Trying to get some pictures to download and either the computer is being a pain or the internet.
Anyways, I am totally exhausted from trying, so I am headed to bed, and will try again tomorrow. Please check again and maybe I will be having more luck.
Till then...
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Here we go...
Well, another week, just as scheduled, right. :-)
We had a good weekend. The train night at the library was neat. The kids really liked it. Got to make their own train out of shapes and eat a snack.
Friday it rained, so we stayed a home and did all kind of playing. Saturday morning we went to the library and hung with dad before work. Then Hannah and I made little banana loafs and a purse out of a cereal box. Nathan wanted to play trains instead.
Sunday was a children's meeting, so we were there from 8am-1pm. We did some shopping afterwards. Milk, peanut butter, you know, the necessities in a child home.
Went to bed early.
Monday was our day to KC. WE headed out around 10:30 in order to gas up. We were going to meet my mom at Crown Center at the train restaurant. From there we headed to Mercy. We got there a little early because we wanted to make sure we could find it and get around some construction in the area. We arrived about 1:45. We were in the room by 2. They gave her some apple juice and some teddy grahams and we waited for her to pee.
After she did, it was about 15 minutes before Dr. Blowey came into the room. He visited with Hannah a little, asked us some questions, reviewed what Dr. Castle had sent and then examined Hannah. He left to look at her x-rays and her urine sample and would be back in to talk.
After evaluating everything, he determined that her problem was a combination of two things. One, her intestines were pushing against her bladder, causing it to be off shape due to the largeness of her stool. He suggested putting her on a natural stool softener daily to see if we could change her regularity to a daily thing. He also said that because of her kidney infection when she was first potty training, she had trained her bladder to be inconsistant. He said what that means is she trained it to respond to her only when it was extremely full and it was almost too late for her. He said that for that, we needed to get into a regimine of re-training her bladder to function more on a routine.
We were glad to hear it was not something major. Little things we can work on that will require discipline and time, but nothing like surgery or the likes. We are supposed to call him in a month to see. during the next month, we are supposed to chart her progress.
The above picture of her is in the room. She and pinkie pie were enjoying the pampering.
Afterwards, we met Nathan and my mom at a park and filled her in while the kids played. It began to rain, so mom headed home and we headed to Independence to see baby Nathan.
Above is a picture of both Nathan's. Our Nathan thought he was the coolest after holding him once. He kept whispering, "can I hold him again?". He was a sweet baby. On the next post, I am going to include more picts, since Chris Coker (thank you man!!!) taught me how to do it.
We brought them pizza and visited until 8:30. By then, Cindy was about to fall over and the kids were getting sleepy.
We are so glad he (baby Nathan) is doing so well and is such a cutie!!
Well, am going to post some more picts and then will write again tomorrow, because I haven't even gotten into today which was Nathan's kindergarten open house when he rode a school bus for the first time and met his teacher.
Until then, enjoy the pictures. And Coker family, I am snail mailing you copies of all this too for baby Nathan's scrapbook.
All our love
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Where did August go?
Hi! As I sit here, I can't believe how fast time has flown. This week we got enrollment forms for Hannah's preschool to fill out and Nathan's first day is a week from today.
I got an email from David Toelle about our 10 year class reunion. Wow, he has changed a lot. It is kind of funny. He has gotten a lot larger. Actually, when I went to his myspace account and saw his picture, I couldn't believe it was him. He is married and has a 3 year old son. He is the sports director at Kansas Weslyan in Salina. He won't be at the reunion but was asked to help find people.
It will be Sept. 23rd at 4pm at Hammond Park. I think the kids and I will go. I haven't seen people like Johna Forbeck, Sarah Burris, Michael Spade and others. It will be interesting to see who shows up and how much they have changed.
Anyways, lets see, our week last week. Friday after Chris got off work we went looking for laptops. He is starting back college at Liberty University online. His classes started Monday and he needed a laptop so he could hook up to wireless DSL to download videos for class. Our dial-up here wasn't going to cut it. We talked about getting rid of the desktop since it hates me anyways and maybe we can sell it to a student and pay for some of the laptop.
Anyways, he shopped around. On Saturday, he slept in while the kids and I played. We ran to the post office to mail a belated birthday package to the Bond girls. When we got back, we ate lunch and then went to the mall and the libraries. It rained all Friday and Saturday. It was nice. We really needed it. Sunday, we went to church. I helped in the 2's & 3's and we went to service. After that, we hit McDonalds for lunch and got groceries. A picnic to the park to burn off some stored energy finished off our night.
Monday the kids had their dentist appointment. Dr. Goodrick said Nathan's new teeth looked good. No cavities for either kids and they were looking forward to seeing them in 6 months.
We went home and spent most of the day outside. It was only 83. We all made a cardboard school for the strawberry shortcake friends since the kids have been excited about school. Blueberry muffin was the teacher and for recess, Nathan had us race hot wheels.
Chris got home around 4 and hung out with us before heading to our room to start his studying. He is taking Theology 202 and Humanities. Next quarter he is taking Biology and something else. He is really liking his Theology class.
Today, I woke up early and went walking at Mark youngdale. it as an awesome morning. God home and the kids were up. They have been working on memory verses. if you see them soon, ask them to recite Psalm 19:14 and Psalm 139:23. They have made a song combining the two and it is really sweet. They have also been praying their verses to God, thanking him for his work. It has been really awesome to see their faith grow. Nathan the other day prayed that God would put Satan in his home where there was a lot of fire and that God would protect himself from Satan. He also asked God to "repair" him for school. (prepare). Hannah has been asking that God help her to obey.
And one final thing. Today we got a call around 10 am that our friends Chris and Cindy Coker were in the hospital having their baby Nathan. He called tonight and Nathan Allen Coker was born at 8:21pm and weighed 7lbs 4oz and was 21 inches long. They all are doing well and will probably go home Thursday. We told them that maybe when we were in KC for Hannah's appointment at Mercy that we would stop by and see them.
Well, I think that is about it. Tomorrow we are going to try to do something fun all together and Thursday is a train storytime at the East Hills Library. Hannah's appointment is Monday, Nathan's open house is Tuesday and our month of August is gone.
I pray that all of you are trying to take time to enjoy the beauty of God and to thank him for it.
will write again, probably in another week, right??:-)
I got an email from David Toelle about our 10 year class reunion. Wow, he has changed a lot. It is kind of funny. He has gotten a lot larger. Actually, when I went to his myspace account and saw his picture, I couldn't believe it was him. He is married and has a 3 year old son. He is the sports director at Kansas Weslyan in Salina. He won't be at the reunion but was asked to help find people.
It will be Sept. 23rd at 4pm at Hammond Park. I think the kids and I will go. I haven't seen people like Johna Forbeck, Sarah Burris, Michael Spade and others. It will be interesting to see who shows up and how much they have changed.
Anyways, lets see, our week last week. Friday after Chris got off work we went looking for laptops. He is starting back college at Liberty University online. His classes started Monday and he needed a laptop so he could hook up to wireless DSL to download videos for class. Our dial-up here wasn't going to cut it. We talked about getting rid of the desktop since it hates me anyways and maybe we can sell it to a student and pay for some of the laptop.
Anyways, he shopped around. On Saturday, he slept in while the kids and I played. We ran to the post office to mail a belated birthday package to the Bond girls. When we got back, we ate lunch and then went to the mall and the libraries. It rained all Friday and Saturday. It was nice. We really needed it. Sunday, we went to church. I helped in the 2's & 3's and we went to service. After that, we hit McDonalds for lunch and got groceries. A picnic to the park to burn off some stored energy finished off our night.
Monday the kids had their dentist appointment. Dr. Goodrick said Nathan's new teeth looked good. No cavities for either kids and they were looking forward to seeing them in 6 months.
We went home and spent most of the day outside. It was only 83. We all made a cardboard school for the strawberry shortcake friends since the kids have been excited about school. Blueberry muffin was the teacher and for recess, Nathan had us race hot wheels.
Chris got home around 4 and hung out with us before heading to our room to start his studying. He is taking Theology 202 and Humanities. Next quarter he is taking Biology and something else. He is really liking his Theology class.
Today, I woke up early and went walking at Mark youngdale. it as an awesome morning. God home and the kids were up. They have been working on memory verses. if you see them soon, ask them to recite Psalm 19:14 and Psalm 139:23. They have made a song combining the two and it is really sweet. They have also been praying their verses to God, thanking him for his work. It has been really awesome to see their faith grow. Nathan the other day prayed that God would put Satan in his home where there was a lot of fire and that God would protect himself from Satan. He also asked God to "repair" him for school. (prepare). Hannah has been asking that God help her to obey.
And one final thing. Today we got a call around 10 am that our friends Chris and Cindy Coker were in the hospital having their baby Nathan. He called tonight and Nathan Allen Coker was born at 8:21pm and weighed 7lbs 4oz and was 21 inches long. They all are doing well and will probably go home Thursday. We told them that maybe when we were in KC for Hannah's appointment at Mercy that we would stop by and see them.
Well, I think that is about it. Tomorrow we are going to try to do something fun all together and Thursday is a train storytime at the East Hills Library. Hannah's appointment is Monday, Nathan's open house is Tuesday and our month of August is gone.
I pray that all of you are trying to take time to enjoy the beauty of God and to thank him for it.
will write again, probably in another week, right??:-)
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Wow, has it already been a week?
Hi! Wow, hard to believe it has been another week.
Well, lets see, Vacation Bible School didn't get much better. Hannah continued to dislike it. We tried putting her in a different group, to which they said she cried all night. The last night, she said she really wanted to try again, so we let her. When we picked her up, she was in a totally different group. Chris was furious. We talked to her and the leader of the newest group. Apparently she was manipulating people to get her way. So, we talked to her at home and set down that if she cried to just get her way again, she would get spanked and go to the naughty corner. She hates that. We told her that if she screamed for any reason other than an emergency or if someone was taking her, she would get a spanking and the naughty corner.
As for VBS, we told her she would not go up front with her friends.
We endured the program. Nathan continued to have an awesome time. However, after the whole human enchilada, he couldn't recall anything that was the theme or the stories. All he could remember was the one song they sung every night and that Sarah was really gross.
I am going to mention something to Sarah about it. I came upon my VBS certificate when I was home and saw that I had earned by attending and by memorizing the verse. And my grandma told me a story about that my grandfather never really attended church. His parents were so busy with the farm that he never went. But every summer they let him go to the local Vacation Bible School program. It was through that experience that he came to know Christ and was fed.
I want my children to have a similar story.
Anyways, after VBS, and after the human enchilada thing, Marcy (the McDonalds lady) came up. Her nieces were there and so we caught up and she introduced me to her new baby. Meanwhile, everyone abandons Sarah, who is covered in cheese, beans, and salsa and doesn't know what to do. She says she wishes there was a hose around, and that is when we remember we have a hose in our car that we are taking with to grandma's for the sprinkler. We pull it out and she gets to clean herself off. We laughted about how God provides in all things.
Anyways, we arrived in Ks after that around 10:30.
After visiting with everyone, we hit the beds. Saturday we woke up and headed to the farm to say hi. We played in the sand with Leah and aunt Karen. We saw John and visited with him a little too. Around lunch time, we headed home. The kids were dirty from the sand but had a blast. We got back and ate some lunch. The kids played in the bay window while Mom, Dad, and Karen did a dance party with the Barbie dolls that Hannah had brought with.
I got it on my digital. Dad thought Tim really needed to see it. That it would bring back memories and that he could laugh about what his parents were doing on a Saturday afternoon.
After the dance party ended, Karen decided she wanted to make some Oatmeal scotchies for the family dinner, so she and hannah baked some cookies. Then they all decided a water balloon would be a great way to end the day. With over 100 balloons, we all had a "blast". Supper would follow and then Karen got out her pictures from Nicaragua. It was amazing to see how God showed himself to her in the kids she met. And definately through the minister's wife. Her stories were my favorite part.
We headed to church the next morning and then to Grandma's for dinner.
Erin, and her husband, Tryon were there. Joy, John, Leah and Lorrie as well. Yachel was in Colorado doing a government fencing job. WE had taco burgers, potato salad, fresh fruit, deviled eggs, and apple cake. Karen showed everyone her pictures and then we all sat around visiting. It was then that Lorrie sat down and announced to us Thomas' that she and Yachel were expecting in February. She had a miscarriage with their first, so she waited to announce until they were pretty sure it was safe. She has been to the doctor and heard the heart beat. They are telling her the farther along she makes it, the better. However, Yachel is saying that he will probably be in Colorado until November. He is coming back this weekend for a wedding and Lorrie said she and a friend will go out Labor day weekend. If you could pray for her, I think that would be great. Being pregnant and without your spouse will be a hard one, and I know God will prove himself faithful for her.
We spent the night with grandma. She was excited to spend extra time with the kids and they have to come to love being at her house. Just as much as I do. We all sat together before going to bed reading the Bible and praying together. We woke up and ate breakfast and played Go fish, Memory, Dominos and another game I can't remember. Hannah got out the Mary Ann dolls I used to play with and we just hung out. The plan was to head home after lunch. We had leftovers from Sunday and Grandma got out her daily devotional. As we ate, we heard her read and it was a memory I will forever log in my mind. As we cleaned up and loaded the car, Hannah began to cry. She did'nt want to leave Great-grandma. They sat together and we stayed a little longer before getting in the car. It was hard, but we headed on to Topeka. We had planned on stopping by Mom's school on our way home. We got there and she gave us the official tour along with meeting some fellow workers. We stopped by Sonic on our way out of town for 1/2 price drinks and to chat a little more before heading home.
We got home in time for supper prepared by Dad. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Mac-n-cheese. To bed and slept in. Abram came over later and we watched him the rest of the afternoon. We all watched a movie last night before calling it good.
Today, Abbie, Jamison (her little brother), and Abram were over to play all morning. We spent the afternoon outside playing and then headed to TNT mortgage to talk to a lady about our chances of thinking about buying a house. We have some things to iron out in regards to the foreclosure on our record, but she thinks we can do it.
We came home to clean up after the day of play and then to bed. I am exhausted, but glad that we are enjoying our days.
I am hoping to continue to keep steady and to produce the fruit that God asks of me.
I am praying that all of you are well and that you seriously are looking to Him for your life.
Will write again when it isn't so late and I don't have so much to write. :-)
Till then!!!
Well, lets see, Vacation Bible School didn't get much better. Hannah continued to dislike it. We tried putting her in a different group, to which they said she cried all night. The last night, she said she really wanted to try again, so we let her. When we picked her up, she was in a totally different group. Chris was furious. We talked to her and the leader of the newest group. Apparently she was manipulating people to get her way. So, we talked to her at home and set down that if she cried to just get her way again, she would get spanked and go to the naughty corner. She hates that. We told her that if she screamed for any reason other than an emergency or if someone was taking her, she would get a spanking and the naughty corner.
As for VBS, we told her she would not go up front with her friends.
We endured the program. Nathan continued to have an awesome time. However, after the whole human enchilada, he couldn't recall anything that was the theme or the stories. All he could remember was the one song they sung every night and that Sarah was really gross.
I am going to mention something to Sarah about it. I came upon my VBS certificate when I was home and saw that I had earned by attending and by memorizing the verse. And my grandma told me a story about that my grandfather never really attended church. His parents were so busy with the farm that he never went. But every summer they let him go to the local Vacation Bible School program. It was through that experience that he came to know Christ and was fed.
I want my children to have a similar story.
Anyways, after VBS, and after the human enchilada thing, Marcy (the McDonalds lady) came up. Her nieces were there and so we caught up and she introduced me to her new baby. Meanwhile, everyone abandons Sarah, who is covered in cheese, beans, and salsa and doesn't know what to do. She says she wishes there was a hose around, and that is when we remember we have a hose in our car that we are taking with to grandma's for the sprinkler. We pull it out and she gets to clean herself off. We laughted about how God provides in all things.
Anyways, we arrived in Ks after that around 10:30.
After visiting with everyone, we hit the beds. Saturday we woke up and headed to the farm to say hi. We played in the sand with Leah and aunt Karen. We saw John and visited with him a little too. Around lunch time, we headed home. The kids were dirty from the sand but had a blast. We got back and ate some lunch. The kids played in the bay window while Mom, Dad, and Karen did a dance party with the Barbie dolls that Hannah had brought with.
I got it on my digital. Dad thought Tim really needed to see it. That it would bring back memories and that he could laugh about what his parents were doing on a Saturday afternoon.
After the dance party ended, Karen decided she wanted to make some Oatmeal scotchies for the family dinner, so she and hannah baked some cookies. Then they all decided a water balloon would be a great way to end the day. With over 100 balloons, we all had a "blast". Supper would follow and then Karen got out her pictures from Nicaragua. It was amazing to see how God showed himself to her in the kids she met. And definately through the minister's wife. Her stories were my favorite part.
We headed to church the next morning and then to Grandma's for dinner.
Erin, and her husband, Tryon were there. Joy, John, Leah and Lorrie as well. Yachel was in Colorado doing a government fencing job. WE had taco burgers, potato salad, fresh fruit, deviled eggs, and apple cake. Karen showed everyone her pictures and then we all sat around visiting. It was then that Lorrie sat down and announced to us Thomas' that she and Yachel were expecting in February. She had a miscarriage with their first, so she waited to announce until they were pretty sure it was safe. She has been to the doctor and heard the heart beat. They are telling her the farther along she makes it, the better. However, Yachel is saying that he will probably be in Colorado until November. He is coming back this weekend for a wedding and Lorrie said she and a friend will go out Labor day weekend. If you could pray for her, I think that would be great. Being pregnant and without your spouse will be a hard one, and I know God will prove himself faithful for her.
We spent the night with grandma. She was excited to spend extra time with the kids and they have to come to love being at her house. Just as much as I do. We all sat together before going to bed reading the Bible and praying together. We woke up and ate breakfast and played Go fish, Memory, Dominos and another game I can't remember. Hannah got out the Mary Ann dolls I used to play with and we just hung out. The plan was to head home after lunch. We had leftovers from Sunday and Grandma got out her daily devotional. As we ate, we heard her read and it was a memory I will forever log in my mind. As we cleaned up and loaded the car, Hannah began to cry. She did'nt want to leave Great-grandma. They sat together and we stayed a little longer before getting in the car. It was hard, but we headed on to Topeka. We had planned on stopping by Mom's school on our way home. We got there and she gave us the official tour along with meeting some fellow workers. We stopped by Sonic on our way out of town for 1/2 price drinks and to chat a little more before heading home.
We got home in time for supper prepared by Dad. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Mac-n-cheese. To bed and slept in. Abram came over later and we watched him the rest of the afternoon. We all watched a movie last night before calling it good.
Today, Abbie, Jamison (her little brother), and Abram were over to play all morning. We spent the afternoon outside playing and then headed to TNT mortgage to talk to a lady about our chances of thinking about buying a house. We have some things to iron out in regards to the foreclosure on our record, but she thinks we can do it.
We came home to clean up after the day of play and then to bed. I am exhausted, but glad that we are enjoying our days.
I am hoping to continue to keep steady and to produce the fruit that God asks of me.
I am praying that all of you are well and that you seriously are looking to Him for your life.
Will write again when it isn't so late and I don't have so much to write. :-)
Till then!!!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Vacation Bible School
I write this tonight because it is the second night of vacation bible school, and I am so disappointed. Last year, I was excited to be a part. This year, I didn't sign up to be a volunteer, first of all because not knowing what job I might be involved in for the fall, I didn't want to commit to something I wouldn't be able to do.
We arrived last night, to find out that I had been pre-signed up for group H. Ok, well, that was fine because I don't have a job that interfers, however, the only person in my group was Hannah. The kids in front of me didn't have a teacher, so I offered to be there. Instead, a girl named Leah, who had no specific job except to help with the songs, said she would do their group. Well, needless to say, Hannah, as opposed to last year, hated it. She cried almost the entire night because she had no friends. And she wasn't just making it up. The two girls in front of us paired up and got into trouble the whole night. And Nathan and a boy named Kegan paired up. That was it. She watched as the other groups around had several of her little friends in it. There were supposed to be 4-5 per small group, with 20 in a main group.
So, tonight, when we arrived, I spoke with a lady about the situation. I told her that 1, I had not offered to be a volunteer, so I thought it was interesting that I got signed up. What would have happened if I couldn't be there and I was suppose to lead a group unknowingly. I would have looked like a skip out, but it wouldn't have been my fault. 2nd, my daughter was the only one in my group, and she had a miserable time. I wondered if she could be put with some other kids her age, to which they said they would work on it.. She had a horrible time again tonight, crying most of it.
I am half tempted not to go back the rest of the week, except Nathan is having such a good time. I talked to my friend Lisa who had a daughter Mary Rose who has come over a couple of times. I said that maybe if Mary Rose took Hannah to her group as a "friend", not only would Mary Rose get special points for bringing a friend, but maybe Hannah would have a bettter time. I guess I am kind of upset that first, they signed me up unknowingly and second, that they left my daughter alone in a group. It is kind of an insult.
Anyways, I hope everyone elses week has been better.
Monday started off so good too. We had a GREAT day with Abram and everyone was looking forward to VBS.
I guess since I grew up with Summer Bible School being something fun but also you actually opened up your Bible and in the end, you got the reward of learning something, not seeing someone else be completely humilated in front of people. I guess that isn't my way of showing others who don't regularly attend church who Christ is. It is more like those wierd Nickalodian shows you see.
I am hoping that going with Mary Rose, Hannah will have a better time. She loved it last year. And I have no idea what I will do. My only group kid is my daughter and to me, the whole point of VBS is 1. to have a good time, 2. to learn about Jesus, 3. to build friendships.
They are with me all day long. I want them to reach out and build new friendships, not cry all night long because they are being left out.
Ok,enough of my rambling. I need to get to bed. Hannah has her doctor's appointment in the morning. Another urine sample and more visiting about our prep for Children's Mercy.
Will write again before we head to Kansas on Friday/Saturday. Until then, I hope you are all well.
We arrived last night, to find out that I had been pre-signed up for group H. Ok, well, that was fine because I don't have a job that interfers, however, the only person in my group was Hannah. The kids in front of me didn't have a teacher, so I offered to be there. Instead, a girl named Leah, who had no specific job except to help with the songs, said she would do their group. Well, needless to say, Hannah, as opposed to last year, hated it. She cried almost the entire night because she had no friends. And she wasn't just making it up. The two girls in front of us paired up and got into trouble the whole night. And Nathan and a boy named Kegan paired up. That was it. She watched as the other groups around had several of her little friends in it. There were supposed to be 4-5 per small group, with 20 in a main group.
So, tonight, when we arrived, I spoke with a lady about the situation. I told her that 1, I had not offered to be a volunteer, so I thought it was interesting that I got signed up. What would have happened if I couldn't be there and I was suppose to lead a group unknowingly. I would have looked like a skip out, but it wouldn't have been my fault. 2nd, my daughter was the only one in my group, and she had a miserable time. I wondered if she could be put with some other kids her age, to which they said they would work on it.. She had a horrible time again tonight, crying most of it.
I am half tempted not to go back the rest of the week, except Nathan is having such a good time. I talked to my friend Lisa who had a daughter Mary Rose who has come over a couple of times. I said that maybe if Mary Rose took Hannah to her group as a "friend", not only would Mary Rose get special points for bringing a friend, but maybe Hannah would have a bettter time. I guess I am kind of upset that first, they signed me up unknowingly and second, that they left my daughter alone in a group. It is kind of an insult.
Anyways, I hope everyone elses week has been better.
Monday started off so good too. We had a GREAT day with Abram and everyone was looking forward to VBS.
I guess since I grew up with Summer Bible School being something fun but also you actually opened up your Bible and in the end, you got the reward of learning something, not seeing someone else be completely humilated in front of people. I guess that isn't my way of showing others who don't regularly attend church who Christ is. It is more like those wierd Nickalodian shows you see.
I am hoping that going with Mary Rose, Hannah will have a better time. She loved it last year. And I have no idea what I will do. My only group kid is my daughter and to me, the whole point of VBS is 1. to have a good time, 2. to learn about Jesus, 3. to build friendships.
They are with me all day long. I want them to reach out and build new friendships, not cry all night long because they are being left out.
Ok,enough of my rambling. I need to get to bed. Hannah has her doctor's appointment in the morning. Another urine sample and more visiting about our prep for Children's Mercy.
Will write again before we head to Kansas on Friday/Saturday. Until then, I hope you are all well.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Can't believe its been another week!
Wow! It has been another week. I am trying to remember what even happened. Isn't that sad!
Monday, the kids and I went to the library to find some Elmo books for Abram. Amy didn't need me to watch him Monday or Tuesday because her mom had off and he was spending the day with Grandma and sleeping over.
I honestly don't really remember Tuesday or Wednesday. I know it was hot and it was supposed to storm Wednesday. It didn't even rain, though it did cool down for Thursday.
I guess I was in a sleep walking phase, bless the kids hearts that I don't remember the week.
Thursday we had Abram over. We went to the park since it was cooler. We took a picnic. It was really fun. When it was Abram's naptime, we headed home. While he rested, the kids and I made cards for Baby Javan and Baby Nathan. We had a good time doing that. Cutting out stuff and glueing. When Abram woke, we went outside and spent the rest of the evening there. Friday Chris had off, so he took the kids out for breakfast at McDonalds and they got to also play in the play area with him. Then they went to Target. They let me sleep in. They came back around 11 and we grabbed our grocery list and hit Aldi's before running those groceries home and hitting Cici's for lunch. We then hit Rays, and Walmart for the rest. We were home in time for supper and decided to watch a movie. It was a nice day.
Saturday, the kids and I went to East Hills library, because they had a Disney princess movie on hold for Hannah. When we got there, the animal shelter was there having a animal story time and were trying to get people to adopt their puppies. You can only imagine Nathan. A little black lab was really excited to see him. It broke our heart. Chris and I said it was time to see if we could get into a house. We are going to talk with our landlord tomorrow about if she has any for sale that maybe we could rent to own.
That brings us to today.
I write with more seriousness because it is. We were headed to the Coker baby shower after church. Chris didn't have to work until 11, so we hit the 8. It started with a video clip that Paul showed for communion thought about coming home for supper. About how in the older days, kids had to wash up before coming to supper and when they were ready to leave the table, they asked to be excused. That it was kind of the same during communion. We come to be washed up and when we are finished communing, we ask God to be excused. His answer is always yes.
Well, then Rodney proceeded into his sermon series about the basics of faith.
Now I pause here because lately I have been struggling with my self idenity; partially because of the upcoming change in our lives with the kids going to school and partially because of a hard visit to my past. Anyways, it dawned on me during the service that this year is my 20th spiritual birthday. Rodney gave an example about how it is normal for a baby to not be able to walk, talk, or feed itself and that it makes messes in its pants. Same goes for a baby christian. (minus the messy pants) Instead, they still make messes in their lives. But as we grow, we mature. A mature 5 year old can walk, talk, feed himself, and no longer makes messes in its pants. If a 5 year old still acts like a baby, then there is a serious problem.
That got me to thinking. He was asking us where we were in our christian walk and our maturity. I had to admit that I wasn't acting like a 20 year old in the faith. That I had a serious problem. I was closer to a 1st grader or something. In some ways, maybe even a preschooler.
As I was thinking, the closing song was "I surrender all". I knew I couldn't sing that and mean it unless I went forward.
During the second verse, I squeezed Chris' hand and said, " I have to go." and headed to Rodney. He said, "what is going on?" By this time, I was crying so hard, I could barely talk. I said, " I turned 20 this year and I am not 20. I am so tired of pretending." It was all I had to say. He knew my heart. He is so awesome at that. He said, "Maybe the reason for this sermon was so that you would realize that He still wants you." After he spoke to the church, so many people from the church came forward and told me that they had been there. That they loved me and that God would prove to be faithful to me. It was so awesome.
Rodney asked the church to hold me accountable for taking the next steps. I plan on starting tomorrow. I have to spend time with God every morning, asking Him to help me grow.
I don't want to be where I am.
My sister Heidi wrote me too, and said that she could see the growing time coming. I am just so overwhelmed at how blessed I am. I was so blinded in my self absorption, that I couldn't see what was around me.
It is hard for me to admit failure and to do it in front of 250 people is even more so. I thought I was going to fall over, I was shaking so badly, but God is faithful. I needed to remember that He is and that there are some amazing people in the body.
Anyways, so pray that I can continue to turn daily towards God and that He will get me through this. I knew it was coming. I just didn't realize how much and how far I had gone. I had done such a good job of covering that I even bought it myself.
After church, we went home and packed Chris' lunch before heading to Kansas City for the shower. We got to Chris and Cindy's and headed to Pizza Hut for lunch. After some visiting, we headed back to their house for a little while; long enough for them to change and sit for a couple minutes. Then off to the shower. It was 102, and so it was nice to be inside, but still hot. a lot of people were there to celebrate with them. I would guess at least 30. And they got some really nice stuff. They have everything they need, except a carseat and they got a lot of gift cards, so I have a feeling they are covered there. Baby Nathan is due August 21st, so only a couple more weeks.
We loaded down Chris' car and the kids and I took Cindy back to their house. We unloaded the stuff and sat down to drink some koolaid. After a little while, they had to head off to youth group stuff, and so we headed home. Ran by Long Johns for supper and then home. Abram came over to bring stuff over for tomorrow. He is sharing pizza rolls for lunch tomorrow. Nathan read him a book and then everyone headed to bed.
I hope this finds everyone doing well. I am sorry it was so long. Hopefully now that my heart is right, maybe my head will follow. (Ha, ha...)
Oh, by the way, I do remember that Tuesday I visited with my sister, Karen. She went to Nicaragua on a mission trip. She told me a couple of stories. I am anxious to hear about how God worked with her. We checked out the website to see pictures. I am amazed at how God works. You can check out her trip at the following website: radiomissiontrip.com
She made some strong connections that will last forever. I am excited to see her this weekend.
Well, I need to stop and head to bed.
I love you all and am so thankful for those of you who keep up with us on here.
Will write again and not so long from now.
Monday, the kids and I went to the library to find some Elmo books for Abram. Amy didn't need me to watch him Monday or Tuesday because her mom had off and he was spending the day with Grandma and sleeping over.
I honestly don't really remember Tuesday or Wednesday. I know it was hot and it was supposed to storm Wednesday. It didn't even rain, though it did cool down for Thursday.
I guess I was in a sleep walking phase, bless the kids hearts that I don't remember the week.
Thursday we had Abram over. We went to the park since it was cooler. We took a picnic. It was really fun. When it was Abram's naptime, we headed home. While he rested, the kids and I made cards for Baby Javan and Baby Nathan. We had a good time doing that. Cutting out stuff and glueing. When Abram woke, we went outside and spent the rest of the evening there. Friday Chris had off, so he took the kids out for breakfast at McDonalds and they got to also play in the play area with him. Then they went to Target. They let me sleep in. They came back around 11 and we grabbed our grocery list and hit Aldi's before running those groceries home and hitting Cici's for lunch. We then hit Rays, and Walmart for the rest. We were home in time for supper and decided to watch a movie. It was a nice day.
Saturday, the kids and I went to East Hills library, because they had a Disney princess movie on hold for Hannah. When we got there, the animal shelter was there having a animal story time and were trying to get people to adopt their puppies. You can only imagine Nathan. A little black lab was really excited to see him. It broke our heart. Chris and I said it was time to see if we could get into a house. We are going to talk with our landlord tomorrow about if she has any for sale that maybe we could rent to own.
That brings us to today.
I write with more seriousness because it is. We were headed to the Coker baby shower after church. Chris didn't have to work until 11, so we hit the 8. It started with a video clip that Paul showed for communion thought about coming home for supper. About how in the older days, kids had to wash up before coming to supper and when they were ready to leave the table, they asked to be excused. That it was kind of the same during communion. We come to be washed up and when we are finished communing, we ask God to be excused. His answer is always yes.
Well, then Rodney proceeded into his sermon series about the basics of faith.
Now I pause here because lately I have been struggling with my self idenity; partially because of the upcoming change in our lives with the kids going to school and partially because of a hard visit to my past. Anyways, it dawned on me during the service that this year is my 20th spiritual birthday. Rodney gave an example about how it is normal for a baby to not be able to walk, talk, or feed itself and that it makes messes in its pants. Same goes for a baby christian. (minus the messy pants) Instead, they still make messes in their lives. But as we grow, we mature. A mature 5 year old can walk, talk, feed himself, and no longer makes messes in its pants. If a 5 year old still acts like a baby, then there is a serious problem.
That got me to thinking. He was asking us where we were in our christian walk and our maturity. I had to admit that I wasn't acting like a 20 year old in the faith. That I had a serious problem. I was closer to a 1st grader or something. In some ways, maybe even a preschooler.
As I was thinking, the closing song was "I surrender all". I knew I couldn't sing that and mean it unless I went forward.
During the second verse, I squeezed Chris' hand and said, " I have to go." and headed to Rodney. He said, "what is going on?" By this time, I was crying so hard, I could barely talk. I said, " I turned 20 this year and I am not 20. I am so tired of pretending." It was all I had to say. He knew my heart. He is so awesome at that. He said, "Maybe the reason for this sermon was so that you would realize that He still wants you." After he spoke to the church, so many people from the church came forward and told me that they had been there. That they loved me and that God would prove to be faithful to me. It was so awesome.
Rodney asked the church to hold me accountable for taking the next steps. I plan on starting tomorrow. I have to spend time with God every morning, asking Him to help me grow.
I don't want to be where I am.
My sister Heidi wrote me too, and said that she could see the growing time coming. I am just so overwhelmed at how blessed I am. I was so blinded in my self absorption, that I couldn't see what was around me.
It is hard for me to admit failure and to do it in front of 250 people is even more so. I thought I was going to fall over, I was shaking so badly, but God is faithful. I needed to remember that He is and that there are some amazing people in the body.
Anyways, so pray that I can continue to turn daily towards God and that He will get me through this. I knew it was coming. I just didn't realize how much and how far I had gone. I had done such a good job of covering that I even bought it myself.
After church, we went home and packed Chris' lunch before heading to Kansas City for the shower. We got to Chris and Cindy's and headed to Pizza Hut for lunch. After some visiting, we headed back to their house for a little while; long enough for them to change and sit for a couple minutes. Then off to the shower. It was 102, and so it was nice to be inside, but still hot. a lot of people were there to celebrate with them. I would guess at least 30. And they got some really nice stuff. They have everything they need, except a carseat and they got a lot of gift cards, so I have a feeling they are covered there. Baby Nathan is due August 21st, so only a couple more weeks.
We loaded down Chris' car and the kids and I took Cindy back to their house. We unloaded the stuff and sat down to drink some koolaid. After a little while, they had to head off to youth group stuff, and so we headed home. Ran by Long Johns for supper and then home. Abram came over to bring stuff over for tomorrow. He is sharing pizza rolls for lunch tomorrow. Nathan read him a book and then everyone headed to bed.
I hope this finds everyone doing well. I am sorry it was so long. Hopefully now that my heart is right, maybe my head will follow. (Ha, ha...)
Oh, by the way, I do remember that Tuesday I visited with my sister, Karen. She went to Nicaragua on a mission trip. She told me a couple of stories. I am anxious to hear about how God worked with her. We checked out the website to see pictures. I am amazed at how God works. You can check out her trip at the following website: radiomissiontrip.com
She made some strong connections that will last forever. I am excited to see her this weekend.
Well, I need to stop and head to bed.
I love you all and am so thankful for those of you who keep up with us on here.
Will write again and not so long from now.
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