PARTNERS IN CRIME

These 2 have been busy boys this last couple of weeks. Josiah has been healthy for a long period of time now so I think his body is making up for lost time. He is going through development phases very quickly. All of a sudden, he is pulling himself on everything and even beginning to let go with one hand. Walking truly is in this little guy's future!
Eli and Josiah have such a special relationship already. I have been getting glimpses, though, of those suspicious moments where I get a sudden urge to find out what they are doing because it's just a little too quiet. Thankfully, nothing really creative has happened yet but I am starting to prepare myself for a few shocks that only 2 boys together can bring about. I've heard too many stories of Seth and his older brother when they were young!
But every night, all of this boyish energy is put to rest. And as I discovered the other night with Josiah...rest that couldn't be any more relaxed...

Boys just wanna have fun, too

Last week was Eli's last day of the regular school year. What better way to have a last day then to have a big huge water gun fight? They were all so cute running around in their bathing suits and shoes. The school grilled hotdogs for the kids and then later on that evening, we joined them for a school program. The first of many, I hear...

Next week Elijah will be joining the Summer Program for a few weeks at his school. We decided that since it's not yet time for it to be "cool" to be out for the summer, that we would let Eli have his fun a couple times a week. Starting in the fall, he will be going to school 3 days a week instead of 2. I think that schedule will get us all used to next year when he begins kindergarten.... I have a feeling it will be here before we know it!

Yet another thought...

On the way to Arkansas this past weekend, I began seeing enormous billboards advertising this place as the most Beautiful Place in the World. Seriously? In the world? Is it really prepared to take on the coastal resorts of the Caribbean or the European museums housing artistic greats or the French and Italian countrysides?
Giverny, France...Hawaii...New Zealand...and Carthage, Missouri...

Interesting

Dinner y'all?

Did you know that Arkansas is only 3 hours away from Kansas City? I didn't know that until this past weekend when I loaded up the boys and took off on a little road trip to visit Seth for one night. He is in Fayetteville for 2 weeks working on a job. Fayetteville, next to Bentonville = Walmart capital of the world. I would like to share my impression of Arkansas because I had a lot of thinking time as I drove through. Firstly, it's beautiful. I think it's the Ozarks that make it so but it is hilly and green and very pretty. Secondly, I swear I heard banjo music drifting on the wind. It definitely has that "deep south" feel. Not the southern drawl, mint julep, old plantation deep south but the road-kill scrapin', overalls without a shirt, ma and pa deep south. Now I hope I don't offend anyone here because like I said, my first impression was the beauty. But really what was I supposed to think when I passed a town called "Huckleberry Junction"? I did have to giggle when I passed a Super Walmart with surrounding Town Center-type shops. Like it was a prestigious shop in the midst of more shops. Can a rose be called by any other name?

The boys and I had a great trip. It was wonderful to see Seth. Poor Elijah had a rough time this last week missing his daddy. To give you an example- a few nights ago, he passed through the kitchen and saw our family picture on my laptop screen. He just started weeping saying how much he missed Daddy. After that, I knew it was important for Eli to see Seth. And oh my, what a difference! I think because Eli got to see where Seth was working and sleeping, it settled him down and gave him peace. It was so sweet to see Eli's face while sitting next to Seth at dinner. Like all was right with the world...

We love Gigi

She is the little Macchi princess. A priceless jewel. I love my boys with all my heart but there is just something so different about picking up and hugging a little girl. We had so much fun last week getting to know our little Gigi. By the end of the week, Eli and she had such a special relationship. He became her hero. It was adorable to watch.

She loves her Papa and Grammy ("Mimi"). She even sang songs about them as she sat at the edge of the pool.

She is independent and sweet and intelligent and absolutely beautiful.

I am looking forward to watching this little one grow into the woman that the Lord has destined. It's just too much fun being an Auntie!!

Faith as a Child

Mark 11:23
"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea', and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him."

Joel 2:28
"And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions."

Need I say more??

More Pictures

I am at a loss for clever blogging right now. So I am just going to post more pictures of last week. Again, hope you enjoy!

'Twas the Best of Times....

So this was us last week in beautiful, memory-filled Sanibel Island. Last week was our 6th time visiting Sanibel since our honeymoon 9 years ago. So by now we have a few traditions that we keep.
#1. Always open all the car windows as we drive over the Causeway. There is something magical about letting the fresh Gulf wind blow through.
#2. Always rent something from Billy's Bike Rental. In our pre-children years, we always rented mopeds for the day and had a blast. Now that we are responsible parents, we have traded in our crazy moped-ing for the quiet hum of bicycles. Equally enjoyable.
#3. Always spend as much time outside as we possibly can. And boy, did we! Of course, we had to work around nap schedules but we spent most of our time on the beach or in the pool or running or biking. Perfect for a family of energetic boys!!
So, in closing I am just going to post the pictures in random order. Hope you enjoy!

From the mouths of babes....

Bathtime for the boys is a highlight of their existence. Josiah has loved the water since we brought him home from the hospital. Elijah has slowly warmed to the idea and now is a "play bath" fiend. As exhausting as it is for both Seth and me, we love it too. There is nothing more innocent than seeing your naked little cherub smile his toothy little smile in pure joy.


The other night, as I was getting ready to give Josiah a bath, I looked at him and felt compelled to tell him "Josiah, you are a worshiper. You will worship the Lord in spirit and in truth". For 5 seconds, Josiah looked at me right in the eyes and began dancing and clapping his hands. Try to tell me that he didn't hear and understand that! The moment did not last very long because he is only a year old and his attention span is that of a puppy but for that 5 seconds he and I connected. What a destiny these little ones hold. I just pray that I am humble enough to ask them to teach me the deep things of God's heart.

On a lighter note, Eli has been asking us for a cat. He "really really " wants a kitty. I think he is slowly gaining understanding that it just ain't happenin'. A few nights ago, we were driving home and he asked for a kitty again. I decided to be civil with the idea and told him that as soon as he grows up and moves out of the house, he is welcome to get a kitty. I tell you, I almost saw the smoke come out of Eli's ears, he was thinking so fast. "WHAT? I'll be moving out of the house some day???" "But Mom, I never want to move out of the house. I love you guys and want to be here forever and ever." Where is my tape recorder when I need it?? There will be one day where I will be tempted to quote him his own words but I'm sure I will refrain and let him go live his life. I'll just have my allergy medicine handy when I visit him and his kitty!

This will be my last blog for a while. The boys and I are so very excited...we are going to the beach for a week. This will be Josiah's first introduction to the ocean. Elijah takes to the beach like a little fish. I plan on soaking in all the smells, tastes, and sounds that I can. Is it possible for the beach to be a part of someone's DNA? There are times, especially when we first moved here to Kansas City, where I would feel a physical ache for the ocean. Just to be near it again. Hope.....

T minus 4 days

4 days 'til we feel the salty, sticky ocean air on our faces. 4 days 'til we step on white, sandy beach. Sanibel...here we come!

Paintin' the town...a nice pastel pink

Seth and I had the blessing of going out on a date this evening. Again, children = very limited out-of-the-house dating. We had the best time. A friend recommended that we visit a small town just outside of downtown Kansas City called Parkville. You could feel the charm just driving through. Tonight we didn't have much time to get out and walk but we will definitely visit again. There were many small art galleries and neat, funky looking shops. Then Seth and I ate a very delicious dinner down at the Plaza. For all you "familiar with Orlando" readers, the Plaza reminds us of Park Avenue...only much bigger and quite possibly a little more ritzy. We ended the evening with Starbucks and people-watching.

Fun times had by all.

Meanwhile......it looks like Eli and Josiah had a fabulous time with Grammy and Papa. What could be better than wrestling, fresh pizza, and a dinosaur movie??

Cinco de Mayo

This is my mom. Exactly 28 years ago, on her 21st birthday, she gave birth to me. Pretty amazing, huh? Not exactly the most painless gift but at least I was cute in a "just-got-beat-up-in-a-boxing-ring" sort of way.
I feel so blessed to be able to call my mother my best friend. It definitely was not always like that! But God had good plans for us and our relationship. It's just so cool to see the evidence of this "plan" with both of us.

Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you!

Ahha!

So this is what I've been missing all these years. For many, many moons I only got my hair cut once or twice a year. Well, no longer. I have joined the bandwagon that sends me to the hair salon every two or three months to get the "full works"...highlights and a (non-Hair Cuttery) hair cut. Today, after 2 1/2 hours of hair styling and gabbing, I walked out ready to face the world. Thank you Jamie!

From the (un)complicated mind of a 4 year old

When my parents were visiting us a couple of weeks ago, my mom mentioned that Eli had matured quite a bit even since Christmas. His thoughts are more articulate and his speech is softer than before. I have to agree. The more time I spend with the little guy, the more I realize that he really is a boy now. With an imagination that far surpasses my own (and I always thought I could give anyone a run for their money in that department).
Elijah's personality runs in cycles. Let me explain. On any given day he can wake up and be one of the most compliant, sweet-tempered boys ever. Before we are finished patting ourselves on the back for being the parents that have trained such a mild, non-challenging 4 year old, the cycle flips. Now we have days where we go to bed completely exhausted because everything that comes out of our mouth is challenged. It has been described like this- Eli jumps on a train where he just can't stop himself. You can see he wants to jump off the train but forces beyond his control compel him to ride on it for one more run. Before we think we might have to check ourselves in a mental institute, the cycle flips yet again. Thankfully, this has happened enough now where, if we can stop and remember, we always know it's going to change.
Lately, Eli has taken a ride on the "train". It has been quite challenging, let me tell you! Yesterday, the wheels on the train began slowing down. It all started by him asking me "Mom, do you still love me?" I felt two reactions- 1. "Why in the world does he feel the need to ask me this??" and 2. "What an awesome opportunity to scoop him up in my arms and love on him!" So I did #2 while feeling #1.
Now since Eli has been old enough to walk, the Lord has used him in my life to speak little things to me. This being no exception. How many times have I messed up, either out of immaturity or disobedience? How many times have I been pulled out of a ditch by that one question "Father, do you still love me?" Each time, He says "Absolutely, no question" even more than I can say to my own son.
As the infamous Elijah would say because this is now his favorite term "That's awesome!"

You are my Sunshine, my only Sunshine

Today was a beautiful spring day. Josiah is actually doing better already...yah God! It's definitely still there but his comfort level has improved greatly. So we took the boys for a family run this afternoon and then Seth took all the boys for a walk around the block. This time "the boys" included our increasingly overweight pooch, Kenzie. I can only describe the scene as vintage. Barefoot boys, family dog, radio flyer....totally classic....

ding, ding, ding....ROUND 50

I have to say, we have had quite a nice lull in the "attack department". The winter season was brutal on our health and when spring came, so did our hope. Well, today I took Josiah to the doctor's because he has developed in the last couple of days a very deep cough. It's that kind that causes very labored breathing, which in turn makes me want to hyper-ventillate. The poor little guy has a wheezing thing which we have to treat with 4 breathing treatments a day. He also has the beginnings of an ear infection and pneumonia. I have to say, he's such a trooper because rarely has he complained about the whole business. If it was me, I would be in bed moaning and groaning!
But here's the deal- We are standing on God's Word and His promises. We are going to persevere through this mess that the enemy is throwing at us because the Lord desires the best for us. He gives us hope and strength. And that, my friends, is more valuable to me than all the money in the world!

PB and....Hair??

From about the age of 2, Eli has been fascinated by the world of chewing gum. We actually did not let him have his first piece until he was 3 and because he ended up swallowing it, it was a long time before he was given another piece. Now that he is 4 1/2, he has mastered the concept of chewing and not swallowing.
This morning, Seth and I were sitting at the kitchen table when we heard a pitiful voice crying up the stairs "Dad, can you please come down here?" Eli was clearly upset so both Seth and I raced downstairs to see what was wrong. One look at him explained everything. On the side of his head, a chunk of hair spiked unnaturally straight up in the air. Holding it there? Yep, you guessed it...a piece of chewing gum. Apparently, Seth had generously given Eli a piece of gum to accompany movie-time. And apparently, Eli was not content to keep it in his mouth.
See, I have never understood this concept of finding out what gum will do in the hair. This was a brand new experience for me, as well...grabbing the jar of peanut butter and rubbing it through my son's hair. Now I can say that it works. Not from a "tips" page on the internet but from actual, real-life experience.


Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to wash my hands for the 4th time to get rid of the aroma of peanut butter...

My Baby Loves Me

Lately, I have come across some old friends that have recently been married or are engaged to be married very soon. I guess we are at the "acceptable" age when people get married. Ones who have completed college and have made the choice to either continue schooling or pursue a career.
We are also at that age where we are hearing a little bit of divorce. Couples who got married shortly after we did and decided that it just would not work anymore.
The other night, Seth and I had a wonderful date night. For all of those without children, please know that date nights are few and far between so when we have one, it is definitely worth noting. I sat there looking at this man who I began dating before we even graduated high school. I have been building a relationship with this one person on a highly personal level for eleven years now! In August, it will be our 9 year wedding anniversary.
I say all this because there have been times where we didn't know if we were going to make it, before marriage and after. I believe it is a true act of God for anyone to be married for over a year. There is so much giving that has to be done in order for it to work and I am by no means, by nature, a very giving person.
To go back to our date the other night, I sat there across the table from Seth and wondered "How in the world can I still be attracted to this man? In fact, even more attracted than when we first began dating." I think I have come up with a one word answer for this one- GOD. Because He is the One who wants us to succeed. Not that He wants anyone to not succeed in marriage, but I think it's because we have allowed Him to give us the strength to keep going. I look at my parents who have been married for 28 years and I look at Seth's parents who have been married for over 35 years and I am so encouraged. It really can be done. The junk that comes against you in life doesn't diminish as life goes on. I just know I wouldn't want to walk through it with anyone else.

So is it true that you begin to look like each other after so many years? If that's the case, then I have a little something to fear...let's not even mention the body hair!

ALOHA

WISH GRANTED!

Through the genius of Adam, my brother-in-law, I was somehow transported to the place of my dreams. Thank you, dear brother, thank you...

The Birthday Boy

One year ago, on April 19th we met the most amazing person. His name is Josiah Daniel and he happens to be our son. Let me tell you about this little guy. He (along with God) decided to come a bit early...5 weeks early to be exact. He only weighed 4lbs and had to directly go to the NICU. He spent 2 weeks there, where he ended up surprising the doctors and nurses by how quickly he grew. I remember one afternoon I walked into his room at the hospital and the doctor greeted me with the announcement that "It is official. Josiah is the biggest eater in this room". Now this didn't surprise me, being a Macchi boy and all!
After we brought him home, there were a few tough moments because we still had to take him to this specialist and that specialist so they could give the final okay on his health. He, thankfully, passed with flying colors.
It is interesting being a parent of a "preemie". There are the constant comments of how tiny your baby is. So you begin to take a preemptive approach and tell everyone who might glance in the direction of your baby "He's a preemie".
After 6 months, when all the guilt and the what-could-I-have-done-to-prevent-this thoughts had been worked through, I noticed I had a great sense of pride in Josiah. He really is a little fighter. His body is the one that had to learn how to do all the things we take for granted in full term babies, even the simple task of eating. He had to be fed through a tube the first few weeks of his life. To go from that to eating on his own was a huge accomplishment. And now I see him responding to the world around him...to his big brother, his dog, his grandparents, and us his parents...God is so amazing!
What joy this little man has brought into our lives. God has blessed us beyond our imagination with our 2 sons. So Josiah, as we celebrate this day in which you are completely oblivious, know that we love you. May this next year be one of health and harmless discovery!