Well, for "city folk" who are living in an apartment over a hotel with no land and no garden, I have been very pleased with the amount of canning and freezing that we've been able to get done this summer. I wish we had a humungous freezer just for all of our canned stuff, but that will come.
The boys and I have made oodles of strawberry, strawberry-rhubarb, blueberry, and mixed berry freezer jam. My family goes through a jar a week, so there can never be too much! And then today, a friend and I went to the Treworgy Apple Orchard and got permission to pick some "drops" - anything that has fallen on the ground - and tonight and tomorrow we're going to make a few batches of homemade applesauce.
I'm so excited. And then, maybe next year, we'll make pickles and relish and can beets and green beans and all sorts of delicious-ness from our very own garden! Oh the joy!
For the easiest freezer jam recipe in the world:
1 envelope of the "Ball" brand no-cook freezer jam pectin
4 cups crushed berries
1 1/2 cups raw suger
Stir together pectin & sugar. Add to the berries and stir for 3 minutes. Place into jars. Let sit for 30 minutes. Freeze.
Doesn't get much easier than that. Kaden can do this from start to finish!
Next year, I'm going to try a pectin from the natural food store that requires no sugar and one where I don't have to store the jam in the freezer. The Ball brand pectin calls for the least amount of sugar that I could find, but I would still love one that has absolutely none. There are just a few more steps involved with this other pectin - like cooking the berries and the whole jar sterilization thing, and I was feeling lazy this year.
Next year, I'm sure that I'll have way more time on my hands with a third child in tow, a house, and possibly homeschooling..........
Large joke, in case you didn't catch that........
Our - Lord willing - soon to be House!
So, here are a few pics of the house that will hopefully be ours by the end of September. There are still several details that have to fall into place, but hopefully they are just that - details - and there will be no major glitches in the rest of the process.
Here she is!
Please note: The fire engine red shutters and doors will be repainted as soon as this body has healed from giving birth and as soon as there's a little extra cash for some paint. This project is on the top of my list of things to change.
However, I fully realize that there most likely will not be any "extra" for quite some time, so just envision with me - some other, er, less flashy color!
Here's a pic of the back. Cute little deck. Nice little lawn. Clothes line that goes from the house to a tree. She's a little funky shaped - half salf box, half ranch - but, I've got to admit, she's kind of growing on me. And the inside is pretty fun and cozy. Only cosmetic changes that will really need to take place.
And one of my most favorite features: tucked way to the left side of the property is a fairly honking garden. We'll probaby just use half of it next year - break ourselves in gently - and make the other half into more of a lawn, but I am super excited to grow some things with the boys!
An older gentlemen who lives next door owns 75 acres behind us, and Kev already got permission to hunt the land and to explore with the boys. Finally - some wide open spaces where my family is going to (Lord, willing) be able to run wild and free!
We're still waiting and praying - knowing that things could possibly fall through. But, we both have peace that whatever the Lord wants to happen - that's what will take place. The timing is a little crazy, and I have a list a mile long of what I would like to get accomplished before the baby arrives, but I am surprisingly chill about the whole thing! Whatever will be, will be.......
Here she is!
Please note: The fire engine red shutters and doors will be repainted as soon as this body has healed from giving birth and as soon as there's a little extra cash for some paint. This project is on the top of my list of things to change.
However, I fully realize that there most likely will not be any "extra" for quite some time, so just envision with me - some other, er, less flashy color!
Here's a pic of the back. Cute little deck. Nice little lawn. Clothes line that goes from the house to a tree. She's a little funky shaped - half salf box, half ranch - but, I've got to admit, she's kind of growing on me. And the inside is pretty fun and cozy. Only cosmetic changes that will really need to take place.
And one of my most favorite features: tucked way to the left side of the property is a fairly honking garden. We'll probaby just use half of it next year - break ourselves in gently - and make the other half into more of a lawn, but I am super excited to grow some things with the boys!
An older gentlemen who lives next door owns 75 acres behind us, and Kev already got permission to hunt the land and to explore with the boys. Finally - some wide open spaces where my family is going to (Lord, willing) be able to run wild and free!
We're still waiting and praying - knowing that things could possibly fall through. But, we both have peace that whatever the Lord wants to happen - that's what will take place. The timing is a little crazy, and I have a list a mile long of what I would like to get accomplished before the baby arrives, but I am surprisingly chill about the whole thing! Whatever will be, will be.......
1st Day of School
The little Christian school that I've worked at for going on 7 years now had its first day of school today. I'm only there one day a week now, so I'm kind of out of the loop, but it was fun to be there on the very first day all of the kids and families started back. We all met in the gym with the kids sitting in the middle of the floor and the parents and staff surrounding them, and we started off the year praying for the students, their families, and their teachers.
It was really pretty special - and so unlike the public school that I grew up in!
I couldn't help but think and process all throughout the day that Kaden could have been starting school today with all of the others. He's five, and we could have begun a whole new chapter of our lives this very morning. But, at breakfast as Kev and I were talking about it, we both agreed that this is something that we are just NOT ready for yet!
We still don't know what the Lord has in mind for us to do with our boys. We're still really searching and praying and talking with seasoned parents who we love and respect....and just really seeking God's face in what He wants for our little family.
All I know is this: for this year, it was not the right timing to put Kaden in school. There is still so much "new" in our life right now, that I don't think I could handle anything else. Even though we have been "HOME" for a year, we both feel like we are still in transition and are still adjusting to life as we know it - new abode, new church, new ministry, and soon to be new baby - I need the stability of my little boy home with me for another year.
Bottom line: I'm just not ready.
So, this will be the year of finding our new rhythm. Our new rhythm of adjusting to life with THREE little boys, possibly a new home, Lord willing support raised and a bit of a picture of what life will look like with our new ministry, and a little bit of "loosey goosey" homeschooling - just a dabbling - to see how that might fit our little family.
I like stability. I really like structure. I like being completely organized and in control. I don't like chaos. I don't like being tired. I don't like not knowing what the future holds. But, for four years now, the Lord has been stretching me and growing me and molding me. I'm learning that it's okay to not be able to fit what I think life should look like into a perfect little mold. When things get too much and too big for ME to be able to control - well, that's the perfect place to "just be" and to REST.
I'm not really sure how I'm going to handle three little boys. I'm pretty sure I'm not going to love it if we do get the house but I have the baby before all of my little ducks are in a row - house painted, boxes unpacked, and we're completely moved in and settled; I'm really not sure if I can do this whole homeschool thing if that's what God asks me to do; and I really have no idea what life is going to look like a year down the road for us!
But, it's all too much for my little pea brain to even try and process, so I am choosing to rest. And I am surprisingly at peace with EVERYTHING.
By God's grace, I'm learning.
It was really pretty special - and so unlike the public school that I grew up in!
I couldn't help but think and process all throughout the day that Kaden could have been starting school today with all of the others. He's five, and we could have begun a whole new chapter of our lives this very morning. But, at breakfast as Kev and I were talking about it, we both agreed that this is something that we are just NOT ready for yet!
We still don't know what the Lord has in mind for us to do with our boys. We're still really searching and praying and talking with seasoned parents who we love and respect....and just really seeking God's face in what He wants for our little family.
All I know is this: for this year, it was not the right timing to put Kaden in school. There is still so much "new" in our life right now, that I don't think I could handle anything else. Even though we have been "HOME" for a year, we both feel like we are still in transition and are still adjusting to life as we know it - new abode, new church, new ministry, and soon to be new baby - I need the stability of my little boy home with me for another year.
Bottom line: I'm just not ready.
So, this will be the year of finding our new rhythm. Our new rhythm of adjusting to life with THREE little boys, possibly a new home, Lord willing support raised and a bit of a picture of what life will look like with our new ministry, and a little bit of "loosey goosey" homeschooling - just a dabbling - to see how that might fit our little family.
I like stability. I really like structure. I like being completely organized and in control. I don't like chaos. I don't like being tired. I don't like not knowing what the future holds. But, for four years now, the Lord has been stretching me and growing me and molding me. I'm learning that it's okay to not be able to fit what I think life should look like into a perfect little mold. When things get too much and too big for ME to be able to control - well, that's the perfect place to "just be" and to REST.
I'm not really sure how I'm going to handle three little boys. I'm pretty sure I'm not going to love it if we do get the house but I have the baby before all of my little ducks are in a row - house painted, boxes unpacked, and we're completely moved in and settled; I'm really not sure if I can do this whole homeschool thing if that's what God asks me to do; and I really have no idea what life is going to look like a year down the road for us!
But, it's all too much for my little pea brain to even try and process, so I am choosing to rest. And I am surprisingly at peace with EVERYTHING.
By God's grace, I'm learning.
Some Crazy Updates.....
Well, first of all - I'm in the 34th week of my pregnancy. Still feeling really good with good blood pressure and all that. I expect all things to hit the fan by my 36th week if they're going to. That gives us two more good weeks before I may need to start being more careful. But maybe not, too. So far so good, and we're trusting that all will go well. Loving my midwives. Loving our choice to deliver in Ellsworth. Hating the touristy traffic and road work. Glad it will probably be much more minimal come the first of October!
Secondly, we are at 54% of our support with U.S. Center for World Missions! This is just so exciting and encouraging, and we are feeling totally blessed and thankful about this. We already have a good sized handful of both individuals and churches who want us to come and work with them as soon as we have full support, so we are just really excited about all of the ministry opportunities that are around the corner. And - I never thought I'd say this - we really are enjoying the whole support raising process. Meeting one on one or family by family and just building a really intimate team of friends and supporters. It's a pretty cool thing.
And finally - oh my word - we think we're buying a house!!!! I say "we think" because certain inspections and other specific things have to fall into place before it's a "for sure" thing, but if all goes like it looks like it might - we're going to be closing on a little house in Hampden on September 30th!!! Crazy. Crazy. That would be 11 days before my due date. Yep. And I have always gone early and have always been put on bed rest in those few days right beforehand. I think much stress may abound before all is said and done. But, in the end, it will totally be worth it. I may have gray hair and a nervous breakdown before then, but once it's all said and done, it'll be great! I'll share the full story in another post...it's a good one!
Secondly, we are at 54% of our support with U.S. Center for World Missions! This is just so exciting and encouraging, and we are feeling totally blessed and thankful about this. We already have a good sized handful of both individuals and churches who want us to come and work with them as soon as we have full support, so we are just really excited about all of the ministry opportunities that are around the corner. And - I never thought I'd say this - we really are enjoying the whole support raising process. Meeting one on one or family by family and just building a really intimate team of friends and supporters. It's a pretty cool thing.
And finally - oh my word - we think we're buying a house!!!! I say "we think" because certain inspections and other specific things have to fall into place before it's a "for sure" thing, but if all goes like it looks like it might - we're going to be closing on a little house in Hampden on September 30th!!! Crazy. Crazy. That would be 11 days before my due date. Yep. And I have always gone early and have always been put on bed rest in those few days right beforehand. I think much stress may abound before all is said and done. But, in the end, it will totally be worth it. I may have gray hair and a nervous breakdown before then, but once it's all said and done, it'll be great! I'll share the full story in another post...it's a good one!
Meet Risso!
Here are just a few pics of our new little 12 week old kitten.
She's pretty sweet.
A little reclusive at times, but I feel that way, too around here sometimes! :0)
She came with the name, and Kaden loves it, so Risso she shall stay!
She's pretty sweet.
A little reclusive at times, but I feel that way, too around here sometimes! :0)
She came with the name, and Kaden loves it, so Risso she shall stay!
These Past Few Days.......
Whew has life been nuts lately!
I'll share some more in a few days, but for now, our biggest news is that we have a new little member that has joined our family! For my 32nd birthday, my three loves surprised me with a bunch of kitty stuff wrapped by Kaden and a promise that over the week-end we would go to the shelter and pick out a new little kitten!
This was a very big deal, which we all took quite seriously. We each chose a kitty that we wanted to "visit" with, we spent time with each little kitty, and then we all made a joint choice together. We weren't able to pick her up until today because she had to be spayed......interesting trying to explain that concept to Kaden......but she is here with us now and sleeping happily next to Kaden in his bed.
Now. This is SUPPOSED to be MY kitten.
But these two have fallen in love with each other, and I guess that's how life goes. This is the exact age that I was when I got my kitten, and she lived for twenty-two years!!!! She didn't kick the bucket until I was married. How nuts is that? Sooooo, I don't have the heart to take her out of his arms and claim her as my own.
Although, I WILL be sneaking in and claiming her to my own bed just as soon as I know that Kaden is fast asleep. We're going to have to share her!
Pictures soon to follow.......
I'll share some more in a few days, but for now, our biggest news is that we have a new little member that has joined our family! For my 32nd birthday, my three loves surprised me with a bunch of kitty stuff wrapped by Kaden and a promise that over the week-end we would go to the shelter and pick out a new little kitten!
This was a very big deal, which we all took quite seriously. We each chose a kitty that we wanted to "visit" with, we spent time with each little kitty, and then we all made a joint choice together. We weren't able to pick her up until today because she had to be spayed......interesting trying to explain that concept to Kaden......but she is here with us now and sleeping happily next to Kaden in his bed.
Now. This is SUPPOSED to be MY kitten.
But these two have fallen in love with each other, and I guess that's how life goes. This is the exact age that I was when I got my kitten, and she lived for twenty-two years!!!! She didn't kick the bucket until I was married. How nuts is that? Sooooo, I don't have the heart to take her out of his arms and claim her as my own.
Although, I WILL be sneaking in and claiming her to my own bed just as soon as I know that Kaden is fast asleep. We're going to have to share her!
Pictures soon to follow.......
The Doctor Will See You Now!
Our kids had their well-child check-ups yesterday with our new family physician. He is a family friend who attends our old church and we love Love LOVE him!!! He is a holistic doctor who is totally on the exact same page as we are with immunizations, our birthing plan for this new little one that will soon be joining us, and really just EVERYTHING!
It was such a refreshing visit going from our "Queen of Immunizations" pediatrician that we had in PA to this man who loves the Lord, loves our family, and just pretty much totally rocks.
He told us that both boys are on target to be over six feet tall when they grow up. He said that Kaden will be long and lean and Jesse will be tall and a bruiser! Jesse is - right now - in the 95% for a THREE YEAR OLD!!! This child just turned 2!!! He said - "I can tell that you're starving this kid!" Pretty funny.
Jesse did have to have one shot - which he was totally not impressed with. The rest of the day, whenever he looked at the bandaid on his leg he would say: "That lady - she SHOT me!"
Anyway, we're just really thankful for this practice and for two healthy little boys. What a breathe of fresh air!
It was such a refreshing visit going from our "Queen of Immunizations" pediatrician that we had in PA to this man who loves the Lord, loves our family, and just pretty much totally rocks.
He told us that both boys are on target to be over six feet tall when they grow up. He said that Kaden will be long and lean and Jesse will be tall and a bruiser! Jesse is - right now - in the 95% for a THREE YEAR OLD!!! This child just turned 2!!! He said - "I can tell that you're starving this kid!" Pretty funny.
Jesse did have to have one shot - which he was totally not impressed with. The rest of the day, whenever he looked at the bandaid on his leg he would say: "That lady - she SHOT me!"
Anyway, we're just really thankful for this practice and for two healthy little boys. What a breathe of fresh air!
A Thought for Today.....
Kev gets these emails from "Ransomed Heart" Ministries, and he shared this one with me this morning. I love it, and I think it is so encouraging for young moms in the stage of life that we are in "right now."
Just another reminder to savor life, to live in the moment, to not compare our lives to others, to not wish for what we do not have, and to listen to the music of our lives today - the HERE and the NOW.
It's kind of long - but totally worth the read. Love it.
For months, my life has felt like piecing together an existence. Not much in the way of heart, vision, or desire. I have felt like a wanderer who is lost. But, lately some things have come to mind, and they remind me of the life God wants me to live but many times a life I feel powerless to experience.
Chesteron said, "The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see." I can spend a lot of time living like a stereotypical, stubborn (sometimes obnoxious) tourist and spend little time living like a seasoned traveler.
Tourists stick out. They're conspicuous. They think they know what they want (of course they do, they've read all the brochures), and they are bound and determined (actually a better word is hell-bent) on getting there, "seeing" it, taking the pictures, buying the t-shirt, and moving on. It's like they care more about proving they were there than actually being there. Their energy seems much more directed towards "seeing it all" so they can say they "saw it all" when, in fact, they have experienced little. So, the trip ends up being more about them than it is about entering into the places and people and history they could have experienced.
In other words, I spend so much time "waiting to live" that I find I have little capacity to simply live, to enter in to what's going on right now and find some rest, beauty or enjoyment. And I think I know why.
I have this list I am usually only semi-conscious of that includes what I need to see happen, where I need to be in life, when I need to arrive, what I need to look like, and what I want or want eliminated, and the lie embedded in this way of "list living" is, if I could only achieve my list, I would finally get over the grudge I live with daily and be happy.
And then the words of an Irish legend came to mind that go something like this: A great warrior chief asks, "What is the finest music in the world?" And various answers are given. "The sound of the Cuckoo calling!", "the ring of a spear on a shield!", "the belling of a stag!", etc. And the chief says, "Yes, they are good sounds all."
Finally, the chief is asked to answer his own question. And what is his answer? "The music of what is happening. That is the finest music in the world!"
Wow. Really? There is music to what is happening right now? Come spend a day with me and, sadly, you would see that I can live like what is happening right now just needs to be gotten through, tolerated, gotten rid of, or frankly, just not enough about me. I do not choose to let go, enter in, and be present.
So, I can choose to be deaf to the "music" of everyday living. And a lot of times, it's not even choosing, it's simply being so used to deafness. It's like getting used to watching a film that has had its beautiful soundtrack removed. The story and characters and movements are still there, but there is something missing.
And then just a couple mornings ago I'm taking a few moments to be quiet, reading a bit and just sitting and looking outside, and the words come to me, "David, your life is beautiful." Father is that you?
Right now, with some important needs not being met (at least they're important to me), my life is beautiful. There's much to experience, beauty all around, three great kids and an amazing wife. Goofing off, making Becky laugh (she gets all my jokes. It's why I married her) and choosing to enter in and hearing the music in my day. Cutting down on the whining, settling in to hear Jesus, watching Drew play ball, taking Emily to Starbucks, washing the cars, playing Spit with Maggie, making time for friends, getting out in the hills and the prairie. All very good stuff to enjoy.
I want to be awake! I want to hear the music of what's happening. The finest music in the world.
Dave Guyor [dguyor@sbcglobal.net]
Just another reminder to savor life, to live in the moment, to not compare our lives to others, to not wish for what we do not have, and to listen to the music of our lives today - the HERE and the NOW.
It's kind of long - but totally worth the read. Love it.
For months, my life has felt like piecing together an existence. Not much in the way of heart, vision, or desire. I have felt like a wanderer who is lost. But, lately some things have come to mind, and they remind me of the life God wants me to live but many times a life I feel powerless to experience.
Chesteron said, "The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see." I can spend a lot of time living like a stereotypical, stubborn (sometimes obnoxious) tourist and spend little time living like a seasoned traveler.
Tourists stick out. They're conspicuous. They think they know what they want (of course they do, they've read all the brochures), and they are bound and determined (actually a better word is hell-bent) on getting there, "seeing" it, taking the pictures, buying the t-shirt, and moving on. It's like they care more about proving they were there than actually being there. Their energy seems much more directed towards "seeing it all" so they can say they "saw it all" when, in fact, they have experienced little. So, the trip ends up being more about them than it is about entering into the places and people and history they could have experienced.
In other words, I spend so much time "waiting to live" that I find I have little capacity to simply live, to enter in to what's going on right now and find some rest, beauty or enjoyment. And I think I know why.
I have this list I am usually only semi-conscious of that includes what I need to see happen, where I need to be in life, when I need to arrive, what I need to look like, and what I want or want eliminated, and the lie embedded in this way of "list living" is, if I could only achieve my list, I would finally get over the grudge I live with daily and be happy.
And then the words of an Irish legend came to mind that go something like this: A great warrior chief asks, "What is the finest music in the world?" And various answers are given. "The sound of the Cuckoo calling!", "the ring of a spear on a shield!", "the belling of a stag!", etc. And the chief says, "Yes, they are good sounds all."
Finally, the chief is asked to answer his own question. And what is his answer? "The music of what is happening. That is the finest music in the world!"
Wow. Really? There is music to what is happening right now? Come spend a day with me and, sadly, you would see that I can live like what is happening right now just needs to be gotten through, tolerated, gotten rid of, or frankly, just not enough about me. I do not choose to let go, enter in, and be present.
So, I can choose to be deaf to the "music" of everyday living. And a lot of times, it's not even choosing, it's simply being so used to deafness. It's like getting used to watching a film that has had its beautiful soundtrack removed. The story and characters and movements are still there, but there is something missing.
And then just a couple mornings ago I'm taking a few moments to be quiet, reading a bit and just sitting and looking outside, and the words come to me, "David, your life is beautiful." Father is that you?
Right now, with some important needs not being met (at least they're important to me), my life is beautiful. There's much to experience, beauty all around, three great kids and an amazing wife. Goofing off, making Becky laugh (she gets all my jokes. It's why I married her) and choosing to enter in and hearing the music in my day. Cutting down on the whining, settling in to hear Jesus, watching Drew play ball, taking Emily to Starbucks, washing the cars, playing Spit with Maggie, making time for friends, getting out in the hills and the prairie. All very good stuff to enjoy.
I want to be awake! I want to hear the music of what's happening. The finest music in the world.
Dave Guyor [dguyor@sbcglobal.net]
8 Weeks and Counting.....
Hard to believe I'm in my 32nd week of this pregnancy! We had a midwife appointment today which I always love. The whole family comes, and she lets the boys take turns measuring my belly and rubbing the gel on my tummy to hear the heartbeat. All looks good so far. Every single time they listen to this little boy's heartbeat, they tell me that we have a "busy one" in there!
I was pleasantly surprised to hear that I had only gained two pounds since my last visit. Being two weeks on the road and eating thither and yon, I figured we'd see a pretty big jump. Mind you - I was this big when I birthed Jesse, and I still have a ways to go, so I shall be quite the large and in charge Mama come my due date! I heard Kaden talking to Daddy yesterday saying - and I quote - "I love Mommy because she's so FAT!" Awesome.
My blood pressure has come up ten points, so it is starting to rise a little, but no one is concerned so far. I'm not losing any protein and my uric acid levels are stable, so this is all good news. It's usually around weeks 35-37 that my body starts to really break down, so I'm not holding my breath, but I feel very safe and confident with these midwives and this hospital.
I'm feeling very thankful and content, pretty relaxed about our living situation even though it always seems to be somewhat up in the air, and excited that we're at the countdown for this new little one to arrive.
I was pleasantly surprised to hear that I had only gained two pounds since my last visit. Being two weeks on the road and eating thither and yon, I figured we'd see a pretty big jump. Mind you - I was this big when I birthed Jesse, and I still have a ways to go, so I shall be quite the large and in charge Mama come my due date! I heard Kaden talking to Daddy yesterday saying - and I quote - "I love Mommy because she's so FAT!" Awesome.
My blood pressure has come up ten points, so it is starting to rise a little, but no one is concerned so far. I'm not losing any protein and my uric acid levels are stable, so this is all good news. It's usually around weeks 35-37 that my body starts to really break down, so I'm not holding my breath, but I feel very safe and confident with these midwives and this hospital.
I'm feeling very thankful and content, pretty relaxed about our living situation even though it always seems to be somewhat up in the air, and excited that we're at the countdown for this new little one to arrive.
15 Hours Later.....
We are home. Phew.
It was a loooooong drive yesterday. We decided to not leave at our usual 4:30 in the morning and just let the kids sleep until they woke up instead. We had kind of been running them ragged the past couple of days, and we ended up leaving a whole day early, so we just decided to take our time.
However.
Leaving at 8:00 in the morning on a Friday made for some pretty serious traffic the whole way home. Even in Maine, we hit some pretty near standstill stuff at about 9:00 at night! It was really bizarre.
Around 6:00 in the evening, we had just crossed over the Maine border and we were tired of driving, so we decided to take a little detour in Ogunquit and check out the beach there and just let the kids run free for a bit. I am telling you - my Maine friends - if you have not checked out that little area and walked "The Marginal Way" in that tiny beachy town, you must.
It is the quaintest little spot with a beautiful beach, some fun little shops, a gorgeous mile and a half walking trail, and a fun little trolley that you can ride all over the place. This stop made us not arrive home until around 11:00, but it was totally worth it.
Anyway, we are home, unpacked, and settled. It was a wonderful visit with friends and our church family, and we just had a really special time catching up with everyone. Now, I feel completely disconnected from my life here and need to get back into it.
And whenever I grab a chance to stop and really think about my life......a new little one is going to be joining us in nine weeks or less! Holy nuts-o! Can't even begin to wrap my mind around this right now. Crazyness.
It was a loooooong drive yesterday. We decided to not leave at our usual 4:30 in the morning and just let the kids sleep until they woke up instead. We had kind of been running them ragged the past couple of days, and we ended up leaving a whole day early, so we just decided to take our time.
However.
Leaving at 8:00 in the morning on a Friday made for some pretty serious traffic the whole way home. Even in Maine, we hit some pretty near standstill stuff at about 9:00 at night! It was really bizarre.
Around 6:00 in the evening, we had just crossed over the Maine border and we were tired of driving, so we decided to take a little detour in Ogunquit and check out the beach there and just let the kids run free for a bit. I am telling you - my Maine friends - if you have not checked out that little area and walked "The Marginal Way" in that tiny beachy town, you must.
It is the quaintest little spot with a beautiful beach, some fun little shops, a gorgeous mile and a half walking trail, and a fun little trolley that you can ride all over the place. This stop made us not arrive home until around 11:00, but it was totally worth it.
Anyway, we are home, unpacked, and settled. It was a wonderful visit with friends and our church family, and we just had a really special time catching up with everyone. Now, I feel completely disconnected from my life here and need to get back into it.
And whenever I grab a chance to stop and really think about my life......a new little one is going to be joining us in nine weeks or less! Holy nuts-o! Can't even begin to wrap my mind around this right now. Crazyness.
Jesse vs. The Water
In the past three to four weeks, Jesse has met his match with "The Water." My child is somewhat fearless in most areas of life, but as of late - he has met some new competition. Just when we begin to make some headway, "The Water" one-ups him. He's still feeling pretty cheerful about life....just - how you say - a wee bit cautious, for him.
It all started with the infamous 4-wheeler ride where we flipped and he got completely submerged in two feet of tadpole muddy muck. (This video will be posted shortly, I promise). He came up screaming, but was immediately soothed by a handful of wild strawberries and was more disgruntled about having to go home for a bath rather than continuing on our ride. Point one for "The Water."
Then, a couple of days ago we checked out a little state park down the road from where we are staying and the kids were able to play around in the water while we dipped our feet on the banks. We put lifejackets on both of the boys, so they could romp at will, and we settled back to watch. Jesse wore the very nice jacket that we purchased when Kaden was a newborn, because we used to go canoeing all of the time when he was tiny. It has this special thingy on it specifically designed to flip him up onto his back should we ever take a dunk. Well, apparantly, it doesn't do the same thing if you are just wading along. We were watching the boys playing happily one second, and the next thing we knew - Jesse was flat on his stomach, feet up, with his face completely submerged. Kev flew into the water after him, and he was only under for about five seconds, but that lifejacket - she surely didn't do the job that she said she was gonna do. We later learned, that it would do what it was supposed to do if he was pushed under with a bit more momentum. There was no momentum here - his feet just came out from under him. Kind of scary. Point Number Two for "The Water."
THEN - we went to the Jersey Shore with some friends - Bel Mar Beach- and the rip tide was so rough and crazy that by late afternoon the police made everyone get out of the water! The waves were nuts! Jesse didn't get swept away or anything, but he got crashed by plenty a wave, and he drank plenty a salt water. I'm pretty sure he had a good time, but I'm equally sure that "The Water" scored a point there.
And just yesterday, the kids were all playing "Ring Around the Rosy" in a kiddie pool in my friend's backyard. After the "We All Fall Down" part, Jesse's 3 year old little friend fell down ON him, and completely pinned him under for a second. Point #4!
Oh my. He seems to keep right on trucking, but with each time I see a little less enthusiasm when I suggest "swimming" and "water!" Poor kid. He's a trooper, but Mama might have a heart attack before summer's end. Good times. Good times.
It all started with the infamous 4-wheeler ride where we flipped and he got completely submerged in two feet of tadpole muddy muck. (This video will be posted shortly, I promise). He came up screaming, but was immediately soothed by a handful of wild strawberries and was more disgruntled about having to go home for a bath rather than continuing on our ride. Point one for "The Water."
Then, a couple of days ago we checked out a little state park down the road from where we are staying and the kids were able to play around in the water while we dipped our feet on the banks. We put lifejackets on both of the boys, so they could romp at will, and we settled back to watch. Jesse wore the very nice jacket that we purchased when Kaden was a newborn, because we used to go canoeing all of the time when he was tiny. It has this special thingy on it specifically designed to flip him up onto his back should we ever take a dunk. Well, apparantly, it doesn't do the same thing if you are just wading along. We were watching the boys playing happily one second, and the next thing we knew - Jesse was flat on his stomach, feet up, with his face completely submerged. Kev flew into the water after him, and he was only under for about five seconds, but that lifejacket - she surely didn't do the job that she said she was gonna do. We later learned, that it would do what it was supposed to do if he was pushed under with a bit more momentum. There was no momentum here - his feet just came out from under him. Kind of scary. Point Number Two for "The Water."
THEN - we went to the Jersey Shore with some friends - Bel Mar Beach- and the rip tide was so rough and crazy that by late afternoon the police made everyone get out of the water! The waves were nuts! Jesse didn't get swept away or anything, but he got crashed by plenty a wave, and he drank plenty a salt water. I'm pretty sure he had a good time, but I'm equally sure that "The Water" scored a point there.
And just yesterday, the kids were all playing "Ring Around the Rosy" in a kiddie pool in my friend's backyard. After the "We All Fall Down" part, Jesse's 3 year old little friend fell down ON him, and completely pinned him under for a second. Point #4!
Oh my. He seems to keep right on trucking, but with each time I see a little less enthusiasm when I suggest "swimming" and "water!" Poor kid. He's a trooper, but Mama might have a heart attack before summer's end. Good times. Good times.
Hello! Hello!
Just grabbing a couple of minutes before kidlets wake up from their naps to catch up on the bloggy world. Our little family has been out in Pennsylvania for the past week and a half visiting with friends and our church family out here and doing some support raising for our ministry. We'll be here a few more days, and then we'll head for home on Friday or Saturday.
It's been a wonderful visit seeing people again, trying to catch up on a year of everyone's lives, and also finding time for some fun things like the zoo and the beach, some walks and bike rides, and some decent family time together. The weather has been gorgeous - I'm finally getting my "sun fix," and I'm sweating like a pig in the process! I always felt slightly moldy during the summers out here, and we have definitly had to reaclimate to the humidity!
Somehow, I got myself into some poison ivy again. It's all over my left arm and I have a couple of spots on my neck, as well. I have just accepted the fact that this will now be a part of each of my summers. Like a moth to a flame, my body seems to be attracted to it, and I really don't know how to avoid it having two little boys who have to explore all of God's creation. It's inevitable, methinks.
Anyway, just a really brief update. I want to grab a couple of seconds to read everyone else's blogs before the kids wake up, so I'm going to sign off. Shannon, oh man - I hope you guys don't hate us for all of the fishy sitting that you have been doing. If they kick the bucket, feel free to flush.......
Love to all.....
It's been a wonderful visit seeing people again, trying to catch up on a year of everyone's lives, and also finding time for some fun things like the zoo and the beach, some walks and bike rides, and some decent family time together. The weather has been gorgeous - I'm finally getting my "sun fix," and I'm sweating like a pig in the process! I always felt slightly moldy during the summers out here, and we have definitly had to reaclimate to the humidity!
Somehow, I got myself into some poison ivy again. It's all over my left arm and I have a couple of spots on my neck, as well. I have just accepted the fact that this will now be a part of each of my summers. Like a moth to a flame, my body seems to be attracted to it, and I really don't know how to avoid it having two little boys who have to explore all of God's creation. It's inevitable, methinks.
Anyway, just a really brief update. I want to grab a couple of seconds to read everyone else's blogs before the kids wake up, so I'm going to sign off. Shannon, oh man - I hope you guys don't hate us for all of the fishy sitting that you have been doing. If they kick the bucket, feel free to flush.......
Love to all.....
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