FeFe Belle Bottoms

Here is our beautiful princess....giving her best scrunch face! This is her 6 month shot! She is such a joy. And yes, we call her FeFe Belle Bottoms :-)

 Krystle

Robert

We have taken some cool photos recently! Thought I would share :-) 

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Happy Father's Day!

This is part of what we gave to Daddy to celebrate Father's Day! He loves it!

We couldn't ask for a better Daddy in this family. 

He is so very kind, loving, hard working, playful, and wonderful. 

We all anticipate his coming home after work. He makes us all feel so very special. 

His shoes are definitely worth walking in!

We love you so much Mr. Hummer!

We had a wonderful day today! A very sweet Father's Day portion at church. 

Followed by yummy food at Licanos. 

Followed by a great afternoon with brother's fam. 

We watched Oz, played in the water and had root beer floats! 

So fun!

Worth the Wait

We welcomed Felicity Belle into our family 10 days ago! She has been very well loved by all of us.

Felicity means joyful and content.

Belle means beautiful and blessed. 

She truly is a blessing to our family and we are so happy to have her here!

Her labor was 2 and 1/2 hours long. She was born in the bath here at home. Recovery has been amazing, especially since we got to have Daddy taking such good care of us! 

We had to send him back to work today. We are still definitely in a transition phase and will be for a while.

 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" 2 Cor 12:9

Henry William Hummer

Henry William Hummer was born on July 13, 2011 at 5:40 pm.



He weighed 9 pounds 2 ounces and was 22 1/2 inches long.
Henry means: Ruler of the Household and Trusted
William means: Resolute protector and Noble Spirit



Now Henry is 4 weeks old! He is about 11 1/2 pounds and 23 1/2 inches long.
He is very squeeky! He is very snuggly. He is the most ticklish baby in our family.

Edmund and Genevieve adore him. Genevieve has her mommy radar on high alert. Any time he starts to cry she runs in to check on him and make sure he is ok. She is a very good helper and likes to do everything that I do, including breastfeeding her baby! Edmund loves to hold him and give him kisses. He can't wait to teach him how to jump on the trampoline and to read.

"The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand." Psalm 37:23-24

Photos by Kaydee Lynn Photography :-)

The Practice of Love

My heart flutters with panic...and I send them away. I can't yell at them anymore. We have loved this brown haired baby boy for 2 weeks now. And he has been loved well. But it's easy to love a newborn who can't do anything for himself. How do I love the others? The ones who desperatly need me to love them. The babies who I have neglected these last days. The husband who has worked his heart out to take care of us. How do I love them well? And why is my heart racing with panic? Maybe it's because my hands have felt idle these last 2 weeks trying to recover. I have struggled to watch my husband do my job. I want to take over and let him rest. Then I do too much and I get exhausted. How can I love well when I am exhausted? I guess I still need time. Time to heal. Time to adjust. Time to learn. Time to sit and love well those who need loving.

Lord, teach me to love these you have given me. Calm my heart. Amen.

Hurting

One major theme that I have noticed the last couple of years is despair. Girls that cut themselves to escape the pain of whatever they are going through. Suicide so prevalent that it isn't even mentioned in the local news. There is so much pain and hurting is so many people around me. What does it look like to love them? How do I even begin to understand the depth of their hurting? How is our small town so full of hopelessness? And so empty of Jesus? I don't know the answer to any of these questions. I do know that because the Holy Spirit has awakened me to this pain that I must do something. And the only way I know to start is by asking Him.

I'm going to embed a new song by JJ Heller. It's about letting go of our control and trusting God. It was written for her friend who struggled with self hurting but we can all use a reminder to let go of our control and let God control our lives. He has the best plan.

Ministry

Here is our news for those of you who don't know already.

We took over the youth group 4 weeks ago!

It has been such an amazing experience!

Here is the story....

In the first week in January the youth pastor announced that he and his family were moving to Texas. And 3 weeks later they were gone. Robert and I had been involved in the youth group before and we were a little worried about what was going to happen. So we were praying and Robert started poking around for information and everyone he talked to had no idea about what was going to happen. So we kept praying and he finally called up one of our elders and was talking with him about it. And the ball started rolling from there. We both felt like the kids needed to have stability during transition. They needed to have familiar faces, not different ones every week. And the Lord started to give us a vision of what that would look like. We both felt like we needed to be involved on a consistent basis. So Robert talked with Pastor. Pastor talked with the elders. And February rolled around and now we are leading the youth group! It's sorta crazy because neither of us see ourselves as leaders. But Robert is a teacher so he has training in leading a group of kids. It's even crazier because the vision that God gave us has come together like bread and butter in just a short few weeks. We changed the whole system and some of the students are a little hesitant still but others are seeing the benefits. We added in small group time after the teaching and that has been positive for all of the leaders, it will just take time for everyone to get to know each other and feel comfortable talking in front of the other students. We also made the band take some time off. We were going to cancel it because they didn't do any performing on a regular basis. And the next week God provided a leader who is talented in leading a band. So he will be starting that up in the next couple of weeks. They will be playing every week at youth! We are excited! Also, leaders are popping up out of the woodworks! We have about 10 who are involved right now. We usually have at least 6 each week! It is so cool to see how the Lord has worked out all of the details! It's going to be a fun journey to see what else the Lord has in store! We have already planned our first event and even if the students are showing excitement we really feel like this first event will really pull everyone together through fun fellowship and lots of hours together :-)

Krystle

Trust Me

We can't get pregnant again until......conditions are perfect.

The thought that was going through our head after Genevieve was born. We can't fit 3 car seats in our 20 year old car. So we can't have another baby till we have a newer car that can hold 3 car seats.

Then the Holy Spirit started to stir. Why aren't you having another baby? Because we just don't have the room! Are you going to trust me to provide a vehicle for you?...............Yes Lord, we will trust you.

And so we had my iud taken out and were birth control free (which was actually more freedom than just being able to get pregnant; I had been stressing out about it for over a year). I wanted to have a few months at least to lose some weight, but less than 2 months later, we were pregnant.

The only semi-issue we had was that I didn't have any insurance. I wasn't in any hurry to apply and go through all the hoops that are required of state insurance and I don't like my former doctor's office and I was dreading the idea of going there again. Plus, I didn't want Edmund's to change before his second eye surgery was over. So I waited. And then I applied. And then I was denied.

Robert makes too much money for me to be on state insurance. We pay a small fee for Edmund's and Genevieve qualifies for that same one but there isn't any funding for the program to accept new children and she has been on a waiting list since she turned one.

I was so sure that I would be accepted that not being accepted didn't cross my mind. I was shocked! Lord, what are we going to do now? Just trust me. Please. I have the best plan. Trust me and you will know that I will take care of you. I'm just asking you to trust me, just like you did in the beginning. Will you trust me to follow through?? Yes, Lord, we will continue to trust you.

And peace has been our banner.

And our car is falling to pieces.

And I'm halfway through this pregnancy.

And this precious baby has started to stir in my belly.

And I know that He is faithful.

So I will trust.

The best kind of love

The BEST FRIEND kind of love. My husband. He is the best. And he is my best friend in the world. We talk about....literally....everything. We have no secrets. Except with each other. And today....love day....he came home with the best present. Fried green beans and a mediterranean salad.

Now, I know you are probably thinking, what in the world?? Why would he bring that to you on Valentines day? Doesn't he know about chocolate and flowers? First of all, if you haven't tried fried green beans, you have to head up to Tall Pine Grill up by the theater in Lakeside and get some. I promise you won't be disappointed! And both have to do with 1-I'm pregnant and when I'm pregnant and certain things taste good...my husband pays attention...and tries to think of how he can get me said thing. And 2-Because I'm pregnant and have the curse of a pregnancy related never ending yeast infection, I'm not eating any sugar. Sugar makes it 100 times worse. And my husband knows this, and is thoughtful, and didn't want to buy me sugar. As far as flowers go, he buys me those throughout the year so it isn't something that I have to have on love day beacause it is even more special when he gets me them on ordinary days :-) So, this is my husband, loving, thoughtful, kind, caring, wonderful! I love you baby! Thank you for loving me so well! :-)

I'm NERVOUS!!!!

Tomorrow morning bright and early, I will have to force myself out of bed, get dressed in a groggy haze of alertness and go to the early service at church. We NEVER go to the early service unless something like this forces us to! I have to make my legs work, one in front of the other, walk up onto the platform and get behind the podium. I have to give my testimony! EEK!!! Wait? What exactly is a testimony? I mean we hear the word in church and other times but what exactly are we looking for? I looked it up. It is simply a formal written or spoken statement. And I am supposed to be talking specifically of how EE or Evangelism Explosion impacted my life and how I met Jesus. So here goes everything! I'm just going to be praying that my legs don't collapse and my thoat doesn't close up and my face doesn't look like a tomato! I'm def going to be wearing makeup tomorrow :-) Maybe it will hide my uneasiness! Ok, here it is!

My Uncle was going through a rough time in his marriage. He asked us if we would go to church with him. So, my Mom brought us here. I didn’t grow up in a church but I also didn’t grow up not believing that there was a god of some kind. It just wasn’t important in our house to learn about Him. So going to church wasn’t too awkward. The awkward part came when Pastor set up a time to come to our house and “get to know us a little bit.” I just turned 16. I just got my license that day. I didn’t want to get to know a pastor. What did that mean anyway? What was he going to say? Isn’t it weird to ask if you can come over? So I, in my slightly rebellious nature, was trying every way to get out of it. But my Mom wouldn’t let me. She told me I had to be home at a certain time because the Pastor was going to be there. As I was pulling into the drive way they were walking up to the door. I say they because there were 3 of them, Pastor and 2 kids from the youth group. My stomach started to churn. I was nervous. I was thinking,”seriously mom, why are you making me do this?” I went inside and sat down at the table. And in his usual way, Pastor started talking and made everyone feel more comfortable. I’m pretty sure we didn’t jump right into what the Bible says about Jesus but that is all I remember. I remember him showing us the Bible and telling us who Jesus was. Then he asked the question,” If you died right now and Jesus was waiting for you in heaven, and he asked you why he should let you into his heaven, what would you say?” In my head, it was clear to me that I didn’t have any reason why He should let me in. And I answered,” I really don’t know.” And then Pastor told me that I could know Jesus and that he would forgive me for my sins because He took the payment that I deserved. My life was forever changed when my sin was revealed to me and Jesus was made known to me. I was grateful after that, that my mom had forced me to come home and that a pushy Pastor had made an appointment to come and get to know us a little bit! My name is Krystle Hummer, and so you don’t have to ask, I’ve been here for 10 years!

The cold kicked us out last night

Around 6:30 pm the lights flickered off and on and then kept flickering. I thought I was at a club somewhere :-) Then the lights dimmed down to being barely on. Then the stove stopped blowing the fabulous hot air that warms our house. And I started to panic and texted my husband who had been gone all afternoon at junior high basketball games. Thankfully, he was just around the corner. I tried calling our neighbor but no one answered. So I called APS. They told me that they had a crew on it and they were having some trouble with a few transformers and that they usually have it fixed within 4-5 hours. By then we all would have frozen in our sleep with how cold it has been so we packed our bags. We bundled up the babies and put them in our freezing car that has no heater and headed to Concho. On the way down the road the snow was blowing off of the hood of the car and somehow hitting me in the face! We really need a miracle car. I'm thankful my parents live close and that we had a warm place to stay. But I don't do well with the stress of instant packing and driving in the cold. I'm also thankful for an amazing husband who came over before work and filled up and started the pellet stove so that when we all were ready we could come home to a cozy home. Thanks baby!

Today, our friends buried their baby girl...

....she suddenly got sick. And 4 days later she died. She was just over a year old. And my heart has been broken in so many ways. A mommy and daddy had to say goodbye to someone they gave everything for. They can't hold her anymore. They can't teach her anymore. They can't kiss her anymore. They can't rock her to sleep. She is gone.

My week has looked a little differently. I have looked at my babies a little differently. I love my babies. I try to be the best mommy I can for them. But I have been tired and a little distant for the last few months. This week that all changed because they could be gone tomorrow and I don't want to miss out on today and what could have been. I have enjoyed combing my fingers through Genevieve's hair as I dry it every night. I have listened more closely to all of Edmund's imaginings. I have stopped and cuddled them when they have needed it. And I have sat with them to eat. Because just being with them and present for them is a blessing and something that shouldn't be overlooked. We spend quite a bit of time at night getting ready for bed. We bathe them, brush their teeth, dry their hair, read stories, sing songs, and pray.Robert stays with Edmund and I take Genevieve and we sit in the rocking chair with a blanket and I just enjoy her and pray for her and sometimes she falls asleep but more often, she asks for her bed. I wouldn't trade these times for anything. It's a precious time that we all get to enjoy each other and slow down and love in a peaceful kind of way.

I'm sad. All I can think is that while I get to hold my baby close, my friend has empty arms, and it hurts me. I know that the Lord must have something amazing planned for them. I pray that their marriage is strengthened and that their hearts can be healed and filled with peace. Because HE can do it.

-Krystle

Breadsticks

My kids LOVE breadsticks.......and who wouldn't when they look like this :-)

YUMMY!!!

Oh...and my Prince Charming made a homemade marinara sauce that was fabulous! I LOVE cooking with him. It's so much fun. And something good always makes it to our plates :-)

-Krystle

The best dessert ever!

Seriously the best dessert I have ever had!!! Homemade Pumpkin Ice Cream! YUMMY :-)

-Krystle

The House

My Home Tour

I am going to take you on a tour of my home! I will show a picture of what things look like and tell you what I want to do with it. I will do it over a few posts for those of you with slower internet connections so it doesn't take a year to load :-)

We will start in the master bath. I need to finish painting the ceiling.
It has a giant tub! We love it. Above the towels I want to put a stick on the wall clock in black like the ornamental one here. I also want to add pretty lace or toule curtain to the window. Not sure if I want them to be black or white.

This is the toilet area. It was all white and I added the black. I spray painted the regular colored basket black and arranged the flowers. Robert told me I couldn't plant daisies because they smell like stinky feet so I asked him if I could use them in the bathroom and he said yes :-)

I painted this door completely black.

This is the shower. I want to add a sheer white pretty curtain in front of it. Inspiration from Rhonda Cross :-)

I added black to this door. I want to fill in the boxes a little more.

The sink is new. The mirror is one that I found at a yard sale a few years ago and I painted it black. I would still like to change the light fixture to be centered with the sink and mirror and probably facing up toward the ceiling. The other cabinet was all white and I added the black.

These are the rugs that I made. I love how they turned out!

Happy Touring! -Krystle

When a boy works too hard!

This is a post I wanted to post a long time ago but couldn't get my pics to work!

Edmund woke up with the sun this morning....which wasn't horrible because we were getting up early to work on the garden. So this afternoon when I was watering my seedlings, he was playing in his sand box and this is how I found him:

The Lord gives the increase!!!

We built a garden this year. It was a bit stressful at the beginning because we had to have some very large stumps removed from the area where we wanted the garden and the tractor was held up. But the tractor did come and Edmund got to go for a two hour tractor ride and loved every minute!

This is the raw ripped up by the tractor land.

My wonderful husband killed himself trying to get this wall done. He did a fantastic job! The reason for the wall is because our property has a stight slope and I wanted to plant my rows East to West so I needed level ground and the wall allowed for that to happen. Thanks also to my mommy who bought the bricks for us :-)

This is what it looked like when I planted everything. We used soaker hoses for watering which turned out to work amazingly!

Grandpa Hummer taught me all his secrets about growing tomatos! He gave me an awesome small tiller which I have used for everything and love. It is one of my favorite tools! Thank you Grandpa Hummer!!

I tilled the ground, planted the seed, watered and weeded but only God can give an increase like this!!!

Now all I need are the tools for canning all of this deliciousness!!

Why I'm not going to use SALT much anymore!

In junior high it was popular to wear JNCO jeans and Nike shoes...specifically ones that were not made in China. And since I wanted to avoid being made fun any more than I already was and my mom loved me she bought me JNCO jeans and Nike shoes. It didn't really change the fact that I was made fun of but at least I had something right....at least according to THEM!

So here I am, 24 years old, a wife, a mommy to 2 babies, managing my own home and it has happened again. I love to cook and I can do it very well. My mommy taught me how to follow recipes! Sometimes I get creative and add my own ingredients. It doesn't matter. The point here is that I don't use a whole lot of salt to cook with. I find it unnecessary and I can use other herbs and spices to make my food extra yummy. And salt makes me balloon up! I seriously swell up if I have too much salt over a period of time. So...I have some people in my life that make fun of me for not using salt. Really it doesn't sound like it's such a big deal but over time and with my past experience's of being made fun of I start to care what they think and in my brain if I start using salt in my food maybe I won't be made fun of anymore. So I start adding salt when I cook. Not a big deal I decide...until now. I feel like crap and my whole body feels like a balloon! I knew it. I know how I react to salt and I feel like an iddiot for caring what other people think. So, I will go back to my own way of cooking and illiminating salt from my food!