Chicken Soup for the Tobler Soul

I have decided that I shall compose my own list of stories that have touched our hearts. I love the Chicken Soup books. They are always there to make me smile. It love being able to cuddle on the couch with Jakob and read to him,. I hope that these stories add a little bit of joy to your day. I know it is no where near Christmas but this story is far to precious not to share.

Christmas Miracle

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from it's hiding place in the closet. She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance for mistakes. Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way six blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.
She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it! "And what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. "I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages," he said without waiting for a reply to his question.
"Well I want to talk to you about my brother," Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. "He's really, really sick... and I want to buy a miracle."
"I beg your pardon?" said the pharmacist.
His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?"
"We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you," the pharmacist said, softening a little.
"Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs."
The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, "What kind of miracle does your brother need?"
"I don't know Tess replied with her eyes welling up. "I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money."
"How much do you have?" asked the man from Chicago.
"On dollar and eleven cents," Tess answered barely audibly, "And it's all I have, but I can get more if I need to."
"Well, what a coincidence," smiled the man. "A dollar and eleven cents --- the exact price of a miracle for little brothers."
"He took the money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said "Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let' see if I have the miracle that you need." That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon specializing in neuro-surgery.
The surgery was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had lead them to this place.
"That surgery," her Mom whispered, "was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?"
Tess smiled,she knew exactly how much a miracle cost, one dollar and eleven cents plus the faith of a little child.
A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law.

Scatter Sunshine

My last two days in Vegas were spent watching Trystan and Seven. I adore these girls and I love being able to watch them. This time they were both there for an entire 48 hours. It definitely shows me how I'm going to raise my kids. It catches you off guard when a 3 year old looks at you with her hands on her hips and says " Why do you always tell me to stop? It's okay, everything will be fine. You should just be happy." Or when we take them to the park and Jakob and I are watching them like hawks. An older gentleman came up to me and with a smile said "You're a first time mom hey?" I chuckled and simply said "Yeah." He looked me up and down and said "It shows, just relax." I'm horrified to think how I'll be when they're my own children, I suppose that is why Jakob and I have ample opportunities to practice before that time comes, and for that I am grateful.Trystan is hilarious when she takes her baths. I think we had a few too many bubbles this time though.
Boo had a ton of fun splashing in the water. She was all smiles for us the entire weekend which was so nice! All the while Trystan was sitting on this frog and she was soaked by the time she was through! Absolutely hilarious!


Then it was time to go to "Grandma and Grandpa Toblers" to swim. Mom Tobler stopped by and held Seven while Jakob and I threw Trystan back and forth. We had a ton of fun!

Double Date

I must apologize in advance because the next few blogs will be a bit out of order. I finally down loaded my pictures so time to catch up :) Let the blogging begin!

Before I went home to Canada Jakob got together with his friend Stew and they decided to pull a surprise double date for Stew's fiance Courtney and I. Everything was a secret and the boys seemed pretty proud that they did something all on their own. It was so nice to go out and enjoy an evening with friends and to take some pictures. Pictures to me, at least, are always the best part.

They started out by taking us to a beautiful restaurant. There were couches and tents and fires and honestly it was divine, until we got the menu. We could not read a single thing. It was quite embarrassing really. But in the end we all chose something different and it was really good! Afterward we were whisked away to go and see the movie UP. It sounds lame but Jakob and I would highly recommend for all to go and see this. It's cute, funny and a tearjerker! We had a ton of fun spending time with Stew and Courtney. Next time I think we'll let the girls do the planning ;).Stew & Courtney


Jakob & Steph


&& the Happy Couple

Lack of Wisdom

Upon returning to Canada I got my wisdom teeth pulled. It is so much cheaper to get it all said and done here being under my parents plan. The total cost came to $3 out of our pocket. Gotta love dental plans :).

So not wanting to be put under for quicker recovery time they stuck 9 needles in my mouth and started cutting. I was so horrified! To be perfectly honest it was not bad at all. All I felt was a ton of pressure heard some goofy noises and smelt a LOT of blood. The first tooth came out without any fuss. They proceeded to my upper left. Apparently it was a pain to get out. They had to drill into my jaw bone. Gotta love being frozen! After 15 minutes of cutting and drilling they got it. Bottom teeth however he looked a little skeptical about. They made an attempt at my bottom left and chickened out. After cutting me open they had to drill into my bone once again because it was still covered and sitting at a strange angle. Then I felt an electric shock through my tongue. Apparently that is not a good sign. Two more times I felt this shock and then I voiced my concern, with a wedge in between my teeth, a mouth full of gauze, a drill and a knife, I am amazed at how they could understand me. As soon as I told then they just sewed me up. My tooth was apparently next to a nerve that controls the feeling in my tongue and lip. If they had continued then they could have numbed my mouth permanently. Thank goodness I was awake. He said he never would have noticed if I was out cold. Blessing in disguise. So in two years or so I get to do 1/2 of the procedure again. :) Perhaps by then Jeff can take cut into me ;)

I'm not in much pain but I'm swollen. My dentist said he did quite the number in my mouth and that I should be pretty big for awhile. So to comply to dear Jakob's requests here are some photo's of Stephanie the chipmunk.

This is how I sleep. :)

Day 5: Swelling is coming down a bit! You can almost tell that I have dimples again and I'm eating solid foods small enough to that I can stick them in my mouth. Should be 100% by Monday :)

Pepsi Addiction!

I have been converted! Pepsi is the best cleaning substance ever! Okay, perhaps I'm exaggerating but when it come to cleaning pots or removing a "foggy" look from glasses Jakob and I are sold. We find the $1 2L bottles from Wal-Mart pour some into a pot and allow it to boil and *Presto* Good as new pots and glasses.
Food for Thought:

If it does that to our glasses, just imagine what it does to your stomach.

It's coming!

Dear Mom, Dad & Jakob Tobler

Since I have left you I have not posted a blog. For this I apologize. I promise that pictures will be up of my chubby cheeks in due time. Miss you tons!

Love Always,
Stephanie Lauren

A Kissing Disease

Illness has struck the Tobler home once again. It seems that we can not keep Jakob Tobler in the clear. So tied to a promise that he made to me he wandered into the doctors office. They sent him out with a little less blood and some antibiotics for his cough. A week later he was called back in. The diagnose : infectious mononucleosis aka "mono" / "kissing disease". Thinking that that was impossible due to the fact that I showed no signs of illness we looked to google for some answers. These are the FACTS:
- 95% of people ages 35- 40 are immune to mono.
- it is spread through your saliva (Jakob Tobler has no problem sharing cups or giving kisses ;))
- Once contracted normally you only get sick once, like chicken pox, although it stay dormant in your system for the rest of your life.
- Research has shown that, depending on the method used to detect the virus, anywhere from 20% to 80% of people who have had mononucleosis and have recovered, will continue to secrete the EBV in their saliva for years due to periodic "reactivation" of the viral infection.
- Some people do not show symptoms.

I suppose I am one of those lucky few that is immune or simply does not show symptoms. Perhaps Mom Toblers week of Swine Flu was Mono.

Happy Birthday Mom

Happy Birthday Mom!


I just want you to know how much I love you!
I hope you have a fabulous birthday and I wish I was there to celebrate with you!
I can't wait to see you!!

xoxo
Stephanie Lauren



A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. ~Washington Irving

A Letter To My Brother Jared

Dear Jared,

I can hardly believe that you are sixteen! Let me start off by saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! You are the youngest Heyden grandchild and you are now16! Wow! I was reminiscing today about some fun times the van den Berge's have shared. Do you remember when we would get all exited when we would go to Wal-Mart and mom would buy us those .99 cent cars and we would race them down the stair case in Lethbridge? Or the day you learned how to water ski and got up on the first try? Or when you were going into grade 1 and you had that scar on your lip? I do, you were such a funny baby brother. You were so alive and full of adventure.
I want you to know how much I love you. Being away from your constant craziness is peaceful and quiet but I catch myself missing your sense of humor and quick comebacks. You have always been a popular guy and are so charismatic. I hope you use that to the best of your abilities. You have a personality that people will follow, you are so influential. You have such a sweet spirit and when it shines through there isn't a person in the room that isn't standing there smiling. I am so jealous of your guitar playing abilities! You have such a keen memory and you pick up things so quickly! KEEP PRACTICING! You are going to be amazing!!!!

Now as a big sister that really is not so big I have some words of wisdom if you will.

1. LISTEN to Mom and Dad, they sounds silly now but when you're on your own you'll want to call them to get their advice on a lot of things. You are free to live you're own life and make your own choices and as you get older you are going to want that freedom, I understand, but just listen. You don't have to follow but hear what their saying and think about it. I catch myself wishing I had thought about what they were saying. They have been there and they love you. If you take nothing from them, then please just remember that they LOVE you.
2. Take 5 minutes (that's not very long) to slow down and look at where you have come. See what you like about yourself and what you don't. Let the bad things go and hold on to the ones you like. I should do this more in my life. I love the feeling of self evaluation., of looking at my short coming and my accomplishments. I always find myself wanting to achieve more. Do it once a month. You'll be amazed to see the difference.
3. Smile. You have a very handsome smile! Before you answer the phone smile, the person on the other line can always tell just by the sound of your voice. When I was in California last week Aunt Brenda told me that you can always get more from people if you treat them with respect and courtesy. I totally agree. You will be amazed at what you'd be able to accomplish with just the way you speak to people.
4. This is something I wish I would have done. I am kicking myself that I didn't now that I'm soon to be married. PAY ATTENTION IN SCHOOL! I know that high school is fun, I know, but focus on your school work buddy. You are so smart, you get good grades with out even trying! Just apply yourself a little more you can get scholarships and when high school is all said and done you'll wish you had. Please learn from my mistake!!
5. Do one thing a week for you. Just because you want to. Whether is an ice cream cone or going to the lake with a friend. Enjoy your life and the time that you have to enjoy other people. Take pleasure in the small things. Too often I find myself coming up with all the things wrong in my life. See the good things like your friends, someone who smiled at you, or the sunny weather. Take pleasure in LIFE!
6. Now this one seems irrational. I apologize but I have found that everything is better when I do this. It's something that I'm working on. SLOWLY, but I'm learning and I enjoy it as I hope you will. Do something nice for someone every day. Yup every day. It doesn't have to be huge, small things are best. Such as, starting mom's car in the winter, making your bed without being asked, put a note in mom's bag telling her you love her and leave it there for her to find. Mom and Dad love you so much! Just let them know that you love them back. Let Chris play x-box. Silly things. Simple things. I know it's hard but this is my wisdom.

I love you so much Jared! I hope you have an amazing birthday! I can not wait to see you in a week! You are such an amazing kid and I hope you can make me proud! You'll be able to accomplish so much if you put your mind to it! Smile for me! Enjoy your dirt bike!

Miss you tons,

Your Big Sister

p.s i love you <3 br="">Hehe I like this quote......
Siblings are the people we practice on, the people who teach us about fairness and cooperation and kindness and caring - quite often the hard way. ~Pamela Dugdale

Chicken, Hold the Bleach

WARNING!

I must apologize and warn my mother in advance NOT to read the following if you do not wish to have a panic attack. With that being said I love you!

Now for those of you who are not my mother, a little back ground. My mom has issues with raw meat. She has a system for handling raw meat. The kitchen in shut down no one may enter while she handles her meat she will precook her hamburger or she'll bag her chicken. After she throws the container into a green garbage bag and has a child put it outside immediately. Then she bleaches and she bleaches EVERYTHING! The child who took the garbage bag outside must bleach their hands after handling the bag. It's just how I've always done things. So when I was called to prepare my foil bake I was a little shocked. And pictures had to be taken.
I was allowed to play with raw chicken! And I didn't bleach my hands. It was liberating. Very different from home. A cultural experience :P I rolled up some ham in my chicken and seasoned it to perfection. Truly some eatable art!
Then we threw it on the BBQ. Don't worry mom we did test the temperature. And it was delicious.

Hamburger Helper

Jakob decided that we were going to have this BBQ and invite some people over for some fine conversation and tasty treats. I really like having people over and I was exited to meet some of Jakobs friends that I've heard a lot about. We whipped up a menu and off we went to Wal-Mart at 11:00 p.m. to get supplies. And after church the next day the party began!


Deciding that we had wanted to make a potato salad we went into the front hall to retrieve the potatoes (Only Mom and Dad Tobler would store potatoes beside a gun and some coats :P) Looking in the dark closet we pull out this bag. We wonder how long these poor things were stowed away. The roots were growing through the bag! Deciding that these were no longer edible we phoned up faithful friend Thomas and asked him to sin for us and get some grosheries on a Sunday. He got there early and we put him to work frying bacon.

Jakob was in charge of grilling. The first few were delicious. Later on he got a little distracted with all of the company I look up and notice smoke in the house. Needless to say those precious burgers got sat on the fence for the neighborhood cat to eat. I was in charge of onions, they were reather crispy as well. We need to work more on our cooking and less on socializing. Mom and Dad Tobler came home from Arizona just in time to grab a warm burger. It was lots of fun to meet new people and to spend some time with friends.