Well, it's been exactly one week since my last post. Life around here has been somewhat crazy as we're trying to tie up all of our loose ends down here before heading HOME TO MAINE!! It's crazy - we can still hardly believe that our journey here is almost over and that's it's time to begin another chapter in our lives. We will be moving home with Jesse being exactly the same age that Kaden was when we first moved out here! These past three years have totally flown by for us, but when I look at my children, I can how long it has actually been. Kaden wasn't even walking when we first moved...and now he's FOUR!
So, these past few days have been spent getting one last doctor's visit in for the kids, trying to prep for a yardsale, organizing, organizing, organizing...and of course a family trip to Cabella's! We've got to get in all of these "one last times!"
Anyway.....on to the title of this post.
These past couple of months - since Jesse has started walking - have started to feel a wee bit out of control for me. Before we went to Maine for our last visit, I was formulating some plans on how to become a little more structured with the kids, but was hesitant to put anything into practice until we settled back into our rhythm here. These past few weeks since we've been back, we put our plan into action, and I am very encouraged with the results.
I have been slightly overwhelmed by Jesse's busyness as of late. Neither Kev or I feel that he is bad.....he is just BUSY! (Oh so very busy, be still my heart). From the moment his eyes open, he is "on." And I have to help him turn "off;" otherwise I think he would just be like the perpetual Energizer Bunny who keeps going and going and going.......All......Day......Long!
I will never expect Jesse to be like Kaden. There could never be too more different (more different?) little boys who share the same genes! I absolutely love this little boy's strength and curiosity and intense desire to conquer life! I never ever want to crush his little spirit with unrealistic expectations, and I don't want to change him. He totally delights us and adds quite the zest to our family! However, this wee one also has a very very strong will which does need a little more help to be reigned in and "shaped," shall we say.
Jesse has a very hard time sitting still and focusing on anything for any matter of time. He also has the tendency to be quite clingy and demanding at times. So, one thing we have started implementing every day is "playpen time." Jesse wakes up about an hour earlier than all the rest of us. So, when he wakes up, I'll nurse him and then put him in his pack and play with a bunch of toys and a little snack, and then I'll get my shower and get my head on straight for the day while my other boys sleep. It took about a week, but he now plays happily - by himself, this is key - for at least a half hour and often much longer! This has brought great peace and harmony to our little family, and it has really helped in teaching Jesse to entertain himself for a period of time, and to also be content in a contained area for a period of time.
There are other little things that we've been doing, as well, but this has been, by far, the greatest encouragement to me and quite a victory, as well. Jesse DOES NOT like to be confined, in any way, and he does not like to be alone. And to see him play happily and stay focused on a few toys for a significant amount of time is very very nice!
Weekends!
It's scuzzy out today. We planned to go and pick some peaches and blackberries at our local orchard this evening, but we may just have to stay home and chillax whilst it thunders and rains outside.
Yesterday, out little fam kicked it for the day and went to a county fair over in New Jersey. Kev heard about it on the news, so we decided to go and scope it out. Both boys are at a really fun age to do something like this. Kaden loves the rides -even the scary ones - and there is enough action going on for Jesse so that he is very entertained and content while Kaden and I race from ride to ride. Daddy doesn't like the rides so much - but we are adrenaline lovers. It took me about fifteen minutes to convince this kid that he would not like the Gravitron! Do you all remember that ride? He thought for sure that he would love it, but we stuck with the kiddie coasters and little car rides, instead. No hurlage today, thank you.
Both boys loved the petting zoo, which, by the way, is my most favorite part of the whole fair. And of course - who can resist the yummy and oh so good for you fair food? De-lish!
But the highlight of the day was the "toddler races" that took place at high noon.
Let me paint a picture for you. Imagine - (hypothetically, of course) - two highly competative parents with a one year old who, at his well-child checkup the day before was told that at his age they only expect babies this young to be standing and possibly taking a toddling step or two. (Kaden didn't take a single step until well over fifteen months of age, by the way). WELL! Imagine my swollen head at the knowledge that our Jesse is not only running, but he is also able to climb on and off of all of our chairs, couches, and beds!
Soooooo, when we heard of this toddler "race" I was like: "Oh my word! Jesse is so totally going to kick butt in these races! Let's sign him up!" Kev was completely up for it, so we got some racing numbers slapped to his back and Daddy and he even had a couple of practice runs where Kev would run aways away and yell for Jesse to "Come to Daddy!" Kaden and I sat back and sized up our competition, and I pictured our very first trophy sitting on the shelf - completely convinced that we had this race in the bag!
WELL! When the race began we were told that one parent could wait at the finish line, and one person could "run" with their toddler. We could do anything but "help" them physically. (Looking back, I totally should have been waving his favorite snack in front of his eyes...then for SURE we would've won). ANYWAY.....He was raring to go, but I had to hold onto him to keep him from cheating and getting a jump start. Well, this got him all in a funk, so when the starting whistle blew, Jesse just stood there and crabbed at me for a good ten seconds! Then, when he finally realized that he was actually free and could run, he just mosied along like a little snail, he crossed over about four other lanes, he stopped and tried to flip over a wooden sign, he died laughing and walked like a drunkard, and HE CAME IN DEAD LAST!
Oh my word! We were laughing so hard, I almost peed my pants! You should have heard us cheering and seen how we acted like clowns trying everything in our power to get him to RUN to us! He would have nothing of it, and he absolutly loved making us look like idiots! He was so cute and so proud of himself! It was SO. MUCH. FUN!!!
Yesterday, out little fam kicked it for the day and went to a county fair over in New Jersey. Kev heard about it on the news, so we decided to go and scope it out. Both boys are at a really fun age to do something like this. Kaden loves the rides -even the scary ones - and there is enough action going on for Jesse so that he is very entertained and content while Kaden and I race from ride to ride. Daddy doesn't like the rides so much - but we are adrenaline lovers. It took me about fifteen minutes to convince this kid that he would not like the Gravitron! Do you all remember that ride? He thought for sure that he would love it, but we stuck with the kiddie coasters and little car rides, instead. No hurlage today, thank you.
Both boys loved the petting zoo, which, by the way, is my most favorite part of the whole fair. And of course - who can resist the yummy and oh so good for you fair food? De-lish!
But the highlight of the day was the "toddler races" that took place at high noon.
Let me paint a picture for you. Imagine - (hypothetically, of course) - two highly competative parents with a one year old who, at his well-child checkup the day before was told that at his age they only expect babies this young to be standing and possibly taking a toddling step or two. (Kaden didn't take a single step until well over fifteen months of age, by the way). WELL! Imagine my swollen head at the knowledge that our Jesse is not only running, but he is also able to climb on and off of all of our chairs, couches, and beds!
Soooooo, when we heard of this toddler "race" I was like: "Oh my word! Jesse is so totally going to kick butt in these races! Let's sign him up!" Kev was completely up for it, so we got some racing numbers slapped to his back and Daddy and he even had a couple of practice runs where Kev would run aways away and yell for Jesse to "Come to Daddy!" Kaden and I sat back and sized up our competition, and I pictured our very first trophy sitting on the shelf - completely convinced that we had this race in the bag!
WELL! When the race began we were told that one parent could wait at the finish line, and one person could "run" with their toddler. We could do anything but "help" them physically. (Looking back, I totally should have been waving his favorite snack in front of his eyes...then for SURE we would've won). ANYWAY.....He was raring to go, but I had to hold onto him to keep him from cheating and getting a jump start. Well, this got him all in a funk, so when the starting whistle blew, Jesse just stood there and crabbed at me for a good ten seconds! Then, when he finally realized that he was actually free and could run, he just mosied along like a little snail, he crossed over about four other lanes, he stopped and tried to flip over a wooden sign, he died laughing and walked like a drunkard, and HE CAME IN DEAD LAST!
Oh my word! We were laughing so hard, I almost peed my pants! You should have heard us cheering and seen how we acted like clowns trying everything in our power to get him to RUN to us! He would have nothing of it, and he absolutly loved making us look like idiots! He was so cute and so proud of himself! It was SO. MUCH. FUN!!!
Emotions....
I'm not a huge fan of change. Really, no matter what it is - initially, I don't like it. In fact, I feel like I am almost always a fairly optimistic person, but when change is on the horizon I become quite pensive and thoughtful - always imagining the worst! Weird.
This has happened enough times in the course of our marriage, that it doesn't weird me out anymore, and Kev knows me well enough to be very gentle with me during this time, so it's good. I think it must be the fear of the unknown and what the future is going to bring. Maybe it's because I'm not in control and that's nerve-wracking. I'm always thinking and wondering about how this is going to the change the dynamic of my family and what it may look like for Kev's and my relationship. The funny thing is - and I should know this by now - is that things always turn out fine, and once the change actually takes place I adapt just fine, and I always grow to LOVE it. God has proven Himself enough times in my life to show me that He ALWAYS does above and beyond all that I could ever ask or imagine in my finite little mind. He ALWAYS takes care of me. He NEVER leaves me or forsakes me. I am NEVER left alone.
Yet, I still am fearful and I still worry.
I remember the first time I was a camp counselor......We would get a new crew of kids each Monday, and every Sunday night I would cry because I had just gotten used to the old crew of kids - we'd just worked out all of our kinks, and I had just gotten to know and love them - and now I had to start all over again. On our way to youth group for the very first time, I honestly thought I was going to hurl - I was so terrified of walking into the teen room with all of those kids that would be staring at me and sizing me up! When we bought our new house, I cried for the first week because it was out in the country and I felt so cut off from all of my friends! I remember the first time we held Bible study at our new place, everyone just kept commenting on how far out we lived, and I was sure that no one would ever come out to visit me! The entire nine months that I was pregnant with Kaden, I was very pensive - wondering if I was going to be a good mom and worrying that it would change Kev's and my relationship! And don't get me started on the grieving that took place when Kev announced his dreams to uproot and move us out to Philly! Whew! Weeping and gnashing of teeth! Well, not quite, but close! Weird, eh? Yet, once the newness of all of these things wore off - I loved the new chapter and I thrived on the new change that had just taken place in my life.
So, here we are yet again, on the cusp of another change for our little family. The pensive, thoughtful side of me is once again thinking of the potential negative things that could take place: how stressful the packing and move could be with two little ones, not knowing where we are going to live for the interim until we find another house, saying good-bye to our church out here and all of the friends we have made, going home to another church and not the one we've always known - what if I don't see my old friends as much? What if the church doesn't like us? What if my boys become hoodlums - and Kev is supposed to be the "Pastor of FAMILY Ministries?!!" And it's been three years since we've lived in Maine.....I've changed...everyone's changed. It will be different, you know? What if? What if? What if?
Yet, quietly and softly, the Lord continues to remind me of how He has always been so faithful to me in the past. He calms my worries and He stills my soul. He calls me gently to Himself and asks me to simply trust. He is good. He is my Daddy. And He loves me more than I will ever know. He will take care of me. Be still, Amy. Be still and know.......
This has happened enough times in the course of our marriage, that it doesn't weird me out anymore, and Kev knows me well enough to be very gentle with me during this time, so it's good. I think it must be the fear of the unknown and what the future is going to bring. Maybe it's because I'm not in control and that's nerve-wracking. I'm always thinking and wondering about how this is going to the change the dynamic of my family and what it may look like for Kev's and my relationship. The funny thing is - and I should know this by now - is that things always turn out fine, and once the change actually takes place I adapt just fine, and I always grow to LOVE it. God has proven Himself enough times in my life to show me that He ALWAYS does above and beyond all that I could ever ask or imagine in my finite little mind. He ALWAYS takes care of me. He NEVER leaves me or forsakes me. I am NEVER left alone.
Yet, I still am fearful and I still worry.
I remember the first time I was a camp counselor......We would get a new crew of kids each Monday, and every Sunday night I would cry because I had just gotten used to the old crew of kids - we'd just worked out all of our kinks, and I had just gotten to know and love them - and now I had to start all over again. On our way to youth group for the very first time, I honestly thought I was going to hurl - I was so terrified of walking into the teen room with all of those kids that would be staring at me and sizing me up! When we bought our new house, I cried for the first week because it was out in the country and I felt so cut off from all of my friends! I remember the first time we held Bible study at our new place, everyone just kept commenting on how far out we lived, and I was sure that no one would ever come out to visit me! The entire nine months that I was pregnant with Kaden, I was very pensive - wondering if I was going to be a good mom and worrying that it would change Kev's and my relationship! And don't get me started on the grieving that took place when Kev announced his dreams to uproot and move us out to Philly! Whew! Weeping and gnashing of teeth! Well, not quite, but close! Weird, eh? Yet, once the newness of all of these things wore off - I loved the new chapter and I thrived on the new change that had just taken place in my life.
So, here we are yet again, on the cusp of another change for our little family. The pensive, thoughtful side of me is once again thinking of the potential negative things that could take place: how stressful the packing and move could be with two little ones, not knowing where we are going to live for the interim until we find another house, saying good-bye to our church out here and all of the friends we have made, going home to another church and not the one we've always known - what if I don't see my old friends as much? What if the church doesn't like us? What if my boys become hoodlums - and Kev is supposed to be the "Pastor of FAMILY Ministries?!!" And it's been three years since we've lived in Maine.....I've changed...everyone's changed. It will be different, you know? What if? What if? What if?
Yet, quietly and softly, the Lord continues to remind me of how He has always been so faithful to me in the past. He calms my worries and He stills my soul. He calls me gently to Himself and asks me to simply trust. He is good. He is my Daddy. And He loves me more than I will ever know. He will take care of me. Be still, Amy. Be still and know.......
Change is on the Horizon.....
A decision has been made.
A little less than two weeks ago, we went to Calvary Baptist Church in Brewer, Maine and Kev candidated for the positions of Pastor of Family Ministries and Worship Leader. The whole thing seems completely surreal looking back on it....
We had been back in PA for just a little over a month - having just checked out another job opportunity in Maine - and felt that we were probably going to make the decision to stay out here for one more year. I was accepted and registered to start grad school, and Kev planned to work at our church here leading worship and doing leadership development until I finished. This was the plan, yet both of us felt a bit uneasy with the decision that we had made. I felt restless and worried - wondering how adding a substantial class load to my plate would affect my family and especially my little boys, and Kev just didn't have any real peace either. Staying out here would mean the need for him to pick up another part-time job, as well, which would have just made life very busy and potentially quite stressful.
Anyway, a sweet girl (go, Anna!) facebooked us with a one-liner that simply said her church was looking for a Pastor of Family Ministries and we should check it out. Almost on a whim, Kev emailed his resume to the pastor thinking we would have nothing to lose. Our families had already reconciled themselves to the idea of us staying out here an extra year; if nothing came of this, no one would know the difference. Not five minutes went by before the pastor called Kev to talk about this opening. This led to a conference call with all of their deacons. And long story short, we found ourselves heading home again!
We had a week-end full of meetings with all of the various ministry teams that the church has, eating meals with the pastor and his wife and the deacons and their wives, spending a day at a camp on a lake with all of the teens and young families of the church, and then on Sunday, Kev spoke in the morning and led worship and a question and answer time in the evening. It was a FULL week-end, but it was good. We got a really good feel for the church and its people, and they had lots of chances to get to see us in all of our glory......including Kaden picking his nose the entire time our family was on stage getting introduced and Jesse biting Kaden while having lunch at the pastor's house. Fantastic. Yes - ALL our glory! We surely are human indeed. Oh, how embarassing for us all!.......:0)
Anyway - crazy crazy times. The pastor called back with news that the church wants us to come, and Kev called him today with a "yes." Oh my. Still processing. It's exciting and terrifying all at the same time! More to come a little later....this was just a "bare bones" post, but for me, nothing is ever bare bones!
A little less than two weeks ago, we went to Calvary Baptist Church in Brewer, Maine and Kev candidated for the positions of Pastor of Family Ministries and Worship Leader. The whole thing seems completely surreal looking back on it....
We had been back in PA for just a little over a month - having just checked out another job opportunity in Maine - and felt that we were probably going to make the decision to stay out here for one more year. I was accepted and registered to start grad school, and Kev planned to work at our church here leading worship and doing leadership development until I finished. This was the plan, yet both of us felt a bit uneasy with the decision that we had made. I felt restless and worried - wondering how adding a substantial class load to my plate would affect my family and especially my little boys, and Kev just didn't have any real peace either. Staying out here would mean the need for him to pick up another part-time job, as well, which would have just made life very busy and potentially quite stressful.
Anyway, a sweet girl (go, Anna!) facebooked us with a one-liner that simply said her church was looking for a Pastor of Family Ministries and we should check it out. Almost on a whim, Kev emailed his resume to the pastor thinking we would have nothing to lose. Our families had already reconciled themselves to the idea of us staying out here an extra year; if nothing came of this, no one would know the difference. Not five minutes went by before the pastor called Kev to talk about this opening. This led to a conference call with all of their deacons. And long story short, we found ourselves heading home again!
We had a week-end full of meetings with all of the various ministry teams that the church has, eating meals with the pastor and his wife and the deacons and their wives, spending a day at a camp on a lake with all of the teens and young families of the church, and then on Sunday, Kev spoke in the morning and led worship and a question and answer time in the evening. It was a FULL week-end, but it was good. We got a really good feel for the church and its people, and they had lots of chances to get to see us in all of our glory......including Kaden picking his nose the entire time our family was on stage getting introduced and Jesse biting Kaden while having lunch at the pastor's house. Fantastic. Yes - ALL our glory! We surely are human indeed. Oh, how embarassing for us all!.......:0)
Anyway - crazy crazy times. The pastor called back with news that the church wants us to come, and Kev called him today with a "yes." Oh my. Still processing. It's exciting and terrifying all at the same time! More to come a little later....this was just a "bare bones" post, but for me, nothing is ever bare bones!
12 Hours of Driving in a Car Together Later....
We are finally home. Yeesh.
This was THE longest ride home. Ever. Oh my living word. We hit significant traffic in three different places. We had a hold-up because of two accidents. When we sat down to eat at Cracker Barrel at our half-way point, the fire alarm went off so the entire restaurant had to evacuate. And the last half hour of the drive, Jesse screamed bloody murder and I had to pee so bad I thought I was going to lose it in our rental car! That was our day in a nutshell! Good times. Good times.
Anyhoo - we are home. Clothes are unpacked. Boys are bathed and abed. Clothes are ironed for church. And I am catching up at the computer for a few!
I will update tons later. As many of you know, we went home to candidate at a church this past week. It was a crazy busy trip, but a great one, as well. On the way up, we celebrated our 9 year anniversary by staying at a nice little hotel in Sturbridge, Mass. The boys were with us, but it was tons of fun. This place was in a great little town, and right on the property there was a lake to swim in with a little beach. This was HUGE for us as there are no lakes or rivers to swim in around here. How I love the feel of mud squishing between my toes and not being able to see what's on the bottom because the water is so cloudy! Love it!
Although most of the trip was for "business" purposes, we still managed to squeeze in some lovely four-wheeling, frogging, and bon-firing with my family, and a great family day to Campden with Kev's fam. We ate at our fave coffee shop and we walked the mile-long pier to the lighthouse in the rain; and the boys thought that was just the coolest!
In a couple of days, when the fog has lifted, I shall update more on the goings on in our lives. But for now, my bed - oh my glorious bed - beckons me loudly.....
This was THE longest ride home. Ever. Oh my living word. We hit significant traffic in three different places. We had a hold-up because of two accidents. When we sat down to eat at Cracker Barrel at our half-way point, the fire alarm went off so the entire restaurant had to evacuate. And the last half hour of the drive, Jesse screamed bloody murder and I had to pee so bad I thought I was going to lose it in our rental car! That was our day in a nutshell! Good times. Good times.
Anyhoo - we are home. Clothes are unpacked. Boys are bathed and abed. Clothes are ironed for church. And I am catching up at the computer for a few!
I will update tons later. As many of you know, we went home to candidate at a church this past week. It was a crazy busy trip, but a great one, as well. On the way up, we celebrated our 9 year anniversary by staying at a nice little hotel in Sturbridge, Mass. The boys were with us, but it was tons of fun. This place was in a great little town, and right on the property there was a lake to swim in with a little beach. This was HUGE for us as there are no lakes or rivers to swim in around here. How I love the feel of mud squishing between my toes and not being able to see what's on the bottom because the water is so cloudy! Love it!
Although most of the trip was for "business" purposes, we still managed to squeeze in some lovely four-wheeling, frogging, and bon-firing with my family, and a great family day to Campden with Kev's fam. We ate at our fave coffee shop and we walked the mile-long pier to the lighthouse in the rain; and the boys thought that was just the coolest!
In a couple of days, when the fog has lifted, I shall update more on the goings on in our lives. But for now, my bed - oh my glorious bed - beckons me loudly.....
Savorings
I got a reminder today (from a friend whose boys are now grown and out of the family nest) about just how quickly time does fly in these child-raising years. I've heard the quote often stated: "The days are long but the years are fleeting!" How true is that?! Some days I feel like bedtime just can't come quickly enough, but then I look at both of my boys and wonder how on earth did Kaden get to be so long that he almost hangs off the bed, and where in the world did my newborn go? I have a toddler who is RUNNING now! WHAT?
So, in honor of sweet Brenda who reminded me of the "fleeting-ness" of childhood, these are just a few snippets of things that I want to savor and drink in from my wee ones while they are still kind of wee.....
~ Nursing my baby
~ Smooching all of Jesse's neck rolls
~ Reading story after story after story to Kaden
~ Hearing Kaden beg me to scratch his back
~ Having Kaden come and get in bed with us in the morning
~ Jesse toddling up to me and draping his body around my legs
~ "Kisses and squeezes" and I love you signs from Kaden at every nap and bedtime
~ Family days where the boys still want to be with us
~ Being our boy's most favorite people on the planet......for now!
~ Hearing the boys play and giggle together in another room
~ Embracing the chaos of life in a bitty apartment with two rowdies
~ Going for long walks and talking about everthing and nothing
~ P.J. Days
~ Dive bomb hugs and lovies while I'm on my hands and knees cleaning
~ Hearing Kaden tell me OFTEN that we need another baby!
~ Jesse giving me his version of a kiss: A head butt to my face!
Things that make me go Aaaaaahhhhh!
So, in honor of sweet Brenda who reminded me of the "fleeting-ness" of childhood, these are just a few snippets of things that I want to savor and drink in from my wee ones while they are still kind of wee.....
~ Nursing my baby
~ Smooching all of Jesse's neck rolls
~ Reading story after story after story to Kaden
~ Hearing Kaden beg me to scratch his back
~ Having Kaden come and get in bed with us in the morning
~ Jesse toddling up to me and draping his body around my legs
~ "Kisses and squeezes" and I love you signs from Kaden at every nap and bedtime
~ Family days where the boys still want to be with us
~ Being our boy's most favorite people on the planet......for now!
~ Hearing the boys play and giggle together in another room
~ Embracing the chaos of life in a bitty apartment with two rowdies
~ Going for long walks and talking about everthing and nothing
~ P.J. Days
~ Dive bomb hugs and lovies while I'm on my hands and knees cleaning
~ Hearing Kaden tell me OFTEN that we need another baby!
~ Jesse giving me his version of a kiss: A head butt to my face!
Things that make me go Aaaaaahhhhh!
Smatterings
A verse and song lyrics that have blessed me tody:
Zephaniah 3:17 - "The LORD your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing!"
How amazing are the truths of that verse? He is WITH me, He DELIGHTS in me, and He REJOICES over me - ME! - with singing! Awesome. Awesome.
And the lyrics of a Sarah Groves song:
“Prayers for This Child”
I do not know how I am to pray for this child
as a mother I don’t want my baby denied
but in the waiting in the waiting
I learned
Every instinct in me wants to shield him from pain
take the arrows of misery heartache and blame
but in the sorrow in the sorrow
I learned to hold on
I only have two eyes - be all seeing
I only have two hands - be everywhere
I do not know enough - to be all knowing
I give this baby up into your care
I do not know how, how to pray for this child
I want to guard him from everything wicked and wild
but in the trial in the trial
I learned to hold on
And in the trial, in the trial
I learned to hold on to the heart of God
Hold your babies tightly this afternoon-
Zephaniah 3:17 - "The LORD your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing!"
How amazing are the truths of that verse? He is WITH me, He DELIGHTS in me, and He REJOICES over me - ME! - with singing! Awesome. Awesome.
And the lyrics of a Sarah Groves song:
“Prayers for This Child”
I do not know how I am to pray for this child
as a mother I don’t want my baby denied
but in the waiting in the waiting
I learned
Every instinct in me wants to shield him from pain
take the arrows of misery heartache and blame
but in the sorrow in the sorrow
I learned to hold on
I only have two eyes - be all seeing
I only have two hands - be everywhere
I do not know enough - to be all knowing
I give this baby up into your care
I do not know how, how to pray for this child
I want to guard him from everything wicked and wild
but in the trial in the trial
I learned to hold on
And in the trial, in the trial
I learned to hold on to the heart of God
Hold your babies tightly this afternoon-
Kaden-isms
Just a couple of cute things that Kaden has said lately:
At supper the other night Kaden said to Daddy: "Can you please not cut up my meat? I just want to stab it with my fork and eat it like a REAL man!"
Whenever Jesse does something funny or silly: "Jesse's a looney bin. I think we need to sell him to the zoo!"
A comment about my new flipflops: "Oh Mommy! Those are funky shoes!"
Waiting for a cargo train to pass by: "Wow! That was a WICKED! MASSIVE! SUPER HUGE! MASSIVE-EST! train EVER!"
And then there have been some highly hysterical conversations about body parts lately. But one of us Booker's is more modest than the other, so at the risk of embarrasing anyone, I shall refrain.....but feel free to ask me in person when you see me! Holy heavens! Oh of the mouth's of babes.......hilarious things shall come forth!
At supper the other night Kaden said to Daddy: "Can you please not cut up my meat? I just want to stab it with my fork and eat it like a REAL man!"
Whenever Jesse does something funny or silly: "Jesse's a looney bin. I think we need to sell him to the zoo!"
A comment about my new flipflops: "Oh Mommy! Those are funky shoes!"
Waiting for a cargo train to pass by: "Wow! That was a WICKED! MASSIVE! SUPER HUGE! MASSIVE-EST! train EVER!"
And then there have been some highly hysterical conversations about body parts lately. But one of us Booker's is more modest than the other, so at the risk of embarrasing anyone, I shall refrain.....but feel free to ask me in person when you see me! Holy heavens! Oh of the mouth's of babes.......hilarious things shall come forth!
Door #1 or Door #2?
Here's an El-Briefo Update-O because Mr. Scream-O feels like not sleeping.....Praises.
Okay. So - as of this September we will most likely be making one of two choices. Door #1 is this: Our church out here has made us an offer for a one year contract for Kev to stay on staff as worship leader and also do some leadership development with the men in the church. Kev could also use this year to jump start raising support for the leadership development ministry of Clarion Consulting and help the church transition into finding and working with a worship leader that will take his place when he leaves.
This is a really nice option, and a really nice offer that our church has made us. There are just a couple of things that are a bit unsettling for us. The first being that although the ministry of Clarion is something that has been life changing for Kev and is something that he fully wants to utilize in whatever ministry/work he does, both of us are unsure about jumping in "whole hog" and raising support etc. for this to be the "main" thing that we do. Just not sure if that is right for us right now. And the second thing is that we do not want to move from where we are at for only one more year, but in order to stay in the married student housing here at PBU, one of us has to be a full-time student or staff member. Soooo, if we do opt to stay, I will be going back to school. I am already accepted and registered for grad school and would start at the beginning of September.
We've both been praying pretty heavily about this "Door #1." Although getting my Master's Degree is one of my life goals, and knowing that a Counseling degree would wed well with Kev's ministry and passions, neither of us are sure if this is the time for that right now. On the one hand, life won't be getting any slower in the near future; nor will it ever be any easier than living right on a college campus. But, for some reason, neither of us have complete peace yet, so we are waiting. And resting. All of our ducks are in a row just waiting for the go-ahead which we have not received yet.
Door #2 is this: just three weeks ago, Kev put out his resume to a church in Maine for the position of "Pastor of Family Ministries" and Worship Leader. The job description has some great opportunities for Kev to be able to use his gifts and passions, conversations have gone great with the Pastor and Board of Elders, and so we are moving forward in this avenue, as well. We will be spending three days with this church - meeting with the various ministry teams etc., and Kev will also be preaching, leading worship, and leading a question and answer time during our stay. This is exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. We are praying that the Lord will show us clearly what His will is for us. If we do this, we want it to be a good "fit" for us, but also for them, as well.
So, we shall see. We are praying, we are seeking, we are waiting, and we are trying to REST! We are praying that:
Psalm 138:8 - "The LORD will accomplish what concerns [us]!"
Psalm 143:8 - "Let [us] hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; for [we] trust in You; Teach [us] the way in which [we] should walk; For to You [we] lift up [our] soul."
Ephesians 1:17 - "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give [us] a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him! We pray that the eyes of [our] heart may be enlgihtened, so that [we] will know what is the hope of His calling."
Sooooo - as of the beginning of September, we'll either be making the big move OR I'll be going back to school! I'll keep you posted! Crazy times. Crazy times indeed. My Mantra: "Be still and know that I am God." "Be still. Be still. Be still."
Okay. So - as of this September we will most likely be making one of two choices. Door #1 is this: Our church out here has made us an offer for a one year contract for Kev to stay on staff as worship leader and also do some leadership development with the men in the church. Kev could also use this year to jump start raising support for the leadership development ministry of Clarion Consulting and help the church transition into finding and working with a worship leader that will take his place when he leaves.
This is a really nice option, and a really nice offer that our church has made us. There are just a couple of things that are a bit unsettling for us. The first being that although the ministry of Clarion is something that has been life changing for Kev and is something that he fully wants to utilize in whatever ministry/work he does, both of us are unsure about jumping in "whole hog" and raising support etc. for this to be the "main" thing that we do. Just not sure if that is right for us right now. And the second thing is that we do not want to move from where we are at for only one more year, but in order to stay in the married student housing here at PBU, one of us has to be a full-time student or staff member. Soooo, if we do opt to stay, I will be going back to school. I am already accepted and registered for grad school and would start at the beginning of September.
We've both been praying pretty heavily about this "Door #1." Although getting my Master's Degree is one of my life goals, and knowing that a Counseling degree would wed well with Kev's ministry and passions, neither of us are sure if this is the time for that right now. On the one hand, life won't be getting any slower in the near future; nor will it ever be any easier than living right on a college campus. But, for some reason, neither of us have complete peace yet, so we are waiting. And resting. All of our ducks are in a row just waiting for the go-ahead which we have not received yet.
Door #2 is this: just three weeks ago, Kev put out his resume to a church in Maine for the position of "Pastor of Family Ministries" and Worship Leader. The job description has some great opportunities for Kev to be able to use his gifts and passions, conversations have gone great with the Pastor and Board of Elders, and so we are moving forward in this avenue, as well. We will be spending three days with this church - meeting with the various ministry teams etc., and Kev will also be preaching, leading worship, and leading a question and answer time during our stay. This is exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. We are praying that the Lord will show us clearly what His will is for us. If we do this, we want it to be a good "fit" for us, but also for them, as well.
So, we shall see. We are praying, we are seeking, we are waiting, and we are trying to REST! We are praying that:
Psalm 138:8 - "The LORD will accomplish what concerns [us]!"
Psalm 143:8 - "Let [us] hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; for [we] trust in You; Teach [us] the way in which [we] should walk; For to You [we] lift up [our] soul."
Ephesians 1:17 - "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give [us] a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him! We pray that the eyes of [our] heart may be enlgihtened, so that [we] will know what is the hope of His calling."
Sooooo - as of the beginning of September, we'll either be making the big move OR I'll be going back to school! I'll keep you posted! Crazy times. Crazy times indeed. My Mantra: "Be still and know that I am God." "Be still. Be still. Be still."
Monday
My head feels thick today - like I need more sleep or something. Kev let me sleep in a little this morning because Jesse was up a lot in the night with his teething. Poor little thing has eight teeth that are trying to break through all at once. I think he was a little chilly in the night, too. He's right by the air conditioning, and we need to blast it into order to reach our room. Soooo, I shall plan accordingly tonight and put him in his footies.
I think that as much as I like the opportunity to sleep in once in awhile, I really don't like the way the rest of my day goes because of that. By the time I enter the world, the boys are already fully embracing their day with all cylinders blazing, they are ready to PLAY and have Mommy's undivided attention, and all I can think about is stumbling over to the coffee pot and SITTING. The house is crazy, the beds are unmade, and the worst for me is that I then have to wait and get my shower when Jesse goes down for his morning nap. I really love my shower, and I really love it to happen pronto. It makes me feel ready for the day - focused, alert, and on top of the world! Well, not quite, but close enough....
But instead, this Monday morning, here I sit - scuzzy and unshowered, BUT with coffee in hand. Jesse is napping and Kaden is watching McGee and Me. Good times. Good times. Must. Get. Going. Laundry awaits. Bread must be made. Dust overtaketh this home. Boys must be snuggled. Books must get read. Walks must be taken.....
Buuuuuut, I can't move SO more coffee must be drunk first.
So, while I partake of this delish beverage and neglect my eldest, here's a little rundown of the weekend. We checked out a new beach on Saturday. One in the town of AVON in New Jersey. First, we ate at a really fun little place on a balcony overlooking the ocean. And then we spent the rest of the afternoon playing in the sand and water. Another time, this would not be my beach of choice with wee ones, but it was really fun to check out - and it would be awesome for bigger kids and adults. The waves were CUH-RAZY there, and the beach was a little more slopey than others, so the entire day, Jesse couldn't really get his footing. He just kept taking major diggers and face plants. It didn't really phaze him a ton, but he couldn't just run free like at other beaches he's been to. And the waves kind of took Kaden out a couple of times and scared him a bit, so we hung pretty close to shore. All in all, though, it was a glorious day. Kev and I got major fried, we ate some yummy ice cream, it was a great family day, and we always love exploring new places. So, it was fab.
On Sunday, there was no nursery worker for the Sunday school hour, so because I had the most kids, I felt that it was my duty to step up and be the volunteer. Joy. True confession: I don't like doing nursery. Tiny, stinky room. Whiny kids because it's everybody's naptime and no one feels like sharing. You know. So, we all went outside for a "nature walk" instead. I threw Jesse in the backpack, and we went over to Kaden's and my secret place by the woods and caught a whack of worms and bugs. It was joyous, and we found a kickin' huge yellow and black centipede to boot! Kaden was in Heaven, and the Sunday School hour went by pleasantly enjoyably for moi. To my delight, the little girls had a blast getting grubby, as well. Aaaand I'm sure their Mommies were thrilled with the looks of their little lacy dresses. Hmmmm. Maybe they'll volunteer next week! :0)
Okay. I have more news about our future, by this post is a mile long already, AND I am STILL scuzzy and unshowered and I really really want to have that accomplished before wee one awakens. Happy Monday all! And happy belated birthday, sweet Angie!
I think that as much as I like the opportunity to sleep in once in awhile, I really don't like the way the rest of my day goes because of that. By the time I enter the world, the boys are already fully embracing their day with all cylinders blazing, they are ready to PLAY and have Mommy's undivided attention, and all I can think about is stumbling over to the coffee pot and SITTING. The house is crazy, the beds are unmade, and the worst for me is that I then have to wait and get my shower when Jesse goes down for his morning nap. I really love my shower, and I really love it to happen pronto. It makes me feel ready for the day - focused, alert, and on top of the world! Well, not quite, but close enough....
But instead, this Monday morning, here I sit - scuzzy and unshowered, BUT with coffee in hand. Jesse is napping and Kaden is watching McGee and Me. Good times. Good times. Must. Get. Going. Laundry awaits. Bread must be made. Dust overtaketh this home. Boys must be snuggled. Books must get read. Walks must be taken.....
Buuuuuut, I can't move SO more coffee must be drunk first.
So, while I partake of this delish beverage and neglect my eldest, here's a little rundown of the weekend. We checked out a new beach on Saturday. One in the town of AVON in New Jersey. First, we ate at a really fun little place on a balcony overlooking the ocean. And then we spent the rest of the afternoon playing in the sand and water. Another time, this would not be my beach of choice with wee ones, but it was really fun to check out - and it would be awesome for bigger kids and adults. The waves were CUH-RAZY there, and the beach was a little more slopey than others, so the entire day, Jesse couldn't really get his footing. He just kept taking major diggers and face plants. It didn't really phaze him a ton, but he couldn't just run free like at other beaches he's been to. And the waves kind of took Kaden out a couple of times and scared him a bit, so we hung pretty close to shore. All in all, though, it was a glorious day. Kev and I got major fried, we ate some yummy ice cream, it was a great family day, and we always love exploring new places. So, it was fab.
On Sunday, there was no nursery worker for the Sunday school hour, so because I had the most kids, I felt that it was my duty to step up and be the volunteer. Joy. True confession: I don't like doing nursery. Tiny, stinky room. Whiny kids because it's everybody's naptime and no one feels like sharing. You know. So, we all went outside for a "nature walk" instead. I threw Jesse in the backpack, and we went over to Kaden's and my secret place by the woods and caught a whack of worms and bugs. It was joyous, and we found a kickin' huge yellow and black centipede to boot! Kaden was in Heaven, and the Sunday School hour went by pleasantly enjoyably for moi. To my delight, the little girls had a blast getting grubby, as well. Aaaand I'm sure their Mommies were thrilled with the looks of their little lacy dresses. Hmmmm. Maybe they'll volunteer next week! :0)
Okay. I have more news about our future, by this post is a mile long already, AND I am STILL scuzzy and unshowered and I really really want to have that accomplished before wee one awakens. Happy Monday all! And happy belated birthday, sweet Angie!
Sleeping on the Job
Yep. I admit - I did it. I took a nap while my wee one had free reign of the house yesterday. I was so blasted tired yesterday that I decided to nap while the boys took their snoozes. Jesse is teething, so his naps haven't been the greatest lately, so just when I reached that really deep, body numbing slumber of bliss, I was rudely awakened by his protests to get him out of bed.
Sooooo...
I grabbed a couple of blankets and a pillow, and I just sprawled out on the living room floor! He, being the quality time and touch baby that he is, loved the unlimited access to Mommy, and every thirty seconds I would have little fingers shoved up my nostrils and in my ears, I was almost blinded and scalped, a wheat thin was smashed between my lips, and more times than I can count, I was dive bombed upon!
Forty-five minutes of being horizontal was well worth the abuse, however. And by the time Kaden awoke, both Jesse and I were quite happy with the arrangement that had taken place! He was provided with unlimited access and entertainment, and I was able to at least get some semblance rest!
Sooooo...
I grabbed a couple of blankets and a pillow, and I just sprawled out on the living room floor! He, being the quality time and touch baby that he is, loved the unlimited access to Mommy, and every thirty seconds I would have little fingers shoved up my nostrils and in my ears, I was almost blinded and scalped, a wheat thin was smashed between my lips, and more times than I can count, I was dive bombed upon!
Forty-five minutes of being horizontal was well worth the abuse, however. And by the time Kaden awoke, both Jesse and I were quite happy with the arrangement that had taken place! He was provided with unlimited access and entertainment, and I was able to at least get some semblance rest!
Some Linkage
Well, it's naptime on this crazy day. The weather lied. It never did rain, so we could have had our previously planned day. All in all, the morning went well. We did lots of reading, we made some crafts, and we built a somewhat putzy fort. I ran out of steam however, midway through, so we did no painting. Instead, I ran damage control for my teething baby and for Kaden who got clocked in the head by a large toy from his brother. Good times. Good times.
Anyhoo, on with the post! I've been wanting to show some links to a few things that I've read lately that I think are worth passing along.
This is a great perspective song (and a great post by a friend, also) for those days when one feels like selling their wee tyrants to a zoo! Jesse has six teeth trying to poke through, and let me tell you, he has been just a bundle of joy these past couple of days. This song gives immediate perspective and humility at the privilege that is mine every day, it instantly shuts down any complaints on my tongue, and it makes me stop and be eternally thankful for the gifts of my children.
I found this to be one of the most balanced perspectives on getting baby to sleep through the night. I love this lady's blog. She is a mother of eight who has been at this for fifteen years. Me-thinks she hath a boatload of wisdom to bestow!
And lastly, for today, a just beautiful and oh so sweetly sentimental somewhat of a tear-jerking post that a Mommy writes about her little boy in his adjustment to his new baby that just got brought home from the hospital. This made me think of you, Shannon!
Anyhoo, on with the post! I've been wanting to show some links to a few things that I've read lately that I think are worth passing along.
This is a great perspective song (and a great post by a friend, also) for those days when one feels like selling their wee tyrants to a zoo! Jesse has six teeth trying to poke through, and let me tell you, he has been just a bundle of joy these past couple of days. This song gives immediate perspective and humility at the privilege that is mine every day, it instantly shuts down any complaints on my tongue, and it makes me stop and be eternally thankful for the gifts of my children.
I found this to be one of the most balanced perspectives on getting baby to sleep through the night. I love this lady's blog. She is a mother of eight who has been at this for fifteen years. Me-thinks she hath a boatload of wisdom to bestow!
And lastly, for today, a just beautiful and oh so sweetly sentimental somewhat of a tear-jerking post that a Mommy writes about her little boy in his adjustment to his new baby that just got brought home from the hospital. This made me think of you, Shannon!
A Day of Play...
I had big plans of doing lots of outdoorsy things with the boys today. There's a really nice library and playground a couple of miles away, and we were planning on taking a nice long walk to the library to look at books, play puzzles, and play with the cool toys they have in the kids' section and then meander over to the playground for a picnic and some play before heading back home for naps. Kaden was stoked, and I was getting all my ducks in a row so we could just fly out after Jesse's nap.
Alas, the weather is forecasting scattered thundershowers all day, so now we're gearing up for a day at home. No biggy - I just have to switch gears. So, now the day's plans consist of lots of reading in our p.j's, crafts - I'm going to lay a massive sheet of paper on the floor and just let them have at it with paint....so probably baths will also enter into the picture, forts, picnics on the floor, and naps for all of us when the time comes! :0)
Bring the rain! Tomorrow we shall work!
Alas, the weather is forecasting scattered thundershowers all day, so now we're gearing up for a day at home. No biggy - I just have to switch gears. So, now the day's plans consist of lots of reading in our p.j's, crafts - I'm going to lay a massive sheet of paper on the floor and just let them have at it with paint....so probably baths will also enter into the picture, forts, picnics on the floor, and naps for all of us when the time comes! :0)
Bring the rain! Tomorrow we shall work!
What in the World?
Remember how just a wee post ago I said that I was comfortable with boys? Well, I'm quite convinced that it's because I'm half boy myself. Seriously. I really wouldn't mind be slightly feminine once in a awhile, but honestly - when I try - I feel like a fake and like I just can't quite pull it off. Here are some examples of my lack of girlishness:
~ I wear only one dress, and I have owned it since my wedding day. It was my "going away" dress for my honeymoon. This is the dress that I wear to every occasion: weddings, funerals, and even my graduation. I tell you - that 80$ was well worth it!Kev doesn't care. Kaden thinks I am "soooo pretty!" because he's only seen me in a dress twice in his entire life, I think; and Jesse doesn't have a clue to save his soul.
~ I absolutely detest nylons with a purple passion. I have worn them only three times since my Bible school days. All three times to weddings. One being my own. What was I thinking?
~ My wardrobe consists of mostly black, khaki, and grey. I really only wear keen's and flipflops. And I don't own a single pair of high heels. I never have.
~ I own two articles of pink clothing.....and I actually like them, but feel somewhat numb nutty in them. At least they are capri's and a tank top - not overly feminine.
~ And if Kev were to take another church position someday, I told him - in my not so spiritual moments - that if there is some sort of dresscode expectation for the wife and I have to wear a dress each week - then it surely is not the Lord's will for us to be taking on THAT position!
~ My house decor consists of mostly sticks, twigs, rocks, earthy, old, and outdoorsy things. There is not a single frill, ruffle, or peice of lace to be seen!
~ The only jewelry I wear are my wedding bands, a fish ring that we got on our honeymoon, a twenty-five cent bracelet that I got on a yardsale, the occasional cheap-o toe ring, and on Sundays a rockin' brown, leather, stoney necklace...that is by far the nicest thing I own besides my wedding bands. (A gift from sweet Shannon, or I would never have owned such beauty!)
~ But HERE'S the kicker - hence the name of my title. I got my eyebrows waxed and shaped for the first time a couple of months ago. Like my two brothers, I have been blessed with a uni-brow, and I finally decided to do something more serious about it. Well, when the lady waxed them, she also trimmed them with little scissors, which made them look quite nice. So, last night, I thought I could probably save a couple of bucks and trim them myself. Well, I don't have a blessed clue how I managed this one, but somehow, my eyelashes on my left eye got in the way, and I trimmed my eyelashes right along with my eyebrow! I have like half the length of eyelashes that I do on my opposite eye! Let me tell you - I am stunning to look at now!
Now if that isn't the epitomy of feminity, I don't know what is?! Holy dyin'......
~ I wear only one dress, and I have owned it since my wedding day. It was my "going away" dress for my honeymoon. This is the dress that I wear to every occasion: weddings, funerals, and even my graduation. I tell you - that 80$ was well worth it!Kev doesn't care. Kaden thinks I am "soooo pretty!" because he's only seen me in a dress twice in his entire life, I think; and Jesse doesn't have a clue to save his soul.
~ I absolutely detest nylons with a purple passion. I have worn them only three times since my Bible school days. All three times to weddings. One being my own. What was I thinking?
~ My wardrobe consists of mostly black, khaki, and grey. I really only wear keen's and flipflops. And I don't own a single pair of high heels. I never have.
~ I own two articles of pink clothing.....and I actually like them, but feel somewhat numb nutty in them. At least they are capri's and a tank top - not overly feminine.
~ And if Kev were to take another church position someday, I told him - in my not so spiritual moments - that if there is some sort of dresscode expectation for the wife and I have to wear a dress each week - then it surely is not the Lord's will for us to be taking on THAT position!
~ My house decor consists of mostly sticks, twigs, rocks, earthy, old, and outdoorsy things. There is not a single frill, ruffle, or peice of lace to be seen!
~ The only jewelry I wear are my wedding bands, a fish ring that we got on our honeymoon, a twenty-five cent bracelet that I got on a yardsale, the occasional cheap-o toe ring, and on Sundays a rockin' brown, leather, stoney necklace...that is by far the nicest thing I own besides my wedding bands. (A gift from sweet Shannon, or I would never have owned such beauty!)
~ But HERE'S the kicker - hence the name of my title. I got my eyebrows waxed and shaped for the first time a couple of months ago. Like my two brothers, I have been blessed with a uni-brow, and I finally decided to do something more serious about it. Well, when the lady waxed them, she also trimmed them with little scissors, which made them look quite nice. So, last night, I thought I could probably save a couple of bucks and trim them myself. Well, I don't have a blessed clue how I managed this one, but somehow, my eyelashes on my left eye got in the way, and I trimmed my eyelashes right along with my eyebrow! I have like half the length of eyelashes that I do on my opposite eye! Let me tell you - I am stunning to look at now!
Now if that isn't the epitomy of feminity, I don't know what is?! Holy dyin'......
Boys Will Be Boys?
Okay. Help me process a few things here. I grew up in hicksville with all boys, I have all boys, I'm very comfortable with boys, and I feel like I know boys pretty well. As much as a girl can - I feel like I somewhat know how little boys are wired, what they like to do, what they are naturally drawn too, etc. Don't get me wrong - I am no expert by any shape of the imagination, but not too much surprises me where little boys are concerned.
So, here is my dilemma. Well, first let me just back up for a minute and explain what I am processing here. Last night, our family - along with one of Kev's friends and his son - went to Tyler State Park to fish and play in the water for the evening. This place is a little boy's paradise - the water is not too high right now, so they could go out as far as they wanted, we caught three baby turtles, Daddy caught a sunfish on his flyrod, and we caught tons of little mini baby black tadpoles. Everything went into buckets, and the boys touched and played with things to their heart's content while we were there.
Okay. So here is where my processing begins. As we are all playing, three other little boys come down to the water and begin to splash around just like we were doing. They are all probably around ten years old - I'm not really sure; I'm quite pathetic with ages, actually - but they were quite a bit older than Kaden. We showed them the turtles and the tadpoles, and then they decided that they wanted to catch some tadpoles for themselves. Instead of catching the tadpoles, however, they began throwing massive rocks onto them and yelling: "Got you sucker!" and "Oh - that one's not dead yet! Get him! Get him!"
Let me just stop right here and say that I realize this is nothing like little boys shooting a puppy or maiming a kitten for sport. However, in my book that is just not cool and it will not be allowed in my home. I talked this over a bit with Kev on the way home, because there is that whole delicate balance and line of letting boys be boys, and where do you draw it? I don't want to be extreme - I have no problems with letting them have guns when they are older. I have no problems with them going hunting with their Daddy. But, in my book this is vastly different. We do not kill for sport. We kill for food. And from the time Kaden has understood speech, he has known that difference.
Anyway, this is a slightly rambly post, but I wanted to see if Kev felt as strongly as I did about not allowing our kids to do things like that. He said that he did agree, and although he didn't do tons of that sort of thing when he was a kid, he did share a few things that he did that he still feels bad about to this day! So, I'm sure it will probably happen at some point in my boy's lives - I'm not naive. But, I am also trying to make a very clear impression on them at a very young age that we take care of little things and treat them with respect. I don't even like Kaden catching bugs and leaving them in his bug box until they die. I'm all about catch and release!
Anyway, that's my philosophy. What do you guys think? Too extreme? Right on?
So, here is my dilemma. Well, first let me just back up for a minute and explain what I am processing here. Last night, our family - along with one of Kev's friends and his son - went to Tyler State Park to fish and play in the water for the evening. This place is a little boy's paradise - the water is not too high right now, so they could go out as far as they wanted, we caught three baby turtles, Daddy caught a sunfish on his flyrod, and we caught tons of little mini baby black tadpoles. Everything went into buckets, and the boys touched and played with things to their heart's content while we were there.
Okay. So here is where my processing begins. As we are all playing, three other little boys come down to the water and begin to splash around just like we were doing. They are all probably around ten years old - I'm not really sure; I'm quite pathetic with ages, actually - but they were quite a bit older than Kaden. We showed them the turtles and the tadpoles, and then they decided that they wanted to catch some tadpoles for themselves. Instead of catching the tadpoles, however, they began throwing massive rocks onto them and yelling: "Got you sucker!" and "Oh - that one's not dead yet! Get him! Get him!"
Let me just stop right here and say that I realize this is nothing like little boys shooting a puppy or maiming a kitten for sport. However, in my book that is just not cool and it will not be allowed in my home. I talked this over a bit with Kev on the way home, because there is that whole delicate balance and line of letting boys be boys, and where do you draw it? I don't want to be extreme - I have no problems with letting them have guns when they are older. I have no problems with them going hunting with their Daddy. But, in my book this is vastly different. We do not kill for sport. We kill for food. And from the time Kaden has understood speech, he has known that difference.
Anyway, this is a slightly rambly post, but I wanted to see if Kev felt as strongly as I did about not allowing our kids to do things like that. He said that he did agree, and although he didn't do tons of that sort of thing when he was a kid, he did share a few things that he did that he still feels bad about to this day! So, I'm sure it will probably happen at some point in my boy's lives - I'm not naive. But, I am also trying to make a very clear impression on them at a very young age that we take care of little things and treat them with respect. I don't even like Kaden catching bugs and leaving them in his bug box until they die. I'm all about catch and release!
Anyway, that's my philosophy. What do you guys think? Too extreme? Right on?
Happy Monday!
It's been a few days since my last post. Did ya miss me? Let's see. How about some wee updates for those inquiring minds?
The tail end of last week is a blur...sorry I can help ya there with the details. I'm remembering lots of heat and sun, bike rides, stories, and oh yes! One night, we had some friends over for supper and dutch oven strawberry shortcake out back. That was fun. There was also a rambunctious game of soccer afterwards where Kaden took a header from the soccer ball - I was totally impressed and yelled "AWESOME!" - to which Kev promptly scooped a sobbing Kaden up into his arms and scolded me with a: "It's NOT awesome!" Okay then. He was quite fine; just a wee bit shocked at this thing bouncing off of his head! After the initial fear and minor pain wore off, he was back in the scuffle with the best of us. What a tough little guy! Good times! Mommy was so proud!
On Saturday, we went to Ocean City, New Jersey - our absolute favorite place to go in the summer! The weather was gorgeous - not too hot and slightly overcast for the kids, and we just stayed and played all day. To our pleasant surprise, Jesse ate nary a shell or handful of sand! Also, - NOT to our surprise - he was fearless around the water, so we had to be on our toes the entire time we were there! He took a couple of face plants into the salty water but really didn't seem all that phased. He absolutely loved the freedom to be able to run wherever he wanted, and all throughout the day, he would give handfuls of sand to random people!
And then, yesterday, after a marathon day at church, "the boys" took Kev out to Bugaboo Creek for a Father's Day supper. We had a really great weekend, and we hate to see it end. So, we're contemplating going to pick sour cherries tonight and making a yummy pie to top it all off!
The tail end of last week is a blur...sorry I can help ya there with the details. I'm remembering lots of heat and sun, bike rides, stories, and oh yes! One night, we had some friends over for supper and dutch oven strawberry shortcake out back. That was fun. There was also a rambunctious game of soccer afterwards where Kaden took a header from the soccer ball - I was totally impressed and yelled "AWESOME!" - to which Kev promptly scooped a sobbing Kaden up into his arms and scolded me with a: "It's NOT awesome!" Okay then. He was quite fine; just a wee bit shocked at this thing bouncing off of his head! After the initial fear and minor pain wore off, he was back in the scuffle with the best of us. What a tough little guy! Good times! Mommy was so proud!
On Saturday, we went to Ocean City, New Jersey - our absolute favorite place to go in the summer! The weather was gorgeous - not too hot and slightly overcast for the kids, and we just stayed and played all day. To our pleasant surprise, Jesse ate nary a shell or handful of sand! Also, - NOT to our surprise - he was fearless around the water, so we had to be on our toes the entire time we were there! He took a couple of face plants into the salty water but really didn't seem all that phased. He absolutely loved the freedom to be able to run wherever he wanted, and all throughout the day, he would give handfuls of sand to random people!
And then, yesterday, after a marathon day at church, "the boys" took Kev out to Bugaboo Creek for a Father's Day supper. We had a really great weekend, and we hate to see it end. So, we're contemplating going to pick sour cherries tonight and making a yummy pie to top it all off!
Life
We have fully eased into our summer rhythm here. It's been hotter than blazes for the past few days, but the humidity has finally eased up. Each day looks much like the previous for us - lots of long walks, dips in the kiddie pool, bike rides around the parking lot, snuggles with Kaden while reading Little House on the Prairie books during Jesse's naps, ice creams and parks in the evenings, and sweaty, tired bodies easing into bed at night. Just the way we all love it.
We have this month and next to play and then decision time will be upon us. Kev finishes up with his school in August and will be the second person in the history of PBU to graduate with 3 degrees in 3 years! He is not one to brag, so I will do it for him. He's been such a trooper - always an awesome father and husband throughout it all - and we are so proud of him.
Our lease runs out August first, and then it's crunch time. For months, we have been praying and asking the Lord to clearly show us what His next step for us will be. A door looked like it was opening awhile back, and we started to walk through it, but neither of us felt like this was what our next step should be. Looking back at that decision now - a few weeks later - we have total peace that we made the right decision. We have some other options that we are looking at - ones that will change life as we know it now quite significantly - so we are earnestly seeking His wisdom and His will. For someone who hates change, I am surprisingly calm and at peace - and even excited at these new potential chapters of life for our family. I will update more as we know more! Kev and I have been on the same page throughout this entire journey, and we have seen the Lord so clearly lead us, so we have full faith that He will do the same again - in His time.
No matter the decision - I have two months to play before d-day. Two more months to just "be" with my boys - to play, to read, to eat popsicles, to go camping, to go to the beach, to wipe blood and kiss bruises - which happens A LOT with Jesse, to go on walks, to dig for worms and look for bugs, to "chase life!" (as Shannon writes), and to savor the summer with those I love most.
Life is good.
We have this month and next to play and then decision time will be upon us. Kev finishes up with his school in August and will be the second person in the history of PBU to graduate with 3 degrees in 3 years! He is not one to brag, so I will do it for him. He's been such a trooper - always an awesome father and husband throughout it all - and we are so proud of him.
Our lease runs out August first, and then it's crunch time. For months, we have been praying and asking the Lord to clearly show us what His next step for us will be. A door looked like it was opening awhile back, and we started to walk through it, but neither of us felt like this was what our next step should be. Looking back at that decision now - a few weeks later - we have total peace that we made the right decision. We have some other options that we are looking at - ones that will change life as we know it now quite significantly - so we are earnestly seeking His wisdom and His will. For someone who hates change, I am surprisingly calm and at peace - and even excited at these new potential chapters of life for our family. I will update more as we know more! Kev and I have been on the same page throughout this entire journey, and we have seen the Lord so clearly lead us, so we have full faith that He will do the same again - in His time.
No matter the decision - I have two months to play before d-day. Two more months to just "be" with my boys - to play, to read, to eat popsicles, to go camping, to go to the beach, to wipe blood and kiss bruises - which happens A LOT with Jesse, to go on walks, to dig for worms and look for bugs, to "chase life!" (as Shannon writes), and to savor the summer with those I love most.
Life is good.
Watch This.
I love love love drama presentations. Somehow the acting combined with the music behind it speaks far more to me than mere words ever could. This group of kids gives an AWESOME presentation to the Lifehouse song, "You're All I Need." It starts out a wee bit cheesy, but it just gets better and better. Wait for the chorus. Wait for it. It'll move ya!
Handling Disappointments
I was really proud of my little boy today.
Since he just turned four, he is now able to go to "Junior Church," and this is something that he has been excited about doing for quite awhile now. The kids always get a little snack and then they have a lesson time of their own. Usually he's a little shy at first about starting new things with lots of kids, but today he just walked right into class like a big boy.
He was the last kid getting in there, because he had to wait for me to get done singing, and there were more children in there today than usual. So we just found him an extra chair, the kids all made room for him, and he sat down eagerly anticipating his fun little snack. Well, the teacher had a really special treat today. The only problem was, there wasn't enough to go around. All of the other children were sitting around this table all together dipping their fun little lollipop treats into the sugar candy and licking them off, while Kaden just sat there and watched them. When the teacher realized that there wasn't enough to go around she quickly gave Kaden a mini box of raisins and told him that "they were just as good (and sweet too!)" WHAAT?!!
In the grand scheme of life, this is so not a big deal. And really - I would prefer my child to be eating a snack like goldfish or raisins or even crackers, anyway. But, when every other kid in the room is getting a really fun treat, it totally just broke my heart that he was sitting there eating raisins. Again - I know it's not a big deal, but it made me so sad. And he was so big and brave. He looked at me and all he said was: "I would like a snack like they're having." So, I knelt down beside him and just explained that there wasn't enough to go around today. I could have used this as a perfect teaching time about "how the last shall be first" or how "someone had to be the one to not get the lollipop, and it's nice for him to be the big boy," but I just didn't have the heart. He nodded that he understood, and he quietly picked away at his snack while I walked back to the service with my tail between my legs. Disappointments are good and necessary to learn about - I know this. He will have his fair share of them thanks to this mean world. But as his Mommy, how I wish I could shelter him from unnecessary hurts. My heart just felt so sad for him and so proud that he was trying to be so big and brave.
On the way home both Kev and I talked to him about how proud we were that even though he was really disappointed and even kind of sad that he didn't get a fun treat, he didn't make a scene, he didn't act out, and he wasn't mean to the other kids. He really did act like a big boy and he didn't let that disappointment get in the way of having a really fun time at Junior Church, either.
Needless to say, we took a wee bit of a detour on the way home and bought someone a very VERY special ice cream treat to have all for himself!
Since he just turned four, he is now able to go to "Junior Church," and this is something that he has been excited about doing for quite awhile now. The kids always get a little snack and then they have a lesson time of their own. Usually he's a little shy at first about starting new things with lots of kids, but today he just walked right into class like a big boy.
He was the last kid getting in there, because he had to wait for me to get done singing, and there were more children in there today than usual. So we just found him an extra chair, the kids all made room for him, and he sat down eagerly anticipating his fun little snack. Well, the teacher had a really special treat today. The only problem was, there wasn't enough to go around. All of the other children were sitting around this table all together dipping their fun little lollipop treats into the sugar candy and licking them off, while Kaden just sat there and watched them. When the teacher realized that there wasn't enough to go around she quickly gave Kaden a mini box of raisins and told him that "they were just as good (and sweet too!)" WHAAT?!!
In the grand scheme of life, this is so not a big deal. And really - I would prefer my child to be eating a snack like goldfish or raisins or even crackers, anyway. But, when every other kid in the room is getting a really fun treat, it totally just broke my heart that he was sitting there eating raisins. Again - I know it's not a big deal, but it made me so sad. And he was so big and brave. He looked at me and all he said was: "I would like a snack like they're having." So, I knelt down beside him and just explained that there wasn't enough to go around today. I could have used this as a perfect teaching time about "how the last shall be first" or how "someone had to be the one to not get the lollipop, and it's nice for him to be the big boy," but I just didn't have the heart. He nodded that he understood, and he quietly picked away at his snack while I walked back to the service with my tail between my legs. Disappointments are good and necessary to learn about - I know this. He will have his fair share of them thanks to this mean world. But as his Mommy, how I wish I could shelter him from unnecessary hurts. My heart just felt so sad for him and so proud that he was trying to be so big and brave.
On the way home both Kev and I talked to him about how proud we were that even though he was really disappointed and even kind of sad that he didn't get a fun treat, he didn't make a scene, he didn't act out, and he wasn't mean to the other kids. He really did act like a big boy and he didn't let that disappointment get in the way of having a really fun time at Junior Church, either.
Needless to say, we took a wee bit of a detour on the way home and bought someone a very VERY special ice cream treat to have all for himself!
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