Adios, my friends!

I just wanted to share with my 2 avid readers of this blog that I will be taking a siesta for a month or so. No, seriously, I have felt a nudge from the Lord and I have realized the importance of listening to Him. Everyone has their "thing" that tempts them to spend more time with than with the Lord. The computer happens to be mine. There are days where I have just wasted hours on the internet. Checking this blog or that blog, keeping up with friends on myspace, obsessively checking my inbox to see if I received an email.
It is time to re-prioritize. I choose God this time, even if it means doing something as drastic as packing up my computer and taking it down to my basement where its call will be muted.
I also choose the 20 items on my "To Do" list that needed to be accomplished 6 months ago. I believe I will have the time to do them now.
I apologize if this post falls under the Too Much Information category but I feel like I need to explain why, as of this evening, I will not be posting for a good long while.

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Num 6:24-26

He Walks!

Yesterday, Josiah did it. He took his first real steps! Until last month, I was really okay with this "I'm going to take my sweet time" approach. But then the neurotic motherly worries began to kick in. Physical therapy...will he still be crawling at 2?....someone even suggested a chiropractor (what??!!).
This boy is all about timing. The Lord has taught us much about His perfect timing through this child. He came into the world a little too early for comfort. And he began walking a little late for comfort. It all evens out in the end, doesn't it?

It Feels like Autumn

It really does. The weather has been amazing. Fall colors have emerged. I have fallen in love with this time of year. Spring has always been my favorite but fall definitely comes very close. Yesterday afternoon we celebrated this time of year by visiting an apple festival. Oh my goodness! Here is a word of caution- Try not to go to an established apple festival when you are hungry because you will leave with barbecue, roasted corn, turkey legs, caramel apples, homemade cherry lemonade, and yum of all yums...homemade apple dumplings with ice cream tucked very tightly in your tummy. Good thing we shared all of it because that running I've been telling you about would have been for naught. We had so much fun. Here are some pictures to document the occasion...Oh and the pictures of us and the pumpkins are from a farm that we stopped at on the way home. It was quite beautiful!

Get Ready, Get Set....GO

My brother and I grew up going to running races. My parents would run 5k's and 10k's every Saturday morning, or so it felt like to us. My brother and I would love it because there were always tables of oranges, bananas, muffins, and bagels. We didn't have to do the work, we just ate.
Yesterday morning, while it was still dark outside, Seth and I drove downtown for our first 5k together. He and I have been running very consistently the last few months. We have set it where we run separately during the week and on the weekend (when we can), we run together. He pushes the boys in the jogging stroller so it has been fun family time as well. We registered for the 5k (3.1 miles) and then scheduled runs to surpass that mileage so when race day came, we (I) wouldn't feel so stretched. After a 5 mile run last weekend, we (I) were so ready for the race this weekend.

Yesterday was the beginning of a new thing for me. And it was not so much about the actual running. As I ran over the Start Line, a huge wave of emotion washed over me. I felt so many old fears and insecurities be released. Fears and insecurities that I have carried around for years and years. So by the time I got to the Finish Line, not only was I excited that I didn't have to stop to walk at all, but I was flying free. I still feel that freedom today, that lightness that has never really been there before.
The whole race was such a picture of our life with the Lord. My husband and I ran the whole thing together. My husband took on the role of supporter and encourager. He never left my side, he was with me the whole way. We experienced it all together. I just have a feeling when I have finished my race and I am finally in heaven with my true, eternal Husband we are going to have so much to talk about.

"Do you remember when the kids were young and they were driving me so nuts that I thought I was going to go crazy?"
"Yes, I was there with you. Do you remember how I encouraged you that day?"
"That's right! I thought I wasn't going to make it. I thought I was going to have to step out of the race for a while. But all of a sudden, I knew You were there running this thing with me and I could keep going. You gave me my 'second wind'."

Wow, I can't wait!

At Last....

Tonight was the beginning of a very good thing. Tonight I saw a glimpse of what true community can be. Tonight we started a care group. A care group of mostly younger couples with children, but not all younger which makes it exciting. There is wisdom to be imparted and shared. There is trust to be built. There are relationships to be formed, all founded in the love of God. I sensed His pleasure this evening. Because His desire is for us to share His love with each other. We grow in so many ways by loving each other. I believe it's that simple. Love Him and love each other.
We will move past the slightly awkward "where are you from" questions to "how are you really doing" inquiries. We will be a part of each other's lives, in whatever capacity the Lord leads.
It is so easy to become isolated these days. As long as we get an email from someone occasionally or even a phone call, we are all right. Or so we tell ourselves. I believe the Lord wants us to go deeper than that. We are beginning to see deep unrest in the world. There are so many signs pointing to the coming return of Jesus. There is an urgency that is building up in His people, those that are courageous enough to recognize what is happening. As we cry out "Come, Lord Jesus, Come", we must also see the importance of relying on one another in the days ahead. We will need each other like we never have before. To hold each other up, to encourage one another, and to keep each from falling away.
There are exciting and scary days ahead of us. Intimacy with the Lord and true community of believers will be the keys of preparation for walking through whatever is to come....

Preach it, sista!

Gettin' Rid of Junk (Treasure?)

This weekend, my friends and I are holding a garage sale. Probably one of the last of the season. When I first moved to this area, I couldn't believe the amount of garage sales going on. And they do it serious here- most of them begin on Wednesday and end on Saturday. We've decided to be lightweights and just do it on Friday and Saturday.
So I have been busily trying to get things together. I will be very glad when it's over....

Let's go on Vacation

This last weekend, we went on a mini vacation to Table Rock Lake and stayed here . It was a wonderful getaway. The weather was amazing and the lake was gorgeous. The vote was unanimous: we definitely all could have stayed a lot longer. But, alas, the world of audio called us (Seth) back to reality.

Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.

Sailor "Jo"

Captain Elijah

Grammy and Papa trying to stay warm despite the rather chilly wind

Elijah enjoying the indoor pool

Apparently this is the monarch butterfly migrating season. I believe they start from Canada and make their way down to a forest in Mexico where they mate and die. We were just amazed at the wonder of God's creation as we saw hundreds fly over our cabin. I think we were on Monarch Route 101 because there were just so many. I found myself silently cheering them on, these fragile and beautiful creatures. Fragile yet with the strength to fly thousands of miles to get to a destination they have never seen before. Simply amazing!!

S-T-R-E-T-C-H

Seth arrived home safely yesterday after 15 days in Texas. It is so wonderful to have him home again! This is definitely the season of stretching (yet once again) because next week he leaves for another 4 days. I calculated this morning that he will be home only 6 days out of 25 by the end of next week. Thankfully, we all feel God's grace covering this new season of our lives. Without it, you would find me in the fetal position in the middle of the floor saying over and over again, "I can't handle this. I can't handle this." Amazingly enough, I can handle it. At the risk of sounding like a cheeseball, God's strength allows me to do what I need to do.
These boys sure know how to keep me busy!!

Eli's 1st day of School

Since this is Elijah's second year of preschool, his first day was not as exciting as last year's. I signed him up for 3 days a week instead of just 2 and he is going in the mornings this year instead of the blessed afternoon schedule he had last year. The 8:30-11:30 schedule is
definitely more for me than Eli. I figured that I might as well get used to it since he will be doing this every day next year!
It just amazes me how quickly children grow and change. I found a picture from his first day of school last year and compared it to this year's. The difference is incredible. He still looks like Eli (of course) but he looks so much older!

LAST YEAR

THIS YEAR

He really was happier than this picture shows to go to school today. He was a bit nervous about meeting the new children but he has the same teacher this year as he had in summer program. That helps the boy who has a difficult time with change.

Here are some cute pictures of our time with my parents last week. One of Eli's favorite places to visit when we go to South Carolina is Cherry Park. It has a great playground with his special "roller coaster" swing. I think it's made for handicapped children but it's one of the highlights for Elijah.


Josiah had a pretty good time on the swings as well. And what is better than playing hide and seek with Nana??



Elijah had lots of wrestling time with Grandad and Josiah had lots of cuddle time with Nana. Sounds like a good vacation to me!

Up Up and We're Home!

"I just feel so sorry for that Mom!"

This is the comment I heard from the back of the airplane as we were getting ready to leave. Friends, I was THAT Mom. I could already tell that I would be in for it when Josiah woke up around 6am and never really fell back asleep. Our flight left at 12:45, smack in the middle of his naptime. The flight was an express flight so it was a smaller plane with 2 seats on each side. Needless to say, we did not have much room for movement. This didn't stop the little J man because he was filled with that over-tired energy that only people who have been around children know about. Wasn't it Phillip in the New Testament who was miraculously transported from one place to another? You better believe I was asking for this kind of miracle yesterday!
As the flight continued, Josiah became more and more irritable until a full meltdown began. And lasted a good 10-15 minutes. The-longest-minutes-of-my-entire-life. There is a defense mechanism in a human body called shock. I think that's what happened to me...all of a sudden I was in this "zone" where the horrible screaming faded away in my ears and I just sat there holding him tightly in my arms. And then, by the grace of a very good God, Josiah fell asleep. And continued sleeping through the flight's descent. I swear, it was only the crowd's good manners that kept them from cheering when this happened.

On another note, the boys and I just spent ten days in South Carolina with my parents. We had a wonderful time just hanging out with "Nana and Grandad". Elijah is older now so he is so much more aware of his emotions. Last night as we were praying, he interrupted me and said with tears in his eyes, "Mom, don't say Nana and Grandad because when you say their names, it makes me miss them so much." Isn't that the saddest thing you have ever heard? It is very difficult living so far away from them but we are all trying to be more "eternal-minded". There will come a day when none of us will be separated....we will live in all of eternity with our Beloved and with each other. How exciting!!

What the....?

This, my friends, is the result of 20 minutes of brushing our dog. I guess they call this in the malamute world- a blowout. That's a pretty good description of the extra dog that came from Kenzie this evening. I could have spent 20 more minutes and doubled this pile o' fur but Kenzie was sending out the signals that enough was enough.
Just thought I would share this small phenomenon. The dog seemed to feel better afterwards...


And if it's worth anything, Josiah was pretty happy with the whole situation as well...

Baby's 1st Haircut

Okay, maybe it was Josiah's 3rd but it wasn't just his bangs this time. I became a bit bolder this time and chopped an inch all around. This haircut was way overdue. His curls hide the true length because when he's in the bathtub and the water temporarily straightens it out, it falls way past his shoulders. Anyway, he was a good sport especially with a cracker in his hand (note the well-placed crumbs on the face). What a munch!!

Quote of the Week

Today we were driving around town, my mother-in-law and I with the kids, delivering groceries to certain families. We have been doing this every week helping out with this ministry. It has been an awesome experience for the kids and me, getting to know people and helping out where we can.
Anyway, as we were talking in the front seats, Elijah suddenly called out from the back,

"Mom, you are a poem and don't even know it!!"

I almost stopped the car right there just to give my little guy a hug. I don't even remember what I said to bring on such a perfect quote but it is definitely in my Top 10 list of memories that I want etched in my mind forever. Besides, wouldn't you really rather be called a poem than a poet? It's so much more poetic, isn't it??

Hello Stranger

Here I am. I didn't fall off the face of the earth. I think I had to take a break from words, spoken and written, for a while. I finished reading The Bride on schedule. 36 chapters in 6 days. Thus the temporary break from most written word. So tonight I thought I would begin my return to the blogging world by re-introducing the two cutest little boys in the whole wide world.

Los Hermanos- Elijah and Josiah

Eli's new backpack. Permanently adhered to his back.

Josiah's favorite position these days- upside down.

Elijah's silly face

The face of mischief. Whaaaat?

These two are bringing so much joy to Seth and me these days. I can't count how many times we look at each other and crack up because Elijah has just said something hilarious or Josiah, in his own little world, is making the funniest face ever. Boys are just so much fun!

Goodnight Moon

I hugged Elijah today. Not really a momentous occasion because I hug him daily multiple times. But today was different. I sat holding him and noticed how small his shoulders were. For some reason, it made me want to cry. Small shoulders that carry such light burdens. As well it should be. Little man, I wish I could always carry your burdens but that is reserved by One who is infinitely stronger.

Boys. Always the competition of who is strongest, fastest, smartest. Today Elijah asked the questions that if answered correctly have the potential to unlock the secrets of the entire universe. "Mom, could Spiderman beat up God? Who can run faster- Jesus or SharkBoy?"

Speaking of hugs. I have to say, I think I have 2 of the most affectionate young males ever. I cannot get enough of their hugs. Both of their techniques intrigue me. Elijah has more of a "drive-by" approach. He doesn't give them very often but when he does, you know he really means it. Lately he has been randomly telling me that he has a big, huge, 'mongous surprise for me. And then he backs up to the other side of the room, runs full speed to me, and wraps his soft arms around my waist. With a sweet "I love you Mom" he is off to his next adventure. Josiah is a snuggle bear. I call my little koala. He knows how to just melt into you, form himself to your front, and hold you captive by his warm affection. Hopefully he will never discover that he could ask for anything at that moment and it would be his in an instant.

Seth and I are having one of those weeks. You know those weeks where you are pretty sure you remember each other's face because you only see it for five minutes before you are both sound asleep? Yes, it has been busy. A new show has rolled into town so Seth has been commuting between here and downtown every day.
I have learned to let go. This week is the first official week of having an official babysitter officially watch my children. Because I have been recording The Bride every day. I have to admit, it was really difficult that first day. "Did I remember to tell her this or that? Will the boys give her a hard time? Oh, I hope she doesn't go into the master bathroom...Why didn't I take the time to clean it??" But, as I said before, I have learned to let go. And everything is going beautifully. Even the reading is going amazingly well. The Lord is stirring things up in my heart. But I will leave that for a future post...

Midsummer Nights

The past few evenings, the family has made its way to the front yard to enjoy some fresh air without baking ourselves. When there is 100+ degree weather, you really try to stay in as much as possible. But around 7:30, the temperature drops a bit and a nice breeze begins. Perfect conditions for Elijah's Big Wheel to come out or bike or skateboard or whatever suits his needs for the evening. Josiah is content to park himself in the grass and just watch his big brother go wild. Tonight I broke out the gallon size container of bubbles that have been hidden in the pantry for a year now. Here are some pictures of the boys enjoying them...

Eli going Kung Fu on the bubbles

The joy of a child
And one bubble for you, Sir
Darn, it popped!

Watch out....

...or Josiah might poke you with his hair...

Seriously, we're having just a little too much fun these days with Mr. Goldilocks. What the camera didn't capture was Josiah using the shampoo bubbles to wash his own belly. Almost too adorable for words!

Busy Days

So all of you who just cannot get enough of my voice will be pleased to hear that you will soon be able to purchase a book-on-CD with hours and hours of just me. These next couple of weeks, I will be recording this book you see on the left. The Bride has made it around the world and back. Apparently many people have requested that it be put to audio and the author, Rhonda Calhoun, asked me to be the narrator. I was a bit shocked by this, especially since she had never heard me read out loud before. I have gradually become used to the idea and have come to the realization that it is very much a "God thing". I guess that happens when you hang around prophetic people! This book had such an impact on my heart when I read it a few years ago, while I still lived in Orlando. It is one of those stories that just catch you by surprise and you finish it with more tenderness for the Lord than you might think possible.
So I'm fully expecting that while I am reading it out loud, God is going to do some softening and rearranging of this Bride's heart. I'm actually hoping for it...

Night Away

The above picture is the view from our balcony at the hotel we stayed this weekend. Yes, you heard right folks- Seth and I went away for a whole entire night by ourselves. No children. Just the two of us. Amazing.
We stayed here right down at the Plaza. One of the best attractions of Kansas City. It is only about 25 minutes from our house but it felt like we traveled out of state. The hotel room was very classy. Please note our pleased expressions...
We walked to dinner. Enjoyed it immensely. We walked to the movie theatre. Great movie (can't wait for the 3rd). We walked here for their divine dessert. We each had a piece to ourselves and tried to finish them. Did not succeed.
Overall, it was so wonderful to reconnect with each other. It's been quite the busy year so to be able to spend an evening just thinking about each other was such a treasure. We didn't have to think about fixing dinner for the children, giving baths, waking up to the sound of the whispered, "Mom, can I have my breakfast now?". Grammy and Papa took care of that (Thank you, Thank you!). As much as we tried, though, we just couldn't shed the "parenting bug" for the whole night. Around 3am (I think) we both woke up to the sounds of a baby crying. Seth and I shot up trying to figure out how Josiah got in this strange room. After a few seconds, we woke up enough to realize that it was a child next door and not our own. We had no trouble falling back asleep.
We arrived home the next afternoon feeling fully refreshed and ready to give the boys lots of extra hugs and kisses. Boy, if our 9th anniversary was this nice, I sure can't wait for the BIG 1-0 next year!