My little man is really blossoming into....shall we say....a full fledged boy in every aspect of the word! This is actually the stage that I love the most and that I have been looking the most forward to. He constantly keeps us laughing, and although he is causing me MANY more messes these days, he brings such comic relief and happiness in the crazyness of life.
A few examples of what I mean that have happened just recently:
* Daddy had a Saturday class a couple of weeks ago, so Kaden and I went on a breakfast date all by ourselves. Well, during the course of our meal Kaden (how shall we say this?) let a very large "gaseous explosion!" He looked surprised and then quite pleased with himself and then LOUDLY broadcasted: "OH! I DID A TOOT MONSTER!!!" Fabulous.....
* Just a couple of days ago, I walk into the bathroom while Kaden is peeing, and instead of "tucking" himself in like he ALWAYS does, he decided to aim outward and looked quite impressed with himself that he could spray almost all the way to the door!
* This morning I went into the bathroom and found him parading around the room with his potty seat on his head like a hat. Delicious.....
* He knows how to spray water out of the gap between his teeth now, and during baths one of his favorite things is to see if he can spray a stream clear across the bathroom. His favorite thing to say now is, "Mommy, I'm making a MESS!"
* This morning, I COULD not get out of bed, so he marched into our room, climbed into bed, took my face in his hands, pried open my eyes, and rammed his fingers into them saying, "Mommy!!! I talking to you....I NEED to see your eyeballs!"
* And I won't even start with the different names that he likes to call his "creations" when he goes #2. I swear - I have no idea where he comes up with these names, but they get more and more wild with each experience.
Ahhhhh, the joys of boys! Gotta' love it!
The Lord Gives....
So, what do you say to two dear friends who are newly and happily pregnant who have just informed you that they both have just miscarried? Meanwhile, you already have one happy, healthy son and baby #2 is only three months away? You can't say you understand - because you don't. And all of the other things that you want to say to let them know you love them and want to walk alongside them sound so trite and shallow...... Meanwhile, just the mere sight of ME reminds them of what they have just recently lost. Tough stuff. Not my favorite. Makes me sick.
I love you - my little bro and Marmie
Well, after this morning, for the first time in about twenty years, my childhood home will be "pet-less." Mom called this morning saying that our old dog, Sassie, has been having some pretty serious seizures for the past few days, and the vet said there was nothing that could be done. So, Mom made the tough call to put her down.
For those of you who are NOT animal lovers - you will not understand.....but for those of us who are....man - they really become like part of the family. I feel the saddest for Mom, because she's had to do the dirty work and make the tough calls with all of our pets. My cat lived - believe it or not - to be 20 years old! I had her since I was five, so I was long gone by the time she kicked the bucket. Sassy is Aaron's dog, and although very attached to her, he has also moved out and has a life of his own, as well.
Meanwhile, this leaves poor Mom who has to deal with all the animals when they become not so cute anymore and actually quite senile in their old age! This is the not-so-fun part of welcoming animals into the family. Having said that, however, both Kev and I are animal lovers, and we have a die-hard little animal lover in Kaden, as well. So, I know that we will go through our share of strays, adoptions, litters of babies, AND I'm sure many a crying fest, as well, at pets who will have become road kill, lost, or who will simply kick the bucket because of old age.
I sure experienced my share of animal joys and "tragedies" growing up, but those are also some of my greatest childhood memories, as well. So, I thank you, sweet Marmie, for always letting us have our little furry friends and for doing all of the dirty work when we left home! May I do the same for my children. I love you!
For those of you who are NOT animal lovers - you will not understand.....but for those of us who are....man - they really become like part of the family. I feel the saddest for Mom, because she's had to do the dirty work and make the tough calls with all of our pets. My cat lived - believe it or not - to be 20 years old! I had her since I was five, so I was long gone by the time she kicked the bucket. Sassy is Aaron's dog, and although very attached to her, he has also moved out and has a life of his own, as well.
Meanwhile, this leaves poor Mom who has to deal with all the animals when they become not so cute anymore and actually quite senile in their old age! This is the not-so-fun part of welcoming animals into the family. Having said that, however, both Kev and I are animal lovers, and we have a die-hard little animal lover in Kaden, as well. So, I know that we will go through our share of strays, adoptions, litters of babies, AND I'm sure many a crying fest, as well, at pets who will have become road kill, lost, or who will simply kick the bucket because of old age.
I sure experienced my share of animal joys and "tragedies" growing up, but those are also some of my greatest childhood memories, as well. So, I thank you, sweet Marmie, for always letting us have our little furry friends and for doing all of the dirty work when we left home! May I do the same for my children. I love you!
This One's For Esther.....
For some reason, I am having extreme difficulties posting on Esther's blog. I'll write a nice long comment, and then - I don't know why - it refuses to post for me. So, my dear friend, just know that I faithfully click over to your blog at least once a day, and even though you are receiving no posts from me - I greatly anticipate your new postings and love reading them. So, nicely done on your recent writings! Keep it up, my friend! Love you!
A Transient Time
It's interesting living where we do - at this stage of life that we are in. Part of me truly loves the adventure and uncertainty of the future (believe it or not!), and part of me gets kind of stressed by the whole process!
There are currently three couples here - good friends of ours - who are at this stage of the game. Watching them go through this whole process of figuring out "what's next" makes me thankful that we still have another whole year to go before we will need to make these kinds of decisions. (Kev is always thinking future, and he is always planning - which I'm thankful for - but, still, we can sit pretty for another 12 or so months before we really need to bite the bullet).
It's just interesting to me, because until we moved here, I honestly thought that we might settle down in our little home in Levant for a good many years, stay in that little house until we outgrew it, and then buy another one - a little bigger, but in roughly the same area. Now that I've experienced the difficult and emotional process of "uprooting," it's freeing to REALLY know and to actually EXPERIENCE the truths that: God WILL look out for me, He really will take care of me, He will provide for my needs and desires, that He really does do "exceedingly and abundantly above and beyond all that we could ever ask or imagine."
I am thankful for the times of having the safety net pulled out from underneath me. I'm thankful for the uncertainty of the future, and as I watch my friends work through this process, it is faith building to see how God takes care of each one of us in this journey of life!
Anyway, yet another really long ramble just to say: although my heart's desire is to go back to Maine and to raise my children near our families, I am willing to go wherever the Lord asks of us, and I am willing to do whatever He would have us to do. He's taken care of us once....He'll do it again.
There are currently three couples here - good friends of ours - who are at this stage of the game. Watching them go through this whole process of figuring out "what's next" makes me thankful that we still have another whole year to go before we will need to make these kinds of decisions. (Kev is always thinking future, and he is always planning - which I'm thankful for - but, still, we can sit pretty for another 12 or so months before we really need to bite the bullet).
It's just interesting to me, because until we moved here, I honestly thought that we might settle down in our little home in Levant for a good many years, stay in that little house until we outgrew it, and then buy another one - a little bigger, but in roughly the same area. Now that I've experienced the difficult and emotional process of "uprooting," it's freeing to REALLY know and to actually EXPERIENCE the truths that: God WILL look out for me, He really will take care of me, He will provide for my needs and desires, that He really does do "exceedingly and abundantly above and beyond all that we could ever ask or imagine."
I am thankful for the times of having the safety net pulled out from underneath me. I'm thankful for the uncertainty of the future, and as I watch my friends work through this process, it is faith building to see how God takes care of each one of us in this journey of life!
Anyway, yet another really long ramble just to say: although my heart's desire is to go back to Maine and to raise my children near our families, I am willing to go wherever the Lord asks of us, and I am willing to do whatever He would have us to do. He's taken care of us once....He'll do it again.
Yeesh!
So, I made a girl cry in my class last night. What a moron. (Me...not her).
My professor asked me to facilitate a group of people giving their devotionals since I gave mine last week. Class was cancelled early due to an ice storm, and only a couple of us were able to complete the assignment. My role was simple: time each person for twelve minutes, cut them off when they were done, and then facilitate discussion on what they did well and what they could improve on for next time.
It was an easy going, open format. We all were careful to give each other great encouragement, but we also offered one another one or two areas that we felt needed a little improvement, as well.
Well....this girl did a fine job, but she just read off her devotional verbatim from her notes with absolutely no emotion or passion in a very monotone voice. So, after telling her: "I thought you came across very confident, you definitly showed us that you knew what you were talking about, there was good evidence of background study, great use of cross-references etc. etc." I went on to suggest that maybe next time she could read a little less from her notes and show some conviction and passion in what we was teaching us. If she personalized it for herself, she might be better able to personalize it for the rest of us. I believe the words I used were: "Be more transparent and vulnerable with us."
Sooooo, anyway........finally, when the last person had finished giving their lesson, this girl said: "Can I just say something? I understand what you were saying about me being more open and transparent, but I did this intentionally. I chose to show no vulnerability because I'm tired of crying. My brother just passed away, and a person can only be vulnerable and transparent for so long before they have to choose to set their emotions aside for awhile."
Shoot me now........
My professor asked me to facilitate a group of people giving their devotionals since I gave mine last week. Class was cancelled early due to an ice storm, and only a couple of us were able to complete the assignment. My role was simple: time each person for twelve minutes, cut them off when they were done, and then facilitate discussion on what they did well and what they could improve on for next time.
It was an easy going, open format. We all were careful to give each other great encouragement, but we also offered one another one or two areas that we felt needed a little improvement, as well.
Well....this girl did a fine job, but she just read off her devotional verbatim from her notes with absolutely no emotion or passion in a very monotone voice. So, after telling her: "I thought you came across very confident, you definitly showed us that you knew what you were talking about, there was good evidence of background study, great use of cross-references etc. etc." I went on to suggest that maybe next time she could read a little less from her notes and show some conviction and passion in what we was teaching us. If she personalized it for herself, she might be better able to personalize it for the rest of us. I believe the words I used were: "Be more transparent and vulnerable with us."
Sooooo, anyway........finally, when the last person had finished giving their lesson, this girl said: "Can I just say something? I understand what you were saying about me being more open and transparent, but I did this intentionally. I chose to show no vulnerability because I'm tired of crying. My brother just passed away, and a person can only be vulnerable and transparent for so long before they have to choose to set their emotions aside for awhile."
Shoot me now........
It Has Begun!
Kev decided to skip class this morning and just be home with us for a bit as life has been crazy lately. When he heard Kaden talking in his bed, he offered to let me sleep in for as long as I wanted. What a nice gift, right? To be able to sleep in for AS LONG AS I WANTED? Well, could Amy's little mind relax enough to slip back into La La Land?
Oh no - all I could think about was what needs to get done before baby #2 comes. It's like I realized all of a sudden that I only have a little over three months to get this HUGE list of things done that I want to accomplish.
So, instead of laying there and stressing, I got up and have begun my little list of goals that I have to accomplish within these next 3 1/2 months. Here goes:
* I would really like to get Kaden's album caught up. I am 10 months behind. Our family album will just have to wait. That is non-existent at this point.
* I would like to start my baby album, and be caught up with doctor's visits, pregnant pictures, and my church shower, so that I can be ready to just start putting pics in as soon as the baby is born.
* I need to finish my book one month ahead of schedule as the presentation date is June 6th and I am due June 10th. It at least needs to be ready to go by mid-May in case the baby comes early. I'd like to hop into another class and just present it to them so that it can be done!
* I need to either take or CLEP out of 6 more Gen Ed credits. That really needs to be done the month of March. PBU really wants me to take a counseling course in July, but that may be too much with a newborn - even if it would only be for 5 nights. Sooo, if I could just get it done now, it would be done.
* I would like to take some Bradley Birthing classes, as we are going the Birthing Center route this time, but that is 12 weeks of needing a babysitter and a 12 week commitment of being out an extra night. Is it worth it? I don't know yet.
* And then just the regular stuff of getting extra organized, culling what isn't needed, figuring what I need for baby things, and figuring out where exactly we're going to put this newcomer once he or she arrives!
So, there you have it. Today, I'm going to research courses that I can possibly CLEP out of at the local community college, and I'm going to try to do at least a few pages in Kaden's album each week and just putter away. After that, I'm going to buy another Power Sorts Box and just really organize and label all of my pics for when I am able to get to them.
I'm off.....Did you call it "Build Rome in a Day," Shannon? That's me, today.....at least in my mind!
Oh no - all I could think about was what needs to get done before baby #2 comes. It's like I realized all of a sudden that I only have a little over three months to get this HUGE list of things done that I want to accomplish.
So, instead of laying there and stressing, I got up and have begun my little list of goals that I have to accomplish within these next 3 1/2 months. Here goes:
* I would really like to get Kaden's album caught up. I am 10 months behind. Our family album will just have to wait. That is non-existent at this point.
* I would like to start my baby album, and be caught up with doctor's visits, pregnant pictures, and my church shower, so that I can be ready to just start putting pics in as soon as the baby is born.
* I need to finish my book one month ahead of schedule as the presentation date is June 6th and I am due June 10th. It at least needs to be ready to go by mid-May in case the baby comes early. I'd like to hop into another class and just present it to them so that it can be done!
* I need to either take or CLEP out of 6 more Gen Ed credits. That really needs to be done the month of March. PBU really wants me to take a counseling course in July, but that may be too much with a newborn - even if it would only be for 5 nights. Sooo, if I could just get it done now, it would be done.
* I would like to take some Bradley Birthing classes, as we are going the Birthing Center route this time, but that is 12 weeks of needing a babysitter and a 12 week commitment of being out an extra night. Is it worth it? I don't know yet.
* And then just the regular stuff of getting extra organized, culling what isn't needed, figuring what I need for baby things, and figuring out where exactly we're going to put this newcomer once he or she arrives!
So, there you have it. Today, I'm going to research courses that I can possibly CLEP out of at the local community college, and I'm going to try to do at least a few pages in Kaden's album each week and just putter away. After that, I'm going to buy another Power Sorts Box and just really organize and label all of my pics for when I am able to get to them.
I'm off.....Did you call it "Build Rome in a Day," Shannon? That's me, today.....at least in my mind!
Shannon - This One's For You!
I have been tagged for the list game, so here goes......Shannon C., Angie, and Esther - you're it next!
Aprons - Y/N? No - although I should - especially with my ever expanding girth. My belly seems to be a catch-all these days.
Baking - Hmmm. I go through phases where I love it and then phases where it's a hassle. This week I love it, and I have hot scones waiting for hubby when he gets home from class tonight.
Clothesline - Y/N? A community one that we all share in our communal backyard.
Donuts - Ever made them? Never made them. Have eaten my share. The only ones I have ever craved are Krispy Kreme hot off the press. De-lish!
One homemaking thing you do everyday? Man, I love homemaking. I do dishes, tidy up, organize, and clean some aspect of my bathroom every day. I love cleaning and organizing.
Freezer - Do you have a separate deep freezer? No, I wish I did. Since Kev shot his deer, that's practically all that's in our freezer....it can hardly even hold an extra icecube tray!
Garbage Disposal - Y/N? No, I agree with you, Shannon - I think they are kind of scary.
Handbook - Y/N? I'm not sure I even know what that is? My Bible?! - My handbook for life!
Ironing - Love it or hate it? Oh man - despise it within the very depths of my soul. Poor Kevy - he irons most of his stuff. I'm actually quite horrible at it, as well....probably because I never do it.
Junk Drawer - Nope - but I have lots of cute "catch-all" wooden boxes that hold various things.
Kitchen - Design and decorating? - ummm, well we live in a rented apartment. But, when we moved in, we painted, laid tile, and I cutsied it up as much as I could.
Love - What is your favorite part of homemaking? Just being home. Making it "me." Decorating with fun things - bringing the outdoors in - lots of wooden things, berries, etc. Making it cozy for my boys. Cooking yummy food so the place smells good. I also LOVE throwing things away....actually a bit anal in this area, I must admit.
Mop - Y/N? Nope - I'm a hands and knees kinda' girl.
Nylons - Oh my - I swore those things off after three years at N.B.B.I. To this day, it's beyond me why I wore them on my wedding day. Beyond that moment, they have touched my legs on only one other occasion. They are the bane of my existence.
Oven - Do you use the window or open it to check? I open 'er wide and let all the hot air out!
Pizza - What do you put on yours? Whatever we have! Yummy cheese, turkey pepperoni if we have it, and lots of veggies.
Quiet - What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment? These days - lots of homework. Although today I scrapbooked during Kaden's entire nap and did 13 pages! Whoo-hoo!
Recipe card box - Y/N? Nope. Binder. Much better. (Good answer, Shannon!)
Style of house - A ghetto apartment in a ghetto town....glorified dorm life with marrieds.
Tablecloths and napkins - Y/N? Tablecloth, no. Napkins, yes.
Under the kitchen sink - All my cleaning products
Vacuum - How many times a week? My place is small - but I usually do it twice. I probably sweep my kitchen and bathroom floors every other day.
Wash - How many loads do you do a week? Because I hate clutter - the three of us share one hamper. It's the equivalent of one load, and when it's full, I do a wash. Depending on how often we go to the gym - the average is probably three. (Shannon - I can't believe you do 16!!!!!! - OH MY WORD!)
X's - Do you keep a list of things to do and cross them off? I am most assuredly a list lover.
Yard - Who does what? Our landlord does it all, baby! Oh for the day when we will have to do everything again, though!
ZZZ's - What is your last homemaking task for the day? Pick up all of the rooms. Make sure that everything is in its place before I start the day all over again tomorrow
Aprons - Y/N? No - although I should - especially with my ever expanding girth. My belly seems to be a catch-all these days.
Baking - Hmmm. I go through phases where I love it and then phases where it's a hassle. This week I love it, and I have hot scones waiting for hubby when he gets home from class tonight.
Clothesline - Y/N? A community one that we all share in our communal backyard.
Donuts - Ever made them? Never made them. Have eaten my share. The only ones I have ever craved are Krispy Kreme hot off the press. De-lish!
One homemaking thing you do everyday? Man, I love homemaking. I do dishes, tidy up, organize, and clean some aspect of my bathroom every day. I love cleaning and organizing.
Freezer - Do you have a separate deep freezer? No, I wish I did. Since Kev shot his deer, that's practically all that's in our freezer....it can hardly even hold an extra icecube tray!
Garbage Disposal - Y/N? No, I agree with you, Shannon - I think they are kind of scary.
Handbook - Y/N? I'm not sure I even know what that is? My Bible?! - My handbook for life!
Ironing - Love it or hate it? Oh man - despise it within the very depths of my soul. Poor Kevy - he irons most of his stuff. I'm actually quite horrible at it, as well....probably because I never do it.
Junk Drawer - Nope - but I have lots of cute "catch-all" wooden boxes that hold various things.
Kitchen - Design and decorating? - ummm, well we live in a rented apartment. But, when we moved in, we painted, laid tile, and I cutsied it up as much as I could.
Love - What is your favorite part of homemaking? Just being home. Making it "me." Decorating with fun things - bringing the outdoors in - lots of wooden things, berries, etc. Making it cozy for my boys. Cooking yummy food so the place smells good. I also LOVE throwing things away....actually a bit anal in this area, I must admit.
Mop - Y/N? Nope - I'm a hands and knees kinda' girl.
Nylons - Oh my - I swore those things off after three years at N.B.B.I. To this day, it's beyond me why I wore them on my wedding day. Beyond that moment, they have touched my legs on only one other occasion. They are the bane of my existence.
Oven - Do you use the window or open it to check? I open 'er wide and let all the hot air out!
Pizza - What do you put on yours? Whatever we have! Yummy cheese, turkey pepperoni if we have it, and lots of veggies.
Quiet - What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment? These days - lots of homework. Although today I scrapbooked during Kaden's entire nap and did 13 pages! Whoo-hoo!
Recipe card box - Y/N? Nope. Binder. Much better. (Good answer, Shannon!)
Style of house - A ghetto apartment in a ghetto town....glorified dorm life with marrieds.
Tablecloths and napkins - Y/N? Tablecloth, no. Napkins, yes.
Under the kitchen sink - All my cleaning products
Vacuum - How many times a week? My place is small - but I usually do it twice. I probably sweep my kitchen and bathroom floors every other day.
Wash - How many loads do you do a week? Because I hate clutter - the three of us share one hamper. It's the equivalent of one load, and when it's full, I do a wash. Depending on how often we go to the gym - the average is probably three. (Shannon - I can't believe you do 16!!!!!! - OH MY WORD!)
X's - Do you keep a list of things to do and cross them off? I am most assuredly a list lover.
Yard - Who does what? Our landlord does it all, baby! Oh for the day when we will have to do everything again, though!
ZZZ's - What is your last homemaking task for the day? Pick up all of the rooms. Make sure that everything is in its place before I start the day all over again tomorrow
Seeing Double
So, I had my first day of babysitting the twins yesterday. Did I mention that the neighborhood that I am now working in is super ritzy, and the twins literally live in (what I would call, anyway) a mansion? Yep - living the high life! It's a beautiful neighborhood and a gorgeous home, but I was telling Kev over supper that even if we ever make enough money for a huge home - I don't want one. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE space and I HATE clutter, but I don't want our place to be so huge that we never run into each other in the run of a day! If I could have enough bedrooms for everyone plus a spare room for company, and if I could have a "catch all" room that could double as an office for Kev and a scrapbooking room for me - than I would be perfectly content. I like to feel cozy. I felt drafty and tiny in that huge house!
Anyway, although the day was long, I really have no complaints. The twins are quite mellow (is that how you spell that word?) and Kaden had a great time over there and napped three hours for me! The little girl naps for a long time but the boy is a 45 "minute-er". So, I'll at least have a 45 minute break during the day. She pays me $12 an hour - so it's really pretty easy money. At the very least, it gives me confidence that I can handle two kids of my own! :0)
My devotional is DONE! I now just need to videotape it in front of some peers and then present it in my class. After I whip off a 15 page final paper, yet another class will have bit the dust! Let the good times roll!
Anyway, although the day was long, I really have no complaints. The twins are quite mellow (is that how you spell that word?) and Kaden had a great time over there and napped three hours for me! The little girl naps for a long time but the boy is a 45 "minute-er". So, I'll at least have a 45 minute break during the day. She pays me $12 an hour - so it's really pretty easy money. At the very least, it gives me confidence that I can handle two kids of my own! :0)
My devotional is DONE! I now just need to videotape it in front of some peers and then present it in my class. After I whip off a 15 page final paper, yet another class will have bit the dust! Let the good times roll!
Been Awhile...
Nothing overly exciting to post...just that I'm not dead.
My "devotional/sermon" is due to be videotaped this week and I'm feeling a little pressure. Not too bad - I've done all of the inductive study etc., now I just need to put it together, make it catchy and contemporary, and invite some friends over to pick it apart....I mean "critique" it for me. :0) Then, next Tuesday, I have to present it to my entire class.....of which there are at least 6 pastors, who do this for a living, might I add. Joy.
So, here is the decided upon topic. I'm going to teach from Titus 2:1-5. My audience will be women my age - at my stage of life, specifically - young wives and moms (or soon to be moms!) And, I'm going to come at it from a feminist/women's lib approach - a TRUE women's liberation approach, and a TRUE feminist approach the way that God originally designed our roles to be. From these verses, I'm going to teach a little bit about discipleship (how the older are to teach the younger) and what exactly we are supposed to be examples in: being lovers of our husbands, lovers of our children, and lovers of our homes. We're supposed to have catchy outlines....I'm not a catchy person, so this has been stressing me a little.
So far, here are my points: On Becoming.......(1) Lovers of Husbands - living purposefully in our submission; (2) Lovers of our Heirs (I needed an "h" that represented our kids!) - living purposefully in our selflessness; and (3) Lovers of our Homes - living purposefully in our servanthood. Or maybe instead of the three "s" words, I could do: godliness, guidance, and grace. Good grief - I don't know. Catchy phrases kind of irritate me! Anyway, those ARE the three things that I am going to be talking about.....all areas that I am constantly needing to grow and become more godly and gracious in!
Anyway, that's what's been consuming my life this week. AND the fact that one of my 14 friends who are pregnant just had her baby yesterday!!!!! So much fun!....AND the fact that I am possibly going to start babysitting two 15 month old twins. Let me tell you how thrilled I am about that possibility........
My "devotional/sermon" is due to be videotaped this week and I'm feeling a little pressure. Not too bad - I've done all of the inductive study etc., now I just need to put it together, make it catchy and contemporary, and invite some friends over to pick it apart....I mean "critique" it for me. :0) Then, next Tuesday, I have to present it to my entire class.....of which there are at least 6 pastors, who do this for a living, might I add. Joy.
So, here is the decided upon topic. I'm going to teach from Titus 2:1-5. My audience will be women my age - at my stage of life, specifically - young wives and moms (or soon to be moms!) And, I'm going to come at it from a feminist/women's lib approach - a TRUE women's liberation approach, and a TRUE feminist approach the way that God originally designed our roles to be. From these verses, I'm going to teach a little bit about discipleship (how the older are to teach the younger) and what exactly we are supposed to be examples in: being lovers of our husbands, lovers of our children, and lovers of our homes. We're supposed to have catchy outlines....I'm not a catchy person, so this has been stressing me a little.
So far, here are my points: On Becoming.......(1) Lovers of Husbands - living purposefully in our submission; (2) Lovers of our Heirs (I needed an "h" that represented our kids!) - living purposefully in our selflessness; and (3) Lovers of our Homes - living purposefully in our servanthood. Or maybe instead of the three "s" words, I could do: godliness, guidance, and grace. Good grief - I don't know. Catchy phrases kind of irritate me! Anyway, those ARE the three things that I am going to be talking about.....all areas that I am constantly needing to grow and become more godly and gracious in!
Anyway, that's what's been consuming my life this week. AND the fact that one of my 14 friends who are pregnant just had her baby yesterday!!!!! So much fun!....AND the fact that I am possibly going to start babysitting two 15 month old twins. Let me tell you how thrilled I am about that possibility........
Happy Scrapper!
Well, I am home - after a blur of a whirlwind week-end. Okay, so I didn't quite make all of my goals, but I am totally thrilled with the week-end and all that I was able to get done. I got my Christmas album caught up to date - except for the pictures of when we went to Maine this year because I'm waiting on some from Mom, and I did a couple of months worth of Kaden's life (so, not totally caught up there, either)......but my GREATEST work of satisfaction is that I finally, seven and a half years later, totally and completely finished my wedding and honeymoon album!!! What a burden that has been lifted off of my shoulders! In total, I completed 71 pages! I still have SO much to do to ever be totally and completely caught up, but I don't think that will ever happen anyway!
All of us girls had SUCH a blast, the retreat center was beautiful, the meals were yummy, and it was just such a fun and refreshing little getaway. AND, when I came home, Kev had organized a couple of closets AND totally rearranged our bedroom - which looks awesome! He is totally the interior decorator of the family!
Kaden had so much fun this week-end with "just the boys." He has been telling me all about his adventures and how they went to Cabella's and fed the fish, to Cracker Barrel and had pancakes, and to church to sing songs..... AND "I had long long naps, and I missed you SO much!"
Good times!
All of us girls had SUCH a blast, the retreat center was beautiful, the meals were yummy, and it was just such a fun and refreshing little getaway. AND, when I came home, Kev had organized a couple of closets AND totally rearranged our bedroom - which looks awesome! He is totally the interior decorator of the family!
Kaden had so much fun this week-end with "just the boys." He has been telling me all about his adventures and how they went to Cabella's and fed the fish, to Cracker Barrel and had pancakes, and to church to sing songs..... AND "I had long long naps, and I missed you SO much!"
Good times!
A Surprise Gift!
Last year one of my new friends and I went on a week-end long scrapbooking retreat at this beautiful retreat center a couple of hours away for 3 night/2 day week-end. The entire week-end cost $150, but included two nights, all meals, and endless hours of scrapbooking fun! I did Kaden's entire album. Money well spent.
Needless to say, this year we do not have that kind of "fun" money to just spend at will, so a bunch of us were going to take a Saturday where our hubbies would watch our kids and we would just camp out in one of these empty apartments for the day.
ANYWAY, two nights ago - very last minute - the lady who runs this whole retreat called me and said that a bunch of girls cancelled, their tickets are nonrefundable, and would a bunch of us girls like to go for FREE this weekend???? Oh my word!!! Soooo, my dear hubby said he would take Kaden for the week-end, and in about an hour I am off like the wind!!!
Want to hear my lofty goals for this week-end? Esther - you'd appreciate this. Okay, I want to finish our wedding album (only 8 years in the making), get Kaden caught up to his two year birthday (3 or 4 months' worth), get our Christmas album caught up to this year (going back 4 years), AND start my baby album (just ultrasound pics, how we told our families', cute pics of Kaden kissing my tummy etc.)!! We'll see how far I actually get. I'm pretty die-hard at these retreats, though. Gotta' make the most of my time away. I have not done a stitch of scrapbooking since I went last year!!! Good times! Good times!
For the time being, I won't think about the two hundred pages and reports I need to read and write by the first of the week.......Joy unspeakable.
Needless to say, this year we do not have that kind of "fun" money to just spend at will, so a bunch of us were going to take a Saturday where our hubbies would watch our kids and we would just camp out in one of these empty apartments for the day.
ANYWAY, two nights ago - very last minute - the lady who runs this whole retreat called me and said that a bunch of girls cancelled, their tickets are nonrefundable, and would a bunch of us girls like to go for FREE this weekend???? Oh my word!!! Soooo, my dear hubby said he would take Kaden for the week-end, and in about an hour I am off like the wind!!!
Want to hear my lofty goals for this week-end? Esther - you'd appreciate this. Okay, I want to finish our wedding album (only 8 years in the making), get Kaden caught up to his two year birthday (3 or 4 months' worth), get our Christmas album caught up to this year (going back 4 years), AND start my baby album (just ultrasound pics, how we told our families', cute pics of Kaden kissing my tummy etc.)!! We'll see how far I actually get. I'm pretty die-hard at these retreats, though. Gotta' make the most of my time away. I have not done a stitch of scrapbooking since I went last year!!! Good times! Good times!
For the time being, I won't think about the two hundred pages and reports I need to read and write by the first of the week.......Joy unspeakable.
Cute Kaden Quote
I was leaning over Kaden yesterday pulling up his jeans while wearing a tank top that doesn't quite cover my belly anymore. He glanced over at me and exclaimed, "Wow! Your tummy is bigger with that baby in there!" It's the first time he's actually really noticed a difference in how his Mommy has changed. I thought it was so cute - I died laughing! So, now that he knows his comment made me laugh, he likes to make remarks every time he sees my belly.
This COULD get old.......
This COULD get old.......
A Question For You Ladies
Well, I really should be reading or writing papers, but there's just something about sitting down at the computer when my little nest is quiet and catching up on my friend's lives via the blogging world.....oh wait - I think they died. Was Maine hit with a massive snow storm that I know nothing about and my people all lost electricity so that they're unable to update their blogs? JUST KIDDING!!!...ahem...cough cough.....kinda'......Shan.....and Esther.......Come out come out wherever you are! I miss you!!! Seriously, I am totally kidding. Life is crazy, I know.
However, I do have a question for those of you who read my blog. For this last class of mine, my final project is to prepare a ten minute sermon/lesson on my topic of choice to my audience of choice. (The class is Teaching and Preaching. The men will preach, the women will teach...the format is somewhat comparable to both. Anyway......) For some reason, I'm having a mental block on what to prepare. I think because the subject is so wide open, you know? "Just teach Scripture!"
So, anyway, my comfort level of teaching has always been to the Junior/Senior High age, but I don't know anyone out here at that age; besides, I kind of want to do something that pertains to my life in the here and now. So, I'm going to invite a bunch of the young wives/moms from our complex over and teach SOMETHING. Got any suggestions? Where are you at right now? What are you learning? What are you wanting to learn? What is challenging you? What do you want to be challenged or inspired about?
Some thoughts running through my head......James 3 and taming the tongue, Titus 2: 3-5 where the older women are to teach the younger, something on motherhood, or something on marriage. I don't know - nothing specific has really hit me yet. I only have 12 minutes to teach, so that narrows things up a bit. I'm praying and asking for the Lord's wisdom and guidance. Thought I'd get some from you all, as well.
However, I do have a question for those of you who read my blog. For this last class of mine, my final project is to prepare a ten minute sermon/lesson on my topic of choice to my audience of choice. (The class is Teaching and Preaching. The men will preach, the women will teach...the format is somewhat comparable to both. Anyway......) For some reason, I'm having a mental block on what to prepare. I think because the subject is so wide open, you know? "Just teach Scripture!"
So, anyway, my comfort level of teaching has always been to the Junior/Senior High age, but I don't know anyone out here at that age; besides, I kind of want to do something that pertains to my life in the here and now. So, I'm going to invite a bunch of the young wives/moms from our complex over and teach SOMETHING. Got any suggestions? Where are you at right now? What are you learning? What are you wanting to learn? What is challenging you? What do you want to be challenged or inspired about?
Some thoughts running through my head......James 3 and taming the tongue, Titus 2: 3-5 where the older women are to teach the younger, something on motherhood, or something on marriage. I don't know - nothing specific has really hit me yet. I only have 12 minutes to teach, so that narrows things up a bit. I'm praying and asking for the Lord's wisdom and guidance. Thought I'd get some from you all, as well.
Reflections
I'm re-reading a book I've had for years - "Fresh-Brewed Life: A Stirring Invitation to Wake Up Your Soul" by Nicole Johnson. Love it for many reasons - lots of coffee illustrations :0), and it's also just beautifully written, inspiring, and challenging to me to live intentionally, to respond to God's passionate love for me, to embrace my identity as a woman, my gifts, and my dreams, and to live and love others that way that God has intended.
In the first chapter, entitled "Surrender to God" I came across two really great quotes that I wanted to pass along. Maybe they won't do anything for you, but they just stuck with me for some reason.
"A quiet spirit is one in which all of those mixed emotions are sorted out, understood, shared with trusted friends, and submitted to a spirit of contentment. The butterflies in our stomachs don't die; we just teach them to fly in formation!" - (Karen Lee-Thorp and Cynthia Hicks, Why Beauty Matters)
I want that simple, contented quiet spirit in my life - no matter the circumstances.
"Usually, when the distractions of daily life deplete our energy, the first thing we eliminate is the thing we need the most: quiet, reflective time. Time to dream, time to think, time to seek God's face, time to contemplate what's working and what's not, so that we can make changes for the better." - (Sarah Ban Breathnack, Simply Abundance)
How often do I make the mistake of cutting out this quiet, reflective time when my days get crazy and busy? Usually, it's the first thing to go, yet the very thing that is the most needed to stay. Teach me, Lord.
In the first chapter, entitled "Surrender to God" I came across two really great quotes that I wanted to pass along. Maybe they won't do anything for you, but they just stuck with me for some reason.
"A quiet spirit is one in which all of those mixed emotions are sorted out, understood, shared with trusted friends, and submitted to a spirit of contentment. The butterflies in our stomachs don't die; we just teach them to fly in formation!" - (Karen Lee-Thorp and Cynthia Hicks, Why Beauty Matters)
I want that simple, contented quiet spirit in my life - no matter the circumstances.
"Usually, when the distractions of daily life deplete our energy, the first thing we eliminate is the thing we need the most: quiet, reflective time. Time to dream, time to think, time to seek God's face, time to contemplate what's working and what's not, so that we can make changes for the better." - (Sarah Ban Breathnack, Simply Abundance)
How often do I make the mistake of cutting out this quiet, reflective time when my days get crazy and busy? Usually, it's the first thing to go, yet the very thing that is the most needed to stay. Teach me, Lord.
Another One Bites the Dust!
I am thrilled to announce that I just passed in my final 15 page paper for my last class, and I am now embarking on my VERY LAST professional class for this program! The end is truly in sight! Other than this last class and my massive final book project, I only have 6 credits of Gen Ed classes that I have left to take and then I am DONE! No more studies for me for a little while after this. I can see myself going on to take some Master's courses someday. For the most part, I really do enjoy learning and studying. But, I am ready to be done for awhile and focus solely on mothering and family life. What I am REALLY ready for is to be done doing homework during every single free moment that I have! I would much rather be puttering, cleaning, cooking, scrapbooking, nesting and finding room for baby #2's things, etc. etc. I'm ready to not always have huge projects looming in the back of my mind and feeling pressure when Kaden wakes up early from a nap because I didn't finish my blasted paper on "Can believers expect the literal rebuilding of the Temple in the Millennial Kingdom?" Important, stuff? Sure - just not really up my alley right now, you know? (Gasp! Blasphemy!) No - I just really want to be focusing on things that are pertinent to my life in the here and now - mothering, being a great wife, keeping a happy, fulfilled, and organized home, teaching and training Kaden, figuring out how to do the whole Mother of 2 thing - and the like! So, in light of these thoughts - today I celebrate that another class truly has bit the dust. It was good, it was great. I truly enjoyed it....but moving on, moving on........
While My Sweet Boys Slumber....
This is one of those rare mornings where Kaden is actually sleeping past 7:00 and where hubby doesn't have to rush out the door as soon as he wakes up. I love these days. This semester is actually going to be busier for Kev as he is taking more grad classes, but his hours are much nicer. So, this morning, while my sweeties are sleeping, I was able to actually sleep in a little too, but then I got up and had the whole place to myself where it was nice and quiet, and I was able also to have some really nice uninterrupted time with the Lord.
I've been reading this book for my devotions lately. It's called "The Intentional Woman," and the entire point of the book is to get you to be thinking all throughout your day about living intentionally and purposefully in all that you do. What is on your plate that doesn't need to be there? What is out of balance or not in proper priority in your life? What do you need to be doing to further develop yourself as a woman, wife, and mother? Good questions! Probably since late Fall I have been feeling like my life is just kind of going by, you know? Like I was doing lots of things, but at the same time I was just existing.
I have found this study to be very helpful in showing me what I need to pray about weeding out, what I need to arrange in the priorities of my day, and what it is okay to say yes or no too. It is okay to be doing things that develop me in ALL areas of my womanhood - it will make for me to be a more balanced woman, wife, AND mom. So, as of late, I feel like I am getting back on track in taking care of ALL of me - emotionally, spiritually, relationally, and physically.
This semester, Kev's schedule has allowed for me to go the gym any morning that I want to, so I am really taking advantage of this. This is helping me to get back in my rhythm physically AND it's making me strong for labor - not to mention it's good for my emotions! I am also being much more purposeful in giving the Lord the firstfruits of the alone time in my day - which is Kaden's nap time. This has always been a battle for me, as this is the time that I set aside each day for homework, AND I have a boatload this semester. But, this is a faith and trust issue for me, and so far - each assignment has been passed in on time.
Even being more focused on these two areas alone in my life is helping me to reap great rewards. I feel stronger and more focused, I feel like I am savoring Kaden more as I have also carved out a little time to better take care of myself, and I am learning where it is all right to say yes and no to things that are maybe even good things - but that are just not great for me right now. There are other areas that I feel the Lord is growing me and teaching me in, but as usual, this post has become a book, so for now - those are a few of the musings going on in Amy's life these past months!
I've been reading this book for my devotions lately. It's called "The Intentional Woman," and the entire point of the book is to get you to be thinking all throughout your day about living intentionally and purposefully in all that you do. What is on your plate that doesn't need to be there? What is out of balance or not in proper priority in your life? What do you need to be doing to further develop yourself as a woman, wife, and mother? Good questions! Probably since late Fall I have been feeling like my life is just kind of going by, you know? Like I was doing lots of things, but at the same time I was just existing.
I have found this study to be very helpful in showing me what I need to pray about weeding out, what I need to arrange in the priorities of my day, and what it is okay to say yes or no too. It is okay to be doing things that develop me in ALL areas of my womanhood - it will make for me to be a more balanced woman, wife, AND mom. So, as of late, I feel like I am getting back on track in taking care of ALL of me - emotionally, spiritually, relationally, and physically.
This semester, Kev's schedule has allowed for me to go the gym any morning that I want to, so I am really taking advantage of this. This is helping me to get back in my rhythm physically AND it's making me strong for labor - not to mention it's good for my emotions! I am also being much more purposeful in giving the Lord the firstfruits of the alone time in my day - which is Kaden's nap time. This has always been a battle for me, as this is the time that I set aside each day for homework, AND I have a boatload this semester. But, this is a faith and trust issue for me, and so far - each assignment has been passed in on time.
Even being more focused on these two areas alone in my life is helping me to reap great rewards. I feel stronger and more focused, I feel like I am savoring Kaden more as I have also carved out a little time to better take care of myself, and I am learning where it is all right to say yes and no to things that are maybe even good things - but that are just not great for me right now. There are other areas that I feel the Lord is growing me and teaching me in, but as usual, this post has become a book, so for now - those are a few of the musings going on in Amy's life these past months!
New Baby Update
We had our "Stage Two Anatomy Ultrasound" today. I don't ever remember having this with Kaden, but it was very fun. We looked over each part of the baby's body and took measurements - bones, organs, limbs, brain, face, etc. to ensure that all is well. The doctor says that everything looks great. The baby now weighs 8 oz. and is 13 inches long! We also were able to see the ultrasound in 4-D. Very cool and slightly eerie. It looks like a baby....kinda...well, really more like a little skeletal alien. But, cute nonetheless. We bucked the trend and decided against finding out the sex. This was our last chance to know, but we really do love the surprise. I have my suspicions, but we shall have to wait. The ultrasound confirmed the June 10th due date, so in a little over a week we are halfway there already! Crazy, crazy!
My Hubby - My Hero
I must say - I fall more in love with that man all the time. He truly knows me, you know? Better than I know myself even. He gets me, he knows how to speak my love language, and he takes such good care of me.
On the days I feel frazzled in my mothering, he totally builds me up and points out specific things that he's noticed and appreciated that I have done with Kaden. During the times I'm overwhelmed because I've added too much to my plate, he gently steps in and shows me where I can very easily say "no" and helps me to realize that the world really won't come to an end as a result. And on the days my "baby brain" causes me to forget really important things at church (which is almost an hour away) for an assigment that is due within a day, he swoops in - calms my nerves, helps me finish, and goes the extra mile for my perfecionist personality until I am satisfied with the end result of my project.
So, because my heart is so full of this man that I married - and I have only listed a very few things that he has done in these past couple of days - Kaden and I are having a "We Love Daddy Day" today. All day long we've been working on this really fun mural that Kaden is going to hang on his door for Daddy to find when he gets home, and I am making him his favorite pie. Kaden colored a huge poster, and now we're gluing macaroni noodles onto it that says, "I love you, Daddy." Kaden said to me just before he went down to nap: "This is hard work, but Daddy's gonna love it. He's gonna say, 'Oh my word - this is cute!'".....Hmmm, gotta start teaching him some more manly words - but adorable nonetheless!
On the days I feel frazzled in my mothering, he totally builds me up and points out specific things that he's noticed and appreciated that I have done with Kaden. During the times I'm overwhelmed because I've added too much to my plate, he gently steps in and shows me where I can very easily say "no" and helps me to realize that the world really won't come to an end as a result. And on the days my "baby brain" causes me to forget really important things at church (which is almost an hour away) for an assigment that is due within a day, he swoops in - calms my nerves, helps me finish, and goes the extra mile for my perfecionist personality until I am satisfied with the end result of my project.
So, because my heart is so full of this man that I married - and I have only listed a very few things that he has done in these past couple of days - Kaden and I are having a "We Love Daddy Day" today. All day long we've been working on this really fun mural that Kaden is going to hang on his door for Daddy to find when he gets home, and I am making him his favorite pie. Kaden colored a huge poster, and now we're gluing macaroni noodles onto it that says, "I love you, Daddy." Kaden said to me just before he went down to nap: "This is hard work, but Daddy's gonna love it. He's gonna say, 'Oh my word - this is cute!'".....Hmmm, gotta start teaching him some more manly words - but adorable nonetheless!
Home Again!
Well, we have safely arrived back home to our little apartment after spending 2 1/2 weeks with friends and family. We had SUCH a nice time reconnecting with friends and spending some great quality time with both of our families. We may not get home again until after the baby is born, so we really wanted to spend as much time with our families as possible.
Kaden had a wonderful time with his Grampy's and Grammy's. He totally remembered them and loves them so much! He went running to both Grampy's when he saw them and died laughing when he saw his Grammy's because he was so happy. He kept saying, "It's nice to be here! I love to be here! I'm not ready to go home yet!"
We brought SO much stuff back with us - I'm slightly overwhelmed. I had to bring all of the baby things that I will need, plus all of our Christmas gifts, PLUS all of our junk. So, both Kev and I have spent the good part of yesterday and today finding room for everything. We brought Katie home with us and she's spending a few days with us until the campus reopens. Poor thing - we have been deadbeat hosts as we're trying to get back into the swing of things. She has been a doll, though, and has played so sweetly with Kaden who absolutely adores her!
Well, I guess that's all for now. Sorry for the boring post. I just wanted to let you know that we are back up and running! Happy New Year!
Kaden had a wonderful time with his Grampy's and Grammy's. He totally remembered them and loves them so much! He went running to both Grampy's when he saw them and died laughing when he saw his Grammy's because he was so happy. He kept saying, "It's nice to be here! I love to be here! I'm not ready to go home yet!"
We brought SO much stuff back with us - I'm slightly overwhelmed. I had to bring all of the baby things that I will need, plus all of our Christmas gifts, PLUS all of our junk. So, both Kev and I have spent the good part of yesterday and today finding room for everything. We brought Katie home with us and she's spending a few days with us until the campus reopens. Poor thing - we have been deadbeat hosts as we're trying to get back into the swing of things. She has been a doll, though, and has played so sweetly with Kaden who absolutely adores her!
Well, I guess that's all for now. Sorry for the boring post. I just wanted to let you know that we are back up and running! Happy New Year!
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