Total humiliation when you're 16 years old.Oh, how we all can't wait for Aaron to be big enough to play "man games" with Lucas.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Sister Sister
What happens when your two most frequent playmates are your two girly-girl sisters?
Total humiliation when you're 16 years old.
Oh, how we all can't wait for Aaron to be big enough to play "man games" with Lucas.
Total humiliation when you're 16 years old.Oh, how we all can't wait for Aaron to be big enough to play "man games" with Lucas.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
A Fostering Update (In Which I Abuse the Use of Parentheses)
Hey peeps. Since it's been 75 years since I last updated on our adoption (even typing that seems so weird) and fostering status (or is it stati - plural? Little red line says that "stati" isn't a word. It also says "isn't" isn't a word..so what could it possibly know?) I figured it was about time. I mean, afterall, inquiring minds want to know.
Wow. Anyway, Aaron's (that is also so surreal to type, even now) adoption worker is coming by today. This is a different social worker than he had previously, so if you're keeping track (how could you be?) we have now, just for Aaron's case, had contact with 4 social workers. Yeah. I know.
Ms. Adoption Social Worker will come by and "update" our homestudy (don't know how much there is to "update" since we've not even been licensed a year yet), give us some more forms to fill out and then take our profile to adoption committee on or before May 30th. Once we are approved by adoption committee then we will begin the process of filing more paperwork with the courts.
Basically, we are paper pushing and I couldn't be happier! Pushing paper means progress. In the eyes of DSS he is already ours, this is all just a formality. In our hearts, he's been ours since June 10, 2008.
As for Baby Girl, well...her case is creeping along (little-to-no paper pushing, in fact). Slowly. As far as I know, her birth mother has not been "served" with the Termination of Parental Rights Petition, which must happen before a court date can be set. Also, birth mom is pulling out all the stops trying to locate someone in her birth family that might potentially want Baby Girl. Naturally, this makes my heart lurch, my stomach turn and my mind go crazy (and sometimes not so nice thoughts to form). However, I know that God already knows what is to happen, none of it will surprise Him. And, truly, none of these family members have contacted DSS about her since she's been born. If they stand a chance, now it's a slim one. Still, she's my baby and the thought of her leaving makes me sick.
Baby Girl is going to physical therapy once a week for an hour. She has now mastered rolling from her tummy to her back, but has only rolled from her back to her front once or twice (and even then it was with some "help"). She is sitting up with support but is still not pushing up on her arms or even trying to be on her hands and knees, in an effort to begin crawling (Aaron on the other hand is crawling everywhere and pulls up on anything that will hold still for more than .125 seconds.).
Still, I know that she is making some good progress. Even the PT said she thought she was doing very well. We are working on "exercises" at home and even Elizabeth gets in on the therapy.
Overall, I am pleased and shocked at how quickly God chose to move these cases along. I know that I truly have no right to complain because I know of cases where the kids are well over 2 years in the DSS system and still there is little to no resolution with their cases. I can't imagine that kind of frustration. So I'm trying my best to be content. I'm trying hard to focus on the end result.
We do have court on Monday for Baby Girl. It's just a simple review, yet I know that we will encounter birth mom once more, which always makes me uneasy/jittery (okay, flat out a nervous wreck). If it comes to mind, I'd surely appreciate any prayers you'd offer up on our behalf.
Hopefully, it won't be so long before another update (hopefully). I know you all were on pins and needles (not).
Wow. Anyway, Aaron's (that is also so surreal to type, even now) adoption worker is coming by today. This is a different social worker than he had previously, so if you're keeping track (how could you be?) we have now, just for Aaron's case, had contact with 4 social workers. Yeah. I know.
Ms. Adoption Social Worker will come by and "update" our homestudy (don't know how much there is to "update" since we've not even been licensed a year yet), give us some more forms to fill out and then take our profile to adoption committee on or before May 30th. Once we are approved by adoption committee then we will begin the process of filing more paperwork with the courts.
Basically, we are paper pushing and I couldn't be happier! Pushing paper means progress. In the eyes of DSS he is already ours, this is all just a formality. In our hearts, he's been ours since June 10, 2008.
As for Baby Girl, well...her case is creeping along (little-to-no paper pushing, in fact). Slowly. As far as I know, her birth mother has not been "served" with the Termination of Parental Rights Petition, which must happen before a court date can be set. Also, birth mom is pulling out all the stops trying to locate someone in her birth family that might potentially want Baby Girl. Naturally, this makes my heart lurch, my stomach turn and my mind go crazy (and sometimes not so nice thoughts to form). However, I know that God already knows what is to happen, none of it will surprise Him. And, truly, none of these family members have contacted DSS about her since she's been born. If they stand a chance, now it's a slim one. Still, she's my baby and the thought of her leaving makes me sick.
Baby Girl is going to physical therapy once a week for an hour. She has now mastered rolling from her tummy to her back, but has only rolled from her back to her front once or twice (and even then it was with some "help"). She is sitting up with support but is still not pushing up on her arms or even trying to be on her hands and knees, in an effort to begin crawling (Aaron on the other hand is crawling everywhere and pulls up on anything that will hold still for more than .125 seconds.).
Still, I know that she is making some good progress. Even the PT said she thought she was doing very well. We are working on "exercises" at home and even Elizabeth gets in on the therapy.
Overall, I am pleased and shocked at how quickly God chose to move these cases along. I know that I truly have no right to complain because I know of cases where the kids are well over 2 years in the DSS system and still there is little to no resolution with their cases. I can't imagine that kind of frustration. So I'm trying my best to be content. I'm trying hard to focus on the end result.
We do have court on Monday for Baby Girl. It's just a simple review, yet I know that we will encounter birth mom once more, which always makes me uneasy/jittery (okay, flat out a nervous wreck). If it comes to mind, I'd surely appreciate any prayers you'd offer up on our behalf.
Hopefully, it won't be so long before another update (hopefully). I know you all were on pins and needles (not).
Monday, April 27, 2009
Surrender
Surrender.
That is the word that continues to roll through my mind. The word that is moving through my heart. The word that resonates through my soul, and scares me to pieces.
Surrender.
What does that mean? What does that look like? It's not a white flag. It's more than just a mindset. It's life, a life I am called to live. A life that ALL believers are called to live. We are asked to live a life fully consecrated to God, refraining from selfish desires.
But what does that look like?
The basics for all believers are the same, but the deeper issues, the ones where God isn't black and white, those are the ones where I wonder...what does fully surrendered look like for me?
Does that mean all of our "stuff" should be given away or sold? Does that mean that I cannot enjoy a nice house, a fun life filled with vacations and thrills or comfort?
Surely the Lord's blessings upon my life are meant to be enjoyed? Surely He does not expect me to lament over the nice things that I own? No! God's blessings are a gift, to be enjoyed.
But, where does full surrender fit into the grand scheme of loving the Lord? Where do my countless blessings fall onto a spectrum of fully surrendering everything to the God I serve? How do I find balance between praising Him for all that I have and not hording possessions? What does that look like?
It looks like open hands. It feels like an open heart. It loves like a heart that knows no pain. To fully surrender, I've realized that I must simply be willing. Willing to offer whatever I have. You see, I know that blessings are directly related to offering. I'm not talking about money here, I'm talking about life blessings. BIG blessings. Little blessings. Blessings of health, joy, happiness, salvation and love. Blessings of giggles, hugs, snuggles, freedom and mercy. Blessings of trials and challenges. Blessings of grace.
To stand with clenched fists, holding onto everything as tight as you can is not a life surrendered. A life surrendered is open hands, offering everything in it back to the One who created it and purposed it in the first place. That includes your home, your finances, your "stuff," your life and,...even your family. All of it.
Surrender. It still scares me to pieces. But I know, that with open hands, not only am I able to freely surrender all, but countless blessings may flow in as well. After all, do I really believe that the God who offered up His own Son, the God who spared nothing for me, would really give me anything less than all of His mercy, grace and love? Ithink know not.
Therefore, I surrender. I surrender.
That is the word that continues to roll through my mind. The word that is moving through my heart. The word that resonates through my soul, and scares me to pieces.
Surrender.
What does that mean? What does that look like? It's not a white flag. It's more than just a mindset. It's life, a life I am called to live. A life that ALL believers are called to live. We are asked to live a life fully consecrated to God, refraining from selfish desires.
But what does that look like?
The basics for all believers are the same, but the deeper issues, the ones where God isn't black and white, those are the ones where I wonder...what does fully surrendered look like for me?
Does that mean all of our "stuff" should be given away or sold? Does that mean that I cannot enjoy a nice house, a fun life filled with vacations and thrills or comfort?
Surely the Lord's blessings upon my life are meant to be enjoyed? Surely He does not expect me to lament over the nice things that I own? No! God's blessings are a gift, to be enjoyed.
But, where does full surrender fit into the grand scheme of loving the Lord? Where do my countless blessings fall onto a spectrum of fully surrendering everything to the God I serve? How do I find balance between praising Him for all that I have and not hording possessions? What does that look like?
It looks like open hands. It feels like an open heart. It loves like a heart that knows no pain. To fully surrender, I've realized that I must simply be willing. Willing to offer whatever I have. You see, I know that blessings are directly related to offering. I'm not talking about money here, I'm talking about life blessings. BIG blessings. Little blessings. Blessings of health, joy, happiness, salvation and love. Blessings of giggles, hugs, snuggles, freedom and mercy. Blessings of trials and challenges. Blessings of grace.To stand with clenched fists, holding onto everything as tight as you can is not a life surrendered. A life surrendered is open hands, offering everything in it back to the One who created it and purposed it in the first place. That includes your home, your finances, your "stuff," your life and,...even your family. All of it.
Surrender. It still scares me to pieces. But I know, that with open hands, not only am I able to freely surrender all, but countless blessings may flow in as well. After all, do I really believe that the God who offered up His own Son, the God who spared nothing for me, would really give me anything less than all of His mercy, grace and love? I
Therefore, I surrender. I surrender.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Das Not Funny! Friday: Crushes, Jungles and Potty Humor
Woooo hooo! It's FRIDAY! Welcome to the blogapolooza known as Das Not Funny! Friday. I created this whole thing because I wanted to be able to share/document all the funny things that my kids say throughout the week. It started because my middle daughter, Ashlee - aged (almost) 3 years - always does the funniest things, but when I laugh she exclaimes, "Das not funny Mommy!"
Oh, sweet girl. Yes. It IS terribly funny. So this is it. Das Not Funny! Friday. You don't have to have funny kids, er....kids to participate. Just write down all your funny stuff. Then, follow the directions as the end of this post. It's that simple! Here are the things that made me crack up this week.
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Me (from my bedroom): "Are you done yet?"
Elizabeth (from the toilet): "No, I'm going poop. And poop takes a LOOOOOOOOONG time."
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Lucas was standing naked, in our bathroom, while I was dressing/getting ready. Elizabeth comes in and launches into some conversation of utmost importance. About half way through, she turns, looks at her brother, and says,
"Bubbie, WHY are you naked?"
Then, she resumes her conversation with me. She glances back at her brother who is now playing with his "wenis" (because isn't that what he's suppose to do when he's naked?). She spins around to face him and says,
"Lucas Beaver! Stop touching yourself!"
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Last week, on my date with Lucas, he spotted an establishment across the street from the pet store. Said establishment is a bar and grill, and one that is not known, necessarily, for their food, but mostly for the "atmosphere" that their waitresses provide. (Hint: Their "mascot" is an OWL.)
As we pull out of the parking lot, he screams, "Stob da cawr! Stob da cawr!"
"What's wrong?" I ask.
"I wanna go ober der to dat jungle."
"What jungle?" I say.
"Dat one, ober der!" he says, as he points his finger to the lit up palm trees outside the resturant.
"Um...that's not a jungle baby. And, no, we can't go there. That place probably doesn't make Jesus' heart happy."
"Awwww man! I nebber get to go der!" he dramatically stated.
"Honey, I'm sure that one day, you will go in and see all there is to see at the 'jungle.' One day." I mumbled under my breath.
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Lucas has found his first crush. A girl at our church named Rachel. At the park this morning, he followed her around like a little, lost puppy. Then, after his nap, he woke up and said,
"Mommy, I'm sa-yad."
"Why Buddy?" I asked.
"Because, I wanna gib Rachel a hug and kiss."
"Well, honey, she's at her house now, with her Mommy."
"Okay, we can go der now," he said, confident she would be waiting with puckered lips, I'm sure.
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Okay peeps, now it's your turn. Tell me all about the funny stuff you saw/heard/did this week.
If you'd like the "official rules" you can go here, but for serious, its just not that hard. All you have to do is link your blog back to mine by using one of three options.
1) Use the handy dandy stuff in the box below. Just copy it, then paste it into your "Edit Html" tab where you normally compose your messages.
It’s finally Friday! How many times this week did you hear or see something and think… <i>“Das Not Funny!”</i> but then realize that it <i>actually was</i> pretty funny? Well, such is the purpose of this blogapolooza known as <i>Das Not Funny! </i>Friday.
Check out <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com"> this blog </a> to see what else is not funny. Plus, by going <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com">over here</a> you can see who else has seen or heard something and thought <i>Das Not Funny!</i> then stifled a giggle or even laughed out loud! Come on, you know you wanna…
Check out <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com"> this blog </a> to see what else is not funny. Plus, by going <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com">over here</a> you can see who else has seen or heard something and thought <i>Das Not Funny!</i> then stifled a giggle or even laughed out loud! Come on, you know you wanna…
2) Use the button up there on the top right hand side of my sidebar. Again, just copy that code then paste it into the "Edit Html" tab.
3) Use neither of the above referenced super-handy materials and just use a regular 'ol link to link back to my blog.
THEN, after you've written your post and linked back here, be sure to do this VERY important step....
Put your OWN info into Mr. Linky down at the bottom.
By getting on the Mr. Linky bandwagon, EVERYONE who comes here (all 15 of you) will know where to go to find super hilarious stuff to cheer up their Friday! Yay for Friday!
Mr. Linky's Awesomeness:
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Priceless
Disclaimers:
- This is Luke not Jessica (feel free to stop reading...now)
- My bride is my spell check (free help only gets you so far)
- I am not a writer
We have finally started this thing we have been talking about for nearly two years. "Date night"
Date Night (Deyt Nayht) - noun.
1. An event that is on the planner, (aka. Calendar by the toilet)
2. 1 on 1 time with one of the children, (the "big kids")
3. yes mom and dad get a night out also.
Well, tonight was time for Elizabeth and daddy to get away. We get in the car and I ask Elizabeth if she would like to go swing or go see animals at the pet store. To the park we go. After doing the monkey bars about 10 times, we run back and forth between 3 swing sets. Total distance, about 1 mile.
Then for about the next 3o minutes or so, we walk around holding hands, jumping, and being silly.
Now off to get ice cream. Daddy wait! I forgot mommy's flowers. So off we go again.
Whew that was a close one. We almost forgot. While driving Elizabeth says, "Daddy, when you hug and kiss me, it makes my heart about burst." So picture me, driving down the road, tear filled eyes, and trying to stay between the 'blurry' lines. So we eat ice cream while sitting on the back of the car and enjoying our time together. Soon it is time to go home, but for now let's enjoy the priceless memories we are given.
* 2 hours
* $5.10 - 2 Cookout shakes (one was to bring home to mommy, Elizabeth had vanilla ice cream with M&M, Reese's cup, and Oreo mixed in, SUGAR ANYONE!!!)
* a wonderful wife to stay home with the other kids
Date night with my daughter
PRICELESS
- This is Luke not Jessica (feel free to stop reading...now)
- My bride is my spell check (free help only gets you so far)
- I am not a writer
We have finally started this thing we have been talking about for nearly two years. "Date night"
Date Night (Deyt Nayht) - noun.
1. An event that is on the planner, (aka. Calendar by the toilet)
2. 1 on 1 time with one of the children, (the "big kids")
3. yes mom and dad get a night out also.
Well, tonight was time for Elizabeth and daddy to get away. We get in the car and I ask Elizabeth if she would like to go swing or go see animals at the pet store. To the park we go. After doing the monkey bars about 10 times, we run back and forth between 3 swing sets. Total distance, about 1 mile.
Then for about the next 3o minutes or so, we walk around holding hands, jumping, and being silly.
Now off to get ice cream. Daddy wait! I forgot mommy's flowers. So off we go again.
Whew that was a close one. We almost forgot. While driving Elizabeth says, "Daddy, when you hug and kiss me, it makes my heart about burst." So picture me, driving down the road, tear filled eyes, and trying to stay between the 'blurry' lines. So we eat ice cream while sitting on the back of the car and enjoying our time together. Soon it is time to go home, but for now let's enjoy the priceless memories we are given.
* 2 hours
* $5.10 - 2 Cookout shakes (one was to bring home to mommy, Elizabeth had vanilla ice cream with M&M, Reese's cup, and Oreo mixed in, SUGAR ANYONE!!!)
* a wonderful wife to stay home with the other kids
Date night with my daughter
PRICELESS
Monday, April 20, 2009
A Date and "Drag" the Dragon
My sweet Lucas boy is usually fun-loving, just a BIT strong-willed, but 100% completely lovable. He cracks himself up (and me too usually) and is just the cutest little (almost) 3 year old boy I've ever seen. These last few days have been pretty rough though, I won't lie.
Why, you ask? Well, if you've followed me on twitter at all, you will know that my sweet, adorable, strawberry blond, blue-eyed boy is being taken over by a mean, torturing little man. How's that? STEROIDS...my nemesis.
Within minutes of consuming this toxin, his personality alters to a state that I cannot recognize. I have noted that 1 teaspoon of ibuprofen does seem to alleviate SOME of his angerfilled self, but alas, he's a "Mean One" for the next 4-6 hours (just in time to receive his next dose).
Oh my word...it's B.A.D.
At any rate, I'd much rather reflect on the better times with my eldest son. Like last week for example, when we went on a whirlwind date that made me smile for days. Since Lucas is the ULTIMATE animal lover (unless it's a dog) we decided an evening of animal fun was in store.
First, we headed over to my parents' neighborhood to feed some of their "ducks" (read: geese). Apparently, these "ducks" go to bed quite early and do not love OVER-THE-TOP (almost) 3 year olds who insist on throwing balls of stale bread at them. I have no idea why they didn't flock to us. None at all.
At any rate, I got aterrible cute picture of my date, holding the bread, eyes shut tight - his new favorite pose.
After we both realized that there were no "ducks" on the planet in need of our company, we departed, determined to see something else that was alive that we could take advantage of admire from afar.
Naturally, the pet store was our target. But first, we needed something of substance, to tide us over for our animal adventure. What better than a stop at the 31 flavors to ease our rumbly tummys?
Lucas disappointed me BIG time with his poor selection of Mint Chocolate Chip. *sigh* I guess his father's attempts to brainwash him have been slightly successful. I moved past my gagging and enjoyed some Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, with a hint of mint.
I understand the conflict. Cone or cup. It's a tough choice.
First, we gazed upon schools of "pwish." "Wots and wots of pwish."
Then it was onto the "cwabs." For future notice, Lucas is "afwaid of cwabs."
Then we moved onto the birds,
which began Lucas' new idea, his sly request to take one home. As we would gaze upon the various animals, Lucas would look up at me, with BIG blue eyes and ask,
"Mom, can I sweep wif he-yum?"
To which I responded, "Um. No."
This question and answer continued with the cats,
(If you look closely, you will see the cat's paw on the glass, where Lucas' hand is. Tender.)
snakes (which I do not *shiver* have a picture of) and rats.
Finally, Lucas discovered his one true friend in the pet shop. A Chinese Water Dragon. As Lucas bent down to inspect the thing further, his "friend" leapt off the stick he was perched on and straight at Lucas' face. Lucas lurched back, fell onto his bottom and then began laughing.
"Oh look honey, he wants to be your friend." I half smirked, half gagged.
Upon that remark, Lucas fell in love. He and the Chinese Water Dragon, (who he just named, "Drag the Dragon") gazed into each others' eyes for a untimed period, whilst "Drag" continued to leap full steam at Lucas' face. Lucas would giggle, and I would shudder, wondering what that little lizard would really do if he could get past Plexiglas.
Then, I glanced down and saw the price of this tiny lizard. I'm guessing that the "pet experts" would not recommend this type of pet to a home with so many tiny, squeezy hands. Nonetheless, Lucas admired this wee Water Dragon as long as he could, until I had to pry him off the floor and carry him home.
I'm hoping our next date will involve fewer reptiles. The way to this girl's heart is NOT through molting. I'm just sayin'.
Why, you ask? Well, if you've followed me on twitter at all, you will know that my sweet, adorable, strawberry blond, blue-eyed boy is being taken over by a mean, torturing little man. How's that? STEROIDS...my nemesis.
Within minutes of consuming this toxin, his personality alters to a state that I cannot recognize. I have noted that 1 teaspoon of ibuprofen does seem to alleviate SOME of his angerfilled self, but alas, he's a "Mean One" for the next 4-6 hours (just in time to receive his next dose).
Oh my word...it's B.A.D.
At any rate, I'd much rather reflect on the better times with my eldest son. Like last week for example, when we went on a whirlwind date that made me smile for days. Since Lucas is the ULTIMATE animal lover (unless it's a dog) we decided an evening of animal fun was in store.
First, we headed over to my parents' neighborhood to feed some of their "ducks" (read: geese). Apparently, these "ducks" go to bed quite early and do not love OVER-THE-TOP (almost) 3 year olds who insist on throwing balls of stale bread at them. I have no idea why they didn't flock to us. None at all.
At any rate, I got a
After we both realized that there were no "ducks" on the planet in need of our company, we departed, determined to see something else that was alive that we could Naturally, the pet store was our target. But first, we needed something of substance, to tide us over for our animal adventure. What better than a stop at the 31 flavors to ease our rumbly tummys?
Lucas disappointed me BIG time with his poor selection of Mint Chocolate Chip. *sigh* I guess his father's attempts to brainwash him have been slightly successful. I moved past my gagging and enjoyed some Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, with a hint of mint.
I understand the conflict. Cone or cup. It's a tough choice.After our refreshing scoops of ice cream, we were off to torture observe the animals awaiting us, all caged up, at the pet store.
First, we gazed upon schools of "pwish." "Wots and wots of pwish."
Then it was onto the "cwabs." For future notice, Lucas is "afwaid of cwabs."Then we moved onto the birds,
which began Lucas' new idea, his sly request to take one home. As we would gaze upon the various animals, Lucas would look up at me, with BIG blue eyes and ask,"Mom, can I sweep wif he-yum?"
To which I responded, "Um. No."
This question and answer continued with the cats,
(If you look closely, you will see the cat's paw on the glass, where Lucas' hand is. Tender.)snakes (which I do not *shiver* have a picture of) and rats.
Finally, Lucas discovered his one true friend in the pet shop. A Chinese Water Dragon. As Lucas bent down to inspect the thing further, his "friend" leapt off the stick he was perched on and straight at Lucas' face. Lucas lurched back, fell onto his bottom and then began laughing.
"Oh look honey, he wants to be your friend." I half smirked, half gagged.Upon that remark, Lucas fell in love. He and the Chinese Water Dragon, (who he just named, "Drag the Dragon") gazed into each others' eyes for a untimed period, whilst "Drag" continued to leap full steam at Lucas' face. Lucas would giggle, and I would shudder, wondering what that little lizard would really do if he could get past Plexiglas.
Then, I glanced down and saw the price of this tiny lizard. I'm guessing that the "pet experts" would not recommend this type of pet to a home with so many tiny, squeezy hands. Nonetheless, Lucas admired this wee Water Dragon as long as he could, until I had to pry him off the floor and carry him home.
I'm hoping our next date will involve fewer reptiles. The way to this girl's heart is NOT through molting. I'm just sayin'.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Das Not Funny! Friday: Porches, Pride and Piggy Toes
Wooooo hoooooo! It is finally Friday. I hope you will enjoy this week's edition of Das Not Funny! Friday. Since my "funk" has lifted, I am especially stoked to hear all of your funny stories from this week. However, before I get to you, let me tell you about me....er, some of the stuff that I found super hilarious this week.
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At the Goodwill store this week, I picked up 2 "new" movies for the kids. One of which was The Wizard of Oz. As we watched it for the first time Lucas said,
"Mommy, you get dat muuvie for us?"
"Yes, Bubbie, I sure did," I responded.
"Wow Mom! I so prowoud of you!" he exclaimed.
I aim to please the little people.
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Lucas LOVES opening our front door. It is (one of) his new found abilities. And if you remember this post, he is finding lots of things he now LOVES. This week, his two new loves collided while I was on the phone with my friend, Beth.
I hear the front door open and I turn and see Lucas, pants as his ankles, standing on our front porch mat. He's holding the door with one hand and his "wenis" with the other. He is mid-stream, peeing onto the concrete front porch.
I laughed (because really, mid-stream, what else can you do) and told him that when we pee outside we must aim for grass. Apparently, he made note of this.
An hour later when Luke arrived home, I told Lucas to tell his Dad where he had decided to pee. He walked to the front door and pointed to the puddle on the front porch (I had added a pitcher of water to the mix, for dilution purposes).
Then, he walks over to the edge of the porch, faces the street, drops his pants and pees into the flower bed. Luke and I are laughing so hard we cannot get out the words to tell him to stop.
Elizabeth rounds the corner and says, "Bub! Are you watering the flowers?"
Hey, at least he got it off the porch the second time.
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Ashlee can take FOREVER to fall asleep at night, especially if she is wound up at bedtime. One night this week she was exceptionally out of control WITH THE VOLUME OF HER VOICE. I walk into the girls' room and over to their bunk beds. I look at Elizabeth, who sleeps on the top bunk, and say,
"Who in the world is making all the racket in here?"
Without saying a word, Elizabeth points her finger to her mattress, toward her younger sister, with an air of authority. I bend down to the bottom bunk and ask Ashlee what her problem is, to which she replies.
"I don have a probwem. Do you?"
Yes, sweetie, I do. A little red-headed one to be exact.
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Luke and I have this ongoing argument about which of us has the prettier feet (yes, I know, we work the classy convos in as much as possible). At any rate, we each think the other spouse's feet are less than desirable. Some of our kids have an interesting mixture of our feet. Ashlee is one of them. As she finished up her bath, I examine her feet, eager to show Luke that her feet are almost a perfect 50/50 ratio of our feet (which will NOT work to her advantage one day, should she decide to pursue foot modeling).
Then, Luke poses a question. He and I both stretch out our feet in front of her and he asks,
"Ash. Who has the prettiest feet?"
To which she responds, "Me!" while extending her own foot.
So Luke asks again,
"But between Mommy and Daddy, who has the prettiest feet?"
To which she again replies, "ME!"
At least she's not vain. Oh...wait...
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Okay peeps, now it's your turn. Tell me all about the funny stuff you saw/heard/did this week. For serious. I NEED some laughs. It doesn't have to be about your kids because, let's face it, not all kids are as funny as ours....er, not all of you have kids...yet.
If you'd like the "official rules" you can go here, but for serious, its just not that hard. All you have to do is link your blog back to mine by using one of three options.
1) Use the handy dandy stuff in the box below. Just copy it, then paste it into your "Edit Html" tab where you normally compose your messages.
It’s finally Friday! How many times this week did you hear or see something and think… <i>“Das Not Funny!”</i> but then realize that it <i>actually was</i> pretty funny? Well, such is the purpose of this blogapolooza known as <i>Das Not Funny! </i>Friday.
Check out <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com"> this blog </a> to see what else is not funny. Plus, by going <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com">over here</a> you can see who else has seen or heard something and thought <i>Das Not Funny!</i> then stifled a giggle or even laughed out loud! Come on, you know you wanna…
Check out <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com"> this blog </a> to see what else is not funny. Plus, by going <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com">over here</a> you can see who else has seen or heard something and thought <i>Das Not Funny!</i> then stifled a giggle or even laughed out loud! Come on, you know you wanna…
2) Use the button up there on the top right hand side of my sidebar. Again, just copy that code then paste it into the "Edit Html" tab.
3) Use neither of the above referenced super-handy materials and just use a regular 'ol link to link back to my blog.
THEN, after you've written your post and linked back be sure to do this VERY important step....
Put your OWN info into Mr. Linky down at the bottom. Mr. Linky won't spam you, I promise. In fact, Mr. Linky only does what I say (okay so that's only partially true, but still...).
By getting on the Mr. Linky bandwagon, EVERYONE who comes here (all 15 of you) will know where to go to find super hilarious stuff to cheer up their Friday.
And, if you don't have a blogger account (I won't name names, but one of you has a name that starts with "K" and ends with "im") you can for certain leave your funny stories (of "S" and "J") in the comment section. I'm sure equal humor is permitted there as well.
So what are you waiting for? Make me laugh peeps, MAKE ME LAUGH...
The Infamous Mr. Linky
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Depression Hurts
I am putting off cleaning my grody-pachody house because I feel the need to tell you all a few things.
1) I am feeling MUCH better. Thank you for your outpouring of support over this post. It was the first time I've actually be afraid to share myself, and you guys proved yourselves worthy of getting the truth ALL the time, like it or not. I appreciate the support, even when you didn't sometimes "get" me.
2) Thank you for reaching out to me via text messages, comments, emails and phone calls. I have never felt more cared for by a group of friends and it was just what I needed.
3) I have no doubt that the funk I was in for the last week and a half was, in fact, depression. Temporary depression, but depression nonetheless.
Knowing that, I feel compelled to share with you exactly what I was feeling. Not to make anyone feel guilty or sad, but because it was like nothing I had ever in my life felt. It was hard, and icky and painful, and I know there are thousands, if not millions, of people who feel that way every day. And yet, most of those people live their lives, day after day, with that load upon them. I cannot imagine such. 1.5 weeks was almost more than I could take.
I'm not sure what triggered my depression, probably just a culmination of many, many things. I have made friends with a new woman and her day to day living just breaks my heart on so many levels. Add that to the stress of just normal life, coupled with some disappointing discoveries and it just settled on me before I realized what was happening.
At first I thought it was just "Aunt Flo" coming for a visit. I usually get moody and cranky a few days before and it just bugs the crap out of me that I cannot control myself better than I do. Therefore, I began beating myself up over not being able to control my emotions toward my husband and my kids. I was angry, very angry and I could not hide it.
Then, I realized that I wasn't spending enough time in The Word. So, I set out to read some scripture, anything really, just to be in the word. However, I could not focus. I couldn't sit and read anything (not even blogs - which is HUGE for me people!) for more than a few minutes. I would read the same 3 or 4 words over and over and over again, yet not be able to remember what they were. I became frustrated with my "lack of love for God" and slammed by Bible shut. I continued to beat myself up over every little thing.
It wasn't long before I had dug myself a little hole and jumped right in. Everything I did hung on me like a wet blanket.
The kids were fighting with each other - therefore I must be an awful mother.
Luke got frustrated with the pile of dishes and laundry - I must be a horrible wife.
Friends weren't calling or inviting me out to dinner - I must a backstabbing, no good friend.
God wasn't hearing my casual prayers to bring me out of this pit - I must not really be important to Him.
Everything, I'm telling you, everything hung on me and I couldn't shake myself free. It felt as though I was standing in the bottom of a very deep pit, looking up at the people standing around the rim. I knew that if I could only get their attention, then they could help pull me out. The problem was that I didn't know what to say, I wasn't sure they'd understand and I didn't quite know how to get to them. So, I just sat there.
I felt lonely. Afraid. Sad. Tearful. Betrayed. Angry. Hurt. Selfish. Worthless.
If I died, would anyone even care? How easily/quickly would I be replaced? (I did not think about killing myself - just FYI - but I hear that many people suffering from depression do.)
I mean, what kind of person cannot just shake these feelings? What kind of person slips, so quickly, into this hole and cannot get out. So then, came the blame.
"STOP IT, JESSICA! Stop being so stupid! Get over yourself!" These thoughts echoed through my brain. Satan saw a foothold and took advantage.
"If people really loved you, if they really knew you, they'd come and help. If God really loved you, he'd pull you out. You're just not that important." The Enemy's whispers pushed me further into the pit.
Looking back, I can see how quickly I spiraled out of control. Keep in mind, all of this happened in a MATTER OF DAYS. Even still, I cannot believe that I felt so lost that I could not even form the words to speak to my own husband.
The only thing that I understand, the only thing I can assume pulled me out, was prayer. I finally broke down and told my BFF how I felt. She said she would pray. Then, another friend called after my post and prayed with me on the phone. By opening up and allowing myself to be vulnerable, I came through.
However, I know that there are many people who have been dealing with depression for YEARS. I cannot imagine the hopelessness they must feel, the burden, the sadness. Depression is a lonely, lonely place. I pray, with my whole heart, that if you are experiencing this that you will open up to someone, ANYONE and share your struggle.
A week and a half seemed like a month of torture. Please feel free to comment on this blog (I will open anonymous comments) or email me (beaverbunch (at) gmail . com) if you find yourself in a pit. Or, talk to your Doctor, or a trusted friend (which I know sounds ridiculous becasue you probably don't know who that person is).
The despair is lifted and the burden is gone. Thank you all for allowing me to be real, personal and free. Thank you. Thank you.
1) I am feeling MUCH better. Thank you for your outpouring of support over this post. It was the first time I've actually be afraid to share myself, and you guys proved yourselves worthy of getting the truth ALL the time, like it or not. I appreciate the support, even when you didn't sometimes "get" me.
2) Thank you for reaching out to me via text messages, comments, emails and phone calls. I have never felt more cared for by a group of friends and it was just what I needed.
3) I have no doubt that the funk I was in for the last week and a half was, in fact, depression. Temporary depression, but depression nonetheless.
Knowing that, I feel compelled to share with you exactly what I was feeling. Not to make anyone feel guilty or sad, but because it was like nothing I had ever in my life felt. It was hard, and icky and painful, and I know there are thousands, if not millions, of people who feel that way every day. And yet, most of those people live their lives, day after day, with that load upon them. I cannot imagine such. 1.5 weeks was almost more than I could take.
I'm not sure what triggered my depression, probably just a culmination of many, many things. I have made friends with a new woman and her day to day living just breaks my heart on so many levels. Add that to the stress of just normal life, coupled with some disappointing discoveries and it just settled on me before I realized what was happening.
At first I thought it was just "Aunt Flo" coming for a visit. I usually get moody and cranky a few days before and it just bugs the crap out of me that I cannot control myself better than I do. Therefore, I began beating myself up over not being able to control my emotions toward my husband and my kids. I was angry, very angry and I could not hide it.
Then, I realized that I wasn't spending enough time in The Word. So, I set out to read some scripture, anything really, just to be in the word. However, I could not focus. I couldn't sit and read anything (not even blogs - which is HUGE for me people!) for more than a few minutes. I would read the same 3 or 4 words over and over and over again, yet not be able to remember what they were. I became frustrated with my "lack of love for God" and slammed by Bible shut. I continued to beat myself up over every little thing.
It wasn't long before I had dug myself a little hole and jumped right in. Everything I did hung on me like a wet blanket.
The kids were fighting with each other - therefore I must be an awful mother.
Luke got frustrated with the pile of dishes and laundry - I must be a horrible wife.
Friends weren't calling or inviting me out to dinner - I must a backstabbing, no good friend.
God wasn't hearing my casual prayers to bring me out of this pit - I must not really be important to Him.
Everything, I'm telling you, everything hung on me and I couldn't shake myself free. It felt as though I was standing in the bottom of a very deep pit, looking up at the people standing around the rim. I knew that if I could only get their attention, then they could help pull me out. The problem was that I didn't know what to say, I wasn't sure they'd understand and I didn't quite know how to get to them. So, I just sat there.
I felt lonely. Afraid. Sad. Tearful. Betrayed. Angry. Hurt. Selfish. Worthless.
If I died, would anyone even care? How easily/quickly would I be replaced? (I did not think about killing myself - just FYI - but I hear that many people suffering from depression do.)
I mean, what kind of person cannot just shake these feelings? What kind of person slips, so quickly, into this hole and cannot get out. So then, came the blame.
"STOP IT, JESSICA! Stop being so stupid! Get over yourself!" These thoughts echoed through my brain. Satan saw a foothold and took advantage.
"If people really loved you, if they really knew you, they'd come and help. If God really loved you, he'd pull you out. You're just not that important." The Enemy's whispers pushed me further into the pit.
Looking back, I can see how quickly I spiraled out of control. Keep in mind, all of this happened in a MATTER OF DAYS. Even still, I cannot believe that I felt so lost that I could not even form the words to speak to my own husband.
The only thing that I understand, the only thing I can assume pulled me out, was prayer. I finally broke down and told my BFF how I felt. She said she would pray. Then, another friend called after my post and prayed with me on the phone. By opening up and allowing myself to be vulnerable, I came through.
However, I know that there are many people who have been dealing with depression for YEARS. I cannot imagine the hopelessness they must feel, the burden, the sadness. Depression is a lonely, lonely place. I pray, with my whole heart, that if you are experiencing this that you will open up to someone, ANYONE and share your struggle.
A week and a half seemed like a month of torture. Please feel free to comment on this blog (I will open anonymous comments) or email me (beaverbunch (at) gmail . com) if you find yourself in a pit. Or, talk to your Doctor, or a trusted friend (which I know sounds ridiculous becasue you probably don't know who that person is).
The despair is lifted and the burden is gone. Thank you all for allowing me to be real, personal and free. Thank you. Thank you.
I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 112:1-2
In my distress I called to the LORD;
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears.
Psalm 18:6
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears.
Psalm 18:6
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Somedays, I Wonder
Sorry I've been so slack in posting over the last week or two.
Honestly?
I've been in a funk. I don't know if it is situational or the onset of something much bigger. Depression runs in my family and I am struggling to figure out if that's what I'm feeling or if it is just lack of sunshine, focus and time in The Word.
Do not misunderstand what I am about to write. I LOVE my life. I LOVE my family. I LOVE being the mother to these 5 children. Part of me even hesitates to tell you all how I feel, because there are some out there who will be eager to say "I told you so!" But, I figure that this is part of the process of mothering, it's part of the journey. I'm sure most women feel this way at some point as a mother, they are just too afraid of being ostracized to express it. But I've never been one to shy away from raw emotion, so here goes:
Somedays, I wonder what it would be like to only have 1 (or 2) kids. I wonder what the freedom is like. I wonder if I can remember not taking for granted being able to go to Wal-mart WHENEVER. I wonder if I can remember what it's like to doat over every thing your ONE child does.
Don't get me wrong, I know kids are a lot of work, no matter how many you have. But JUST one. Ahhhhhhh, somedays I wonder.
Somedays, I wonder what it would be like to have a cleaner house. I wonder what it must be like to be that woman who CARES about the details and the cleanliness of her home. To have THAT house, that everyone comments on and says, "How does she do it?" I wonder what it would take to make me care that much about my house. Somedays, I wonder.
Somedays, I wonder what it would be like to still have a group of girlfriends who call you for no reason, just to chat. Girlfriends who still invite themselves over. Girlfriends to call you because they just want to know how your day is going. Girlfriends that plan for girls' lunch or girls' night out. Girls who want to be around ME, not just because they know I'll have a response to most of their parenting questions. Girls who just want to be around me because I'm actually, you know, fun.
It's not that I don't have friends, I DO (In fact, I'm honored to bestow that title upon many of you who read this blog). But I'm finding that the ones that I thought were deep and meaningful are nothing more than casual. I'm finding that the women who understand the ins and outs of my heart are not always the ones that I expected. I wonder why the people I hold closest are not the ones that I have known the longest. Somedays, I wonder.
Somedays, I wonder what it will be like when my kids are grown and living their own lives. I look 10 (and sometimes 20) years down the road and I wonder if I'll still have babies in my home, if my teenage kids will want their momma around, if my life will resemble "ME" at all. Somedays, I wonder.
Somedays, I wonder what it would be like to not have to be a "Conflict Manager." To have a perfect day from heaven, where everyone apologizes, uses an appropriate voice level and tone, takes a nap without a fight, shares, tolerates and shows compassion, without threat from Mom and the spanker. Somedays, I wonder.
Somedays, I wonder if I will ever look back at my life and be completely okay with how it turned out. I wonder if I will be okay with looking at it and saying, "God, it hurt, but I surrendered it to you. I gave you all that I could. I am bruised, scarred, tear-stained and broken. But I did it Lord, I did it." Somedays, I wonder.
Honestly?
I've been in a funk. I don't know if it is situational or the onset of something much bigger. Depression runs in my family and I am struggling to figure out if that's what I'm feeling or if it is just lack of sunshine, focus and time in The Word.
Do not misunderstand what I am about to write. I LOVE my life. I LOVE my family. I LOVE being the mother to these 5 children. Part of me even hesitates to tell you all how I feel, because there are some out there who will be eager to say "I told you so!" But, I figure that this is part of the process of mothering, it's part of the journey. I'm sure most women feel this way at some point as a mother, they are just too afraid of being ostracized to express it. But I've never been one to shy away from raw emotion, so here goes:
Somedays, I wonder what it would be like to only have 1 (or 2) kids. I wonder what the freedom is like. I wonder if I can remember not taking for granted being able to go to Wal-mart WHENEVER. I wonder if I can remember what it's like to doat over every thing your ONE child does.
Don't get me wrong, I know kids are a lot of work, no matter how many you have. But JUST one. Ahhhhhhh, somedays I wonder.
Somedays, I wonder what it would be like to have a cleaner house. I wonder what it must be like to be that woman who CARES about the details and the cleanliness of her home. To have THAT house, that everyone comments on and says, "How does she do it?" I wonder what it would take to make me care that much about my house. Somedays, I wonder.
Somedays, I wonder what it would be like to still have a group of girlfriends who call you for no reason, just to chat. Girlfriends who still invite themselves over. Girlfriends to call you because they just want to know how your day is going. Girlfriends that plan for girls' lunch or girls' night out. Girls who want to be around ME, not just because they know I'll have a response to most of their parenting questions. Girls who just want to be around me because I'm actually, you know, fun.
It's not that I don't have friends, I DO (In fact, I'm honored to bestow that title upon many of you who read this blog). But I'm finding that the ones that I thought were deep and meaningful are nothing more than casual. I'm finding that the women who understand the ins and outs of my heart are not always the ones that I expected. I wonder why the people I hold closest are not the ones that I have known the longest. Somedays, I wonder.
Somedays, I wonder what it will be like when my kids are grown and living their own lives. I look 10 (and sometimes 20) years down the road and I wonder if I'll still have babies in my home, if my teenage kids will want their momma around, if my life will resemble "ME" at all. Somedays, I wonder.
Somedays, I wonder what it would be like to not have to be a "Conflict Manager." To have a perfect day from heaven, where everyone apologizes, uses an appropriate voice level and tone, takes a nap without a fight, shares, tolerates and shows compassion, without threat from Mom and the spanker. Somedays, I wonder.
Somedays, I wonder if I will ever look back at my life and be completely okay with how it turned out. I wonder if I will be okay with looking at it and saying, "God, it hurt, but I surrendered it to you. I gave you all that I could. I am bruised, scarred, tear-stained and broken. But I did it Lord, I did it." Somedays, I wonder.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter
What does Easter mean to you? Is it about bunnies? Chocolate? Fake grass? (I hear there is edible grass now..seriously?) Is it about dyed eggs? Is is about a new dress?
While those things are nice (especially the chocolate part), Easter is about so much more.
Did you know that 2,000 years ago a man, a Savior, was resurrected from the dead?
Did you know that when his followers went to his tomb that they found it empty?
Did you know that this same man was crucified and buried just 3 days before?
Did you know that during that crucifixion that man, Jesus Christ, bore the sin of ALL men and women so that we can be made right with a mighty, powerful and just God?
Did you know that unless you believe in Him, that you will never be able to approach the throne of the God that created ALL things?
Did you know that if there was a ranking system of imperfect people, that I would be probably in the top 100? Seriously.
Did you know that because I have been justified in the eyes of God, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus that I CAN one day stand before God and be worthy?
Did you know that you can too?
Did you know that He is the The Way and The Truth?
I know that there are many, many religions out there. But you know what? Religion doesn't matter. Ceremonies are not important. Sin is sin. Pride is pride. Mistakes are mistakes.
Easter isn't about bunnies, fake grass, chocolate or eggs. Easter is about the One who rose from the dead, who conquered death for the sake of all sin. That includes mine and yours.
Won't you join me in celebrating Easter? Won't you give God a shout out for a tomb that stands empty? Won't you ponder the love that a marvelous God has for you? Won't you join me?
Happy Easter, from a sinfilled daughter of a perfectly Holy King!
Rejoice! The tomb is empty!
While those things are nice (especially the chocolate part), Easter is about so much more.
Did you know that 2,000 years ago a man, a Savior, was resurrected from the dead?
Did you know that when his followers went to his tomb that they found it empty?
Did you know that this same man was crucified and buried just 3 days before?
Did you know that during that crucifixion that man, Jesus Christ, bore the sin of ALL men and women so that we can be made right with a mighty, powerful and just God?
Did you know that unless you believe in Him, that you will never be able to approach the throne of the God that created ALL things?
Did you know that if there was a ranking system of imperfect people, that I would be probably in the top 100? Seriously.
Did you know that because I have been justified in the eyes of God, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus that I CAN one day stand before God and be worthy?
Did you know that you can too?
Did you know that He is the The Way and The Truth?
I know that there are many, many religions out there. But you know what? Religion doesn't matter. Ceremonies are not important. Sin is sin. Pride is pride. Mistakes are mistakes.
Easter isn't about bunnies, fake grass, chocolate or eggs. Easter is about the One who rose from the dead, who conquered death for the sake of all sin. That includes mine and yours.
Won't you join me in celebrating Easter? Won't you give God a shout out for a tomb that stands empty? Won't you ponder the love that a marvelous God has for you? Won't you join me?
Happy Easter, from a sinfilled daughter of a perfectly Holy King!
Rejoice! The tomb is empty!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Das Not Funny! Friday: Tarzan, Gas and Camels
I'm so glad that it's FINALLY Friday! Welcome to this week's edition of Das Not Funny! Friday. This week I was "blown away" by several of my kids' funny sayings. Here they are...
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"Ooooo! Carzan!"
"No!" Elizabeth corrected, "It's not Tarzan, Bub. It's Jesus!"
"No. Carzan."
"No, Bubbie. This is Jesus."
"Nope. Carzan, Bizzy."
Finally, Luke looked at Elizabeth, patted her leg and said, "It's okay honey. Lucas and Ashlee are still learning. We will just have to teach them."
Lucas looked at Luke, exasperated and said, "Whew! Thanks Dad."
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Baby Girl has constant gas. As I went back to her crib to secure a pacifier into her mouth one night this week, her cries begin to subside and with her new relaxation came the hugest man-sized fart. How her 12 pound self can make that kind of noise (and stink), I'll never know.
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Speaking of farting (because we totally were, right?) Elizabeth skipped nap this week and had "quiet time" in our room while I blogged, checked emails and such. As she colored on the floor of our bedroom, I hear a HUGE riiiippppppp. Giggling, I look up at her. As calmly as possible, she looked at me and said,
"Whoa! What was that? I have no idea who did it."
Then, she returned to her coloring.
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Knowing my children's love for all things involving animals, my friend Lindy sent me the following picture of her and her friend Shawna, having an authentic African adventure.
I called Elizabeth over, knowing she's be stoked to see a picture of 1) Lindy and 2) Lindy on a camel. She eyeballs the picture and says,
"Wow! Lindy? On a camel?" (only "camel" was said in a weird squeaky voice that made me do a double take to ensure she hadn't morphed into a middle school boy).
"What's she doing on there?"
"Just riding, I guess," I replied.
"Who's that on there with her?" she asked.
"That's her friend, Shawna."
"Oh. What's Chris doing down there?" (pointing to the man below the camel).
Now, if you don't know why that is funny, click on the picture and enlarge it. Look at the man below the camel, then look at the picture below. The guy on the left is Chris, Lindy's husband.
"Honey, that man [in the picture] has dark skin, like Baby Girl. Chris doesn't have skin like that."
"Oh. He doesn't?" she questioned.
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Now it's YOUR turn. What did you see or hear this week that cracked you up..and then, you had to stifle some laughter? You don't have to have funny kids, or even kids at all to write your own post.
If you even cracked a small smile from the above hilarity courtesy of my kids, I'd love nothing more than for you to play along. Simply write your own Das Not Funny! Friday post and somewhere in it, link back here, to my post. Then, go down and type all your info into Mr. Linky.
It's super easy! If you'd like all of the "official rules" you can click here. But, if you'd like an easy shmeezy way to link your blog to mine, simply copy the stuff in the box below and paste it into your "Edit Html" tab in the same place where you write your posts.
It’s finally Friday! How many times this week did you hear or see something and think… <i>“Das Not Funny!”</i> but then realize that it <i>actually was</i> pretty funny? Well, such is the purpose of this blogapolooza known as <i>Das Not Funny! </i>Friday.
Check out <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com"> this blog </a> to see what else is not funny. Plus, by going <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com">over here</a> you can see who else has seen or heard something and thought <i>Das Not Funny!</i> then stifled a giggle or even laughed out loud! Come on, you know you wanna…
Check out <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com"> this blog </a> to see what else is not funny. Plus, by going <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com">over here</a> you can see who else has seen or heard something and thought <i>Das Not Funny!</i> then stifled a giggle or even laughed out loud! Come on, you know you wanna…
You can also pick up the Das Not Funny! Friday button over on my right sidebar if you'd like, but you certainly don't have to.
You can enter your info into Mr. Linky below and then, my blog will be linked right back to yours! Come on, you know you wanna...
Mr. Linky
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Me Gossip? Never!
I never got along with "those girls" in high school. You know the ones: popular, perfect, gossipy. Not that I went to Beverly Hills High or anything, and in rural Arkansas, what can you seriously call someone that isn't really true? Calling someone a "Barefoot-Farm-Girl" was a true statement, and one that didn't carry a lot of sting, if you will.
At any rate, gossip and hurtfully pointing out the imperfections of others has never really been my thing. Don't get me wrong, I DO gossip (I am a human woman), but in general I find it repulsive. Seriously, M.Y.O.B.
Because ultimately gossip is but one thing. Gossip boiled down and stewed over is purely and ultimately JUDGMENT. Judgment that someone is doing something that you see unfit, inexplicable, gross, wrong or, in some cases, fabulous. For me, it just seems so petty, so worthless, such a waste of time.
Again, please do not see me as standing on some holy pedestal telling all you "sinners" what is right and wrong within the world. I mess up, I say things about other people. But, I'd like to think, that in general, I'm a gossip squealcher rather than a gossip perpetuator. Maybe I'm not, but that's what I like to think of myself, and afterall, this is my blog.
With that said, when I usually hear of people gossiping about me it has very little, to no, effect on me. I mean, if some folks wanna sit around and discuss my: parenting style, dress, vehicle, marriage, etc, etc..GO AHEAD. Geesh, it's really not that exciting. However, I have found in the last few weeks that apparently my family IS the center of some small talk. And you know what? This time it bothered me.
And, seeing as how I now have a captive audience (or at least a venue to display my perception of such non-sense) I'm gonna tell you why this time, it got me.
Most of the time I find that gossip is nothing more than people who actually know very little, pretending to know a lot. I also find that, most of the time, these people may ACTUALLY have well meaning intentions, but they are just out of touch with the reality of the situations or people that they are discussing.
Luke and I knew at the beginning of this foster parenting journey that we were going to be talked about, judged and, unfortunately, gossiped about. However, we had no choice. When God tells you to do something, you have 2 choices...
1) Obey God and allow Him to work out the details.
2) Disobey God and the One who redeemed you.
Clear choice, huh?
Anyway, we knew that fostering while our birth children were still young was crazy. We knew, yet we pushed ahead. When we accepted the call to take Baby Girl in our home, knowing that our family would become multi-racial, elliciting stares and comments from strangers and friends, we pushed ahead.
Still, knowing that people are talking about your family and actually hearing about it, from trusted people, is quite different. I have heard of people openly discussing the statuses of our babies, their "situations" and how/when/where/what we should be doing is hurtful. To make matters even more disheartening, I found that people are not afraid to discuss them, or their lack of them being really "ours" in front of them.
Really ours? Are you serious?
To have your very motive as a mother questioned is hurtful. To have people question the authenticity of a child to be "really yours" because there is not a specific genetic connection is maddening. It makes me angry, and quite frankly, it's stupid.
However, I will give these people the benefit of the doubt. I will assume that they do not see that speaking about my children in this manner, in front of them (nevermind that they are not even a year old yet) is rude, and cruel and just simply uncalled for.
I will assume that they do not truly understand the love of a mother for children who are not biologically related to her. I will assume that they will understand the power of their words once these things are brought into the light. I will assume such because I must.
Afterall, if I posted about such hearsay on my blog that would be gossip. And I don't like gossip.
At any rate, gossip and hurtfully pointing out the imperfections of others has never really been my thing. Don't get me wrong, I DO gossip (I am a human woman), but in general I find it repulsive. Seriously, M.Y.O.B.
Because ultimately gossip is but one thing. Gossip boiled down and stewed over is purely and ultimately JUDGMENT. Judgment that someone is doing something that you see unfit, inexplicable, gross, wrong or, in some cases, fabulous. For me, it just seems so petty, so worthless, such a waste of time.
Again, please do not see me as standing on some holy pedestal telling all you "sinners" what is right and wrong within the world. I mess up, I say things about other people. But, I'd like to think, that in general, I'm a gossip squealcher rather than a gossip perpetuator. Maybe I'm not, but that's what I like to think of myself, and afterall, this is my blog.
With that said, when I usually hear of people gossiping about me it has very little, to no, effect on me. I mean, if some folks wanna sit around and discuss my: parenting style, dress, vehicle, marriage, etc, etc..GO AHEAD. Geesh, it's really not that exciting. However, I have found in the last few weeks that apparently my family IS the center of some small talk. And you know what? This time it bothered me.
And, seeing as how I now have a captive audience (or at least a venue to display my perception of such non-sense) I'm gonna tell you why this time, it got me.
Most of the time I find that gossip is nothing more than people who actually know very little, pretending to know a lot. I also find that, most of the time, these people may ACTUALLY have well meaning intentions, but they are just out of touch with the reality of the situations or people that they are discussing.
Luke and I knew at the beginning of this foster parenting journey that we were going to be talked about, judged and, unfortunately, gossiped about. However, we had no choice. When God tells you to do something, you have 2 choices...
1) Obey God and allow Him to work out the details.
2) Disobey God and the One who redeemed you.
Clear choice, huh?
Anyway, we knew that fostering while our birth children were still young was crazy. We knew, yet we pushed ahead. When we accepted the call to take Baby Girl in our home, knowing that our family would become multi-racial, elliciting stares and comments from strangers and friends, we pushed ahead.
Still, knowing that people are talking about your family and actually hearing about it, from trusted people, is quite different. I have heard of people openly discussing the statuses of our babies, their "situations" and how/when/where/what we should be doing is hurtful. To make matters even more disheartening, I found that people are not afraid to discuss them, or their lack of them being really "ours" in front of them.
Really ours? Are you serious?
To have your very motive as a mother questioned is hurtful. To have people question the authenticity of a child to be "really yours" because there is not a specific genetic connection is maddening. It makes me angry, and quite frankly, it's stupid.
However, I will give these people the benefit of the doubt. I will assume that they do not see that speaking about my children in this manner, in front of them (nevermind that they are not even a year old yet) is rude, and cruel and just simply uncalled for.
I will assume that they do not truly understand the love of a mother for children who are not biologically related to her. I will assume that they will understand the power of their words once these things are brought into the light. I will assume such because I must.
Afterall, if I posted about such hearsay on my blog that would be gossip. And I don't like gossip.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The Good Ones
Thanks to our super-tolerant friend Matt, we actually got A LOT of great pictures of our kids last week. I'm not sure how Matt managed to get so many, he must be a professional or something. Oh wait, he actually sorta is! And if you live around here, you should check out his website and totally book him for your next family portraits.
I mean, seriously people, if he could take 5 super cranky kids (all ages 4 and under, mind you), just an hour before dinner time, mix in some terrible lighting, all on a super overcast and rainy day and turn them into the darling children you see pictured below..why, just think of what he could do with NORMAL children, in good light, outside and at the most opportune time of day. It almost makes me wish I hadn't tortured him so much, almost.
So here you go, fresh from the editor, the creme de la creme of our family/kid photo shoot from the photo shoot fiasco. Enjoy!
I mean, seriously people, if he could take 5 super cranky kids (all ages 4 and under, mind you), just an hour before dinner time, mix in some terrible lighting, all on a super overcast and rainy day and turn them into the darling children you see pictured below..why, just think of what he could do with NORMAL children, in good light, outside and at the most opportune time of day. It almost makes me wish I hadn't tortured him so much, almost.
So here you go, fresh from the editor, the creme de la creme of our family/kid photo shoot from the photo shoot fiasco. Enjoy!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Held
Sorry that I have not posted much lately. Life has been busy, both physically and emotionally, for me lately.
This weekend was a big one for our youth. It was d*weekend (discipleship weekend) where our teenagers spend all weekend growing, learning and bonding in the Lord. It was certainly fun and I got to act like I was 17 again and hang out with twelve, absolutely amazing, 16 & 17 year old girls. To say that I was exhausted on Sunday would be the understatement of the month.
Before that though, my emotions have been drained. You see, a week ago I began a new friendship. My new friend "K" and I met and very quickly saw so many similarities in our lives. We laughed, talked and last Sunday (a week ago) she gave her life to the Lord. I was so thrilled, yet I knew the pains that awaited her.
Her life now looks a lot like my life from not-so-long-ago. And, as I watch her wade her way through the muck, desperately trying to seek God's face, I see the strain and stress that she is facing. It's heavy stuff, and there is little that I can physically do to help her. But, my heart aches.
I want her to see, so clearly, that God is making a way. I want her to know Him intimately, deeply and in the most profound way possible. Yet I know that full surrender is a process, and not even something I myself have yet mastered.
I want K to know, without reservation, that the Lord loves her, and even more than that He likes her and wants her to be stable and successful.
But as I sit here on the sidelines and watch her begin this journey, I know, all too well the ups and downs she will face. I know that she will struggle, doubt, question, love, know, see, taste, smell and feel God everyday. I pray that my new, dear friend hangs on. Or that she realizes, with her whole heart, that the God who holds the winds, the rains and all of creation in His mighty hand, also hold her. When she feels like letting go, He will hold onto her and say, "Don't be afraid." I pray that she will feel held, in the palm of His marvelous hand.
This weekend was a big one for our youth. It was d*weekend (discipleship weekend) where our teenagers spend all weekend growing, learning and bonding in the Lord. It was certainly fun and I got to act like I was 17 again and hang out with twelve, absolutely amazing, 16 & 17 year old girls. To say that I was exhausted on Sunday would be the understatement of the month.
Before that though, my emotions have been drained. You see, a week ago I began a new friendship. My new friend "K" and I met and very quickly saw so many similarities in our lives. We laughed, talked and last Sunday (a week ago) she gave her life to the Lord. I was so thrilled, yet I knew the pains that awaited her.
Her life now looks a lot like my life from not-so-long-ago. And, as I watch her wade her way through the muck, desperately trying to seek God's face, I see the strain and stress that she is facing. It's heavy stuff, and there is little that I can physically do to help her. But, my heart aches.
I want her to see, so clearly, that God is making a way. I want her to know Him intimately, deeply and in the most profound way possible. Yet I know that full surrender is a process, and not even something I myself have yet mastered.
I want K to know, without reservation, that the Lord loves her, and even more than that He likes her and wants her to be stable and successful.
But as I sit here on the sidelines and watch her begin this journey, I know, all too well the ups and downs she will face. I know that she will struggle, doubt, question, love, know, see, taste, smell and feel God everyday. I pray that my new, dear friend hangs on. Or that she realizes, with her whole heart, that the God who holds the winds, the rains and all of creation in His mighty hand, also hold her. When she feels like letting go, He will hold onto her and say, "Don't be afraid." I pray that she will feel held, in the palm of His marvelous hand.
Heavy Heart
Today, my heart is heavy with the birthday of Audrey Caroline.
If you have never read Angie's blog (Audrey's mother) please click here. Not only is it Audrey's 1st birthday, but it is the 1 year anniversary of her death. Sweet Audrey lived 2.5 hours before going to be with the Lord.
If you feel led, please offer up a prayer for The Smith Family.
If you have never read Angie's blog (Audrey's mother) please click here. Not only is it Audrey's 1st birthday, but it is the 1 year anniversary of her death. Sweet Audrey lived 2.5 hours before going to be with the Lord.
If you feel led, please offer up a prayer for The Smith Family.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Das Not Funny! Friday: Lucas Edition
Yay! It's finally Friday! Welcome to Das Not Funny! Friday. This week, I found Lucas to be the comedian in our house, of course, his ability to crack me up was totally not intentional. Here are a few that I hope will give your giggle box some exercise.
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As Luke left for work this morning, Lucas asked Luke, just as he does EVERY morning...
"Daddy, you go to wurk?"
"Yes, Bubbie, I'm going to work," Luke replied.
"Oh. Okay Dad. You're gonna go make monies so we can dwink chocky milk and help pweeples?"
"Yep. That's right, Buddy."
After Luke left, he rolled over to me and said,
"I wike chocky milk, Mom. Hey! Are you wistening to me?"
-----------
I encouraged Lucas to run to his bedroom one afternoon this week so that we could begin naptime. I raced him in there and jumped onto the bed and pretended to fall asleep. He crawled up beside me, stroked my hair out of my face and said,
"No sweepin' Mommy. You have do go watch Jesus."
"What? I have to go talk to Jesus?"
"No Mommy! Yous have to go watch Jesus."
"What? Talk to Jesus?"
"No Mommy, in the chitchen. Go watch the JITCHES!"
"Oh. Go wash the dishes?"
"Yep."
I'm thinking Luke slipped him some chocky chips to work that into a convo this week.
--------
Apparently cleanliness is Lucas' "thang" this week. As we were loading into the van one morning, Lucas walked over to the tire and started touching it.
"No, no Lucas, don't touch, that tire is diiiirrrrrty."
"Okay, Mom. We take the big ban fru the big disher?"
"What, honey?"
"We take the big ban fru the big wishwasher?"
"Can we take the van through the big dishwasher?"
"Yep. It's dirty."
Now if I could only get him to apply such concepts to his room and body.
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Now it's YOUR turn. What did you see or hear this week that was incredibly funny? I started this blogapolooza so that I could chronicle all of the funny things that my kids say during the week. However, you don't have to have funny kids, or even kids at all, to participate!
Simply write your own Das Not Funny! Friday post and somewhere in it, link back here, to my post. Then, go down and type all your info into Mr. Linky.
It's super easy! If you'd like all of the "official rules" you can click here. But, if you'd like an easy shmeezy way to link your blog to mine, simply copy the stuff in the box below and paste it into your "Edit Html" tab in the same place where you write your posts.
It’s finally Friday! How many times this week did you hear or see something and think… <i>“Das Not Funny!”</i> but then realize that it <i>actually was</i> pretty funny? Well, such is the purpose of this blogapolooza known as <i>Das Not Funny! </i>Friday.
Check out <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com"> this blog </a> to see what else is not funny. Plus, by going <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com">over here</a> you can see who else has seen or heard something and thought <i>Das Not Funny!</i> then stifled a giggle or even laughed out loud! Come on, you know you wanna…
Check out <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com"> this blog </a> to see what else is not funny. Plus, by going <a href="http://themakingofmom.blogspot.com">over here</a> you can see who else has seen or heard something and thought <i>Das Not Funny!</i> then stifled a giggle or even laughed out loud! Come on, you know you wanna…
You can also pick up the Das Not Funny! Friday button over on my right sidebar if you'd like, but you certainly don't have to.
Happy Friday, folks! Now, share, share, share! Goodness knows I need a laugh or two this week...
Mr. Linky
Remember to not only leave a comment
but put your blog address into Mr. Linky!
Remember to not only leave a comment
but put your blog address into Mr. Linky!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Known, And Called By Name
Now that you all know the good news about our little man, I can tell you some more details.
When we went to court on that Monday, we anticipated being there for the long haul. God, however, knew otherwise. No sooner had we warmed up the most uncomfortable benches known to man (seriously people, don't worry about your tax dollars being wasted in court house comfort) than the social worker came to us and asks us to step out into the hall.
This has never happened before, but I assumed it couldn't be a good thing. Once out of the ear shot of others, she looks at us and says,
"[Baby D's] birth parents called on Friday and said they want to relinquish."
Luke and I just stood there, in complete shock.
She continued, "So most likely today's case will be continued until they've had time to sign and then had their 7 days."
Still, shock.
We re-enter the court room and sit. We wait and wait and wait on the judge, who finally showed up 1.5 hours late.
Finally, I get (what I think) is our continued court date and we leave. (Later, I learn that it was, in fact, rescheduled sooner.) However, I'm still leery because I know that the birth parents still have to show up to sign the paperwork.
Finally, that following Wednesday (the 18th) the social worker calls and tells me that they have signed the relinquishment paperwork.
Luke and I decide not to tell many folks because birth parents have the option of "revoking" their relinquishment for 7 days. For 7 days I am busting at the seams. You see, I rock at keeping other people's secrets, but my own...NEVER.
So, last week when I was stressed to the max, it was all because (well, mostly because) I had not yet heard from the social worker to confirm that the birth parents had not revoked.
Now that he is legally free for adoption, the final paperwork and adoption could take only a few months to be complete...or as little as a couple weeks. It's really up to the government and how fast they want to push paper. We couldn't be happier!
Our sweet little boy,
In our hearts, you've been a Beaver since the first time we laid eyes on you. We knew we would always love you, no matter the outcome, from your first days at home.
Lucas and Ashlee were so excited to finally be the "big" brother and sister. They love you so very much.
Our friends and family have also loved you so very much, from day 1. News of your arrival traveled so fast, and immediately prayers for you were being heard by a gracious, powerful and loving Father in heaven. And, He heard them all.
As the months passed you grew and grew, and so did our love for you. Somedays were a struggle, but not because YOU were a burden, but rather the emotions of understanding the situation, seeing the pain and knowing, one day, you will have to hear the truth. But, our precious one, God is so good.
You see He knew, before the world was ever formed, that you would be born. He knew that you would come into our home. He knew that we would love you so very much. He knew that you would leave your birth family and become a part of ours. And, as He reminded me so much in the very beginning, He still knows all the days before you. He knows His plans for you, my sweet son, and they are blessed and marvelous and filled with hope.
So your father and I pray that we will shepherd you in the ways of the Lord. We pray that you will grow to be a man who loves, obeys and follows God's call on your life. We hope that you will always know just how special you are, how much you are loved and how you help to complete our family. We pray that you will one day look back on your past with a tender heart and an understanding spirit. We pray that you will see the special purpose God has for you in our family.
Our precious baby boy, we are so blessed, honored and humbled that the God who created the heavens with His very hands, would choose us to be your forever family. As we prayed over you, the same God who named each and every star, also revealed to us the perfect name for you.
When we went to court on that Monday, we anticipated being there for the long haul. God, however, knew otherwise. No sooner had we warmed up the most uncomfortable benches known to man (seriously people, don't worry about your tax dollars being wasted in court house comfort) than the social worker came to us and asks us to step out into the hall.
This has never happened before, but I assumed it couldn't be a good thing. Once out of the ear shot of others, she looks at us and says,
"[Baby D's] birth parents called on Friday and said they want to relinquish."
Luke and I just stood there, in complete shock.
She continued, "So most likely today's case will be continued until they've had time to sign and then had their 7 days."
Still, shock.
We re-enter the court room and sit. We wait and wait and wait on the judge, who finally showed up 1.5 hours late.
Finally, I get (what I think) is our continued court date and we leave. (Later, I learn that it was, in fact, rescheduled sooner.) However, I'm still leery because I know that the birth parents still have to show up to sign the paperwork.
Finally, that following Wednesday (the 18th) the social worker calls and tells me that they have signed the relinquishment paperwork.
Luke and I decide not to tell many folks because birth parents have the option of "revoking" their relinquishment for 7 days. For 7 days I am busting at the seams. You see, I rock at keeping other people's secrets, but my own...NEVER.
So, last week when I was stressed to the max, it was all because (well, mostly because) I had not yet heard from the social worker to confirm that the birth parents had not revoked.
Now that he is legally free for adoption, the final paperwork and adoption could take only a few months to be complete...or as little as a couple weeks. It's really up to the government and how fast they want to push paper. We couldn't be happier!
Our sweet little boy,
In our hearts, you've been a Beaver since the first time we laid eyes on you. We knew we would always love you, no matter the outcome, from your first days at home.
Lucas and Ashlee were so excited to finally be the "big" brother and sister. They love you so very much.
Our friends and family have also loved you so very much, from day 1. News of your arrival traveled so fast, and immediately prayers for you were being heard by a gracious, powerful and loving Father in heaven. And, He heard them all.
Some folks prayed for you while they traveled to distant lands.
Some came from far away cities just to meet you.
And our friends right here, they loved you too, from the very start.
As the months passed you grew and grew, and so did our love for you. Somedays were a struggle, but not because YOU were a burden, but rather the emotions of understanding the situation, seeing the pain and knowing, one day, you will have to hear the truth. But, our precious one, God is so good.
You see He knew, before the world was ever formed, that you would be born. He knew that you would come into our home. He knew that we would love you so very much. He knew that you would leave your birth family and become a part of ours. And, as He reminded me so much in the very beginning, He still knows all the days before you. He knows His plans for you, my sweet son, and they are blessed and marvelous and filled with hope.
So your father and I pray that we will shepherd you in the ways of the Lord. We pray that you will grow to be a man who loves, obeys and follows God's call on your life. We hope that you will always know just how special you are, how much you are loved and how you help to complete our family. We pray that you will one day look back on your past with a tender heart and an understanding spirit. We pray that you will see the special purpose God has for you in our family.
Our precious baby boy, we are so blessed, honored and humbled that the God who created the heavens with His very hands, would choose us to be your forever family. As we prayed over you, the same God who named each and every star, also revealed to us the perfect name for you.
Aaron Thomas
You are loved, beyond measure, not only by our family, but by a God who formed and created you with His own holy hands.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Hope Lives.
I know that I need to announce Baby D's new name and show you the good pictures from our family picture session, but something much more pressing is on my heart, and I must share it with you.
Sometimes God brings events and people into your life that change you forever. Yesterday was one of those days for me. Our church had an event yesterday for the people in our community. Joy, hope, tears, passion and love are only a small sample of the emotions that I felt after leaving the building yesterday. I have been blessed and honored to begin new friendships and I pray, that the people we ministered to yesterday felt loved on, cared for and immensely blessed. Below is a news clip from a local station about what our church tried to offer to the community.
Over 24 hours after the "hoopla" of this event, I am seeing, more than ever, why I wrote a post, just over 6 months ago. However, what I can see now, even more clearly, is EXACTLY why I love these people that also call my church home. Over 300 volunteers turned out yesterday, not because we wanted personal glory or gain, but because we all know, very deeply, the One who has changed our lives forever. It is with Him in mind, that we offered ourselves, our possessions, our time and our hearts to a hurting group of people.
But what those people may never know, is exactly how much they touched us. They will never know or see the conversations that I had this morning with our youth and how those youth left that place feeling better about themselves.
They will never see or know of the conversations Luke and I have had about how we will never be the same. They may never know that I will think of them often and praise God for all of His creations. What an amazing church, but better yet, what an amazing community. Thank you Lord for giving me this blessing and for changing my life.
This is the original post I wrote on September 3, 2008. Although this post is getting rather long, I hope you will stay with it to the end. You're almost guaranteed a laugh!
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More Than Bricks
Dictionary.com defines church as "a building for public Christian worship" (plus about 14 other definitions).
However, I know that church isn't a building but rather the people who fill it. I am so incredibly blessed to attend and be a part of an amazing church. Initially, Luke and I were attracted to Rich Fork because of the former pastor. He had such a way of expressing deep Biblical truths but with an air of ease so that new believers (or even non-believers) could understand and seasoned believers felt challenged. When he announced that he was stepping down as pastor, my heart sank. He was the biggest reason we'd chosen that church. What if the new guy sucked?
Let me take you back to April of 2002. Luke had moved to North Carolina to start working for my step-dad as a traveling furniture rep. I was still in Arkansas, finishing up my senior year of college. On May 4, 2002 I graduated and loaded up everything I owned and moved. It was the best move of my life. I was engaged to a wonderful man and moving into a fresh start. Luke and I had started to meddle in scripture and prayer but I was, by no means, a believer.
We had regular pity parties because we had no friends in our new town. We spent a lot of time hanging out with my parents and their friends. They were great but they weren't our friends. We bought a house in June of 2002 and I moved in while Luke continued living with my parents (yes, that's right). We were married in December of 2002 and quickly found some friends that we loved to hang out with. However, due to some outside circumstances, we once again found ourselves friendless. That's when we aimlessly wandered into the doors of Rich Fork.
Luke and I met the Madisons in our Rich Fork 101 class sometime in the Spring of 2003. Little did we know that they would continue to be close confidants and a connection to the most amazing group of friends. They invited us to their Sunday School class and Luke and I quickly realized that we had found a group of people to fill the void of our college friendships. God was graciously providing. I gave my life to Christ and found that these people, these believers, were actually a lot like me. I was amazed.
Luke and I had just gotten settled and involved when our pastor announced he was leaving. We talked about whether or not we'd move churches, since, as I said before, he was a huge part of our love of Rich Fork. We decided that we liked our friends too much to leave so we'd just stick it out, for now. I don't remember ever praying out this decision...now I think that's funny, and scary.
It's so obvious to me now, how out of touch I was with the whole "church" scene. Clearly there was an obvious choice to succeed our former pastor. When they announced that the nomination committee had chosen Michael, I jumped to my feet and applauded. I remember thinking so clearly,
Wow! Why am I standing up? This is really exciting! Wow, I'm really yelling. Okay, calm down, calm down.
In the following weeks we voted, as a church body to have Michael as our senior pastor. When the ballot came to me, I thought
Wow, so this is how this works. Some people may not like this. There is a possibility that he may not be our pastor.
Then it hit me. Why am I here? What does this church offer that all the others don't. The answer was incredibly simple:
The People.
I could go anywhere else, to any other corner in our town and find God. The only place that could find my home, my church home, was with these people.
In the last 5 years, God has continued to confirm that for us. We have the most amazing group of believers that we humbly call our friends. They hold us accountable, challenge us and, most importantly, point us to God. Most of them are also pretty stinkin' hilarious.
If you look over to the right side of this page, you'll see a long list of bloggers, over half of which are friends of ours who call our church home as well. I love these people for so many, various reasons. The least of which is because of the building I met them in. This past spring, Luke and I ventured down to the youth area. It's a decision I will never regret making. Once more, God led us to amazing people. Youth I feel privileged to call friends.
Check out these videos and pics and you'll see, just as I do, exactly why I love these people and I feel incredibly blessed to call them friends. They are hilariously amazing, unconditionally loyal and, most incredibly, tolerant of my frequent mistakes. God has so richly blessed me. Oh, and in case you're wondering...that new pastor doesn't suck. ;)
Our first "new" friends. The Madisons and the Hanners. Nice 'stash Phil!! I'm about 1,000 lbs heavier and I think Sarah's about 16 yrs old in this pic. Wow, have we all changed!
Ringing in a new year. Nice helmet 'Tiney!
Dorf (if you don't know Dorf, google it)
Baby D and The Thompsons. Another example of God's perfect timing.
Birthday celebrations are much better with friends.
Our amazing friend Britt, aka "girlfriend" doin' her thang.
This is a video from almost a year ago. I tried to edit some of it b/c it was almost 8 minutes long. It might be the funniest thing I've seen in a while.
This was at our house last Saturday night. Yep, that's our Pastor Micheal (the one I mentioned above) racing Kevin K. I think he was having flashbacks to the Faster Pastor race.
Sometimes God brings events and people into your life that change you forever. Yesterday was one of those days for me. Our church had an event yesterday for the people in our community. Joy, hope, tears, passion and love are only a small sample of the emotions that I felt after leaving the building yesterday. I have been blessed and honored to begin new friendships and I pray, that the people we ministered to yesterday felt loved on, cared for and immensely blessed. Below is a news clip from a local station about what our church tried to offer to the community.
Over 24 hours after the "hoopla" of this event, I am seeing, more than ever, why I wrote a post, just over 6 months ago. However, what I can see now, even more clearly, is EXACTLY why I love these people that also call my church home. Over 300 volunteers turned out yesterday, not because we wanted personal glory or gain, but because we all know, very deeply, the One who has changed our lives forever. It is with Him in mind, that we offered ourselves, our possessions, our time and our hearts to a hurting group of people.
But what those people may never know, is exactly how much they touched us. They will never know or see the conversations that I had this morning with our youth and how those youth left that place feeling better about themselves.
They will never see or know of the conversations Luke and I have had about how we will never be the same. They may never know that I will think of them often and praise God for all of His creations. What an amazing church, but better yet, what an amazing community. Thank you Lord for giving me this blessing and for changing my life.
This is the original post I wrote on September 3, 2008. Although this post is getting rather long, I hope you will stay with it to the end. You're almost guaranteed a laugh!
----------
More Than Bricks
Dictionary.com defines church as "a building for public Christian worship" (plus about 14 other definitions).
However, I know that church isn't a building but rather the people who fill it. I am so incredibly blessed to attend and be a part of an amazing church. Initially, Luke and I were attracted to Rich Fork because of the former pastor. He had such a way of expressing deep Biblical truths but with an air of ease so that new believers (or even non-believers) could understand and seasoned believers felt challenged. When he announced that he was stepping down as pastor, my heart sank. He was the biggest reason we'd chosen that church. What if the new guy sucked?
Let me take you back to April of 2002. Luke had moved to North Carolina to start working for my step-dad as a traveling furniture rep. I was still in Arkansas, finishing up my senior year of college. On May 4, 2002 I graduated and loaded up everything I owned and moved. It was the best move of my life. I was engaged to a wonderful man and moving into a fresh start. Luke and I had started to meddle in scripture and prayer but I was, by no means, a believer.
We had regular pity parties because we had no friends in our new town. We spent a lot of time hanging out with my parents and their friends. They were great but they weren't our friends. We bought a house in June of 2002 and I moved in while Luke continued living with my parents (yes, that's right). We were married in December of 2002 and quickly found some friends that we loved to hang out with. However, due to some outside circumstances, we once again found ourselves friendless. That's when we aimlessly wandered into the doors of Rich Fork.
Luke and I met the Madisons in our Rich Fork 101 class sometime in the Spring of 2003. Little did we know that they would continue to be close confidants and a connection to the most amazing group of friends. They invited us to their Sunday School class and Luke and I quickly realized that we had found a group of people to fill the void of our college friendships. God was graciously providing. I gave my life to Christ and found that these people, these believers, were actually a lot like me. I was amazed.
Luke and I had just gotten settled and involved when our pastor announced he was leaving. We talked about whether or not we'd move churches, since, as I said before, he was a huge part of our love of Rich Fork. We decided that we liked our friends too much to leave so we'd just stick it out, for now. I don't remember ever praying out this decision...now I think that's funny, and scary.
It's so obvious to me now, how out of touch I was with the whole "church" scene. Clearly there was an obvious choice to succeed our former pastor. When they announced that the nomination committee had chosen Michael, I jumped to my feet and applauded. I remember thinking so clearly,
Wow! Why am I standing up? This is really exciting! Wow, I'm really yelling. Okay, calm down, calm down.
In the following weeks we voted, as a church body to have Michael as our senior pastor. When the ballot came to me, I thought
Wow, so this is how this works. Some people may not like this. There is a possibility that he may not be our pastor.
Then it hit me. Why am I here? What does this church offer that all the others don't. The answer was incredibly simple:
The People.
I could go anywhere else, to any other corner in our town and find God. The only place that could find my home, my church home, was with these people.
In the last 5 years, God has continued to confirm that for us. We have the most amazing group of believers that we humbly call our friends. They hold us accountable, challenge us and, most importantly, point us to God. Most of them are also pretty stinkin' hilarious.
If you look over to the right side of this page, you'll see a long list of bloggers, over half of which are friends of ours who call our church home as well. I love these people for so many, various reasons. The least of which is because of the building I met them in. This past spring, Luke and I ventured down to the youth area. It's a decision I will never regret making. Once more, God led us to amazing people. Youth I feel privileged to call friends.
Check out these videos and pics and you'll see, just as I do, exactly why I love these people and I feel incredibly blessed to call them friends. They are hilariously amazing, unconditionally loyal and, most incredibly, tolerant of my frequent mistakes. God has so richly blessed me. Oh, and in case you're wondering...that new pastor doesn't suck. ;)
Our first "new" friends. The Madisons and the Hanners. Nice 'stash Phil!! I'm about 1,000 lbs heavier and I think Sarah's about 16 yrs old in this pic. Wow, have we all changed!
Ringing in a new year. Nice helmet 'Tiney!
Dorf (if you don't know Dorf, google it)
Baby D and The Thompsons. Another example of God's perfect timing.
Birthday celebrations are much better with friends.
Our amazing friend Britt, aka "girlfriend" doin' her thang.This is a video from almost a year ago. I tried to edit some of it b/c it was almost 8 minutes long. It might be the funniest thing I've seen in a while.
This was at our house last Saturday night. Yep, that's our Pastor Micheal (the one I mentioned above) racing Kevin K. I think he was having flashbacks to the Faster Pastor race.
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