The Eventful Eckerts

Recently

2011-07-30T23:11:00.002-04:00

...I've taken a very great interest in the art of 're-doing' furniture. I think it's really a neat idea to scour yard sales, thrift stores or even my own house to find things that I make a little-more-me. I'm excited about our upcoming move and I have lots of ideas of things I want to do....

Just pouring my heart out...

2011-07-02T11:46:00.003-04:00

I just need to write my thoughts....

I love being a mom! I have three great girls. They all are such a blessing to me. Katrin is such a big helper and Kallie is such a snuggle bug and Karra is such an awesome baby! Right now I'm really overwhelmed by life and everything that has to be done. I know people mean well by telling me they would love to help but I'm sick of hearing all the reasons why they can't help. Then I get flack for doing all that I do, well maybe it's because I DON'T have help!! I'm not trying to be Super Mom or do too much, I'm just trying to get done what needs to get done. I don't think I'm someone special by taking a 3 week old baby to church camp but it had to be done. Paul was being ordained and I don't think any of the moms out there would miss a huge milestone in their husbands life to stay at home either.

I would thoroughly enjoy just sitting on my porch swing with a glass of tea and reading a nice book but my mama taught me to be a worker and if there's work to be done, then I'm trying to get it done. It may take me 3 times as long to do it with all the little interruptions but I'll get it done. I would just LOVE for a friend to come visit for a few days or even hours...camp made me once again realize how much I really miss my friends. God has definitely been my closest friend since moving to PA. He has brought our family closer too. I don't have anyone else! I'm not trying to complain or through a pitty party for myself, but sometimes it's just hard to bare.

In the coming weeks, we have alot to accomplish! Paul will be switching jobs. He will be pastoring our current church and another Bible Methodist Church in Newville and starting in August, teaching full-time at a Christian school. We will also be moving to a more central location between the two churches. So, I have a big ol' house to pack up, three kids and a husband to take care of with no help. =) I AM looking forward to what God has in store for our family, just right now it's a little overwhelming. Well duty is calling and need to get lots done...Paul has been working over time yesterday and today so I've been on my own. It's noon and I need to get lunch, my shower and the mountains of laundry.

Pictures of Karra Grace

2011-05-26T18:04:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Karra!!

2011-05-25T18:38:00.002-04:00

My day began with a phone call at 5:20 am this morning. It was the hospital calling to move up my c-section!! I had been told yesterday that if anything was wrong with my Amnio that they would call by 5:30 this morning. So, when the phone rang I was about in tears, thinking that they were postponing my c-section. Thanks to an awesome God who answers prayer, they were calling to move up my section!! I was very excited!! Paul and I quickly showered and were out the door in 40 minutes. We arrived at the hospital around 7am. I was prepped and in the OR by 8:43. Everything hurt really bad this time. I don't really know why. The surgery went fine and Karra Grace came into this world at 9:16am. Paul brought her to me and I got to see Karra briefly because I started getting sick. I had never thrown up with my

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other to kids but why should I think that this section should be the same considering that this pregnancy has been so different from my other two? Once the dr got done sewing me up I felt 100% better! Paul took Karra to get cleaned, weighted, and measured. I went to recovery til 11:05 then was taken to my room. I finally got to hold my baby girl!!!! She's a sweetie!! I love her so much already!! Shortly after getting situated my room, I had visitors (Mindy, Caitlynn, Hannah, Denise, Cassie, and Clayton)!! I have getting visitors while in the hospital!! It makes the time go by faster! And who doesn't want to show off their new baby!?!!? After they left, Paul left as well to go home and get the girls and his parents. While he was gone another good friend, Rachel, came for a nice visit. Paul returned around 4:30 with the family in tow. Katrin and Kallie were so excited to meet/see their new sister. It was really cute!! Man, I love my girls!! They stayed for a while and just left a little bit ago. Now, I plan to enjoy so quiet time and try to get some sleep. I'm SO tired!! This was my day in a nut shell! If it doesn't make sense, sorry.

Baby K's Room (cont.)

2011-05-20T18:45:00.002-04:00

My little corner of the room. I covered the ottoman with another receiving blanket to match the room =) Paul made the night stand/cubes.

Baby K's Room

2011-05-20T18:38:00.003-04:00

The dresser decor

Wall hangings (inspired by Potterybarn) The letters are the baby's initials k, g, e

my new changing table that I'm already in love with!

crib and wall painting I did (inspired by Potterybarn)

The DIY projects...the K is covered with a cordinating receiving blanket with ribbon around the edge and the dresser scarf is receiving blankets sewn together

I didn't spend a whole lot on this nursery but I think it turned out cute! I had fun doing all the little projects and putting my little touches into it =)

Nesting

2011-05-19T22:38:00.002-04:00

I've always said that to get my house exactly the way I want it (clean, that is) I need to be pregnant, cause that's when I do the nitty gritty cleaning and organizing. Well, here I am 37 1/2 weeks pregnant and planning to deliver our final baby in 6 days and my house is totally in order!! So, so, so happy have everything done!!! It feels awesome! I can't stand clutter and messes, so my house isn't usually very bad. But when I clean weekly, I don't pull out all the furniture and dust every nook and cranny. Even at this point, please don't come to my house with a white glove!!
Now, to just keep everything in order for the next few days! Monday and Tuesday will be the crazy days of mopping all the floors and making sure every last stitch of clothing is washed and put away in it's proper place and grocery shopping. My girls have been, surprising, good lately at picking up their toys and not making too many huge messes.
Although, today, Kallie was a bit of a tornado with the toy box in their room. Normally, I help them clean up their toys and such but this mama is just getting too BIG to bend over and pick stuff up! So I told her she needed to clean up her toy box before going to bed and left the room. I came back a few minutes later to a perfectly clean floor with all the toys picked up and lid on the box! I was proud of her!! (She isn't know for picking up her toys...she usually lets big sister do the work and she watches) I guess all the 'correcting' has paid off and she is now a big girl too and is perfectly able to do her share! Thank the Lord!!

I will try to get some good pictures of the nursery posted on here tomorrow. 'Try' is the keyword!! Then Saturday, we have a wedding to attend and Sunday, Paul is preaching at a neighboring church. Monday, the inlaws are coming, Tuesday, I go for my Amnio, and Wednesday.....(drum roll) we will welcome Baby K!!!

Time Flies

2011-05-16T21:59:00.007-04:00

(Mother's Day 35 1/2 weeks pg)

Only 9 days left til we get to meet our third little girl! I've been busy doing lots of cleaning and such to get ready for the baby. When I think I'm ready, I always seem to find another project to do. I'm trying to take advantage of every free moment cause I know once she's born, I'll be busier than ever!!

(painting I did above the crib in Baby K's room)

Today I went for my last ultrasound. Baby K weighs 6.1 pounds and is in the 15% for growth, which is good for her, since she's a two-vessel cord baby. (Most babies have 3-vessels). Everything is fine and she will just be smaller than the 'normal' baby, which is fine with me...I get to enjoy the 'newborn' stage a little longer =)

Katrin and Kallie are super excited about being big sisters. Kallie loves to listen to my belly. She has to have her ear up to my belly button in order to 'hear' the baby. She always has something funny to say about what she thinks the baby is doing. Katrin loves to feel the baby kicking and is always kissing my belly. I think they will be great big sisters, but I'm sure, they will be jealous too! When does sibling rivalry end?!?!

I go on the 24th for my amniocenteses (to be sure her lungs are fully developed) then I have my c-section on the 25th. Please pray that all goes well!

Bedrest = Think Time

2011-01-31T19:41:00.002-05:00

I've had alot on my mind lately as to our everyday life. I'm feeling like I'm in the middle of no where with no purpose. A lot of my melancholy thoughts are probably due to being pregnant but the thoughts are still there. I feel alone. Different well-meaning people have asked what I'm going to do when this next little gal comes into our world and I seriously don't know! I have no family out here and my wonderful, hard working hubby only has so much time he can take off. I have a few friends I know will help when the baby comes but they have little ones themselves that need caring for. I know God has a perfect plan all worked out and I need to trust Him more. It's just hard! I'm sitting here, supposed to be resting, while Paul is giving the girls their baths and getting them ready for bed. It's always been a chore but right now I'm missing it. There's so much that needs done...laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc. I guess I should be more thankful for the time relax and do nothing. Today I was more than ever excited to be able to get Katrin off the bus. She is such a big help to me. Just tonight, she wanted to do the dishes (something she has never done before) and she swept the kitchen floor. I can't say that it is done the way Mama would do it but it's been done. Kallie doesn't understand why Mama can't get up from the chair. How do you make a 2 year old understand? I feel like God is teaching me, once again, to lean hard on Him and depend on Him to take care of us. I just wish it were easier. Anyway, this is my unedited version of how I'm feeling right now....

Farm Show '11

2011-01-23T21:10:00.000-05:00

We went to the Pennsylvania Farm Show a few weeks ago. It is so much fun!! We look forward to it every year! This year we went with Dan & Mindy Lehman. Had a great time with them and their three children!!

2011-01-23T21:06:00.000-05:00

All dressed up with nowhere to go =)

2011-01-23T20:59:00.000-05:00

Enjoy!!

2011-01-23T20:58:00.001-05:00

Swimming...the girls love it!!

Ministers Dinner

2011-01-23T20:58:00.000-05:00

Enjoyed a nice evening with all the preachers and their wives. Also enjoyed an evening without the girls!!

20 weeks

2011-01-23T20:55:00.000-05:00

3 musketeers

2011-01-17T23:22:00.003-05:00

Our family is expanding, as most of you know, and we will be having another GIRL! I'm seeing a shotgun by the door in our future really soon (to keep the boys away)!! LOL!! Three girls!!!!! Ahh, I may loose my mind yet! And the drama continues..... =)

During the ultrasound, Katrin wanted to know if the baby had clothes on. She then asked if she had a blanket on. It's amazing what kids think of! She will be a great help to me once the baby arrives.

Now, if I could just get myself motivated to start working on the baby's room....

After this daughter is born, my parents will have 5 grand-daughters!! I guess that makes up for me being the only girl growing up!

Nap Time

2010-12-14T13:33:00.002-05:00

Lately my girls have been struggling to take their naps. They are playing in their room, bugging each other and keeping each other from ever falling asleep. Due to this one of them has been sleeping in our room each afternoon, which gives me a wonderful opportunity to snuggle with my little girls. It's amazing how fast they each are growing and changing. More than once during the day, I have to stop, smile and thank God for the true blessing that they are. Katrin is always trying to 'teach' Kallie something that she has learned at school and Kallie actually knows quiet a bit because of her. As I type this, they are out on the back porch (it's enclosed but still really cold) playing nicely together. I love to hear them giggle and laugh together! Don't get me wrong, they have their major moments of disagreement but they are getting along so much better lately. Thank the LORD!! I feel so blessed to have them both! They are making this Christmas season so wonderful and memorable!

This morning, we made sugar cookies and decorated them. They thought it was the coolest thing! It was actually enjoyable for me too and there wasn't too much mess.

Well it's lunch time...then nap time (I look forward to sleeping with Kallie today)

2010-12-10T20:55:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving

2010-11-27T09:57:00.002-05:00

Right now, I don't 'feel' like being very thankful because of some unforeseen circumstances but I'm going to try...

I'm ever so thankful for God! He has blessed me and our family beyond words. Everywhere I look I see something God has blessed us with. I'm so thankful I serve a real and living GOD!!

I truly am thankful for my little family! Everyday they make me smile and laugh. The girls keep me on my toes and it seems like yesterday they both were babies. Time flies by! Katrin is such a big helper in the kitchen and doing stuff around the house. And Kallie does her best to keep up with her big sister. I'm also so thankful for my husband! I'm so thankful Paul has not lost his job like so many other Americans. I'm so thankful for a hard working husband with strong work ethic. Paul is working right now just make up for the holiday off. If we are ever in the poor house, it's not because Paul wasn't trying his best to supply for our family.

I'm so thankful for my family that traveled out here to share Thanksgiving Day with us. It was so much fun and lots of yummy food! I'm thankful for fun times with the people we love the most.

I'm so thankful for our church family! They are such wonderful people. I can't say enough good about them! They have blessed us in so many ways I can't begin to list them. Just this past October, for pastor appreciation, they got us a quarter beef!! I'm so excited to not have to buy meat for a while!! They all are so gracious and understanding.

Last but not least... I'm thankful for our home. I love where we live! It's my most favorite house that we have ever lived in! I'm thankful for heat and electricity, for food in the pantry. And for the daily blessings God grants us each and everyday!

WHY???

2010-11-04T18:48:00.002-04:00

Is anyone else having trouble uploading pictures to their blog? I've deleted 2 years of blog posts and I still can't upload pictures. I don't know what to do. Any ideas???

Homecoming/ Cincinnati Weekend

2010-11-04T18:27:00.001-04:00

After an awesome dinner at Red Lobster with some wonderful friends!!

Fall Fun

2010-10-30T18:51:00.000-04:00

The girls love to outside and it hasn't come too often lately with the weather changing but today they did get to have some fun outside on the swings.

Precious Cargo...

2010-10-23T21:47:00.002-04:00

...on board. Yes, that means I'm pregnant. I'm 7 1/2 weeks along. 'Morning' sickness has made itself known in full force, but in my case it's evening sickness. I went to the doctor this past week and saw the little peanut and it's heart beat. I'm already in maternity clothes!! I guess with the third one, your body know what to do quicker or something!! It's a little crazy but anyway. The girls are really excited and can't understand why it takes so long for mommy to have a baby.

Budgeting..

2010-09-24T13:34:00.001-04:00

Any tips out there on how to do better about budgeting and saving money?!?! I'm feeling rather depressed when I look at the bills verses the money in the bank (or lack there of)

Hospital Stay

2010-09-15T09:00:00.002-04:00

As usual, Katrin asthma has flared up this fall. Two nights ago it got really bad. She was up sick 3 or 4 times. She started out in her bed and ended up in the guest room. I have tons of laundry now!! Anyway, Yesterday morning, she was really struggling to breath. I closed all the windows in the house to try to make the house a 'safe' place for her to breath and kept her in all day. She had multiple breath treatments but wasn't getting any better. She complained that her stomach, throat, and head hurt. She didn't leave the couch at all, so that was a sure sign something was really wrong. I finally took her temp around 1 and it was 102.5. So I made a dr. appointment. FUN!! It was nap time for both girls but I knew I had to take the first available appointment. So off we went to the doctors. They gave her another breathing treatment and said that she needed to be in the hospital. I really didn't think she was THAT bad. Anyway, they sent us over to the ER and then on to stay the night. The night went fairly well. She wouldn't keep her oxygen tube on very well but she wasn't coughing nearly as much and I think she got some much needed rest. Her oxygen level wasn't really great during the night but the doctors said is would probably be better by today when she was up and around. This morning, she seems to be feeling better and more her 'normal' self. We still haven't seen the doctor so time will tell if we get to go home today. Paul had to take the day off so someone could watch Kallie and no work means no pay! Please pray that she can go home today so Paul can go to work tomorrow!! But more importantly, pray that Katrin gets better and doesn't have to come back to the hospital!

Labor Day

2010-09-15T08:52:00.003-04:00

We usually try to go to a state park for a picnic on Memorial Day and Labor Day. But this Labor Day was a little different... We went shopping in Hagerstown and had a great day out as a family! We then, came home, took naps and headed out to Cowans Gap really late. We only got to eat and splash in the water a little before the park closed. Paul did get to do a little fishing too. We had a great day! I love being together as a family!!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Kallie!!

2010-08-12T11:56:00.000-04:00

Wow! It's amazing how time flies! It seems like yesterday Kallie was born. Kallie keeps things very lively around here. I call her my boy dressed in pink. If there's dirt, rocks or sticks...she'll find them. She loves being outside and swinging and playing with her 'Sissy'. She is my cuddle bug and loves to be kissed and loved on. She has a very tender heart but is as subborn as the day is long!! I've always said off the bottle by one and potty trained by two. She did not want to give up her bottle til around 14 months and I tried more than once to potty train her. Well she wanted to do it on her on timing, which was about a week ago. So she's potty trained!! A VERY happy day in my world!

We love you Kallie!! You are the best little girl a Mama, Daddy and Sissy could ever ask for!

Fishing on Memorial Day

2010-08-12T11:44:00.000-04:00

HOT!!

2010-07-08T10:34:00.002-04:00

It's so HOT!! My girls have been enjoying their pool so much this week. And I've been trying to get some little projects done. I'm on this cleaning/organizing frenzy...don't really know why but it feels good to get it done. This morning, I've dusted the upstairs cleaned everything, organized the two hall closets. Now I need clean the upstairs bathroom and vacuum up there. Ahha the wonderful feeling of a clean house (well til the girls go up there again)

This past week, we got a kitten. His name is Tiny. Katrin named him and I couldn't convince her to name him anything else. He's a good cat for the most part. A very social cat, at that.

I can't think of anything else that has been of real interest lately.

Katrin's 4 year pictures!

2010-05-18T14:46:00.002-04:00

Drop Box

Katrin's 4th Birthday

2010-05-16T21:20:00.002-04:00

Katrin turned 4 the day after IHC. I can't believe how fast time flies.We were able to celebrate her birthday with my family in Cincinnati. Part of her present from my mom was taking her to Butterfly Show. It was so much fun! She loved it, of course! Kallie thought it was pretty neat too.

A week later, she had a 'Fancy Nancy' Birthday Tea Party. It was a lot of work for me but a lot of fun! I think I was just as excited as she was. All the girls got butterfly wings and the boys got swords as party favors. It was fun and the kids loved it!

Katrin's 4th Birthday

My Mama & Me

2010-05-16T21:05:00.000-04:00

Spring '10

2010-04-12T18:45:00.003-04:00

Life has been busy. The girls basically live outside so I don't get much done inside. We're trying to get some much needed yard work done in the evenings when Paul is home. Nothing too exciting has happened. In March, the Sams were here and Paul had his birthday. I hosted a baby shower the same weekend. It was a crazy but fun weekend.

A few weeks ago, Kallie cut her finger pretty bad. The cut it self wasn't bad but I couldn't get a band aid or anything on it before she would pull it off and blood would be going everywhere.

Kallie has learned how to pedal her tricycle and wants to do everything Katrin does.

Easter was a quiet weekend, it was just us. My camera batteries died that morning so I didn't get any family pictures. Oh well. I'll try again at IHC. We shall see.

The church voted on us yesterday, we are here for another three years. We really love it here!!

Spring 2010

January/ February Fun

2010-02-16T22:32:00.002-05:00

January/February Fun '10

The month of January flew by and here it is the middle of February! Wow! The end of January was our first full revival in the pastorate. It was a wonderful experience! Mike & Evie Shiery were the evangelists and the Lord's presences were felt in every service. The Shierys are a great family and we made lots of wonderful memories!! Thank you for coming!! We love you guys!

Shortly after revival we got together with some preacher friends and had a great time. I didn't take any picture though. I'm not sure why.

Then came all the the crazy snow. I think we have over 40" of snow. It's beautiful and I've enjoyed it some with the girls, but I'm very much ready for spring!

Life is busy, as is most everyone's, but we're loving every minute of it and cherishing lots of happy times.

Kallie is now 18 months and I'm starting to potty train. Pray for me!! LOL!! Today was the first day (only three accidents).

Bible Methodist Ministers' Dinner '10

2010-01-18T21:26:00.002-05:00

We had a great time at the Ministers' Dinner this year. We left the girls with my parents and didn't regret a minute of it! I don't think they even knew we were gone. The meal was absolutely wonderful and seeing all the other ministers was fun. We had some great laughs and wonderful memories were made. I wish I would have taken more pictures but here's what I do have....

Minister's Dinner '10

PA Farm Show '10

2010-01-18T21:23:00.001-05:00

Last year was my first time to attend the PA Farm Show... I'm not a farm girl at all!! I had so much fun and couldn't wait to go this year. We had a blast. The girls loved all the animals and Paul and I enjoyed all the yummy food.

Farm Show '10

Christmas 09

2010-01-01T15:54:00.002-05:00

This year we celebrated Christmas with my family in Cincinnati! It was a fun time with lots of memories made!

Christmas 09

English Muffins

2009-11-17T18:53:00.002-05:00

Last night after dinner, I was cleaning up Kallie (she makes a huge mess when she eats) when I told her she looked like a rag muffin. Katrin heard me and then told Kallie she looked like an english muffin =) hee hee

Recovering

2009-09-29T20:43:00.002-04:00

Last Wednesday I had surgery, nothing major. It was an outpatient procedure. Since then I've been home recovering and taking it easy. Our wonderful church ladies have been here helping me everyday! It's been so great! I'll miss the company next week!! I can pretty much do everything for myself except lift Kallie and my laundry, which are MAJOR parts of my life. The help has been very much appreciated and I've so enjoyed all the cards, calls, and meals that everyone has made. I'm going to make myself comfy on the couch for a movie and snack then off to bed.

It's official!!

2009-09-10T21:25:00.002-04:00

Kallie is walking!! She took her first steps back in July but hasn't wanted to try since. She would walk anywhere and everywhere holding onto my finger or skirt but refused to let go. Well Monday, she started walking, taking 5 and 6 steps at a time before falling. That night she walked the whole way around our house. Since then she has accomplished standing up in the middle of the room and walking without being prompted. My baby is growing up!! Sniff sniff!!

Today she was a very big girl and used the potty!! No, I'm not starting to potty train yet, but I thought I would give it a try since it's so easy to tell when she trying to do her 'business'. It was successful, so after my surgery, I might try to start potty training...we'll see. =)

Kallie's Party

2009-09-01T14:05:00.002-04:00

...get on my facebook to see pictures of the party. Her party was August 14th at Cowan's Gap, a local state park.

Kallie's One Year Pictures

2009-09-01T13:55:00.001-04:00

2009-09-01T13:54:00.000-04:00

2009-09-01T13:53:00.000-04:00

2009-09-01T13:52:00.000-04:00

Kallie's One Year Pictures

2009-09-01T13:40:00.002-04:00

Happy 1st Birthday!!

2009-08-11T21:55:00.000-04:00

Her first sucker!

Happy 1st Birthday, Kallie!!

2009-08-11T20:41:00.004-04:00

One year ago, tomorrow, Kallie greeted the world. She was born Tuesday, August 12th at 7:27 am at Christ Hospital. She weighted 7lbs. 6 oz., 20 1/2" long. From the moment I laid eyes on her, she stole my heart. I never knew a heart could love two children so much and from first sight! Kallie is day and night different from Katrin. Kallie had a rough beginning with heart surgery at 8 days old. She was in and out of the hospital in less than a week (went in on Monday afternoon and was discharged from CICU on Friday evening). Kallie is pretty much a happy-go-lucky little bundle of love. She's a true Mama's girl. I'm the only one who has ever fed her with exception of maybe a dozen times. She loves to snuggle, hates having her hair washed, loves her ba-ba (bottle) (I always said off the bottle by one...well, I've had to eat my words. We are working that direction though), loves to walk holding on to my skirt, loves to swing and be outside. Kallie is a very picky eater, but just recently, I discovered that if I let her feed herself she will eat a whole lot more. She loves to snuggle when she's falling asleep, which just melts my heart. She is almost walking on her own. She did take 6 steps a few weeks ago on her own but hasn't really tried much since than. She just finally started sleeping through the night about a week ago. So, she now sleeps from 7:30/8ish to 7:30/8ish in the morning. 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep for me (knock on wood =)) She's still taking two naps a day for the most part. Kallie can say sissy, fishie, doggie, kittie, da-da, ra-ra (mama), and ba-ba. Kallie has definitely been a wonderful addition to our little family!

Happy 1st Birthday, Kallie Rue!!

From 6-2-2009

Tattoos

2009-08-10T22:57:00.002-04:00

Tonight, when Katrin came to the dinner table, I noticed she had drawn all over herself. When I asked her about the lines on her arms, she told me she had drawn animals on her arms. I asked why and she told me she wanted to be like the 'worker man...he has animals on his arms'. (The 'worker man' is the property manager of our house... he has tattoos all over arms). It's amazing how observant our children are!

Today

2009-07-15T12:06:00.002-04:00

Today is a beautiful day... not too hot. Kallie is taking her morning nap and Katrin is playing outside (picking flowers). Nothing too crazy has been happening. We were at camp a few weeks ago. And the girls and I leave for youth camp Sunday. We're taking a girl from our church. It should be a fun time. I'm excited to go, this will be my first youth camp ever!!

Well my house work is calling me.

Happy Father's Day to...

2009-06-20T22:16:00.004-04:00

Dad Eckert with Kallie when she was in the hospital for her heart surgery

My dad with Katrin when we visited in January of this year

My dad with Kallie in January of this year

Kallie with her Daddy...she's becoming quite the daddy's girl.

Katrin loves to play with her daddy.
Thank you all for being such wonderful Dads! We love you!!

Update of Katrin & Kallie

2009-06-16T15:18:00.003-04:00

Kallie has been crawling for a little while now and is getting very fast. She pulls herself up to anything and everyone. Paul built a gate the top of the stairs but we didn't think we'd need one for the bottom for a while yet. Wrong! Kallie successfully made up one step and would have kept going if I hadn't stopped her. You see, I wouldn't have such a problem with her venturing up the stairs if they weren't wood and the downstairs floor wasn't ceramic tile. Anyway, then Sunday night after church she was on the move. She climbed all four concrete steps of the church...AHH! Then, last night while I was weeding our walkway... she was climbing up and down the garden bench. When she would get herself situated on the bench she would clap for herself. I need to take a little video clip of it.

Katrin is a very active 3 year old. She absolutely loves to be outdoors. Her newest friend is a stray cat and everyday she goes outside and yells "Kitty, Kitty, Kitty" Of course the whole neighborhood can hear her. She's been enjoying swimming and watching all her Barbie Princess movies. She has most of the memorized and loves to dance like a ballerina and sing all the songs. She told me the other day that I was her best friend! Talk about melting my heart!

Oh, a few weeks ago in Sunday school she made a really cute little bird feeder out of a pine cone. Paul put it up in the tree for her and one night we were all outside, I asked her where she got the bird feeder. She said "From church". I asked "What church?". "The white church". "What white church?" "The HOLINESS church, Mama!!" I cracked up laughing. This is all from my wonderful 'little' three year old!

Another day she offered me some gum which I did not want. She told me to save it for IHC when I'm pregnant with Kallie. Don't know where she got that from.

A few weeks ago she saw an old classic car and told me it was amazing. Then she promptly told me that the cows out in the field were awesome. You never know what she's going to come up with.

Family Fun!!

2009-06-02T10:24:00.001-04:00

6-2-2009

Recent fun!!

4wheeler fun

2009-06-02T10:22:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we went to see some of my extended family. Katrin enjoyed riding 4 wheeler with my Aunt Nancy and my cousin's little girl (Aunt Nancy's grand daughter) Shelby

Memoiral Day

2009-06-02T10:18:00.000-04:00

Katrin's 3rd Birthday

2009-06-02T10:10:00.000-04:00

2009-06-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

My new porch swing (thanks Mom)

2009-06-02T09:49:00.000-04:00

Big Girl Hair

2009-06-02T09:48:00.000-04:00

Katrin is growing up so fast and this hair-do made her look really 'grown up'.

Before Church

2009-06-02T09:47:00.000-04:00

Our 'New' Church

2009-06-02T09:43:00.000-04:00

The exterior of our new church. It still has some work to be done on it but it's coming along. Come visit if you're in the area!!

1st tooth

2009-05-28T21:33:00.001-04:00

Kallie cut her first tooth yesterday!!

My beautiful girls!

2009-05-20T21:59:00.002-04:00

Today I went and had the girls pictures done. Katrin is 3 now and Kallie is 9 months.

I love...

2009-05-09T15:14:00.002-04:00

1. my God
2. my husband, Paul
3. my girls, Katrin & Kallie
4. my extended family
5. my church
6. my house
7. my life

Lately I've been trying to not take for grant my surroundings. It has amazed me how much I was missing on a daily bases.

Today, the girls and I went for a really long walk. Katrin begs to go on walks all the time and it's good exercise for me too. So, I try to take them at least once a day weather permitting. When we got home, I planted some flowers and enjoyed the outdoors. The house is peaceful right now, they are both napping =)

OH! Happy Mother's Day to all you mamas. My mom is coming for weekend!! Yeah!! It's her first time to see my house! I'm excited to see her (if you can't tell)!

Spring is here!

2009-04-28T21:26:00.002-04:00

I've been enjoying the beautiful weather lately so much! I love watching God paint his beautiful masterpiece here in PA. God has been teaching me so much lately in my devotions and prayer life. I'm trying to read through the books of Psalms and Esther. I don't know how all you moms out there find time for your devotions, I usually have mine at night before going to sleep. It's about the only quiet time I get to myself without interruptions. I have found myself lately, looking forward to that time alone with God and just to hear his voice and read his word. I don't ever remember a time when I have enjoyed reading the Bible so much.

The girls are growing up so much. Kallie still isn't completely crawling yet, but she can get around. Katrin turned 3 last week. She's 36lbs, and 38" tall. For her birthday, she got a 'big girl' bike and has been trying to get used to riding that.

Paul is working hard, as usual, and trying to get the church growing. He's so busy and wearing so many hats (a daddy, husband, main bread winner, and full time pastor). He's great at them all too.

This weekend I'm having a wonderful friend come visit! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! Then next weekend, for Mother's Day, my mom is coming to visit!! It will be her first time to see my house! I'm really excited to have her visit. Of course, Katrin is too. Her and Nana are pretty close.

Well I best be going to bed.

Christ is Risen!

2009-04-11T21:21:00.001-04:00

He is risen indeed!! Happy Easter! Tomorrow is a big day, as it is for most, I'm sure. Paul will be preaching his first Easter message and then serving communion for the first time tomorrow night. Pray for him! I'm helping teach Sunday School and we have to sing in the morning. AHHH!!

Then Monday morning we leave for IHC!! I can hardly wait!

A short update

2009-04-06T13:04:00.003-04:00

My husband told me I needed to update my blog so that's the main reason I'm doing this. I don't have anything too exciting to tell everyone. Lately I've been posting alot on Facebook so my blog has gone by the wayside.

We did get a new church and yesterday was our first Sunday there. We had 25 which was really encouraging!! This Saturday, we're having an Easter egg hunt for the community around the church. It will be fun, but I have alot to get done between now and then. We're hoping and praying for 30 kids!!

Next week is IHC!! Yeah!! We're SO looking forward to getting away. Hopefully it will be a time of rest and relaxation and catching up with old friends. Today I'm trying to get all my laundry done (I've folded 5 loads already) so I can pack for next week. Tomorrow Paul is working so he can have off Wednesday to help some of our church people move and I'm taking them a meal that evening. Thursday, I'm going to visit a friend. Friday, drs appointment... and the list goes on! Next Saturday is Katrin's birthday party.

Right now I'm trying to get Kallie better. She was sick last week and isn't getting better. I think she has a fever and might be trying to cut some teeth. I feel so bad for her. I hate seeing my kids sick. Well I must go tend to her. See you all at IHC!!

Happy Belated Birthday to...

2009-03-12T21:00:00.003-04:00

Paul. His birthday was this past Saturday. We celebrated his birthday last Friday night because he had to work on Saturday. We went to Cracker Barrel. It was nice to go out to dinner as a family. The kids were actually very well behaved.

Today, Kallie turned 7 months. It's amazing how fast time flies!! She's getting so big. She's 18.6 lbs, 27 1/2" tall. She's jabbering now "da-da-da-da", can sit up and scoot a little around backwards, loves to stand up to stuff, loves baby food and playing 'so big'. She also adores her big sister. Katrin can always make her smile.

This weekend we're in revival with Bro. Mac, so tomorrow I'll be cleaning all day and preparing the meals. Well I must go and put the kiddies to bed...

Enjoy!!

2009-02-28T16:28:00.002-05:00

2-21-2009

These are random pictures from over the past couple months. A lot of stuff has happened with our church of the past few weeks. I won't go into detail but please pray for us. I think I should write a book on our first year of pastoring.

Monday we go to Pittsburgh to see Kallie's heart doctor. I hoping everything goes well.

For all you pastor's wives

2009-02-21T17:36:00.002-05:00

Hello...

2009-02-11T20:38:00.005-05:00

Now that it's February, I am anxious for spring. I got enough of winter while in Cincinnati, a few weeks ago. I don't really have anything super exciting to tell you all. I've been busy lately 'spring' cleaning. We've been enjoying the warm weather the past few days with walks to McDonald's and the library. I've been cleaning the windows inside and out. I don't think some of them had been cleaned in years. They were very nasty out on the back porch.

The girls are growing like weeds. Katrin loves all things princess. Kallie is sitting up really well and is infatuated with her fingers. I think she's teething too. She's starting to jabber more and loves to be entertained by Katrin.

Paul is busy working 10 hour days four days a week, church on Sunday, and Tuesday is study day. So that leaves Monday as family day. Katrin wakes up every morning wanting to know where her daddy is.

Tonight Kallie and I stayed home from church, I'm not feeling well. Sorry... no pictures this time.

2009-01-20T17:23:00.002-05:00

Just a quick update to let you all know I'm still alive. We've been busy with life. Penn View was here this past week with a trio. The girls and I went to the Farm Show up in Harrisburg. It was really neat! I never knew cows could be clean and actually look beautiful. I had a great time and want to go back next year. (I know, I know, I'm becoming a country girl) We've also been battling with sick kids. Both girls have been sick. Katrin's on an antibiotic and Kallie still has a cough and runny nose.

In the morning, the girls and I are leaving for Cinci!! We're staying at my mom's, of course, and will be in town for about a week. Paul has to work and preach so he won't be joining us this time. This will be the longest we've been apart since the girls were born. If you think of it, pray for us while we travel.

Well I'm off to fold laundry....hurray!!

Blue not Pink

2009-01-04T15:55:00.003-05:00

Katrin has double pink and this is what she told me yesterday, "Mommy, my eyes are blue, not pink" I love my little girl. She's so sweet!!

Yesterday, for the first time in a VERY VERY long time... Kallie took a bottle. After investing in oodles of Avent bottles and pump and many other brands of bottles she finally took a 4 oz. Dr. Brown's bottle!! Thanks to the many of you who gave/sold me Avent bottles, I am still using them to pump but Kallie will have nothing to do with them. I'm just thankful she will finally take a bottle without any problems. I can finally go out for longer than a few hours! She really is a very good baby but a bit picky when it comes to her feeding source. The child doesn't even like rice cereal, so we went straight on to baby food, the favorite being pears at the moment.

We stayed home from church this morning to let Katrin get some much needed rest and to may sure her eyes were doing better. But I think we might try church tonight. I'm getting cabin fever... haven't left the house since Friday evening. Her eyes aren't gooping anymore and they are pretty much all clear. So, off I go to get her bathed and to get both kids dressed for church.

Kallie's Dedication

2008-10-13T18:18:00.003-04:00

Kallie's Dedication

Yesterday was Kallie's dedication. It was last minute, but we wanted Bro. Durr to do it before we leave for PA. Next Sunday is our last Sunday but the Durrs will be gone. Kallie was exactly 2 months old.

Kallie's Hospital Pictures

2008-09-11T20:41:00.003-04:00

These pictures bring back a lot of mixed feelings. I want to cry and be happy at the same time. I hope and pray that none of you ever have to have a child go through what Kallie had to go through.

An update: Kallie saw the surgeon last Friday and everything seems to be healing fine and her chest x-ray came back good. She goes to see the cardiologist a week from today and have an EKG. Kallie is up to 9 pounds and seems to be very healthy. We love her to pieces and don't know what we would do with out her. I'm a super busy mom of two now, so the blogging has kind of gone by the way side... sorry.

Katrin is a 'good' big sister. She loves Kallie very much but doesn't know her own strength. I know all kids go through the adjusting stage with a new sibling but Katrin's adjusting stage seems to be lasting a little too long (if you catch my drift). I will say that she can be a really big help to me when I need something in the other room or just help setting the table. She really is a lot of fun to have around.

NEW BABY

2008-08-13T09:39:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, our lives were blessed by the birth of Kallie Renee' Eckert. She entered our world at 8:24 am weighing 7 lbs. 5.8 oz. She was 20 1/4 inches long. Kallie is a very healthy little girl with a healthy set of lungs and a head full of very dark hair.

We expect mommy and baby to come home on Friday. Pictures will be posted in a few days.

Thank you to all who have stopped by to she us already! We have really enjoyed your company.

33 weeks pregnant

2008-07-05T18:34:00.000-04:00

I went and had my pregnancy pictures done this past week. I figured I'd better do it before I run out of time.

A little update... camp was great! Last year we had our house broken into during camp, thankfully God protected our home (our next door neighbor's house was hit, though). We did have some excitement though, I ended up in the ER and was diagnosed with acute bronchitis. What fun!?!? I'm better now and 'enjoying' the last weeks of my pregnancy. I think I'm ready for her grand arrival. This past week, we did have a little scare. I thought my water broke... another fun trip to the hospital. Anyway... life is never boring.

30 weeks pg

2008-06-09T15:54:00.000-04:00

Here I am in all my glory...

Katrin's 2 year pictures

2008-06-06T19:58:00.000-04:00