The boys have been doing so many new things in the last few days! They keep doing things that surprise me, and the surprises are starting to get closer and closer together.
1. I'm pretty sure that when Micah said "Daddy" yesterday, he actually meant "Daddy." We were playing with Joshua's hat, I put it on and made a silly face, and Micah laughed and said, "Daddy." I put it on again later and he said it again.
2. Canaan has been crawling for a couple of weeks, but just in the last two days, he has started getting into the sitting position all by himself. Today, he crawled underneath the exersaucer and then sat up. I think he was trying to get in it, because he was putting his arms through the leg holes. I got him out and put him in the right way, and he looked like he got what he wanted.
3. When I sing, "The Wheels on the Bus," Canaan sings along when I get to the "The babies on the bus go wah wah wah" part. He makes the motion with his hands, though he doesn't quite bring them to his eyes, and says "wah wah wah." Or, sometimes, "Blah, blah, blah," but I know he is doing it either way.
4. They have started patting my back when I take them to their cribs because I always burp them then.
5. Today, Micah pinched me, and I said, "Ouch!" He smiled and said, "Ouch!" He has also been saying "duck" whenever we ask him to, but I know he doesn't actually know what a duck is. He is just starting to say any small, one-syllable words that we say.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Community
I started reading about the day of Pentecost today in Acts. It's a powerful chapter, with so much in it. I think I'm going to re-read it piece by piece this week, but the last few verses are what really made my heart ache today:
"All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Acts 2: 44-47
I think this must have been like a little taste of heaven. The simplicity of the relationships between early Christians is beautiful. I thought about how hard it would be to do this today.
I mean, forget about just selling all of the stuff we are addicted to: our computers, cell phones, etc. Think about what it would take to have a community where people ate together with glad and sincere hearts!
How often do we smile at someone at church, share in some small talk, but deep down we are hiding resentment against them? We let our relationships get so complicated these days. Why can't we sit down and talk about our conflicts openly, and then rejoice in the fact that we are all saved by grace? Why do we have to hide behind a polite smile? How could that possibly be the "right" thing to do?
How could the church have gone from an open, honest place where everyone was loved to a place where people experience fear of rejection and judgment?
Now I need to practice what I preach... I guess this means I have to start being open with people about my own struggles. It means I have to actually work up the courage to tell someone when I have an issue with them. For anyone who knows me, I'd rather just be pleasant, but the truth is, pretense isn't really pleasant.
"All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Acts 2: 44-47
I think this must have been like a little taste of heaven. The simplicity of the relationships between early Christians is beautiful. I thought about how hard it would be to do this today.
I mean, forget about just selling all of the stuff we are addicted to: our computers, cell phones, etc. Think about what it would take to have a community where people ate together with glad and sincere hearts!
How often do we smile at someone at church, share in some small talk, but deep down we are hiding resentment against them? We let our relationships get so complicated these days. Why can't we sit down and talk about our conflicts openly, and then rejoice in the fact that we are all saved by grace? Why do we have to hide behind a polite smile? How could that possibly be the "right" thing to do?
How could the church have gone from an open, honest place where everyone was loved to a place where people experience fear of rejection and judgment?
Now I need to practice what I preach... I guess this means I have to start being open with people about my own struggles. It means I have to actually work up the courage to tell someone when I have an issue with them. For anyone who knows me, I'd rather just be pleasant, but the truth is, pretense isn't really pleasant.
Monday, August 8, 2011
August Goals
I've been inspired by Lucy Clement to start writing out my monthly goals (She's also an AWESOME photographer, as you can see from her blog, in the Greensboro area. If you are looking for a great photographer, she's amazing!). Maybe posting them on here every month will help me accomplish them. :)
Here are my goals for the rest of August:
1. Take some time every morning, either during nap time or before the boys get up, to sit with a cup of coffee and my Bible. A little meditation always makes my day seem so much more peaceful, even if it means waking up before I absolutely have to.
2. Work out 3 times a week minimum.
3. Lose 5 lbs.
4. Write out daily checklists and keep my house clean and organized.
5. Spend plenty of time playing with my baby boys.
6. Read two books.
7. Write something every night before bed.
8. Get a KY driver's license and apply for WIC.
9. Get a job! --- I've been offered a job as a nanny, but it is not paying as much as the ad said it would. It won't cover our bills, but Joshua also has a possible job offer at Sylvan Learning Center, so that might help fill the gap. We are still praying about this one and seeing if anything better will come up for me.
Here are my goals for the rest of August:
1. Take some time every morning, either during nap time or before the boys get up, to sit with a cup of coffee and my Bible. A little meditation always makes my day seem so much more peaceful, even if it means waking up before I absolutely have to.
2. Work out 3 times a week minimum.
3. Lose 5 lbs.
4. Write out daily checklists and keep my house clean and organized.
5. Spend plenty of time playing with my baby boys.
6. Read two books.
7. Write something every night before bed.
8. Get a KY driver's license and apply for WIC.
9. Get a job! --- I've been offered a job as a nanny, but it is not paying as much as the ad said it would. It won't cover our bills, but Joshua also has a possible job offer at Sylvan Learning Center, so that might help fill the gap. We are still praying about this one and seeing if anything better will come up for me.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Getting Settled In
We've been in Louisville for almost a week now. We haven't been able to get out and see the city much because we are taking our time with the whole moving-in process. We used PODS to move, so we asked them to leave the pod here for a week so that we could bring things up slowly. We did get out to go to church on Sunday. We had a hard time finding the church, but it was kind of nice getting to see the city a little bit. We are going to try another church this Sunday that we are really excited about. Joshua's mother is coming into town this weekend, so I think we are going to take that opportunity to go downtown and walk around with her and the boys.
Our apartment is working out very well. There are two bedrooms and a spiral staircase that leads up to a small loft with a fireplace. The loft will be Joshua's office area.
We have a sweet neighbor downstairs named Shirley who lives with her dog, Max. I try to not get frustrated when I have to stand and have a ten minute conversation with her every time I go outside, because I know she is probably pretty lonely. She loves NASCAR and football, so she jumps on any chance she gets to talk to Joshua about these subjects. She brings us her newspaper every day when she is finished reading it and invited herself in to talk to us for an hour the other day. It's a little nerve-racking not knowing when she is going to pop in. No kidding, even as I was typing that last sentence, she knocked on our door. I went to the back room because I wasn't exactly ready for company, and by the time Joshua got to the door, she was gone, but the newspaper was there. She loves the boys, but always says that "Max loves the boys." It's kind of funny because just about everything she thinks, she instead says that Max thinks them. She talks about the other neighbors a lot, too. Apparently another elderly lady next door is one of her good friends. When Joshua met her, she already knew all about us and our boys and how much "Max loves them." Oh, Shirley. It's going to be tough drawing some boundaries without hurting her feelings or neglecting her when I should be reaching out to care for someone who doesn't get out much or get many visitors. I know she really loves to see Micah and Canaan.
Well, I should go get something done while the boys are napping. They have a nasty cold and are kind of high maintenance when they are awake lately. Please pray that they both feel better soon. They look so pitiful with their runny noses and sad little eyes.
Our apartment is working out very well. There are two bedrooms and a spiral staircase that leads up to a small loft with a fireplace. The loft will be Joshua's office area.
We have a sweet neighbor downstairs named Shirley who lives with her dog, Max. I try to not get frustrated when I have to stand and have a ten minute conversation with her every time I go outside, because I know she is probably pretty lonely. She loves NASCAR and football, so she jumps on any chance she gets to talk to Joshua about these subjects. She brings us her newspaper every day when she is finished reading it and invited herself in to talk to us for an hour the other day. It's a little nerve-racking not knowing when she is going to pop in. No kidding, even as I was typing that last sentence, she knocked on our door. I went to the back room because I wasn't exactly ready for company, and by the time Joshua got to the door, she was gone, but the newspaper was there. She loves the boys, but always says that "Max loves the boys." It's kind of funny because just about everything she thinks, she instead says that Max thinks them. She talks about the other neighbors a lot, too. Apparently another elderly lady next door is one of her good friends. When Joshua met her, she already knew all about us and our boys and how much "Max loves them." Oh, Shirley. It's going to be tough drawing some boundaries without hurting her feelings or neglecting her when I should be reaching out to care for someone who doesn't get out much or get many visitors. I know she really loves to see Micah and Canaan.
Well, I should go get something done while the boys are napping. They have a nasty cold and are kind of high maintenance when they are awake lately. Please pray that they both feel better soon. They look so pitiful with their runny noses and sad little eyes.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
More prayer, please!
So, Joshua and I went over our budget the other day. Basically, I NEED to get a job. The problem is that Joshua's schedule is going to be kind of unpredictable. Also, I kind of hate the idea of him coming home from work to watch the kids while I go work. I need quality time with the hubs or I get a little edgy.
So, I made a profile on www.care.com. For those of you who haven't seen their commercials, it's a place that pairs families with the right caregiver for their children (and even pets). This would be so great for us because a lot of people are willing to drop their children off at your house, and I could spend all day with my boys, as usual, but with one or two more playmates! I applied to 6 jobs in Louisville. So far, I haven't heard back from anyone. There is one family in particular that I would LOVE to work for, and I'm constantly checking to see if she has responded to or even read my application. It has only been two days, but I am so anxious. This could get us to not only where we can pay our bills, but to where we might have a little more than we need. I feel like this is the perfect job for me, but I know that God may have other plans. Please pray for patience, provision, acceptance of God's will, and maybe even a response from at least one of these jobs!
So, I made a profile on www.care.com. For those of you who haven't seen their commercials, it's a place that pairs families with the right caregiver for their children (and even pets). This would be so great for us because a lot of people are willing to drop their children off at your house, and I could spend all day with my boys, as usual, but with one or two more playmates! I applied to 6 jobs in Louisville. So far, I haven't heard back from anyone. There is one family in particular that I would LOVE to work for, and I'm constantly checking to see if she has responded to or even read my application. It has only been two days, but I am so anxious. This could get us to not only where we can pay our bills, but to where we might have a little more than we need. I feel like this is the perfect job for me, but I know that God may have other plans. Please pray for patience, provision, acceptance of God's will, and maybe even a response from at least one of these jobs!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Just a little update...
Update on the babies? Well, they get cuter every day. I don't really know what else to tell you. Canaan is trying desperately to scoot or crawl, but for the most part, he just rolls around until he gets where he wants to go. I'm pretty sure I saw him scoot backward yesterday, though. He's already getting into stuff. I cannot imagine what it is going to be like once he actually starts crawling, and I don't even want to think about when he starts walking. Micah has been rolling for a long time, too, but mostly, he likes to sit in the middle of the floor and watch Canaan roll around. The last couple of days, though, he has become more interested in rolling around and checking out things he shouldn't-- like drawers and electrical cords.
Joshua is still crazy busy with school. He kind of had a break night yesterday-- he had a one hour meeting with some other students that he was planning a lesson with, but other than that, he didn't have a single assignment. That was very much needed, because the last two nights, he had been coming "home" between 1AM and 3AM. He is doing SO WELL with school. He is taking a total of three classes. One class lasts the entire 6 weeks, and the other two are 3-week classes. He got an A in his first 3-week class! His teachers love him and are constantly telling him how amazing he is. One of them even told him that he "teaches like a veteran." Yeah, I'm pretty proud of him.
We found an apartment. It has two bedrooms, one bathroom, and spiral staircase that leads up to a little loft above the dining room. There is a fireplace in the loft. It's nice that it is up there where the boys won't be able to get into it. The kitchen is a very nice size... it may be the biggest kitchen we've had yet. There is plenty of cabinet space and a dishwasher. We can get rid of our microwave now because there is one built into the cabinets. It was clean and the paint was fresh when we did a walk-through. There was a lot of light, and the ceiling in the living room is high because of the loft. We are so excited about it!
Joshua was supposed to get his school assignment the day we went looking for apartments so that we could look in the same neighborhood as the school, but unfortunately, they didn't have that information ready for him. It was the only day we could go up there together, so we had to just pick the best place for us without knowing how long a drive it would be for him to get to work. He found out a few days later that he is working at Pleasure Ridge Park High School, which is about 30 minutes from the apartment. Oh well! It's on the West side of the city, and it can be hard to find a safe neighborhood over there from what we have heard. Also, it is not guaranteed that the school he is working at this year will be the same school he works at next year. It could be that he is hired by the school that is three minutes from our apartment-- Fern Creek High School. BUT, from all the reviews I have read online, it looks like Pleasure Ridge Park, or PRP, is a great school. They seem to have a lot of school pride, and Joshua is really excited about working there.
Well, we've got two weeks left in Bowling Green. It hasn't been so bad living in the hotel. I mean, someone comes to clean my bathroom, vacuum the floors, and change the towels and sheets once a week! How could I complain? I am very, very excited about getting to Louisville for other reasons, though. I can't wait to find a church. I want to explore the parks. I want to make some mom friends. You know... basically get on with our lives. :)
Joshua is still crazy busy with school. He kind of had a break night yesterday-- he had a one hour meeting with some other students that he was planning a lesson with, but other than that, he didn't have a single assignment. That was very much needed, because the last two nights, he had been coming "home" between 1AM and 3AM. He is doing SO WELL with school. He is taking a total of three classes. One class lasts the entire 6 weeks, and the other two are 3-week classes. He got an A in his first 3-week class! His teachers love him and are constantly telling him how amazing he is. One of them even told him that he "teaches like a veteran." Yeah, I'm pretty proud of him.
We found an apartment. It has two bedrooms, one bathroom, and spiral staircase that leads up to a little loft above the dining room. There is a fireplace in the loft. It's nice that it is up there where the boys won't be able to get into it. The kitchen is a very nice size... it may be the biggest kitchen we've had yet. There is plenty of cabinet space and a dishwasher. We can get rid of our microwave now because there is one built into the cabinets. It was clean and the paint was fresh when we did a walk-through. There was a lot of light, and the ceiling in the living room is high because of the loft. We are so excited about it!
Joshua was supposed to get his school assignment the day we went looking for apartments so that we could look in the same neighborhood as the school, but unfortunately, they didn't have that information ready for him. It was the only day we could go up there together, so we had to just pick the best place for us without knowing how long a drive it would be for him to get to work. He found out a few days later that he is working at Pleasure Ridge Park High School, which is about 30 minutes from the apartment. Oh well! It's on the West side of the city, and it can be hard to find a safe neighborhood over there from what we have heard. Also, it is not guaranteed that the school he is working at this year will be the same school he works at next year. It could be that he is hired by the school that is three minutes from our apartment-- Fern Creek High School. BUT, from all the reviews I have read online, it looks like Pleasure Ridge Park, or PRP, is a great school. They seem to have a lot of school pride, and Joshua is really excited about working there.
Well, we've got two weeks left in Bowling Green. It hasn't been so bad living in the hotel. I mean, someone comes to clean my bathroom, vacuum the floors, and change the towels and sheets once a week! How could I complain? I am very, very excited about getting to Louisville for other reasons, though. I can't wait to find a church. I want to explore the parks. I want to make some mom friends. You know... basically get on with our lives. :)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Prayers Needed!
Okay, I was so excited about this day... but now I'm just stressed.
Joshua had to leave with his group at 6:15-- turns out that most of the day, he will be touring Jefferson County schools, and we only have the afternoon to look for a place. I'll be getting on the road around 10AM in order to meet him after his tour of the schools. I don't have a GPS on my phone, so I'm going to have to look up the directions, write them down, and hope that they are accurate... I'm really nervous about driving into a city I don't know with my baby boys in the back of the van, so please pray for me!
We were also given the advice yesterday not to live in West End. Apparently we will be killed in a drive-by or something like that if we do... and of course that is where all of the affordable housing is. I mean, if you are going to live with the violence, they have to give you some slack on the rent, right? Anyway, I had to start my search all over again last night, and we'll be looking at apartments instead of houses. Part of me is sad, and part of me is kind of happy that there is the possibility of living in a community with a pool. As long as my boys are safe, I don't really care where we live... but I was pretty excited about living in a house. :(
Please just pray that I make it there safely and that we find an affordable, safe place to live.
Joshua had to leave with his group at 6:15-- turns out that most of the day, he will be touring Jefferson County schools, and we only have the afternoon to look for a place. I'll be getting on the road around 10AM in order to meet him after his tour of the schools. I don't have a GPS on my phone, so I'm going to have to look up the directions, write them down, and hope that they are accurate... I'm really nervous about driving into a city I don't know with my baby boys in the back of the van, so please pray for me!
We were also given the advice yesterday not to live in West End. Apparently we will be killed in a drive-by or something like that if we do... and of course that is where all of the affordable housing is. I mean, if you are going to live with the violence, they have to give you some slack on the rent, right? Anyway, I had to start my search all over again last night, and we'll be looking at apartments instead of houses. Part of me is sad, and part of me is kind of happy that there is the possibility of living in a community with a pool. As long as my boys are safe, I don't really care where we live... but I was pretty excited about living in a house. :(
Please just pray that I make it there safely and that we find an affordable, safe place to live.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Abiding in Jesus
Oswald Chambers, oh, how you challenge me. I always walk away from My Utmost for His Highest thinking, "That was intense."
For example, two days ago, Chambers references John 15:4 and writes:
"God will not make me think like Jesus, I have to do it myself; I have to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...I have not to change and arrange my circumstances myself. With Our Lord the inner abiding was unsullied; He was at home with God wherever His body was placed. He never chose His own circumstances, but was meek towards His Father's dispensations for Him. Think of the amazing leisure of Our Lord's life! We keep God at excitement point, there is none of the serenity of the life hid with Christ in God about us...In the initial stages it is a continual effort until it becomes so much the law of life that you abide in Him unconsciously. Determine to abide in Jesus wherever you are placed."
Okay, I am going to be completely honest with you. I haven't been feeling very... spiritual lately. I don't know about other people's life experiences, but I feel like I may have been burned out on spirituality as a teenager. I was always in church, going on youth group retreats, memorizing scripture for Bible quizzing, etc. I felt, for the lack of a better phrase, "on fire for God." The last two years or so, I've been wondering why I never feel that way anymore. Well, not never. A good sermon, some moving music, and I've got the feeling back, but it's usually gone and forgotten by Monday morning. Why don't I abide in Jesus anymore? Why don't I crave scripture daily? One of the conclusions I have come to is that in middle and high school, I was alone. I never dated, and no one really counted on me for anything. I did my thing. I went to school, volleyball or basketball practice, work, church, whatever it was I had to do that night... and I did it by myself. Not only did this give me a lot of free time to think and pray, but I felt that longing for companionship with God. And, let's face it, when you are a teenager, you feel everything passionately.
These days, I have enough companionship to make me feel like I am never alone. Don't get me wrong, this is a tremendous blessing to me. Ever since I was little, all I've ever really wanted out of life was a family of my own, and lucky me got a husband and twin boys by the time I turned twenty-two. Not a lot of people can say they have achieved their dreams by that age.
Even with all of this companionship, though, there's something missing if I'm not constantly abiding in Jesus. Unlike my husband and children, He can see the deepest, darkest parts of my soul-- and He still loves me! He is my Maker, and without constant communion with him, I am quite empty.
So today, I was challenged to abide in Jesus. This doesn't mean I need to make some sort of radical change in my circumstances, like Chambers says. I can abide in Jesus while feeding my baby boys, while making coffee for Joshua, while straightening up the room after the boys go to bed... I can be at home with God wherever I am.
So, I'm starting day one of practicing His presence...
For example, two days ago, Chambers references John 15:4 and writes:
"God will not make me think like Jesus, I have to do it myself; I have to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...I have not to change and arrange my circumstances myself. With Our Lord the inner abiding was unsullied; He was at home with God wherever His body was placed. He never chose His own circumstances, but was meek towards His Father's dispensations for Him. Think of the amazing leisure of Our Lord's life! We keep God at excitement point, there is none of the serenity of the life hid with Christ in God about us...In the initial stages it is a continual effort until it becomes so much the law of life that you abide in Him unconsciously. Determine to abide in Jesus wherever you are placed."
Okay, I am going to be completely honest with you. I haven't been feeling very... spiritual lately. I don't know about other people's life experiences, but I feel like I may have been burned out on spirituality as a teenager. I was always in church, going on youth group retreats, memorizing scripture for Bible quizzing, etc. I felt, for the lack of a better phrase, "on fire for God." The last two years or so, I've been wondering why I never feel that way anymore. Well, not never. A good sermon, some moving music, and I've got the feeling back, but it's usually gone and forgotten by Monday morning. Why don't I abide in Jesus anymore? Why don't I crave scripture daily? One of the conclusions I have come to is that in middle and high school, I was alone. I never dated, and no one really counted on me for anything. I did my thing. I went to school, volleyball or basketball practice, work, church, whatever it was I had to do that night... and I did it by myself. Not only did this give me a lot of free time to think and pray, but I felt that longing for companionship with God. And, let's face it, when you are a teenager, you feel everything passionately.
These days, I have enough companionship to make me feel like I am never alone. Don't get me wrong, this is a tremendous blessing to me. Ever since I was little, all I've ever really wanted out of life was a family of my own, and lucky me got a husband and twin boys by the time I turned twenty-two. Not a lot of people can say they have achieved their dreams by that age.
Even with all of this companionship, though, there's something missing if I'm not constantly abiding in Jesus. Unlike my husband and children, He can see the deepest, darkest parts of my soul-- and He still loves me! He is my Maker, and without constant communion with him, I am quite empty.
So today, I was challenged to abide in Jesus. This doesn't mean I need to make some sort of radical change in my circumstances, like Chambers says. I can abide in Jesus while feeding my baby boys, while making coffee for Joshua, while straightening up the room after the boys go to bed... I can be at home with God wherever I am.
So, I'm starting day one of practicing His presence...
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Running
I was finally able to get back down to the treadmill in the gym at the hotel today. I ran longer than I did last week, which was encouraging. I feel like I can even see a slight difference in the mirror, but that could just be all in my head because I feel so much better now that I am eating well. It's amazing how even the process of losing weight can give you a little more confidence. There's some sort of satisfaction in just knowing you are doing something to make your life a little better.
I hate running on a treadmill. The little lights that blink until you've gone one imaginary lap around an imaginary track, how there's really nothing to look at except the mirror (which is really no fun to look in at all) or the treadmill screen (which just makes you want to quit). Today while running, I recalled a cool summer night, about two years ago now (Has it been that long?), when Joshua and I and some friends of ours, Zach and Michelle, were training for a half marathon. We ran four miles straight for the first time that night. I had mapped a beautiful run around the neighborhood online.
Larchmont was such an amazing neighborhood for running. Most of it was completely flat (like most of Tidewater), and the streets were lined with blooming crape myrtles and old, but well-cared for homes. I used to run around those streets and house shop. There were so many to choose from, and every one of them different from the one beside it. The most difficult part of the run was when we would run over the Hampton bridge, all the way to Terminal Boulevard, and then back over the bridge and all the way home. The Hampton bridge was the only hill, but it was long, and when you are used to running on flat ground, it seemed pretty steep. When we finished the run, though, it was such an amazing feeling. It was starting to get dark and there was a nice, cool breeze. We were with great friends and everything around us just seemed... beautiful.
Running on a treadmill just seems like a means to an end. Running outside is like an adventure. It's a conversation with a good friend and a time to dream and pray and praise God for the beautiful creation all around you. I can't wait to experience that again. Louisville will be a great place for it, too. There are so many beautiful parks and neighborhoods. For now, I'll settle for the treadmill.
I hate running on a treadmill. The little lights that blink until you've gone one imaginary lap around an imaginary track, how there's really nothing to look at except the mirror (which is really no fun to look in at all) or the treadmill screen (which just makes you want to quit). Today while running, I recalled a cool summer night, about two years ago now (Has it been that long?), when Joshua and I and some friends of ours, Zach and Michelle, were training for a half marathon. We ran four miles straight for the first time that night. I had mapped a beautiful run around the neighborhood online.
Larchmont was such an amazing neighborhood for running. Most of it was completely flat (like most of Tidewater), and the streets were lined with blooming crape myrtles and old, but well-cared for homes. I used to run around those streets and house shop. There were so many to choose from, and every one of them different from the one beside it. The most difficult part of the run was when we would run over the Hampton bridge, all the way to Terminal Boulevard, and then back over the bridge and all the way home. The Hampton bridge was the only hill, but it was long, and when you are used to running on flat ground, it seemed pretty steep. When we finished the run, though, it was such an amazing feeling. It was starting to get dark and there was a nice, cool breeze. We were with great friends and everything around us just seemed... beautiful.
Running on a treadmill just seems like a means to an end. Running outside is like an adventure. It's a conversation with a good friend and a time to dream and pray and praise God for the beautiful creation all around you. I can't wait to experience that again. Louisville will be a great place for it, too. There are so many beautiful parks and neighborhoods. For now, I'll settle for the treadmill.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Stir-crazy
I think I'm going a little stir-crazy. Thankfully, it is almost the weekend. When Joshua gets home tonight, I'm going to try to get out for a little while. Maybe we will both go out and take the boys to walk around somewhere... we'll see.
Last night, Joshua came home and told me he actually had very little to do. The teachers told them that they realized they were giving them too much to do and decided to spread out their assignments a little bit. Also, they are teaching fifth graders today, so they don't have any class time of their own. He had a two hour meeting last night to finish up their lesson plan, but that was it. I guess I could have gotten out of the room then, but what I wanted even more was just to spend some time with my husband. He was exhausted, too, and I just didn't want to leave him alone with the boys the first time he got a little break.
I think he is excited about his lesson plan today. He is teaching fifth graders about the physics of sound- vibrations, volume, and pitch. He is playing his electric guitar for them today, and that is the part he is excited about.
The babies are doing well. They are to the point where they would much rather be playing on the floor than in their exersaucers, which is nice now that they can sit up. They smile and laugh and are all-around very pleasant. They make all of this totally worth it.
Well, that's about all I have. :) I'll try to keep you updated, but there really isn't a WHOLE lot going on.
Last night, Joshua came home and told me he actually had very little to do. The teachers told them that they realized they were giving them too much to do and decided to spread out their assignments a little bit. Also, they are teaching fifth graders today, so they don't have any class time of their own. He had a two hour meeting last night to finish up their lesson plan, but that was it. I guess I could have gotten out of the room then, but what I wanted even more was just to spend some time with my husband. He was exhausted, too, and I just didn't want to leave him alone with the boys the first time he got a little break.
I think he is excited about his lesson plan today. He is teaching fifth graders about the physics of sound- vibrations, volume, and pitch. He is playing his electric guitar for them today, and that is the part he is excited about.
The babies are doing well. They are to the point where they would much rather be playing on the floor than in their exersaucers, which is nice now that they can sit up. They smile and laugh and are all-around very pleasant. They make all of this totally worth it.
Well, that's about all I have. :) I'll try to keep you updated, but there really isn't a WHOLE lot going on.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Six weeks of this should be interesting...
Joshua got home yesterday around 4:30 PM. He stopped in to grab some of his things and then went right back downstairs to the hotel conference room to work on all of his homework. He had to do a long reading assignment, write a 3-4 page paper, compose a blog post, and prepare a lesson plan for today. Yes, on the third day of class, he is teaching. The poor guy got home last night at 2 AM. This morning, he got up at 5:30 AM to finish his reading before his class at 8:30. I mostly feel bad for HIM because I know he doesn't even get time to sit and breathe and he really misses his boys (and probably me a little bit, too). We really are both just feeling thankful that he has a job.
After the boys' first nap, we played on the floor for a little while. These pictures are blurry because they were taken with my phone. I have, once again, misplaced my camera charger. Ugh.
After the boys' first nap, we played on the floor for a little while. These pictures are blurry because they were taken with my phone. I have, once again, misplaced my camera charger. Ugh.
My sweet boys. Micah on the left, Canaan on the right.
Mr. Micah loves the camera/phone now. It's so funny.
Mr. Canaan kissing the mirror... what a weirdo.Tuesday, June 7, 2011
An update on the Marshes
Every day, my boys get cuter. I don't know how they do it, but just when I think I'm at my "in love" limit, I fall deeper in love with them the next day. They are sitting up now for very long periods of time. They play together and often I turn around to find them laughing at each other. I think these might be some of the sweetest moments in my life.
Joshua is gone quite a lot-- his classes are from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, then he has lots of reading to do, papers to write, discussion groups to go to, and blog posts at night. Yesterday he came home to read (normally he goes to Starbucks to read, but he missed his babies) and have some dinner, but then was gone again until 11:30 PM, long after I had gone to bed. I miss him a lot, but I'm so proud of how diligent and thorough he is with his school work.
I'm trying to not wish these days away. Part of me wants to get out of this tiny little hotel room and into an apartment or house of our own in Louisville. I want to start getting to know my new city. I want to find a church. I want to find a weekend job at a coffee shop to make some extra money to buy a new stroller and car seats for my boys (and maybe something extra for me later, like a nice camera or an ipad2 :) ).
BUT, I know these moments while my boys are small and NOT running around like crazy are a gift and I cannot wish them away. They are at a stage where I can have them sit up on the floor with some toys and play together, and I can watch them smile and make noises at each other, but I don't have to chase them around the house and keep them out of cabinets and off the stairs. My friend who has twins recently lost 20 lbs because her boys have been walking for two months now! On second thought, maybe I DO want them to start walking. ;)
I can also be thankful that while we are in this hotel room, they are not walking. That would be disastrous!
Well, I believe my boys are waking up. We are about to venture out of the hotel for the first time in two days so that we can pick up some diapers and formula. The elevator has been out of order, so I haven't been able to get out. I can't really carry two 20 lb babies in their carseats down three flights of stairs... and then trying to get groceries and such back into the hotel room without the stroller would just be impossible.
So anyway, I am going to enjoy these six weeks in the hotel with my boys and simply remember that I have a lot to look forward to in Louisville. Please pray that I don't go crazy. :)
Joshua is gone quite a lot-- his classes are from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, then he has lots of reading to do, papers to write, discussion groups to go to, and blog posts at night. Yesterday he came home to read (normally he goes to Starbucks to read, but he missed his babies) and have some dinner, but then was gone again until 11:30 PM, long after I had gone to bed. I miss him a lot, but I'm so proud of how diligent and thorough he is with his school work.
I'm trying to not wish these days away. Part of me wants to get out of this tiny little hotel room and into an apartment or house of our own in Louisville. I want to start getting to know my new city. I want to find a church. I want to find a weekend job at a coffee shop to make some extra money to buy a new stroller and car seats for my boys (and maybe something extra for me later, like a nice camera or an ipad2 :) ).
BUT, I know these moments while my boys are small and NOT running around like crazy are a gift and I cannot wish them away. They are at a stage where I can have them sit up on the floor with some toys and play together, and I can watch them smile and make noises at each other, but I don't have to chase them around the house and keep them out of cabinets and off the stairs. My friend who has twins recently lost 20 lbs because her boys have been walking for two months now! On second thought, maybe I DO want them to start walking. ;)
I can also be thankful that while we are in this hotel room, they are not walking. That would be disastrous!
Well, I believe my boys are waking up. We are about to venture out of the hotel for the first time in two days so that we can pick up some diapers and formula. The elevator has been out of order, so I haven't been able to get out. I can't really carry two 20 lb babies in their carseats down three flights of stairs... and then trying to get groceries and such back into the hotel room without the stroller would just be impossible.
So anyway, I am going to enjoy these six weeks in the hotel with my boys and simply remember that I have a lot to look forward to in Louisville. Please pray that I don't go crazy. :)
Monday, May 2, 2011
Thoughts on Osama bin Laden
I felt rather torn last night and this morning. When I saw the line reading, "OSAMA BIN LADEN IS DEAD" run across the screen last night, I wasn't sure what to feel.
Sure, this is a great victory for America. For ten years, we've been hunting a criminal, a murderer, a terrorist. Part of me wanted to be running in the streets of D.C., chanting "USA! USA!" But another part of me could not possibly rejoice at the death of a human being, one created in the image of God, just like me, who had died without knowing the love of Christ. After all, without the blood of Christ, I deserve the same fate as Osama bin Laden.
I've been looking into the scripture today to see what a Christ-follower's reaction to this should be. Here are some verses that come to mind:
"You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more." Psalm 10:17-18
"The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face." Psalm 11:5-6
The thing is, I do see David praising God for being just and protecting His people, but I don't think he is necessarily rejoicing at the death of the wicked. I think the Lord has protected the fatherless and the oppressed, those who lost loved ones on 9/11. I think he has brought justice to Osama bin Laden.
However, I do not think that God was pleased with the death of Osama bin Laden, and I don't think I can run in the streets and rejoice, either. Here's why:
"For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!" Ezekiel 18:32
"Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live..." Ezekiel 33:11
"Do not gloat when your enemy fails; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them." Proverbs 24:17-18
As an American, I am thankful for the men and women in our military. I am thankful that God has brought justice for those who are now fatherless, motherless, widowed, or outlived their children. I am thankful that God kept our Navy SEALS safe during their mission. I believe that the death of Osama bin Laden was necessary for the protection of the American people.
But as a believer, I cannot rejoice in his death.
Sure, this is a great victory for America. For ten years, we've been hunting a criminal, a murderer, a terrorist. Part of me wanted to be running in the streets of D.C., chanting "USA! USA!" But another part of me could not possibly rejoice at the death of a human being, one created in the image of God, just like me, who had died without knowing the love of Christ. After all, without the blood of Christ, I deserve the same fate as Osama bin Laden.
I've been looking into the scripture today to see what a Christ-follower's reaction to this should be. Here are some verses that come to mind:
"You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more." Psalm 10:17-18
"The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face." Psalm 11:5-6
The thing is, I do see David praising God for being just and protecting His people, but I don't think he is necessarily rejoicing at the death of the wicked. I think the Lord has protected the fatherless and the oppressed, those who lost loved ones on 9/11. I think he has brought justice to Osama bin Laden.
However, I do not think that God was pleased with the death of Osama bin Laden, and I don't think I can run in the streets and rejoice, either. Here's why:
"For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!" Ezekiel 18:32
"Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live..." Ezekiel 33:11
"Do not gloat when your enemy fails; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them." Proverbs 24:17-18
As an American, I am thankful for the men and women in our military. I am thankful that God has brought justice for those who are now fatherless, motherless, widowed, or outlived their children. I am thankful that God kept our Navy SEALS safe during their mission. I believe that the death of Osama bin Laden was necessary for the protection of the American people.
But as a believer, I cannot rejoice in his death.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Black Bean Brownies
That's right, black bean brownies. I've been wanting to try this for a while. I read on a weight watchers recipe site that you can combine a boxed brownie mix with one can of pureed black beans to make delicious, low fat brownies. I never tried it because Joshua was horrified at the thought.
Yesterday, I was at home, craving some brownies. I was out of eggs, but I had some black beans. I also didn't have a brownie mix, though, so I developed my own recipe after pulling from several different recipes I found online. Here it is:
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (this is all I had, so I was scared, but they are so yummy!)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
2 1/4 cups sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 (15oz) can black beans, drained and then filled with new water
1 tsp vanilla (I actually probably put in a tbsp-- I always add more vanilla!)
1 cup of water
chocolate chips to sprinkle on top (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 350 F
2. Combine dry ingredients.
3. Rinse black beans until water runs clear. Add beans back to can and then fill the can with new water. Puree black beans in blender.
4. Mix pureed black beans, water, and vanilla.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until well combined.
6. Bake in 9x13" baking dish (I did mine in an 8x8"; they were too thick and took forever to bake!) in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Edges should be slightly puffy and starting to pull away from sides and the middle should be firm. Let cool before cutting. Enjoy!
Nap Time Ponderings
I have so many thoughts running through my head today-- so many goals I am setting for myself. At nap time, I poured myself a cup of coffee and went to pick a book off the shelf. There were four that I had to choose from that I desperately want to read right now, but at the most, I have two hours to read. I couldn't choose between The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery, Love and War by John and Stasi Eldredge, Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt, or Running into Water by Angela Blycker. Basically, do I want read to be indulgent, work on my marriage, learn about teaching my children to love to read, or about being a mother who pursues God with all her passion and strength.
First, I chose to be indulgent. I read the first chapter of The Blue Castle, and as reading L.M. Montgomery always does, it made me want to write again. So now, I have the choice to read or write. Instead of moving on to any of these other books, I decided to pull out my Bible and journal.
I read Ephesians 4 and 5, which is not a good idea when you have already given yourself the task of reading four books at once. There are so many things in those two chapters to chew on-- so much that makes you say, "Yes, I need to do that." For example, "Be completely humble and gentle, bearing with one another in love." Or, "Be very careful, then, how you live-- not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
Good grief. Now, I want to read, I want to write, I want to study God's Word, I want to pray, I want to be kind and gentle, I want to get into shape, I want to get my entire house to be clean at one time and keep it that way, I want to be freaking super mom and the best wife a man could ask for. Dear Lord, how do I become this woman before the clock strikes 12PM and my boys start to call for me from their cribs?
Thankfully, I'm not required to become this woman during nap time. I can rest in God's grace and ask for the strength to tackle these goals one at a time and the wisdom to know in what order they should be accomplished. The beauty of being a mom is that one nap time at a time, I can read a little, I can get a little cleaning done here and there, and I can pray that as my little boys grow and get to know me, they will see a woman who is working to become the person that our Heavenly Father has called her to be.
As I sit on the couch in my living room, light is pouring in through the blinds and spilling itself in long lines across the carpet. I am reminded of some verses I read today in Ephesians about light exposing our deeds. My first goal for the day is to live in the light. Let me be exposed for what I am, and may I be transparent in front of my children. I am a broken, hurting soul in need of repair by my Savior. As each day passes, I pray that He heals me piece by piece and that my sons witness my transformation over the next eighteen years. I want them to see the work that Jesus will do in me. For every book I read, for every page I write, for every floor I scrub, for every moment I pray for Him to change the tune in my heart, I will be one step closer to living a life worthy of the calling I have received.
First, I chose to be indulgent. I read the first chapter of The Blue Castle, and as reading L.M. Montgomery always does, it made me want to write again. So now, I have the choice to read or write. Instead of moving on to any of these other books, I decided to pull out my Bible and journal.
I read Ephesians 4 and 5, which is not a good idea when you have already given yourself the task of reading four books at once. There are so many things in those two chapters to chew on-- so much that makes you say, "Yes, I need to do that." For example, "Be completely humble and gentle, bearing with one another in love." Or, "Be very careful, then, how you live-- not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
Good grief. Now, I want to read, I want to write, I want to study God's Word, I want to pray, I want to be kind and gentle, I want to get into shape, I want to get my entire house to be clean at one time and keep it that way, I want to be freaking super mom and the best wife a man could ask for. Dear Lord, how do I become this woman before the clock strikes 12PM and my boys start to call for me from their cribs?
Thankfully, I'm not required to become this woman during nap time. I can rest in God's grace and ask for the strength to tackle these goals one at a time and the wisdom to know in what order they should be accomplished. The beauty of being a mom is that one nap time at a time, I can read a little, I can get a little cleaning done here and there, and I can pray that as my little boys grow and get to know me, they will see a woman who is working to become the person that our Heavenly Father has called her to be.
As I sit on the couch in my living room, light is pouring in through the blinds and spilling itself in long lines across the carpet. I am reminded of some verses I read today in Ephesians about light exposing our deeds. My first goal for the day is to live in the light. Let me be exposed for what I am, and may I be transparent in front of my children. I am a broken, hurting soul in need of repair by my Savior. As each day passes, I pray that He heals me piece by piece and that my sons witness my transformation over the next eighteen years. I want them to see the work that Jesus will do in me. For every book I read, for every page I write, for every floor I scrub, for every moment I pray for Him to change the tune in my heart, I will be one step closer to living a life worthy of the calling I have received.
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