Showered with Blessings

My Aunt Susie, Me, Mom and Kim Rosson. Thank you for
hosting the shower.


Pink and Blue cookies were served to cast your vote...we
had more pink cookies left over so the vote was for a boy!




Kathlena was right up in the action. My very good helper.



Andrew was taking pictures and eager to see what Mrs.
Carlson had picked out for him. Thanks, Jen for making it
so fun for the kids too.

Mia and Madison

Emily and Mackenzie...long time friends who went to
Kindergarten together. Hard to believe they are so grown
up now.

My dear friends: Laura, Tracy, Jamie, me, Jennifer and
Susan. Thank you all for making the shower it was so good
to see everyone.

Emily and Rebbecca long time friends too.

For Labor Day weekend I decided to make one last trip to my parents before the baby comes. My mom put together a baby shower with friends from our old church in Hillsboro. Some friends I had not seen in over 4yrs. This was such a blessing to share this sweet time with friends I have known for so long.

33 week check up

I went today for my 33 week check up with my midwife. It went very well. All of my blood work came back great and my blood pressure was normal (yeah!). The baby is in a good position (head down, spine forward) My swelling is much better which I think is a result of the break in the heat...Yess!! I have been having some of the braxton hicks contractions when I go on my walks or try to hurry up in Sam's :) Paula, my midwife said that was good warm up not to worry. So, I will keep on walking and doing my water aerobics in the pool.

After checking on the baby's heart beat...still staying around the "boy" range of 140-145 she said the baby was likely around 6lbs already! Wow...early Oct. is looking better all the time. I do not want to break my Mom's record with my brother who was an 11 1/2lb baby. I am pretty sure I can rule out the little 7lb'er I was hoping for...Oh well I will take healthy and big any day. I start my birth prep herbs next week of Gentle Birth and Alfalfa. I have a dear friend who brought us a huge tote of birth kit materials and a birthing pool. We are so thankful for the many families who have been so encouraging and helpful as we prepare for our first home water birth. I am starting to get excited!! We will soon have this baby in our arms. I have to admit I really have enjoyed this pregnancy. It has not been nearly as hard as I had thought in my "advanced" maternal age. In some ways I think it has been easier than when I had my first two kids at 22yrs and 25yrs. I am very blessed though with a husband who is so helpful and a 4 great kids who are a blessing to their mother.

Green Eggs and Ham...I do like them!

Andrew and Kathlena have been reading Dr. Suess books in August and absolutely love the funny stories that rhyme. Everyone has joined in to read the books to them with their individual twists. J.Michael now has a once a day policy for Green Eggs and Ham, but is great about reading tons of books to Kathlena especially. Andrew loves to read to Kathlena too. So we are all taking turns reading to each other and building a love for reading at the same time.


Kathlena is so proud of her green eggs and ham. She ate them all up very quickly as scrambles eggs are her favorite in any color!

Hurray for Andrew...vision update

Today we went back to Dr. Mazow for our 6wk follow up. We have been patching again for 5 hrs a day which we increased to more like 7-8hrs a day after about 2wks. From our experience patching Andrew prior to surgery we could tell the 5hr patching was really not long enough so we increased the time as the 7-8hr seems to be what works for Andrew. Even a few weeks ago we began to notice some changes. Andrew would tell us that he could see better (while patched) and he was reading numbers, letters, and signs from the car that told us he had improved some. We never imagined how much though!
We arrived at Dr. Mazow's office and it was very busy. I guess everyone was trying to get in before school starts back. Anyway, it was the usual routine only we had forgotten that we were to have his eyes dilated today. So, that made it a little longer visit. Andrew tested 3 lines better, with a strong 20/60. We were so excited to have so much progress in a short time. This pretty much put us back to where we had started before the surgery. Once dilated though Andrew blew us all away with an unaided 20/30 in his left eye...what we were told would be next to impossible! I was fighting back tears of joy for Andrew! It has all been worth it!! Truly an amazing gift of the Lord to restore Andrew's vision in this way. Tears well up even as I write this that we are witnessing a miracle in little Andrew's life.
Sweet Andrew didn't even really understand why everyone in the office and David and I were so happy. To Andrew it was just another eye test. I had to explain it to him in the car. We grabbed a sandwich at Subway after and as we were going in Andrew had time to process all that had just happened and this is what he told me. "Mommy, I am just so grateful that my eyes are better, I am so grateful" Andrew never ceases to amaze me with his tender heart and genuineness. I told him I too was grateful to the Lord for all that He has blessed us with. For all the eye appointments this past year that ended in tears of frustration and sometimes moments of a loss of hope that led us back to prayer for mercy on our little Andrew we are so very grateful for this precious gift of sight from the Lord that truly is a miracle.
We still have a long road of patching and work to do to improve and keep his vision, but this was a huge day that has given all of us a renewed "vision" and hope to continue in faith trusting the Lord with each step and giving Him abundant praise for all that He is doing in our lives.
We will be back to see Dr. Mazow around the first of October and as long as we are continuing to hold and improve vision we will begin to decrease the patching time over the course of the next year. As Dr. Mazow explained it the patch will eventually be like a retainer where Andrew wears it only a few hours for a few days a week. At this point it would seem that a second surgery on the right eye is off the table for now. We will still need to work on his binocular/3-D vision as he is still not able to see with both eyes together passed his nose. We pray that even this would be restored to him. In addition to our work with patching we are looking into a NeuralDevelopmental Program that may also help improve his vision. I hope to post about this soon. I am still researching and reading about it, but have found a good source that encourages the program be done by parents at home...just what we have been looking for...PTL that He continually opens new doors when others close. I also want to thank all of you for your faithful prayers for our family and comments of encouragement. It means so much to us! We are so blessed by you.

30 Weeks

I am feeling well, having some minor swelling issues, but then again it is August in Houston and I am in the final stretch...literally! Baby Shiflet is still on the move quite a bit, but not quite as much as last month. I suppose he/she has less room to do his/her back flips. Although, now when baby moves my entire belly moves which the kids absolutely love to watch. My favorite thing is a Route 44 cup of Sonic ICE! Yes, that is right I am crunching on ice. Some have said this is a sign of iron deficiency, but I am not feeling the effects of that by being overly tired or anything. I think it is just another way for me to get more water in me that is different than just drinking it.

Reading Time

All four kids have daily reading time. This for Andrew and Kathlena means they sit quietly and "read" books to themselves either because they remember the story or they "read" the pictures. Andrew has an amazing memory. In this video he is "reading" from memory a book that he has only heard twice. Andrew and Kathlena lOVE books! Andrew loves having his older brother and sister reading to him and wants to do the same for his little sister. It is so sweet...he also likes to work with her on her numbers and letters. Mommy and Daddy also read volumes of books to all four kids so, it would be hard not to have a love for reading living in the Shiflet household. When it is not so hot outside we take our reading time to the yard so even Chase, our dog will curl up next to us and "listen" to our stories. :)

Try'n to Beat the Heat

Well it took me longer than I thought to get this posted...this seems to be a casualty of summer and entering into my third trimester. All the things I could get done in a day seem to take more like a week or so to accomplish. That is okay though as I am enjoying this slower pace for now.

The kids just love the pool. It was rather easy to set-up excluding the leveling part, but has gone smoothly ever since. WE love the salt water pump...so worth it to invest in this and it pays for itself the first year over what you would spend in chemicals. The water is so soft and doesn't burn your eyes.

Hope you enjoy the video...Daddy even managed to get a few tummy shots of me too!

Where does all the time go?

Kathlena and her new friend Agnessa from Latvia. Hard to believe a little over a year ago these girls were within 1500 miles of each other and now are over 8000 miles and half way around the world from each other.

I can hardly believe that July has come and nearly gone. It has been a busy month of odd jobs, visiting with friends and just plain trying to beat the heat. Baby Shiflet is growing and it has been an exciting time for all of us as Daddy and the kids have not only been able to feel the baby move but see it too! My stomach is beginning to look more like I have swallowed a basketball that dribbles itself at times. The kids get such a kick out it! Kathlena literally got kicked as she likes to lay her head on my stomach and push and listen to baby Shiflet. If you ask her what she hears she will tell you he says "Kathlena get off of my leg!" Hmmm...it seems a little early for that, I just hope that is not his/her first words...heehee.

This seemed to be the month of repairs. There for a while we were keeping our handy man (Daddy) busy full time fixing stuff. One week was so comical because it seemed everyday at least something broke. I am talking major stuff from plumbing issues to electrical malfunctions and finally the computer going down this past week. Thankfully, I have a man who is an amazing Mr. Fix It and what he can't fix he knows someone who can. So, I am happy to say we are back in business with the computer, kitchen sink, dish washer, garage door opener, vacuum cleaner, swing, Berky water filter, printer, and trash can lever all repaired by my creative, resourceful, and talented husband. Thank you, honey you are the best!

We had a tea party at our house that was so much fun. We had the privilege of having our friends the Renfro Girls and guests over for a tea party. The Renfro's have been hosting 4 kids from Latvia this summer. The two girls Agnese (pronounced Og-ness-uh) and Sintija (pronounced sin-tee-uh) are so sweet. We loved to listen to them talk. Sintja has picked up quite a bit of English and likes to use it. She also knows Russian and was excited to find out that Andrew and Kathlena were from Russia. Although, I think she was a little disappointed that they can no longer speak Russian nor understand it. It will be hard to see them go, but we have so enjoyed getting to know them. Here are a few pictures from our tea.








Peek-a-boo!


Today we are putting up the pool that the kids have been saving up for since February. The pool we bought over a week ago, but had to wait for the salt water pump to arrive which, arrived on Monday. Then we had to wait until the weekend so Daddy would have time to level the ground and go pick up dirt to make the pool pad. I will post some video and pool picks tomorrow or Monday as it will take all night for the pool to fill.

4th of July

We had a wonderful trip to my parents for the 4th of July where we were able to see almost all of our family. This was so wonderful as I am likely not going to be able to travel much in the coming months until the baby is here. Here are a few pictures from the 4th.

The whole clan--Shiflet, Davis, and Martins which thanks to
Emily's genealogy research we have found that we are all from
the same clan out of Scotland 10-12 generations ago!!


Houston we have a problem...we need more pumping power
to launch this rocket. The boys worked hard and the rocket
did launch a few times and it was really cool. Thanks Dodad
you always find the coolest stuff!

Kathlena with cousin Lucas

Andrew working on his golf swing.

Aunt Susie...heading up the decorations committee and kiddie
toys!

Cookie working on those delicious hamburgers and hot dogs
that just scream it is the 4th of July.


PawPaw, Grandmommie, Mema, Dutch and Marilyn.

Grandmommie showing off her glow sticks.

Daddy doing glow stick tricks

Trying to keep our photographer visible at night with her
glow sticks in her hair. Cute Emily...I think that you may
start a new trend in glow stick wear. Thanks Aunt Susie!

Texas Tea Party

Liberty. Freedom. What do these words really mean? Do the people in the "Land of the Free" really know what it means to be free? Do we as Christians value Liberty as we should? Patrick Henry said "Give me Liberty or give me death!" Do we value Liberty as much as our founding fathers did? Are we willing to give our lives for that cause as they did?

Sadly, most Americans are not. They would rather compromise their beliefs and stand for the "lesser of two evils" then set themselves apart by standing for Liberty and the Word of God. But the tide is turning, Christians have been awakened to how far we have fallen as a nation. It is not the government's fault, the guilt is upon the people. We have allowed these things to go on. We are being justly represented. But what will we do about it? Do we sit back and say "well that's not my problem" or do we take action? Do we continue to vote for the candidate we think most likely to win or do we evaluate them based on the Word of God and vote for them regardless of what others think of us? This takes courage.

God's Word says "thou shalt not murder" why then do we allow millions of unborn children to suffer this fate every year? Why do we not call sin sin? Do we fear public opinion?

These are all important questions we must ask ourselves. What do we really believe? Are we willing to stand for it? Do we stand only because we feel our taxes are too high or do we stand on the solid rock of God's Word?

As I study American history I've begun to realize that the American War of Independence (American Revolutionary War) was not all about taxes. If taxes were the main issue then how high would be the only matter of debate. The War was about being unfairly under the rule of the British Parliament who had taken liberties from the colonists. While King George ruled over many countries and colonies the British Parliament was only to rule over Britain. The British Parliament began to erode the power of the local government of the independent American colonies. Thus, the beginnings of an unjust federal government system versus many allied independent local governing systems. This being the true reason for the American War of Independence. For a concise understanding of government systems check out this video-Government .

And what about the poor? Do you think they are willing to fight against high taxes that they don't pay? The issue of high taxes does not unite all to seek change. You see, taxes is unsteady ground to be the main issue. High taxes are merely a symptom of the disease. Our nation has forsaken it's roots. We have forgotten the Lord our God. We no longer uphold His law as supreme. We, as a nation claim the government as god not as protector of the Law of God. When a crisis happens and our home burns to the ground or is swept away where do we go? When a bank closes and we loose our life's saving who do we expect to come to our rescue? To whom do we look for refuge? God or Government?

Essentially, we are paying tribute to an idol. Do we protest the tribute or a government that claims itself to be god? On which hill are we willing to die on? Will we hand out band aids in protest of the symptom or will we do the hard work to get to the heart of the matter...tearing down the idol of government and restoring government to it's biblical mandate.


Yesterday, Daddy, J.Michael and I went to a rally called "The Texas Tea Party" and listened to several speakers discuss these matters. They had a really good turnout 3,500-5,000 people as their website says! I'd never heard any political speeches in person before and found these very entertaining and informative. A person might be on the stage for an hour but he'd only talk for 3o minutes, the rest is applause!

Mr. Claver (shown above) brought up some very good points and had a good sense of humor. Half way through his speech I leaned over and whispered to Dad, "the liberals gotta love him". He began his speech by quoting 1 Samuel 8 where God's people desired a King to rule over them and Samuel explained the reality of that. Mr. Claver briefly touched on the idolatrous nature of our current government system. We had hoped more emphasis on this issue would have been brought up.

(Click to enlarge) it's always fun to read the signs people bring whether at the ball park or the Texas Tea Party! . I was encouraged by my first Texas Tea Party Rally and look forward to attending more political rally's that seek change not on certain issues, but the system as a whole. Throughout our last election I began to learn about the Constitution Party and what it stands for. I hope to be more involved in this truly conservative political party.