This is a random, what-I-learned-during-my-quiet-time-this-morning post, simply because I was so struck by a "new" lesson in a familiar story. And by "new lesson" I mean "one that God has to keep re-teaching me" because I can be a stubborn fool!
Our read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year program this year has been The Message: Remix. Today's Old Testament reading was from 1 Samuel 13-15. Below is what I wrote in my prayer journal...
************
Oh, Father!
It seems so easy to judge Saul for not obeying you; yet when I read this version of the account of him making the sacrifice without Samuel--my heart trembles! I can just picture myself doing this! Sam doesn't show up when he said he would, soldiers are leaving left and right, the Philistines are closing in--oh, I can just see myself trying to control the situation, taking matters into my own hands. I like action. I don't like waiting! Especially when circumstances seem dire.
Wow. As I keep reading, I see a clear contrast between Saul and Jonathan. Jonathan was moved to action...he didn't want to sit around and wait, either! But, as he speaks to his armor bearer, he refers to God multiple times--God's deliverance, God's salvation, God's working. He proposes a course of action that involves a clear sign from God as to whether or not to proceed. Not surprisingly, God honors this approach!
Oh, Lord! Help me learn to wait on you first, not as a last resort! The desires you've given me are your desires. You will see them through to their completion. You don't need my help! Teach me to rest in you instead of frantically trying to make puzzle pieces fit together. The pieces I'm working with now may very well not yet include the ones I need! You will send what I need...when I need it.
April 10, 2013
March 26, 2013
Of Guilt and Rationalization
I recently read an excellent blog post that has circulated the Facebook world, A Letter to Young Mothers. The author expresses beautifully what I've been learning along my own parenting journey. It struck me, as I pondered the ups and downs of life as a parent, that instead of being content in the Room of Grace, I too often fluctuate between the extremes of guilt and rationalization. (See the excellent book The Cure for a treatise on pleasing God vs. trusting God, i.e. living in the Room of Good Intentions vs. living in the Room of Grace.)
Example: I've only exercised 5 days in a row the past two months because of sickness and lower back pain. I've all but given up on the idea of having a healthy body during this pregnancy, so I've been consuming alarming amounts of junk food. (Having an all-or-nothing personality isn't something I'm proud of...) Instead of allowing myself a treat now and then and enjoying it in an emotionally healthy manner, I alternately beat myself up with guilt for "blowing it" or rationalize to myself that I "deserved it." Neither extreme is a comfortable place to be--and the ironic thing is, any pleasure or comfort I may otherwise have received from my dark chocolate or my crunchy, salty chips ends up replaced by feelings of self-loathing (guilt) or attempted indifference (rationalization).
Yesterday morning I kind of had an epiphany of sorts--and it came in the framework of homeschooling. We’re floundering somewhat with Ted gone for a 6-week training class in the States. We are at the end of our American History curriculum but not quite ready to jump into our next Core. (I have a lot of organizing to do first!) So, as we wrap up some loose ends, counting down these last 20 or so days until Ted's return, I am just trying to hang on and survive while dealing with lower back pain, exhaustion, and the general chaos that exists in a house with 6 children and a pregnant, hormonal mom. Our regular daily schedule has been set aside and we literally take one day (moment even) at a time. I do not cope well with this type of living!
So Monday morning, as I was considering what I thought maybe the kids should do as far as schoolwork that day, I was praying, “Lord, what do YOU want us to get done today?” And I actually think I detected a note of exasperation in His reply! I can't type out a word-for-word response that I heard in my heart, but it was along the lines of…really, it doesn't matter WHAT you do [in the realm of math, language arts, etc.]! What matters is HOW you do it!
When we view eternity…when we’re living in God’s forever kingdom…will my kids have grown in the grace and knowledge of Jesus? Will they know that He loves them fiercely because I as their mom showed them such love? Will they have been empowered and equipped to carry the gospel to those who need it and to show love and compassion to everyone regardless of whether it’s easy or convenient?
THOSE are the things that are important. And I know that, and I tell myself that, and I tell others that (especially newer homeschooling moms), but I still find myself playing this guilt game over not having a clean enough house or an organized enough schedule or being “behind” in this or that. Behind according to whom or what?! Good grief. We've made life so complicated. It doesn't need to be. It shouldn't be.
So whether I eat dark chocolate...or drink coffee...or teach grammar...or wipe a dirty bottom...or tell a child for the 5th time to take his dirty dishes to the sink...or whatever I do...
...I want it to be all for the glory of God.
I want it to count for eternity.
I don't want to waste the moment wallowing in guilt.
I don't want to waste it rationalizing my choices.
Through Jesus Christ I am justified...sanctified...righteous and holy in His sight. Absolutely I still struggle with sin. But I dwell in the Room of Grace. And if my sovereign, holy God gives me grace...shouldn't I give myself some, too? And shouldn't I be eager to extend it to all those around me? Actually, it often seems easier to extend grace to everyone else except myself...and those closest to me. Why do I hold myself (and even my children) to a higher standard than I would expect of others? I suppose that could be a topic to explore another time...
In the meantime, I'm choosing, in these weeks of "flux," to focus less on the concrete tasks that I would typically write on my planner. Instead, I want to pursue some of those more elusive ideals of life. My to-do list might look something more like this:
No guilt over what isn't "being accomplished." No rationalizing my need for "alone time."
Example: I've only exercised 5 days in a row the past two months because of sickness and lower back pain. I've all but given up on the idea of having a healthy body during this pregnancy, so I've been consuming alarming amounts of junk food. (Having an all-or-nothing personality isn't something I'm proud of...) Instead of allowing myself a treat now and then and enjoying it in an emotionally healthy manner, I alternately beat myself up with guilt for "blowing it" or rationalize to myself that I "deserved it." Neither extreme is a comfortable place to be--and the ironic thing is, any pleasure or comfort I may otherwise have received from my dark chocolate or my crunchy, salty chips ends up replaced by feelings of self-loathing (guilt) or attempted indifference (rationalization).
Yesterday morning I kind of had an epiphany of sorts--and it came in the framework of homeschooling. We’re floundering somewhat with Ted gone for a 6-week training class in the States. We are at the end of our American History curriculum but not quite ready to jump into our next Core. (I have a lot of organizing to do first!) So, as we wrap up some loose ends, counting down these last 20 or so days until Ted's return, I am just trying to hang on and survive while dealing with lower back pain, exhaustion, and the general chaos that exists in a house with 6 children and a pregnant, hormonal mom. Our regular daily schedule has been set aside and we literally take one day (moment even) at a time. I do not cope well with this type of living!
So Monday morning, as I was considering what I thought maybe the kids should do as far as schoolwork that day, I was praying, “Lord, what do YOU want us to get done today?” And I actually think I detected a note of exasperation in His reply! I can't type out a word-for-word response that I heard in my heart, but it was along the lines of…really, it doesn't matter WHAT you do [in the realm of math, language arts, etc.]! What matters is HOW you do it!
When we view eternity…when we’re living in God’s forever kingdom…will my kids have grown in the grace and knowledge of Jesus? Will they know that He loves them fiercely because I as their mom showed them such love? Will they have been empowered and equipped to carry the gospel to those who need it and to show love and compassion to everyone regardless of whether it’s easy or convenient?
THOSE are the things that are important. And I know that, and I tell myself that, and I tell others that (especially newer homeschooling moms), but I still find myself playing this guilt game over not having a clean enough house or an organized enough schedule or being “behind” in this or that. Behind according to whom or what?! Good grief. We've made life so complicated. It doesn't need to be. It shouldn't be.
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
1 Cor. 10:31
So whether I eat dark chocolate...or drink coffee...or teach grammar...or wipe a dirty bottom...or tell a child for the 5th time to take his dirty dishes to the sink...or whatever I do...
...I want it to be all for the glory of God.
I want it to count for eternity.
I don't want to waste the moment wallowing in guilt.
I don't want to waste it rationalizing my choices.
Through Jesus Christ I am justified...sanctified...righteous and holy in His sight. Absolutely I still struggle with sin. But I dwell in the Room of Grace. And if my sovereign, holy God gives me grace...shouldn't I give myself some, too? And shouldn't I be eager to extend it to all those around me? Actually, it often seems easier to extend grace to everyone else except myself...and those closest to me. Why do I hold myself (and even my children) to a higher standard than I would expect of others? I suppose that could be a topic to explore another time...
In the meantime, I'm choosing, in these weeks of "flux," to focus less on the concrete tasks that I would typically write on my planner. Instead, I want to pursue some of those more elusive ideals of life. My to-do list might look something more like this:
- Sing of God's love to and with my kids
- Read more stories--Bible stories AND fairy tales
- Cuddle
- Tell my 10-year-old what an awesome kid I think he is
- Actually listen to my 4-year-old when he tells me the saga of the pirate ship he has built out of math blocks and Lincoln logs
- Dance with my 6-year-old in the kitchen
- Spend some alone time with my 12-year-old and give her a safe place to discuss what's on her heart
- Throw the football with my 9-year-old...assuming we can get it down from the ledge between our yard and the neighbors'. (Sigh.)
No guilt over what isn't "being accomplished." No rationalizing my need for "alone time."
Only grace...grace given, grace received.
March 25, 2013
Zaden at 18 Months
Just a few things I hope I always remember about our sweet boy at this stage of his life...
- He still sucks his thumb and has callouses on BOTH thumbs.
- He twirls his hair when he is tired and has on multiple occasions twirled it into a complete knot that can only be solved with a pair of scissors.
- He loves nap time--he smiles and makes the sign for nap or sleep when we announce it's time. I've never had a kid nap so easily!
- When we put him down to sleep, he must have:
- Fuzzy monkey in one corner of his crib (by his head)
- Fuzzy bumblebee in the other corner of his crib
- The windows SHUT (I tried to leave them open one nice day and he was not impressed)
- His blanket on top of his back, since he is a tummy sleeper
- And he still enjoys the background noises from his giraffe from Grandma J.
- When we carry Zaden downstairs, he waves at all the family photos that line the wall, smiling at the people.
- One of his current favorite activities is toddling around the house holding as many smallish random objects as possible: a wooden block, a wadded up piece of paper, a stray Lego, and a Lincoln log, for example.
- He isn't speaking much still, but he definitely comprehends a lot. His "yes" and "no" nods are endearingly definite.
- Not sure if this is the result of being such a late walker or if it's just part of HIM right now, but he walks like he just got off a horse!
- He wore a romper yesterday, the first time in shorts since last summer, and oh, my goodness...the pudgy little legs and knees! Love!
- He gives kisses now...big, happy, wide-mouthed, wet kisses. I love them. I love him!
March 10, 2013
Sir Lucan & the Princess
Charis helped Kenna and Lucan make this stinkin' cute video yesterday while I was running some errands. Lucan the Knight saves Princess Kenna by cutting off the head of a dragon. He then shyly asks, "Will you marry me?" and they ride off into the sunset!
February 21, 2013
Paestum
On President's Day we took advantage of Ted's day off to join with other homeschooling families headed to the Greek ruins in Paestum (city named for Poseidon, who, being the god of the sea, obviously helped the Greeks make the crossing to Italy!). These are the best preserved Greek ruins outside of Greece, and we were eager to explore after hearing so many good things...among others, that this was the place to let the kids run and climb and enjoy!
Well...either the park officials didn't have much else to occupy them, or else the people who told us the kids were allowed to climb around visited on days when there were too many tourists for the officials to hover over, because we ended up with our own personal "vulture" who anxiously followed us from site to site, indicating that the kids were NOT, in fact, to do any climbing. We still aren't sure if this is because they were simply afraid that someone would get hurt or if they were more concerned about the ruins getting, well, ruined!
At any rate, it was indeed a very cool place to explore. One of the dads took it upon himself to prepare ahead of time and gave us a wonderful tour, involving the kids in imagining themselves in an ancient Greek city. It was a sunny day, which was a blessing, as the air was a bit nippy, and rain was expected later in the day, so we managed to plan the tour at the perfect time.
The tour ended with a picnic lunch on the grass next to a ginormous temple built to Poseidon (Neptune), with Chaplain Arreguin leading the kids through some passages of Scripture about God's temple and how now, as believers, WE are the temple. Very cool!
It took well over an hour and a half to get to the ruins, so it's not someplace we would pop in and out of as easily as we might like--so we were glad for the opportunity to set aside most of a day to visit. We did hustle home, as our friend Salvatore came for his English lesson/play time with the boys, but we did delay our start time to give us adequate time for the tour.
All in all, the kids seemed to enjoy the excursion as much as we did! Lucan was really dragging by the time it was over--it was a lot of walking for short little legs! Ted had Zaden in the backpack, as the trails weren't exactly stroller friendly, and he was also relieved to be able to sit down and relax after it was all over. A bonus of the long drive was that Ted and I were able to discuss ideas for this year's Commission study as we were driving to Paestum, the result of which was a working outline to send to the director. Having a framework will make it so much easier when I finally am able to set aside some time to write! And now I'm extra excited, having just spent the time praying over the ideas and finally putting some things on paper!
Well...either the park officials didn't have much else to occupy them, or else the people who told us the kids were allowed to climb around visited on days when there were too many tourists for the officials to hover over, because we ended up with our own personal "vulture" who anxiously followed us from site to site, indicating that the kids were NOT, in fact, to do any climbing. We still aren't sure if this is because they were simply afraid that someone would get hurt or if they were more concerned about the ruins getting, well, ruined!
At any rate, it was indeed a very cool place to explore. One of the dads took it upon himself to prepare ahead of time and gave us a wonderful tour, involving the kids in imagining themselves in an ancient Greek city. It was a sunny day, which was a blessing, as the air was a bit nippy, and rain was expected later in the day, so we managed to plan the tour at the perfect time.
The tour ended with a picnic lunch on the grass next to a ginormous temple built to Poseidon (Neptune), with Chaplain Arreguin leading the kids through some passages of Scripture about God's temple and how now, as believers, WE are the temple. Very cool!
It took well over an hour and a half to get to the ruins, so it's not someplace we would pop in and out of as easily as we might like--so we were glad for the opportunity to set aside most of a day to visit. We did hustle home, as our friend Salvatore came for his English lesson/play time with the boys, but we did delay our start time to give us adequate time for the tour.
All in all, the kids seemed to enjoy the excursion as much as we did! Lucan was really dragging by the time it was over--it was a lot of walking for short little legs! Ted had Zaden in the backpack, as the trails weren't exactly stroller friendly, and he was also relieved to be able to sit down and relax after it was all over. A bonus of the long drive was that Ted and I were able to discuss ideas for this year's Commission study as we were driving to Paestum, the result of which was a working outline to send to the director. Having a framework will make it so much easier when I finally am able to set aside some time to write! And now I'm extra excited, having just spent the time praying over the ideas and finally putting some things on paper!
February 16, 2013
Caserta Palace
Today we finally had a chance to do a little bit of exploring, our first day trip since early January! We chose to see the palace in Caserta, about a 45-minute drive from our house. Apparently everyone agrees: as far as splendor, size, beauty, etc., this is second only to the palace of Versailles as far as European palaces go! We interested the boys by telling them that a scene from Episode 1 of Star Wars was filmed there...although we didn't actually get to see the location, heh!
Only one wing is available for public viewing, but it was huge enough that we felt more than satisfied with our tour. Honestly, I can't imagine walking the entire thing, LOL. It was amazing to see room after palatial room, all with different styles of paintings and decor. The paintings, particularly on the ceilings, were mostly Baroque/Renaissance style, but some of the portraits especially would have been modern at the time--straight from the pages of our history books!
It was chilly outside, and parts of the palace were quite breezy, also. We opted to skip touring the gardens this time and come back when it's warmer so we can maybe ride bikes to see the famous waterfall and fountains. It's definitely a place we would enjoy seeing again!
Only one wing is available for public viewing, but it was huge enough that we felt more than satisfied with our tour. Honestly, I can't imagine walking the entire thing, LOL. It was amazing to see room after palatial room, all with different styles of paintings and decor. The paintings, particularly on the ceilings, were mostly Baroque/Renaissance style, but some of the portraits especially would have been modern at the time--straight from the pages of our history books!
It was chilly outside, and parts of the palace were quite breezy, also. We opted to skip touring the gardens this time and come back when it's warmer so we can maybe ride bikes to see the famous waterfall and fountains. It's definitely a place we would enjoy seeing again!
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| Lucan and Kenna by a coronation statue |
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| The Royal Staircase |
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| Outside the front entrance; somehow our camera didn't save the wide, sweeping shot Ted took of the whole thing. :-( |
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| Ceiling detail |
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| Rawr! I think this is my favorite pic from the day. |
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| The palace chapel |
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| Baby cradle! |
February 14, 2013
Highlights!
I have so much on my mind and in my heart these days! I've been wanting to journal some spiritual things God has been leading me through over the past 8 months or so. But I feel the (self-pressured) expectation to keep up-to-date with our family events, so in order to assuage the guilt, here we go...
PREGNANCY
13 weeks along. Feeling reasonably well, aside from utter dismay at the way my uterus has declared a free-for-all. I look like I did when I was 6 months pregnant with my first few babies!
ZADEN
Finally walking consistently! (Although he still does an astonishingly fast sideways crawl up on his knees--hilarious.) Delighted with life; a joy to all. Callouses on his thumbs from sucking. Permanent curls in the hair from twisting while sucking thumb. A-DOR-able. Loves tickles and even tries to tickle himself while he gets diaper changes, poking his belly and saying what sounds like "tickle" with giggles.
LUCAN
Still no interest in self-motivated potty usage. Praying this will change before Baby arrives. Doof dog has lost about 90% of his stuffing but is still the preferred sleeping buddy. Plays with Kenna for hours on end; also builds with various toys by himself for hours on end. Generally an agreeable, happy boy, though he does exert his will, usually at the most inopportune times (i.e. wailing in his car seat during a lengthy car ride).
KENNA
Waiting on reading lessons paid off! She is finding much success with Phonics Pathways, reading 3-letter words at this time (C-V-C) and able to write them from dictation exercises. We both look forward to when she will have the tools to read sentences. It won't be long now! Her confidence is growing, and she surprises and delights herself and us by picking out words on signs or "big kid books." Her dark side has shown itself, as she has proven to be a candy thief and subsequent liar. Prayers for a tender and responsive heart eventually work...the latest progression was as follows:
"Kenna, did you take the candy for my Bible study class?"
1. Immediate response: Vigorous denial while rubbing eyes.
2. Later that day: Changed the subject.
3. At night when tucking into bed: "I'm not ready to tell you yet."
4. The next day I ask, "Are you ready to confess yet?" She sweetly replies, "No, not yet."
5. Finally, days later when she has been grounded from candy, she comes to me and tearfully confesses and asks forgiveness...while informing me that taking away her candy privileges "hurt my feelings and ruined my Valentine's party day." Giggle!
ARDEN
We had a heart-to-heart talk today when he wrote "I hate school" as part of a LA assignment. Sigh. Gentle probing revealed that he doesn't think he's very good at anything. Praise God for precious moments like this, when He uses me to point out all the ways my tough, tender guy shines. We pray, hug, and he lets me kiss him on his kissable cheek. Multiple times. I don't know how long this permission will last, but I speak words of encouragement and steal hugs and kisses while I can. The boy is way ahead in math, has made leaps and bounds progress in reading, hunts out books to read on his own that he wouldn't have touched with a 10-foot pole a year ago, and has progressed remarkably noticeably in his piano skills in just 6 weeks of lessons after a 6-month hiatus. Satan, you may NOT have this young man's heart or mind, and you will NOT speak lies at him! Father, protect Arden, and remind us as parents to speak truth over him to encourage him in the purpose YOU have for him.
TOBIN
Less enthused about piano than Arden, he still seems to enjoy finishing pieces and looks forward to the spring recital. His preference is always an activity involving a screen, but Lego building and playtime are still a favorite pastime. His face is well known at the base library. I can see a career--or at least a side job--involving performance, as he loves to make up jokes and test them out on us. He has begun crocheting and inspired Arden to take up the new hobby as well...I now have 3 children lusting after yarn!
CHARIS
Her Bears for Bricks project is drawing to an end as she wraps up the final 7 bears. I'll have to get an exact count, but I do believe she made (or will have made) well over 40 knitted teddy bears, all with donated time, energy, and supplies! I hope and pray that those who supported her in the project by requesting one or more bears are able to give generously toward the children's home in Uganda, knowing what a sacrifice this girl has made over the last 4-5 months! Mostly, we are happy to have had the opportunity to share with others our new connection with Lahash International. Charis continues to craft and is desperately working to finish a knitted doll with outfits for Kenna's birthday on the 27th and a complete set of 15 crocheted Star Wars figures for Tobin's birthday in April. (The Star Wars figures may well be making an appearance in a business opportunity for her...but we need to check some things first!) Charis has also taken up violin and has eagerly added that to her musical repertoire.
TED
Last week Ted changed jobs! Every few years the NATO nations bid for job positions. His old job is now filled by a Canadian. He got moved to a different office and now works for a Turkish colonel, having replaced a Norwegian, with I-can't-remember-what-nationality sergeant working for him. Somewhere in there is an Italian. (I can't keep all this straight.) He may--or may not--attend a training course later in the spring. In the meantime, he's trying his darnedest to figure out what exactly this new job entails, having finally gotten a clue what his old one required! Additionally, he has been asked to consider taking over as AWANA commander, as the current one is PSCing this summer. After prayer and discussion, we have decided that this looks to be a role God indeed has in mind for Ted, and he is looking to meet with our chaplain, the current commander, and the youth program leader to plan the next steps.
ME
As for me, the biggest thing going on for me other than usual family/household matters is that I have been privileged to lead one of the Bible study classes for PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) this semester. It has been so humbling and yet exciting to be part of this! In fact, this is one of the things I plan to delve more into in subsequent blog posts. The book we are studying is The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns, president of World Vision USA. I read it last summer, and it sparked a huge flame in me that keeps growing! So, more on that later...
PREGNANCY
13 weeks along. Feeling reasonably well, aside from utter dismay at the way my uterus has declared a free-for-all. I look like I did when I was 6 months pregnant with my first few babies!
ZADEN
Finally walking consistently! (Although he still does an astonishingly fast sideways crawl up on his knees--hilarious.) Delighted with life; a joy to all. Callouses on his thumbs from sucking. Permanent curls in the hair from twisting while sucking thumb. A-DOR-able. Loves tickles and even tries to tickle himself while he gets diaper changes, poking his belly and saying what sounds like "tickle" with giggles.
LUCAN
Still no interest in self-motivated potty usage. Praying this will change before Baby arrives. Doof dog has lost about 90% of his stuffing but is still the preferred sleeping buddy. Plays with Kenna for hours on end; also builds with various toys by himself for hours on end. Generally an agreeable, happy boy, though he does exert his will, usually at the most inopportune times (i.e. wailing in his car seat during a lengthy car ride).
KENNA
Waiting on reading lessons paid off! She is finding much success with Phonics Pathways, reading 3-letter words at this time (C-V-C) and able to write them from dictation exercises. We both look forward to when she will have the tools to read sentences. It won't be long now! Her confidence is growing, and she surprises and delights herself and us by picking out words on signs or "big kid books." Her dark side has shown itself, as she has proven to be a candy thief and subsequent liar. Prayers for a tender and responsive heart eventually work...the latest progression was as follows:
"Kenna, did you take the candy for my Bible study class?"
1. Immediate response: Vigorous denial while rubbing eyes.
2. Later that day: Changed the subject.
3. At night when tucking into bed: "I'm not ready to tell you yet."
4. The next day I ask, "Are you ready to confess yet?" She sweetly replies, "No, not yet."
5. Finally, days later when she has been grounded from candy, she comes to me and tearfully confesses and asks forgiveness...while informing me that taking away her candy privileges "hurt my feelings and ruined my Valentine's party day." Giggle!
ARDEN
We had a heart-to-heart talk today when he wrote "I hate school" as part of a LA assignment. Sigh. Gentle probing revealed that he doesn't think he's very good at anything. Praise God for precious moments like this, when He uses me to point out all the ways my tough, tender guy shines. We pray, hug, and he lets me kiss him on his kissable cheek. Multiple times. I don't know how long this permission will last, but I speak words of encouragement and steal hugs and kisses while I can. The boy is way ahead in math, has made leaps and bounds progress in reading, hunts out books to read on his own that he wouldn't have touched with a 10-foot pole a year ago, and has progressed remarkably noticeably in his piano skills in just 6 weeks of lessons after a 6-month hiatus. Satan, you may NOT have this young man's heart or mind, and you will NOT speak lies at him! Father, protect Arden, and remind us as parents to speak truth over him to encourage him in the purpose YOU have for him.
TOBIN
Less enthused about piano than Arden, he still seems to enjoy finishing pieces and looks forward to the spring recital. His preference is always an activity involving a screen, but Lego building and playtime are still a favorite pastime. His face is well known at the base library. I can see a career--or at least a side job--involving performance, as he loves to make up jokes and test them out on us. He has begun crocheting and inspired Arden to take up the new hobby as well...I now have 3 children lusting after yarn!
CHARIS
Her Bears for Bricks project is drawing to an end as she wraps up the final 7 bears. I'll have to get an exact count, but I do believe she made (or will have made) well over 40 knitted teddy bears, all with donated time, energy, and supplies! I hope and pray that those who supported her in the project by requesting one or more bears are able to give generously toward the children's home in Uganda, knowing what a sacrifice this girl has made over the last 4-5 months! Mostly, we are happy to have had the opportunity to share with others our new connection with Lahash International. Charis continues to craft and is desperately working to finish a knitted doll with outfits for Kenna's birthday on the 27th and a complete set of 15 crocheted Star Wars figures for Tobin's birthday in April. (The Star Wars figures may well be making an appearance in a business opportunity for her...but we need to check some things first!) Charis has also taken up violin and has eagerly added that to her musical repertoire.
TED
Last week Ted changed jobs! Every few years the NATO nations bid for job positions. His old job is now filled by a Canadian. He got moved to a different office and now works for a Turkish colonel, having replaced a Norwegian, with I-can't-remember-what-nationality sergeant working for him. Somewhere in there is an Italian. (I can't keep all this straight.) He may--or may not--attend a training course later in the spring. In the meantime, he's trying his darnedest to figure out what exactly this new job entails, having finally gotten a clue what his old one required! Additionally, he has been asked to consider taking over as AWANA commander, as the current one is PSCing this summer. After prayer and discussion, we have decided that this looks to be a role God indeed has in mind for Ted, and he is looking to meet with our chaplain, the current commander, and the youth program leader to plan the next steps.
ME
As for me, the biggest thing going on for me other than usual family/household matters is that I have been privileged to lead one of the Bible study classes for PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) this semester. It has been so humbling and yet exciting to be part of this! In fact, this is one of the things I plan to delve more into in subsequent blog posts. The book we are studying is The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns, president of World Vision USA. I read it last summer, and it sparked a huge flame in me that keeps growing! So, more on that later...
January 30, 2013
Si, Sette Bambini!
Our family had fun preparing this baby announcement video that we finally "leaked" this week to make the news of our pregnancy public. I realized a few days before Christmas that I was, in fact, pregnant, but Ted and I decided to keep it under wraps for awhile so we could get our brains around the fact that Numero Sette will be joining us in August 2013! Since both of my miscarriages happened early (8.5 and 7 weeks), we thought we'd wait at least that long before saying anything to anyone.
We emailed the announcement link to our close family members first; once we received replies from the grandmas, we posted the video link on Facebook, knowing the word was going to get out sooner than we may have thought anyway--the kids were anxious to tell all their friends in their classes that go on during my Tuesday morning Bible study, so of course moms and teachers and all kinds of people ended up hearing, LOL!
I am officially at 11 weeks today. I had the appointment to fill out my paperwork at the medical center yesterday, and God was so gracious--while I was there, a slot opened up for me to just slip right in and get that initial exam taken care of. Woohoo! Since I was already on base for Bible study, and since I had already made arrangements for all the kids to stay at the playground playing with homeschool buddies while I took Zaden with me, it was a no-brainer to just get 'er done. They do an ultrasound at that first exam, so we confirmed that there is UNO bambino (whew) and that her/his heart is beating just fine. The measurement was right at what my expected due date is, August 21. And we got the lab work taken care of, too. So I won't need to go in for another appointment until the first week or so in March. The doctor was nice but will be moving this summer. There are no midwife positions available here--not surprising, I guess. But as I've only had one midwife delivery, I'm not terribly particular, as long as they let me do what I want in the delivery room! And I'm already praying I make it TO the delivery room...I don't have extremely fast deliveries, but we do live nearly a half-hour's drive from base, and since my body likes to contract early and often, sometimes it can be hard to tell just when it's time to make that drive!
Currently things are going fine. I was (and sometimes still am) very, very exhausted initially, so the timing worked out that Ted was off work for nearly two weeks over the holidays, allowing me to nap an exorbitant number of times! I've struggled a bit with "evening sickness," but nothing too awful. Salty carbs help...though they aren't helping my figure. :-/ My uterus is apparently having a grand old party, realizing that it no longer needs to squeeze into normal-fitting pants. I think I even heard it shouting, "Woohoo! Let's go out and see the world!" I look about like I did when I was 5-6 months pregnant with Charis. Sigh. The joys of multiple births...and getting older...I suppose...I'm not in maternity clothes yet, but I will be shopping for some at the monthly bag sale at the SS thrift store (fill a bag for $5). I've secretly been eyeing the selection and have noted that there is usually a pretty good stash. Also, a local friend who is due within a few weeks is willing to loan me some of hers, as she has a good summer selection from previous pregnancies.
The children are absolutely ecstatic. We told them Sunday night by passing out the signs that you see in the video--we gave each one "their" number (Ted had Zaden's, since he was in bed), asked them to read it out loud, and then I stood with "sette" (7) in front of my belly. At first they wanted to keep counting, thinking we were doing some kind of Italian counting game. But I kept saying "sette" and holding it more obviously by my belly. Charis caught on first, and a look of pure joy came over her face as she rushed to hug me, exclaiming, "Really?!?!" Arden was next, I think, and I wish I had a video of his expression! Priceless! His eyes and his mouth just kept getting bigger and bigger!
You can read Charis's thoughts on all of this on her blog. Now that I'm nearly finished with the first trimester, reality is starting to sink in...do we want to keep the Suburban and use every single seat in it? Or look for something more van-ish? The Suburban is completely paid for, so that's kind of a big decision. We have no closet for the baby to sleep in, LOL, but our room is pretty, well, roomy, and we can put the playpen/bassinet in with us initially. Charis is determined to share her room, which actually isn't a bad idea, since it's just across from ours, and she is already set on being Mama's Baby Helper. (On a side note...HOW is it possible that my firstborn will turn 13 two months after this little one arrives?!)
I guess that's it for now! I'm sure we'll be getting the question, "Was this baby planned?!" just as we always do, and the answer is the same now as it always is: "Yes, God plans each and every child, and we welcome whoever He sends us!"
(Of course, the other question is always, "Haven't you figured out what causes that yet?!" And THAT answer is the same, too: "Why, yes, and we certainly enjoy it!")
January 20, 2013
Zaden Update
It's time for a general update so that I can get past my feelings of being too far behind and once again start posting more regularly! My apologies to the grandparents, but I don't have any pictures to share right now; I'm typing on Ted's laptop, as mine needs repair. (There is something wrong inside the place where the charger goes--it isn't recognizing the charger. The battery was down to around 40%, so I rescued what I needed for the immediate future and shut everything down.)
In no particular order...actually, I think I'll break this down into separate posts! This one will spotlight Baby Zaden, as Lucan will probably call him for at least a few more years:
ZADEN
Our "baby" isn't such a baby anymore! At nearly 17 months old, he FINALLY has taken some steps on his own within the last week! He has been perfectly capable of walking by himself for awhile now, but he simply was not inclined to do so. It was almost a game to him...he would slowly rise from a squatting position so that he was standing by himself, clap and grin while we cheered for him and urged him to walk toward us, and then plop right back down on his knees and scoot over to us as fast as he could. Stinker! Man, that little guy can move FAST on his knees! He still is not walking consistently, but that should change pretty quickly now that he realizes he can do it. Here's a very brief video of him toddling around our room.
To further identify himself as a "big boy," he has given up nursing. He was doing so every morning probably up through Christmas, and gradually the sessions just got shorter and shorter, then sometimes every other day, until at one point I realized it had been a few days...and decided we were both ready to move on. I'm so thankful that we made it 16 months! Who would have thought we would have even gone that long given the struggles we had in the beginning!
Zaden still sucks his thumb and twirls his hair, especially when he is tired, which has endeared him to everyone he meets. He is a great little sleeper and is transitioning from two naps a day to one longer afternoon nap, which has been helpful as we move to a more structured school schedule now that we're settled in our home. He adores all of his older siblings--even Lucan now, who has decided that maybe Zaden isn't quite such a pest after all. He lights up when someone plays silly games with him and is on his way to being the center of entertainment wherever he goes.
Some of Zaden's favorite things: "Mr. Chubb-Chubb," the fat gray cat who hangs around our house for no apparent reason other than the fact that the kids seem to adore him. Zaden exclaims when he sees the gray furball outside the windows, and if he can pat him, all the better. He loves Daddy's homecoming times at lunch and dinner, melting Daddy's heart as he scurries down the stairs or across the tile to meet him at the door! A favorite food right now is a clementine from Alfredo's fruit stand--I do believe that boy could eat the whole lot every time we bring home a new bunch. (Bananas are so two months ago.) Any kind of pizza is hailed with delight, as is pretty much anything Mom or Dad happens to be eating. Grits and couscous are yummy but terribly messy, and let's just not mention what happens when the boy has refried beans or Texas stew.
Zaden isn't yet talking, although he does a good imitation of a cat sound (probably because of his affinity for Mr. Chubb-Chubb) as well as something that sounds reasonably like "hi," and a definite "mama." He signs clearly for "more," "milk," "food," "eat," and "all done," with an accompanying "please." Actually, he gave us some creative communication in the commissary today after church, when he was CLEARLY ready to be OUT of the cart, telling us, "all done, please!"
His left cheek has a darling dimple that thrills my soul...I don't know where in the gene pool that came from, but I'm so grateful that it surfaced! (Lucan has a less-pronounced dimple in the same cheek, so I assume they stopped by the same dimple counter on their way out!) His eyes still invite comments from strangers, although he seems to have grown into them a bit more. His thumbs both have blisters on them from sucking them, sigh. He has I don't know how many teeth, but probably at least 7-8. I have no idea how big he is; we never made it in for his 12-month check-up, and at this point I'm just inclined to wait for the 18-month point, which he'll reach Feb. 24. But he's a happy, healthy kiddo, giving us no cause for concern, other than the typical toddler propensity for ramming his noggin into, oh, walls, for example.
We are so grateful God knew better than we and sent us Zaden Ezekiel 3 months into that year-long deployment!
In no particular order...actually, I think I'll break this down into separate posts! This one will spotlight Baby Zaden, as Lucan will probably call him for at least a few more years:
ZADEN
Our "baby" isn't such a baby anymore! At nearly 17 months old, he FINALLY has taken some steps on his own within the last week! He has been perfectly capable of walking by himself for awhile now, but he simply was not inclined to do so. It was almost a game to him...he would slowly rise from a squatting position so that he was standing by himself, clap and grin while we cheered for him and urged him to walk toward us, and then plop right back down on his knees and scoot over to us as fast as he could. Stinker! Man, that little guy can move FAST on his knees! He still is not walking consistently, but that should change pretty quickly now that he realizes he can do it. Here's a very brief video of him toddling around our room.
To further identify himself as a "big boy," he has given up nursing. He was doing so every morning probably up through Christmas, and gradually the sessions just got shorter and shorter, then sometimes every other day, until at one point I realized it had been a few days...and decided we were both ready to move on. I'm so thankful that we made it 16 months! Who would have thought we would have even gone that long given the struggles we had in the beginning!
Zaden still sucks his thumb and twirls his hair, especially when he is tired, which has endeared him to everyone he meets. He is a great little sleeper and is transitioning from two naps a day to one longer afternoon nap, which has been helpful as we move to a more structured school schedule now that we're settled in our home. He adores all of his older siblings--even Lucan now, who has decided that maybe Zaden isn't quite such a pest after all. He lights up when someone plays silly games with him and is on his way to being the center of entertainment wherever he goes.
Some of Zaden's favorite things: "Mr. Chubb-Chubb," the fat gray cat who hangs around our house for no apparent reason other than the fact that the kids seem to adore him. Zaden exclaims when he sees the gray furball outside the windows, and if he can pat him, all the better. He loves Daddy's homecoming times at lunch and dinner, melting Daddy's heart as he scurries down the stairs or across the tile to meet him at the door! A favorite food right now is a clementine from Alfredo's fruit stand--I do believe that boy could eat the whole lot every time we bring home a new bunch. (Bananas are so two months ago.) Any kind of pizza is hailed with delight, as is pretty much anything Mom or Dad happens to be eating. Grits and couscous are yummy but terribly messy, and let's just not mention what happens when the boy has refried beans or Texas stew.
Zaden isn't yet talking, although he does a good imitation of a cat sound (probably because of his affinity for Mr. Chubb-Chubb) as well as something that sounds reasonably like "hi," and a definite "mama." He signs clearly for "more," "milk," "food," "eat," and "all done," with an accompanying "please." Actually, he gave us some creative communication in the commissary today after church, when he was CLEARLY ready to be OUT of the cart, telling us, "all done, please!"
His left cheek has a darling dimple that thrills my soul...I don't know where in the gene pool that came from, but I'm so grateful that it surfaced! (Lucan has a less-pronounced dimple in the same cheek, so I assume they stopped by the same dimple counter on their way out!) His eyes still invite comments from strangers, although he seems to have grown into them a bit more. His thumbs both have blisters on them from sucking them, sigh. He has I don't know how many teeth, but probably at least 7-8. I have no idea how big he is; we never made it in for his 12-month check-up, and at this point I'm just inclined to wait for the 18-month point, which he'll reach Feb. 24. But he's a happy, healthy kiddo, giving us no cause for concern, other than the typical toddler propensity for ramming his noggin into, oh, walls, for example.
We are so grateful God knew better than we and sent us Zaden Ezekiel 3 months into that year-long deployment!
January 08, 2013
Ercolano Scavi
Our last day trip of the holiday was to the ruins of Herculaneum, or Ercolano Scavi, as the Italians call it. The site is only about 45 minutes from our house and well worth the drive and the entry fees! We haven't yet seen Pompeii, but we chose to explore Ercolano first, having heard that the ruins are actually better preserved and more contained, therefore easier to do in a shorter amount of time. With 6 kids to keep happy, we figured this would be the better choice!
Herculaneum was a resort for wealthy Romans before it was buried in the eruption from Mt. Vesuvius. Digs began in 1738, and work continues even now. The dynamics of the city's burial led to amazing preservation, providing organic artifacts (including plants, fabrics, furniture, even a loaf of bread!) as well as upper floors of buildings.
We explored nearly every part of the city that is estimated to have been home to about 4,000 people. There were some items of interest that weren't open for viewing, possibly because of the time of year. At any rate, we'd definitely go back sometime to explore more!
Overall, everyone gave the trip two thumbs up! The weather was so beautiful--sunny and not too cold. We enjoyed a picnic lunch on the grounds and then walked to the museum, which has digital and virtual displays allowing you to see and experience what the area looked like before the disaster happened. It was also worthwhile (although we did hurry the children past the hall describing brothels of the time!).
Herculaneum was a resort for wealthy Romans before it was buried in the eruption from Mt. Vesuvius. Digs began in 1738, and work continues even now. The dynamics of the city's burial led to amazing preservation, providing organic artifacts (including plants, fabrics, furniture, even a loaf of bread!) as well as upper floors of buildings.
We explored nearly every part of the city that is estimated to have been home to about 4,000 people. There were some items of interest that weren't open for viewing, possibly because of the time of year. At any rate, we'd definitely go back sometime to explore more!
Overall, everyone gave the trip two thumbs up! The weather was so beautiful--sunny and not too cold. We enjoyed a picnic lunch on the grounds and then walked to the museum, which has digital and virtual displays allowing you to see and experience what the area looked like before the disaster happened. It was also worthwhile (although we did hurry the children past the hall describing brothels of the time!).
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