After a wonderfully refreshing weekend I woke up this morning totally crabby and tired due to a restless night of sleep...amazed at how fast my attitude changed. So now I am am choosing to focus on Phil 4:8...you know that true, noble, excellent, praiseworthy stuff.
1. Aidan's heart for helping his brother this morning.(He wanted to make him breakfast and all I saw was him making a mess. Good lesson for me to stop and seek understanding.)
2. Morning air. I love being outside early morning. Too bad I have ceased to be a morning person :)
3. The blessing of heading to the gym while the boys are at school.
4. Sunflower market. Heading there this morning too.
5. A flexible, loving, patient husband. Yeah that should have been #1. He helped me seek understanding.
6. Realizing that my walk with Jesus can be moment to moment more than I ever thought possible.
7. Seeing sprouts...both outside and metaphorically.
8. Open gym. And since we hadn't been in so long it was such a leap in the boys skills and confidence. So fun.
9. Micah and "yum yum, that's delicious!"
10. Music. Itunes, pandora...boys singing. We are blessed.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Just for Fun: Crayons, heart, and soul
Saw this online today and thought it could lend to lots of ideas. (Crysti what to do with all those broken crayons from church :))
http://mollyirwin.typepad.com/mollyirwin/2009/03/wearing-the-green.html
Also on a deeper note I have been reading about the difference between heart and soul. Any thoughts?
Found this so far:
http://www.biblebb.com/files/tonyqa/tc00-107.htm
http://mollyirwin.typepad.com/mollyirwin/2009/03/wearing-the-green.html
Also on a deeper note I have been reading about the difference between heart and soul. Any thoughts?
Found this so far:
http://www.biblebb.com/files/tonyqa/tc00-107.htm
Friday, March 06, 2009
The Same Power
My sweet boy was watching videos on you tube with me and found this one. I have been encouraged by it as I am dragging from feeling like yuck this week. (Currently sitting in Micah's room for my own quiet time while Micah is with Daddy for his quiet time. Silly world.)
There is a love that I know
A strength for the weak and the broken heart
My Shepherd and King
I find You within me
For you are here
My Lord forever
You are here
Verse 2:
A strength for the weak and the broken heart
My Shepherd and King
I find You within me
For you are here
My Lord forever
You are here
Verse 2:
You carried the cross for the world
Gathered the lost and the fatherless
My Shepherd and King
I find You within me
For You are here
My Lord forever
You are here
Chorus:
In this place, you are here
By Your mercy, I draw near
In my heart, take your place
You are here
Verse 3:
Your word is the light of the earth
Your glory resounds in the universe
My Shepherd and King
I find You within me
For You are here
My Lord forever
You are here
Chorus
You are here
You are here
You are here
Bridge:
The same power that conquered the grave
Lives in me, Lives in me
Your love that rescued the earth
Lives in me, lives in me
You are here
You are here
You are here
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Sunday Thoughts
After my experiment this week I realized a couple things.
Every day we have CHOICES. We choose what to feed into. We choose what to remember. We choose to have gratitude. Check it out.
Philippians 4: 4-9
(Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.)
In college I wrote notes from my NT professor about these verses in my margin. They are as follows "praise allows you to focus on the lovely rather than the lousy. It's a +1 mindset, not just neutral."
That is it. I want to live in that mindset. I have a choice to. Check out what Paul tells us to focus on...
-true
-noble
-right
-pure
-lovely
-admirable
-excellent
-praiseworthy
Result? The God of peace will be with you. (vs 9)
Friday and Saturday were not as good of days with the boys. But if I step back and look at the BIG picture and the WHOLE day rather than just the yuck I find there was still way more good than not. (Praiseworthy rather than lousy.) I am having more peace because of this. I hope you do too.
Every day we have CHOICES. We choose what to feed into. We choose what to remember. We choose to have gratitude. Check it out.
Philippians 4: 4-9
(Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.)
In college I wrote notes from my NT professor about these verses in my margin. They are as follows "praise allows you to focus on the lovely rather than the lousy. It's a +1 mindset, not just neutral."
That is it. I want to live in that mindset. I have a choice to. Check out what Paul tells us to focus on...
-true
-noble
-right
-pure
-lovely
-admirable
-excellent
-praiseworthy
Result? The God of peace will be with you. (vs 9)
Friday and Saturday were not as good of days with the boys. But if I step back and look at the BIG picture and the WHOLE day rather than just the yuck I find there was still way more good than not. (Praiseworthy rather than lousy.) I am having more peace because of this. I hope you do too.
Saturday 3
Gratitude
1. Living in a country where we can share our faith openly. I have never been in a "closed country" and it has even been years since going on a missions trip to Mexico. Hanging door hangers opened my eyes to the blessing of being able to say "just wanted to invite you to a new church starting in the area."
2. Having the health and strength to walk the streets to do the job. It was way more exhausting than I thought.
3. Hamburgers. I never want a hamburger but I am blessed to get one on those crazy days when I have the craving. (And a new pay month to go out with cash for dinner in budget :))
Remember
1. Aidan's enthusiasm for going out to do door hangers. He made sure we all had our t shirts on for it. And he wanted to invite his friend Aden. Awesome.
2. When dividing into teams for the neighborhoods Aidan saying "Micah and I are a team."
3. And yeah...don't give Aidan no time to recharge at home and then have him go to Home Depot after a long day. Not good for anybody.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday 3
Up late last night wooping it up (can't say what so Jeno doesn't know) So here is yesterday's...
Gratitude
1. Wild Berry Skittles. Waaaaay better.
2. Singing in the car with the boys after not so hot behavior in the store to change attitudes. It worked.
3. Making new friends and finding we can "swap" skills.
Remember
1. Even yellow days have tons of great moments. I can choose what to focus on.
2. Running outside and playing football means cleaning the kitchen can wait.
3. I am no longer afraid of not having plans for the day. Ok still haven't arrived but I am growing in this drastically. Wonderful week and planned NONE of it in advance. Zoo...McDonalds...Hobby Lobby...Park...
and one more...we have TONS of stuff that we don't use enough like puzzles, art, stickers. It is good to use what you have before looking for more.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thursday 3
o
Gratitude
1. More of Aidan sharing willingly. Gave Micah the last banana at dinner tonight.
2. My cell phone. Seriously how would I know to switch McDonalds location because the first one was too full and my friend scoped it out first?!
3. Depositing checks.
Remember (can't choose just 3 today!)
1. "Be still and KNOW that I am God" Emphasis not just on the still but on the knowing that comes through that.
2. The preciousness of a little boy falling asleep on his floor.
3. Counting on God Worship CD blows me away time after time.
4. Man the Israelites were a bunch of drama queens. I know I am too.
5. Aidan giving Daddy his helicopter from when he was a kid that he bought for him on ebay. Love it.
6. Boys who played "North Pole" at McDonalds and were amazing friends to each other and those around them.
7. Cool ideas for the kitchen recipes from generations past.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wednesday 3
Gratitude
1. Jeremy having the wisdom to realize that I am tired and that I need to find a way to take a nap. I did.
2. Little Ceasers. After working this afternoon I didn't have it in me to do one more thing and we found a way to "go out to eat". The boys think tailgating is great and we like the price :)
3. Aidan thankful when Daddy brought water to drink for him with the pizza. I am thankful that he is thankful for whatever he gets.
To Remember (either lessons or moments)
1. Umm...yeah "biking" to the park with Micah sounded much better in concept than reality. He needs to learn to ride first.
2. Aidan stopping at telling his friends that did the race "great job" as we were walking out of church.
3. I love the Veggie Tales with Josh and the Big Wall. I watched this back in August as I got ready for the retreat and it gave me perspective then about true reliance and trust on God. Same reminder today.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tuesday 3
It's early in the day but here is what I am thinking as of now...
Gratitude
1. Another green day at school.
2. Crazy warm weather for February.
3. Mikey's enthusiasm for hot dogs. I hope it can always be that easy.
To remember
1. I'm learning to let go more all the time. Watch a movie in the basement even if the weather screams come play outside. Not take a shower and instead...watch the movie with the boys.
2. Grocery shopping and hearing "...and your change is 17 cents" and being used to that. Cash is good. Jeremy has good ideas.
3. Getting up early to put out the garbage from the bathroom demolition.
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Challenge of 3
Just for me but you can follow and join in. I just needed a kickstart in my creativity. And a desire to simplify at the same time. I am developing my mantra of "what is essential, what is the heart of it?" (So that I stop saying "bottom line" ;))
So for this week each day:
3 pictures
3 things I want to remember
3 things of gratitude
Sunday 2/22/2009
Remember
1. Jeremy needing help in the bathroom but instead telling me to go run.
2. The unity of a sendoff for Forefront at the Rock.
3. Eating popcorn in Mikey's room during bedtime stories.
Gratitude
1. Washing machine.
2. Food without even grocery shopping for the week.
3. Time to scrapbook and reflect on good stuff.
Monday 2/23/2009
Remember
1. Aidan checking off what he saw on the zoo map to keep track of it. And his million questions to the Elephant and Hippo zoo guys. How old the hippos are (52 and 6).
2. The boys peeing the backyard to "water the grass".
3. Micah giving Aidan the smiley face receipt from Costco when he got home.
Gratitude
1. Warm oatmeal, warm coffee, and warm house.
2. The freedom to be spontaneous even though I stink at it.
3. Socks.
AND The realization of how can I not be thankful?
So for this week each day:
3 pictures
3 things I want to remember
3 things of gratitude
Sunday 2/22/2009
Remember
1. Jeremy needing help in the bathroom but instead telling me to go run.
2. The unity of a sendoff for Forefront at the Rock.
3. Eating popcorn in Mikey's room during bedtime stories.
Gratitude
1. Washing machine.
2. Food without even grocery shopping for the week.
3. Time to scrapbook and reflect on good stuff.
Monday 2/23/2009
Remember
1. Aidan checking off what he saw on the zoo map to keep track of it. And his million questions to the Elephant and Hippo zoo guys. How old the hippos are (52 and 6).
2. The boys peeing the backyard to "water the grass".
3. Micah giving Aidan the smiley face receipt from Costco when he got home.
Gratitude
1. Warm oatmeal, warm coffee, and warm house.
2. The freedom to be spontaneous even though I stink at it.
3. Socks.
AND The realization of how can I not be thankful?
Friday, February 06, 2009
"Busy, you?"
How do we answer that usually?
"good, you?"
"good...yeah busy but good"
"yeah me too"
So humor me as I reflect on the last month...
For some reason lately when I've been asked that I have this whole slew of answers that I can't really wrap up into a one word answer . But who really wants to hear how we are doing beyond good? I can no longer say "good but busy". I'm not busy. Don't get me wrong I have plenty to do. I have laundry and dishes and projects like always but I have emptied my schedule, myself, and I am left with an openness that is strangely redefining. Pre-January Jeremy and I used to sit down on Sunday night and look at our schedules. Monday-small group, Tuesday-WM meeting, Wednesday-kids connection, Thursday-worship practice, Friday...Sat... You get the idea. We were slammed. We were busy and we were good.
But what if good isn't good enough? What if like "Hitch" fine isn't good enough, what if we want extraordinary? Are we willing to empty ourselves to get that?
It's hard. It is stinking hard. For somebody who so likes to be defined by what I DO. This is so redefining. If we aren't defined by what we do, what are we defined by? Who we are? Who is that? Looking out is a lot easier than looking in. Being busy keeps us in "good mode" but being still moves us to extraordinary.
In the last month we have made a lot of changes. Went to cash. Cut the boys school schedule in half, gone back to the "Mother Church" in preparation for a new church plant, canceled TV programming, sold a lot, got rid of a lot, ate at home A LOT, and I even went to the gym less. And because of that I have lost weight (yes I am weird I know), had a Sound of Music picnic, went swimming at the Rec center a ton, went useless shopping so much less, created art, had many friends over for lunch, and read. Reading definitely way of making you look inward. When the books you are reading are the Bible and Grace Based Parenting...you can't help but look in instead of out.
It is better...but it is hard. Why is that? I'm guessing that the move to extraordinary doesn't come without some sacrifice "surrender of something for the sake of something else". So as I surrender I am guessing that there are going to be some times that despite all the blessings...they don't come without surrender. Which is always going to be tough.
I am got a book that walks me through Psalm 23. I carry it in my purse (so it doesn't count as another book that I am reading, ha) and I love the promises that it gives...
...restoration
...goodness
...contentedness
...comfort
...overflowing
We all desire that in life. If you ask me that doesn't sound just good but extraordinary. But it doesn't come without allowing God to be the Shepherd and Us to be the sheep. Not the other way around. And he is leading beside still waters. Not crazy busy rapids.
Just some thoughts...Who knows what God is doing in me in all this. I know busyness will come again but not without me first changing my answer to "how are you?"
"good, you?"
"good...yeah busy but good"
"yeah me too"
So humor me as I reflect on the last month...
For some reason lately when I've been asked that I have this whole slew of answers that I can't really wrap up into a one word answer . But who really wants to hear how we are doing beyond good? I can no longer say "good but busy". I'm not busy. Don't get me wrong I have plenty to do. I have laundry and dishes and projects like always but I have emptied my schedule, myself, and I am left with an openness that is strangely redefining. Pre-January Jeremy and I used to sit down on Sunday night and look at our schedules. Monday-small group, Tuesday-WM meeting, Wednesday-kids connection, Thursday-worship practice, Friday...Sat... You get the idea. We were slammed. We were busy and we were good.
But what if good isn't good enough? What if like "Hitch" fine isn't good enough, what if we want extraordinary? Are we willing to empty ourselves to get that?
It's hard. It is stinking hard. For somebody who so likes to be defined by what I DO. This is so redefining. If we aren't defined by what we do, what are we defined by? Who we are? Who is that? Looking out is a lot easier than looking in. Being busy keeps us in "good mode" but being still moves us to extraordinary.
In the last month we have made a lot of changes. Went to cash. Cut the boys school schedule in half, gone back to the "Mother Church" in preparation for a new church plant, canceled TV programming, sold a lot, got rid of a lot, ate at home A LOT, and I even went to the gym less. And because of that I have lost weight (yes I am weird I know), had a Sound of Music picnic, went swimming at the Rec center a ton, went useless shopping so much less, created art, had many friends over for lunch, and read. Reading definitely way of making you look inward. When the books you are reading are the Bible and Grace Based Parenting...you can't help but look in instead of out.
It is better...but it is hard. Why is that? I'm guessing that the move to extraordinary doesn't come without some sacrifice "surrender of something for the sake of something else". So as I surrender I am guessing that there are going to be some times that despite all the blessings...they don't come without surrender. Which is always going to be tough.
I am got a book that walks me through Psalm 23. I carry it in my purse (so it doesn't count as another book that I am reading, ha) and I love the promises that it gives...
...restoration
...goodness
...contentedness
...comfort
...overflowing
We all desire that in life. If you ask me that doesn't sound just good but extraordinary. But it doesn't come without allowing God to be the Shepherd and Us to be the sheep. Not the other way around. And he is leading beside still waters. Not crazy busy rapids.
Just some thoughts...Who knows what God is doing in me in all this. I know busyness will come again but not without me first changing my answer to "how are you?"
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Gratitude for
Haven't made a list for a while. Usually make them when I am down and need a pick-me up but today I am just amazed at all the blessings in my life. So here are a few of some...
1. Pizza burgers.
2. Time. The gift of time is amazing.
3. Running Green Mountain last week in the sunshine.
4. Singing How Great Thou Art...amazing hymn.
5. The freedom of getting rid of more and more stuff.
6. Less TV.
7. More time with my boys, playdough and all :)
8. Planning celebrations.
9. Putting all of Aidan's art together and seeing his talent and growth.
10. Reflecting on my spiritual journey.
11. Hearing the cries of those hurting and being available to encourage them right in the moment they need it.
12. Aidan discovering powdered sugar.
13. Micah asking for something to drink for "his guys" when he wakes up.
14. Being part of a new adventure at Forefront. Praying, worshiping, and meeting new people embarking on the same journey.
15. Reading the Bible. Started in Genesis this year...catching details I have missed before.
16. Being open.
Wow...I could keep going and going but I need to get some monkeys ready for school.
1. Pizza burgers.
2. Time. The gift of time is amazing.
3. Running Green Mountain last week in the sunshine.
4. Singing How Great Thou Art...amazing hymn.
5. The freedom of getting rid of more and more stuff.
6. Less TV.
7. More time with my boys, playdough and all :)
8. Planning celebrations.
9. Putting all of Aidan's art together and seeing his talent and growth.
10. Reflecting on my spiritual journey.
11. Hearing the cries of those hurting and being available to encourage them right in the moment they need it.
12. Aidan discovering powdered sugar.
13. Micah asking for something to drink for "his guys" when he wakes up.
14. Being part of a new adventure at Forefront. Praying, worshiping, and meeting new people embarking on the same journey.
15. Reading the Bible. Started in Genesis this year...catching details I have missed before.
16. Being open.
Wow...I could keep going and going but I need to get some monkeys ready for school.
Monday, January 12, 2009
"I want to grill pineapple this summer"
Ok...so weird title for a blog but it was one of those moments that gave me a deeper glimpse into myself once again. (That and some conversations with my cousin who is also a "check it off the list person")
Story goes...I have a 100 list as many of you may know. I have everything from get a salad bowl to get my doctorate to go to a concert at Red Rocks (yes!!! Did it). I like lists. I like to check things off. I don't like things that take maintaining. Like this year Jeremy has made 10 "resolutions" (hate to use that word) about maintaining reading, eating habits, and finances. Me...I have a word (Open) that captures what I want to be about for the year. I can handle a word. I can handle lists. But I don't like things that are long term. I like to feel a sense of getting stuff done. I want to feel successful.
So I say all that because tonight I said "I want to grill pineapple this summer" and laughed that my I should make that one of my 10 "resolutions" because it's easy to check off and then I caught myself realizing...I like to take the easy road. You wouldn't think that about me from the outside. I seem disciplined. I look like I have goals that I am working towards. And I do. But these goals are all ones that I know are "easy" so to speak. Just like the pineapple. I need to get past grilling pineapples and be ready to grow them (ok not literally more metaphorically). So here's to being open to lists that aren't "check-able". Yikes.
What do you think? Is this something I should grow in? Or just some crazy thought I'm having late at night? What kind of person are you (check-able or maintainable) and what kind of pineapples do you need to grow in?
Story goes...I have a 100 list as many of you may know. I have everything from get a salad bowl to get my doctorate to go to a concert at Red Rocks (yes!!! Did it). I like lists. I like to check things off. I don't like things that take maintaining. Like this year Jeremy has made 10 "resolutions" (hate to use that word) about maintaining reading, eating habits, and finances. Me...I have a word (Open) that captures what I want to be about for the year. I can handle a word. I can handle lists. But I don't like things that are long term. I like to feel a sense of getting stuff done. I want to feel successful.
So I say all that because tonight I said "I want to grill pineapple this summer" and laughed that my I should make that one of my 10 "resolutions" because it's easy to check off and then I caught myself realizing...I like to take the easy road. You wouldn't think that about me from the outside. I seem disciplined. I look like I have goals that I am working towards. And I do. But these goals are all ones that I know are "easy" so to speak. Just like the pineapple. I need to get past grilling pineapples and be ready to grow them (ok not literally more metaphorically). So here's to being open to lists that aren't "check-able". Yikes.
What do you think? Is this something I should grow in? Or just some crazy thought I'm having late at night? What kind of person are you (check-able or maintainable) and what kind of pineapples do you need to grow in?
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Time out for Mommy
Having a rough go with Big guy's attitude so I'm taking my own time out to reflect on some good stuff just for him.
1. Aidan looking out the window and watching the snow on his newly set up Reindeer, magical.
2. Giving his Christmas tree to Micah because Micah never had one in his room before.
3. Learning independence and the joy he gets when he "gets it".
4. Passing out invitations to his friends at school for his Christmas party.
5. Packing for Wisconsin.
6. Saying he wants to be an "easy talk" teacher when he grows up.
7. His coloring.
8. Plugging in the lights every morning before he does anything else.
9. His thankfulness for yogurt.
10. Giving Micah a hug.
11. Wanting to cuddle with me before bed...(which means no singing, no wiggling, or talking just cuddling.)
12. Wanting to put his backpack in the luggage carrier on the Xterra.
13. Soaring in speech. Praise God.
1. Aidan looking out the window and watching the snow on his newly set up Reindeer, magical.
2. Giving his Christmas tree to Micah because Micah never had one in his room before.
3. Learning independence and the joy he gets when he "gets it".
4. Passing out invitations to his friends at school for his Christmas party.
5. Packing for Wisconsin.
6. Saying he wants to be an "easy talk" teacher when he grows up.
7. His coloring.
8. Plugging in the lights every morning before he does anything else.
9. His thankfulness for yogurt.
10. Giving Micah a hug.
11. Wanting to cuddle with me before bed...(which means no singing, no wiggling, or talking just cuddling.)
12. Wanting to put his backpack in the luggage carrier on the Xterra.
13. Soaring in speech. Praise God.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Question...
The question I’m asking today: What can I do to minimize the noise of life so I can hear the sounds that really matter?
Read this tonight while "checking my email one last time" and man it the heart. Stole it from here:
http://www.leadingsmart.com/leadingsmart/2008/11/are-you-tired-of-the-noise.html
Thoughts? Any real solutions out there?
Read this tonight while "checking my email one last time" and man it the heart. Stole it from here:
http://www.leadingsmart.com/leadingsmart/2008/11/are-you-tired-of-the-noise.html
Thoughts? Any real solutions out there?
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Christmas List (not for Santa for my friends)
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both
2. Real tree or Artificial? Both...I have an artificial that I love, it has snow and red berries on it.
3. When do you put up the tree? Sometime before Christmas :)
4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime after Christmas, usually before New Year.
5. Do you like egg nog? Nope, give me peppermint ice-cream.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? An Old-fashioned bottle Coke Machine (it worked!)
7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yep, love, love, love it. It's the willow tree one.
8. Hardest person to buy for? Dad
9.. Easiest person to buy for? Kids, seriously they would be happy with anything right now.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Hand deliver if I do them.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't remember, some from my students were interesting in years past. Like the ugly "#1 Teacher" ornament that was as big as my tree.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Garfield. Love it.
13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Probably.
14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Peanut Butter cookies with Chocolate kisses.
15. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear
16. Favorite Christmas song? Mariah Carey all I want for Christmas is you, reminds me of my mom being silly.
17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel baby...all 1200 miles!!!!!
18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Can I use the internet?! I do for everything else.
19.. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Stockings on Christmas Eve with my parents, and gifts with the family (siblings)on Christmas Eve. Santa Christmas morning.
20. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Having to take down Christmas decorations when it is over.
21. Favorite thing about this time of year? Decorating. I love red. Seriously, I love the road trip and anticipation of the season with the family. It is just good.
22. Favorite ornament, theme, or color? Big surprise, red.
23. What do you want for Christmas this year? To not have to drive at Christmas and just be the passenger :)Seriously I would love to have clothes that I don't have to shop for. I hate the process.
24. Who will reply to this the quickest? Dumb.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Both...I have an artificial that I love, it has snow and red berries on it.
3. When do you put up the tree? Sometime before Christmas :)
4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime after Christmas, usually before New Year.
5. Do you like egg nog? Nope, give me peppermint ice-cream.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? An Old-fashioned bottle Coke Machine (it worked!)
7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yep, love, love, love it. It's the willow tree one.
8. Hardest person to buy for? Dad
9.. Easiest person to buy for? Kids, seriously they would be happy with anything right now.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Hand deliver if I do them.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't remember, some from my students were interesting in years past. Like the ugly "#1 Teacher" ornament that was as big as my tree.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Garfield. Love it.
13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Probably.
14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Peanut Butter cookies with Chocolate kisses.
15. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear
16. Favorite Christmas song? Mariah Carey all I want for Christmas is you, reminds me of my mom being silly.
17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel baby...all 1200 miles!!!!!
18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Can I use the internet?! I do for everything else.
19.. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Stockings on Christmas Eve with my parents, and gifts with the family (siblings)on Christmas Eve. Santa Christmas morning.
20. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Having to take down Christmas decorations when it is over.
21. Favorite thing about this time of year? Decorating. I love red. Seriously, I love the road trip and anticipation of the season with the family. It is just good.
22. Favorite ornament, theme, or color? Big surprise, red.
23. What do you want for Christmas this year? To not have to drive at Christmas and just be the passenger :)Seriously I would love to have clothes that I don't have to shop for. I hate the process.
24. Who will reply to this the quickest? Dumb.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Monday 10 +1
Timeout to be grateful.
I know it's Monday night, but it's still Monday and thankful is thankful no matter what time of day.
1. The library.
2. Reading Christmas Books.
3. Heart.
4. Jeremy.
5. A warm day...seriously, who gets this kind of weather in November?
6. Free coffee, I always know how to score this one :)
7. Micah eating dinner instead of dinking around. (And eating frozen waffles he was so hungry)
8. Offering hope to somebody who really needs it.
9. "Not being shaken" Psalm 16:8.
10. Aidan soaring in his speech. Amazing.
11. Testimonies during baptisms at church yesterday.
I know it's Monday night, but it's still Monday and thankful is thankful no matter what time of day.
1. The library.
2. Reading Christmas Books.
3. Heart.
4. Jeremy.
5. A warm day...seriously, who gets this kind of weather in November?
6. Free coffee, I always know how to score this one :)
7. Micah eating dinner instead of dinking around. (And eating frozen waffles he was so hungry)
8. Offering hope to somebody who really needs it.
9. "Not being shaken" Psalm 16:8.
10. Aidan soaring in his speech. Amazing.
11. Testimonies during baptisms at church yesterday.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Hope for a Stuttering Child
It started out as what seemed like a few cute sayings from our oldest son Aidan. The one I will always remember is, "Whatcha-whatcha-whatcha-whatcha Garfeee", which was Aidan at two years old, walking down to Auntie Jenn's room and asking her if he could watch Garfield on her TV. Eventually though the repetitions came more often and eventually were a part of almost every sentence Aidan spoke. Then one time in the Fall of 2006 we left Aidan with some friends for a weekend while Rachel and I went out of town for a mini vacation. When we returned and picked up Aidan he literally could not finish saying even one word. His face would tense up, his eyes would close and he would just repeat the same syllable over and over.
The trip back to our house was emotional and heart breaking. Our son couldn't communicate with us. Our pediatrician told us this was normal and that you couldn't know if a child had a stuttering problem until they were five or six years old. I can remember what I said to Rachel after I buckled Aidan into his car seat and closed the van door: "I don't care what he (the pediatrician) says, we're getting him tested by a specialist. I can't just watch him struggle and do nothing to help him. What if we find out someday that he needed our help earlier? I don't think I could live with that."
I think there is a common perception that people stutter because they are dumb or slow. Knowing Aidan at two years old I knew this couldn't be the case. Patty confirmed that Aidan had a large vocabulary for a kid of his age, and anyone who met him knew that he was smart. He has an uncanny attention to detail and is very mechanically inclined. But still, when Aidan would struggle with his speech in public I would grieve of what people thought of him. I would critique the way Rachel and I had parented and wonder if we had somehow caused his stuttering. No parent wants to see their child struggle.
We made an appointment with a speech specialist through our health care provider. She told us to make a video of Aidan talking while playing and to bring it with when we visited. A few weeks later we met with her and she played with Aidan for about 20 minutes and watched the video. All I remember is just wanting her to tell us what she thought.
Eventually she finished playing with Aidan and turned towards us. In a rather unceremonious way she informed us that she felt Aidan had a legitimate stuttering problem and that he should begin seeing a speech therapist. The therapy wasn't provided through or covered by our insurance. She handed us a stack of business cards and started sifting out the ones that would be in our area of town. I looked at her and asked if it was her son, who would she take him to, regardless of location? Without a second of hesitation she grabbed a card, handed it to me and said, "her".
The card was for Patty Walton at the Center for Stuttering Therapy. As our luck would have it her office was 15 miles across town. We made an appointment and met with Patty for the first time and she spent some time with Aidan and after a few minutes confirmed the earlier diagnosis. But then she offered us the most unlikely encouragement, something Rachel or I had never heard. She told us that this was "so treatable" and not to worry about it. One day, she said, Aidan would speak perfectly fluently. It seemed to fly in the face of all of my life experience. I know adults who stutter and as a child I had friends who stuttered despite being in speech therapy their entire childhood lives.
Soon thereafter Adian began speech therapy. Twice a week Rachel or I would take him to Patty's office for a half hour session. It may not be the first thing you think of, but can you imagine trying to get a two year old to sit still for 30 minutes and "work" on his speech twice a week? Even the most well behaved child would struggle to do that day in and day out, week after week. There were times where we got our money's worth and times that were a total waste, but little by little Aidan began to progress. At times we would think that he was almost done, his speech would be great for weeks. Then a major setback would come and it would feel like we had gone back to square one. No doubt Patty could see the emotional roller coaster we were riding. One time she even introduced us to a woman who had a son that Patty had worked with many years ago. Patty told us that he was now in college and had no trace of stuttering. Still, it was hard for us to make that connection to our own pre-schooler.
There was a long period of time where we lost heart. Children who began therapy at the same time as Aidan seemed to be progressing more rapidly and the game of comparison that all parents play in their minds was chipping away at our hope. It seemed like each week was up then down. Rachel and I began to lose faith and started preparing ourselves for the fact that our son would be a stutterer and that was the way it was going to be. It hurt to give up that hope that we once had, we had gotten our hopes up only to have them dashed. I know that at the lowest point I felt like God had taken the opportunity away from Aidan.
That was a half year ago. Since then Aidan has gone through an unprecedented time of fluency in his speech. Each day he amazes me, whether it is talking on the phone or answering an unknowing adult who peppers him with question after question without giving him a chance to answer. At such a young age he has shown me what it means to persevere. He's also taught Rachel and I not to give up faith when the road looks rough and no end is in sight. "Easy talk" is the daily norm and I've even heard him say "that was a little bumpy" when referring to a rare instance of dysfluency in his speech. How could I ever have doubted in him?
Now I know that children go through far more difficult things than stuttering. My heart breaks for kids with cancer, heart problems or any other type of disease or sickness. We have friends and family with challenges far beyond what Aidan has gone through and we pray for them continually. But stuttering is a challenge for a lot of kids, and specifically it was the challenge for my kid and thus is the struggle most "real" to me. In writing this my hope is that someone will be searching the Internet, curious and/or concerned about their child's stuttering, and what I've written will encourage them to contact a specialist and if necessary, have their son or daughter tested. There is hope! Research and treatments have made tremendous advances in recent times. If your child is struggling, what do you have to lose by checking it out? The sooner you get them help, the better their chances are! Browse over the http://www.coloradostutteringtherapy.com/ and see what you can learn.
In closing, I just have to send my thanks to "Miss Patty". You've meant so much to our family and especially to Aidan. You've been a part of who he is for over half of his young life, and I know your impact on him will last for the rest of his days. Lately I've come to realize the irony that what once was the pain we felt in having to bring Aidan to your office will be replaced by the pain in realizing that your special place in his life will be complete. We are forever grateful for what you have done for our son, but also for the comfort you offered us as parents.
The trip back to our house was emotional and heart breaking. Our son couldn't communicate with us. Our pediatrician told us this was normal and that you couldn't know if a child had a stuttering problem until they were five or six years old. I can remember what I said to Rachel after I buckled Aidan into his car seat and closed the van door: "I don't care what he (the pediatrician) says, we're getting him tested by a specialist. I can't just watch him struggle and do nothing to help him. What if we find out someday that he needed our help earlier? I don't think I could live with that."
I think there is a common perception that people stutter because they are dumb or slow. Knowing Aidan at two years old I knew this couldn't be the case. Patty confirmed that Aidan had a large vocabulary for a kid of his age, and anyone who met him knew that he was smart. He has an uncanny attention to detail and is very mechanically inclined. But still, when Aidan would struggle with his speech in public I would grieve of what people thought of him. I would critique the way Rachel and I had parented and wonder if we had somehow caused his stuttering. No parent wants to see their child struggle.
We made an appointment with a speech specialist through our health care provider. She told us to make a video of Aidan talking while playing and to bring it with when we visited. A few weeks later we met with her and she played with Aidan for about 20 minutes and watched the video. All I remember is just wanting her to tell us what she thought.
Eventually she finished playing with Aidan and turned towards us. In a rather unceremonious way she informed us that she felt Aidan had a legitimate stuttering problem and that he should begin seeing a speech therapist. The therapy wasn't provided through or covered by our insurance. She handed us a stack of business cards and started sifting out the ones that would be in our area of town. I looked at her and asked if it was her son, who would she take him to, regardless of location? Without a second of hesitation she grabbed a card, handed it to me and said, "her".
The card was for Patty Walton at the Center for Stuttering Therapy. As our luck would have it her office was 15 miles across town. We made an appointment and met with Patty for the first time and she spent some time with Aidan and after a few minutes confirmed the earlier diagnosis. But then she offered us the most unlikely encouragement, something Rachel or I had never heard. She told us that this was "so treatable" and not to worry about it. One day, she said, Aidan would speak perfectly fluently. It seemed to fly in the face of all of my life experience. I know adults who stutter and as a child I had friends who stuttered despite being in speech therapy their entire childhood lives.
Soon thereafter Adian began speech therapy. Twice a week Rachel or I would take him to Patty's office for a half hour session. It may not be the first thing you think of, but can you imagine trying to get a two year old to sit still for 30 minutes and "work" on his speech twice a week? Even the most well behaved child would struggle to do that day in and day out, week after week. There were times where we got our money's worth and times that were a total waste, but little by little Aidan began to progress. At times we would think that he was almost done, his speech would be great for weeks. Then a major setback would come and it would feel like we had gone back to square one. No doubt Patty could see the emotional roller coaster we were riding. One time she even introduced us to a woman who had a son that Patty had worked with many years ago. Patty told us that he was now in college and had no trace of stuttering. Still, it was hard for us to make that connection to our own pre-schooler.
There was a long period of time where we lost heart. Children who began therapy at the same time as Aidan seemed to be progressing more rapidly and the game of comparison that all parents play in their minds was chipping away at our hope. It seemed like each week was up then down. Rachel and I began to lose faith and started preparing ourselves for the fact that our son would be a stutterer and that was the way it was going to be. It hurt to give up that hope that we once had, we had gotten our hopes up only to have them dashed. I know that at the lowest point I felt like God had taken the opportunity away from Aidan.
That was a half year ago. Since then Aidan has gone through an unprecedented time of fluency in his speech. Each day he amazes me, whether it is talking on the phone or answering an unknowing adult who peppers him with question after question without giving him a chance to answer. At such a young age he has shown me what it means to persevere. He's also taught Rachel and I not to give up faith when the road looks rough and no end is in sight. "Easy talk" is the daily norm and I've even heard him say "that was a little bumpy" when referring to a rare instance of dysfluency in his speech. How could I ever have doubted in him?
Now I know that children go through far more difficult things than stuttering. My heart breaks for kids with cancer, heart problems or any other type of disease or sickness. We have friends and family with challenges far beyond what Aidan has gone through and we pray for them continually. But stuttering is a challenge for a lot of kids, and specifically it was the challenge for my kid and thus is the struggle most "real" to me. In writing this my hope is that someone will be searching the Internet, curious and/or concerned about their child's stuttering, and what I've written will encourage them to contact a specialist and if necessary, have their son or daughter tested. There is hope! Research and treatments have made tremendous advances in recent times. If your child is struggling, what do you have to lose by checking it out? The sooner you get them help, the better their chances are! Browse over the http://www.coloradostutteringtherapy.com/ and see what you can learn.
In closing, I just have to send my thanks to "Miss Patty". You've meant so much to our family and especially to Aidan. You've been a part of who he is for over half of his young life, and I know your impact on him will last for the rest of his days. Lately I've come to realize the irony that what once was the pain we felt in having to bring Aidan to your office will be replaced by the pain in realizing that your special place in his life will be complete. We are forever grateful for what you have done for our son, but also for the comfort you offered us as parents.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
"Pizza Plants"
If you have seen WALL-E you will know what that means, if not...adults this is for you, Disney's deepest movie yet.
With a quote of "I don’t want to survive. I want to live." And a deep perspective on what will happen if everything is done for us. It was an amazing reminder that I don't want life to be perfect or handed to me.
Has anybody else seen this and have any reflections on it?
With a quote of "I don’t want to survive. I want to live." And a deep perspective on what will happen if everything is done for us. It was an amazing reminder that I don't want life to be perfect or handed to me.
Has anybody else seen this and have any reflections on it?
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
A quick 10
1. Aidan writing notes.
2. Watching my wedding video.
3. Good deals at the grocery store.
4. Giving Micah hugs and him saying "so much" (which means love you so much)
5. Darn good conversations.
6. Starbucks refills (for free!)
7. A yummy dinner that wasn't that hard.
8. Learning to deal with stressful situations in a healthy way while in the moment.
9. Obedience.
10. Miss Patti.
2. Watching my wedding video.
3. Good deals at the grocery store.
4. Giving Micah hugs and him saying "so much" (which means love you so much)
5. Darn good conversations.
6. Starbucks refills (for free!)
7. A yummy dinner that wasn't that hard.
8. Learning to deal with stressful situations in a healthy way while in the moment.
9. Obedience.
10. Miss Patti.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)