When we were in Ukraine. We couldn't speak Russian and Erika couldn't speak English.
Somehow we were able to communicate. :)
The Minich Family Blog: Every Family Has A Story...Welcome To Ours
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
What More Could a Mom Want
We are getting closer to Christmas, and we asked the girls to think about what they might like to have this year.
I received a letter from Sarah. She said she wants a "book room", a new skirt, green shorts and a new movie. Then she said, "I want a happy family". We always joke when she asks what dad or I want; "all I want is a happy family". She always says, "you already have that! What do you REALLLY want?"
We say, we have what we want. A happy family.:) So when she wrote this, it made my heart sing.
I received a letter from Sarah. She said she wants a "book room", a new skirt, green shorts and a new movie. Then she said, "I want a happy family". We always joke when she asks what dad or I want; "all I want is a happy family". She always says, "you already have that! What do you REALLLY want?"
We say, we have what we want. A happy family.:) So when she wrote this, it made my heart sing.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
IF I HAD KNOWN IN ADVANCE
I was contemplating life the other day. This is my last year of my 40's. Next year I will be 50. Yep, nobody, NOBODY is considered young when they are 50. That doesn't mean I can't look great, or have energy or that I have one foot in the grave, but it does mean, most likely I have lived over half of my life. Now, it is time to reflect.
If I had known in advance how my life would be, before it unfolded to me, I think I probably would have crawled into a corner to wait it out; like a timid toddler not wanting to go to preschool.
If anybody had told me how painful the teenage years would be. That I would be laughed at and rejected because of my Savior, I wouldn't have beleived it. After all, this is the United States, a Christian Country, and it was church youth group. They were supposed to Love the same Lord that I did. It was so very painful and confusing.
If anybody had told me that the lover of my youth, would turn on his Savior and reject his own flesh, and the fruit of his loins, I would have cowered in disbeleif. I might never have dared to marry in order to avoid the deep and mournful pain the self doubt, the fear.
If anybody had told me that my second born son would be so very close to death, hanging from a thread between fleshly earth and eternity, I would have been crushed by the weight.
If anybody had told me how lonely I would be, even in a large family, raising four little boys alone, and how difficult it would be to try to be the mom to them that they deserved, I would have run for cover.
If anybody had told me I would marry again, I would have denied it, saying I would never get divorced, how could I marry again!
If anybody had told me that I would have 3 more daughters, I would have said, oh no, I'm a boy mom, not a girl mom!
If anybody had told me about he depths of despair that each of my daughters would come from, I would have been crushed by the weight of pain and sadness.
That is why God kept all of his miracles secrets. God chooses to bless us in many different ways. One of the ways he blesses us, is by breaking us, so he can mold us into what he wants us to be. If we were born perfected, how would He be glorified on Earth?
I think I have been in need of much perfection and breaking in my life. God hates pride. That means he must have hated the pride he found in me.
I was so sure of what I knew as a child, that at times, I would step out on my own and try to force the hand of God. I remember telling a Jehovahs Witness child, I won't let you ride my bike if you don't beleive what I do. I thought I was saving him from Hell fire; not seeing that the Lord is a lord of Mercy and Grace.
I was so proud and pomposs that I KNEW I would never get a divorce. Marriage is forever, besides I was 18 and marrying a minister, I'm divorce proof! Boy did God let me know that wasn't the case.
And then, no perfect healing for my son? What is this all about? I thought if I had perfect faith, without doubt, a mountain would be moved! Why is my son not healed?
Why have I not seen a miracle? He only weighs 2lbs. 14 oz's. He's hardly a mountain!
Where are you God?
How could God lead me into single parenthood! Parents aren't supposed to be single!
Lord, don't you care about my family?
And now, I am led to marry again, but I'm conflicted within. Again and again I study the word of God and what others have to say about remarriage. I pray and pray and sense the leading of the Lord, as does Mike. So I marry.
Wow, something good has happened.
I continue to struggle as God breaks my fingers from the grip of pride. I hear him calling me, "let go", I am a good catcher."
I struggle. "Let GO, I'll catch you!"
Come and be what I want you to be......
I let go... finally totally let go. I don't care anymore. I don't care what other's think of me. I don't care what my life looks like. I care about letting go.
As I basque in the healing balm of the Lord, he lets me know he isn't finished. I already knew that somehow, but I didn't need to hide in a corner anymore.
I knew the only place to run and hide was at the foot of the cross. That is where he wants me to stay.
So he brings these little girls into my life. They are a delight and a joy, and they have come with much tribulation and heartache. I cannot control what happened to them. I cannot take it away. I can lead them to the foot of the cross that took me so long to find. There they can basque in the presense of the Lord and understand that the breaking process in our lives is to rip the weeds of self love, pride and arrogance and replace them with the sweet fragrance of sorrow and suffering. Only there can we find our hope. Only there can we cling to our Lord. Only there can we be molded and shaped in to something of true beauty.
I am so glad that I didn't know what would happen in my life before it happened. I wouldn't have chosen to live my life. I would have been too afraid to live.
And that is exactly why God doesn't reveal everything to us. He knows we would be great big chickens, unable to come out of the coop for fear of the wolves.
He gives us our lives in small bytes.... one day at a time. One revelation at a time, and then when we look back, we see how God in his great infinite love and mercy, extended His hand, and held ours, all through our lives, and we would not trade one moment of the gift of life he as given us for anything.
If I had known in advance how my life would be, before it unfolded to me, I think I probably would have crawled into a corner to wait it out; like a timid toddler not wanting to go to preschool.
If anybody had told me how painful the teenage years would be. That I would be laughed at and rejected because of my Savior, I wouldn't have beleived it. After all, this is the United States, a Christian Country, and it was church youth group. They were supposed to Love the same Lord that I did. It was so very painful and confusing.
If anybody had told me that the lover of my youth, would turn on his Savior and reject his own flesh, and the fruit of his loins, I would have cowered in disbeleif. I might never have dared to marry in order to avoid the deep and mournful pain the self doubt, the fear.
If anybody had told me that my second born son would be so very close to death, hanging from a thread between fleshly earth and eternity, I would have been crushed by the weight.
If anybody had told me how lonely I would be, even in a large family, raising four little boys alone, and how difficult it would be to try to be the mom to them that they deserved, I would have run for cover.
If anybody had told me I would marry again, I would have denied it, saying I would never get divorced, how could I marry again!
If anybody had told me that I would have 3 more daughters, I would have said, oh no, I'm a boy mom, not a girl mom!
If anybody had told me about he depths of despair that each of my daughters would come from, I would have been crushed by the weight of pain and sadness.
That is why God kept all of his miracles secrets. God chooses to bless us in many different ways. One of the ways he blesses us, is by breaking us, so he can mold us into what he wants us to be. If we were born perfected, how would He be glorified on Earth?
I think I have been in need of much perfection and breaking in my life. God hates pride. That means he must have hated the pride he found in me.
I was so sure of what I knew as a child, that at times, I would step out on my own and try to force the hand of God. I remember telling a Jehovahs Witness child, I won't let you ride my bike if you don't beleive what I do. I thought I was saving him from Hell fire; not seeing that the Lord is a lord of Mercy and Grace.
I was so proud and pomposs that I KNEW I would never get a divorce. Marriage is forever, besides I was 18 and marrying a minister, I'm divorce proof! Boy did God let me know that wasn't the case.
And then, no perfect healing for my son? What is this all about? I thought if I had perfect faith, without doubt, a mountain would be moved! Why is my son not healed?
Why have I not seen a miracle? He only weighs 2lbs. 14 oz's. He's hardly a mountain!
Where are you God?
How could God lead me into single parenthood! Parents aren't supposed to be single!
Lord, don't you care about my family?
And now, I am led to marry again, but I'm conflicted within. Again and again I study the word of God and what others have to say about remarriage. I pray and pray and sense the leading of the Lord, as does Mike. So I marry.
Wow, something good has happened.
I continue to struggle as God breaks my fingers from the grip of pride. I hear him calling me, "let go", I am a good catcher."
I struggle. "Let GO, I'll catch you!"
Come and be what I want you to be......
I let go... finally totally let go. I don't care anymore. I don't care what other's think of me. I don't care what my life looks like. I care about letting go.
As I basque in the healing balm of the Lord, he lets me know he isn't finished. I already knew that somehow, but I didn't need to hide in a corner anymore.
I knew the only place to run and hide was at the foot of the cross. That is where he wants me to stay.
So he brings these little girls into my life. They are a delight and a joy, and they have come with much tribulation and heartache. I cannot control what happened to them. I cannot take it away. I can lead them to the foot of the cross that took me so long to find. There they can basque in the presense of the Lord and understand that the breaking process in our lives is to rip the weeds of self love, pride and arrogance and replace them with the sweet fragrance of sorrow and suffering. Only there can we find our hope. Only there can we cling to our Lord. Only there can we be molded and shaped in to something of true beauty.
I am so glad that I didn't know what would happen in my life before it happened. I wouldn't have chosen to live my life. I would have been too afraid to live.
And that is exactly why God doesn't reveal everything to us. He knows we would be great big chickens, unable to come out of the coop for fear of the wolves.
He gives us our lives in small bytes.... one day at a time. One revelation at a time, and then when we look back, we see how God in his great infinite love and mercy, extended His hand, and held ours, all through our lives, and we would not trade one moment of the gift of life he as given us for anything.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
I'm Sad
I am so sad. We went to Ministry group last night, and returned rather late. Too early to put the turkeys away when we left and it was late when we returned. We forgot to put them away.
They are in a fenced area, and roam around freely during the day time. This a.m., at about 5, I heard the duck going crazy. I just figured it was waking up and being "the duck that thinks its a rooster", like in Babe.
Apparently, the duck was running for cover and alerting us that our turkeys were being attacked by dogs. I didn't see the dogs, just the end result. 5 dead turkeys. It is so frustrating to have them fenced in, and they SHOULD be safe, only to have their lives taken from them for some dog's sport. If it were a wild animal, they would have eaten them. But, just like before with the sheep, 1 was eaten and the rest just left for dead.
I feel terribly that I didn't put them away. At the same time I feel angry that people don't put their dogs away and make sure they don't roam or pack.
So what is the Lord trying to teach me? Is he trying to take away the things that I love? Prying my hands off of my worldly desires to be a "real farmer?" Or is he saying, "get a dog stupid~!" I honestly don't know.
I know that if we move to Ukraine, we will most likely not have an animal. Is the Lord trying to prepare us for that? BUT... if we live in the country we will have an animal, but I doubt we would live in the country.
I don't know. I think for now, I'm going to pray and get a dog. That will solve both issues for now.
I'm just so sad.
They are in a fenced area, and roam around freely during the day time. This a.m., at about 5, I heard the duck going crazy. I just figured it was waking up and being "the duck that thinks its a rooster", like in Babe.
Apparently, the duck was running for cover and alerting us that our turkeys were being attacked by dogs. I didn't see the dogs, just the end result. 5 dead turkeys. It is so frustrating to have them fenced in, and they SHOULD be safe, only to have their lives taken from them for some dog's sport. If it were a wild animal, they would have eaten them. But, just like before with the sheep, 1 was eaten and the rest just left for dead.
I feel terribly that I didn't put them away. At the same time I feel angry that people don't put their dogs away and make sure they don't roam or pack.
So what is the Lord trying to teach me? Is he trying to take away the things that I love? Prying my hands off of my worldly desires to be a "real farmer?" Or is he saying, "get a dog stupid~!" I honestly don't know.
I know that if we move to Ukraine, we will most likely not have an animal. Is the Lord trying to prepare us for that? BUT... if we live in the country we will have an animal, but I doubt we would live in the country.
I don't know. I think for now, I'm going to pray and get a dog. That will solve both issues for now.
I'm just so sad.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
The Visit
I cannot put into words right now, how much the last 2 weeks has meant to Mike and to me and the girls.
It is always nice to see relatives come and visit. But when you haven't seen them in so long, and they bring little new relatives who coo and drool and smile and laugh, it just warms your heart so.
We had a whirlwind of 10 days of delight and joy. Joe, Becca and Sam visiting, playing backgammon for a gillion times, cooking, creating and enjoying each other. They were such a huge blessing for all of us. And our little Sam, just makes us melt with delight. He is a doll, dimples and all. He is rambunctious, gives me many memories of days gone by, and I just KNOW the Lord has wonderful things in store for him.
One of the neatest things was seeing all 15 kids and grandkids in the house at the same time. What a great bunch of people, young and old. What a huge representation of talent and love. What a wonderful family. I was so sad that Mike's mom and dad couldn't come down and visit, but that will happen again, in time. We are so blessed as a family. My words fail to express my greatfulness to the Lord for the awesome things HE has done.
Friday, August 24, 2007
The New Kids on the Block are Here
And they are sooooo Darling!
Sam Minich is 6 months old, Will Minich is 5 months old. The cousins have seen each other and seem to like each other alot! Of course Gramma and Grampa adore them both.
So, here are the pics from Yesterday!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Kids Learning English
Kids Learning English can be such a fun experience and a Funny experience.
I remember when Sarah had been with us for about a year and was starting to use "phrases" that she thought she understood. One time in the grocery store, she cheerily looked at me and said, "Mommy, You make me sick!" with a big smile on her face.
When she saw the look on mine, her countenance fell and she when I asked her "what did you say?" She said, "oh I don't think you'll want me to repeat that one." LOL
So I explained to her what it meant, and she was horrified. :)
Fast forward to Erika. I was putting her on the bedpan, which made it even funnier.
She said, "I'm just crapping all the time!" I looked stunned! I said what? She said, I crap alot! I asked her, "where did you hear that?" I then realized she had a very puzzled look on her face. I asked her what she meant. She pointed to her wrist and neck and said, You know "crap". Ahhhh, that is CRACK dear. She pops and cracks alot.
That was a good laugh!
We were sitting at the donut shoppe waiting for Daddy to come out with kolaches.
I saw a man walking by with an Australian Shepherd. We have been looking at dogs, and one of the kinds we have been looking at is an Australian Shepherd. I said to Erika, "Look! there goes an Australian Shepherd!" She replied, "Oh! And he has a dog!" I nearly spit out my coffee. :)
Saturday, August 18, 2007
School Days
It is that time of year again. We were off to a great start. School started on August 1st. The girls are all reading!!!! Yea! This makes it so much easier on mom. Now we are working on perfecting our reading. We started, then had a slight break for Erika's surgery, although Uncle Bob took on the challenge and helped the girls through some schooling. When Erika and I left for the hospital we had covered up to Marco Polo in our history book. When we returned, Anna and Sarah were covering George Washington ALREADY! Wow Bob, what a task master! :)
We are looking forward to a very successful year full of excitement. The girls are waiting anxiously to go to a Planetarium after they memorize all the planets.
Science seems to be a favorite for Anna. Erika seems to really like history and Sarah loves math and reading.
I'm so very proud of all of them. The picture is what they looked like on the first day of school.
Our Anna
I just want to say something about my precious little Anna. She is such a trooper. She silently watches as her sisters seem to get much limelight. Not because they seek it, that is just the way it is. She is such a great sister. She helps care for them when they need her, gets thier socks for them, helps with all kinds of extras and doesn't complain, most of the time. :)
Anna LOVES animals of all kinds. She is very interested in Bindy Sue Irwin, and loves to visit her website online so she can look at Bindy's snake. I think we have a little vet on our hands. :)
This past few months has been very hard for Anna. She lost her Dear Uncle Jim to Leukemia, her sheep were eaten by coyotes, (the one she bottle fed) her sister went to a great camp that she couldn't go to and then had surgery. She didn't want to have surgery, but she has silently handled being sidelined lately and I am so proud of her.
She is a GREAT KID.
The Past Week
Whew! It has been a whilwind of a week and a half. Erika and I left for the hospital on August8, leaving Anna and Sarah in the good hands of Daddy and Uncle Bob.
August 9 was surgery day and Mike came up to spend the day with me so I wouldn't have to sit alone. I wasn't able to be alone this time. I was alone when Tim had a similar surgery and I didn't want to experience that again.
Erika came through the surgery well, but lost a lot of blood. She was in terrible pain for about 3 days. Just a slight movement of her pillow or a bump on her bed and she would go through the roof in pain. Poor baby. It is so hard to see them suffer like this.
She also had a hard time with oxygen saturation and needed to get blood. We now know that she is O positive. A universal donar!
She was able to come off the oxygen on August 14. We came home that night, after she spent about 12 hours on room air.
I just love kids. She went to the child life room and after playing a few games turned and said, "I just love this hospital, it is so nice".
We are so fortunate to have so many friends too. 3 fellows from the prosthetic department stopped to see her and make sure she was ok.
The Folks from Peaceable Kingdom camp called twice to check on her and sent a camp bag for her.
Her Sunday School teachers stopped by, as did one of our Elder's and His wife. Stand and Berny Schultz. How sweet.
Plus numerous calls and well wishes. She HAS to get better and walk soon. :)
But for now:
We are home, she is in a body cast, still on some pain meds, but overall doing well.
The hardest part is the bed pan service. I think we have it down to a science now.
She has to be rotated, and keeping knots out of her hair is a challenge.
I'm so proud of her. :)
Monday, July 23, 2007
Melanie's visit
We had a great visit with cousin Melaine this last week. She is a delight. I picked her up from the airport and immediatly let dad and mom know that the package had been safely delivered. :)
She played with the girls, learned about the animals, learned to play backgammon and we hunted several stores until we FOUND cotton candy!!!!
We took her to see the new Rat movie, Rattatouie, which was quite good and very funny.
We look forward to seeing Mel again.
Erika and Mom go to Camp
Yep, we went to camp. When we were about an hour out of town, I had this chill go through my body. I was thinking, "were we supposed to bring tents?" AHHHHH! I started sweating, thinking about this ole' body sleeping on the ground. No way that could happen.
We arrived at the camp, and my heart was overyjoyed. I saw a very beautiful lodge, rocking chairs, and then we were led to the cabin. A large log cabin with lots of beds and real mattresses. YEA! This was gonna be cool!
Oh my, was it ever a great week. We did all kinds of things,but what impressed me the most was the giving hearts of so many young people who shared their lives with us.
One fellow in particular was a young man, on his way to college in New York. He was deaf, and could read lips quite well. I could have brought him home. He was just a joy to be around. I tried my sign language skills out on him and found out that I accidently know a bad word.:( He so eleoquently showed me the right way to say but. :)
Erika was able to do so many things. She climbed on ropes, did arts and crafts, swimming, bean John with the ball, air hockey, dancing(she loved dancing)miniature golf, high swings, archery, horse back riding, learned about metal crafts, watched movies in the theatre, participated in a skit,fished, met new friends and had a wonderful time.
She got to know Robert the guy who makes her legs pretty well, and also John, the guy who fits her for her legs. She made some friends with other children especially Kash, a beautiful girl who was born with no arms.
Oh my, we had a great time.
Our week was a week of peace. No staring. No glaring... just acceptance and love.
I will never forget it, and the wonderful parents I met. :)
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