My kids are truly what makes my heart go pitter-pat!
At the ages of 4 and 5 we are going through some pretty fun stuff right now.
J. has an ever increasing savor for life. He lives each minute well.
He's in teeball. He's reading books like crazy. His top front teeth are about to wobble out of his head!
He's loving Kindergarten - most days. Today a little girl called him a name, so today school was not the best.
He looked so sad when he got home from school today that I kept trying to get him to talk. He didn't want to. He finally told me Madison had called him a 'meanie-head.' I totally understood his anguish. :)
Soapbox:
First of all, he's not a meanie-head. Second of all, the crime she accused him of was not his. He had kept a bubble in his mouth and did not cause his table to be told to line up last - it was somebody else at his table who made the noise. He has recovered from the trauma of such awful name-calling. Perhaps tomorrow will be a better day.
Avery is pure spunk! My little angel who never does anything wrong has been taken by body snatchers. The body snatchers were kind enough to leave a very opinionated 4-year old in her place who bears a strong resemblance to my Avery. But I assure you, this is not my little girl... ;)
I have all the help a mom could ever want cooking dinner each night. I begin to set out the ingredients for what I plan to cook and suddenly a little step-stool appears, as if by magic, right beside where I stand at the stove and is promptly followed by a little girl who desperately wants to help. SO cute!
I also get corrected every time I make a mistake or say the wrong word or even take a new street that we don't usually travel down.
My makeup no longer belongs to me - it has instead opted to drape itself across the face of a much younger, much prettier mini-me. More importantly, my perfumes and lotions have grown legs and taken up residence in my daughter's bathroom.
If I dare sit in the living room floor, that is as good as an invitation for tackling, tickling, and the like.
The long and short of it, a day in the life of the mother of 4 and 5-year olds is good. Really good.
There may not be words to adequately describe how blessed my life has been, in spite of myself. I hope these memoirs in some way reflect God's unsurpassed love and faithfulness.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Job and Why?
It seems like lately I have been ruminating on a particular thought or stream of thoughts.
Why so blessed? I mean I am glad we're blessed, but what have we done to deserve this?
How did it happen that I was born in a nation where 'plentiful' is the expectation?
How on earth was I chosen to be the recipient of such amazing parents?
Why did God see fit to bless me with unbelievably awesome kids?
We see the news stories, but not the real truth.
We read clippings, but we haven't experienced true lack.
Even when we were starting out and had an American sense of living 'bare bones,' we still had more than most.
I have never gone without. Not really without. We've struggled and we've had to make tough choices, but there was always a choice to be made.
How does it happen that there are places where there is no choice? There are no provisions. There is no way out. How?
I find myself torn by this stark reality.
My snow globe perfect world cannot squeeze the scope and the cruelness of this world in its entirity into the seamless Norman Rockwell portrait I have created.
But it exists.
I have been reading the book of Job to make an attempt at reconciling these truths.
You see? Job seemingly never did anything wrong in the sight of those around him.
He reaped huge blessings due to his work ethic and consistent good choices. He gave God all the glory. His riches were abundant. When his world came crashing down, his friends sat speechless at his feet for over a week, not knowing where to begin. They could think of nothing he had done to deserve such a cruel fate. He lost all of his children, his livestock, his field hands, his shepherds, his health, and every semblance of wealth he had accrued was taken from him.
It was an attack of the devil. Satan's primary goal was not for Job to suffer loss, although no doubt he was thrilled to see Job's suffering. Satan's target was Job's faith. He wanted Job to denounce God's goodness.
Even Job felt he had lived a God-honoring life. His only mistake so far as I can tell by the Scripture was ultimately to question God.
How many times have I sat in question of God's judgement? Why me God? What have I done to deserve this?
To think that this has been my attitude about anything at any point in my life is a little embarrassing to say the least - especially in light of what people the world over experience everyday.
My life has been great. Better than great really.
I have so much. Even if I didn't have a truly loving and generous husband, two terrific and totally healthy kids, parents and siblings who still want to be a part of my daily life (even though I am basically a peel most of the time), a great big handful of friends who have stuck around through the dark times and the bright times because they saw something in me worth loving - even if I had none of those things...
I have God. I have His love and acceptance. His grace and mercy reign in my life.
When you take a look into the life of Job, it's hard to reconcile the truth about his life, the great and repeated losses he endured. Why was that allowed to happen?
In the end, Job is a striking example of how God is at the beginning and end of all things, and though it may be hard to see, He is even in the midst of things.
It is still hard for me to understand why bad things happen to good people. I may never solve the riddle of why certain people are born into such poverty, never to rise out of it. Tragedy is all around us.
Why? The answer may be that it is not ours to ask the question.
It is ours to trust our God, knowing that He is above and beneath, before and beyond.
He just is. And He is just.
Why so blessed? I mean I am glad we're blessed, but what have we done to deserve this?
How did it happen that I was born in a nation where 'plentiful' is the expectation?
How on earth was I chosen to be the recipient of such amazing parents?
Why did God see fit to bless me with unbelievably awesome kids?
We see the news stories, but not the real truth.
We read clippings, but we haven't experienced true lack.
Even when we were starting out and had an American sense of living 'bare bones,' we still had more than most.
I have never gone without. Not really without. We've struggled and we've had to make tough choices, but there was always a choice to be made.
How does it happen that there are places where there is no choice? There are no provisions. There is no way out. How?
I find myself torn by this stark reality.
My snow globe perfect world cannot squeeze the scope and the cruelness of this world in its entirity into the seamless Norman Rockwell portrait I have created.
But it exists.
I have been reading the book of Job to make an attempt at reconciling these truths.
You see? Job seemingly never did anything wrong in the sight of those around him.
He was honest inside and out, a man of his word, who was totally devoted to God and hated evil with a passion. Job 1 (the message)
He reaped huge blessings due to his work ethic and consistent good choices. He gave God all the glory. His riches were abundant. When his world came crashing down, his friends sat speechless at his feet for over a week, not knowing where to begin. They could think of nothing he had done to deserve such a cruel fate. He lost all of his children, his livestock, his field hands, his shepherds, his health, and every semblance of wealth he had accrued was taken from him.
It was an attack of the devil. Satan's primary goal was not for Job to suffer loss, although no doubt he was thrilled to see Job's suffering. Satan's target was Job's faith. He wanted Job to denounce God's goodness.
Even Job felt he had lived a God-honoring life. His only mistake so far as I can tell by the Scripture was ultimately to question God.
How many times have I sat in question of God's judgement? Why me God? What have I done to deserve this?
To think that this has been my attitude about anything at any point in my life is a little embarrassing to say the least - especially in light of what people the world over experience everyday.
My life has been great. Better than great really.
I have so much. Even if I didn't have a truly loving and generous husband, two terrific and totally healthy kids, parents and siblings who still want to be a part of my daily life (even though I am basically a peel most of the time), a great big handful of friends who have stuck around through the dark times and the bright times because they saw something in me worth loving - even if I had none of those things...
I have God. I have His love and acceptance. His grace and mercy reign in my life.
When you take a look into the life of Job, it's hard to reconcile the truth about his life, the great and repeated losses he endured. Why was that allowed to happen?
In the end, Job is a striking example of how God is at the beginning and end of all things, and though it may be hard to see, He is even in the midst of things.
It is still hard for me to understand why bad things happen to good people. I may never solve the riddle of why certain people are born into such poverty, never to rise out of it. Tragedy is all around us.
Why? The answer may be that it is not ours to ask the question.
It is ours to trust our God, knowing that He is above and beneath, before and beyond.
He just is. And He is just.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
just a reminder
For those of you who were planning to come to Wendy's baby shower:
When: Saturday, March 7th at 8:00pm
Where: Baker Street
Why: It's probably her last time to get out before Ben gets here!!
Why*2: You probably need to get out as badly as she does!
What to bring: Yourself AND/OR a giftcard for baby
I asked Wendy's husband where they buy most of their diapers and he said TARGET.
Just a thought...
:)
When: Saturday, March 7th at 8:00pm
Where: Baker Street
Why: It's probably her last time to get out before Ben gets here!!
Why*2: You probably need to get out as badly as she does!
What to bring: Yourself AND/OR a giftcard for baby
I asked Wendy's husband where they buy most of their diapers and he said TARGET.
Just a thought...
:)
Jaron's opposition to lotion.
The thing I hate about lotion is when my nose is runny, having lotion on my hands makes it hard to pick my nose.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Another set of thoughts.
I waited for so long to find a job. So long.
I have finally found it. Rather, it found me. And I know in my heart that God's fingerprint is all over it. But now that I am here, I feel that in some ways, because of how quickly things took off and the fact that I was all the sudden no longer able to come to the church that has been my church for so long - that I have abandoned those who helped carry me to the place I am today.
This situation is different in that I am not going to be in a different town. I will be going to a different church in the same town. That's tough.
I will however be given the opportunity to touch lives and to shape little hearts toward God. That is always a good thing, wherever you find yourself.
I remember when this job opportunity first came up, I never thought it would happen. There were various reasons I felt that way, but it seems like God had other plans for us. ;)
Now my family is together in church every Sunday. Chris is so happy. An answered prayer for sure! I feel weird typing those words in this setting, but it's true. He is so happy. Our marriage is becoming stronger. Things are really shaping up. All because I was finally willing to meet my husband where he needed me to meet him.
I also feel like I am really blooming spiritually. It would seem like all of the talents and gifts God has given me along with the education and experiences I have had are going to fit perfectly into where FUMC's Kid's Ministry is going. I feel prepared, not overwhelmed. I am excited, not daunted.
It is important for me to make sure that each person who has helped shape me over these past 6 or so years knows how enduringly special they are, how they will never be far from my thoughts, nor will I ever lose the gratitude I hold in my heart for them. Each one has had a hand in helping me grow into who I am today.
These truly beautiful friendships are important to me regardless of where I find myself on Sunday mornings. That's one of the reasons I am so thankful for the venue of Blogspot. I probably won't see you weekly. I may not even see you quarterly, but I can keep up with your lives and maintain a friendship with you. I take comfort in that.
So I have come to a place where I am endlessly thankful for this opportunity to do great things in God's kingdom. And I feel like I'll explode if I can't talk about the exciting things that are happening.
I will blog about what is going on in my new church. It's my blog. I write about the things that are happening in my life. And since I am now going to be working full-time at a church, it will be impossible to blog about my life without that being a part of it.
Thank you for your heartfelt congratulations. I needed them. Thank you for being my friend.
I have finally found it. Rather, it found me. And I know in my heart that God's fingerprint is all over it. But now that I am here, I feel that in some ways, because of how quickly things took off and the fact that I was all the sudden no longer able to come to the church that has been my church for so long - that I have abandoned those who helped carry me to the place I am today.
This situation is different in that I am not going to be in a different town. I will be going to a different church in the same town. That's tough.
I will however be given the opportunity to touch lives and to shape little hearts toward God. That is always a good thing, wherever you find yourself.
I remember when this job opportunity first came up, I never thought it would happen. There were various reasons I felt that way, but it seems like God had other plans for us. ;)
Now my family is together in church every Sunday. Chris is so happy. An answered prayer for sure! I feel weird typing those words in this setting, but it's true. He is so happy. Our marriage is becoming stronger. Things are really shaping up. All because I was finally willing to meet my husband where he needed me to meet him.
I also feel like I am really blooming spiritually. It would seem like all of the talents and gifts God has given me along with the education and experiences I have had are going to fit perfectly into where FUMC's Kid's Ministry is going. I feel prepared, not overwhelmed. I am excited, not daunted.
It is important for me to make sure that each person who has helped shape me over these past 6 or so years knows how enduringly special they are, how they will never be far from my thoughts, nor will I ever lose the gratitude I hold in my heart for them. Each one has had a hand in helping me grow into who I am today.
These truly beautiful friendships are important to me regardless of where I find myself on Sunday mornings. That's one of the reasons I am so thankful for the venue of Blogspot. I probably won't see you weekly. I may not even see you quarterly, but I can keep up with your lives and maintain a friendship with you. I take comfort in that.
So I have come to a place where I am endlessly thankful for this opportunity to do great things in God's kingdom. And I feel like I'll explode if I can't talk about the exciting things that are happening.
I will blog about what is going on in my new church. It's my blog. I write about the things that are happening in my life. And since I am now going to be working full-time at a church, it will be impossible to blog about my life without that being a part of it.
Thank you for your heartfelt congratulations. I needed them. Thank you for being my friend.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
And she finally talks.
Today is the day that I get to let it all out.
I have been hired as the new Children's Director at First United Methodist Church. YAY!!!!!!!!
I am very excited about this new direction God is taking us. I have always felt that working with children is a gift. It is wonderful to think that I will have the opportunity to shape so many little hearts and minds toward the things of God.
Chris is totally 100% on board with it. I guess he needed something a little closer to the church he grew up in to be comfortable... Although I couldn't see it happening, my prayers have been answered.
The top prayer concern on my list for the last 6 1/2 years was to have my husband by my side at church each Sunday. There is more to that request than mere presence at a specific location, but God is working. I have learned that when God works, it's best to just step aside.
I will complete my term as Music Teacher at my kids' school on Friday, March 13.
As you teachers know, Friday March 13 is a special day. It is the release day for Spring Break.
I will officially begin working at FUMC on Monday, March 16. *Please refer to my teacher's mindset for hidden meaning.* :)
There are so many thoughts rolling around in my head right now.
How will this work?
Does anyone want to volunteer? :)
Will my kids adjust well?
What curriculum will I use?
Where's the coffee pot?
Will I be expected to be the item of choice in the dunking booth for the Fall Festival?
Will Part B of the plan come to fruition? (Chris's Job)
WHEN will part B of the plan come to fruition?
The questions are plentiful. There are so many more than this.
The only answer I have...
I fully believe that God has orchestrated this entire thing. And as He always does when putting together a symphony, God knows what it will sound like when it's finished.
Ahhhh......
Thank you God for answering our prayers in Your time, in Your way, on Your terms, for Your glory.
I have been hired as the new Children's Director at First United Methodist Church. YAY!!!!!!!!
I am very excited about this new direction God is taking us. I have always felt that working with children is a gift. It is wonderful to think that I will have the opportunity to shape so many little hearts and minds toward the things of God.
Chris is totally 100% on board with it. I guess he needed something a little closer to the church he grew up in to be comfortable... Although I couldn't see it happening, my prayers have been answered.
The top prayer concern on my list for the last 6 1/2 years was to have my husband by my side at church each Sunday. There is more to that request than mere presence at a specific location, but God is working. I have learned that when God works, it's best to just step aside.
I will complete my term as Music Teacher at my kids' school on Friday, March 13.
As you teachers know, Friday March 13 is a special day. It is the release day for Spring Break.
I will officially begin working at FUMC on Monday, March 16. *Please refer to my teacher's mindset for hidden meaning.* :)
There are so many thoughts rolling around in my head right now.
How will this work?
Does anyone want to volunteer? :)
Will my kids adjust well?
What curriculum will I use?
Where's the coffee pot?
Will I be expected to be the item of choice in the dunking booth for the Fall Festival?
Will Part B of the plan come to fruition? (Chris's Job)
WHEN will part B of the plan come to fruition?
The questions are plentiful. There are so many more than this.
The only answer I have...
I fully believe that God has orchestrated this entire thing. And as He always does when putting together a symphony, God knows what it will sound like when it's finished.
Ahhhh......
Thank you God for answering our prayers in Your time, in Your way, on Your terms, for Your glory.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Honoring Wendy and her new little one.
I have been wanting to have something special for Wendy because she's expecting her third cutie pie.
Also the intent behind the giftcard party is that she is having her third boy so she more than likely has most of the basics, but giftcards can buy whatever else she needs. If you have a personal issue with giftcards - you can bring a gift or just yourself. The important thing is that Wendy feels honored and has a great time!
It seems like a few short weeks ago that my thoughts and prayers were consumed with this little one because of what the sonogram said about his heartbeat. We didn't even know he was a he yet - but we knew this baby was very special. I simply cannot wait to hold his tiny form and praise God for the miracle of life. Thank you Wendy, for letting us be a part of your life and a part of your kids lives. You are beautiful people and we are blessed to know you.
Leave a comment if you intend to attend. I will try to remind everyone as the date approaches.
So since having something at my house is NOT an option due to the ongoing craziness that is my life, I have decided to invite all of you to a
- GIFTCARD party at our *local coffee shop* on
- Saturday March 7th beginning at 8pm.
Also the intent behind the giftcard party is that she is having her third boy so she more than likely has most of the basics, but giftcards can buy whatever else she needs. If you have a personal issue with giftcards - you can bring a gift or just yourself. The important thing is that Wendy feels honored and has a great time!
It seems like a few short weeks ago that my thoughts and prayers were consumed with this little one because of what the sonogram said about his heartbeat. We didn't even know he was a he yet - but we knew this baby was very special. I simply cannot wait to hold his tiny form and praise God for the miracle of life. Thank you Wendy, for letting us be a part of your life and a part of your kids lives. You are beautiful people and we are blessed to know you.
Leave a comment if you intend to attend. I will try to remind everyone as the date approaches.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
what do you do?
what do you do when someday starts to become a reality?
when all your far off plans aren't so far off anymore?
I have tediously made all kinds of foolproof plans that have since failed. Crashed and burned.
and now the most unlikely of all unplanned things has seemingly fallen into my lap.
and here it is that I find myself doubting - thinking 'what's the catch?' - rather than immediately giving God his due praise and thanks for being the God He has promised me He is.
so yes, praise be to God, Who takes care of us in ways I never could have dreamt.
p.s. I think God thinks it's fun to keep me on my toes.
when all your far off plans aren't so far off anymore?
I have tediously made all kinds of foolproof plans that have since failed. Crashed and burned.
and now the most unlikely of all unplanned things has seemingly fallen into my lap.
and here it is that I find myself doubting - thinking 'what's the catch?' - rather than immediately giving God his due praise and thanks for being the God He has promised me He is.
so yes, praise be to God, Who takes care of us in ways I never could have dreamt.
p.s. I think God thinks it's fun to keep me on my toes.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
seph
Do you think we could use a pickup you have access to this week for the kitchen?
I can't seem to get it to you.
It fits in the Jeep - but my kids won't fit in the Jeep with it and there is rarely a time that I could get away without my kids...
I think if you could come get the kitchen it would work better!!
I am sorry it took me this long to think of that - baby steps. :)
Do you think we could use a pickup you have access to this week for the kitchen?
I can't seem to get it to you.
It fits in the Jeep - but my kids won't fit in the Jeep with it and there is rarely a time that I could get away without my kids...
I think if you could come get the kitchen it would work better!!
I am sorry it took me this long to think of that - baby steps. :)
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sigh.
This mom stuff is amazing!
I love the days where my kids are consistently adorable all day long.
Their voices are so sweet.
I love ages 4 & 5.
What could be cuter than listening to them sing sweet songs between grunts from the potty while they wait for "something" to happen?
Golly. I'm having a moment here. So cute.
2 minutes later...
reality check: Avery just walked out of the bathroom crying because she wanted to see what would happen if she dropped her toy kitty in the potty and flushed it. It disappeared. Now she wants it back... Go figure.
Still, I am swooning with the darlingness of her pouty lip as she remembers 'kitty.'
I love the days where my kids are consistently adorable all day long.
Their voices are so sweet.
I love ages 4 & 5.
What could be cuter than listening to them sing sweet songs between grunts from the potty while they wait for "something" to happen?
Golly. I'm having a moment here. So cute.
2 minutes later...
reality check: Avery just walked out of the bathroom crying because she wanted to see what would happen if she dropped her toy kitty in the potty and flushed it. It disappeared. Now she wants it back... Go figure.
Still, I am swooning with the darlingness of her pouty lip as she remembers 'kitty.'
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