We're on the homeward stretch now. I may be totally wrong, but I feel in my bones that I'm not going to last until October 11. My body feels ready. We shall see.
I'd like baby to stay inside at least until a week before due date because of the whole house situation. I would really love to be moved in, painted, and settled - but we'll roll with whatever happens.
I'm planning what I can with full knowledge that all may need to be thrown to the wind! But pretending that I really can plan my whole life out, here goes:
* Putter and organize for the rest of this week.
* Go up to the County all next week to see family & do a little support raising.
* The following week do some hard core packing, culling, & organizing.
* Saturday the 26th, my church is giving me a baby shower!
* Mom will take the kids back with her for a few days after that.
* The final week of September - Pack up everything on Sun., Mon., & Tues.
* Close on our house Wednesday the 30th.
* Move everything over there that day. Start painting.
* Paint on October 1st & 2nd (Thurs. & Fri.)
* Unpack and settle in on the 3rd & 4th (Sat. & Sun.)
* My boys will come back to me sometime on the week-end.
And then - baby is free and clear to come anytime after that!
How's that for a plan?
Kinda' like trying to nail jello to a tree.........
Summer's Last Hurrah
We wanted to do one last big thing this summer with the boys before baby #3 comes and before the crazyness of our house gets underway, so this week-end we kicked it for three nights and three days to Rangeley. We've hardly done a thing with Kev's mom and Bruce all summer, so we all went together to Bruce's little island camp where we spent half of our Honeymoon 10 years ago. I think that the last time we went there was when Kaden was only six weeks old, so it was so SO nice to get back!
We decided last minute to leave when I got out of work on Wednesday, instead of losing about three hours on Thursday to driving, so we didn't arrive until around 9:30 Wednesday night. The moon was full and gorgeous, and the boys were absolutely mesmerized as we boated over to the island.
Where we are at this stage in our lives, this really is the most perfect little vacation getaway. It's far enough away that we feel like we really have taken a break from life, there is no electricity, it's quiet and beautiful, it's cheap - just gas and groceries, and it's really a little kid's paradise.
For three days, all we did was chill; eat; visit; and play and swim in the water and catch crayfish, minnows, and chubs - which the boys put in buckets and held to their heart's content...with many a pinch from the crayfish, but it didn't seem to hinder them any!
We also had fires and made pudgy pies, went for boat rides, and just really vegged together as a family in the beauty of God's creation all around us.
Here's a pic of this little room that we all shared together:
It was super cute and cozy, and we would all go to bed together at the same time and talk and tell stories. Really, the only things that the island contains are the little A-frame camp where Pat & Bruce slept, an A-frame boathouse where we slept in the upper loft, and an A-frame outhouse! It's pretty tiny, but oh - what a haven it is!
It was lovely.
Canning & Freezing
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........
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.....
A Few Updates....
It's Friday morning - family day - and surprise, surprise it's raining. Again.
The kids really don't care - and neither does their Daddy for that matter. It's more - me - just needing to let it go and choose to be content and enjoy the adventure of the day regardless. I am just a wee bit tired of it all. But, for this largely prego body, I guess I do prefer the cool over the roasty toasty heat. So, I shall try not to complain.
We did get a few bits of sun over the past week, and on two different occasions we were able to get near some water and actually play in the sun. One day, we spontaneously ended up at a friend's camp and actually spent the whole day with these dear people. The boys got a boat ride and a chance to ride behind on a big hotdog tube - which they both loved. And another day, my parents came down and we all went down to Jenkin's Beach and played in the water again. The kids even came away with farmer tans - the first sign of summer on their skin!
A couple of days ago, we took a picnic to the Bangor Waterfront with their other Grampy and Grammy and let the kids ride their bikes up and down the walkway. True to nature, we faced a downpour midway through supper - but Daddy came prepared. He set up our camping dining canopy right over our picnic table, brought the stuff for camp coffee, and we were all sheltered and cozy all together. Undaunted, the boys still kept riding in the rain. And it ended up being a really fun time.
It's the kind of summer where I'm learning that we just have to embrace whatever we get for a day or else I'm going to blink and Autumn will be here with winter just around the corner.
So, today, we were all awakened early by our baby kitten that we have adopted for the weekend for some friends who have gone away. He is just precious, by the way, and solidifies in my mind that our time is coming soon. He and the boys are running around the house all crazy and half-clad, and Kev and I are still in our p.j.'s sipping coffee. It's dark and scuzzy outside but happy and cozy inside. We have no big plans - maybe some cooking, a family movie, and lots and lots of snuggles with our new friend, Baxter.
It's going to be a good day.
The kids really don't care - and neither does their Daddy for that matter. It's more - me - just needing to let it go and choose to be content and enjoy the adventure of the day regardless. I am just a wee bit tired of it all. But, for this largely prego body, I guess I do prefer the cool over the roasty toasty heat. So, I shall try not to complain.
We did get a few bits of sun over the past week, and on two different occasions we were able to get near some water and actually play in the sun. One day, we spontaneously ended up at a friend's camp and actually spent the whole day with these dear people. The boys got a boat ride and a chance to ride behind on a big hotdog tube - which they both loved. And another day, my parents came down and we all went down to Jenkin's Beach and played in the water again. The kids even came away with farmer tans - the first sign of summer on their skin!
A couple of days ago, we took a picnic to the Bangor Waterfront with their other Grampy and Grammy and let the kids ride their bikes up and down the walkway. True to nature, we faced a downpour midway through supper - but Daddy came prepared. He set up our camping dining canopy right over our picnic table, brought the stuff for camp coffee, and we were all sheltered and cozy all together. Undaunted, the boys still kept riding in the rain. And it ended up being a really fun time.
It's the kind of summer where I'm learning that we just have to embrace whatever we get for a day or else I'm going to blink and Autumn will be here with winter just around the corner.
So, today, we were all awakened early by our baby kitten that we have adopted for the weekend for some friends who have gone away. He is just precious, by the way, and solidifies in my mind that our time is coming soon. He and the boys are running around the house all crazy and half-clad, and Kev and I are still in our p.j.'s sipping coffee. It's dark and scuzzy outside but happy and cozy inside. We have no big plans - maybe some cooking, a family movie, and lots and lots of snuggles with our new friend, Baxter.
It's going to be a good day.
Two of my Loves....
For those of you who know me well, two of my most fave things in the whole wide world - (other than my boys, duh!) are - wait for them.......
:: Food and
:: Critters.
It's true. Both of those delights make me one very truly happy camper.
I love all things to do with food....except grocery shopping for it. I'm not a huge fan of that. But, I love eating it, I love cooking it, and I love making it special for those I love. One of my mostest favoritest fave things to do with food is to prepare it for my wee little family - but to do the whole thing from start to finish.
Like jam making. I love the whole process. I love picking the berries, hulling them, making the jam, putting it into jars, and then storing it away to have for months on end. Kev says it's kind of like shooting a deer - seeing something to completion from start to finish. You know - from the deer standing in the field all the way to the cooked venison on the table.
Who knew? I can totally see the analogy, though.
Anyway......this week, my two little loves and I hit the strawberry fields two different times in between the rain showers to see what we could see. I was a wee bit hesitant about going all by myself with them, but it was so much fun and they had a really good time - and they actually worked really hard right along side of me. True to personality - Kaden's was the most perfect box of all - not a blemish on any berry. And Jesse's.....well, let's just say that the majority of his box was inedible - but he was very proud of himself!
So, here are a few pics of one of my loves this week:
We only picked sixteen boxes, but we got quite a few berries from these.
We made six batches of delish strawberry freezer jam.
I made some scrump-didilly-umpshious strawberry muffins to put said fresh jam upon.
And I flash froze the rest which are now in freezer bags awaiting their fate.
:::And now, for my second love which I share with both of my boyzies...
A few pics for your viewing pleasure:
A sweet little tree frog that we just released a few days ago.
A super cool luna moth that has now kicked the bucket.....they only live for a week anyway.....this one did get quite a bit of love though, I must confess.
And for the most rockinest thing of all:
A baby snapping turtle that we found today!!!
Seriously, how cute is he?
I totally would've kept him, if he wouldn't have grown up to be able to bite my children's fingers off.
:: Jam and berries in my freezer.
:: Some fun and funky critters to hold and admire.
:: I can now die a happy woman!
:: Food and
:: Critters.
It's true. Both of those delights make me one very truly happy camper.
I love all things to do with food....except grocery shopping for it. I'm not a huge fan of that. But, I love eating it, I love cooking it, and I love making it special for those I love. One of my mostest favoritest fave things to do with food is to prepare it for my wee little family - but to do the whole thing from start to finish.
Like jam making. I love the whole process. I love picking the berries, hulling them, making the jam, putting it into jars, and then storing it away to have for months on end. Kev says it's kind of like shooting a deer - seeing something to completion from start to finish. You know - from the deer standing in the field all the way to the cooked venison on the table.
Who knew? I can totally see the analogy, though.
Anyway......this week, my two little loves and I hit the strawberry fields two different times in between the rain showers to see what we could see. I was a wee bit hesitant about going all by myself with them, but it was so much fun and they had a really good time - and they actually worked really hard right along side of me. True to personality - Kaden's was the most perfect box of all - not a blemish on any berry. And Jesse's.....well, let's just say that the majority of his box was inedible - but he was very proud of himself!
So, here are a few pics of one of my loves this week:
We only picked sixteen boxes, but we got quite a few berries from these.
We made six batches of delish strawberry freezer jam.
I made some scrump-didilly-umpshious strawberry muffins to put said fresh jam upon.
And I flash froze the rest which are now in freezer bags awaiting their fate.
:::And now, for my second love which I share with both of my boyzies...
A few pics for your viewing pleasure:
A sweet little tree frog that we just released a few days ago.
A super cool luna moth that has now kicked the bucket.....they only live for a week anyway.....this one did get quite a bit of love though, I must confess.
And for the most rockinest thing of all:
A baby snapping turtle that we found today!!!
Seriously, how cute is he?
I totally would've kept him, if he wouldn't have grown up to be able to bite my children's fingers off.
:: Jam and berries in my freezer.
:: Some fun and funky critters to hold and admire.
:: I can now die a happy woman!
Home on the Range
Aah.
We are home - boys in hand, and I am happy.
It was a wonderful, restful vacation for all involved, but it is sooo nice to all be together again. Kev and I made good time getting home on Friday, so we scooted up to Mom and Dad's late that afternoon to be there to surprise the boys when they woke up from their naps.
It was so fun to see them and surprise them, and they were so happy to see us, too! But we could totally tell that they had been having a blast with Grampy and Grammy. We all went 4-wheeling, had a pizza picnic outside, and then one final bonfire to top off the night. The next day, we made one last trip to the pond and collected some baby tadpoles to bring home, went on ONE more 4-wheeler ride, Jesse took a massive dunk in a huge mud puddle (I swear, I'm bad luck for that kid!), so they washed off in the kiddie pool for one final swim, and then we hit the road for home.
We came THIS close (fingers pinched together) to bringing the boys home a baby kitten from the animal shelter. But, we're headed to Pennsylvania for a couple of weeks of support raising in a couple of weeks, and I thought that might be too traumatizing for the little thing to just get bonded with it and then leave it, so we resisted. The time is coming soon, though. I can feel it in my bones.....
So, now we are home and settled. The boys are napping in their own beds, stuff is put away, laundry is slowly getting caught up, bread is rising, a few groceries are in the fridge, and I am once again settling into HOME.
The chatter is incessant, the noise is raucous, feet are constantly running, messes are getting made, diapers are getting filled, and my counter is once again getting filled up with "critters."
It's good to be back.
We are home - boys in hand, and I am happy.
It was a wonderful, restful vacation for all involved, but it is sooo nice to all be together again. Kev and I made good time getting home on Friday, so we scooted up to Mom and Dad's late that afternoon to be there to surprise the boys when they woke up from their naps.
It was so fun to see them and surprise them, and they were so happy to see us, too! But we could totally tell that they had been having a blast with Grampy and Grammy. We all went 4-wheeling, had a pizza picnic outside, and then one final bonfire to top off the night. The next day, we made one last trip to the pond and collected some baby tadpoles to bring home, went on ONE more 4-wheeler ride, Jesse took a massive dunk in a huge mud puddle (I swear, I'm bad luck for that kid!), so they washed off in the kiddie pool for one final swim, and then we hit the road for home.
We came THIS close (fingers pinched together) to bringing the boys home a baby kitten from the animal shelter. But, we're headed to Pennsylvania for a couple of weeks of support raising in a couple of weeks, and I thought that might be too traumatizing for the little thing to just get bonded with it and then leave it, so we resisted. The time is coming soon, though. I can feel it in my bones.....
So, now we are home and settled. The boys are napping in their own beds, stuff is put away, laundry is slowly getting caught up, bread is rising, a few groceries are in the fridge, and I am once again settling into HOME.
The chatter is incessant, the noise is raucous, feet are constantly running, messes are getting made, diapers are getting filled, and my counter is once again getting filled up with "critters."
It's good to be back.
Time With My Man.....
We have internet connection in our lobby, it's 8:00 at night and pouring rain, and we're cozied up inside with bellies full and quietness reigning supreme.
We've had one glorious day of sun so far, so we played outside all day long. We lazed by the river - but didn't dare go into its icyness. A few people did, but not me! And then we went on a beautiful six mile hike up to see a gorgeous waterfall in the mountains. Kev actually braved jumping underneath it, and I got a great picture of him screaming like a girl! Very classic.
We went swimming when we got back to get rid of our sweat and filth. Kev made the big mistake of diving underwater and grabbing my feet to tickle them. I did what any normal person would do to prevent being dunked underwater - I stepped on his head and held him under water! Now, he has an awesome battlewound that's about the size of a nickle right in the middle of his forehead!!! It looks just like a huge rugburn! I must admit - I resist the urge to laugh my head off whenever I see it, but I do feel a little bad. How was I to know that it was going to be bashed on the bottom of the pool? I was just trying to protect my poor little self.
Happy Anniversary, Honey! (ahem)
Today it's been scuzzy, so we slept in late, hit some shops, went to an Animal Shelter and snuggled lots of kittens, and filled our faces with yummy food. It's been wonderful.
Being a Mommy is a crazy thing, though.
I spend many a day craving some solitude, some space, and just a few quiet moments to myself. And then I get them........and oh, how I crave my babies! They have become such a part of me. We are finding that we are seeing everything through their eyes. We are shopping at the toy stores, we are hunting for fun treasures to take home to them, and we are saying over and over again: "Oh, man! The boys would love this! And THIS would be so much fun for them!"
We have talked with them each day, and they are having a blast with Grammy & Grampy, so that makes us feel good. They are catching lots of new little treasures and creepy crawlies to bring home and replentish our empty countertop, so they are in their element.
And it HAS been oh so nice to have a few days alone - just the two of us. Lots of great talks, slow walks, sleeping in, dreaming and planning, and just BEING. It's been a long time. Only a couple of more days left to savor - and then back to real life.
........And that will be great, too!
We've had one glorious day of sun so far, so we played outside all day long. We lazed by the river - but didn't dare go into its icyness. A few people did, but not me! And then we went on a beautiful six mile hike up to see a gorgeous waterfall in the mountains. Kev actually braved jumping underneath it, and I got a great picture of him screaming like a girl! Very classic.
We went swimming when we got back to get rid of our sweat and filth. Kev made the big mistake of diving underwater and grabbing my feet to tickle them. I did what any normal person would do to prevent being dunked underwater - I stepped on his head and held him under water! Now, he has an awesome battlewound that's about the size of a nickle right in the middle of his forehead!!! It looks just like a huge rugburn! I must admit - I resist the urge to laugh my head off whenever I see it, but I do feel a little bad. How was I to know that it was going to be bashed on the bottom of the pool? I was just trying to protect my poor little self.
Happy Anniversary, Honey! (ahem)
Today it's been scuzzy, so we slept in late, hit some shops, went to an Animal Shelter and snuggled lots of kittens, and filled our faces with yummy food. It's been wonderful.
Being a Mommy is a crazy thing, though.
I spend many a day craving some solitude, some space, and just a few quiet moments to myself. And then I get them........and oh, how I crave my babies! They have become such a part of me. We are finding that we are seeing everything through their eyes. We are shopping at the toy stores, we are hunting for fun treasures to take home to them, and we are saying over and over again: "Oh, man! The boys would love this! And THIS would be so much fun for them!"
We have talked with them each day, and they are having a blast with Grammy & Grampy, so that makes us feel good. They are catching lots of new little treasures and creepy crawlies to bring home and replentish our empty countertop, so they are in their element.
And it HAS been oh so nice to have a few days alone - just the two of us. Lots of great talks, slow walks, sleeping in, dreaming and planning, and just BEING. It's been a long time. Only a couple of more days left to savor - and then back to real life.
........And that will be great, too!
What NOT to Expect When You're Expecting!
Vacation: Day 1
I believe the words out of my brother's mouth were: "Hey, Kevin! Do you want to go mudding?"
So, off we went - our whole family on three four-wheelers. Mom & Dad took theirs; my brother with his wife and Kaden took another; and Kevin, Jesse, & I rode the third. This is the sort of thing that we live for when we go home. Our whole family LOVES to go four-wheeling. And we had an extra treat in that my cousin lent us their two new ones, so we each got to ride on our own rather than be pulled along in a wagon "Beverly Hillbilly" style. (Mind you - that's fun, as well!)
Anyway, we didn't get too far on our ride when we saw this side trail that was buried in a couple of feet of muddy water. That's where this whole mudding idea came in. Aaron, Jules, & Kaden went in first and we followed. To get out of this trail, there's a bit of a steep embankment that you have to pop up over. It shouldn't really have been too big of a deal. But, we were on new wheelers and didn't realize that we had to manually push her over into 4-wheel drive - aaaaaaand because we didn't put it over - coming up out of the embankment she stalled.
And we flipped.
It was a bit of a shocker - we all got submerged and Jesse came up screaming! The first thing that I heard went I came up for air was Kaden cackling gleefully in the background! After if all happened, he looked over at Grammy and noncholantly said: "Well! I'm sure glad I wasn't riding on THAT 4-wheeler!" He wouldn't ride with us for the rest of the week-end! Luckily, Mom had a handful of wild strawberries in her hand, and as soon as she offered some to Jesse he was fine!
It took me five shampoos to get all of that crud out of my hair! On the way home to shower, I asked Jesse if that was fun and if he wanted to do it again. His response? "Yep. But, me no get in bathtub!" He was more concerned that he was having to miss out on more wheeling by going home to get clean!
And my wee babe within - well, Mom just about had a hernia worrying that I was going to go into pre-term labor. I assured her that he's plenty protected! Besides, it's all part of the indoctrination into the Booker family! And what a way to start our vacation!
My Dad got a good part of the whole escapade taped on his camera, so in a couple of days, I'll see if I can get it up for your viewing pleasure! It surely was an experience......
I believe the words out of my brother's mouth were: "Hey, Kevin! Do you want to go mudding?"
So, off we went - our whole family on three four-wheelers. Mom & Dad took theirs; my brother with his wife and Kaden took another; and Kevin, Jesse, & I rode the third. This is the sort of thing that we live for when we go home. Our whole family LOVES to go four-wheeling. And we had an extra treat in that my cousin lent us their two new ones, so we each got to ride on our own rather than be pulled along in a wagon "Beverly Hillbilly" style. (Mind you - that's fun, as well!)
Anyway, we didn't get too far on our ride when we saw this side trail that was buried in a couple of feet of muddy water. That's where this whole mudding idea came in. Aaron, Jules, & Kaden went in first and we followed. To get out of this trail, there's a bit of a steep embankment that you have to pop up over. It shouldn't really have been too big of a deal. But, we were on new wheelers and didn't realize that we had to manually push her over into 4-wheel drive - aaaaaaand because we didn't put it over - coming up out of the embankment she stalled.
And we flipped.
It was a bit of a shocker - we all got submerged and Jesse came up screaming! The first thing that I heard went I came up for air was Kaden cackling gleefully in the background! After if all happened, he looked over at Grammy and noncholantly said: "Well! I'm sure glad I wasn't riding on THAT 4-wheeler!" He wouldn't ride with us for the rest of the week-end! Luckily, Mom had a handful of wild strawberries in her hand, and as soon as she offered some to Jesse he was fine!
It took me five shampoos to get all of that crud out of my hair! On the way home to shower, I asked Jesse if that was fun and if he wanted to do it again. His response? "Yep. But, me no get in bathtub!" He was more concerned that he was having to miss out on more wheeling by going home to get clean!
And my wee babe within - well, Mom just about had a hernia worrying that I was going to go into pre-term labor. I assured her that he's plenty protected! Besides, it's all part of the indoctrination into the Booker family! And what a way to start our vacation!
My Dad got a good part of the whole escapade taped on his camera, so in a couple of days, I'll see if I can get it up for your viewing pleasure! It surely was an experience......
This & That
Well, the sun has been peeking through the clouds for the past couple of days, so we are drinking in whatever tidbits we can get. The ground is still so wet and there are puddles everywhere, so whatever we do and wherever we go the boys are perpetually soaked! The water and the puddles just seem to draw them! But, I can't scold - they have missed being outside SO much! So, these past two days there has been lots of puddle stomping and riding bikes through muddy messes. Good times!
We released ALL of our little critters. We're going away for vacation, so I figured now was a good time to let all the littles go and start over afresh and anew when we get home. Grampy DID bring over two beautiful green moon moths that we've been enjoying. Interesting tidbit: when they hatch into moths, they have no mouths, so they don't eat and consequently only live for one week! Sooooo, I don't feel so bad keeping them until they die!
Kev and I went on a really fun date the other night. Instead of doing the usual dinner and a movie, we decided to instead take a drive down to Bar Harbor and eat at a little place right on the water and then walk around town for awhile. That was SO much fun, and we've decided that's what we're going to do more often - use up that time that we'd normally be sitting for two hours and drive a little farther away.
Our babysitter called though, and said that she was having a little trouble getting Jesse to go to sleep. She said he wouldn't stop talking to Kaden and she wasn't sure what to do! I told her to just not go in at all anymore and he would peter out within a few minutes. First thing the next morning, Jesse tattled on himself and came right up to me and said: "I no obey Abby. I talk Kaden!" Pretty funny.
And the highlight of my summer: tomorrow we're kicking it, and I am TOTALLY pumped!!!
We're all going up to the County to celebrate the 4th of July. My little brother is home from the Border Patrol Academy for just a few days and then he'll be gone for ten more months. So, we're going to go and spend some time with him. And THEN we are leaving kidlets with my parents, and we are going to New Hampshire for FIVE NIGHTS......ALL BY OURSELVES to celebrate our ten year anniversary!!!!
We've never left them this long before - only for a night or two here and there - but they are totally excited and so are we! Kev says that we're going to catch up on five years of lost sleep! Although it's predicted to rain EVERY SINGLE DAY - Praises - we're going to make the best of it and have tons and tons of fun. We've been to this area many times before and we've already conquered everything that there is to do, so we just plan to chill and play and swim and eat and relax to the MAX!!!
Happy 4th of July, All!
We released ALL of our little critters. We're going away for vacation, so I figured now was a good time to let all the littles go and start over afresh and anew when we get home. Grampy DID bring over two beautiful green moon moths that we've been enjoying. Interesting tidbit: when they hatch into moths, they have no mouths, so they don't eat and consequently only live for one week! Sooooo, I don't feel so bad keeping them until they die!
Kev and I went on a really fun date the other night. Instead of doing the usual dinner and a movie, we decided to instead take a drive down to Bar Harbor and eat at a little place right on the water and then walk around town for awhile. That was SO much fun, and we've decided that's what we're going to do more often - use up that time that we'd normally be sitting for two hours and drive a little farther away.
Our babysitter called though, and said that she was having a little trouble getting Jesse to go to sleep. She said he wouldn't stop talking to Kaden and she wasn't sure what to do! I told her to just not go in at all anymore and he would peter out within a few minutes. First thing the next morning, Jesse tattled on himself and came right up to me and said: "I no obey Abby. I talk Kaden!" Pretty funny.
And the highlight of my summer: tomorrow we're kicking it, and I am TOTALLY pumped!!!
We're all going up to the County to celebrate the 4th of July. My little brother is home from the Border Patrol Academy for just a few days and then he'll be gone for ten more months. So, we're going to go and spend some time with him. And THEN we are leaving kidlets with my parents, and we are going to New Hampshire for FIVE NIGHTS......ALL BY OURSELVES to celebrate our ten year anniversary!!!!
We've never left them this long before - only for a night or two here and there - but they are totally excited and so are we! Kev says that we're going to catch up on five years of lost sleep! Although it's predicted to rain EVERY SINGLE DAY - Praises - we're going to make the best of it and have tons and tons of fun. We've been to this area many times before and we've already conquered everything that there is to do, so we just plan to chill and play and swim and eat and relax to the MAX!!!
Happy 4th of July, All!
A Little Ditty.....
Rain! Rain!
Go away
And never come again -
Okay?
I'm sick of you!
You make me mad!
And worse than that -
You make me sad!
The plants are fine
They need no more!
So go away -
You are a BORE!
My boys are nuts!
They've gone insane!
They're tired, too!
Of this numb rain.
So go away!
This prego's done!
When I wake up -
Give me some sun!!!
And if you don't
I swear -
it's true!
This tubby's comin' after you.........
Go away
And never come again -
Okay?
I'm sick of you!
You make me mad!
And worse than that -
You make me sad!
The plants are fine
They need no more!
So go away -
You are a BORE!
My boys are nuts!
They've gone insane!
They're tired, too!
Of this numb rain.
So go away!
This prego's done!
When I wake up -
Give me some sun!!!
And if you don't
I swear -
it's true!
This tubby's comin' after you.........
Happy Father's Day!
A day late......
Happy Father's Day to my sweet hubby who loves and provides for his family with all that he has. How blessed are my three little boys to have a Daddy like him to look up to and model their lives after.
We kind of did little mini celebrations this week. The kids made him a really big banner, we made him a fun supper one night, and on Saturday we went down to Cabella's - where else? - and ate out at Macaroni Grill. Good times!
On Sunday - the true and actual Father's Day - I confess.....I was somewhat grumpy with my poison ivy and no A.C. at church. So, Kev and the boys started on their own "manly spaghetti" Father's Day lunch when we got home while I applied my anti-itch creams and got out of my constricting Sunday clothes. After that, all was well, and we all had fun cooking together in the kitchen and having a yummy lunch together. Sorry about that, Love. Ahem.
I love you, Kevy. You are my best friend. My soulmate. The love of my life. I love walking this crazy journey of life with you. You are my perfect fit.
And to my own sweet Daddy-O -----the first man I ever loved! Thank you for being such an example to the three of us kids. Thank you for your humble, gentle strength and for giving me such a rich and wonderful childhood. Thank you for teaching me through your life, about the kind of man that I should wait for and marry one day. How I love you! Happy Father's Day!
********
And on somewhat of a yummy sidenote:
Ohhh sweet, squishy delish-ish-ness!
Shoot Me Now
Up until last year, I have never in my life experienced the glorious pleasure and joy of that lovely little plant called poison ivy. From the time I've known him, Kev has gotten some pretty bad cases almost every year, but either I never walked through the stuff before or I had an immunity to it.
Until last summer. Behold my legs. And this is just part of the joy before it got really bad.
Somehow, I was the only one of the four of us to encounter the POISON, and the blasted stuff ended up getting into my bloodstream and coming out all over my body. I was still nursing Jesse at the time, but finally had to wean him in order to have the strongest prescription to get rid of the stuff.
I would rather give birth a thousand times over than go through that again.
Anyhoo......just a couple of days ago, we went down to the Hampden Marina to get an icecream and watch the boats. Kev suggested walking through this little path in the woods that he used to explore as a kid. Jesse got tired partway through and Kev and Kaden were way up ahead, so I hoisted him up onto my shoulders for the rest of the jaunt. I never do that. I always ride him on my hip - where there is clothing. There was no clothing around my neck. And apparently he had been traipsing through some poison ivy, the little dear. And apparently, the oils from his jeans rubbed all over my neck, and yup - I now have poison ivy all over my neck and on my left shoulder.
And it's spreading. Praise Him.
I am this close to becoming that girly girl that I always tease about and from now on will seriously contemplate staying home to knit or paint my nails and drink tea. Or do whatever every other mother who doesn't feel like going on woodsy adventures does.
Lord have mercy on my soul.
Until last summer. Behold my legs. And this is just part of the joy before it got really bad.
Somehow, I was the only one of the four of us to encounter the POISON, and the blasted stuff ended up getting into my bloodstream and coming out all over my body. I was still nursing Jesse at the time, but finally had to wean him in order to have the strongest prescription to get rid of the stuff.
I would rather give birth a thousand times over than go through that again.
Anyhoo......just a couple of days ago, we went down to the Hampden Marina to get an icecream and watch the boats. Kev suggested walking through this little path in the woods that he used to explore as a kid. Jesse got tired partway through and Kev and Kaden were way up ahead, so I hoisted him up onto my shoulders for the rest of the jaunt. I never do that. I always ride him on my hip - where there is clothing. There was no clothing around my neck. And apparently he had been traipsing through some poison ivy, the little dear. And apparently, the oils from his jeans rubbed all over my neck, and yup - I now have poison ivy all over my neck and on my left shoulder.
And it's spreading. Praise Him.
I am this close to becoming that girly girl that I always tease about and from now on will seriously contemplate staying home to knit or paint my nails and drink tea. Or do whatever every other mother who doesn't feel like going on woodsy adventures does.
Lord have mercy on my soul.
A Gift From My Mom....
My mom wrote me this poem a few days ago, and it made me cry when she read it to me. Another reminder to savor these precious years.....
"My Daughter's World"
Her days are filled with sweet little boys -
Wiping little noses and picking up toys;
Turning over rocks and looking for slugs -
Going for long walks and catching lots of bugs.
Getting slimy kisses from a dear little face
or wiping off his tears - 'till there's not a trace!
One likes his hands clean - he doesn't like the grime -
And one doesn't care if he's covered in slime!
She often hears the sound of small running feet,
or an impish voice say: "Can I have a treat?"
"Mommy, can you read to me - just one more book?"
How could she refuse that precious little look!
"Let's bake some cookies, Mommy!! Let's go to the park!"
"Let's go fishing at the pond - can we stay 'till dark?"
Whether wading in the brooks or catching "tads" and frogs -
They can find all their "treasures" hiding under logs!
Loving everything that creeps, crawls or flies -
Seeing God's creation through a little boy's eyes!
This is now her world - this daughter of mine -
And nothing would she change that could be so fine
as to hear their childish voices singing her a song -
or laughing as they play - while the days roll along.
Two little boys - with another "on the way" -
Sometimes can make for a very long day;
But their sunshiny faces, their laughter and their songs
Make her world a brighter place and set right all the wrongs!
For these tender years are gone too soon
And she knows that she will miss
Those little hands - those litte feet -
And that precious "good night" kiss.
With a final thought so poignant and true: "Treasure these days, daughter of mine! Dedicated to my daughter and her little brood of boys: You are blessed, Amy, and so are they - ....
for "their world" is what you make it!"
"My Daughter's World"
Her days are filled with sweet little boys -
Wiping little noses and picking up toys;
Turning over rocks and looking for slugs -
Going for long walks and catching lots of bugs.
Getting slimy kisses from a dear little face
or wiping off his tears - 'till there's not a trace!
One likes his hands clean - he doesn't like the grime -
And one doesn't care if he's covered in slime!
She often hears the sound of small running feet,
or an impish voice say: "Can I have a treat?"
"Mommy, can you read to me - just one more book?"
How could she refuse that precious little look!
"Let's bake some cookies, Mommy!! Let's go to the park!"
"Let's go fishing at the pond - can we stay 'till dark?"
Whether wading in the brooks or catching "tads" and frogs -
They can find all their "treasures" hiding under logs!
Loving everything that creeps, crawls or flies -
Seeing God's creation through a little boy's eyes!
This is now her world - this daughter of mine -
And nothing would she change that could be so fine
as to hear their childish voices singing her a song -
or laughing as they play - while the days roll along.
Two little boys - with another "on the way" -
Sometimes can make for a very long day;
But their sunshiny faces, their laughter and their songs
Make her world a brighter place and set right all the wrongs!
For these tender years are gone too soon
And she knows that she will miss
Those little hands - those litte feet -
And that precious "good night" kiss.
With a final thought so poignant and true: "Treasure these days, daughter of mine! Dedicated to my daughter and her little brood of boys: You are blessed, Amy, and so are they - ....
for "their world" is what you make it!"
Simple & Deliberate
That's what I want our family to look like.
Kev and I have been talking a lot these past couple of weeks - assessing and reassessing our family, our priorities, our values..... our LIFE. Everyone is always busy; life is always full. But when things start to feel out of control and we lose all semblance of structure, it's not good for any of us.
Somewhere in the midst of moving home, a few things got lost in translation, and crazyness has abounded.
So, we've been making some changes around here. When the boys wake up in the morning, one of us will go into them with a little snack and they can play on Kaden's bed or in their bedroom, but they are not allowed out until we go to them. We have them in there for about an hour; and this way we are able to get our heads screwed on straight - get our showers, make the bed, have some devos, and get focused for the day.
Oh Heavens! This has made such a difference in my days. Going from being shocked awake before 6:00 by two little boys jumping on us, to having the day start peaceful and much more centered. And the boys are totally okay with this. They are excited to be together, they are rested, and they play and laugh well together during this time. The room gets slightly trashed.....so now we'll work on that too. But it is SO worth it!
I have also gone from working two afternoons a week to one condensed day. Now, instead of having two of our days disrupted, only one looks different from the rest. And Daddy & Grammy split the time spent with the boys that day. It's good. It's all good.
Just lots of processing and reprioritizing. I don't know if other families do this, but we find ourselves doing this ALL. THE. TIME. For us it's necessary - keeping the finger on the pulse of our family and noticing when things start to get out of balance.
We're also really discussing and very seriously praying about what our life is going to look like with baby #3, with potential travel opportunities for Kev or for the two of us with our new ministry, and with deciding on Christian school or homeschooling. Big decisions, but we're taking them one day at a time. All the more reason to be more simple and deliberate and intentional and purposeful in all that we're doing with our family.
This year is going to be our "trial year" in a lot of areas for us.
:: I'll be learning how to be a Mommy to 3 little boys.
:: We've decided that we are not going to put Kaden into Kindergarten until he's 6, so this year I'm going to "loosy-goosy" homeschool him and just see how it goes for our family. I've been picking the brain of my school's K teacher who I greatly respect and have gotten some really good ideas that I'm excited about.
:: And it will really be the first time for our family where Kev will be doing some traveling and leaving me home with all of them for a few days at a time. So structure is good. And during those days it will be a necessity for sanity!
.....Feeling MUCH better about life
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. Therefore, my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him." ~ Psalm 29:8
Kev and I have been talking a lot these past couple of weeks - assessing and reassessing our family, our priorities, our values..... our LIFE. Everyone is always busy; life is always full. But when things start to feel out of control and we lose all semblance of structure, it's not good for any of us.
Somewhere in the midst of moving home, a few things got lost in translation, and crazyness has abounded.
So, we've been making some changes around here. When the boys wake up in the morning, one of us will go into them with a little snack and they can play on Kaden's bed or in their bedroom, but they are not allowed out until we go to them. We have them in there for about an hour; and this way we are able to get our heads screwed on straight - get our showers, make the bed, have some devos, and get focused for the day.
Oh Heavens! This has made such a difference in my days. Going from being shocked awake before 6:00 by two little boys jumping on us, to having the day start peaceful and much more centered. And the boys are totally okay with this. They are excited to be together, they are rested, and they play and laugh well together during this time. The room gets slightly trashed.....so now we'll work on that too. But it is SO worth it!
I have also gone from working two afternoons a week to one condensed day. Now, instead of having two of our days disrupted, only one looks different from the rest. And Daddy & Grammy split the time spent with the boys that day. It's good. It's all good.
Just lots of processing and reprioritizing. I don't know if other families do this, but we find ourselves doing this ALL. THE. TIME. For us it's necessary - keeping the finger on the pulse of our family and noticing when things start to get out of balance.
We're also really discussing and very seriously praying about what our life is going to look like with baby #3, with potential travel opportunities for Kev or for the two of us with our new ministry, and with deciding on Christian school or homeschooling. Big decisions, but we're taking them one day at a time. All the more reason to be more simple and deliberate and intentional and purposeful in all that we're doing with our family.
This year is going to be our "trial year" in a lot of areas for us.
:: I'll be learning how to be a Mommy to 3 little boys.
:: We've decided that we are not going to put Kaden into Kindergarten until he's 6, so this year I'm going to "loosy-goosy" homeschool him and just see how it goes for our family. I've been picking the brain of my school's K teacher who I greatly respect and have gotten some really good ideas that I'm excited about.
:: And it will really be the first time for our family where Kev will be doing some traveling and leaving me home with all of them for a few days at a time. So structure is good. And during those days it will be a necessity for sanity!
.....Feeling MUCH better about life
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. Therefore, my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him." ~ Psalm 29:8
On My Counter.....
:: 7 salamanders
:: 8 tadpoles
:: Several slugs.....yuck......
:: 1 warty green tree frog with sticky fingers
:: 1 dobson fly larvae - a stinky, nasty, ferocious pinching somethingrather
:: 2 or 3 spiders
:: 1 dead dragonfly
:: And 2 goldfish
....nothing really cute on my countertops anymore.
....but two little boys who think I'm the coolest.
:: 8 tadpoles
:: Several slugs.....yuck......
:: 1 warty green tree frog with sticky fingers
:: 1 dobson fly larvae - a stinky, nasty, ferocious pinching somethingrather
:: 2 or 3 spiders
:: 1 dead dragonfly
:: And 2 goldfish
....nothing really cute on my countertops anymore.
....but two little boys who think I'm the coolest.
Breath of Fresh Air
If you have time today, this is a really great article to read for anyone who struggles with falling into the "comparison trap."
The bottom line of it all? - "Do what works best for your own family, and do what honors God."
This is a mantra I so want to live by when "sharing advice" with other moms and when looking at my own parenting methods. Mothering is the most private, most personal thing a woman does - and everyone does it differently. The bottom line is if we're all striving to seek the Lord's wisdom in it all, to honor our husbands, and to love our kids well - then it really and truly doesn't matter how, when, and what method we use to switch our babies from a bottle to a sippy cup; or how long we wait before potty training; or even if we choose to do attachment or "baby wise" parenting. I definitly have my opinions on any and all of these things - but they are only that - just MY opinions.
What's really important is this:
Am I striving to please the Lord?
Am I seeking His face in all that I do?
Am I loving and honoring my husband and going about this whole journey as a team with him?
Am I trying my best to love my kids well and striving to really know them?
If so, then it really doesn't matter what "everyone else" is doing. I eat humble pie every day these days, anyway; but it doesn't matter if I keep up with the latest trends on motherhood. It matters completely that my failure or success as a mother depends soley and utterly upon Christ. My worth as a mother is found in Him alone. It's because of Him - not me - that my boys will turn out to be godly, wise, tender, gentlemen. I can't take any credit now, and I never will be able to.
And all that other stuff..... live and let live, baby.
Live and let live.
The bottom line of it all? - "Do what works best for your own family, and do what honors God."
This is a mantra I so want to live by when "sharing advice" with other moms and when looking at my own parenting methods. Mothering is the most private, most personal thing a woman does - and everyone does it differently. The bottom line is if we're all striving to seek the Lord's wisdom in it all, to honor our husbands, and to love our kids well - then it really and truly doesn't matter how, when, and what method we use to switch our babies from a bottle to a sippy cup; or how long we wait before potty training; or even if we choose to do attachment or "baby wise" parenting. I definitly have my opinions on any and all of these things - but they are only that - just MY opinions.
What's really important is this:
Am I striving to please the Lord?
Am I seeking His face in all that I do?
Am I loving and honoring my husband and going about this whole journey as a team with him?
Am I trying my best to love my kids well and striving to really know them?
If so, then it really doesn't matter what "everyone else" is doing. I eat humble pie every day these days, anyway; but it doesn't matter if I keep up with the latest trends on motherhood. It matters completely that my failure or success as a mother depends soley and utterly upon Christ. My worth as a mother is found in Him alone. It's because of Him - not me - that my boys will turn out to be godly, wise, tender, gentlemen. I can't take any credit now, and I never will be able to.
And all that other stuff..... live and let live, baby.
Live and let live.
Painting the Town.....
Kev left us all this week and flew to Pasadena, CA to do some training with U.S. Center for World Missions. Since it was going to be a weird week with him gone and me lonely, my dear friend Rachey Rach from New York made the nine hour road trip up with her little girl to stay with me and the boys for the week. We've been planning a visit for sometime this summer anyway, so this week was perfect!
I met Rach at PBU when we moved out there three years ago. She and her hubby did the same thing we did: quit their jobs, sold their homes, and completely uprooted, so we were kindred spirits instantly. She and I lived one building over, we took the same classes together, love the same things, and became each other's family away from home - one of those friendships where you are in each other's lives on a daily basis only briefly but where the friendship will last forever. Rach even came over and slept on my couch at 3:30 in the morning and made my Kaden feel loved and special when I went into labor with Jesse.
So, it was a special gift to have her here all week to keep me company. And I do believe that I ran her ragged! I wanted her to see all of the things that we do and love, I wanted to show her my roots, and then I also wanted to do a whole bunch of super fun things with all of the kidlets. So, every day, we did something fun together! I showed her the house that we used to own, we fed the baby goats and got ice cream at a local orchard, we went to Bar Harbor and had a picnic on Sand Beach, we went to Camden and walked the pier, we killed some yard sales, we did some antiquing, we went up home and I took her 4-wheeling, introduced her to black flies, went frogging at the pond, and had smores in our fire pit; and we did very little sleeping!
For two single pregos and three kidlets, I'd say we did pretty good. It was glorious. Her little Moriah finally started to warm up to a household of boys - the youngest of which always wanted to kiss her and hold her hand! She got to snuggle lots of salamanders, and I'm sure she also learned a lot of tricks that her mommy will be thrilled with.
But she was the one who FIRST went wading in hotel landscaping sprinkler system......they just followed her leading......
I met Rach at PBU when we moved out there three years ago. She and her hubby did the same thing we did: quit their jobs, sold their homes, and completely uprooted, so we were kindred spirits instantly. She and I lived one building over, we took the same classes together, love the same things, and became each other's family away from home - one of those friendships where you are in each other's lives on a daily basis only briefly but where the friendship will last forever. Rach even came over and slept on my couch at 3:30 in the morning and made my Kaden feel loved and special when I went into labor with Jesse.
So, it was a special gift to have her here all week to keep me company. And I do believe that I ran her ragged! I wanted her to see all of the things that we do and love, I wanted to show her my roots, and then I also wanted to do a whole bunch of super fun things with all of the kidlets. So, every day, we did something fun together! I showed her the house that we used to own, we fed the baby goats and got ice cream at a local orchard, we went to Bar Harbor and had a picnic on Sand Beach, we went to Camden and walked the pier, we killed some yard sales, we did some antiquing, we went up home and I took her 4-wheeling, introduced her to black flies, went frogging at the pond, and had smores in our fire pit; and we did very little sleeping!
For two single pregos and three kidlets, I'd say we did pretty good. It was glorious. Her little Moriah finally started to warm up to a household of boys - the youngest of which always wanted to kiss her and hold her hand! She got to snuggle lots of salamanders, and I'm sure she also learned a lot of tricks that her mommy will be thrilled with.
But she was the one who FIRST went wading in hotel landscaping sprinkler system......they just followed her leading......
A Rainy, Buggy, Birthday!
Well, the forecast was right, my friends! Three out of the four days of our camping excursion, we had ourselves some RAIN! But, we planned accordingly, and overall, I think our little birthday adventure was a blazing success!
On our final shopping trip before we left, also known as the "junk food grocery trip" in Kaden's eyes, we walked through the aisles with the eyes of a family going off to battle. We splurged and bought ourselves a nice dining canopy that would cover our picnic table and all of our food and not fly away with the slightest of breezes. Whereas we normally pack all of our food etc. in cardboard boxes, I bought plastic tubs to store all of our dried goods in so that they could withstand torrential downpours. And the best purchases of all were two, matching, hooded rain slickers for the boys that went down to their knees!
I also packed three changes of clothes for them for each day knowing full well that Jesse would be wet and filthy the moment he stepped foot out of our tent.....and he was! I did complete changes of clothing first thing in the morning, before nap, and again before bedtime. In between those times, he was FILTHY and DRENCHED.....and happy as a lark! Sometimes, he would plop himself right down in a puddle on purpose, or stand himself directly under a waterfall coming off of one of our tarps!
We saw that the rain was predicted to come in around noon on Wednesday, so our goal was to get at our site around 10:30 and have an hour and a half to completely set up camp, eat lunch, and get the boys settled in for their naps. The Lord was gracious to us, and that is exactly what we managed to pull off before the rain came down in torrents!!!
While the boys slept, Kev and I sat under our canopy snuggled under a sleeping bag, with all of our warm clothes on, sipping camp coffee, and looked at each other - wondering why we were the ONLY ones at the ENTIRE Peaks Kenney campground! No joke!! We had the run of the place the entire week-end.
I'm not really sure why! Camp coffee is the BEST! :0)
In all honesty, it was in that moment that we both looked at each other and said: "This is fun, right? It is, isn't it?!!" And we decided then and there that if we were having fun, then they would have fun. So, I gave up praying for a heat wave and just went with the flow for the rest of the time!
That first night we gave them one of their gifts early - some new books - and we all went to bed at the same time and read by flashlight while listening to the rain - "God's lullaby" - drumming on our tent roof. Seriously. Does that not sound fun to you? It was a little chilly that night - we all slept with winter hats on - and eventually pulled Jesse into bed with us because he was cold in his pack and play. The other nights, though, were very mild and quite cozy.
Our parents came in on Thursday, and for a good part of that day we had some decent weather. They were all able to set up their sites, we even had some friends who lived in the area over for lunch, and Kaden was able to educate their three girls in the areas of all things slugs, worms, and salamanders. He was in his element!
And then, for the rest of the week-end, except for the day that we packed up to come home (of course!) we had torrents of rain! It did not phase my three boys in the least. We celebrated their birthday all week-end giving them little gifts here and there, and we just had a blast watching them run free and filthy!
We had a bug theme - of course! So, these were the little cupcakes in honor of Kaden...
We also had some wormy cakes - in honor of Jesse.....
I had little plastic bugs and salamanders and worms everywhere for the kids to play with.
I forgot to rotate this picture when I downloaded it, but to show you what a good sport my Mother is....We gave both boys some silly string for one of their gifts. Ahem.
And finally......
I give you "slug hands." The main theme of the week-end. Delish.
We had a nice, looooong, swim in the tub when we got home......
On our final shopping trip before we left, also known as the "junk food grocery trip" in Kaden's eyes, we walked through the aisles with the eyes of a family going off to battle. We splurged and bought ourselves a nice dining canopy that would cover our picnic table and all of our food and not fly away with the slightest of breezes. Whereas we normally pack all of our food etc. in cardboard boxes, I bought plastic tubs to store all of our dried goods in so that they could withstand torrential downpours. And the best purchases of all were two, matching, hooded rain slickers for the boys that went down to their knees!
I also packed three changes of clothes for them for each day knowing full well that Jesse would be wet and filthy the moment he stepped foot out of our tent.....and he was! I did complete changes of clothing first thing in the morning, before nap, and again before bedtime. In between those times, he was FILTHY and DRENCHED.....and happy as a lark! Sometimes, he would plop himself right down in a puddle on purpose, or stand himself directly under a waterfall coming off of one of our tarps!
We saw that the rain was predicted to come in around noon on Wednesday, so our goal was to get at our site around 10:30 and have an hour and a half to completely set up camp, eat lunch, and get the boys settled in for their naps. The Lord was gracious to us, and that is exactly what we managed to pull off before the rain came down in torrents!!!
While the boys slept, Kev and I sat under our canopy snuggled under a sleeping bag, with all of our warm clothes on, sipping camp coffee, and looked at each other - wondering why we were the ONLY ones at the ENTIRE Peaks Kenney campground! No joke!! We had the run of the place the entire week-end.
I'm not really sure why! Camp coffee is the BEST! :0)
In all honesty, it was in that moment that we both looked at each other and said: "This is fun, right? It is, isn't it?!!" And we decided then and there that if we were having fun, then they would have fun. So, I gave up praying for a heat wave and just went with the flow for the rest of the time!
That first night we gave them one of their gifts early - some new books - and we all went to bed at the same time and read by flashlight while listening to the rain - "God's lullaby" - drumming on our tent roof. Seriously. Does that not sound fun to you? It was a little chilly that night - we all slept with winter hats on - and eventually pulled Jesse into bed with us because he was cold in his pack and play. The other nights, though, were very mild and quite cozy.
Our parents came in on Thursday, and for a good part of that day we had some decent weather. They were all able to set up their sites, we even had some friends who lived in the area over for lunch, and Kaden was able to educate their three girls in the areas of all things slugs, worms, and salamanders. He was in his element!
And then, for the rest of the week-end, except for the day that we packed up to come home (of course!) we had torrents of rain! It did not phase my three boys in the least. We celebrated their birthday all week-end giving them little gifts here and there, and we just had a blast watching them run free and filthy!
We had a bug theme - of course! So, these were the little cupcakes in honor of Kaden...
We also had some wormy cakes - in honor of Jesse.....
I had little plastic bugs and salamanders and worms everywhere for the kids to play with.
I forgot to rotate this picture when I downloaded it, but to show you what a good sport my Mother is....We gave both boys some silly string for one of their gifts. Ahem.
And finally......
I give you "slug hands." The main theme of the week-end. Delish.
We had a nice, looooong, swim in the tub when we got home......
Drum Roll Please.........
Well, people!
The verdict is in!!! We had our almost two hour anatomy ultrasound today, and I had three techs and one M.D. stake their lives on what they were saying the sex of the baby is.
I said that I had no preference - I would be thrilled with either gender - but what I was concerned most about was them being WRONG. And let me assure you, it was abundantly clear!!! There are NO questions as to the gender of this wee one! I even asked for a 3D picture of his "tether region" just to be sure.
See for yourself. Ahem.
The picture is a little fuzzy, because it's a picture of a picture, so if you can't really tell what you're looking at - it's a bent leg with the arrow pointing at the evidence down by the foot - and if you still can't make it out, just let me assure you, our baby Def-in-itely-doo-dah does have himself some boy parts! The doctor kept commenting on how he was "showing off" and "you can take this one to the bank" and "there is NO chance that's a finger!"
Oh my!
Three boys. Wowsers. We are thrilled and so very thankful.
......and slightly overwhelmed!!!! Ha!
P.S. Kaden's boy name of choice: "Wilbur." Classic.
SO NOT happening, my Love.
The verdict is in!!! We had our almost two hour anatomy ultrasound today, and I had three techs and one M.D. stake their lives on what they were saying the sex of the baby is.
I said that I had no preference - I would be thrilled with either gender - but what I was concerned most about was them being WRONG. And let me assure you, it was abundantly clear!!! There are NO questions as to the gender of this wee one! I even asked for a 3D picture of his "tether region" just to be sure.
See for yourself. Ahem.
The picture is a little fuzzy, because it's a picture of a picture, so if you can't really tell what you're looking at - it's a bent leg with the arrow pointing at the evidence down by the foot - and if you still can't make it out, just let me assure you, our baby Def-in-itely-doo-dah does have himself some boy parts! The doctor kept commenting on how he was "showing off" and "you can take this one to the bank" and "there is NO chance that's a finger!"
Oh my!
Three boys. Wowsers. We are thrilled and so very thankful.
......and slightly overwhelmed!!!! Ha!
P.S. Kaden's boy name of choice: "Wilbur." Classic.
SO NOT happening, my Love.
Just In Case We Thought We'd Luck Out.....
In our most recent forecast check for our camping excursion this week-end, these are the three recurring statements that we keep reading:
"A series of storms will be moving through."
And -
"Very cool temps."
And my most favorite -
"Possible continuous rain."
Fantastic. Blessings upon us all. I'll see you all on Sunday....if I make it.
"A series of storms will be moving through."
And -
"Very cool temps."
And my most favorite -
"Possible continuous rain."
Fantastic. Blessings upon us all. I'll see you all on Sunday....if I make it.
Making Memories
My parents never had a lot of money growing up. We always lived paycheck to paycheck, but the bills always got paid and we always had yummy food on the table. Dad was - and still is - a school teacher and bus driver, and during the summers he did all sorts of odd carpentry jobs so that Mom could stay home with the three of us kids.
Anyway, because we never had a lot of money, our vacations always looked a little - shall we say - different than the rest of my friends. While many of my playmates went to Disney World during their long Memorial Day Week-ends and summer vacations....I tell you what - WE were making the rockin'est memories off all time and were establishing traditions that to this day, the three of us kids talk about.
And I would have it NO other way. I have NEVER wished for Disney. I will always want to relive the memories that my family made.
We didn't spend money on hotels - in fact, I can only remember staying in a hotel once when I was a kid. Instead, we went on adventures. One family tradition involved canoeing down the East Branch river every year - rain or shine - and hanging on for dear life while we flew down the rapids. For lunch, we'd stop along the riverbank and cook up a hotdog - sometimes we'd take a little dip - and then we'd continue on our merry way.
Dad gave each of us kids a 5-gallon dill pickle bucket that we could fill with whatever we needed for those few days, and these also doubled as our canoe seats. The kicker was that whatever clothes we put in said buckets would reek to high Heavens of dill pickles, so we all had a certain odor about us for that whole trip.
And if it rained - the trip was never cancelled. Dad would just give us each a "Hefty" trash bag - with holes cut out for our heads and arms, and we were good to go. He wasn't much for fussiness.
We would pitch our tents at days' end in some gravel pit, dig a hole whenever we needed to use the bathroom, and the river was our shower. I can remember one weekend while sleeping in a little pup tent with my cousin, being awakened in the middle of the night with a certain "floating sensation." There was a good foot of water in our tent, and we were completely drenched. Mom had mercy on us and stripped us down, bundled us in our winter jackets, and let us sleep the rest of the night in our car with the heater on.
Anyway, as we plan a tenting excursion for our boys this weekend to celebrate their birthdays, I am reminded of these memories that will be forever embeded in my brain. It's not really the super sunny, non-eventful trips that I remember. It's the ones that always carried a little dramatic flair to them. Those are the ones worth reminiscing about.
And that is my hope for my boys as we embark on a four day, three night camping adventure in which it predicts rain for every, single, blasted day that we will be gone. May my boys cherish these memories as I have done....at least they won't smell like dill pickles all week.
Anyway, because we never had a lot of money, our vacations always looked a little - shall we say - different than the rest of my friends. While many of my playmates went to Disney World during their long Memorial Day Week-ends and summer vacations....I tell you what - WE were making the rockin'est memories off all time and were establishing traditions that to this day, the three of us kids talk about.
And I would have it NO other way. I have NEVER wished for Disney. I will always want to relive the memories that my family made.
We didn't spend money on hotels - in fact, I can only remember staying in a hotel once when I was a kid. Instead, we went on adventures. One family tradition involved canoeing down the East Branch river every year - rain or shine - and hanging on for dear life while we flew down the rapids. For lunch, we'd stop along the riverbank and cook up a hotdog - sometimes we'd take a little dip - and then we'd continue on our merry way.
Dad gave each of us kids a 5-gallon dill pickle bucket that we could fill with whatever we needed for those few days, and these also doubled as our canoe seats. The kicker was that whatever clothes we put in said buckets would reek to high Heavens of dill pickles, so we all had a certain odor about us for that whole trip.
And if it rained - the trip was never cancelled. Dad would just give us each a "Hefty" trash bag - with holes cut out for our heads and arms, and we were good to go. He wasn't much for fussiness.
We would pitch our tents at days' end in some gravel pit, dig a hole whenever we needed to use the bathroom, and the river was our shower. I can remember one weekend while sleeping in a little pup tent with my cousin, being awakened in the middle of the night with a certain "floating sensation." There was a good foot of water in our tent, and we were completely drenched. Mom had mercy on us and stripped us down, bundled us in our winter jackets, and let us sleep the rest of the night in our car with the heater on.
Anyway, as we plan a tenting excursion for our boys this weekend to celebrate their birthdays, I am reminded of these memories that will be forever embeded in my brain. It's not really the super sunny, non-eventful trips that I remember. It's the ones that always carried a little dramatic flair to them. Those are the ones worth reminiscing about.
And that is my hope for my boys as we embark on a four day, three night camping adventure in which it predicts rain for every, single, blasted day that we will be gone. May my boys cherish these memories as I have done....at least they won't smell like dill pickles all week.
Halfway to Insanity
Well, we're at 20 weeks in this numero three pregnancy. Halfway. Hence the title. That's what Kev is starting to call it! Ha! He's probably right.....
I'm feeling good, though. Still very healthy. Bigger this pregnancy than the other two, but feeling strong. I love my midwives. I love the hospital that I'm going to deliver in. And I LOVE that we're going to find out what we're having on TUESDAY!!! Well, attempt to find out anyway.....if said baby cooperates. This will be the first pregnancy that we've ever decided to find out the sex of one of our babies. I'll let you know which way I enjoy more.
I have my names pretty solidified in my mind. Now, I must convince the hubby. That's the challenge. He's not overly set on either. But, I shall remind him after I do all of the laboring and delivering that I let him have "Jesse" last time, AND it is I that will be doing all of the laboring and delivering, after all! Just kidding. Seriously, I am. We've always said that we both will love the names that we choose......
but I really did give him Jesse....
In the past few days, we have entered a new era - one in which we lie awake in bed and formulate our game plan on how we are going to gain back control! The past couple of mornings, right out of the blue, who should stroll into our room with a "Hi, Dada! Hi, Mama!" but wee little Jesse Micah who has learned how to crawl out of his crib. Yesterday he walked in at 5:55. Fabulous.
And yesterday morning, we walked into the kitchen and discovered that he had dragged a chair over to our kitchen rack, climbed onto the top of that, and was standing on his tippy toes to reach the bananas that are about as high as the refrigerator. As he saw us enter the room, he nonchalontly held one out to us and innocently offered: "Nana?" Oh my.
So. Plans are in motion to conquer these new habits. I'll let you know how they go!
Today was glorious. We found a fun little beach about forty minutes away - right near Fort Knox - and we spent the day there playing in the water, exploring, having a picnic lunch, and getting sunburned. We topped the day off with an ice cream on the way home, hence some wound boys, therefore a no nap day, which leads to much necessary wild running outside which is okay because we're cleaning out our vehicles, which will lead to a super early bedtime, which will be glorious for Mommy and Daddy.
Aaaaaah, Summer.
I'm feeling good, though. Still very healthy. Bigger this pregnancy than the other two, but feeling strong. I love my midwives. I love the hospital that I'm going to deliver in. And I LOVE that we're going to find out what we're having on TUESDAY!!! Well, attempt to find out anyway.....if said baby cooperates. This will be the first pregnancy that we've ever decided to find out the sex of one of our babies. I'll let you know which way I enjoy more.
I have my names pretty solidified in my mind. Now, I must convince the hubby. That's the challenge. He's not overly set on either. But, I shall remind him after I do all of the laboring and delivering that I let him have "Jesse" last time, AND it is I that will be doing all of the laboring and delivering, after all! Just kidding. Seriously, I am. We've always said that we both will love the names that we choose......
but I really did give him Jesse....
In the past few days, we have entered a new era - one in which we lie awake in bed and formulate our game plan on how we are going to gain back control! The past couple of mornings, right out of the blue, who should stroll into our room with a "Hi, Dada! Hi, Mama!" but wee little Jesse Micah who has learned how to crawl out of his crib. Yesterday he walked in at 5:55. Fabulous.
And yesterday morning, we walked into the kitchen and discovered that he had dragged a chair over to our kitchen rack, climbed onto the top of that, and was standing on his tippy toes to reach the bananas that are about as high as the refrigerator. As he saw us enter the room, he nonchalontly held one out to us and innocently offered: "Nana?" Oh my.
So. Plans are in motion to conquer these new habits. I'll let you know how they go!
Today was glorious. We found a fun little beach about forty minutes away - right near Fort Knox - and we spent the day there playing in the water, exploring, having a picnic lunch, and getting sunburned. We topped the day off with an ice cream on the way home, hence some wound boys, therefore a no nap day, which leads to much necessary wild running outside which is okay because we're cleaning out our vehicles, which will lead to a super early bedtime, which will be glorious for Mommy and Daddy.
Aaaaaah, Summer.
Little Boys' Paradise
Today was.
Well - except for the ATROCIOUS black flies that almost ate us alive.
We decided to go on another crazy family adventure and check out some place that Kev's friend told him about where there is potentially great fishing to be had and a super fun place to take our family. I have not a clue where we ended up, but it truly was an adventure!
We loaded the car with all the necessities: bug dope, camel back for our water, wellies, fishing poles, spare clothes for kidlets, fire wood, hotdogs, and buckets and nets for potential treasures.
And then we drove. And then we got lost. And then we ended up on some dirt road in the middle of nowhere for a few miles. Then we parked and hiked about a half mile UP a trail through the woods - backpacking Jesse and our stuff - trying to avoid patch upon patch of poison ivy...all the while getting somewhat eaten alive, but not too bad.
And THEN - out of nowhere - we ended up at this gorgeous pond with firepit already built and a little peice of Heaven on Earth where we kicked it for the day! The boys got thoroughly drenched while exploring and playing in the water. We fed them a horrific lunch of hotdogs, chips, and M&M's. And we found a treasure trove of little boy wonders!!!
* Tons of minnows - almost all of which Jesse killed by continuing to hold them.
* Several frogs.
* Two leeches - which Jesse tried to kiss - which I quickly put the kibosh to.
* TONS of minnow eggs - Oh! This was so exciting for me!!!
* And the kicker - a snake that was eating a frog when I picked it up! How COOL is that?!!!! He dropped the frog as soon as I grabbed him, and Kaden was a little distressed that the frog might be dead but equally excited at the possibility of a new snakey pet. I assured him that the snake was perfectly happy living in the pond. There was momentary sadness but no convincing the Mama, so we quickly moved on.
Aaaaaand no fishies for the Daddy. Aaaahhh - fishing's just not quite what it used to be pre-kidlets.......but waaaay more eventful!
A truly, glorious day indeed!
Well - except for the ATROCIOUS black flies that almost ate us alive.
We decided to go on another crazy family adventure and check out some place that Kev's friend told him about where there is potentially great fishing to be had and a super fun place to take our family. I have not a clue where we ended up, but it truly was an adventure!
We loaded the car with all the necessities: bug dope, camel back for our water, wellies, fishing poles, spare clothes for kidlets, fire wood, hotdogs, and buckets and nets for potential treasures.
And then we drove. And then we got lost. And then we ended up on some dirt road in the middle of nowhere for a few miles. Then we parked and hiked about a half mile UP a trail through the woods - backpacking Jesse and our stuff - trying to avoid patch upon patch of poison ivy...all the while getting somewhat eaten alive, but not too bad.
And THEN - out of nowhere - we ended up at this gorgeous pond with firepit already built and a little peice of Heaven on Earth where we kicked it for the day! The boys got thoroughly drenched while exploring and playing in the water. We fed them a horrific lunch of hotdogs, chips, and M&M's. And we found a treasure trove of little boy wonders!!!
* Tons of minnows - almost all of which Jesse killed by continuing to hold them.
* Several frogs.
* Two leeches - which Jesse tried to kiss - which I quickly put the kibosh to.
* TONS of minnow eggs - Oh! This was so exciting for me!!!
* And the kicker - a snake that was eating a frog when I picked it up! How COOL is that?!!!! He dropped the frog as soon as I grabbed him, and Kaden was a little distressed that the frog might be dead but equally excited at the possibility of a new snakey pet. I assured him that the snake was perfectly happy living in the pond. There was momentary sadness but no convincing the Mama, so we quickly moved on.
Aaaaaand no fishies for the Daddy. Aaaahhh - fishing's just not quite what it used to be pre-kidlets.......but waaaay more eventful!
A truly, glorious day indeed!
These Past Few Days......
It's been a wonderful week-end and great start to a new week. Finally, the sun is starting to peek through the clouds, and that always makes all of us happy!
On Saturday, we had a nice lazy family day where we all piled into the car and headed south. Somewhat of an agenda, but no real hurry. We stopped and explored an old, dirt road. We watched four turtles sunning themselves on a log in someone's pond. We stopped at a flea market and I refrained from buying a wooden box even though Kev said that I could - and I loved it. Willpower baby. We had a yummy lunch, and we stopped at the ocean and looked for starfish. After we came home - tired and happy - a family nap was in order. And then in the evening I was lavished with sweet cards, snuggles and kisses, and Mama's favorite candy. One couldn't have asked for nicer gifts.
We've been dreaming about land and a place of our own. God is reminding us to be content and to be still. Our boys are content if they see contentment in us. Outside play takes more effort and more imagination - often a drive - but it's not impossible.
We interviewed with U.S. Center for World Missions this afternoon, and Kev travels to Pasedena, California in June for further training. God continues to affirm what we are doing and continues to challenge us to trust Him with our all. He is good.
I saw my girls this morning. The kids got outside play and much worm digging took place. A chicken is cooking, the boys are napping, the house is as clean as I care for it to be. Daddy doesn't need to make phone calls tonight. A walk is in order. Salamanders to be found. Boys to be snuggled. Beds to be tucked into. Snuggles with my man. And sleep, blessed sleep, for this chubby Mama.
A good day.
On Saturday, we had a nice lazy family day where we all piled into the car and headed south. Somewhat of an agenda, but no real hurry. We stopped and explored an old, dirt road. We watched four turtles sunning themselves on a log in someone's pond. We stopped at a flea market and I refrained from buying a wooden box even though Kev said that I could - and I loved it. Willpower baby. We had a yummy lunch, and we stopped at the ocean and looked for starfish. After we came home - tired and happy - a family nap was in order. And then in the evening I was lavished with sweet cards, snuggles and kisses, and Mama's favorite candy. One couldn't have asked for nicer gifts.
We've been dreaming about land and a place of our own. God is reminding us to be content and to be still. Our boys are content if they see contentment in us. Outside play takes more effort and more imagination - often a drive - but it's not impossible.
We interviewed with U.S. Center for World Missions this afternoon, and Kev travels to Pasedena, California in June for further training. God continues to affirm what we are doing and continues to challenge us to trust Him with our all. He is good.
I saw my girls this morning. The kids got outside play and much worm digging took place. A chicken is cooking, the boys are napping, the house is as clean as I care for it to be. Daddy doesn't need to make phone calls tonight. A walk is in order. Salamanders to be found. Boys to be snuggled. Beds to be tucked into. Snuggles with my man. And sleep, blessed sleep, for this chubby Mama.
A good day.
Crossing Over
Well.....
This weekend we did the unthinkable. The thing that I said (actually, we both said) that we would never do. We crossed over into the realm of what I always said was totally uncool, and because I planned to be cool forever - this would just never do!
Well, you know - things happen.
You grow a child. Then another comes along. Then, well Heaven's to Betsy, another's on the way. And before you know it........
Not sure why the picture copied so small, but you get the picture. Yep. We crossed over into the realm of "minivan-dum." We're growing, the price was right, and man alive, we are the biggest pack-rat-inest family that I know. We practically live in our vehicle, so this was the next logical step.
Anyone want a supercool Saturn Vue? It just doesn't suit us anymore!
.......But we're still cool.
This weekend we did the unthinkable. The thing that I said (actually, we both said) that we would never do. We crossed over into the realm of what I always said was totally uncool, and because I planned to be cool forever - this would just never do!
Well, you know - things happen.
You grow a child. Then another comes along. Then, well Heaven's to Betsy, another's on the way. And before you know it........
Not sure why the picture copied so small, but you get the picture. Yep. We crossed over into the realm of "minivan-dum." We're growing, the price was right, and man alive, we are the biggest pack-rat-inest family that I know. We practically live in our vehicle, so this was the next logical step.
Anyone want a supercool Saturn Vue? It just doesn't suit us anymore!
.......But we're still cool.
On Parenting - "The Ultimate Adventure".....
Leslie Fields, mother of six and author of Parenting Is Your Highest Calling: And Eight Other Myths That Trap Us in Worry and Guilt (WaterBrook, 2008) has written a deeply thoughtful, provocative theology of parenting....
See what ya'll think of this. The quotes I posted yesterday are from this same book.
“Even in my weakness, I am living out before my children the most essential truth of our lives: all of us are in severe need of this glorious and merciful Savior.”
How does a weary parent, trying hard and failing often, clearly and practically manifest that truth – that we all desperately need a Savior -- to her children?
I think we can stop pretending that we’re perfect, or even that we’re trying to be perfect in front of our children. That leaves so little room for God.
What I want most for my children is that they would be dependent upon God. I can’t make them God-dependent, but I can live out my own dependence on God. I can do this by letting my kids see my fatigue at times, my mistakes, my limitations, even my tears---and my fears! Let them see some of that, as is age appropriate.
I remember one time when my husband had been gone for 2 weeks. I was exhausted. My five sons were fighting and tearing the house apart. They wouldn’t listen to me, and I just lost it. I just broke down and cried in front of them. They stopped, stunned. Suddenly they had a very visual display of the impact of their behavior! They quit. They apologized and things settled down.
Now, I didn’t plan that. In fact, I plan for the opposite—that I’ll always be in control, I’ll always have the right answer and response . . . but if you’re superwoman all the time, they’ll not see your need of God. Don’t be afraid to just be human! Let them see you pray when you’re afraid, when you fail. Let them see your sadness at your own sin. Let them hear of your own struggles to live righteously.
We can’t bring our children to faith ourselves---this is God’s work. But we can show them what it looks like to live as a servant of God.
The truths of God’s word have brought so much freedom to my parenting life! I’m freed from the tyranny of unrealistic expectations of parenting----that we’re going to have happy happy homes, happy happy children, we’re going to be happy and fulfilled all the time! God never promised any of that.
Now, I know that our children come to us not to make us happy, but for the much greater purpose of serving God. No matter who they end up being, no matter their choices, they are here for God’s great purposes. I’m freed as well from thinking that my children will become who I make them. That’s not only an impossible burden to carry, but it’s simply unbiblical.
My whole view of parenting has shifted, from how I feel about parenting, to what is real and true about parenting. Knowing these fuller truths doesn’t magically erase all the guilt and worry, but much of it has faded. I’ve learned to lean far more on God than myself.
It’s time to get honest about parenting. Its amazing work, and it’s very hard. But I think we’re making harder than it needs to be. We’re carrying around a lot of myths that are making this role nearly impossible. You CAN be the parent you want to be. Not by DOING more---our parenting to-do lists are long enough. Not even by BEING more---but by believing more!!
Believing that your children are gifts and blessings. That they were given to you to teach you how to love, to enlarge your heart. They’re NOT given to make us happy and fulfilled all the time. And they were NOT given to make you always feel guilty.
Ultimately, our children are for much more than us. They’re here for greater purposes than fulfilling our dreams and our needs. They’re here for God’s purposes. Every one of our children is on her own spiritual journey with God. And, amazingly, we get to be a part of it! The weight of guilt and failure is gone-----the adventure returns!
IT's good. Goooooood.
See what ya'll think of this. The quotes I posted yesterday are from this same book.
“Even in my weakness, I am living out before my children the most essential truth of our lives: all of us are in severe need of this glorious and merciful Savior.”
How does a weary parent, trying hard and failing often, clearly and practically manifest that truth – that we all desperately need a Savior -- to her children?
I think we can stop pretending that we’re perfect, or even that we’re trying to be perfect in front of our children. That leaves so little room for God.
What I want most for my children is that they would be dependent upon God. I can’t make them God-dependent, but I can live out my own dependence on God. I can do this by letting my kids see my fatigue at times, my mistakes, my limitations, even my tears---and my fears! Let them see some of that, as is age appropriate.
I remember one time when my husband had been gone for 2 weeks. I was exhausted. My five sons were fighting and tearing the house apart. They wouldn’t listen to me, and I just lost it. I just broke down and cried in front of them. They stopped, stunned. Suddenly they had a very visual display of the impact of their behavior! They quit. They apologized and things settled down.
Now, I didn’t plan that. In fact, I plan for the opposite—that I’ll always be in control, I’ll always have the right answer and response . . . but if you’re superwoman all the time, they’ll not see your need of God. Don’t be afraid to just be human! Let them see you pray when you’re afraid, when you fail. Let them see your sadness at your own sin. Let them hear of your own struggles to live righteously.
We can’t bring our children to faith ourselves---this is God’s work. But we can show them what it looks like to live as a servant of God.
The truths of God’s word have brought so much freedom to my parenting life! I’m freed from the tyranny of unrealistic expectations of parenting----that we’re going to have happy happy homes, happy happy children, we’re going to be happy and fulfilled all the time! God never promised any of that.
Now, I know that our children come to us not to make us happy, but for the much greater purpose of serving God. No matter who they end up being, no matter their choices, they are here for God’s great purposes. I’m freed as well from thinking that my children will become who I make them. That’s not only an impossible burden to carry, but it’s simply unbiblical.
My whole view of parenting has shifted, from how I feel about parenting, to what is real and true about parenting. Knowing these fuller truths doesn’t magically erase all the guilt and worry, but much of it has faded. I’ve learned to lean far more on God than myself.
It’s time to get honest about parenting. Its amazing work, and it’s very hard. But I think we’re making harder than it needs to be. We’re carrying around a lot of myths that are making this role nearly impossible. You CAN be the parent you want to be. Not by DOING more---our parenting to-do lists are long enough. Not even by BEING more---but by believing more!!
Believing that your children are gifts and blessings. That they were given to you to teach you how to love, to enlarge your heart. They’re NOT given to make us happy and fulfilled all the time. And they were NOT given to make you always feel guilty.
Ultimately, our children are for much more than us. They’re here for greater purposes than fulfilling our dreams and our needs. They’re here for God’s purposes. Every one of our children is on her own spiritual journey with God. And, amazingly, we get to be a part of it! The weight of guilt and failure is gone-----the adventure returns!
IT's good. Goooooood.
Life
I had my second appointment with my new midwife yesterday. It was long, and the whole little family came. The boys were busy but good for us. It took most of the morning with going over old records, getting blood work done, checking the stats of me and the babe. She says we've got a live one in there - she could barely follow him/her in order to check their heartbeat. Kev and I looked at each other - oh no - another one! :0) It's all good! Hard to believe I'm in my fifth month - almost halfway there now. It still doesn't seem completely real to me, and there are days when I think that I've already reached my maximum capacity, so what in the world am I thinking in bringing another little life into this world?
But I am quieted and I am stilled. It's not about me - and it's not about my capacity and capabilities. It's all about Christ and His sole sufficiency!
While the boys were playing quietly this morning I read in the Psalms about acquiring wisdom and with wisdom seeking to acquire understanding as well. I'm to take hold of it and guard it - "for it is my LIFE!" Wisdom and understanding need to be at the heart of all that I do; and when I prize these two things the results will be "grace" and "beauty." (Psalm 4) Who doesn't want a Mommy who is gracious with her speech and life and who is full of beauty on the inside? This is my prayer.
This blessed me today:
"We have to accept the reality that there is much uncertainty in parenting. Parenting is very much a walk by faith rather than by sight. God has planned it this way. Rather than relying on ourselves and our capabilities, we are constantly thrown upon the throne of God, feeling helpless and overwhelmed.
That is right where God wants us---at his feet. So the source of so much pain in parenting, sends us to source of the greatest solace---God himself.
Loving God with all our heart and soul and mind is our highest calling.
“If I pursue God first as my highest call and am satisfied in His love, then I am freed not to love my children less but to love them rightly.”
When I focus on loving God first, then it seems to set everything in a clearer perspective.
I can resist the constant temptation to see my children as extensions of myself, which gets me into a lot of trouble!
I can resist the temptation to find my identity, significance and purpose through my children instead of through Christ."
When I get this order right—loving God first—an amazing thing happens. I have so much more love—the right kind of love!-- to offer my children. I have less pride, more understanding and patience to offer".
Good, eh? I didn't write it, but Jesse's awake, and I'm too tired to link to this lady. More to come on her at another time......She's over on my right sidebar under "Good Stuff" - "A Holy Experience."
But I am quieted and I am stilled. It's not about me - and it's not about my capacity and capabilities. It's all about Christ and His sole sufficiency!
While the boys were playing quietly this morning I read in the Psalms about acquiring wisdom and with wisdom seeking to acquire understanding as well. I'm to take hold of it and guard it - "for it is my LIFE!" Wisdom and understanding need to be at the heart of all that I do; and when I prize these two things the results will be "grace" and "beauty." (Psalm 4) Who doesn't want a Mommy who is gracious with her speech and life and who is full of beauty on the inside? This is my prayer.
This blessed me today:
"We have to accept the reality that there is much uncertainty in parenting. Parenting is very much a walk by faith rather than by sight. God has planned it this way. Rather than relying on ourselves and our capabilities, we are constantly thrown upon the throne of God, feeling helpless and overwhelmed.
That is right where God wants us---at his feet. So the source of so much pain in parenting, sends us to source of the greatest solace---God himself.
Loving God with all our heart and soul and mind is our highest calling.
“If I pursue God first as my highest call and am satisfied in His love, then I am freed not to love my children less but to love them rightly.”
When I focus on loving God first, then it seems to set everything in a clearer perspective.
I can resist the constant temptation to see my children as extensions of myself, which gets me into a lot of trouble!
I can resist the temptation to find my identity, significance and purpose through my children instead of through Christ."
When I get this order right—loving God first—an amazing thing happens. I have so much more love—the right kind of love!-- to offer my children. I have less pride, more understanding and patience to offer".
Good, eh? I didn't write it, but Jesse's awake, and I'm too tired to link to this lady. More to come on her at another time......She's over on my right sidebar under "Good Stuff" - "A Holy Experience."
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