Toews Family

For My Siblings!

2011-03-31T09:48:00.000-05:00

Growing up my seven siblings and I were closer than any other brothers and sisters I knew. People all the time would say, "I wish I had what you guys have". Most of that we attribute to our parents teaching us that we could be each others best friends, that and the fact that since we were home schooled we were with each other 24/7.

Moving on a few years, five of the seven are adults with spouses who have joined "the seven" and become one of us, and the years haven't pushed us apart like so often happens when you grow up and move on. Instead, we were integrated into one another's lives, a little too much at times for particular members of "the seven...now eleven", four of us living in a two mile triangle, watching babies be born, experiencing adulthood and the challenges that come with that season of life.

We had big family dinners at Dad and Mom's, attended countless soccer and baseball games of the youngest "two of the now eleven", helped each other move and paint, shared spring yard clean up, supported each other's interests, stood up in four weddings, laughed a lot, cried heart breaking tears over the loss of three babies, laughed some more, had "Girl's Nights", football Sunday's at Mom and Dad's (until we all got better TV's than they had), fantasy drafts, coffee mornings and "BKR Day (Bennett Kid Reunion...the only day we could see Ike because of his work schedule so we'd all meet at Mom's on Tuesdays for lunch together).

I could go on and on, but what I'm really trying to say is that for many years life with the Bennett Kids was as it should be, all of us, except one who left a long time ago to pursue his dreams, living close by and being in each other's daily lives.

All of that changed this week. One of "the seven" felt a tug in his heart to go pursue a dream. Instead of staying safe, living in what was comfortable and known, he took a risk, he stepped out in faith. We packed up the moving truck and he and his sweet wife pulled out of town. The tears have been many, the heart pains very real. Life as "the Bennett Kids" as we've known it is past. The chapter in this part of our lives closed. Are we sad? Yes, it's always hard to close a door especially one that has been open for so long. Are we thankful? Completely thankful for the time we have had together, living so close and seeing each other sometimes daily. Are we proud? Beyond proud to see another one of "ours" pursing a calling and dream for his life. Will we still be as close? No doubt about it.

A long time ago there was a song that held a place in our lives.
We will make this promise
On the memories we've made
A friendship born in heaven
Will last though all our days

A part of me goes with you
Even if you journey far
You'll never be forgotten
No matter where you are

Across the miles, please remember
When I can't be there
I will send my heart to you
Upon the wings of prayer

Across the miles, may God keep you
Through the tears and smiles
For His love will reach across the miles

The "Seven..now Eleven" are about to become even more spread out as others leave for college. I know though, that through the memories we've made, the bond we have will never be broken. Miles can't take away a lifelong friendship and love that seven siblings have for each other. It's one of kind, not often found, and something to be cherished and protected. Nathanael, Brooke, Heidi, Kipp, Matthew, Jenna, Isaac, Holly and Stevan, I love you all. I'm proud of you and I'm so thankful for all the memories we made. Those memories keep me smiling until the next time we are together making more memories and laughing and celebrating life together.

Our First Home...for SALE!

2010-09-20T14:29:00.000-05:00

We are selling our first home. What a blessing it's been to us. We have loved all of the memories that have been made here. We welcomed Bennett and Juliette into our family in this home. It's more than a house to us, it's been a sanctuary from the world outside. It's warm and cozy, inviting and loving. It's our home.

The time has come though, as our family has grown. More space awaits, and time to think about school for our kids, so with that ahead of us, we are moving to Morton. First things first, someone else needs our home. We know it's perfect for someone, just not sure yet who that is.

It's a great starter home. Lots of updates. New roof, newer two car garage, new exterior paint in 2010, updated bathroom (ceramic tiled floor, new vanity and sink), updated kitchen (ceramic tiled floor, tiled back splash, black/stainless appliances, painted cabinets with new hardware), bedroom upstairs re-modeled as kid's room (could be used as office), ADT security system installed, fenced in back yard.

If you would like more details, please email heather.toews@gmail.com.

Our Boy!

2010-08-13T23:34:00.000-05:00

This photo just shouts "Bennett", the look on his face, the way he's holding his soccer ball, the way his hair falls around his face. Might be one of my favorites of him ever. A special thanks to my friend, Hannah Polley. She got this great shot of Benny at our Elevate Baptism/Picnic.

Our Summer trip to Calgary and Papa and Granma T's.

2010-07-23T21:55:00.000-05:00

Our big summer trip was to visit our family in Canada. We anticipated it for months, talking about the plane ride and all the fun we would have with Papa and Granma T. Uncle Tim and Bennett prepared to see each other with yelling matches on the phone.

The trip up there was interesting but fun. We had a ten hour lay over in Minneapolis so we took the train to the Mall of America. The boys rode rides. A favorite of Chris' was the Ferris Wheel and Bennett's favorite was Swiper's Sweeper. Momma and Juliette shopped. After the mall we took a shuttle to a nearby hotel where the girls took naps and the boys swam. After a few scary moments when the tornado sirens went off as we were leaving the hotel, we made it back to the airport and finally arrived in Calgary at 1AM. Looong day but lots of fun memories made and oh so worth the effort.

Papa and Gramma's is amazing. Mornings mean the little ones spend quality time with Papa and Gramma while we get a little extra sleep. Breakfasts are my favorite. Dad T stays at the stove turning out the most delicious fried eggs you can imagine, we refill coffee cups over and over and soak up wonderful time with ones we love. I am especially partial to the majestic view of the Rocky Mountains out the picture window where we sit and have breakfast. I can't get enough of that view.

There are so many things I could say, but I'll let the pictures do the talking. This is only a very small sample of all the memories made. There are oh so many more, I could go on for hours.

This picture needs only one caption - PRECIOUS!

A true Toews - hockey stick in hand.

A camp fire with Papa. It's about 10PM here. Can't get over the light that goes
on forever way up north.

Oh yes, my dear one, you are lovely.

This little girl just lights up our life - Juliette 6 1/2 months

Granma and her sweetie.

The Toews family is growing.

Our lives are full. We have each other and two beautiful children. Thank you, Jesus.

She's his princess!

LOVE!

Three Toews girls!

This took my breath away. So amazingly beautiful. A natural hot springs pool up in the mountains. The water was about 103 degrees.

Bennett had a complete blast with his cousins, Aleah and Ethan.

4 Generations!

My trip to Calgary wouldn't be complete without a trip to Linden to see Grandma Toews and a slice, or the entire pie, of Country Cousins Peanut Butter Pie.

Uh oh! Uncle Tim is in trouble. Bennett is a die hard Flames fan. What's up with the Oilers jersey?

Snapshots of our Summer!

2010-07-23T20:24:00.001-05:00

Summer is...wonderful, full of happy moments and adventures that are molded forever in my mind. Hot days beside the pool. Airplane rides to fun places. Long evenings where a last minute decision to go get ice cream ends up in laughter and sticky smiles with people we love. Baseball and Soccer. A boy who looks like a true California surfer with his sun blond hair and brown bear tan. A sweet bug that has a sparkle in her eye. Saturdays with family. Summer just brings on a whole lot of fun and enjoyment. We soak it all up and enjoy every moment we have knowing it doesn't last forever.

Jules in the pool on our trip to Florida in April.

A walk on the Peoria Riverfront and
Bennett's first time on roller skates.

Juliette loves her very own pool at Papa and Gramma's.

Swimming at Papa and Gramma Bennett's.

He's 3 1/2. Such a big boy.

Bennett's first movie - Toy Story 3. He got Coke and Skittles and LOVED
the movie. I've never seen him as hyper as he was later that night.

Best Buds!

LOVE loves his Auntie Heidi.

These beauties just make me happy.

And here's our California Surfer.

A Day at the ZOO

2010-07-22T10:44:00.000-05:00

Hot! Humid! July in Illinois!

Let's go to the Zoo.

Best Buddies! Just so much love between these two.

The big rhinos were a little scary. "Mom, hold me, hold me."

Now there is a beauty!

Really? I have two kids! That's just crazy! I love it!

Me and my baby girl. It's a love affair.

First of many...

2010-06-16T09:18:00.000-05:00

...going to sporting events, that is. Today Bennett had his first teeball/soccer game.

We've talked about this particular day for over a year. The build up has been enormous and I'm happy to report that the day and the event did indeed live up to the hype.

The day began early. One Starbucks latte, a Juliette dipe blowout, and "oh, stink I forgot your water bottle" later, we made it to the park. Bennett hopped out of the car, spotted Auntie Holly, took off in a sprint towards her, then screeched to a halt when he saw all the commotion around him. There were minivans, moms, strollers, crying kids, baseball gloves coming from every corner into the park.

I saw his "I'm not sure about this " look and quickly grabbed his hand with a "C'mon Buddy. It's gonna be a blast. Let's go get your shirt."

And then it was time...the moment we've talked about for a year, and waited for, the moment that I realized my little guy wasn't so little anymore and that I needed to let him go, stand back and watch him be himself.

They stretched, hit the ball off the tee, played catch in the outfield, and in true firstborn fashion, as he ran around the bases with the other 5 team members and crossed home plate first, threw his arms up in the air and said, " I won, I won." I smiled and made a mental checklist to have the Humility Talk later on.

After 30 minutes of pure joy, hanging onto every word and instruction Coach Holly, aka Auntie Holly, gave..

...it was over.

The tears began to flow. What Bennett thought was just a "run to Mom for a drink break" was really "your team is done. See ya next week".

A heartbroken Bennett cried, "I still want to play baseball".

Now that is sad.

Of course he did. It's like a vacation you wait for and talk about for over a year being over.

Thankfully, 3 year old are easily distracted with "Hey, let's go get your name and number printed on the back of your shirt" and a nearby playground.

We made a stop at Grimm's to get Bennett and #10 (like Auntie Holly...Ben's choice) silk screened on the back of his shirt and a celebratory treat.

As I relive the special moment, I am excited for all the many days and evenings that I am sure will be spent at Bennett's sporting events in the years to come. It's a little weird that it's now "my kid" instead of a sibling that I'm watching...a whole new world, for sure..but I love it and look forward to what's to come.

My little athlete, Bennett Toews.

A spring day...and oh yeah, Juliette arrived...4 months ago.

2010-04-15T15:49:00.000-05:00

It's been nearly a year since my last post. I've neglected our blog, I know. I'm back at it though, and committed to use this as intended, a place to share the little and big things in our life with those who care.

Juliette Holly Toews arrived on December 5, 2009. She our "Lovely". Bennett is so protective of her and makes it his personal responsibility to know her whereabouts at all times. More Jules pics to come later.

On this particular Spring day (it actually felt like summer), the kids and I wandered down to the Riverfront and took in all the sights and sounds of Spring. It was glorious. With a Grande Iced Americano in hand (and an iced water for Bennett in his own Starbucks cup), we watched the fountain, flew high in the sky in the big red swing, munched on cookies and loved every moment of being together. The only downside...Daddy was missing. Too bad dads have to work.

My thoughts today, I have to BEST job in the entire world. Yes, sometimes, okay, a lot of the time, I am tired and a full night's sleep hasn't been around for over four months, but the days filled with snuggles, funny Bennett conversation and little lady smiles make what I get to to every single day, the most fulfilling, wonderful, don't want to be anywhere else kind of job.

A quote from my little rock star son to his little sister, "Jues, you are my best friend in the whole wherold (world)."

Florida, Disney and Lotsa Great Memories!

2009-06-09T19:45:00.002-05:00

Chris, Bennett, my sister Holly, and I just returned from a vacation in Orlando, Florida. What a fun, FUN week we had. Lots of swimming, sunning, eating PF Changs, watching movies, hanging out, and of course, going to Disney World.

My two favorite things about the week....First, seeing Chris and Bennett have so much quality time together and watching the bond between them grow right before my eyes. Secondly, spending so much fun , quality time with my little sis, Holly. She's not so little any more and she's gone from being a little sister to a friend sister. We had a lot of laughs and great memories that we will talk about for years to come, I am sure. We took lots of pictures, I am only going to post a few though for time sake.

13 Weeks and Rowdy!!!

2009-06-09T19:35:00.004-05:00

I am now 13 weeks pregnant (or just over three months) and doing well. Morning sickness has finally SLOWLY begun to fade. It was a looong 8+ weeks of never ending nausea. Finally on the upswing. We had the delight of hearing our baby's heartbeat at 10 weeks. It was fast and strong.

The baby is about 3 inches long and the size of a medium sized shrimp right now. He or she got fingerprints this week. Amazing to think about God forming our little one with such detail and precision.

Chris had a dream the other night that it was a girl and she was squirming around a lot and he named her "Rowdy", so that is our name for the baby now...Rowdy! I told him it's not prophetic...just a dream...the rowdy part. He said a little rowdy is a good thing. :)

We will know in a few weeks if we have a boy or a girl. We will be sure to let everyone know.

Our Little Love!

2009-05-26T19:37:00.001-05:00

Chris and I are so blessed to have our little guy, Bennett in our lives. He brings us so joy and laughter and love. The other day I said, "Oh, my tummy hurts. Bennett's reply, "I'm sorry, Mommy."

Rain Puddles and Trains

2009-05-26T19:35:00.000-05:00

Today was an exciting day at the Toews' home.....
We arrived home and as soon as Bennett got out of the van he spotted them, giant puddles in the alley. It had rained a lot this afternoon and left perfect jumping puddles just outside our garage. He looked at me with a look that said, "Mom, PLEASE let me jump in the puddles and I agreed, but I made him wait until I ran in to get the camera.

After a few minutes of jumping, the pants began to sag....And then, they came all the way down. Chris, Bennett and I were all laughing our heads off....keep reading below to hear about the trains....

...and trains

2009-05-26T19:26:00.003-05:00

God is so good to Bennett. At a garage sale this afternoon we bought three bins full of GeoTrax train set. Benny already had a small set, but this addition gave him 5 or 6 times the amount of trax, trains, cool stations, bridges and tunnels. Needless to say, Daddy and Bennett spent the rest of the evening setting up an elaborate train track and playing trains. How cool.
Now that is a good day.....

Easter Chicks

2009-04-20T19:12:00.005-05:00

For Easter Sunday this year, at Elevate Church, we wanted to have something different and fun in our foyer. We decided on baby chicks. On Friday, before Easter, we got eight baby chicks. They spent the next two days at our house. We took care of them, kept them warm under their light, fed and watered them and had a lot of fun watching and listening to them "peep, peep, peep". Bennett especially loved them. He called them "birds". He named one of them "Soccer Game". Figures. I am glad we don't always have baby chicks in our living room, it smelled like a barn, but it was fun for a few days.

Official Date - December 15th

2009-04-18T22:08:00.002-05:00

The baby and I had our first doctors appointment on Friday. We love our new midwife. She is such a sweetheart. Her name is Angel and she spent over an hour with us, asking questions, getting to know us and answering any of our questions.
We did get an official due date and it's December 15, 2009. It's all a little deja vous since Bennett was due on December 19 and was born on the 21st. You know what they day about Spring time. :).

I am 5 1/2 weeks along and the baby has a beating heart now. Amazing, isn't it? To think that God is forming and creating our little love right now ever as I type.

We go back to see Angel in 4 weeks and we should get to hear the heartbeat.

I'm planning a trip to Chicago to get some great maternity jeans. Already unbuttoning the button on my regular jeans. Guess by pregnancy #3 (our first baby, Karis miscarried at 12 weeks), you get to put away the normal clothes sooner. :) Oh well. It only last 9 months.

Is it a BOY or a GIRL?

2009-04-04T18:06:00.002-05:00

We are so excited to share our big news. Bennett is going to be a big brother. Our new little one will be here sometime the middle of December. We appreciate your prayers. We will post regular updates on our blog about our baby. Benny called all his grandparents and aunties and uncles to share the big news. In his words, "Mommy a baby...two babies". The number of babies remains to be seen...
We are super excited and are thanking God for this blessing in our life.

First Warm Day of 2009!

2009-02-07T17:53:00.006-06:00

Finally! A warm day! First thing you do when a warm day comes? You go to a park, or course. Bennett was so excited. I am not even sure there are words to say how happy he was to be back at a park. He had no fear. It was up every ladder and climbing structure and he didn't want any help. Big boy now!!!

When we walked back home from the park, he kept looking back at it saying, "Bye park. Wub (love) you, park." So cute.

Mexico!!!!

2009-01-31T20:49:00.004-06:00

Chris and I spent an amazing week in Riviera Maya, Mexico celebrating our anniversary. We left Bennett at Papa and Gramma Bennett's and spent eight days in paradise. No laundry, dishes or work, just sun, sleep, fun, food, maid service, love, did I say sun, pool side drinks, and lots of rest. It was so great. Chris and I both agree that is was a perfect trip. We can't wait to do it again.

Love those blue eyes!

Breakfast on our patio.

Our shadows on the beach.

Dressed up for dinner.

The ocean was so beautiful, so many shades of teal and blue.

One of our favorites....

Just outside our room, near the meandering pool.

A few of the restaurants.

The meandering pool.

Snow!

2009-01-31T20:34:00.004-06:00

Okay, I'm just going to say it...I am tired of the snow and we have definitely had our fair share of the white stuff this winter. I stop and think about it though, and remember how much I loved it as a kid, and I put myself back into "kid's shoes" and realize that I should see it as a kid sees it...as FUN!! Bennett LOVES playing out in the snow. It can be bitter cold out, and believe me, it has been, and he still will want to tromp around out there in the snow with little care for the wind whipping around or the near zero temps. So, I take a lesson from my wee one, enjoy what is here now as things change too quickly, and as the snow melts it also means time has passed and my little boy will be big and the days of playing in the snow with him will be over. So, I enjoy the snow......

Trying to stay warm.

Bennett was so bundled up and the snow was so deep that he could barely walk without falling. You can't see it, but he is pulling his bear around in his little sled.

Funny Bennett Videos

2009-01-31T09:07:00.004-06:00

A couple of funny videos of Bennett from early December '08 when we were in Calgary to visit gmpaT and Granma. Bennett was almost 2.

Thanks so much, Tim, for teaching my son to be destructive. :)

Christmas Day at the Bennett's!

2008-12-27T17:53:00.004-06:00

Christmas Day was spent at my parent's house with the entire Bennett bunch. We now total 15 (2 parents, 7 Bennett kids, 4 spouses, 2 grandchildren). Quite the crazy, busy, fun bunch. It was especially fun to have Thann, Brooke and baby Jude here with us.
Our day included brunch, a couple games, some sleeping, turkey dinner and lots of baby holding. Bennett's newest game is to wear other people's shoes around the house and have races with whomever will race with him.

My beautiful little, or not so little sister, Holly.

Uncle Stevan is Bennett's best playmate.

Whatcha thinking about, Benny?

Baby Jude smiles at Great Grandma.

My sweet nephew, Jude!

Uncle Thann and Benny!

Nice scarf, Ike.

Sisters!

Uncle Thann and Bennett!

Christmas 2008!

2008-12-25T17:08:00.000-06:00

Christmas morning! Wake up early (we have a two year old), make coffee, play with the new train table, open fun gifts (a V-Tech Motion game system for Bennett, an IPhone for Heath, and an ITouch for Chris..fun, fun), read the Christmas story from the Bible and get ready to head over for Christmas Day at the Bennett's.

Christmas Eve Dinner

2008-12-24T18:09:00.004-06:00

My brothers, sisters and I, along with our spouses had a special Christmas Eve dinner and gift exchange at Kipp and Heidi's house. Heidi made a delicious meal and we had some great laughs during our White Elephant gift exchange.

Gift cards...one from Target and a gas card. Are you able to guess which one Chris wanted? :)

Getting ready to choose our gifts.

Mommy and Benny on Christmas Eve.

Jenna and Matthew

Holly and Beave

The host and hostess, Kipp and Heidi

Isaac and Kathryn

Bennett turns TWO!

2008-12-21T16:05:00.000-06:00

Bennett is two! Hard to believe our little guy is already two years old.

The day began with a donut from Dunkin' Donuts (his favorite) on our way to church.

Next was the Toddler Room at Elevate with Gramma while Mom and Dad ran the adult service ...oh, and hangin' out in Auntie Heidi's Kid's Church room (another favorite).

After church, it was on to Gramma's for a party and a HUGE gift from Gramma and PaPa...his very own bouncer castle.

The day after Bennett's actual birthday was his party. It was a train party at our house with most of his favorite people....Daddy, Mommy, Papa and Gramma, Great Papa and Great Gramma, Auntie Heidi, Uncle Kipp, Uncle Matt, Auntie Jenna, Auntie Holly, Uncle Stevan, Friendo, and Kathryn. He LOVED his gifts. His favorite was the train table and Thomas trains.

Bennett is such a blessing to us. He makes us laugh. He is talking so much now and keeps us all entertained with his antics. He is a very good boy, especially for being two years old. We are so thankful that God has blessed us with such an obedient little guy.

He SHOOTS, He SCORES!!!

2008-12-06T17:57:00.005-06:00

Chris, Bennett and I are up in Calgary visiting our Toews family. This afternoon we went out on their frozen pond and played hockey. Bennett absolutely loved it. This was his first time on ice. He did really well, only wiped out twice.
He enjoyed trying to use the real hockey sticks like Daddy was using, but then reverted back to his own small stick which he
could control.

I see a hockey star in the making....

Fall fun with Bennett

2008-11-06T21:44:00.007-06:00

Life with an almost 2 year old is so interesting. It's fun, busy, laughable, busy, tiring, busy, sweet, oh, and did I say busy. Bennett is so much fun but boy, does he ever keep me hoppin'. If it's not dancing to music from "Mainstage", a blast from my past, it's going to parks, kicking a soccer ball, or playing trains in the basement. He talks so much and says the funniest things. Chris and I laugh at him all of the time. I love this stage with him, even though sometimes I feel like I am going crazy, but there is nothing else I would rather be doing than all the craziness with him.

ChicagoLand!

2008-09-02T13:56:00.006-05:00

Chris, Bennett and I just spent Labor Day weekend in Chicago. What a blast. We went to the Lincoln Park Zoo (very fun zoo, BTW and it's free, just have to pay for parking), rented bikes and rode along the shoreline (that was such a cool thing to do), ate amazing food, shopped a little, saw theHillsong United Concert (thanks to Uncle Matt and Auntie Jen for hanging out with Benz during that time), took lots of bus rides, shopped a little and all around had a fabulous time.

Lake Michigan!

Riding the carousel with Mommy at the zoo!

This is how Daddy and I shop!

Wanna be just like my dad!

Loved riding on Uncle Matty's shoulders!

Me and my mommy!

Checking out the lake with Mommy!

Riding on the back of Dad's bike!

Loving my very own Jamba Juice! CHEERS!!!

I am big enough now to pull my very own suitcase around. I pulled it all the way from our room on the 18th floor, down the elevator and to the parking garage where our van was parked.

Cousin Jude Alexander

2008-09-02T13:27:00.003-05:00

Big news for Bennett!!!! He now has a cousin and I am finally an Auntie.
Thann and Brooke welcomed baby Jude on August 26. He is so beautiful. I can hardly wait to fly out to DC and hold him.
Bennett loves looking at his pictures and says "Baby Jude" when he sees him.
We are so excited that the Bennett cousin tally has now begun. :) Who knows how many there might end up being. 7x7=49. LOL!!! That'll be the day. Congrats Thann and Brooke, we are so happy for you. Check out their blog at www.babybennettblog.blogspot.com

Summertime

2008-08-16T13:59:00.008-05:00

It's been a busy summer for the Toews family. I really do understand now why adults always say, "time goes by so fast." Maybe that is because I am an adult now. :) This summer has flown by. It's been full of travel for us. At the end of May we joined the Bennett family for Thann's Golden Birthday Trip (a Bennett family tradition) to Florida. It was a week of sun, sand, pool, good food and fun.
Just three weeks later we traveled to Seattle/Vancouver for a Toews family trip. We spent 4 days in Seattle and 5 days in Vancouver at Chris' grandparents. It was special to spend quality time with them.
Both trips were a lot of fun, but it is always good to get home and sleep in our own beds.
Chris has traveled a fair amount with his job. During those weeks, Benz and I go live at Gramma and Papa's so we don't have to stay alone.
I've gotten speak at church a couple of time. I love doing it and it helps me get out of "mom mode" for a while.
Bennett and I also began a program called Stroller Strides back in March. It's a workout program designed specifically for moms with little kids. We workout outside (weather permitting) and push the kids in strollers as we run and do interval strength training. It is so great. I absolutely love it and it has helped me get in tip top shape.
Other than that our weeks are filled with time at the pool, or playing at Gramma's "BennettWorld", finding new parks to play at, and drinking lots of iced coffee (yes, it's an addiction). :)
We love being a part of Elevate Church. It's exciting to see the change and growth.
I love being a Momma. I am learning that even on days it's hard to cherish it, because just as I began this post, I now realize how quickly time goes by and before I know it my little Benz will be grown and gone.

17 months old

2008-05-24T07:49:00.003-05:00

Hard to believe, our little guy is 17 months old. The time sure has flown by. Bennett brings so much joy and laughter to our lives. He is talking up a storm. He says everything from his auntie and uncle's names to numbers and colors. He loves his hockey stick and swinging. Another favorite toy is his baseball tee, bat and ball. I think he must say "ball" a hundred times a day. He loves routine. Even at night, when it's time for bed, he likes things done the same way every night.

Being a parent has definitely changed me, but it's a change for the better. I am constantly reminded to find joy and delight in the small things, and have learned that dirt and crumbs on the floor won't alter my son's future, but quantity time, playing with him will.

MHS Soccer

2008-05-17T22:08:00.004-05:00

My little, baby sister Holly is growing up. I am slowly accepting this fact, although acceptance doesn't mean I like it. Well, let me rephrase that. I love her growing up. We have so much fun together. What I am not sure I like is her learning how to drive, getting hit on by boys (back off, boys), and being so busy with school and soccer that I hardly ever get to see her.

The real reason for this post though, is to brag on her a bit and share my excitement of her exciting soccer team. Holly made the Morton High School Soccer team, as a freshman. She starts at Center Mid and is a key player on the team. It's been so much fun to go to the games and watch her play. She is a natural out there. I've posted some pictures from one of the games. Most of them have Bennett in them. That's not unusual though.
All that said, "Holly, I love you. I am proud of you and GO Lady Potters".

Elevate Church

2008-03-26T18:57:00.012-05:00

What a exciting few months it's been. Back in October Chris and I were presented with the opportunity to join with a group of people to begin a new church in Morton. From the first time we set foot in the building we knew it was a "God thing". Good friends of ours, Brian and Danielle Sanders also felt God call them to this place, and the journey began. With the help of Pastor John King and Riverside, we set a launch date of 3.23.03, Easter Sunday. For three months we worked hard to get everything up and running by Easter. My sister, Heidi Bolt took on the role of Kid's Pastor. Little did she know that it would also mean she was head contractor for an entirely new kid's facility. In just over a month, our small congregation of about 100 people sacrificially gave $22, 000 towards remodeling and building an amazing place for kids. Easter Sunday was last week and all the hard work paid off. We opened our new kid's area as well as the Baby and Toddler Rooms. The building had a beautiful face lift thanks to a handful of volunteers that worked day and night to get it all done. Over 230 people attended Elevate Church on Easter Sunday. What a joy to see the faces of the kids (and the parents) as they walked into the Elevate Kid's area and realized it was all for them. The stage is AWESOME. We are excited to see what the road ahead brings.
If you are reading this and you do not have a church home, you should check us out at www.elevatechurchwired.com. We love people of all ages. We have a modern, exciting kid's program and....our services are only one hour long. :) I've posted a few pictures, but will post some more as we complete our remodel.

This is the coolest kid's room ever. Jared Ely designed and built this stage, and Heidi facilitated the entire process. It's the sweetest thing I've ever seen.

These picture with the grass is our 3, 4&5 year old room. My sis in law, Jenna Bennett is the director for that age group. This room is still in the works and will be completed in the near future.

The room with the squares is our Toddler Room and the striped room is our Baby Room. We are still waiting on furniture to come in for both of these rooms. What fun!

A good report - Praise the Lord!

2008-03-08T08:32:00.002-06:00

Last Wednesday was Bennett's MRI and EEG. It was a rough day on all of us. We stayed up until 11PM the night before and woke up at 4AM the morning off. The goal was sleep deprivation (for Bennett, not for us). Chris, Bennett and I arrived at OSF hospital at 5:45AM. The first test was the EEG. The EEG techs had to attach 20-30 tiny wires to his head which involved scrubbing each spot with an exfoliate. He hated that part. He cried, no sobbed, the entire time. He was wrapped up in a sheet like he was wearing a straight jacket and a nurse held him down. We were right there next to him the entire time. His big eyes pleading with us to get him out of this craziness. It was so hard to stay there and watch and feel like we were allowing our son to be "tortured". Chris said later, "I almost left the room". The nurses were very kind. They laughed at my singing. The only way Bennett would calm down even a little was if I sang to him. It's a funny thing, really, I know hundreds of kid's song and in those moments I could only come up with a couple, both Veggie Tale songs, which I sang over and over. One of the nurses said, "I'll shop the produce section in a whole new light now." When I would sing Bennett would calm down for a moment and keep his eyes on me, listening to "We are the Pirates Who Don't Do Any Thing" and "Don't Cry Daniel". He finally fell asleep and I was able to lie next to him and hold his hand. The test took about 30 minutes. At first he kept startling out of his sleep (Chris and I think due to the trauma he had just endured) and then he fell into a deep sleep. He didn't even budge when the lights flashed over and over in his face (to test for seizures).
When the test was done we had to work hard to wake him up. Poor baby. He was so tired and here we were waking him up after only sleeping for 20 minutes.

After the EEG we went down to MRI. We had to wait about 2 hours. Bennett was so tired and so hungry (he hadn't eaten since 5AM) and he could not have anything to eat or drink. We found lots of creative ways to keep him entertained. His favorite was when Daddy took him out in the hall and let him run up and down a long ramp half a dozen times. He was so tired though, that he kept running into walls. Kind of humorous.
After talking with two nurses, the MRI tech and the anesthesiologist, Bennett was all set for his MRI. The hardest part for Momma was when they took him from me, walked out of the room and I couldn't go. I almost cried. Bennett did very well. We heard him cry for just a moment while they attached the monitors on his chest. He got to keep his passy in his mouth and they put the mask over it while he was put to sleep.
The MRI lasted about an hour. It was hard to wait. Once he was done they let me go back to be with him when he woke up. He looked so small and sweet lying there on the gurney bed. His cheeks were all flushed and his eyes were so tired and droopy. When he was fully awake he was very happy to eat and be with Momma. The nurse gave him some Nemo stickers which he promptly turned into a game with them, "I'll throw it on the floor and you pick it up. Finally, Chris was able to come back with us, too (the room was tiny which is why he couldn't come back right away, until the nurses finished there observation of Bennett) and we were discharge. Whew! What an experience.

We were told the results might take a week, but thankfully, we found out Thursday evening. Both tests came back clean. Praise the Lord. Chris and I are so relieved to have that over with and so very thankful to our Heavenly Father for His hand on Bennett's life.

Thank you also, to our sweet family and friends who stood by us through this time, praying fervently. I was once again reminded of how precious it is when the body of Christ unites together to uphold in prayer one another. A special thank you to my mom. She helped keep Bennett up late and even got up early with him the morning of to keep him awake. Matt, Jenna, Ike, Holly, my dad and mom all helped with the "keeping him up late" shift, too.
Our friend and pastor, Brian even offered to come to the hospital with us. We felt very cared for and supported, so thank you all and....Blessed be the name of the Lord.

A Prayer Request

2008-02-14T16:23:00.001-06:00

For those of you that don't know, in the past three weeks Bennett has had two "episodes" where he wakes up in the late evening, screaming and completely limp in his legs, arms, head (almost like he is still sleeping). It's taken us 20-30 minutes to get him calmed down and fully awake to respond to us. After the second one on Tuesday night, we went to see his Pediatrician and he recommended an MRI and an EEG. Terry (his doc) thinks it was probably some kind of seizure but we won't know for sure until we get the results of an EEG. Keep in mind that this is a precautionary measure and not a diagnosis of any kind. We want to be sure there is nothing wrong with our little man and that is why we have agreed to have these tests done. Other than those two times, he is perfectly healthy, growing, happy and learning new things every day, so there are no other negative signs (Praise God for that).

Bennett's MRI and EEG (http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/eeg.html) are scheduled for March 5 (ugh, a long time to wait and wonder..and a test of my faith, for sure). His EEG will be first at 6:30 a.m. at OSF and will take about an hour and a half. His MRI will follow at 8:30. He will be under anesthetics for the MRI (Heidi's friend, Diana works in this area and is being very helpful with information and assistance).

Obviously, we are anxious, but I keep reminding myself that we serve a big GOD and we have a personal relationship with a best Healer there is, and the chance that there is anything wrong is very small.

So, all of that to say, please be praying for our little guy (I know we have some great prayer warriors whom we are blessed to call friends) and his parents who are trying to "Trust in the Lord with ALL their hearts" and not give Satan even a little room to put doubt and fear in, and we BELIEVE GOD that all will come back clear.

Thanks for your prayers. We love you all.
Love,
Heather, Chris, and Bennett

New Words!

2008-02-09T19:38:00.000-06:00

It's amazing, really how the little things really do bring us the most joy. Almost daily, Bennett is learning new words and useful expressions. Just this evening I felt the heat (it's suppose to be colder than cold tonight) kick on as I was standing near a register in our home. A rush of warm air could be felt if you put your hand right over it. I called Bennett over and he copied me, putting his hand over the register. I said, "hot! hot!". He looked right back at me and said as clear as a bell, "hot!". Amazing!

One of his favorite new "tricks" is to shake his head from side to side any time Momma or Daddy tell him, "no no".

Last week, while in Chicago, he learned the word "choo choo" as we watched the train from our hotel window.

And he has discovered a love of french fries. We were eating at Wendy's and he had two fries sticking out his mouth, one or two in each hand and was trying to reach for more from the fry box.

He is also learning to pick up his blocks and put them away for Momma, although he is much better at emptying out the pantry cabinet.

So, those are a few of the new things around the Toews' home.

Chris and I continue to be amazed at how God has blessed us with so much, the most important being the wonderful relationships we have with all of you (you know who you are).

A Night Time Snow Walk

2008-01-31T19:45:00.000-06:00

The streets were quiet, the snow was falling and we were out enjoying the beautiful night. Chris, Bennett and I took a night time snow walk this evening. Bennett loved it, laughing and smiling at his momma singing in the snow and making pretty snow angels. We walked around the block and even down the middle of the empty, snow covered streets. It was a beautiful night to be out and about!

Our new blog

2008-01-30T19:01:00.000-06:00

Our family has decided to start a blog (it seems to be the thing to do these days), and since we have family and friends all over the country and Canada we thought it would a good way to keep people informed on our lives. Enjoy!