This morning Matt and I got to experience one of my very favorite things of being pregnant, the ultrasound. We are now at the halfway point of 20 weeks so we got to have the fetal assessment today. Basically for those of us who don't know what that is, it is a chance for moms and dads to watch their new little one wiggle around for about 20 to 30 minutes and at the end it you can find out the gender of the baby. For those who do know what they are doing, it is a way to assess the development of the baby. They measure the heart and look for important things like hands, feet and kidneys. It is a really amazing experience.
We have decided that we are going to wait to find out the gender of the baby until Christmas. So I had the ultrasound tech write down the gender and we sent it to my sister-in-law to be the "handler" of the news. :) I call her the Fort Knox of secrets. She actually keeps secrets for fun which is why she is the perfect candidate to keep our information. Matt and I have a hard time keeping good news so there is no way an envelope containing that sort of information would have made it until Christmas.
Even though this is our third baby I never tire of hearing that little heartbeat, seeing tiny fingers and toes and even the four chambers of the heart. I told Matt it is like peaking into a gift. I am reminded of Psalm 139:13- 16, "For you formed my inward parts; you covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them."
"His eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed." Just like God, huh? Seeing the end from the very beginning. Even as he saw us in our mother's womb, He still sees us. He still knows our every day and our every moment. He still sees us when we are in the "lowest parts of the earth". What's funny is that we think that is a lonely, dark place but God calls it a place where he can do His finest work.
Thank you God that you do your finest work when no one sees. Those moments that you struggle do not go in vain. When you wrestle with truth, it doesn't go unnoticed. God is molding, fashioning, planning you. You are being "skillfully wrought". You are not alone you are just being crafted! Have Hope! He is working!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
November happenings
Wow November is almost over! Can you believe it? Thanksgiving has past and soon we will be unwrapping gifts. I have to admit Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday of the year. I used to think it was because there were no obligations of gifts but now I have realized that it is just because I love food. Haha It's true. When you get a combination of "Honey Baked Ham and Honey Baked Turkey", sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce on one plate it is as if you have stepped into the heavenly feast with the Lamb of God. haha Ok a little dramatic but wow so good. And that isn't even mentioning the desserts, which let's face it, I'm pregnant and I ate as much as I wanted. LOL. Let's just hope the scale doesn't tell on me.
For the past 3 years now we have had my oldest brother, Chris and his growing family over to my mom's for Thanksgiving. I really enjoy having everyone together. It is fun especially since there are kids running around now. Of course we have Havah (2 1/2) and Josiah (17 months) but he has 2 step daughters, Renae (15) and Andie (12) and his son Perrin (2). So we have a lot of fun with everyone. This year a friend of mine let me borrow the game corn hole. I call it bean bag toss. After eating we waddled outside to play. I think the whole family got in on the action and at times we even had extra obstacles of trying not to hit the little ones with the bean bags.
My youngest brother, Preston is venturing into rock climbing and the "outdoor" sports. So I guess that means you need a hammock. He thought it would be a good idea to set it up outside while everyone played. It turned into a game of how many kids can you fit in the hammock. They loved it though.
Burnon, my middle brother, is very competitive to say the least. I have to admit, I am too but when I am around him it heightens the intensity. We played against each other in corn hole and he KILLED me. If I wasn't pregnant I am sure we would have come up with some crazy alternative game that I would have had to win in order to stop. But since I am with child I thought I should use wisdom and refrain. So I just conceded my loss and acted like it never happen (and secretly blamed Chris because he was my teammate.) haha
My mom and I have made it a tradition to go Black Friday shopping at the Galleria in Birmingham. When we first started this tradition she would make me cut coupons and wake me up at ungodly hours to get good deals. A few years ago the roles reversed and I was the one waking her up. This year, we didn't have any specific needs to shop for nor did we have any desire to wake up before the sun came up. But this year was probably one of my fondest. I think it goes back to not having any obligation. We just casually got up, ate breakfast at a wonderful German cafe, and moseyed on to the mall. We did find some great deals and I got some of my Christmas shopping done but mostly we just enjoyed each other's company. We laughed about how we had to pee every 30 minutes, I gained wisdom from her about the kids and we shared our joys and concerns. It was so nice. I love my mom.
That day ended with me going to urgent care because I had a sinus infection. I hadn't felt well for about a week but I had all I could handle when the right side of my face hurt to touch and my teeth felt like they were about to fall out. So I welcomed the two cheekfulls of pain and felt much better the next morning.
The next day was the Iron Bowl. Around here that is just as important as any other holiday. :) So we went to a friend of the family's house and he cooked BBQ ribs, wings, baked beans, cheese dip and peach cobbler. Yummy! He has 3 grandkids and another on the way so he has an awesome swing set in his backyard that the kids loved. Ended the day with a huge Alabama win of 49-0, two exhausted kids and two parents ready to get back to some normalcy.
Overall it was an awesome Thanksgiving. Maybe I am just getting older but I am learning the value of my family now more than ever. We are all very different but wouldn't be the same without each other. I am just thankful that I am able to share that with my kids.
For the past 3 years now we have had my oldest brother, Chris and his growing family over to my mom's for Thanksgiving. I really enjoy having everyone together. It is fun especially since there are kids running around now. Of course we have Havah (2 1/2) and Josiah (17 months) but he has 2 step daughters, Renae (15) and Andie (12) and his son Perrin (2). So we have a lot of fun with everyone. This year a friend of mine let me borrow the game corn hole. I call it bean bag toss. After eating we waddled outside to play. I think the whole family got in on the action and at times we even had extra obstacles of trying not to hit the little ones with the bean bags.
Perrin, Havah, my mom and Renae playing in the leaves
Pile on Granddaddy in the hammock
Josiah didn't like the leaves very much
My brother's and I playing corn hole
The little ones, Perrin, Josiah and Havah
Perrin, Andie, Josiah, Havah and Renae
My youngest brother, Preston is venturing into rock climbing and the "outdoor" sports. So I guess that means you need a hammock. He thought it would be a good idea to set it up outside while everyone played. It turned into a game of how many kids can you fit in the hammock. They loved it though.
Burnon, my middle brother, is very competitive to say the least. I have to admit, I am too but when I am around him it heightens the intensity. We played against each other in corn hole and he KILLED me. If I wasn't pregnant I am sure we would have come up with some crazy alternative game that I would have had to win in order to stop. But since I am with child I thought I should use wisdom and refrain. So I just conceded my loss and acted like it never happen (and secretly blamed Chris because he was my teammate.) haha
My mom and I have made it a tradition to go Black Friday shopping at the Galleria in Birmingham. When we first started this tradition she would make me cut coupons and wake me up at ungodly hours to get good deals. A few years ago the roles reversed and I was the one waking her up. This year, we didn't have any specific needs to shop for nor did we have any desire to wake up before the sun came up. But this year was probably one of my fondest. I think it goes back to not having any obligation. We just casually got up, ate breakfast at a wonderful German cafe, and moseyed on to the mall. We did find some great deals and I got some of my Christmas shopping done but mostly we just enjoyed each other's company. We laughed about how we had to pee every 30 minutes, I gained wisdom from her about the kids and we shared our joys and concerns. It was so nice. I love my mom.
That day ended with me going to urgent care because I had a sinus infection. I hadn't felt well for about a week but I had all I could handle when the right side of my face hurt to touch and my teeth felt like they were about to fall out. So I welcomed the two cheekfulls of pain and felt much better the next morning.
The next day was the Iron Bowl. Around here that is just as important as any other holiday. :) So we went to a friend of the family's house and he cooked BBQ ribs, wings, baked beans, cheese dip and peach cobbler. Yummy! He has 3 grandkids and another on the way so he has an awesome swing set in his backyard that the kids loved. Ended the day with a huge Alabama win of 49-0, two exhausted kids and two parents ready to get back to some normalcy.
Overall it was an awesome Thanksgiving. Maybe I am just getting older but I am learning the value of my family now more than ever. We are all very different but wouldn't be the same without each other. I am just thankful that I am able to share that with my kids.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Really Real
Ok so let me be really real for a moment. Since being pregnant with our 3rd baby I have gone through various emotions. I have gone from ecstatic to fearful. I have to say I love being pregnant! The idea of growing a human is beyond words. However the other stuff that comes with having another baby is quite overwhelming. Like, "Where is this baby going to sleep?" "How are we going to transport this baby around?" "How am I going to keep my sanity intact with 3 kids under 3?"
I have to be careful of who I share my concerns with because, of course, we get the cynical question, "Well, you know what causes more babies right?" And for your information, yes I do. But my husband and I are not willing to stop. :) Anyway, I have really battled my emotions lately, which I understand could be hormonal and could be legitimate concerns. The past few nights I have been waking up at the same time (not sure if it is the Lord or if it is just the time my last glass of water happens to want to exit). The time is 3:33. Every time I look at the clock that is what it says. The Lord reminded of His word in Jeremiah 33:3, "Call to me and I will answer you, I will show you great and mighty things that you do not know." What's funny is that I didn't even relate my concerns with what God was trying to show me until this morning.
So this morning I spent some time calling to the Lord and asking questions. What's really great is that He doesn't even have to answer me right now, I just love that wants to. Even though we don't have a lot of answers right now I still feel comforted that God knows my heart and he even knows my crazy, hormonal emotions. Wahoo! My heart needed to be reassured not only that He's "got this" but also that He knows what I need when I need it. Isn't that what we all desire? To be fully, completely and wholly known. Oh how that makes my heart happy. He knows my every need and desire, simple I know but oh so needed now.
Anyway, to lighten the mood a bit, I think I will share a few stories of the kiddos because what's a blog without post about the kids right?
Every night Havah and me or Matt read her a Bible story from her children's Bible. Then after reading we ask her if she would like to walk or be carried to her room to go to bed. Lately her response has been, "Want you carry me like a Baby Daddy." WHAT?!! Where did she get that? It started off with a baby G-Daddy (which is what we call Matt's dad) and now every night it is someone else in the family like a baby Erica (my sister-in-law) or a baby Josiah. She is so funny. We asked her where she got that and we haven't gotten an answer yet.
She and Josiah are starting to play together more. Their favorite game is where she gets Josiah's blanket and says,"Josiah Matthew you got get me!" then she runs away. Of course, he doesn't always appreciate his blanket being taken but usually enjoys the chase.
We have also made some new friends over the past 3 weeks. At our house we have cow pasture on two sides of our property which consist of about 10 cows and 2 donkeys. So we have made friends with the donkeys. Every day from 3:30-4:30 they come to the fence and we go feed them. We have found that they really like carrots. The kids LOVE feeding them except for the the occasional bite of the fingers...oops. The donkeys have even gotten to where when they see the kids out the go to the nearest fence thinking we are going to feed them. It is pretty fun to see and a great activity when we have visitors.
Oh and a baby update, we are now almost 14 weeks. We should find out the gender of the baby around Christmas. I am doing great despite the occasional morning nausea. So we are just growing away.
That should do it for now. Nighty night.
I have to be careful of who I share my concerns with because, of course, we get the cynical question, "Well, you know what causes more babies right?" And for your information, yes I do. But my husband and I are not willing to stop. :) Anyway, I have really battled my emotions lately, which I understand could be hormonal and could be legitimate concerns. The past few nights I have been waking up at the same time (not sure if it is the Lord or if it is just the time my last glass of water happens to want to exit). The time is 3:33. Every time I look at the clock that is what it says. The Lord reminded of His word in Jeremiah 33:3, "Call to me and I will answer you, I will show you great and mighty things that you do not know." What's funny is that I didn't even relate my concerns with what God was trying to show me until this morning.
So this morning I spent some time calling to the Lord and asking questions. What's really great is that He doesn't even have to answer me right now, I just love that wants to. Even though we don't have a lot of answers right now I still feel comforted that God knows my heart and he even knows my crazy, hormonal emotions. Wahoo! My heart needed to be reassured not only that He's "got this" but also that He knows what I need when I need it. Isn't that what we all desire? To be fully, completely and wholly known. Oh how that makes my heart happy. He knows my every need and desire, simple I know but oh so needed now.
Anyway, to lighten the mood a bit, I think I will share a few stories of the kiddos because what's a blog without post about the kids right?
Every night Havah and me or Matt read her a Bible story from her children's Bible. Then after reading we ask her if she would like to walk or be carried to her room to go to bed. Lately her response has been, "Want you carry me like a Baby Daddy." WHAT?!! Where did she get that? It started off with a baby G-Daddy (which is what we call Matt's dad) and now every night it is someone else in the family like a baby Erica (my sister-in-law) or a baby Josiah. She is so funny. We asked her where she got that and we haven't gotten an answer yet.
She and Josiah are starting to play together more. Their favorite game is where she gets Josiah's blanket and says,"Josiah Matthew you got get me!" then she runs away. Of course, he doesn't always appreciate his blanket being taken but usually enjoys the chase.
Here are the kids playing at the park.
Oh and a baby update, we are now almost 14 weeks. We should find out the gender of the baby around Christmas. I am doing great despite the occasional morning nausea. So we are just growing away.
That should do it for now. Nighty night.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Nostalgia, talking, playing, and other random stuff
Had a moment of reality this weekend.
Josiah received a swing for his birthday in June. We still have not put it up so I decided this was to be put on the "honey done" list. (I call it "honey done" because I like to check it off my list and not just have it on there for who knows how long. I only place things on this list that WILL get done immediately...it gives me a feeling of accomplishment haha.) Anyway, Matt took Havah to Lowe's to get the chain while Josiah and I picked up some last minute groceries for our family reunion.
While I was inside making a delicious peanut butter pie (thank you Erica) Matt was put in charge of hanging the swing with the kids. A few minutes later I looked outside to see my husband... pushing our little girl...in the swing... in our front yard... of our house! OH what a moment of nostalgia! I asked myself, "Am I really old enough to be experiencing this moment?" The answer was a resounding yes! So I did what any mother would do...I cried. Tears of joy of course but it was such a touching time. I know I am cheesy but it seems so significant to me. I feel like we are not only establishing ourselves as adults but as parents. Such a sweet memory.
Havah and Josiah have loved the swing so far. Josiah gets a little upset when it is Havah's turn to swing but he enjoys when Havah tries to push him. She really just hangs on the bottom of it so she can swing too. haha Whatever makes them happy right :)
Havah is expanding her vocabulary everyday now. I can't believe some of the things she can say and do. She can make me laugh and scream all in the same breath. Here is her newest "funny". She will tap me on the shoulder or leg or anything just to get my attention and say "Mommy, I talkin'." Then she will proceed with a mouthful of jibberish with only one or two words recognizable. It is so funny because I am sure that is what it sounds like to her when we talk right now. She can pick up one or two words but the rest sounds like a bunch of mush. I try to let her "talk" as long as she wants but it makes me laugh every time. Here is a video of her singing to us in the car.
She and Josiah share a room of course, which I really like because I love hearing them laugh at each other when they wake up in the morning. Havah enjoys making Josiah laugh but also really likes to aggravate him too. (She comes from a long line of aggravators on Matt's side of the family so she gets it honest.) Recently she has taken to putting everything she can think of in his crib. He might be asleep or he might not. She has put every stuffed animal in his bed before and he won't have anywhere to lay down. She puts books, dirty clothes, shoes, pretty much whatever she can reach goes in his crib. So now I scan the room for anything that could be potentially dangerous. This is how we found Josiah a few nights ago.
Josiah received a swing for his birthday in June. We still have not put it up so I decided this was to be put on the "honey done" list. (I call it "honey done" because I like to check it off my list and not just have it on there for who knows how long. I only place things on this list that WILL get done immediately...it gives me a feeling of accomplishment haha.) Anyway, Matt took Havah to Lowe's to get the chain while Josiah and I picked up some last minute groceries for our family reunion.
While I was inside making a delicious peanut butter pie (thank you Erica) Matt was put in charge of hanging the swing with the kids. A few minutes later I looked outside to see my husband... pushing our little girl...in the swing... in our front yard... of our house! OH what a moment of nostalgia! I asked myself, "Am I really old enough to be experiencing this moment?" The answer was a resounding yes! So I did what any mother would do...I cried. Tears of joy of course but it was such a touching time. I know I am cheesy but it seems so significant to me. I feel like we are not only establishing ourselves as adults but as parents. Such a sweet memory.
Havah and Josiah have loved the swing so far. Josiah gets a little upset when it is Havah's turn to swing but he enjoys when Havah tries to push him. She really just hangs on the bottom of it so she can swing too. haha Whatever makes them happy right :)
Havah is expanding her vocabulary everyday now. I can't believe some of the things she can say and do. She can make me laugh and scream all in the same breath. Here is her newest "funny". She will tap me on the shoulder or leg or anything just to get my attention and say "Mommy, I talkin'." Then she will proceed with a mouthful of jibberish with only one or two words recognizable. It is so funny because I am sure that is what it sounds like to her when we talk right now. She can pick up one or two words but the rest sounds like a bunch of mush. I try to let her "talk" as long as she wants but it makes me laugh every time. Here is a video of her singing to us in the car.
She and Josiah share a room of course, which I really like because I love hearing them laugh at each other when they wake up in the morning. Havah enjoys making Josiah laugh but also really likes to aggravate him too. (She comes from a long line of aggravators on Matt's side of the family so she gets it honest.) Recently she has taken to putting everything she can think of in his crib. He might be asleep or he might not. She has put every stuffed animal in his bed before and he won't have anywhere to lay down. She puts books, dirty clothes, shoes, pretty much whatever she can reach goes in his crib. So now I scan the room for anything that could be potentially dangerous. This is how we found Josiah a few nights ago.
Bless his heart. But he doesn't usually seem to mind.
Since I now know how to post video here is one of the kids playing in the rental van. It is amazing what amuses them.
It seems there was something else I was going to blog about today but I guess I will just post this last picture instead. ......
WaHoo!!!! You guessed it! We are expecting baby number 3! We could not be any happier about this pleasant surprise. We are 9 weeks so our due date is April 20, 2013! YAY! I had my suspicions earlier in August but brushed it off. I scheduled to have another proceeder done on my ear however when my pregnancy test came back positive the nurse politely informed me that I would not be put to sleep that day. haha. We were so excited but kinda in disbelief too...hence the 3 other pregnancy tests. haha So here is the first picture of baby number 3!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Catching up
Please forgive me, I am awful at keeping up with this blogging thing. I get inspired then I quickly loose motivation to write although I love it so much. Whatever, I'm just happy I got a blog in this month.
So we will catch up a little bit this time. Havah and Josiah have quiet the little personalities right now so I think I will share a few stories with you.
Lately Havah and I have been reading her little Bible before nap and bedtime. This was her idea to read the Bible, usually it is 2 books of her choosing but lately she only wants two stories from the Bible. I thought, "I'm not going to argue with her good choices." Anyway, she has loved looking at the pictures and asking TONS of questions. It's funny how a 2 year old's mind works. We were reading about David and Goliath and she kept saying, "No, No David not nice throw rocks!" Then in another story someone died and she kept saying they were going night night. Again I didn't argue I just let her make her own conclusions.
A few days ago she had fallen off the diaper changing table (don't ask I feel bad enough that I didn't catch her). She landed right on her head. I was pretty upset because again I didn't catch her and I left her up there unsupervised. So needless to say she let out a soft whimper.....yeah right....she screamed at the top of her lungs and proceeded to scream for a good 3 minutes with big crocodile tears streaming down her face. So I decided to take this as an opportunity to teach her. I asked her if she wanted me to pray for Jesus to make it feel better. She said yes, so I did. Just a simple prayer, "Jesus please make Havah feel better and let her head not hurt anymore. Amen." She went on to tell Daddy that she "bump the head" and that was the end of it. The next day I was carrying her and she head-butted me in the mouth (on accident). I told her that that hurt and without missing a beat she said, "Mommy, me pray for it. Jesus mommy's mouth be better. Amen." OH! The joy and pride that filled my heart was overwhelming! The innocence of her prayer and the sureness that that was the appropriate thing to do was so sweet. This is one proud momma!
So we were hanging out on the front porch last night and she saw how much fun it was to stick the bubble wand in between the slats of the porch. Well it wasn't long before...you guessed it....she dropped it. So she walked down the stairs and looked under the porch with a puzzled look on her face like, "now how am I going to do this." She asked Matt if he would get it and Matt informed her that it was too far back and he couldn't reach it. Again, without hesitation, she looked up at the sky and said, "Jesus you get bubbles please?" Gasp! So sweet! Matt found a way to get that bubble wand for her. What's funny is that Matt and I have not really talked to her about where Jesus and God live. We just pray throughout the day and I guess the Holy Spirit does the rest. haha
We were on our way to the park today and she asked me if we were going to drive to Jesus' house. Ummmm...is my driving that bad?! hehe (Matt would say yes)
So we will catch up a little bit this time. Havah and Josiah have quiet the little personalities right now so I think I will share a few stories with you.
Lately Havah and I have been reading her little Bible before nap and bedtime. This was her idea to read the Bible, usually it is 2 books of her choosing but lately she only wants two stories from the Bible. I thought, "I'm not going to argue with her good choices." Anyway, she has loved looking at the pictures and asking TONS of questions. It's funny how a 2 year old's mind works. We were reading about David and Goliath and she kept saying, "No, No David not nice throw rocks!" Then in another story someone died and she kept saying they were going night night. Again I didn't argue I just let her make her own conclusions.
A few days ago she had fallen off the diaper changing table (don't ask I feel bad enough that I didn't catch her). She landed right on her head. I was pretty upset because again I didn't catch her and I left her up there unsupervised. So needless to say she let out a soft whimper.....yeah right....she screamed at the top of her lungs and proceeded to scream for a good 3 minutes with big crocodile tears streaming down her face. So I decided to take this as an opportunity to teach her. I asked her if she wanted me to pray for Jesus to make it feel better. She said yes, so I did. Just a simple prayer, "Jesus please make Havah feel better and let her head not hurt anymore. Amen." She went on to tell Daddy that she "bump the head" and that was the end of it. The next day I was carrying her and she head-butted me in the mouth (on accident). I told her that that hurt and without missing a beat she said, "Mommy, me pray for it. Jesus mommy's mouth be better. Amen." OH! The joy and pride that filled my heart was overwhelming! The innocence of her prayer and the sureness that that was the appropriate thing to do was so sweet. This is one proud momma!
So we were hanging out on the front porch last night and she saw how much fun it was to stick the bubble wand in between the slats of the porch. Well it wasn't long before...you guessed it....she dropped it. So she walked down the stairs and looked under the porch with a puzzled look on her face like, "now how am I going to do this." She asked Matt if he would get it and Matt informed her that it was too far back and he couldn't reach it. Again, without hesitation, she looked up at the sky and said, "Jesus you get bubbles please?" Gasp! So sweet! Matt found a way to get that bubble wand for her. What's funny is that Matt and I have not really talked to her about where Jesus and God live. We just pray throughout the day and I guess the Holy Spirit does the rest. haha
We were on our way to the park today and she asked me if we were going to drive to Jesus' house. Ummmm...is my driving that bad?! hehe (Matt would say yes)
Josiah's serious face
Havah "laying out"
Me and my girl
Josiah is growing and developing as well. He is imitating Havah during our meals. She will blow on her food if it is hot and so does Josiah. Everything is Dada right now. He has gotten pretty fast walking/running. He can almost keep up with Havah and his other cousins when they run down the hall. He is still very sensitive to loud noises and if I have to fuss at him. He gets his feelings hurt when I get onto him but can make the funniest faces when he doesn't understand something. He loves being chased and giggles the whole time you get him. When he wants something he bangs on his chest like a gorilla and goes, mama.
This boy is a wanderer. He just wanders aimlessly around until he finds something that is interesting to him. While Havah is running in circles he just casually walks and picks up things to put in his mouth. haha He has started aggravating Havah too. She has her blanket that doesn't leave her side when we are at home and he knows that. So he will grab it when she isn't looking and run down the hallway with it until she notices. Then she pushes him down and he cries. Wow can't wait to see what else he will be doing to her in the coming years.
A few weekends ago I surprised Matt with a trip to see the Atlanta Braves play the LA Dodgers. He had no idea. I arranged everything from the hotel, the game tickets and the babysitting. We had a nice little getaway. Although the Braves lost, I was just proud of the seats I picked out. They were awesome!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Quality Time with My Babies
For every parent you know that there are times when...um...how do I say this gently?... Your kids get on your nerves. Not trying to be mean but I have certainly experienced this frustration recently. Havah is 2 and Josiah is 13 months so I should expect for my patience to be a little thin at times but wow! I keep thinking, "Will this season ever end?!" What is funny is that my kids are so wonderful (I know this is a bias comment) that they still want to hang out with me, love me and be around me even when I am not so errrr...long-suffering.
So this past Friday I decided that I need to spend some time with Havah. Just one on one, me and the girl. We went to a place called the Little Gym where they teach little ones different developmental skills, sing, dance and of course get to play on all the pint sized gymnastics equipment. Havah is extremely active and will try just about anything with a little encouragement. This class was a pretty large class with about 12 kids plus their parents. She was apprehensive at first but, my goodness, she LOVED it! The instructor was so full of energy and bubbly that every time she opened her mouth Havah would stop what she was doing and listen. (Maybe I need to try that to get her to listen) I have to say I was one proud momma. She flipped and jumped and ran and laughed. Of course, I was thinking "She has to be the most advanced first timer they have ever seen!" (please catch the stereotypical "my kid can do anything and do it the best" sarcasm) I caught myself grinning and enjoying my 2 year old!!! I mean, is that possible? To enjoy a 2 year old? :) Just kidding but after the past few weeks I had had I was beginning to wonder. So for the rest of the day she was my buddy. I couldn't go anywhere without Havah being right under me. I had to take her to the potty and I had to give her her juice. No one else would do. I have to be honest it kinda made me feel good. She still loves me! :)
Well later on that day while Havah was taking her nap (I think it took her maybe 3 minutes to go to sleep) Josiah didn't feel that nap time was something that needed to be on his agenda. So what did I do? I got him on the lawnmower. Since I have been staying at home I have offered to cut the grass and not make Matt do it. He works so hard throughout the week, I didn't want that to be something extra he had on his plate. We have a little over 3 acres so that is a lot of responsibility. Ok truth be told, I enjoy getting to be outside, working on my tan, and listening to podcasts. It is my own little escape during nap time. Anyway, so I had Josiah out cutting grass with me. It was such a sweet moment. He loved it. He would hold onto the steering wheel, laugh when we hit bumps, and at one point almost fell asleep. I didn't have to do anything special I just needed to be with him. That is all he cared about.
I so enjoyed my kids. I got to spend one on one time with both of them. It couldn't have come at a better time. I needed to see my kid's personality and childlikeness. I forget sometimes that they are children and they act like children. I forget that they don't reason like I do. They don't do things just to disrespect me or get on my nerves. I am so thankful for that special opportunity. Now if I can just remember this when things begin to unravel again. :)
So this past Friday I decided that I need to spend some time with Havah. Just one on one, me and the girl. We went to a place called the Little Gym where they teach little ones different developmental skills, sing, dance and of course get to play on all the pint sized gymnastics equipment. Havah is extremely active and will try just about anything with a little encouragement. This class was a pretty large class with about 12 kids plus their parents. She was apprehensive at first but, my goodness, she LOVED it! The instructor was so full of energy and bubbly that every time she opened her mouth Havah would stop what she was doing and listen. (Maybe I need to try that to get her to listen) I have to say I was one proud momma. She flipped and jumped and ran and laughed. Of course, I was thinking "She has to be the most advanced first timer they have ever seen!" (please catch the stereotypical "my kid can do anything and do it the best" sarcasm) I caught myself grinning and enjoying my 2 year old!!! I mean, is that possible? To enjoy a 2 year old? :) Just kidding but after the past few weeks I had had I was beginning to wonder. So for the rest of the day she was my buddy. I couldn't go anywhere without Havah being right under me. I had to take her to the potty and I had to give her her juice. No one else would do. I have to be honest it kinda made me feel good. She still loves me! :)
Well later on that day while Havah was taking her nap (I think it took her maybe 3 minutes to go to sleep) Josiah didn't feel that nap time was something that needed to be on his agenda. So what did I do? I got him on the lawnmower. Since I have been staying at home I have offered to cut the grass and not make Matt do it. He works so hard throughout the week, I didn't want that to be something extra he had on his plate. We have a little over 3 acres so that is a lot of responsibility. Ok truth be told, I enjoy getting to be outside, working on my tan, and listening to podcasts. It is my own little escape during nap time. Anyway, so I had Josiah out cutting grass with me. It was such a sweet moment. He loved it. He would hold onto the steering wheel, laugh when we hit bumps, and at one point almost fell asleep. I didn't have to do anything special I just needed to be with him. That is all he cared about.
I so enjoyed my kids. I got to spend one on one time with both of them. It couldn't have come at a better time. I needed to see my kid's personality and childlikeness. I forget sometimes that they are children and they act like children. I forget that they don't reason like I do. They don't do things just to disrespect me or get on my nerves. I am so thankful for that special opportunity. Now if I can just remember this when things begin to unravel again. :)
Sorry didn't take any pictures of gymnastics or the lawnmower ride but this was the same day. Does that count?
Friday, June 8, 2012
Bearing fruit in every season
Look at me blogging in less than 6 months! Wahoo! :) A little self encouragement before we get back to the lessons from the garden. I have to say I am proud of myself.
Warning: this post is a little lengthy. Apparently I write the way I talk :) Whoops.
Warning: this post is a little lengthy. Apparently I write the way I talk :) Whoops.
Ok so we talked about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. So as the Lord has been showing me scripture about fruit and growing of course, John 15 comes up. John 15:4, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 'I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.'" A little self explanatory but for me it goes a little deeper.
Since our son, Josiah has been born I have been diagnosed with a condition called Meinier's Disease. This condition is a build up of fluid in the inner ear which eventually releases and causes sever to moderate vertigo. The condition varies greatly. Some people it doesn't bother much and others it is debilitating. For me, I have been having an episode about once a week and it usually last anywhere from 12 to 24 hours where it makes me extremely nauseous. I have to ask friends and family to come help me watch the kids while I deal with it because I can't be upright without...um..."tossing my cookies" :) (Just to answer some questions, no it was not pregnancy related. No, there is not really a cure-except the blood of Jesus- but there are proceeders that can help lessen the severity, which I have had 3 already.) Needless to say this has been a very frustrating, angry, confusing time for us. I have struggled with sharing with anyone because I keep telling myself it's not life threatening so it's not that bad. But you know what? It is that bad for me! For those who know me, I don't slow down much. Not that I am that busy, I just like to stay active (not that athletic, work out kind because that is definitely not the case, haha) I like to have get togethers, play with my kids, visit with people and get out of the house....just active...not to mention the house work and kids :)
When these episodes first started I was extremely frustrated and angry at God. "I mean, really God? I have a newborn and a one year old. I don't have time for this!" I was scared that I was not going to be able to enjoy them and they were going to have to be MY caretaker for the rest of my life. So fear set in and I was hesitant to schedule anything and always had a plan B of who I could call to come help.
So what does this have to do with bearing fruit? The Lord began speaking to me about my heart during this time. He lead me to Revelations 22:2,"In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more cures, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him." A tree that bears fruit in every season? Huh? What does that mean? Well for me, it meant that I was called to bear fruit no matter what was going on in my life. God was calling me to grow and bear good fruit during this difficult season. My heart was bitter, angry and fearful which meant my fruit would produce the same things not only in me but in my children! How was I supposed to teach my kids about the faithfulness and healing power of God when I did not believe it myself? Get it? It produces fruit in every season even in my kid's seasons. So what kind of fruit do I want to produce in my children? So I have made it a point to be thankful even when a dizzy episode comes at the most inconvenient time. I try to find the good things about the situation because I want my children to know that the Lord is Good, He is faithful, He is healer. He teaches us, even when it is hard. And when we start producing that kind of fruit "the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations". Again, not just for me but for others, the nations.
So my healing comes when I produce fruit. It may not be the healing that I expect but maybe that is not the healing I thought I needed. Maybe it is not just physical healing but heart healing. I want to be one that produces good fruit in every season even when all the circumstances says I'm not supposed to be producing.
It wouldn't be a blog post without some pictures of the kiddos.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Bearing Fruit...or vegetables
This year my husband, Matt, and I planted our first garden. So needless to say we are very "green" in knowing what to do, how to do it, and when to do all the gardening stuff. We have heard a very wide range of opinions on how to do a garden from how big it should be to what we should plant. So our original plans were to have a very small garden as in a 10 foot by 12 foot garden. We thought, " This is give us the joy of gardening without the responsibility of watering, pulling weeds and then "harvesting" the goods. Well Matt and I both usually do things bigger than we originally intend so naturally our garden grew to a respectable 20 foot by 30 foot garden with an additional area for cantaloup and watermelon with room to add if we want.
Here is Havah and Josiah "helping" daddy plant more corn. (Havah was helping, Josiah was eating dirt, rocks and sticks. Please notice that Havah is wearing a tutu to help.)
Anyway, the Lord has taught me so much from this bigger than expected garden. Hopefully over the next few days I will be able to share some of the lessons learned. But first let me set the "ground work" for you. Sorry I can't help myself from using gardening puns and cliches, it's too easy. :)
Over the past few years the Lord has shared with me over and over again about the fruits of the Spirit. You know, Galatians 5:22,"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Some of these fruits come as a gift so to speak and others...well lets just say they are still being cultivated. I hope I am not the only one who has some work to do. So in thinking about fruit, I think about it being sweet and refreshing. My husband can admit to you that sometimes my "fruit" is not always sweet or refreshing. If you have ever tried to grow anything you realize quickly that this is a process. It doesn't happen overnight! So just as we have to wait for our watermelons and cantaloup to grow I also have to grow in these other fruits.
That's hard! Especially when I have to apologize to my kids for not being long-suffering and loosing my peace. It's so not easy but I think it comes with time. Time in the Word, time in prayer, time in practice. So even though I am still learning I am still growing.
This is some of our harvest :) Peppers, tomatoes, corn and squash. Yummy!
See, eating sticks :)
Havah was focused.
Monday, May 14, 2012
9 months!
No I am not pregnant. It has been 9 months since my last post! Time has passed very quickly. I read a few post from my blog when I first started and I got the fever, the blogging fever. :) Call it nostalgia, call it therapy, call it whatever you want but I feel the need to start blogging again. So let's catch up!
Havah has just turned 2!
Josiah is now 11 months old! He will be 1 in 3 weeks! WOW!
Things are beautiful. Things are hectic at times. Things are challenging. Things are developing. Since my last blog, I have quit my job and am now a full time mommy. Staying at home with the kids has been such a blessing however I will not lead you to believe that I am super mommy and have no problems, issues or frustrations. So I thought I would share a few things that I have learned having 2 children and a wonderful husband. Some are funny, some are not but all are true.
Things I have learned in 9 months:
1. Two babies = lots of noise
2. I have to run the dishwasher once a day. (I would like to take this opportunity to say how thankful I am to have a dishwasher! If we did not, we would be eating the not-so-eco-friendly way.)
3. Sometimes I feel as though we have a breeding ground for clothes. Laundry...never ends!
4. When you have 2 babies they share lots of things, even germs. Twice as many trips to the doctor.
5. You get to say lots of new phrases like, "Havah, let's not ride your brother like a horse." and "Josiah, please don't lick mommy's shoes."
6. Going to the movies on a date becomes a chance to catch up on some sleep.
7. I have laughed at the many creative things a two year old can come up with.
8. My heart still melts when I get a hug from Havah, Josiah, and Matt :)
9. It takes work to make it work.
10. I wouldn't change ANYTHING!
Our daughter's name means life and she is certainly full of it! She doesn't walk, she runs everywhere. She doesn't do anything slowly or quietly. She likes for us to sing to her before she goes to bed. We sing a medley (that she came up with) that is mixed with spiritual, educational and fun. It consist of, Jesus Loves Me, Itsy Bitsy Spider (with the motions) , E-I-O (Old McDonald with 2 verses a duck and pig), Deep and Wide (with the motions) and ABC's. She would probably make us sing more but I don't think she knows any more names of the songs. Whenever we go to my parent's house she watches The Sound of Music and knows the words to The Hills Are Alive. It takes her a little while to warm up to new people and she is quick with an opinion. She likes to choose her sippy cup and her clothes for the day. Sometimes she does a great job picking out what she wants to wear...other times she ends up wearing a tutu, panties on top of her diaper and tennis shoes for a week and a half. She doesn't like to cuddle unless she is just getting up from a nap but when she wants to give you a hug she will tackle you to let you have it.
Here she is with her tutu, skinned up knees and mommy's socks.
Josiah is so laid back. People always describe him as "sweet" and he is! He is so cuddly, squishy and loving. He is quick with a smile but definitely a momma's boy right now. He only as 2 teeth right now and is trying to walk but lacking a little bit of confidence. He blows kisses, waves bye bye (backwards), and claps. Matter of fact, he claps for just about anything, when he stands up, when Havah slides down a slide or when he burps. I hope we are not setting low standards of success. haha He has a special bond with my grandmother (GiGi). I have had to ask her to keep him on several different occasions and she tells me every time, "Kimberly, we don't answer the phone or the door because this is our special time. I tell him about what's going on in the world." There is no telling what she is telling him but he is always happy when I pick him up and is quick to go to her when we see her again. He loves to watch Havah and his other cousins play and desperately wants to get in the mix but can't quite keep up yet. He is a big boy, there is only 4 pounds difference between him and his older sister. When I was pregnant with him, Matt and I prayed that he would be a man of quiet wisdom and soft hearted to the voice of the Lord. He is so soft hearted. We had to tell him to stop playing with the fireplace a few days ago and you would have thought we took him out back and beat him. He cried so hard. I think it hurt his feelings. We thought he would be quiet and more introverted however we are beginning to have second thoughts about that assessment.
This is his first finger painting session.
So now that we have caught up, let's see if we meet sooner than 9 months. What do you think?
Until next time (whenever that is),
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