new carpet

Cheerios and grapes
litter the floor
reminding me of
the maple in the front yard
in October
yellow and crimson scattered on the grass below
Cheerios squish
Grapes smash
between baby toes and grind into
the knit of my socks

Howard cleans up even the grapes
Odd I think

The Aunties

Kaleb and DrewAllen are very blessed to be getting two new aunts. They already have four wonderful uncles. Two of which are soon to marry a couple of very beautiful young women. Pictured above are Auntie Jen and Auntie Hannah. Grammy Sandy is also very blessed to have the girls in the family. First, they are GIRLS. Female type people, a new thing in the Kimmel household; secondly, they are a huge help with two very busy little boys. The pictures above do not do justice in portaying all the incredible joy they bring into our very male oriented family. My two tiny male-childs kept me very busy today. In addition, I had two extra babies this evening for a while. Feeding two babies at once and two toddlers on the shift prior can be quite entertaining. Not to mention the damp spagetti noodles ground into my socks. But all in all the evening was exciting and fun. I would not trade the boys or thier two little friends for anything. Lend them out occasionally, yes, but not trade. Again, God's Gifts are always good.

Small Things

Geeze Ned your feet are bigOf course I can hold my bottle

I AM cute huh?

Howard the Wonder Dog forced to beg for Kibbles

Drew and I went to Lowes this evening and picked out some stuff for the house. Seems there is an never ending list of things we still need. I picked out paint a few weeks back and the painter has been busy primering and adding some color to my walls. If you know me, color has always meant something bold and daring. Not so much this time. Most powerful color we are applying is "Taupe #4." Neutral is a new and daring theme for me. But I think I am going to like it. Tile is down in the main bath and the laundry room-mud room combo. My kitchen cabinets are stacked high in the master bedroom. The kitchen sink was one thing I needed to choose tonight at Lowes. All these seemingly small things are necessary to complete the house. So many times it is so easy for me to deal with, handle, solve the big stuff and ignore the details of life. Details always seem like busy work that someone else should do...for me. Building a house and having babies, two very odd combos have forced me out of my comfort zone, into another universe truly; and now I must micro manage in a way I never would have. God is so good to use such wonderful blessings to bring a new discipline into my life and heart.
Bev and I split the kids tonight, I have baby DrewAllen and she has Kaleb. DrewAllen had his first trip to Lowes, and did very well, better than Jer who became a bit restless and anxious. I know I should have recent pics of the house, maybe tomorrow afternoon I can go up when there are no workers and get some pictures.
Please pray for the babies as they both have had ongoing colds. DA is coughing up a storm tonight, and some other disgusting body fluids that we won't get into. They seem to be passing this virus thing back and forth.
OK, time for sleep. I was going to move the baby into the nursery, but this cough is nasty, I guess I want to make sure he keeps breathing. I know he will, just good to hear the snores between the gagging. Yikes.

Chandelier for the dining room

All day or just a minute or two

The two Lucys

From behind, house on right barn on left

Saturday morning and I should be doing a hundred different things. And yet alas, here I lie in my comfy bed doing almost nothing. Skimming though a few blogs, looking at some accumulated emails. Lucy the Cat is on the bottom of the bed keeping watch. Lucy the dog is at my side, and Howard is on the chair beside my bed. Everyone is to darn comfortable for me to be the one to get up and disturb all this well earned rest. I mean seriously, have you ever thought about all the work house pets have to do? In addition the dogs have a double life as barn dogs, not to be confused with working farm dogs mind you, but still. All that cat chasing, hole digging, horse harassing. My, My; what a life. No wonder they are so whooped!

While up looking over my new home and barn yesterday, I was again but more so, overcome with an incredible awareness of God's kindness and goodness. From the view, to the design of both house and barn; and the proximity of one to the other. No other place on earth will hold such unique charm and peace.

Dave's attention to detail and design is amazing. An amazing craftsman he is. Jay has worked diligently to capture my dream and desire of a barn that will be both functional and charming. With only a few short steps from my back porch can be accessed from the master bedroom, the barn will house some of my dearest friends. No, I am not going all tree hugger on anyone, just that much of my life is invested in these creatures. And now with the grandbabies as a part of my family, the new home will facilitate the interaction of all the aspects and responsibilities of my life with much more ease.

While originally the thought of long term care of these dear wee ones wrapped my heart with fear and yes even resentment; I am now more open to whatever God has in store for us all. I have seen His Grace and Mercy abound where I had no faith. Slowly Kaleb and DrewAllen have become a part of my chaotic life. It is not like chaos is a new development in the Kimmel household. Surprisingly babies are just little people, little people with big needs, and I am not underestimating their drain on my energy and brain matter; but we are slipping into a routine or sorts, that is becoming doable. Mabye that is why I am lounging here resting my mind and spirit, I know that in a few short hourse the chaos returns and again I will be on high alert.

Drew is home, guess lounge time is over. All God's gifts are always Good!

Most Wonderful TIME of the Year

Oh my yes, I L-O-V-E that wonderful day in October when the clocks all slip back one hour, giving moms everywhere that secret extra hour of sleep. Honestly it is like the best mental health day of the year. Christmas, birthdays, those are fun and all, but nothing compares to the unadulterated joy I get from crawling into bed and adjusting the time on my alarm clock to give that huge 60 boost of joy. I am sure I even tricked the babies last night. They thought they got to stay up and extra hour. But oh no, i was KEEPING them up and extra hour so they would sleep till their regular wake up time. I DID NOT want any babies up for the day at 5:30 or 6:00 AM. Yikes, that would have been like nutso. I am a little concerned tonight. DrewAllen, the baby, usually stays up until 9;30 or so, and he is already out like a light, has been for 15 minutes.

I know this is brief, but I am off to sleep now also.

I want to say though that today I was overwhelmed with how good God has been to me lately. I am so blessed by his continued Mercy and Strength in my ability to care for these boys, I should not be able to do this. It is a challenge but God has been faithful. My new home is going to be a true palace. I cannot believe Dave was kind enough to agree to work for us. Truly I cannot say enough at his brilliance and creativity. Again, God worked out what I did not think was going to happen. We were able to afford the new car to haul everyone and all their stuff around in. Not my car of choice, but good thing I am not in charge, cause it has been a blessing. I have been still able to get a day or two of riding in every week. Drew and I just got back from a three/four day get away with no kids and no animals. Wow!!

God is so very Gracious.

Nice Little Butter Dish

Isn't this a sweet dish?
Drew and I are in Gettysburg with his aunt and uncle. Right now we are just hanging around in the hotel watching TV. I have been to two auctions and eaten out twice today. Oh, and also visited a little outlet shopping mall. At the outlets I bought two little coordinating outfits; so very cute. They may become Christmas outfits or at least get the boys pictures taken in them. So I guess you could say I spent a little money. Drew did not come with us to the auction this morning and I only spent $10. Now this evening we went together and the bill went up, way up; but Drew bought several things he wanted. I really wanted this nifty little butter dish to match my new dishes that I bought for my new house. Not match really, just go with. http://cgi.ebay.com/Anchor-Hocking-JADE-ITE-Covered-Butter-Dish_W0QQitemZ370095000545QQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116
I don't know how to insert a link but the above address will connect you to an eBay sale that will describe a similar dish. And well, we got a bargain. I had left a silent bid while we left for a while to rest. When we got back to the sale I had not won the butter dish. I did spy it under the chair of another buyer. As the evening progressed I could tell he was a dealer by what and how he bought stuff. After bugging Drew fairly shamelessly he did inquire about buying my coveted item. I was told "not to break it as it was in mint condition and it was worth at least a hundred dollars. I almost chocked. But my sweet husband bought the dish, for half the suggested retail price.
I was hoping to use the dish but now I am a bit nervous. The similar dish on sale on eBay is listed much higher than the $100 suggested.
OK, getting tired. We are relaxing and having a good time.
God in His Mercy has richly blessed this grateful daughter.

Grandmothering is not for wimps

Above are the long anticipated pictures from my visit to my dads. There are more, we may get to them later, but the second baby is almost asleep so I will follow soon.The trick is to fall asleep the minute they do to best optimize their down time. Kaleb just quit thrashing and fussing in the next room, at least I can no longer here the crib banging off the wall or the wails of agony that accompany the, "I am NOT going to sleep" routine. DA is s-l-o-w-l-y drifting off to sleep in the chair beside me. NO, I do not make him sleep in the chair. Remember, his car seat is sitting on the chair beside my bed. I could put the car seat in the other crib in the "nursery" but then the little guys wake each other up. And two up at 3 AM is truly no picnic.

Drew made the comment that if someone had two kids the ages of our guys all the time that they would have to hire two full time helpers. I had to laugh. Sure validates the term full time mom, or the phrase "No, I do not work OUT of the home". He helped me with the baths and bedtime routine tonight. But then this morning before church he said he worked up a sweat putting socks on Kaleb. He never even made it to the shoes. Don't think that I do not appreciate the help he gives. Cause I do...I mean every little bit helps. Right? And the side humor...his struggling with the menial tasks does make the chores lighter.

OOhhh, deep breathing has comenced and I believe snoring is around the corner. Gotta go...to sleep that is. No bodily fluid pun intented, but you may take it that way if you like.

Oh yea, my dad has chickens and we brought eggs home...

snuck in

I tried a different way to sign in. i am to tired to get out my computer. I can do this while lying with my head on my pillow. Even with a laptop you cannot do that. Crazy day today. Zulu came up with a huge gash on her front left leg. Had to have the vet out. She got a pile of stiches and has to be on stall rest for 10 days. She is liking being in the barn but I'm not sure how long she will like not going out.

Erin checked my mare Summer and she is still pregnant. The baby is the size of a football. Heh...That's cool. Christy N was here and rode Janet's horse and Dory this morning. She said Dory is doing well enough to ride. So most of the horse news is good news.

Babies will becoming tomorrow. It is sometimes an adjustment at firs if they have been gone for a while. And since they went home Monday morning it will be strange for a bit. But I do miss them after a while and am looking forward to seeing them tomorrow.
I know its early but I am going to try and sleep soon. I would like to try and read now before I get to whipped.

I'm a rambling girl

I know I should not go on and on like on the last post; I will try and keep this brief. In the past it was my habit to do most blogging right before going to sleep each night. Unfortunately now, sleep comes before all else. I try and stay awake to peck out at least a some feeble attempt at a funny story or two, but alas it is not to be. Even now as I type away Drew has come to bed and is waiting for me to shut of the light. The funny tags for the pictures are just a brain wave or two from my conscious thought. So lets see who can come up with the most witty caption for each pic.

In case anyone did not know...I am fifty now. Yep, one half of one century young.

This has been a busy week for me, an eye doctor appointment yesterday, a vet appointment I had to cancel today, and an appointment at Family Counseling tomorrow morning. I have to reschedule the vet, and an upcoming appointment on Monday in Pittsburgh that I must have forgotten about but cannot fit into my life right now.

Babies come back tomorrow or Saturday until Tuesday or Wednesday. Kaleb had strep throat, and was quite under the weather for a week or more. He seems to be doing better now. I am sure he will be full speed ahead by the time he gets back here. Now I am much too tired to continue. God's grace continues to abound; obviously or I would not have gotten this much out.

Techno Queen

Not really...but a can always dream On my way out to Sunday afternoon dreamland, and I discovered I was already signed in. One baby sleeping. One talking to himself in his crib. No, not Drew! I gave Jer a two hr reprieve from his TV grounding since he is on moniter patrol. I wanted to make go outside but I wanted a nap more. I,ll console myself by letting myself think we will take a walk later. There, That's done. Naptime!

Lost Pup

Please pray for my dear friend Cynthia. As if her recent car accident was not traumatic enough, her family dog of ten years had to be put down this afternoon. He had cancer and was in very poor health. We all thought it was doggie bronchitis or some such anti biotic curable ailment. She is very sad, and now has no companion to sit with her through her recovery.

Babies went to Grandma Bev's tonight. Seems so quiet. Restful though. I am weary worn, but looking forward to a few days to rest and regroup. Can't wait to see my house, Drew says the plasterers are done. Hope to get up tomorrow. Also, due to the increase in the size of my part time family; we are trading in my little Lincoln SUV on another Suburban. Not my choice of a car by any means. But praise God we are in a position where we are able to buy what we need. I swore I would never drive that large a car again. More challenges and changes; all in the Hand of a God who knows so much better than I what it is that I need.

Bottle Baby

Kaleb is asleep; DA is sucking down his evening cocktail of baby formula and rice cereal. Yum, yum! I have just tried to type that four times. My fingers are sure not doing the walking tonight. I swore I would never prop up a bottle for a baby. Oh, well...so many things change. I do have to grab him and burp him or the sleeping may not go so well. He smells so good right now it would be a shame to stink him up with baby puke...fluids again. OK, burping with one hand typing with the other. That's not working so well either.

All is complete. Both babes are sound asleep. Jer brought me some stuff that needs filled out by tomorrow; at least its not two dozen cupcakes or something awful like that. As soon as I get the pics from my camera from my dad's I will post one or two.

Babies keep getting cuter, but I am getting a bit weary. I need my spirit stirred for the long haul. On one hand I cannot imagine not having them, but on the other I am leaning heavily on the Power of God to bring me through this on so many levels. These tiny little people so dependant, so helpless to continue on without their every need being met through the grownups in their lives. The honor, privilege, responsibility of it all is awesome in the overwhelmingly filled with awe kind of way.

And, in a completely different way than the other day I am undone.

Upended...

So much that God is revealing to me these days comes from the dark side of my heart. I am not overwhelmed with condemnation or even a conflicted soul. In His unending Kindness, He is simply letting me know that MY time, MY energy, My thoughts, were not all about Him and His business. I LIKED my life. Oohh bad thing to say out loud. And; I had. Ha. You know, I still like my life, but my time, energies, and thoughts have been redirected by His Hand in my life. For His Glory and my good. I guess He got my attention. It is my prayer that I allow Him to keep it.

More on Fluids...

Now that Granny has begun to strap me in for the night I sleep much better...so she thinks Brudder got a new toy, all I have to play with is a drawer of baby safe kitchen junk!
The yellow wheel spins around, plays non-sensible tunes and I just love it.
Oh heck, here let me help.
Rob, the stain on the front of DrewAllen's tee shirt is drool. A body fluid, yes; but so much of life involves those pesky liquids. Hard not to mention them; they just sort of come up...yes that has a double meaning. Hee Heh!

Pics n Puke

I have a baby on my chest and can only peck one-handed. The mason has begun to lay the stone across the front of the house. And I love it. I have hordes of hilarious granny/baby stories. but i am very uncomfortable typing this way. So many ways to puke, poop, or wail; I never knew. Or at least I do not remember. The third seat, leather, in a Lincoln Aviator can hold a surprising amount of clear liquid vomit, all the while not lessening the amount needed to saturate an entire outfit to the skin. i believe this event only occurs when the grandma is unprepared during a quick carpool run to town. For now that will have to satisfy. The wee one must be put to bed and so must I.

Keep up the good work in my absence,

Baby Come Back...

Yea, we are cute
The little men return tomorrow when I pick them up around 2:30 pm, just before I get Jer from school. I am looking forward to the weekend, crazy yes, but should be fun. I am hoping to get Jer to his first Transformed meeting on Saturday night. I will have to find a sitter for the boys I suppose, in addition to finding out like time and how late the meetings go. I spoke with Kathie earlier to make sure Jer could attend but I did not get any details.

I have enjoyed my "days off". Rode this morning with a new friend, Gingie Alshouse's cousin Kate, a wonderful horsewoman and all around fun lady. We went to bring Dory home this evening, sans pregnancy. But that's OK, I have one baby on the way; and with the two human babies I have that is probably enough for now. We will take her back in the spring and try again. For now I am basking in God's Goodness and Grace concerning the we one we do have brewing.

I love this fall weather. Cool nights and perfect days.

I am going to sleep now. Last chance for a full night before the babies come back.

Pictures and stuff

Here are a few pictures from my day today. Much less hectic than yesterday. Even took a walk this evening up the drive and down the road a piece. Lindsey my neighbor/kimmel cousin went along and drug her two in a wagon. We must have looked like a parade, four kids and three dogs. Ha Ha.

Also, my new mare is pregnant, 60 days pregnant. I am so excited. I got to see the baby horse on the sonogram; its little head and its heartbeat. Gosh darn cool!!

I hear a baby on the monitor, probably DrewAllen needs another bottle before sleep. Well, he sleeps until two or so then eats again. Then four to sixish. Oh well. Still the Grace runs abundant.

All's well that ends...

The day is done, though I can still hear one baby stirring through the monitor. Kaleb went right to sleep, a little earlier than I would like, but he was so tired. Tired to a toddler means accelerated motion, increased volume, and a stiffly arched back and thrown back head every time you try and comfort, correct, or redirect. Can be a very stressful time for the adult in charge. And when the goal is to keep the young tot up to a certain time so that her or she sleeps the night through and does not wake up before 6:00 AM, well lets just say the stakes get considerably higher.

Quite a long day today was. I am weary, but the day is done, guess I said that. The hearing went as we had hoped. Allen and Stacey were there but they agreed to comply with the order and not contest the custody. So we have it. Drew specifically in our case. Bev is a different household and I am not the biological grandparent, so that makes me the ahhh, nanny I guess. I know the terms are for legal purposes but still my sin rose up a wee bit at the notion that I was merely a spectator. Again though my God reminded me that I do not to work for the praise or attention of men but for His Glory, and His Kingdom. My caring for the babies is a joy and a blessing in my life. And a service to their Heavenly Father first and above all. So amazed that I have been called by my King to a vocation so precious.

Just do the next thing

Ever heard that before? Kind of the mode I am in right now. Set one foot in front of the other and trust God for dry land. All in all not a bad place to be. Seems sometimes in our lives God just steps in and takes over, no chance to say no, or even consider if you want to say no...wordy huh?

Drift is...its all about His Plan, His Grace, His Mercy, and His Time for everything in our lives.

I am content. Tired, but not overwhelmed. Blessed to know I am His hands and Heart, without even having to work at it. Yes, it is all work, and the prayers of the saints and the groanings or my own heart are put out there as pleas to our Kind Father, but He does it all. Gives us the chore, sends the Grace to complete it, and then blesses us with a sweet sense of His pleasure.

And, the soft touch of a baby's cheek, a tinkling giggle, or the pure fun of hearing, "horCEE".

Our God is so good and so kind. I am blessed to be His daughter.

Thanks so much for keeping up the blog in my absence. You lives are so interesting. I have had time to read, from my phone. But I cannot comment or post from there. Vic, your girls will be blessed beyond measure to have you for a mom. Sleeping bags on the floor will be OK. It is the love and laughter that goes on in a home that makes it wonderful. You will see.

Rob, I cannot say how amazed I am at where God has taken you. You have become such a humble servant to the children to care for and the people who you work for as well as your underlings. Humility is not always how we feel but how we are seen by others and by our God. He knows your weak heart, but He also knows your desire to be like Him.

Tomorrow is our hearing for custody. Pray all goes well; that God's will is seen and accomplished with Grace and humility.