:: Tonight is opening night of the musical my mom, sister, and littlest brother are all in. Daniel and I are taking Gabriel and Bronwyn to see it. Gabriel will undoubtedly love the band and seeing his uncle; Bronwyn will undoubtedly "ooh" and "ahh" over the costumes and leave wishing we would still wear fancy dresses everyday of the week.
:: We're leaving Saturday for 2 weeks out of town. The first 8 days will be spent in Pittsburgh; the next 6 will be spent in Long Island. We'll visit with much of Daniel's family and we'll visit with some of mine. We plan on taking the kids to an amusement park and I hope to get some shopping for children's clothing done at a favorite consignment shop. Undoubtedly there will be a day or 2 at the ocean and perhaps we'll even watch a musical on Broadway. Oh and, of course, Daniel will got lots of worship leading in, too!
:: The fall semester starts in 4 short weeks so it shouldn't be any surprise that Daniel's hard at work making plans and phone calls accordingly. Except that it doesn't feel as though we've had much summer yet at all. Why is that?
:: I'd like to paint my bedroom before the baby arrives. Upon moving in a year and a half ago, I didn't change a single wall or trim color in the whole house except the kitchen (which had been a frighteningly intense yellow and is now off-white) because the rooms are mostly all done in perfect and wonderful colors. But I've decided that a little more color in my bedroom would be nice.
So now I just have to figure out how moms with young children tackle such projects without the paint drying to their brush every 15 minutes when they get interrupted to change a diaper, break up an argument, make a PB&J sandwich, and switch the laundry!
:: Bronwyn turns 3 in less than 2 weeks and I can hardly believe it. She has been a priceless infant and toddler and I must confess that I don't like the idea of distancing ourselves from her baby self any more than we already have. I love who she is becoming and all her increasingly-expressed thoughts, but I do find myself wishing I could go back in time just for a moment so that I could hold her chubby body close and admire her long-gone China-doll complexion and dark hair.
:: We very recently were blessed with an anonymous monetary gift and are almost sure we'll spend it on a dining room table. Our current table is wonderful and Daniel has put many hours in over the years transforming it from its rather unattractive 50s-style, metal-decor to a table that is very nice-looking, but it is technically only big enough for 4 people-- though we squeeze 6 at it regularly enough. Hospitality becomes increasingly challenging as our little family grows, which is frustrating since our dining room is plenty big enough for a much larger table and many more people than we can currently manage. I'm hoping to find a table (used or new) that can seat at least 10. Something like this would be wonderful, provided I can find a similar item for much cheaper.
At any rate, all this blabbing about kinds of tables and the real point was that I have been looking ahead to this fall and winter and feeling disappointed with our limitations when inviting guests over for meals due to our furniture. I was about to ask Daniel if we might re-designate other monies so that this table situation could be rectified when this anonymous gift arrived. God is very, very good to me.
:: Though I can hardly believe it, baby #4s arrival is expected in about 2 short months! After spending 12 weeks on modified bedrest followed by 4 on restricted activity-- willing the hours and days away because I was alternately worried and bored-- these past couple weeks have literally gone by in the blink of an eye. Now I'm busy kissing and hugging Jackson lots extra because, well, he's my baby but not for long.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Morning Meditation
Psalm 32.1
How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered!
How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity;
And in whose spirit there is no deceit!
1 John 1.8-9
If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves,
and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous
to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Romans 6.17-18
But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin,
you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which
you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became
slaves of righteousness.
Whose sin is covered!
How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity;
And in whose spirit there is no deceit!
1 John 1.8-9
If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves,
and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous
to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Romans 6.17-18
But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin,
you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which
you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became
slaves of righteousness.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Summer Days
I'm afraid my children are beginning to think much like I did my whole life up until age 19 and my first major move: that beaches and clean waterways are in close proximity to every American home. I expect there will come a day of harsh awakening for them at some point in their lives, just like there was in mine. Until then, however, they are thoroughly enjoying leisurely afternoons and picnic dinners on the beach-- and they think this is entirely normal and perfectly acceptable to expect on a hot summer's day.
Order & Routine
One area where the melancholy in me really comes out (besides, um, pessimism) is in my deep cravings for order and routine. Oh, I enjoy spontaneity... during my designated times for being spontaneous, that is.
Trust me, I don't order my days so much for the sake of my children as for me! I like to know when I'm going to do things, what days I'm doing them on, exactly how it will work, and that it's worked the day before. But, needless to say, I cannot live my whole life like this. Things happen, circumstances arise, emergencies take place, and seasons change.
(Seasons change a lot when you've got little people in the house.)
Loving order and routine is not an evil thing. I don't think God is upset with me for liking the toothbrushes put away or bath towels hanging on their assigned hook. In fact, as I look back on my childhood and recall some of my favorite "playtimes," they often involved spending upwards of 30 minutes setting up the perfect house for my B@rbie dolls, including arranging every little piece of food in the pink plastic refrigerator, and then just looking at it all with a deep sigh of contentment. Finding so much joy in order is part of who God has created me to be.
What is wrong is my association of peace with order and routine. Losing my joy because the day has gone hay-wire, or because the just-mopped kitchen floor now has muddy footprints on it, or because the children's books that I recently organized by type and height are now laying in a pile is not only wrong, it's unnecessary.
I'm learning, though. It isn't easy for me to quickly change my plans or re-arrange my priorities, but I do think I'm getting better at it, bit by bit. The Holy Spirit is a patient teacher and my children, who simply don't let me off the hook, are a great source of accountability.
All in all, it may seem strange that my husband will compliment me when I leave dirty dishes piled by the sink so that we can go get ice cream, but when he does that it's because I'm still smiling and he knows that it's not easy for me to do what I just did. He knows that I had to dig in for the peace that comes from a much deeper and richer Source than order and routine.
Trust me, I don't order my days so much for the sake of my children as for me! I like to know when I'm going to do things, what days I'm doing them on, exactly how it will work, and that it's worked the day before. But, needless to say, I cannot live my whole life like this. Things happen, circumstances arise, emergencies take place, and seasons change.
(Seasons change a lot when you've got little people in the house.)
Loving order and routine is not an evil thing. I don't think God is upset with me for liking the toothbrushes put away or bath towels hanging on their assigned hook. In fact, as I look back on my childhood and recall some of my favorite "playtimes," they often involved spending upwards of 30 minutes setting up the perfect house for my B@rbie dolls, including arranging every little piece of food in the pink plastic refrigerator, and then just looking at it all with a deep sigh of contentment. Finding so much joy in order is part of who God has created me to be.
What is wrong is my association of peace with order and routine. Losing my joy because the day has gone hay-wire, or because the just-mopped kitchen floor now has muddy footprints on it, or because the children's books that I recently organized by type and height are now laying in a pile is not only wrong, it's unnecessary.
I'm learning, though. It isn't easy for me to quickly change my plans or re-arrange my priorities, but I do think I'm getting better at it, bit by bit. The Holy Spirit is a patient teacher and my children, who simply don't let me off the hook, are a great source of accountability.
All in all, it may seem strange that my husband will compliment me when I leave dirty dishes piled by the sink so that we can go get ice cream, but when he does that it's because I'm still smiling and he knows that it's not easy for me to do what I just did. He knows that I had to dig in for the peace that comes from a much deeper and richer Source than order and routine.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Montreal Fun
I mentioned about a week ago that Daniel and I were making plans to get away. I also noted at that time that it would be our first get-away in almost 5 years. Someone later asked me how that's possible when we've not even been married 6 years.
I'm not sure. But it is.
(And, trust me, I would include a get-away with just a nursing baby if there had been such a thing.)
Honestly, the last time Daniel and I went somewhere just to be together (read: no playing guitar or standing with the groom in a wedding, attending a funeral, or visiting with family) was for an early 1-year anniversary celebration in September 2002 when I was pregnant with Gabriel (we were celebrating early because of Hellstop and, for those of you from here, that says enough about how our actual anniversary was spent!).
At any rate, we really did get away! And it really was wonderful.
We left Monday morning and stayed here that night. After checking into the hotel and dropping off our suitcase, we found an amazing street full of shopping, cafes, bookstores, and coffee shops. Since it was already around 1pm, we decided that locating a fun place where we could get salads and share a sandwich was top priority. And we were not disappointed:
The meal was followed by, well, what else?-- shopping, of course! I've had gift cards burning holes in my wallet (living in a rural area forces one to save up!) and there were so many interesting and new places to check out. We stopped in one particularly cute bookstore only to realize that almost all the books were written in French so, after enjoying the atmosphere for a few minutes, we left empty-handed.
It was still fun.
Both that evening and the next day we walked the 20 minutes to Old Montreal, passing by this:
I know, I know... I cut Victoria's head off...
Something that actually makes me look small!
Old Montreal is a blast. It's full of outdoor eating like this:
and this street full of fun shops stretches on quite a ways:
Monday night, we walked the distance to Old Montreal and found what looked to be the perfect place to eat dinner. But I felt wretched and after a minute of sitting (I don't think we'd even gotten our water yet), I told Daniel I thought I might throw up. Needless to say, we went back to the hotel where I laid in bed and fell asleep while Daniel ate McDonald's (I felt too sick to care what exactly he was ingesting, though I was appalled the next morning) and watched baseball.
It was still fun, simply because I could lay there and go to bed early without having to worry about putting a single little person to bed. On top of that, the room had a queen-sized bed, which meant I could sprawl to my heart's content. *deep sigh*
The next morning, we slept in. You know... until 7:08am or so. (Sorry, Josh, I don't know what's wrong with me these days!) And since I was feeling great, we walked back down to Old Montreal and strolled along the St. Lawrence. We found a great little place to eat at that specialized in crepes. Yum.
I ordered a crepe filled with asparagus and covered with a white sauce and toasted pine nuts while Daniel had some sort of seafood crepe. And then we shared a cream and chocolate crepe-- which might be my new favorite dessert!
I'm not sure. But it is.
(And, trust me, I would include a get-away with just a nursing baby if there had been such a thing.)
Honestly, the last time Daniel and I went somewhere just to be together (read: no playing guitar or standing with the groom in a wedding, attending a funeral, or visiting with family) was for an early 1-year anniversary celebration in September 2002 when I was pregnant with Gabriel (we were celebrating early because of Hellstop and, for those of you from here, that says enough about how our actual anniversary was spent!).
At any rate, we really did get away! And it really was wonderful.
We left Monday morning and stayed here that night. After checking into the hotel and dropping off our suitcase, we found an amazing street full of shopping, cafes, bookstores, and coffee shops. Since it was already around 1pm, we decided that locating a fun place where we could get salads and share a sandwich was top priority. And we were not disappointed:
You can't really see all the flower boxes lining the second-floor awning-covered porch we ate on (I'm blocking everything from view these days!), but it was beautiful-- and the whole street was packed with such wonderful places to eat.
The meal was followed by, well, what else?-- shopping, of course! I've had gift cards burning holes in my wallet (living in a rural area forces one to save up!) and there were so many interesting and new places to check out. We stopped in one particularly cute bookstore only to realize that almost all the books were written in French so, after enjoying the atmosphere for a few minutes, we left empty-handed.
It was still fun.
Both that evening and the next day we walked the 20 minutes to Old Montreal, passing by this:
I know, I know... I cut Victoria's head off...
and this:
Something that actually makes me look small!
Old Montreal is a blast. It's full of outdoor eating like this:
and this street full of fun shops stretches on quite a ways:
Monday night, we walked the distance to Old Montreal and found what looked to be the perfect place to eat dinner. But I felt wretched and after a minute of sitting (I don't think we'd even gotten our water yet), I told Daniel I thought I might throw up. Needless to say, we went back to the hotel where I laid in bed and fell asleep while Daniel ate McDonald's (I felt too sick to care what exactly he was ingesting, though I was appalled the next morning) and watched baseball.
It was still fun, simply because I could lay there and go to bed early without having to worry about putting a single little person to bed. On top of that, the room had a queen-sized bed, which meant I could sprawl to my heart's content. *deep sigh*
The next morning, we slept in. You know... until 7:08am or so. (Sorry, Josh, I don't know what's wrong with me these days!) And since I was feeling great, we walked back down to Old Montreal and strolled along the St. Lawrence. We found a great little place to eat at that specialized in crepes. Yum.
I ordered a crepe filled with asparagus and covered with a white sauce and toasted pine nuts while Daniel had some sort of seafood crepe. And then we shared a cream and chocolate crepe-- which might be my new favorite dessert!
It was all so wonderful! We walked and walked (until I had blisters on blisters!) and talked and talked. The sight-seeing and shopping and eating was all extra on top of those things.
In fact, it was so wonderful, I think we'll try to get away again-- maybe even sooner than 5 years from now!
In fact, it was so wonderful, I think we'll try to get away again-- maybe even sooner than 5 years from now!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
And Counting...
I guess my faith is small, because there were many days and nights when I truly thought I wouldn't be writing this entry or taking the above picture. During times of bleeding and cramping and fears and doubts, I was more sure that this baby (who is currently pounding on what I'm guessing is my kidney) wouldn't be with us today than that she would be. It's easy to forget that now and think only of the heartburn and the achy bones, and to laugh at the rolling stomach and baby punches.
This week, a couple ladies I have gotten to know through an online group of women who have subchorionic hematomas lost their baby boys, one at 21 weeks and one at 17 weeks. These stories aren't the majority, by any means, but they are serving as a timely reminder to me of how real the concerns were-- and of how prevailing God has been. Our enemy is real and his agenda is to kill, steal, and destroy, but Jesus came that we might have life. His victory is amazing and sure, and it is so miraculous that we get to partake in it!
Be blessed, be loved, be lifted high
Be treasured here, be glorified.
I owe my life to You my Lord
Here I am.
This week, a couple ladies I have gotten to know through an online group of women who have subchorionic hematomas lost their baby boys, one at 21 weeks and one at 17 weeks. These stories aren't the majority, by any means, but they are serving as a timely reminder to me of how real the concerns were-- and of how prevailing God has been. Our enemy is real and his agenda is to kill, steal, and destroy, but Jesus came that we might have life. His victory is amazing and sure, and it is so miraculous that we get to partake in it!
Wonderful Savior
My heart belongs to Thee
I will remember always the blood You shed for me.
Wonderful Savior
My heart will know Your worth
So let me embrace You always as I walk this Earth.
My heart belongs to Thee
I will remember always the blood You shed for me.
Wonderful Savior
My heart will know Your worth
So let me embrace You always as I walk this Earth.
Be treasured here, be glorified.
I owe my life to You my Lord
Here I am.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Food
Have I mentioned how fun it is for me to be planning and making meals again?
Or how much I wish wonderful farmer's market produce was available year-round?
If I haven't, well, I'm doing so now!
Tonight's menu: spinach & egg casserole, fresh salad (all from small gardens), and vanilla yogurt with berries.
One word: Yum!
P.S. I wish you could all see Bronwyn popping grape tomatoes like most kids eat Skittles. It cracks me up!
Or how much I wish wonderful farmer's market produce was available year-round?
If I haven't, well, I'm doing so now!
Tonight's menu: spinach & egg casserole, fresh salad (all from small gardens), and vanilla yogurt with berries.
One word: Yum!
P.S. I wish you could all see Bronwyn popping grape tomatoes like most kids eat Skittles. It cracks me up!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Luggage
It's here!
The clothes inside smell funky, in spite of Daniel's best attempts at coming home with everything freshly laundered. I guess 2 weeks lost within the airline's luggage system will do that to anything.
More importantly, it came with every thing intact!
And it came bearing gifts. Some very nice ones. Like a book with puzzle-illustrations that the kids have been taking turns putting together all afternoon.
My favorites are the ones bought just for me. It's not so much what they are (though they're very cool; thanks, Julia and Liana!) as it is the knowing that Daniel was thinking of me lots the whole time he was gone.
The clothes inside smell funky, in spite of Daniel's best attempts at coming home with everything freshly laundered. I guess 2 weeks lost within the airline's luggage system will do that to anything.
More importantly, it came with every thing intact!
And it came bearing gifts. Some very nice ones. Like a book with puzzle-illustrations that the kids have been taking turns putting together all afternoon.
My favorites are the ones bought just for me. It's not so much what they are (though they're very cool; thanks, Julia and Liana!) as it is the knowing that Daniel was thinking of me lots the whole time he was gone.
A bag, a print (I wish you could touch the textures!), a hair band, and new sandals. Yay!
Not pictured is the Spanish olive oil Daniel bought me that the airline confiscated, claiming it to be a "flammable material." This is disappointing, since Spanish olive oil makes the absolute best salad dressing ever, though not entirely surprising considering the many restrictions these days...
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Bathrooms
I hesitate to say it, but I really do think Bronwyn's potty-trained. She hasn't had an accident in a couple days-- not even wetting her bed. This includes a whole morning spent running errands, which is the ultimate test, in my opinion.
Which brings me to this topic of bathrooms.
It's difficult to have a little girl use a public restroom. I've known this, but today made it very, very clear to me. I was trying to figure out ways to get her to go without actually touching the toilet, but it proved impossible. So then that led to me trying to cover the toilet with toilet paper, which only made her laugh hysterically. Eventually the task was completed, but not until after I was very frustrated and she'd almost had an accident!
At any rate, when we take our next shopping trip, I'm bringing the little potty chair along and our van will double as a restroom throughout the coming weeks. Unless, that is, one of you has some brilliant advice for me regarding public bathrooms and little girls.
Side note: I told Bronwyn that when she could keep her pants
consistently dry, I would buy her the D*sney princess underwear she
spotted here during our
last shopping trip. As much as I detest "character" anything, I detest
neglected promises more, so today I bought them for her. And I figure
she'll outgrow them soon enough... if they don't fall apart before then.
Which brings me to this topic of bathrooms.
It's difficult to have a little girl use a public restroom. I've known this, but today made it very, very clear to me. I was trying to figure out ways to get her to go without actually touching the toilet, but it proved impossible. So then that led to me trying to cover the toilet with toilet paper, which only made her laugh hysterically. Eventually the task was completed, but not until after I was very frustrated and she'd almost had an accident!
At any rate, when we take our next shopping trip, I'm bringing the little potty chair along and our van will double as a restroom throughout the coming weeks. Unless, that is, one of you has some brilliant advice for me regarding public bathrooms and little girls.
Side note: I told Bronwyn that when she could keep her pants
consistently dry, I would buy her the D*sney princess underwear she
spotted here during our
last shopping trip. As much as I detest "character" anything, I detest
neglected promises more, so today I bought them for her. And I figure
she'll outgrow them soon enough... if they don't fall apart before then.
Monday, July 16, 2007
A Good Day
It's been a practically perfect day, and not just because it's a balmy 76* with almost entirely clear blue skies, though I've certainly appreciated the weather!
Some of the many things that have made it wonderful:
1. We began another week with waking early and eating breakfast as a family, followed by devotions together.
2. The bathroom finally got thoroughly cleaned and the shower curtain is drying in the outdoors.
3. Gabriel, Bronwyn, Jackson, and I shared a wonderful mid-morning walk.
4. I did laundry before the basket became a mountain.
4. Daniel abandoned work in his office to join the children and I for 30 minutes on a blanket in our yard for a picnic lunch.
5. I've known what I'll make for dinner since last week. (I love when I actually take time to plan a weekly menu!)
6. My kitchen floor is spotless-- for the moment, anyway.
7. I've spent lots of time thinking about the 2-day get-away Daniel told me he's taking me on next week. It's been almost 5 years since we last got away, so to say I'm looking forward to it is an understatement.
8. Bronwyn has actually prompted herself almost every time she's used her potty today.
9. I walked right by the desperately-in-need-of-weeding flower bed, the finger-smudged window, the cluttered bedroom, and the unfolded laundry without feeling overwhelmed by these undone tasks.
10. I am feeling much safety in knowing that the Lord does not hide wisdom and instruction from His children; we only have to ask.
Some of the many things that have made it wonderful:
1. We began another week with waking early and eating breakfast as a family, followed by devotions together.
2. The bathroom finally got thoroughly cleaned and the shower curtain is drying in the outdoors.
3. Gabriel, Bronwyn, Jackson, and I shared a wonderful mid-morning walk.
4. I did laundry before the basket became a mountain.
4. Daniel abandoned work in his office to join the children and I for 30 minutes on a blanket in our yard for a picnic lunch.
5. I've known what I'll make for dinner since last week. (I love when I actually take time to plan a weekly menu!)
6. My kitchen floor is spotless-- for the moment, anyway.
7. I've spent lots of time thinking about the 2-day get-away Daniel told me he's taking me on next week. It's been almost 5 years since we last got away, so to say I'm looking forward to it is an understatement.
8. Bronwyn has actually prompted herself almost every time she's used her potty today.
9. I walked right by the desperately-in-need-of-weeding flower bed, the finger-smudged window, the cluttered bedroom, and the unfolded laundry without feeling overwhelmed by these undone tasks.
10. I am feeling much safety in knowing that the Lord does not hide wisdom and instruction from His children; we only have to ask.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
18 Months
I just feel as though I should note that my littlest man is 18 months today.
I'm not sure why this feels like such a milestone, except that I hardly know where the last year and a half has gone. The moment he was delivered is still as fresh in my mind and emotions as ever, perhaps because it still stands as the moment of greatest relief and rejoicing in my life.
Here is a picture of my sweet, sweet boy:
I'm not sure why this feels like such a milestone, except that I hardly know where the last year and a half has gone. The moment he was delivered is still as fresh in my mind and emotions as ever, perhaps because it still stands as the moment of greatest relief and rejoicing in my life.
Here is a picture of my sweet, sweet boy:
Saturday, July 14, 2007
The Happenings:
It's been a rather busy weekend due to the local summer festival and lots of outreaches centered at 57 Market. This, of course, took up a lot of time this week for Daniel, but Gabriel-boy also had the opportunity to participate in a portion of the events this weekend. Here he is dressed up as a very cute looking sheep:
(As you can see, Gabriel traded in his sheep face for a cat face after the performance.)
It's been a rather busy weekend due to the local summer festival and lots of outreaches centered at 57 Market. This, of course, took up a lot of time this week for Daniel, but Gabriel-boy also had the opportunity to participate in a portion of the events this weekend. Here he is dressed up as a very cute looking sheep:
And here he is in action, following Jesse away from David's pasture:
Between some of today's activities, there was a chance to watch a rather boring parade. (Well, I thought it was boring; Jackson loved the bazillion fire trucks that went by.) Here are Daniel and the kids standing on the porch of 57 Market:
(As you can see, Gabriel traded in his sheep face for a cat face after the performance.)
In other news:
1. Bronwyn is continuing to make good (albeit slow!) progress with potty training, which I'm sure you've all been dying to know. She's pretty bad about prompting herself, but will generally comply when told to use the bathroom. Her one and only accident today took place while watching the parade-- and I'll take responsibility for that one since even I was too distracted to give reminders. And she's staying dry during naps and the night!
2. Jackson's vocabulary is growing by leaps and bounds everyday! My favorite thing he "says" isn't really a word at all, but his imitation of a cat meowing. Too cute!!
1. Bronwyn is continuing to make good (albeit slow!) progress with potty training, which I'm sure you've all been dying to know. She's pretty bad about prompting herself, but will generally comply when told to use the bathroom. Her one and only accident today took place while watching the parade-- and I'll take responsibility for that one since even I was too distracted to give reminders. And she's staying dry during naps and the night!
2. Jackson's vocabulary is growing by leaps and bounds everyday! My favorite thing he "says" isn't really a word at all, but his imitation of a cat meowing. Too cute!!
3. I am 29 weeks pregnant and am suddenly realizing that I'm into the 3rd trimester! Wow-- when did that happen?!?! Someone recently asked me if I've started getting things ready for the baby's arrival. I guess technically I have since the crib is out (and in use by Jackson), the highchair is out (and in use by Jackson), the pack 'n play is handy (and used by Jackson), etc. The only things not ready are clothing and carseat and since it only takes an hour or two to do a load of baby laundry and pull the infant carseat out of storage, I don't typically bother with those things until I reach 40 weeks.
Here is a belly picture from today (it's becoming increasingly humiliating to post these pictures, but I do it knowing how much I like it when others do the same...), and when it is contrasted with the picture from 1.5 weeks ago, I think it reinforces my theory that the baby moved to a head-down position a couple days ago:
(Yes, that is my belly button poking out, now thoroughly transitioned from an "inny" to an "outy")
Here is a belly picture from today (it's becoming increasingly humiliating to post these pictures, but I do it knowing how much I like it when others do the same...), and when it is contrasted with the picture from 1.5 weeks ago, I think it reinforces my theory that the baby moved to a head-down position a couple days ago:
29w & 27w4d
(Yes, that is my belly button poking out, now thoroughly transitioned from an "inny" to an "outy")
The Musings:
One thing I simply have to comment on in regards to the weekend outreach activities is my appreciation for the couple who headed up the children's programs at 2pm & 3pm yesterday and today. They did such a great job with planning and preparing, involving a number of children, and then presenting skits and songs and games. I sat there knowing firsthand just how tired their 3 young children were (like Daniel and I, they will celebrate 6 years of marriage this October and are expecting #4 this year) and exactly how many hours of their weekend were spent on these events, and I was very challenged by their sacrifice.
To be brutally honest, if someone like Daniel had asked me to oversee such programs, my first response would have been, "2 and 3pm? Are you crazy??? Don't you know that's my kids' naptime? Sorry, buddy." And even if I'd gotten past that point, I doubt I would have found a way to write skits and stories, prepare children for acting and costumes for children, thought through games and prizes, etc. But that was not their response.
Not at all.
They responded with enthusiasm and energy and then they went above and beyond what Daniel had asked for. And even in moments like when their not-yet-2-year-old was crying because of spent emotions and too little sleep, there were still smiles on their faces and expectation of good in their words.
It reminded me of a very wise man's challenge to Daniel a couple years ago: "How are you doing with leading your family in sacrifice?" I remember when Daniel shared that question with me, struck by the word in when I might have inappropriately chosen the word through. I was challenged because he was right and I was wrong. After all, the call to discipleship doesn't ask us to simply cheerfully endure the sacrifices (even this is often challenging for me, I confess), but to go so far as to look for opportunities to die to self.
I tend to be so over-protective of our family boundaries and I'm often afraid and hesitant to place demands on Gabriel, Bronwyn, and Jackson for the sake of local church and Kingdom work; and yet I simultaneously want my children to grow up with a willingness and eagerness to give of themselves. If my example to them is one of self-preservation-- even in the name of family-- how can I expect them to serve beyond what comes easily and pleasantly to their flesh? And who better to teach and lead them in sacrifice than their very own mom and dad?
At any rate, I applaud this family for their tireless work over the weekend. Not only were many small children blessed by their efforts, but this wife and mom was convicted and refreshed in a vision to sacrifice as a family-- gladly and cheerfully!-- for the Lord and His bride.
On that note, I'm going to get to ironing clothes for the morning. After all, I'm not quite ready to tackle planning children's programs for a weekend of outreach, but I think I can manage getting the family to church in time for Sunday School.
To be brutally honest, if someone like Daniel had asked me to oversee such programs, my first response would have been, "2 and 3pm? Are you crazy??? Don't you know that's my kids' naptime? Sorry, buddy." And even if I'd gotten past that point, I doubt I would have found a way to write skits and stories, prepare children for acting and costumes for children, thought through games and prizes, etc. But that was not their response.
Not at all.
They responded with enthusiasm and energy and then they went above and beyond what Daniel had asked for. And even in moments like when their not-yet-2-year-old was crying because of spent emotions and too little sleep, there were still smiles on their faces and expectation of good in their words.
It reminded me of a very wise man's challenge to Daniel a couple years ago: "How are you doing with leading your family in sacrifice?" I remember when Daniel shared that question with me, struck by the word in when I might have inappropriately chosen the word through. I was challenged because he was right and I was wrong. After all, the call to discipleship doesn't ask us to simply cheerfully endure the sacrifices (even this is often challenging for me, I confess), but to go so far as to look for opportunities to die to self.
I tend to be so over-protective of our family boundaries and I'm often afraid and hesitant to place demands on Gabriel, Bronwyn, and Jackson for the sake of local church and Kingdom work; and yet I simultaneously want my children to grow up with a willingness and eagerness to give of themselves. If my example to them is one of self-preservation-- even in the name of family-- how can I expect them to serve beyond what comes easily and pleasantly to their flesh? And who better to teach and lead them in sacrifice than their very own mom and dad?
At any rate, I applaud this family for their tireless work over the weekend. Not only were many small children blessed by their efforts, but this wife and mom was convicted and refreshed in a vision to sacrifice as a family-- gladly and cheerfully!-- for the Lord and His bride.
On that note, I'm going to get to ironing clothes for the morning. After all, I'm not quite ready to tackle planning children's programs for a weekend of outreach, but I think I can manage getting the family to church in time for Sunday School.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
It's The Little Things
I'm telling you, it's the little things that can make or break me. My prayer of late is that I would not allow my peace, contentment, and happiness to be dictated by the small circumstances of my days; and that I would grow in appreciation of the seemingly insignificant blessings that fill my life.
Some of the things I'm grateful for in the last couple days:
-- Bronwyn using the potty more than she's wet her pants
-- an incredibly pleasant stroll this morning with my 2 boys
-- no more ants in the kitchen
-- watching my sister perform last night
-- awesome summer storms
-- the ceiling fan in my bedroom
-- fresh, hot, homemade biscuits
-- children who rather gladly eat their vegetables
-- ironed bedding that's crisp and cool
-- 3 meals a day shared with Daniel 6 days in a row
-- coconut oil instead of vegetable oil/shortening in baked goods
I've had quite a few less-than-glamorous moments this week. I've had quite a few ambitious and pleasant moments, too. I don't suppose I will ever stop having to learn that true love and joy has nothing to do with feelings or moments and everything to do with Jesus.
Some of the things I'm grateful for in the last couple days:
-- Bronwyn using the potty more than she's wet her pants
-- an incredibly pleasant stroll this morning with my 2 boys
-- no more ants in the kitchen
-- watching my sister perform last night
-- awesome summer storms
-- the ceiling fan in my bedroom
-- fresh, hot, homemade biscuits
-- children who rather gladly eat their vegetables
-- ironed bedding that's crisp and cool
-- 3 meals a day shared with Daniel 6 days in a row
-- coconut oil instead of vegetable oil/shortening in baked goods
I've had quite a few less-than-glamorous moments this week. I've had quite a few ambitious and pleasant moments, too. I don't suppose I will ever stop having to learn that true love and joy has nothing to do with feelings or moments and everything to do with Jesus.
Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature
O Thou of God and man the Son
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor
Thou my soul's glory, joy, and crown
Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands
Robed in the blooming garb of spring
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer
Who makes the woeful heart to sing
Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight
And all the twinkling starry host
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast
Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration
Now and forevermore be Thine
O Thou of God and man the Son
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor
Thou my soul's glory, joy, and crown
Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands
Robed in the blooming garb of spring
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer
Who makes the woeful heart to sing
Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight
And all the twinkling starry host
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast
Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration
Now and forevermore be Thine
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Chuggin' Along
After 3 weeks of "Spain happenings" followed by an out-of-town weekend at a very lovely wedding, we are settling into our little(?) family's normal routine. Mom's recent challenge to women on a Sunday morning to be courageous gave me the needed motivation to clean out the markings left on our home by 3 weeks of neglect: mold, dead bugs and the like. It also gave me the needed push to unpack twice in a mere 2 days.
(I really dislike unpacking.)
Speaking of unpacking, the airline called Daniel yesterday to tell him that his luggage had been located in the London Heathrow airport. It's still not remotely close to us, but at least we know it's not lost forever. I'm looking forward to the FedEx guy showing up on our doorstep with that much-needed black bag as I'm already getting tired of washing and re-washing the same few items of clothing currently in Daniel's possession.
Daniel is re-acquainting himself with his home office, his computer, his e-mail, and the church building. I am enjoying planning menus and making meals for the first time since mid-March. The kids are re-learning how to play with one another without the help and imagination of a very special eight-year-old uncle.
To end this simple and shallow update, I leave you with a picture and an announcement hot off the press:
Luke Skywalker marries a very beautiful Princess Aurora
(I really dislike unpacking.)
Speaking of unpacking, the airline called Daniel yesterday to tell him that his luggage had been located in the London Heathrow airport. It's still not remotely close to us, but at least we know it's not lost forever. I'm looking forward to the FedEx guy showing up on our doorstep with that much-needed black bag as I'm already getting tired of washing and re-washing the same few items of clothing currently in Daniel's possession.
Daniel is re-acquainting himself with his home office, his computer, his e-mail, and the church building. I am enjoying planning menus and making meals for the first time since mid-March. The kids are re-learning how to play with one another without the help and imagination of a very special eight-year-old uncle.
To end this simple and shallow update, I leave you with a picture and an announcement hot off the press:
Luke Skywalker marries a very beautiful Princess Aurora
Thursday, July 5, 2007
A Quick Update
:: They've landed! None of their luggage arrived with them (surprise, surprise), but they are all State-side. And hopefully their bags will follow close behind. I expect that Daniel will be home somewhere around 9pm.
:: The guy who drew my blood today was new and apologetic, which is the only reason I'm not more annoyed that my vein is swollen and bruised and my entire right arm aches. I expect that sometime this evening or tomorrow, I'll have results from the glucose and antibodies screening, as well as an updated blood count.
:: My ultrasound this morning showed a disappointingly present and persistent blood clot, but it's moved further away from the placenta, which is always good. I don't know the measurements on it since I've not spoken with my doctor yet. Our baby girl (checked again, of course!) seems to be doing very, very well. She came in at an estimated 2lbs6oz, putting her in the 55th%, and she measured almost exactly according to her due date. For the first time ever at this point in a pregnancy, I have a baby in a definite breech presentation, which could explain why I feel like I'm carrying so much higher and have struggled so much more with heartburn and indigestion. It also explains my huge belly a bit, since I'm accustomed to having babies settle quite low and snug pretty early on, giving them more room to get big without bothering me! No worries about the presentation, of course-- it's still very early in the pregnancy.
:: The kids and I will be making the 1/3 of a mile trek to our little yellow house this evening. I've really enjoyed spending the last 3 weeks with my parents, but I'm also feeling ready to crawl into my own bed again. I shouldn't look forward to being home too much, though, since we leave tomorrow morning for an out-of-town rehearsal and wedding that Daniel is leading worship at!
:: The guy who drew my blood today was new and apologetic, which is the only reason I'm not more annoyed that my vein is swollen and bruised and my entire right arm aches. I expect that sometime this evening or tomorrow, I'll have results from the glucose and antibodies screening, as well as an updated blood count.
:: My ultrasound this morning showed a disappointingly present and persistent blood clot, but it's moved further away from the placenta, which is always good. I don't know the measurements on it since I've not spoken with my doctor yet. Our baby girl (checked again, of course!) seems to be doing very, very well. She came in at an estimated 2lbs6oz, putting her in the 55th%, and she measured almost exactly according to her due date. For the first time ever at this point in a pregnancy, I have a baby in a definite breech presentation, which could explain why I feel like I'm carrying so much higher and have struggled so much more with heartburn and indigestion. It also explains my huge belly a bit, since I'm accustomed to having babies settle quite low and snug pretty early on, giving them more room to get big without bothering me! No worries about the presentation, of course-- it's still very early in the pregnancy.
:: The kids and I will be making the 1/3 of a mile trek to our little yellow house this evening. I've really enjoyed spending the last 3 weeks with my parents, but I'm also feeling ready to crawl into my own bed again. I shouldn't look forward to being home too much, though, since we leave tomorrow morning for an out-of-town rehearsal and wedding that Daniel is leading worship at!
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Belly vs. Me
I don't say this to complain-- because it really doesn't bother me-- but I must admit that I am beginning to feel I'm in a war: my belly vs. me... and I think my belly is winning! Earlier today I was sitting in a rather low, deep chair when I tried to bend over to get something for Jackson. Oh yeah, the belly's definitely winning!
And then it dawned on me that I will probably look pretty big to my husband when he sees me, as he's missed a major growth spurt in the last 3 weeks. Hopefully his first glance won't be at my stomach!
And then it dawned on me that I will probably look pretty big to my husband when he sees me, as he's missed a major growth spurt in the last 3 weeks. Hopefully his first glance won't be at my stomach!
In the last 3.5 weeks we've gone from this:
(24 weeks)
to this:
(27w4d and very blurry-- my apologies)
P.S. The Spain team is currently booked on a flight to return late-morning July 5th at JFK. Assuming all goes according to plan, they should be home tomorrow night. We're hoping they actually get on this plane!
(24 weeks)
to this:
(27w4d and very blurry-- my apologies)
P.S. The Spain team is currently booked on a flight to return late-morning July 5th at JFK. Assuming all goes according to plan, they should be home tomorrow night. We're hoping they actually get on this plane!
Delayed Again
Daniel and the team in Spain has been delayed again. As of now, their return is rather indefinite, though there is hope of seats being available on a flight returning home tomorrow afternoon.
They are tired and ready to come home. I am homesick for Daniel and ready for him to be here.
Yet I trust that God-- the God who plans our days and has purpose and destiny for each moment of our lives-- has something in mind that we may not perceive. And I haven't a doubt that His grace is enough to cause a group of six weary travelers to prosper exactly where they are.
Gabriel asked me this morning if we were going to eat here at Nana's again one more time before going home. I had to smile. "Yes, we'll definitely be eating here one more time."
They are tired and ready to come home. I am homesick for Daniel and ready for him to be here.
Yet I trust that God-- the God who plans our days and has purpose and destiny for each moment of our lives-- has something in mind that we may not perceive. And I haven't a doubt that His grace is enough to cause a group of six weary travelers to prosper exactly where they are.
Gabriel asked me this morning if we were going to eat here at Nana's again one more time before going home. I had to smile. "Yes, we'll definitely be eating here one more time."
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Good & Bad
The good news of the day is that I had my 6-month routine prenatal appointment and it was very... well... routine. I gained another 2lbs this month. My belly's measuring 26cm, which was an almost perfect 4cm increase from last visit. I was scheduled for Thursday morning lab work and the standard glucose test, which will be followed by an ultrasound to check on the SCH (subchorionic hematoma) and fetal growth & development. The nurse joked with me that my blood pressure was high and she wanted to know what I was stressed about, since I came in at 96/61 today.
I told her that maybe it's not stress; maybe it's just disappointment. Because there was not-so-good news of the day, too.
You see, about two hours before my appointment, I found out that all flights out of London had been canceled due to the recent terrorism activity and that Daniel and the team was stranded at the Heathrow airport until further notice. Then we found out that they had been rescheduled for a flight leaving tomorrow at 8:30am their time (3:30am our time) and would be arriving in the States at 11:30am (not bad, all things considered)-- but instead of flying into the Montreal airport, which is a 2.5 hour drive from here, they had been put on a flight arriving in Newark, NJ. It's just not as easy to find someone who'll drive 8.5 hours to do an airport pick-up. And even if I felt confident enough to navigate my way down to rescue them all (which I don't), I'm not old enough to drive the church van, which gives us yet another hitch in the plan.
And, no, every car rental company has all clearly communicated to my mom over the phone that they do not allow you to drop-off a vehicle in different location than where you picked it up, so renting transportation isn't an option either.
I'm not really stressed. I know they'll get picked up somehow some way by someone. But I also know that Daniel won't be home tonight and he'll miss yet another 4th of July parade (though I must say that we might, too, based on the weather forcast!). And it's all just a bit disappointing.
All in all, though, the extra travel time will be much harder on the travelers than on me and I have little to complain about. It's not unusual to have both good and bad news in a day, I'm learning. The choice as to what I will meditate on is what makes the difference-- and I've a lot to be thankful for, in all actuality!
I told her that maybe it's not stress; maybe it's just disappointment. Because there was not-so-good news of the day, too.
You see, about two hours before my appointment, I found out that all flights out of London had been canceled due to the recent terrorism activity and that Daniel and the team was stranded at the Heathrow airport until further notice. Then we found out that they had been rescheduled for a flight leaving tomorrow at 8:30am their time (3:30am our time) and would be arriving in the States at 11:30am (not bad, all things considered)-- but instead of flying into the Montreal airport, which is a 2.5 hour drive from here, they had been put on a flight arriving in Newark, NJ. It's just not as easy to find someone who'll drive 8.5 hours to do an airport pick-up. And even if I felt confident enough to navigate my way down to rescue them all (which I don't), I'm not old enough to drive the church van, which gives us yet another hitch in the plan.
And, no, every car rental company has all clearly communicated to my mom over the phone that they do not allow you to drop-off a vehicle in different location than where you picked it up, so renting transportation isn't an option either.
I'm not really stressed. I know they'll get picked up somehow some way by someone. But I also know that Daniel won't be home tonight and he'll miss yet another 4th of July parade (though I must say that we might, too, based on the weather forcast!). And it's all just a bit disappointing.
All in all, though, the extra travel time will be much harder on the travelers than on me and I have little to complain about. It's not unusual to have both good and bad news in a day, I'm learning. The choice as to what I will meditate on is what makes the difference-- and I've a lot to be thankful for, in all actuality!
Monday, July 2, 2007
He's Coming!
Tomorrow night/early Wednesday morning, Daniel will return home. The past weeks have gone by much more quickly than I anticipated, but I still miss him lots and am ready to have him back. Life just isn't the same without him here.
This morning, upon waking, Gabriel's first communicated thought was, "In 2 days I get to see my daddy again!"
Yay!
(I am praying that all the unrest and disturbance in London of late doesn't have any impact on their flight schedule, as I think I will be very disappointed if they don't get home when anticipated...)
This morning, upon waking, Gabriel's first communicated thought was, "In 2 days I get to see my daddy again!"
Yay!
(I am praying that all the unrest and disturbance in London of late doesn't have any impact on their flight schedule, as I think I will be very disappointed if they don't get home when anticipated...)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)