Happy 25th Birthday tomorrow, AMY!
Happy 25th Birthday tomorrow, Jac!
Happy 29th+ Birthday today, Julie! :)
Happy 24th Birthday today, Lance!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Happy Birthday Friends!
This time of year is birthday madness for some of my Best Friends:
Happy 25th Birthday tomorrow, AMY!
Happy 25th Birthday tomorrow, Jac!
Happy 29th+ Birthday today, Julie! :)
Happy 24th Birthday today, Lance!
Happy 25th Birthday tomorrow, AMY!
Happy 25th Birthday tomorrow, Jac!
Happy 29th+ Birthday today, Julie! :)
Happy 24th Birthday today, Lance!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
High Hopes
My hopes are up. They shouldn't be, but they are. It is so hard to know whether God has placed something in your life as a miraculous answer or test of faithfulness. If these people write/call us back and want our home and it sells without a problem, it will be nothing short of a miracle. If they don't, honestly, I'll be crushed but still aware of God's hand on the situation. He's got it.
I love my house...I wish, wish, wish I could move it into town...but since we can't, I am SO ready to be back in the city. I am not a country mouse.
When I think of leaving my beautiful kitchen and stellar paint job that fits my style, I am a bit sad...but when I think of being in Tallahassee without having to commute: I am thrilled!
To wake up and go to bed in Tallahassee seems like such a luxury now...I feel lonely and isolated out here away from my friends and not being able to visit Jay at work. His commute has him away from his family an extra 1.5 hours daily. I love having people in my home, but we're too far away for anyone to want to visit regularly...plus balancing volunteering at a mobile church (with set up and tear down), worship team practice, work and wanting the occasional date night in the city...having one car and living 45 minutes away is really, REALLY hard...especially with Caden. He gets dragged around so much. We eat out way more than we should because we're always stuck in town and he spends at least 2 nights a week staying awake much longer than he should because he has to wait on Mom or Dad to finish up whatever they are doing in Tallahassee. Thursday night worship team makes for a very tired and crabby Caden on Thursday night and Friday mornings.
On Sunday mornings I drag my family out of the house at 6:25am so I can be to church for 7 and they get breakfast and kill time until church starts, they wait around for both services and patiently continue waiting while I unhook my instrument and roll a few mic cables before having to throw in the towel and get my exhausted toddler home.
I'm so ready to be back in town. Life will seem like a breeze after this!
I think there is a fine line between having childlike faith and getting your hopes up...people tell you to be expectant of things to come but not to get your hopes up...i don't think you can do both. I've been told to pack and look for a place to live in town because God is going to do something amazing, quickly...I've also been told to be realistic..I'm not sure which advice to take, but my gut tells me God is a good God who will not give me a stone if I ask for bread...so it's official...my hopes are up.
I love my house...I wish, wish, wish I could move it into town...but since we can't, I am SO ready to be back in the city. I am not a country mouse.
When I think of leaving my beautiful kitchen and stellar paint job that fits my style, I am a bit sad...but when I think of being in Tallahassee without having to commute: I am thrilled!
To wake up and go to bed in Tallahassee seems like such a luxury now...I feel lonely and isolated out here away from my friends and not being able to visit Jay at work. His commute has him away from his family an extra 1.5 hours daily. I love having people in my home, but we're too far away for anyone to want to visit regularly...plus balancing volunteering at a mobile church (with set up and tear down), worship team practice, work and wanting the occasional date night in the city...having one car and living 45 minutes away is really, REALLY hard...especially with Caden. He gets dragged around so much. We eat out way more than we should because we're always stuck in town and he spends at least 2 nights a week staying awake much longer than he should because he has to wait on Mom or Dad to finish up whatever they are doing in Tallahassee. Thursday night worship team makes for a very tired and crabby Caden on Thursday night and Friday mornings.
On Sunday mornings I drag my family out of the house at 6:25am so I can be to church for 7 and they get breakfast and kill time until church starts, they wait around for both services and patiently continue waiting while I unhook my instrument and roll a few mic cables before having to throw in the towel and get my exhausted toddler home.
I'm so ready to be back in town. Life will seem like a breeze after this!
I think there is a fine line between having childlike faith and getting your hopes up...people tell you to be expectant of things to come but not to get your hopes up...i don't think you can do both. I've been told to pack and look for a place to live in town because God is going to do something amazing, quickly...I've also been told to be realistic..I'm not sure which advice to take, but my gut tells me God is a good God who will not give me a stone if I ask for bread...so it's official...my hopes are up.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Wanted: Prayer
We had a great couple come and look at our house today. They seem like the perfect fit and loved everything about the house...including the paint in Caden's room which I thought for sure would make anyone without a little boy cringe...but I said we would repaint it and they said, "No, we like it!"
I had 40 minutes to get the house ready to show, and with Jay working and Caden under my feet, it was a difficult task! But we pulled it off and they actually loved the fact that Caden was there, pulling them by the hands to come play with him the back yard. Caden, the realtor.
They are a sweet, young couple, originally from the country who are looking to start a family and really love our home and property. It makes me happy to think someone like them could make a life here. It's the perfect scenerio.
Pray that everything will work out, that they'll make an offer, everything will run smoothly and that God will be at the center of this sale.
If this pans out, it is TRULY a testiment to the power of God...in this market and the current economy, to sell our home in less than 3 weeks without a realtor would be nothing short of the power and faithfulness of God. We put this in his hands from the start and are blessed to see prayer and faith coming to fruition.
Pray for us! I'll keep you posted..
I had 40 minutes to get the house ready to show, and with Jay working and Caden under my feet, it was a difficult task! But we pulled it off and they actually loved the fact that Caden was there, pulling them by the hands to come play with him the back yard. Caden, the realtor.
They are a sweet, young couple, originally from the country who are looking to start a family and really love our home and property. It makes me happy to think someone like them could make a life here. It's the perfect scenerio.
Pray that everything will work out, that they'll make an offer, everything will run smoothly and that God will be at the center of this sale.
If this pans out, it is TRULY a testiment to the power of God...in this market and the current economy, to sell our home in less than 3 weeks without a realtor would be nothing short of the power and faithfulness of God. We put this in his hands from the start and are blessed to see prayer and faith coming to fruition.
Pray for us! I'll keep you posted..
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Guitar Man
Caden made this guitar out of the rubber band from the crock pot and a dog bone.
Mad Skillz.
Mad Skillz.
Quote of the Day
"Caden, stop crying and go to sleep or I will put you in timeout, forever."
-Me, while trying to get Caden to take a nap.
Sometimes I just have to stop and laugh at myself.
-Me, while trying to get Caden to take a nap.
Sometimes I just have to stop and laugh at myself.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
the apple doesn't fall far from the tree...
Caden may not look like me but lately I am starting to see some serious personality similarities between me and my little man.
His musical ability is pretty amazing...he has crazy mad skillz on the drums and lately has shown big time interest in the guitar. On Sunday he was watching us practice while strumming his sippy cup. He amazes me...but then again, I'm a bit biased.
I was telling friends on July 4th that it's silly because he's only 2, but I am already so proud of him. He tests my patience like nothing ever has, but for the most part he is a good boy who LOVES people and had never met a stranger. He is warm and friendly, hilarious and talented...and I also see a depth in him that I know God is going to use to draw him close to Himself.
I sing a song in church frequently called, "Hosanna" and one of the lines says, "I see a generation rising up to take their place with selfless faith." I always picture my boy leading people to Christ when I sing that and I don't think I've ever gotten through it without being covered in goosebumps...or tingles :) inside joke.
I have days where I feel like a complete failure as a parent, and I have days that I wish I could live over and over again..I have days that are exhilarating because of his energy and some days that are exhausting because of the same reason...but I am incredibly blessed to be this boys mother and I hope that I do him justice by raising him right.
Right now he is sitting by the tv stand, playing with tiny plastic animals...sound familiar, Mom?
I use to sit in the corner of the living room, playing with a tiny cup of glass animals for hours at a time..it's funny to see my child doing the exact same thing...except he sits there for about 2 minutes until he gets bored and needs a change of scenery.
That part he gets from his Dad. :)
His musical ability is pretty amazing...he has crazy mad skillz on the drums and lately has shown big time interest in the guitar. On Sunday he was watching us practice while strumming his sippy cup. He amazes me...but then again, I'm a bit biased.
I was telling friends on July 4th that it's silly because he's only 2, but I am already so proud of him. He tests my patience like nothing ever has, but for the most part he is a good boy who LOVES people and had never met a stranger. He is warm and friendly, hilarious and talented...and I also see a depth in him that I know God is going to use to draw him close to Himself.
I sing a song in church frequently called, "Hosanna" and one of the lines says, "I see a generation rising up to take their place with selfless faith." I always picture my boy leading people to Christ when I sing that and I don't think I've ever gotten through it without being covered in goosebumps...or tingles :) inside joke.
I have days where I feel like a complete failure as a parent, and I have days that I wish I could live over and over again..I have days that are exhilarating because of his energy and some days that are exhausting because of the same reason...but I am incredibly blessed to be this boys mother and I hope that I do him justice by raising him right.
Right now he is sitting by the tv stand, playing with tiny plastic animals...sound familiar, Mom?
I use to sit in the corner of the living room, playing with a tiny cup of glass animals for hours at a time..it's funny to see my child doing the exact same thing...except he sits there for about 2 minutes until he gets bored and needs a change of scenery.
That part he gets from his Dad. :)
July 4th Get Down
Here is the band in the Sopchoppy Park. Caden and another little boy were diggin it. Caden in a more, laid back, air guitar kind of way. Other boy in an all-out get your groove on kind of way. It was cute.
Notice the woman in the yellow shirt constantly getting in the way of me (caden's mom) to take pictures of Caden and encourage him to dance with more enthusiasm. She was quite the character.
Monday, July 07, 2008
10 Things People Never Tell You About Parenting
I found this article by a guy named Craig Playstead.
It's pretty funny, and completely true.
10 Things People Never Tell You About Parenting
1) The way you view the world changes
When you bring someone into this world, things like global warming, war and women in beer ads have a whole new meaning. You start actually looking at the impact these things have, and what the world will become after you’re dead and gone. Leaving a better place for your kids and grandkids becomes more than just talk.
2) You’ll feel like a failure
There will be times when no matter how hard you try, your kids are never happy. You feel you’re telling them “no” too much, constantly harping on them to clean their room, or dashing their dreams of lowering their brother down the staircase on a rope. While they may complain they don’t have a Wii or that “so and so’s” mom let’s them see PG-13 movies, you need to stick to what you believe in and what you feel is best for your kids.
3) You have no time
This seems obvious, but you can’t believe just how little time you have. You start to measure things out in minutes and seconds. “If he watches Curious George for 20 more seconds, I can go to the bathroom,” or “If his nap lasts another 10 minutes, maybe I can get in a shower today.”
4) Not going to the bathroom by yourself
When your kids are babies, the bathroom is the only place you can get your head together. It’s also one of the only places you can actually read. I read ESPN’s Bill Simmons’ entire book over the course of the week in the bathroom when my youngest was a baby. And then he turned two. If he’s not forcing his way in to watch “how it’s really done” he’s banging on the door screaming “lemme in!” or sliding all his books underneath. There is no peace with toddlers.
5) Parenthood will turn you soft
This one hits the guys especially hard. You’ll find yourself tearing up at any dumb movie that has anything to do with parenthood, and if you have a daughter, don’t be surprised to find yourself playing “My Little Pony” before heading off to work. The icing on the cake is hawking Girl Scout cookies in front of your local grocery store annually.
6) They will embarrass you
This is a big shock, and you’re never ready for it. In your mind, they are perfect little angels; in reality, they’re little people trying to figure out their way in the world. Unfortunately, they say what they want—when they want. It can be something that’s funny like announcing to their pre-school class that Daddy farts all the time, or it can be humiliating like a temper tantrum in a grocery store or having them tell your parents to “get me a toy next time” after opening a gift containing pajamas. You’re prepared for the fact that you’ll embarrass them when they get to a certain age, but you’re never ready to be the one that’s humiliated.
7) Worrying
This is the one that stings from the day your child is born until the day you die. From the start you worry that they’ll stop breathing in their crib, then you obsess about getting the freaking car seat in correctly. They get a little older and you worry about them falling down the stairs or choking on a Polly Pocket. As the years go on you lose sleep about dating, not fitting in, or getting into a situation that they can’t handle. Then there are the worries that never go away: providing enough, paying for college or not teaching them the right things. The list goes on and on and on, and it takes a major toll on you. But you worry because you love.
8) You won’t be the parent you think
We all had visions of the kind of parents we would be to our kids. Now, as battle tested Moms and Dads, we’ve heard the prospective parents spouting off advice. Those hollow words of wisdom come even though they’ve never gotten up at three a.m. to do a load of laundry with more vomit on it than a frat house floor. Nor have they tried to cook dinner with a screaming baby in their arms, a toddler doing cartwheels off the couch, and the phone ringing. It usually goes something like this: “I’d never let my kids watch TV before they turn three,” or “I would never raise my voice at my child,” or “My toddler won’t ever eat sweets.” Uh huh, and I said I’d never own a minivan. You have this great picture of the kind of parent you want to be, and how picturesque your family will become. You try to live up to that vision, but you also have to survive. So, snickering at a prospective parent spouting off advice is not only allowed, but encouraged.
9) Sickness
Let’s start with pin worms. They are small parasitic worms that live in the human intestinal track. The worms crawl out of the child’s anus at night and lay their eggs in the diaper, pajamas and other areas around the bed or crib. The eggs are then passed to others and ingested unknowingly. The worst part? You have to go in there and grab them while your kid is asleep. It’s a horror show. It’s also not something I had any idea about before having kids. Sick kids take a toll on the entire house. Even the typical cold has taken on a whole new meaning, especially with toddlers. It can require being up in the middle of the night for days in a row, missing work and acting as one giant Kleenex. The numerous slug trails across your shirt are always a nice touch.
10) The feeling of unconditional love
You assume that you’re going to love your kids, but what you end up feeling for them is unlike anything else you’ll ever know. Just a simple smile from your offspring can erase a really bad day at the office. This is the reason why people rave about having kids while they look exhausted and have a fresh batch of spit-up running down their back.
It's pretty funny, and completely true.
10 Things People Never Tell You About Parenting
1) The way you view the world changes
When you bring someone into this world, things like global warming, war and women in beer ads have a whole new meaning. You start actually looking at the impact these things have, and what the world will become after you’re dead and gone. Leaving a better place for your kids and grandkids becomes more than just talk.
2) You’ll feel like a failure
There will be times when no matter how hard you try, your kids are never happy. You feel you’re telling them “no” too much, constantly harping on them to clean their room, or dashing their dreams of lowering their brother down the staircase on a rope. While they may complain they don’t have a Wii or that “so and so’s” mom let’s them see PG-13 movies, you need to stick to what you believe in and what you feel is best for your kids.
3) You have no time
This seems obvious, but you can’t believe just how little time you have. You start to measure things out in minutes and seconds. “If he watches Curious George for 20 more seconds, I can go to the bathroom,” or “If his nap lasts another 10 minutes, maybe I can get in a shower today.”
4) Not going to the bathroom by yourself
When your kids are babies, the bathroom is the only place you can get your head together. It’s also one of the only places you can actually read. I read ESPN’s Bill Simmons’ entire book over the course of the week in the bathroom when my youngest was a baby. And then he turned two. If he’s not forcing his way in to watch “how it’s really done” he’s banging on the door screaming “lemme in!” or sliding all his books underneath. There is no peace with toddlers.
5) Parenthood will turn you soft
This one hits the guys especially hard. You’ll find yourself tearing up at any dumb movie that has anything to do with parenthood, and if you have a daughter, don’t be surprised to find yourself playing “My Little Pony” before heading off to work. The icing on the cake is hawking Girl Scout cookies in front of your local grocery store annually.
6) They will embarrass you
This is a big shock, and you’re never ready for it. In your mind, they are perfect little angels; in reality, they’re little people trying to figure out their way in the world. Unfortunately, they say what they want—when they want. It can be something that’s funny like announcing to their pre-school class that Daddy farts all the time, or it can be humiliating like a temper tantrum in a grocery store or having them tell your parents to “get me a toy next time” after opening a gift containing pajamas. You’re prepared for the fact that you’ll embarrass them when they get to a certain age, but you’re never ready to be the one that’s humiliated.
7) Worrying
This is the one that stings from the day your child is born until the day you die. From the start you worry that they’ll stop breathing in their crib, then you obsess about getting the freaking car seat in correctly. They get a little older and you worry about them falling down the stairs or choking on a Polly Pocket. As the years go on you lose sleep about dating, not fitting in, or getting into a situation that they can’t handle. Then there are the worries that never go away: providing enough, paying for college or not teaching them the right things. The list goes on and on and on, and it takes a major toll on you. But you worry because you love.
8) You won’t be the parent you think
We all had visions of the kind of parents we would be to our kids. Now, as battle tested Moms and Dads, we’ve heard the prospective parents spouting off advice. Those hollow words of wisdom come even though they’ve never gotten up at three a.m. to do a load of laundry with more vomit on it than a frat house floor. Nor have they tried to cook dinner with a screaming baby in their arms, a toddler doing cartwheels off the couch, and the phone ringing. It usually goes something like this: “I’d never let my kids watch TV before they turn three,” or “I would never raise my voice at my child,” or “My toddler won’t ever eat sweets.” Uh huh, and I said I’d never own a minivan. You have this great picture of the kind of parent you want to be, and how picturesque your family will become. You try to live up to that vision, but you also have to survive. So, snickering at a prospective parent spouting off advice is not only allowed, but encouraged.
9) Sickness
Let’s start with pin worms. They are small parasitic worms that live in the human intestinal track. The worms crawl out of the child’s anus at night and lay their eggs in the diaper, pajamas and other areas around the bed or crib. The eggs are then passed to others and ingested unknowingly. The worst part? You have to go in there and grab them while your kid is asleep. It’s a horror show. It’s also not something I had any idea about before having kids. Sick kids take a toll on the entire house. Even the typical cold has taken on a whole new meaning, especially with toddlers. It can require being up in the middle of the night for days in a row, missing work and acting as one giant Kleenex. The numerous slug trails across your shirt are always a nice touch.
10) The feeling of unconditional love
You assume that you’re going to love your kids, but what you end up feeling for them is unlike anything else you’ll ever know. Just a simple smile from your offspring can erase a really bad day at the office. This is the reason why people rave about having kids while they look exhausted and have a fresh batch of spit-up running down their back.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
America Day
Video compliments of Micah.
Once again, we had a wonderful 4th of July celebration in Sopchoppy, Florida. Micah and Abby graciously invited us out to the fams house where we maxed and relaxed country style. With kiddie pools, local parade, smoked meat, all the 'fixins' you could think of, horseshoes, cards, fireworks, funnel cake, and great friends, it was a fantastic day.
Caden was pretty worn out by the end of it, to the point where he threw up on the way home from over-sugar and over-fatigue, but he slept in until 8:15 this morning and is feeling much better :)
What kind of 4th of July is it if someone doesn't puke all over themselves? :)
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Inked
Today, Jay and I went on a tattoo date. (Yes, I pretty much kept this a secret.)
We both got some fresh ink that means alot to us. Jay did not get all of the above tattoos today...that would be a painful and expensive trip to the tattoo man. Today, he got the celtic cross underneath the arm. He got the maple leaf to represent me when we were in Canada (fitting!) and the others he's had for quite sometime. He also has a 'jesus fish' on his shoulder blade. He's a little more hardcore than I am :) but I support his decorative decisions...it's his body and the more art he bears on it, the more he feels like 'himself' and the more he discovers who he is...I dig that.
I have a star on my foot that I've had since I was 18 and have never regretted getting. I love it. It doesn't really have much meaning, but it represents a time when I was on the brink of everything...and I got it done with my bff Amy.
Since then I've always known I wanted another one, I just had no idea what I wanted.
I found a picture of the 'pitcher plant', Newfoundland's provincial flower, and thought is was stunning. Being as homesick as I am (and will forever remain) I can now have a little piece of home with me...a conversation starter so I can share my heritage with people I meet and a beautiful emblem that won't fade even when my memories do. It will remind me of my upbringing, my family, my culture, and where I came from that made me 'me'...Plus the flower itself represents natural beauty, strength and character...3 pretty amazing qualities. For me it also represents unity between Jay and I..I feel like we match more now :) and that's always a good thing.
So there it is...luckily Jay has made friends with a tattoo artist and he gave us some rocking good deals on some priceless art. If you have an itch to get inked, I can give you his name and phone number :)
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
HAPPY CANADA DAY!
And no, this is not a made-up day. Click here if you would like to read the history.
I know I've posted this before...but it's too funny...Canadians generally are not this 'in-your-face' about their national pride, but it cracks me up how obnoxious he becomes and then how he has to wrap it up Canada style with a polite and quiet, "Thank you" at the end. Classic. Enjoy.
(disclaimer: I am not intending to advertise or promote the consumption of alcohol by posting this video to my blog...i only intend to promote hilarity.)
Happy Canada Day to my friends, no matter where you're from. I intend on partying hard on July 4th in celebration of a nation that houses many people I love, so America, feel free to do the same today!
I know I've posted this before...but it's too funny...Canadians generally are not this 'in-your-face' about their national pride, but it cracks me up how obnoxious he becomes and then how he has to wrap it up Canada style with a polite and quiet, "Thank you" at the end. Classic. Enjoy.
(disclaimer: I am not intending to advertise or promote the consumption of alcohol by posting this video to my blog...i only intend to promote hilarity.)
Happy Canada Day to my friends, no matter where you're from. I intend on partying hard on July 4th in celebration of a nation that houses many people I love, so America, feel free to do the same today!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Pants only get in the way of Drumming
I took this video about a month ago.
Enjoy the musical stylings of pant-less Caden Stock.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
New Entertaining Angels Blog
For some reason, Jay's new blog fell off the face of the earth so he's created a new one. http://entertainingangels.myblogsite.com
If you were able to make it out to Operation PBJ, thanks so much! Make sure you leave a comment on the new blog inspiring people with your story, no matter what your experience was. Keep showing up, praying for and supporting this ministry...it's a great thing.
If you were able to make it out to Operation PBJ, thanks so much! Make sure you leave a comment on the new blog inspiring people with your story, no matter what your experience was. Keep showing up, praying for and supporting this ministry...it's a great thing.
Friday, June 27, 2008
operation pbj
Tonight my husband is heading up a compassion movement called operation pbj, where anyone who is interested can meet him at the GC.TV annex parking lot with pre-made PB&J sandwiches to give out to the homeless and hungry.
Jay has always had a practical heart for people in need and I couldn't be more proud of him and the large group of people who are going to join him this evening to be God's hands. No red tape, no questions asked, no salvation pamphlets, no ulterior motives...just mercy, grace, kindness and peanut butter. It's going to great.
Jay would be the first to tell you that over the last 3 years his faith has been tested, rediscovered, redefined and reborn. Through a church committed to relationship and discipleship, he's been supported and guided through every phase of his journey and it's been incredible to see the evolution of his soul. His heart for ministry is back, his love of outreach and compassion has returned full force and his faith/trust in God is blossoming and this time, it's more real and deeper than before. This time, we are right where we need to be.
For someone who has been praying for this for several years, I am overwhelmed by what I am seeing and experiencing. Thank you God for being faithful to your children and for not withdrawing the call on our lives even when we try to suffocate it.
Thanks to everyone who is coming tonight and who would be there if you could. I wish Caden was old enough for us to tag along, but he will be soon enough. I can't wait for him to be of an age to comprehend basic, human needs and what these acts of kindness mean to hungry, lonely people and yearn (like his daddy) to be apart of it.
Join me in support my friends in prayer at 8pm tonight as they set out to do a small yet great thing for people in need.
Faith without deeds is dead. Thank you for being the church.
Jay has always had a practical heart for people in need and I couldn't be more proud of him and the large group of people who are going to join him this evening to be God's hands. No red tape, no questions asked, no salvation pamphlets, no ulterior motives...just mercy, grace, kindness and peanut butter. It's going to great.
Jay would be the first to tell you that over the last 3 years his faith has been tested, rediscovered, redefined and reborn. Through a church committed to relationship and discipleship, he's been supported and guided through every phase of his journey and it's been incredible to see the evolution of his soul. His heart for ministry is back, his love of outreach and compassion has returned full force and his faith/trust in God is blossoming and this time, it's more real and deeper than before. This time, we are right where we need to be.
For someone who has been praying for this for several years, I am overwhelmed by what I am seeing and experiencing. Thank you God for being faithful to your children and for not withdrawing the call on our lives even when we try to suffocate it.
Thanks to everyone who is coming tonight and who would be there if you could. I wish Caden was old enough for us to tag along, but he will be soon enough. I can't wait for him to be of an age to comprehend basic, human needs and what these acts of kindness mean to hungry, lonely people and yearn (like his daddy) to be apart of it.
Join me in support my friends in prayer at 8pm tonight as they set out to do a small yet great thing for people in need.
Faith without deeds is dead. Thank you for being the church.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Bitter Sweet
The time has come to try and sell our beautiful home. I know, I know we just bought it a little over a year ago, but we really want to be back in the city. When we first moved to Crawfordville, we had several families of people we knew and were close with. Since then they have all moved away, and lately we have been feeling extremely isolated and lonely. Our work is in Tallahassee, our church is in Tallahassee and now, everyone we know is in Tallahassee...and with the cost of gas and a kid who runs short on patience during long car rides, the commute is killing us.
With the market being the way it is, selling the house may be a difficult thing to do. I'm just hoping that someone walks into it and sees what we saw....everything they are looking for in a home. I love, love, love this house, and I am very sad to think of moving out of it, but I know it's for the best. There's no purpose in having a beautiful home for entertaining when you don't know anyone to invite over. With all of the painting and work we have put into this house, it hurts to sell it, but when I think about being back in town I get super excited. Knowing on the days I am home with Caden we can visit friends or go see Daddy without having to drive 45 minutes one way, is thrilling. Jay spends alot of time at work as it is but the commute just takes more time away from all of us being together. It would be amazing to be back in Tallahassee again and our prayer is that God sends someone our way very soon who wants our house to be their home.
Please pray for that for us.
And direct potential buyers to this site: www.crawfordvillehome.blogspot.com :)
With the market being the way it is, selling the house may be a difficult thing to do. I'm just hoping that someone walks into it and sees what we saw....everything they are looking for in a home. I love, love, love this house, and I am very sad to think of moving out of it, but I know it's for the best. There's no purpose in having a beautiful home for entertaining when you don't know anyone to invite over. With all of the painting and work we have put into this house, it hurts to sell it, but when I think about being back in town I get super excited. Knowing on the days I am home with Caden we can visit friends or go see Daddy without having to drive 45 minutes one way, is thrilling. Jay spends alot of time at work as it is but the commute just takes more time away from all of us being together. It would be amazing to be back in Tallahassee again and our prayer is that God sends someone our way very soon who wants our house to be their home.
Please pray for that for us.
And direct potential buyers to this site: www.crawfordvillehome.blogspot.com :)
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
A Blog I Shouldn't Have to Write
I'm sitting here at 3 am waiting for the police to come back to our house to take our statements. I'm assuming they'll be back considering they left their cars running on our lot about an hour ago in pursuit of the would-be robbers.
At about 1:30am we were awoken by Dakota (our big, scary yet wouldn't hurt a fly, husky) when she started barking like crazy at the door.
I sat up in bed, hit Jay and he jumped up and headed for the living room. I assumed it was nothing even though she never does this. Then I could hear Jay talking outside. I got up and peeked through the blinds to see his motorcycle tipped completely over on it's side. I said out loud, "No freaking way!"
So I threw on a hoody and ran outside to see Jay (in his boxers) talking to a mischievous looking teenage boy (who wasn't wearing a shirt...classic Wakulla County). He denied having anything to do with the tipped over bike and walked away. We both just stood there stunned...
So I called the sheriffs department to report it, just to see if they could drive up and down the road or something and the woman who answered told me that there have been a string of stolen motorcycles and dirt bikes in our area. She also told me that she lived right next door to us so she would be sending someone out right away.
2 cop cars showed up bearing 3 cops and they took off on foot down the dirt road in pursuit of our neighbourhood crooks. That was an hour ago and they are still not back....i'm hoping this means they caught someone...or maybe it means they got lost in the dark, dirt streets of Crawfordville...either way we're sitting here, tired and ticked off.
The bike has some minor scratches and the brake on one side has been bent pretty badly. We're hoping this doesn't make us the target house for teenage crime in our area (we've already been egged once!) but you have to exhaust all means of justice when someone violates you. It's so irritating and creepy. They were less than 10 feet from our sleeping heads trying to steal something we worked and paid for. Morons.
Anyway, I guess God loves them...for right now that will have to be enough. I'll love them later, when I feel like it. :)
Thank goodness for Dakota! She was rewarded with an elongated neck rub and a big piece of cheese.
At about 1:30am we were awoken by Dakota (our big, scary yet wouldn't hurt a fly, husky) when she started barking like crazy at the door.
I sat up in bed, hit Jay and he jumped up and headed for the living room. I assumed it was nothing even though she never does this. Then I could hear Jay talking outside. I got up and peeked through the blinds to see his motorcycle tipped completely over on it's side. I said out loud, "No freaking way!"
So I threw on a hoody and ran outside to see Jay (in his boxers) talking to a mischievous looking teenage boy (who wasn't wearing a shirt...classic Wakulla County). He denied having anything to do with the tipped over bike and walked away. We both just stood there stunned...
So I called the sheriffs department to report it, just to see if they could drive up and down the road or something and the woman who answered told me that there have been a string of stolen motorcycles and dirt bikes in our area. She also told me that she lived right next door to us so she would be sending someone out right away.
2 cop cars showed up bearing 3 cops and they took off on foot down the dirt road in pursuit of our neighbourhood crooks. That was an hour ago and they are still not back....i'm hoping this means they caught someone...or maybe it means they got lost in the dark, dirt streets of Crawfordville...either way we're sitting here, tired and ticked off.
The bike has some minor scratches and the brake on one side has been bent pretty badly. We're hoping this doesn't make us the target house for teenage crime in our area (we've already been egged once!) but you have to exhaust all means of justice when someone violates you. It's so irritating and creepy. They were less than 10 feet from our sleeping heads trying to steal something we worked and paid for. Morons.
Anyway, I guess God loves them...for right now that will have to be enough. I'll love them later, when I feel like it. :)
Thank goodness for Dakota! She was rewarded with an elongated neck rub and a big piece of cheese.
Recent Things I've Learned:
- A well organized shopping list made in the exact order of the aisles at Walmart may sound OCD but it makes for a quick, productive trip in and out of the store with a well behaved and pleasant toddler.
- 'Shout Advanced' is a miracle worker.
- 'Scrubbing bubbles automatic shower cleaner' is not.
- When my child acts out I need to ask myself 3 questions: Is he hungry? Is he sleepy? Is he bored? The answer to one of these will be 'yes'.
- I cannot control how people perceive me or my family and I can't waste my time worrying about it, even if what they think is wrong or unjustified.
- Craigslist is the best thing since sliced bread.
- Protein in the morning makes me less hungry during the day.
- Neutrogena spray tan for $8.99 at Walmart is a BAD idea...if you see me walking around in jeans while it's 100 degree outside it's because I look like I have a skin discolouration disorder.
- Tater Tots work as a great substitute for mashed potatoes in a shepherds pie.
- When work says your time sheet has to be submitted by 12 on Friday, don't submit it 12:21 or you won't get paid.
- Running a business is really hard and I am glad I don't have to do it.
- When Caden says, "Day Days" he is asking for cereal bars. I'm really glad I figured that out.
- Bangs are AWESOME.
- Finding a babysitter is one of the hardest tasks on the planet.
- Bathing the cat is best left to a professional animal groomer.
- Myspace, facebook, blogger, typepad, wordpress and whatever else is out there is NOT a mature way of letting someone know you're upset with them.
- Although the grass may be mostly weeds, when it's mowed you really can't tell!
- Bugs are evil...I would like to say that I am sad about the world wide decrease of the honey bee population, but I'm not.
- If you're not careful, no matter how many times you get away with it, you will eventually get a speeding ticket. (I learned this on Wednesday)
- 'Shout Advanced' is a miracle worker.
- 'Scrubbing bubbles automatic shower cleaner' is not.
- When my child acts out I need to ask myself 3 questions: Is he hungry? Is he sleepy? Is he bored? The answer to one of these will be 'yes'.
- I cannot control how people perceive me or my family and I can't waste my time worrying about it, even if what they think is wrong or unjustified.
- Craigslist is the best thing since sliced bread.
- Protein in the morning makes me less hungry during the day.
- Neutrogena spray tan for $8.99 at Walmart is a BAD idea...if you see me walking around in jeans while it's 100 degree outside it's because I look like I have a skin discolouration disorder.
- Tater Tots work as a great substitute for mashed potatoes in a shepherds pie.
- When work says your time sheet has to be submitted by 12 on Friday, don't submit it 12:21 or you won't get paid.
- Running a business is really hard and I am glad I don't have to do it.
- When Caden says, "Day Days" he is asking for cereal bars. I'm really glad I figured that out.
- Bangs are AWESOME.
- Finding a babysitter is one of the hardest tasks on the planet.
- Bathing the cat is best left to a professional animal groomer.
- Myspace, facebook, blogger, typepad, wordpress and whatever else is out there is NOT a mature way of letting someone know you're upset with them.
- Although the grass may be mostly weeds, when it's mowed you really can't tell!
- Bugs are evil...I would like to say that I am sad about the world wide decrease of the honey bee population, but I'm not.
- If you're not careful, no matter how many times you get away with it, you will eventually get a speeding ticket. (I learned this on Wednesday)
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Finger Nails on a Chalk Board
That is what whining is like to my brain. Caden has embraced this new form of communication and uses it on a regular basis. It literally drains every ounce of mental energy I have. I've been reading many different books and online forums as to what to do about it and I'm seriously at a loss....some people say completely ignore it, some say to look at your child every time he/she whines and say, "Sounds like you need a hug" and embrace them...some say get dolls and roll play a whiny toddler and an exhausted mommy...seriously?
I've tried ignoring...i try saying, 'Stop whining and use your words' but I don't think he even gets what whining is or that he's doing it.
My problem is not knowing exactly what Caden understands and what he doesn't. When I ignore his whining, he resorts to screaming and screaming lands his butt in time out which leads to hyper-ventilation and severe bouts of crying all the while moaning "MAMA!" and rocking back and forth like a mental patient. I could leave him there until he finishes but he would be there all day...literally...until he literally fell asleep screaming...and I don't think he understands 'Time out doesn't start till you're done screaming.'
I think this tactic is great for older kids or kids with the verbal capability of understanding and communicating back, but Caden is a fine line between baby and kid...you'd never put a baby in time out for crying, but you certainly have to put a kid in time out for acting out...who knows...
All i know is that the terrible 2's don't last forever, otherwise people would never have more than one kid...unless their toddler induced post-traumatic stress disorder blocks this period of time from their memory...
On a lighter note, Caden is grasping the concept of potty and pee-pee. He's peed in the potty many times now and even when he doesn't make it, he usually tells me when he just pee-peed in his diaper. I'm impressed with his interest and understanding being such a young boy.
Guess I need to start researching potty training....do I get a masters degree when I'm finished with this parenting thing? Because I've never studied so much in my life!
I've tried ignoring...i try saying, 'Stop whining and use your words' but I don't think he even gets what whining is or that he's doing it.
My problem is not knowing exactly what Caden understands and what he doesn't. When I ignore his whining, he resorts to screaming and screaming lands his butt in time out which leads to hyper-ventilation and severe bouts of crying all the while moaning "MAMA!" and rocking back and forth like a mental patient. I could leave him there until he finishes but he would be there all day...literally...until he literally fell asleep screaming...and I don't think he understands 'Time out doesn't start till you're done screaming.'
I think this tactic is great for older kids or kids with the verbal capability of understanding and communicating back, but Caden is a fine line between baby and kid...you'd never put a baby in time out for crying, but you certainly have to put a kid in time out for acting out...who knows...
All i know is that the terrible 2's don't last forever, otherwise people would never have more than one kid...unless their toddler induced post-traumatic stress disorder blocks this period of time from their memory...
On a lighter note, Caden is grasping the concept of potty and pee-pee. He's peed in the potty many times now and even when he doesn't make it, he usually tells me when he just pee-peed in his diaper. I'm impressed with his interest and understanding being such a young boy.
Guess I need to start researching potty training....do I get a masters degree when I'm finished with this parenting thing? Because I've never studied so much in my life!
Monday, June 16, 2008
It's Monday
I've never been one to suffer with allergies, but I think the evil sinus attacker is upon me. I feel blah. It's not quite a cold but it's more than just sleepiness...I guess the only way to be sure is to take allergy medicine and see if it works.
I think breathing clean, cold, Newfoundland air for a week made my lungs and nose clear again but when I came back to Florida, the pollen mixed with humidity attacked my lungs, throat and nose. Caden too. He's been over flowing with nasal grossness ever since we got back. Darn you nature!
Today marks the beginning of healthy eating. I ate like I was on vacation when I was on vacation...unfortunately I found it hard to stop long after we were home. After a 4pound weight gain, I'm nipping it in the bud before my pants go from overly snug to ripping at the seams. Darn you non-stretch pants!
I think if I cut out the daily plain bagels w/peanut butter, pop tarts, cookies, brownies and ice cream, that'll be a good start. Sometimes I wish I was an actress who needed to gain 40 pounds for a movie role. I could do it in a weekend.
I attempted to give myself a spray tan Friday...it was very uneven so Saturday and Sunday were spent trying to rectify the situation by (of course!) adding more spray. Today my legs look like tony the tiger. Time for some serious exfoliation before I can wear shorts again. Darn you Neutrogena and your false advertising!
I'm at work right now, bored out of my skull. I like my job but some days I wish I had someone here to play thumb war with or something...I find that on the days I'm busy I am SUPER busy and on the days I'm not...I can barely keep my eyes open.
Then I start thinking about going to the mall and getting a double doozie from The Great American Cookie store...Darn you sweet tooth!
I think breathing clean, cold, Newfoundland air for a week made my lungs and nose clear again but when I came back to Florida, the pollen mixed with humidity attacked my lungs, throat and nose. Caden too. He's been over flowing with nasal grossness ever since we got back. Darn you nature!
Today marks the beginning of healthy eating. I ate like I was on vacation when I was on vacation...unfortunately I found it hard to stop long after we were home. After a 4pound weight gain, I'm nipping it in the bud before my pants go from overly snug to ripping at the seams. Darn you non-stretch pants!
I think if I cut out the daily plain bagels w/peanut butter, pop tarts, cookies, brownies and ice cream, that'll be a good start. Sometimes I wish I was an actress who needed to gain 40 pounds for a movie role. I could do it in a weekend.
I attempted to give myself a spray tan Friday...it was very uneven so Saturday and Sunday were spent trying to rectify the situation by (of course!) adding more spray. Today my legs look like tony the tiger. Time for some serious exfoliation before I can wear shorts again. Darn you Neutrogena and your false advertising!
I'm at work right now, bored out of my skull. I like my job but some days I wish I had someone here to play thumb war with or something...I find that on the days I'm busy I am SUPER busy and on the days I'm not...I can barely keep my eyes open.
Then I start thinking about going to the mall and getting a double doozie from The Great American Cookie store...Darn you sweet tooth!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Father Awareness Day
I wrote a blog yesterday about how hard it is to be a parent. At some point my child went from being a baby to a kid and I somehow missed that transition. The blog, which I saved as a draft, is a collaboration of random thoughts and revelations I've been having in recent days about how I parent, how I am teaching my child to treat me and what I need to change. It's a bit depressing, so I won't post it today...maybe Monday :)
What I will focus on is that I've gained a deeper appreciation for Fathers this week. I've been getting some eye opening advice lately, mostly from men. Thursday was a hard day for me and the guys at worship team (none of which are dads yet) jumped at the chance to give me parenting advice, and their advice opened my eyes and helped me in a huge way.
At work on Friday I began talking to a co-worker of mine who has an 8 year old daughter and he was relating to my problems by saying, 'My wife goes through the same thing.'
More and more fathers heard us in passing and joined in on the conversation. At one point I had about 6 men I hardly know giving me parenting advice and honestly, it was way better than any mom's forum or lame-o, new-age parenting website I've found.
I'm not knocking moms...no one knows more about being a mom than a mom, but it dawned on me...Fathers are awesome!
My husband is an awesome father and the more time he spends with Caden, the more I want to parent like him. Parenting seems to come so much more naturally to him then it does to me and he is so much wiser and instinctual than I am. He doesn't play 'duck duck goose' or finger paint, but he seems to hold the perfect balance of love, respect, boundaries, freedom and discipline. I had a great mom so I assumed I'd be one but I'm figuring out that it takes alot of trial, error, tears and research to learn how to be a good mom. Sometimes I think if I were more like Jay I wouldn't have to work as hard...because he is SO good at this. I'm blessed to have him. So is Caden.
Jay's step dad is another amazing person. He married my mother-in-law when Jay was just a tiny child but he stepped in and took on the roll of father without thinking twice. He didn't have to do that, but he chose to and I am eternally grateful for him. It isn't blood or genes that makes a man a Dad...it's his heart...and when a 20 something year old man can walk into a young boys life and take on the most important role in it, that kind of love and courage has to be recognized. Thank you Bob for providing love, stability and guidance for Jay. He is a good man and you should be proud of being a part of that.
I've written many letters of dedication to my father, who I'm sure has printed them out and highlighted his favourite portions :) but I'm sitting here at a complete loss of what to write for him because my words can't do my heart justice. When I think about my father I become very emotional which is not something I like to admit or show...but i'd be lying if I said I didn't have tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat right now....because I miss him alot...because I can't express how thankful I am for his example any other way. I've never met or known of anyone with such a heart, passion and understanding of God and Christ-likeness. Those who know him, trust him, completely. Those who have met him are better for it. When I think of the person I want to be for my Son and for my God I think of my Dad. I wish I had as much passion and commitment to the word in my whole heart as my dad does in his little finger. I often think about how much better the planet would be if it were filled with people like him. People who wake at 5am to pray fervently and honestly every morning. People who do the right thing even when it's not popular. People who teach themselves just in an effort to be better people...he literally studies for hours everyday for the soul purpose of learning and changing and growing.
Most parents get to watch their children grow up and transform but I, as my father's child, have also had the opportunity to watch him grow and change and develop into a deeper, stronger more balanced human being and it's really incredible. The man my father was 25 years ago is vastly different than the man he was 5 years later. And the man who fathered me in my childhood years is vastly different from the man he is today...constantly evolving and changing and bettering himself through self-discipline and hard work. If I could only be like him...i'd be in good shape. This last visit home was one of the best times I've ever had with my dad because we just hung out like friends. We went on a whale watching boat tour (minus the whales), we played with Caden together, we made great memories together...it was wonderful, and I know next time will be even better.
My dad and I are alot alike. We both have puppy dog eyes, we both love sweets, we are both naturally musical and we're ridiculously good-looking (wink!). Another area where we are the same is we both have very sensitive spirits...so Dad, I'm going to say this one time, publicly for all to read and all to see:
You did a great job. You have NOTHING to be sorry for and you have nothing to regret. Melissa and I are strong women because of, not in spite of, your example. You done good.
So as much as we women mock the men around us...as much as TV, movies and magazines make them out to be senseless losers with one thing on the brain, they aren't. They are strong, they are good husbands, fathers and people. They may not brush their kids teeth but they care about the men and women they will become, and I think they might even have a better handle on things then we do half the time....at least that's the case with me :) Thanks guys.
Happy Father's Day.
What I will focus on is that I've gained a deeper appreciation for Fathers this week. I've been getting some eye opening advice lately, mostly from men. Thursday was a hard day for me and the guys at worship team (none of which are dads yet) jumped at the chance to give me parenting advice, and their advice opened my eyes and helped me in a huge way.
At work on Friday I began talking to a co-worker of mine who has an 8 year old daughter and he was relating to my problems by saying, 'My wife goes through the same thing.'
More and more fathers heard us in passing and joined in on the conversation. At one point I had about 6 men I hardly know giving me parenting advice and honestly, it was way better than any mom's forum or lame-o, new-age parenting website I've found.
I'm not knocking moms...no one knows more about being a mom than a mom, but it dawned on me...Fathers are awesome!
My husband is an awesome father and the more time he spends with Caden, the more I want to parent like him. Parenting seems to come so much more naturally to him then it does to me and he is so much wiser and instinctual than I am. He doesn't play 'duck duck goose' or finger paint, but he seems to hold the perfect balance of love, respect, boundaries, freedom and discipline. I had a great mom so I assumed I'd be one but I'm figuring out that it takes alot of trial, error, tears and research to learn how to be a good mom. Sometimes I think if I were more like Jay I wouldn't have to work as hard...because he is SO good at this. I'm blessed to have him. So is Caden.
Jay's step dad is another amazing person. He married my mother-in-law when Jay was just a tiny child but he stepped in and took on the roll of father without thinking twice. He didn't have to do that, but he chose to and I am eternally grateful for him. It isn't blood or genes that makes a man a Dad...it's his heart...and when a 20 something year old man can walk into a young boys life and take on the most important role in it, that kind of love and courage has to be recognized. Thank you Bob for providing love, stability and guidance for Jay. He is a good man and you should be proud of being a part of that.
I've written many letters of dedication to my father, who I'm sure has printed them out and highlighted his favourite portions :) but I'm sitting here at a complete loss of what to write for him because my words can't do my heart justice. When I think about my father I become very emotional which is not something I like to admit or show...but i'd be lying if I said I didn't have tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat right now....because I miss him alot...because I can't express how thankful I am for his example any other way. I've never met or known of anyone with such a heart, passion and understanding of God and Christ-likeness. Those who know him, trust him, completely. Those who have met him are better for it. When I think of the person I want to be for my Son and for my God I think of my Dad. I wish I had as much passion and commitment to the word in my whole heart as my dad does in his little finger. I often think about how much better the planet would be if it were filled with people like him. People who wake at 5am to pray fervently and honestly every morning. People who do the right thing even when it's not popular. People who teach themselves just in an effort to be better people...he literally studies for hours everyday for the soul purpose of learning and changing and growing.
Most parents get to watch their children grow up and transform but I, as my father's child, have also had the opportunity to watch him grow and change and develop into a deeper, stronger more balanced human being and it's really incredible. The man my father was 25 years ago is vastly different than the man he was 5 years later. And the man who fathered me in my childhood years is vastly different from the man he is today...constantly evolving and changing and bettering himself through self-discipline and hard work. If I could only be like him...i'd be in good shape. This last visit home was one of the best times I've ever had with my dad because we just hung out like friends. We went on a whale watching boat tour (minus the whales), we played with Caden together, we made great memories together...it was wonderful, and I know next time will be even better.
My dad and I are alot alike. We both have puppy dog eyes, we both love sweets, we are both naturally musical and we're ridiculously good-looking (wink!). Another area where we are the same is we both have very sensitive spirits...so Dad, I'm going to say this one time, publicly for all to read and all to see:
You did a great job. You have NOTHING to be sorry for and you have nothing to regret. Melissa and I are strong women because of, not in spite of, your example. You done good.
So as much as we women mock the men around us...as much as TV, movies and magazines make them out to be senseless losers with one thing on the brain, they aren't. They are strong, they are good husbands, fathers and people. They may not brush their kids teeth but they care about the men and women they will become, and I think they might even have a better handle on things then we do half the time....at least that's the case with me :) Thanks guys.
Happy Father's Day.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Family Band
Yes, this is a blow-in keyboard belonging to Jon. I had the chance to play this little beauty at our beach fire in NL.
Caden's new accordian from Jon
Jay's new tin whistle from Jon...i'm sensing a trend here...Jon seems to be our supplier of maritime instruments.
This may look cute, but it sounds much different...
Caden's new accordian from Jon
Jay's new tin whistle from Jon...i'm sensing a trend here...Jon seems to be our supplier of maritime instruments.
This may look cute, but it sounds much different...
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Chill
Going to Newfoundland opened my eyes to how wonderful it would be to live there again...to raise Caden in such a safe, beautiful and culturally rich place, to be surrounded by friends and family and to have that support while raising a little one. It's hard raising a child with no family around. It's also hard living somewhere that is so vastly different from where I grew up. Being away from Canada for almost 5 years now, I think I forget about how different it is where I grew up until I go home for a visit...then I start wondering how life would be if we lived in the far north instead of the far south.
Taking off from St. John's was hard. We flew over the rugged cliffs and the scenery was stunning. You could see the ocean filled with icebergs as we flew away and I couldn't help but cry and feel really homesick for the first time in many years.
When we got back to Florida and started driving up from Orlando I was looking around and thinking, "Gosh it's really pretty here too!"
The trees are so tall and lush, the palm trees and the warmth is really relaxing and unique. We came home to our pretty little house and were greeted by voice mails and messages from friends here who had missed us very much while we were gone and wanted to get together asap. I spent the next couple of days confused and disoriented. Where are we suppose to live? I was literally weighing the pros and cons in my head while driving from place to place...right down to how bad Chinese food and cell phone service is in Canada and how much I hate huge southern bugs and the oppressive heat of the Florida summer. Nothing was making sense.
We went to church on Sunday and it felt great to be there. As much as they mock me, I missed my band of brothers :) and when the service started I felt God's presence telling me to chill out. It dawned on me that it's possible to be content in more than one place and that I should be thankful for that. Some people are miserable no matter where they live so to have 2 places where I feel happy, loved and secure is nothing to complain about. I felt God say that where you live isn't important...it's how you live...but in the same breath I believe God can sometimes call you to specific places and specific positions in order to accomplish His will and I truly feel like he isn't finished with us here.
I felt this flood of possibilities wash over me while we sang...like something exciting is about to happen if we just hang tight and trust. I was probably smiling like a turd during worship but I couldn't help it. I was really happy. Jay felt it/heard it too which affirms to me that God's up to something and I'm pumped about it. That night several things happened to try and bring us down...our mortgage came out of the bank account twice instead of once, the baby was cranky, I was stressed about 50 different things and I realized that this was happening to shift our focus from positive to negative so we stopped and took the advice God had given us earlier to chill out. There's been an awesome attitude adjustment in the Stock house as we wait for good things to happen. We just know there's something around the corner.
About 6 months ago several people prophesied over me that the call on my life hasn't changed, that God is preparing me for something that is to come. Lately, in the midst of me trying to figure out my own life, He reminded me of that not only for myself, but for Jay and it gives me such confidence and peace about our future.
When I was home a bunch of us were talking about the Holy Spirit and emotionalism...how to know when what you feel is God or your emotions...I'll get into this more later but my friend Jon said something to the effect of how God wired use to be emotional beings so it makes sense that He would use our emotions to speak to us. I believe that the deeper we connect with God through prayer and His word, the more capable we are of determining what's just us being emotional and what is emotion brought on by God moving, speaking and leading.
I really believe that the anxiety and excitement and joy that I feel in my guts is directly connected to what God has for me because I know he has placed it there...and I think it's awesome when God gives the entire family a vision and a 'feeling' of things to come because then it's affirmed in my eyes.
This is probably all over the place but so are my thoughts...in a good way...I'm just excited...a week ago I was stressed about money, jobs and impossible situations and now I see possibility everywhere I look.
As for the homesickness, I still am missing Newfoundland very much but when I start to feel sad I remember sitting on the beach starring out upon the gulf of Mexico, soaking up the sun in March, while the people of Newfoundland were shovelling snow, worrying about frost bite and popping anti-depressants...then I don't feel so bad :)
In the words of Pumba from the Lion King, "Home is where your rump rests."
Taking off from St. John's was hard. We flew over the rugged cliffs and the scenery was stunning. You could see the ocean filled with icebergs as we flew away and I couldn't help but cry and feel really homesick for the first time in many years.
When we got back to Florida and started driving up from Orlando I was looking around and thinking, "Gosh it's really pretty here too!"
The trees are so tall and lush, the palm trees and the warmth is really relaxing and unique. We came home to our pretty little house and were greeted by voice mails and messages from friends here who had missed us very much while we were gone and wanted to get together asap. I spent the next couple of days confused and disoriented. Where are we suppose to live? I was literally weighing the pros and cons in my head while driving from place to place...right down to how bad Chinese food and cell phone service is in Canada and how much I hate huge southern bugs and the oppressive heat of the Florida summer. Nothing was making sense.
We went to church on Sunday and it felt great to be there. As much as they mock me, I missed my band of brothers :) and when the service started I felt God's presence telling me to chill out. It dawned on me that it's possible to be content in more than one place and that I should be thankful for that. Some people are miserable no matter where they live so to have 2 places where I feel happy, loved and secure is nothing to complain about. I felt God say that where you live isn't important...it's how you live...but in the same breath I believe God can sometimes call you to specific places and specific positions in order to accomplish His will and I truly feel like he isn't finished with us here.
I felt this flood of possibilities wash over me while we sang...like something exciting is about to happen if we just hang tight and trust. I was probably smiling like a turd during worship but I couldn't help it. I was really happy. Jay felt it/heard it too which affirms to me that God's up to something and I'm pumped about it. That night several things happened to try and bring us down...our mortgage came out of the bank account twice instead of once, the baby was cranky, I was stressed about 50 different things and I realized that this was happening to shift our focus from positive to negative so we stopped and took the advice God had given us earlier to chill out. There's been an awesome attitude adjustment in the Stock house as we wait for good things to happen. We just know there's something around the corner.
About 6 months ago several people prophesied over me that the call on my life hasn't changed, that God is preparing me for something that is to come. Lately, in the midst of me trying to figure out my own life, He reminded me of that not only for myself, but for Jay and it gives me such confidence and peace about our future.
When I was home a bunch of us were talking about the Holy Spirit and emotionalism...how to know when what you feel is God or your emotions...I'll get into this more later but my friend Jon said something to the effect of how God wired use to be emotional beings so it makes sense that He would use our emotions to speak to us. I believe that the deeper we connect with God through prayer and His word, the more capable we are of determining what's just us being emotional and what is emotion brought on by God moving, speaking and leading.
I really believe that the anxiety and excitement and joy that I feel in my guts is directly connected to what God has for me because I know he has placed it there...and I think it's awesome when God gives the entire family a vision and a 'feeling' of things to come because then it's affirmed in my eyes.
This is probably all over the place but so are my thoughts...in a good way...I'm just excited...a week ago I was stressed about money, jobs and impossible situations and now I see possibility everywhere I look.
As for the homesickness, I still am missing Newfoundland very much but when I start to feel sad I remember sitting on the beach starring out upon the gulf of Mexico, soaking up the sun in March, while the people of Newfoundland were shovelling snow, worrying about frost bite and popping anti-depressants...then I don't feel so bad :)
In the words of Pumba from the Lion King, "Home is where your rump rests."
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Laying Low
Today Caden and I are not leaving the house. He usually has a few meltdowns on days when we stay home, where he goes to the door and whines, "Go?" over and over until we go somewhere...not today though. I think he is just as sick of 'going' as I am.
We've been non-stop going for the past few weeks and today is a good day to stay home and do nothing. Well, I unpacked, cleaned up and did laundry so I guess that's not 'nothing' but I haven't washed my face or brushed my hair yet today and I feel good about it.
Monday begins a week of healthy eating. Travelling caused me to go a little overboard with the eating and it's starting to catch up with me. I've gotta nip it in the bud now before I start busting out of my clothes :)
I feel so much better about Caden and his ability to adjust to new situations. This was our first major trip since he was 7 months old and he did great. Now I'm super psyched to go to New York in the middle of July! This is a great year for visits.
I have however decided to go to Saskatchewan alone in mid August. As well as Caden did, I couldn't have remained sain without Jay and one thing we learned about Caden is that when he travels and meets new people he turns into a circus monkey, leaping from tall furniture and screaming at the top of his lungs to impress his new friends. I'm excited to go to SK and focus my attention on Melissa and my new niece or newphew instead of having to defend the newborn against my 2 year olds crazy antics. Plus Caden will not enjoy the new baby getting any attention from Nanny or Aunt Sisa so I think we'll wait and have the cousins meet a little bit later.
Lots of jobs, lots of travelling, a few weddings to sing/play at over the summer/fall, and a little one that keeps me on my toes 24/7 makes for an insanely busy Kathy...that's why I enjoy Saturdays where we get to lay low...even if I do smell like a dirty farm animal from lack of showering :)
We've been non-stop going for the past few weeks and today is a good day to stay home and do nothing. Well, I unpacked, cleaned up and did laundry so I guess that's not 'nothing' but I haven't washed my face or brushed my hair yet today and I feel good about it.
Monday begins a week of healthy eating. Travelling caused me to go a little overboard with the eating and it's starting to catch up with me. I've gotta nip it in the bud now before I start busting out of my clothes :)
I feel so much better about Caden and his ability to adjust to new situations. This was our first major trip since he was 7 months old and he did great. Now I'm super psyched to go to New York in the middle of July! This is a great year for visits.
I have however decided to go to Saskatchewan alone in mid August. As well as Caden did, I couldn't have remained sain without Jay and one thing we learned about Caden is that when he travels and meets new people he turns into a circus monkey, leaping from tall furniture and screaming at the top of his lungs to impress his new friends. I'm excited to go to SK and focus my attention on Melissa and my new niece or newphew instead of having to defend the newborn against my 2 year olds crazy antics. Plus Caden will not enjoy the new baby getting any attention from Nanny or Aunt Sisa so I think we'll wait and have the cousins meet a little bit later.
Lots of jobs, lots of travelling, a few weddings to sing/play at over the summer/fall, and a little one that keeps me on my toes 24/7 makes for an insanely busy Kathy...that's why I enjoy Saturdays where we get to lay low...even if I do smell like a dirty farm animal from lack of showering :)
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Back in the USA
Our trip to Newfoundland was incredible. The best visit ever. We had great times with amazing family and friends. I was pretty bummed yesterday when I had to leave but now that we're in our own house it's good to be back.
My thoughts are kind of swirling around my head now...I'm homesick but I am glad to be 'home' here in Florida. I'm learning that it's possible to be perfectly content in two completely different places and this makes decision making very difficult.
I just wish I could teleport whenever I wanted, but this has not been invented yet.
Travelling yesterday was crazy. I didn't sleep at all Tuesday night and we left our hotel in St. John's at 3:30am yesterday morning, getting into our house in Crawfordville at 8:00pm last night. I wanted to watch the Stanley Cup Finals and upload my photos to facebook/myspace so I stayed up until midnight doing that.
Detroit won the cup, The first Newfoundlander to ever win the cup was on the winning team, I posted all 400 of my pics to facebook and myspace, and then I went to bed. Before going to bed i checked my email and I had a message from the owner of the boutique where I freelance, asking me to come in today. I love working there and want to be as available as I can be whenever they call me, so I decided to not take a day to relax and unpack.
This morning we left the house at 9. Caden went to school where every child in his class ran and greeted him at the door with hugs. He was missed apparantly.
After working at the boutique, getting Caden from school and going back into town for worship team practice, we just got home at 9:30pm. I'm so wiped. I need a vacation from being on vacation :)
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Awesomeness
I am having the best visit home EVER. Having Jay here with me for the first time in 4years has been an incredible experience, and seeing Caden playing with, loving on and wearing out my parents has been a joy. I am reminded of how blessed I am to have such great family and friends. The kind of relationships that pick up where they left off, as deep and as real as they were the last time you saw eachother regardless of how long its been.
It's easy to forget what you're missing until you see it up close. This trip has been filled with intense joy because of the people, the scenery and the experiences but it is starting to make me sad because we have to leave soon.
But in the spirit of positivity, I'm going to focus on the joy, because we've been having some amazing times. Adding pictures to the blog can be annoying so I'll put them on my facebook. If you don't have access to that, don't worry...i'll add some here later.
For right now I am going to go back to soaking up the memories.
It's easy to forget what you're missing until you see it up close. This trip has been filled with intense joy because of the people, the scenery and the experiences but it is starting to make me sad because we have to leave soon.
But in the spirit of positivity, I'm going to focus on the joy, because we've been having some amazing times. Adding pictures to the blog can be annoying so I'll put them on my facebook. If you don't have access to that, don't worry...i'll add some here later.
For right now I am going to go back to soaking up the memories.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
She's at it again...
The issue of homosexuals adopting children has been brought to my attention alot lately. Most Christians are outraged by the thought of this and I can't help but wonder why? Are we seeing the bigger picture, or are we blinded by the Americanized version of the gospel that says homosexuality is the worst sin of all...so much worse than pre-marital sex and adultery and divorce...or that smoking cigarettes is much worse in the eyes of God than excessive eating to the point of obesity and heart disease...When did we start ranking sin?
As a Christian woman with homosexual friends, I've seen up close the turmoil alot of them have to go through...especially when they were raised in the church and desperately want to live a Christian life but they daily have to fight their attraction for the same sex. I even had one friend in ministry who went through multiple types of therapies, took endless rounds of medications, trying everything he could not to 'be gay'. In the end he came out as to his struggle and the church completely rejected him. He now lives with his same sex partner, and why not? If you present your struggle before the church and you're rejected as though you're disgusting with no answer and no guidance except, 'being gay is wrong' why wouldn't you run to the arms of someone waiting to accept you?
I feel burdened for homosexual Christians everyday. I wish the church as a whole had eyes like Jesus when it comes to this.
I believe in what the word of God says about homosexuality, but I don't believe it's as simple as choosing not to be gay...I believe it is a massive cross that some people have been chosen to bear. I can't imagine being in that position and I pray for those who are. Can you imagine feeling the way you feel for your husband or wife and being told you're some kind of super sinner for being that way? It must be spirit crushing.
Back to the point. I don't believe homosexuals should be banned from adopting children. Some people say they should because kids should grow up in families with a mom and a dad. If that's the case, then straight, single parents should be banned from adopting too....but we don't take a stance against that because it would be cruel and ridiculous. Should we take a boy from a widowed mother because there's no dad around and her son may be screwed up from lack of testosterone in the home? Of course we wouldn't...that's insane.
The classic other argument Christians have is that homosexuals shouldn't adopt because they're children will be raised in an ungodly home. If that's the case then we need to take a stance against anyone who's not Christian adopting kids. For an issue most deam as black or white, I'm seeing alot of gray.
Another argument is that homosexual parents may raise homosexual kids and to that argument I can't say anything because it's so ridiculous and unfounded it can't be argued.
It may not be ideal and it's not what I would choose for my family but I have to say praise God for healthy, happy homes in America. God knows there are enough terrible ones out there. Florida is one of the worst for abusive foster care families, overloading their run down shacks with as many kids as they can so they can get money from the government. I would much rather see a child go to a loving, homosexual home than be tossed from one foster house to another until their 18, emotionally destroyed, homeless and alone. Who do you think is going to be more detrimental to society? Someone who was loved and affirmed and taken care of by (heaven forbid!) homosexual parents or someone who was tossed around with no structure and nothing poured into them? We need to start thinking more about kids and about what God's word actually says instead of pushing our own agenda passed down to us from grandpappy what's-his-name.
I repeat I believe in what God says about homosexuality, that it's not God's best for us and we shouldn't act on those feelings...but most of us don't even keep the Sabbath holy and that's one of the Top 10. We're all sinners. Let's not forget that.
So the next time you see a gay couple and the first thing that comes to your mind is 'look at those awful sinners', whip out your mirror, remove the forest from your eyeball and remember that the only commandment God rated higher than the rest was LOVE.
Alright it's midnight...I'm done.
As a Christian woman with homosexual friends, I've seen up close the turmoil alot of them have to go through...especially when they were raised in the church and desperately want to live a Christian life but they daily have to fight their attraction for the same sex. I even had one friend in ministry who went through multiple types of therapies, took endless rounds of medications, trying everything he could not to 'be gay'. In the end he came out as to his struggle and the church completely rejected him. He now lives with his same sex partner, and why not? If you present your struggle before the church and you're rejected as though you're disgusting with no answer and no guidance except, 'being gay is wrong' why wouldn't you run to the arms of someone waiting to accept you?
I feel burdened for homosexual Christians everyday. I wish the church as a whole had eyes like Jesus when it comes to this.
I believe in what the word of God says about homosexuality, but I don't believe it's as simple as choosing not to be gay...I believe it is a massive cross that some people have been chosen to bear. I can't imagine being in that position and I pray for those who are. Can you imagine feeling the way you feel for your husband or wife and being told you're some kind of super sinner for being that way? It must be spirit crushing.
Back to the point. I don't believe homosexuals should be banned from adopting children. Some people say they should because kids should grow up in families with a mom and a dad. If that's the case, then straight, single parents should be banned from adopting too....but we don't take a stance against that because it would be cruel and ridiculous. Should we take a boy from a widowed mother because there's no dad around and her son may be screwed up from lack of testosterone in the home? Of course we wouldn't...that's insane.
The classic other argument Christians have is that homosexuals shouldn't adopt because they're children will be raised in an ungodly home. If that's the case then we need to take a stance against anyone who's not Christian adopting kids. For an issue most deam as black or white, I'm seeing alot of gray.
Another argument is that homosexual parents may raise homosexual kids and to that argument I can't say anything because it's so ridiculous and unfounded it can't be argued.
It may not be ideal and it's not what I would choose for my family but I have to say praise God for healthy, happy homes in America. God knows there are enough terrible ones out there. Florida is one of the worst for abusive foster care families, overloading their run down shacks with as many kids as they can so they can get money from the government. I would much rather see a child go to a loving, homosexual home than be tossed from one foster house to another until their 18, emotionally destroyed, homeless and alone. Who do you think is going to be more detrimental to society? Someone who was loved and affirmed and taken care of by (heaven forbid!) homosexual parents or someone who was tossed around with no structure and nothing poured into them? We need to start thinking more about kids and about what God's word actually says instead of pushing our own agenda passed down to us from grandpappy what's-his-name.
I repeat I believe in what God says about homosexuality, that it's not God's best for us and we shouldn't act on those feelings...but most of us don't even keep the Sabbath holy and that's one of the Top 10. We're all sinners. Let's not forget that.
So the next time you see a gay couple and the first thing that comes to your mind is 'look at those awful sinners', whip out your mirror, remove the forest from your eyeball and remember that the only commandment God rated higher than the rest was LOVE.
Alright it's midnight...I'm done.
Going Home
See that itty bitty piece of land hanging off the north east part of North America?...Look closely...it has a long point on the top left side and it sits pretty right next to Nova Scotia. That's Newfoundland, and we are going to be there in 3 days.
I am indescribably excited about this. I'm excited to see my family. My grandmother who I haven't seen in almost 2 years and my dad who I haven't seen since Caden's 1st birthday..and of course my mom, who I was blessed to spend some time in March with but still can't wait to see again. I'm excited to see my friends...most of which I got to see 2 years ago, but some that I haven't seen in 6 and 7 years! We're going to have a fire on the beach and hit the irish pubs (for the music of course) of downtown St. John's. I'm excited to be outside in one the most spectacular places on earth. Ellen Page from the movie 'Juno' described Newfoundland as being, "So picturesque you expect a pterodactyl to swoop down from the sky."
It's literally that unreal.
I'm excited to spend time in my home with my husband, who throughout our entire marriage has only been there twice, the last time being September 2004. It's difficult living so far away from a culture that most people know nothing about. I'm going to cherish this time that my husband and child can get to know me even better than they do now by seeing and experiencing the place and people that made me who I am.
Mostly I am excited for Jay to have 9 days with absolutely no responsibilities. I know this trip is going to do alot for him...he may even return from it a new and refreshed person. I know he'll return from it a freshly tattooed person but that's another story for another time :)
Since many of you that read this have no idea where I come from, except that I sometimes use words that don't actually exist in the English language, I've put some pics together so you can have a glimpse into what we will be seeing in 3 days.
Enjoy!
The house I grew up in.
The town I grew up in, Green's Harbour.
Another shot of Green's Harbour. This was taken at the end of May, 2005.
Most of the Harbour communities in Newfoundland were settled when the fishery was alive and vibrant. It hasn't been that way for the majority of my life, with the exception of government allowed seasonal fishing...but the communities still reflect the culture and beauty of a time when people lived souly off the land.
Jay proposed to me here, on Signal Hill in St. John's back in April, 2003.
Historic Downtown St. John's. There are not enough photos in the world to capture the coolness of this town. I miss it terribly.
The cool thing about St. John's is that down town is literally down...it's a steep ride to that historic and eclectic area. If you're in St. John's and you want to find downtown, just head down towards the harbour and make sure you have good brakes.
Last time Jay and I were home together (almost 4 years ago!) we went on a whale watching tour in St. John's. It was a cool experience, but it was a bad season for whales and icebergs, so we didn't see either. May and June are the BEST months for whales and icebergs and this year is rumoured to be the best iceberg season in 10 years...so we will be heading out on another whale watching tour, this time we'll hopefully see some whales! And huge hunks of ice!
These were signs and images I saw frequently growing up. When I was old enough to drive, the last thing dad would say before I'd leave the house was, 'Watch out for da Moose!'
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Lord, Give me the Strength to Deal With This Precious Little Angel...
That's my prayer lately...in the midst of tantrums and fits. For a long time I believed that toddlers who threw tantrums were the product of bad parenting. I now know that it's rough being a toddler...so many emotions and discoveries in the midst of a limited vocabulary and a strengthening will. It's also not easy being a parent, and I am realizing (via a slap in the face by God for everytime I said, 'My child will not act like that.') that most good parents are just trying to do the best with what they have. That sometimes, we all loose our cool. We all have a word or a moment with our children we normally wouldn't had our buttons not been pushed so hard for so long. That although there are a million parenting books and a hundred know-it-all mom's out there with countless tips, there is no right or wrong way to deal with tantrums, picky eaters, aggressive kids, nite-nite fights, and the billions of other battles we fight as parents and kids...you need to spend enough time with your child to know him/her and do the best you can with what you have.
Luckily, they have faces that look like this, which makes it much easier to deal with them when they are being ugly.
Friday, May 16, 2008
My Husband Rocks
I will have photos for you all soon because my husband rocks and bought me a digital camera this morning...so I would like to publically apologize for saying he deserved to get rained on.
You deserve to be dry and comfortable all the days of your life, my love.
Hey, Over Here!
I am an extrovert so days like today and yesterday and more than likely tomorrow, make me CRAZY! Caden woke up yesterday with a fever so he and I stayed home together all day. I LOVE spending time with my son, but when he isn't feeling well enough to leave the house and all we can do is watch Playhouse Disney, I get the cabin fever. BAD.
Last night I left the house at 6 to go to worship team practice. I actually had a baby-less car which NEVER happens so I was pumped to hang out with my peeps after practicing. Unfortunately, my peeps bailed (you are all LAME :) so I went to Micah and Abby's house for some awesome tea, sweet new music and good chats before coming back to C-ville.
This morning Caden is feeling much worse than yesterday so here we are, trapped at home once again. I hate it when he's sick...he's actually very cuddly and adorable when he feels this bad, but you can tell by looking at him that he feels terrible. He's very lethargic so he's been sleeping pretty much all day. Poor monkey.
I think the more time I have, the more I waste. My bathrooms could use a cleaning and my filing cabinet needs some serious organizing, but I'd much rather write a blog and play the keyboard.
Jay has to work this afternoon but had a scooter shopping date with Phil this morning. It's pouring down rain, which serves him right for leaving me with a sick kid :) Sorry Phil. I'm just kidding. He has been waiting in anticipation for this man-date for quite sometime.
Nothing makes Jay's day like good friends and power sports.
Well I guess I should get something done before the little man wakes up. If anyone is an extrovert, trapped at home with nothing to do, please come to Crawfordville and talk to me.
Last night I left the house at 6 to go to worship team practice. I actually had a baby-less car which NEVER happens so I was pumped to hang out with my peeps after practicing. Unfortunately, my peeps bailed (you are all LAME :) so I went to Micah and Abby's house for some awesome tea, sweet new music and good chats before coming back to C-ville.
This morning Caden is feeling much worse than yesterday so here we are, trapped at home once again. I hate it when he's sick...he's actually very cuddly and adorable when he feels this bad, but you can tell by looking at him that he feels terrible. He's very lethargic so he's been sleeping pretty much all day. Poor monkey.
I think the more time I have, the more I waste. My bathrooms could use a cleaning and my filing cabinet needs some serious organizing, but I'd much rather write a blog and play the keyboard.
Jay has to work this afternoon but had a scooter shopping date with Phil this morning. It's pouring down rain, which serves him right for leaving me with a sick kid :) Sorry Phil. I'm just kidding. He has been waiting in anticipation for this man-date for quite sometime.
Nothing makes Jay's day like good friends and power sports.
Well I guess I should get something done before the little man wakes up. If anyone is an extrovert, trapped at home with nothing to do, please come to Crawfordville and talk to me.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Run Forest, RUN!
I ran for 10 minutes today! This has never, ever happened in my life. I don't think I've ever made it 3 minutes when jogging. I finally felt what I've heard so many runners talk about..."I hit my stride"
I was using the gym at work and I stole my husbands IPOD. I started listening to Family Force Five and it made me want to run. The more I listened, the more I ran...and I think I could have kept going except that my pants were not cooperating and I thought I was going to loose them and hurt myself in a freak pants-around-the -ankles-treadmill incident. I also forgot socks, so my toes were rubbing causing some painfulness.
After a Bruce Springsteen cool down I realized the key to an exciting and fun work out is exciting and fun music!
I will continue to steal Jay's IPOD on a regular basis.
I was using the gym at work and I stole my husbands IPOD. I started listening to Family Force Five and it made me want to run. The more I listened, the more I ran...and I think I could have kept going except that my pants were not cooperating and I thought I was going to loose them and hurt myself in a freak pants-around-the -ankles-treadmill incident. I also forgot socks, so my toes were rubbing causing some painfulness.
After a Bruce Springsteen cool down I realized the key to an exciting and fun work out is exciting and fun music!
I will continue to steal Jay's IPOD on a regular basis.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Overwhelmed
Sometimes I become so overwhelmed with all that I have and with all of my blessings that I can't sleep. At 12:20am, that's where I find myself right now.
Today my son showed up to church with a mother's day balloon tied around his wrist and a card in his hands, which he graciously gave over to me. How cute is that? Anyone who has a child knows that giving up a balloon is no easy task. I think he had a little help from his pet giant, Daddy. I am so blessed.
When leaving church today I had two bags, my extra pair of shoes, a sippy cup, Caden, my keyboard, my keyboard pedal and chords and my mother's day presents in my hands. I was a little bogged down as you can imagine. Jay was working so I managed to get everything into the car by myself. I tied the balloon to my shoes, and put the shoes on top of the car while I put Caden in his seat. When I stood up to get what was on the roof, my balloon was gone. I was super sad that the wind had taken away my gift. I licked my finger, felt the direction of the breeze and looked down the parking lot, across a field, 30 feet away and down onto the running track at Leon High School, and saw my balloon whirling around amongst the afternoon runners. I started on the hunt. I had no idea how to get down to that area, but I jumped in the car and flew down the street. I took the first right I saw and ended up exactly where I needed to be. The balloon had wrapped itself around a fire escape railing and there was a woman about to grab it for herself. I jumped out of the car like a mad woman, "THAT'S MY BALLOON!"
The wind then took the balloon off of the stair case and onto the roof of a short building. She and I stood there wondering how we were going to get it down when I said a small prayer under my breath. In the midst of all that is going on in the universe, God sent me the perfect little breeze and down came the balloon into my hands. Meanwhile, Caden is in the car completely embarrassed and mortified I'm sure...that his mother is running like a maniac in heels at the high school track, trying to grab a helium balloon on a windy day.
There was no way I was letting that precious gift get away.
I don't know why I have the amazing husband I have, or an incredible son to call my own. I don't know why I was blessed with great parents or why I have musical talent, or why I have many great friends...I don't know why I have a flexible job that is perfect for me or a little plot of land on the planet to call our own....I don't know why things just always turn out for good even in the midst of financial stress and the unknown but all I can say is that I'm thankful.
Thankful to be Jason's wife. Thankful to be Caden's mom. Thankful to be Howard and Judy's daughter. Thankful to be able to lead people in song. Thankful to have good friends to laugh/cry/grow with. Thankful for flexibility and success. Thankful for our home. Thankful to be a child of God...that he sees me in my ridiculousness and still sees fit to send just enough wind my way when I need it most. I'm just thankful, and at the end of a very long day which marks the end of a very long week, that's a great thing to be.
Alright, It's 12:37...I'm off to bed.
Today my son showed up to church with a mother's day balloon tied around his wrist and a card in his hands, which he graciously gave over to me. How cute is that? Anyone who has a child knows that giving up a balloon is no easy task. I think he had a little help from his pet giant, Daddy. I am so blessed.
When leaving church today I had two bags, my extra pair of shoes, a sippy cup, Caden, my keyboard, my keyboard pedal and chords and my mother's day presents in my hands. I was a little bogged down as you can imagine. Jay was working so I managed to get everything into the car by myself. I tied the balloon to my shoes, and put the shoes on top of the car while I put Caden in his seat. When I stood up to get what was on the roof, my balloon was gone. I was super sad that the wind had taken away my gift. I licked my finger, felt the direction of the breeze and looked down the parking lot, across a field, 30 feet away and down onto the running track at Leon High School, and saw my balloon whirling around amongst the afternoon runners. I started on the hunt. I had no idea how to get down to that area, but I jumped in the car and flew down the street. I took the first right I saw and ended up exactly where I needed to be. The balloon had wrapped itself around a fire escape railing and there was a woman about to grab it for herself. I jumped out of the car like a mad woman, "THAT'S MY BALLOON!"
The wind then took the balloon off of the stair case and onto the roof of a short building. She and I stood there wondering how we were going to get it down when I said a small prayer under my breath. In the midst of all that is going on in the universe, God sent me the perfect little breeze and down came the balloon into my hands. Meanwhile, Caden is in the car completely embarrassed and mortified I'm sure...that his mother is running like a maniac in heels at the high school track, trying to grab a helium balloon on a windy day.
There was no way I was letting that precious gift get away.
I don't know why I have the amazing husband I have, or an incredible son to call my own. I don't know why I was blessed with great parents or why I have musical talent, or why I have many great friends...I don't know why I have a flexible job that is perfect for me or a little plot of land on the planet to call our own....I don't know why things just always turn out for good even in the midst of financial stress and the unknown but all I can say is that I'm thankful.
Thankful to be Jason's wife. Thankful to be Caden's mom. Thankful to be Howard and Judy's daughter. Thankful to be able to lead people in song. Thankful to have good friends to laugh/cry/grow with. Thankful for flexibility and success. Thankful for our home. Thankful to be a child of God...that he sees me in my ridiculousness and still sees fit to send just enough wind my way when I need it most. I'm just thankful, and at the end of a very long day which marks the end of a very long week, that's a great thing to be.
Alright, It's 12:37...I'm off to bed.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Happy Mudder's Day
That's Newfie talk for Happy Mother's Day.
I gave my husband a heads up last week and said, "Just letting you know, Mother's day is this Sunday."
He replied, "Ok, whatta ya want?"
Men.
They have no idea what to do for mother's day. I explained to him that I don't want anything...just recognition of the day...maybe a cute craft from Caden that they took time to do together for me...or a special Mother's day song like on that episode of Full House...anyways, I'm not going to hold my breath. I know my family loves me, but crafts might be a little too much to expect. :) I can't picture Jay craftin-it-up with scissors and a glue stick anyway.
I, on the other hand know what mother's need and that is a little hug around the shoulders, a kiss on the cheek and a pat on the back for all of the unseen things they do...maybe a facial if you have the resources :)
Since Jay doesn't always express himself well, I'll take this opportunity to wish his mom, Catherine, a Happy Mama Day:
You are a loving and kind hearted mother and grandmother. We all miss you very much and wish we could be closer for this mommy appreciation day. We can't wait to see you in July!
Thank you for raising a son who is an amazing husband and father. He is a wonderful man. Be very proud. Take a long bath, read an inspiring book, relax and enjoy this day knowing that you are loved. Thank you for being you.
To me Mudder: I often say that now that I am a mother, I have a deeper appreciation for my own. I've raved about her many a time before because she is one to rave about. Completely self-less...a shining example of motherhood. My mom taught me how to be a good wife by being a great wife to my dad. She taught me how to nuture by nuturing, how to love by loving, how to be like Christ by being Christ-like. My mother taught me that you can be a strong, independent, intellegent woman while being a caregiver or running a business or being an active volunteer.
At 9 months pregnant, she left an important job in a bank where she was very successful to raise my sister and I and to take care of my father's aging parents. She has been taking care of our elderly family members ever since, almost 30 years.
Mom has two children who live very far away from her. One on the other side of the nation (Canada is the second largest country in the world so that's pretty far away) and me, on the southern tip of a foriegn land. It has been very difficult on her to have her grandson in another country but she has always encouraged us to live where we're happy and has made having a relationship with Caden a priority by calling to talk to him everyday, travelling whenever time and money allow, demanding photos and videos on a regular basis and above all, praying for his life. A grandmother's love can cross borders and span nations. Family and friend relationships mean everything to my mother. She remembers every birthday...i don't mean just our birthdays, i mean EVERY birthday, on the planet...or at least that's what it feels like...I remember our kitchen calender having a birthday reminder on everyday of the year. Her heart is crazy big.
So I write this for my mother, because I know that even though my physical card is going to be super late (i'm never on the ball when it comes to international shipping), these words will mean alot to her, and they should because they are all true.
I hope when Caden is older he will have a blog like this...and maybe once or twice a year he'll type something nice about me. If i'm half the woman my mother is then that shouldn't be a problem for him...and by that time Jay will be off the hook for mother's day :)
Happy Mother's Day Mom.
I gave my husband a heads up last week and said, "Just letting you know, Mother's day is this Sunday."
He replied, "Ok, whatta ya want?"
Men.
They have no idea what to do for mother's day. I explained to him that I don't want anything...just recognition of the day...maybe a cute craft from Caden that they took time to do together for me...or a special Mother's day song like on that episode of Full House...anyways, I'm not going to hold my breath. I know my family loves me, but crafts might be a little too much to expect. :) I can't picture Jay craftin-it-up with scissors and a glue stick anyway.
I, on the other hand know what mother's need and that is a little hug around the shoulders, a kiss on the cheek and a pat on the back for all of the unseen things they do...maybe a facial if you have the resources :)
Since Jay doesn't always express himself well, I'll take this opportunity to wish his mom, Catherine, a Happy Mama Day:
You are a loving and kind hearted mother and grandmother. We all miss you very much and wish we could be closer for this mommy appreciation day. We can't wait to see you in July!
Thank you for raising a son who is an amazing husband and father. He is a wonderful man. Be very proud. Take a long bath, read an inspiring book, relax and enjoy this day knowing that you are loved. Thank you for being you.
To me Mudder: I often say that now that I am a mother, I have a deeper appreciation for my own. I've raved about her many a time before because she is one to rave about. Completely self-less...a shining example of motherhood. My mom taught me how to be a good wife by being a great wife to my dad. She taught me how to nuture by nuturing, how to love by loving, how to be like Christ by being Christ-like. My mother taught me that you can be a strong, independent, intellegent woman while being a caregiver or running a business or being an active volunteer.
At 9 months pregnant, she left an important job in a bank where she was very successful to raise my sister and I and to take care of my father's aging parents. She has been taking care of our elderly family members ever since, almost 30 years.
Mom has two children who live very far away from her. One on the other side of the nation (Canada is the second largest country in the world so that's pretty far away) and me, on the southern tip of a foriegn land. It has been very difficult on her to have her grandson in another country but she has always encouraged us to live where we're happy and has made having a relationship with Caden a priority by calling to talk to him everyday, travelling whenever time and money allow, demanding photos and videos on a regular basis and above all, praying for his life. A grandmother's love can cross borders and span nations. Family and friend relationships mean everything to my mother. She remembers every birthday...i don't mean just our birthdays, i mean EVERY birthday, on the planet...or at least that's what it feels like...I remember our kitchen calender having a birthday reminder on everyday of the year. Her heart is crazy big.
So I write this for my mother, because I know that even though my physical card is going to be super late (i'm never on the ball when it comes to international shipping), these words will mean alot to her, and they should because they are all true.
I hope when Caden is older he will have a blog like this...and maybe once or twice a year he'll type something nice about me. If i'm half the woman my mother is then that shouldn't be a problem for him...and by that time Jay will be off the hook for mother's day :)
Happy Mother's Day Mom.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Golden Oldies
I know you've probably seen these, but they are pretty awesome so I thought they deserved a come-back. These are some fun videos from back in the day when Caden was an itty bitty peanut.
I am going to have an incredibly hectic 48 hour period between now and Friday night so I am leaving these with you to enjoy until I am able to update once more.
Enjoy.
I am going to have an incredibly hectic 48 hour period between now and Friday night so I am leaving these with you to enjoy until I am able to update once more.
Enjoy.
She Survived
The bike will live. After an all over tune up, she is apparantly purring like a kitten. We will pick her up on Saturday.
Thank you Lord for cheap repairs.
Thank you Lord for cheap repairs.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Le J'arden de Olives
That is totally not how you say 'Olive Garden' in french, but it works for now.
All can think about are the breadsticks and fettuchini that I will be dining on in an hour with good friends. In the words of Caden, "Num, Num."
Caden is going to a babysitters house and we are going out for eats. Can we afford to be doing that right now? Probably not...but after looking at the bank account today I said to Jay, "I don't care. I NEED to go out."
Sorry Dave Ramsey. $11.95 fettuchini is a small price to pay for my sanity.
I feel like life is really great but VERY chaotic lately. With two jobs, a busy volunteer schedule, one car, a husband who works his buns off constantly and still being with Caden quite a bit, I'm finding it difficult to get things done around the house. Today I knocked out the landry and I scrubbed inbetween the tiles of our shower with Jay's toothbrush...don't worry, we're not fighting...it was his old toothbrush :)
There was a time in my life where I was extremely messy...just ask my mom, my old roomies at Camp Walter Johnson, or Amy, who kept our apartment from being roped off by the health department. Now clutter makes me hyperventilate.
What happened to me in those 2 years I did nothing but clean and mother? I turned into a crazy person!
So tonight I will battle the crazy with pasta, breadsticks and great conversation.
Once again Dave, sorry for the blatant disrespect to the program...I'll get back on the horse tomorrow.
All can think about are the breadsticks and fettuchini that I will be dining on in an hour with good friends. In the words of Caden, "Num, Num."
Caden is going to a babysitters house and we are going out for eats. Can we afford to be doing that right now? Probably not...but after looking at the bank account today I said to Jay, "I don't care. I NEED to go out."
Sorry Dave Ramsey. $11.95 fettuchini is a small price to pay for my sanity.
I feel like life is really great but VERY chaotic lately. With two jobs, a busy volunteer schedule, one car, a husband who works his buns off constantly and still being with Caden quite a bit, I'm finding it difficult to get things done around the house. Today I knocked out the landry and I scrubbed inbetween the tiles of our shower with Jay's toothbrush...don't worry, we're not fighting...it was his old toothbrush :)
There was a time in my life where I was extremely messy...just ask my mom, my old roomies at Camp Walter Johnson, or Amy, who kept our apartment from being roped off by the health department. Now clutter makes me hyperventilate.
What happened to me in those 2 years I did nothing but clean and mother? I turned into a crazy person!
So tonight I will battle the crazy with pasta, breadsticks and great conversation.
Once again Dave, sorry for the blatant disrespect to the program...I'll get back on the horse tomorrow.
Monday, May 05, 2008
"Quack, Quack?"
Everytime we get situated into the car Caden says, "Quack, Quack?" which means, "Can you please turn on the song that says 'but the one little duck with the feather on his back, he led the others with a quack, quack, quack."
Caden LOVES that song. He's a big duck fan. He gets that from Grandpa.
Jay and I have been sharing the joy of the quack, quack song lately because his motorcycle died a few days ago. Living in the country while working in the city with one car between us has been nothing short of stressful...especially with gas at a million dollars a gallon...but tomorrow we have finangled a way to get the bike to a bike doctor and we'll know the extent of her damage then.
We're praying it's something small...and cheap...VERY cheap.
I apologize for the lack of photos and video lately...I spilled a little communion juice on my camera zoom (don't ask) and it has stopped working. Perhaps the motorcycle and the camera are in kahoots with the lawn mower...which has also died. Now would be the time for a great deal of money to drop from the sky.
On the bright side, the car still works...the weed eater is still functioning and there's always disposable cameras in the case of a picture emergency.
I have a phone meeting to attend now with various business people from all over the United States. 3910 people across the US of A will be receiving new cell phones and it is mu job to make sure they get them. Their cellular future rests with me....I must go now and save the world.
Caden LOVES that song. He's a big duck fan. He gets that from Grandpa.
Jay and I have been sharing the joy of the quack, quack song lately because his motorcycle died a few days ago. Living in the country while working in the city with one car between us has been nothing short of stressful...especially with gas at a million dollars a gallon...but tomorrow we have finangled a way to get the bike to a bike doctor and we'll know the extent of her damage then.
We're praying it's something small...and cheap...VERY cheap.
I apologize for the lack of photos and video lately...I spilled a little communion juice on my camera zoom (don't ask) and it has stopped working. Perhaps the motorcycle and the camera are in kahoots with the lawn mower...which has also died. Now would be the time for a great deal of money to drop from the sky.
On the bright side, the car still works...the weed eater is still functioning and there's always disposable cameras in the case of a picture emergency.
I have a phone meeting to attend now with various business people from all over the United States. 3910 people across the US of A will be receiving new cell phones and it is mu job to make sure they get them. Their cellular future rests with me....I must go now and save the world.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Ugh
My wisdom teeth are viciously attacking my face. Thankfully, 3 ibuprofin seem to knock out the pain for several hours or until I eat something. Someday I'll have dental insurance.
Until then, ibuprofin it is!
Jay started last night with a fever just after a terrible ordeal with the motorcycle not starting. His fever kept climbing and has been super dooper high ever since. He has been throwing up alot too...poor monkey.
I feel as though ever since Caden started in daycare, one of us is ALWAYS ill. Even if Caden doesn't get sick, he's like a dirty little carrier of sickness.
Jay usually puts Caden to bed and of course, he goes straight to sleep...tonight I put Caden to bed and he kicks the wall, jumps up and down, yells, plays and doesn't sleep for 2 hours after lights out...
And I am about to take my throbbing face and my tired self to the playroom where I will sleep on the futon...far from illness...with Mickey to my right and a stuffed Canada goose to my left.
Ugh.
Until then, ibuprofin it is!
Jay started last night with a fever just after a terrible ordeal with the motorcycle not starting. His fever kept climbing and has been super dooper high ever since. He has been throwing up alot too...poor monkey.
I feel as though ever since Caden started in daycare, one of us is ALWAYS ill. Even if Caden doesn't get sick, he's like a dirty little carrier of sickness.
Jay usually puts Caden to bed and of course, he goes straight to sleep...tonight I put Caden to bed and he kicks the wall, jumps up and down, yells, plays and doesn't sleep for 2 hours after lights out...
And I am about to take my throbbing face and my tired self to the playroom where I will sleep on the futon...far from illness...with Mickey to my right and a stuffed Canada goose to my left.
Ugh.
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