Ordinary Miracles: 2010

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Along the Way

It started with a stick. As often happens, my agenda is waylaid by an interesting stick that demands to be examined. Then, a rock. Next, a puddle. It was a nice day today, and I was determined we were going to take a walk. Stop interrupting, kids, we're going to accomplish our mission!

It took a few stops for me to realize they were doing exactly what I hope they will always do--exploring their world with wonder. Finally, I realized I should forget the destination, we were out to see what we could see.

We visited with a neighbor working in her yard and realized we go to the same church, and she let them pet her very sweet Sheltie and play with the pool table in her garage. They climbed crepe myrtles and jumped in puddles. We saw a bird's nest and a ladybug crawled up on Wonderboy's shirt. We visited with another neighbor. (Let us trick-or-treat at your house once and they'll think you're friends for life!) They raced, and then took turns trying to walk ever so carefully on the curb, Wonderboy's soft little hands grabbing mine for balance.

All told, we went 4 blocks. Maybe. It took us about an hour. In the end, would I have won a prize for completing our original mission in record time? Wasn't the point to enjoy nice weather and spend time together?

The idea behind all this was the inspiration for the title of this blog in the first place. These children are miracles, even though children are born every day. The wonder and innocence and discovery with which they approach ordinary, everyday life is miraculous. They are surprised, entertained, scared, excited and curious about things which I take for granted. To have someone (or two, or three!) walk beside you on life's path, pointing out all the joy and mystery that would otherwise be missed, is a transformational and precious gift.

So, enjoy your walk. We did.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Answered Prayer

Our house here in Texas will be rented out at the beginning of January. This is a wonderful answer to prayer. We are so excited!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Mystery Baby

"So," I'm asked. "How's the baby?"

Answer: great. Both the baby and I are doing great. We're at 31 1/2 weeks, and everything that can be checked, measured, scanned or in any way quantified is exactly as it should be. I am getting tired and sore more easily now, and take frequent breaks. This has been my healthiest and easiest pregnancy, and so I can't complain that I'm finally having to slow down.

This child is extraordinarily active. He or she started moving earlier and more vigorously than either of the boys. The sonographer confirmed this in my most recent scan, noting that they normally record fetal movement as "good," but this time she was going to have to write, "great."

We really must find names. I'm hoping to come up with two names for each gender. I'd love to say more, but we just don't have any to share as of yet.

We've pulled the essential baby items out of storage and are trying to find places for it all. It won't be long now!

Speaking of time, I'm asking for prayers that we reach 37 weeks, which is full-term. I have full confidence this will be the case, but I'm asking for agreement anyway!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Choices, Choices

Sunday presented an interesting choice for SK. His grandfather and uncle were processing venison at the dining room table and KiSA was working on the car in the driveway. I thought, "how many little boys get the opportunity to have so much masculine influence at once?" In the end, the rhythmic motion of the meat grinder mezmerized him and kept him inside, but he did check in on his dad from time to time. WB missed the whole thing, due to a nap. Tough to be two.

Below, wrestle time! Taken at the end of October.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Transparency

No, I'm not talking about the clear plastic sheets you put on an overhead projector. If anyone still remembers what that is.

Rather, I refer to authenticity and vulnerability, two qualities which I have almost completely avoided these last few months. I suppose I've considered this blog an escape of sorts, a place where I can catalog the happy memories. After a day of dealing with reality--which is rather harsh of late--I'd rather not unearth it again and dump it on my virtual neighbors.

Which is why you haven't heard much news on here. Or email. Or phone. But ask me about my kids, that I can write and talk about...

My friend has had the courage to write publicly about the very recent loss of their baby through miscarriage. That is, two weeks after their loss, she was posting about it. She shared with me that many people had been helped by her openness. I've told her how much I admire her courage and honesty. I'm sure she is healthier for having written about her experience.

Likewise, my dear A2 sent regular updates throughout her battle (and victory!) with lymphoma. Now, I marvel that she did that. It blessed a lot of people, but must have been hard to actually type out.

As much as I admire them, I just don't know if I'm ready for that yet. I don't know that anyone really wants to hear about our struggles with job, houses, and cars (oh my). My friend Mrs. K says this is a book in the making, "A Suitcase, a Crib and Two Plastic Totes." I'd rather wait to see the wonderful ending to this chapter before putting it to paper/screen. Immature? Perhaps. Survival mechanism? Definitely.

So, please know that I cherish every prayer sent up on our behalf. We need each one. Thank you for understanding that, most days, I just don't feel I have it in me to encapsulate all the drama for mass consumption. Thank you for being faithful to pray for us even though I may not tell you specifically what to pray for. In the meantime, I hope to make more time to post about the blessings for which we are thankful. Such as my three amazing, precious, incomparable ordinary miracles and their dad.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Tornado on Decimal Street

This will probably only be funny to Mrs. J and maybe one other person, but, oh well, I need to write things down if they're to be remembered AT ALL.

We're using Math-U-See Primer for SK's Kindergarten math. We've been learning place value these few weeks. Thanks to Lauren, we have a large (almost poster size), laminated "Decimal Street" on which to place the manipulative blocks. There are three "houses" on the street: units, tens and hundreds. The exercise goes, that he looks at a written number, such as 257, and then "builds" the number by placing the correct number of blocks on the correct house.

During this same time, he had watched multiple episodes of Storm Chasers with KiSA. I shouldn't have been surprised then, when in the middle of a math lesson, a "tornado" hit decimal street and scattered all the blocks out of the houses.

When the creator of this curriculum aimed for interactive, I'm not sure this is what he had in mind.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Something I Don't Miss At ALL

Have you ever asked God to heal you? And you told Him, "I'll never forget, and I'll never stop telling everyone what you've done?"

Well, on Tuesday, KiSA and I were discussing this pregnancy and I realized--it's gone: The Pain. In fact, it hasn't been there AT ALL.

The pain I refer to was the constant, excruciating ache of ligaments and bones that liked to fight with each other, and scar tissue that sharply announced its presence. It accompanied both of the earlier pregnancies, the second one especially. It was so debilitating that it was one of the main reasons I wanted to delay pregnancy. Actually, I was terrified of it.

And this time, it's completely absent. I caught myself playing tag with the boys in the yard. At 25 weeks. As I was telling a friend about it Wednesday morning, she asked what I had done for the pain. Answer? Nothing. It's nothing I've done. It's all God, and His mercy.

So now, I'm telling. Now you know. He is GOOD.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Cheese

We were still tonight just long enough for KiSA to catch us on camera. These kiddos are careening toward six and three years old, which continually stuns me. How we love 'em.

Friday, September 17, 2010

It flies!

"Wook at dis Mom!" WonderBoy shouted. "My wubby flies!"

He has discovered the joy of throwing things over the balcony.

Oh my.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Where in the World?

Just in case you are wondering, we are in Ft. Worth right now. We've been here almost a week, and will stay another week before heading back to Granbury. That's in Texas, in case you haven't gathered. (A recent FB question let me know I hadn't clarified that yet.)

I really don't know how to answer the question of how we are doing. Basically, we are waiting. Sometimes patiently and hopefully, sometimes not. It's a journey. We're putting one foot in front of the other, thankful for the good.

Just so you know.

Can the baby see us?

This was just one of the many questions SuperKid had concerning Baby's photo shoot today. All four (five?) of us drove to Dallas to get the newest little one's picture taken via sonogram.

The situation can only be described as a Godsend. Through the good ol' Aggie network, my parents connected us with someone who is an ultrasound student and gracious enough to provide the session gratis. I am so thankful, because specific measurements needed to be taken this week. I am happy to report the baby and I are completely healthy and developing well. And though we were terribly tempted, we did not find out whether to plan for blue or pink. Rather, we turned our heads when she measured the femur, just in case Baby's gender suddenly became obvious.

WonderBoy was not at all interested in what was happening on the screen. I had thought he would be fascinated by all the button and dials. But to avoid the worst of the traffic, we had to schedule it for his nap time. That we avoided a tantrum, and he stayed relatively quiet and close was good enough. Now, the elevator ride to the fourth floor, open atrium and Curious George book in the waiting room, those were interesting.

SuperKid, however, was fascinated. He was curious about all aspects of the procedure, and at times got very emotional. He took turns with his Daddy holding my hand and watching intently. The technician explained everything in detail, patiently pointing out fingers, toes, long bones and heart. That's when he asked if they baby could likewise see us. He was at first worried that either I or the baby would be uncomfortable, but we assured him all was well. "I'm so happy about the baby in your tummy," he tenderly told me more than once.

As for KiSA and I, seeing your unborn child kick, wave hello, and flip around never gets old. I still cannot believe we are at least halfway to meeting him or her face to face. I never cease to be fascinated by both the wonder of new life and the technology that makes such an experience possible. And this time, by the perfectly Divine orchestration that brought the six of us together in that little room.

Thank you, Lord.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

"Nuggle Me!"

This is what WonderBoy calls out when he wants me to lay down with him at night. I know the boys are plenty old enough to go to sleep without being snuggled. But every time I don't spend time snuggling them at night, I regret it. I know the time will come all too soon when they won't want or need Mama at night. Sometimes, of course, it's just not practical to stay with them until our 2 1/2 year-old energizer bunny finally winds down.

But tonight, he turned over, wrapped his chubby little toddler arms around my neck, and sleepily said, "Bess Mom eber," which means, "Best Mom ever." Then he gave me a tender kiss on the cheek. He hears SuperKid say that often, but I don't care that he borrowed the phrase. I also know that they complement me when, in fact, they are needing verbal affirmation in response. So I showered on the loving words, and he gladly soaked it up.

Smart kid, that one. He's snagged me for many more snuggles for a long time.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Community with a Captial "C"

So, your friend moves out of state and promises to keep in touch. "Check my blog," she says. "I'll keep it updated," she promises.

Ahem. Sorry y'all.

So, just to keep you in the loop, we drove this past Wednesday and Thursday to Texas. The pet fish made the trip, which had been a concern. The all-important lovey (blanket) and turtle (stuffed), did not. They are in a motel in Mississippi. We're trying to not talk about it.

We are staying with KiSA's parents. Friday we unloaded the moving truck and visited with my folks. Saturday, we went to our niece's birthday party, and today, to visit my parents and childhood church.

Tomorrow, we are going to get to visit my brother-in-law's work to see the helicopters, and Tuesday is a training for our home school group. Then on Wednesday, I'm not driving anywhere. You can't make me.

I'll be honest, the trip was long, and not entirely smooth. But one thing kept my attitude (mostly) in check: when Rich shared in a sermon the words of their Haitian translator, "When you complain, you sing the song of hell. When you praise, you sing the song of Heaven."

Duly noted, brother. Thus, I have many praises to share.

I praise God for our Community in South Carolina. You are a shining testament to the beauty of the Body of Christ. Surely, the world has seen the Love of Christ in your sacrificial service on our behalf. You cleaned, packed, babysat, spread mulch, brought dinner, hosted, chauffeured, hauled away, cleaned, gifted, visited, encouraged, cleaned, and prayed for us. I am still in awe. I hope to never be out of awe. I love to tell of all the things you've done, because you've so clearly DEMONSTRATED God's Love. I barely made it through church today without weeping from how intensely I miss you all.

I am thankful for our family. We've landed in open arms that have generously met our every need. We are loved, encouraged, supported, and rich.

Our sweet boys have been thrown for a loop in a big way. This has been hard on them, but we are holding on to each other as a little family unit, and finding comfort and strength. They are reconnecting with family, and it is so precious to watch.

It may sound silly, but I am very thankful to be working on this "project" during my second trimester.

I am thankful that my precious Lord is with me. That I am in His mighty hand, and that He never changes. I continue to look forward with anticipation to the good works He has prepared for us to do, and His continued provision.

Friday, August 13, 2010

So it begins

WB is now old enough to tell on his big brother. And through various complaints over multiple nights, we pieced together the truth. SK was telling WB that if he got off the bed, monsters would reach out from under the bed and get him.

His heart intention was probably good. We've been struggling with WB staying in bed once tucked in. So SK probably thought, "Hey, I know how to fix this." To his credit, it worked. He was yelling for Daddy and scared, but still in bed.

It's a good thing Daddy is so big and strong, the monsters don't dare come around.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Revelation

So, you ask, how are we doing?

In short, we are doing good. Perspective helps.

I finished reading "New Thru 30" this morning. Except in my case, it should be titled "New Thru 8" (months). It's a plan to read through the New Testament in 30 days, which our church participated in back in January/February. Of course, the plan ends with reading Revelation. And of course, I started Revelation mere days before KiSA was laid off. A friend of mine teased me about this, saying "Only you would read Revelation during a trying time." It wasn't my plan, I told her. But it was the Lord's.

What I realized from the pairing of that book with my circumstance, is that all these temporal things will soon be dust. They're nothing. A mist. It's easier to sell, give away, and pack up things that I can see as objects, and nothing more.

People are what matter; they're what last. And though we're having to drive away from some of the most amazing, wonderful people I've ever met, the End of the Story says we'll all be together again in the End. Forever. With our King.

I cry a little, but it's only for a time.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The Richest Woman in the World

I've tried to think of ways to make this poetic and beautiful, but am tired, so will opt for simple.

My Knight in Shining Armor came home from work early yesterday, and let me know he'd been laid off.

A very important thing happened at that moment: I was at peace. There is much that God has done in my heart to bring about that state, but I am choosing to remain there. For I am, in truth, the richest woman in the world. I have a husband whom I adore, and who adores me in return. Really, we are crazy about each other. I have two precious treasures of sons and one miraculous bundle of joy on the way. I have a Father in Heaven who is everything to me, and I know who I am in Him. You can't buy these things.

We are looking forward with faith to the good to come. We appreciate your prayers and encouragement.

Friday, July 9, 2010

The latest, or what's funny when you're five

I started this post probably two months ago, but since this is all for posterity, here it is anyway...

At dinner, SK asked what the baby's name was going to be. "What do you think it should be?" we asked him. He paused, thought, and suggested, "How about Gordon?" With painfully straight faces, we told him we'd think about it. Later in the meal, an Ernest Tubb song came on (no joke) and after hearing us say the artist's name, he piped up with, "Hey, how about Ernest?"

KiSA said, "If the baby's name was Ernest Gordon, it's initials would be E.G.G.G."

"EGGG!!!!" he collapsed in laughter. A brother (or sister, for that matter) named EGGG is just about awesome, when you're five.

Sometimes the wheels are turning so fast in his head I swear I can hear them squeaking. He asked me what the baby was wearing. "Nothing," I said. "Babies don't have clothes on until after they're born." That tickled him. Until he asked if he, too, was naked when born. "Yes," we explained. "Everyone is naked when they're born." "Ohhhh," he grimaced. "That's embawassing."

He loves to hear about when he was a baby. (When you're five, it's always best when it's about you.) KiSA told him how he kicked so hard that he knocked a pillow off my tummy, and he sometimes kicked my bladder and I would have to go to the bathroom. Bathroom talk is also incredibly humorous to him, of course. So it shouldn't have surprised me weeks later, when I told him we had to temporarily leave the playground so I could go to the bathroom, for him to loudly ask, "Did the baby kick you so you have to pee?" Thanks, son.

We thought Independence Day would be fun, but we found out that WB hates fireworks. He screamed at the sound of them, even down the street. It wasn't a particularly celebratory evening.

He is definitely living by toddler rules. These include the sentiment, "whatever you have I instantly want even though I didn't care about it until now" and "whatever you want me to do I would rather not, unless I then decide that I do." We are proud of how well his speech is coming along, though we often hear, "Me do," "I have turn," "Me want," and "Mine."

But my favorite, the one to top it all, was when he passed the buck. I confess, his older brother has blamed things on him before. So when misbehavior occurred, WB turned and pointed to the dog and said, "Gek did it." (Tex did it.)

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Three

Three is a nice number. Which is good, because in about 8 months, we are going to have a baby! This is old news to grandmas and grandpas, but for everyone else, now you know.

We are thrilled, and honored. My current estimate is that the wee one will arrive in late January, or early February. We haven't told SuperKid quite yet, although he's been praying for this for at least a year.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Toddler Breakfast Ideas

I don't know if I'll ever get over the delectable cuteness of our toddler putt-putt-ing across the house to our bedroom first thing this morning, dragging his "lovey" like Linus, and wearing camouflage and dinosaur pajamas. He smiled a sleepy smile when he realized Daddy was still home and he could sneak in a few minutes of snuggling.

After we'd sent Daddy off to "wuk" by blowing kisses, I asked him if he was hungry for breakfast.
Nod.
"How 'bout, see ba?" he asked. Which means, "cereal bar."
"I'm sorry," I answered. "They're all gone."
"Oh. How 'bout...canee?" Little grin, eyebrows raised. That means, "candy."
"No!" I laughed. He laughed too, but it was worth a try.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Three-Ring Circus

Although I've felt at times like the title of this post could apply to our daily life, it does not. It does refer, in fact, to an actual circus. SK and I went with our homeschool group to the Barnum and Bailey circus last Friday. It was overwhelming! We definitely got our money's worth and more (especially since they were discounted group prices).

And though it was indeed a spectacle, the "greatest show on earth" was played out on my boy's face. There are few things more fun than watching your child enjoy a new experience. He kept asking me if the animals were real. "Yes, those are real tigers, elephants, and horses. Yes, those motorcycles and clowns are real!" Everything was amazing, funny and exciting.

WB stayed at a friend's house and had a blast playing with trucks and balls and such. It was actually a bit of a dilemma for SK because he had to leave his little brother to play at his best friend's house while his friend was there. I had to prod him to leave to make it to the circus on time! When we picked WB up afterward, we stayed for another 30 minutes so they could play together. Honestly, that may have been as high on his list as the circus!

SK is at that great age which--in addition to being obsessed with nonsensical knock-knock jokes--includes a silly face in all photos. I would tell him he will freeze this way but that would only make him do it more.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Written in Diamonds

I wrote this back in February, just now getting around to posting...

I don't spend much time watching girlie television shows. The boys watch Curious George and KiSA watches hunting or Mythbusters. I'm fine with that; I have too much to do to really care about having my own "shows."

But this was different. This was the Miss America pageant. I admit, here and now, I like fashion shows, pageants, wedding dress shows and "What Not to Wear." Yes, it's nothing but vanity and fluff and ephemeral nonsense and I think a tiny bit of that in life is okay. Just a bit, maybe twice a year.

So, while KiSA was gone, and I was sick and could justify sitting down to watch TV, I watched the whole thing. (Of course, I forwarded through the "athletic" portion of the contest. Who do they think they are kidding anyway? If they were truly judging athletic prowess, there would be a sit-up contest and baton relay. Give me a break. Either way, neither I nor my boys need to see it.)

Surprisingly, the boys were fascinated right along with me. They liked the talent portion; they liked the dresses. "They look so pretty," SK kept saying.

Now a long, long time ago, in a land far, far away, I won a talent pageant. It was before I really knew who I was, or what true beauty or wisdom looked like. But, I worked hard for it and of the effort, I was proud. But we are bombarded by messages of how different we should be than how we are, and how we can never be beautiful enough. So while watching the pageant, I started to wilt a bit. Rather than appreciate how dedicated and hard working those young women were, I started to regret not being more like them.

In a gift of Divine Grace, SK turned to me right in that moment, looked me in the eye and said, "Mama, you're so pwetty."

Oh, he could have written it in diamonds and it would not have meant more. That's what my God, my husband, my parents, my children, and my friends and family think--they think I'm beautiful. Three-inch heels and tiaras aside, they think I'm beautiful. It helps me to think so, too.

...Well, flash-forward to June, and I have been the happy recipient of a continuous torrent of similar complements from SuperKid. He daily tells me that I'm more beautiful than anyone ever believed, I'm so pretty, and I'm a princess. Really. I really think it's the Father's way of loving on me through my son's words. He is such a blessing.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

One Thousand and Eight

SuperKid has discovered the biggest number ever: one thousand and eight. It's the height of the tallest tower in the entire world, the largest quantity of anything anyone could ever have, and even the distance to the very stars. He dreams of building a factory that will make 1,008 robots, and of opening a barber shop that gives 1, 008 haircuts. If he had to wait for the longest length of time imaginable, it would take 1,008 days. Someday, when he is a very big grown up man, he wants to have 1,008 kids.

This has been so for over a month. We had no idea why. But recently, we began discussing the possibility of taking a summer trip to Texas. KiSA was looking at the map and teaching SK the names of the states along our intended route. Finally, he explained that it was very far from our house to his grandparent's house. In fact, it is exactly 1,008 miles.

Aha! At some point in a previous trip or discussion of it, SK had picked up that number--1,008--and understood that it was a very great distance. When you're four or five, a two-day drive in the car is the longest, most grueling endurance test imaginable. And when you miss your family, yes, it can feel like a very big number indeed.

There is a value greater than 1,008--Love. It cannot be diminished by distance or time. So please know, dear family and friends, that we love you very much.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Timber!

We had to take the Christmas tree down. SK tried every which way he knew to negotiate leaving it up "for the rest of his life," but alas, it was just time.

Both of the boys have had a hard time with the reality that December is over. It was a month flooded with candy, a double birthday party, Christmas parties, packages in the mail, presents, cookies, more packages, and excitement. Then--thud--we fall flat into January. Nothing.

I understand their sadness. WB just wants to know why there is no more chocolate in the advent "calendar," which is a train. "Train! Train?" he yells as we walk by. SK is still singing Christmas carols, albeit with his own lyrics most of the time. He wonders where Santa Claus is now.

One of the things I'm hoping to do differently next Christmas stems from a question SK asked just before Christmas Eve. "What can I give to God for Christmas?" he wondered. Oh, how I was humbled. We're going to think through that one this coming year, and hopefully discover what it is that God wants for Christmas.

He also expressed a desire many times to make gifts for special people in his life, which is a long list, but we had not planned ahead well enough to pull it off. I'm planning to help him carry that out this coming year. He loves to give surprises and make presents, which makes me think that gifting is one of his love languages.

Meanwhile, WB is just hoping for some more chocolate.