My poor little Katie has had a rough week this past week. Starting a new school has been a bit difficult for her. She is a bit like her brother in the fact that she doesn't like change. So, knowing this about her, we have tried to be very patient and love on her lots. Her teachers have been amazing at giving her lots of love and ME lots of reassurance.
So, yesterday was a better day and not too many tears. Sissy Tara, Brookie and I went to have lunch with her and stayed for recess. We left with smiles and the promise I would call her friend's mother to ask about a playdate.
So, when I went to pick her up we were very excited to get on our bikes and ride home (our first day ever of bike riding to school) for a great weekend. Well, don't you know on the way home she had a crash. Not just a little crash, a roll down the hill, through the brush, into a concrete drain area. Before I could get to her she came running out screaming and afraid that a snake was going to get her. Poor girl had scratches from her armpit to her hip bone AND her helmet had cracked. Hunter and I were as scared as she was. It was a terrifying moment trying to figure out if she had seriously hurt herself.
When I looked at the position of her bike and, knowing her helmet was cracked, I just had to stop and thank God that HE protected her. It could have been so much worse.
We managed to get close to home with her back on the bike. Asked Hunter to run ahead and get Daddy. I pushed her on my bike for a few minutes and the calvary arrived!!!!! That little girl was so happy to see her daddy.
Poor baby, she had a rough week. I can only think.....next week has to be better!
For I know the plans I have for you....Jeremiah 29:11
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
My God IS an awesome God
And I just have to share with you all about it.
Okay, so tonight was our first night of football. Jayson was really nervous because his positions have changed a bit. Daddy could tell you all about that, I just watch and cheer. Who cares what they are called....lineman, linebacker, receiver...yada yada yada
Anyway, I was praying on the way to the game for Jayson's safety above all else, and then I remembered something Jay had said about Nehemiah. Jay has been leading the high school coaches in the study of Nehemiah and it says that we can pray for specifics like Nehemiah did (even if that means asking God to allow a win for our team). So, I said "God, first and foremost I ask you to keep Jayson safe. And, I specifically request that tonight you give him something to feel good about when he leaves that game. I am asking you to give Jayson something to hold onto that makes him proud of his performance and proud to be playing on the team."
I knew I would have to watch out for Jayson because this year his number changed. I didn't know what it was going to be, so I needed to look for him without his helmet on to spot him. He didn't request his good ole number 18 this year (it's been his number for 4 years) and his coaches were randomly (RANDOMLY) assigning numbers today so he couldn't tell me what his number was going to be this morning.
I spotted him, called Jay (who is missing the first game ever and it is killing him) and said "well, Jayson is number 35 this year instead of 18." And do you know what Jay said? He said "Kristy, that was my Dad's number when he played football."
Okay, so I lost it right there in the bleachers. God was giving me what I had asked for. You see, Papaw was Jayson's biggest cheerleader. He went to every football game weather would permit him to see. I have pictures of him with a purple streak in his hair for one of our championship games. He LIVED to see Jayson play ball. He told me he had prayed and asked God to allow him to live to watch Jayson play football. VT loved football and he was so proud of Jayson when he played.
Jayson had a great game. He DID come off that field very proud of himself. I did stop our celebration long enough to ask "did you pick that number or did you just randomly get it". He said "they just gave it to me, why?" And, through my tears, I told him that this number was the exact same one his grandfather wore when he played football so many years ago. Jayson replied, this time with a very quiet pride, "so my papaw was with me tonight."
Yes, my God is an awesome God!
Okay, so tonight was our first night of football. Jayson was really nervous because his positions have changed a bit. Daddy could tell you all about that, I just watch and cheer. Who cares what they are called....lineman, linebacker, receiver...yada yada yada
Anyway, I was praying on the way to the game for Jayson's safety above all else, and then I remembered something Jay had said about Nehemiah. Jay has been leading the high school coaches in the study of Nehemiah and it says that we can pray for specifics like Nehemiah did (even if that means asking God to allow a win for our team). So, I said "God, first and foremost I ask you to keep Jayson safe. And, I specifically request that tonight you give him something to feel good about when he leaves that game. I am asking you to give Jayson something to hold onto that makes him proud of his performance and proud to be playing on the team."
I knew I would have to watch out for Jayson because this year his number changed. I didn't know what it was going to be, so I needed to look for him without his helmet on to spot him. He didn't request his good ole number 18 this year (it's been his number for 4 years) and his coaches were randomly (RANDOMLY) assigning numbers today so he couldn't tell me what his number was going to be this morning.
I spotted him, called Jay (who is missing the first game ever and it is killing him) and said "well, Jayson is number 35 this year instead of 18." And do you know what Jay said? He said "Kristy, that was my Dad's number when he played football."
Okay, so I lost it right there in the bleachers. God was giving me what I had asked for. You see, Papaw was Jayson's biggest cheerleader. He went to every football game weather would permit him to see. I have pictures of him with a purple streak in his hair for one of our championship games. He LIVED to see Jayson play ball. He told me he had prayed and asked God to allow him to live to watch Jayson play football. VT loved football and he was so proud of Jayson when he played.
Jayson had a great game. He DID come off that field very proud of himself. I did stop our celebration long enough to ask "did you pick that number or did you just randomly get it". He said "they just gave it to me, why?" And, through my tears, I told him that this number was the exact same one his grandfather wore when he played football so many years ago. Jayson replied, this time with a very quiet pride, "so my papaw was with me tonight."
Yes, my God is an awesome God!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Retreat
Just a quick check in.....we are hosting the 8th graders in their youth retreat! Yippee! 23 boys and girls are here at the house with the opportunity to grow closer to God.
I ask that you pray for them all as they learn this weekend.
Uh, and if you don't mind, will you pray for the adults too? We are going on very little sleep around here!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Mothers....working or not
Okay, so far I have refrained from anything political posted out here on the web. I do that because I have friends and family of all different thoughts/viewpoints and political affiliations. So, here's the warning: if you don't want to know my view, please don't read further. It is not my intent to offend anyone. However, I must make a few comments regarding the VP candidate, Sarah Palin.
As a stay at home mom, I have always thought that the fight between stay at home moms and working moms is just ridiculous. Everyone has to do what they think is right for their family.
So, when I watch the news and I hear a FEMALE reporter asking a panel of mothers if they think the Governor's daughter is pregnant because Mrs. Palin has been working so hard on her political career it makes me very angry on so many different levels.
First, why start that age old fight about working mothers vs. stay at home moms? Aren't we all moms trying to do the best we can for our family? Then, I have to wonder, would this have been asked if it were her husband running for office? Or would they have asked the same question if one of Obama's children turned up pregnant (I know they are too young, but speaking hypothetically here). Would they say something like this: "do you think his daughter ended up pregnant because he was too busy persuing his political career?" Uh, I don't think so. Case in point, did anyone blame VP Cheney when it was made known his daughter was gay? Hmmmm?
We live in a world where women need to stick together and the fact that a woman reporter asked this question just struck the wrong chord in me. And, even though I am sure she didn't hear me, I did ask 2 questions to the TV that day (well, screamed them, but no one was around). 1) Do YOU have children?
2) Most importantly, are they teens?
You see, throwing stones at a person before you have had a chance to walk in their shoes is a big mistake. We must be careful to say "my child will never...." because more than likely, my child will. And pitting mothers against each other is not the answer. We should be there to support each other and help each other through difficult times so when OUR difficult time as a mother rolls around, someone is there for us. Believe me, we all get a time when our child is doing something we wish they weren't.
I think we should spend our time praying for Sarah Palin and her family. Especially her daughter who is about to have her life change forever. The impact on having a baby so young will be with her for the rest of her life.
But one thing is for certain, God does not create mistakes. His plans for this baby are already formed and whether his/her grandmother is working or not, VP of the US or not, does not matter. What matters is that this child of God is going to be born and given a purpose in life.
I am proud of Sarah Palin for standing behind her daughter. She could have done the unthinkable to try to hide the pregnancy to better her chances of winning this election, but she didn't. And I don't think a decision to encourage a teen at a point like this in her life is a decision that is better made by a stay at home mom or a working mom. It is best made by a mom who loves her child! And isn't that what we all are?
As a stay at home mom, I have always thought that the fight between stay at home moms and working moms is just ridiculous. Everyone has to do what they think is right for their family.
So, when I watch the news and I hear a FEMALE reporter asking a panel of mothers if they think the Governor's daughter is pregnant because Mrs. Palin has been working so hard on her political career it makes me very angry on so many different levels.
First, why start that age old fight about working mothers vs. stay at home moms? Aren't we all moms trying to do the best we can for our family? Then, I have to wonder, would this have been asked if it were her husband running for office? Or would they have asked the same question if one of Obama's children turned up pregnant (I know they are too young, but speaking hypothetically here). Would they say something like this: "do you think his daughter ended up pregnant because he was too busy persuing his political career?" Uh, I don't think so. Case in point, did anyone blame VP Cheney when it was made known his daughter was gay? Hmmmm?
We live in a world where women need to stick together and the fact that a woman reporter asked this question just struck the wrong chord in me. And, even though I am sure she didn't hear me, I did ask 2 questions to the TV that day (well, screamed them, but no one was around). 1) Do YOU have children?
2) Most importantly, are they teens?
You see, throwing stones at a person before you have had a chance to walk in their shoes is a big mistake. We must be careful to say "my child will never...." because more than likely, my child will. And pitting mothers against each other is not the answer. We should be there to support each other and help each other through difficult times so when OUR difficult time as a mother rolls around, someone is there for us. Believe me, we all get a time when our child is doing something we wish they weren't.
I think we should spend our time praying for Sarah Palin and her family. Especially her daughter who is about to have her life change forever. The impact on having a baby so young will be with her for the rest of her life.
But one thing is for certain, God does not create mistakes. His plans for this baby are already formed and whether his/her grandmother is working or not, VP of the US or not, does not matter. What matters is that this child of God is going to be born and given a purpose in life.
I am proud of Sarah Palin for standing behind her daughter. She could have done the unthinkable to try to hide the pregnancy to better her chances of winning this election, but she didn't. And I don't think a decision to encourage a teen at a point like this in her life is a decision that is better made by a stay at home mom or a working mom. It is best made by a mom who loves her child! And isn't that what we all are?
Sunday, August 31, 2008
content with your job?
Do you ever have those days where you are wondering why you are doing the job you do? Do you ever wonder if there is something bigger, better out there for you?
I have to admit, I sometimes do that. As a stay at home mom, I often wonder if I should be out there contributing financially to this family. If I should be using that Master's degree I worked so hard to get. I think that maybe I would have more respect from friends and family if I had a job that earned an income. Oh, and I also think I would definitely be using my brain so much more. I often think my ability to remember anything is based on my 9 year old reminding me on a regular basis. SHE doesn't forget a thing.
Now, I said I only wonder about the state of my job SOMEtimes......other times I am perfectly content with my occupation. Especially this morning as I sit here looking out our window and start thinking about how happy it made me to shuffle teenagers to church and home last night. How fun it was interacting with them all and how rewarding it was when I realized that the girls' parents just adore my son.
Then my thoughts start wandering to how wondeful it is to have 2 little girls who think I rock! They tell me regularly that they love me and always want hugs and kisses from me.
It's not money, but it IS contentment. Actually, it is so more than that. I feel satisfied, joyful, blessed, proud, loved, and worthy.
I think I will keep my job!
I have to admit, I sometimes do that. As a stay at home mom, I often wonder if I should be out there contributing financially to this family. If I should be using that Master's degree I worked so hard to get. I think that maybe I would have more respect from friends and family if I had a job that earned an income. Oh, and I also think I would definitely be using my brain so much more. I often think my ability to remember anything is based on my 9 year old reminding me on a regular basis. SHE doesn't forget a thing.
Now, I said I only wonder about the state of my job SOMEtimes......other times I am perfectly content with my occupation. Especially this morning as I sit here looking out our window and start thinking about how happy it made me to shuffle teenagers to church and home last night. How fun it was interacting with them all and how rewarding it was when I realized that the girls' parents just adore my son.
Then my thoughts start wandering to how wondeful it is to have 2 little girls who think I rock! They tell me regularly that they love me and always want hugs and kisses from me.
It's not money, but it IS contentment. Actually, it is so more than that. I feel satisfied, joyful, blessed, proud, loved, and worthy.
I think I will keep my job!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
random thoughts
I realize that it has been ages now since I have updated my blog. Hmmm, guess I am just a bit busy these days. Wonder how that happens?
I have been doing a lot of work around the house and been getting the kids settled in school. Along with that comes all the other fun stuff. Dance, football, choir, more football. And, I really mean it,IT is fun. I enjoy watching my kids do the things they love.
But alas, it is football season again and as my husband sits in front of his 65 inch screen TV watching football, I thought I would take a few moments to do what I love....WRITE! ha!
This last week has been a mixed bag of emotions. I watched my 2 girls start a new school and felt so sad for them that I could barely hold back my own tears. However, on Friday I was so proud of them for finding new friends and figuring out their new school so quickly. Hunter already joined the choir! As a little bunny trail note....God was so good to us, he put a little girl from church in Hunter's new class! Instant friend! It was wonderful to watch little Henley be so helpful and nurturing to Hunter.
We had to start early morning football practices this week. My heart breaks for Jayson to head out so early and to have to work so hard all day, but when I look at him on that field, I see the hard work pay off and I (again) am so proud of him I can't stand it. And he has matured so much since last year that he doesn't complain at all anymore and actually says practice is fun. Practice? Fun? I think Jayson's body has been taken over by aliens.....oh wait, that can't be, it's already been taken over by HORMONES!
We got to have our dear friends the Adlers over Friday for lunch. What a blessing it was to spend that time with them. And to see Ralph looking so strong and driving himself to a doctor's appt was terrific. Tammy got to spend a little extra time with me after he left and as always the time went by too quickly. And even now as I think of how dear Tammy is to me, I find myself tearing up. I can not explain how blessed I am to have her as my friend.
Tonight I dropped 7 teens at church for a back to school party. 4 of them will be spending the night here. My emotions range from stress to thankfulness that we are a home where children want to be. Thankfulness for the home that is provided so that we can have these children here.
So, what's next? Well, we have teens here for 2 days next weekend for back to school church retreat. You know what? I can't wait! Then we get them every Wednesday night for Youth group. It's going to be awesome. I love seeing these kids get into the Bible and grow together. It's amazing.
When I really stop and think about how our moving process went, I have to think God has pieced this all together for us so that finally we can open our home to kids. Jay and I are blessed with a strong marriage grounded in faith. Our children are blessed with parents who love each other and THEM so much that we would do anything for them or each other. And sadly, I have come to see that there are several children out there who never get this experience. Well, we can't be their parents, but we sure can be their light. And we'll just call this home the lighthouse!
I have been doing a lot of work around the house and been getting the kids settled in school. Along with that comes all the other fun stuff. Dance, football, choir, more football. And, I really mean it,IT is fun. I enjoy watching my kids do the things they love.
But alas, it is football season again and as my husband sits in front of his 65 inch screen TV watching football, I thought I would take a few moments to do what I love....WRITE! ha!
This last week has been a mixed bag of emotions. I watched my 2 girls start a new school and felt so sad for them that I could barely hold back my own tears. However, on Friday I was so proud of them for finding new friends and figuring out their new school so quickly. Hunter already joined the choir! As a little bunny trail note....God was so good to us, he put a little girl from church in Hunter's new class! Instant friend! It was wonderful to watch little Henley be so helpful and nurturing to Hunter.
We had to start early morning football practices this week. My heart breaks for Jayson to head out so early and to have to work so hard all day, but when I look at him on that field, I see the hard work pay off and I (again) am so proud of him I can't stand it. And he has matured so much since last year that he doesn't complain at all anymore and actually says practice is fun. Practice? Fun? I think Jayson's body has been taken over by aliens.....oh wait, that can't be, it's already been taken over by HORMONES!
We got to have our dear friends the Adlers over Friday for lunch. What a blessing it was to spend that time with them. And to see Ralph looking so strong and driving himself to a doctor's appt was terrific. Tammy got to spend a little extra time with me after he left and as always the time went by too quickly. And even now as I think of how dear Tammy is to me, I find myself tearing up. I can not explain how blessed I am to have her as my friend.
Tonight I dropped 7 teens at church for a back to school party. 4 of them will be spending the night here. My emotions range from stress to thankfulness that we are a home where children want to be. Thankfulness for the home that is provided so that we can have these children here.
So, what's next? Well, we have teens here for 2 days next weekend for back to school church retreat. You know what? I can't wait! Then we get them every Wednesday night for Youth group. It's going to be awesome. I love seeing these kids get into the Bible and grow together. It's amazing.
When I really stop and think about how our moving process went, I have to think God has pieced this all together for us so that finally we can open our home to kids. Jay and I are blessed with a strong marriage grounded in faith. Our children are blessed with parents who love each other and THEM so much that we would do anything for them or each other. And sadly, I have come to see that there are several children out there who never get this experience. Well, we can't be their parents, but we sure can be their light. And we'll just call this home the lighthouse!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
My girls trip
So, we got moved into this house, got the boxes unpacked and everything I didn't know what to do with, piled in the dining room. We would be what I would call "functioning" in the new house. But, for those of you who know me AND my husband, we don't just do "functioning", we prefer "organized".
As many times as we have moved, we have it down to an art. But this time, I had a kink in my plans.
You may remember reading in an earlier blog that I had promised my children each a "mommy and me" time this summer. Well, Jayson's was easy....."take me to play paintball". I took him and a friend to the field, sat on a bench and watched them play paintball for 3 hours then took them to dinner. No sweat. I was able to get it in before the move.
Well, Hunter reminded me last week that she and Katie had not had their turn and school was starting in 3 weeks! WHAT?????? Oh, and Jayson's birthday was on one of the weekends between now and school starting. Jay and I decided that we must act quickly.
With turmoil all around me, how could I possibly take 2 days off? Do you know how much I could accomplish in one weekend with Jay not working and helping me? Did I really PROMISE that I would take them to a hotel to stay overnight? I guess I did.
Reluctantly we made hotel reservations....Katie and I would go on Friday night and Hunter and I would go Saturday night with Daddy doing the switch out. I have to tell you that honestly, I could hardly get myself out the door. There is just so much left to do here.
But, I loaded Katie up and our first stop was the American Girl Place for lunch in the Bistro. From the moment we got into the car, her voice was so excited. It was contagious. I started to get excited too. After all, it's not often Katie and I get to spend time alone (now that she is in school). Katie is so sweet and so much fun to be with. We had an awesome afternoon at the store. We then went swimming, ordered room service and went swimming again (her idea). The next morning we went to see Kit Kittridge and then meet Hunter and Daddy. Poor little gal was crying when she had to leave me. Broke my heart!
Hunter and I made our first stop at the mall. She wanted to shop. She hit every one of her favorite stores looking for bargains. I love to shop and Hunter is a natural (much to her daddy's dismay). It's a mother's dream come true to have a built in shopping buddy. She is so grown up and easy to talk to, so while shopping we had some really good discussions about life. We then did dinner at the mall and headed to the hotel for (yep) swimming. The next day, she and I hit the American Girl Store for shopping and lunch. (It's a good thing the food there is good!) Then we headed home.
You know what, I had the most fantastic weekend! I can't believe I dragged my feet on giving my time to my precious children. What a blessing it was for me to have them all to myself and watch them get excited about every little detail of our trip. I watched each of them intently and was able to stop and actually SEE the women they are becoming. I saw myself and Jay in each of them. I realized that (and all glory goes to our God), Jay and I have made some amazing children. I also realized how grateful I am to have gotten the chance to have them all to myself for 48 hours!
As many times as we have moved, we have it down to an art. But this time, I had a kink in my plans.
You may remember reading in an earlier blog that I had promised my children each a "mommy and me" time this summer. Well, Jayson's was easy....."take me to play paintball". I took him and a friend to the field, sat on a bench and watched them play paintball for 3 hours then took them to dinner. No sweat. I was able to get it in before the move.
Well, Hunter reminded me last week that she and Katie had not had their turn and school was starting in 3 weeks! WHAT?????? Oh, and Jayson's birthday was on one of the weekends between now and school starting. Jay and I decided that we must act quickly.
With turmoil all around me, how could I possibly take 2 days off? Do you know how much I could accomplish in one weekend with Jay not working and helping me? Did I really PROMISE that I would take them to a hotel to stay overnight? I guess I did.
Reluctantly we made hotel reservations....Katie and I would go on Friday night and Hunter and I would go Saturday night with Daddy doing the switch out. I have to tell you that honestly, I could hardly get myself out the door. There is just so much left to do here.
But, I loaded Katie up and our first stop was the American Girl Place for lunch in the Bistro. From the moment we got into the car, her voice was so excited. It was contagious. I started to get excited too. After all, it's not often Katie and I get to spend time alone (now that she is in school). Katie is so sweet and so much fun to be with. We had an awesome afternoon at the store. We then went swimming, ordered room service and went swimming again (her idea). The next morning we went to see Kit Kittridge and then meet Hunter and Daddy. Poor little gal was crying when she had to leave me. Broke my heart!
Hunter and I made our first stop at the mall. She wanted to shop. She hit every one of her favorite stores looking for bargains. I love to shop and Hunter is a natural (much to her daddy's dismay). It's a mother's dream come true to have a built in shopping buddy. She is so grown up and easy to talk to, so while shopping we had some really good discussions about life. We then did dinner at the mall and headed to the hotel for (yep) swimming. The next day, she and I hit the American Girl Store for shopping and lunch. (It's a good thing the food there is good!) Then we headed home.
You know what, I had the most fantastic weekend! I can't believe I dragged my feet on giving my time to my precious children. What a blessing it was for me to have them all to myself and watch them get excited about every little detail of our trip. I watched each of them intently and was able to stop and actually SEE the women they are becoming. I saw myself and Jay in each of them. I realized that (and all glory goes to our God), Jay and I have made some amazing children. I also realized how grateful I am to have gotten the chance to have them all to myself for 48 hours!
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