The Cheerio Chase

So, this clip was originally a 5 minute clip! Yes, that is a literal time. So we sped it up so you could see all the fun... at a "little" faster pace.


Success, but only with help from momma!

the drooling diva

pretty baby girl can sit alone (almost!) safely.






Jayden has enjoyed his role as big brother- shown here by his desire to "feed the princess"

neverending laughs

The sweet boys that we have wanted to help decorate, so...

Kamakazi Zeke

so...zeke is a crazy boy. this video just, well, take a look and you'll know what we mean. enjoy!

Need a laugh?

jayden has figured out how to manipulate his facial features

not to be outdone by his brother, zeke displays his eyebrow moving skills

Milestones

The last two weeks have been weeks of change in our household. All 3 of the babies have reached new achievements.


I'll start with the oldest...now 4 yr old Jayden. His milestone was that 4th birthday. I don't know if he's changed so much or if I just have realized how capable he is, but he has really become helpful around the house. he can unload the dryer, put silverware away, get himself dressed, and other little odd jobs. All that help adds up!

Zeke's milestone has to do with the bathroom- he has been wearing underwear for the last week. Although he is not completely independent, he does occasionally get up and use the toilet without us reminding him. Wahoo! This is huge for him. He's come a long way in a short time.

Violet's world has also been drastically altered. She rolls over! I think I've caught her going both directions to get from her back to her tummy. Now that she's figured it out, she'll do it as soon as we lay her down. She's gotten restless when we're holding her or she is strapped in a seat because she has discovered that she can move. now, we just gotta get her to figure out how to roll back...the princess gets a tad bit upset when she's on her tummy too long.

Violet is 4 Months Old!

CEREAL!!!
We introduced rice cereal to baby Violet today. She actually did really well. She finished the whole bowl with most of it having been swallowed.

In the background of the video...if you listen closely...you can hear the latest thing the boys are up to. They got a new Backyardigans video- quite a treat! Jayden knows how to work the remote so Zeke is spell bound as Jayden navigates special features and they watch the same things over and over again.

An Update on the Job "Hunt"

It has been over a month now and the job hunt continues. As I continue to search out what God's desire is for my family, I continue to get the same answer... I will show you. This is a new thing for me, to not know. I guess that is why God has me here, to continue developing my faith and confidence in Him.

Although I am not really intimidated by where He might send me or what He might call me to do, it is really tough to not have ANY idea! In this time, it is easy to want to start settling for ANYTHING that could work... however, that voice continues to speak... I will show you what I have and you will know it when I reveal it!

During this time God seems to provide "manna" through friends and family who need help with odd jobs or continue to support us through this transition. This is our primary encouragement from God that we are doing the right thing. I keep pretty tired, mentally, as I never feel at rest right now trying to "figure it out". Yes, I wish I had more faith and God is obviously making me wait until I completely give it up to him. I want to do this, but I am still trying to learn HOW.

Although things seem to be brought to the surface each week and applications are filled at, nothing has really become a serious lead yet.

Thanks for your prayers as we continue on this journey!

Sunday, Stacey's Birthday, and Supper Together!

So today was a fun day as we celebrated Stacey's birthday in a couple of different ways. I had a card waiting for her when she woke up. Then we went on our typical Sunday morning chaos with the exception of cooking her one of her favorite things for breakfast... eggs!

We proceeded to church and service was great.

After church, we came home and had lunch... It was "peanut butter jelly time"! After lunch I made, that's right, MADE icing for the cake I baked. It was again, Stacey's favorite kind. Then we rested until Susie came and hung out with the boys so Stacey, Violet, and I could go on a date. We had a very nice time and then came back to eat the cake with the boys and Susie.

It was a good day and I believe Stacey was honored!

A BIG thanks to Susie for helping with the boys and decorating the cake!

Me and the Boys - Take II

So it was another fun day around the Sisker household as Stacey went to day two of the worship conference. This morning Stacey headed out around 8:30 (it was a statewide conference that was held at our church).

The boys and I were eating breakfast when Stacey headed out. After that we played around the house and did some puzzles. Big Daddy (Bobby Shows) called and so we went to see him for a little bit. After leaving there, our family (including Stacey) was invited to lunch with Pastor Greg and Brother Lynn. It was a very nice visit at McAlister's Deli.

After lunch, the boys and I went to Wal-Mart to pick up a cake mix for Stacey's birthday on Sunday (about 45 minutes from when I am completing this blog) and also some flowers!

Jayden Picked out the red and Zeke picked out the white.

When we got back, the boys were ready for a nap!

Believe it or not, that was our day. WE SURVIVED!

Weekend with the Boys!

Stacey is participating in a "Worship Conference" this weekend. Guess what, it is me an the boys (Violet is staying with Stacey). We are having a good time. Today, after lunch, we took a nap and then headed to Columbia to run some errands. After our errands, we went to McDonald's and had some play time in the HUGE play area. Then, we came back home to watch some cartoons together.

Zeke did a good job eating his food so he was rewarded with some ice cream!

I think he even got a little in his mouth!


I can't wait to see what day 2 brings!

Where I am

So lots of things have changed over the last few weeks. Today concluded my 3 1/2 year full time tenure with the Sports Crusaders.

I am really excited to think about God having something new and exciting for our family but I really wish He would reveal it to us... QUICKLY!

This week I will be able to spend more effort searching out jobs. The last couple of weeks have been spent diligently trying to get everything lined up so the Sports Crusaders will have what they need from me.

I have found much comfort in our Sunday School class study on Ephesians. Also, a song I was introduced to by the praise team in Scott City, MO... "Still" by Reuben Morgan...

Weekend of Fun... and Labor!

This weekend was a really great time! Friday night kicked off with praise team practice. Afterward, we went home and did some last second cleaning before our guest, Ryan and Sara, showed up. Sara and I went to school together. She and Ryan live in southern Oklahoma and drove 8 hours to come visit!

Ryan and Sara made it in about 1:30 a.m. Saturday morning (I was sleeping). They were able to stay until Sunday afternoon. During the visit we went to the Runge Nature Center, barbecued, went to church, and just spent some time hanging out. Part of that "hang out" time was at my good buddy Jerry's watching Mizzou defeat the Illini. I even had the privelage of sitting between my pastor and associate pastor for part of the game. Talk about accountablilty!

Sunday Night, we had family in Columbia. My sister Amy and her husband, Jeff, (that would make him my brother right) hosted Mama and Papa and Grandma Violet. We went to meet them at Cosmo Park for a night of eating and having fun. It was a good time and we were pretty tired when we got back.

Monday morning, Stacey and I got up and made a nice breakfast and enjoyed a little time as a family before we went into "Labor" mode. I worked out in the yard for a few hours to do some much needed catch up work. By the end of the "labor fest" the yard was looking good and I was ready for rest... so I took a nap. Later that day, our good friends, the Gamblins, came by and we grilled up some burgers and hung out. Stacey and I treated ourselves to a movie in the basement and that concluded our weekend.

Check out some photos from the adventures.

Flowers in Bloom!

Grandma Violet kissing Baby Violet

This weekend has been very special to the Sisk family. Violet coming, along with being very exciting, has also been somewhat of a surprise. With two boys, we thought we had somewhat of a pattern in the gender we produced. But, Violet has arrived and we are very excited and thrilled.

Some of you are excited because you think that I need to "build character" or "be stretched". Yes, I am very intimidated by a baby girl, but obviously I have a heavenly father that thinks we (including me) are ready for this exciting adventure.

A very neat thing that happened this weekend was a visit from some family. All of the family that came was very sweet, but one in particular was especially great. The grandma that means so much to us made the trip to see us... more specifically, to see the little baby that was named after her.

It was last June when Grandma Violet had her surgery and was soon sent home with 10-14 days to live. It is now a year later and Grandma traveled 3 1/2 hours to see Baby Violet. A sweet time it was, and as always, it did not last near long enough.

We really appreciate all of the love and support of everyone that called, e-mailed, texted, or came by. We feel like a very blessed family because of the love you extend to us.

Thanks for making this time in our lives so special!

Boys Meet Girl!

Our little family gets acquainted with each other. Violet makes her brothers look so grown up!

Jayden and Zeke each took a turn holding Baby "V".
They did such a good job!


Cut and paste this link to see Violet's hospital photos:
http://www.our365.com/NewbornPortraits/BabyDetail.aspx?birthid=e4c9c858-af8d-4042-a4a1-32ecc17a1ac6&babyid=68af0996-fda1-4a6d-adec-aadbd725e778

An album of pictures that we'd like to share:

Introducing Violet Grace Sisk

Introducing - Violet Grace!

Today, June 12, is Violet Grace's birthday.
She was born at 9:03pm, weighs 7 lbs 5 oz, and is 19 1/4 inches long.

Crusaders with the Cardinals!

Saturday, May 31 was our Spring "Crusaders with the Cardinals" event. This one was especially fun because I took Jayden with me. It was our first baseball game together!

Check out the web album by clicking on the slideshow.

Golf with Zeke

Friday Zeke and I (Chris) took some time to go play miniature golf... aka Putt Putt. We had a great time as I tried to work with him and teach him to use both hands to hit the ball into the hole.

The interesting thing is that Zeke seemed to be more entertained by analyzing the waterfall, creeks, and lake around the course. It was quite fun.

When we were getting to the end Zeke was able to putt hole 18 completely by himself. I think it only took him about 12 strokes (yes, that is good)!



After our adventure we went to Burger King, per Zeke's request, to have french fries and cookies. I know, the lunch of golf champions!

The Girls Name!

If you picked Violet for the girls name you were correct! If we have a girl she will be named after Chris' grandma Violet. Her middle name will be Grace.

A Trip to the Bowling Alley!

Memorial day finally brought a day to veg out and spend time with the family. We decided that I would take Jayden out and Stacey would stay home with little Zeke. Initially I was going to take Jayden to play some miniature golf. However, the weather was a little uncertain. After consulting with a buddy of mine we opted to go bowling!

In Fulton, MO there is a no smoking bowling alley. In addition they are very family oriented. I didn't even think they would have a kids size 10 shoe much less a 6 pound ball... but they did! We had a great time, and not just bowling. It was interesting that Jayden had just as much or even more fun shooting the guns on the video games (without inserting coins of course)!

Sibling(s) class

we met the class at Capital Region Medical Center at 5:45pm. The teacher turned out to be one of the nurses that had helped deliver Zeke. It was fun to see her again- she also had one of her daughters with her. Chris thought he recognized her and asked her...she had been a student in some of the PE classes he had subbed for in New Bloomfield and she remembered him too. She said it was because he is so tall and has a name she'd never heard before! ;)

First item of business was to introduce everyone and get name tags situated.

Then we got right down to the task at hand...both boys got to
diaper their bears and wrap it in a swaddle.




Then nurse Lori had each big sibling make a birthday card for new
baby. During coloring, we got to snack on milk and rice krispy treats. Then dress up time with masks and head thingys. Neither boy kept his on very long, but they atleast tolerated a photo.

During story time, Nurse Lori read a book titled "Baby on the way". seemed appropriate.

Finally we took a tour of a labor/deliver/recovery room. We "happened" to be right next to a new momma who doubled as a nurse. She offered to show off her new little girl to the siblings class. Zeke was pretty somber most of the class, and when he saw the new baby, Jayden got really serious too.

All in all the boys did so great. They listened and participated just the right amount for a 3 and 2 year old.

It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time!

Peanut Butter and Jelly is no stranger to the Sisk household.

In Reality, there are a lot of homes across America and the world that enjoy peanut butter and Jelly. However, our APPROACH is what sets us apart!

Zeke's 2nd Birthday Party

Zeke was the center of attention this past weekend as we celebrated two years of his life! click on the photo to see the full album...

Zekes 2 Year Party

Zeke was quite fun as many people asked him how old he was all he would say is "tate". This is Zekenese for "cake". Yeah... I think he was ready to dig into some frosting!

One of my favorite pieces of the day was the warm weather and sunshine. We hoped to do some grilling and we were not disappointed!

What a fun day!!!

Sunday Sunday

What a day it has been! I am not sure when was the last time I had so much fun in one day!

It all started with a fun and crazy run around morning... as most Sundays go with two little men! I came in from shoveling the snow off the driveway and it was time to eat! So, we (Stacey, myself, Erin Allman, Calyn Blair, Jayden and Zeke) were sitting around the table enjoying the wonderful breakfast Stacey made... right before we were heading out the door. All of a sudden we hear running water over by Erin. We stare at her initially, wondering... "what is she doing?" We soon realize the sound has nothing to do with her. There is a steady flow of liquid coming from Zeke's high chair. Erin soon exclaims, "I think he's peeing!" And boy was she right! We sat waiting and wondering: 1) how this happened since he wears diapers and 2) if he was ever going to stop!

We had a choice at this point how we were going to let this affect our day. We decided we were going to laugh about it and let it be one of those, "what can you do about it" things! Sure enough, that set us up for a very fun day!

on to church:

We had a full Sunday School class and learned about Crises. The lesson came from Mark 4:35-5:43. We had a new couple that visited today, Curtis and Gabriel. Service was really powerful as well. The song time was really touching (even with playing the guitar and usually having to concentrate more than getting to "worship"). And the message hit right at home as Brother Frank preached on Matthew 13:47-52 and then read the entire last two chapters of Revelation. If you have never read these chapters I would recommend you taking a break from this note and giving it a shot.

After church, several families including some of our Sunday School class, the Shows, the Lentzs, and Curtis and his family went to eat at Pizza Hut. There is something really refreshing about hanging out with your church family outside of church. I mean, anyone can be "family" in church. However, I think there is a special bond that comes when you can extend that relationship outside the walls of the church building. I feel really blessed that the churches I have gone to have this kind of companionship!

After lunch was over, we took the boys home for a nap. I then had the privilege of hanging out with my buddy, Dan, and going to "The Man Store" (also known as Lowe's to the general public.) Dan's wife Kristen kept Stacey company while they painted one of our bathrooms that desperately needed it.

It was time for another adventure when the men got back from Lowe's! Jerry, another good buddy from church, came over and Dan, Jerry, and myself went sledding with the boys! We had a good time. More importantly, the boys had a blast!



Soon after this I get a call from Vince Henthorn. Vince is a friend of mine from college and he was on his way to the big city of Holts Summit to sing at our evening service. I have been looking forward to this for a while since we have not had the chance to visit for quite some time!


Well, to shorten this note that is turning into a novel, Vince did a FANTASTIC job! He really did a great job ministering through his music! Following the music LP, our associate pastor, prepped us for the 7th chapter of Hebrews (which we will study next week, I think) by teaching us the importance of why Melchizedek is mentioned, what is meant to the Jewish culture, and why it matters to us as New Testament Christians,. This is a neat study and I will not try to explain all of that in this note.

After the service, a couple families from church went to McAlister's Deli with us and Vince. Then Vince came to our house to hang out for a little bit before he headed back to the big city of St. Louis.

So, now I write this note at 11:00 on Sunday Night. I felt extremely compelled to do so and I don't exactly know why. I do know this... it has been an extremely long day but for some reason my heart is full of joy tonight. Not only joy, but peace in the relationship that I have with my Lord. I feel closer to Jesus today through the things He is challenging me with than I have in a long time. And I believe today's blessing of all of the friendships and ministries happened because I made a choice at the beginning of the day to not allow the negative distractions control me. I think this is area that I don't always succeed in... but you know what, it sure does bring a lot of joy when I do!

Hebrews 12: 1-3
1.Therefore , since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2.fixing our eyes on Jesus , the author and perfecter of faith , who for the joy set before Him endured the cross , despising the shame , and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God . 3.For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself , so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.