My Boys

I have had many reminders lately on the importance of thankfulness. I am continually reminded that it becomes increasingly harder to complain and worry when one is focused on thanking God for all He has done.

One thing I am reminded to be thankful for every day is my boys. Granted, only one of them is mine by birth, but Wyatt is a part of our family nonetheless, and weekends seem a little quiet without him.

They are two different personalities, but they are becoming best friends. They play together all day long, and ask for each other on weekends when they are separated.

Any time of the day one of them is willing to wrap their little arms around me and give me a kiss when I need it. They always make me smile with their silly antics.

They're a handful and a half, but I love them, and am so thankful that I have them with me during the days! What am I going to do with myself when they both go off to school in a couple of years?

Wyatt has just recently started calling me "T Tia," which means "Auntie Christina." I love it! No one has ever called me "Aunt" before. Here he is showing me his bellybutton. Both of my silly boys love their bellybuttons.

D.J. is fascinated by the lights on the tree. You have to watch that one closely, though. He tries to eat ornaments. (April, any tips on getting that awful cast off of his skin using GIMP?)

Learning from my Lab

Overview of past week:



Thursday: Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with extended family. Drop Doug off for his annual Thanksgiving hunting trip.



Friday: Put up Christmas decorations. Jack gets hit by car, severely breaks leg. Vet says surgery will cost !!!!!!! dollars so I have to sign papers to put him to sleep. Vet doesn't want to put him down because he's a healthy, young dog and asks me to also sign papers to give up ownership in case she can find someone that might be willing to take him and pay for his medical bills. Tearfully apologize to puppy and say goodbye. Come home and have to break news to Kaitlin that Jack isn't coming home. Lots of tears...on all parts. Kaitlin cries herself to sleep.



Saturday: Kaitlin wakes up crying for Jack. Have mother-in-law call the vets because I knew I couldn't handle it if they told me they had to put him down. He's alive! Someone wants him. But, God provides funding for his operation so he has surgery to piece his leg back together and we're told we can bring him home soon. Doug feels bad for family and comes home from hunting trip early.



Sunday: Pick Jack up. They say don't let him walk around for at least two weeks. Perhaps they did not notice that he was a 10 month old lab? Kaitlin is a new woman.



Monday - Wednesday: Jack sleeps a lot. It is hard to pick up a 70lb dog in order to take him out to use the bathroom. God continues to teach me through this experience. It is a reminder that I am to be a good steward with all that God has given me, including my dog (even when he annoys me); the verse in Romans about abstaining from foolish words is true...you never want to hear your daughter say to you through tears, "but Mom, you said you WANTED him to get hit by a car"; worrying is sin, the better option is to remember that He knows the future and instead focus on thankfulness for what He has already done rather than worry about what He "might not do".



Thursday: Jack finally becomes restless and starts to try to move around too much. Becomes bored and chews the top off of his leg wrapping, exposing the pin that is holding his bones together by about a quarter of an inch. Take dog back to vet, told to come back Monday to see if he has moved the pin out of place which would require more surgery.



Friday: Tell Kaitlin that Jack may have hurt himself again and, if so, he will not get to stay with us. It is a good day, though, because God has given me my family, all the provisions we need for our daily lives, and the hope of an eternity with Him.



Yes, I think it's been a good week.



"I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high."

Psalms 7:17

Jack: now on tranquilizers to keep him from moving around too much!

Still a ways to go...

Overheard tonight after telling Doug I didn't think Kaitlin should watch something on T.V. so he covered her eyes:

Kaitlin: What are you doing, Daddy?
Doug: Covering your eyes.
Kaitlin: Why?
Doug: Because your Mommy told me to.
Kaitlin: You don't have to obey her, Daddy. God says in the Bible, "WIVES, obey your HUSBANDS."

So much to teach...so much to teach...

A New Addition to the Ruhlig Family...

That's right, I said new addition! Not the human kind, though.

Please welcome into the family....

Just Between Friends of North Tampa

Owned by: Christina Ruhlig and Holly Ruhlig

Most of you are probably somewhat familiar with Just Between Friends. If not, see what we're all about by visiting www.jbfsale.com. Click on "find a sales event" and see if there's one in your area! Ha! Free advertising right there, baby!

I am so thankful that God has provided us with this opportunity. Please be praying, as this is definitely a change all around for the family. Starting up a business has its difficulties, but also its rewards. We're in the works of planning our first sale for the spring. Please be especially in prayer that His love would be seen in us through all of the connections that we make throughout this process. I know that this can truly be used to bring glory to Him...that's my purpose!

Did You Know...

that Adriel has a blog? Hop on over and read some of her posts on what the Bible has to say about being a wife! Very challenging!

Going to the Circus

Kaitlin and I had some Mommy Daughter time last night at the circus. Can I tell you how nice it is to just have individual time with the kiddos?


This was Kaitlins first trip to the circus and her favorite part was the girl on the trapeze. She kept asking me, "when is she going to swing on the trapeze? You're supposed to SWING on it!" And she wasn't let down. And can I tell you that watching that woman swinging that high made me feel a little nauseous? Luckily I brought the 'ol 70-300 lens with me (or as I call it, the 10 lb. lens). Once you can see all the harnesses, it's not nearly so scary!



You can't go to the circus without getting cotton candy. That girl was blue all over!

See the funny speckles on her skin? That's what's left over from her bout with scarlet fever. I know, who gets scarlet fever? What can I say, my children are talented.

Some fun with the zoom. Not a fan of zoom lenses, but it works in situations like this!

I took this picture for Bubby. He's very into roaring these days.

This is exactly why you should not join the circus. Seriously, they could make you do stuff like this! Have I mentioned I don't like heights? I was pleased to discover that her legs weren't really that tan, though. Through the joy of the lens you could tell they were tights!

Better Late Than Never

I've debated whether or not to even post these pictures, just because I've waited so long to do it. But, come on, they're just too funny! I had to do it. So, here we go.

For Halloween Kaitlin was a cat. Actually, that's not just for Halloween. I'd say probably a good 40% of the time she's at home she's dressed up like a cat. This has been a regular thing for a good year now. Luckily she is litter trained and rarely ever scratches the furniture.

Now with D.J., a costume was a much more difficult ordeal. If you can remember all the way back when....he was PuppyDoug for Halloween last year. However, I have been ordered that he will no longer be allowed to dress as an animal, and since he can't verbalize yet what he wants to be, the decision is left up to me. We were looking for a cowboy or a pirate costume and could find NOTHING in his size. So, once again, pretending to be creative, I made him a pirate costume. His pants were cheapo brown sweatpants that I cut at the bottom to make them look like old torn pirate pants. He wore a white shirt with a vest made out of felt and one of sissy's ribbons around it. But here's the great part...we settled on a pirate because he found a pirate hat at Target that he just wouldn't take off. It was made for a a kid three times his age, but thanks to his father, he has an enormous head and it fit just fine. However, it was a Jack Sparrow hat so it had the dreds sewn into the inside. They went down to his knees! It was hilarious, but the child loved it. Wanna see? Of course you do...

Haha! Don't you just love the mustache? I'm sure he will have his revenge on me at some point in time. To top it off we taught him to say, "Arghh"!

Fall Pictures...

Today I took the kids to the a local hay and corn maze. I thought it would be a great opportunity to take some pictures, but as my husband is forever reminding me, it's a good thing I'm not paid to think. Between the direct sunlight, wind and highly uncooperative models I didn't get very many shots, but the kids loved running around outside nonetheless.

Oh my goodness, the child is actually attempting to smile. I am crediting this to the fact that she knows she's high enough up on the hay bale that I can't touch her.

Bubby going through the hay maze. He loves playing outside, and having hay to climb on just made it all the better for him.

Can you tell how not-into the picture taking she is?

They had big red tractors out for the kids to climb on. D.J. really wanted to take the tractor home, and there may have been a fit or two involved with getting him off the tractor. I hope he's not expecting one for Christmas now.

For Aunt Grace...

Remember how Kaitlin got her hair cut while I was in Oklahoma? Well it's super cute! And soooo much easier to take care of, especially when we're in a hurry to get ready for school in the mornings.

D.J. got his hair cut too! Now he REALLY looks like his daddy.

And, no, it is not completely shaved on the sides. It's just so blonde that it's hard to see.

Climb every mountain...

Yesterday I was rearranging the items on my plant shelves with the help of a 6' ladder. Looky what happened when I was naive enough to turn my back for a second...

Where the wind comes sweeping down the plains...

As all of you know by now, I went to Oklahoma a wee bit earlier than planned to help out with Elisa while Brandon and Grace were watching over Evelyn at the hospital. Thank you so much to all of you for your prayers and offers of help.

It was such a special time that I got to spend with Elisa. We've never gotten bonding time like that before, and it was so precious to me. She and D.J. are only five months apart, and they seemed to bond instantly. I had so much fun watching them interact.

Baby Evelyn is finally home (and it better be for good, young lady) and I have returned to Florida. I wanted to post a few pictures of the trip.

This is Elisa's favorite hiding spot. Normally it is to play peek-a-boo, but you can also find her there getting into things that she knows she shouldn't have, like Auntie Christina's make-up or toothpaste. Mmmm.

Speaking of toothpaste, the girl loves to brush her teeth. Seriously, any chance she gets. She points to her teeth and says "tee tee". She has immaculate oral hygiene---and cute dimples too!

One day she insisted on wearing her apron for the whole day. I was hoping that it meant that she was planning on taking over the housecleaning and cooking for that day. Sigh, I was wrong.

Elisa has also discovered the joys of watching TV. It's hard to get her attention when she's absorbed in a show.

As mentioned before, Elisa and Baby Doug got along splendidly. One of their favorite games was wrestling. It mainly composed of rolling over each other and laughing hysterically. It also normally ended in either Elisa pulling D.J.'s hair or D.J. biting. Sometimes both.

Another favorite game was to climb from the chair to the couch and back again. I'm pretty sure they're whispering to each other in this picture. Probably plotting something mischievous and sneaky.

As a lot of you know, when you have two kids close together in age you bathe them together. Elisa was very pleased with this arrangement. Her favorite part was when D.J. would get his hair washed. She was an excellent helper. I'm thinking of hiring her out for the bathing of my children. I love the looks on their faces. Elisa is concentrating so hard and D.J. is just trying to figure out how he got two moms.

And, of course, eventually Evelyn came home and I was able to take some pictures of her too. Don't you just love a peacefully sleeping baby?

Okay, I seriously love this picture. Any ideas on editing? I want to frame it---or eat it. She looks deliciously precious.

I didn't get to do a whole lot of visiting while I was out there since I was a busy Mommy. However, to those of you that I was able to see at chapel, it was great seeing you. I did get to spend some time with both sets of grandparents, as well as my family, which was really what I came down for in the first place. Thank you so much, Calista, for coming and keeping me company one day! And, of course, thank you Betherson for finding time to come and see me. I wish you would have fit in my bag so I could take you home. No, that was not a fat joke, my suitcase is just poorly constructed.

Future Evelyn Updates

To consolidate updates, all updates will now be going through Grace's blog. This will allow Grace and Brandon to view all their well-wishes (which has really meant a lot to them!) in one place, and their information will be the most accurate since they're right there with her and can speak firsthand with the doctors. Anyone who wants to is still welcome to e-mail me about the family.

Evelyn Update (Friday 7 p.m.)

Today seems to have been an overall good day for Evelyn. Everyone who has been able to see her today says that she looks good.

As Brandon posted, the ultrasound for her kidneys looked fine. They think that perhaps, with the difficulty they had with the catheter, that she may have been scratched during the process. She also had an echo done today and all looked good there. So far the results of the spinal tap look clear. Hopefully they'll have the final results soon. They are doing genetic testing to see if they can find a metabolic problem, but they won't have any results in this weekend.

They were told today to expect Evelyn to be in the ICU until at least the end of next week. We're not sure where they'll be moved to from there. I'm sure it will depend on what they determine is causing the problems.

Here in Tulsa...

D.J. and I arrived in Tulsa at about 9:30 this morning. The flights were good, and D.J. was an angel, a trend that I hope continues.

I see that Brandon and Grace have both put the most up to date information on their blogs and I believe that Brandon wants to continue doing updates as they get news.

To any who would like personal updates feel free to e-mail me and I'll give you a number where I can be reached should you want to call and see what the most recent updates are from time to time.

CRuhlig@gmail.com

Grace and Brandon have had an overload of phone calls, and it is difficult for them to be able to talk with doctors coming in and out as well as the emotion that can be overwhelming at times. I'd be more than happy to take calls for them!

Evelyn Update (Thurs. 6 p.m.)

Not a whole lot of news as we're still waiting for test results. They were able to do the spinal tap and were able to get the amount of fluid they needed with no complications. They have done an ultrasound on her kidneys but are still awaiting the results. We don't expect to hear much new until the morning.

I should get into town around 9:30 in the morning, and Baby Doug will be coming with me. My main area of help right now will be staying with Elisa. We've had colds (although getting much better every day) and, although I am aching to be up at the hospital with them, I'll need to stay away until the doctor thinks it's okay for me to visit.

I have been reminded constantly the past few days of our Lords love for us and His perfect plan. For instance, I'm not sure if Evelyn hadn't been jaundice, a very visible symptom, that her more subtle signs of something more severe would have been noticed and treated as seriously and quickly as they were.

Thank you again for your continued prayers and love for Brandon and Grace's family.

Evelyn Update (Thursday 2:15 p.m.)

Just a brief update. They still have not done the spinal tap, but are planning on doing so soon. They were giving her plasma first as she seems to be having problems clotting properly. Also, they took a urine test via catheter and noticed blood in her urine, so they will be testing for an infection related with that.

Brandon was able to get a flight back and should be arriving around 5.

I will be flying out in the morning as well.

Evelyn Update (Thurs. 9 a.m.)

I just got off the phone with Grace. They still haven't received test results, but the doctors will start making their rounds soon. Evelyn is still on a ventilator, so for now she is at least stabilized. Grace says the nurses said that she was doing better this morning, but she's not sure what that means. They are going to do a spinal tap on Evelyn this morning, when the doctors come, to test her for spinal meningitis. I'm assuming that after the spinal they will start treatment immediately since it will take a while to get the results back.

I haven't heard yet when Brandon will get back into town. I know that they are grateful for your prayers.

Baby Evelyn Update (Thurs. 1 a.m.)

They are admitting Evelyn into St. Francis children's hospital for at the very least a few days. Her system is in shock and shutting down and the doctors aren't sure why. They don't believe it's related to the jaundice, but there are no definites yet. They were able to get an I.V. in her hand, but it's not very stable, so they're going to have to do a central line. At last check her white blood cell count wasn't elevated, nor has she had a fever, so they're not thinking that it's anything bacterial. Grace is having a really hard time just being in the room with her seeing her with a breathing tube and and I.V.'s and lines coming out of her chest. She's so glad that Brandon will be flying back home tomorrow, but at the same time it's scary to have a doctor tell you that you should have your husband come home early.

Please keep them all in your prayers. I know Brandon has started posting some updates on his blog, but I'll continue to update mine, too.

Prayer for Baby Evelyn...

I know Grace and Brandon have been busy taking care of new baby and big sister and haven't been able to get around to posting. I just wanted to let everyone know that Baby Evelyn is jaundice and, as of yet, they have been unable to bring her bilirubin count down. They suspicion that the high levels are due a lot to the severe bruising she got at birth (Grace says she shot out so fast, it was like she sustained a full body blow! For those of you who endured long labors, you may slap her around later). Monday really should have been her peak day (she tested at 16.9 on Monday), but then again, yesterday, her counts tested at 17. 1, I believe, so it's still rising some. They started her on light treatment with a bili blanket Monday evening, but her levels still raised. A bilirubin count of 19 or higher is considered critical, so if it continues to rise she will have to be hospitalized.

Please pray for little Evelyn, that her body would respond to the treatment she's receiving at home, and that her bili levels would finally drop. Also pray for Grace and Brandon. They've had to take Evelyn to the lab every single day, and that's tough with two kids! It's also hard keeping a baby on those bili blankets, especially when they're crying.

I'll update later today when we hear back the results of Evelyn's blood tests.

UPDATE:
Evelyn's blood tests today showed that her bili count had dropped into the 15's. This is a relief. It would be very unlikely for her count to go back up after it has started coming down. However, the doctor is still concerned because she doesn't seem to be gaining her weight back. In fact, today she was down an ounce from yesterday. Grace says that, although she's been eating normally, today she's had a hard time getting her to eat at all. The concern is that with the constant exposure to the light from the bili blanket she'll get dehydrated more quickly. Grace has been instructed to call the doctor back this evening if she still has been unable to get Evelyn to eat. We're assuming this is to evaluate if she should be admitted for an I.V.

Please keep them all in your prayers. Brandon had to fly out this morning for business, so Mom is helping Grace out. I know this adds another element of stress for both Brandon and Grace, though (him being out of town, not Mom helping Grace out!).

UPDATE #2:
I just got a call from my Mom letting me know that Grace and Dad were on their way to the E.R. with Evelyn. She still will not eat, and she needs to be taken in to be hydrated.

Grace had tested positive for Group Strep B in her pregnancy, and was treated for it during labor. But the doctor feels there is a chance that Evelyn has contracted it, which could explain her sudden loss of appetite and failure to gain weight. They took blood tests today, but it will be several days before the culture results get back.

I'll keep updating as I get more news.

And She's Off...

...to her first day of school. When did my baby get old enough to actually go to school? Although, come to think of it, I'm not so sure kindergarten was a requirement "back in my day".

She was so excited this morning, although I could sense a little nervousness. She kept saying, "You're really going to miss me today, Bubby, but I'll be back by dinnertime!" I'm not sure if she was more reassuring herself or him.

They are required to wear uniforms at school, so this is what she picked uniform-wise for the first day. She is super excited especially because dance shoes are a REQUIREMENT for this particular school. How could it possibly be bad if they REQUIRE you to dance?

I'm not exactly sure how she remained upright with all her stuff in her backpack. Luckily most of the bulk was her supplies that will remain at her desk at school, so she should come back much lighter. Hopefully no permanent damage will be done before then.

So, it has begun, the first day of 18 years of all day at school. For today I am thankful that Kait was excited to go. I feel so blessed that she's such an easy-going child who doesn't mind going out on her own! It makes it easier to say goodbye on both sides!

I love you, baby girl. I can't wait to hear all about your first day!

She's Here!

My new baby niece has arrived! Visit Brandon's blog for a picture of little Evelyn. Congratulations Brandon, Grace and Elisa. I just can't wait to see all FOUR of you in a couple of weeks!

Baby Evelyn...

...arrives tomorrow! Please be praying for Brandon, Grace and Elisa as they welcome the newest member of their family. Grace is set to be induced at 7:30 a.m. (assuming the hospital isn't full and doesn't turn her away!).

A Quick Prayer Request...

Tomorrow morning Kaitlin is once again off to surgery. This time they are removing her tonsils, as well as scraping more adenoid tissue that has started to grow back. Apparently regrowth of the adenoids is not terribly common. Leave it to my child to be "special"!

Please pray for wisdom for the doctors, a speedy recovery for Kaitlin, and LOTS of patience for Dad and Mom!


Update: Kaitlin is now home from the hospital and recovering in the comfort of home. The poor thing is surrounded with endless options of ice cream, pop-cicles, jello and pudding, but has no appetite to eat any of them! She's a little nauseous from the anesthesia, but hopefully that will wear off soon.

Thank you all for your prayers during the surgery. We've been told the recovery time is about two weeks. She should be feeling like her old self just in time for school to start!

A day at the....beach?

Our good friends Jason and Mindy's son celebrated his first birthday this week. They've been such a blessing to our family, and it was such a joy to be able to celebrate this milestone with them. Happy birthday, Jamin! We're so happy to have your family in our lives!

The whole party was beach themed. This was his sandcastle cake.

I warned Mindy not to tell people that she and I had made the cake else we get suckered into making cakes for any and all occasions. Guess I've outed myself now, though. If you knew how much we'd charge for this cake, you'd never ask.

Mindy is so creative. She made party favor for all the kids with beach buckets filled with beach balls and candy.

It was so cute and so colorful!

Jamin's smash cake was shaped like a beach ball.

He was fascinated with the candle.

It didn't take long for Jamin to realize just how good cake is!

Mom and Dad came in for a picture and Jamin ever so kindly shared his cakey little fingers with them. See, it is good, isn't it?

I love this picture. It's hard to tell where the cake ends and the hands begin.

Good friends are such a blessing. We love you guys!

Can you tell...

Can you tell by looking at little mans face what he's been up to?

That's right, this week Baby Doug officially entered the world of the walking, and boy is he proud of himself! Of course, along with learning to walk comes some bumps and bruises along the way. Somehow he has managed to confine most of the damage to his face. Sigh.

Thanks to my newly acquired camera I've finally been able to capture a picture of him walking. Now if I could only figure out how to use this thing...

My turn...

So, yes, I'm aware that I should have been paying more attention to all of you when you have discussed cameras before, but in order to keep my jealousy under control, I didn't. However, my camera has decided to poop out on me, so after much discussion with my husband (me: I think I'd like to invest in a really nice camera. husband: Okay.) I have decided to purchase a new DSLR camera. However, I know nothing about nice cameras, so if those of you out there reading this could let me know what kind of camera you have and what you like about it, it would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks in advance for the advice!

Kaitlin's done been gradgiated...

So I'm about a week behind here, but I promised Grama Marti some pictures of Kaitlin's pre-K graduation.

The day of graduation I took Kaitlin out to buy a special outfit to wear. I will have you know she picked it out ALL on her own; it was not the one that Mommy wanted! But hey, I had my chance at pre-K (although I don't remember this kind of celebration for me!), this was her day.

What she loved most about her outfit was the leggings. Maybe since I never wore '80's clothing she feels that she should do it for me. Yes, I realize it's back in style, but still!

They had the kids sit with their parents for a while as teacher introductions and such were made. This was a brilliant idea as then Kaitlin knew exactly where to look for us while she was on stage!

This is also, perhaps, the first picture of Doug that has ever made it onto my blog. Shhh...don't tell!

D.J. wasn't quite as excited about the nights events. He had just gotten shots and was running a 102 fever at the time. Poor boy still isn't well.

He did perk up for a bit afterwards when Sissy shared cookies with him!

Pictures from where we were seated are pretty fuzzy, but here's a picture of Kaitlin as they were singing a version of the alphabet song and doing the alphabet in sign language with it.

They did a whole little skit of a day at their school, along with songs and costumes! They had been practicing everyday for three weeks, and every one did wonderfully. Of course, in my eyes, Kaitlin was the best, but who's comparing?

This is Kaitlin with her teacher, Ms. Krista. Ms. Krista has been so wonderful with Kaitlin this year, and we really want to say thank you again to her for all of her work and patience with the kids. Congratulations are in order as well. Ms. Krista is expecting a baby girl come November!

Isn't the little graduation cap and gown just adorable? She looked so official! Officially graduated, that is.

So tomorrow is the first day of Summer vacation. What shall I do with three kids all day long? Pray lots, that's what!

Happy Birthday, Baby Doug!

My little man turns one today! You know that feeling where it seems like you've had them forever, but at the same time you can't believe they're already one? That what I'm feeling today.

We had a little birthday celebration for him with Grandma Linda, Dave, Holly and Wyatt Friday night. Short and sweet because, in all honesty, D.J. is not the social bug of the family. He's Mommy's boy all around. He got some great new toys (I'm still playing with them), and enjoyed his cake to the max.

Isn't it odd how the first birthday is really about Mommy opening the presents?

He actually did help with the ripping of some paper, though. Almost every one of his new toys made sounds or had buttons. He was in toy heaven.

I got the little discovery dome off of craigslist a couple of months ago and have been saving it for his birthday.

His favorite part about the dome is the balls and the doorbell. Good thing he has room for it in his bedroom!

His first taste of birthday cake... He was timid with it at first, but it wasn't long before he realized what fun it was.

"Hmm, I look deliciously blue."

Yes, that is blue frosting in his hair. My baby blue haired punk.

His belly was so full of frosting that he had to stretch out for a little bit. You know, let the food settle.

He even put frosting on his toes. Literally covered head to toe in frosting.

See? Literally.

Now THAT is a boy who enjoyed his cake!

Happy birthday, Baby Doug. We love you so much and can't wait to see what the Lord has planned for your life! I'm so blessed that He chose me to be your Mom.