Spring!

Spring is finally here and so is the dreaded cardinal. Last year I had this crazy cardinal that would follow me around the house banging into windows. I thought he was gone, but no such luck! Any advice, I'll take it.

I got my flower bed planted and mom came over the other day and helped me plant my garden. It is so nice to have that out of the way. My windows were also washed by my very nice mother.

What more can I say at this time? I have a wonderful daughter, husband, and family!

Later,
Jewel

Cheerios and teeth

The new phase at the ITF household is picking up cheerios that Mandy throws on the floor or vacuuming up the ones that get stepped on.

I was wondering why she was so fussy and then yesterday I noticed one of her I-teeth is in. I didn't know that those came in second. She only has one of her bottom front teeth and now this one. Crazy!

I am so ready for spring. Mandy loves the cold wind in her face, but it makes this Mommy a bit nervous. She woke up this morning with a stuffy nose and it makes me just a bit more anxious.

Well, on with the household chores,
Jewel

Pictures

Warning: Lots of Pictures coming

Mandy fell asleep one Sunday afternoon. She has hardly ever fallen asleep on the floor. I guess she was just very tired!

Mark, Paula, and Daniel came to visit over a weekend while Mr. ITF's family was here.

Mandy fell in love with her Aunt Jean

A Christmas dress from Grandma Troyer.



Another picture with the Miller cousins!

Mandy's usual appearance.

An easy way to carry both Mandy and laundry up the stairs!

Her first chew on a pizza crust. She really enjoyed it, but Mr. ITF did not. (She kept slobbering all over him!)




We really did have fun the last month. The Mr. ITF household was able to celebrate both the Miller and the Troyer Christmas followed by a stream of visitors. Mandy really enjoyed the company and the last several days has not really known what to do with herself.

Later,
Jewel

Winter

The cold of Hoosierville has been upon us for several weeks now. We did have a few days to a week of 50 degree weather, but this morning I awoke to snow blowing and treacherous roads. (Of course I did have a meeting at the hospital this morning!)

All of our Utopia company has gone home and the house seems extremely quiet. Mr. ITF and Mandy both have to flu. Mandy just today again decided to revisit her lunch of apples and chicken. I feel so bad for her cause she just whimpers and is clingy. I am suppose to work this weekend, so I hope that it settles down around here a bit.

My very nice brother called this forenoon and asked for the garage door to be opened. I wondered what he was up to until he come in the door asking where our shovels were kept. He has shoveled our whole drive! Now I can stay indoors and my sick hubby doesn't have to shovel when he gets home from work. I was so proud of him. It looks very nice! (I offered him an apple fritter for his efforts!)

School is still running although I find it difficult to complete the weekly assignments. I know this is where the Lord wants me, but at times I wonder if He really does know how much one can handle. Somehow everything gets done on time. I don't always get the grade I want, but it is DONE!

Well, I had better run and check on Mandy. She has been down for a nap for an hour now.

Later,
Jewel

A New Post

Oh my, I looked at my last post and noted it to be from September. There has definitely been some major things that have occurred here in the ITF household since then.

Mr ITF is feeling so much better. He is back to work again. I love that since I just don't have the energy or the strength to be the main income for this house. I have been picking up some extra shifts at the hospital though. There would have been no way that I could have made it through these last few months except for the individuals that have been praying. My church has been a huge support as well as my family both immediate and extended.

Mandy is rolling over and just started to sit up. She just keeps growing. It won't be too long that we will have to get her another car seat. I don't think she'll be in the car seat until she is 8. She just about has her 1 year-old cousin beat on weight. There are only 3 ounces between the two. Crazy.

I still think there are times when I try to manipulate circumstances to go the way I want them to go. Walking with Jesus is a joy, yet I find myself wanting to lead. There are times that I rest in the arms of Jesus simply because I have no where else to go, instead of going there first!

Stress

I am still recovering from my wonderful hubby's recent hospital admission. Now school starts up once again. Today Mandy was so needy. I think she is going through another growth spurt. She just wanted to be held and fed all day.

Wed. this ITF family leaves for the wonderful land of Utopia. There is a wonderful father-in-law that is turning 80. I am so ready to go. It's been too long since Mandy has seen her Troyer grandparents and other family members.

I hope that I can get my mind to simply rest instead of going in circles tonight.

I think that I've had a difficult time this week simply resting in the safe arms of Jesus. I don't know why there are so many times that I want to control the situation and make the outcome to MY liking. This does not make me a restful person, nor does it place my heart at peace. When I'm not at peace I think my family notices and the house is in an uproar. I'm guessing that was Mandy's problem today. I was just a bit edgy today.

Later,
Jewel

Early Morning

Mr. ITF often gets up with new ITF member. The other morning I woke to find him still missing. I went investigating and this is what I found. I thought it cute!

Jewel