Sunday, November 14, 2010

Random Things

I have so much going on. Here's a list of some things happening with us.

-We're changing churches! A new pca plant has started right in our hometown of Helena, and we're super excited about joining them to impact God's Kingdom.

-I want to get a pick-up for my violin. I want my violin to be louder without the hassle of playing in a mic (feedback issues, etc.).

-Alexander is the sweetest, cuddliest, most adorable little muffin that ever lived. ;) We're enjoying being mommy and daddy to him.

-I am currently reading The Nanny Returns and When Helping Hurts. The latter is a very informative book on helping the poor.

-Justin wants to get a lap steel guitar. (You know the Hawiian sounding instrument--Justin says it's "country.")

-School is presently overwhelming me! I have a stack of papers to grade, and they are taking me FOREVER! Pray for me!

-My friend Molly is still living down the street even though she was supposed to move months ago! This has been such a blessing to me (though I do feel for Nate and his long drive!). Molly and I are going to make scones to take to our respective Thanksgivings next week. She's the best!

-I am doing a Beth Moore Bible Study and it is so rich. I am really learning a lot and have enjoyed the structure of a workbook.

-I recently visited Whole Foods and I LOVE this store! I wish everyone could shop in this European-like store. I felt like I was transported to a different country! It was like all of the specialty shops in France rolled into one store. Too bad it's 35min from my house and a dozen eggs costs $6! I'm still going to try to go once or twice a month.

-I really want to go see a movie in the movie theater. My last movie was during the summer (Twilight saga).

-Some friends of mine are joining me in our own "Secret Church" night hopefully in December. We're planning on listening to the Holy Spirit Secret Church. We're doing this because tickets for the real Secret Church sold out in 6 minutes! So we decided to make our own. :)

-Justin is playing along to a country song on his banjo as I'm typing this. He's standing in front of me serenading me with his twangy thumb picking style. I love it.

Good night.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Eat, Pray, Love

Tonight I watched the move Eat, Pray, Love starring Julia Roberts. I have never seen a movie quite like it. I think I really liked it, but I'm still processing. There were moments I thought, "When is this going to end?" and moments I thought, "This may be one of the best movies I've ever seen."

Julia plays Liz, who is on a journey to find out who she is and what makes her happy--her "balance." She learns about pleasure vs. American "entertainment" in Italy--the slowing down and enjoying of life's good things. She learns about listening to herself, forgiving herself, and healing in India. In Mali, she learns to love without fear (or in spite of fear). In the end, she makes you want to go on your own journey of self-discovery.

Some of my favorite quotes include:

"This baby is demon possessed." "No, I think she's just teething." "Same thing."

"Ruin is a gift. Ruin leads to transformation."

"Sometimes you have to forego the balance in your life for a time to pursue love."

"God is present in me as me." -- What do you think about that? In a sense, I guess that's true. God lives in us, He's our Creator, and the totality of who we are is from Him, for Him, and because of Him.

Amidst the guru worship, you can find universal Truths that apply to everyone. You can learn from Liz as she mourns and grows--miserable yet grasping for hope. And she finds her hope from several small communities that she forms in each place she goes. People who love her and accept her. This is what we are made for!

She finds joy in leaving behind a miserable life to become temporarily more miserable but stronger, braver, and truer to herself in the end. Everyone wants to be known and loved. Everyone wants to be happy. Liz finally meets people who know her well and love her as she is.

As I viewed the beautiful sunsets and ocean views present in the film, the common grace of God astounded me. What beauty He allows us to enjoy! What joy there is to be had in the pleasures of life! It gives a glimpse of heaven. When everything will be made right, and we will all worship the right Person. I can be so judgemental and think that I have all the answers. I enjoyed learning about God, myself, and humanity tonight from a medicine man in Mali and a struggling woman who made hard choices in an effort to find peace.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Put on love

I have been greatly blessed of late by reading the Message Bible. (modern translation by Eugene Peterson) I have laughed with Paul, wept with Jesus, and enjoyed God's message to me in a new way. Here are some of my favorite passages...

from Psalm 100
"For God is sheer beauty, all generous in love, loyal always and forever." Amen!

"I'm on your side. You're not alone." Paul to the Colossians (convicted me about my attitude toward others--I want them to feel this from me)

"Everything finds its purpose in Jesus."

We are "woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God [which gives us] minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ (who contains the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge)."

from Psalm 18
"God is the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. God made my life complete when I placed ALL the pieces before him."

"But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am."

"Awaken to the holiness of life."

"Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort."

"Let Christ displace worry at the center of your life."

I was struck also while reading Mark 14 that at the very first Lord's supper, Jesus thanked God as he broke the bread and poured the wine--symbolizing the breaking of his body and the pouring out of his blood. All of our suffering is redeemed by God. If Jesus can thank God for the greatest suffering that ever took place on Earth, can I thank him for all of my suffering?

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

5 months ago



Five months ago I had never seen you smile. I didn't know what your hungry cry sounded like. Making you laugh wasn't my favorite past-time. My time didn't belong to you. I could eat a sandwich without taking 5 breaks. I never ran around the house to get things done. I hadn't ever given you one kiss. You didn't know how to roll over or touch your feet. Your two bottom teeth where still tucked away beneath your gums.

Five months ago I thought I knew what being a mother was, but I had no clue what I was about to enter into. This little man demands my all--and I want to give it to him--he aks me to lay down my own desires for his, twenty-four hours a day. But when he opens his mouth to let me know that he wants to give his momma a wet, sloppy kiss, my heart melts into a thousand pieces. Sometimes we just stare at each other and smile or laugh.

Five months ago I didn't know that God loves me in the same way that I do now. I long for him in ways I couldn't imagine five months ago. Because this all-encompassing, never-ending, joy-filled, heart-wrenching thing we call motherhood pushes me into the arms of my heavenly Father to know him--not asking for anthing else besides Him. And He's everything.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Monday, April 26, 2010

Zandy man's Baptism

 


We had a beautiful day yesterday. Alexander's baptism was so special. I'm so thankful for the people who traveled near and far to celebrate with us! Corey and Anne-thanks for coming even after a difficult moving weekend. Linda and Ken-thanks for waking up super early and braving Taledega weekend traffic. Kaitie-thanks for taking great pictures and figuring out a way to be here. Mom and dad-thanks for making the trip (again!) and helping with the food. Molly and Nate-thanks for representing Old Cahaba! We filled up a pew at church and had a great time barbequeing afterwards at our house. My friend Sarah made a beautiful cake for the occasion with Alexander's name and a sheep. What a wonderful day!
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Thursday, April 15, 2010

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Corey's OTS Graduation!



What a joy it was to see my brother become a 2nd Lt. in the US Air Force! I was so proud. It was Alexander's first time staying in a hotel and foregoing all crib naps! He was awesome. That 3 month mark really is golden...Here are some pictures of visits with my friend Mary and my mom-in-law plus Corey's OTS graduation.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Alexander's First Easter

Today was a special day. Today was Alexander's very first celebration of the resurrection of Jesus! He wore a special outfit, received various gifts and cards, and went to an Easter service at church. (He made it through roughly three songs and the benediction. ;) Side note: next week is his first try in the nursery! He also went with us to our friends' house (Molly and Nate's) for a delicious lunch. Here are some pics! I hope you all had a joy filled Easter, too!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Justin to the Rescue

Last night I got violently ill--I have NEVER been this sick before. Honestly, Justin felt worse for me than when I gave birth (and I would have rather given birth again than have this bug!). So Justin stayed home today and took care of the baby and me. I felt so weak all day, but I was able to keep down some soup and ginger ale. Justin just went to the store to get some Gatorade, jello, and more ginger ale. The check-out lady said, "Oh, no! Is someone sick?" ;) So far Justin and Alexander have escaped the horrors...Thank goodness the worst appears to be over.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Baptism Suit




Here are some pictures of Alexander in the precious suit his great-grandmother Gigi made for him. What a handsome little man!

At Alexander's 2 month check-up he was in the 90% for length and 50% for weight! He now weighs 11 pounds and 12 and 1/2 oz! He is growing so fast!

Ode to Grandpas



I never had a grandpa and always wanted one. When I married my husband I finally got to experience the joy of having a grandpa (Justin's Papa is a great one!). Now I get to see my son with his grandpa and it is so sweet! He LOVES his grandpa and his grandpa LOVES him. I have had a lot of helpers come since Alexander was born, but I must say that my dad has gone above and beyond the call of duty. Here are some ways he has helped me out:

-played, cooed, sang, danced, hummed, and did whatever was needed to help calm my sweet, challenging wee babe
-vacuumed (not just cursory vacuuming but the kind where you move EVERY piece of furniture and item on the floor)
-helped me clean the bathrooms (yuck--my least fav chore)
-went to the grocery store and made SO many yummy dishes for us (including shrimp scampi, spagetti and meatballs, homemade cinnamon buns, homemade apple cake, fresh baked bread, roast chicken and stuffing (with gravy of course:), NY strip steaks, and chicken noodle soup)
-babysat
and (drum roll please...)
-got up with Alexander every night so that I could SLEEP!

Needless to say, I'm so thankful for this special time with my dad. Dad- thanks for all of your help and for loving my son so much. We love you, too!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

What JOY!




God is good and does good. He uses all of life to recreate us and bring joy by making us more like him. Everyone told me that motherhood reveals sin like nothing else and I have seen this already in Alexander's 8 short weeks of life. My pride has been astounding-how glorious that the faithful One loves me enough to show me and change me. For some reason I thought I was going to be "super mom." Other people's struggles wouldn't be mine! I would be able to breastfeed, get up in the night without complaining, give of myself unselfishly around the clock--all while cooking dinners, keeping up the house, and loving my husband well.

In a Sandra McCraken song she sings, "Do you think he never reproves me? What a false friend he would be! If he never, never told me of the sin which he must see!" How true! I believe that God loves me too much to let me believe I don't need him and to let me carry on in my pride. He is sovereign over all things and I'm thankful that breastfeeding was a nightmare, I couldn't make it on my own feeding him at night, and I would hand the baby to Justin when he got home and run to take a bath for some alone time. Thank God that he is a friend of sinners! How I grieved over my failures before seeing the mercy, love, grace, joy, and freedom that God gives those who humble themselves before the cross. My little baby is such a gift. I love him more and more everyday. I'm so thankful for the people around me who love him too. I'm so thankful that "love came down to earth." May I remember this Easter how desperately I need him and how little I can do on my own.

“When Love Came Down to Earth”
Words & music by Stuart Townend

When Love came down to earth and made His home with man
The hopeless found a hope, the sinner found a friend
Not to the powerful, but to the poor He came
And humble, hungry hearts were satisfied in Him

What joy, what peace has come to us
What hope, what help, what love

When every unclean thought and every sinful deed
Was scourged upon his back and hammered through his feet
The Innocent is cursed, the guilty are released
The punishment of God on God has brought me peace

Come lay your heavy load down at the Master’s feet
Your shame will be removed, your joy will be complete
Come crucify your pride and enter as a child
For those who bow down low He’ll lift up to His side

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Photo shoot with Kaitie











Kaitie came for a quick visit yesterday and we had a photo shoot today of Alexander! He was such a good sport and Kaitie took some great pictures. We had such a fun visit! Thanks for coming, Kait!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Monday, January 18, 2010

He's here!







Alexander came last Wednesday. My labor started around 2am. I must have cried out in pain because the first thing I remember is Justin asking, "Why are you waking me up?" I tried to go back to sleep but couldn't, so I walked around and we started timing my contractions. After two hours, we decided this was probably the real thing so I took a shower and we started getting ready to head to the hospital. We had the Cosby show on and I cooked up some chicken that I had taken out of the freezer so it wouldn't go bad. :) Justin blew up my exercise ball to use as a labor ball and I'd sit on that while having contractions. We called the doctor at 6am and she said to come on to the hospital. We arrived shortly before 7am and found out that the hospital was so full I'd have to wait for a bed! I labored for a while in the "daddy" waiting area (not fun) and finally got a room. We found out I was already 4-5cm and 100% effaced and my water broke the first time I was checked! I labored for about an hour more before receiving my epidural. The nurse estimated a 2pm delivery. However, every time they checked me I was several cm more dilated and by 10am I was ready to push! Everything happened so fast! Alexander arrived at 11:14am and is the joy of our hearts! He's so precious and couldn't be any cuter. We are cherishing this time with him. Here are some pictures of the little guy.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

So close!

Look at how close my sweet pea is to coming home (see lilypie above)! We're so excited! It's weird to remember when it used to say 245 days and now it's down to 8! I'm enjoying these last days of being pregnant, but I'm ready to hold and meet the little guy (who doesn't feel super little anymore!). Maybe my next post will be about his birthday...;)

Monday, January 4, 2010

Christmas


We had so many fun Christmas celebrations this year. Justin and I couldn't travel because I'm so close to my due date, so people came to visit us! Justin's parents came on Christmas Day, but I never got out my camera-sad! Here are some pics from other celebrations.

Christmas Eve
We went to the candelight service at our church and then had our friends Nate and Molly over for a Swedish Smörgåsbord. We had such a great time! (Molly can't ever keep her eyes open when my camera flashes;).





We celebrated Christmas with my side of the family on New Year's Eve. Here, dad is making me laugh so hard!


presents for Alexander



dad, Justin (with his new robe), Corey



Happy New Year Alexander!



2010!





Belly Pics 3rd Trimester


37 Weeks


36 Weeks
35 Weeks


School Baby Shower









My class threw me such a special shower! We had a delicious lunch, and the duck theme was so cute. Groups of students decorated each table with different ducks (pictured is the head table with Justin the king duck, Lisa the teacher duck, and Alexander the baby duck). They showered me with gifts, prayers, and blessings. The "blessings book" they gave me is so special. Students, parents, and staff wrote words of encouragement and their prayers for me and the baby. It was a day I will treasure always.