"Introducing" Silas Eugene...

Ok...Sooooooooooo very cliche, but TRUE, my fourth child is finally getting a shout out 5 months later.  Wow.  By this time I think Eli had a blog post a day documenting his every breath : )  Anywho, didn't want you to go to counseling later over that fact that I never documented your birth story like I did the others : )

About 3 week before your arrival, I just couldn't wait to find out who was growing inside of me!  So I peaked into the most exciting present I've ever opened...an envelope telling me that I was having a BOY!
From that point on I was able to envision our caboose and all of the fun that you would bring our family.   Daddy planned a fun surprise to show you brothers and sister who you were.  He took the labels off of bottles of silly string and on the count of three they sprayed the cans and when they saw blue they (including your Daddy) were able to see that another boy was on the way.  Now the hard part.  What to name you?  We had so many fun names to choose from that we just couldn't decide.




Your older brother Sam came so quickly that as we approached your due date, I became pretty anxious about getting to the hospital in time.   I had a condition where it was important to get medicine three hours before you arrived so I wanted to time it just right!!  So I went in 1 time prematurely thinking you were ready to arrive.  When my due date was only days away we and the doctors decided your time had come because we wanted to make sure you came safely with plenty of time for the medicine you needed.  You were my only baby that did not come on your own time...we had to speed it up for you.  We shall see if this plays out in other areas of your life : )
So the morning before your due date (October 29th), with Nana in town for a sleepover, we set our alarms and set out for the hospital.  It was amazing to not leave in a rush!!  After that everything was pretty uneventful (except for your entrance into the world of course).   They started giving me my medicine at 7 am and then at 10 am they started my second dose.  They asked me what I wanted my pain level to be on a scale from 0-10.  I said "0" of course (what a silly question).   So before they started contractions they gave me a special medicine called an epidural so that I didn't feel any pain (praise God!) .  Then at 11 am they broke my water and you started your entrance  into the world.  About 12 I started feeling some pain (Mommy's back is silly and curves a bit so it's hard for them to get it right) but after they fixed it I was no longer in pain (I truly wanted a "0").  While you were making your way out, we decided to get serious about names and we just really couldn't find the right one.  So we did something we hadn't done yet, we waited until we saw you to decide... and 3 hours later (3:15 pm) you were here!!

My easiest labor yet...thank you!   Much to our surprise you weighed 9 lb 11oz and were 20 1/2 inches.   Not only were you the EXACT same weight as your brother, Sam, but you looked just like him (possibly your size because you don't look like him now) that I started to say "SSSSSS(am)" and had to stop myself.

(Sam) 

(Silas) 

So it was then and there that we decided on Silas, so we had the safety of the "S" and we thought how great Sam and Silas go together in hopes that you would be 2 peas in a pod, thick as thieves : )  Speaking of, we named you after Silas from the Bible.  It has 2 meanings...three (or third) which you are our third boy! It also means "of the woods" and we hope you are mighty and strong just like the glorious forests that God created.  Silas was such an amazing person in the Bible.  In Acts 16 we learn that Paul and Silas were in jail for their faith in Jesus.  Despite their surroundings they prayed and sang hymns of joy.  Because of this joy in the midst of suffering the jailer put his faith in Jesus!  We hope that your faith in Jesus is just as real and contagious to those you come in contact with.  That isn't they only part of your name that is really important to us, but we chose Eugene as your middle name after your Great Grandpa, Eugene.  Eugene has been such a great leader for his family with a heart to give and a heart for Jesus.  We are so glad you were able to meet him so soon after your birth!

  

Immediately you were the caboose of the family, the final piece to the puzzle that makes us complete. (as far as we know ; )  )  We love you so much and can't wait to see God do great things through you!!

 

Sams 1st Year!

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Call it nesting, call it "I better get this done before they both blend together"...either way it's DONE!   

Warren School of Awesome

Many of you I've had a lot of conversations, tears, laughs and prayers over this...others of you are just now catching on that we are {gasp} homeschooling.   I first want you to know that this was not a light, easy or quick decision for us.   Not only was my mom a teacher in the public school system but it was where I started and paused my professional career for 6 years.   I also went on to pursue my masters in Educational Administration in hopes of one day becoming a school administrator.   This is not done by someone who does not believe that the public school system holds value or benefit to families or children.   We just had to make a really hard decision based on some really hard circumstances sprinkled with a lot of encouragement about this educational path for our family this year.   I know it's crazy.  I know we are about to have a baby.  I know this means I am "stuck" at home with 4 kids.all.day.long.   I am instead choosing to trust in a Lord that loves me and did not close this door for me like I asked him too, a husband who walked through this decision with me and my own personal convictions.   Does this mean we are going to do it forever?   Dare I say "I hope NOT!"  We are going to take this 1 school year at a time and continue to make the hard decision every year.  Can I just say I am so thankful that I have the freedom, resources and support to be able to make this decision?   If you want to follow along on our adventure I am posting pics via instagram using #warrenschoolofawesome .   This is not to make everyone think it is all sun and roses over here, but to share (mostly to myself) what is good and true about my life esp when I'm banging my head against a wall.  If you ever want to hear the bad or ugly I'm sure I will need an ear to vent to so feel free to ask ; )   

Here is a quote from one of my favorite bloggers (Ann Voskamp) and hits home to what I feel about our decision to "do school at home" and why it's not because I think its the "Christian" thing to do.  It truly is just a personal decision for our family and not a "prescription" for anyone else's.  

"So to say from the outset, that I do not think in any way that homeschooling makes a family virtuous — and there are a myriad of very good educational choices.

Homeschooling is not a formula for perfection, nor is homeschooling a panacea for all the sin in this world.

We’re all messy and fallen and sin-scraped. We and our children are born sinners.

Homeschooling will not fix any of that. Only Jesus and His grace can.

It’s scary to share that we homeschool.

But it’s part of who we are and I am praying for your grace, in just taking us anyways. And we’re all big, gracious folks here. Learning from each other, knowing we are all called differently, but all for the singular purpose of His Glory.

May  we all be gracious and supportive of educational choices? Mamas are all just really trying and need so much encouragement.

Three of my closest personal friends, all ardent Christ-followers, have each chosen the public school route; so this is descriptive of our lives, not prescriptive for anyone else. I humbly and fully believe that Father Himself leads each family" 

Spring 2012: Looking Back

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Took advantage of a free Shutterfly code today...I'm a bit behind but LOVED looking back at these cuties and seeing how much they've grown!!

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Sam I Am turns 1!!!!

We had so much fun planning Sam's 1st Birthday.   It was a whole family affair to make sure this cutie had a memorable first!   

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House tour...the guest room

So...month and some change later I'm on to the next room... The Guest Room (aka the room you'd be restfully staying in if you came to visit).   We have also been known to lay out chocolates and fresh local soap.   (Ok maybe that was just one time when we were on our "A" game, but still totally worth chancing if you came to stay).  This room is directly across from the living room and is to the right when you walk in the front door.   

As you can see from this next picture you get to see the beautiful Texas sunrise without getting out of bed.  (But do remember to close the blinds when you change). 

You even get your own full bath (not really its the only bath on the first floor), and if you're feeling crafty you're in luck the craft closet is also located in your room!   Glue?  Sequence? Buttons?  We have it all at Chateau Warren.    Xoxo 

House Tour...the first room

This post is mostly for my friend, Jewels, who claims she may never come for a visit but needs to see my house.   I love her for so many reasons and honesty is one of them : ).  So, Jewels, this "series" (look for tag housetour) is for you!  Lord willing I am going to take you room by room through my house each week.   I'm over trying to have it "done" for these posts and will just try to have the pics be "as is" if you were to hop on a plane right now : ). (Ok looking back I probably would've fluffed the pillows and moved the piano music stash next to the couch). Xoxo

So this first room is the living room...aka the cleanest room in my house because no one is ever in it.   So naturally I thought I'd start here (and its the first thing you see when you walk in the door).   The commentary is exactly what I'd say as if you were here too!  You know me and my disclaimers : ).  (Btw I spared you  the rundown of where I acquired each piece and how much it was. ie the green chair in the corner was free from our neighbors who were "downsizing" into the house next door).  Almost everything else is unchanged from our house in Maplewood.   

Wish me luck on feverishly tidying up the other areas!   (Want to make you feel at home!) 

#thankful2014

So lately I've been feeling the winter/I'm stuck at home with an infant blahs.   Not as bad as I've had before but I felt them rearing their ugly head.   That feeling of being unsettled, discontent, wanting more.    All feelings that if I did a hard stop, I would realize, aren't worth it.  Each child reminds me that sacrificing of self for others is hard!

  I read a book last year called "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp and it takes you through the journey of how giving thanks each day really changed her outlook on life.   Now I don't think there's a magic pill, or set of rules that we can follow to live the ultimate life (at least this side of heaven).   There are going to be hard days and hard seasons that are just...hard.   But, I do think there is something to be said for not dwelling on those hard things.   Is it possible that if we were to just look around we could see all that we have and things just wouldn't seem so... Hard?   

Ann voskamp says " Live like life’s an emergency and your soul ends up dead. Life is not an emergency. It’s a gift. Why race past the gift? What else are you trying to get to — the presence of God is in this present moment.

Slow and see and unwrap the gift of your life — or your life will unravel."

So I've decided to take her up on her "joy dare".   I hope that "at the end of a year, over crumpled pages counting One Thousand Gifts — I can choke it back, brave and defiant straight into the wind, because my very cells know now forcertain who God is… and I know for certain who I am: God is unwaveringly good — and we are unfathomably loved".   

Some things to keep in mind:  "And don’t confuse the idea of personal pride with radical gratitude. You aren’t actually thankful for something if you think you actually earned it. That’s pride, not gratitude.You are only actually grateful for something if you see it as actually a gift -– as anunearned gift that was bestowed unexpectedly upon you."  -Ann Voskamp

I will be sharing my gifts on Instagram not only because I hope they encourage others, but also to keep some sort of a log that I can then print at the end of the year.   Also pictures are easy : ) Right now my posts are private, but if you want to follow send a request to leahwarren via Instagram. #thankful2014

...and now it's (almost) February...

...and I am finally writing a blog post : )  Totally wish I had something EPIC to say, but I don't.  Just wanted to tell my future self and kids, and the 3 of you that look at this, what's happening in our lives right now.  The picture above perfectly expresses it.   The 3 of you...Sam looking concerned, Eli being silly (sometimes to the discomfort of others) and Anna smiling and enjoying life's moments (until the wind blows the wrong way)....and an ironing board in the background.  No, I don't iron.   The only reason it's out is because I was doing a pinterest experiment and haven't had a chance to put it away....4 days later.   I never thought I would live moment to moment.  I thrive on a schedule and a plan for my life.  You however have shown me that sometimes moment to moment is better, and COMPLETELY OUT OF MY CONTROL.

Here is my daily "to do" list.   (after of course doing the most essential, truly life giving thing.  Spending time with Jesus and His Word over 2 + cups of coffee an hour before you wake up).  I've learned that 3 things is all my list can handle at the moment, if it's going to be realistic at all.

1) Keep the three of you alive and functioning like human beings (clothes on, fresh underwear/diapers, boogers wiped from noses, shoes on, not killing eachother)
2) Working out.   (For so many reasons, but one of them being so that I can do #1 the best I can)
3) ....this one is variable... sometimes its making that phone call I've been meaning to make, sometimes it's taking you on a field trip, sometimes its responding to an email and sometimes its putting the ironing board away, and sometimes (once every 3 months) a blog post : )  

Everything else is just BONUS.  Sometimes I'm able to get a ton done because you are all acting like angels, and #1 takes 0 effort.   Sometimes #1 takes most of my time and I can barely get #2 and #3 done.  

I keep on waiting for this season to end and having all the time in the world to do the things I dream of doing (pedicures, hair cuts, scrubbing the grout in my kitchen, coffee with friends) but rather than just sit and long for the future I am trying to be present in the now and not only ENJOY it, but be THANKFUL for it.  I hear these days go quickly and I believe it.   I wouldn't trade it for anything. (except maybe a trip to the Bahamas for just 3 or so days...)  

143,
Mom.

These are a few of my favorite things...

....
Here are a few of the things "trending" in my life right now,

1) Essential Oils.

I know I've been headed down the hippy path for quite some time, and this might just seal the deal, but it is what it is.   If there is an ailment or concern in my life I first turn to food...always.  Have a cold?  Make some soup (with homemade broth of course....see below).  Had a bad day?  Eat some chocolate.  Have ADHD/autism tendencies? Remove dairy.   There are some things that food can't fix, or that would be enhanced with other methods.  So next I am turning to essential oils (but they have to be food grade...things I and my kids can ingest).   So far, I put theives in Sam's diaper spray (Oh, you didn't know I don't use baby wipes?  Yep.  I'm a hippy.  AND a cheapskate.)   I also rub lavender on his feet before bed : )  I am not a 100% believer yet, but I am definitely giving it a try!  I have all the ingredients for homemade deodorant, body butter and lip balm so watch out at Christmas time ; )

2)   Sprouts. 

 
I almost love it as much as Trader Joes...almost.   Their produce prices are exceptional and I can find Eli everything he needs.   I made the mistake of taking him with me last week and he caused our grocery bill to go up at least $100, I'm sure, because he was so excited about all of his options.  

3) Emerson

Click on link above to see Todd's new digs.   They opened last month and it is beautiful!!   On top of that he is now only 2.6 miles from our house!!!  

I can think of so much more, but Sam (another one of my favorite things), needs his mama.  

Dear Son,

Eli, Age 6

It's official.  You are in Kindergarten.  As I walked you there on that first day of school, I didn't feel sad or anxious.  I didn't feel guilt or remorse.  Or relief. (all emotions I expected to feel) Instead,  I felt proud.  I felt peaceful. I felt content.  Not only are you smart, but you're confident. 

You're friendly, you're funny, and you turn even the most simple moments into something silly and fun.   

You're a "creator" (You told me that one time...) and you are a fantastic big brother.  

Most of all?  You are Elijah, "the Lord is My God", and you are His...not mine.  He is creating you everyday into something fantastic.  It's been great to watch the past 6 years.   Yes there are some things I mourn.  I wish I would have built your more train tracks.  I wish I would have read that book just one more time.  I wish I wouldn't have yelled when you weren't moving fast enough.   Will there still be regrets? Absolutely.  I'm not perfect.  One thing remains though.  I trust that He has you, and He will always be with you.   He knows how fantastic you are...he made you : )  I am so excited to see what this next chapter of your life brings for you and those around you.   And I am so very thankful that I get to be your mommy.   

143, 

Mom.  

Eaisms

A after cutting her own hair to look like a princess. 

A:

-"sharks are nice animals.   They put people in their mouth to protect them from the jellyfish."

-"dad why did you step on the sparkly thing" (her response when Todd ripped his foot on a sprinkler head)

-*possibly TMI*. "Mom, why is Sam is smelling you?" (In response to me breastfeeding and his heavy breathing)

-"my throat is my favorite skin"

-after completely melting down i asked her what was wrong and she said, "no one was downstairs to save me" (from nothing...she just needs 24 hour protection)

-"look its the Statue of Liberty" (after seeing an angel on gravestone) (secretly impressed she knew what the Statue of Liberty was...)

-"anna why are you opening the front door?" ...response... " I thought Cinderella was here"

-"I want the cheese with the trash on it"( aka string cheese)

- after telling us what everyones middle name was we asked what hers was...  "banana"

-"eli i know where they get the sand for the timer" (one of those hour glass ones) ... "at the red sand store "

-"The storm needs a timeout it's loud and unkind"

-"mom I hear Sam, he's sleeping."

Talented kid.

E  (he's really winding down)  :

-I'm almost 6 that's why I have growing pains

-Should I wear an Indian outfit today? (When he saw it was Ramadan on the calendar)

-After anna told him boys were mean to girls he responded.  "not all of them.  Jesus is nice to girls."

-When Sam turns 5 I will be a dad, right? (God help me if you are...) 

Celebrating 6 years with FORCE

ALL year, we have heard from our eldest child that he wants a Star Wars party.   So, come July 21st we were armed and ready!   Through many hours scouring pinterest (while feeding the little one) I was able to come up with the perfect gluten/dairy free party that was out of this world. : ) 

The first step was to get Sam settled so we could set up....check!

Add caption

Next we set up the spread (the most important part in my opinion...)   All are gluten and dairy free for my favorite Jedi! 

 Next we hung some pictures that I had printed at Staples for a whomping total of $3!!!   All you need for a poster size print is to pick your image and select "engineering print" when you upload the image to their website.   It only prints in black and white, which was fine by me!!!   

Eli chose Darth Maul  

I downloaded a special Jedi font for this one and uploaded a document from Word.   Thank you, Rachel and princess Leia for posing.  

You too, Anna.   (In case you cant tell she has Princess Padme hair...we left our costume at home) 

We also brought some of our favorite star wars toys and placed them all around on the tables.  

The birthday boy and one of his buds.   Each kid received a badge with their name, height and weight before they went into Jedi training.  

Let Jedi training begin with Obe Wan!  (aka as my hot jedi husband) 

Each jr. jedi received their own saber, aka a pool noodle cut in half. 

Let the training begin!   While he was a natural, we did have some training sessions at home (while watching you tube video) before the big event.  Best workout I've had since Sam was born.  

Training ground. 

Trying to take Todd (err....Obe) down.  

Awesome. 

The cookie cake.  Thank you immacualte baking company for making an AWESOME gluten/dairy free cookie dough...sold everywhere (even Walmart!)   You should've seen my first draft...pinterest.worthy.  (Ok, maybe pinterest fail)   Thank you Obe Todd for saving the day!