Wheeeeeeew!
Well, we made it safe and sound to our homeland! :0) A dear friend from school travelled with us to help with the kids and take turns driving the Uhaul and the car. Our Caleb made the trip much more fun and uneventful, and he was also a huge help in making the transition from Philly to Maine very smooth and fun for the boys. We made the trip in about ten hours and other than me forgetting to strap Jesse in once - I looked in my rearview mirror and saw him STANDING in his carseat! - it went pretty smoothly!
Our new church had about twenty volunteers ready to help us unload the Uhaul the next day. What took Kev and Caleb two days to load by themselves, the church had unloaded in less than an hour! We stayed the first two nights with Kev's parents, and then we headed out to our landlord's camp on the lake. They are letting us stay there until our apartment is ready, and I tell you - it is SUCH a welcome respite after these past few weeks of crazyness. It is beautiful and quiet and peaceful, and absolutely lovely.
Some wonderful old friends came over to spend the day with me at the lake today. It was so nice - and weird - all at the same time. It's been three years, yet it felt like it was just yesterday when we last got together. That's a sign of true friendship! But, at the same time - in the years that I have been gone - four babies have been born and one more is one the way! So, many changes have taken place in all of our lives.
I'm still feeling somewhat "nomadic" and trying to wrap my brain around the fact that I am not just here for a visit, but to actually live again! It's exciting and crazy and weird all at the same time. For now - camp is home. In a few weeks, we'll have an aparment, and then after that - who knows? Home is where you hang your hat with your little family, and for now, we are soaking up the sunshine at the lake. More updates later.....
Signing Off for a Bit
Just a quick little blurb before our computer gets packed away into the UHaul. We are hitting the road for home on Sunday around 4:30 a.m. We would appreciate your prayers as we drive for 10+ hours with the wee ones and one honking huge truck! Hard to believe this chapter is over. Crazy crazy. Can't really seem to wrap my mind around it! Much love to all......
CHAOS!
One week from today we hit the road for HOME.
Hard to believe! I know I've said it before, but it's just crazy to me that we are arriving home with Jesse the exact same age that Kaden was when we left for this adventure. And now we're arriving home with TWO babes and three years of awesome memories and friendships made.
With my place no longer feeling like home - boxes and little corners of chaos everywhere, I am now really beginning to feel ready for the next leg of our adventure and for however many years this chapter may be for us!
I am in heavy nesting mode right now - culling and organizing, labeling and sorting....AND I LOVE IT! Aaaaah, a good move every few years does wonders for the amounts of STUFF one can accumulate! Much chucking abounds!
On the more bittersweet side of things, yesterday began the "firsts" of many "lasts" around here. We spent our last Sunday at our church out here which had become home to us in many ways. I never in a million years would have dreamed that I would have grown to love this little family so much or that they would have returned the love so freely and fully to our entire little family. There were many tears and hugs and promises of visits on both ends.....and now - just like that - that little chapter of our lives is over. Crazy.
Just overnite the school has come alive again with students returning and classes resuming. But, this year, we will not be among those crowds of craziness. As students are throwing away their cardboard boxes and unpacking their things to settle in, I am sneaking up behind them and stealing them back to refill with OUR things.....because in one week - seven days, count them! - we are headed HOME.
Hard to believe! I know I've said it before, but it's just crazy to me that we are arriving home with Jesse the exact same age that Kaden was when we left for this adventure. And now we're arriving home with TWO babes and three years of awesome memories and friendships made.
With my place no longer feeling like home - boxes and little corners of chaos everywhere, I am now really beginning to feel ready for the next leg of our adventure and for however many years this chapter may be for us!
I am in heavy nesting mode right now - culling and organizing, labeling and sorting....AND I LOVE IT! Aaaaah, a good move every few years does wonders for the amounts of STUFF one can accumulate! Much chucking abounds!
On the more bittersweet side of things, yesterday began the "firsts" of many "lasts" around here. We spent our last Sunday at our church out here which had become home to us in many ways. I never in a million years would have dreamed that I would have grown to love this little family so much or that they would have returned the love so freely and fully to our entire little family. There were many tears and hugs and promises of visits on both ends.....and now - just like that - that little chapter of our lives is over. Crazy.
Just overnite the school has come alive again with students returning and classes resuming. But, this year, we will not be among those crowds of craziness. As students are throwing away their cardboard boxes and unpacking their things to settle in, I am sneaking up behind them and stealing them back to refill with OUR things.....because in one week - seven days, count them! - we are headed HOME.
Dates
My eldest love and I went on a little date today to our local tearoom. I'm trying to get in all of the things that I really love in these last few days before we move, and I thought it would be fun if the two of us when for a wee snack. I got a sitter for Jesse, and then a friend from church with her two little girls who are good friends of Kaden's and are right around his age went out for a yummy lunch.
Kaden is secure enough in his manhood to drink out of princess cups with the other girls; although he drew the line at wearing dress up hats and costume jewelry! I was just as glad myself. :0) Anyway, it was tons of fun - we're both all about the food - so it was a really nice morning.
As the kids get older, more and more I am realizing the need to do individual things with each one of them on a regular basis. It's so easy to just be tag-teaming them both all throughout the day, that I often do not feel like I really had any great quality time with either - even though we spend all of each and every day together. While Jesse naps in the morning, Kaden and I always try to do something fun; and when Jesse wakes before Kaden in the afternoon, he and I get some just alone together, as well. So, things have been working out that way pretty well. I just want to start doing some more intentional things with each of them.
It's so easy to be involved with so many other "important" people all throughout our days and weeks, that by the time each day is done, it's easy to feel really fried and not have a whole lot left over in the evenings for the kids. We don't ever want our children to doubt their importance to us, and we don't want to give everyone else the best of ourselves. So, we're starting to try and find some creative ways to do some extras with the boys. For starters, Kev is going to start taking Kaden out to breakfast every Tuesday morning - just the two of them, so they're both pretty stoked about that. Jesse's still so young - he's content as long as he can get some snuggle time. But, while they are out, I am going to really focus on giving Jesse all of me and try hard to not be distracted by all the things that could be getting done! And I also promised Kaden that for our next date, we would do something a little more manly!
Life is a constant battle of busyness and distractions. It can spiral out of control so quickly, and it is so easy to forget about the things that are truly important. So, we're taking baby steps to try and safeguard against this. Our children are our priority, and after each other - they are our primary "ministry."
Kaden is secure enough in his manhood to drink out of princess cups with the other girls; although he drew the line at wearing dress up hats and costume jewelry! I was just as glad myself. :0) Anyway, it was tons of fun - we're both all about the food - so it was a really nice morning.
As the kids get older, more and more I am realizing the need to do individual things with each one of them on a regular basis. It's so easy to just be tag-teaming them both all throughout the day, that I often do not feel like I really had any great quality time with either - even though we spend all of each and every day together. While Jesse naps in the morning, Kaden and I always try to do something fun; and when Jesse wakes before Kaden in the afternoon, he and I get some just alone together, as well. So, things have been working out that way pretty well. I just want to start doing some more intentional things with each of them.
It's so easy to be involved with so many other "important" people all throughout our days and weeks, that by the time each day is done, it's easy to feel really fried and not have a whole lot left over in the evenings for the kids. We don't ever want our children to doubt their importance to us, and we don't want to give everyone else the best of ourselves. So, we're starting to try and find some creative ways to do some extras with the boys. For starters, Kev is going to start taking Kaden out to breakfast every Tuesday morning - just the two of them, so they're both pretty stoked about that. Jesse's still so young - he's content as long as he can get some snuggle time. But, while they are out, I am going to really focus on giving Jesse all of me and try hard to not be distracted by all the things that could be getting done! And I also promised Kaden that for our next date, we would do something a little more manly!
Life is a constant battle of busyness and distractions. It can spiral out of control so quickly, and it is so easy to forget about the things that are truly important. So, we're taking baby steps to try and safeguard against this. Our children are our priority, and after each other - they are our primary "ministry."
Just Checking In
The weather here has been very Maine-like the past couple of days. I have actually needed my sweatshirt in the evenings! Happy for me as the sun makes me hot and itchy. Little Jesse has a couple of spots on his back and legs; I'm praying that it spreads no farther. I can tell that it's bothering him a bit. Poor little guy. As miserable as it's made me, I would gladly take another round of the stuff if I could spare him the same misery.
As a result of being on all of this steroid stuff, my baby has been quite suddenly weaned from his Mommy. We had been slowly working towards this anyway, but it actually took place far more quickly than I would have chosen. Jesse completely rolled with it and has done just fine; but I have been a little sad! One more milestone checked off toward becoming a big boy. I've been much more sentimental this time around......:0(
Well, we settled on where we will be living for at least the first little bit when we move. A Christian family who we know and love in Brewer, Maine bought a motel awhile back and completely renovated it. It is now entirely Christian owned and operated with a little coffee shop downstairs aimed to cater to the high school and college age crowd. They have made some of the rooms into one and two bedroom apartments, and they'll rent one to us at a really great price with zero committment for how long we have to stay. Should we find a house within three months (here's hoping!), they have absolutely no problem with that. We probably won't look for a house for a little while - until we get our feet back under us again - but we like having the freedom to move whenever we feel ready.
The only kicker is that the apartment won't be ready until the end of September, and we are moving home on September 1st. So, to solve that problem, they have offered us their camp out on Pushaw Lake - at the same rent - until the apartment is ready. While part of me wants to move only once and get immediately settled in as soon as we get home, the other part of me is trying really hard to just go with the flow and view this as just an extended vacation. We've been to their camp before and love it, and we'll finally be reunited again with our beloved canoe, and lake water, and nature, and the sounds of frogs croaking at night.....so, I'm rolling with it. The boy's routines are going to be completely thrown anyway with all of this crazyness; they might as well be thrown some place fun and campy first! It'll be Heaven for them out there!
Okay, I'm still itching like MAD! And the stuff is still spreading! Shouldn't it be subsiding somewhat, by now? Merciful Heavens - my legs will never look normal again, I fear! I'm going nuts....must go find my Caladryl. Pray for my sanity.....
As a result of being on all of this steroid stuff, my baby has been quite suddenly weaned from his Mommy. We had been slowly working towards this anyway, but it actually took place far more quickly than I would have chosen. Jesse completely rolled with it and has done just fine; but I have been a little sad! One more milestone checked off toward becoming a big boy. I've been much more sentimental this time around......:0(
Well, we settled on where we will be living for at least the first little bit when we move. A Christian family who we know and love in Brewer, Maine bought a motel awhile back and completely renovated it. It is now entirely Christian owned and operated with a little coffee shop downstairs aimed to cater to the high school and college age crowd. They have made some of the rooms into one and two bedroom apartments, and they'll rent one to us at a really great price with zero committment for how long we have to stay. Should we find a house within three months (here's hoping!), they have absolutely no problem with that. We probably won't look for a house for a little while - until we get our feet back under us again - but we like having the freedom to move whenever we feel ready.
The only kicker is that the apartment won't be ready until the end of September, and we are moving home on September 1st. So, to solve that problem, they have offered us their camp out on Pushaw Lake - at the same rent - until the apartment is ready. While part of me wants to move only once and get immediately settled in as soon as we get home, the other part of me is trying really hard to just go with the flow and view this as just an extended vacation. We've been to their camp before and love it, and we'll finally be reunited again with our beloved canoe, and lake water, and nature, and the sounds of frogs croaking at night.....so, I'm rolling with it. The boy's routines are going to be completely thrown anyway with all of this crazyness; they might as well be thrown some place fun and campy first! It'll be Heaven for them out there!
Okay, I'm still itching like MAD! And the stuff is still spreading! Shouldn't it be subsiding somewhat, by now? Merciful Heavens - my legs will never look normal again, I fear! I'm going nuts....must go find my Caladryl. Pray for my sanity.....
Day Four of the Plague
I have determined that my body has a far higher tolerance for pain than for itching. I would not wish this on my worst enemy......except Satan. I do, however, feel like today I have rounded a corner. I think the steroids are starting to take effect. Praise the Lord above. I still look like a monster, but at least I am not making a scene in public by frantically scratching and looking like I am about to go INSANE!
In other news, we're having a massive yard sale tomorrow along with some of our friends. That's always fun. Oh, how I love getting rid of things!.....except for my couches and chairs. I do like to be able to sit on things. Kev wants to get rid of EVERYTHING and start over fresh when we move home. To which I say: "My Love...whatever are we going to sit our bunsies on in the interim? (interum?)" He didn't seem too worried about that. I, however, happen to enjoy sitting on things other than the floor when I eat and watch t.v. He still has a few hours to convince me.......
In other news, we're having a massive yard sale tomorrow along with some of our friends. That's always fun. Oh, how I love getting rid of things!.....except for my couches and chairs. I do like to be able to sit on things. Kev wants to get rid of EVERYTHING and start over fresh when we move home. To which I say: "My Love...whatever are we going to sit our bunsies on in the interim? (interum?)" He didn't seem too worried about that. I, however, happen to enjoy sitting on things other than the floor when I eat and watch t.v. He still has a few hours to convince me.......
Slowly Going INSANE!!!
Okay. For the first time in my life I have contracted some sort of poison ivy or oak or SOMETHING. And I am about to go mad! It started out with just a couple of spots on both ankles and arms. That was two days ago. I woke up today with oozing blisters, hives, and splotches over my entire body and finally could take it no more. I went to the doctor who gave me some sort of steroid shot and a prescription for a stronger hydrocortizone cream than what you can get over the counter and now I am waiting for it to take effect. Waiting....waiting.....waiting.....
Must.crawl.out.of.my.skin................
Must.crawl.out.of.my.skin................
Quirks!
Two in one day, eh? Not bad - we're making up for lost time, here.
Okay, so I've been tagged by Shay, and here are the rules:
1. Link back to the person who tagged you
2. Mention the rules on your blog
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they've been tagged.
Okay, I've been thinking about this all day, and this is the best that I can come up with....
MY UN-SPECTACULAR QUIRKS!
1. I do not consider myself a "girly girl," yet I don't believe a day goes by where I do not use makeup and hairspray.
2. I can make my tongue REALLY fat and also make it ripple in waves.
3. There is very little that grosses me out, and my standards of sanitation are much lower than most, I am sure. To this day, I would be sorely tempted to eat a peice of candy that I found on the grocery store floor, if Kev wouldn't threaten to disown me, and if four other little eyes wouldn't quickly follow suit! (Jesse takes after me apparently: Kev had to fish a worm out of his mouth tonight. On second thought, I think his standards are even lower....).
4. I talk a mile a minute and can keep up with the best of anyone in a conversation, yet I don't really like talking on the phone.
5. I absolutely love giving birth - every part of it! Granted, the intense part of my labors have both been under five hours, but I love all that comes with that whole process - that whole experience. The feelings and emotions both during AND in those immediate moments afterwards are so powerful, so beautiful, so intimate, so strong......Probably the most natural high one could ever have!
6. I am slightly addicted to all things old, wooden, and earthy such as: bittersweet berries to be made into wreaths and old boxes and trunks. It truly is an addiction - just ask Kev. He had to draw the line awhile back!
Okay, so there's more of me than you probably ever wanted to know!
Here's a big ole tag to you six:
1. Jen
2. Shannie, (I'll let you link the fellow Mainers!)
3. Angie
4. Kristi
5. Esther - (You can tag team with Shannie - that should get everyone!)
6. Yolanda
Okay, so I've been tagged by Shay, and here are the rules:
1. Link back to the person who tagged you
2. Mention the rules on your blog
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they've been tagged.
Okay, I've been thinking about this all day, and this is the best that I can come up with....
MY UN-SPECTACULAR QUIRKS!
1. I do not consider myself a "girly girl," yet I don't believe a day goes by where I do not use makeup and hairspray.
2. I can make my tongue REALLY fat and also make it ripple in waves.
3. There is very little that grosses me out, and my standards of sanitation are much lower than most, I am sure. To this day, I would be sorely tempted to eat a peice of candy that I found on the grocery store floor, if Kev wouldn't threaten to disown me, and if four other little eyes wouldn't quickly follow suit! (Jesse takes after me apparently: Kev had to fish a worm out of his mouth tonight. On second thought, I think his standards are even lower....).
4. I talk a mile a minute and can keep up with the best of anyone in a conversation, yet I don't really like talking on the phone.
5. I absolutely love giving birth - every part of it! Granted, the intense part of my labors have both been under five hours, but I love all that comes with that whole process - that whole experience. The feelings and emotions both during AND in those immediate moments afterwards are so powerful, so beautiful, so intimate, so strong......Probably the most natural high one could ever have!
6. I am slightly addicted to all things old, wooden, and earthy such as: bittersweet berries to be made into wreaths and old boxes and trunks. It truly is an addiction - just ask Kev. He had to draw the line awhile back!
Okay, so there's more of me than you probably ever wanted to know!
Here's a big ole tag to you six:
1. Jen
2. Shannie, (I'll let you link the fellow Mainers!)
3. Angie
4. Kristi
5. Esther - (You can tag team with Shannie - that should get everyone!)
6. Yolanda
Restoring Order
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!
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!
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