A Few Things About Me..

Random, not very interesting facts about me.

I LOVE Snapple Ice Tea, it is my favorite and my kids are usually able to "read" the label at a very young age. I don't just like any Snapple, I like this one and pretty much only this one in a glass bottle cold (NOT plastic- it doesn't taste the same). Some facts about me and Snapple. I love to shake it up, hit the bottom hard (to pop the lid) and then crack it open- I love the sound. That first taste of a COLD Snapple- so good.

Another truth about me and Snapple is that I don't drink it often (unless I am at the beach) but I usually keep one hidden someplace in my fridge so that on those days...you know those days...the ones where your brain doesn't work, the kids are melting down and you just need something to feel better about life...those kind of days (I know that isn't very godly or theological- but God does give us all things to enjoy)...anyway on those days... I crack one open and smile.

Another random fact about me is I love American History so about a year ago I started reading biographies on American Presidents. I am only on James Madison (to be honest he is pretty boring).

Today, as I was drinking a Snapple, I read on the lid (where they give you "Real Facts") that Abe Lincoln was the tallest president at 6'4" and James Madison was the shortest at 5'4". Now isn't that interesting.

Anyway, enough about me.

My Creative Moment

I often tell people that I am not creative, I guess this is only partially true. The real truth is that I am not crafty. I am purely a girl of function, beauty is second-rate compared to function in my world. So I had a problem. In planning for our school year I didn't have any place to hang maps. I looked at getting those pull-down classroom maps but they were over $200 and that just isn't in the budget. So in a rare creative, somewhat crafty moment I thought why I don't I just try to make my own using vinyl shades and these paper maps that I have. I spent $12 and probably a hour and half and this is what I got.

I am so pleased with my results- I hope they last BUT even if they don't I only spent $12.

This Was Great

If you haven't seen this yet it is a must watch. What a JOY marriage is and what a great way to start it. It is funny because just yesterday I was thinking how I would love for one of our kids to have this song as their wedding march.

Enjoy!

Babysitting

Erik & I are so grateful to the many people who serve us so we can have a date night. It is so fun to hear stories of how the kids interact with these people. It truly is a gift to have other people investing in our children. The other night a couple came over and later we heard this story, which I share for my memory.

Just thought I'd share a story from Saturday night which I forgot about when you guys came home. We were reading the bedtime story about the Minpins and had come to a point when Little Billy had entered the Forest of Sin. There was a picture of Little Billy surrounded by huge trees in a very dark setting. It was scary.

Now, somehow, we had brought to debate what one should do if a bear came after you in the woods. Karis won the debate, which had something to do with climbing the trees and then jumping from branch to branch like Tarzan, but then Jotham piped in with an interesting scenario, he said: "If me and Karis and Mercia and Jedidiah and Mom were in the woods I would take my dad and and he would pray to the Lord to protect us."

I suppose we can look at this in two ways, there is amazing grace in Jotham's life and some of our training is getting through OR Jotham doesn't think Erik is tough enough to get a bow and arrow and kill the bear. I'm hoping it is the first.

Remembering...

I'm remembering Micah this day. Please join me in praying for his amazing family.

Remove your shoes...

About 3 weeks ago I put my older three kids in the car, buckled everyone in and then went inside to get Jedi. When we arrived at church and I can only find one of Jotham's shoes. After looking all over the car I ask him, "Did you throw your shoe out of the car?" And he looks at me and says, "Are you going to be mad?" I said, "Yes." And he said, "Yes, I did."

Because of my is husband serving at church on Sunday we go by ourselves, I very glad to release him, though this was one moment when I wished I could have had him there. I made the decision that Jotham would just have to go barefoot- it was good the pavement wasn't too hot. So in I walked with my children sort of hoping no would notice. Of course the first people we saw noticed and said, "Jotham, where are your shoes?" And then everyone we saw who didn't notice was told by Karis, "Jotham, doesn't have any shoes on?"

So yes, that is me, the pastor's wife who brings her kids to church without any shoes. Maybe I should have told people that we were learning about Moses at home.

Six Months

Our Little Guy has quickly turned 6 months right before our eyes. What a joy it has been having him in our family these six months. He is by far the sweetest, most content baby we have had. His joy and contentment amaze me. I know the day will come when he joins the chorus of complaints that goes on around me daily but for now I am very much enjoying his smiles and coos. Following his laid back style he doesn't do much of anything yet. He can sit up (for brief amounts of time) but he doesn't yet roll or crawl or pull up, and he doesn't say mama or dada. He is one of those babies that should make all other Mom's feel good about all the things their babies are doing (not that I'm encouraging you to sinfully compare).

I love how he relates to his siblings. He loves talking with Karis and just studies her when she talks to him. He also loves to go for her glasses. Jotham is really the only one who can make him laugh. He does this by throwing stuffed animals at him. For some reason this really delights Jedi and he cracks up. It doesn't work when I do it- something about rough-housing with your brother I suppose. Mercia loves to push him in the swing and is often saying, "Jedidiah, a happy boy!" He loves when she comes over to play with him.

The reflux medicine and the formula are really helping him. He went from 25% to 50% in weight (17 lbs. 8 oz). He is is 26 3/4 inches tall, which a little above 50%. Unfortunately he has "expensive tastes" (as the doctor called it). He drinks the hypoallergenic formula which is, no joke, 3 to 4 times as expensive as regular but the regular formula makes him miserable and we don't like that.

He is a darling boy. He loves when I sing and talk with him making such great eye contact I just never want to stop. His one great accomplishment is his grip, he can hold Erik's fingers and hang on for about 30 seconds all on his own, supporting his own body weight- it is pretty funny to watch.

Jedi- you are a joy and delight to your family. We love you so much and cannot imagine our family without you. I can't wait to see who you are going to become, what your likes and dislikes will be. I pray you will have a heart the seeks hard after God. Your named means beloved of the Lord, I hope you embrace this and cherish the truth that you are beloved as his child.