Cale had Monday off so we set off in search of some family fun. We spent a good part of the day at COSI in Columbus. Haven had a wonderful time running around, exploring different displays and splashing around at the water table. The museum has a huge area for toddlers to play. There are several different play areas including a doctor's office and ambulance, a "park" that has slides, bridges, ramps and tunnels, little houses to "build" and "paint", huge blocks to build with and a water area. She loved it all and pitched a fit when we made her leave the water area because she was literally soaking wet!
Haven also loved playing in the little houses and would go in and paint and then wash her hands. We had a little incident though- her first bully! She had been coming and going between the two different houses and while she'd been gone a brother and a sister had taken over one of them. And by taken over, I mean that they were blocking the doorway with their bodies, pushing Haven when she tried to get by and yelling, "No! No!" in her face. Since this was my first situation with kids being directly mean to my child, I didn't know what to do. I know what I wanted to do, but that wasn't really appropriate. Their mother was not in sight. And this didn't just happen once. Haven tried to go back in there a few different times over the course of at least ten minutes and their mom did not appear. When they started shoving her it was time to go. Haven wasn't nearly as upset by this as we were. She just kept trying to get past them and do her own thing. She didn't push back or yell at them, she just wanted to play. While it made me mad to see other kids treating my daughter this way, it was interesting to watch her respond to them.
After we left the museum we drove around for a bit so Haven could get a nap in. We were staying in the area so we could have dinner with friends so a nap was necessary. Once she woke up, we headed to Easton for a bit of shopping. We had a nice dinner and were able to catch up with some of Cale's old friends. Twice while in the restaurant Haven had to go to the bathroom. After these two potty trips, we felt pretty confident that she would be okay for the car ride home. We said our goodbyes and then walked out of the restaurant into a snowstorm with horrible visibility. We knew it was going to be a long ride home.
Within ten minutes of being in the car Haven started asking to use the potty. We had just gotten on the highway and Cale was maybe going 20 mph becasue he couldn't see anything. Stopping at that point was really not an option. She kept fussing though so we knew something had to be done. I decided to reach into the back of the car and try to put a diaper on her while we were moving. Unfortunately, I was a bit late. While I was getting all the necessary items out of her bag, she kept saying, "Havetogopotty. Havetogopotty." And then she started saying it while also grunting. I'm pretty sure you can guess what happened without me going into the gory details! Let's just say that then my task evolved into removing her underwear with a surprise inside and then putting a diaper on her for the remainder of the trip. While she was strapped into her carseat and it's snowing so hard and Cale can't see to keep us on the road. Lovely. Once we got that situation taken care of she entertained herself for a bit before falling asleep. A trip that usually takes us a little over an hour turned into a 2 and a half hour drive home. It was not fun, but we made it safely home.
Despite our "incidents" it was a good day together as family, and as I think about, a good analogy of what life is really like. People can be mean and annoying and life is messy at times, but at the end of the day what really matters is who's by your side.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Busy, busy
Cale and I are very protective of our free time together in the evenings. Sometimes bordering on the selfish, even. Although I don't think it's a conscious decision to be selfish; it's simply that we like to be with each other more than anyone else. I think it's a wonderful thing that I can say without hesitation that my husband would rather sit next to me on the couch on any given night "doing nothing" than be anywhere else. I feel the same. (Well, a girls night thrown in now and again is always okay with me, too!)
With that being said, I am also a big believer in the ebb and flow of life. We ease into new seasons of life and new opportunities come our way. There are always good things that we could be doing with our time and we have decided that now is the right time for us to both be involved in some of those opportunities. But there is a cost. Our calendar is now filling up and there are 3-4 nights each week that we have standing commitments.
In many ways I'm a free wheeler; but at the same time, I enjoy a good plan. A contradiction, I know. I like to be able to do what I want when I want and don't like the pressure of someone telling me I have to be anywhere at a certain time. So it is a stretch for me to have three nights a week already planned out. Yes, they are filled with good things, but it makes me a bit uncomfortable. Reminding myself that it's only for a season gives me some peace.
It helps that I'm also really excited about what both our evenings will be consumed by. I am starting two new Bible studies in the next month. On Monday nights I am gathering with a small group of other mom's to study Hebrews together. I haven't done a formal Bible study in a long time- not since becoming a wife and mom. I am confident that God is going to use the other wives and moms in the group to challenge and encourage me in my ministry to my family.
The other study I'm starting is with the women in my house church. We have done accountability and prayer in small, same gender groups since we started our house church 2 years ago. While it's great to connect with the women on a weekly basis, we are always pressed for time and it's a huge challenge when we have new people coming and going. It's not exactly the prime situation for transparency. We have a strong core group of women who are committed to growing together and have decided to meet twice a month during the week to do a book study together. Without me really being aware of it, I'm now leading this study. I've already seen efforts to thwart our plans which makes me confident that we're on the right track. I am excited to see how the Lord is going to grow us stronger together and in Him.
Cale is also starting a new Bible study with the guys from house church. They are doing a discipleship book together and meeting every week. Cale hasn't been involved in a focused study since college really and I am excited for him. As much as I like being with him in the evenings, I know that this is time well spent. Anything that will encourage him in his walk with the Lord is going to make him a better husband and dad. I'm all for that!
So I will be alternating my Bible studies week to week (so I have one or the other every week) and Cale's gone every Tuesday night. Throw in house church every Sunday, house church prayer once a month, Recipe club, quilting and random life stuff and we are busy. But I know that this is just for a season and it's not just to be busy. Our hope for all these "extras" is that they will draw us closer to His side and make us more into His image.
I'm confident that on the other side of this busy season the cost will be well worth it.
With that being said, I am also a big believer in the ebb and flow of life. We ease into new seasons of life and new opportunities come our way. There are always good things that we could be doing with our time and we have decided that now is the right time for us to both be involved in some of those opportunities. But there is a cost. Our calendar is now filling up and there are 3-4 nights each week that we have standing commitments.
In many ways I'm a free wheeler; but at the same time, I enjoy a good plan. A contradiction, I know. I like to be able to do what I want when I want and don't like the pressure of someone telling me I have to be anywhere at a certain time. So it is a stretch for me to have three nights a week already planned out. Yes, they are filled with good things, but it makes me a bit uncomfortable. Reminding myself that it's only for a season gives me some peace.
It helps that I'm also really excited about what both our evenings will be consumed by. I am starting two new Bible studies in the next month. On Monday nights I am gathering with a small group of other mom's to study Hebrews together. I haven't done a formal Bible study in a long time- not since becoming a wife and mom. I am confident that God is going to use the other wives and moms in the group to challenge and encourage me in my ministry to my family.
The other study I'm starting is with the women in my house church. We have done accountability and prayer in small, same gender groups since we started our house church 2 years ago. While it's great to connect with the women on a weekly basis, we are always pressed for time and it's a huge challenge when we have new people coming and going. It's not exactly the prime situation for transparency. We have a strong core group of women who are committed to growing together and have decided to meet twice a month during the week to do a book study together. Without me really being aware of it, I'm now leading this study. I've already seen efforts to thwart our plans which makes me confident that we're on the right track. I am excited to see how the Lord is going to grow us stronger together and in Him.
Cale is also starting a new Bible study with the guys from house church. They are doing a discipleship book together and meeting every week. Cale hasn't been involved in a focused study since college really and I am excited for him. As much as I like being with him in the evenings, I know that this is time well spent. Anything that will encourage him in his walk with the Lord is going to make him a better husband and dad. I'm all for that!
So I will be alternating my Bible studies week to week (so I have one or the other every week) and Cale's gone every Tuesday night. Throw in house church every Sunday, house church prayer once a month, Recipe club, quilting and random life stuff and we are busy. But I know that this is just for a season and it's not just to be busy. Our hope for all these "extras" is that they will draw us closer to His side and make us more into His image.
I'm confident that on the other side of this busy season the cost will be well worth it.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Weekend ready
Another week gone by and a full weekend ahead of us. My family is coming into town to do a belated birthday celebration. My oldest brother's birthday is two days after mine and my sis-in-law's is two days after that. And of course the recent birthday girl at our house will be included in the celebrations. Thirteen people under our roof for 48 hours. We don't have any grand plans except church tomorrow night and a stop here for dinner afterwards. I've got a clean house, beds ready and a fridge full of food. I'm looking forward to it (just not to the piles of laundry that await me Monday morning!)
I'm off to finish up a few more things before our home gets invaded!
PS- I don't know if you've been following the Compassion Blogging Tour, but you should be. I haven't been keeping up with everyone on the trip, but have been reading BooMama's and Shannon's posts and they are powerful. If you've got some time this weekend, head over here and read some excellent writing and maybe even DO something.
I'm off to finish up a few more things before our home gets invaded!
PS- I don't know if you've been following the Compassion Blogging Tour, but you should be. I haven't been keeping up with everyone on the trip, but have been reading BooMama's and Shannon's posts and they are powerful. If you've got some time this weekend, head over here and read some excellent writing and maybe even DO something.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Two years old never looked this good before
We spent part of our Saturday morning with our neighbor, Chris, as he photographed Haven for her two year old pictures. He is really talented (as you'll see below) and we couldn't be happier with the way they turned out. He took well over 300 photos so these are a very small sample.
Let me know if you're looking for a great, inexpensive photographer. He's looking to start doing more of this on the side and we can't recommend him highly enough!
Let me know if you're looking for a great, inexpensive photographer. He's looking to start doing more of this on the side and we can't recommend him highly enough!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
I've been tagged....4x4
Jess tagged me for this 4x4 meme. And because it's an easy out, I'm going to comply.
-4- Jobs I've had:
*Nanny- I spent several years while living in Cleveland working as a nanny for five different families. I worked for a fantastic family the year before we got married and I truly loved those kids. Their daughter was the flower girl in our wedding.
*Intern- I spent my first summer in Cleveland as a Children's Ministry Intern. This was a challenging time for me, but I got to work with some wonderful people and I learned so much. Little pay and lots of hours for minimal results build character. At least I hope they did!
*Personal assistant- This was hands down my favorite job. I have worked for two different people in this capacity and I loved never knowing what the day held. Sometimes I spent the day working in the office and others I was completely out and about running errands, taking care of business. There was even an occasional afternoon spent babysitting or doing laundry and because it was different all the time I really didn't mind. It was a fun job!
*Missionary/office manager/financial assistant/general laborer- I didn't have one specific job title while we served with Christ's Hope International, but really did whatever needed done that day. I certainly spent a good portion of my time in the office putting my administrative skills to use. Not "typical" mission wok, but necessary work (although sometimes not enough of it!).
-4- Shows I tivo:
*My tivo is called the VCR. Do you people remember these archaic devices? We do not have cable so our tv experience is pretty limited and we like it that way. That's not to say that there aren't a few shows that I always watch (or at least tape on the VCR to watch later). Hands down favorite is Friday Night Lights. It's the best show on television and if you aren't watching it you're crazy!
*We have been missing new episodes of The Office here at our house. Thankfully we have been able to get a fix by watching old episodes online.
*Since we don't have The Food Network, the closest I can get to a cooking show is The Rachael Ray Show. I could easily do without all the other stuff she does on her show, but suffer through it for the cooking, because (hate her if you want) the girl can cook. We are always trying out one of her recipes and there hasn't been a bad one yet.
*I can't really thing of a fourth show that I love. I think that's probably a good thing.
-4- Places I've been
*This is a hard one to narrow down since I am such a world traveller (um, right). I should probably pick the more exotic and exciting ones so it makes me sound cooler. We'll start with my absolute favorite- Cape Town, South Africa. Gorgeous city, tons to do, amazing history and delicious food. If we ever get a chance to go back to that part of Africa we will definitely go there again. I loved it there.
*Western Coast of Puerto Rico- I have been there twice on Spring Break missions trips. Life changing experiences in phenomenal surroundings. White sand beaches, the bluest blue water, mountains and rain forests. Puerto Rico has it all. I also love the Spanish culture and found it exhilrating and full of life. Cale and I always talk about going back together.
*The Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada- This is where we spent our honeymoon travelling around to three different lodges in three different towns. Breathtaking views, the love of my life and several hotel upgrades made for a fantastic trip.
*Cotonou, Benin, West Africa- I lived on the Mercy Ship Anastasis for three months while training with Youth With A Mission. I then lived out in a small village called Paou for three months. One of the most growing times in my life and where I began my love/hate relationship with the continent of Africa.
-4- Foods I Love:
*I'm pretty boring so my first one is pizza- traditional, bbq chicken, spinach, thai- any way i can fix it, we'll eat it.
*Bread- in almost any variety. I especially love my own homemade bread. I could live on that alone if it became necessary.
*I'm going to have to go with Jess and say clementines. We eat them like crazy during the winter and will be sad to see spring arrive and take them away from us. All good things must come to end I guess. There's always next year.
*I really love a good salad and eat at least one, if not two a day. Nothing fancy- romaine, spinach, mushrooms, red bell peppers, green onions, carrots and maybe some grape tomatoes when they are in season. Love, love, love them. Makes me want to go eat one right now. Oh and put some sunflower seeds or toasted almonds on top. Delish. Maybe some craisins or golden raisins, too.
That was actually a lot harder then I thought it would be. Who else will play along? Amber? Jenny? Any other takers?
-4- Jobs I've had:
*Nanny- I spent several years while living in Cleveland working as a nanny for five different families. I worked for a fantastic family the year before we got married and I truly loved those kids. Their daughter was the flower girl in our wedding.
*Intern- I spent my first summer in Cleveland as a Children's Ministry Intern. This was a challenging time for me, but I got to work with some wonderful people and I learned so much. Little pay and lots of hours for minimal results build character. At least I hope they did!
*Personal assistant- This was hands down my favorite job. I have worked for two different people in this capacity and I loved never knowing what the day held. Sometimes I spent the day working in the office and others I was completely out and about running errands, taking care of business. There was even an occasional afternoon spent babysitting or doing laundry and because it was different all the time I really didn't mind. It was a fun job!
*Missionary/office manager/financial assistant/general laborer- I didn't have one specific job title while we served with Christ's Hope International, but really did whatever needed done that day. I certainly spent a good portion of my time in the office putting my administrative skills to use. Not "typical" mission wok, but necessary work (although sometimes not enough of it!).
-4- Shows I tivo:
*My tivo is called the VCR. Do you people remember these archaic devices? We do not have cable so our tv experience is pretty limited and we like it that way. That's not to say that there aren't a few shows that I always watch (or at least tape on the VCR to watch later). Hands down favorite is Friday Night Lights. It's the best show on television and if you aren't watching it you're crazy!
*We have been missing new episodes of The Office here at our house. Thankfully we have been able to get a fix by watching old episodes online.
*Since we don't have The Food Network, the closest I can get to a cooking show is The Rachael Ray Show. I could easily do without all the other stuff she does on her show, but suffer through it for the cooking, because (hate her if you want) the girl can cook. We are always trying out one of her recipes and there hasn't been a bad one yet.
*I can't really thing of a fourth show that I love. I think that's probably a good thing.
-4- Places I've been
*This is a hard one to narrow down since I am such a world traveller (um, right). I should probably pick the more exotic and exciting ones so it makes me sound cooler. We'll start with my absolute favorite- Cape Town, South Africa. Gorgeous city, tons to do, amazing history and delicious food. If we ever get a chance to go back to that part of Africa we will definitely go there again. I loved it there.
*Western Coast of Puerto Rico- I have been there twice on Spring Break missions trips. Life changing experiences in phenomenal surroundings. White sand beaches, the bluest blue water, mountains and rain forests. Puerto Rico has it all. I also love the Spanish culture and found it exhilrating and full of life. Cale and I always talk about going back together.
*The Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada- This is where we spent our honeymoon travelling around to three different lodges in three different towns. Breathtaking views, the love of my life and several hotel upgrades made for a fantastic trip.
*Cotonou, Benin, West Africa- I lived on the Mercy Ship Anastasis for three months while training with Youth With A Mission. I then lived out in a small village called Paou for three months. One of the most growing times in my life and where I began my love/hate relationship with the continent of Africa.
-4- Foods I Love:
*I'm pretty boring so my first one is pizza- traditional, bbq chicken, spinach, thai- any way i can fix it, we'll eat it.
*Bread- in almost any variety. I especially love my own homemade bread. I could live on that alone if it became necessary.
*I'm going to have to go with Jess and say clementines. We eat them like crazy during the winter and will be sad to see spring arrive and take them away from us. All good things must come to end I guess. There's always next year.
*I really love a good salad and eat at least one, if not two a day. Nothing fancy- romaine, spinach, mushrooms, red bell peppers, green onions, carrots and maybe some grape tomatoes when they are in season. Love, love, love them. Makes me want to go eat one right now. Oh and put some sunflower seeds or toasted almonds on top. Delish. Maybe some craisins or golden raisins, too.
That was actually a lot harder then I thought it would be. Who else will play along? Amber? Jenny? Any other takers?
Friday, February 8, 2008
Link love
Would you believe me if I told you that I had every intention of posting everyday this week? Yeah, me neither. But it did cross my mind! The busyness at the beginning of the week gave way to sickness at the end. Life happened and sleep didn't.
I've been "writing" a post in my head when I've lain awake the last few nights about our "investigation" and the "government agencies" and the "orders" against us. But it hasn't actually escaped my head yet so instead you find yourself reading this. I apologize. Since I don't have anything more to offer you I thought I might as well direct you to someone who does have something to say. The links below are some of the new blogs I have come across in the last several weeks.
Katherine at Raising Five (she's in the midst of home renovations before a move so scroll down a few posts to read some of her meatier posts)
Rahab's Thread is a source of encouragement through God's Word
Jeana at Days to Come wrote this post yesterday that actually might just nix my need to write the aforementioned post about our "investigation"
I've been "writing" a post in my head when I've lain awake the last few nights about our "investigation" and the "government agencies" and the "orders" against us. But it hasn't actually escaped my head yet so instead you find yourself reading this. I apologize. Since I don't have anything more to offer you I thought I might as well direct you to someone who does have something to say. The links below are some of the new blogs I have come across in the last several weeks.
Katherine at Raising Five (she's in the midst of home renovations before a move so scroll down a few posts to read some of her meatier posts)
Rahab's Thread is a source of encouragement through God's Word
Jeana at Days to Come wrote this post yesterday that actually might just nix my need to write the aforementioned post about our "investigation"
And if you're looking for some cute Valentine's last minute, www.hp.com has some cute, free cards to print off. We sent a few in the mail today!
Happy weekend!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Birthday Snapshots
Haven had a fun filled birthday weekend. A small gathering of friends Friday night left her running around the house in non-stop laughter. Great amounts of cake have been consumed by all the last three days. (It was kinda sad cutting into the little snowman, but he was delicious!) Haven loved it all- the attention, the snacks, the presents. Hopefully she knows how loved she is!
Posing with "Fosty"
Could the two of them be any cuter??!!
My little cheeseball in the midst of her party delerium
Ready to blow out her candles (which she did before we finished singing to her!)
Trying out her new trike
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