This time of year has a way of making us all nostalgic. I have been itching to crack the Christmas decor out for a couple of weeks now, but I have resisted. It is not that I want to "skip" Thanksgiving, but more that I just love Christmas. I love the celebration of our savior coming to earth. I love how we can give to others and just get together and have a great time. I love the music and the festivities and corny Christmas displays on the people's lawns. I love that my kids get so excited as Jamie and I work behind the scenes trying to give them a few things that they'd like to have. I think Christmas brings about a lot of warm memories of special simpler times in my life.
It is also around this time of year, that my Daddy starts to come into my mind even more. I see hunters on facebook with their "prize" photos and know that my Dad would have been in the woods every day. He loved it so much. It is Thanksgiving and his chair will be filled by another and I catch myself looking over there and trying to imagine what he would look like sitting there. We sit elbow to elbow at my mom's table and then still have people sitting all over the place. It is cramped, but full of laughter and fun. Last year was very hard and this year should be easier. Somehow I'm still catching a lump in my throat as time passes on. Everybody says to hang onto the memories, which I do. I look at pictures daily almost and think of things that make me smile, but in the back of my head I think, 'no more memories will be made' and in our humans minds we know that they've missed out on a lot as this is all we know. I suppose, when we get to heaven, we will see God in his glory and realize that our earthly life is where were were "missing out" and our perceptions will change.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
God's Timing
Jamie and I are waiting for an answer from God. I bet most people are waiting for something in their life to happen (or not be happening as the case may be). I feel like we go through our entire existence with something that we are waiting on almost always. I don't like it anymore than the next guy, but being a parent has helped me understand it a bit better I think. If God gave us everything we wanted in the timing we thought we needed it, we would never build character or appreciation for the blessing when it is bestowed upon us. Would we rejoice in the answer if it were immediate? Would we learn the value of patience? If we don't wait and try something ourselves to fill the gap, it probably won't fit even if we wedge it in there. We must wait. We wait upon the Lord, because it is what is right, what is good for us, and what will bless us in the end.
I was thinking today about hunger. If money were no object and I was really really hungry, I could choose to go through the McD's drive through and get almost immediate satisfaction for my hunger pangs. I could also choose to go a little further down the road, go to a sit-down restaurant that serves a menu of my favorite foods that are cooked to order with a server that will be there to fulfill my every need. In the end, which one will leave me better satisfied? My belly will be full either way, but which will taste better? be a more enjoyable experience? give me a sense of satisfaction? be healthier? will be cooked exactly like I needed it? will give me leftovers to enjoy the next day? will I remember the most? will curb my cravings?
You see, I could choose to go to McD's. God allows us free choice in this life. However, if we wait for HIS timing and HIS will, it might be the difference between Prime Rib and a Big Mac. There is truly no comparison. If I eat the McD's and really wanted the Prime Rib, I will probably still crave it even when my belly is full. However, in reverse, I would not care about the McD's in the least, because what I had was so much better! In the end, it is a no brainer, but it is our sense of needing a quick fix that sends us through the McD's drive through making difference choices than what God really wanted to bless us with.
God really does want the best for us. He really does want us to stay in HIS will and we often choose a faster, easier route to get there the way we want. Right now, Jamie and I are waiting a bit on what God has in store for us and we are frustrated a bit in the timing. It isn't the way we had envisioned things, but perhaps the blessing will be worth it in the end. He has always taken care of us and sustained us. I think we just grow so weary and TIRED of the things we cannot see or understand.
I was thinking today about hunger. If money were no object and I was really really hungry, I could choose to go through the McD's drive through and get almost immediate satisfaction for my hunger pangs. I could also choose to go a little further down the road, go to a sit-down restaurant that serves a menu of my favorite foods that are cooked to order with a server that will be there to fulfill my every need. In the end, which one will leave me better satisfied? My belly will be full either way, but which will taste better? be a more enjoyable experience? give me a sense of satisfaction? be healthier? will be cooked exactly like I needed it? will give me leftovers to enjoy the next day? will I remember the most? will curb my cravings?
You see, I could choose to go to McD's. God allows us free choice in this life. However, if we wait for HIS timing and HIS will, it might be the difference between Prime Rib and a Big Mac. There is truly no comparison. If I eat the McD's and really wanted the Prime Rib, I will probably still crave it even when my belly is full. However, in reverse, I would not care about the McD's in the least, because what I had was so much better! In the end, it is a no brainer, but it is our sense of needing a quick fix that sends us through the McD's drive through making difference choices than what God really wanted to bless us with.
God really does want the best for us. He really does want us to stay in HIS will and we often choose a faster, easier route to get there the way we want. Right now, Jamie and I are waiting a bit on what God has in store for us and we are frustrated a bit in the timing. It isn't the way we had envisioned things, but perhaps the blessing will be worth it in the end. He has always taken care of us and sustained us. I think we just grow so weary and TIRED of the things we cannot see or understand.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
1 Year Later
Monday was September 10th. Probably the worst dreaded date on the calendar since last September 10th for my family and I. It was 1 year since my Daddy was alive. We've now made it through every holiday, birthday, FATHER'S day, a fall without hunting, a summer with a garden, visits without LifeSavers or 4 wheeler rides, and now a whole year has passed without me hearing my Daddy's voice or laugh. The grief process is a peculiar beast. The tide will roll in just to be hit with a tidal wave that consumes you once again. It is often lonely and always heart-breaking. It is hard to explain and even harder to put into words for people that may have not had grief so close to them. It feels so unjust and so unfair sometimes and I really feel like screaming and kicking like a toddler to have my way. I don't understand what God has done. I know I never will. Some things in life just don't make sense to our human brains.
Here I am in my 30's and have crossed a milestone that some 55 year old people have yet to reach. I didn't bury a grandparent until I was an adult. My kids have already crossed that milestone in their life and my brain tells me that Chloe won't ever truly remember him. I hear of couples celebrating Golden Anniversaries or big 80th birthday parties and it is hard not to feel a bit of jealousy that my Daddy got neither (they were at 43 years and he was 66 years old) . I hear of people that pray for health miracles and then receive that miracle and yet we didn't have a chance to ask God to help. His decision was made and it was final without us giving our heartfelt petition to the Father that controls all. Instead, I have prayed for peace, comforts, and understanding and praised him for being God even if I don't understand. "He gives and takes away" is a song that now has newfound meaning and brings tears to my eyes almost every time I hear it. I just wanted to say Good-Bye. No, I'm lying...I just wanted 15 more years.
Maybe the 2nd year will be a bit easier as the milestones roll around. I'm not really sure. I tell people sometimes how my Daddy never really leaves my heart. He is never far from my thoughts and there seems to always be a bit of sadness surrounding that. Time may not really heal all wounds. You just kind of learn to get around them, grow from them, appreciate the memories behind them, and realize that heaven will be even sweeter as you get closer yourself.
I've learned how strong the Waldrop family really is. I've learned what true forgiveness really is and I can only say that it is wonderful and sweet! I've learned how to reach out to other people a bit more during their sufferings in life and I have not forgotten those that reached out to me. I've learned that sometimes non-action can stab your heart so much that it hurts and I am ashamed that I may have been a part of someone's additional pain before all this. I've learned what NOT to say to those that are grieving and to just be sincere and be there. I've learned that no matter what happens in life, God is in control. Hugs really do make a small difference sometimes. I've learned that when it is all said and done, I may have been way more of a Daddy's girl that I would have humanly admitted to anyone as an adult woman.
Here I am in my 30's and have crossed a milestone that some 55 year old people have yet to reach. I didn't bury a grandparent until I was an adult. My kids have already crossed that milestone in their life and my brain tells me that Chloe won't ever truly remember him. I hear of couples celebrating Golden Anniversaries or big 80th birthday parties and it is hard not to feel a bit of jealousy that my Daddy got neither (they were at 43 years and he was 66 years old) . I hear of people that pray for health miracles and then receive that miracle and yet we didn't have a chance to ask God to help. His decision was made and it was final without us giving our heartfelt petition to the Father that controls all. Instead, I have prayed for peace, comforts, and understanding and praised him for being God even if I don't understand. "He gives and takes away" is a song that now has newfound meaning and brings tears to my eyes almost every time I hear it. I just wanted to say Good-Bye. No, I'm lying...I just wanted 15 more years.
Maybe the 2nd year will be a bit easier as the milestones roll around. I'm not really sure. I tell people sometimes how my Daddy never really leaves my heart. He is never far from my thoughts and there seems to always be a bit of sadness surrounding that. Time may not really heal all wounds. You just kind of learn to get around them, grow from them, appreciate the memories behind them, and realize that heaven will be even sweeter as you get closer yourself.
I've learned how strong the Waldrop family really is. I've learned what true forgiveness really is and I can only say that it is wonderful and sweet! I've learned how to reach out to other people a bit more during their sufferings in life and I have not forgotten those that reached out to me. I've learned that sometimes non-action can stab your heart so much that it hurts and I am ashamed that I may have been a part of someone's additional pain before all this. I've learned what NOT to say to those that are grieving and to just be sincere and be there. I've learned that no matter what happens in life, God is in control. Hugs really do make a small difference sometimes. I've learned that when it is all said and done, I may have been way more of a Daddy's girl that I would have humanly admitted to anyone as an adult woman.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
St. Louis is all the Buzz
So, I booked our hotel and we are headed to St. Louis for the week of Labor day (3 days, 2 nights). The kids are all excited and so are we. I think Hannah may have been a baby the last time we went. I truly can't remember! Jamie hasn't had many days off in over a year and he is ready for a little true R&R now that he is out of his Master's Program! And, wonder of wonders, St. Louis opened an American Girl Store this summer. Guess where we will be? It will be our last stop as to (hopefully) not be in the thick of the weekend crowd. The joys of homeschooling! Taking a vacation when everybody else is in school AND counting it as a field trip! We even found a family friendly hotel that serves hot breakfast AND dinner! A hotel that is just a mile from Forest park and has 2 meals for no extra pay! How can you beat that? So, the kids are all a buzz and we are planning out stops. I hope that the rain will stay away for those 3 days as much of our activity is outdoors.
The past few days have swelled in me moments of nostalgia. I look at my kids and realize how big they are. They are growing fast and I'm trying not to blink too many times so I won't miss it. September is on the horizon, which means that my Daddy has been dead almost a year. It seems crazy to think that a year can seem so long yet so short all at once. Grief is different than I ever thought. I've lost sweet Grandmothers that were like other mothers to me, an aunt, and uncle, but...somehow losing my Daddy has stayed with me. He is never too far from my thoughts. Sometimes I get a chuckle out of something he did or how I would think his reaction would be, but sometimes tears well up and I feel so lonely and sad. I never know how much grief resembled fear and loneliness. I can be content and happy, but there is still always a chunk of my heart that is a bit tender and sad. I had someone come up to me last week at my mother's church and ask me if I was "David's daughter" I told him I was and he told me how nice of a man my Daddy was. It is nice for people to tell you that from time to time. It isn't like you are going to make me sad by mentioning it. You might just make my day for reminding me that others haven't forgotten.
Jamie is finally finished with school and relief is written all over the Hughes family's faces. We are all so happy to have more family time! 2 years is a long time, but he graduated with a perfect 4.0 and I'm proud of him. He worked hard for it and he earned it. Who would have ever thought that teenager in high school would have a Masters with a 4.0! I always knew he was capable and my husband even became addicted to getting the A's like I used to be!
The past few days have swelled in me moments of nostalgia. I look at my kids and realize how big they are. They are growing fast and I'm trying not to blink too many times so I won't miss it. September is on the horizon, which means that my Daddy has been dead almost a year. It seems crazy to think that a year can seem so long yet so short all at once. Grief is different than I ever thought. I've lost sweet Grandmothers that were like other mothers to me, an aunt, and uncle, but...somehow losing my Daddy has stayed with me. He is never too far from my thoughts. Sometimes I get a chuckle out of something he did or how I would think his reaction would be, but sometimes tears well up and I feel so lonely and sad. I never know how much grief resembled fear and loneliness. I can be content and happy, but there is still always a chunk of my heart that is a bit tender and sad. I had someone come up to me last week at my mother's church and ask me if I was "David's daughter" I told him I was and he told me how nice of a man my Daddy was. It is nice for people to tell you that from time to time. It isn't like you are going to make me sad by mentioning it. You might just make my day for reminding me that others haven't forgotten.
Jamie is finally finished with school and relief is written all over the Hughes family's faces. We are all so happy to have more family time! 2 years is a long time, but he graduated with a perfect 4.0 and I'm proud of him. He worked hard for it and he earned it. Who would have ever thought that teenager in high school would have a Masters with a 4.0! I always knew he was capable and my husband even became addicted to getting the A's like I used to be!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
British Tea Party and the Olympics
We are in full swing for the new school year. I almost forget that everybody else is still on Summer break until next week. We did a big unit on Great Britain to gear up for our big unit on the Olympics. Well, you can't have a unit on Great Britain without a British tea party! So, I planned the menu and the girls planned the attire. They wanted to dress up and they forced Micah into the hat. It worked out and everybody had fun (and looked cute).
We had scones with jam and butter, cucumber sandwiches, fruit, and a couple of choices of tea. They tried everything and enjoyed the tea, but decided they liked iced tea better. I have to agree, although I do like it better in the winter.
Watching the Olympics has been interesting. They have really looked forward to it this year and learned about the different sports. I'm glad to get to share this with them and I think I've been more excited this year than I have in a long time. It is fun to see things through a child's eye and route for your team. We do not pay for television and don't get good reception with our indoor antenna, so we now have a cord stringing down our hallway to our bedroom for the antenna as it picks up better in that room. So, for the next 2 weeks, we may be tripping over a cord, but we will be enjoying the sports together.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Let me off!
Have you ever felt like you just wanted to be let off the roller coaster of life? We kind of feel that way right now. It seems like things will "settle" then we turn around and encounter another problem. My Daddy dying was the biggest problem of the last year (biggest problem of my life), but then it seems like we've had one thing after another. These other things aren't really a big deal by themselves, but when they are all smooshed up against the other stresses and other problems, then suddenly you feel like you can't take much more. It's like we are in a huge snowball that just keeps mounting up on itself.
My life is good. We are happy and my family can always bring a big smile to my face. I don't think there are many days that go by where I haven't laughed hysterically about something (most of the time multiple times a day), because having 4 kids is the most wonderful gift I've ever been given! I always feel like I have to remind anybody reading that I'm not in a state of depression:-) I'm not.
I've cried this week, but not because I'm depressed. It is because I'm worried. I worry about an impending surgery for Jamie. While getting tonsils removed isn't a "life or death" situation, it really is a bit of a bigger deal in adults. I know he will be OK (even better) after he heals, but who wants surgery? We have bathed this issue in prayer and I've not lost hope yet, but after being almost halfway through the 3 week antibiotic, and him feeling worse, my feelings of hope are being replaced with plans of what we are to do next. He goes the last day of the month to the ENT, where I feel like surgery will be scheduled.
Considering we already owe a nice chunk of change to MCCH (who are the most unreasonable hospital to work out payment plans in my experience), then I remain stressed as I look at the upcoming months for our family. I'm really not sure how it will work out, honestly. God knows, but I don't. The fact is, that all of this (to us) is a BIG deal. It isn't this ONE thing that makes this a huge deal, but a culmination of things that has gotten us to the point of STRESSED! I've mentioned that I'm praying for healing to a few people and I've often been met with smiles, chuckles, and people kind of blowing off our concerns. I'm not joking. I see my husband in pain when others don't, and I know our financial battles that lie ahead (they seem impossible to me right now). No, I'm not joking. I'm very serious. THIS is the reasons that Jamie and I are very private about our personal lives. It is NOT funny or something we are smiling about. It is something that I have cried about and poured my heart out to God about, but laughter is not even on my radar even for a second.
We have asked people to pray (first and foremost) for healing. It is not impossible yet!
My life is good. We are happy and my family can always bring a big smile to my face. I don't think there are many days that go by where I haven't laughed hysterically about something (most of the time multiple times a day), because having 4 kids is the most wonderful gift I've ever been given! I always feel like I have to remind anybody reading that I'm not in a state of depression:-) I'm not.
I've cried this week, but not because I'm depressed. It is because I'm worried. I worry about an impending surgery for Jamie. While getting tonsils removed isn't a "life or death" situation, it really is a bit of a bigger deal in adults. I know he will be OK (even better) after he heals, but who wants surgery? We have bathed this issue in prayer and I've not lost hope yet, but after being almost halfway through the 3 week antibiotic, and him feeling worse, my feelings of hope are being replaced with plans of what we are to do next. He goes the last day of the month to the ENT, where I feel like surgery will be scheduled.
Considering we already owe a nice chunk of change to MCCH (who are the most unreasonable hospital to work out payment plans in my experience), then I remain stressed as I look at the upcoming months for our family. I'm really not sure how it will work out, honestly. God knows, but I don't. The fact is, that all of this (to us) is a BIG deal. It isn't this ONE thing that makes this a huge deal, but a culmination of things that has gotten us to the point of STRESSED! I've mentioned that I'm praying for healing to a few people and I've often been met with smiles, chuckles, and people kind of blowing off our concerns. I'm not joking. I see my husband in pain when others don't, and I know our financial battles that lie ahead (they seem impossible to me right now). No, I'm not joking. I'm very serious. THIS is the reasons that Jamie and I are very private about our personal lives. It is NOT funny or something we are smiling about. It is something that I have cried about and poured my heart out to God about, but laughter is not even on my radar even for a second.
We have asked people to pray (first and foremost) for healing. It is not impossible yet!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Whew....It's been a while!
I'm not sure why blogging has just not been a big thought to me lately. I've missed April b-days, Mission trip to Texas, our Anniversary and countless other cute kid posts, but here I am a few months behind! There is simply no way to catch up. Maybe I will do a picture post of all the missing puzzle pieces or something. Life goes on and I'll try to do better.
Monday, we began school for 2012-2013! Insane to most? Perhaps, but so far no complaints and we are having frequent breaks throughout the year. July is so hot and I'd rather be accomplishing something productive. We are taking our vacation in the fall when all the other people are back to the old grind!
My kids are getting so big and while I don't like that a bit, they are at fun ages at the same time! I'll never regret having them so close together, because the chatter, games, playing, and fun (and yes sometimes a little bickering) that happens in our home is priceless.
So, here we go for another fun filled year! I've contemplated doing another blog of homeschooling ideas (not so much personal as informational). Maybe I need to see how well I keep up with this one first. HA!
Monday, we began school for 2012-2013! Insane to most? Perhaps, but so far no complaints and we are having frequent breaks throughout the year. July is so hot and I'd rather be accomplishing something productive. We are taking our vacation in the fall when all the other people are back to the old grind!
Heritage Christian Homeschool:
7th Grade
5th Grade
4th Grade
1st Grade
So, here we go for another fun filled year! I've contemplated doing another blog of homeschooling ideas (not so much personal as informational). Maybe I need to see how well I keep up with this one first. HA!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Parvo Virus? How can that be?
I've asked myself this questions all day. Last night Jamie came in from his last Monday night class. What should have been an exciting event, took a turn, because I told Jamie that Gigi was not acting right. She was lethargic and periodically having dry heaves. Having been spayed last Wed, we've been shocked at the fact, that she was almost completely unphased by the whole thing. We teased that she must not have pain receptors, but were glad that she was fairing well, digging holes, hunting moles, chasing soccer balls.
Yesterday was more of the same playful banter. She came in and around 6:30 she vomited, but I thought she may have eaten something unagreeable in the yard or something. I didn't think much of it and it is completely normal for her to come in and crash. When Jamie got home at 10:30, she was shaking and had a couple more bouts of dry heaves. We even said that if she were not well by morning, we'd need to call the vet.
She had another bout in the night, but rested well and cuddled right up next to me. This morning, we called the vet and he told me to bring her in. I sent Jamie that direction to get school started for the day. He texted me and said they were checking for Parvo. I even texted back, "she was vaccinated" and then a little later he called and said she did have Parvo. I could not believe my ears. How did this happen? We had done what we were told to do to prevent this from happening and keep our pet healthy. Just last week, she was spayed at that SAME clinic??? My mind was filled with many questions, but I was so upset, crying, I called off school for the day, and felt like I had been punched in the gut.
A couple of hours later, I called and talked to the vet. He was very curt and said that he could not give me a prognosis and it was not uncommon for dogs to die within 6 hours of symptoms. How is this suppose to bring me comfort? So, I questioned him on that fact that their records online indicated that she was up to date on her vaccines and that we were never told verbally or otherwise that she needed another round (I found out she needed 3 rounds accidentally through this converesation). I suppose he felt like I was pointing a finger at them, but in reality, at this time, I just wanted ANSWERS! He said that we got a reminder card and continued to just be downright rude. I was proud for not being rude back. I did hang up and cry some more.
He called back about 5 minutes later very nice and apologetic. He explained that it was inputted incorrectly and she did indeed need 1 more round of vaccines, but it was in their computer system incorrect. Ok? And this still doesn't make me feel better, but angry. So, something 100% preventable and deadly is now effecting my puppy by a "Clerical error". I just listened and didn't say much through this conversation, because I know they were caring for my dog, and no matter what, i want her cared for without ill feelings towards me.
Of course, what happens when a woman gets angry? She cries some more! So I sat here and cried some more thinking about how all this is so stupid and could have been prevented. I feel like she picked it up when we were being responsible and had her spayed last week (another time they didn't notice her records were "off"). I'm so upset and angry.
I know it is "just" a dog. I love that dog! We all do! My Daddy died and that litter of pups was like a little ray of sunshine and blessing. This entire year has just been a big kick in the gut, but I feel like we were given those dogs for a purpose of comfort, love, companionship, and happiness during a horrible tragedy.
I'm just so upset by this vet office and how a simple error in the computer system and miscommunication has made my Dog have one of the deadliest viruses she can get. Needless to say, I will be taking my business elsewhere. More importantly, we need Gigi to pull through and come back her happy self!
Yesterday was more of the same playful banter. She came in and around 6:30 she vomited, but I thought she may have eaten something unagreeable in the yard or something. I didn't think much of it and it is completely normal for her to come in and crash. When Jamie got home at 10:30, she was shaking and had a couple more bouts of dry heaves. We even said that if she were not well by morning, we'd need to call the vet.
She had another bout in the night, but rested well and cuddled right up next to me. This morning, we called the vet and he told me to bring her in. I sent Jamie that direction to get school started for the day. He texted me and said they were checking for Parvo. I even texted back, "she was vaccinated" and then a little later he called and said she did have Parvo. I could not believe my ears. How did this happen? We had done what we were told to do to prevent this from happening and keep our pet healthy. Just last week, she was spayed at that SAME clinic??? My mind was filled with many questions, but I was so upset, crying, I called off school for the day, and felt like I had been punched in the gut.
A couple of hours later, I called and talked to the vet. He was very curt and said that he could not give me a prognosis and it was not uncommon for dogs to die within 6 hours of symptoms. How is this suppose to bring me comfort? So, I questioned him on that fact that their records online indicated that she was up to date on her vaccines and that we were never told verbally or otherwise that she needed another round (I found out she needed 3 rounds accidentally through this converesation). I suppose he felt like I was pointing a finger at them, but in reality, at this time, I just wanted ANSWERS! He said that we got a reminder card and continued to just be downright rude. I was proud for not being rude back. I did hang up and cry some more.
He called back about 5 minutes later very nice and apologetic. He explained that it was inputted incorrectly and she did indeed need 1 more round of vaccines, but it was in their computer system incorrect. Ok? And this still doesn't make me feel better, but angry. So, something 100% preventable and deadly is now effecting my puppy by a "Clerical error". I just listened and didn't say much through this conversation, because I know they were caring for my dog, and no matter what, i want her cared for without ill feelings towards me.
Of course, what happens when a woman gets angry? She cries some more! So I sat here and cried some more thinking about how all this is so stupid and could have been prevented. I feel like she picked it up when we were being responsible and had her spayed last week (another time they didn't notice her records were "off"). I'm so upset and angry.
I know it is "just" a dog. I love that dog! We all do! My Daddy died and that litter of pups was like a little ray of sunshine and blessing. This entire year has just been a big kick in the gut, but I feel like we were given those dogs for a purpose of comfort, love, companionship, and happiness during a horrible tragedy.
I'm just so upset by this vet office and how a simple error in the computer system and miscommunication has made my Dog have one of the deadliest viruses she can get. Needless to say, I will be taking my business elsewhere. More importantly, we need Gigi to pull through and come back her happy self!
Monday, March 12, 2012
It's Been a While
It seems like I have had Blogger's Block and really nothing creative to say, I suppose.
Since January 28th:
We have had a very mild winter. This is probably the mildest I've ever seen and we have enjoyed it immensely. Chloe even told me one day, "God is spoiling us...he gave us this warm winter so we could play outside" I couldn't have said it better! Being cooped up all day makes for crabby kids (and Mommy).
Abbi has been busy with her new cake making hobby. We are trying to learn as we go. She is very creative and has been doing a good job. She is always thinking of new ideas to try. I wish I had more time and energy to let her create, but we have been averaging 1-2 a month.
It is almost soccer season and guess who Abbi and Hannah's assistant coaches are? Yea, you guessed it! I could really kick my husband for making soccer season even more "busy" than it already is. It'll be fine, but it isn't like we don't have enough to do around here.
We are going on a mission trip to Texas in May to Buckner International for Shoes for Orphan Souls. We are in shoe collection mode at our church and we (among several other familes) will trek down to TX to drop them off, work in the factory there, and give my kids an experience in missions. I'm looking forward to this trip as much as they are, I think. So if you have NEW shoes that you'd like to donate to a worthy cause, they can travel down to us.
Jamie is the preacher out at Mid-Continent Baptist church. I think that his official title is something else, but you might as well call a spade a spade. He is preaching each Sunday there. I think he is enjoying it. It leads for a busy and long Sunday morning for us as a family, as we are now attending 2 churches.
We are in the final stretch of school year 2011-2012, which seems impossible, but true. We'll be finished up by Mid-May and I'm already in the mode of ordering for next year. We are 2 solid years into this and planning for the next year starts to come easier and easier. We have found our "groove" and what works around here. Our school year will begin in July for the next year. Yes, we are going with an alternate schedule, because July ends up being so hot that it is often a waste of days off.
We just surpassed my Daddy's birthday and 6 month mark all in the same week. It is hard to explain how I feel to people, so I often don't. I'm not sure anybody really understands except my family, and that is OK.
Our dog is fitting right in and doing so well. She now knows our routine and minds us really well. She does go spastic when someone comes in the front door, so please don't judge her by that. I swear she loses all sense if somebody comes in the house, but i guess that is normal for kids and dogs:-)
Since January 28th:
We have had a very mild winter. This is probably the mildest I've ever seen and we have enjoyed it immensely. Chloe even told me one day, "God is spoiling us...he gave us this warm winter so we could play outside" I couldn't have said it better! Being cooped up all day makes for crabby kids (and Mommy).
Abbi has been busy with her new cake making hobby. We are trying to learn as we go. She is very creative and has been doing a good job. She is always thinking of new ideas to try. I wish I had more time and energy to let her create, but we have been averaging 1-2 a month.
It is almost soccer season and guess who Abbi and Hannah's assistant coaches are? Yea, you guessed it! I could really kick my husband for making soccer season even more "busy" than it already is. It'll be fine, but it isn't like we don't have enough to do around here.
We are going on a mission trip to Texas in May to Buckner International for Shoes for Orphan Souls. We are in shoe collection mode at our church and we (among several other familes) will trek down to TX to drop them off, work in the factory there, and give my kids an experience in missions. I'm looking forward to this trip as much as they are, I think. So if you have NEW shoes that you'd like to donate to a worthy cause, they can travel down to us.
Jamie is the preacher out at Mid-Continent Baptist church. I think that his official title is something else, but you might as well call a spade a spade. He is preaching each Sunday there. I think he is enjoying it. It leads for a busy and long Sunday morning for us as a family, as we are now attending 2 churches.
We are in the final stretch of school year 2011-2012, which seems impossible, but true. We'll be finished up by Mid-May and I'm already in the mode of ordering for next year. We are 2 solid years into this and planning for the next year starts to come easier and easier. We have found our "groove" and what works around here. Our school year will begin in July for the next year. Yes, we are going with an alternate schedule, because July ends up being so hot that it is often a waste of days off.
We just surpassed my Daddy's birthday and 6 month mark all in the same week. It is hard to explain how I feel to people, so I often don't. I'm not sure anybody really understands except my family, and that is OK.
Our dog is fitting right in and doing so well. She now knows our routine and minds us really well. She does go spastic when someone comes in the front door, so please don't judge her by that. I swear she loses all sense if somebody comes in the house, but i guess that is normal for kids and dogs:-)
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Creative Canvas with Abbi
For Christmas, I suggested to my mother to get the kids a gift certificate to Creative Canvas. I went with Mama, Denisha, and Jordyn a couple of months ago and we had a blast. Abbi went today, because she wanted to paint the sunflower portrait (a Van Gogh copycat). We wanted to be able to take the kids out on a Saturday afternoon by themselves. They rarely get that and it is a treat to get all the attention for a few hours.
Her painting turned out very good! It is now hanging proudly in her room and will be something she can keep.
Lunch at Culvers:
Starting her masterpiece:
Getting to sign the wall:
Friday, January 13, 2012
Can I brag on My Husband?
It seems like I'm always updating everybody else and bragging on the children (and even the dog), but I feel like I may neglect my bragging of Jamie a bit. Not intentionally, of course. He knows how much I love him, but sometimes I just have to sit and ponder.
Jamie has been in my life for almost 24 years. It is honestly had to think of life before Jamie, because I was a mere child. We went to school dances, the movies, and each other's houses until we could actually date. We had some ups and downs in high school. I think there were moments that we both thought about ending the madness. For whatever reason we stuck it out. As angry as he would make me sometimes at 15 years old, we had a lot of fun together when we were together. In all reality, he became my best friend no matter what label was slapped on it.
Our relationship grew, we got engaged at 18, married at 19, and here we sit almost 18 years later. Crazy! I love him more than I ever thought possible. The same man that graduated high school by the skin of his teeth is maintaining a 4.0 status in graduate school. Maybe because he wants it more? Maybe because he is doing it for the 5 of us? Maybe he was just really that smar all along!
The same man that wasn't a Christian when we met (neither was I) is now a minister and love God with his whole heart. Not only does his vocation show it, his life shows it. He has a strong faith.
A few months ago as I went through the most challenging thing I've ever encountered in life, he let me cry as much as I needed, held me against his chest for me to scream into, held me up at the graveyard when it felt like my legs would collapsed under me, he stood by my side (and still is) and was there for my family and me without complaint (because I know he was exhausted). He lets me talk about it as much as I need and I know he prays for me.
He is a very hands-on Daddy and my kids adore him. I sometimes feel like chopped liver, because Daddy quickly gains all the attention when he is home. They miss him when he is gone, but they make up for lost time. He works a lot and always has. He puts our needs first and always has. He is the Daddy that all children wish they had if they don't.
He works hard (darned hard) for our family. We could easily be a double income family, but it just never felt right. God shifted my calling to stay home and later to homeschool, and he supports that, is excited about that, and trusts God (as to I) to provide our needs.
I love you Jamie!
Jamie has been in my life for almost 24 years. It is honestly had to think of life before Jamie, because I was a mere child. We went to school dances, the movies, and each other's houses until we could actually date. We had some ups and downs in high school. I think there were moments that we both thought about ending the madness. For whatever reason we stuck it out. As angry as he would make me sometimes at 15 years old, we had a lot of fun together when we were together. In all reality, he became my best friend no matter what label was slapped on it.
Our relationship grew, we got engaged at 18, married at 19, and here we sit almost 18 years later. Crazy! I love him more than I ever thought possible. The same man that graduated high school by the skin of his teeth is maintaining a 4.0 status in graduate school. Maybe because he wants it more? Maybe because he is doing it for the 5 of us? Maybe he was just really that smar all along!
The same man that wasn't a Christian when we met (neither was I) is now a minister and love God with his whole heart. Not only does his vocation show it, his life shows it. He has a strong faith.
A few months ago as I went through the most challenging thing I've ever encountered in life, he let me cry as much as I needed, held me against his chest for me to scream into, held me up at the graveyard when it felt like my legs would collapsed under me, he stood by my side (and still is) and was there for my family and me without complaint (because I know he was exhausted). He lets me talk about it as much as I need and I know he prays for me.
He is a very hands-on Daddy and my kids adore him. I sometimes feel like chopped liver, because Daddy quickly gains all the attention when he is home. They miss him when he is gone, but they make up for lost time. He works a lot and always has. He puts our needs first and always has. He is the Daddy that all children wish they had if they don't.
He works hard (darned hard) for our family. We could easily be a double income family, but it just never felt right. God shifted my calling to stay home and later to homeschool, and he supports that, is excited about that, and trusts God (as to I) to provide our needs.
I love you Jamie!
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