So, to say that I am overwhelmed is a complete understatement. Lately I have been overcome by God's goodness in my life and I think it was in preparation for what was to come. I still am filled with the Joy of the Lord, but I have heard such sad things this weekend that my heart just hurts. Our dear friends are here visiting from South Africa. It has been an amazing blessing to have them in our home and hear the incredible story of God's healing power in the lives of those the community center is ministering too. When I say it is unbelievable, I mean, really mean, it is TRULY unbelievable. Along with the good there is also the unbelievably bad. I am forced to wrestle with the reality of knowing what I know now. And just as I did before I will NOT forget. Don't know what God will do with the disturbing knowledge that I now possess, but I know I will forever be changed. Glad I serve a God big enough to handle it all. Lots to pray about.
I am humbled to have been just an itty bitty part of the ministry over there and thankful that God laid it on our hearts so many years ago to commit to support the Seed of Hope. Like Karen said last night, 'my heart is in Africa'.
But I just have to laugh though! :) When I was a child I was TERRIFIED that God was going to call me into mission work in Africa. I remember waking up, weeping at the thought. It was usually after a missionary had come to share at our church, telling us all the crazy stories about scary snakes and savage natives! :) Fun to think back and realize that God was even preparing my heart back then. I like to think that God is up there giggling a little bit. He MUST have a sense of humor!
So, this morning I walked in on the most beautiful sight. Owen had woken up from a nap a bit early (Zinhle and I had been talking a bit too loud :) ), when I heard Zinhle sneak into his room to try and comfort him back to sleep. Then I heard her take him into the room where she was staying and get a book out to read to him. There they were, sitting on the bed together, enjoying a book and I was just overcome with emotion. Owen was listening so intentely and enjoying every moment. I love that God is the God of my boy and my friend Zinhle from across the world and that LOVE is translated through any language and any culture. After peeking in and witnessing this precious moment, I headed back to the kitchen to finish the dishes while tears filled my eyes and joy filled my heart. God is SO good. I wish I had the time and space to tell you how amazing Zinhle's story is, but just trust me when I say that God is most certainly good!
This weekend will forever be etched in my memory as a life changing weekend. I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with my sister's in Christ from so far away. What a blessing, a complete blessing! :) God is good....everywhere! Just wish people were too. Lots to pray about these days. :)
Monday, September 20, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
House face lift! :)
Our house got a significant upgrade today! Over the past few months we have been working on some projects in preparation for this day (I say we, but really it was all Mike!) He replaced 12 windows, a back door, and had our large picture window replaced. Today we got it all restuccoed! It needed it SO badly. The stucco was literally falling off in large chunks in some areas and it had some 'ugly' areas where previous owners had attempted to patch it on their own. Mike had wanted to attempt to restucco it himself, but a very wise woman convinced him not too! :) He did remark today while watching the men work that it was a very good thing he didn't try to do it himself. He said, "It would have taken me FOREVER and I would have made a horrible mess of it." Wise man. He also commented on how nice a job professionals do....I agreed! :) We had quite the fiasco with installing the back door yesterday, but that is another story for another time! Mike doesn't find it funny yet at all...
Now our home is beautiful and no longer tan! No offense if tan is your house color of choice but it seems like every house in Bakersfield is tan....and it is not for us! It is now a beautiful gray! I am one happy home owner! Mike is too I guess! :) Can't wait until we get the trim and shutters painted...once again I say 'we' but I mean Mike-he truly is a keeper!
Milestones
Owen enjoying a WHOLE pluot from the market with dad in the front yard! They were watching the stucco guys do their thing.
Owen is offically 15 months today! And no :( he is not walking yet. We have tried everything! :) We go to visit the pediatritian on Wednesday and I am dreading that conversation, and I am SURE it will come up. From what I have read/seen, 15 months is when most children are expected to be walking, and Owen is not! :) Now, I am trying not to worry, and am convinced he can do it, but still the question is there-why won't he walk? Here's what we think....Owen is just enough stubborn to not do anything he doesn't want to do....and he doesn't want to walk! Oh well. :) Plus he is fairly laid back about life....why walk? when mom and dad will carry me? Smart kid. Also-there is the issue of hardwood floors! Our house is FULL of hardwood floors and tile. He has already suffered many wounds from hitting the floor, so you can't blame him for being a bit tentative when attempting to walk in such a danger zone! Hoping the doctor believes/understands my theories, or that Owen will magically begin walking/running around before Wednesday morning! The later is my hope so that we can avoid the conversation all together and when the doctor asks, "Is he walking yet?", I can confindently state, "Yep!"
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
It's the little things
It feels like we are on a roller coaster around here! And I HATE roller coasters...except the old white weenie roller coaster at the Puyallup Fair. Owen got the flu...so we have had puke and poo to deal with....nasty! Then I caught the flu and it was not pretty. Let's just say we got our couch cleaned professionally as a result! :)
But, I think God has been using this time to show us that we truly need to be humbled. We have been reminded over and over again of others around us who are in much more need than we are. Like Mike said the other night, "We know that this will end. Even if you have to be on bed rest until October, it will end in October when baby E gets here and then it will all be worth it. Owen will not have the flu forever, that too will pass. We should be humbled, some families have this as their reality, there is no end in sight." wow. So, I just pray for those I know who are suffering like we are, and those who bear a much bigger burden.
So, it's been the little things that make me smile lately. This morning I let the dogs in and noticed that it wasn't scorching hot outside yet! (for Bakersfield this is a strange occurance in July). So I opened the windows to get some much needed fresh air in here! Then, since the windows were open I could smell the fresh cut grass from my neighbor's yard. What a lovely smell! Thank you Lord for the little things today!
But, I think God has been using this time to show us that we truly need to be humbled. We have been reminded over and over again of others around us who are in much more need than we are. Like Mike said the other night, "We know that this will end. Even if you have to be on bed rest until October, it will end in October when baby E gets here and then it will all be worth it. Owen will not have the flu forever, that too will pass. We should be humbled, some families have this as their reality, there is no end in sight." wow. So, I just pray for those I know who are suffering like we are, and those who bear a much bigger burden.
So, it's been the little things that make me smile lately. This morning I let the dogs in and noticed that it wasn't scorching hot outside yet! (for Bakersfield this is a strange occurance in July). So I opened the windows to get some much needed fresh air in here! Then, since the windows were open I could smell the fresh cut grass from my neighbor's yard. What a lovely smell! Thank you Lord for the little things today!
Friday, July 16, 2010
oh what a day :)
You know, today should have been one of those terrible, horrible, no good very bad days. But it wasn't! Thank you Lord for answering my prayer. See yesterday was a rotten day. It was a complete 'woe is me' moment full of tears and pity parties. Owen was cranky, I was cranky, and poor Mike came home and caught our cranky. I didn't feel well, couldn't get a good nap in, and was just plain bored. That, and my rump hurt. Sitting on the couch for hours on end does not do my body good. :)
So last night, amid tears, I prayed that the Lord would give me a better attitude. Partially because I could not imagine another day feeling so rotten about my situation and also knowing that feeling rotten about my situation would certainly have an adverse affect on my blood pressure and heart, the whole reason I am on bed rest in the first place! :)
Thankfully I feel asleep rather quickly while praying for everyone I could think of who needed it (a nighttime ritual to stop my brain from worrying about MY problems!). I'm sure God understands if I dose off in the middle of a prayer now and again!
And here begins the reason it should have been another rotten day today. Owen puked at 3 am in the morning. I heard a weird noise and went in his room to discover the mess. It was purple (blueberries), it stunk, it was all over, and it was still in his MOUTH!!!! Disgusting. So I 'lovingly' called out to Mike for help and we cleaned up the fiasco. I then rocked Owen until he got sleepy again and laid him down in his now clean crib where he proceeded to puke purple again right as I crawled back into bed. Repeat of cleaning up the fiasco, except this time it was on EVERYTHING else that had not been hit in the first round-including his stuffed guinea pig and best buddy Jimmy. This time Mike took him to try and get him to sleep and brought him into bed with us. Now if you know Owen, you know that this has NEVER been a good solution. He kept us awake until the alarm went off an hour or so later at 5am for Mike to go to work. Mike just rolled over and said, "You think I should stay home?" I think my face gave enough of an answer! :)
So Mike called in sick and took Owen out into the living room to rest on the couch. Somewhere in my dilirium I remember hearing the microwave beep, knowing that Mike must be heating up some milk for Owen, and thinking that may not be a good idea...BUT sleep took over too quickly and I said nothing. Next thing I knew I heard the bath water running and Mike moaning, "He puked on everything again". Yep, you guessed it, the milk WAS a bad idea! I went to utter, "I told you so", but in fact I had not told him so. :) We did discuss it later on and laugh and Mike agreed never to give him warm milk after puking again. Mike was covered, Owen was covered, the floor was covered, and our couch was covered. Good ol' Stanley Steemer will be coming over on Monday.
So you can see that it had the makings to be a rotten day....but it wasn't. Owen didn't puke anymore. Mike and I laughed about that all day. Seems like Mike and I laughed about a lot of things today. I finished up a few crossword puzzles. We all got good naps. We spent time together playing and reading books. We had a great meal delivered to us from a friend. And my heart was slow, steady, and quiet all day. :) So Lord-thank you. And to all of you who are praying-thank you.
So last night, amid tears, I prayed that the Lord would give me a better attitude. Partially because I could not imagine another day feeling so rotten about my situation and also knowing that feeling rotten about my situation would certainly have an adverse affect on my blood pressure and heart, the whole reason I am on bed rest in the first place! :)
Thankfully I feel asleep rather quickly while praying for everyone I could think of who needed it (a nighttime ritual to stop my brain from worrying about MY problems!). I'm sure God understands if I dose off in the middle of a prayer now and again!
And here begins the reason it should have been another rotten day today. Owen puked at 3 am in the morning. I heard a weird noise and went in his room to discover the mess. It was purple (blueberries), it stunk, it was all over, and it was still in his MOUTH!!!! Disgusting. So I 'lovingly' called out to Mike for help and we cleaned up the fiasco. I then rocked Owen until he got sleepy again and laid him down in his now clean crib where he proceeded to puke purple again right as I crawled back into bed. Repeat of cleaning up the fiasco, except this time it was on EVERYTHING else that had not been hit in the first round-including his stuffed guinea pig and best buddy Jimmy. This time Mike took him to try and get him to sleep and brought him into bed with us. Now if you know Owen, you know that this has NEVER been a good solution. He kept us awake until the alarm went off an hour or so later at 5am for Mike to go to work. Mike just rolled over and said, "You think I should stay home?" I think my face gave enough of an answer! :)
So Mike called in sick and took Owen out into the living room to rest on the couch. Somewhere in my dilirium I remember hearing the microwave beep, knowing that Mike must be heating up some milk for Owen, and thinking that may not be a good idea...BUT sleep took over too quickly and I said nothing. Next thing I knew I heard the bath water running and Mike moaning, "He puked on everything again". Yep, you guessed it, the milk WAS a bad idea! I went to utter, "I told you so", but in fact I had not told him so. :) We did discuss it later on and laugh and Mike agreed never to give him warm milk after puking again. Mike was covered, Owen was covered, the floor was covered, and our couch was covered. Good ol' Stanley Steemer will be coming over on Monday.
So you can see that it had the makings to be a rotten day....but it wasn't. Owen didn't puke anymore. Mike and I laughed about that all day. Seems like Mike and I laughed about a lot of things today. I finished up a few crossword puzzles. We all got good naps. We spent time together playing and reading books. We had a great meal delivered to us from a friend. And my heart was slow, steady, and quiet all day. :) So Lord-thank you. And to all of you who are praying-thank you.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Been gone so long.....
Well, I'll admit, it has been awhile. I figured now is as good a time as any to pick this blogging thing back up! (Mom, pick yourself up off the floor, and enjoy my thoughts)
Owen is doing SO well! He is still cute as a button and sports his 2 little dimples. He will be 15 months soon and the answer is no, he's not walking yet. If you are familiar with Owen and his personality you will not find this shocking! We are learning that Owen is a very laid back child when it comes to things like walking and crawling. He just doesn't care and is stubborn enough to not let us 'make him' learn. We still do all the little things that parents do to try and convince their child to take a step....but Owen just puts his little bum on the floor and crawls. What can we do? :)
He did take one step while we were in WA visiting my family, but I am convinced that he wasn't aware that he even accomplished such a milestone. He was standing next to an empty box that came up to his chest, holding onto it for support. Then he began to pick the box up while standing. Then, he took a step while holding the box in the air. I think he thought the box was still supporting him? Silly kid! Mike and I got our hopes up that walking was around the corner! We bought him so fancy new walking sandals only to watch him refuse to take any more steps the remainder of the trip. Oh well! Like my dad said, "You don't see adults crawling around on their hands and knees....he will get it eventually!" So we will wait (and let you all know the moment it happens!)
SO...the reason I thought blogging now may be appropriate. I went to a regular checkup for Baby E yesterday. At my last appointment my blood pressure had been high but they just figured it was because I had just had an ultrasound and was pretty excited when I got my blood pressure taken. However, my blood pressure was raised again this visit along with a larger than normal weight gain. (funny thing is I stood on the scale backwards this time so I wouldn't see my actually weight, but they ended up telling me anyways....grrrr...)
So, long story short, I have been put on bed rest for the time being. My doctor told me to do nothing but drink water and rest. They are hoping that the weight gain and increased blood pressure is due to our vacation to WA. All that flying and driving did not do my pregnant body good! :) I am not allowed to travel anymore. She also stated how nice it was that I wasn't working....to which I reminded her that I had a 1 year old at home which was definitely work! :) She agreed but didn't offer to babysit! She informed me that Mike was to do all the cleaning and cooking for now on and I was to just take it easy. I will be honest, mentally, the thought of doing nothing is driving me crazy. I have so many things that I wanted to get done before Baby E arrived and am not able to do anything. I go back in 2 weeks to see my OB and I am hoping that they give me the go ahead to do some limited activity at that time! I also go to see my cardiologist in 2 weeks to get my heart checked out. Around this time in the pregnancy with Owen, I ended up in the hospital with heart problems (fast and irratic heart beat) so we are trying to do all we can to prevent that 'lovely' situation again!
On a nicer note, I don't have gestational diabetes! :) I was CONVINCED that I had it and was prepared for the worst. In my mind their was no other explanation for the size of my babies! :) It is such a relief to know that I am not 'making' big children by what I am eating. In case you missed it, baby E is another BIG baby. However, this just means that Mike and I combined make ridiculously large children on our own....yippee. And if you have seen my husband you know how silly that is! :) Let's just say, Mike married me to put some height in his family.
Also-baby E is doing well and is VERY active! As I type my belly is rolling & jerking all over the place. Yesterday baby E would not stay still for the doctor to get a good reading of the heartbeat. Naughty little child! :) We are secretly hoping that he/she gets all of his/her wiggles out in womb, but we know that is a far fetched hope!
Well, I think that is all for now. I am sure I will come up with much funnier posts in the future since I will have a bit of time on my hands...but for now this is it! :) Now if you will excuse me, I am off to lay down for a bit!....dr.'s orders
P.S. Baby E stands for Everett=boy & Emery=girl
Owen is doing SO well! He is still cute as a button and sports his 2 little dimples. He will be 15 months soon and the answer is no, he's not walking yet. If you are familiar with Owen and his personality you will not find this shocking! We are learning that Owen is a very laid back child when it comes to things like walking and crawling. He just doesn't care and is stubborn enough to not let us 'make him' learn. We still do all the little things that parents do to try and convince their child to take a step....but Owen just puts his little bum on the floor and crawls. What can we do? :)
He did take one step while we were in WA visiting my family, but I am convinced that he wasn't aware that he even accomplished such a milestone. He was standing next to an empty box that came up to his chest, holding onto it for support. Then he began to pick the box up while standing. Then, he took a step while holding the box in the air. I think he thought the box was still supporting him? Silly kid! Mike and I got our hopes up that walking was around the corner! We bought him so fancy new walking sandals only to watch him refuse to take any more steps the remainder of the trip. Oh well! Like my dad said, "You don't see adults crawling around on their hands and knees....he will get it eventually!" So we will wait (and let you all know the moment it happens!)
SO...the reason I thought blogging now may be appropriate. I went to a regular checkup for Baby E yesterday. At my last appointment my blood pressure had been high but they just figured it was because I had just had an ultrasound and was pretty excited when I got my blood pressure taken. However, my blood pressure was raised again this visit along with a larger than normal weight gain. (funny thing is I stood on the scale backwards this time so I wouldn't see my actually weight, but they ended up telling me anyways....grrrr...)
So, long story short, I have been put on bed rest for the time being. My doctor told me to do nothing but drink water and rest. They are hoping that the weight gain and increased blood pressure is due to our vacation to WA. All that flying and driving did not do my pregnant body good! :) I am not allowed to travel anymore. She also stated how nice it was that I wasn't working....to which I reminded her that I had a 1 year old at home which was definitely work! :) She agreed but didn't offer to babysit! She informed me that Mike was to do all the cleaning and cooking for now on and I was to just take it easy. I will be honest, mentally, the thought of doing nothing is driving me crazy. I have so many things that I wanted to get done before Baby E arrived and am not able to do anything. I go back in 2 weeks to see my OB and I am hoping that they give me the go ahead to do some limited activity at that time! I also go to see my cardiologist in 2 weeks to get my heart checked out. Around this time in the pregnancy with Owen, I ended up in the hospital with heart problems (fast and irratic heart beat) so we are trying to do all we can to prevent that 'lovely' situation again!
On a nicer note, I don't have gestational diabetes! :) I was CONVINCED that I had it and was prepared for the worst. In my mind their was no other explanation for the size of my babies! :) It is such a relief to know that I am not 'making' big children by what I am eating. In case you missed it, baby E is another BIG baby. However, this just means that Mike and I combined make ridiculously large children on our own....yippee. And if you have seen my husband you know how silly that is! :) Let's just say, Mike married me to put some height in his family.
Also-baby E is doing well and is VERY active! As I type my belly is rolling & jerking all over the place. Yesterday baby E would not stay still for the doctor to get a good reading of the heartbeat. Naughty little child! :) We are secretly hoping that he/she gets all of his/her wiggles out in womb, but we know that is a far fetched hope!
Well, I think that is all for now. I am sure I will come up with much funnier posts in the future since I will have a bit of time on my hands...but for now this is it! :) Now if you will excuse me, I am off to lay down for a bit!....dr.'s orders
P.S. Baby E stands for Everett=boy & Emery=girl
Friday, February 12, 2010
Owen discovers condensation!
This morning when Owen woke up (too early) he was a bit out of sorts and so was mom!So I opened up the plantation shutters on the picture window for him so he could stand there and look outside (one of his favorite things). When I opened up the windows, I noticed there was a bit of condensation on the bottom part of the window, so I quickly ran my finger through it to show Owen. Then the fun began. He had such a great time rubbing his hands all over the window, scooting back and forth so he could reach more of the 'untouched' parts! What fun it was watching my little one enjoy something so simple & pure. There is nothing better than being witness to his little discoveries every day! :) Thank you Lord for giving my son an inquisitive mind and allowing me the time and opportunity to sit back and be a witness to it all! What a lucky gal I am!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Owen and the Camel
Owen loves animals. I can honestly say that he has gravitated towards them from birth (okay maybe not birth, but you know what I mean!). His two favorite pals are our dogs, Boomer and Bella. His new favorite place to stand is at the baby gate, where he is locked OUT of the kitchen, and the dogs are locked IN! He just stands there and giggles and talks to them for as long as we let him! We are convinced that his first word will not be 'mama' or 'dad' but rather some version of 'Boomer' and 'Bella'! He already makes the 'b' sound over and over....so he is probably halfway there!
Well, the circus is here and their tent is set up less than a mile from our home! It is one of those 'old school' circuses with only a few animals and a real live tent! What a treat it has been to walk down there (almost daily) to let Owen see and 'chat up' the animals there! Today he had a lengthy conversation with the Camel and the Camel actually talked back. It seemed very interested in Owen and stretched it's neck out as far as it could trying to reach Owen through the bars! The picture was the best I could get of the interaction, but trust me....the camel was MUCH closer than that! :)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
TOO funny
So yesterday I was feeding pieces of mango to Owen for a snack....and I guess he got tired of trying to pick them up with his fingers.....
Sunday, January 24, 2010
The lovely 3rd tooth
So, I just realized that in the 'busy'ness of life I totally forgot to tell you about that infamous 3rd tooth of Owen's that made it's grand arrival on our drive up to Washington! I am a horrible blogger I know....leaving you all hanging in such suspense all these weeks!
Well. That tooth. Or should we refer to it as the lovely little dagger that it is. It seems as though Owen enjoyed having that extra tooth that he would latch on to nurse with such tenacity that well....I would think I was going to loose a...hmmm...how do I put this....an 'asset'. To say that I got bit a couple times would be the understatement of the century! I began to feel like Evil Knievel (remember him?) every time I would sit down to feed my child. I am serious. For a week or so I was getting injured EVERY TIME! Now, some of those times were complete accidents I am sure. But I am just as sure that some of those times were not. When my sweet cherub would look up at me and laugh, right after chomping down.....as tears are forming in my own eyes and I have screamed at him like the 'mom of the year' I am....it is hard to think of it as an 'accident'. One afternoon, I had been bitten SO hard and was sure my 'asset' had sprung a new leak and I was done. Owen was put down for a nap without being fed, both of us bawling, him in his crib, me on the couch, writing yet another email to Mike informing him about the torture HIS child was putting me through.
Now, I know what ALL of you are thinking, or rather screaming at the screen right now. "WEAN HIM!" Here is the lovely dilema that is the icing on the cake. My dear sweet Owen will not take a bottle. He will not take a sippy cup. It is like I am stuck between a rock and a serious sharp place. When Owen was born, he was so big we had to supplement him with formula from day 2. He was a champ on the bottle.....so much so that we worried he would prefer to take his meals that way instead of from dear ol' mom. Also, I have to admit, I am lazy and cheap. Formula is a pain in the neck to prepare...not to mention SUPER expensive (even with a good coupon)! Breast feeding is like the ultimate lazy coupon for me....gotta love free (not to mention all those calories I am burning!). So, needless to say, Owen didn't see a bottle again for a LONG time....and by that time he was VERY fond of dear ol' mom. And now I am paying for it. Good news is....I haven't been 'wounded' in about a week or so. Two more teeth have arrived on the scene, for a total of 5 and Owen seems to be getting the hang of his new 'sharp' friends. However, I still cringe every time I go to nurse him. I am living life on the edge these days!
So, that is the story of the lovely 3rd tooth. Painful but true. And yes, we are working on getting him to love the sippy cup. :)
P.S. Owen is 9 months old today! Can you believe it? :)
Well. That tooth. Or should we refer to it as the lovely little dagger that it is. It seems as though Owen enjoyed having that extra tooth that he would latch on to nurse with such tenacity that well....I would think I was going to loose a...hmmm...how do I put this....an 'asset'. To say that I got bit a couple times would be the understatement of the century! I began to feel like Evil Knievel (remember him?) every time I would sit down to feed my child. I am serious. For a week or so I was getting injured EVERY TIME! Now, some of those times were complete accidents I am sure. But I am just as sure that some of those times were not. When my sweet cherub would look up at me and laugh, right after chomping down.....as tears are forming in my own eyes and I have screamed at him like the 'mom of the year' I am....it is hard to think of it as an 'accident'. One afternoon, I had been bitten SO hard and was sure my 'asset' had sprung a new leak and I was done. Owen was put down for a nap without being fed, both of us bawling, him in his crib, me on the couch, writing yet another email to Mike informing him about the torture HIS child was putting me through.
Now, I know what ALL of you are thinking, or rather screaming at the screen right now. "WEAN HIM!" Here is the lovely dilema that is the icing on the cake. My dear sweet Owen will not take a bottle. He will not take a sippy cup. It is like I am stuck between a rock and a serious sharp place. When Owen was born, he was so big we had to supplement him with formula from day 2. He was a champ on the bottle.....so much so that we worried he would prefer to take his meals that way instead of from dear ol' mom. Also, I have to admit, I am lazy and cheap. Formula is a pain in the neck to prepare...not to mention SUPER expensive (even with a good coupon)! Breast feeding is like the ultimate lazy coupon for me....gotta love free (not to mention all those calories I am burning!). So, needless to say, Owen didn't see a bottle again for a LONG time....and by that time he was VERY fond of dear ol' mom. And now I am paying for it. Good news is....I haven't been 'wounded' in about a week or so. Two more teeth have arrived on the scene, for a total of 5 and Owen seems to be getting the hang of his new 'sharp' friends. However, I still cringe every time I go to nurse him. I am living life on the edge these days!
So, that is the story of the lovely 3rd tooth. Painful but true. And yes, we are working on getting him to love the sippy cup. :)
P.S. Owen is 9 months old today! Can you believe it? :)
Saturday, January 16, 2010
And so we wait
And we wait. For those of you in 'the know' we feel we have gotten an answer from God through much prayer. We feel that for now.....we must wait. And I am not good at waiting. Patience is not one of my virtues. You'd think after 7 years of teaching 5-6 years olds I would have picked it up along the way somewhere....but I think I must have missed it!
We must wait to start the adoption process. The plan is still to adopt from Ethiopia....just not right now. I am at peace but totally saddened at the same time. Mike and I went out on a 'date' last night and discussed what we had both been feeling about it since it had been a week since our meeting with the agency. We had spent the week praying about it, thinking about it, and generally not discussing it. My prayer had been the whole time that God would lead Michael to complete peace and that Mike would lead the way. Because I tend to just jump on in with things.....that's why Mike is so good for me. :)
Mike did not have peace at this time....and amazingly it wasn't because of the money (which was what I thought would have deterred him in the first place). The rationale for waiting that God lead Mike to was completely true and right. However, my heart hurt because my fear was that if we didn't do it now we wouldn't do it....that we would join our fellow humans in the pattern of not following through on things....but as Mike reminded me.....we do follow through with things....2 marathons & a few trips back to South Africa later. He's right. We will do this. And a couple years down the road God will swing the door WAY open and we will dance through it with joy! And at that time we will be able to do a greater good. But my heart is still sad. For now....we will continue to pray and hope and dream of baby E while doing the good we can here in Bakersfield to those around us (I have some exciting plans in that arena as well!). God is good. Thank you for all your thoughts & prayers & encouragement!
We must wait to start the adoption process. The plan is still to adopt from Ethiopia....just not right now. I am at peace but totally saddened at the same time. Mike and I went out on a 'date' last night and discussed what we had both been feeling about it since it had been a week since our meeting with the agency. We had spent the week praying about it, thinking about it, and generally not discussing it. My prayer had been the whole time that God would lead Michael to complete peace and that Mike would lead the way. Because I tend to just jump on in with things.....that's why Mike is so good for me. :)
Mike did not have peace at this time....and amazingly it wasn't because of the money (which was what I thought would have deterred him in the first place). The rationale for waiting that God lead Mike to was completely true and right. However, my heart hurt because my fear was that if we didn't do it now we wouldn't do it....that we would join our fellow humans in the pattern of not following through on things....but as Mike reminded me.....we do follow through with things....2 marathons & a few trips back to South Africa later. He's right. We will do this. And a couple years down the road God will swing the door WAY open and we will dance through it with joy! And at that time we will be able to do a greater good. But my heart is still sad. For now....we will continue to pray and hope and dream of baby E while doing the good we can here in Bakersfield to those around us (I have some exciting plans in that arena as well!). God is good. Thank you for all your thoughts & prayers & encouragement!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
A few days too late....Happy New Year!
Oh wow....so much to post, so much to post. I wish that my brain were connected to this blog so that some of the thoughts that I think would just automatically load up here for you all to enjoy. My most amazing blog posts happen in the shower, in the middle of the night, while I am driving...well...you get the idea. So...with such pressure to post something, and worrying that I won't remember what I have thought in my head, I have avoided the task until now. Trust me....were you able to get the original version in my head, it would be much better....pee your pants funny. Instead....here we go! :) Brace yourself....this could be a long post....lots to cover.
Christmas:
Well.....where do I begin. It was different this year....in good ways and bad. Let me explain. It was so good to experience as a family of 3 and have Owen around in all the festivities. However that same sweet Owen made some traditions impossible. And that. was. hard. for. me. Even now I am tearing up a little bit as I write about this. I know what you all are thinking, "Just make new traditions with Owen!"....and trust me, we are. But some things are just so hard anyways about Christmas (mainly just being away from my family) that I think I was clinging to those traditions to keep some bit of 'home' with me and the way it used to be. I also want Owen to have the same sweet memories that I had. Oh well.... This year Mike was sick, and Owen was 8 months old, so we just spent time at home instead of doing the things we used to. We did make it to the Christmas Eve service at church, SUPER late, but we made it. Then ended up at Denny's for dinner as a family.....hopefully Denny's is not the beginning of a new tradition...but Mike and I had a good laugh at the thought! :)
All in all though we had a great time Christmas morning with each other, playing with Owen, and opening gifts. We then headed over to Mike's parents home to celebrate with his family and eat all kinds of yummies. Owen got a sweet wagon and was content most of the morning to just sit in it! It may become a permanent fixture in our living room? Think I could decorate around a large, plastic, red-flyer wagon? :)
Then, the adventure began.....
Because of the way Christmas and New Year's fell on the calendar....and because we wanted to spend as much time at home with the Hughes family.....we decided to drive up to Washington Christmas night. A bit crazy I know....but it worked out pretty well. Here are some highlights of the trip up.
-attempting to 'feed' Owen while driving....yeah...don't ask...didn't really work.
-finishing the 'feed' while parked in a cemetary. It was the only 'lit' place at the exit. That puts cemetary feeds for Owen at 2.
-Mike making the decision to 'go-for-it' (not stop where we had planned) while I was asleep. I woke up in Oregon & we continued to drive on through. :)
-breakfast at McDonald's....yes...a highlight...I LOVE breakfast at McDonald's! :)
-Owen got a new tooth on the drive....probably somewhere in Oregon. We got to Washington....and there it was, on top, all shiny and new!
Well, we got to Washington safe and sound....much earlier than planned which got my mom scrambling! Once we got there, Mike crashed and I just sat in the comfort of home. Now, Mike and I had GRAND plans while we were with my family. We were going to do things, anything, without sweet Owen. We had giftcards ready for dinner and coffee and wanted to catch a few movies. Once again.....those plans were thwarted. Mike got sick & his sugars were out of control. After a few phone calls to his diabetic doctor and primary doctor, he ended up in Urgent care to get checked out. So...we didn't go to coffee....or dinner.....or a movie.....
Now, I know, I sound a bit pathetic.....but the trip was still wonderful. We spent time at home with my family and got a few things done together as a family of 3. We ate TOO much, and laughed even more. I feel so blessed to have such a loving family.....even though they are too far away.....or should I say 'we are'. Here are a few highlights of our time up there
-playing Scrabble slam with the family and mom...yes dear M.O.M. spelled a VERY naughty word.....so naughty it can't be written.
-going to fantasy lights PACKED in the family van. Dad was driving and pointing out all the lights coming up....including the 'dancing girls'....which turned out to be Santa's reindeer. Then later on Jasmine had to point out the 'pole-dancer' to dad.
-Mike and I getting into the car without Owen and Mike commenting how nice it was to have family around and that he 'only had touched Owen once' that day....we are great parents....really we are.
-getting out to dinner with Brian and Rachel at the Spaghetti factory and getting to sit in the trolley for the first time ever!.....not as cool as I thought....that thing shakes every time someone picks up a fork.
Well, we had a wonderful Hughes family Christmas/New Year's Day and then did the crazy move we pulled on true Christmas. We loaded everything into the car (it was much more 'loaded' this time), and headed South. I will spare you the details/highlights of that trip. :) Let's just say we decided to stop for the night and divide the trip into 2.....BIG mistake. Owen does not and will not sleep in a hotel. We only got about 3-4 hours of interupted sleep and a very early start to the second part of the drive compliments of Owen. We stopped at a lot of weird places for food/fuel and happened to meet a LOT of weird people and hear a LOT of weird conversations. The crazies were out along I-5 that day for sure. :)....including us!
Well....sorry for the novel.....and not such a funny one at that. Now you are finally caught up with the Botts's family happenings over the holidays. :) Much funnier posts will follow....I promise....remember that tooth that Owen got on the drive North? :)
Christmas:
Well.....where do I begin. It was different this year....in good ways and bad. Let me explain. It was so good to experience as a family of 3 and have Owen around in all the festivities. However that same sweet Owen made some traditions impossible. And that. was. hard. for. me. Even now I am tearing up a little bit as I write about this. I know what you all are thinking, "Just make new traditions with Owen!"....and trust me, we are. But some things are just so hard anyways about Christmas (mainly just being away from my family) that I think I was clinging to those traditions to keep some bit of 'home' with me and the way it used to be. I also want Owen to have the same sweet memories that I had. Oh well.... This year Mike was sick, and Owen was 8 months old, so we just spent time at home instead of doing the things we used to. We did make it to the Christmas Eve service at church, SUPER late, but we made it. Then ended up at Denny's for dinner as a family.....hopefully Denny's is not the beginning of a new tradition...but Mike and I had a good laugh at the thought! :)
All in all though we had a great time Christmas morning with each other, playing with Owen, and opening gifts. We then headed over to Mike's parents home to celebrate with his family and eat all kinds of yummies. Owen got a sweet wagon and was content most of the morning to just sit in it! It may become a permanent fixture in our living room? Think I could decorate around a large, plastic, red-flyer wagon? :)
Then, the adventure began.....
Because of the way Christmas and New Year's fell on the calendar....and because we wanted to spend as much time at home with the Hughes family.....we decided to drive up to Washington Christmas night. A bit crazy I know....but it worked out pretty well. Here are some highlights of the trip up.
-attempting to 'feed' Owen while driving....yeah...don't ask...didn't really work.
-finishing the 'feed' while parked in a cemetary. It was the only 'lit' place at the exit. That puts cemetary feeds for Owen at 2.
-Mike making the decision to 'go-for-it' (not stop where we had planned) while I was asleep. I woke up in Oregon & we continued to drive on through. :)
-breakfast at McDonald's....yes...a highlight...I LOVE breakfast at McDonald's! :)
-Owen got a new tooth on the drive....probably somewhere in Oregon. We got to Washington....and there it was, on top, all shiny and new!
Well, we got to Washington safe and sound....much earlier than planned which got my mom scrambling! Once we got there, Mike crashed and I just sat in the comfort of home. Now, Mike and I had GRAND plans while we were with my family. We were going to do things, anything, without sweet Owen. We had giftcards ready for dinner and coffee and wanted to catch a few movies. Once again.....those plans were thwarted. Mike got sick & his sugars were out of control. After a few phone calls to his diabetic doctor and primary doctor, he ended up in Urgent care to get checked out. So...we didn't go to coffee....or dinner.....or a movie.....
Now, I know, I sound a bit pathetic.....but the trip was still wonderful. We spent time at home with my family and got a few things done together as a family of 3. We ate TOO much, and laughed even more. I feel so blessed to have such a loving family.....even though they are too far away.....or should I say 'we are'. Here are a few highlights of our time up there
-playing Scrabble slam with the family and mom...yes dear M.O.M. spelled a VERY naughty word.....so naughty it can't be written.
-going to fantasy lights PACKED in the family van. Dad was driving and pointing out all the lights coming up....including the 'dancing girls'....which turned out to be Santa's reindeer. Then later on Jasmine had to point out the 'pole-dancer' to dad.
-Mike and I getting into the car without Owen and Mike commenting how nice it was to have family around and that he 'only had touched Owen once' that day....we are great parents....really we are.
-getting out to dinner with Brian and Rachel at the Spaghetti factory and getting to sit in the trolley for the first time ever!.....not as cool as I thought....that thing shakes every time someone picks up a fork.
Well, we had a wonderful Hughes family Christmas/New Year's Day and then did the crazy move we pulled on true Christmas. We loaded everything into the car (it was much more 'loaded' this time), and headed South. I will spare you the details/highlights of that trip. :) Let's just say we decided to stop for the night and divide the trip into 2.....BIG mistake. Owen does not and will not sleep in a hotel. We only got about 3-4 hours of interupted sleep and a very early start to the second part of the drive compliments of Owen. We stopped at a lot of weird places for food/fuel and happened to meet a LOT of weird people and hear a LOT of weird conversations. The crazies were out along I-5 that day for sure. :)....including us!
Well....sorry for the novel.....and not such a funny one at that. Now you are finally caught up with the Botts's family happenings over the holidays. :) Much funnier posts will follow....I promise....remember that tooth that Owen got on the drive North? :)
Tomorrow
Well, tomorrow. It's here. It's our next step in what we feel God has called us to do. I am SO excited and yet terrified of what we will hear at the same time. I don't know exactly what Mike will think...so the ride home should hold much interesting conversation. :)
We know that many of you are still not in 'the know'. So sorry to remain in the dark about this, leaving out many important details....like....what exactly we are doing....but hopefully we will be able to share the details soon with joy! We would however appreciate your prayers. Please pray that God would give us a clear 'go' or 'no'. And that we would feel peace about either one. We know that our God is big and calls us to do big things and we hope and pray that this is it. Thank you friends near and far for thinking of us and offering your prayers. :)
We know that many of you are still not in 'the know'. So sorry to remain in the dark about this, leaving out many important details....like....what exactly we are doing....but hopefully we will be able to share the details soon with joy! We would however appreciate your prayers. Please pray that God would give us a clear 'go' or 'no'. And that we would feel peace about either one. We know that our God is big and calls us to do big things and we hope and pray that this is it. Thank you friends near and far for thinking of us and offering your prayers. :)
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