I was facing something very scary, unknown, and overwelming. We would be adding 2 more kids to our family when we thought we'd have "just one more." This bible study was perfect for me at the time, it challenged me to have faith that God has a perfect plan for my life, even when it's not my plan.

Kevin and I spent many hours in denile, tears, prayer, discussion, and silence as we tried to process the news of having twins. The nine months of my pregnancy were, for the most part, difficult and challenging. I felt guilty that I didn't have the "excitement" that I did with the other two. I was scared and unsure, not light-hearted with anticipation. During the last 3 months especially I was in constant prayer that the babies would not be born premature. I was unable to do everything active that I enjoy doing, which was hard on me and our family. Not until after the babies were born and we looked back at the summer, did Kevin and I realize how stressful summer of '10 really was.

God was faithful though, and he gave us 2 full-term, healthy little babies. Those first weeks home were still filled with tears and tension as we tried to figure out how to balance a family of 6. Again, God was faithful and gave us people to bless us and help us. We were given meals by our church family and friends for 2 months, we were blessed with diapers for 9 months, and we were blessed by people who volunteered to help with child care whenever we needed it. My mom came over every morning for a couple weeks, and then only on preschool mornings to help with breakfast and to watch the younger 3 so I could take Ethan to school. I don't know that I could have survived last year without her help in the mornings. A woman from our church, who has since become a friend, came over every Tuesday to watch the babies so that Ethan, Morgan and I could go to Bible Study. It was such a relief to be able to get out of the house with only two kids and do something for ME. It helped me remain a sane and good mommy to know I would be able to get out of the house one morning a week. Every Tuesday evening my parents had Ethan and Morgan over for dinner. This gave Kevin and I time to have a quiet meal with only 2 at home (the two that don't talk back:). This was so important for our marriage and just gave us something to look forward to each week. There were 2 other women from church who stepped up and offered to watch any of the kids any other time I needed it. It was so nice knowing I had someone to call if I needed to get out for a while or bring someone to the doctor. God was so faithful in the practical ways this past year.

When we found out we were having the twins we said that God does things for a reason, he never lets something happen to us by chance. Besides the blessing of 2 healthy, happy children we wondered why else God would "bless" us with this challenge. One reason that has already become evident to me is that he used it to draw Kevin and I closer to each other and closer to him. Shortly after the babies were born we began spending time in prayer and in the Bible together in the evenings. God used that time of conversation to draw us closer to each other, to make us more of a team as we sought to lead our children in daily life. I feel strongly that God gave us Hudson and Brooklyn to make us more intentional parents and to draw us closer to Him.

While at the begining we questioned and fought what God had drawn up for us, we love our babies and wouldn't give them up for anything. They bring us and others a lot of joy with their quick smiles and content hearts. We have survived the first year, we've made it through breast feeding and bottles and schedule setting. It feels good to be on this side of a year. There are definitely still days that we struggle with the "why", but we have to remain trustful that God will take care of us in his way. I don't normally share my heart like this on our blog, but I want to remember where we were and how far we have come. Often our pictures show only the happy times in our house, and while there are plenty of those times, there are also many times of conflict, tears, and anger. We are striving daily to model and teach to our kids what it means to be loving, compassionate, and obedient. If you think of it, say a prayer for us as we walk on this journey.

To those of you who have helped us, prayed for us, and encouraged us THANK YOU. It takes a village and we are thankful for ours!

Morgan Rae

It's another birthday in the Schenk house. Happy Birthday Morgan Rae. Here's to you my wild child:)

Morgan you keep us laughing and forever guessing what you are going to do next. You are full of smiles and people always ask me if you are always smiling. My answer is a lot of the time but not always. Lately especially you are gracing us with a fair amount of tears and screaming. You are 3 after all and I've learned that 3 is the new 2. I'm praying that we make it through this year ok sweetheart. We also get constant comments on your beautiful curls. People are forever asking "Where did she get those curls?" You don't always like to have those beautiful curls combed, but if we don't your hair is pretty crazy.

You love your little brother and sister Morgan. You are going to be a terrific mommy some day. You like to go into their room each morning to say good morning. When Hudson or Brooklyn is crying you quickly offer them a toy to make them happy. You love to have them sit on your lap so you can hold them. 

You look up to your big brother so much. You love to play with Ethan and do everything he does. You even love to wrestle with him and can tackle him quite well. Lately you've really started holding your own against Ethan and you have no problem fighting back. A good thing, and not such a good thing. You two have loved playing in our little pool this summer, you also love to ride plasma cars and scooters together. Sometimes you like to dress up in Ethan's clothes.

Morgan you find fun where ever you are. You have no problem staying busy by yourself and you are great at finding something to play. I love listening to you talk to yourself as you organize a tea party, dance party or school with your "friends." You are my little independent player.

Before I had a daughter I said I wasn't going to encourage the "Princess" thing. Oh Morgan, we have so much princess stuff in our house and it's so fun. I don't think you can avoid that when you have girls. You love to dress up in all your princess dresses and you can't wait for your princess party this week. We've learned the name of all the Disney Princesses, but you've yet to see any of the movies. You also love playing with cousin Annika. It is fun to watch you two grow up together, and I think you are going to have lots of fun in the years to come.

You are a go getter. Not too much gets you scared. In fact when we were in Canada this summer we were trying to get you and Ethan to go into the forest alone at Opa and Oma's house. Ethan wanted nothing to do with that, but you said right away, "I'll go, come on Ethan let's go." So he followed you in there. You will try anything, which causes us to have to keep an extra eye on you.

You get super excited when daddy comes home at the end of the day and you love to play with him. However, right now you are a mommy's girl.  You need mommy to do most things for you.

You are very generous and thoughtful Morgan. You love to share your toys with your brothers and sister. I hope that continues for many more years. I think you are going to love when Brooklyn can finally play dress up with you and I have a feeling you'll have Hudson wearing dresses before long too;) You love to play dress up and most days you wear at least one princess dress. You get yourself dressed most days and you've improved your matching abilities a lot in the last couple months.

Morgan you have such a spontaneity about you. You love to dance and sing and you don't care what everyone else is doing. You seem to march to the beat of your own drummer at times. You don't always pay attention to where you are going so you end up with lots of bruises on your legs and your head. But you love to do "ballet moves" so maybe some more dancing will add some grace to your steps.

Morgan you are such a sweet girl. You want to make those around you feel good and you love to have fun. We've recently begun doing family memory verses and we are amazed at how well you do memorizing them. Mommy is looking forward to doing a lot more coloring and writing with you this year while Ethan is at school. We can't wait to see how God uses you sweetheart, because we know you are going to do great things. We love you Mo!

Brother and Sister

Brooklyn Helena and Hudson Lee~This picture feels like it was taken yesterday and a lifetime ago. I can hardly remember my life before you were born. What did I do with all my free time? Your birth has changed our lives more than we anticipated.

Some of my favorite memories of you two is when you would hold hands while I was nursing you. So often in the early weeks you would both fall asleep after you ate, both laying on my lap and so content. I pray that this "twin bond" will only grow stronger in the years to come.

Such little peanuts at 4-5 weeks old. You were able to sleep in the same crib for 4 months. Now you both take up most of your cribs alone. Mommy was really sad for you when I had to separate you into your own cribs. I thought you'd be lonely.

Thankfully you two are used to sharing space. Your older brother and sister like to get right in your face and talk, laugh, and sing to you. You love it though and laugh and laugh.

Hudson and Brooklyn you love to talk to each other and make each other laugh. Recently Hudson you tried to crawl on top of Brooklyn. She didn't like that very much, but I suspect that's the first of many wrestling sessions you two will have.

Sweet--you both sure know how to turn on the charm for the camera! You make us all smile daily and it is so fun to watch you interact with each other and Ethan and Morgan. Our home is always going to be filled with lots of laughter and energy. Never a dull moment, that's for sure!

You LOVE bath time together. Huds you splash and splash. You get water all over the bathroom and your sister. You love to try to crawl in the bath tub, and Brooklyn your new trick is to try to stand up in the tub.

You both loved Papa and Nana's pool this summer.

Our park only has one baby swing so you two get to swing together. I hope this lasts a while because it's nicer than taking turns.

Hudson and Brooklyn you are such happy, content babies. I couldn't have asked for easier twins. I am so thankful for how big and healthy you were when you were born and how you've continued to grow strong and healthy. God has taught mommy and daddy to trust Him more. We have had to depend on him more than ever this last year. He provided for us in so many ways:

*Miss Lynette came and took care of you every Tuesday this year so that Mommy, Ethan and Morgan could go to Bible Study. You loved your special time with her and mommy loved her time away.

*The teachers at daddy's school bought us so many diapers, with those diapers and with the diapers Nana and Oma bought us we didn't have to buy diapers until you were 9 months old!

*You slept in 4 hour stretches at night from the 2nd night at home! You were both sleeping through the night by 6 months (7pm - 7am!)

*People have blessed with gift cards when we were least expecting them.

*God has given us a peace that all our needs will be met, even when we don't know how.

*God gives mommy and daddy energy and grace every day as we try to raise you and Ethan and Morgan the way he has called us to. Some days are easier than others!

We love you, our babies, and we can't wait to watch God use you in amazing ways as you grow and learn.

Brooklyn Helena

My sweet Brooklyn. Happy 1st Birthday little girl! This year has gone so fast. I can so clearly remember snuggling with you and Hudson in bed at the hospital. At that time your daddy and I didn't know how we would make it to a year, but here we are, one year later and so in love with both of you.

You my girl have gorgeous blue eyes, dimples and a beautiful smile and laugh. You are much more reserved with your smiles though and you make sure to study someone before you share a smile with them.

You are a very content girl Brooklyn. You'll quietly play with your toys for long periods of time. You study everything and enjoy trying to figure things out. You have always been more aggressive than Hudson when it comes to taking toys and just recently you've begun throwing a little fit if someone takes something away from you. You army crawl around and you can sit up on your own. You can pull up on your knees and you're very close to pulling to standing up when you are in your crib.

You've gotten used to the water over the summer and you handle your brother's splashing quite well. You can make a doggy sound and you have our own "salute" type wave you like to do. Your first words were "no, no, no". I guess Mommy says that too much!

You have quite the emotions Brooke. These two pictures were taken seconds apart...smiling one moment, and crying the next.

Just like your brother you love to be outside. When we get to the park and you know you get to get out of the stroller you start kicking and kicking, ready to swing.

Just recently you've started holding Morgan's doll like she's your baby. You seem way to little to know what to do with a baby doll, but it shows you're growing up. You are a girl through and through, you love shiny things and bling, you love dolls, and you get excited when we look at your closet together to decide what to wear. You love your big sister and brother. You're light enough that Ethan can now carry you around a little bit. Thanks for putting up with that!

You have filled our lives with so much joy Brooklyn. Your sweet personality and inquisitive nature will be fun to watch grow in the years to come. We love you sweet girl!

Hudson Lee

Happy 1st Birthday Handsome. I can't believe you are one already. I know everyone says it when their babies turn one, but it truly feels like this year has flown by. There have been moments that I felt like time was standing still...like when both you and your sister were screaming, or when I had to nurse you and Brooklyn and then help Morgan go to the bathroom, or when I'm stuck at home and unable to run the errands that I want to. But this year has also been filled with blessings. I'll talk more about that in another post. This post is all about you Hudsers.

You have gorgeous blue eyes and fluffy, wavy strawberry blond hair. I'm not real sure what we're going to do with that hair. Daddy calls it your Donald Trump look. Your mode of movement is still to army crawl wherever you want to go. You haven't figured out how to crawl on all fours, or how to sit up on your own. Your first word was "hi" and you love to wave.

You LOVE your big brother and sister. They get you to laugh so hard. You are definitely a people person Hudson. You don't appear to have much fear of anyone and you get a huge smile on your face when someone talks to you.

You love to clap and yell. Your highs are higher than your sister Brooklyn and your lows are lower. If you're hungry, we better feed you; if you're thirsty, we better have some water ready; and when you're tired, you're ready for bed. At least we never have to really guess with you!

You love water and you love to be outside. I can tell that you are going to love running around with the big kids. You are happiest when you are playing with someone...kind of like your big brother!

Our park only has one baby swing, so for now you get to swing with Brooklyn.

Hudson, you have brought so much joy to us this year. Your quick smile and silly laugh are contagious. I think you're going to keep us hopping though. You are a determined little boy with lots of energy. We love you Bubba!

First Day of Kindergarten

Ethan had his first day of kindergarten today. He did amazing when it was time for me to leave and he had a great day. I was expecting to shed a few tears since I got choked up just reading the letter from his teacher, but I think there was too much going on around us to ponder what this big step really means. He is definitely growing up! He's already telling us things at the dinner table that he learned from his teacher. It makes me realize it was true when parents told me that their kids would come home and report what I said at school when I was a teacher. We are happy with his teacher this year and his small class size. It should be a great year.

As we were driving to school Ethan noticed some other kids in front of their house taking a picture. He asked me why and I told him because that's what you do on the first day of school. He asked if he'd have to take a picture when he's 6 and I told him he'll have to take a picture on the first day of school until he's 18. He thought that was pretty funny. We'll see if I can get him to cooperate for that:)

Just like last year we had to stop by Daddy's classroom so he could walk with us to Ethan's room.

At this point Ethan asked, "How many more pictures do we need?" I took the hint and put the camera away:) Tonight he was already wishing it was morning time so he could go to school. I hope this lasts for 13 more years!

Pebble Beach

Last week we were able to spend 6 days at my parent's house in Pebble Beach. We had a great time. It was nice to be out of the heat for a week and out of our own 4 walls. We definitely took "normal" life with us there, but it was nice to do it in a beautiful location. Here are some pictures of our time there.

One night we went out to dinner as a family of 6(unassisted) for the first time. It actually went quite well. We got to the restaurant at 5:00, nice and early to fend off any hungry fits and to avoid people who were hoping for a quiet romantic evening;) We were pleasantly surprised how well it all went. It wasn't relaxing by any means, but it wasn't stressful, so that was nice. Afterwards we walked around Pebble Beach for a while and took a few pictures by the 18th green. It was a gorgeous night and the kids loved running and playing on the grass!

We went to the aquarium. Unfortunately it was crazy busy, the busiest we've ever experienced there. The babies did great and seemed to be enamored by all the people. (Remember we don't get out much!) Ethan and Morgan seem to enjoy the aquarium more every visit.

My cousin Dave and his wife Stephanie were in town with there 2 kids so we had them over for dinner one night. It was so great to catch up with them and to meet their kids. Isn't little Wesley a cutie?

We were also joined by some friends for a couple nights. Ethan and Morgan loved playing with Emmry, Trey and Caden. They had a great time showing them all their favorite things in Pebble Beach. Here we are at Spanish Bay to listen to the bag piper. With 7 kids 7 and under we had a fire pit all to ourselves most of the time we were there:)

The mommies without kids hanging on us! It was fun to spend some adult time chatting and playing cards when the kids were in bed each night.

Again Huds and Brooke loved getting out for a while.

We all went to the beach one afternoon. Fortunately Hudson and Brooklyn hated the feel of the sand so they stayed on the blanket the whole time. We only made 2 trips to the beach with H and B. It's just a bit much right now. Ethan and Morgan enjoyed a few different trips down to the ocean with mommy or daddy to throw rocks, climb on rocks, look for crabs, sea glass and shells. A special time as always.

Buddies!

All of us!

 It was a nice time away before the craziness of school starts next week.