I cannot believe how incredibly fast another Christmas is approaching! We have had a wonderful year, full of blessings for which we are very grateful!
We are all settled in our home now that we have been here just a little over a year. We've been able to make a lot of progress with the yard, and Ben's built a few things in the house that we didn't have time to get to before moving in last year. I'm sure between the two of us, there will always be a project to work toward! We LOVE being here though and are extremely thankful for the space and privacy! The kids are getting more and more comfortable wandering off into the woods, so I will probably really have my work cut out come Spring!
Though our year started out in the hospital with Ava, things have gotten increasingly better! We have taken several trips, celebrated both my parents turning 60, welcomed Mary Matheson and family back to Rock Hill, watched Clemson win the ACC championship and had lots of fun little outings with our family. We have had a few sad times as well, including losing Ben's PapPap, but it is those times that remind us of just how blessed we are as well as how much God is in control.
Emma continues to blossom into a nurturing little girl. She has blown my mind this year with how much she has learned and how much she has branched out! She is really getting ready for school and seems very excited about it, which helps me feel a little more at peace with the idea. She used to be so clingy and petrified of me leaving her at new places with new people, and I was so worried about school. But in the last few months, she has changed drastically and is looking forward to making new friends and learning new things at school. I am definitely a little sad that our time together at home is winding down, but I know we'll still get some good time together. I think I'm more sad about the idea of not having her help at home! : ) Her imagination is full force, and I love watching it in action! She is quite the boss often, all the way down to her mannerisms! It is so funny to watch her be "me" when she plays Mommy and Daddy. She loves dressing up too, especially in my clothes and shoes. Ben and I get to watch a lot of shows where she gets dressed up and sings and dances for us. Too precious! Most importantly, her heart for the Lord and her understanding of spiritual matters continues to develop, and I am so humbled and grateful for the Lord's grip on her heart!! It is my prayer that we will continue to nurture that growth and that she will always be so sensitive to the Lord's ways!
Bryson continues to thrive as well. He is still a passionate little thing--just as mean as can be when he's mad but, oh, the sweetest and most lovable little thing when he's loving! He is still Mommy's little man at night (not sure I'm so fortunate there!), but he is 100% Daddy's in the day time! He looks out the front door several times a day for Daddy and randomly cries wanting his Daddy. He can hardly contain the joy and excitement the minute Daddy walks in the door! I am grateful he has such a wonderful Daddy to look up to so much! He still loves tractors and is now getting into monster trucks and cars as well. He still loves to play ball, and we are amazed at his talent! It probably sounds a little biased, but he really is a natural at sports. I never expect the coordination and ability he demonstrates when playing anything with a ball. He is still way too rough and has not quite figured out that he cannot tackle Ava or pick her up by her neck! He does love her so much though! He adores Emma too and loves talking to her and learning from her. He is big into "tendin'" with her. I am afraid his little heart might break when she starts school! He is beginning to really take off learning about God and keeps us accountable to doing our advent devotions each night.
Ava is doing well too and keeps us laughing! Just thinking about her makes me laugh! She is full of personality and a spunky little thing! There is never a doubt about what she wants--you can see and hear her desires! : ) She is the cutest little dancer and loves music. She's a walker and climber and can be found just about anywhere doing anything! We are at the mess age, where the messes seem to follow her! ; ) She has been teething like crazy for at least the past 6 weeks, probably longer. Our sleep is really lacking, and I look forward to the process ending! She had 4 teeth when the process started, and I think she's on her 14th tooth right now, and 4 of them are molars that have been AWFUL! She is always trying to keep up with Bryson and Emma and even prefers their cups and whatever is on their plates. She loves being outside as much as they do, and will pitch a huge fit if the door gets open and she doesn't get out!
Ben has had a pretty good year with the business, a little up and down, but we are definitely finishing the year strong. He is hoping to start building some in the new year. He still enjoys hunting and even took Emma behind our house once this year. Bryson's heart was broken, so I am sure he will be in the woods soon too! He continues to serve as deacon at church and amazes me with his servant heart. He really cares for the church and is always willing to go help with projects when asked. He continues to be a great provider for our family in every way, and we are very thankful for him!
I am still home with the kids, helping with finances and paperwork for the business, and volunteering at church. Our mom's ministry, Refresh, is going well, and I am thankful for the women who are a part of that ministry. I have been taking turns teaching a class on Wed. nights and have loved being able to use my gifts in that field again as well as getting to know those children better. I helped direct VBS this year and am working with our Children's Director to write the curriculum and help direct again next Summer. Writing the curriculum is a challenge, but I am excited about it because I'll really know what's going on in every aspect, and I think we can make everything more effective this way.
Ben and I are still working with the youth as well and love our time with the high school kids! It is hard with our kids' ages, and we are not able to do quite as much as we'd like, but we enjoy spending time with them as we are able. We've had them out to the house several times for events this year and hope to be able to share it much more!
We are humbled by the many undeserved blessings the Lord has poured out on us! Hopefully, our service to such a gracious God is bringing Him at least a fraction of the joy he brings us! We pray that the grace and peace of God will be poured out upon you and your family this Christmas season and in the New Year! May He bless you most of all with the gift of knowing Him deeply! Merry Christmas!!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
September was a birthday month around here...Ben and I sandwiched our little princess, Ava, who turned ONE! That came way too fast!! We had the family over for dinner, cake and gifts the night before because we all headed to Clemson the next day. It was a fun evening, and Ava enjoyed her cake once she finally got into enough to taste it. I made her a simple little princess cake with butter cream frosting. She did well opening her gifts too-seemed to pick up the concept quickly. She is a healthy little girl growing and busy.
We headed to a pumpkin patch in October, and that was great fun!! The kids loved the hayride, picking out pumpkins, and the corn maze. I think the highlight for Bryson, however, was the big sandbox with tractors--he was a happy and busy boy! : ) They still frequently play "pumpkin patch" out in the yard, so I know the outing created great memories for them!
Thanksgiving was wonderful, as well! We went to Grandmother's for lunch and to catch up with family. Food, football, and fellowship--doesn't get much better! : ) The day before, we went over to help Grandmother get ready and to decorate a Christmas tree for her. The kids had a GREAT time with that, and it brought back so many good memories of my childhood when we used to spend Thanksgiving night there and did all kinds of decorating! The day after Thanksgiving, our family packed up and headed to the mountains to pick out a Christmas tree. We hit the Blue Ridge Pkwy, sad to say--this was our first time taking the kids to the mountains! They enjoyed seeing them, then we picnicked at an overlook on the Parkway and played in a small little field. It was too cute! The kids were pretending to be bears. It, of course, ended up involving hunting! We headed down a little ways for a hayride and the task of choosing a tree. The kids had a great time in all the trees, and we found a great tree! Now they pretend to take hayrides to the pumpkin patch and tree farm!
We headed to a pumpkin patch in October, and that was great fun!! The kids loved the hayride, picking out pumpkins, and the corn maze. I think the highlight for Bryson, however, was the big sandbox with tractors--he was a happy and busy boy! : ) They still frequently play "pumpkin patch" out in the yard, so I know the outing created great memories for them!
Thanksgiving was wonderful, as well! We went to Grandmother's for lunch and to catch up with family. Food, football, and fellowship--doesn't get much better! : ) The day before, we went over to help Grandmother get ready and to decorate a Christmas tree for her. The kids had a GREAT time with that, and it brought back so many good memories of my childhood when we used to spend Thanksgiving night there and did all kinds of decorating! The day after Thanksgiving, our family packed up and headed to the mountains to pick out a Christmas tree. We hit the Blue Ridge Pkwy, sad to say--this was our first time taking the kids to the mountains! They enjoyed seeing them, then we picnicked at an overlook on the Parkway and played in a small little field. It was too cute! The kids were pretending to be bears. It, of course, ended up involving hunting! We headed down a little ways for a hayride and the task of choosing a tree. The kids had a great time in all the trees, and we found a great tree! Now they pretend to take hayrides to the pumpkin patch and tree farm!
Monday, November 21, 2011
All In A Day's Work
It's Monday and usually laundry day around here. For the most part, it's a nice, laid back day at home. Not today. Bryson got into a jar of peanut butter and was eating it with a spreader while I went to the bathroom. He is possibly allergic, so I was trying to not let anxiety rule my morning, eventually I just gave him some benadryl just in case. I put Ava down for a nap shortly after that, and Bryson, Emma and I went on the back porch for them to play a while. It was a dreary morning, and the kids wanted to watch a movie and eat popcorn after we came inside. I needed to mop, so after they helped sort the first clean load for folding, I let them choose a movie, while I got the popcorn. What a peaceful 30-40 minutes! I got the kitchen mopped and more laundry done. Then the peace left my house...the kids ate lunch, I put Bryson down, started Emma on making some ladybugs out of egg cartons, finally sat down to eat something for the first time of the day at 1:30...then Bryson started coughing fits, got him calmed down, went back to eat and help Emma. Then he cranked back up, so I got him water and meds, but couldn't get him settled so I took him to the couch. Ava was awake by then, so I got her in her chair with lunch. By then, Bryson was interested in making bugs WAY more than resting, so I let him get to creating. While I was working on laundry, I heard way too much excitement and went in to the kitchen to find two tubes of glitter all over the place! Ava was having too much fun spreading it everywhere and trying to eat it. I sent them to their rooms so I could try to clean without glitter getting all over the house. I was just about finished with that mess when I heard the laughter that always means trouble...found them in their bathroom. They had plugged in the fiber optic pumpkin and for some reason decided to spit water on the pumpkin. Thank the Lord he spared my kids from getting shocked! The pumpkin was soaked, and the counter was standing in water. After tending to that fiasco, I went to Ava's room to spend some time with her since she was crying SO much. I heard a very loud boom, ran to check on Emma and Bryson. The sound was the firescreen falling, and they were in the fireplace holding the fire poker things and covered in soot. Ugh!!! Some times they do drive me crazy!!
Being a homemaker is truly some of the hardest work I've ever done. It is by far the most rewarding, and I am thankful that most days are just full of the details I left out of this post and not quite so full of the "adventure"!
Being a homemaker is truly some of the hardest work I've ever done. It is by far the most rewarding, and I am thankful that most days are just full of the details I left out of this post and not quite so full of the "adventure"!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
I was playing with Emma today in her room. She got quiet for a little bit, looking out her window. Out of the blue, she turned to me and said, "I can't wait to die and go to Heaven." I, of course, wanted to know why. While still looking out the window, she replied, " I can't wait to see how big God is. I bet he's as tall as a tree." (If you haven't seen my yard out her window, we have some monstrous trees out there!) We talked a little more about what she envisions...God is a boy, by the way, and the Bible tells us that. ;)
My initial reaction (managed to keep it inward)was fear of my little girl dying and/or wanting to, but what a precious reminder of how our hearts and minds should be turned toward our Creator! Where did that go for me? When did my heart start hanging on to the tangible and desiring more time here on Earth?? I know that's a pretty common struggle, but how convicting and precious were those words from my little 4 year old! We could all stand to think a little more like her and imagine His presence being so commanding and mighty as well as be eager to meet Him! The more we have this type spiritual conversation, the more I grasp the childlike faith scripture references. My cup surely overflows to be living life with such a precious child of God. I am so unworthy of this gift but am grateful and humbled that she has been entrusted to me for a short time. And, how incredibly sad I am as it is getting shorter much faster each day!
Monday, August 01, 2011
Protection
Went on a walk with my family this evening. Ben had the double stroller, I had the single, just enjoying conversation and exercise in the great outdoors. We were starting our way up the hill when my husband's abrupt, "Stop!" scared the fool out of me...there just a few feet in front of us directly in our path lay a Copperhead, probably about a foot and a half long. He called a neighbor whose house we had just passed who came running up the road with his shovel to behead the creature. We were a little nervous the remainder of our walk, but were reminded of God's goodness for sure.
I was thinking of how I have been walking and jogging in the evenings some this Summer, and it has usually been dark at least the last leg of my exercise. I started talking about how amazing it is that the Lord protects us SOOOOOOOOOO much more than we ever know!!! Then I thought about how many nights I ran during high school and college. I wonder if I've ever just jogged right over danger without every knowing it. Our evening and lives could have been very different had we taken 2 or 3 more steps without looking down (which I am sure I would have!!). What a gracious God to have my more attentive husband with me at the point in time that I would cross paths with a Copperhead and to keep us from making contact.
Then I, of course, took the teachable moment to talk to Emma (the only one still awake!) about obedience and what would have happened if I had not listened to Daddy IMMEDIATELY. We talked about how God gave us to her to protect her and that we will not ever tell her to do anything that isn't for her protection and good. She was very proud to add how obedient she was to stay in the stroller when we saw the snake too. : ) That actually was probably hard for her because she LOVES to check out every animal and insect.
Sometimes I would just like to see a few hours of my life from God's point of view and see just how much he actually does protect me. I pray desperately for his spiritual and physical protection over my children, but I know I cannot even begin to know the extent to which he does that. I try to visualize his angels guarding my children's beds and the walls of our home as I pray Psalm 4:8 over them at night, "I will lie down and sleep in peace for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Sometimes it's so hard to let go and trust God to protect my children. But then I am reminded that He truly is The Protector, and there is nothing in this world I can do to come close to providing the protection my children really need. Again and again, parenthood brings me to the foot of the throne helpless...right where I should be!
I was thinking of how I have been walking and jogging in the evenings some this Summer, and it has usually been dark at least the last leg of my exercise. I started talking about how amazing it is that the Lord protects us SOOOOOOOOOO much more than we ever know!!! Then I thought about how many nights I ran during high school and college. I wonder if I've ever just jogged right over danger without every knowing it. Our evening and lives could have been very different had we taken 2 or 3 more steps without looking down (which I am sure I would have!!). What a gracious God to have my more attentive husband with me at the point in time that I would cross paths with a Copperhead and to keep us from making contact.
Then I, of course, took the teachable moment to talk to Emma (the only one still awake!) about obedience and what would have happened if I had not listened to Daddy IMMEDIATELY. We talked about how God gave us to her to protect her and that we will not ever tell her to do anything that isn't for her protection and good. She was very proud to add how obedient she was to stay in the stroller when we saw the snake too. : ) That actually was probably hard for her because she LOVES to check out every animal and insect.
Sometimes I would just like to see a few hours of my life from God's point of view and see just how much he actually does protect me. I pray desperately for his spiritual and physical protection over my children, but I know I cannot even begin to know the extent to which he does that. I try to visualize his angels guarding my children's beds and the walls of our home as I pray Psalm 4:8 over them at night, "I will lie down and sleep in peace for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Sometimes it's so hard to let go and trust God to protect my children. But then I am reminded that He truly is The Protector, and there is nothing in this world I can do to come close to providing the protection my children really need. Again and again, parenthood brings me to the foot of the throne helpless...right where I should be!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
2011 Summary
I really hope I can start writing more frequently, even if it is random little bits! My memory is so bad, what's written will probably be my only memories! : )
Life is pretty good and non-eventful these days--if you can say that about a family with 3 young children. : ) I cannot believe the year is more than halfway over already! Ugh, time will just not slow down!
The kids are doing well. Emma is a beautiful, nurturing little girl, and I am so proud of her and overwhelmed with the blessing of her in my life. Of course there are times when she is the most aggravating big sister, but for the most part she loves to play with Bryson and Ava and takes really good care of them. She seems to be interested in gymnastics, so we are going to look into possibly trying that this fall. She LOVES dressing up and playing "Cinderella" or "castle" or "princess". She has gotten really good at riding her bike again and loves to swing. She is fascinated with bugs and animals and was just holding a dead hummingbird today telling us all about it. Collecting shiny rocks is another obsession--I remember being obsessive about collecting all the quartz out of my parents' yard too. : ) She played t-ball with the church this Spring and seemed to enjoy it. She was actually getting pretty good at fielding some grounders by the end of the season. We've been working hard on swimming this Summer. Seems like we start again at square one every Summer--too many months in between swimming. Her coloring and writing have improved tremendously lately, and I am so impressed with her! Most importantly, she asked Jesus into her heart early this Spring!!! It was a little before Easter, but we happened to be on the "Easter" stories in her Bible. Ben and I on two different nights (and not together) made reference to the soldiers and ppl as "crazy" and so mean. After reading I said, "They are so mean, aren't they?" to which she replied, "No they're not, Mommy. They had to do that so we can live in Heaven when we die." Of course, we continued the conversation and I was amazed at how she comprehended God's plan of Salvation for us! I talked with Ben later that night, and he then told me they had had a similar conversation the night before. The next day, we talked some more, and I knew she really got it, so I asked her if she wanted to pray to ask Him into her heart. She told me she didn't want to, she wanted me to, so I told her it was fine if she wasn't ready for that but that I could not do that for her. A few nights later, it came up again, and she wanted to pray and did. What a special and humbling experience! I am very often amazed at her comprehension and application of things especially those of spiritual nature. Anyone reading this who is an educator will probably appreciate that Blooms Taxonomy is often running through my mind as I recognize higher learning order skills in my children. Does anyone else do that?? I guess I just get tired of all the hoopla about kids doing things so early such as reading when I know that it is so pointless if the higher order thinking skills aren't being built. I'll stop that tangent right there. : )
Speaking of amazing me, my little man does so very often as well! His verbal skills are incredible, and I love his sweet voice. Emma talks well and has a very good vocabulary, but she has just never been verbal like he is, so I am being blown away by him! He seems very intelligent, but I am afraid it often comes out in the form of skirting around disobedience. He is obsessed with tractors, and lucky for him they are repaving the road right outside our neighborhood, and building apartments that we pass every time we go to church! He like to escape and climb on Ben's tractor as well. The excitement in his voice and eyes EVERY time he sees a tractor is too precious! He turned two in April, and we, of course, had a tractor party. We had family and just a few of his little friends who also love tractors over to celebrate. Ben took all the kids on tractor rides, and I made a construction cake with tractors on it. So adorable...we found him at one point in the night (the cake had already been served) in his own world at the table working hard with those tractors in the cake. Of course, we swarmed him with cameras, but he was oblivious to that too--He is a die hard tractor man! : ) Ball is also another favorite in his life--whatever he can get his hands on. The boy has force behind the ball and is very coordinated. He will hold/drop a ball and nail it with a bat in a second, and he out throws Emma already. Rough describes him well. In fact, I am sitting her with pain in my head and neck because he just ran by me this morning, grabbed my hair and cracked my neck more than I have ever heard or felt. I really am afraid he gave me whiplash. I have had so many bitten lips, bruises, and headaches from him. The girls have felt it the most, but at least they're tough. : ) We are trying to teach him to be gentle, at least around girls. He is one of the sweetest little boys ever, but he must have an abundance of testosterone! Sometimes he is being mean, of course, but most of the time, he is just playing and doesn't mean any harm. Wide Open all the time! He's done a lot better with sleep and has even slept through the night 3 nights now!! : ) He ADORES Ava and can't wait to get his hands on her every morning. Same with Emma--a frequent phrase, "Come play with me, Emma!" He is a little lost when his big sister is not around, and very lost if she's gone and Ava is asleep! : ) And, to think I worried about him feeling neglected in the middle and shunned with a baby so early in his life. : ) Daddy is his buddy too, and I often feel the love in the mornings he wakes up mad I'm the one here instead of Daddy. : ) Doesn't seem right when I'm the one "rescuing" him in the middle of the night, and I'm the one who has him attaching himself to me all night when he ends up in our bed--where's all that love when the sun comes up?! He still loves books, and I cherish nap time when we lay down together snuggled up reading a few books. I think I'll miss that more than him not sleeping when he quits napping. One of my favorite things he does lately on days he doesn't want to sleep is show up after about 2 minutes and say, "Look Mommy, I wake now! I all done sleepin!" I try to explain he has to sleep before he can wake, but he's not interested. He is just as loving and sensitive as he is wide open and rough though. I can't get enough of him and his sweet hugs!
Ava is doing well and will hit the 10 month mark in a few days. Crazy how fast another first b'day is approaching! She's been cruising for a few weeks and wants badly to walk. She's hit all of her gross motor skills a tad early so far with all her trying to keep up in this house! Of course, Bryson and Emma get excited about all the milestones and try to help her catch up with them. : ) She is still very laid back and very happy! I LOVE to hear her get started laughing, and we all love to do what it takes to bring it out of her! She quit sleeping so well at 4 months, which coincided with teething. She's been back and forth and has some random nights where she'll make it all the way, but I miss those early days! I hate the nights with teething and/or growing pains! I don't know if she has a low pain tolerance, but she is all about crying and restlessness and LOTS of nursing when she is not feeling quite right. We've just been getting her on solids the past few weeks. She as not interested in eating for a while and would gag herself on the third bite every time I tried feeding her. She's all about getting Emma and Bryson's food though! The doctor was concerned about her weight at her 9 month check up as she was only 15 lbs. 5 oz. We are not concerned though...she's growing, thriving, hitting all the milestones, and I think looks very healthy. I still cannot see why he worries when he is standing there looking at their small mother! Anyway, she is waving too and actually started saying, "bye, bye" with her wave this week. She's said what sounds like Momma a good many times, esp when I put her in her crib screaming. She has started standing on her own for a few seconds at a time this week too. My sweet little Ava is very adamant about being held when she's tired too and is starting to stick her hand down my shirt like Bryson. Hoping we're not heading for similar attachment issues. She LOVES bath time and swimming! She also loves crawling into my shower--what a pain! Unfortunately, she seems to be the most interested child in outlets. The other two didn't seem too drawn to those, but she won't keep her hands away!
Ben is doing well. Business seems to be going pretty strong these days, and he is working toward starting some building. The kids can't wait for him to get him each evening so they can run crazy with him!
I am doing well too. I am forever trying to keep up with life and keep priorities in the right order. I can't stand not to be organized and have a very clean house, but I have to let that go more than I would like to give my children adequate time. They are growing up so fast though, and I am so sad when I go to bed sometimes and realize I didn't take full advantage of being at home with them that day. What women doesn't struggle with balance though? I directed our VBS last month, and that was wonderful! It wasn't bad until the last two weeks. Those were, of course, hectic. The kids did great though and were so patient with me! I made myself let go of a few things there too when I realized I was really pushing my family too much. Ben may say I didn't let go of enough, but it was worth the lack of sleep and all the work to do such a great ministry for the Lord! We planned for 100 for material purposes, and the first day we had 96 I think...I came home that afternoon worn out and a little stressed. As I was trying to work out a few things and talked to Ben he asked why I was so surprised we had so many. He said, "Weren't you planning for 100?" I was very convicted--me of little faith!! I guess it was like most other times in life when you have big goals with an "out" for the Lord. We had an incredible week western style and had an awesome closing ceremony/western fest as well. One of our songs, was "Rock of Ages"...I still catch Emma singing, "Rock a manger!" How cute is that!? The volunteers were amazing too, and I was humbled by their service! We had an awesome drama team that did a great job presenting the gospel in the afternoons--lots or parents tried to get there early just to catch them. My mom was "Jake the Snake" and is still talked about among the kids. What a blessing to be a part of such an amazing week!
A couple of weeks before VBS started, Ben's PapPap lost his short battle with cancer and went to be with the Lord. It was a blessing to not have to watch him suffer a long time, but it's never easy to let go of a loved one. Thankfully we got to visit him at the hospital for closure before he passed into eternity. Emma still points out the way to his apartment every time we pass the road. I was really worried about her when we found out he had cancer. That is three people very close to us who died within 10 months. She handled well and is very matter of fact about death. In fact, it is probably the reason she knew enough about the need for Salvation and going to Heaven. She may not have already accepted the Lord's call without all of those experiences. She just told me the other day that she can't wait to go to Heaven and see how tall God is! She really talks very openly about dying and Heaven and is very matter of fact about it. Wish I could take it as gracefully!
The morning after VBS we loaded down the Honda and headed to Garden City! I was too worn out to go on vacation, and three kids 4 and under makes for a very different definition of vacation. It's all about making memories for them now. No more lounging on the beach doing what I want and sleeping in--our kids sleep in way more than they did at the beach. I thought for sure the sun and sand would wear them out and give us some good sleep--WRONG! It was a wonderful, fun week but went by WAY too fast! Our pastor suggested we send the kids home with the family next year and stay a few days! ; ) That would be nice! Ava loved the sand so much you could frequently find her covered and eating it! Emma, Bryson, and Will had a blast building in the sand, being buried, jumping in the waves and going for walks. Grandmother brought her best friend, Billie, which was a huge blessing since this was our first trip without Granddaddy. We had a princess b'day party for the two of them, and they ate it up. It was too cute! I always love the minutes I can steal away by the ocean and try to comprehend how big and mighty God is. It just blows my mind that that's only a taste of his splendor, and it really blows my mind that people can witness creation like that and not even blink at its majesty and power, much less bow the Creator. I am grateful and humbled that He chose me to abide in Him! I for sure don't want any part of His wrath when watching the ocean roar.
Here's to hoping I will soon post some pictures and also write shorter, more frequent entries.
Life is pretty good and non-eventful these days--if you can say that about a family with 3 young children. : ) I cannot believe the year is more than halfway over already! Ugh, time will just not slow down!
The kids are doing well. Emma is a beautiful, nurturing little girl, and I am so proud of her and overwhelmed with the blessing of her in my life. Of course there are times when she is the most aggravating big sister, but for the most part she loves to play with Bryson and Ava and takes really good care of them. She seems to be interested in gymnastics, so we are going to look into possibly trying that this fall. She LOVES dressing up and playing "Cinderella" or "castle" or "princess". She has gotten really good at riding her bike again and loves to swing. She is fascinated with bugs and animals and was just holding a dead hummingbird today telling us all about it. Collecting shiny rocks is another obsession--I remember being obsessive about collecting all the quartz out of my parents' yard too. : ) She played t-ball with the church this Spring and seemed to enjoy it. She was actually getting pretty good at fielding some grounders by the end of the season. We've been working hard on swimming this Summer. Seems like we start again at square one every Summer--too many months in between swimming. Her coloring and writing have improved tremendously lately, and I am so impressed with her! Most importantly, she asked Jesus into her heart early this Spring!!! It was a little before Easter, but we happened to be on the "Easter" stories in her Bible. Ben and I on two different nights (and not together) made reference to the soldiers and ppl as "crazy" and so mean. After reading I said, "They are so mean, aren't they?" to which she replied, "No they're not, Mommy. They had to do that so we can live in Heaven when we die." Of course, we continued the conversation and I was amazed at how she comprehended God's plan of Salvation for us! I talked with Ben later that night, and he then told me they had had a similar conversation the night before. The next day, we talked some more, and I knew she really got it, so I asked her if she wanted to pray to ask Him into her heart. She told me she didn't want to, she wanted me to, so I told her it was fine if she wasn't ready for that but that I could not do that for her. A few nights later, it came up again, and she wanted to pray and did. What a special and humbling experience! I am very often amazed at her comprehension and application of things especially those of spiritual nature. Anyone reading this who is an educator will probably appreciate that Blooms Taxonomy is often running through my mind as I recognize higher learning order skills in my children. Does anyone else do that?? I guess I just get tired of all the hoopla about kids doing things so early such as reading when I know that it is so pointless if the higher order thinking skills aren't being built. I'll stop that tangent right there. : )
Speaking of amazing me, my little man does so very often as well! His verbal skills are incredible, and I love his sweet voice. Emma talks well and has a very good vocabulary, but she has just never been verbal like he is, so I am being blown away by him! He seems very intelligent, but I am afraid it often comes out in the form of skirting around disobedience. He is obsessed with tractors, and lucky for him they are repaving the road right outside our neighborhood, and building apartments that we pass every time we go to church! He like to escape and climb on Ben's tractor as well. The excitement in his voice and eyes EVERY time he sees a tractor is too precious! He turned two in April, and we, of course, had a tractor party. We had family and just a few of his little friends who also love tractors over to celebrate. Ben took all the kids on tractor rides, and I made a construction cake with tractors on it. So adorable...we found him at one point in the night (the cake had already been served) in his own world at the table working hard with those tractors in the cake. Of course, we swarmed him with cameras, but he was oblivious to that too--He is a die hard tractor man! : ) Ball is also another favorite in his life--whatever he can get his hands on. The boy has force behind the ball and is very coordinated. He will hold/drop a ball and nail it with a bat in a second, and he out throws Emma already. Rough describes him well. In fact, I am sitting her with pain in my head and neck because he just ran by me this morning, grabbed my hair and cracked my neck more than I have ever heard or felt. I really am afraid he gave me whiplash. I have had so many bitten lips, bruises, and headaches from him. The girls have felt it the most, but at least they're tough. : ) We are trying to teach him to be gentle, at least around girls. He is one of the sweetest little boys ever, but he must have an abundance of testosterone! Sometimes he is being mean, of course, but most of the time, he is just playing and doesn't mean any harm. Wide Open all the time! He's done a lot better with sleep and has even slept through the night 3 nights now!! : ) He ADORES Ava and can't wait to get his hands on her every morning. Same with Emma--a frequent phrase, "Come play with me, Emma!" He is a little lost when his big sister is not around, and very lost if she's gone and Ava is asleep! : ) And, to think I worried about him feeling neglected in the middle and shunned with a baby so early in his life. : ) Daddy is his buddy too, and I often feel the love in the mornings he wakes up mad I'm the one here instead of Daddy. : ) Doesn't seem right when I'm the one "rescuing" him in the middle of the night, and I'm the one who has him attaching himself to me all night when he ends up in our bed--where's all that love when the sun comes up?! He still loves books, and I cherish nap time when we lay down together snuggled up reading a few books. I think I'll miss that more than him not sleeping when he quits napping. One of my favorite things he does lately on days he doesn't want to sleep is show up after about 2 minutes and say, "Look Mommy, I wake now! I all done sleepin!" I try to explain he has to sleep before he can wake, but he's not interested. He is just as loving and sensitive as he is wide open and rough though. I can't get enough of him and his sweet hugs!
Ava is doing well and will hit the 10 month mark in a few days. Crazy how fast another first b'day is approaching! She's been cruising for a few weeks and wants badly to walk. She's hit all of her gross motor skills a tad early so far with all her trying to keep up in this house! Of course, Bryson and Emma get excited about all the milestones and try to help her catch up with them. : ) She is still very laid back and very happy! I LOVE to hear her get started laughing, and we all love to do what it takes to bring it out of her! She quit sleeping so well at 4 months, which coincided with teething. She's been back and forth and has some random nights where she'll make it all the way, but I miss those early days! I hate the nights with teething and/or growing pains! I don't know if she has a low pain tolerance, but she is all about crying and restlessness and LOTS of nursing when she is not feeling quite right. We've just been getting her on solids the past few weeks. She as not interested in eating for a while and would gag herself on the third bite every time I tried feeding her. She's all about getting Emma and Bryson's food though! The doctor was concerned about her weight at her 9 month check up as she was only 15 lbs. 5 oz. We are not concerned though...she's growing, thriving, hitting all the milestones, and I think looks very healthy. I still cannot see why he worries when he is standing there looking at their small mother! Anyway, she is waving too and actually started saying, "bye, bye" with her wave this week. She's said what sounds like Momma a good many times, esp when I put her in her crib screaming. She has started standing on her own for a few seconds at a time this week too. My sweet little Ava is very adamant about being held when she's tired too and is starting to stick her hand down my shirt like Bryson. Hoping we're not heading for similar attachment issues. She LOVES bath time and swimming! She also loves crawling into my shower--what a pain! Unfortunately, she seems to be the most interested child in outlets. The other two didn't seem too drawn to those, but she won't keep her hands away!
Ben is doing well. Business seems to be going pretty strong these days, and he is working toward starting some building. The kids can't wait for him to get him each evening so they can run crazy with him!
I am doing well too. I am forever trying to keep up with life and keep priorities in the right order. I can't stand not to be organized and have a very clean house, but I have to let that go more than I would like to give my children adequate time. They are growing up so fast though, and I am so sad when I go to bed sometimes and realize I didn't take full advantage of being at home with them that day. What women doesn't struggle with balance though? I directed our VBS last month, and that was wonderful! It wasn't bad until the last two weeks. Those were, of course, hectic. The kids did great though and were so patient with me! I made myself let go of a few things there too when I realized I was really pushing my family too much. Ben may say I didn't let go of enough, but it was worth the lack of sleep and all the work to do such a great ministry for the Lord! We planned for 100 for material purposes, and the first day we had 96 I think...I came home that afternoon worn out and a little stressed. As I was trying to work out a few things and talked to Ben he asked why I was so surprised we had so many. He said, "Weren't you planning for 100?" I was very convicted--me of little faith!! I guess it was like most other times in life when you have big goals with an "out" for the Lord. We had an incredible week western style and had an awesome closing ceremony/western fest as well. One of our songs, was "Rock of Ages"...I still catch Emma singing, "Rock a manger!" How cute is that!? The volunteers were amazing too, and I was humbled by their service! We had an awesome drama team that did a great job presenting the gospel in the afternoons--lots or parents tried to get there early just to catch them. My mom was "Jake the Snake" and is still talked about among the kids. What a blessing to be a part of such an amazing week!
A couple of weeks before VBS started, Ben's PapPap lost his short battle with cancer and went to be with the Lord. It was a blessing to not have to watch him suffer a long time, but it's never easy to let go of a loved one. Thankfully we got to visit him at the hospital for closure before he passed into eternity. Emma still points out the way to his apartment every time we pass the road. I was really worried about her when we found out he had cancer. That is three people very close to us who died within 10 months. She handled well and is very matter of fact about death. In fact, it is probably the reason she knew enough about the need for Salvation and going to Heaven. She may not have already accepted the Lord's call without all of those experiences. She just told me the other day that she can't wait to go to Heaven and see how tall God is! She really talks very openly about dying and Heaven and is very matter of fact about it. Wish I could take it as gracefully!
The morning after VBS we loaded down the Honda and headed to Garden City! I was too worn out to go on vacation, and three kids 4 and under makes for a very different definition of vacation. It's all about making memories for them now. No more lounging on the beach doing what I want and sleeping in--our kids sleep in way more than they did at the beach. I thought for sure the sun and sand would wear them out and give us some good sleep--WRONG! It was a wonderful, fun week but went by WAY too fast! Our pastor suggested we send the kids home with the family next year and stay a few days! ; ) That would be nice! Ava loved the sand so much you could frequently find her covered and eating it! Emma, Bryson, and Will had a blast building in the sand, being buried, jumping in the waves and going for walks. Grandmother brought her best friend, Billie, which was a huge blessing since this was our first trip without Granddaddy. We had a princess b'day party for the two of them, and they ate it up. It was too cute! I always love the minutes I can steal away by the ocean and try to comprehend how big and mighty God is. It just blows my mind that that's only a taste of his splendor, and it really blows my mind that people can witness creation like that and not even blink at its majesty and power, much less bow the Creator. I am grateful and humbled that He chose me to abide in Him! I for sure don't want any part of His wrath when watching the ocean roar.
Here's to hoping I will soon post some pictures and also write shorter, more frequent entries.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Happy New Year!
We had a wonderful Christmas with family and actually got a pretty good snow for us that started Christmas Day...that counts as a White Christmas, right?
Can't say that our New Year started off so happy...the Friday after Christmas I was leaving the doctor's office with a nebulizer and prednisone for Bryson and Ava. The breathing treatments seemed to help Bryson, but Ava continued to worsen. That Saturday night, Bryson went into a second night of screaming and pointing--from what we could tell, he seemed to be hallucinating or just going plain crazy. I was stressed and scared about that, and then I got too weak and jittery to hold my sweet boy--spoke with our pediatrician to confirm that it was probably a side effect of the prednisone for Bryson, and I was having a similar reaction to those of some inhalers I tried in high school from breathing the aderol while giving Bryson and Ava breathing treatments. We were thankfully able to knock Bryson out for the night with Benadryl, then I sat down in my room and told Ben I felt like I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, I had hit my limit...then spent the night trying to hold Ava upright in bed as she seemed to be struggling to breathe with every coughing spell. Ben went to church the next morning to open and usher, I got Emma ready for church and sent her with my parents, Bryson seemed to be happy and back to "normal", but Ava wouldn't wake. She would open her eyes a minute or two, so I changed her diaper and checked her temp. around 9:00. It was only 99, so I thought maybe she was just tired from not sleeping much. Two hours later, she still had not woken or played and fear really started creeping in, so I checked her temperature--102 then. I called the pediatrician who called right back very confused since I had the Bryson drama the night before...he agreed we should go on to ER and recommended we go to Levine Chidren's hospital and that we pack a bag in case they admitted us. I called my mom, who came right away and took Bryson while I packed and waited on Ben. That was definitely the most fearful time so far in my parenting journey.
The ER waiting room was good for us. We were not so thrilled about the slam packed room and had a hard time waiting when we were so worried our then 3 month old was fairly lifeless. I don't even remember now how long we were there, but while we were there, we saw a homicide case end with family being escorted out by social worker/counselor type women. My heart sank watching a dad barely able to hold himself up carrying nothing but a pink blanket--in fact, I am tearing up writing about it. Ben and I settled in to a little more patient waiting and gratefulness for whatever it was we were facing--had to be better than that! About 20 minutes later, a girl came running in with a baby in her arms, screaming, "I need help now, my baby's not breathing!". Seriously, I have never seen a baby that stiff and lifeless that was not a cheap baby doll. Again, we were counting our blessings. (I am pretty sure I passed that mother in the hallway after being admitted, so I assume that baby made it.) Not too long after all that, they took us back to triage and kept us back. Due to the nature of the illness and Ava's age, we moved up the priority list. Kinda' makes you feel better. Lots of waiting, monitoring, testing, and x-rays followed the next couple hours. Not so good to be ignorant parents watching your baby's oxygen levels struggle. Then, we got news that we were being admitted, bittersweet. Nice to know she would be monitored and my fearful nights at home were over, but never fun to hear that your baby is sick enough to be admitted to the hospital. And, I was sad I wasn't with my other 2 and that I didn't really get to tell them bye. As we were waiting to be admitted, they brought Ava a gift, what I like to refer to as her $6000 rattle. : ) Thanks to insurance, it didn't cost us quite that much. They were absolutely wonderful to us and our little Ava, and we could not have asked for better care or service! After we settled in, Ben and I were reminded of the many parents who aren't there so temporarily and those who are admitted knowing it's very unlikely they will ever take their child home.
My 3 days in the hospital were filled with lots of movies, chocolate milk, crangrape juice, texting and phone calls. It was nice to have some good one on one time with Ava too. Ben spent the 2nd night at home because Bryson woke up Sunday night at Mom and Dad's fairly inconsolable for several hours. DJ came up and spent a few hours with me, which was also wonderful one on one time! The shower was pretty miserable, as was the amount of junk food we ate, and the sleeping conditions weren't the greatest either, but Ava continually improved, and I got some down time which is RARE! Anyway, we were extremely grateful for healing and happy to be home.
Thankfully, we got home before Emma's 4th birthday! I was starting to worry they were going to keep us, and I wasn't going to be able to be with my baby on her birthday. I managed to get out and get her a gift so that we could celebrate her on her big day, January 6. On the 8th, she and her friend Linnea shared a frog birthday party at our house. Stephanie made the cutest frog cake, and we played some fun frog games and did some frog crafts. The kids seemed to have a good time, and there were definitely 2 very happy 4 year olds that day!
Can't say that our New Year started off so happy...the Friday after Christmas I was leaving the doctor's office with a nebulizer and prednisone for Bryson and Ava. The breathing treatments seemed to help Bryson, but Ava continued to worsen. That Saturday night, Bryson went into a second night of screaming and pointing--from what we could tell, he seemed to be hallucinating or just going plain crazy. I was stressed and scared about that, and then I got too weak and jittery to hold my sweet boy--spoke with our pediatrician to confirm that it was probably a side effect of the prednisone for Bryson, and I was having a similar reaction to those of some inhalers I tried in high school from breathing the aderol while giving Bryson and Ava breathing treatments. We were thankfully able to knock Bryson out for the night with Benadryl, then I sat down in my room and told Ben I felt like I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, I had hit my limit...then spent the night trying to hold Ava upright in bed as she seemed to be struggling to breathe with every coughing spell. Ben went to church the next morning to open and usher, I got Emma ready for church and sent her with my parents, Bryson seemed to be happy and back to "normal", but Ava wouldn't wake. She would open her eyes a minute or two, so I changed her diaper and checked her temp. around 9:00. It was only 99, so I thought maybe she was just tired from not sleeping much. Two hours later, she still had not woken or played and fear really started creeping in, so I checked her temperature--102 then. I called the pediatrician who called right back very confused since I had the Bryson drama the night before...he agreed we should go on to ER and recommended we go to Levine Chidren's hospital and that we pack a bag in case they admitted us. I called my mom, who came right away and took Bryson while I packed and waited on Ben. That was definitely the most fearful time so far in my parenting journey.
The ER waiting room was good for us. We were not so thrilled about the slam packed room and had a hard time waiting when we were so worried our then 3 month old was fairly lifeless. I don't even remember now how long we were there, but while we were there, we saw a homicide case end with family being escorted out by social worker/counselor type women. My heart sank watching a dad barely able to hold himself up carrying nothing but a pink blanket--in fact, I am tearing up writing about it. Ben and I settled in to a little more patient waiting and gratefulness for whatever it was we were facing--had to be better than that! About 20 minutes later, a girl came running in with a baby in her arms, screaming, "I need help now, my baby's not breathing!". Seriously, I have never seen a baby that stiff and lifeless that was not a cheap baby doll. Again, we were counting our blessings. (I am pretty sure I passed that mother in the hallway after being admitted, so I assume that baby made it.) Not too long after all that, they took us back to triage and kept us back. Due to the nature of the illness and Ava's age, we moved up the priority list. Kinda' makes you feel better. Lots of waiting, monitoring, testing, and x-rays followed the next couple hours. Not so good to be ignorant parents watching your baby's oxygen levels struggle. Then, we got news that we were being admitted, bittersweet. Nice to know she would be monitored and my fearful nights at home were over, but never fun to hear that your baby is sick enough to be admitted to the hospital. And, I was sad I wasn't with my other 2 and that I didn't really get to tell them bye. As we were waiting to be admitted, they brought Ava a gift, what I like to refer to as her $6000 rattle. : ) Thanks to insurance, it didn't cost us quite that much. They were absolutely wonderful to us and our little Ava, and we could not have asked for better care or service! After we settled in, Ben and I were reminded of the many parents who aren't there so temporarily and those who are admitted knowing it's very unlikely they will ever take their child home.
My 3 days in the hospital were filled with lots of movies, chocolate milk, crangrape juice, texting and phone calls. It was nice to have some good one on one time with Ava too. Ben spent the 2nd night at home because Bryson woke up Sunday night at Mom and Dad's fairly inconsolable for several hours. DJ came up and spent a few hours with me, which was also wonderful one on one time! The shower was pretty miserable, as was the amount of junk food we ate, and the sleeping conditions weren't the greatest either, but Ava continually improved, and I got some down time which is RARE! Anyway, we were extremely grateful for healing and happy to be home.
Thankfully, we got home before Emma's 4th birthday! I was starting to worry they were going to keep us, and I wasn't going to be able to be with my baby on her birthday. I managed to get out and get her a gift so that we could celebrate her on her big day, January 6. On the 8th, she and her friend Linnea shared a frog birthday party at our house. Stephanie made the cutest frog cake, and we played some fun frog games and did some frog crafts. The kids seemed to have a good time, and there were definitely 2 very happy 4 year olds that day!
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