Welcome to our World...

Norah has been getting a large dose of our world of late... The boys are deeply in love and gentle and dear. Here are some notables of late:

• Norah Grace SLEEPS. She has given me at least one 5 hour stretch EVERY night since we've come home from the hospital. Immediately upon nursing during that ONE feeding a night, she goes right back to sleep. Consequently, I have had more energy NOW than I had prior to having her! (Now, if only my house would reflect that fact!)
• Last Thursday morning, Norah was sleeping w/ daddy and Theo still in bed, Isaac and I had a precious and rare moment just the two of us. We were eating breakfast and it hit me that it was no longer just Isaac and Theo any longer -- there was a NEW child, new life in our family. I mentioned the fact to Isaac - in awe - and he responded by putting his fork down, looking me in the eye and asking, "wow mommy, can you handle it?" Oh, that I would handle it well.
• Anytime Norah cries - Isaac immediately runs to her (no matter WHERE she is) and says, "it's alright Norah, I'm here. You are not lonely any more. I'm here!"
  

We are enjoying our new addition to our world. We are all in love.

Theo is constantly adding to his "stuffed animal" collection that he has to have in bed w/ him at night. We thought we'd give our new addition a shot -- He was so sad when we told him he couldn't actually keep her in there all night.


















Of course, Isaac wanted in on it... They were so excited about this!


















The ever famous jaundiced Koerber.... ;) Poor thing...

Norah Grace

This is an email that Matt sent out just yesterday - while he was entirely unsupervised.

As you probably knew, Chrissie has been experiencing severe abdominal
swelling. This led to some pretty great discomfort and when she began
to have piercing pain on Monday we decided that she should go to the
hospital. Anyway, after a very short investigation, the doctors were
able to determine the cause of the problems. Believe it or not,
Chrissie had a small person living inside of her! It was amazing.
Well, the doctors have a special procedure for getting the baby out -
iI would not have believed it if I had not seen it with my own eyes.

Well, that solved everything. Chrissie is feeling fine. The pains
have stopped and her swelling has already been reduced. We have
decided to keep this new person and make her part of the family. We
named her Norah Grace (8 bls. 4 oz.) and she is cute.

Thanks for your prayers!

In Christ,
Matt (Chrissie, Isaac, Theo and Norah)

Here are a couple of pictures to satisfy the peoples ;) I'll try and get more later and up.

















Ball Bellies. Theo's new favorite game















MY ball.















Boys & grandparents meet the ball.















Daddy rests with the ball.















Look at my hair!!

To some, this will mean nothing... to others - like myself - you'll be impressed! This morning, Matt and I decided to take the kiddos to our lil breakfast place - Elana's across Greenfield Ave. Matt took the van and dropped it off to be inspected and me and boysie's walked down Lydia. As we passed Kanai funeral home at the bottom of our street, the door opened and out walked Art Rooney Jr w/ a bodyguard/driver/friend? Immediately recognizing him... I wondered... it is kosher to say hi? The poor fellow, recognized, I AM SURE, everywhere he goes, was leaving the funeral home and walking across the street to St Rosalia's to where the funeral mass was to take place. We made eye contact and acknowledged each other's presence. As we went to cross the street, the sweet owner of the PITTSBURGH STEELERS told us to be careful and wait for him to cross with us. They giggled at Theo's "future Steeler" cap that he was sporting... and we parted by asking that the Lord would bless one another.

This is why I love living in the city. I love that all of you dear folk in Boston and elsewhere with no allegiance to this lovely city would have no reaction to this story. BUT, if you are a Pittsburgher, you'd want to buy a house next store ;) just in case Art comes back... heehee.

No babies yet. I'm weary!



These sweet lil buggers keep me going ;)

A very productive weekend! We became our own particularized church, Matt landed his first senior pastor position, ordained a couple of elders, vowed to serve the Pittsburgh community, built a loft, painted a room - FUSCIA pink!, and got another week closer to having a baby girl ;).

Some fun new shots.















A bright and contagious smile. He had just gotten back from his "sitting on the step" routine that happens every night when he pitches fits about dinner ;) with that hat. He comes back with a new hat every time.















Camera savvy - always ready to take a picture. I do have a normal smile picture of him somewhere ;)















Mommy's playdate at the dinosaur museum! What a treat!















I can't handle our cat 99% of the time. (Evil, I know... but, to my credit, I already have 3 other beings craving my attention, cuddles and affection. I can't handle having to pet/touch such an attention-starved cat!) However, this is what keeps poor ole Barnabus in this home....

A couple of videos for the grandparents!

The following video was taken at PiratesFest -- we got tickets from our SWEET and dear neighbor across the street (who loves my fuscia room, by the way). The boys love baseball - and well, we only let them watch the Pirates ;) The event was fairly disappointing... you'd think that for a very under producing sports team that they would try and serve their fading fan base just a little bit. It cost over 30 bucks to get in and then cost money to "play" games. We didn't see a single player there. I did get a chance to capture the best part of our time there... The Pirate Parrot was very entertaining!



Here's a little footage of our attempts to dig up some ole dinosaur bones at the NHM (Natural History Museum.) Theo was a trip and REALLY into the whole process. He cried when I took his ridiculous goggles off (the ones that prohibited breathing through his nose.) The kids had a blast.



Alright ... signing out. It's laundry day!

I have been an extremely poor blogger of late. The last two weeks we've had the computer upstairs - which is a GOOD thing for my addictive self. That means I have to drag my very pregnant self up my steep stairs to check my email (ie - waste time on the internet,) something I find more and more tiring and troublesome. My boys rarely "play" upstairs... something I hope we change soon.

This girl is a mover and shaker! It's crazy how much she is tearing it up inside. Theo certainly did not move this much - I think Isaac did. We are getting more and more excited about meeting her and actually less intimidated (maybe that's why the Lord gives you the rottenest month of pregnancy - called the 9th month.) I'm looking forward to NOT feeling like a freight truck. I'm looking forward to not looking like one too!

We are looking forward to a visit from the in-laws this weekend ... they've committed (i think...) to painting and getting our rooms re-organized upstairs. The boys will either be built a loft or be bought a bunkbed set and finally move in together ;) The lil chica's room will be painted, the crib will be assembled and all of Matt's books will be moved... I feel very anxious about this process... once it's done... I'll be ready for her! Anyway... the boys are beside themselves looking forward to a visit from the Clearfield grandparents.















I just love this face!






























My sweet boys!

Oh, bummer...

The most wonderful time of the day - I think it is because of the infrequency of our baths that we love them so much! These are their "funny" faces. Isn't Theo growing up!?

My Theo has really taken to saying "oh, bummer!" if he misses something. I've been trying to capture it for a while and I've got it. This video is particularly for Uncle Ken - as he was really hoping to hear it sometime.

haha... I looked at it again. You really can't make out the belly at all. At least you have the opportunity to poke fun at the fat face!! I'll get another one up..... no worries.

There you have it. haha... you can't see my belly at all because of the black shirt. I'll try and do better next time. By the way, that other baby? Already out. Born Jan 3rd!! Woot!! New Auntie I am.

A month passed....

I cannot believe a whole month has passed since I've last blogged. I suppose we should all get used to it because I am not sure how I will ever have time to do anything once this little girl arrives. You've got two more months ladies and gentleman! Two more months until complete and utter chaos reigns in the Koerber household. It almost reigns now... but for some reason we are keeping our heads slightly above it all.

So right.... Christmas has come and gone and New Years as well. These past two weeks have been really quite odd. The worst cold of the century is being passed from person to person... with Isaac finally starting to demonstrate his snifflies this afternoon. Hopefully it'll pass over him... but I'm fairly doubtful that it will. We've got our albuterol in stock and his dinosaur mask ready. So? I guess I'm ready?

Christmas was interesting this year. I feel like we spent all month feeling ready and on top of everything (all our shopping done early... a tree up on the 6th of December! -- monumental stuff for these Koerbers!) but then WHAM! Christmas hit. How could I feel blindsided by it when everything was done? We had a lovely play done by Hannah J and Rachel S w/ the church and it was a hit... Isaac even said his line! We had lovely dinners with several of the community groups in the church making my need for coming up w/ suppers scarce ;) sweet! Christmas Eve was spent at 1st Reformed and then with my parents. It was a treat to worship w/ so many that have loved and supported this new city church. And of course, supper w/ my family was a real treat -- too short!

Christmas day after spending some time together in the morning, we headed to Clearfield so spend time with Matthew's family. It was a real delight to be together the little time that we had before lil Theo decided to ruin it all by throwing up. Matthew got some good time studying and reading at his dad's office while me and the boys got some real good Nama time in.

We came home to a house that needed TONS of work before we opened it on New Year's Day - our annual open house. Christmas toys are still finding their way to their appropriate places... but we have a cleaner house than usual and still more unusual order.

Some of my Christmas highlights:

• worship at 1st Reformed Christmas Eve - I just love that church and the support that they have offered my family and City Reformed. It was a delight to worship with them Monday night.
• the boys got a new toy kitchen (that still isn't together yet) from Nama... we are loving it!
• iPods - the year of the iPod. Matt got a small 4gb ipod in exchange for our nasty couch (thanks A!) and got us slightly hooked on the idea of getting all of our music into one of those lil buggers. My Christmas present was the mother of all mothers - 80 GB iPod. holy smokes.
• Iron and Wine - Sammy makes the highlights! That album is marvelous. Matt's even hooked.
  
• My ultimate favorite - the Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones. Isaac begs to read it every night and woke me up this morning w/ it asking to please read the story about Jesus and the nails. I have never seen a children's Bible that I have so loved and trusted! Every chapter is Christ centered. If you have children and do not have this book - please tell me and I will buy you a copy!! It's unbelievable.

So... that's enough. I'll try and post pictures soon. Robin - I'm not too keen on posting pics of my largeness. I am certainly not celebrating the body this time round ;) I'll try and find one and get it on here though... just for you!

Love you all.

Well, as per request: here is a picture of our lovely tree! We had a sweet time celebrating a dear friend's birthday at Cracker Barrel... and a gorgeous drive in the snow to the farm to pick out our tree. Poor Theo got sick as we left the house so our original plans of hunting our own tree were thrown out the window.

We are blessed. So blessed.

Ignore the goofy grin and tongue of the kid, he is in rare form today ;)








Here's a short clip of the decorating action & my old husband:

Hello Kitty! This cat really is quite patient with the children = his saving grace in remaining in the Koerber household. The boys love him.... how would we live without him? Oh Barnabas!

This video has to be an all time favorite of mine. If Daddy is ever in this kind of position, the boys are SURE to be on top of him. It's pretty funny... they have really been enjoying wrestling lately.

The other night, I walked in to give Isaac his final kiss goodnight (I am an incessant kissy mommy - especially when they are sound asleep) and I found him like this. We had to take a picture - you would have too, right?



This video - taken by his father - which you will be able to "hear" - he is not nearly as obnoxious as I. Theo was helping him out in the back while Isaac and I cleaned his room. It was good father-son time. It has really been fun to see Matt fall more and more in love with his youngest son. (note: Matt is not much of a "baby" guy)

Well, due to endless PRODDING from the lil sister who CHOSE to move to Erie, I am blogging. I have to admit that there are a number of things vying for my attention besides the obvious boys.

Church life has been full... mainly Matt being very distracted and pushing me into single parentdom ;) Although, it hasn't been as bad as it has been in the past. I've been really enjoying my relationships with women in our church! We are so stinkin' blessed.

Advent work has been fun lately, but also a bit time consuming. I've put out feelers about getting someone to watch the kiddos so I can be more intentional w/ Advent stuff... I've had the loveliest of all leads! A girlfriend of mine from church is a student and may have some availability to play w/ those sweet boys. She loves them much... and there would be nothing better than that.

Harry Potter. I have finally succumbed - mostly due to my husband's fervor!! He is ridiculous about it so if I don't read them, then, well.... our marriage is headed for disaster (heehee... just being extreme 'cause it's fun!) I am addicted though! What a good read!

OK - I think that's it. Until next time.....

If you want to turn down the volume on my obnoxiousness.... please do so!

Here are a couple more of our pictures. Isaac was a dinosaur and Theo a monkey. We really enjoyed meeting people in our community! This was my first time EVER trick or treating... what a fascinating experience. I loved it.

A couple of video takes of Soccer. I promised them! I don't know if you will be able to find him, but you'll definitely hear a proud momma screaming the background. One of them (but I'm not sure which one) will be a shot of him getting kicked in the head... while it's not really funny, I had not a clue that he got kicked because of my "video" view.

We are well.

Some of my favorite things right now:

• My revolving front door. We've been getting to know a lot of our neighbors... and with this crazy October weather there have a been a lot of folks out on walks. I love having them in the home.
• My husband... He should always be on the list, but his friendship is TRUE delight to me. I don't know where I would be without his love and support.
• My children... While their fighting increases (and sin abounds) - they have been interacting so much more of late. I have been really enjoying their energy and lease on life!
• Having a girl... oh, I'm in love with our name.
• This crazy October weather!
• A trip to North Carolina. I'm looking forward to Asheville in the fall! Details and pictures when we come home...
  
• I love my friends. I am so blessed.

My sweet husband spilled water on my laptop, consequently destroying the video card and screen ;) It is our sole computer for the house and I am ashamed to admit how lost I felt without it. He (the love of my life) made up for his fatal error by bringing home a monitor left by the old tenants of CityReformed offices' space and I can now bring ya'll up to speed on what's going on at the ole Koerber homestead.

First and foremost: It's a GIRL! I thought we were incapable of such... but apparently we are not. Wow, I'm thrilled. It makes all the woes of this pregnancy (my out of whack hormonal system, headaches, crazy sickness in the beginning... to name a few) a bit more worth it? We surely would have delighted just the same at the news of a lil boy. Now, we have to name her... why naming girls so much harder than boys?

Isaac and soccer. Today he played quite well. I took videos, so I'll get them up soon! He had a couple of shots on goal, but managed to score on our own goalie. It was a valiant effort!

UGH. I've got to deal with a little boy who will not eat his beans.

I can't believe I'm posting about this, but I feel like I need to tell the world!! NBC is finally showing their shows online -- which means, Chrissie gets to watch the OFFICE tonight!! 2 thoughts: 1) that statement might give my readers the impression that the WORLD reads my blog. Nope, I'm not creative, nor smart enough for that & 2) I always have study Thursday nights at 8:30pm. That's why I care!!!

I drove past the library yesterday - Isaac declared he wanted to go in and read some books. We almost stopped. I was exhausted and didn't feel I had the energy to park, pay and go in. Well, turns out, because of my laziness, we missed Ben Roethlisberger reading, "the True Story of the 3 Little Pigs." Bummer, huh? That's the last time I don't listen to Isaac.

The most wonderful time of the year..... Ok, not only am I talking about football season.... but this is also the time of year that both Matt and I get our music itches. We just recently ordered about five new CDs and are now reveling in the joy of new music!

• Johnny Cash The Johnny Cash's Children's Album - while I LOVE Cash, I was a bit surprised by how "mellow" this album was. The kids and I have been listening to it in the mornings. I think I need to step it up to get more used to it! I don't know ANY of the songs (me not being able to sing along makes me sad.... )
• Fiest The Reminder - hmm.... I have to say, I absolutely adore her voice and style. I am in love w/ a new artist. "My Moon and My Man" and "1234" I love although I'll die if Isaac learns to count from her... 1234569&10. Ouch, sweet woman!
  
• Over the Rhine The Trumpet Child - another album that I adore. I love that each album comes packed with NEW. When artists produce as much as they do, all the songs tend to begin to sound as one it seems. I'm still listening... but I think I'm going to enjoy!!
• Phish Rift - I'll let Matt review. As I will not have a ton positive to say other than the kids adore dancing w/ their dadda with this album. I can't tell if it's their nutty taste in music or just the fact that their father is in absolute bliss when listening?
• Bob Dylan Saved - Here I go. I'm going to admit something publicly that I have only admitted at home. I don't like Dylan's voice and especially w/ this pregnancy (I can blame it on the child, right?) I find myself getting headaches when I listen to him. I have to admit that I like this album far more than I thought I would. Maybe because I knew all of the songs because of Third Day's Offerings. So sorry Bob.
• Bob Dylan Modern Times - thankfully to my pregnant self this album hasn't arrived just yet. Thank you Lord for your grace ;)

OK -- I know I'm going to get bomb-blasted by all of you Dylan lovers. But you have to admit, if you love clean music, Bob gets too messy.

BTW - I am loving football this year. The Steelers have been keeping things fun here in Pittsburgh. A lot of surprises this year. We are trying to have more self control this year in the midst of the NFL season, translated means: we are watching only the Steelers. Many a Sunday years past you would find us (maybe even more so me!) watching football all Sunday. Then we started taking the Sabbath a bit more seriously ;)

Soccer Mom

Never really thought I'd see the day. Here's what we have been up to: Our first game was this past Saturday and Isaac successfully scored 1 goal for the other team ;) Our little green team had a hard time turning the ball around and heading towards our own goal. About 75% of our time was spent w/ the blue team making shots at our goal. Our sweet lil guys and gals were pretty small comparatively! I don't have any pictures of our game but do have some video footage. I have to figure out how to get it on the comp (taken w/ our DVD recorder rather than camera.)

Here are some shots of practice














Ball handling skills...















Practice game















Demonstrating the Italian fake fouled fall!















A content little observer














A proud 3 year old.

Yes, he is now THREE!! We didn't end up having very planned party as my brother got married that weekend! (Wow, yes, another delightful event!) We had a spontaneous party that included persons from our community group as well as some dear neighbors. We played pin the tail on the donkey and had a pinata. It was a treat to have everyone that came.

Well... the new little Koerber is due March 12th. I had a sonogram today to try and determine when this lil new tyke is to be born. It was a treat to see the lil one... I even made a tear! Life is amazing... It is amazing that the little tyke is alive and moving his arms and legs. I don't love being pregnant, but I love that I am in the process of bringing a new, little, precious child into this world. Isaac from the beginning has been "wanting" a boy brother (as opposed to a girl brother...) His list of names for the new one includes "potato head," "baby head," or "baby thomas" (after the great, Thomas the Tank Engine.) So far, his names have been pretty creative. We'll keep a running list ;)

Love you all. Thanks for your support and well wishes!

lack of posting = sick chrissie = chaotic house

why?

pregnant chrissie. yes, again. a bit unexpected... really scary... a gift from the Lord, yes. we were hoping for another year between the "two sets of kids" we wanted. however, obviously, the Lord had other plans. we are more and more getting excited. your prayers would be appreciated ;)

Gosh -- A couple more videos because the boys keep giving reasons to record!



Isaac's new moves. I think we could make money off of him...



Theo's evening play...

I promise an update soon ... I mean, actual writing. We've been really busy and well, frankly, I'm tired! I hope all are well - I miss finding the time to really write.

The Spraying Toddler... He is really into "soaking" us of late!



My favorite time of the day - apparently the boys as well!

Matt had me check my site-meter just last night as he found me browsing my list of blogs. He was astonished at the 15 hits I got a day and felt like that was a lot of pressure for me to "write" intelligent and insightful things. I don't know why I don't feel that pressure that I probably should... maybe because I know most folks don't check the blog to read words, but maybe to see the boys grow up? Why do you check my blog, reader (or picture browser...?) Should I write more?

A list of randomness:

Theo is walking full speed and loves to "race" Isaac -- last night the Koerber family ran almost a mile's worth of "ready-set-GO!'s"

Theo is climbing slides and going down... he would spend hours at the park (if allowed) going up and down the "castle slide" at Schenely!

Isaac has definite opinions as to how I should wear my hair. He hates my hair in a ponytail (which it most often is... due to the summer heat and the infrequency of showers). "Turn it into MY favorite hair, Mommy." Is the most frequent response... but "I don't like that hair!" comes in at a close 2nd.

I love our church. SO MUCH. I can't believe how much I missed being there this past Sunday. We visited a plant in Chicago and ran into a good friend, Hee-Jun ... apparently he was visiting as well! Isn't that wild? It is fun to be able to worship somewhere new... and completely observe!

We had a fantastic vacation -- 30 hours in the car, lost both wallets, a wedding ring, and got stuck in loads of traffic throughout the MidWest. The boys fussed maybe 15 minutes of all of that time in the car. What angels. We found our wedding ring - thanks to a very observant little girl who found it on the road at a campground in Erie. I watched Matt's wallet fly off the top of the car, so that was easily retrieved as well. My wallet had to be picked up by my dear sister at Erie's greatest Ice Cream parlor.... so the mishaps were not THAT great.

I have found myself longing for a bigger home. ENVY. My #1 sin recently. I wish we had more space. Bleck.

We didn't bring our camera on vacation! Isn't that the biggest bummer of them all? No pictures. No sweet pictures of our tent home ... of our packed car ... of my cousin's wedding ... of my sweet friend Kristen and her family ... of the TRAFFIC in Chicago ... of our surprise run-in w/ Hee Jun ... of the beautiful sunsets. Bad KOERBERS.

I will never live in the MidWest. I hate your traffic, dear Chicago. If you didn't have traffic, I think I would love you.

I'm too sexy....















Aunt Mary's wedding tie -- but I can't compare...















Isaac's tux - he never made it down!















I love being a mommy!

We have a busy weekend -- but FUN weekend coming up. Aunt Megan, Uncle Matt and cousies are coming -- along with Namaa and PapPap. We are hitting the zoo on Friday and a reunion on Sat. I'm sure we'll have pictures!

Daddy's at GA! Off to Namah's house to play!















Curwensville Dam - Isaac's funky hair!















Theo NOT afraid of the water! Wa hoo, cee-cee!
The beach is going to be fun.















My sweet new little walker. I love this frankenstein walk.

While M is away, we decided on a mini vacation to Namah's and Papap's home in Clfd. It was hard to leave the 'burgh as we have been so stinkin' busy lately (ie - no posts!) I'm so glad we did. It has been such a treat to be around family and new toys and new places. Yesterday morning was GORGEOUS and we got to Curwensville Dam. The boys had a blast in the lake - Theo drank half of it.

I can't believe how blessed I am to have such wonderful in-laws. They care so well for me. I am just amazed. Thank you Lord....

Marwage is what bwings us togbebber tobay.

Daddy's boy

My sister gets married tomorrow. She is so beautiful!

isaac grabbed my face tonight with both hands on my cheeks and kissed me. he then giggled and said, "we're married, mom."

i love this age. those ideas are forming... associations are being made. i stand in awe of God's creativity...

i have a mole that grows lil hairs on my jawline. for some odd reason, while singing his good night tune lying next to him in the evenings, he finds it incredibly entertaining (while singing along) to try and pick the hairs out of it! bleck. quite distracting.

we are well in the k home. the boys seems to be getting another little cold... i am hoping with a bit of airborne here and there will wipe it clean. there's something in my gut that doesn't like that stuff. i think i fear that they will start to "depend" on it to get better if we use it too much at first.

the big news of the week. isaac is potty training. this has actually been fun... we tote his lil potty when we head to the park and any time out hit the bathroom every 20 minutes. it has been really fun to watch him learn and grow in this area! i don't know why i am enjoying it this much... i had really begun to dread the thought of starting. why do i not see more parents toting portable potty seats to the park? do kiddos really use portajohns?

i have just started reading younts everyday talk... i am really enjoying it and am already finding myself being challenged. he really encourages parents to be watchful even in the mundane. we talk about this a lot... what does it mean for Christ's gospel of grace to penetrate every ounce of our lives? younts works it out specifically in our talk.

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up - Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV)

what do you think your everyday talk reveals about your priorities and your worldview? it is really frightening how much my children HEAR everything i say. things are repeated that i am ashamed to admit he has learned from me! his attitude reflects my own. my child is learning to love the things that i love... he is learning to bow to the idols i bow... oh that the Lord of grace would continue to cover this broken attempt of parenting!

to clarify. isaac decided to start singing on laundry day.
my house doesn't always look like that.
i promise.

Our little Singer/Entertainer

Theo's Haircut!

You are 100% Pittsburgh.

Great job! There's nooooo doubt about it. You're from Da Burgh. You deserve a reward, so go have an Ahrn City or two. And GO STILLERS!

How Pittsburgh Are You
See All Our Quizzes

good thing i'm not only 99% pittsburgh ;)

also loved this post. what fun memories.

sabaa still comes over now and again. she has started bringing her new friend mohammad to play with the cat. i love our new friends. i am learning arabic -- so i can someday try and talk to mohammad's mom across the street. sabaa wants to teach me how to write it! i doubt it will ever come to that... but i love our time together. LORD, that you would move there. that we (our family) might love and care for our neighbors well.

i love living in this city. i love greenfield. i want to spend the rest of my life here!

yep. so that's it for my random post this evening.

Two NEW videos...

WE love our new (old) friend SIMON! Here you go, Linso... you missed their time in the pool.

A week in the sun.... studying.... reading.... working.... with the Lins'! I am quite excited.

I'm sure pictures will be posted.

matt came home after we both missed each other this morning and immediately went upstairs to go to the "potty" (as we know it in this house) -- and my phone started ringing. i went to pick it up and noticed it was matt and started hollerin' at him that he was dialing the wrong number. that's when i noticed it. a piece of paper. with my name on it.

looks like i've got myself a date with my favorite musician patty griffin tonight. wow. thank you, love of my life!

Birthday Tribute!

Note: I spent WAY too much time waiting for this thing to finally download. However, it is worth the view. What a sweet little boy. I am done posting the pics... you sick yet?!



I love this child as does the rest of his family!

The walking boy:

My ONE year old

Happy Birthday SWEET boy...

Because my blog is so "depressing" (hee-hee!)

I feel like I deserve a lot. I wake up with the kids early in the morning. I make their breakfast, build Isaac's Thomas tracks, hold the clingy Theo, wipe their noses, let them cry themselves down for their naps, take them out on some "fun" adventure, worry about their health, and put dinner together all while I try and do some part-time work out of the house that allows us some financial flexibility. I deserve a day off. I deserve a night out with my husband without the kids. I deserve etc, etc, etc. I deserve squat. I deserve eternal existence without my Creator. Truly.

I disparately need to dethrone this idol of pleasure that I am so hotly pursuing!! I don't deserve to have fun every day! I am not owed anything! I'm not giving my 50% waiting for Matt to match with his 50% (ha, his own sermon illustration.) How clear this idol of pleasure has been made to me this past week. Do you know how it works itself into surfacy sin? I get angry at my kids for not taking naps at the same time... so that I can have time to my self. I'm frustrated with my Isaac right now because it's 9:05pm and he STILL is not asleep. I am INCONVENIENCED. Oh Lord, that you would change my heart... that Your grace would permeate and change my heart.

On a different note, this evening after our dinner & during our family's devotions we said the Lord's prayer with Isaac repeating... "Hallowed be MY name..." he says so reverently... isn't that really what our hearts yearn for far more than what the Lord taught us to pray? Bah - another thing I need to work on!!

I continue to be addicted to craigslist.com -- I look at least 2-3 times a day. The things that I "need" to make my home complete (besides 10 more children as wonderful as the two I've got): an armoire (we have no closets in this teeny weeny home), new living room furniture (we're living with the set my parents had when I was growing up) and a bed.

Matt and I found this set of couches that we like - available only at Boscov's - while I really like them, I wonder if they are too trendy rather than "timeless," you know? We do have a fairly small living room and they are crazy narrow yet comfortable couches... so this would maximize space although my mother-in-law would not enjoy sleeping on this couch, I am sure. We'd go with the dark brown leather... comments welcomed. I hate making decisions!

Patty Griffin plays at Byham April 16th. I have yet to hear her new album (I know Tammy!!! Isn't that horrid?)

Rather random and meaningless post... just haven't posted in a while other than the videos and felt like I'd like to add meaningless content to all of my own vanity concerning my children!

My latest workout routine...



Isn't he the best! We are certainly over our fuss spell... shew!

I have to do it! Matt took a couple of videos of this little one going crazy to momma's ticklin'... but it does end in Isaac not particularly enjoying what's going on. I suppose he was a bit concerned. Of course, my beautiful sister is holding Theo!

So -- My crafty friend, Aaron, has figured out how to post these videos -- and has shared his information. Wah hoo for all of you!

My Theo has been better. It must be his teeth and a growth spurt together? I think I have been too cautious feeding him because of all of our pukey episodes last week. Poor kid just ate about a half a box of his brother's favorite lunch, Dinosaur Mac 'n Cheese. We make noises the dinosaurs bite the dust and then continue to refer to them in the bellies throughout the day.

On the down side, we still are not sleeping well at nights. I'll tell you what... this beautiful happy little child becomes a monster at night and I have to admit, I believe I created him! I was so cautious to not have him cry long so that he would wake his brother, that I have created a terrible sleeping child! So, we've decided we are going to seperate them, until we have trained poor little Theo how to sleep well. I'm thinking this is going to be a terrible week. Last night (while in the same room as his brother) he cried out LOUD for an entire hour before I finally went in to nurse. NOW, remember... this child IS 11 months, had just nursed 2.5 hours beforehand AND had only taken ONE nap that whole day! I think this child craves more of a schedule than my Isaac did.

Alright, Grace and PEACE to you all.

I'm looking forward to two beautiful friends sharing their baby news! MKL and RannieCakes!

Hmmm...I love those eyes. Too bad they have only been CRYING these past couple of days. Wow, I'm struggling.

Sweet Isaac.

I'm addicted to coffee. I have the stomach virus and I woke up this morning and besides water, it is the only other thing I have consumed.

Both boys are sick! Isaac was throwing up all last night and Theo all Valentine's Day. Poor kiddos... they really did handle it well. I'm impressed.

Ear infections. Amoxicillin or no?

Matthew has a slow week. We are excited. I look forward to time with the love of my life.

My house is a mess. It was so clean yesterday! I think the definition of housework should be: futile.

We have found a new venue and disparately need it. Church was so packed this past Sunday I don't know that we could have fit one more person. Not one. We move to a new place that will easily fit 250. It was a crazy process but worth it and perfectly timed.

I got new strings for my guitar. I miss playing... my fingertips miss the frequency. (I hurt typing!) I sat down today with a song that I played a lot about 8-10 years ago... I had the words and the chords right there and couldn't remember the melody. I knew in my head how it was... but just couldn't sing it. I played the chorus at least 10 times (the part I did know) in hopes that it would jar my memory. (I'm talking about a song that I actually even performed in front of people!) Man, I wish having children didn't kill brain cells. What will I forget after our next child (which isn't any time soon... sorry)? Will I forget Amazing Grace? I'm heading down that road... too quickly.

We are having a women's tea this upcoming Saturday and I'm playing ... my setlist: Shine - Jan Krist and Gently Lay your Head - Jill Phillips. I wish my fingers could endure more.

I'm going to try and find the camera for a couple of shots that were taken recently.

Blessings dear friends.
ck

It already is the end of the week! How quickly it went.

We spent all day Tuesday at a sweet little cottage in Keystone State Park (surrounded by two nights of staying there...) I did nothing! Well, 'cept nurse Theo and play with Isaac. Matt packed everything, made all the meals and wrestled the rest of the time with Isaac. Isaac's new favorite thing, he declared from the back of the car yesterday was "wrestlin' w/ Daddy." I have to learn to store those memories well in my heart....

I decided last night that I don't so much like being a pastor's wife. My dear sweet husband is so invested in his work... he loves it... but his schedule stinks. Even when he's "here" he's not really here... his mind is working and mulling. I sometimes wish he had that 9-5 job that allowed him to really leave his work. HA! Oh, how I love him. We'll figure it all out. It's still so new. We learn more and more how to make this family work in the midst of his work every day.

Have I ever mentioned how much I love my work? Thanks Howie, Kevin and Tom. I can't believe ya'll still want me to stick around.

Linso - did you have that baby yet?!?!!?!?

if you don't have picasa - you NEED it.
you need nothing else that they are trying to get you to download from the internet.
just PICASA.

Ya'll are so nice to me.

Look at what I recieved in my yahoo inbox : You have been selected as winner of the Piers Facinni prize pack courtesy of Everloving Records including Piers' newest CD, Tearing Sky , the Streets of London EP, and a pair of tickets to the 2/8: Club Cafe, Pittsburgh show. Someone from Everloving Records will be in contact shortly to provide you with details on how to pick up your tickets.

tammyo - you heard of this dude? wanna come up for a free show? it's a Thursday night ....

I think I was the only person to enter the contest in Pittsburgh ;)

Happy 55th Birthday Dad.

Another comment about Pandora. THERE does exist a difference between Matthew's station and my own. MK's plays purely male vocalists (his new favorites, Richard Shindell & Richard Julian) and CK's plays purely female. It's really funny!

Christmas came and went with NEW music for CK! Wa hoo! Here's what I got and what I think...

1) A year long subscription to PASTE - my favorite magazine. I have to say, I love most of all the mix that comes with it, but do enjoy reading the articles too ;)

2) Be Good Tanyas - Hello Love - I loved their debut album so much that I don't they had a chance ;) I need to listen to it more - it's good.

3) Damien Rice - 9 - I asked for it and giggled lots when my brother bought it for me and announced to my entire family that it has parental cautions on it! "9 crimes" makes me weep. That song is the very reason why I wanted the rest of the album, but I'm not so sure about the rest of it. I need to keep listening to it.

4) Over the Rhine - Drunkard's Prayer - It is all that I wanted it to be. That's all that needs to be said. Here's a good read if you want more.

That's it on the music front. We took some good shots of the boys last night.















No, Isaac is not crying... just trying to make his mean Stillers face. He has a hard time doing it 'cause he's always laughing!















Theo gets cuter and cuter every day!















My new favorite ... he loves broccoli and rice.

You scored as Reformed Evangelical. You are a Reformed Evangelical. You take the Bible very seriously because it is God's Word. You most likely hold to TULIP and are sceptical about the possibilities of universal atonement or resistible grace. The most important thing the Church can do is make sure people hear how they can go to heaven when they die. Reformed Evangelical 79% Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan 71% Fundamentalist 64% Neo orthodox 54% Emergent/Postmodern 54% Classical Liberal 43% Charismatic/Pentecostal 36% Roman Catholic 36% Modern Liberal 4% What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com

I was hook line and sinkered in... heehee. After seeing someone's post on xanga, I was so stinkin' curious as to how I'd turn out. I have to say, I didn't like the language of most of the questions. Isn't it curious that I am more Roman Catholic than Modern Liberal? Must be my roots ;)

What a ridiculous waste of time. FYI - 63 questions!

I hope all are well. I was just thinking this morning that I needed to blog more, but why? I know I love reading what is going on with those that I love. My stars. What an odd thing this blog world is. I find out that I "know" some people more through the blog world now than I did when I "lived" in community with them. Is that right?!

within the next room there plays two boys. it is quiet ... so this might be a real REAL short post.

here are a couple of things. (i feel slightly reprimanded aaron - i hope you don't check my blog often ;) )

our new thing in the koerber home: PANDORA. we constantly switch between ck's folk station and mk's folk station. there, in reality, exists likely NO difference. hmmm... i think we are just sinful and selfish. want us to email our stations/preferences? let me know!

boys moved to this room. AND i just got handed the precious "doggie." her name is jo jo. or his? i just asked. "a grill," was my beautiful boy's reply.

i just returned from company meetings. man, i found that i probably talked TOO much about my boys. i LOVE them. i mean, really REALLY love them. LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE them. is this normal? anyway, the company meetings. three days before Christmas. tough timing... but a treat to see the people that i work with. we did have a good time together. theo was there for his second round. he did so well! i don't know that he did cry once during the meetings.

alright. christmas time! i'm ready... can you believe it? even cards were sent this year! (eeks - holler if you didn't get one and want one.)

much love. merry christmas dear friends.

ck