Amazing moments

I absolutely love stories like these. One of the reasons I appreciate Ridge Church so much and the reason I serve weekly and dedicate my time and energy to this church is because the heart of Ridge Church is to invest in people. People who may not know Jesus. People who are lost or seeking. People who don't like church or never felt accepted by "church people." My church believes that everyone is important.

As we teach in Waumba Land - God made you. God loves you. Jesus wants to be your friend forever. Such simple truths that I sometimes struggle to remember every single day. No matter who I come face to face with in the course of my day and look into their eyes - those people were created by our Heavenly Father. He made them. He loves them. And He wants to be their friend.
An important truth to remember.


Patrick Furey Baptism from Ridge Church on Vimeo.


Jessica Cale Baptism from Ridge Church on Vimeo.

Amelia Jayne Update - 18 months

Amelia Jayne turned 18 months old on April 24. I'm a bit behind, but mostly because I wanted to add her stats and we didn't go to the doctor until May 17. So here's her 18/19 month update :)


Weight - 26.4 lbs (74%)
Height - 33 in (84%)

She has a few words. Among them -
ball, bye bye, baby, bubble, no, yes, mine, boo, Mommy, Daddy, Mimi, Papa, Grandma, Grandpa, hi, car, please, up, why, cheese, cookie, okay, blue, green, up, and down.
I'm still waiting on more words. I find this to be the frustrating time when a toddler can't communicate very well, but has lots to say...and lots of wants. She tends to scream a lot when she wants something, which was not the case with Xander, so I'm having to get used to that. I can't say it's my favorite activity of hers. I do think she has the same mindset as Xander which is - "When I can do it well, then I'll do it, but I won't do it until I'm ready." I truly believe she could say a lot more if she wanted to, but she just doesn't want to.

AJ and Xander have become very sweet with each other. Xander will hold her hand, especially when crossing the road, and she gladly holds his back. They like to play with each other - wrestling is one of their new favorite pastimes. They're getting better at sharing, though it's still challenging at times. Overall they do a good job, though.

Xander has saved Amelia Jayne's life so many times! Whether he's telling me she's found a penny and about to put it in her mouth, standing on the bed, about to go in the road...he's a really good big brother. I'm glad he's such a rule-follower and a tattle tale! This will come in handy in the future...for me. He may not be as popular with his sister. :)

She's addicted to TV already. She asks to turn it on almost anytime she sees one. We don't always comply. :)

She loves music and dancing. She gets really excited when she hears a song she knows. Most nights David and I hear her over the monitor after we put her down for bed singing herself to sleep.

She loves school and gets so excited when David drops her off in the mornings.

She's still got her blanket. That's my next big project with her, I think - weaning her from the blanket. She never had a pacifier, but she always sucked on her blanket. It stinks. It's always dirty. I try to wash it daily or at least every other day, but it almost instantly seems dirty again. She won't sleep without it. In fact, one night after she was asleep I snuck in to get it so I could wash it. She woke up screaming because she couldn't find her blanket. I haven't tried to take it away from her in her sleep since then. I have a small window of time after she wakes up in the morning or after her nap to throw it in the wash. It's a pain, for sure.

She loves to pretend she's on the phone. She'll pick up anything rectangular and talk into it. "Hi!" and "Bye, bye" help me know that's what she's up to. :) All other words are unintelligible at this point. But it's pretty adorable.

She's a pretty good eater. She loves her fruits, vegetables, beans, and pasta. I still have a hard time getting her to eat meat - unless it's a chicken nugget or a hot dog. Those she'll gobble up. She also loves sweets and junk food. Her favorite food is probably french fries. But at least she likes the healthy stuff, too. I can't get Xander to eat his fruits and vegetables unless I promise dessert, and even then I'm not always successful...

Her favorite activity is reading. She brings me book after book and wants to read all the time. Her attention span is getting much longer and she can sit through many books. She'll even sit through Curious George books when I read them to Xander...and those books are sooooo long!!

She also loves to go to the park. She's very brave and will slide down slides by herself, even the tall ones. She also loves to swing. She's very independent and self-sufficient with playground equipment, which is so surprising to me. I couldn't get Xander to climb up in the tubes at Chick-fil-A until a few months ago...and he was almost 4!

Just two days ago she used the potty! She's used it about 5 or 6 times in the last two days. She hasn't asked to go, but anytime we suggest it, she's more than willing, even excited! I'm not naive enough to think she'll be potty trained soon, but I am excited that she is excited. She seems to have the muscle control to know how to make herself go, so that's progress!

She's growing up so much! I am so in love with that little girl and incredibly thankful that she's in my life. Can't wait to see how she continues to grow and change!

Legacies

The most important thing she'd learned over the years was that there was no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a great one.

-Jill Churchill

I interviewed my mom just before Mother's Day in hopes of sharing a bit about her, and about me, too. I love my mom. She's an amazing woman. I have learned so much from her and have so much still yet to learn from her. Every time I'm with her I am reminded of how great a mother she is. She isn't perfect, for sure. But she most certainly is great.

I was blessed to spend Mother's Day afternoon with my mom and then spend the night and have her all to myself after the company had gone home and the littlest Littles were asleep in the bedroom on the other side of the house. We talked until the wee hours of the morning. I could gain so much even if I was just sitting in her presence. Do you know people like that? And wonderfully it was even more than just sitting there - I got advice and honesty and love.

I love our kitchen table and I now know why. I can remember from the time I was a little girl until now, sitting at the table talking to my mom, learning from her, asking her questions, crying with her, and feeling loved, safe, important. I hope I have many more "kitchen table moments" with my mom.

The interview:
 

How has motherhood changed you?

 

"Motherhood has made me a better person. My children have taught me how to be less selfish and more loving. They have improved my patience and perserverance. Motherhood has inspired me to stop personal bad habits like smoking, but most of all God has used my children to bring me back into relationship with Him. Knowing I was responsible for two precious little lives turned my heart to Him. God has changed my life completely- priorities, goals, thought processes - everything."

 

What ages were your favorites?

 

"Every age has its joys and its challenges. Overall I would say my favorite times were infants up to preschool. They are so innocent, loveable and loving. Life is brand new and I love the sparkle of excitement in their eyes. I also love teenagers. Yes, that time can be challenging but it is so wonderful to see a child maturing. I love to talk with them, listening to their struggles and questions about life."

 

 

Do you miss having kids in the house?

 

"Yes and No. I miss the energy and joy of children in the home, but I am older now and don't think I could handle it everyday. As my mother always said "God knew what he was doing when he gave children to young people!" Thank God for grandchildren!"

 

 

What was the most difficult part of being a mom for you?

"The most difficult part of being a mom was being a single mom. Aside from the obvious practical difficulties and emotional struggles it broke my heart that my girls would not grow up in a two parent home."

 

 

What was the most rewarding part?

"Grandchildren! :] No, not really! The most rewarding part of being a mom at this time in my life is having two gorgeous girls who are fantastic people! I am so proud of them! They are wonderful mothers themselves, give so much back to the world, and are a joy to be around."

 

 

Tell me the story of my birth.

"You were born October 6, 1980. (Like you didn't know that) You were due on October 5th so I didn't have to wait too long for you. I awoke at 5:00 am that morning and knew that it was the day! We didn't go to the hospital until 3:00 that afternoon. I remember that the trees were just so gorgeous, because they had already started to change into their fall colors. You were born at Forsyth Hospital in Winston-Salem back in the time when there were still delivery rooms. Your father was with me the whole time, and you were born at 8:39 pm. I remember when you were born, Dr. Taylor (my ob), put you up on my stomach and you opened your little eyes and looked at me. I touched you. I had never felt anything as soft as your skin, and have never felt anything that soft since. I know that we all have memories that are branded into our brains so much so that all you have to do is recall it and it is as if you are right there again. This is one of those memories for me. I was so excited you were healthy and beautiful! I was also excited that this had all occurred during daytime hours and I wasn't going to miss a night's sleep. Wrong! I didn't sleep any that night anyway. But that was o.k. because I had you to keep me company. The next day your big sister came to see you. She looked in the nursery window (back then they didn't allow siblings to be in the same room with the new baby), and your dad said "There's your baby sister." Erin replied "Where is my baby brother?" We figured out that for the last several months we had been telling her she was going to have a baby brother OR a baby sister, but she was hearing that she was going to have a baby brother AND a baby sister! We came home from the hospital on the third day after you were born. Your Dad and Erin pulled up to the hospital in our little Datsun 510 and we went to our home on Wessex Drive in Winston-Salem."

 

How did you choose my name?

 

"Your dad and I could never exactly settle on a name before you were born. I liked Sarah so I told him that was going to be the girl name unless he came up with something better. You know, back then we didn't know the sex of the baby before he/she was born. We had a boy's name picked out (Justin Odiorne) from when Erin was born. So after you were born I called you Sarah. Then dad told me he didn't really like that name. So I told him he better come up with another (that I liked) before they came with the birth certificate or your name was going to be Sarah. I remember so well when he called me on the phone and said he had thought of a name - Dallas. I was mortified! "You can't name a baby Dallas! That's a city! No way I can agree to that. Go back and think some more." So he did and he called me back and said "What about Emily?" I immediately fell in love with the name, and it went so well with Grace, which of course was your paternal grandmother's middle name. So you became Emily Grace!"

Books I've Read - Jan-Apr 2013

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
Again.
I know, I know.
How many times can you read one book? Well, I could read this particular book more times than I care to admit. I actually haven't read it since Xander was born, so it's been a few years. I used to read it about once a year, so I think I've read it about 6 or 7 times. It's that good! It is my all-time favorite work of fiction. Ever.
I told a co-worker about it recently and she is going to use it in her book club. I love when I recommend this book and people read it. I've never had someone say they don't like it. It's a go-to gift for me to give to a friend and always my first recommendation if someone asks for a fiction novel. I love it!













Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath
Good information. I found it interesting and mostly accurate. You should try it!

The 17 Day Diet by Dr. Mike Moreno
This has been very helpful in my health-minded approach to living. I stuck with it to a "T" for the first 17 days and lost 11 pounds. I've only lost 8 more since then, but I haven't stuck with it as well. I recommend it if you're trying to lose weight!
*Side note: I have not been sticking to it very well over the past 3 weeks. One thing I learned from it though, is that I rely too much on nuts and cheeses, especially for snacks. If I can trade in some of those for fruits and vegetables, I feel better and I'm getting more nutrients. Not that nuts and cheese are bad for you (though some are, and especially portion sizes can be) but it's better for me to eat those in moderation and eat fruits and vegetables more regularly.















Real Marriage by Mark & Grace Driscoll
I read this book last year, but in February, we started reading it in our small group. I re-read a lot of the chapters, but I decided to listen to the podcast on Mark's sermons regarding each chapter. It was a nice supplement to the book. I would definitely recommend reading the book along with it, though. I have to admit that it got long and tedious at times. But it was nice to do in a small group - especially since we broke up girls/guys for some of the chapters. It was a good bonding time for us girls and I think the guys had a pretty nice time, too.
















Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst
Ahh. For the emotionally-charged woman this is a must-read. I've learned a lot about being an exploder and a stuffer, and how I'm both and neither and everything all at once sometimes, too. As someone who struggles with emotions and how to react, respond and deal with them, while embracing them, too...I recommend this book.














The Cove by Ron Rash
I don't read too many literary fiction novels. I started reading this book because it was set in NC and looked like an interesting topic. The description was intriguing and, though the book itself had moments of intrigue, it was a tad slow for my taste. As far as literary fiction goes, though, I would recommend it.















The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Another piece of literary fiction. This, like The Cove, is set in the '40's. I do love some historic fiction, so maybe that's where these titles are coming from? I don't know. But wherever this book came from, may I say, I am incredibly glad I stumbled across it. It is fantastic! I was only a few pages in when I knew I must immediately share this with my aunt - funny that the authors are an aunt/niece combo. I had no idea until after I sent her the recommendation. She read it and loved it, too. I only told her about it last week, but that's how she rolls. I love that about her.
Amazing book. One of my favorites of all time. Please check it out. You won't regret it.

Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic
A short read - appreciated by mothers of little ones everywhere. I enjoyed this book. I didn't care for her style of writing at times and I didn't always agree with everything she said, but she makes some valid points and I took some things from this that will certainly help me in my parenting. She has four kids under 5 years of age. I only have two. I admire and commend her for writing a book about it. :) Definitely check it out if you have little kiddos.

Funnies from the little man - Part 6

Some of these aren't so funny, but just plain sweet. I hope to remember so much of what my little man says. He sure knows how to make his Mama smile!!

After meeting some friends at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve and the park, then meeting Daddy for lunch and frozen yogurt -
X: Mommy, thank you for taking me to have such a fun day!


X: He has a really short name. I think he nicked his name.


Some background:
When my sister and I were little, my mom used to do something with us before bed; we called it the "Night-Nights." It originated with my sister using all her best stall tactics and saying just one more thing to our mom each night before bed. My mom put them all together and created the "Night-Nights." We did them every night for years before going to bed. It's one of my favorite memories and I'm thrilled to pass it down to my kids. I started them with Xander about a year ago and he started requesting them and doing them more and more until now we do them every night, too.

It goes like this:
{kiss}
Night-night.
{kiss}
Sleep tight.
{kiss}
See you in the morning light.
{kiss}
Sweet dreams.
{kiss}
I love you.
{kiss}
Bye, bye.
{kiss}
Don't let the bed bugs bite!
{fast kisses}

But the funniest thing is that he says don't let the BIG bugs bite you!! And one night he said, "We don't have any big bugs do we?" I laughed and told him, "I sure hope not. Now go to bed." :)



We've had lots of talks about marriage lately.
Me: Xander, we've talked about this. You can't marry someone in your family.
Xander: But why not? I like the girls in my family and I don't want to marry someone I don't know!
Me: When the right girl comes along, you'll be very happy to marry her.
Xander: But Aunt B's not married. Can I marry her when I grow up?
Me: No, bud. She's in your family.
Xander: Okay, then when I get older I'm going to marry Amelia Jayne.
Me: ::sigh::



Xander: Why did God make me a boy?
Pretty cool that he's already having such deep thoughts.



After I repeated something Xander said - 
X: Did you just say the same thing I said?
Me: I did.
X: But Mommy, you can't say the same thing I said.
He starts singing-
I like you, I like you, I like you just the way you are.
You have to be different!



X: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10!
(Whispers) That's how you count all the numbers...in order!
AJ: (Smiles)
X: Interesting, huh?!?!



In the car:
X: Mommy, can we listen to music?
Me: Sure, what song would you like?
X: The one I like.
Me: Okay, which one is that?
X: You know, the one I like.
Me: You like lots of songs.
X: The one by Shurr Purr.
Me: Sir Purr?
X: No, Shurper.
Me: I don't think I know that one.
X: You know, the one that goes, "Husha, Husha."
Me: Oh! You mean Usher!!
Hahahahaha!!

On figuring out this thing called life...

Our lives have been hectic lately. That's the best word I can think of to describe it. Not bad, not great, just hectic. Thus the lack of blog posts lately.

David has two deadlines tomorrow. Not just one, which is usually the case when a deadline comes around, but two. Which means he's working even more than he would on a long day. He worked yesterday after church until 2:30am and then woke up at 7 to get to work and start all over again. It's 9:30pm and he's still at work. I've no idea when he'll get in tonight. It's a tough time right now.

I'm thankful for him. I'm thankful for all he does for our family. I'm thankful that he is dedicated and desires to do good work. I'm proud of him. I'm impressed with his willingness to finish his projects and not complain. He never complains. It has to be crazy bad for him to say anything.

On top of David's deadlines and crazy long hours, over the past couple of weeks we've had complete schedule changes. Two weeks ago was spring break, so my kids didn't have school. Which means we had to change up our childcare. And then last week both mine and David's parents were on a cruise. Since they're also a big portion of our childcare, we had to again change up our schedules to meet our needs.

At the time, when I was figuring out what we would do and how we could rearrange things to work it out, I didn't think anything of it. I just figured life would be basically the same, but with a few schedule changes. Boy, was I wrong. These past couple of weeks have taken a toll on me. I'm overly tired, I'm emotional, I'm scatterbrained and overloaded, and did I mention emotional?

This has been a good lesson for me. I've learned a lot over the past couple of weeks. A lot about myself and a lot about our kids...and a lot about my husband. He's really amazing. He loves this family. He would do anything for us and has.
My kids love me...but sometimes their way of showing me that is to act out or scream or cry or argue or ask questions over and over and over...
They're good kids. They're sweet kids. My husband reminded me of that last night. They feel safest with me so of course I see their bad sides more than anyone else!
I don't handle stress very well. That's what I've learned about myself. I'm trying to work on that. I'm trying to do my best and, in the process, I have to remind myself that my best really is good enough. Because God's grace is sufficient for me. It covers all my insufficiencies. It fills in the gaps and closes the holes that I so often leave.

That is the most important thing to me right now. My God is good and His grace covers all my sins. What would I do without Him? He reminds me of His love every time I look into my husband's eyes and gain the strength I need to get through the next event, every time I hear my son's voice telling me story after story or asking question after question, and every time I receive a sweet, slobbery kiss from my daughter.

Stress only lasts for a season, but my God's love endures forever.

Friends

 

Amelia Jayne and Keira at the library

Xander at Ryder's birthday

Sibling love :)

A kitty friend wandered up and played with us one day.

I hate that this one's blurry, but Xander's face was too cute not to post!

AJ hanging at Keira's house

Chilling and watching some TV

Super siblings!!

Playing with Keira at the playground

Amelia Jayne's best girlfriends :)

The girls at Ray's Splash Planet



AJ and Keira

Cousin-friends!

Love