Merry Christmas, everybody! We've had a great day at home today. Since we didn't make it to Muncie yesterday because of our little accident, Scott's mom and dad came here for the afternoon. It was a wonderful, relaxing day, and my sweet mother-in-law even brought the entire meal! Such a blessing. We had fun reading the Christmas story together this morning, courtesy of Aaron, opening packages (after explaining that they each got three and talking about the three wise men and their gifts!), baking a birthday cake for Jesus, and playing with new legos sets, a new guitar, loving the geotrax, and using the new ripstick in the hallway of our apartment (shh.....) Tonight, I was talking to my boys about what a great day it has been, and Isaac said....
"I want baby Jesus to come over."
Precious.... absolutely precious....
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas and my kiddos....
It's 11:10 on Christmas Eve according to my clock. Each of our kiddo's three gifts are wrapped and displayed, ready to be discovered in the morning.... the stockings are stuffed.... the cookies have been eaten (YEA!).... and I'm debating if I will stay up and wait for Scott to get home after our 5/7/9/11 services.
And I am overwhelmed with gratitude tonight, and I may ramble....
We were on I-69S, driving to see Scott's parents in Muncie. The road was a sheet of ice. A car went flying by us, lost control, hit the guard rail, and hit us. We ended up driving in the median, and praise God, Scott was able to regain control before we headed up into oncoming traffic on the other side. Everything happened in slow motion.
And God was with us.
And we are fine.
I am certain that God protected us. As fast as the other guy was going, it could have been bad. Really, really bad. But it wasn't.
And Ellie, our little darlin' who hates her carseat, was an absolute gem as we waited for a long time for the police officer to arrive. I couldn't take her out as we were afraid someone else was going to lose control and hit us again.
And our Isaac? He just said, "He crashed us!"
And our Aaron, "Oh man, I dropped my pen!"
Yep, sweet little ones. Sweet, sweet little ones. And I am extra grateful tonight. And I am thinking....
My Christmas is different with children. A little boy's tender voice....
A bigger boy who no longer believes in Santa, but who has a life that is already marked by the Savior's presence in His heart.
And a precious, precious little girl who reminds me of all that babyhood entails. Coos, spit ups, dirty diapers, fussy nights, gas bubbles, snuggles, and smiles....
And then, I think of Mary. And I think of her rocking a baby, too. THE baby.
God IS with us. Emmanuel.
After the Christmas Eve service tonight, Aaron told me he liked his new word, "M.U.L." It took me a minute, but I figured it out.... Emmanuel. We had a great conversation about what that really means.
Motherhood makes me see Christmas differently. Not only because I begin to see it through their eyes. But because my eyes are different now, too....
Merry Christmas. God IS with us!
And I am overwhelmed with gratitude tonight, and I may ramble....
We were on I-69S, driving to see Scott's parents in Muncie. The road was a sheet of ice. A car went flying by us, lost control, hit the guard rail, and hit us. We ended up driving in the median, and praise God, Scott was able to regain control before we headed up into oncoming traffic on the other side. Everything happened in slow motion.
And God was with us.
And we are fine.
I am certain that God protected us. As fast as the other guy was going, it could have been bad. Really, really bad. But it wasn't.
And Ellie, our little darlin' who hates her carseat, was an absolute gem as we waited for a long time for the police officer to arrive. I couldn't take her out as we were afraid someone else was going to lose control and hit us again.
And our Isaac? He just said, "He crashed us!"
And our Aaron, "Oh man, I dropped my pen!"
Yep, sweet little ones. Sweet, sweet little ones. And I am extra grateful tonight. And I am thinking....
My Christmas is different with children. A little boy's tender voice....
A bigger boy who no longer believes in Santa, but who has a life that is already marked by the Savior's presence in His heart.
And a precious, precious little girl who reminds me of all that babyhood entails. Coos, spit ups, dirty diapers, fussy nights, gas bubbles, snuggles, and smiles....
And then, I think of Mary. And I think of her rocking a baby, too. THE baby.
God IS with us. Emmanuel.
After the Christmas Eve service tonight, Aaron told me he liked his new word, "M.U.L." It took me a minute, but I figured it out.... Emmanuel. We had a great conversation about what that really means.
Motherhood makes me see Christmas differently. Not only because I begin to see it through their eyes. But because my eyes are different now, too....
Merry Christmas. God IS with us!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
The mouths of babes....
Aaron was just holding Ellie and said, "Mom, her breath smells like cheese."
Um.... sorry Ellie, but he was right....
Um.... sorry Ellie, but he was right....
Friday, December 18, 2009
Flashback Friday....
So, a few weeks ago, we decided to decorate our little apartment for Christmas. It ended up being such a fun and simple family night.... one of our best ever!
And our stockings (so, so funny.... I was working on something else and looked over and caught this glimpse of Isaac.... I laughed SO HARD....)
And of course, our itty bitty tree!
The kiddos had a blast making ornaments and "garland" for the tree!
This one totally makes me smile.... Isaac was absolutely, 100% convinced that the bubble wrap needed to go ON the tree. You can definitely tell that we are a family in transition when we have bubble wrap ON the tree! HA!
We only brought one small box of holiday decor from NY.... it included our kiddos' favorite nativity and cute little santa hats....
And our stockings (so, so funny.... I was working on something else and looked over and caught this glimpse of Isaac.... I laughed SO HARD....)
And of course, our itty bitty tree!
The kiddos had a blast making ornaments and "garland" for the tree!
One of our holiday decorating traditions is that we ALWAYS make chocolate chip cookies when we decorate the tree. This year was no exception! I'm convinced that Scott has never looked more handsome than he did MAKING yummy cookies and "wearing" Ellie in the Baby Bjorn!!! So sweet! :)
This one totally makes me smile.... Isaac was absolutely, 100% convinced that the bubble wrap needed to go ON the tree. You can definitely tell that we are a family in transition when we have bubble wrap ON the tree! HA!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
We wish you a Merry Christmas....
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
charity:water and ltlol
If you view my blog directly and not through Google Reader, you may have noticed a little addition.... the charity:water button above. Scott and I are big believers that when we combine all of our efforts, we all CAN and WILL make a difference in the world's water crisis.
1 billion people (that's a WHOLE lot of zeros.... 1,000,000,000.... and that's a WHOLE lot of PEOPLE who are loved by GOD!) do not have access to clean drinking water.
1,000,000,000!
1 in 8 people on our globe.
I want to make a difference.... Scott and I are choosing to dive into the Advent Conspiracy to free up some resources to make a difference.
charity:water is a great place to read, watch, learn, and grow.
Another terrific organization: Let Them Laugh Out Loud. Our dear, dear friends in Buffalo started a great organization to make a real difference.... last I heard, they are close to digging the first well.... cool. Very cool. And you can even get a cool ringtone to join in making a difference! (love you, Joe and Kate!)
Another cool thing.... both of these sites have really cool products that you can purchase and still make a difference! Check them out! Great Christmas presents!!! :)
1 billion people (that's a WHOLE lot of zeros.... 1,000,000,000.... and that's a WHOLE lot of PEOPLE who are loved by GOD!) do not have access to clean drinking water.
1,000,000,000!
1 in 8 people on our globe.
I want to make a difference.... Scott and I are choosing to dive into the Advent Conspiracy to free up some resources to make a difference.
charity:water is a great place to read, watch, learn, and grow.
Another terrific organization: Let Them Laugh Out Loud. Our dear, dear friends in Buffalo started a great organization to make a real difference.... last I heard, they are close to digging the first well.... cool. Very cool. And you can even get a cool ringtone to join in making a difference! (love you, Joe and Kate!)
Another cool thing.... both of these sites have really cool products that you can purchase and still make a difference! Check them out! Great Christmas presents!!! :)
Friday, December 11, 2009
Three months....
Yep, it's official.... Ellie is a three month old this week! Can someone please find a pause button somewhere? Please?!!! She is an absolute gem, and we're pretty crazy about her (EVEN in her fussy moments!) :)
At three months, Ellie....
* Loves smiling and cooing. My favorite moments during the day are right after she nurses and is laying on the boppy pillow, so, so content and happy. We'll have a little "conversation"... complete with "ooh's" and "oh's" and lots and lots of grins!
* Continues to be so strong. She loves holding her head up and looking around at all the action.
* Seems to have a favorite song which is momma's creation, "There was a mom who had a girl and Ellie was her name-o.... E-L-L-I-E...." (I know, I know.... very original!) :)
* Has big brothers who continue to adore her. Aaron has been THRILLED that we've let him carry her once in awhile with supervision now that she is a little more sturdy. He is SO proud of her! The boys have not shown one ounce of jealousy! Hoorah!
* Has us wondering if separation anxiety is starting REALLY early this time around. In all of our years as parents (you know.... SEVEN!), I've only ever been paged by the church nursery ONCE (and it was when Aaron was 18 months, fell, and had a bloody nose). I have already been paged for Ellie twice, and she immediately calmed down when she was in my arms.... I am sure it looked lovely when I walked out of church from the front row just as my husband was walking on stage to preach this week!!! :) I promise that I LOVE to hear him preach.... really!!!
* Seems to be getting a little more used to the idea that she has no other option when it comes to the carseat.... but she still cries about that thing!
* Will sleep for a 7 -8 hour stretch at night but is still pretty unpredictable.... sometimes, that stretch starts at 7:00 and sometimes, not until 11:00.
* Usually takes one nap in the swing each day. She usually likes to eat, then play for a bit, then, is ready for another nap!
* Has been SUCH a cat napper over the past couple of days (momma is hoping that it is just a phase!)
* At a few family gatherings and get togethers with friends, has definitely only wanted mommy or daddy (oh my, could Scott and I actually have a child who is an introvert?!?! Only time will tell!!) :)
* Is still in all of her beautiful 0-3 month clothes.... but is getting close to graduating to a new size.
* Has big beautiful BLUE eyes like her brothers. I don't understand genetics.... Scott and I don't have blue eyes and we're three for three now.... interesting....
* Loves to chew on her hands when her pacifier falls out.
* Continues to have darker brown hair.... except for her cute little bald spot on the back!
* Is definitely teaching mommy and daddy that there IS a difference between boys and girls!!!
* Is absolutely loved! We are so thankful....
At three months, Ellie....
* Loves smiling and cooing. My favorite moments during the day are right after she nurses and is laying on the boppy pillow, so, so content and happy. We'll have a little "conversation"... complete with "ooh's" and "oh's" and lots and lots of grins!
* Continues to be so strong. She loves holding her head up and looking around at all the action.
* Seems to have a favorite song which is momma's creation, "There was a mom who had a girl and Ellie was her name-o.... E-L-L-I-E...." (I know, I know.... very original!) :)
* Has big brothers who continue to adore her. Aaron has been THRILLED that we've let him carry her once in awhile with supervision now that she is a little more sturdy. He is SO proud of her! The boys have not shown one ounce of jealousy! Hoorah!
* Has us wondering if separation anxiety is starting REALLY early this time around. In all of our years as parents (you know.... SEVEN!), I've only ever been paged by the church nursery ONCE (and it was when Aaron was 18 months, fell, and had a bloody nose). I have already been paged for Ellie twice, and she immediately calmed down when she was in my arms.... I am sure it looked lovely when I walked out of church from the front row just as my husband was walking on stage to preach this week!!! :) I promise that I LOVE to hear him preach.... really!!!
* Seems to be getting a little more used to the idea that she has no other option when it comes to the carseat.... but she still cries about that thing!
* Will sleep for a 7 -8 hour stretch at night but is still pretty unpredictable.... sometimes, that stretch starts at 7:00 and sometimes, not until 11:00.
* Usually takes one nap in the swing each day. She usually likes to eat, then play for a bit, then, is ready for another nap!
* Has been SUCH a cat napper over the past couple of days (momma is hoping that it is just a phase!)
* At a few family gatherings and get togethers with friends, has definitely only wanted mommy or daddy (oh my, could Scott and I actually have a child who is an introvert?!?! Only time will tell!!) :)
* Is still in all of her beautiful 0-3 month clothes.... but is getting close to graduating to a new size.
* Has big beautiful BLUE eyes like her brothers. I don't understand genetics.... Scott and I don't have blue eyes and we're three for three now.... interesting....
* Loves to chew on her hands when her pacifier falls out.
* Continues to have darker brown hair.... except for her cute little bald spot on the back!
* Is definitely teaching mommy and daddy that there IS a difference between boys and girls!!!
* Is absolutely loved! We are so thankful....
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Thankful Thursday....
Today, I am thankful....
1) For three amazing months with our Ellie!
2) For Scott's amazing job and the Lord's provision!
3) For a furnace that works. I'm definitely praying for those without heat today....
4) For the fact that we only have one outside wall at our apartment, so we're hoping that will help reduce our heat costs this winter. Ahh, again, thankful for the Lord's provision!
5) That our sweet realtor is hosting yet another open house in NY this weekend. In that regard, would you please pray for the "just right" buyer to come along soon? We were a bit disappointed.... there was a couple that was very interested in our home, just needed to get their current home listed.... but they just "changed their minds." However, God revealed something really, really cool to me while a friend was praying for me the other day (thanks, Ang!).... Scott and I love our old neighbors in NY. Really, really love them (yep, crying right now as I type that....) I care more about them having a good neighbor in the future than I care about my bank account. I really and truly do. In Scott's message on Sunday, he talked about how Jesus always, always picked people before power and possessions while He was on earth. I am choosing to pick PEOPLE today as I think about the whole house thing.... and I am CHOOSING PEACE until He brings the JUST RIGHT new neighbors along for my old neighbors! God has it all figured out, and I am CHOOSING to rest in His hand!
Have a blessed day, full of gratitude! I love you....
1) For three amazing months with our Ellie!
2) For Scott's amazing job and the Lord's provision!
3) For a furnace that works. I'm definitely praying for those without heat today....
4) For the fact that we only have one outside wall at our apartment, so we're hoping that will help reduce our heat costs this winter. Ahh, again, thankful for the Lord's provision!
5) That our sweet realtor is hosting yet another open house in NY this weekend. In that regard, would you please pray for the "just right" buyer to come along soon? We were a bit disappointed.... there was a couple that was very interested in our home, just needed to get their current home listed.... but they just "changed their minds." However, God revealed something really, really cool to me while a friend was praying for me the other day (thanks, Ang!).... Scott and I love our old neighbors in NY. Really, really love them (yep, crying right now as I type that....) I care more about them having a good neighbor in the future than I care about my bank account. I really and truly do. In Scott's message on Sunday, he talked about how Jesus always, always picked people before power and possessions while He was on earth. I am choosing to pick PEOPLE today as I think about the whole house thing.... and I am CHOOSING PEACE until He brings the JUST RIGHT new neighbors along for my old neighbors! God has it all figured out, and I am CHOOSING to rest in His hand!
Have a blessed day, full of gratitude! I love you....
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Conversation of the day....
This morning, we had a really cool event at our new church called "Breakfast in Bethlehem." It was a blast (pictures to come....)
But, as we were at home getting ready this morning, Aaron was scurrying around, getting dressed and ready for his role as a shepherd, he was asking questions about what to wear, and I attempted to answer.
He told me, "Mom, leave it to daddy, he's the pastor- you're not a pastor- you're just a mom!"
WHAT?! But he redeemed it when he paused and then said, "BUT.... you're a REALLY FUN MOM!"
I proceeded to ask him (after much laughter), if he thought being a mom is a hard or easy job.
He said, "Hard.... 'cause you have to get up all night long with Ellie to feed her!" :)
Such a sweetie! Even though there ARE days that ARE hard, I wouldn't trade being a mommy for anything in the world.... even if I AM "just a mom" in his book for now!!! It's the best "job" that I've ever had..... ;)
Friday, December 04, 2009
As a mommy...
.... sometimes, I just need to know that I'm in good company and that there are other mommies in the world going through the same "stuff" that I am. I read this today on Amanda's blog and felt very encouraged (love it.... she is Beth Moore's daughter....)
".... isn't it an honor to be a woman? As hard as it is and sometimes unfair, we get a front row seat to see the magic of a life growing from tiny cells into a baby, a toddler, a preschooler, and so on. And to feel it all so fully! To others and often to ourselves our lives can look utterly mundane and common. Every day I load my babies in and out of my Jeep with my oversized purse and huge diaper bag falling down my shoulder and smacking into the baby's face. Meanwhile, junk falls out of the floor boards and onto the driveway, and I know another Chickfila receipt is going to wander into our neighbor's yard and, help me Lord, she's going to know that I didn't recycle it! My son has lost his shoes inside the car and I'm thinking "Calgon, take me away!" Only that's what they said in our moms' day and I don't even know if they make that anymore. But maybe I can find some Thomas the Tank Engine bubble bath in the kids' bathroom!
The thing is, God is using us to grow lives. Physically. Emotionally. Mentally. Stop and marvel at whatever new thing your three-year-old said or did today. In all likelihood (as long as it was pure and lovely, of course), he learned it from you! In case no one else says this to you today, well done mama. You're doing an important job and you will be richly rewarded, even if for the time being it's a big hug around the knees every time you have to wipe your preschooler's rear."
".... isn't it an honor to be a woman? As hard as it is and sometimes unfair, we get a front row seat to see the magic of a life growing from tiny cells into a baby, a toddler, a preschooler, and so on. And to feel it all so fully! To others and often to ourselves our lives can look utterly mundane and common. Every day I load my babies in and out of my Jeep with my oversized purse and huge diaper bag falling down my shoulder and smacking into the baby's face. Meanwhile, junk falls out of the floor boards and onto the driveway, and I know another Chickfila receipt is going to wander into our neighbor's yard and, help me Lord, she's going to know that I didn't recycle it! My son has lost his shoes inside the car and I'm thinking "Calgon, take me away!" Only that's what they said in our moms' day and I don't even know if they make that anymore. But maybe I can find some Thomas the Tank Engine bubble bath in the kids' bathroom!
The thing is, God is using us to grow lives. Physically. Emotionally. Mentally. Stop and marvel at whatever new thing your three-year-old said or did today. In all likelihood (as long as it was pure and lovely, of course), he learned it from you! In case no one else says this to you today, well done mama. You're doing an important job and you will be richly rewarded, even if for the time being it's a big hug around the knees every time you have to wipe your preschooler's rear."
Thursday, December 03, 2009
I love the Christmas story....
.... and it doesn't get ANY better than this....
Isn't that THE sweetest little voice you have EVER heard?!?! "An agent of the Lord".... "A baby wrapped in coats".... PRICELESS! :)
Isn't that THE sweetest little voice you have EVER heard?!?! "An agent of the Lord".... "A baby wrapped in coats".... PRICELESS! :)
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