Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The Little River Park
Sunshine?
Check.
Picnic lunch?
Check.
Ride on toy and Camera?
Check.
Happy Hearts?
Check. Check.
Combine all these and that makes for a fun morning at our favorite little park just 2 miles down the road...
Check.
Picnic lunch?
Check.
Ride on toy and Camera?
Check.
Happy Hearts?
Check. Check.
Combine all these and that makes for a fun morning at our favorite little park just 2 miles down the road...
Monday, March 30, 2009
Ride along on the chocolate river...
Now that she has reached the age of three we are starting to see Ella's personality coming out more and more.
While babies do have different personalities you can't really tell too much about them until they start interacting with you and others.
Watching how Ella interacts with her friends is a big window into her personality and all the dynamics that make up who she is. It's also a good clue into her friends personalities too.
While babies do have different personalities you can't really tell too much about them until they start interacting with you and others.
Watching how Ella interacts with her friends is a big window into her personality and all the dynamics that make up who she is. It's also a good clue into her friends personalities too.
Case in point: Last week at Meme's we made a trip to Chuck-E-Cheese. While we were there Ella and Cana and Kayil were playing in the playground area on a school-bus.
Ella was moving her hands around like she was riding a wave and saying repeatedly, "we are riding along the chocolate river...riding along the chocolate river!" and Kayil was right there with her =)
However, a few seconds into this ride I heard Cana say to Ella, "No, we are in a school bus, we are riding to school."
Ella was moving her hands around like she was riding a wave and saying repeatedly, "we are riding along the chocolate river...riding along the chocolate river!" and Kayil was right there with her =)However, a few seconds into this ride I heard Cana say to Ella, "No, we are in a school bus, we are riding to school."
You don't have to be around either child very long to see that Cana is extremely logical and a concrete thinker. They were in a school bus, therefore, they were headed to school. Ella on the other hand is extremely imaginative and an abstract thinker.
When posing for a picture I jokingly tell them, "Don't you smile!"
This guarantees that Ella will gleefully show off her pearly whites while Cana actually listens to my request and doesn't smile =)
I've since learned other ways to insure two smiles for the pictures!
This guarantees that Ella will gleefully show off her pearly whites while Cana actually listens to my request and doesn't smile =)
I've since learned other ways to insure two smiles for the pictures!
Obviously with each personality comes its own strengths and weaknesses and as parents we hold the tremendous responsibility and priviledge for helping them to recognize their giftings and guiding their development.
But beyond the responsibility...it really is so much fun and such a gift to have a front row seat as these different sides to their personalities make their appearance.
For those of you with children: Do you have a child headed to school or on a trip down the chocolate river?
Something to be proud of...
I believe you are never too old to be silly and I am proud to announce that at the age of 27 I have finally perfected a front flip on our trampoline.
Yes, I admit to using naptime to work on my skills =)
p.s. Jeremiah can now do a great backflip too...ha!
Yes, I admit to using naptime to work on my skills =)
p.s. Jeremiah can now do a great backflip too...ha!
Friday, March 27, 2009
A zoo of a day
Warning: Picture overload of our day trip to the Safari Park in Natural Bridge, VA!
Of course I had to document the inevitable melt-down that always occurs at some point during a big day for little ones =)
We finished up the afternoon with lunch at a true 1950's experience...lunch at the Pink Cadillac...yum!
Of course I had to document the inevitable melt-down that always occurs at some point during a big day for little ones =)
We finished up the afternoon with lunch at a true 1950's experience...lunch at the Pink Cadillac...yum!
Prayer Request Update
I've been meaning to do this for a while now...
If you want to get updated on the original prayer request, click here then here.
After 12 weeks of blood draws my HCG levels are at a 6. It has been a much longer process than either me or my doctor had anticipated...but even though it has been slow it has been consistent which is the important thing. I went from HCG levels in the 40,000's to the 4,000's to the 400's and then after that things slowed down considerably. I was in a plateau in the 20's all of March and we were planning on starting a chemo treatment...when Jeremiah and I felt strongly that we needed to wait one more week. We did and I had over a 50% drop in that one week! Praise the Lord! In the week since then I had another drop...so it looks like I am clear of any chemo treatments! Now if that elusive 0 would just make his face known...hopefully just a few more weeks!
I am feeling really good lately...like my body is finally "normal" again and that has been wonderful. We truly have grown so much over the past three months. I think the Lord has used this to draw my heart close to his on a new intimate level that I had never experienced before in my relationship with Him. I have been changed...and I am so grateful. We still have our sad (or angry!) moments...but that is ok and part of the healing process I know.
Thank you all for your prayers.
If you want to get updated on the original prayer request, click here then here.
After 12 weeks of blood draws my HCG levels are at a 6. It has been a much longer process than either me or my doctor had anticipated...but even though it has been slow it has been consistent which is the important thing. I went from HCG levels in the 40,000's to the 4,000's to the 400's and then after that things slowed down considerably. I was in a plateau in the 20's all of March and we were planning on starting a chemo treatment...when Jeremiah and I felt strongly that we needed to wait one more week. We did and I had over a 50% drop in that one week! Praise the Lord! In the week since then I had another drop...so it looks like I am clear of any chemo treatments! Now if that elusive 0 would just make his face known...hopefully just a few more weeks!
I am feeling really good lately...like my body is finally "normal" again and that has been wonderful. We truly have grown so much over the past three months. I think the Lord has used this to draw my heart close to his on a new intimate level that I had never experienced before in my relationship with Him. I have been changed...and I am so grateful. We still have our sad (or angry!) moments...but that is ok and part of the healing process I know.
Thank you all for your prayers.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Random...
We've settled in here and the kids are doing great! They are loving all their friends and new toys to play with and of course, Meme =)
I think Ezra is in the middle of a growth spurt because he is eating more than all the other 3 kids combined. Here is an example of his lunch yesterday:
1 whole banana
2 servings blueberrie
1 cup mandarin oranges
2 chicken nuggets
1 cheese stick
1 bowl mac n cheese
1 serving peas
1 blueberry cereal bar
That was just lunch! Add to that two other meals and 2 snack times...yikes! We are so in trouble when teenager time comes =)
Kelly and I have gotten to go out shopping kid-free three times in the last two days. So what if two of those times were to the grocery store =) Last night we went out and picked out the kids Easter outfits...they are gonna be stylin' this April!
Jeremiah comes up today. I'm so excited! Absence does makes the heart grow fonder =)
Chuck-e-cheese today...Safari Zoo tomorrow...
Hope everyone is having a great week!
p.s. Mom, I've got a video coming of the kids for you =)
I think Ezra is in the middle of a growth spurt because he is eating more than all the other 3 kids combined. Here is an example of his lunch yesterday:
1 whole banana
2 servings blueberrie
1 cup mandarin oranges
2 chicken nuggets
1 cheese stick
1 bowl mac n cheese
1 serving peas
1 blueberry cereal bar
That was just lunch! Add to that two other meals and 2 snack times...yikes! We are so in trouble when teenager time comes =)
Kelly and I have gotten to go out shopping kid-free three times in the last two days. So what if two of those times were to the grocery store =) Last night we went out and picked out the kids Easter outfits...they are gonna be stylin' this April!
Jeremiah comes up today. I'm so excited! Absence does makes the heart grow fonder =)
Chuck-e-cheese today...Safari Zoo tomorrow...
Hope everyone is having a great week!
p.s. Mom, I've got a video coming of the kids for you =)
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
On the road again
As you read this...I will be undertaking my second road trip with Kelly and kids. Aren't we brave =)
We have a few days free and the kids needed a Meme and Popee fix!
We have a few days free and the kids needed a Meme and Popee fix!
10pm might not be the best time...
...to rearrange your living room!
But sometimes you just have to do what has to be done =)
Actually it wasn't a major rearrangement...
just a few minor tweaks.
Ahhh...feels so nice to walk into a "new" room!
Any of you fellow re-arrangers out there (you know who you are) know what I mean?!
But sometimes you just have to do what has to be done =)
Actually it wasn't a major rearrangement...
just a few minor tweaks.
Ahhh...feels so nice to walk into a "new" room!
Any of you fellow re-arrangers out there (you know who you are) know what I mean?!
Monday, March 23, 2009
This will give you a complex
Overheard during tuck-in time at bed:
Jeremiah: Can I have a kiss?
Ella: I will give you just one kiss on the cheek. I won't give you anymore because you smell bad...you smell like poop.
Jeremiah: Can I have a kiss?
Ella: I will give you just one kiss on the cheek. I won't give you anymore because you smell bad...you smell like poop.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Wait just a second there
Ella asked me this week how old she had to be to drive...
I told her forty-five.
Sounds reasonable to Jeremiah and me =)
Saturday, March 21, 2009
What a difference a year makes...
This time last year...
We were in the throes of selling our house and remodeling the farm house:
Wow...I can't believe it was a year ago!
Look at my baby boy...
He's definitely no baby today.
Maybe I'll post some "after" pictures of the house tomorrow...I don't think I ever got around to that last year. Not that we were busy or anything =)
We were in the throes of selling our house and remodeling the farm house:
Wow...I can't believe it was a year ago!Look at my baby boy...
He's definitely no baby today.
Maybe I'll post some "after" pictures of the house tomorrow...I don't think I ever got around to that last year. Not that we were busy or anything =)
Friday, March 20, 2009
Blessed before giving
I've been writing a lot lately how the Lord has been working in our hearts...
One of the major areas we have felt the Lord leading us is in the area of giving. We both have felt the desire recently to rearrange and reexamine our lifestyle, our budget, in such a way so that we can give more and give out of sacrifice.
(Just to clarify: I'm talking about giving above and beyond a tithe)
However, before we have even been able to give more...
We have been blessed.
We have been given two gifts in the last two weeks that have totally blown me away:
I have been looking for one, scouring craigs list and checking consignment sales for over a year for one of these that we could afford.
We're not talking a few trains and a few tracks here...no, it is a huge set! If you spend any time at all with Ezra you will know that his favorite things in the world are "car-cars"...basically anything thing with wheels or that has forward motion. There couldn't be a more perfect gift for him!
I was so overwhelmed by these gifts.
The Lord knew that these things would actually mean more to me than huge sums of money...
...because they have brought my children so much joy.
I feel like the Lord was just waiting for me to get my heart in the right place. Before I even had the opportunity to give myself...I was given to.
Very humbling.
I don't write this to gloat over the cool stuff we were given. Rather, I shared this because I know I love reading stories of how the Lord has provided for others...and hopefully this will encourage you to look at what the Lord is asking of you to give.
I can promise you...you can't out give Him!
Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
One of the major areas we have felt the Lord leading us is in the area of giving. We both have felt the desire recently to rearrange and reexamine our lifestyle, our budget, in such a way so that we can give more and give out of sacrifice.
(Just to clarify: I'm talking about giving above and beyond a tithe)
However, before we have even been able to give more...
We have been blessed.
We have been given two gifts in the last two weeks that have totally blown me away:
- First, a neighbor down the street gave us her Fisher Price outdoor play gym.
I have been looking for one, scouring craigs list and checking consignment sales for over a year for one of these that we could afford.
- Second, a sweet friend from church gave us her sons incredible Thomas the Train set that he had outgrown.
We're not talking a few trains and a few tracks here...no, it is a huge set! If you spend any time at all with Ezra you will know that his favorite things in the world are "car-cars"...basically anything thing with wheels or that has forward motion. There couldn't be a more perfect gift for him!
I was so overwhelmed by these gifts.
The Lord knew that these things would actually mean more to me than huge sums of money...
...because they have brought my children so much joy.
I feel like the Lord was just waiting for me to get my heart in the right place. Before I even had the opportunity to give myself...I was given to.
Very humbling.
I don't write this to gloat over the cool stuff we were given. Rather, I shared this because I know I love reading stories of how the Lord has provided for others...and hopefully this will encourage you to look at what the Lord is asking of you to give.
I can promise you...you can't out give Him!
Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
Thursday gone...
Yesterday was a fun whirlwind of a day!
First we all headed out to Ezra's 18month check-up. He did great! Both nurse and doctor mentioned how "compliant" he was. I was just smiling inside and thinking of how "compliant" he can be when I try to change his diaper =) He had a big growth spurt from his 15month check-up till now...jumping from the 45% in height to the 75%. His weight is holding steady in the 50%. His right ear is still infected, so we are back on an oral antibiotic. Other than that...he is as perfect as they come!
Then we met up with Kelly, Jonathan, and kids. The men took off to do some men-talk and us ladies had a great playdate at Durant Nature Park in Raleigh.
Here are some pictures of the day:
Then we headed back home for some rest time for Ella and a nap for Ezra while I headed out to do our 2 week grocery shopping trip. I stayed within budget and broke a new coupon saving record...over $100.00 in savings!
Needless to say I slept like a log last night =)
Happy Friday everyone!
First we all headed out to Ezra's 18month check-up. He did great! Both nurse and doctor mentioned how "compliant" he was. I was just smiling inside and thinking of how "compliant" he can be when I try to change his diaper =) He had a big growth spurt from his 15month check-up till now...jumping from the 45% in height to the 75%. His weight is holding steady in the 50%. His right ear is still infected, so we are back on an oral antibiotic. Other than that...he is as perfect as they come!
Then we met up with Kelly, Jonathan, and kids. The men took off to do some men-talk and us ladies had a great playdate at Durant Nature Park in Raleigh.
Here are some pictures of the day:
Then we headed back home for some rest time for Ella and a nap for Ezra while I headed out to do our 2 week grocery shopping trip. I stayed within budget and broke a new coupon saving record...over $100.00 in savings!
Needless to say I slept like a log last night =)
Happy Friday everyone!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
I knew that this day would come...
While in the library bathroom last week, a lady walked in as we were washing our hands.
She was sporting a glorious afro.
Ella looked up at her and said, "You have crazy hair!"
I know she heard because Ella said it crystal clear and there was no else in the bathroom and no loud flushing to muffle her words. The lady graciously pretended to ignore her comment.
Out in the car I explained to Ella that I knew she wasn't being unkind by saying that the lady had crazy hair, but that we have to be careful saying things like that because they can hurt feelings.
I'd love suggestions on how to explain this concept to her!
and...I'm sure some of you have funny stories of your own!
She was sporting a glorious afro.
Ella looked up at her and said, "You have crazy hair!"
I know she heard because Ella said it crystal clear and there was no else in the bathroom and no loud flushing to muffle her words. The lady graciously pretended to ignore her comment.
Out in the car I explained to Ella that I knew she wasn't being unkind by saying that the lady had crazy hair, but that we have to be careful saying things like that because they can hurt feelings.
I'd love suggestions on how to explain this concept to her!
and...I'm sure some of you have funny stories of your own!
The new standard of good driving
Me: We're here! (pulling into the church parking lot last night)
Ella: I'm so proud of you Mommy, you didn't bonk into any cars!
Ella: I'm so proud of you Mommy, you didn't bonk into any cars!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Change, part 3
“God doesn’t call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn’t come through.”
- Francis Chan in Crazy Love
These are some of the questions that I have been asking myself over the last few weeks:
Kinda scary to pray this way I'll admit.
A good scary.
- Francis Chan in Crazy Love
These are some of the questions that I have been asking myself over the last few weeks:
- Am I living in a way that is markedly different from those around me?
- Am I living/giving/loving so completely that I have to trust in God to come through?
- What am I doing in my life RIGHT NOW that requires faith?
Kinda scary to pray this way I'll admit.
A good scary.
