1. the Pumpkin Smuggler,
2. the Ladybug Queen ("I'm not a princess, I'm the Queen!")
3. Merida (from the Movie Brave with her stick horse and bow),
4. the Ginger-Bread Man "Red hair = ginger + loaf of bread around neck)
Friday, October 31, 2014
Happy Halloween!
1. the Pumpkin Smuggler,
2. the Ladybug Queen ("I'm not a princess, I'm the Queen!")
3. Merida (from the Movie Brave with her stick horse and bow),
4. the Ginger-Bread Man "Red hair = ginger + loaf of bread around neck)
Monday, October 27, 2014
Friendship
I spent the weekend with this sweet friend,
looking at this view
while downing some serious coffee. So grateful for her friendship, love and commitment over the years and for a weekend away to be refreshed and enjoy!
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Front lines
Pregnant mommy thoughts -
I'm on the front lines daily...
A little background and perspective - I'm an ER nurse at the closest ER to one of the largest International airports in the world. This airport has been chosen as one of 5 in America to funnel all West African flyers through before they are welcomed to our country (and checked for Ebola). My hospital has been chosen as one of 5 in Georgia to have an inpatient isolation unit. At 34 weeks pregnant, I've been in triage - the nurse who is the initial contact with patients and determines what care is needed for the patient.
As with all healthcare in the last few months, Ebola, Flu season and Enterovirus are topics of conversation and preparation along with the normal - gunshot wounds, heart attacks, brain bleeds, dying children, dying adults, nail stuck in the femur, suicidal, homicidal and the ever present emergency of "my nose started running several hours ago". All of these things are just part of my job. For the most part I like my job and think I'm decent at it. This is a front line with real needs, real physical struggles and battles that rightly demand time and energy and emotional concern - battles I gladly enter into each time I step into the ER - but it's not the battle that seems to be the real struggle (but I do have some crazy stories). The real front line is less glamorous and more daily.
You see, I'm also a Mom - to three (soon to be 4) wonderful children. It's the struggle to be their mommy (and love their daddy) that makes me feel like I'm really entering a battle that takes ALL of me. The battle for long division to be understood, for perseverance to make sure teeth are brushed daily, for a gentle heart to respond to her brother, for creativity to cook another meal/pack another lunch, for a willing attitude to accomplish chores for the good of the family, for humble responses to ever present questions, for joy to ooze out, for patience to hang thick in the air and repentance (turning from the sin that happens daily and turning to the ONE who can truly bring about change) to be swift. The battle for my own impatience, frustration and sin to be changed into something beautiful.
It's this front line battle that I think about on my way to work (and make my mascara run before I even start the day), that I feel preoccupied with and that I pray about in the quiet of life. It's why, after I've dragged myself up the stairs at night that I go to each bed and sit next to a sleeping child and pray. The day of bickering, arguing, discipline, complaining, failure, success, playing, laughing, questioning are quieted behind closed eyes and softly breathing chests. These little ones who were formed in my womb and walk around with my eyes, his hair, and unique personalities are being shaped and formed by HANDS known but unseen. The LORD's hands that invite me to this task - one I enter into gladly but feel so humbled and challenged daily by.
In the quiet - I run my hand through his flaming orange hair and over his freckly face and my heart melts with love, with a desire for him to be free of the sin that entangles him and for me to be more patient and understanding of his 9 year old self and to embrace him fully.
I sit next to a snaggle-toothed 2nd grader who is bundled under fleece in her colorful PJs sweetly surrendering to rest. I long for her to know the freedom of being who she is meant to be, I delight in her helpfulness and long to really know her and enter into life with her.
I brush away curls from a punkin who has run hard, talked much and is emerging as her own person. I look forward to her being a big sister and her caring for those littler that herself as she has been loved and embraced by so many.
Deep in the night - I'm awakened by a precious one growing inside who needs to stretch and kick. This unexpected gift who will emerge and change us all by his presence.
I snuggle next to the one who walks with me in this journey and I'm thankful for his partnership and love (but do fight with him for the covers).
This front line is a battle, it's important, it's worth the time and energy. I enter into it gladly. It could consume me if I thought it were all up to me to accomplish - and some days I am undone by wrongly thinking I have to do it all. I could be paralyzed by the fear and paranoia of the media and world outside - fear of it being my child on that ER bed, my family member dying or sickness invading my life but FEAR isn't called for, panic isn't needed - trust is. I'm thankful it's not up to me. I'm thankful I am being used by God to shape and love this family well but I am reminded to rest in HIS work, HIS promises, HIS truth. Keep on with the daily and trust.
So onto the battle and adventure of today - apples and peanut butter for snack, clean toilets, hot dinner and Spanish homework.
I'm on the front lines daily...
A little background and perspective - I'm an ER nurse at the closest ER to one of the largest International airports in the world. This airport has been chosen as one of 5 in America to funnel all West African flyers through before they are welcomed to our country (and checked for Ebola). My hospital has been chosen as one of 5 in Georgia to have an inpatient isolation unit. At 34 weeks pregnant, I've been in triage - the nurse who is the initial contact with patients and determines what care is needed for the patient.
As with all healthcare in the last few months, Ebola, Flu season and Enterovirus are topics of conversation and preparation along with the normal - gunshot wounds, heart attacks, brain bleeds, dying children, dying adults, nail stuck in the femur, suicidal, homicidal and the ever present emergency of "my nose started running several hours ago". All of these things are just part of my job. For the most part I like my job and think I'm decent at it. This is a front line with real needs, real physical struggles and battles that rightly demand time and energy and emotional concern - battles I gladly enter into each time I step into the ER - but it's not the battle that seems to be the real struggle (but I do have some crazy stories). The real front line is less glamorous and more daily.
You see, I'm also a Mom - to three (soon to be 4) wonderful children. It's the struggle to be their mommy (and love their daddy) that makes me feel like I'm really entering a battle that takes ALL of me. The battle for long division to be understood, for perseverance to make sure teeth are brushed daily, for a gentle heart to respond to her brother, for creativity to cook another meal/pack another lunch, for a willing attitude to accomplish chores for the good of the family, for humble responses to ever present questions, for joy to ooze out, for patience to hang thick in the air and repentance (turning from the sin that happens daily and turning to the ONE who can truly bring about change) to be swift. The battle for my own impatience, frustration and sin to be changed into something beautiful.
It's this front line battle that I think about on my way to work (and make my mascara run before I even start the day), that I feel preoccupied with and that I pray about in the quiet of life. It's why, after I've dragged myself up the stairs at night that I go to each bed and sit next to a sleeping child and pray. The day of bickering, arguing, discipline, complaining, failure, success, playing, laughing, questioning are quieted behind closed eyes and softly breathing chests. These little ones who were formed in my womb and walk around with my eyes, his hair, and unique personalities are being shaped and formed by HANDS known but unseen. The LORD's hands that invite me to this task - one I enter into gladly but feel so humbled and challenged daily by.
In the quiet - I run my hand through his flaming orange hair and over his freckly face and my heart melts with love, with a desire for him to be free of the sin that entangles him and for me to be more patient and understanding of his 9 year old self and to embrace him fully.
I sit next to a snaggle-toothed 2nd grader who is bundled under fleece in her colorful PJs sweetly surrendering to rest. I long for her to know the freedom of being who she is meant to be, I delight in her helpfulness and long to really know her and enter into life with her.
I brush away curls from a punkin who has run hard, talked much and is emerging as her own person. I look forward to her being a big sister and her caring for those littler that herself as she has been loved and embraced by so many.
Deep in the night - I'm awakened by a precious one growing inside who needs to stretch and kick. This unexpected gift who will emerge and change us all by his presence.
I snuggle next to the one who walks with me in this journey and I'm thankful for his partnership and love (but do fight with him for the covers).
This front line is a battle, it's important, it's worth the time and energy. I enter into it gladly. It could consume me if I thought it were all up to me to accomplish - and some days I am undone by wrongly thinking I have to do it all. I could be paralyzed by the fear and paranoia of the media and world outside - fear of it being my child on that ER bed, my family member dying or sickness invading my life but FEAR isn't called for, panic isn't needed - trust is. I'm thankful it's not up to me. I'm thankful I am being used by God to shape and love this family well but I am reminded to rest in HIS work, HIS promises, HIS truth. Keep on with the daily and trust.
So onto the battle and adventure of today - apples and peanut butter for snack, clean toilets, hot dinner and Spanish homework.
Monday, October 20, 2014
The family
Me and my boys (34 weeks and counting!)
The sweet sisters supporting brother!
An Us-ie
A Selfie - my grown up boy.
Beta Club
We went to the School Board meeting tonight for Samuel and Lucy's school to be recognized. As the Beta Club Reporter, Samuel was recognized along with his fellow Beta Club officers.
Samuel (Reporter) and Matthew (AKA Beta Club President!)
Friday, October 10, 2014
Camping
We spent our Fall break camping with friends this weekend - lots of laughter, giggles, screams, races, bike riding, marshmellow eating, fireside food, river canoeing and enjoying Creation up close - refreshing. Dad and the big kids are staying for a second night while Mom and Lydia get some sleep at home tonight (at almost 33 weeks pregnant mom only made a 1 night commitment :)
Sweet sisters walking the trail while Samuel gets some early morning reading in
My sweet children. Lots of prep and work to get to camp but so worth it to spend time with these precious ones.
Early morning stretch for Dad
The gang playing on the stumps and vine swings - loads of fun
hiking to the playground
Ball -
We had so much fun camping with friends - I know the kiddos were happy to have friends to play with - and hope we can do it again soon...after the baby is walking :)
Ball -
Monday, October 06, 2014
A few of my favorite things from the last few months
I love my family and all the blessings around - I'm choosing to count my blessings as I count down the days to #4's arrival. The kids often ask each other what their favorite thing/category is. Thought I would share a couple of my favorite things from the last few months.
SOUPS
Y'all I love these soups and the kids even endure them - hope you can enjoy them too!
Pumpkin Chipotle Soup by Edie at Life in Grace. I make it with shredded potatoes/hashbrowns instead of the chicken and usually put the sour cream/cream in when we eat it not while I'm preparing.
Tortellini Soup by Edie at Life in Grace. The kids really like this one.
She has some other soups that are good but I haven't made them as often as these.
and some PUMPKIN MUFFINS!!
BOOKS/NETFLIX/Movies
Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl by N.D Wilson. I read it twice this summer - refreshing, poetic perspective on this amazing world we live in and the people we love in it. Best book I've read in forever.
Jesus Storybook Bible - yes, we read it constantly with these little ones but lately I can't make it through without the profound truth, simple truth of the Good News overwhelming me. I'm a mess. He loves us. I have everything I need. He is in control. Also, the book of Philippians is such a joy - especially Chapter 2.
Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan - humor from a dad of 5 who lives in NYC in a 3 story walk up apartment. I laughed.
Jim Gaffigan is on NETFLIX too with his stand-up comedy act. He's a fairly clean comedian and we watched his show about fatherhood right after finding out we were pregnant with number four - I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Mom's Night Out - movie you can find at the RED BOX. Again, I laughed and cried. Just what I needed last weekend. Made in collaboration with the people who made Courageous. Funny, especially after the week I had a couple of weeks ago.
Blink, David and Goliath and What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell - interesting reads that challenge my perspective.
I've read a few other books I liked this summer A Million Little Ways, Nesting Place, Antelope in the Living Room (this one was funny too!). Read Les Miserables, several of Samuel's new books (N/D Wilson's books and Mysterious Benedict Society) and the Little House on the Prairie books with Lucy.
I guess I've needed some laughter - looking over my list I've laughed alot. Laughter is good medicine. I'm reading Charles Dickens Bleak House right now - not much laughter there but if you have a recipe or book or movie suggestion let me know - I'm about to be in 9/10 month pregnancy hibernation and need some good reads...and laughter.
SOUPS
Y'all I love these soups and the kids even endure them - hope you can enjoy them too!
Pumpkin Chipotle Soup by Edie at Life in Grace. I make it with shredded potatoes/hashbrowns instead of the chicken and usually put the sour cream/cream in when we eat it not while I'm preparing.
Tortellini Soup by Edie at Life in Grace. The kids really like this one.
She has some other soups that are good but I haven't made them as often as these.
and some PUMPKIN MUFFINS!!
BOOKS/NETFLIX/Movies
Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl by N.D Wilson. I read it twice this summer - refreshing, poetic perspective on this amazing world we live in and the people we love in it. Best book I've read in forever.
Jesus Storybook Bible - yes, we read it constantly with these little ones but lately I can't make it through without the profound truth, simple truth of the Good News overwhelming me. I'm a mess. He loves us. I have everything I need. He is in control. Also, the book of Philippians is such a joy - especially Chapter 2.
Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan - humor from a dad of 5 who lives in NYC in a 3 story walk up apartment. I laughed.
Jim Gaffigan is on NETFLIX too with his stand-up comedy act. He's a fairly clean comedian and we watched his show about fatherhood right after finding out we were pregnant with number four - I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Mom's Night Out - movie you can find at the RED BOX. Again, I laughed and cried. Just what I needed last weekend. Made in collaboration with the people who made Courageous. Funny, especially after the week I had a couple of weeks ago.
Blink, David and Goliath and What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell - interesting reads that challenge my perspective.
I've read a few other books I liked this summer A Million Little Ways, Nesting Place, Antelope in the Living Room (this one was funny too!). Read Les Miserables, several of Samuel's new books (N/D Wilson's books and Mysterious Benedict Society) and the Little House on the Prairie books with Lucy.
I guess I've needed some laughter - looking over my list I've laughed alot. Laughter is good medicine. I'm reading Charles Dickens Bleak House right now - not much laughter there but if you have a recipe or book or movie suggestion let me know - I'm about to be in 9/10 month pregnancy hibernation and need some good reads...and laughter.
Soccer
Samuel and Lucy are playing soccer this Fall and we are enjoying watching them play, watching their unique personalities come out on the field and Lydia's ability to cheer for brother a sissy.
Lucy is #12for the Tigers and is really great at playing her position well. She's analytical about how to play and isn't scared to get out there and fight for the ball.
playing goalie
Samuel, like last year, is a maniac on the field. He is #4 for the Gators (yes, this is the only time in my life I have EVER cheered for the Gators). He is EVERYWHERE and gives 100%. He's fast, is great at turning the ball and has made quite a few goals this year. It's hard to get any pictures of him on the field so the after game shots are all I get. I think playing soccer at school with his friends each day has made him better - you can tell he loves to play.
Lucy is #12for the Tigers and is really great at playing her position well. She's analytical about how to play and isn't scared to get out there and fight for the ball.
Samuel, like last year, is a maniac on the field. He is #4 for the Gators (yes, this is the only time in my life I have EVER cheered for the Gators). He is EVERYWHERE and gives 100%. He's fast, is great at turning the ball and has made quite a few goals this year. It's hard to get any pictures of him on the field so the after game shots are all I get. I think playing soccer at school with his friends each day has made him better - you can tell he loves to play.
Extreme Play
The bestest buddies were here for the afternoon. They played football and soccer and then pulled out a new sport - EXTREME HOPSCOTCH. The sidewalk chalk board was quite extreme and kept them all hopping and competing for a long time. After some hours outside they came in for a wii challenge before heading home. Aren't friends a blessing!
We had a half day and had friends from school over - the boys didn't sit still long enough for pictures but there was lots more play outside, a tea party and wii play. Love having long afternoons to play
then it was time for these girlies to head to dance
Little Helpers
These girls are great helpers, fun sisters and such a delight.
Lydia is taking after sissy and helping in the kitchen - she helped me with these freezer breakfast muffin/quiches we made for quick, health breakfasts. She was diligent and super helpful
Sunday, October 05, 2014
#30weeks
Trust me I've gotten all kinds of comments and stares during this pregnancy (as with all of them). I haven't gotten a picture lately but when I do here are the hashtags to go with the comments I get frequenly
My hashtags -
#yesiknowhowthishappens
#notherearenottwinsinhere
#thisisnumber4
#iknowilookbigifeelbigger
#myhandsarepleasantlyfull
#stillworkingintheER
#barelysleepingallready
#fallweatherisalmosthere!
#nonameyet
#30weeks
#skinstretchingexperimentinprogress
My hashtags -
#yesiknowhowthishappens
#notherearenottwinsinhere
#thisisnumber4
#iknowilookbigifeelbigger
#myhandsarepleasantlyfull
#stillworkingintheER
#barelysleepingallready
#fallweatherisalmosthere!
#nonameyet
#30weeks
#skinstretchingexperimentinprogress
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