The light inside

An aside...

2012-01-22T22:49:00.002-05:00

For the moment I cannot (or at least it wouldn't be prudent to) use this as my personal journal to work through my feelings. So, that leaves me frustrated.
Since I cannot use this as my online therapy I will have to talk about something else.
My baby, isn't a baby any more. He turned 2 just over a month ago, and already I can see so many changes in him. His vocabulary increases daily, and so does his attitude! He is definitely going to push the boundaries and explore his independence. I think we are more prepared for this the third time around, but I know this guy is one tough little booger and he will be a challenge all his own!
It really his me this morning when I get him ready for church this morning and I had to check to make sure the pants I had put on him weren't the wrong size. 2Ts, and they are already turning into high waters. That is my crazy big boy!

Maybe it's ok...

2011-10-13T22:53:00.002-04:00

There is an ache in my heart. A restlessness in my soul. I really only acknowledge it when I am still and life is quiet. Therefore, most times I can totally ignore it...

But in those still and quiet times it gnaws at me. I'm unsettled. To be honest, I'm in a state of malcontent.

I am blessed beyond measure. And truly don't have any reason to complain.

But I do not feel at home. We are not settled here. There are many things that are not as we expected. And putting down roots is a lengthy process. So, the ache and restlessness remain.

And I struggle with it. I struggle because unlike Paul, I have clearly not learned what it is like to be content in any situation. And because of that I feel guilty, and recognize my sin of ungratefulness.

Tonight a different thought occurred to me. The thought that perhaps this unsettledness is ok. Maybe it's even good. To think that this feeling is good is difficult to accept because it hurts. How could this discomfort and uneasiness be good? It is my understanding that this world, and more specifically my time on it, is quickly passing. So there is supposed to be a restlessness about my soul and longing for my true and lasting home in heaven. Often however, I am quite content with this life and where I am in it. So perhaps this time will pass and I will once again become comfortable and "at home" in my new locale. But perhaps the Lord is reigniting that part of my soul that understands this life is temporary and I am to long for my real home beyond. Maybe one additional reason for the move...

9 years

2011-06-01T22:12:00.002-04:00

Today marks 9 years since the moment that Justin and I committed our lives to each other and became one. I have a friend who makes a list when their anniversary comes around and I always love it, so I am stealing her idea...
9- 9 different homes (apartments, townhomes, sub-leases, etc.) we've lived in
8- 8 years of schooling and training
7- 7 different vehicles we've owned
6- 6 major medical experiences (childbirth not included)
5- 5 crazy people going in different directions trying to be a family!
4- 4 different states of residence
3- Amazing kiddos to keep us busy
2- Homes of our own (sold one last week, bought a new one today!)
1-life like we never planned, but more blessed than we imagined!

The last nine years have been such a crazy ride. I am so glad to have experienced them with Justin. When we said "I do" 9 years ago I loved you Justin. I love you SO much more now. You are such a wonderful man and husband. I'm looking forward to another 9 years and more!

Bittersweet

2011-05-25T13:58:00.004-04:00

Moving is bittersweet. Not a great revelation I know... but it's SO true.

Today I went to a real estate office and signed all of the paperwork. We officially sold our house. For a week we are homeless (not without lodging, just without a permanent place to land). As I walked through the house this morning and took out the last of the trash it was emotional. Everywhere I looked there was a memory. There was virtually nothing in that house that we hadn't updated or remodeled. As I looked around I was flooded by memories of countless hours and the blood sweat and tears that coincided with them. Justin and I did a lot of growing up in that house. We taught ourselves to repair and replace things, we painted more than you might believe, and we learned all about the true costs of homeownership.

But beyond the bones of the house there were so many memories. That is the only house Evan has ever known. I will miss how he learned where the cereal was and he would bring it to me every morning, and multiple other times during the day. I watched him today as he walked around with me and realized that he is just about the age Caleb was when we moved here... This is the only house Caleb really remembers, and the longest he's ever lived in one place. In his lifetime before moving here the longest he'd ever been in one place was 6 months... Such sweet memories of that boy around the house. (And the crazy ones, like the day when he was under 2 and he stood in the middle of the street and followed up that little stunt by putting corn up his nose, or the day he put beads up his nose.) And Elizabeth was so sweet and little when we moved here. She is still so sweet, and still little, but she has grown so much. She spent almost 3 entire summers outside running through the yards and playing with her friends. Unknown hours of pretend and riding and racing were seen by this house. I know this move is hardest for her. She understands what is happening. She understands what she is leaving behind. She has always had a hard time with goodbyes. Yesterday as we told our neighbor friends goodbye it was no exception. She hugged and cried, and hugged some more. My favorite thing was that she asked her sweet friend Samairee to walk her back home. This is what I caught:

For me? It's hard. I look around and see great times we've had a as a family. I see the place where I solidified my independence. I know I can handle a lot as a parent. I see the place where I learned to do it by myself and how to get through life without having my husband around. I spent a lot of time alone in that house. I missed family terribly from that house. I had great friendships form in that house. That house was a sanctuary for a friend in times of great trial. It was a wonderful old house.

That pretty much sums it up. It's hard. It's final. It's bittersweet. I'm almost in tears as I type this... and we are still in pittsburgh for another 26 days... Oh my this could get ugly...

Two Great Pediatricians, and two things I needed to hear

2011-03-15T23:44:00.004-04:00

Evan had his well child check today. I know I haven't mentioned it, but I absolutely love his pediatrician. He is wonderful. I'm not a huge fan of the clinic (they can be disorganized and difficult to work with) but I'll continue to deal with it to see Dr. Anderson.

Dr. Anderson is a good and competent doctor. But what I love the most about him is how involved he is in his patients lives. We started seeing him just after we moved here and he learned right away that Justin was in residency. We haven't had to see him often except for check ups, but he has never forgotten the situation we are in and often asks how we are doing. Today we talked about the fact that residency is almost over, he asked where we were going, what I thought about the move, and if we would be near family (He remembers we have no family near us now). I talked for a while and he listened. We talked about how busy Justin would be in his new practice, and I told him that my expectations are that it will be just like residency (that way I figure I am mentally prepared if he is that busy, and if it ends up that he works less then it is just a blessing). Then I mentioned something about it getting better, and kind of laughed. He was really honest with me and said it would get better, and it wouldn't. There will be an ebb and flow. It was nice to hear someone be honest with me about life after residency. Everyone wants to sugar coat it and say don't worry you've made it through the tough part. But the reality is that it will continue to be tough after we leave here.
The best part about my interaction with Dr. Anderson though is not his honesty. EVERY visit he prays over and for my children. It is humbling and amazing. I absolutely love it, and am brought to tears almost every time. As we chatted today he had stopped and asked me if I was okay. He said you look.... I passed it off as being tired (truth be told it is a part of the equation) from Justin being gone last week and having to hold the fort down all by myself. He didn't really need to have a counseling session with me then... :) So during his prayer time he prayed that God would prepare a church and friends for us in Tennessee when we moved. I can't tell you how touched I am those words came to his heart. That Lord is what I need there, and what I am most sorrowful about leaving behind...

My second interaction came this afternoon...
I was listening to the Dave Ramsey Show (my financial guru) :) and he had Dr. Meg Meeker on talking about her new book for mothers. After the show ended they had a special online chat with Dr. Meeker where you could post questions and she would answer them. I asked a question, and she answered it. Here is the interaction:

Allison:
My husband is about to finish his residency and start in a practice. We will be moving several states away, and do not have any connections in our new location. Do you have any advice on preparing my kids (ages 7,4 &1), and myself for the move and the changes that it will bring?

Dr. Meg Meeker:
The most important thing when you make the move is to find a community with a good school system and a good church. You should be able to feel as connected in that community as you feel in the community you're in. What is it in your current life that's really important to you? Try to reproduce that in the new community. It's also important to give yourselves some grace and realize you may have some bumpy months ahead, and that's perfectly okay. You'll get through them.

I don't know if that response meant anything to you, but in reading it I feel SO blessed. I don't have to be the perfect mother through this difficult and bumpy transition. And we will all struggle some. And best of all, it's ok. We will make it through!
I knew all of that in my head, but having someone else say it out loud gives me some breathing room...
Okay... Here we go...

My big score!

2011-03-15T23:44:00.000-04:00

If you know me you know I love a bargain.

And lets be honest... I'm cheap. :)

So several weeks ago I went to the store and decided I was going to get a few personal care items.

Here is a photo of what I got:

It includes:

1 deodorant

1 hand soap

2 tubes of toothpaste

1 bottle of conditioner

1 bottle of shampoo & conditioner (manly scented)

2 bottles of body wash (one manly, one girly)

My total cost for these 8 items?? $6!!

I paid full price for the conditioner, but had a coupon for everything else. :)

Plus I got a coupon for $3.50 off deodorant for Justin, which is basically another free thing! Yeah coupons!

Overwhelmed...

2011-02-07T22:16:00.003-05:00

Noticed I've been blogging more lately?

Have I fallen upon loads of spare time? No
Am I bored? No
Have I hired a nanny?- No

Truth be told: I'm overwhelmed.

Overwhelmed? That doesn't seem outrageous, but not seeing the correlation between blogging... here it is.

I have SO much that I need to and should be doing. There is so much to be done that at times I feel paralyzed by the weight of it all. So what do I do in my paralysis? I blog...
Probably not the wisest of ways to spend my time, but I'm finding it therapeutic, so for me it is working.

The next 5 months hold the following things for our lives: finishing up all updates and repairs on this house, putting our house up for sale, keeping our house clean while it is on the market (perhaps my most intimidating task), selling our house (Lord willing), helping my kids finish the school year, helping my husband finish his residency, finding a place to live in TN, preparing my kids to move from the only place that my boys have really ever known and the first place my daughter has been old enough to truly have placed roots, preparing myself to leave the place that I have come to know as home and move away from some of the best friends of my life, and preparing all of us to once again start over with a new life new experiences and new friends.
All of this while keeping my daily life and daily tasks going as normal.

So yes, I'm overwhelmed. So if you see me here more often, just know that it's my therapy. And I'd love and welcome your prayers. :)

I'll try to keep you posted on our progress...

Last Quarter of 2010

2011-02-04T13:15:00.001-05:00

Here's a brief recap of the last 3 months of 2010.

So, as many of you guessed: I turned 30. :)
It still feels a little weird, but I sure am blessed. If you had asked me at 20 what my life would look like at 30, I never would have guessed any of this!

I had a lovely day and ended with meeting friends for a dinner out.

8 days later Elizabeth celebrated her 7th birthday. It is somewhat hart to believe, but she is so grown up these days that it isn't hard either. We celebrated with a birthday lunch of her choosing (McDonald's), then afternoon cake, and off to trick or treat with our buddy Linus and his grandma. This year Elizabeth was a ballerina, Caleb was a cowboy, and for his first Halloween ever Evan was Batman! They looked cute, had a good time, and tried not to freeze. :) Here is a picture of her ballerina cake. (Apparently she's a european ballerina who dies her hair blonde...)

The next day Caleb turned 4. We had a birthday dinner of his choosing (Wendy's- for the frosty, of course), and had cake as a family. The next weekend we did cake again with buddies and my parents. He enjoyed it. Here is a picture of his shark cake:

My parents came for their 2nd trip to PA. The last time they came my mom spent time with me, and then took care of the rest of us after Evan was born. My Dad flew in for a few days, loved on everybody and helped around the house. This trip we decided we would show them a little more of our part of the world. So along with spending lots of time playing, hanging out together and shopping we took an overnight trip to Gettysburg. I think my parents really enjoyed the trip (I know my Dad could have stayed there the whole week, but...), and other than Elizabeth getting car sick on the way there we all really did too. It was nice to let them enjoy some of the historical areas around our part of the world. It was a great visit.

We spent Thanksgiving here in Pittsburgh. We went over to our friends' (and fellow resident) house and had a really nice meal and a great time. We all brought part of the meal and shared the leftovers around. I really think that has to be the way to prepare a meal!

In December we found a puppy on Craigslist that needed a home and adopted him. His name is Swisher and we think he is beagle boxer. The kids adore him, and I can't say he's been without his trials and adjustments, but he's been a good addition to our family. This is a picture of when we first got him. He's grown a little, but not too much.

Then Tim and Cathy (Justin's parents) came for another great visit and to help us celebrate Evan's first birthday. His birthday was on a Tuesday, but I wanted to make sure his daddy would be around for his party, so we invited a few friends over on the Sunday before his birthday. We played a traditional Bulgarian game, where on their first birthday you put out several objects representing occupations and whatever they walk/crawl to and select tells you what they will be when they grow up. Well, there was no competition for Evan he went for the camera as fast as he could. I guess we will just have to see if he turns out to be a photographer. :)

He had a good time at the party until he decided to put out the flame on his candle with his fingers. :( I was right there, but just didn't see it coming. :( He was afraid of his cake and wouldn't touch it from that point on. So Justin ended up feeding it to him on a spoon and he ate quite a bit.

To celebrate Evan's actual birthday his mommy decided she really loves him and wanted to celebrate with a trip to the doctor... YEAH! ;) He is still a really big boy. In the 92 percentile for height and 75th for weight. We had another cupcake that night and he started crying as soon as we started singing to him. I think he was worried about the candle coming back to bite him again.

We stayed in Pittsburgh for Christmas as well. Justin worked hard all week, but was lucky enough not to even have to go in and round on Christmas day! We spent Christmas eve with my two best friend's families and had a great time and wonderful dinner. We spent Christmas day just lounging around the house as a family. We played games watched movies, and had a lasagna dinner we will never forget! (The lasagna burned Justin, fell out of his hands and all over the hot oven door and the floor. It was a giant mess, but we tag teamed and cleaned it up and still had plenty to eat.) We also got to skype with both sides of our families, which was wonderful! Justin had the next week off and we spent it relaxing, and spending quality time together.

For new years eve we got together again with our friends families, had burgers, played wii, talked about what a crazy year it had been, and all this year had to bring.

All together it was a wonderful couple of months. At times I felt like a bounced from one big activity to the next, but we made great memories and love the chaos that is our life.

13 months- 1st word

2011-01-14T10:20:00.003-05:00

My sweet and trouble baby Evan is 13 months old. At moments this is hard to believe, and other moments it's hard to believe he hasn't been with us forever. Not to mention he is convinced that he is just as old, just as big, and just as capable to do anything that Caleb and Elizabeth are doing.
Today he said his first word! What a big boy. Now, you might be thinking... 13 months, and only his first word. That really isn't that impressive. You're right. He's been babbling and repeating sounds for months. But for a Brown kid none of that gets to count as you're first word. For starters, I have to know that this word can be repeated. And you have to be willing to repeat it on command and show off. Also, this word must be used in context.
So yes, he's babbled LOTS of things. Many I probably could have considered his first word. But I didn't count anything before today.
Here is the scenario:
We were dropping Elizabeth off at her bus stop and she was getting out of the car. (Yes we drive to the bus stop. We don't in decent weather, but it is significantly below freezing, there are inches of snow on the ground and sidewalks because no shoveling ordinance is enforced, and the wind chill is more than I feel right about making my boys walk over half a mile through. But enough of my aside...) I told the boys to tell her good bye. Caleb did, and Evan waved as usual, but he also said "bye." I was so excited! He told her a couple of times, told me again later, and we called my mom so he could tell her too.
I'm sure before long we will be telling him not to interrupt, but today I am so excited he's finally decided to start talking. :)
Just for the record:
Elizabeth's first word: "Dada"
Caleb's first word: "woof" He said it every time he saw a dog, and anytime you asked him what a dog said. :)
So maybe I'll never get a kid who says "mama" first... oh well

2011?!?!?

2011-01-02T22:56:00.003-05:00

Does it sound weird to anyone else? 2011? I don't know why, but for some reason it sounds really weird to me. 2010 didn't, but 2011 does. I can't explain it.
I'll go back and fill in the large blog gap with a few stories soon, but I wanted to take this time and think about the new year.

2011.
Justin and I stole a toast from a friend and officially toasted to this at New Years: "To a year that is more like the train ride around Kennywood (the local amusement park), and less like one of the roller coasters!"
Because I'll be honest 2010 was a roller coaster!
That night I listed off some of the good things that happened in 2010. Here are a few that made the list:
1- We really adjusted to and handled being parents to three kids.
2- Caleb and Elizabeth both embraced and adore Evan. We have had no real adjustment or jealousy issues.
3- Each of our kids has really grown, and their personalities continued to blossom this year.
Elizabeth is super helpful (on the verge of too helpful occasionally), a great reader, loves school, dancing and her friends.
Caleb really enjoys being the big kid around the house, he dotes and loves on his baby brother, he is really getting good with numbers, and his letters are improving daily. He does great at school. His obsessions with airplanes, guns, and sharks continue.
Evan started out being so content just as long as he was watching the chaos. Now he wants in the middle of it! He is curious, and into EVERYTHING!! He is positive he is just as big as his brother and sister, and is constantly following them around to be involved in what they are doing. He is happy and tough little booger, who is only really upset when he doesn't get to play with everyone else, or gets told no! He has an adorable mischievous grin, and loves his daddy.
4- We had an amazing summer vacation. We were together for a week, toured some of the famous and historical sites of Pennsylvania, and had an absolute blast. Our kids got along and traveled well. Justin had a great and much needed break from work. Overall it was an amazing adventure, and I loved it!
5- We have successfully added a puppy to our family. Didn't know that? Oh yeah, in the 2 1/2 months I haven't written we've had 4 birthdays, 3 holidays and we got a puppy. But at least we fulfilled a dream of our daughters that has been delayed for 5 years.
6-While still not official (the contracts should arrive in the mail this week), Justin has a job lined up for the end of residency!! And more importantly than that it's not just a job. I really believe that we are being called to this place. (How do I know? I didn't want to go there, but it is THE place that has opened a door for us, and I feel good about it even though part of me still doesn't want to go there. Besides, I'm noticing this pattern in my life.... Des Moines, Pittsburgh, now McMinnville. I might be slow but I get it now.) What does life hold for us there? Who knows? It's one of the less "train ride" feeling parts of 2011. But it is also what makes 2011 so interesting.
7- We have seen the power of prayer and fasting work in our lives. Some friends of ours had an extremely difficult 2010, and it looked like it could be the last year of their family. We prayed and fasted and spoke words of difficult honesty, and rebuke. We cried, we fought, we prayed, we waited, and GOD worked. God still has a lot to do, but I saw these friends take comfort in each other's arms as the new year was about to begin. He is real and alive and at work. I know. I saw it in 2010.
I wonder what he has in store, and what ways he will work in 2011.

Almost 30...

2010-10-18T23:00:00.002-04:00

I turn 30 at the end of this week. I'm not sure how I feel about it.
Part of me feels like 30 is old, and I never imagined myself being 30. I still feel like I am in my early 20s.
Then I think about it again, and realize I need to be 30... I have 3 kids, the oldest being a first grader! She'll be 7 next weekend.
Like I said, I'm not sure how I feel...

On a side note...
Today was a serious day with Caleb. He had some serious things to talk about.
At lunch he looked at me and asked: "Why isn't God here?" I asked him what he meant, and he said "Why doesn't he come in our front door?" Oh my... It was a great and challenging chat. How do you explain and all present but invisible being to a 3 year old?
Then waiting at the bus stop he looked up and told me. "Boys love girls, and girls love boys. That's how it works." At least he's got that straight... :)
What a great age!

Bear Facts, by Caleb Brown

2010-09-15T17:06:00.003-04:00

Here are a few of the facts I was informed of today by Caleb...
(Bears are his newest fascination, but in case you are wondering they don't hold a candle to sharks or airplanes...)

Bears like to eat honey (true, one of the few, and inspired by Curious George this morning)
Bears can stand on one paw like this...
Bears scratch themselves like this...
Bears can stand on their tippy toes, they stand on their claws...
Bears eat arrows, so the bones don't get stuck (I think he meant the bones from the animals they eat.)
Bears can stand on their hind legs and catch birds with their front paws.

And my All time favorite:

Mama bears carry band-aids for their baby bears, and their baby bears ask for them "Mama can I have a band aid" only it's in bear.

As you can tell we spent a lot of time being and talking about bears today... He even tries to convince Evan to follow him around as his bear cub. :)
Sweet boy. Gotta love it!

Welcome September

2010-09-04T21:50:00.003-04:00

It's hard to believe that the summer is over, and September is here. Life is good and I am blessed.
August was an absolute whirlwind. The kids and I were home for the first few days, and then we headed south to Texas to spend some time with my family and attend "Nana Camp."
Nana camp is a great (albeit hectic) tradition my mom started 7 years ago where she gets all the grandchildren together for a few days and completely spoils them rotten! They have a blast and we always have great stories and pictures from the week. This year was the first year the number of grandchildren hit double digits. That's right there are 10 and the oldest is 9! Quite a busy and hectic week as you could imagine. :)
When we got back from Texas we unpacked only to have my wonderful in-laws fly in 48 hours later. It was crazy, and I won't lie a little stressful, but it was great to see them and spend time with them. We had a great time and they were generous enough to change their plane tickets and stay a few extra days. They stayed the extra time so they could watch Elizabeth and Caleb while Justin, Evan and I left to go to a job interview with a hospital in middle Tennessee.
It was a wonderful weekend and we really enjoyed the town, hospital, and people there. After our long weekend there we flew back home, and Justin's parents headed home the next day. There were two days left in August at that point.
It was a CRAZY month.
So, here on the 4th day of the month I welcome you September. Please be less crazy than August. :) Please.
I don't know that this is a realistic request. So far in this month: Elizabeth has started first grade, Evan has learned to climb stairs, we've frozen tomatoes from our garden, and like I said it's only the 4th day... We still have Caleb starting school, and who knows what other great adventures that will come our way...
I live the good life! :)

Loving well...

2010-08-02T23:20:00.001-04:00

Loving someone well... What does that mean? It's a phrase I've picked up from my favorite radio personality, Dave Ramsey. He uses it when he is talking about using your money to truly bless people, but I'm thinking about it beyond that point.
In this season of our lives there has been a lot of drama, especially of late. In the midst of that drama there is someone that has needed to be "loved well." And Justin has been the one to do most of the "loving."
You see loving someone well doesn't mean telling them what they want to hear. It doesn't mean ignoring the problem, or pretending that it doesn't exist and hoping it goes away. It doesn't mean excusing someones behavior or rationalizing it. Or allowing them to do the same.
Loving someone well means listening to your friends when they are down. But it also means holding them to the truth in those times. It means giving people second chances, but not allowing yourself to be walked all over. Loving well means calling your friends out when they are being dishonest with you, or others in their life. Loving someone well means being honest with your them, sometimes brutally honest. Even if that honesty costs you a friendship.
Jesus calls us in the gospels to bring a sin before a brother. That is how we love people. That is loving people well.
I am incredible proud of my husband. Proud of the man he is. Proud of the fact that he will not compromise his honesty or integrity. He has been incredibly upstanding in a extremely difficult time and situation. Thanks baby for being who you are.
I hope one day the friend you love so much, and have treated so well will recognize it too.

From 0-90...

2010-07-29T09:41:00.002-04:00

My goodness, I feel like a crazy person...
I can't honestly remember what I've posted on here about being a mother of 3 or my third child. But honestly I have to say that my transition from 2-3 kids was really easy. It was a very smooth transition, sure there was added chaos but I actually think that it was the easiest addition of a child to my world. I didn't have the world changing shock that accompanies your first child. I didn't have the guilt and balancing issues I had when my second came along. A lot of this has to do with the fact that Evan was born super easy going and mild mannered. As long as he was loved some, entertained some, fed, and changed he was happy. Upon visiting family last month my sister in law remarked "I keep forgetting you have a third, he's so calm & quiet."

In fact he thrives in the chaos of the other two. I think I'll always remember the morning that we were eating breakfast at the table. It was quite because everyone was eating. In the quiet Evan, sitting in his bouncy seat, started to fuss. I decided to finish eating before I got him. The two big kids finished first and started running around and being their crazy usual selves. As soon as the noise and activity started again, Evan calmed right down and was quite content

That was my life... Just before Evan turned 7 months (about 2 weeks ago) he started to crawl. And in this week, he has gotten brave and fast! Like I said, I feel like a crazy person. The level of vigilance I have had to put forth the last few days is exhausting. It's not just that we weren't prepared for this and the house isn't baby proof, but he is into everything! He's much more curious than I remember the other two being. There is also a lot more stuff around with two big kids! What he like the most are, of course, things that he cannot have. He loves cords, cds, paper, leaves, and my computer. Just this morning I had to get part of a coupon out of his mouth.

Oh, and did I mention he loves to be on the bottom of his feet? He bear crawls often, and pulls up anytime he can figure out how... And I have stairs we will be dealing with shortly. AGGHHH!!!
Good bye my life of the exersaucer contained, calm, content child. Hello chaos.

I guess I should be grateful for the 7 month respite. :)

It went well!

2010-06-29T20:37:00.002-04:00

Praise God!! He is out and it went really well! Thank you God for your faithfulness again. He still has a long road of recovery, but thank you for your prayers! Please continue to pray!

My Daddy...

2010-06-29T09:18:00.003-04:00

My Dad is a great man. As I get older I come to appreciate more and more all of the things he has done for me.
I always had at least one parent at every activity I was involved in while growing up. In high school about half of our soccer games were out of town. But you could guarantee that my dad was there and I would hear his voice cheering from the sidelines.
My Dad taught me about finances, and in high school he helped me invest some money in the stock market. It turned out not to be the best fund ever, but I still learned a ton.
I know to this day, even though I am quickly leaving my twenties, that I could still crawl up in my Dad's lap. My Daddy taught me what love is and what it looks like.
My Dad isn't perfect and wouldn't claim to be, but I am grateful and blessed to be his child and be raised by his hand.

I love you Daddy!

As I write this my Dad is almost 1500 miles away, waiting to have his chest opened up so they can do double bypass heart surgery. Please pray for my Dad, his successful surgery, and easy recovery. Also, pray for my mom who lost her father shortly after bypass surgery, and goes into this with a heavy heart. Thanks friends!

We got our Money's worth!

2010-05-18T21:47:00.003-04:00

My last post was a little heavy, and the next one I have brewing in my mind is heavy too.

So I thought I would take this opportunity to interject a little light heartedness into my blog.

Tonight Elizabeth was taking her clothes off of the couch to put them away, and she grabbed a pair of undies. I told her not to take them... Here's why

My sweet Elizabeth has been potty trained for 5 years now. When she first started we bought her the big padded training panties. But shortly thereafter we bought her a pack of real underwear. It was size 2T/3T.

She's 6 1/2 now, and these 2T/3T were the panties that she was taking upstairs to put away. :) Yes, they are only slightly small now...

Well, what can I say except we really got our money's worth out of them!

My tribe

2010-05-05T14:15:00.000-04:00

So, many of you know we are in Pittsburgh. That is the one in Pennsylvania friends, not Texas. That puts us approximately 1449 miles from my parents, and 1467 miles from Justin's parents. So, we don't exactly have family nearby.

I don't know if I have mentioned it (or ranted about it), but my husband works A LOT and his hours can be crazy! He often works late or has meetings at night, and he spends the night at the hospital several times a month. This life can get a little lonely. And while I am not a single parent, or a military wife (to whom I cannot hold a candle, and with whom I am super impressed) I spend a lot of time alone with my kids. Frankly I spend a lot of time alone, period.

My secret to survival and to maintaining sanity in all of this is my girls. But these girls aren't just my girl friends who I hang out with on occasion, they are my lifeline. They are my emergency back up, my babysitters, my confidants, my support system, and sometimes the only adults I get to speak with in a day. We celebrate holidays, birthdays, and our children's milestones together. These girls are more than just my friends, they are my family. There isn't a way to describe how much they mean to me. They have made my 2 years here in PA livable.

You see my girls all understand my life, it's chaos, loneliness and drama. My girls are also resident wives. We are all thousands of miles away from family. We all agreed lovingly to give up all we knew and those we loved to follow our husbands to the ends of the country for their dreams. We all knew that it meant often being alone and taking care of our kids by ourselves. We all encourage each other that this time and way of life is temporary.

We are more than friends. We are our own tribe. Taking care of each other and each other's children. We will be friends forever. We have seen each other through life changes. When one of us struggles or hurts we share that with each other.

So to you girls, thank you. I love you. I am here for you and will always be.

My BIG boy...

2010-03-08T21:51:00.002-05:00

My hour is almost up, but I just laugh every time I think about this, so I had to post about it.

Evan's big. I know most of you are aware of his stats, but I just have to post them here for posterity's sake.

Today my 3rd child is 12 weeks old. He is a super sweet and content boy who is calm, and a joy to all of us.
But he is also a giant. He will be 3 months old in 6 days. Last week I called my mom and told her to start rounding up 6-9 month clothes because some of the 3-6 month clothes are getting tight. It's unbelievable!

His stats today at 12 weeks:
Weight: 16 lbs. 6 oz.
Height: 26 inches.

In 12 weeks he has grown 5 inches, and put on 7 lbs 6 oz.
That is approximately .42 inches of length a week,
and over 9.8 ounces a week!

It's just unbelievable. Sometimes I forget he is so little because holding him he feels so old! I am so interested to see how he continues to grow!

Day 1 One Hour

2010-02-10T22:12:00.002-05:00

Today is the beginning of Lent. I occasionally observe Lent, and decided this year I would limit myself to a maximum of one hour of computer time per day. That may sound like a lot, but I've already realized it's going to be a challenge for me. Perhaps it will help to make me more organized.
But I also wanted to do something besides just giving something up. So I've decided for the next 40 days I will celebrate one blessing God has granted me each day.

For Today:

Thank you God for the Internet. Thank you for giving me a way to stay connected with friends and family. Especially during a crazy winter storm like this one!

PRAISE GOD!

2010-02-09T19:38:00.002-05:00

It's been quite a week. First off thank you to everyone who prayed for Hayden. God was faithful and Hayden got to go home from the hospital on Friday! She is still recovering, but her Mommy says that she is getting back to her old self.
Her arrival home on Friday was such a blessing in SO many ways. Many of you know that we were hit with almost 2 feet of snow on Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. Roads were impassable, and the city was a disaster. We are so grateful for God's timing of bringing Hayden home (which at the time felt a little rushed) before the storm so that her family could stay safe and rest together in the craziness.
Thank you GOD!

Pray for Baby Hayden

2010-02-02T22:43:00.002-05:00

This post is a request for prayers for Hayden. To my facebook friends this is not a surprise, but to anyone else who may come across this blog I'll update you.
Hayden is 6 weeks old. She is 8 days younger than our sweet baby Evan. She is the baby of friends and a fellow resident.
Currently Hayden is in the pediatric ICU at our Children's hospital. She has pneumonia in both lungs. She is fighting, but it is still a serious situation. Please join me in praying for Hayden, her mother, father and big brother.

The LORD our God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. - Zephaniah 3:17

God's Timing

2009-12-10T20:39:00.002-05:00

God's timing is perfect. I believe that.
Why then do I so often have difficulty waiting for God's timing to occur? Some days I am faithful to trust in his plan and be patient. But other days I have such struggles wondering why I am still waiting and why my choices and timing can't be the chosen way. It's silly, really silly too when I think about what I am impatient about. I'm sure in a week I will be wishing that I had just a few more moments to spend with my "big kids" listening to their stories, and reading them books.
Thank you God for these "extra" days. Please let me see them as a gift and use them for your glory and their blessing.

Man O Lantern 2009

2009-11-18T14:10:00.004-05:00

I know I am WAY behind, but I had to repost Man O Lantern's triumphant return!

NANANANANANANANANANANANANANANANA: BATMAN!

Unfortunately it only lasted a few minutes as his direct quote was: "I can't keep this. If I get in a car crash, and they have to cut my shirt off..." :) But he loves me. It was great! Thanks baby!

My 15 minutes of fame...

2009-10-20T14:29:00.003-04:00

It's said that everyone gets their 15 minutes of fame. Well, mine's more like 3 minutes, and I doubt you could really call it fame since you probably wouldn't even know it is me...

Last month I got the honor of calling in and talking to one of my favorite radio and talk show personalities, Dave Ramsey. I've been a Dave Ramsey fan for about 18 months now and just thought it was really cool that I got to chat with him. Now in posting this I am divulging a little more than I would generally like about my family's financial situation, but I'm sure it would not be a big shock to any of you who know what our lives have been like the last 5 years.

If you aren't a Dave Ramsey fan, or don't know who he is I encourage you to check him out. Although we haven't committed completely to his plan or advice the areas in which we are following his suggestions are now a much lighter load for me to carry.

Alright Blogger won't let me embed the video right now, so I'll just set up the link to Hulu. That is what I get for trying to be all fancy...

Here it is. Enjoy. And yes feel free to snicker at how much my voice quivers. I was REALLY nervous!

Loss...

2009-10-13T21:13:00.004-04:00

I've spent most of the last hour in front of my computer crying. Just letting the tears pour down my face. It is in moments like this that I am amazed by and so confused by God and his will and work in our lives.
I've been thinking a great deal about loss the last few weeks. There are three stories that God has brought before me in the last few weeks, and I wanted to share them with you. Share them so that you may be encouraged in your faith, as I have been. And share them so that you might join me in praying for these amazing people, that God will continue to hold them, lift them up, and bless them as they mourn.
The first story is of my friend Anne. Anne Lincoln moved into the Gardner dorm room that happened right next to mine in the fall of 1999. I don't specifically remember meeting Anne, but to say that my life was forever blessed and changed because of that housing situation is the truth. Anne and I have been good friends for over 10 years now, and even though we don't see each other often our friendship is one that begins just where it was and runs deep. Between our Sophomore and Junior years of college Anne lost her mother. It was a difficult time for Anne, but I remember hearing stories of how Anne's speaking at the funeral was such a testimony of God's forgiveness and goodness. About a month ago Anne also lost her father. A quick run down of that story is given on my friend Laura's blog here. Anne has a half sister, but no other real family. As all of this happened I couldn't imagine what it must be like to be 28 years old and be "alone" without family in this world. But the Lord has been good to Anne and I know he has provided a much larger family to Anne than any blood family could ever be. I know she is still hurting and redefining what is "normal" in her life, but she showed great strength and faith in God at her father's funeral. I said it then, and I'll say it again. I will be blessed if my children end up as faithful to God as my dear friend Anne Lincoln is.
The second family is the Sullivan family. I learned of the Sullivan family and their struggle through a high school friend Mysha, who was in young life with Sara. Sara had a mammogram at the end of February that showed breast cancer. Their baby girl Chloe was born September 8th, and Sara passed away September 22nd. Through all of their trials Brady and Sara, always speak of their faith in God, the faithfulness God delivers and Brady continues to allow God to work in his heart and life. Sara was truly an amazing woman who was used by God. You can read their whole story, and follow Brady and Chloe's journey here.
The third story is of the Jacobs' family. Chelsea and Mark are friends of friends who I didn't even know their story, but I have been blessed by their struggle, their honesty and their faith. They have 3 beautiful daughters, and they were expecting their 4th child and first son Chase in November. Somehow Chase's umbilical cord got pinned and a blood clot formed. Chase passed away without ever seeing a day on this earth. This story touches me deeply as our sons were only a little over 2 weeks apart in due dates. Please join me in praying for the Jacbos family and if you want to read more of their story you will find it here.
I'm not sure exactly how God is speaking to me through all of these stories, or if he is preparing my heart for something. Many of you know we lost a baby in January, and a that point I felt that for the first time I truly turned the happenings of my family over to the Lord. When we were blessed with Evan I knew he was totally of the Lord's design and plan. I am reminded through all of this that all things, including myself, my husband and each of my children are truly the Lord's. And Lord it is our desire to be used for your glory and to be a part of your will. We love you Lord!

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4

The Big Week

2009-09-10T22:02:00.005-04:00

What a great week it has been!

On Monday Justin was lucky enough to not have to be in most of the day, so he grabbed donuts on his way home from work for breakfast. Donuts are such a rare and loved treat in our house that our kids performed a quite the dance of joy when the donuts were produced. Then we spent the day just hanging out as a family. A wonderful treat.

Tuesday was my dear sweet Big Little Boy's first day of school. I can't say that I felt nervous. But Monday night was the worst night of sleep I had of the week, so maybe I was. Caleb's been going through an aggressive stage where when he feels ignored he acts out by hitting, kicking or biting the person who is ignoring him. So, before his first day I warned him that he couldn't go to preschool if he acted that way. On Tuesday morning Elizabeth and I took Caleb to his school and when we walked in to class he hung up his backpack and immediately walked off to play. I had to ask him to come back and give me a hug. He did happily, but then went right back to playing. It was great. He was SO ready to go to school. He did great, and when I picked him up he told me "I didn't bite!" At least I know some of what I say is getting through...

Today was Elizabeth's first day of Kindergarten. It is still hard to believe even as I type this. When did she get so big. It's not that I feel like I brought her home from the hospital yesterday, but it just doesn't seem real that she is old enough to enter this stage in her life. I cried quite a bit last night as I talked over all of my fears and feelings with Justin. But I have to say that I am quite proud of myself I didn't cry one bit at school today! It was hard to be sad with that little hand in mine. She woke up early this morning ready to go, and when we parked at the school she skipped the entire way into the building. She was SO excited and ready that she actually asked me not to walk her to her classroom. Um, yeah... I didn't agree to that.
She rode the bus home, and although they had her labeled to get off on the next stop the bus driver helped me get her off and all was well. When asked to describe her day she said. "It was AWESOME!" Her best comment of the day came when she was talking to her grandma: "Mrs. McPherson (her teacher) is really nice, and REALLY serious!" Apparently Mrs. McPherson isn't afraid to lay down the law on day 1. I like her already. :)

Thanks be to you Lord for your faithfulness! Thank you for providing for my children, and watching over them. Please continue to hold their precious lives and hearts in your hands. Help me to remember that you love them even more than I do, and that you provide for them in ways I could never dream of. I love you Lord. They are your children.

I'm going to post pictures to my photo blog tomorrow. Let me know if you want to be invited, and I've left you out.

What a month!

2009-08-31T21:06:00.002-04:00

August has 3 hours left. Man, what a month! It has been a crazy, busy, chaotic, and yet mundane month.
If summer ever really came to Pennsylvania it was in August, but I didn't realize it was going to be a week or so of hot weather or I would have taken better advantage of those few days... Needless to say our swimming lessons are either going to be indoors, or wait until next summer.
Our month started/July ended with some great upheaval. Our dog Samson who we loved is no longer with us. Nothing tragic, I just finally came to the realization that he wasn't a good fit for our family. He hated (and by hated I mean tried to eat) all kids but ours. Not exactly what you are looking for in a wonderful family pet. It was with much weeping that we turned him back in to the rescue where we got him. So for now we are dog less again. But the longing for a dog runs pretty deep so I am sure we will have one before too long.
Justin officially started his second year of Residency in July, and is enjoying it. He spent the month of August working with the vascular surgeons and came home with some really great stories of surgeries he had been involved in. He still works lots of long hours, but hopefully he will be on call and actually out of the house less in September, so that will be nice.
Baby Evan is growing well. I go back to the doctor on Friday for normal stuff and my lovely glucose test. He is big enough now that Caleb and Elizabeth really enjoy talking to him, and kissing my belly. I think Caleb finally really understands what is going on and is excited, which is wonderful. He keeps asking me if Evan is coming today. No concept of time. :) (He also has started asking every day if he is 3 yet. I don't know how to explain to him how long two months is...)
Speaking of time it is flying. I consider myself lucky because I know most people have already packed up and sent their little ones to school, but I am have a whole week left! Schools here in Pittsburgh start on Thursday, but the kindergartners take the first week to test so E doesn't start until next Thursday! She and I are both excited and nervous. Our biggest decision is if she will ride the bus or not... AGGHH!! Next week will be crazy with not only her starting Kindergarten, but Caleb will start pre-school on Tuesday! He is SO excited, and can hardly wait to go. He even told me he would take Evan. :) With all that is going on next week I think I may start a private picture blog so I can show off my little cuties to those of you I know.:)
If you read all of this thanks. I'm sorry it has been so long. But clearly you are a trooper to stick it out through this long rambling post.

Baby Evan

2009-07-13T14:31:00.003-04:00

Introducing Baby Evan!!! At 19 weeks he is growing perfectly, measuring right, and looking good. PRAISE GOD!!!! He reminded us a lot of Caleb because he kept his hands up by or in front of his face almost the whole time. :) I know this picture is a little weird, but I absolutely loved the fact that he is smiling. Just a moment before this he wasn't smiling and then he did. It was so cute! Elizabeth was absolutely set on having a sister, so she was quite disappointed with the news. But after about 30 minutes she warmed to the idea of being the only girl. :) Caleb too thought he wanted a little sister, and his exclamation with the news was "NO." But within a minute or two he was back to playing with trucks, so I think he is going to be just fine with little brother. Now I have official plans for the bunk beds in his room! We are so thankful to God that He has blessed us with another child, and that He knew we needed another boy. We love you already Evan! It is our prayer that you will be a boy and man with heart for God, and that you will know the truth of your name: God is gracious!

7 years...

2009-06-02T14:44:00.002-04:00

7 years ago today I boarded a plane to New York City. Justin and I had been married for a day, and were on our way to our honeymoon.

Last night I sat at a family picnic for Elizabeth's preschool. The last hurrah of the year. She starts kindergarten in 3 months.

If you had told me on that plane that I would be at a preschool picnic with a 5 and 2 year old in 7 years I would have laughed in your face. If you had told me it would have been in Pennsylvania I would have known you were crazy. It made me wonder what God thought last night, and if he ever chuckles at my "well-made" plans.

My friend did a really cute countdown on her 9 year anniversary. I thought about trying to copy it, but it didn't really work for me. So indulge me and join me as I reminisce about the last 7 years.
In the last 7 years:
We have lived in 6 cities.
In 4 different states.
We have lived with both sets of parents.
We lived with plastic forks, and camping chairs for furniture.
We have had 2 kids, and 1 more on the way.
We have had 2 hospitalizations not kid related.
We bought a house.
We bought a dog.
We have survived medical school, and 1 year of residency (almost).

It's been a crazy, busy, wild and unforeseen 7 years, but God has blessed us and sustained us through it all. We have learned a lot, laughed a lot, cried a lot, and grown a lot. Thanks be to God for being faithful. And thank you Justin for sticking by my side, I wouldn't have done it with anyone else!

Overwhelmed...

2009-05-13T17:15:00.002-04:00

I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed the last week or two. I seem to be just putting too much on my plate. I don't actually see that pressure diminishing anytime soon though...
Maybe finally having the fence up for the dog, and having my in-laws come in a few weeks will help. Frankly, maybe Justin having his first full weekend off (Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday without going in at all!) in about 7 weeks this weekend will be exactly what we all need. Of course, I'm actually feeling pretty good because all of the dishes are washed at the moment. Flip side: My momentum for making dinner, and thus dirtying new dishes has greatly decreased... (Perhaps why I have stopped to blog.)
Kiddo Updates: Elizabeth lost another tooth on Sunday. It was such a joyous moment. Her screams/shouts/screeches of joy didn't subside for a full 5 minutes! The best part was she wiggled it out herself, and her pride over doing it herself, and her joy were almost equally matched.
Caleb has a new obsession. He picked out green flip flops at the store. He calls them his Chick Hicks shoes. (A 'Cars' reference.) He wants to wear them everyday. He carries them around, and has to show them off to people. It is quite humorous. But also unfortunate considering we are having a typical spring here in Pittsburgh. Average high temps are high 60s. Not exactly flip flop weather... :( (A whole seperate topic on which I could post a rant, but shall refrain. Let's just say this Texas girl is not impressed with how slow it is to warm up around here!)
Also, we have a plug and play game, that Caleb loves to play. Today he plugged into the TV correctly, and I don't think it was a fluke. Wow... that is scary. How soon will it be before he can do all sorts of things with our electronics, that I never even dreamed of...
Finally, I have a new niece today! My brother Jeff and sister-in-law Amy (well mostly Amy) had a baby girl named Paige today. I can't wait to see her and my other new niece Aubrey that was born about 3 weeks ago. What fun it will be when we go visit in June!
Elizabeth is SO excited. Now the girls almost equal the boys. 5 grandsons, 4 granddaughters on my family's side. She's been so outnumbered... :)

What we've been up to...

2009-04-26T23:16:00.008-04:00

Well, it's been a busy month. We've had two big events.

The first happened earlier in the month, and was so emotional for me. I know Elizabeth is getting older and growing up. I only have a few months with her before she starts school. AGGHHH!!! But I just wasn't ready for this:

Before:

After:

I can't believe she lost her first tooth! As I write this the one next to it is already loose, and will probably fall out in the next week or two. The best part was how it came out. I didn't think it was very close, so one night I was helping her brush her teeth. I was brushing like normal, when she said "Ow!" and closed her mouth. She stuck her tounge out and on her tounge sat her tooth! It was great because I didn't want to force her to pull it, and she was a little nervous about the whole idea.

I forget how tiny they are.

Our second big event, is one we are still adjusting to. We got a puppy! He is about 4 months old and he is half lab half sharpei. We found him through a friend at church who works at a vet's office. He was a stray brought in , and no one ever claimed him. So instead of sending him to the animal shelter, he came to live with us!

His name is Samsonite Christmas Brown. (A reference to Dumb & Dumber. I was way off!) We call him Samson. Who knows how big he will get, but he is already proving to be a quick learner. Now we can hardly wait for our fence to get installed so we can run free with him in the backyard!

The Will of God

2009-04-09T21:55:00.003-04:00

I've been doing a lot of thinking, studying, and learning about God's will in the last few weeks. I by no means have it figured out, but I have really enjoyed this process. I am learning and growing. I am sure that I am one of many who has often wondered... What is God's will for my life? I still have this question.

One thing that surprised me was the parts of my life that I have not allowed God to be sovereign in. I have not even considered what the will of God might be for my life in that area. There are parts of my life where I had plans and never even considered that God's will might differ from these plans. The idea of total submission, something I thought I had done, is still becoming real to me daily.

It has been said that to truly follow the will of God the first and most difficult step is to rid oneself of any desire in the matter. Wow...
I still can't say I have come to that place in my heart. My plans/desires/longings still burn within me. Yet, there is peace, there is resignation. Not in the sense that I am giving up or that I no longer care, but resignation in the sense that it is not mine to plan, not mine to make happen just as I dreamed.
God has already brought me far from the plans I had 7 years ago as I planned my wedding. Just ask my 5 year old... ;) What blessings come from plans broken and dreams changed.
I am on this ride with you Lord. Please guide me. Please hold me. And please never let me get off.

Catching my breath...

2009-03-21T16:33:00.005-04:00

Wow, it has been a crazy six weeks! I feel like I am just now catching my breath. We had a wonderful trip to Colorado for Justin's birthday. We got to spend some wonderful time with his parents, go skiing, and we were even blessed enough to see some friends from college. It was so wonderful to get to catch up and share in each other's lives, and to watch our kiddos play together.
After our trip to Colorado we flew home. Justin went back to work, while I did some laundry, and repacked the suitcases for our trip to Texas. The kids and I were home for about 36 hours before we got back on the plane!
My wonderful mother had her ankle replaced, and we were lucky enough to have the time to go see her and spend some time helping her rest. It was a fun and busy few weeks, and we all loved seeing and playing with grandparents, and cousins. My Mom is a trooper and doing great. I'm sure she will be running with the kids by this summer.
It has also been nice to be back home, and in our routine. Nothing makes you appreciate "normal life" more than being out of pocket for a while.
As for the kids, I have been really aware of how big they are getting. They've really grown up and made big strides. I am that lucky (see previous post) and my two and 1/4 year old son is potty trained!! He is so big that he is done with all rewards, and has even spent the last two nights in underwear with NO accidents! Way to go Caleb!!
Elizabeth has been learning to tie her shoes (thanks Grammi & Papaw for the new shoes), and has almost mastered the art. I am so proud of her. She still gets really frustrated (she is a typical first born perfectionist), but is really learning perseverance and getting better everyday!
She brought tears to my eyes last week though, proving just how big she's getting. Here's the story: We were in the library picking out books, and I asked her if she wanted to get a book that she could try to read herself (I was thinking a book with a repeating pattern and a few words a page). She said she wasn't interested and picked up a book about Lady and the Tramp. I then took the kids to the dvd section to get a little entertainment for Justin and I for the weekend. Elizabeth sat down in a chair and as I looked at movies, and from across the room I heard her sound out and read three words all by herself! She read "It was a" before she needed help. I can't believe how big she is growing and (if my pride may display itself a bit) how smart she is!
I have GREAT kids!! Thank you God for all of your blessing and the kids I have.

Really?

2009-02-10T14:34:00.002-05:00

Could I be this lucky? Is it possible? Many of you probably know my daughter basically potty trained herself at 18 months. By 19 months she was wearing underwear day and night, and I cannot remember her ever having any major accidents.
I knew my son would be different, and he is. However, I can almost not believe the events that have occurred over the last week.
Since August Caleb has been using the potty to on and off. Nothing exciting just as he whimed here and there. Friday morning I went to take his diaper off and he refused to let me put a new diaper on. I chanced it and let him run around for an hour diaper free. Then when I needed to get him dressed I tried again but he did not want to put on a diaper. I offered him a pair of big boy underwear, and he was SO excited (Thanks aunt Jessica for the Christmas present!). He had an accident Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but yesterday he was completely accident free! I am so surprised.
I know there is still quite a journey to go before he is completely potty trained (especially since he has yet to do the big job...) but I am just completely dumbfounded by this. HOORAY!!
Now my only question is what to do for our plane ride later this week...

Update:

2009-02-10T14:32:00.002-05:00

Yes the blow worked. I covered one nostril at a time and convinced him to blow my hand away from his face. The little beads shot out like rockets and bounced around the bathroom floor.

Crunch and Blow...

2009-02-03T21:16:00.002-05:00

How do you get coco puffs out of a kids' nose... the crunch and blow. Thanks Everybody loves Raymond.

How do you get beads out of a two year old's nose?
Fingers? Won't work.
Tweezers? Too scary.
The Crunch? Uncrunchable.
The Blow? It had to be tried.

Just to give you some background Caleb refuses to blow his nose. He usually screams and throws his head back and the best you can do is a wipe off.

Yesterday my son thought it would be a fun and entertaining nap activity to insert small beads he found in his sister's room into his nose. One in each nostril. At first I only found 1 but eventually I got them both.
Needless to say it was a wonderful adventure, beads have been cleaned up and put away, and now everyone knows NOTHING goes in your nose. :)

There is a season...

2009-01-12T22:34:00.007-05:00

Ecclesiastes says:

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven;...

a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,"

Is it ironic that God promises us in His word that all of these things will come, and yet if you are like me sometimes you are surprised by them.

I have noticed that God (when I listen) tends to prepare me ahead of time for things I may have difficulty with.

This Sunday our preacher started a sermon series surrounding the hymns we sing. He started by describing the story behind "It is Well With my soul" by Horatio Spafford. Tragic events in his life inspired these well known words. (For the full story click here.)

"Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, it is well, it is well, with my soul."

Our preacher talked about the sorrow of Israel, and God's response to that sorrow, found in Isaiah:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

A few days ago this was the following verse in my devotional.

Ps. 91:2 "I will say of the LORD 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust'"

So praise be to God my refuge and fortress in good times, and in sorrow. My God who even when I do not understand things I can trust that his ways are higher than mine, and His promise is for my good. I love you Lord. I trust you.

4 inches...

2009-01-09T14:12:00.007-05:00

Wednesday night I did it.

Elizabeth has been wanting a haircut for months now. She has really wanted to cut a lot off of her hair, but I wasn't really willing to take the plunge. In the last few weeks her Daddy has joined in her cause (mostly so that he will have less work during bath time), and with the two pronged attack I didn't last long.

So Wednesday night I turned on Peter Pan and sat the kids in the bathroom. Then took 4 inches off of my 5 year old's hair! She absolutely loves, and has been SO excited. Her first comment when it was all finished was, "I look like Dora!"

I think I had such a hard time because she didn't have much hair for SO long! If I had cut 4 inches off before she was 4 she would have looked like a boy.

Here is proof a photo of her in 2006, just after her 3rd birthday.

This was taken in June when she was my friend Laura's flower girl. (By the way this is one of my all time favorite photos.) Her hair had grown even more in the last 6 months.

And here is our final result. (Please forgive the picture I made her get up from her "nap" so I could take it.)

Web cam palooza

2008-12-31T15:03:00.002-05:00

We got a web cam for Christmas. (Thank you for the mocking applause as you welcome me to the 21st century.) I have thought for a while we should get one, but hadn't done much about it. Last night I set it up, and today we talked to my family. It was WONDERFUL!!!
So, if you have Skype, look me up. Let's chat!

At a loss...

2008-12-19T14:22:00.002-05:00

I am SO frustrated.

I don't know what his deal is but Caleb is having serious trouble sleeping. It is so frustrating. We have tried everything we know to assist, loving, punishing, ignoring. Nothing seems to make an impact. He's been waking up around 3 in the am, and been up for 1-2 hours! Today he won't nap. He's just upstairs yelling my name. It's been an hour...

I feel like a bad parent, but I am just out of ideas... (Not that I am really looking for ideas, just a place to vent and some sympathy.)

One of those Sundays

2008-11-18T19:54:00.003-05:00

Several Sundays ago at church I had "one of those Sundays."

That day at church the kids had been dismissed early, so we took communion with out the kiddos. I enjoy taking communion with the kids, and watching how interested they are in the concept and ceremony. But it also usually means that I am explaining something about what we are doing and not getting to 100% focus on what I am celebrating, and what Jesus' sacrifice means in my life.

Like I said this Sunday our kids had already been dismissed to kids worship and the nursery, so I was alone in my thoughts. As I was thinking words were scrolling across the screen, and all of the sudden it hit me. What an amazing gift we have been given. A gift that if I am honest with myself I am not sure I am ready to reciprocate. The pain, the hurt, the agony, the torture. And for what? For me? For ungrateful, snotty, rotten, self-centered me? I'm pretty sure I wouldn't do it for me.

So I read the words, and just lost it. Just couldn't control my hurt for him, and my complete shame at how far I fall short. And yet the great joy and peace that I am forgiven.

I am posting the words below, and I hope they stir something in you.

Jesus is dragging a heavy wooden beam. He is supporting one end of the beam with his shoulder while the other end bumps along the stones of the street. There are spike holes near the extremities of the beam. It has been used before.

Each stone, each step, is a Sinai.

Jesus is moving north, slowly, toward the garden gate. He is wearing his own robe again, and his tunic, though they have lost their shape, scabrous, befouled by human discharge. The sandaled feet of a centurion are walking in front of him, within his vision. Jesus is following these feet.

There is the sound of wailing behind him. He has heard such lamentation before. For Lazarus. For the daughter of Jairus. For the son of the widow in Nain.

The beam sticks between two stones. Jesus groans and drops to his knees, and the lumber hits the ground. He can not carry the crossbeam, the patibulum, to which he will be nailed. The wooden beam is placed on the back of another man. Jesus rises and walks forward. Immediately the procession lifts its voice in lamentation again.

Jesus turns, shaking his head. "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!'"

It is 9:00 in the morning. Friday.

Out through the Garden Gate they go, and yet farther north. The stone city wall runs north and south on Jesus' right-hand side. Jewish tombs are cut into the rock on his left. The road ascends a hillside, in which poles are fixed, forever ready to receive the crossbeams and bodies of criminals condemned to crucifixion. The hill allows a public viewing. It is called Golgotha.

When they reach the top, he centurion halts here and strip Jesus down to his loincloth. At the same time, another group of soldiers arrives. They bring two more men with crossbeams on their backs. All three are stretched out on the ground each on a crossbeam, each beside a pole. Jesus stares at the sky. He cannot swallow. His back is a field of fire.

His arms are stretched to the right and left as far as they will go, palms up. A cold point touches his wrist.

Jesus hears the thump of a maul on metal. The flesh separates and the spike bites hard wood. This is the will of his father.

The same happens to the other wrist. Then by pikes and Roman strength, Jesus is lifted bodily from the ground. Soldiers climb ladders behind the planted pole, hauling him up and allowing him to swing from his arms alone until the patibulum is lashed to the pole and a cross is formed. The soldiers descend. They bend knees of Jesus and drive a spike through his ankles.

Jesus is crucified.

From: The Book of God: the Bible as a Novel

Halloween Surprise

2008-11-06T14:35:00.004-05:00

We had a fun and festive Halloween and birthday weekend. It really was a great time, and I can't believe that my babies are 5 and 2. It is pretty hard to believe they are so big already. But none of that has anything to do with my Halloween surprise. This year Justin started something that has going to be an annual tradition. (I had to get his permission before I posted this.) Now I present to you the:

MAN-O-LANTERN

He strutted out into the living room like this, and I fell on the floor laughing. :) It still makes me laugh. I can hardly wait to see how this progresses in years to come. ;)

There you go Shelly.

I Voted!

2008-11-04T13:55:00.001-05:00

I'm sure you haven't heard this, but you should go vote. I care who you vote for, but I'm not going there on the blog. I did it and I'm glad. :)

The artist and the tease...

2008-10-08T22:54:00.002-04:00

My sweet Elizabeth has turned into quite the budding artist. I don't know what else she does at preschool, but I know she spends quite a bit of time at the art area. Everyday I have at least one piece of art to bring home, and usually it is more. Today, however, was the biggest day of all. Today she had 6 pieces of art from school yesterday. She was SO proud of her work. She paints most of the time, and because of that it has become one of Caleb's favorite new words. If you are wondering what might be a good birthday present, I'm sure she would love her own sutido... or maybe just some watercolors. :)
Oh, Caleb. He is SUCH a tease. It all started in mid August. Caleb started showing signs of being interested in potty training. He has used the potty several times, but everytime it seems he goes for a few days, and then stops being interested. I realize that he is really young, so I have been trying really hard not to push anything. But, I have to say that it is pretty hard not to get excited and want him to move forward in this way. The last two days he has used the potty, but not today. Of course not. :) I guess I can't be too disappointed.

I own a $60 penny

2008-09-23T15:23:00.003-04:00

You might think I am a coin collector, or found a rare coin. You would be wrong.

Last Thursday the latch on my dishwasher stopped working. This was sad because I had served dinner to 3 guests the previous evening and my dishwasher was full and I still had extra dishes in the sink. I asked my friend Heather to come over (since Justin was on call and wouldn't be home until the next day) and double check to make sure it really wouldn't close. She did and confirmed that I wasn't crazy the latch really was broken. I called our home warranty company and got the earliest repair time they had, which was Monday morning. We made it through the weekend (thanks Clay & Darina for being so understanding) and Monday morning the repair man showed up.
He worked on the dishwasher for about 20 minutes, then came out and said "Okay, it's fixed." Then he kinda smiled, opened his hand and said there was a penny stuck down in there. I've never seen that before. Most of them aren't made so you can fit things inside them."
I looked at Caleb, and said "Did you put a penny in the dishwasher?" He looked back and just nodded his head. Oh, my. Come to think of it I now remember him saying "Uh-oh" just before I tried to close the door last week...

And that is how I became the owner of a $60 penny.

Honoring or Annoying?

2008-09-05T20:56:00.002-04:00

Here is the question: If you see someone famous doing normal everyday stuff is it an honor, or an annoyance to go and ask them for an autograph or a photo.
I understand that there are time where famous people expect to give autographs, and I am sure it is honoring when people recognize them. But I have to imagine that there are times these people are just out doing their stuff and it has got to be annoying for people to constantly be bothering them for autographs.
Today I went to the Sprint store to pay my bill. I walked into the store with the kids, and after talking to the employee I glanced around at everyone else in the store. There was only one other couple in the store. It just happened to be Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Rothlisburger and his girlfriend (who is apparently also famous). Now Ben is famous throughout the country, but here in Pittsburgh he might just be the biggest guy in town. I wanted to get his autograph, I wanted to take his picture, and I wanted to introduce myself. But, I didn't do any of those things. I might have asked him if I had my real camera, or if I had anything great for him to sign (like a hat or jersey). But more than anything I decided the guy should be able to go out, and just be normal without anyone bothering him. I am kicking myself a little bit now, but I hope he had a good day. Oh well.

Consider it official

2008-08-06T15:26:00.002-04:00

YOU'RE INVITED.
We have plenty of room here in Pittsburgh, and I just thought you should know we want to see you. So, if you are ever headed this way, want to come see us, or just want a random new place to visit, Come on! We do hope many of you will come visit us and spend some time with us over the next few years. Just wanted you to know you are welcome. :)

Besides if you come we can play "spot the mistake" and you can see all of the errors we've made doing home improvements ourselves.

It is FINISHED!!!

2008-08-05T18:03:00.000-04:00

WE did it!!!!! I am so excited, I know this post will not convey my enthusiasm but know I am SO happy. Our downstairs bathroom is totally finished. It took us two months, but this is the first completely renovated room in our new home!! I cannot count the number of hours I have spent working on this bathroom. It has been a test of my patience, and a trial of my ability to persevere. But I think that God took this bathroom remodel at the very beginning of Justin's residency to remind me how much I need him, and how much he is going to have to pull me through the next 3 years. I know I will not and cannot complete this journey on my own. Thank you Lord for the reminder, and I know I need you here.

Here are some before pictures:

The tile was painted with white wall paint. AWESOME!! The tile floor was a nice peach to match.

Together Justin and I chipped out tile, replaced tile, took out the vanity and medicine cabinet, replaced the towel bar, and medicine cabinet. We installed a new light fixture, and pedestal sink, and painted as well. We had a plumber replace the shower fixtures, and had the tile walls and floor professionally refinished.

Now our finished product:

Justin's triumphant smile! Victory is mine!!! YES!!!

San Antonio: photos to laugh at

2008-08-04T22:08:00.007-04:00

I told some of you about our lodgings in San Antonio, but I had never posted photos. So here are some pictures that tell the story of how we spent the last 4 months of medical school. :)

This is Justin watching the super bowl on our living room furniture the weekend we moved in.

Here is our awesome dining room furniture.

Apparently I never took bedroom pictures, but the futon on the floor was awesome!

Ahh, I'm glad to be settled! :)

Anyone seen my camera cord?

2008-08-03T14:55:00.002-04:00

Seriously, have you? No? Well then we are in the same spot. The bathroom should be finished today (since Justin is on call, and I have all night to finish it) so I want to post pictures, but that requires I also find my camera cord. I guess you will know if I found it soon. I am SO ready for a break from remodeling! :)

An update

2008-07-29T23:09:00.002-04:00

So if you read the last line of my previous post and note the time difference between that post and this one the reality of my previous title will hit home.
We are on the final stretch of finishing our downstairs bathroom, and I can't bring myself to post pictures until it is done. The good news is that our computers are both back up (both were down for a few weeks) and when I get that ridiculous sink installed I will post pictures.

A little naive...

2008-06-04T22:55:00.002-04:00

I'll be the first to admit it. I was/am a little naive. I can't say I was fully prepared for the intensity of buying a home, fixing it up, and moving into it all at the same time.

WOW...

I'm a little overwhelmed, but it is going well. The best part is, it's ours... AHHHH!!!!
I will try to post before and after pics soon, but we still have quite a bit of work to do before that... :)

He did it!!!!

2008-05-31T22:28:00.003-04:00

A week ago today my wonderful and amazing husband graduated from Medical School. He is officially Dr. Brown. I am so very proud of him. Proud of how hard he worked, how much he has accomplished, and the man he is. I know he is going to be a great doctor, and even though the next few years will probably be tough I love you!

Dr. Brown saving the world, one foot at a time. :)

Success!!

2008-04-21T20:06:00.005-04:00

Well after a long week, and LOTS of house hunting we have success! Today Justin and I successfully submitted an offer for a house!! It is surreal, and exciting. The house we got needs a little more work than we were anticipating doing, but was the best deal and the best house for us. We are thrilled and humbled.

Now those of you that actually know about this process, know that this is just the beginning and that we have a whole lot of work still ahead of us. Thank you all for your prayers and support. God has truly blessed us, and I know he has a plan for us in that house!

I was going to post a picture, but I am having trouble, so I will try to post later.

Car Games

2008-04-14T23:27:00.004-04:00

I'll be honest and admit that I am grateful to be a mom in the portable DVD generation. I honestly don't know what I would do without it sometimes.
With that being said... What were your favorite car ride games to play as a kid? I remember playing the Alphabet game, the license plate game, we even splurged and had car ride magnetic bingo for one of our cross country trips one summer.
Here is the "game" Elizabeth and I played on our drive home on Sunday night. (Mind you we've been in the car for almost 6 hours at this point.) It all began with one simple question: "Mommy how far are we from home?" I told her we were about 10 minutes from our house. "How many times would I have to count to 10?" (Do you see the game yet?) I reply 600 times. Some children might be daunted, or uninterested, or discouraged. Not mine.
After setting the rules "Mommy, I'm going to count to ten, then you count how many times I count." Elizabeth began the game.

She didn't make it to 600, but she did count from one to ten 107 times before we pulled in the driveway. Honestly I think it made those last few minutes go a little faster.

Busy, busy, busy

2008-04-08T15:29:00.002-04:00

The next two weeks are going to be pretty busy for us.
My awesome cousin Andrew just finished his tour of duty in Iraq! He is coming to visit the family in big L, so the kiddos and I will head north for that.
Then next week I am off to Pittsburgh to house hunt!! I am so nervous and excited!! Thankfully Grammi is coming down to watch the kiddos, and I am actually getting to meet, and stay with the family of one of the first year residents at the hospital right now. Thanks Nielsens and Grammi for making this trip much easier!! Hopefully I'll come home with great pictures (and news) to post!

Sing your praise to the Lord

2008-04-01T16:08:00.001-04:00

Praise the Lord!! He has again blessed us!!

We found out last night that Justin has passed his Step II Podiatric Medical Board Exam!!! (He was really uneasy after taking the test, and has been pretty stressed out this whole month.)

So join us, let loose and dance praises to the Lord! We are. :)

What are you dancing about?

Truth...

2008-03-27T20:02:00.002-04:00

I've been in a pensive mood. I might even describe it as somewhat of a funk.

This hasn't been the easiest of years, but I have seen God's blessings and I've seen Him working in our lives. Sometimes I have to wonder what He is doing, what He is trying to teach me, and WHY it had to be done this way.

The topic of truthfulness, or the lack thereof, has been rolling around in my heart. This topic has always interested me. I think part of that has to do with the fact that my name means "truthful" or "little truth." Since learning that I have tried to live up to that. *Let me be honest and say that I have failed miserably, many times.
I know that God is the Truth, and that He honors truthfulness. I've done some very brief searching of scripture, but haven't found a scripture that I was looking for yet. I would love something that I can cling to about the truthfulness of God, or the truthfulness he expects of us. I guess I am just looking for something to satiate a part of my heart that seems to have been burned.

Got any scriptures or good quotes on truth?

Mad dash...

2008-03-18T22:49:00.002-04:00

I feel like after a week I should have something profound or funny to post about. I don't.

It seems like most of my mental energies are now spent trying to make a mad dash to prepare for living in Pittsburgh. I've started a garage sale list in my mind (which is humorous because we are seriously living on borrowed furniture), and decided which items won't make the move with us. We've also been trying to arrange to get to Pittsburgh and try to buy a house!! I am excited and scared about this at the same time. We are so new to this, and I am trying to look at and decide things about a city I've never even set foot in.

So I raise my glass to the mad dash that is the next 3 months. Here's to looking, financing, flying, touring, talking, walking, debating, deciding and all the other chaos that is to come from finding a future home. Ahh, life is an adventure

It's official...

2008-03-11T21:33:00.002-04:00

Well friends and family it is official!

We are moving to Pittsburgh! (http://pittsburgh.about.com/)

Justin found out that he matched there today. It isn't a surprise, but it is a blessing to officially know, and to let others know as well. Now we try to find a house, and I'll try to get ready to live in a city I have never seen. God has a way of making sure I know he is in control...

Oh Lord, you are good and faithful. Thank you for bringing us to this point. Thank you for Pittsburgh and the ministry and lives that await us there. May we be a light to those who need you , and may we seek you ever more. Thank you for unknown experiences and places. Be with us and help us Lord. I love you.

My hubby...

2008-03-04T23:11:00.002-05:00

This is my shout out to you baby! (Not that he reads my blog.)

Tomorrow my amazing, wonderful, talented and bright husband has an extremely big day. Tomorrow Justin takes his step II podiatric medical boards. It is a big exam, and I know he is going to do great. He has studied like crazy, and I am amazed at his self-discipline. Honestly, I have never known anyone who has the stamina and self-discipline to study he has. He studies for hours everyday (including the weekends) as well going to clinic, playing with the kids, and spending time with me.

I love you baby, and I am really proud of you! You are going to do great!!

We would love and appreciate your prayers. Thanks.

My Dad

2008-02-28T15:13:00.004-05:00

My Dad is the best dad in the whole world. He's goofy, loving, sweet, a wonderful grandfather, etc, etc.

Monday was his birthday, and I won't tell you how old but he is getting old.

He also had a minor heart attack and then surgery this week. They inserted a stint into one vessel of his heart. He is doing great now, and there is no damage from his heart attack.

PRAISE GOD! Thank you Lord for you faithfulness and healing and thank you Lord for my Dad.

I love you Daddy.

Dad with Caleb when he was born.

Quick hello

2008-02-19T22:23:00.001-05:00

We're here, and getting settled. Internet is very challenging to come by, so for now updates will be sparce. Things are going pretty well, and it looks like we're gonna make it. :)

#3

2008-01-30T22:49:00.000-05:00

I have a new excuse for my blogging laziness. We are readying ourselves to move... again. That's right move #3 in eight months. But, at least when we move the next time (in 4 months) we will be in one place for several years! :)
Justin has sent in his rankings, so we have at least an idea of where that will be. Hopefully this move will be full of new friends, great experiences, and good family togetherness time.
Here I raise my glass to another unknown road that God is leading me down. Oh Lord please use us in this place and may the light within us shine your glorious brightness to those around us.

Slacker blogger

2008-01-15T12:02:00.000-05:00

I have been a slacker on the blogging front. Sorry.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Our family had a blast. We've been blessed to spend quality time with both sides of our family. We took Elizabeth ice skating for the first time, and it was great! Caleb has a new tooth, and is working on 2 more. He still doesn't want to walk, but he loves to stand up unassisted in every room and on every surface.
We have a few more weeks with my parents, and then we move... again. At least after this move we will only have one more in the next three years. :) Life is busy and good. We are blessed.

I hope you are too.

Learing to read...

2007-12-22T16:27:00.000-05:00

Elizabeth has started reading letters on signs, and asking what they spell. It is great and I love to see her little mind grow and her learn new skills... However, it has already caused a little problem....
Last week we are driving in the car and E is chatting from the back seat (as usual) when I hear E R S. What does that spell? I realized that I hadn't been listening told her I didn't know and asked her to spell it again. So she starts. H... O... O... (at this point Justin and I both look up and notice that in the parking lot with us is a Hooters restaurant.) T... E.... R... S.... I am all prepared to tell her that it spells Hooters, and that it is a place that has something to do with owls. But, before I get a chance Justin says: "Cafe', it spells Cafe'." Elizabeth answers, "Oh, what is cafe'?" We tell her it is a place to eat, and then she excitedly says: "Ohhh, can we eat at Cafe'?" Both of us immediately said "NO."
Ahhh, the joys of parenthood. I know it's not very long before she realizes that HOOTERS doesn't spell cafe' and we're in for a whole new conversation. At least she keeps us on our toes. :)

Rejoice!!

2007-12-18T22:56:00.001-05:00

Thank you all for your prayers and love. Let me start by apologizing for not updating earlier. I didn't have Internet access at home yesterday, and it wasn't the kind of day to head out for wireless somewhere.

Caleb's surgery went really well, and he came through great. He had a pretty rough day yesterday, but by the end of the day was much better. Today he has been back to his normal happy self! (Other than diaper changes and the like...) PRAISE THE LORD!!!! Yesterday was draining, but was once again a testament to the love and faithfulness of our God! We have about a week of recovery, but if things keep going well it should go really well. Thanks again for your prayers and love.

As I was sitting in the waiting room I found Psalm 116, and I adapted it here. I invite you to read these words and praise the Lord for his faithfulness to us and to you.

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;

he heard my cry for mercy.

Because he turned his ear to me,

I will call on him as long as I live.

I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.

Then I called on the name of the LORD:

"O LORD, save me!"

The LORD is gracious and righteous;

our God is full of compassion.

The LORD protects the simplehearted;

when I was in great need,

he saved me.

Be at rest one more, O my soul,

for the LORD has been good to you.

For you, O LORD,

have delivered my soul from death,

my eyes from tears,

my feet from stumbling,

that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?

I will lift up the cup of salvation

and call on the name of the LORD.

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.

O LORD, truly I am your servant.

Praise the LORD!

Join me

2007-12-15T21:25:00.000-05:00

"I lift my eyes up to the hills-

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip-

he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you-

the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm-

he will watch over your life;

the LORD will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121

Most you will not know this, but Caleb is scheduled to have surgery on Monday morning. He is having a revision of his circumcision. :( I am (understandably) nervous and not exactly looking forward to this. But we have been told by the doctors that the earlier the better, easier, and safer. He's been running a fever the last few days, and if that keeps up then we'll have to postpone the surgery, and I REALLY don't want that to happen.

This procedure is supposedly easy, fast, and uncomplicated, but I am still really nervous. Please pray that he will be okay, and the surgery will go as planned. With our crazy year, and it being so late I'm not sure when we would get it rescheduled.

The psalm above is the one I am reading over, and praying over Caleb. So,if you would, please go back up to the top and join me in praying this over my son.

Hello Chicago!

2007-12-07T17:00:00.002-05:00

Justin and I got to Chicago yesterday afternoon. I had already forgotten how the cold can sting your eyes. Justin is out now doing his residency interviews for next year. It is a little crazy that we are already here, and deciding what life will be like next year. This year has been very hard, but has really seemed to pass very quickly.
This is our first time away together since Caleb was born and we are really enjoying it. Thanks mom for keeping the kids!! We're hoping to have some fun on the town tomorrow and Sunday and hopefully I will post some pics from our trip. I hope you have a weekend as fun filled as mine!

Silliness turns spiritual

2007-11-25T23:31:00.000-05:00

Having kids in church is distracting, let's just be honest. I don't always get to focus on the message and worship experience as much as I would like. I'm sure those of you with children totally understand.

This morning I my distraction was a typical one, Caleb. Caleb loves food. We bring snacks and a drink for the kids each week, because it makes everything flow smoother. Caleb has figured out that the servers who bring communion every week are bringing food. He also understands that we get the food, and if we get it he wants it. He stands up when he sees them coming and watches them like a hawk. When they come by and start to pass the trays he holds out his hands and squeezes them, which is his sign for "I want that!" I can't help it. Everytime it cracks me up. It's just so funny that he has figured this ritual out and wants so badly to persuade these men to give him a cracker. Today I tried to offer him a goldfish, but he shook his head no and just waited to see if he would get a cracker. Today we were sitting with my parents and my Dad was holding him, and he just barely kept it together.

As I laughed at all of this, a thought struck me. As funny as it is right now, I hope this is a pattern that continues in my son's life, at least metaphorically. It is my prayer that throughout Caleb's life he will hunger and thirst for the body and cleansing blood of Jesus Christ. How cool is it to think that his whole life my son would be consumed and enthralled by the sacrifice of his Savior. That he would always wait on the edge of his seat, then refuse other things to fill himself with the only thing that really satisfies the blood and body of Christ. That is my prayer for you sweet boy. I love you.

What a week!!!!

2007-11-14T23:37:00.000-05:00

Last week (actually it's been 2 weeks now) was absolutely crazy!!! Both kiddos had a birthday, so I am now the proud mother of a 4 year old, and a 1 year old! It would have been crazy enough with just that, but throw in Halloween, grandma coming to visit, and the never ending stomach virus, and it was just about more than I could handle. Praise God that Justin had the week off between rotations, and was home to help me through it!

Elizabeth had a great birthday, and we decided that this year she would have her own party on the 30th. So she had a blast at the park with her friends. I went all out and made her cake it was Dora, and I will have to post a pic tomorrow. So after her party on Tuesday, on her birthday we went to Chuck E. Cheese to play then dinner at her choice... Fazoli's. After that we ran back home to change into our Halloween costumes and do some trick or treating. (Caleb was sick, fussy, and tired so Batman was in his costume for about 10 minutes, and never made it outside. I didn't even get a picture of them together.) She had a blast, and it is pretty unbelievable to me that she is four. Maybe it is because she acts 6 sometimes...

Poor Caleb was so sick for 8 days, that we still haven't had his birthday party yet. Thankfully he has stopped vomitting, and gained some of his weight back. I did get a few pictures of him on his birthday, but they are pretty sad.

I'm just glad that I wasn't alone that week to do it all myself. This is definately one reason why you have two parents. :)

27...

2007-10-25T16:00:00.000-04:00

Tuesday was my 27th birthday... So in honor of that I am listing 27 things you might not know about me:

1. My siblings once told me I was adopted, and I completely believed them.
2. I have broken three bones.
3. I've had three different surgeries. (Only one of #2 and #3 correlate.)
4. I am incredibly intimidated when I go to the doctor's office. (Although it is getting better as my wonderful buy goofy husband gets closer to being one of those.)
5. I don't really enjoy visiting other countries that much. I'm really quite happy as a homebody.
6. Once one of my biggest fears was that God would have me fall in love with a man who's life goal was to be a missionary...
7. In the sixth grade I was told by my teachers that I should have a career as a public speaker.
8. I was a youth ministry intern for two summers, and my youngest kids are now seniors in high school. (That will make you feel old!)
9. I didn't have a checking account until I enrolled in college.
10. I didn't have a cell phone until I was a sophomore in college.
11. I have an incredible gift for sleeping and going to sleep. It takes me almost no time, and I am rarely effected by anything (pregnancy, etc.)
12. I once told my pastor that my spiritual gift was sleep. He did not find that humorous.
13. I have two 1" scars on my right arm, that I got from my track cleats while I was long jumping.
14. I played soccer for 13 years, and quit my senior year of high school.
15. I've only kissed three boys, including my husband.
16. My first real kiss was in the fourth grade. (I know it's scandalous.)
17. God's plans never seem to align with mine. (If they did I would be single and teaching in New York's inner city right now.)
18. God and modern medicine have saved my life twice.
19. I've had a blood transfusion.
20. It is for people like that they have pre-made teacher kits and bulletin boards.
21. I hate long awkward pauses in group discussions. I will answer questions way too much just to avoid these.
22. I once chased my brother around the house with a butcher knife. (Yes, I had the full intent to hurt him.)
23. I have a large temper.I am getting better at controlling it, but I'm sure my family has quite a few stories.
24. Justin planned at least as much of our wedding, and has probably done more of Elizabeth's baby book than me. I'm just not crafty.
25. My favorite movie is Vivacious Lady. You've probably never heard of it, and won't find it in your local video store. But it is a Jimmy Stewart classic!
26. I think I've only owned and used three hair products in my life (besides shampoo and conditioner). Hairspray (thank you 1992), gel, and my new favorite the smoothing creme!
27. what you see of my front six top teeth are fake. My real teeth are really small so the dentist added to them so that they look normal.

Bittersweet

2007-10-15T09:16:00.000-04:00

Weekends always seem to be bitter sweet for us now, and this one was no exception. Justin came home to see us late Friday night, but it seemed like before we knew it, it was Sunday evening and he had to drive back to Greenville. (This weekend was crazy enough for it's own blog later.)

I have to say this living apart and seeing each other only on weekends is much more difficult than I expected. Elizabeth cries, and cries. She usually does well during the week, but having Justin leave (or us leave for home) is just so hard on her. Caleb doesn't seem to understand everything yet, and honestly I'm extremely grateful for that. At least this way I only have one child to console.

We love you sweetie, and we miss you!!

Elizabeth needed to type, so here is her input to today's blog:
eztbr jkutwwwwwwwavbiilytezxcvbnmeys p

The posts in my head...

2007-10-11T23:23:00.000-04:00

Does anyone else do this?

If only you knew how often I blogged in my head. Something funny or strange will happen, or I'll have a serious thought and I begin my personal narrative that becomes the blog in my mind.
I think it is because I have to either wait until my Dad comes home, and ask his permission to use his computer (yes it's great to live at home again), or I have to pack up the kids during the day and go to my brother and sister-in-law's house to use the internet. But know that I have more stories I want to share.

Maybe one day... Maybe one day...

Reality sets in...

2007-10-02T11:05:00.000-04:00

I'm back in the saddle again. We had a wonderful month with Justin being around, and getting to play with us and help me out, but as I knew it would October came. Justin is off at another hospital. Luckily this month he is only a six hour drive away, which means we will see each other most weekends!!!
But this is my first week to know what it is really like to take care of 3 kids all day long. (I am keeping my nephew William during the day). Let me just say that I have already learned 3 things.
1. Three kids is a lot busier than 2.
2. Caleb will be walking before we even think about having another baby.
3. I never want children 9 months apart.

Elizabeth started ballet last week. She is absolutely precious! She has it every Monday, and when we called Justin last night she told him that she learned how to do a releve. I had to google it to know what it was! She is loving school, and getting excited about her birthday and Halloween coming up. It's hard to believe she will be 4 in a few weeks.

Caleb is motoring around like crazy. Cruising, crawling and pulling up anywhere he can. I don't think Elizabeth is too fond of his new found mobility, considering he now frequently comes and "messes up" what she is playing with. He is cutting his top two teeth, so the drool abounds.

My apologies if you thought this post was lame. Hey, at least I posted!

The girls

2007-10-02T11:01:00.000-04:00

Here's a photo of us.

Life long friends...

2007-09-21T21:22:00.000-04:00

I'm a girl, so it's a given that I'm a social creature. But God knows me so well, and in every stage of my life He has provided amazing friends. The kind of friends you know you will have, and keep up with for all of your life.
I have girls from high school that I still get together with, ladies from Colorado that I'm currently playing fantasy football with, more wonderful women who share my heart in Iowa, and finally my 6 best friends from college.
Over Labor Day weekend I was blessed with the opportunity to spend the weekend with "the girls," my college friends. We've all been together only once since college graduation and none of them had ever met my sweet little Caleb. It was an absolutely wonderful weekend. They are just the kind of friends that as soon as you are together it is as if you had never been apart. The weekend was full of silliness, lounging, being loud, making fun of each other, and the most serious conversations about all aspects of life.
I love you girls! You are great. Thanks for being so wonderful to my kids, and making my life so much fun. I love all of you so much, and I hope we keep up these reunions forever!
I wanted to post a picture of the "Sassy 7" but my computer isn't cooperating. That will have to come on another day.

Reunited and it feels so...

2007-09-11T23:02:00.000-04:00

GREAT!!!!! I am so incredibly blessed.
We've officially been back together as a family for a week now.
I am feeling really blessed here are 5 of the biggest blessings in my life:
1. I have an amazing, wonderful, loving husband
2. I have 2 beautiful, healthy, happy and smart kids.
3. I live in a wonderful country with great freedoms
4. I have a great extended family. I love you Brackeens and Browns!
5. I am saved by an AWESOME God, who thought nothing of his own pain, but gave everything to save me.

What is on your list?

Six days and counting...

2007-08-28T21:59:00.000-04:00

We're officially on the count down. We get to see Justin on Monday!!!! He has spent this last month working at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh. We last saw him July 29th, so needless to say we are REALLY excited.
This weekend was a big one for us. Elizabeth went to her first sleepover at her cousins' house this weekend. I waited up for quite a while just knowing that I would get a phone call that she needed to come home, but it never happened. My sister said she did great. When I got there in the morning she looked at me and said "I don't want to go yet Mommy!"
Open house for preschool was tonight. I can't believe she's going back to school. She seems bigger to me everyday.
My little man moves faster everyday, and loves being able to chase his big sister. But his poor little knees are so red from the carpet. He is really getting vocal and is very opionated. His laugh is so contagious. Daddy isn't going to believe how big he has gotten.

What a blessed life I lead!

Happy Anniversaries!!!!

2007-08-20T23:47:00.000-04:00

This is a big week and important week for Justin and me. Without this week in the calendar we wouldn't be here. :)
So this blog is dedicated to 4 people who will never read it... To Tim, Cathy, Randy and Ann. Thanks for being wonderful parents and for hanging onto your marriages and your faiths for so long.

Congratulations Tim & Cathy on 30 years. Elvis' death doesn't outshine you in our eyes.

Congratulations Randy & Ann on 39 years. That is a really long time... (I just wanted to make you feel old) And thanks for not holding it against me that I can never actually remember the date. :)

We are proud of you, and proud that we belong to you.

Way too long...

2007-08-09T15:11:00.001-04:00

So, it's been way too long since I updated my blog. My apologies to anyone who has checked this in the last three weeks (or however long it has been). Justin finished his two months in Colorado and is now in Pittsburgh. So far he really likes this rotations. At least he is being treated nicely by the doctors and residents there.
The kids and I have made our way to my parents house in Texas. We are enjoying ourselves and love the time we are getting to spend with family here.
This week is Nana camp where all of the cousins get together for a week of fun and mayhem together at Nana's house.
I realize this was a short update, but nap time is almost over and tonight is Chuck E. Cheese night and we've got lots of fun in store, so I should get myself ready for the party! :)
I will update more consistently now that we are a little more settled. I hope you are all doing well.

The progression of a shiner...

2007-07-19T16:30:00.000-04:00

Well, Caleb got his first black eye last week. Elizabeth accidentally knocked a book off of the ottoman and right onto Caleb's face. He's my little tough guy and usually doesn't cry about being hurt, but he screamed about this one. (Which was promptly echoed by the wailings of his guilt-ridden big sister.) It actually didn't turn out as bad as I expected (probably because he did actually let me hold ice on it for a few minutes). But here you go pictures of his first (but I'm sure not last) black eye.

Due to my hesitation of posting my kids photos on the net you'll notice the pics are extemely close up. :)

A few minutes after

That night

Two days later

Three days later

A week later, basically back to normal

Movies

2007-07-09T22:29:00.000-04:00

I don't go see movies at the theater a whole lot. I like to see movies, but I can wait until they come out on DVD. Besides we don't have to get a sitter that way. :)

This week I have to talk about movies. We were blessed to go on a double date with some great friends this weekend. The guys decided we should go see Transformers. Honestly, I was not very excited. But, I LOVED it!! It was a great movie. It had plot, action, and was even funny. About halfway through I looked at Justin and said "I didn't want to see this, but I am loving it." Anyway, I highly recommend it.

This week or weekend I will also be seeing a movie. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix comes out this week!!! I am SO excited. We love the Harry Potter movies. If Justin can go with me we will see it on Wednesday, if not we will definitely see it this weekend. I am also excited because that means I get to read another Harry Potter book. I didn't start reading the books until after I had seen the first three movies. I love the movies so much I don't want to be disappointed with them, so I wait to read the books until after I see the movies.

Either way I recommend either of these movies! Happy viewing?

What are your plans for this weekend?

My Boy

2007-07-03T16:27:00.000-04:00

8 months...

Some moments I can't believe it's been that long, and others I can't believe it's only been that long.

Caleb just turned 8 months old. He is growing before my eyes. He isn't crawling yet, but he can scoot himself across the floor on his back by digging in his heels. And if you sit him on the wood floor, he can wiggle his bottom just enough to scoot several feet. We are working on his newest trick- giving five. He's getting pretty good.

No teeth have appeared yet, although I've thought he has been working on them forever. He is still the chubby and happy baby he's always been. Everyone here seems to comment on the size of his cheeks, and how big and blue his eyes are.

I am so blessed to have this beautiful baby, and his wonderful big sister. I love you my little boy!

My thoughts...

2007-06-29T14:46:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who commented with their thoughts. I think I will be borrowing some of your thoughts this weekend. I usually flip flop between two scenarios. So here is what I typically think about...

The bread: Since the bread is Christ's body I picture my own body laying on an altar. I typically then pray and give my body and my life over into God's hands. I pray that he would be able to use my body and my life just the way he would if I were Jesus. I pray that I would touch people like Jesus and see people like Jesus. I pray that my whole body and life would be given over to Him for His will, and His glory.

The cup: When I take the cup and the drink the juice that represents his blood I typically use it as a time to think about my sinfulness. I take this time to examine my heart. I picture it as the hard black stone that is lifeless within me. I confess to the Lord the ways I know I have failed him, and the things that I have done to separate myself from His presence. I pray that His blood, which is the only thing that can cleanse me, will pour over my heart and make it new. Then I picture His blood hitting my rock heart and the pieces of rock and darkness shattering off of it like an explosion. I picture the Christ's blood once again starting my heart and pumping throughout my body so that I can be used for His goodness. I allow myself to be washed clean in the pouring flood of His blood, and soak in the peace that comes with knowing that I am clean and pure before the Lord. And that once again I feel the freedom and peace that comes with knowing I stand purified before my God.
I have to say that this is an especially powerful image for me when I am pregnant and nursing, because I pray and imagine that a taste of the blood and body of Christ will flow through me to my children and that they will begin, even in the womb, to have a hunger and thirst for the salvation of Christ in their lives.

This is the other scenario I think of is:
I imagine myself walking into this amazing banquet room. There is a table that stretches as far as the eye can see. It is elegantly set and filled with tons of food. I see the food and realize that I am starving. I approach the table and notice that every place is set and has a name. In the midst of all of this I look down at myself and I realize that I am filthy. I am dirty from head to toe and I am dressed in rags. I realize that I am an orphan and I don't belong here. I am not worthy of being here and I suddenly feel tiny. But then I look back at the table and the place card on the plate has my name on it. I realize that I belong here and a place has been saved for me. I feel amazing. Words can't express the relief, joy and peace that comes over me as I take my place at the table. I sit and as I look down the table I see people from all over the world joining me in this feast. And then I eat and feel truly full for the first time. And when I drink I look down, and I am no longer dirty, but clean and in a new sparkling white outfit. I relax and realize what an amazing experience I am having.

Communion Thoughts

2007-06-25T16:24:00.000-04:00

I was thinking yesterday that I get kind of stuck in a rut with my thoughts during communion (The Lord's Supper, etc.), and I wondered what do you think about?
I usually have a predominant mental image that I try to focus on, and prayers I typically say. Mine also tend to go through cycles. I will have a certain picture or image for a while and then it will change and be the same for a while, and then change again. Is anyone else like this?
I realize that this is a very personal topic, but I would love to know what you think about or what you do. How do you focus on Jesus and his sacrifice? I'll share my current scenario later, but tell me about you...

Da..Da.. Da.. Donk! PVS kids!

2007-06-20T11:45:00.000-04:00

Elizabeth is attending VBS (vacation bible school) this week at Grammi & Pawpa's church. I told her what it was on Sunday, and then got her ready for it on Monday morning. She then started singing the PBS kids jingle that I wrote in the title. It took me until she came home at lunch to understand why. She was telling Justin's mom all about it, when she said "I got to go to PVS kids this morning!!!" She hasn't been old enough for VBS in the past, and I guess the two acronyms being so close, she just assumed they were the same thing. Needless to say it's been a hilarious few days.
I was nervous she might have a hard time, since we just got here and she doesn't know anyone, but she has done great and always has something new to show me everyday. Monday she had memorized a verse, and yesterday she learned part of a song and some dance motions to go with it. She walked around all day singing "Everybody let's prai-ai-ai-ai-aise the Lord, Everybody let's prai-ai-ai-ai-aise the Lord!" It is terrific.
Well, we've been in Colorado for a week officially now, and I think we are kind of getting settled. I finally feel like I have most of the paperwork and moving stuff behind me. Caleb is still having trouble sleeping and getting back into his routine, but he's getting better and he's still happy about everything. Then again all of this may just be that I think he is on the verge of his first tooth. So, we'll see...
Justin is over halfway through his first externship, and it is going well. I think he has learned a lot not only about podiatry, but also about what this year and the next three may look like. We'll just have to see...

My 4 Heroes

2007-06-05T00:15:00.000-04:00

This post is dedicated to Allison, Debbi, Sarah and Susan.

These are four incredible women. Four women who taught me last week what it means to be a true friend. Four women who helped me in ways I did not even know I would need. Thank you to the four of you for realizing before I even did that I am not superwoman, and I needed help. Thanks for hours watching my kids, and giving me peace knowing I didn't have to worry. Thanks for hours of cleaning and late nights together. Thanks for wonderful encouraging words, and long embraces as we said good-bye. Thanks for fighting back the tears with me and telling me it was going to be okay. Thanks for everything. I cannot imagine my life without you, and every time I think about facing this year without you I can't believe it's going to happen. My life is better and blessed because you have been in it. It is my prayer that God will bless you the way you have blessed me.

I'm in TX now running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get things done and feel a little settled. I don't know when that feeling will come.

I was reading last night and was very encouraged when I ran across this verse in Joshua... "Be strong and courageous, Do not be terrifies; don not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9b

It hit me...

2007-05-27T23:40:00.000-04:00

Today in church the reality of this move hit me. At least momentarily...
Contribute that, if you will, to the fact that they made us come up to the front of church while our dear friend Sarah sang Michael W. Smith's Friends.

Our time here in Iowa has drawn to an end. There is just enough time to pack up and clean and hopefully have a few more precious moments with those people who have made our time and experience here so dear. Thanks to all of you who made an impact on our lives. Thanks for sharing your lives with us, and letting us share ours with you. There are friends and faces we will never forget, and we hope desperately to see you all again sometime.

I'm off to finish pack those last few boxes...

It's a hard knock life...

2007-05-08T22:07:00.000-04:00

I've been a slacker... I could blame the lack of blogging on the fact that the whole family got sick 2 weeks ago, or that we are trying to move, or that we are now shopping for a new car. But it hasn't been one of these factors, it's been all of these things combined... ;) Plus being in that state of mind where you're not sure what if anything you should write about.

We're selling our minivan. It's not exactly what I hoped/wanted to be doing at this time in our lives. But, the AC is on the fritz again. And we've had decided the last time we took it in was our last time to repair this AC. (For those of you that don't know, we had the AC basically completely replaced 3 separate times at Ford dealerships in 3 different states. It was not a fun vacation, and our latest dealership to fix it just went bankrupt!) So, I loose my big comfy van for a more affordable and less gas guzzling car. I'm sad. I like the van. I don't like filling it up though. Elizabeth will probably cry, again.

This moving business is proving to be very hard on my 3 year old. I got a book form the library that we read together about moving, and how it can make you feel. When we finished it yesterday she just started crying and said "I don't want to move!!" We are selling some of our furniture, so last week we sold our beds. I cannot describe for you the tears that occurred over this event. I was trying to explain that we would not be selling her new bed spread or room decor, and then I thought it would help if I let her know she could help us pick out her new bed after we got settled. I said, "we will get you a new bed, a brand spankin' new bed!" She turned and looked at me with a slight look of horror on her face and breaking out into tears she said "I don't want a spanking bed!!!" At least she keeps us laughing!

If anyone has any ideas on ways to make this easier let me know...

Moving

2007-04-26T22:39:00.000-04:00

We're moving...
It's good and bad. Happy and Sad... (feel free to sing along)

So we have a little over a month left here in Iowa. And I am totally torn.
For 5 years (from the day I left for college until when we moved into this apartment) I (we) moved every year. This is the longest I have lived in one place since I moved out on my own.

There are so many things that make this place special in my heart forever. It is the first time I have ever lived FAR away from any family. So, it made me really grow up and establish things for myself. It also changed me because of our circumstances. I have spent so much time alone, or just with Elizabeth over the last 3 years that I had to make my friends and neighbors more like family. I am going to miss people tremendously. This is the only house my 3 year old has ever really known, and to leave it and our friends makes me so sad for her.

Many of you know, that this is also a welcome move. Some of you may know that Iowa is probably not my favorite of the 50 states... :) But despite the terrible driving, road planning, snow storms, and cold it hasn't been that bad. I am happy to be moving closer to family. (Even if it is short lived.) I am happy to be moving away from winter wiper blades and bundling my kids up like eskimos. I am happy that this means Justin is one year closer to fulfilling his dreams, and we are all one more year closer to being done with school.

I'm delaying getting boxes, because then I can delay packing. As long as I delay packing I can almost delay the reality of facing this jumble of emotions. (I can at least brush them from the front of my mind.)
I'm sure many of you have moved before and know what I mean. I'd love to hear anything you have to say about the subject. And if you're around here, do you know where I can get boxes? I can't put it off forever...

What I love about blogging

2007-04-22T15:44:00.000-04:00

What I love about Blogging is that so many people are doing it. I just spent the last hour finding things out about old friends and acquaintances. I love that my college was small enough that I can find all sorts of people just by clicking links and following trails of friends. It's also fun to know that I can keep up with my friends from here once we move too.
The only thing I don't like is the debate to comment or not to comment. I spend time wondering if people I was not really good friends with are going to think I am strange to look them up after all this time. But to tell you the truth, I think it is neat to know that friends old and new, both close and casual can find out about me on the web. So no matter who you are, if you want to comment please do!
What is your favorite thing about blogging?

Sweet Baby Caleb

2007-04-15T18:55:00.000-04:00

Today Caleb is 5 1/2 months old. It is hard to believe how fast time flies. He isn't my little newborn anymore. :( But he is so much fun! Since I've already posted about his big sister I thought I would tell you some of my favorite things about Caleb.

Caleb is SO smiley. He loves to smile and chuckle.
Caleb has a dimple. It is high up on his right cheek, and it is just absolutely adorable. Since he smiles so much I get to see it a lot.
Caleb thinks Elizabeth is the funniest person on the planet. No one can make him smile as easily, laugh as loudly, or keep him laughing as long as she can.
Caleb loves his Mommy and Daddy. He lights up for us with smiles and whole body flails.
Caleb is a chunk! He has the chubbiest cheeks, at least two chins, and it looks like he has rubber bands on his wrists. He is also really tall. At his 4 month check he outweighed (by almost a pound) what Elizabeth weighed at 6 months, and was 1/2 an inch longer than she was at six months. (What that really means is we had to take him out of his carrier car seat at 4 months. BOO!)
Caleb is easy going and quite content. He is pretty much happy doing whatever. Sometimes he is so relaxed that I can use the nose sucker on him, and he doesn't even flinch!
Caleb is chatty. Many of you may know that Elizabeth is quite verbose. But if Caleb has anything to do about it he is going to talk as much as she does or more. He "talks" all the time! He talks to us, he talks to himself in bed, he talks to his toys. As soon as he learns a new sound he uses it all of the time. Needless to say he isn't going to let his sister talk for him.

I love this baby boy, and am so blessed that he is in my life.

Thank you God for this sweet baby boy. Thank you Lord for all of the circumstances that brought him to us.

He is so special. If I know you and you want to see pictures of my kids (and aren't on my shutterfly list). I am happy to send them to you. Just let me know.

Happy Easter!!

2007-04-08T17:13:00.001-04:00

Blessings to you this Easter!!

Praise be to God this wonderful day that Jesus Christ our Lord is risen and lives today!

This is one of my favorite days of the year. I hope today you have been blessed to share the day and the joy of Christ with family and/or friends.

Hope is real, hope is new again today. I want you to have the unfailing hope and forgiveness that Jesus offers you freely today. If you don't I'd love to share it with you. If you do I hope we can share it together.

JESUS LIVES!!

Good Friday

2007-04-07T00:02:00.000-04:00

Good Friday to you.
I haven't spent as much time reflecting today as I should have, but I have had a song in my head and heart all day. I would like to share the words with you.

Your only son no sin to hide,
But You have sent Him from your side
To walk upon this guilty sod
And to become the lamb of God

Your gift of love they crucified,
They laughed and scorned Him as He died,
The humble King they named a fraud
And sacrificed the lamb of God

O lamb of God, sweet lamb of God
I love the holy Lamb of God.
O wash me in His precious blood,
My Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

I was so lost I should have died,
But You have brought me to Your side.
To be lead by Your staff and rod,
And to be called a Lamb of God.

O lamb of God, sweet lamb of God
I love the holy Lamb of God.
O wash me in His precious blood,
My Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.
(words by Twila Paris)

This isn't necessarily my favorite Easter song, but one that has made me think of the cross today.

What is your favorite Easter song? What speaks to you? I would love it if you would share the words with me.

God bless you this Easter weekend!

Palm Sunday

2007-04-03T23:53:00.000-04:00

I love the church I grew up in. It was (and I’m sure still is) a wonderful place to establish and grow my faith. Being church of Christ though, we often didn’t discuss certain days, where other churches make special observances and have special festivities.
So it was this Sunday as I sat in my row and watched my 3 year old little girl coming in to church waving her palm branch that I decided that I wanted her to know what Palm Sunday is all about.
I wanted her to know the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Of his riding on the donkey colt as shouts of acclimation and adoration filled his ears. ( I wonder if that is a sound he clung to in his heart a few days later, as insults and hateful words were venomously spewed at him.) How the people laid down both palm branches and their own cloaks to carpet the road for Jesus’ ride. We read the story, and I have to say that it made my heart swell with joy as she walked around the house waving her palm branch and saying "Hosanna! Hosanna! Glory to God! Praise God!"
Later that night I was thinking about it and I realized I didn’t know what the word Hosanna meant. So I looked it up. (Any of you out there with more Greek/ Hebrew knowledge than me correct me if the definition I found was wrong.) Hosanna means "God save" and it is my understanding that this is a plea to God. That He would reach down from Heaven and send a savior to his people. And isn’t it wonderful that he did!
Praise be to God that he not only sent a savior, but that he sent his only son. His son Jesus, who was more than just his son, but is also a part of him. A part of him as much as my right arm is a part of me.

Side Note:
Here are Elizabeth's funnies for the day:
To the tune of Skip to my Lou "Glue, glue, stick to my glue!"
and during her prayer, " I love you God, and mommy and daddy, and Caleb and me and all my food, except one food. I don't like mushrooms. Please help me not to eat mushrooms."

Med school prom...

2007-03-10T14:03:00.000-05:00

Here's the story I promised.

Okay, so technically it is called the Winter Gala, but it just sounds funnier when you call it med school prom. We hadn't been either of the previous two years, but we were going to go this year and try to have a good time at our last formal event where we didn't have to be professional adults. But if you read before we got snowed in. We were all dressed up and went to dinner, but as we left the restraunt they closed the mall, and I decided I didn't want to get stranded on the other side of town. So here is our photo. I have to say it was quite nice to get all dressed up and go on a date with my husband and no kiddos. :)

Caleb just turned 4 months, so next blog will be an update about him.

Ready for Spring!

2007-02-28T23:18:00.000-05:00

Let me start by saying that I have nothing to complain about. A lot of people here in Iowa lost power (and some still don't have it) on Saturday, but we were completely unscathed. I have a warm house, hot water, and lights!

But I have to be honest... I am ready for Spring!! We had 7 inches of snow here over the weekend. (Which caused us to miss Med School Prom, but I'll post about that later when I can upload the photos.) And before that we had about 3 weeks of high temps below freezing. Valentine's Day our high was 9. Tomorrow we are due to get another round of winter weather. We have a blizzard warning all day tomorrow. They are predicting at least 4 more inches of snow. Needless to say, this West Texas girl hasn't experienced a blizzard warning before. You would think this being my third winter here I would be more used to it, but somehow every year it surprises me one way or another. At least we're getting good use of our winter gear!

So, let me say thank you God that I am warm. And bring on spring!!!