Needin' some truth?!

Woa, Jerry's message on Sunday challenged me, convicted me, inspired me....

If you're needing some TRUTH today, don't pause.... just go to this page and listen to the message, "Funeral for Injustice." Rich, rich truth.... (and make sure not to miss the song at the end.... I don't think that anyone with a pulse got through it on Sunday without tears....)

Get into it.... absorb it.... do something with it....

While you're at The Chapel's site.... if you need some great worship, click on the "Fix You" link. Incredible....

Please, please pray again...

A different day.... a new prayer request. Tonight, shortly after Scott got home from work, we heard screaming outside.... our neighbor's 8 month old had stopped breathing (he had a fever all day and very labored breathing before). Scott ran to him.... I ran to get the nurse across the street. Thankfully, just as Scott turned him over to start CPR, he took a small gasp and started very distressed breathing, but thankfully, none of us ever had to start CPR. They took him in the ambulance to Buffalo Children's Hospital, and his big brothers are playing at our house now. His name is Peter.... thanks for praying. I will post an update when I know anything about the sweet little guy....

Please, please pray....

Because I know that many of you who read my blog are faithful prayer warriors, I'm posting a request....

My dear friend and roommate from Taylor just lost her husband suddenly. Please, please, PLEASE pray for Kelly....

Kelly is an amazing, BEYOND amazing, godly woman. I'm praying that God will carry her....

Spiritual training with a two year old....

I just tucked Isaac in for the night which entails him snuggling in with his silky blankie, rocking, singing, and praying together. After a few rounds of "Jesus Loves the Little Children" and "Jesus Loves Me", I simply started praying for Isaac. I no more than got out the words, "Jesus, we love you...." and that little booger said:

"No want Jesus." (WHAT?!!! I think that the proper, grown-up translation would be: "Mother, I actually preferred the singing for now.... I know that when you pray, that means we are coming very close to you placing me gently in that crib over there and not returning for 10ish hours. Hence, I will now say 'no want Jesus' because I know that statement alone may send you through the roof in emotion.")

Anyway, I didn't want to forget this conversation, so I thought I would just blog it.... as you might appreciate it, too....

I: No want Jesus.
Me: Oh no.... (and some sort of exasperated sigh creaped up from my lungs, too....)
LONG PAUSE.....
I: Mommy sad?
Me: Yes, mommy is sad because mommy loves to talk to Jesus, to thank Jesus, and to tell Jesus that I love him.
LONG PAUSE..... (and I thought I would try again....)
I proceeded to pray (this time, he didn't stop me.... then, this happened....)
LONG PAUSE.....
I: Me happy too. (OH! He GOT IT! He got the fact that it makes mommy happy to pray! AND.... it made him happy, too! It warmed my heart.....)

Parenting dilemmas of the week....

Okay, so a few dilemmas have popped up this week, and I thought maybe you, my dear blog reader, might be able to lend me your aid.....

Dilemma #1) Where in the world can a momma find skinny jeans for 2-year old boy? Seriously, this child can still wear 9 month pants when it comes to waist size.... but obviously, they are way too short. However, if I put him in pants that fit length-wise, his itty bitty waist won't hold the darn things up. Seriously..... help! And just so you know.... potty training won't be happening anytime soon at our house because Isaac's diaper is his only hope for holding up a pair o' pants! So don't even think about asking me if he's potty trained (for many reasons, of course! For the record, be kind and don't ask any mother of a 2-year old this question.... you know that you're probably just trying to feel great about the fact that your kiddo was potty trained at 15 months and just want to rub it in her face! Just kiddin'....) :)

Edited to add: We have tried adjustable waist jeans.... unfortunately, they still don't go tight enough in most cases. My husband's solution: a zip tie between the belt loops! He actually did it to a pair of Isaac's jeans the other night (it did work, but they certainly looked a little silly!) When I told my mom, she laughed and said that is what they do to middle school boys' pants when they are sagging to their thighs (Angie.... I think she said that your hubby is the one who came up with this solution, yes?!)

Dilemma #2) Which drink option is better for kids: 1/2 apple juice mixed with 1/2 water OR chocolate milk? I was getting Isaac a drink this afternoon, and I was quite perplexed.... please help.

Dilemma #3) What is the proper parenting response.... here's the scenario: another kid's birthday party, dozens of parents and kids watching, kid is opening gifts, YOUR kid is practically in their lap, "helping" pull gifts out of bags. So parenting experts, what do you do?! (I won't tell you what I watched another parent do at this party today..... OH WAIT, I WAS THAT PARENT!)

Thank you, oh wise and brilliant parenting experts! Hope that you are having a great weekend.... now, I'm finally headed to bed.... after gymnastics and 2 birthday parties with both boys today, I'm tired....

Thankful Thursday...

Today, I am thankful...

1) For opportunities. To love my neighbors. To love people at Aaron's school. To walk with others through trials. To rejoice with others in joy!

2) For songs that give words to my day. I was in a funk again this morning. Isaac and I headed out to run many errands this morning, and one song on the radio made all the difference in my mood. I'm thankful.... it gave me perspective.

3) For God's provisions for today. In the midst of uncertain times as a nation, I'm just going to continue to stand firm and trust that the Lord is my provider. It's easy to get caught up in a CNN news story and run to anxiety in my mind; rather, I'm thankful that I don't trust in my government to make things right.... I trust in my God.

4) For Scott's Fridays off!!! I love Friday... I love Friday... I love Friday!

5) For these cuties at bathtime! I love the smell of a clean kiddo... and big, smiling faces make it even more fun!

(is it just me, or do they look a little bit alike?!!) :)

Have a blessed day!

Family Night at Four Mile Creek

We had an awesome night at Four Mile Creek State Campground last night. Great little hiking trails, terrific playground, the best beach for skipping rocks (it's on Lake Ontario)! It was therapeutic for all of my boys and me.... so much fun! And the trails COMPLETELY reminded us of Camp Adventure.... we felt like the discovery of this place was God's little gift to us this week as it's only about 25 minutes from our house! We're already trying to find a weekend to camp!

Suffocating questions....

I just read a blog post from a woman whom I respect greatly. I became acquainted with Michelle back in our days of camping ministry at Camp Adventure. She and her senior pastor's wife did a Q&A session for pastors' wives recently.... I found the questions interesting.... heartbreaking.... and some, a little refreshing simply because it was good to know that I'm not alone....

I thought I would share the post here, simply to give you a glimpse into the heart of your pastor's wife.... and maybe a small, very small glimpse into mine....

The lighter side of the campaign

Stealing this from Stevan (yes, I often steal from him because he somehow finds things on the web that no one else can! Thanks, Stevan! Can't wait until you and Jess live a little closer!) Anyway, this grouping of mis-speaks from the campaign is terrific. We cannot expect perfection from the candidates.... character, yes.... perfection, no!

I'm a room mommy!

Well, just got home from my first ever PTA ("BEN") meeting. I am going to be undertaking a new task..... room mothering!!! :) I love how God orchestrated the events of today.... I will be "co-parenting" (I just think that is funny to say....) with another mom from the room who just happens to be the PTA co-president. Very cool, as my one apprehension was that I had NO IDEA what is actually expected of a room parent. She did say that she tends to be "very controlling".... could be interesting.... but it will be fun to learn from someone who has "been there, done that."

Also, what I REALLY loved about the meeting was that I, literally, knew NOT ONE PERSON in the room when I walked in.... not even one face looked familiar.... but I left having experienced some really cool conversations. Met a woman who just started attending The Chapel recently but has been nervous about putting her kids in King's World.... cool to affirm her and encourage her in that. Met another lady who immediately asked me to pray for her husband and for healing in her marriage when she heard that I am a believer and a pastor's wife. Very cool.

While I feel like I could choose to occupy my time with many important things.... I just have a feeling in my spirit that this is a big one for me. Getting into Aaron's world a bit.... walking on his turf.... being "salt and light" at his school just by showing up and loving Him with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Thankful Thursday...

Today, I am thankful....

1) For a great week! Last week was a little rocky emotionally; this week has been terrific, for the most part!
2) For an amazing Bible study.... if you ever get the chance to do Beth Moore's study, "Stepping Up".... do it! Amazing look at the Psalms of Ascent.
3) For the fact that my hubby was able to get away for a full day, just for God-time today. He came home refreshed and renewed.... it makes all the difference in the world in the midst of a crazy ministry season!
4) That our home is quickly becoming "that home" in the neighborhood.... this week, we have had eleven different kids from the neighborhood playing in our backyard at different points in the evenings. We've always said that we want to have "that home".... where kids know that they are welcome, accepted, and loved. It's BEYOND amazing to watch it begin to play out.... and....
5) An extra load of gratitude for the family from our church who gave us their old play structure. After purchasing a few bolts, it is sturdy and has handled all the kids well! What a blessing (pictures to come)!

Have a blessed day!

Oh dear, oh dear....

Oh my goodness.... for those of you who enjoyed the trio from the other day, enjoy, enjoy.....

Visitors map....

I just noticed on my visitors map on my sidebar that I've had a hit in Alaska....

Sarah Palin, is it really you?!!! :)

So sweet....

In the midst of the crazy sibling stuff that goes on (you know how it goes.... fighting over toys, pushing one another, yelling "mine, mine, mine").... I need to remember moments like these. So sweet....

Another baseball flashback...

Here's my sweetie, playing "t-ball". You'll notice.... there is no "T" involved. After the coach got nailed by a few "line drives" (is that what they are called?! I'm new to this baseball thing....) he actually told us that he talked to the league about moving Aaron up a division next year. He, technically, should play "t-ball" again next year.... but will probably be switching to machine pitch instead. He loves everything about baseball.... but mostly the hitting! :)

Random pictures...

So, Mr. Aaron whined and whined to have a "mo-hog" (as he likes to cutely call it!) on Sunday for church. However, I told him that because he was whining, the answer was NO. Oops.... should have known better.

First thing Monday morning, my little sweetie says, quite politely, quite sweetly.... "Mommy, could I please have a mo-hog today?" As I start to explain to him that no, he can't have a "mo-hog" because today is a school day.... he still, quite politely, says, "But I asked sweetly, Mommy." Yep.... he was right.... "mo-hog" it was! Here's a picture.... it actually makes me laugh because the shadow makes it look like he has a double mo hawk. Not to be outdone.... little cheesy here had to get his picture taken, too.... Our little golfer.... with stunning landscaping behind him!!! :)
The action shot...

Aaron with some of his neighborhood buddies, Bryce and Kyle A good shot of Aaron with his missing teeth.... you can tell that the two new ones were already well on their way in when the others came out!

Not any huge news report from here, just....

*Aaron still looks forward to school every day. In fact, on Sunday when I was dropping off at church, he said that he wished it was a school day instead! That's a huge praise.... he likes it, he likes it! I still don't know how I would handle it if he didn't.... since I really miss my little buddy at home with me. However, each day has gotten a little easier for me, too.

*He got off the bus crying on Friday.... because he felt left out by others. When I saw that little lip quiver, my heart broke.... (and to be honest, the momma bear claws started to come out, too).

*I put my name in the hat to be a room mom. I'll find out on Friday if my name is drawn.... yippe!

*Scott and I are going on a date this weekend! Yippe.... hoorah for a babysitter!

*MOPS starts on Thursday, and I will be a discussion group leader. If you think of it, please pray for our group to form great, instant connections!

*"Stepping Up".... Beth Moore Bible study.... I'm on week 2! Awesome!
*I have a headache and am going to bed.... night, night! Sweet dreams....

A big first....

Last night, we had a big first at our house.... the first night of homework ever! Thankfully, Aaron was pretty excited about practicing his writing skills. I'm also VERY thankful that his kindergarten teacher does not give homework every night! Hoorah!

(For you teachers out there, you'll be happy to know that I crossed out the word "an" before "apples".... no points lost for poor grammar here.... maybe on my blog.... but not on the homework! HA! So what do you think, Ms. Nanette.... does he make the grade?!!) :)

I'm so proud....

.... of my husband!!! We had a training event this morning, and he taught for a portion of the time. I'm 100%, completely, unapologetically BIASED..... but he was amazing. One of the things that I have missed since he moved out of student ministry 1 1/2 years ago is hearing Scott teach on a regular basis. Every time I get the chance, I want to....

That is all. Just a post to completely brag on my husband. I love that he knows how God has wired and gifted him.... and attempts to use those gifts as often as possible!

Thank you, YouTube!

Many of you have probably seen this on other blogs.... but yes, I'm sharing it again.... I finally made it through the whole thing this morning..... even if you don't watch the whole thing, make sure that you see the gentleman in the middle "break it down" around the 1:54 mark. Wow, wow, wow.....

Bulgarian Idol....

.... did you know that the "American Idol" craze is everywhere? Check this out....

How creative....

Saw this video on Stevan's blog and loved it....


EepyBird's Sticky Note experiment from Eepybird on Vimeo.

Thankful Thursday....

Today, I am thankful....

FOR FREEDOM.

I have reflected quite a bit on 9/11 today.... praying for the families of this tragedy.... and thankful for the men and women who have continued to serve our country so that we can worship freely, so that we can vote in this crazy election, so that my children can be educated, so that we can breathe free air.

Contrary to what a politician mentioned last week, I do NOT believe that the USA is the "hope of the world".... but I'm thankful that I have the freedom to worship THE ONE who IS because I live in this wonderful country!

If I am ever critically ill....

.... will you please make sure this guy is my doctor?!!! Seriously, what a testimony about the power of prayer, and how amazing to see a doctor who "gets it"! This is the real deal.... the gorgeous young woman in this news clip is a friend of ours (who we get to see in about a month at her big sister's wedding! HOORAH! Praise GOD!!!)



".... I was using conventional medicine, but I was crying out to the Lord...." I love it!

Aaron's Baseball Season

This is a just a little flashback as I am just now getting around to putting these pics together! Aaron had a great time playing "t-ball" this year.... as you can see, he didn't use a T! He really did enjoy his team and learned a lot of the basics this year. As this was our first real "extracurricular activity" as a family, it was a learning experience for all of us!

I'm published!!!

Well, kind of!!! My old dorm-mate from Taylor, Elizabeth, has an awesome website called, Does Mommy Love It? She recently noticed on my sidebar that I was reading Marla Taviano's book, Changing Your World One Diaper at a Time and asked if I would do a guest review. So here you have it, my first web publishing outside of this blog.... click here (oh, and while you're there.... sign up to win a copy! It's a great book!)

Also, if you just jumped over here from the Does Mommy Love It? site.... WELCOME!

Let the "fun" begin....

Well, the "fun" has already started.... processing the ins and outs of a kiddo in school.

Aaron just got home, and I just heard these dreaded words, "You know what, mom. Hailey kissed me on the bus."

Oh dear, oh dear.... come to find out.... she is 5.... and she kissed him on the hand.

You know what words my 5-year old just heard, "Next time, can you please tell Hailey that your mommy doesn't want her to kiss you anymore? It's probably not a good idea to kiss other kindergarteners." Unfortunately, he informed me that he liked it when she kissed him on the hand.....

Hmm, maybe I'll just drive him to school.... starting TOMORROW!!! :)

Just my thoughts....

Okay, this thought isn't mine.... I was reading in my most recent MOPS magazine and came across this quote:

"Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become" (Pericles).

Whew.... after a rough day yesterday.... I needed that one. Actually, the whole magazine this month seems to be about moms going through an identity crisis..... losing themselves after becoming a momma and what it looks like to attempt to regain themselves, redefine themselves.

For me, I don't think this happened nearly as much after I had Aaron.... not nearly as much as it did when we moved to a new state. Yep friends, I think that I am officially going through an identity crisis, with an ounce of depression to go along with it. I feel a bit weary. I feel a bit unlike myself. I wrote these words to a few Warsaw buddies last night:

"I miss knowing and being known. I miss being understood and loved without even opening my mouth to say a word. I miss being myself and being accepted. I miss feeling like I am having an impact. I miss being surrounded by amazing friends who know me, know my gifts, and encourage me to have an impact on my world."

It's a weird thing, really.... I think that on the outside, it probably looks like the adjustment has been "smooth sailing" for me.... after all, I've jumped right into various women's activities at church, and goodness, I've even signed up to help with PTO at Aaron's school. I may have activities on my calendar.... but I still feel "the ache" at times.

It goes right along with Jerry's message yesterday.... talking about how humans want to 1) be more special than others, 2) know more than others, and/or 3) possess more than others. For me.... it's #1.... I just want to know that I am special. That I am having an impact. That I am KNOWN (not in a "fame" sorta way.... just that I can walk into a room and be seen, truly seen, by those that I encounter).

However, the meat of the message is this: nothing outside of Christ himself with satisfy. I get that. I am attempting to rest in that today. It helps my mood. It changes my day.

So.... for today.... here in western New York and NOT in northern Indiana, I am attempting to focus on the BIG things.... the REAL things. The fact that He loves me and that I am special AND KNOWN to Him. And am attempting to surrender.... what I am for what I could become....

Rainy Sunday afternoon randomness....

Nothing too exciting to share from Niagara Falls this weekend.... just a few random details....

* We've got blinds! Finally.... privacy!
* I have an infected finger. I got a thorn/sticker in my pointer finger last weekend from a meanie barberry bush.... I ended up at a doc-in-a-box.... now, I'm on an antibiotic and have to go back on Monday or Tuesday to see if it's on the mend.
* Scott and his team completed overhauled the King's World (children's....) Theater at church this summer.... they had the big reveal this morning and I thought it looked great! And... the theme for this month involved Indiana Jones.... very fun set! Too bad that my 5-year old was BEGGING to go, and he can't head to the theater until 1st grade! Not long now, buddy!
* It's a rainy afternoon here in Buff.... and my hubby is watching the Bills (and actually seems to care..... hmm, maybe a new fan?!)
* I'm going to the Women's Ministry Kick-off tonight.... and am hoping that I can find someone there that I know. It's hard to still be a newbie....
* I think that I need a new purse that is big enough for my Bible and notebook for Sunday mornings. My old library bag just isn't doing the trick for me anymore!!! :)

Okay, enough randomness for one day.... much love! Have a great day!

Parade and Party Pics

I know that y'all don't know any of these people.... but I thought you might still enjoy seeing the pictures of our wonderful evening on Monday! It was so fun to get to know our neighbors.... and watch them getting to know one another as well!

More family fun....

Even in the midst of all the hard work that was accomplished last weekend, we still had a little time for fun!

We rented a bounce house for the party on Monday.... and the boys were able to enjoy it for a bit before everybody else came!

Snugglin' up with Grandma...
.... And Grandpa! Isn't Isaac the cutest Scooby you have ever seen?!!Dressed all snazzy for church on Sunday! Aunt Debby rocks! On Saturday while the four other adults were trying to get landscaping accomplished, she offered to take the two big boys to Fantasy Island to keep them occupied for the day. From what I hear, they had a total blast!

Thankful Thursday...

Today, I am thankful....

1) For an attitude adjustment this morning. I was driving to the store this morning with Isaac jabbering in the backseat when I heard a great nugget of truth on the Christian radio station I was listening to. It was just what I needed....
2) For a great weekend.... and a productive weekend.... with my sweet family. They very graciously agreed to help us start AND complete the landscaping on the front and side of our house.

The kids enjoyed helping out with the dirt and mulch.... pictured here with cousin, Zach (who surprised Aaron.... it was so fun to have him here for the weekend!)

Doesn't Scott look THRILLED in this picture?!!! Love ya, babe! Thank ya, babe!The finished product! I'm so thrilled with how it all turned out! It was a ton of work.... but it was certainly better than the price tag that would have accompanied hiring someone to do the work!



3) The parade and party were great! It was so fun to reach out and get to know our neighbors. If you've ever thought about doing it in your own neighborhood, DO IT!!! (pictures to come in another post!) It was definitely worth the effort!

4) For Aaron's excitement about starting school. I don't know what I would've done if he were crying right along with me yesterday (probably started homeschooling right then and there?!!) His excitement definitely helped my sadness. He had a great day yesterday, was excited to go back today, and even got a great note from the teacher last night! Hoorah!

5) That our weekend starts TOMORROW! Scott takes Fridays off since he works on Sundays.... I am looking SO forward to a relaxing weekend with NO commitments!

Have a blessed day!

So tender....

This post affected me deeply today. Such words of truth to a family in the midst of unspeakable grief. This precious couple lost their little guy to SIDS just months ago.... and I'm sure that they have encountered their own share of people trying to be helpful, but saying hurtful things instead. I know that has often occurred in my life during times of heartache.... but I tried to always search out the motive behind the comments, knowing that the other person really was just trying to be helpful and truly didn't long to add to the ache. May we learn from these examples.... things that can be said that will bring LIFE to a hurting person, rather than further darkness.

Is this NORMAL?!!!

Okay, I think I've become obsessed with my clock today.... for instance, it is currently 3:31 PM, and I keep thinking "Not long now.... not long now.... I get to see my little buddy SOON!" (hopefully, around 4:10ish, I've been told!)

Throughout the day, I've found myself glancing at the clock, wondering what he is doing. I've tried to just translate that into many prayers for Aaron throughout the day.... I think that it will help when I am able to volunteer in his classroom for a little bit and see their routine in action.

In other news.... I just think that full-day kindergarten is for the birds! REALLY! When we were still in Indiana and they were discussing moving that direction, I often told my mom, "It may be good for some families, but it wouldn't be good for mine." That's still where I stand on this one.... but now, I'm living it. It's a completely different world here though.... it just seems like they've been doing full-day kindergarten for so long that no one would even consider anything different.

Bye-bye

Thought you might enjoy the video of Isaac waving to Aaron on the bus.... Isn't he sweet?! My crying didn't start until the camera was turned off.... you can hear my sigh at the end of this clip.... yep, that was just the beginning.... :)




(thought you might enjoy this clip, too, as it will give y'all a better idea of where we live.... and what our little street looks like.... do you like all of the construction vehicles that the bus has to weave through?!!)

First day of school.... first day of school!

Well, it finally happened.... my firstborn started kindergarten today! Aaron was very excited and was up at 6:45, saying, "How much longer?!!" He had an ounce of apprehension, but overall, he was thrilled to head off to kindergarten. Mommy, on the other hand, was not exactly overjoyed.... but survived (and cried!) Thankfully, Scott stayed home a little longer this morning to console me and talk me through it (and he and Isaac and I had a nice breakfast at Perkins as a special treat, too!)


We also had a really cool time with Aaron this morning on the front step.... reading Scripture over him and praying together, too. I'm thankful for that time.... I know, in my heart, that he is ready and that we've done our jobs as parents.... but the "mommy-guilt" keeps swirling through me, "I should have done this more.... or that more.... is he really ready?.... what have I forgotten to teach him?" However, I know that he ultimately belongs to the Lord and that He has Aaron in the palm of His hand. I can't wait to see my kiddo's sweet little face this afternoon though!!!

Yes, I drew on my kid!!! Just as a little reminder that mommy loves him and is praying for him today!
All ready to roll! On his way...Oh, that face.... we had told Aaron that he needed to sit towards the front of the bus; however, every seat was occupied when he got on. I wanted to swoop in and save him.... but after what seemed like an eternity, a little girl leaned over to let him into her seat. He had been really excited to sit with his new buddy, Evan (from a few houses down) but that obviously didn't work out today as each seat already had one person in it. Oh well, he recovered.... this sweet little face looking out at me about did me in though!

Isaac was too funny. He loved watching Aaron get on the bus.... then, he proceeded to walk around for the next couple of minutes saying, "Go my bus, go my bus." No buddy.... you're staying with mommy for a few more years!!! NOT YET!!!

Labor Day- a little late!

I saw this post in honor of Labor Day and decided to join in on the fun!

How long were your labors?

- Aaron: 28 hours
- Isaac: 10 hours

How did you know you were in labor?

- Aaron: my water broke first thing in the morning as I crawled out of bed.... I was soaked, the floor was soaked, the bed was soaked.... I actually never started contractions on my own, so my midwife sent me to the hospital about 4 hours later to start meds to get the contractions rolling (and rolling they did....)
- Isaac: I woke up with contractions at about 5 AM one morning. I decided to work on a day of my Beth Moore Bible study (and timed contractions) to make sure this was the real-deal.

Where and how did you deliver?

Both of my boys were born at Goshen General Hospital in Indiana (I loved that place....)

- Aaron: after starting hard labor and contractions at 4:00 in the afternoon, I was mortified to find out that I was still only at a 2 at 1:00 the next morning. At that point, I got an epidural (even though I thought I could do it without.... lack of progress does amazing things to a woman in labor! HA!) My epidural failed about an hour later.... no pain relief (they don't know if the catheter slipped or what.....) So six hours later, I received a second epidural that actually worked. At that point, I got stuck at a 6 and my cervix started to swell.... and my midwife started mentioning the dreaded word, "C-section." At 12:30 P.M., October 15, 2002, Thomas Aaron was born by "C".... healthy and huge. 21 inches, 8 lb. 14 oz. (I know that REALLY isn't huge.... but there was something about this kid.... he came out with "prominent" features and just looked like a 2-month old when they pulled him out! On our video from the birth, we could even hear one of the nurses say, "I bet he is at least 10 pounds" before they weighed him!)
- Isaac: ..... was SUPPOSED to be born by SCHEDULED cesarean on May 9th!!! BUT.... decided he wanted to pick his own birthday. As stated above, I went into labor in the morning.... after getting Aaron dropped off with grandpa to fish for the day, we headed to the hospital, arriving around 10ish. They confirmed.... yes, those are real contractions.... and yes, your water has broken. However, no.... we can't do your c-section right now because we don't have a doctor AND an anesthesiologist available. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!! So, after 5 hours of horrible labor (I was in SUCH fear of my uterus rupturing after a previous "C").... Isaac Scott was finally delivered at 3:00 PM on May 3, 2006. He was a miniature version of Aaron (he looked so much like Aaron as a newborn)! So tiny though! 18.5 inches, 6 lb. 1 oz.!

What a weekend!

WOW! We had a GREAT, eventful weekend.... and now, we're all TIRED! Great visit with my parents, sister, and nephew.... accomplished a lot (ALL of the landscaping in front of the house!) and the block party/parade went great as well! We really enjoyed meeting some more of our neighbors, and people were very appreciative of our willingness to reach out and organize it. More pictures and stories to come....

If you think about it, please send a prayer up for this momma.... kindergarten starts tomorrow. I can cry at the drop a hat right now....