Favorite Christmas Ornaments

As I gaze at my Christmas tree for one of the last times in this Christmas seasons, I am looking at so many ornaments that spark a memory of a different time, special occasions and my childhood. I can go on and on about each one because each ornament has a special story. I will try to limit it to my top ten in keeping with my recent December posts!

10. A glass ornament with a picture of my two sisters with me as small children decorating Christmas cookies. My little sister Laura was in a walker under the kitchen table. A few years ago I made this ornament, along with identical ones for my sisters and my mom.
9. The sweet white ceramic angel - My mom used to babysit children when we were small so she could stay home with us. One of those families gave her three small white ceramic angel ornaments one year for Christmas for each of us. It has hung on my tree since I was five.
8. Red ceramic stocking with a little mouse inside - My girl scout troop leader, Jan Fritsch, did ceramics and made this ornament and painted it for each girl in our troop when I was in 1st grade. It has hung on my tree since then. I remember those meetings and our camp-outs at her house and all the fun we had together!
7. Recordable ball ornaments - I have one of these of each of the boys. Blake and Andy are giggling on theirs and Noah says "Merry Christmas, Mommy and Daddy" on his. What sweet momentos of precious little voices. I pray they stay intact so I can continue to hear the voice of their youth long after they are grown.
6. Mitford Snowmen ornaments - I got these at a time when I was engrossed in the Mitford series of books by Jan Karon. Sherrill (a dear friend) and I even went to Joseph Beth early one morning to get the newest book and eagerly devoured it later that day. That series of books is reminiscent of a sweeter time in a small town and I love the main character, Father Tim.
5. Longaberger ornaments - For four years I was a youth minister at a church here in Frankfort. I began collecting Longaberger baskets because a lady there sold them (Milly) and I loved them. I haven't bought one in ages (much to my husband's delight!) but every year for Christmas, I received 2 or 3 of their silver/pewter ornaments from various ladies and families in that church. Every time I unwrap them to put on my tree, I am instantly reminded of the students and families I loved while working there.
4. Ceramic Soccer Ball - My Mammaw had this ornament made for me the Christmas of my Senior year in high school. I played soccer for the Girls' Varsity team at our high school that year and I LOVED playing! I can't help but think of all the fun we had together that year and the friends I shared that season with back home.
3. Moose in love - Greg and I went on our honeymoon to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. While there, we bought a "1st Christmas together" ornament of two moose with their necks wrapped around one another. It is really cute and reminds me of the great time we had there and the BEAUTIFUL scenery. Jackson Hole is truly breathtaking!
2. 1976 Baby ornament - the ornament from my first Christmas. It is starting to look a little tattered, but it is still precious! I love that my mom allowed me to have some of my ornaments when I moved out on my own after college.
1. All the sweet ornaments my boys have made over the years. I have crosses, painted wooden and ceramic ornaments, yarn, foam and more. Some look pretty good and others, well, they are still precious! I know as the years go by I will treasure them even more!

One thing I started when Blake was a baby was a special box for each of the boys with the ornaments they receive and make each year. They LOVE getting their box out each year and hearing stories behind the ornaments. They put their ornaments on the tree in our family room and other than a few really fragile ones, I let them put them all on the way they want to on their tree. This year Blake got a glass robot ornament (he loves robots), Noah a Batman (what he was for Halloween), and Andy got a Mickey Mouse driving a train (both are his obsessions currently).

It makes me a little sad each year at the thought of putting it all up and knowing that when I see it again my boys will be another year older. The room looks so empty when the tree is gone and I miss the little white lights as they add a ethereal glow to the room. But tomorrow, the must all come down :(

As with old friends, I will look forward to seeing them again, soon.

Top Ten Christmas Movies

OK - I said I would continue this series, so here is a list of my Top Ten Christmas movies in no particular order.

10. The Family Man
9. White Christmas
8. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
7. Charlie Brown's Christmas
6. Miracle on 34th Street (Natalie Wood version)
5. Meet Me in St. Louis
4. Santa Claus: The Movie
3. Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer/Santa Claus is Coming to Town/Frosty the Snowman

I realize some of my favorites are cartoons, but those are the ones I watched as a child and now continue to watch with my kids. There is nothing so grand as snuggling up with a blanket and the ones you love to watch a Christmas movie.

What are your favorite Christmas movies?

Top Ten Christmas Songs

In the spirit of Christmas, I want to do a Top Ten series. I'd like to feature songs, movies, traditions, ornaments and memories. We'll see how diligent I am about posting all of this in the midst of the season! These songs are in no particular order because I have TOO many I love!

Top Ten Christmas Songs:

10: Silent Night
9: Merry Christmas Darling (by the Carpenters -if you know me, you know my obsession)
8: Away in a Manger
7: Joy to the World
6: All is Well
5: Mary Did You Know?
4: All is Well
3: Home for the Holidays
2: Hark the Herald Angels Sing
1: O Holy Night (I particularly like Martina McBride's rendition)

I LOVE listening to Christmas music and have to purposely hold myself back from getting it out until November 1. If I must confess, I usually still have a Christmas cd in the car year round! Some of my favorites to listen to are: the Carpenters Christmas albums, Point of Grace, the Katinas, Avalon, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, James Taylor, and Stephen Curtis Chapman.

What is your favorite Christmas song? Are there songs that instantly transport you to a specific memory? Share them here!

The Healing Waters of Baptism

I cannot believe it has taken me an entire week to write about this, but Blake was baptized last Sunday at our church.

Back in the spring, we were on our way to the visitation for a dear man at our church who had passed away. We had been praying for him as he battled cancer for over a year. The boys were full of questions at dinner that night. Noah asked if that man was in heaven with Jesus and I said I thought he was. We talked about what a good man he had been and how he had served Jesus and others.

Blake looked up at me and said, "I know I am going to heaven when I die, too."

I said, "How do you know that?"

He replied, "Because I believe in Jesus. I know he is God's son and that he died for me on the cross."

We proceeded to talk about what that meant and what it means to ask Jesus to be your Savior. He assured me that he believed and that he wanted to be baptized.

Greg and I decided to wait and see if he really understood and if he pursued us about being baptized. Over the next few months, he continued to ask periodically about being baptized and what it meant to be saved.

I knew our church was getting ready to have a baptism service this past Sunday and we were talking about getting baptized. Carter was here with us and he piped up that he was getting baptized on Sunday. Blake turned to me and had this awful look on his face and said, "Mommy, why won't you let ME get baptized?". I said we'd talk to Daddy about it that night.

I did and we signed Blake up at church. Blake told me he wanted one of us to baptize him. At our church, they allow parents and other special people to baptize. I was able to speak about Blake and his decision and then baptize him this past Sunday. It was a very humbling experience. I am very proud of him!

We talked for a long time later about how we have to choose every day to follow Jesus. It is not just one day and "poof" every thing is perfect. Giving your life and surrendering your will to Christ is a journey that we are on for the remainder of our lives here on Earth.

It is my prayer that God will continue to work in him and through him. I pray that he will be obedient to God's commandments and that he will have a passion for knowing and living out God's word.

Christmas Traditions

As we begin the Christmas season with gusto, I thought I would share some traditions we have around our home throughout the season.

When Blake was a baby, I read something about opening a different Christmas book each night leading up to Christmas Eve. The first year, I had to borrow a few books from Greg's mom (she was a Kindergarten teacher for 27 years) and each year I have purchased a few more. The boys take turns opening a book each night and then we read it. We have Thomas, Biscuit, ISPY, The Night Before Christmas, Rudolph and some of the other favorites as well as The Crippled Lamb, No Room in the Inn, and many other books about the night of Jesus' birth. Each year we wrap all the books from the year before and I usually add two or three new books. The boys LOVE this and look forward to this each year. One of my reasons for doing it is it forces us to sit down together and enjoy a few moments as a family in the midst of a hectic season.


Another tradition with our boys is the advent tree wall hanging. The boys place an ornament on the tree each day leading up to Christmas. The 24th we place the star on the tree! Greg's mom made this advent tree for Greg when he was small and he did this every year. It hangs on the boys' bedroom door each year!



We always let the boys help decorate our tree, especially the one in the family room. They have boxes of their own ornaments and they get to help place them on the trees. It is fun to see them open the ornaments and this year in particular, Andy was precious, "Ooohing" and "Ahhhing" as we unwrapped each ornament.

Another tradition we have is to get together with Greg's parents and make MANY Christmas goodies: magic cookie bars, sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, peanut butter and chocolate fudge, Russian Wedding cookies, butter cookies, and more. The boys look forward to this time and all the sweets we get to bring home. One of my favorite things to make is the peppermint bark. Greg's mom has ordered the special candies and white chocolate from Michigan before just so we could make it together. In the past, we have made it with his Aunt Pam.

We also get together each year with several of our friends from church for a cookie/Christmas craft night at Brad & Missy's house. This will be the 5th year we have done this and the boys always look forward to going and getting to spend time with their friends. We usually decorate cookies, have breakfast food for dinner and make a few cute crafts!

We usually try to make it up to Cincinnati and see the train display downtown, drive around to see Christmas lights, watch Charlie Brown's Christmas, the Rudolph and Frosty cartoons and other various Christmas shows. This really is such a special time of year and the lights of Christmas make everything seem so beautiful!

Our newest tradition this year is "Elf on the Shelf". Greg's mom bought the Elf and the book at Thanksgiving and gave to the boys. They are having fun trying to find the Elf they named Jack each day. Tonight they could not find him....so we left him there and we'll try again to find him tomorrow!

What are your traditions with your family?

Christmas card 2010

Top Ten Moments Christmas Card

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More Noah-isms

Noah is my resident comedian.

The other day he looked at me and said, "Mommy, we want to watch Mythbusters."
Then he looked at me again and got this puzzled look on his face.
He said, "Mommy, do you know what Mythbusters is all about? It is two guy busting myths."
I thanked him and chuckled inwardly. Then I said it was time for bed.
A few moments later he looked at me again and said, "Mommy, I want to watch Dirty Jobs. Do you know what that is, Mommy? It is guys doing really dirty jobs."
So thankful I have him around to be my informant! The precious part is that he had such an intent look on his face as if he REALLY did not think I knew what either of these shows were.

Two Sundays ago we had the Joash offering at our church. Each year, right before Thanksgiving, our church has an offering to help pay for the needs of our church, the building, expanding ministries, etc. We give generously to ministries and missional endeavors each week and throughout the year. But this Sunday is about giving a little extra in honor of how God has blessed us so richly. The bigger kids come into service with us. Noah and Blake were sitting with me and were behaving themselves! Noah stood up beside me during part of the worship. He heard Drew, our worship leader, say something and craned his neck to see him. Then he said, "Mommy! That is that guy that married Cack, you know, Drew? I was in his wedding."
Hilarious! I reminded him that I was there at the wedding :)

A few weeks ago, we were discussing salvation, Jesus dying on the cross and the Christmas story. He looked up at me with the most angelic face and said, "Mommy, I BELIEVE! I believe in Jesus. I know he is God's Son. I know he loves me and he died on the cross for me. I know I love him." It doesn't get more simple or precious than that, does it? What a blessing to me! Praise God for his faith!

With Gratitude

I am extremely blessed. Even in difficult times, I serve a RISEN Savior who comforts me, gives me peace, allots patience and restores my soul. In all things, my cup is HALF FULL....never half empty! Here are a few more things I am grateful for:

* my husband
* my three energetic, curious and lovable boys
* my two sisters - life has thrown us a few curve balls along the way, but our bond is stronger because of the faith we hold tightly too and we always have fun together!
* my church family at HOPE
* my extended family
* my in-laws who treat me like the daughter they never had
* my amazing friends
* the freedom to worship, to teach a bible study group, to participate in ministry
* my "jobs" at school and the chance to guide and counsel young lives
* my Kitchen Aid mixer, Pampered Chef can opener, vegetable steamer, apple corer/slicer and all of the other tools which make it IMMENSELY easier for me to cook and prepare meals than it was for my grandmothers
* my van that takes me wherever I need to go
* Facebook/Twitter and blog world which allow me to connect to friends near and far
* Free Speech
* being a citizen of the grand ol' USA
* MUSIC - what a way to express my feelings....a song can always say what I cannot express in words adequately
* creativity - scrapbooking, photography, sewing, crafts and more
* peppermint mocha coffee from Starbucks
* McDonald's coke
* MT DEW!!!!!
* warm comfy socks
* Sigma Kappa & Georgetown College - I cannot fathom what my life would look like now without all of those cherished experiences and the lifelong friendships I made through both of those institutions
* mentors - the Spiveys, Freida, Mrs. Arnold (now Cornett), Mrs. Ritchie (now Edwards), LO, the Elams, Mrs. Dietemeyer, Dr. Bisese, Dr. McKenzie, Sarah S., Kristen D., and so many others who took time to really impact my life and care
* Christmas lights
* Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade
* time spent with family and friends
* Greg's vacation days from work
* the joy of reading a really good book

My list can continue on all night long. I am reminded of a few songs:
"Count your many blessings name them one by one.
Count your many blessings, see what God has done"

"We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing
We chasten and hasten his will to make known..."

But one that is really a favorite for me - Blessed by Rachel Lampa -

I may never climb a mountain so I can see the world from there
I may never ride the waves and taste the salty ocean air
Or build a bridge, that would last a hundred years
But no matter where the road leads
One thing is always clear

I am blessed, I am blessed
From when I rise up in the morning
Til I lay my head to rest
I feel You near me
You sooth me when I'm weary
Oh Lord, for all the worst and all the best
I am blessed

All along the road less traveled, I have crawled and I have run
I have wandered through the wind and rain until I found the sun
The watching eyes asked me why, I walked this narrow way
I will gladly give the reason
For the hope I have today

You've given me joy
You've given me love
You give me strength when I want to give up
You came from Heaven to rescue my soul
This is the reason I know
I know

I am blessed

Be a blessing to someone else today :)

CB

Little Conversations

One of the absolute most wonderful things about having and working with little children is the conversations I have. Let me share some examples:

The other day I was with Cora, my niece. She had on an outfit that Jenny, her mom, had made for her. We were talking about things God has made and how he made us (this was in children' ministry at church and I was teaching). Cora looked up at me and had a glowing smile on her face.
She said, "BETHIE! My mommy makes me beautiful things."
I said, "Like what, Cora?"
"OH, this dress and my bow and my pants and all the other beautiful things."
Now Jen should know that all of her time spent sewing is worth it!

My two year old never stops talking if he is awake. One of my favorite things he says right now is, "where is 'em?". I cannot even do it justice here. You really need to hear him say it.
He also likes to give directions when we are driving:
A: "Mommy, why are we going this way?"
Me: "Because this is the way to where we are going, Andy"
A: "We need to go that way"
Me: "No, honey, the _____ is this way."
This sometimes continues for the entire ride to school, church, grocery, etc.

The last Sunday I was teaching at church with 3-5 year olds, one of the little girls was holding a baby doll. She looked up at me and said out of nowhere, "My mommy is going to have a baby brother for me". She looked so sweet and so SERIOUS. Later at dismissal, I told her mom this story. She laughed and said that was news to her. I told her to be careful. My nephew Carter knew I was pregnant with Andy before I did! He told his mom "Bethie is going to have a baby". We laughed then, too and then we found out :)

Children can be little stinkers when they want to be, but they are such precious people. They are still so innocent and believe us so eagerly. What a tremendous opportunity we have been given as parents, grandparents, teachers and mentors to mold and shape these little hearts and minds. It is a blessing and a tremendous burden to do it right! I pray that we (I) do our best to live a life of Godliness before them so they will see that and turn to our Father in heaven.

Someone shared a quote on Facebook last week by Robert Fulghum. I'd like to share it with you. "Don't worry that your children rarely listen to you. Worry that they are always watching you."

Ask yourself - what do they see? Is it what you want them to see? I pray it is. I know I have to do better and need to remind myself of this on a daily basis.

2010 Christmas Card from Shutterfly

So I have been thinking about what to do for our Christmas card for a while now. The boys NEVER enjoy taking pictures. They rarely sit still together and all smile AT THE CAMERA. It seems like the past couple of years we have simply gone with the more "realistic" picture of what it is actually like to be a family of five with three little boys. I purchased Christmas pajamas about a month ago for all three boys and decided we would use those for our annual Christmas card photo. Then I started thinking about our cards from years past and realized that unconsciously, we have alternated Christmas pajamas and dressier outfits every other year in our pictures. Until now, I had never thought about that or purposely continued the trend.

I saw this offer from Shutterfly (which I use often and REALLY like their product)where I could earn 50 free Holiday cards if I wrote a blog post about their product. I began to browse through their cards online and I kept coming back to one card. It is called the Top Ten Moments Card. The bright colors caught my eye first. I love that it has three pictures on it so I can include a picture of each of the boys without the stress of getting "THE" perfect picture of them together. Another plus is the list of top ten moments which can give a snapshot of our past year to friends and family we may not see or talk to as often I am very excited to see how these cards will look once we add our photos and our memories.

I also want to involve the boys in making the top ten list. I think it will be very interesting and entertaining to hear what they remember as their top ten moments in the past year!

Thanks to Shutterfly for this offer and for making my Christmas list a little more affordable :)

Giveaway to check out

This great blog post about Family Meal Time by a friend of mine, Cyndi Spivey, also includes a fabulous giveaway for meal ideas/recipes/grocery list and more from Faithful Dinners. Check out her post and giveaway here

Sharing meals together as a family is such an important practice. I encourage you to try doing this at least four times per week if you can. We make a real effort in our home to eat together as a family. That is when we all talk about our day, review spelling words, practice memory verses for school, tell stories and laugh.

Enjoy!

What is Grace Based Parenting?

I get to lead a bible study for other moms at our church called Mommy Time. I think this is the fourth year we have been meeting. Some moms have drifted in and out of the study as their work and family situations have changed. We try to meet 6 times a semester on Friday mornings. Our church graciously coordinates child care for our little ones that are still at home. We take turns bringing breakfast items and there is always coffee!

Some of the studies we have done have been Esther by Beth Moore, Praying the Scriptures for Your Children, a couple of Jen Hatmaker books and various topical studies. This semester, we are reading through the book, Grace Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmell. We have currently read through the first two chapters. We are going to be discussing the third chapter this Friday. In the first two chapters we basically explored what he classifies as the different styles of parenting and how grace-based parenting is different from those. He gives the biblical basis for grace-based parenting and examples of what it looks like to not extend any or very little grace as well as extending too much "grace" or corrupting grace.

Overall I would say the basic idea I have understood so far is that we are all extended grace from our Heavenly Father. He forgives us of our sins and asks us to live a life of willing obedience. He nurtures us, teaches us and guides us. If God has granted us grace and forgives us, how can we not in turn extend grace and forgiveness to our children?

This does not equal a license for children to do whatever they want because we live under grace. In fact, he refers to Paul's writings to show how this is not scriptural. In Romans 6:1-2 he writes, "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?".

My first hesitation upon picking up this book was in thinking that it was going to be a book about overly permissive parenting. My fears about this were quickly addressed and dismissed. I am obviously still in the beginning chapters of the book, but I am pleased with what I have read so far. It makes a great deal of sense.

As with any book, I think we have to temper its ideals with our own conviction from the Holy Spirit. I would counsel against completely changing your style of parenting without some thought and plenty of prayer. Our children need consistency, not us riding the current fad in regards to parenting. What works for one family, may not necessarily work in its entirety for the next family.

It is my prayer, though, that my children will realize our attempt to show God's love, grace and forgiveness - EVEN WHEN THEY ARE NOT "DESERVING" OF IT! By definition, is that not what God so richly bestows upon each of us?

Halloween 2010

Here are some pictures from our Halloween this year.
We took the boys to the zoo for their annual Halloween Walk with the Animals. They love it and everything is decorated with different scenes. They had Wizard of Oz, Pirates of the Caribbean, Candyland and more.

The boys had their picture made with the Toy Story characters.



My two little guys as the Green Army Men from Toy Story.



My little giraffe, Andy, with Greg' dad.



Noah aka Batman



Blake aka Astronaut (he said he wanted to be an astronaut last year right after Halloween 2009)



My Three Little Guys ready to go to church for Trunk or Treat



Blake with Clara, aka Barbie Mermaid Princess



Noah with his buddy Colby, aka Sheriff Woody from Toy Story



Blake decorated our pumpkins on our front porch with this set of "Mr. Potato Head" pieces for pumpkins.




Hope you enjoyed these pictures. We had a grand time this year capped off by friends and family trick or treating in our neighborhood and coming back to our house for dinner. The kids loved it! You know Andy is our third child for sure - we let him sleep through trick or treat on Sunday because it was from 4-6 and he didn't lay down until 3. He didn't mind one bit and I got my pictures the night before :)

"Mama Said There'll be Days Like This"....

SHEWEEE!

I mean we have been having some DOOZY days around here. Today was crazy with high winds, tornado sirens going off and more.

But lately, the little cyclone in my life has been my 5 year old. I do NOT know what has happened, but it seems three alarm fits are the rage around our house. If he doesn't like something, wants something his brother has, gets told "No", falls asleep in the car on the way to an event and is awakened by one of us, doesn't like something we are having to eat, you name it - it can be the trigger.

The hard part is, sometimes he gets himself SO worked up that NOTHING will calm him down. He almost literally has to "cry it out". Then he will fall asleep from pure exhaustion.

PLEASE tell me someone else out there knows what I am talking about, here!

I want to instill in my children a sense of respect, compassion, love and loyalty. I want them to follow Jesus and his life and give their lives to HIM. I want them to listen and use their manners and be kind to the people around them. I try to be an example of these things for them (although I know I fail miserably at times!). So when they act like children from a scary movie, I am very upset and perplexed.

Have we done something wrong? Do I deserve to have children? I start letting evil thoughts roll through my head - "Should I have gone back to work full time?" or "Has staying home full time with my kids profited anything?". I tell myself that those thoughts are crazy, and yet they continually creep back in when the storms roll through our house.

I almost DREAD going out in public right now. I can sometimes predict what will trigger his fit, but not always. I cannot for the life of me figure out what is provoking this MADDENING phase we are in right now.

Please pray I do not lose my sanity altogether in these days of tribulation. I know in the grand scheme of life, this is not a natural disaster. But somedays, in the middle of one of these moments, it sure feels like my world is crashing down around me. I am thankful for my children, but I definitely need some powerful prayer to cover me as I press forward and attempt to continue to raise my boys in HIS will!

Ready to Run

Well, friends, I finally did it!

After months of talking about it and hoping I could make it through 13.1 miles, I ran my first half-marathon this past Sunday morning. Back in February I began training and running in preparation for a half-marathon in Chicago in September. Then I had the FREAK reaction to a tetanus shot and basically could not run for about five weeks. I wasn't ready for Chicago. So I went and watched my husband and some of our friends run. Truthfully, I was a little jealous of them. I also began to question if I was ever really going to be able to do this.

My friend, Tara, found a half marathon in Louisville online and we discussed signing up to run in it. It was about a month after Chicago. Greg signed me up for it before I could think about it too much!

I ran about 4 times a week the three weeks leading up to the race. I even ran three times on vacation! I had run 10 miles 3 or 4 times before in the past few months, but never a full 13. I was a little nervous.

Since the tetanus reaction, my times have TANKED. It has only been in the past two -three weeks that my times have been getting a little better, but they are still not where I want them to be. I decided my goal for this race was TO FINISH without stopping. I could worry about times during the next race.

Sunday morning, the alarm went off at 5:30 am. Tara picked me up at 6 and we headed to the 'ville. We got our packet, pinned our numbers on and strapped on our ankle chip bracelets so they could record our times. We stretched and walked, trying to warm up. It was probably less than 50 degrees at the start of the race. The race began at 8 am.
We set off and immediately I held myself back. It is very easy at the start of a race to start off too fast and try to run like everyone around me. I knew that I had to pace myself realistically or I would not have any steam left by the end of the race.
It was a beautiful morning. We were running along the river and through several park areas. I opted against wearing my headphones, so I just took in all the scenes around me. I took the race ONE MILE AT A TIME. I tried to tune out who was running behind me or beside me. I would pick a person in front of me and focus on passing that person. First it was the girl in the hot pink hoodie. Then it was a guy in a red under armor shirt. Later it was an older gentleman and his younger companion and then a group of three running together.
I ran exactly at the pace I wanted to run for the first 10 miles. I drank water at each water stop. I even tried one of the gel packs (espresso is NOT the best taste) and kept moving. As I hit 10 miles, I started having pains in my left calf. I kept going. At 11 miles, there was one last water stop. I took a cup and drank it in. I kept moving, not willing to stop for a second in fear that I would not start back running! the last two miles, my legs were like tree trunks. It was so hard to move and my mind was willing them to move faster and they simply were not following those commands.
As I wound around the final curve, there was my husband and my three boys - cheering. My friend Tara was there - she had already finished. My son Noah wanted to run with me. So the last .2 of the race, he ran beside me and crossed the finish line with me. The lady put the medal on me and I think he thought he was going to get one too! It was a great feeling and I could say with confidence the bible verse I had repeated to myself throughout the race - "I have fought the fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith".
I came home after a celebratory meal of pancakes with the boys and I took a three hour nap! I could hardly keep my eyes open on the way home.
I am now thinking ahead to the spring. I plan to run the Derby Mini-Marathon. I know that is a much bigger race with a LOT more people. Maybe this time, I can not only finish the race, but have a time I am happy with as well!

Little Lovelies

Things I think are lovely....
* having my 5 year old read books to me
* listening to my 7 year old read to his younger brothers
* having my two year old serenade me -his repertoire includes Jesus Loves Me, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, The Farmer in the Dell and Happy Birthday
* having my two year old run at full force across a room just to hug me
* BEAUTIFUL fall foliage - the trees are really starting to strut their stuff around here
*post-it notes - it is an obsession
* just the right song on the radio
* crossing things off my to-do list
* Hawaiian bread sweet rolls
* no-bake cookies
* already having some Christmas shopping done at the beginning of October
* Laura Bush's autobiography - Spoken from the Heart - I have teared up countless times as I read her poignant words about her life and especially her experiences as First Lady
* Grace that is granted to me each day

Hope you are having a LOVELY day!

CB

A Little Shout Out

I have so many things I want to post, but do not have much time to do so tonight. I do want to say that I am proud of my husband. He ran in the Trail Run at the Salato Center this past Saturday and got 2nd place! It was a four mile run. He said it was much harder than running on pavement, which is what he is used to running.
One year ago, he had only been running about 2-2 1/2 months. He has lost about 90 pounds since July of 2009. He has altered his diet and extremely increased his amount of exercise. He is proof positive that people CAN commit to change.
I am so proud of him for his effort and continued lifestyle change. He is a great example to our boys and encourages them to be active. I know it helps him feel better physically, mentally and emotionally.
I can also say that I think BOTH of us trying to make better choices and have an active lifestyle keeps us both going. It is easy when you are trying to do that alone. As with anything else in a marriage, it always helps when you and your spouse are truly on the same page.
Thanks, babe! I love you.

Book Review - Rhett Butler's People

If you know me very well at all you will know that I am a least a little bit obsessed with Gone with the Wind. I have been since, oh about 7th grade when I first saw the movie in its entirety. Then I read the book! WOW! I was completely swept up in the antebellum era, the romanticized version of the Civil War and the book's protagonist, Scarlett O'Hara Hamilton Kennedy Butler.
Many of my friends have probably heard me mutter, "Fiddle Dee Dee", and I picked that up from Scarlett. I have so many favorite characters from GWTW - especially Mammy, Melanie Hamilton Wilkes, and of course, the infamous Rhett Butler. I appreciate the pictures Margaret Mitchell was able to paint in my mind of Tara, Atlanta, Peachtree Street, New Orleans and the battles of the Civil War.
As a high school student I eagerly anticipated the release of the book Scarlett, a sequel commissioned by the Margaret Mitchell Trust. I read it cover to cover as soon as my grandmother gave it to me. There were things I really liked about the book. I must say that even as a teenager, the whole storyline about Ireland and the O'Hara family seemed a bit of a stretch to me. I never thought Scarlett would just run away and I definitely thought it seemed out of character for her to sell/give Tara away to her brother-in-law, Will Benteen. I then watched the mini-series version of the book. Once again, the characters were alive on the screen. Sadly the Scarlett was NOT Vivien Leigh and the Rhett was definitely not Clark Gable! But it was decent and entertaining.
When I was walking through Barnes and Noble a few weeks ago, I was drawn to the sales table. There was a book on top called Rhett Butler's People. I picked up and read eagerly the synopsis of the book. It too had been commissioned by the Margaret Mitchell trust. It said it was the story from Rhett's perspective. I was instantly ready to read it. Instead of purchasing it that night, I made a note to check it out at the library the next time I was there.
So, I just finished reading Rhett Butler's People about two weeks ago. It was a quick read. I found myself questioning a few story lines. I was fascinated by the back story on Rhett and his family life growing up in Charleston. I love to read books about that area of the South. I wondered why both of these books were commissioned to be written by the same group of people and yet their stories did not match up at all. It has been several years since I read Scarlett, but I recall Scarlett going to Charleston after Rhett when he left at the end of GWTW. She settles herself in and tries to win him back - a believable plot. They have a love scene in the midst of a hurricane-like storm. He rejects Scarlett again and she leaves for Savannah to visit her mother and father's families. We find her setting off for Ireland and finding out she is pregnant with Rhett's child. On and on the story goes until at last, Rhett and Scarlett end up together.
In Rhett Butler's People, we find Rhett indeed leaving after Bonnie and Miss Melanie die. But instead of pursuing him, Scarlett returns to Tara. She works the fields again and fights off one of Rhett's enemies from Charleston. Rhett comes back at the end to help save the day and Tara is burned. WOW! What a twist and seemingly not real to me.
If somehow the two authors could have conspired and written interwoven tales, I think I would have been more satisfied. Don't misunderstand me, I still enjoyed being swept back up by Scarlett and Rhett. But I think throughout the book I was disenchanted and distracted by the discrepancies.
Overall, I would say that it has to be a difficult task to take characters that originated from one author and try to take them on as your own. Obviously Mrs. Mitchell imagined them and knew them best. Perhaps the Margaret Mitchell trust should not commission any more sequels and let her character be.

Put Your Feet Up

This was the scene in our home Sunday evening.
After a long afternoon playing outside, the boys had their baths and settled on the couch to watch their FAVORITE show - Extreme Makeover Home Edition.
I walked into the family room to see Blake and Noah with their feet up, covered with blankets, excitedly watching their show. Andy was climbing up to join in the fun!



Needless to say, I LOVE my boys! They definitely keep me on my toes and entertained.

Gleaming White

It is simply the little things sometimes, you know?
If you are a friend of mine, you already know of my obsession with PineSol. I LOVE it! I was down on my hands and knees cleaning my kitchen floor last night with it. The mop is ok occasionally, but I find I get the floor much cleaner when I just do it by hand (a little of my Mammaw coming out in me, I suppose). Then I could smell that glorious smell the rest of the night!
I detest cleaning bathrooms, but I must say after all that hard work scrubbing on a tub with soap scum and days worth of showers clinging to the sides, it is worth it. To look down on a gleaming white tub and know it was your elbow grease that got it clean brings some level of satisfaction to my day.
I must confess as I was scrubbing with all my might, I was thinking how similar this is to our lives as Christians. We fill our thoughts, words and days with grime from the world. An unkind word here, road rage, a temperamental child (and subsequent tantrum by a parent in response), a lost opportunity to minister there and our lives look like the griminess of my tub. PRAISE GOD! He has washed us clean! HE (Jesus) makes us whiter than snow. No amount of dial soap scum can defeat his redemptive power in our lives.
I am so blessed to be loved by a magnificent Savior who can wash away my sins. It reminded me of a hymn/chorus we sing at church:

What can wash away my sins?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
OH, precious is the flow,
That makes me white as snow.
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

I pray your day will be filled with HIS presence and you can see the power of HIS work alive throughout your day!
Carrie Beth

Running Shoes and the Windy City

My husband had an AMAZING run in Chicago. I was so excited for him that I almost forgot I was supposed to be running there, too! There was such a BIG crowd. I believe the announcer said there were runners from 48 states and 30+ countries represented. There were 18,500 people registered to run. Greg ran 13.1 miles in 93 minutes and 57 seconds. He was 476 overall (out of roughly 13, 500 finishers). WOW!!!
Our friends Robby and Dave both did awesome as well!
We had such a fabulous time in Chicago. We missed our boys, but it was nice to spend time together, uninterrupted! We walked everywhere and got our fill of Michigan Avenue and all the shops. We ate stuffed crust pizza at Giordano's, GREAT Italian dishes at The Italian Village and got some of the famous Garrett's Popcorn.
We went down Navy Pier, walked through Millenium Park and to the Lego Store. We saw the sunrise over Lake Michigan and watched the people running in all directions. It was a fabulous little weekend trip. I am ready to go back next year!
I will load pictures tomorrow. We took some fun pics to show the boys. Noah asked me to take pictures of everywhere we went!
We came home to find out Greg's parents took the boys to the zoo, the park, their soccer game, out to eat and more. They were full of stories. Noah fell at the zoo and has a goose egg on his forehead (just in time for school pictures tomorrow). Andy fell in the driveway and has a large scrape on his cheek. Blake is unscathed. My mother in law also sent the boys home with bags full of CLEAN laundry! Am I blessed or what?
Now I am ready to run MY half-marathon. October 17 - Louisville Half Marathon here I come!!!1

Update on the Reading List

I posted a reading list for 2010. If you want to see it, go here

I have been able to read 6 of those books so far. I would have done better, but I got distracted by reading OTHER books that were not on my list! In the past few weeks I have read:
Prairie Tale - the autobiography of Melissa Gilbert
The Lacuna - by Barbara Kingsolver, on my list and a little different - more on that in a bit!
Rhett Butler's People - Donald McCaig - commissioned by the Margaret Mitchell (author of Gone with the Wind) Foundation - more on this one later too!
The Mermaid Chair - Sue Monk Kidd
Resilience - non-fiction work of Elizabeth Edwards
Handle with Care - by Jodi Picoult - about a child with Osteogenesis Imperfecta and the story of her family
Change of Heart - by Jodi Picoult - a compelling read!
The American Dream series (3 books in all)- by Michael Phillips -Christian historical fiction and very easy to read even though each book is about 500 pages

I still intend to read the other books on my list. I have recently seen a couple of other books suggested by Beth Moore on her blog - Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey and Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman. I am DEFINITELY going to find these two books. I am also planning to start reading Grace Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmel and Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt (our married couples small group will be reading this in the fall).

In a subsequent post I plan to unpack my "reviews" of the books I have read above. I am still processing The Lacuna - I had a hard time getting into that one at first. Rhett Butler's People got my heart all swirled up into the pre and post Civil War era and reminded me of how I fell in love with Scarlett O'Hara as a young teenager.

Reading is such a gift - a blessing to be transported to another place and have your mind stretched and challenged in different ways.

10 miles

The weather was BEE-YOO-TI-FUL!

There was a bit of a breeze, but the sun was shining full force.

Tara and I decided to hit the road, literally. We wanted to get in a 10+ mile run.

We set out from my house and I was trying to keep up with her. I run at a slower pace than Tara anyway, but since my whole crazy tetanus shot reaction, I am really just building back up!

I had remarked to my husband earlier that we needed to stash some water bottles somewhere along our route so we could have a water break. I have run several 5K races with 2-3 water stops and we were running 10, not 3! He said we'd be fine - it wasn't going to be that hot. (I should have done it anyway!)

We did pretty good - got to the halfway point and turned around. With about 3.5 miles to go, I was really exhausted. I just needed an energy boost. Several runners I know swear by gels or jelly beans for energy. I have never tried those. Today I was wishing I had some! I was so dehydrated that I could not even lick my lips.

I kept going, though I felt like it was a "crawl" at this point.

A little less than 3 to go - I started feeling dizzy and seeing stars. YIKES!

I told Tara to keep on going - I would walk a bit and try to run again. I walked about .5 mile and then started jogging again. She got to Sonic and asked for ice water. Water has NEVER tasted so good to me! After we drank our water (and chomped on those wonderful little ice pellets!), we took off for the home stretch.

OH - we made it home. My time was deplorable. But other than walking for little stretches at the end, we did pretty well.

When I think where I was just about 6 weeks ago - not able to walk, joints in excruciating pain, taking ibuprofen around the clock - well this is a blessing!

Hopefully I'll feel blessed in the morning when my legs refuse to get out of bed or walk :)

B.M.T.

I saw this on a blog I follow about their son and I HAD to steal it!

Blake,
I wanted to share some things about you. You are 7 years one month and nineteen days old. You just started second grade and seem to like it so far!

Things you LOVE: Legos, building with a variety of materials; drawing, gluing, "creating" things in your art space; watching Extreme Home Makeover, This Old House, Modern Marvels, and Looney Tunes; playing outside; french toast sticks, meatloaf, chicken pot pie and chocolate milk; beating Mommy in a game or cards; swimming

Things you LIKE: Phineas and Ferb; broccoli, chicken tenders & fries, chocolate chip cookies; playing board games; milkshakes; playing soccer; reading; playing computer games and the Wii; playing with your brothers

Things you DON'T LIKE: eating some vegetables, trying to have good handwriting; being quiet; going to bed; waking up early for school

Things I LOVE about you: I love your curiosity, your desire to help serve others at KOMSO and church; your silly sideways grin (when you don't want me to know you are smiling), hearing you read to your brothers, hearing you pray at dinner or bedtime, how you have to figure out something for yourself or if something needs to be fixed, you take it apart and fix it!; your curly, thick hair; your stubborn streak (you get it from me!)

Things I want for you: I hope you continue to grow and develop and learn how to put others before yourself. I pray that you allow God to change and mold your heart and that you will seek him each day and his will for your life. I want you to develop and funnel your competitive spirit and stubborn streak into perseverance in all situations. I want you to love yourself and not have to be perfect.

God has a plan for your life that is greater than my most vivid imagination. I know he loves you even more than I do (which seems impossible). I am so proud of you and I love you so much! You are my first born - the baby who truly made me a Mommy. We have a bond that is different from each of your brothers. You are a one of a kind and I am so blessed to have you!

My little Ring Bearer

Noah was the ring bearer in Catherine and Drew's wedding this weeked. Here are some pictures of him:





He did an AWESOME job! He and Cora walked in just like pros. They stood on stage the entire time without any antics. They walked out and Cora started to pick up all of her petals. Noah started helping her. Cack's mom tried to tell them to go on out and Noah saw me at the end of the aisle and took off running at full speed. Cora followed him! Everyone laughed/applauded and I breathed a sigh of relief. They were both precious.

The wedding was beautiful and true to the bride and groom. The reception was fun - great BBQ and square dancing. I wish Cack and Drew all the best. I am praying they are safely in Hawaii and enjoying their new time together as a married couple!

Here Comes the Bride.....

My sister, Jenny and I had the pleasure of hosting a Bridal Brunch for Catherine "Cack" Detherage on Friday. It was SO much fun! I put the invitation on here a couple of weeks ago. I promised I'd post some pictures from the decor and meal, so here they are:

The placecards:


The table is set - notice the HANDMADE topiaries (more on those in later)


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I saw these strawberry creme horns on a blog I frequent called Beneath the Heart (see my blog list) and thought they would go well.



Each table had a plate of donuts and mini-muffins in the center.



This is a close up of one of the topiaries. I got the idea from a scrapbook magazine. You need a foam ball (I used 4"), a flower pot, a piece of foam for the bottom of the pot, a dowel rod cut to the height you desire, and patterned scrapbook paper. You cut out 6 hearts (we used my cricut machine) per circle (also needs to be cut out or punched). It took about 8-10 flowers per topiary. We found that hot glue worked best to keep everything together.



We used little "engagement rings" from Michael's as the napkin rings, scrapbook paper in coordinating colors (with decorative corners) as placemats and green/white polka dot napkins.



The morning went very smoothly. Jenny had the tables set when I got to her house. I just added some of the decorative touches. We served caramel french toast, cheesy grits, hashbrown casserole, egg/sausage dish, pretzel pineapple salad, muffins & donuts, strawberry creme horns, coffee, milk, juice and punch.

We also had little chapsticks covered with matching paper and ribbon for each guest. We made a bucket for Cack with little things she could use over the weekend - a sewing kit, snacks, bath and body works toiletries and more. I forgot to take a picture of that! the day was a SUCCESS!

Back to School

Well, Wednesday was our first day back to school. Noah started off Kindergarten with a BANG - literally! He did great going to class and I DID NOT SHED A TEAR! I had one moment when I thought I might, but got through it. Blake did not want me to even walk him to his classroom- Such a BIG 2nd grader! They both went to class and I went to my office and got to work.

At lunch time I ran out to get some of the office staff drinks/food for lunch. Upon returning, I noticed all the kids/teachers exiting the building. I remember thinking to myself, "Who thought it would be a good idea to have a fire drill on the first day of school?". I saw Mr. Sims and he looked perplexed. I knew then that it was not a drill. I got up to the front doors with 2 drink carriers in my hands and someone said a child had pulled the fire alarm in the cafeteria. They said a stduents' name and I thought to myself, "I know that little boy. He would never pull the alarm!".

I was passing out drinks after they let us back in the building. Someone walked in the front office and said, "You know it was your son who pulled the alarm, right?".

OF COURSE I said, "I am going to get Blake!". They immediately said, "It wasn't Blake, it was Noah!". (I instantly thought of my Facebook status that morning - "I am not wondering if Noah is ready for Kindergarten but if Kindergarten is ready for Noah"). I was MORTIFIED!

I went down toward my office and saw Noah's class in the hallway. I started walking toward them. His teacher and the other Kindergarten teacher saw me coming and Mrs. Noble said, "Oh no, we need to protect Noah!". I leaned down and said, "Noah, did you just do something you weren't supposed to do?".

He looked up at me and hung his head. He said, "Mommy, I did not know that would do that!".

We had a little discussion about how we would never touch that again. He was so contrite and seemed so upset, I let it go at that.

Later on, after school, he came up to me and said, "I saw one of those red boxes later today and I DID NOT TOUCH IT!". Obviously, he got the message!

SO - an eventful first day is over. Yesterday had no major events and I hope today is the same. Noah is supposed to be a ring bearer in a wedding this weekend. I am hoping he is calm and cooperative for this and that the fire alarm is not a telling warning of what might happen!

School Supplies

Can I just tell you HOW MUCH I LOVE SCHOOL SUPPLIES? One of my favorite movies, "You've Got Mail" talks about the smell of pencils....Meg Ryan's character is talking about how she loves New York in the fall and the smell of freshly sharpened pencils. I can smell them now!

Since I was little, I loved buying school supplies. When I was in elementary school, the office had a "store". You could buy pencils, eraser toppers, folders, etc. I LOVED having a quarter to go buy a new Care Bears, Strawberry Shortcake or Smurfs folder.

I am an organizational freak, so I love having a planner and post-it notes, highlighter pens and notebooks. Everything was always color coordinated and labeled. In high school, I even had those locker shelves in my locker so I could put all my books on one shelf, notebooks and folders on another.

For the few years in between my Master's program and Blake going to Pre-school, I would walk through the school supply section at Walmart and soak it all up. I mean, who doesn't love new pens? My favorite right now are the felt-tip pens by Paper-Mate and the Sharpie pens.

I have tried diligently to save money on school supplies by watching the ads and going to a variety of stores. For instance, I stocked up on highlighters (5 pack for $.19), #2 pencils (10 pack for $.09) and markers (buy a 20 pack for $3 get a $3 rebate) at Walgreens. I bought $.25 crayons (Crayola 24 pack)at Kmart and Kroger. Kmart has Crayola watercolors for $1 and other deals. I ALWAYS buy extra school supplies. I have learned that teachers tend to request new crayons, markers, watercolors, etc. after Christmas. The only problem is that after Christmas, the stores are not running insane deals on school supplies! I also like to have extra for the Operation Christmas Child drive at church or other last minute gifts.

I really do not think my boys were nearly as excited as I was to purchase their supplies. They only cared about the color of their pencil boxes. The teachers pretty much choose what type of folders, pencils, etc. that they get to use now, so there is not a whole lot of decision making to do. what happened to Trapper Keepers? I LOVED mine!

School starts in 6 days - I CANNOT BELIEVE IT! If you haven't purchased your school supplies - get out there now!

Recovery Effforts

I am slowly getting "back to normal". My doctor told me on Thursday it could be 4-8 weeks before being normal. I am trying to remain hopeful about running in the half marathon September 12 in Chicago. The Dr. said I'd have to exercise gradually and not push myself too hard. I am hoping all my running earlier in the Spring/Summer will have prepared me and I will just have to work back up to the 13 miles. If I don't make it to Chicago, there is a half-marathon in Midway and another one in Louisville both in October.

The team from Honduras arrived home last night. I am so relieved that they are home safely and SO ready to hear their testimonies and see their pictures on Sunday at church. I know God used them in mighty ways. I am still disappointed that I didn't get to go, but I know God had a purpose and a plan and HIS work was accomplished!
We are gearing up for school to start. The boys go back next Wednesday, August 11. Noah will start kindergarten (GASP!) and Blake will be in 2nd grade. We have purchased school supplies and some uniform clothing. Now we just need some items on the "optional" list for the classrooms. I need to wash/iron their school clothes.
Backpacks need to be cleaned up and filled with back to school items. I need to stock up on items we send for lunch and snacks. I have some training at school this Friday and next Monday so the "crunch time" is here!

I just want to savor these last few days with Noah and Blake. I hate that I was so sick and weak the past two weeks and we didn't get to enjoy our time together more! I had such high hopes for taking them several places this summer. We made it to the ZOO, library story hour and repeatedly to the pool. We hope to still take them to the Pirate exhibit in Louisville and the Louisville Slugger museum in the coming weeks.

Please pray for my continued recovery! I am so blessed to have so many around me who have helped with my kids, brought us food and prayed for us. I cannot begin to say thank you enough!

Jenny and I are going to be hosting a Bridal Brunch on Friday, August 13 for our friend, Cack. She is marrying the Worship Pastor at our church the next day. Jenny's little girl, Cora, is the flower girl. My Noah is the ring bearer. We are already praying the two of them are on their best behavior and cooperate enough to walk down the aisle and do their thing. They just have to look cute in the pictures, right?

Anyway, I will post more pictures as we get ready, but we have some FABULOUS ideas for the decorations, food and favors. The colors are green and hot pink (two of my favs!) and coordinate with her wedding. The picture above is the invitation I just sent out for the Brunch!

I am making topiaries for the tables and we have some great ideas for the favors.....I'll post more pictures as we get each part made!

Searching for an Answer

I cannot believe I have not posted a blog since July 10. I went to my mom's for a week and then literally - all Heck broke loose.
I don't know how many of you know about my planned trip to Honduras with my church. I was scheduled to leave two days from now. We were going to San Pedro Sula. I have purchased "first aid" items, drink mixes, have my packing list together and worked on encouragement care packages for each of the 20 people going. The last "big" thing I had to do was get my tetanus shot booster. I had already had the Hep A and B shot series when I went to El Salvador to serve through the KBC Disaster Relief 9 years ago. I didn't want to wait until this week to get it, so last Monday, July 12, I went to my doctor and got the shot.
I then got in my van and drove 6 hours away to my Mom's. I did not give it a second thought. I have had shots through the years and never had a reaction. I mean it was a TETANUS SHOT! Routine, right?
Tuesday morning I awoke to a small rash on my left underarm. That was where I got the shot. They had told me a stiff/sore spot at the site of injection was common. I have sensitive skin, so I didn't think much of the rash.
We swam and played outside all day at my Mom's. We cooked dinner and stayed up way too late that night!
Wednesday morning, I awoke and the rash had spread down my arm a bit. Again, I did not think much of it. My mom had some anti-itch lotion. I put that on and went about my day. We were in the pool and playing all day long. I noticed there were a few spots on my right arm. Jen, Mere and I stayed up to watch a movie and I took some Benadryl. I fell asleep during the movie, Dear John, which I never do!
I woke up on Thursday morning to a rash down both arms, on my elbows and on my thighs and knees. I started feeling a little achy, fluish even. I called my doctor at home after looking up tetanus shot reactions online. He confirmed that I was most likely having a reaction to the shot. He said I needed to come in and get a shot of cortisone. I told him I was at my Mom's. He said I needed to get to a clinic/ER there and be seen.
Mom took me to a local ER. They saw me, gave me Benadryl, and oral steroids. I also got a prescription for prednizone to be taken for 5 days, each morning. I went home, the Benadryl kicked in and I spent the remainder of the afternoon on the couch, asleep. I woke up and felt a little better. We went to a local pizza place and took the kids to a park. I came home, packed up our stuff and watched the movie, FAME, with Jenny and Mere.
Friday morning, I got up, took my medicine and drove 6 hours home. I was tired, but ok. Saturday, I felt a little wiped out, but had a lot to do. I was preparing for some work I needed to do at school on Monday, doing laundry, preparing for Honduras, etc. Blake had a ballgame at 3 and we went to that. I made bookmarks to give out at church the next day with a list of people who were going to Honduras and things to pray for each day.
Sunday, I woke up at 5:45 and was so stiff and in a lot of pain. All of my joints were stiff. I had to have Greg's help to get in the shower. I ate breakfast and took my steroids. I went to church and didn't know how I would walk up the steps onto the stage. I made it through the practice and sang at both services. I got home and was wiped out. I needed to take a nap, but we had a team meeting for Honduras at 3:30. I went to that and came home. By then we needed to do dinner. Jenny and I walked about 2.5 miles that evening. I was feeling tired, but ok when I went to bed.
I woke up Monday morning and could not get out of the bed. Meredyth was coming to watch the boys so I could work at school. I waited until she got here and took a shower with much difficulty. I noticed my left hand/fingers/wrist was very swollen. I decided to call my doctor's office back before taking the steroid. Several people at church had mentioned to me the day before that swelling could be a side effect of the steroid. My doctor said to stop taking the medicine. He instructed me to keep my hand elevated as much as possible and that I should be feeling better by Thursday. I went on to work and got everything done I could and came home and crashed. I stayed on the couch the remainder of the day. I continued to swell. By the time I went to bed, my whole body was in pain and swollen. I could not sleep and was very uncomfortable. I had to have Greg's help to get up and go to the bathroom throughout the night.
Tuesday morning, I woke up and it seemed the swelling had switched to my right side. I was tired and felt weak, but the pain seemed to subside some in the day. I took it easy (as easy as you can with three boys!) and did a few things around the house. I went to bed that night hoping to be on the upswing.
Wednesday morning came and my left hand/wrist/arm were swollen again and hurting worse. Greg stayed home for a little while that morning and helped me get ready. We called the doctor's office and they said I should come in - the next day. They instructed me to continue to keep my hand elevated. Wednesday was Noah's birthday. I was determined to do something for him. Jenny offered to drive us all to Lexington in my car so he could get his weekly allergy shot. We went to Chick Fil A and let the kids play in the indoor playground. I came home and rested while the boys took their naps. We went to Greg's parents for dinner and celebrated Noah. I was tired and felt a little weak, but ok. I came home and after we got the boys in bed, I laid down on the couch. Greg went for a run. When he got back, I could not get up to walk to bed. He had to help me down the hall to our room. That is when the real fun began!
About 1:30 am, I awoke in extreme pain and had swollen all over again. I tried sitting up and couldn't do it. I got Greg awake and he helped me to the bathroom. I sat down and then felt I was going to pass out. I yelled for Greg and he caught me as I was heading for the floor. I then came to and passed out again. I got violently sick and we decided I needed to go to the ER. Greg called my sister, Jenny, to come over with the boys and took me to the ER. By God's grace, a friend of ours was working. Crystal got us in and checked in and people were jumping everywhere. They did an EKG, took blood, hooked up an IV and asked a lot of questions. They ruled out a few really bad things(rheumatoid arthritis, heart problems, etc) and decided it was still a reaction to the tetanus shot. They gave me anti-inflammatory and pain meds through the IV. I felt better and eventually they sent us home.
I spent the day at my sister's so she could monitor the boys and make sure I didn't pass out again. I stayed in the recliner or on the bed all day. I felt ok - no pain and no swelling. I was hopeful that I was getting better! We called the doctor and his office said they could not get me in until Thursday (of next week). They would have all the labs from the Er and some that were sent off.
I went to bed early, taking ibuprofen and thinking Friday would be better. I woke up stiff and in some pain, but not quite as bad as it had been. I told Greg to go on to work - I'd be ok. A little later I finally got up and went to the bathroom. I woke up - not sure how much later, draped over the bathtub, with the shower on. I had passed out, somehow grabbed at the faucet and turned it on. WEIRD!!! I yelled for the boys and Blake finally came in there. I got him to dial Greg on the phone. He got Jen to come over until he could get here. I stayed on the floor until he got home. I have spent the better part of today in my bed. My mother-in-law came over and kept the boys and continually checked on me. I have slept off and on all day. I still feel completely wiped out.
I had to tell Drew, our team leader, that I absolutely could not go to Honduras. I let someone else take my airplane ticket. I am so disappointed. I have been looking forward to this trip. I really felt that God wanted me to go. I had some reservations about leaving my family for a week, but I was trusting God to take care of them!
I am searching for answers and trusting that God has a purpose and plan for keeping me home. I am frustrated and want to feel better. I am a go-go-go person. I have things I need to do for my boys, for back to school, for friends, for my home. I am NOT a good patient. I want to know what is wrong with me and GET IT TAKEN CARE OF NOW! I can only hope and pray that resting today will help. Greg's parents took the boys for the night. I am going to go to bed and try to rest some more.
Please, if you read this, join me in my prayers that God will heal me from whatever has taken over my body.

Random things my kids say....

Noah was sitting beside me on the couch one day and lovingly said, "I love sitting with you Mommy. You are so soft!" I am going to take it that he was speaking about my t-shirt and not the status of my body :)

Last week when we were leaving the zoo, Noah was holding my hand and looked up at me with a very serious face. He proceeded to say, "This was NOT a perfect day for the zoo!". That was all he said - he would not elaborate on it.

Last Saturday after my run Blake and Noah wanted to know when they could "go run a big race like Mommy did". I guess that is worth all the running right there!

The last week of school I had to go into the office to do something. There were probably 5 or 6 people in there and I had Andy in my arms. JUST as the principal walked up to me to say something, Andy blurts out at the top of his lungs, "STINKY DIAPER!". Gotta love that one :)

While floating out on the lake last weekend with his Grandma, Noah said he wanted to have a jet ski. Grandma said, "Well when you grow up you'll have to work hard so you can afford to buy something like that. What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Noah replied, "I am never going to grow up and I am never going to work!" UH OH!

The other night I was holding Andy before bed and asked if he wanted to pray. He said, "Yes!". So I said "Thank you God for our friends" and he repeated it. I said, "Thank you God for our family, Daddy, Mommy, Noah, Blake, Andy, Grandma & Grandpa..." and he cut me off and said, "Thank you God for Annie (our dog) & Sassy (Greg's parent's dog named Cassie). I said, "Thank you God for Jesus" and he said, "Yes!" and then we both said "Amen". So precious!!

Last weekend out of nowhere, Noah looked at Greg and I and said, "Are we all going to live to 100 and then die?" - we have no idea where that came from at all!

One morning this winter, Blake sat up in his bed when Greg went to wake him for school. He said, "Daddy, do magnets not stick to spaghettios cans because they don't have any iron in them?". WHAT??? Evidently they were talking about magnets in school.

At Jenny's the other day, all of the boys were playing and dressing up. She overheard one of them say, "Cora is the fairy princess and we have to protect her!". They all had on various pieces of Carter's knight costume from Halloween.

I could go on and on......

Fabulous Friday and Fourth Festivities

Friday, July 2 we took the family to the zoo. Greg took off work and we spent the day seeing all the animals. Here are the favorites:
Cb - penguins
Blake - the "mist" in the gorilla forest and the monkeys
Noah - snakes
Andy - giraffe

Saturday was Blake's 7th birthday. After I ran in the Bluegrass 10K that morning, we packed up and headed to the lake for birthday and 4th of July celebrations. Blake and Greg's dad share a birthday. Our good friend and babysitter, Kayla Fawbush, came to the lake from J Creek where she is a camp counselor. We did presents and watched the marina fireworks.

Sunday, we went out on the lake. The boys LOVED the water, the SeaDoo, the boat and being with Greg's parents. We saw more fireworks that evening put on by neighbors (who have their own explosives license).

Monday & Tuesday were also spent out on the lake. Noah had a meltdown Monday from sheer exhaustion. I would not count it as a high point for the weekend. He literally could not make himself stop crying. He finally fell asleep on the boat ride back into the marina.

I introduced my kids to sparklers - I think I was as excited as they were to use them :)

Andy slept 2/3 of the way home - this NEVER happens. On the way down to the lake I think he talked the ENTIRE way. He was truly wiped out from all the fun and sun.

I am not sure I can repeat the past week or top it this week. We have simply been recovering from all of the fun. I like being away, but it is always nice to get back into a routine. Laundry is done and other tasks are being completed.

Next up - my parents are coming in this weekend. Blake has a ball game Saturday. The boys' birthday pool party is Sunday evening. Monday, Jenny and I are taking kids for a week to my Mom's. More fun!!!

I am thankful for.....

There are many things I am thankful for right now - in the midst of our summer. I will try to list them (in random order )

-Legos, Duplos, Megablocks, Bristle Blocks and more. If it stacks, builds and creates my kids love it. These keep them busy and using their imaginations A LOT!

-Playgrounds

-McDonald's coke - any size for $1 for the summer - HALLELUJAH!

-Friends with in-laws with swimming pools who let us come swim minus a crowd and free of charge!

-Big bear hugs from one of my little guys!

-Strawberry Golden Oreo blizzards from Dairy Queen

-100 calorie mini ice cream sandwiches

-time to scrapbook my precious boys and our memories

-Freedom to speak my mind, stand up for a cause, worship God and the ability to vote!

-God's continued provision in our life

-Friends and family who love my family

-the American Flag

-Facebook and friends I have re-connected with on there

-Parents and in-laws who have fabulous homes on lakes (and who let us come stay whenever!)

-My newest niece who will be born in late October!

-My grandparents are still living and going strong :)

-Air-conditioning - especially in the past few weeks!

-My husband's amazing work ethic and his job that blesses us financially.

-A membership to the local zoo

-Swimming lessons and tball league

-Planet Heroes

-Batman & Robin

-Library story hour and checking out FREE books

-Matchbox cars and fold-up garages

-Text messaging

-Grace that only comes from Jesus' sacrifice

-A cool breeze when I run

I could go on and on......but these are the ones that immediately came to my mind.

Enjoy your day!

Summer Week Three

So this week we have been swimming two times and had two swimming lessons. Tonight is the last night of swimming lessons. The boys have DRASTICALLY improved. I think more than anything, they have gained a lot of confidence in their swimming. Blake is fearless and swimming underwater all the time. I am so glad they love the water. Andy decided last week that he likes it too and now I spend all of my time catching him when he jumps in off the side of the pool.

Blake had his first baseball game this past Saturday and the good news is he had three hits. The bad news is they were all right up the 1st base line and he got out twice. He had fun and that is what counts. It is his first year in coach pitch baseball. He is on the Orioles team and we know three or four of the kids on his team from school.

This week has been a SCORCHER! Temps have been in the mid 90s with heat advisories. I am ready for a break from the heat and mugginess. Supposedly it is coming next week. Running in this heat is unbearable! I ran last night at 9 pm and was dripping wet after one mile.

Our special outing today was supposed to be a trip to the Bubble Show being put on by the library and Children's Explorium. We needed to watch Jenny's kids today, so we didn't get to go. I hope they had fun anyway - no one seems to be complaining!

We started story hour at the library this week. Blake and Carter were in the same class and enjoyed making rain sticks and hearing all the stories about storms. Noah starts his next Tuesday.

We went to see Toy Story 3 last Saturday evening with many of our friends. The best part was that I got two of the tickets FREE!!!! That was from a great deal Tara and I picked up earlier this spring. The boys enjoyed the movie. I confess I cried a bit at the end. I cannot imagine the day when my kiddos go off to college! Praise the Lord we are not there yet!

I am considering a trip to the Children's museum tomorrow. We'll see what happens. If not, we will just play at home. I have a scrapbook night planned tomorrow evening and I CANNOT wait for a few hours to scrapbook and hang out with friends.

Enjoy your weekend!!

Week Two of Summer

Last week was the first full week of Summer! We began with a trip to Kings Island and went to the pool on Tuesday. We had swim lessons and played outside. Starting on Thursday we had Cora and Ellie at our house while Jenny and Jason went camping with the youth at church. We did not do a day trip last week, but we plan to now.

This week has been Vacation Bible School at church. We have been at church every night from 6 until after 9. It has been almost 10 before everyone was ready and in the bed. We are not starting our "TERRIFIC THURSDAYS" until next week, but we are heading over to a friend's pool for the afternoon. I guess that counts as fun, right?

We plan to go to the Louisville Zoo and see the new polar exhibit and Dinosaurs Alive. We want to go to the Frazier International History Museum for the Pirate Exhibit, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory Tour, the Kentucky Horse Park, Fort Harrod State Park, the Children's Explorium in Lexington and perhaps a few more sites along with a few trips to Lake Barkley and one to see my family in SC. All in all this should be a GREAT summer!

Enjoy your day and stay cool!

Taming the Tongue

WOW! What a topic, right? Taming the tongue is a problem addressed THROUGHOUT the bible in both the Old and New Testaments. There are many Proverbs that address it and warn against a loose, vicious, foolish mouth. I would venture to say that people have not mastered this task any better than the people of Jesus' time had. In fact, with the internet, Facebook, blogs, texting and more, I would wonder if it has actually become more of a problem. People consistently "talk" via technology and it is often far easier to say difficult things through those devices and hide behind them.
It is often very difficult to assess someone's tone and intent with their language via an email or text. I know that I have assumed someone meant one thing and in reality they did not. I know my own words have been taken out of context and used to misrepresent my intent from an email.
How then should we proceed?
I have been encouraged lately through reading a series of fictional books by Michael Phillips to continually consider what God's intent for me is in each and every situation. I find myself wondering more and more, "Is this how Christ would want me to react? or "If Jesus were in this situation, would he respond, would he worry about being taken advantage of or would he simply continue to proceed in ministry?".
When I was in high school every one started that whole "WWJD" philosophy about "What Would Jesus Do". I think that was far too pop-culturized, but I do believe the theory to be correct.
Is living the Christian life about a series of dos and donts or about truly seeking out God's will for MY life? I believe it is the latter. Christ preached against the legalism of the Pharisees over and over again. I believe there are universal and absolute truths in the Bible. I also believe that there are areas where God did not exactly spell out for us what to do. It is in these situations that we must follow his leading, seek his will and ask ourselves these questions about what Christ would have done.
Let me give you an example: Several friends of mine (especially those of college age) have sought my advice about drinking alcohol. I have told them repeatedly that I cannot convict them about this. They have to pray about it and ask God what he would have them do. For me personally, I feel that God has convicted me not to drink. I am not imposing that rule on others. I feel that in my role as a mother, wife, Counselor at a Christian school and teacher of various ages at my church that it is not the BEST choice for me to make. I feel that is where he has guided me. I do not see it as a great sacrifice on my part. If God instructed me to give up Mt. Dew forever, then I might have a bigger challenge on my hands! I have many friends who drink socially and see nothing wrong with it. I feel that is their issue to take up before God.
Regarding taming the tongue - sometimes there are certain truths that need to be articulated. Knowing when and where to say them is the real question. Is God instructing me to say this? Is this going to be received or fall on "deaf ears"? Am I driven to say this because I am angry or feel self-righteous? Do I want justice or want to point out that I am right? Do I truly feel motivate to speak out of an encouraging heart?
This is such a big deal for me. I have never had a problem stating my opinion. I am trying to learn the art of keeping my mouth closed unless I feel prompted by God to say something in all circumstances. I am trying to ask myself "does this serve God or his purpose?" and if I hear a resounding "NO!", then I am trying very hard to keep my mouth shut.
As always, this is a constant process and I am having both successes and failures every day. The point it, I have to continue to try :)