This one's for you, Jess!

I had the chance to meet up with one of my good friends from high school last weekend while I was in the Tri-cities.  At one point she told me that she loves reading my blog, but that I've really been slacking on putting up new posts lately.  She is super right!  But my response to her was something along the lines of: I want to be real and I'm not sure if people want to hear that life is tough right now.   

But after I went home and thought about that, I realized that I've really been neglecting to see a lot of the good stuff too.  And that the other stuff, is well, just life!

So since it has been so long since I last wrote, this will probably be more of an update post, but my hope is that after that, I can actually write more topic based posts. I think those are way more fun to read and write anyway!

TJ is still looking for work here in Spokane.  I continue to do my best to support him as he does all he can to follow God and wait for the right opportunity to come around.  And to be patient.  I'm the opposite of patient. Can we say Utah? =)

I'm really enjoying spending some more one-on-one time with Kyrsta and Asher now that the big kids are in school again.  Usually Kyrsta has too many stars in her eyes following Alexis around to want to play with Mommy and Daddy.  Now that Lex is in school, we're pretty cool again.  I think she's pretty cool too.  And that Asher-man.... He's a riot.  His pictures speak a thousand words!
TJ and I are still running.  We just completed our 2nd half marathon last weekend in Richland and had a great time!  The weather was in the 70's and the run was beautiful.  We were able to run this half marathon 18 minutes faster then the 1st one we ran back in May!  It felt great!  But the best part was seeing my parents and kids waiting for us at the finish line.  I loved that.

And our Kaleo community continues to be the glue that keeps our family going here.  They are our true Spokane family.  We love that our relationships with these people are so genuine.  They are real people, going through real life, just like us.  They care.  And we care about them, immensely.  We are so thankful that we have them to go through life with.  I couldn't imagine it any other way.  Could you?

Running: My New Baby.

I <3 running.  Like, A LOT.  Call it crazy, call it a passion, call it whatever you want, but it's mine.  Me, my shoes, my cute running skirts, my water bottle filled with the latest electrolyte drink and the open road... pure bliss!

But that's the awesome thing about running.  ANYone can be a runner.  You don't have to be fast, you don't have to run super far,  you don't even have to do a million races, you just have to do it.  And for some reason, I do it. I wondered for awhile if I would stick with it.  Thanks to my crazy husband who has always had a love of running, he pushed me past the days where it was a chore, and somewhere created in me a habit.   One that I now wake up for all on my own, get dressed, get the kids ready, and run out the door.  Actually it started with a conversation like this:

TJ "I'm going for a run"
Me (in my usual sarcasm)"Again?  I'm glad you get all this time to work out while I stay home with the kids..."
TJ "Fine. Then come with me."
Me "I can't keep up with you"
TJ "I'll run with you, promise.  It would be more fun with you anyway."

Isn't he sweet?  And he has stuck to that.  It's been about 6 months, and if we run together, he has yet to leave my side, even though I know for a fact he could run about 2 mintues per mile faster than me.  I love my stinker of a husband. =)

How do you go on regular run when you have 4 children at home though?  Well, that's a silly question!!! While pushing a double stroller for the two little kids while the two big kids follow along on their bikes!  =)  Actually, we really are quite the scene on the trails.  We get lots of smiles and confused looks.  Nothing out of the normal though, right?

I tried to find something to wear to a wedding this weekend, I realized I had nothing.  I've spent all my extra money these days on buying running gear, and in the meantime all my clothes in my closet no longer fit me.  I know, boo-hoo me, right?  Can I just say once again, I love running.  <3

So if you wonder how this crazy momma of 4 handles the days of chaos and craziness, know she does it by lacing up, pounding some pavement, then coming home to wrap my kids in a sweaty hug. 

Want to know how to get started?  Ask me! Or look at 99.9% of the blogs I follow.  They are all running blogs.  It helps me feel like part of the "in" crowd, not to mention they are full of knowledge, and TONS of cool giveaways for free running gear. 

Have a great one!  TJ and I are going to be out spending our 5th anniversary hiking, and going to Silverwood the next few days!

Jamie

Going to the Dogs

When I mentioned that I would explain more about our addition to the Ewen 6, I didn't realize that people would automatically assume it meant another human.  I guess people just think TJ and I breed like stray dogs, so another kid would only make sense.  Sorry. NO MORE CHILDREN.  Just a stinky, shedding, drooling, pooping dog.

I know what youre thinking now though, "Um, didn't her husband just lose his job? Don't they know dogs cost $$$? And don't they realize that dogs are a lot of work? I think it may be time for an intervention.". And ya know what, I totally get that, and if I was on the outside looking in, that's exactly what I would think too.  But let me tell you, there's a reason.  And a good one.

Now at this point I'd like to put all joking aside and tell all those who may read this, that I would like to share some information with you that is a little more on the personal side of my family.  My hope with this blog was that I could be really honest with my life, not just because I can, but in hopes of informing others, engaging with others, and maybe even getting support from others.

So to begin, we need to go back to about a year ago when we adopted these beautiful children.  It has been almost a year (wow, that went fast) and we are still having some bonding/attachment issues.  It is one of those things that as a bio parent, you just take for granted.  I never had to work at it with my little ones; from the day I gave birth to them we were stuck together like flies to dog poop (sorry, I couldn't help myself).  But with older children, especially those who have experienced trauma, man, let me tell you, it is rough stuff. And it is not by any means all on them.  But they are so good at pushing you (the parent) away that you can let them and a not very good cycle begins.

BUT we love our children, and we do not, I repeat, DO NOT want to  fall into that cycle any longer than we already have.  And so with the counselors advice, we are getting a dog.... if we can ever find the right one....  A dog that can handle the Ewen 6 is one we have yet to meet! =)

What can a dog do for our kids you may be asking?  Well, with kiddos that have a hard time bonding/attaching to others (their parents mainly) an animal can be a very good way of creating a safe place for the child to show and recieve trust and therefore learn some bonding and attaching and MAYBE learn to do so with us.  That is the hope, and the continued prayer.

My mom believes that my real reason for getting a dog is so I can take it running to scare off creepy stalker guys.  Is it wierd that the first day we started talking about getting a dog was honestly that same day as creepy stalker guy?  hmm...why do mom's always think they know everything???    =)

So, what are we up to these days?

Since it has basically been 2 months since I last wrote a post, one can only assume we must have done something exciting, right?  Well lets do a quick recap of what we have been up to:

• Summer break started last month for big kids
• TJ had his last day at work and has been home since looking for a new one (keep praying for him!)
• I started working at a coffee stand a few days a week
• found Asher on top of my dinning room table covered in hot pink nail polish and almost cried, then laughed...
• went camping/fishing with my parents and brought back half of Lake Roosevelts pop of Walleye
• did 500 loads of laundry
• began war with a gopher who ate ALL of the carrots in garden
• going on lots of runs to get ready for a couple of half marathons coming up in Sept and Oct
• got stalked by a creepy guy on a run and had to call the cops
• baught a treadmill
• did 200 loads of dishes
• had to get a root canal on a root canal
• went camping again with our Kaleo church family and loved every second
• came home and did 900 more loads of laundry and still counting
• decided to bring a dog home for a "trial run"
• just realize we really do have a dog in our house..oye...at least she's cute!
• did I write take a nap anywhere up there?

So, this is my condensed version of what we have been up to this summer.  We are having a blast, loving having the whole family home, and yes, even decided to extend the Ewen 6 a little (more on that later).  I feel as though we are in the middle of one of the best summers to date!  Crazy that a little chaos and unexpectedness can in turn reveal blessings and great joy!

The Next Ewen 6 Expedition Begins

My mind still hasn't completely figured out how to process the last 7 days.  There really are no explanations, therefore I have yet to figure out a good definition, but it sure is the next Ewen 6 Expedition...

It all started with a wonderful weekend.  I was able to get away and spend an amazing weekend on Newman lake with the women from my church.  Then TJ and I topped it all off with running our very first 1/2 marathon together.  It was such a great experience and we plan on doing another this fall, if not sooner!
And then, it hit.  TJ was called in at work where he was told that he and 30 others were being laid off.  SAY WHAT!?!?!? (didn't expect that did you? Well, neither did we!)

So TJ's last day of work will be in Mid June, and after that....well, we really have no idea.  What we do know:  God love us and will take care of us.  And already He has.  From the moment the news came out, our friends and family flooded to our side with offers to lay down all they had, for whatever we may need.  Not a single question asked, just love.
I believe the Apostles in Acts are an amazing example of this type of love my family is experiencing:

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need."  Acts 4:32-34

We are blessed to be in community among those who are so like minded.  And this is not at all limited to those who are in my church; this is also neighbors, family, friends near and far, and familiar shop owners.  While the future is unsure, we know it is bright and full of anything and everything we will need.  We will NOT go wanting.  We have no fears of this.  How much I wish the whole world knew that kind of love.

Even when my tooth began to throb the day after "the news" and we discovered a root canal and crown were in order, we were humbled by generosity and God's perfect timing.  Thank goodness it happened now while we still have a few more weeks of insurance, right!?

Am I upset about anything? YES! My husband put his everything into his work and getting that job.  My heart breaks for him to have to lose it.  Do I want to collect unemployment and food stamps and all that? Nope!  But I will.  I pray I will become more humble.
We have no idea what job TJ will find or how long until we find the one that will support our 4 children.  I pray I will become more trusting.
I pray I become less selfish.
I pray I become more thankful.
I pray others will see God's presence in our life.

Thank you to all who love us and have invested in our lives.  Know we will lay down our lives for you, too.

The Ewen 6

There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe...

While I might not be old, and I don't think I live in a Shoe (despite what the smells might try to suggest), I can't help but think of this little old lady when I look out on my front lawn and see things like this...

This is a VERY typical after-school, Ewen home experience.  And that picture doesn't include the children who walked over to my house without a bike.  I love it most days, I want to pull my hair out others, and I find that saying things like, "I'm not the neighborhood Snack Machine!" is becoming a little too normal.  I think it's pretty cool though, that my children have the opportunity to have lots of fun with the other kids in the neighborhood on a regular basis.  I like that I know they are safe in my home, and when they aren't here, that the other parents are loving my kids the same way.  The difference between me and that crazy little old lady... I get to tell all those bikes to "go home" eventually! =) I know they'll be back tomorrow though! And I love it.

CELEBRATE!

This week marks a monumental occurance; TJ was not only able to switch to day shifts, but for the next four months, he also has off EVERY weekend and EVERY Monday AND every other Tuesday!!!!!!!!!!!!  I'm not sure if anyone else will realize how amazing this is, but let me just tell you, IT IS AMAZING!!!!!!  Ever since TJ and I have been together, over 5 years now, we have never had a regular work schedule.  He's never had weekends off, he's never worked a normal morning-evening shift, and honestly, we have never really cared too much.  But now we have this super cute "little" family, and we miss him, a lot.  His night shift work may mean that he is home, but he is in bed.  The poor guys has to sleep some time! And on his days off, my big kiddos are still in school, so they never have a full day to see their dad.  There is litterally only a few hours a week where all of us are together.  But this has been so normal that it we have all just learned to adapt and be happy with the way things are.  As you know though, weekends are hard for me sometimes.  When everyone else is with their families, I am at home by myself trying to keep four kids happy.  And I'm sure my kids would love to go do fun stuff on their days off from school, but it really just isn't possible for me to do all by myself.  BUT....TJ IS HOME!
I just can't wait for this summer.  We can invite people over, we can plan weekend camping trips (we already have a few on the calendar, anyone else want to join??), visit family, and PLAY.  Sweet sweetness.  I know these four months will eventually come to an end, but I'm not going to focus on that right now.  I'm just going to love the moments we have and are going to be able to create.  I hope Spokane is ready for the Ewen's....ALL of them! =)