The following pictures are some representative moments of life in the past few weeks.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Wierd and Tired
Life has been a little wierd lately. Mostly good but a little wierd. Maybe that's just the lens I'm seeing everything through right now. A tired, sick and mistaken filter. In actual fact I have everything to be thankful for.
The following pictures are some representative moments of life in the past few weeks.
The following pictures are some representative moments of life in the past few weeks.
Friday, May 09, 2008
The Legend of the Black Deuce
I removed the second video due to some content not appropriate for public viewing. If you know us and still want to see it just come over to our house.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Cows, NJ and the Backyard
So we now own 1/20th of a cow. She lives at a nearby farm. The farmer milks her and we pick up a gallon of her milk once a week. This photo may be her, but we're not sure since there are six other cows on the farm too:
I've been working on a project for a company in New Jersey, and my boss and I recently spent a day near Newark scoping out the pipeline route.
The backyard is exploding with new life - the fruits of the previous owner's labors. They loved uncommon flora, so the plant beds are full of flowers, shrubberies and trees I've never heard of before. It's a lot of work, but it sure is nice to look at.
I've been working on a project for a company in New Jersey, and my boss and I recently spent a day near Newark scoping out the pipeline route.
The backyard is exploding with new life - the fruits of the previous owner's labors. They loved uncommon flora, so the plant beds are full of flowers, shrubberies and trees I've never heard of before. It's a lot of work, but it sure is nice to look at.
Playing the (insert your word of choice here) Card
I'm pretty sick of cards. Can't the politicians and the media do something else for a while? If I spent all day accusing other people of playing cards I think I would get fired.
It's time for a new metaphor.
It's time for a new metaphor.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Exam Update
Well Brian felt confident about how he did on the exam and he even finished 30 minutes early! We had a quick dinner, friends over for some laughs and now he's out smoking his pipe with da boys. (He hardly ever gets a chance :) )
The Exam
Brian is gone and has begun his Professional Engineering Exam by now! Please pray for him. He's been studying every week night for 2-3hrs for the past 3 1/2months. I'm sure that he will do great. That is he better pass! ;)
Neither of us have gotten much sleep the last few nights. Alex has been waking up randomly during the last week and then 2 nights ago he woke up barking (coughing) and couldn't breathe. I never seen so much green stuff come out of a little nose. Since then he's been doing ok during the days but up for 2hrs each night trying to get back to sleep with us by his side. Poor Brian, these things always happen when he needs sleep most.
Yesterday the weather was crazy and the sky was exciting. It looked like a line split directly down the center of the road separating sunny sky and dark clouds. It went from sunny to rain to sunny to hail to sun in about 15minutes. I guess there was a tornado about 1hr from here.
Well better attend to the little man.
Neither of us have gotten much sleep the last few nights. Alex has been waking up randomly during the last week and then 2 nights ago he woke up barking (coughing) and couldn't breathe. I never seen so much green stuff come out of a little nose. Since then he's been doing ok during the days but up for 2hrs each night trying to get back to sleep with us by his side. Poor Brian, these things always happen when he needs sleep most.
Yesterday the weather was crazy and the sky was exciting. It looked like a line split directly down the center of the road separating sunny sky and dark clouds. It went from sunny to rain to sunny to hail to sun in about 15minutes. I guess there was a tornado about 1hr from here.
Well better attend to the little man.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Spring is Here!
It's official: I've shaved my head and there a flowers all over our yard and the trees and shrubberies are beginning to bud. And it's sixty degrees Fahrenheit outside.
We spent all of Saturday removing the fountain in our backyard, clearing all the dead foliage from our plant plots and pruning as necessary. Then I helped my friend set up some composting boxes. It feels so good to be outside again. Let me repeat that: It feels so good to be outside again. So good.
Once my 8 hour engineering exam next Saturday is over the next projects up are the bike repairs and then the bookshelves. I'm gonna enjoy this summer for all its worth. Which is a lot. A very, very lot.
We spent all of Saturday removing the fountain in our backyard, clearing all the dead foliage from our plant plots and pruning as necessary. Then I helped my friend set up some composting boxes. It feels so good to be outside again. Let me repeat that: It feels so good to be outside again. So good.
Once my 8 hour engineering exam next Saturday is over the next projects up are the bike repairs and then the bookshelves. I'm gonna enjoy this summer for all its worth. Which is a lot. A very, very lot.
The 'Hawk
This was the real thing. None of that fauxhawk business. I really wanted to keep it. It was like the stray dog you bring home as a kid. "Mommy can we keep it?"
"Sarah can I keep it? Just for one day?" "NO!"
"Sarah can I keep it? Just for one day?" "NO!"
Monday, March 31, 2008
Lately
I've heard the phrase "Life will never be the same again" more since Alex started walking than when he was born. That is deeply, deeply disturbing.
It certainly has been an exciting week. Alex has been teasing us with little spurts of surprise walking every now and again for the past month or so. I think about a week ago he realized the potential of this whole walking thing and started pursuing it in earnest. He is now running.
Here are a few endearing photos from the most recently captured bath.
In this one Alex is looking down the barrel of Joe's video camera. Joe spent a few evenings last week filming us for a short film he's creating for a school project. The purpose of the project is to portray an emotion, which, in Joe's film's case, is loneliness. Joe showed a rough edit of the film to his class. When it was finished no one spoke for a minute, until one young lady offered a profound insight: "That was sad as [heck]."
Alex has been affectionately dubbed "the Cute" by his uncle Steve.
And here is the Cute looking downright sinister as he brandishes his washcloth:
It certainly has been an exciting week. Alex has been teasing us with little spurts of surprise walking every now and again for the past month or so. I think about a week ago he realized the potential of this whole walking thing and started pursuing it in earnest. He is now running.
Here are a few endearing photos from the most recently captured bath.
In this one Alex is looking down the barrel of Joe's video camera. Joe spent a few evenings last week filming us for a short film he's creating for a school project. The purpose of the project is to portray an emotion, which, in Joe's film's case, is loneliness. Joe showed a rough edit of the film to his class. When it was finished no one spoke for a minute, until one young lady offered a profound insight: "That was sad as [heck]."
Alex has been affectionately dubbed "the Cute" by his uncle Steve.
And here is the Cute looking downright sinister as he brandishes his washcloth:
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
The Anti-Anti-Homeschooling Post
Please read our friend's post here before proceeding. The format for this post is our friend's statements followed by my rebuttals. Make sure you read his post to get everything in context. If I seem abrupt please know that I love Derek very much.
Derek: Homeschooling is very popular among conservative, fundamentalist Christians.
Me: Any other labels you'd like to apply?
Derek: There is a commonly-held view among them that some things taught in public schools (such as evolution and gender identity) are wrong or that the social interactions with other kids at school are too dangerous. In the true spirit of American individualism, the parents choose to withdraw their children from public schools and either teach them themselves or enroll them in a private Christian school. As a Christian who may someday have children, I can easily understand how keeping my child out of a public school would seem beneficial. However, I keep coming back to the conclusion that doing so would be irresponsible to my child and to society.
Me: The reasons you specify do come into consideration for some homeschooling families, but I think you've overlooked some of the most basic ones. Many people believe that parents are generally best suited to educate their own children, especially at younger ages when the parent's knowledge of the educational subjects is not as important as their knowledge of the child. Many also believe that education is best suited to one on one (or at least one on few) interaction between the teacher and the student(s). The reason they are not putting their kids into schools is because they fundamentally disagree with the concept of a typical American primary school.
Derek: Just as it is impractical for one to build their own roads, sewer system, and power plant, it is impractical for one to take on the duty of a child’s teacher in all subjects for every age level. Technology and human collective knowledge have progressed to the point where we must depend on others to help us out. This includes teaching. I can choose not to depend on the city to provide my water, but my quality of life will be significantly lower, if not outright unhealthy. I can choose to try and teach my son Geometry, but in reality, I will fail and end up telling him to read the book. If he doesn’t understand the book, well, he’s just out of luck, unless he’s a genius. Where does this leave the non-genius children who have inadequate teachers? The homeschooler will argue that there are plenty of under-qualified teachers in the public school system. This leads us to my second point.
Me: I agree, mostly. I would certainly not advise that a parent attempt to teach their child a subject they are not competent to teach. If the parents' competence is solid I think you might agree that everything is fine from this aspect. In my own personal experience my mother felt unable to teach me some of the material I was beginning to encounter starting in eighth grade. At that point my parents decided it was time to send me to a private school.
Derek: Parents need to be involved with their child’s education.
Me: Amen, brother. Preach it. This is what homeschooling is all about.
Derek: For too many parents, school is “daycare with benefits.” Not many are willing to take on the responsibility of keeping teachers personally accountable. They’d much rather have congress whip together a No Child Left Behind Act that institutes ineffective standardized testing and sacrifices deep learning experiences for learning what bubbles to fill in on the test.
Me: All too true.
Derek: An ideal school system would involve parental and student feedback that weeds out ineffective teachers and sets policies for what is taught.
Me: As well as a great many other things, but I certainly won't argue with that.
Derek: Furthermore, it is very telling that the students who typically do the worst in school are the ones whose parents are not involved. The problems with the public school system are not going to be solved by acts of congress, just as poverty will never be eliminated through welfare programs. It requires community participation.
Me: I agree. Problems are also caused by parents who are negatively involved, i.e. defending their child's behavior when they should be punishing them.
Derek: While withdrawing from a social institution may seem to provide short-term benefits, the effects are always negative for all parties.
Me: Watch the absolutes there buddy. Sometimes the social institution is fundamentally flawed. Plus, we shouldn't have a blind allegiance to a social institution just because it currently exists.
Derek: The poor always suffer the most as a result. For example, as middle class white people withdrew from urban areas to live in the suburbs, urban neighborhoods and schools severely deteriorated. They’re caught in a downward spiral of needing investment, but lacking the tax income to provide that investment. The only way out is for affluent neighbors to invest. Similarly, if all concerned parents withdraw from public schools, the majority who are left in the public schools will be left to rot in an unchecked system of under-qualified teachers teaching moral ambiguity. Wait, that’s already happening…
Me: Indeed. I'm not accusing you of saying it, but money alone is NOT going to solve this problem. While it may have been better when richer people were around, it was never perfect.
Derek: Sidebar: It was interesting to me, learning about the run-up to the Civil War, to hear what the was reason for pro-Unionists to keep the South from seceding. Their reasoning went as follows: If the losing political minority withdraws from a system of government every time a law is passed against them, the law will have no meaning because all of those who are opposed to a law are essentially choosing not to follow it. If I am pro-murder, I will just secede from the Union and murder will be legal for me. It’s another example of how institutions fail when no one wants to participate.
Me: Are we comparing homeschooling with slavery here? Splitting a nation with choosing to educate our own children?
Derek: Why do we care about society? The typical right-wing Christian mindset says that we are all sinners and that the world is hopelessly lost to corruption, violence, and poverty. Since there is no hope for society, better for me to live in a shack in the woods where I can read my bible and live a Godly life, far away from the influence of the evil world. I used to hold this view myself. However, it is not what Jesus taught.
Me: The cliched labels are getting old. It is sad but true that many think this way. And it is decidedly not what Jesus taught, especially the separatist part.
Derek: Jesus’ first recorded miracle is actually a clue to us as to what His plan is for us:
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”
“Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied, “My time has not yet come.”
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.
Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”
They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.
This story is very rich in symbolism and John gives us some clues. First, the miracle happened “on the third day.” Second, the scene is a wedding. In the Old Testament, marriage was used symbolically to represent Israel’s (the bride) union and close relationship with God (the groom). Third, wine was used by Old Testament prophets to represent peace, fruitful labor, and blessings - heaven on earth. Essentially, this story boils down to servants bringing heaven on earth by following Jesus’ commands.
This story flatly contradicts the idea that the world is doomed to sinful decay. We have a part in doing God’s will to bring heaven on earth. Jesus initiated the moment where heaven and earth meet - are wedded - and bring hope to a fallen world.
Me: We are definitely called to build up the Kingdom of God and to bring hope and healing to the world.
Derek: Conservative Christians typically focus solely on their relationship with God. They strive to fulfill the first, greatest commandment - to love God with their whole soul, mind, and strength. However they many times miss the second part of that commandment - to love others as themselves. I spent most of my life ignoring that commandment and then most of the rest of my life only focusing on the first part of it. It’s easy to start a “God and me club,” but it’s hard to truly love others as God loves them.
Me: Hmm. I think there are those who would disagree with you about the ease of starting a "God and me club." God calls us to absolutely incredible depths of gut-wrenching change at the heart level. I agree wholeheartedly that it's difficult to truly love others as God does.
Derek: In fact, as you read the bible, you realize that if you are to truly love God, it follows naturally that you will love what he loves - justice, healing, the orphan, the widow, and your pointy-haired boss.
Me: Amen.
Derek: This brings us back to society. What is our mission as Christians who are trying to do God’s will and restore creation to its creator? Do we hide in our homeschools or do we try to help steer society toward what is good?
Me: Please don't make the mistake of thinking that homeschooling and helping to "steer society toward what is good" are mutually exclusive.
My family never hid in our homeschool. We lived in an urban neighborhood and built friendships with dozens of kids, most of whom didn't know Jesus. We were exposed to them and they were exposed to us. We were involved in the community and in community groups. I'm not saying we were perfect (not even close) but I am trying to combat your notion that all homeschoolers are running and hiding and separating themselves from the needs of the world. It's not true. Many, if not most of them sincerely believe that the task of training up a child in the way he should go is the responsibility of his parents. They don't see homeschooling as an abandonment of the needs of world, they see it as an opportunity to shape the character and hearts of their children in ways a teacher with thirty other kids to take care of never could.
I know that homeschooling is not the solution for everyone. I know it's not even a feasible option for most families in their current state. Some of this has to do with poverty, and a lot of it has to do with our materialistic, greedy, consumer-driven, double income middle class culture. There's some labels!
I am confident that if more God-fearing men and women were to start spending six or eight more hours a day rubbing off on their kids, teaching them and living out for them how to love God and how to love their neighbors as well as the usual facts, that this world, that our communities, would not be worse off. Obviously this can't be done in isolation. We need to have some neighbors to love. I think you may be caught up in thinking that the only neighbors we have to love are the ones in the public school system. If so, you're wrong. They're in the house next door, they're just down the block, they're at the park, they're in the babysitting co-op(maybe even in the homeschooling co-op), they're at church, they're sleeping on the street downtown. I don't think it's wrong to love your neighbor by putting your child in the public school system and getting involved in his education. I do think it's wrong to condemn homeschooling based on stereotyped perceptions and a narrow philosophy of loving one's neighbor. I would go so far as to propose that homeschooling has just as much potential to "help steer society toward what is good" as getting involved in the public school system.
Derek: Homeschooling is very popular among conservative, fundamentalist Christians.
Me: Any other labels you'd like to apply?
Derek: There is a commonly-held view among them that some things taught in public schools (such as evolution and gender identity) are wrong or that the social interactions with other kids at school are too dangerous. In the true spirit of American individualism, the parents choose to withdraw their children from public schools and either teach them themselves or enroll them in a private Christian school. As a Christian who may someday have children, I can easily understand how keeping my child out of a public school would seem beneficial. However, I keep coming back to the conclusion that doing so would be irresponsible to my child and to society.
Me: The reasons you specify do come into consideration for some homeschooling families, but I think you've overlooked some of the most basic ones. Many people believe that parents are generally best suited to educate their own children, especially at younger ages when the parent's knowledge of the educational subjects is not as important as their knowledge of the child. Many also believe that education is best suited to one on one (or at least one on few) interaction between the teacher and the student(s). The reason they are not putting their kids into schools is because they fundamentally disagree with the concept of a typical American primary school.
Derek: Just as it is impractical for one to build their own roads, sewer system, and power plant, it is impractical for one to take on the duty of a child’s teacher in all subjects for every age level. Technology and human collective knowledge have progressed to the point where we must depend on others to help us out. This includes teaching. I can choose not to depend on the city to provide my water, but my quality of life will be significantly lower, if not outright unhealthy. I can choose to try and teach my son Geometry, but in reality, I will fail and end up telling him to read the book. If he doesn’t understand the book, well, he’s just out of luck, unless he’s a genius. Where does this leave the non-genius children who have inadequate teachers? The homeschooler will argue that there are plenty of under-qualified teachers in the public school system. This leads us to my second point.
Me: I agree, mostly. I would certainly not advise that a parent attempt to teach their child a subject they are not competent to teach. If the parents' competence is solid I think you might agree that everything is fine from this aspect. In my own personal experience my mother felt unable to teach me some of the material I was beginning to encounter starting in eighth grade. At that point my parents decided it was time to send me to a private school.
Derek: Parents need to be involved with their child’s education.
Me: Amen, brother. Preach it. This is what homeschooling is all about.
Derek: For too many parents, school is “daycare with benefits.” Not many are willing to take on the responsibility of keeping teachers personally accountable. They’d much rather have congress whip together a No Child Left Behind Act that institutes ineffective standardized testing and sacrifices deep learning experiences for learning what bubbles to fill in on the test.
Me: All too true.
Derek: An ideal school system would involve parental and student feedback that weeds out ineffective teachers and sets policies for what is taught.
Me: As well as a great many other things, but I certainly won't argue with that.
Derek: Furthermore, it is very telling that the students who typically do the worst in school are the ones whose parents are not involved. The problems with the public school system are not going to be solved by acts of congress, just as poverty will never be eliminated through welfare programs. It requires community participation.
Me: I agree. Problems are also caused by parents who are negatively involved, i.e. defending their child's behavior when they should be punishing them.
Derek: While withdrawing from a social institution may seem to provide short-term benefits, the effects are always negative for all parties.
Me: Watch the absolutes there buddy. Sometimes the social institution is fundamentally flawed. Plus, we shouldn't have a blind allegiance to a social institution just because it currently exists.
Derek: The poor always suffer the most as a result. For example, as middle class white people withdrew from urban areas to live in the suburbs, urban neighborhoods and schools severely deteriorated. They’re caught in a downward spiral of needing investment, but lacking the tax income to provide that investment. The only way out is for affluent neighbors to invest. Similarly, if all concerned parents withdraw from public schools, the majority who are left in the public schools will be left to rot in an unchecked system of under-qualified teachers teaching moral ambiguity. Wait, that’s already happening…
Me: Indeed. I'm not accusing you of saying it, but money alone is NOT going to solve this problem. While it may have been better when richer people were around, it was never perfect.
Derek: Sidebar: It was interesting to me, learning about the run-up to the Civil War, to hear what the was reason for pro-Unionists to keep the South from seceding. Their reasoning went as follows: If the losing political minority withdraws from a system of government every time a law is passed against them, the law will have no meaning because all of those who are opposed to a law are essentially choosing not to follow it. If I am pro-murder, I will just secede from the Union and murder will be legal for me. It’s another example of how institutions fail when no one wants to participate.
Me: Are we comparing homeschooling with slavery here? Splitting a nation with choosing to educate our own children?
Derek: Why do we care about society? The typical right-wing Christian mindset says that we are all sinners and that the world is hopelessly lost to corruption, violence, and poverty. Since there is no hope for society, better for me to live in a shack in the woods where I can read my bible and live a Godly life, far away from the influence of the evil world. I used to hold this view myself. However, it is not what Jesus taught.
Me: The cliched labels are getting old. It is sad but true that many think this way. And it is decidedly not what Jesus taught, especially the separatist part.
Derek: Jesus’ first recorded miracle is actually a clue to us as to what His plan is for us:
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”
“Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied, “My time has not yet come.”
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.
Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”
They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.
This story is very rich in symbolism and John gives us some clues. First, the miracle happened “on the third day.” Second, the scene is a wedding. In the Old Testament, marriage was used symbolically to represent Israel’s (the bride) union and close relationship with God (the groom). Third, wine was used by Old Testament prophets to represent peace, fruitful labor, and blessings - heaven on earth. Essentially, this story boils down to servants bringing heaven on earth by following Jesus’ commands.
This story flatly contradicts the idea that the world is doomed to sinful decay. We have a part in doing God’s will to bring heaven on earth. Jesus initiated the moment where heaven and earth meet - are wedded - and bring hope to a fallen world.
Me: We are definitely called to build up the Kingdom of God and to bring hope and healing to the world.
Derek: Conservative Christians typically focus solely on their relationship with God. They strive to fulfill the first, greatest commandment - to love God with their whole soul, mind, and strength. However they many times miss the second part of that commandment - to love others as themselves. I spent most of my life ignoring that commandment and then most of the rest of my life only focusing on the first part of it. It’s easy to start a “God and me club,” but it’s hard to truly love others as God loves them.
Me: Hmm. I think there are those who would disagree with you about the ease of starting a "God and me club." God calls us to absolutely incredible depths of gut-wrenching change at the heart level. I agree wholeheartedly that it's difficult to truly love others as God does.
Derek: In fact, as you read the bible, you realize that if you are to truly love God, it follows naturally that you will love what he loves - justice, healing, the orphan, the widow, and your pointy-haired boss.
Me: Amen.
Derek: This brings us back to society. What is our mission as Christians who are trying to do God’s will and restore creation to its creator? Do we hide in our homeschools or do we try to help steer society toward what is good?
Me: Please don't make the mistake of thinking that homeschooling and helping to "steer society toward what is good" are mutually exclusive.
My family never hid in our homeschool. We lived in an urban neighborhood and built friendships with dozens of kids, most of whom didn't know Jesus. We were exposed to them and they were exposed to us. We were involved in the community and in community groups. I'm not saying we were perfect (not even close) but I am trying to combat your notion that all homeschoolers are running and hiding and separating themselves from the needs of the world. It's not true. Many, if not most of them sincerely believe that the task of training up a child in the way he should go is the responsibility of his parents. They don't see homeschooling as an abandonment of the needs of world, they see it as an opportunity to shape the character and hearts of their children in ways a teacher with thirty other kids to take care of never could.
I know that homeschooling is not the solution for everyone. I know it's not even a feasible option for most families in their current state. Some of this has to do with poverty, and a lot of it has to do with our materialistic, greedy, consumer-driven, double income middle class culture. There's some labels!
I am confident that if more God-fearing men and women were to start spending six or eight more hours a day rubbing off on their kids, teaching them and living out for them how to love God and how to love their neighbors as well as the usual facts, that this world, that our communities, would not be worse off. Obviously this can't be done in isolation. We need to have some neighbors to love. I think you may be caught up in thinking that the only neighbors we have to love are the ones in the public school system. If so, you're wrong. They're in the house next door, they're just down the block, they're at the park, they're in the babysitting co-op(maybe even in the homeschooling co-op), they're at church, they're sleeping on the street downtown. I don't think it's wrong to love your neighbor by putting your child in the public school system and getting involved in his education. I do think it's wrong to condemn homeschooling based on stereotyped perceptions and a narrow philosophy of loving one's neighbor. I would go so far as to propose that homeschooling has just as much potential to "help steer society toward what is good" as getting involved in the public school system.
Friday, March 21, 2008
The Little Man's First Birthday!
Alex is one year old today! Happy birthday little buddy. Alex's lifespan has seen a lot of changes in the life of our family. When he was born we lived in Australia, I was a Naval Architect, and it was sunny and warm. Now that he's one we live in Michigan, I am a pipeline engineer and it's cold and snowing. That of course is a very rudimentary summary which does absolutely no justice to the incredible and profound changes that have taken place.
Anyway, here is our wonderful little boy showing off his newest trick:
Anyway, here is our wonderful little boy showing off his newest trick:
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Spring is Coming!!!
Here's a taste of the fruits of the labors of the previous owners of our new house:
Walking
Shortly before his first birthday Alex has decided to oblige us with a few steps out into the open.
Good work son.
Good work son.
Alex's First Birthday Party!!!
Today we had a party to celebrate Alex's first birthday (which is next Friday). He had a blast playing with all the people and balloons and new toys. His favorite presents at first were the new spoons from Grandpa and Grandma Johnston and the little card that was attached to the Ferris' present. It's the simple things in life.
He also enjoyed his first taste of birthday cake:
The little guy made out pretty good considering he's never really done much for anybody.
You can click on the pictures to see a little bit larger version. You can see even more pictures here.
We love you Alex! You're a wonderful little son. Even though you've never done much for anyone, you've brought more joy to our lives than we ever thought possible.
He also enjoyed his first taste of birthday cake:
The little guy made out pretty good considering he's never really done much for anybody.
You can click on the pictures to see a little bit larger version. You can see even more pictures here.
We love you Alex! You're a wonderful little son. Even though you've never done much for anyone, you've brought more joy to our lives than we ever thought possible.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Easter
For the last 2 Easter's we have been in Australia. In fact it was one of our first social events with our friends at Holy Trinity. We have very fond memories of sitting outside at the Broman's. Helen and I with our nana rugs (where I first learned the term). Eating delicious hot cross buns and Brian tasting that weird (to me - Sarah) fruit we had never seen before! Last year was once again celebrated at the Broman's with hot cross buns. The weather was warmer and Alex was just a few weeks old. :)
This year, it's sad to say, will be spent in the cold. :( This year for the Aussie's it will be a wonderful 100 degrees F and dry. I wouldn't want to be in the kitchen making the hot cross buns but I will definitely miss eating them! Maybe I'll have to make my own to warm up this wintry city.
We miss you Aussie's! Enjoy your Easter. And Family - you better make this one worth our while. ;)
This year, it's sad to say, will be spent in the cold. :( This year for the Aussie's it will be a wonderful 100 degrees F and dry. I wouldn't want to be in the kitchen making the hot cross buns but I will definitely miss eating them! Maybe I'll have to make my own to warm up this wintry city.
We miss you Aussie's! Enjoy your Easter. And Family - you better make this one worth our while. ;)
Friday, February 29, 2008
The Sickness
Warning: Disgusting Post Ahead
It's been quite a day. Who knows where it all started, but we think Alex got it first. His diapers were full of something, shall we say, a little less solid than usual. It hit me yesterday at work after lunch. The porcelain throne became more my home than my desk. After I got home from work my system decided it was time to open up both exits, so my face also became well acquainted with the reflections in the bowl. After I ate some BRAT style dinner, which promptly decided it was not going to stay, Sarah went out to get some pop. As she was unlocking the door after getting home from that errand it hit her too. Don't eat that chunky brown snow beside the porch, my friend. I got the aches at some point during the evening, and could not fall asleep because of the pain. Sarah didn't fare much better. Thankfully Alex slept fairly well. I couldn't stop tossing and turning and thinking about potential trips to the emergency room to get rehydrated so at 11 pm I went downstairs and laid around trying to get comfy for a few hours. Then I got on the 'puter and processed some photos. Then I went back upstairs and tried to sleep in the guest bedroom. It still wouldn't work. I took some ibuprofen. I figured it was safe since I had been able to keep at least a little bit of liquid down for past few hours at that point. It worked, so about an hour later at 6 am or so I finally fell asleep. I dozed until about 10 am. Now I'm hanging out with Alex while Sarah gets some sleep.
It's been quite a day. Who knows where it all started, but we think Alex got it first. His diapers were full of something, shall we say, a little less solid than usual. It hit me yesterday at work after lunch. The porcelain throne became more my home than my desk. After I got home from work my system decided it was time to open up both exits, so my face also became well acquainted with the reflections in the bowl. After I ate some BRAT style dinner, which promptly decided it was not going to stay, Sarah went out to get some pop. As she was unlocking the door after getting home from that errand it hit her too. Don't eat that chunky brown snow beside the porch, my friend. I got the aches at some point during the evening, and could not fall asleep because of the pain. Sarah didn't fare much better. Thankfully Alex slept fairly well. I couldn't stop tossing and turning and thinking about potential trips to the emergency room to get rehydrated so at 11 pm I went downstairs and laid around trying to get comfy for a few hours. Then I got on the 'puter and processed some photos. Then I went back upstairs and tried to sleep in the guest bedroom. It still wouldn't work. I took some ibuprofen. I figured it was safe since I had been able to keep at least a little bit of liquid down for past few hours at that point. It worked, so about an hour later at 6 am or so I finally fell asleep. I dozed until about 10 am. Now I'm hanging out with Alex while Sarah gets some sleep.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Oh Dear
Things is going about themselves as usual here. Alex is growing up faster than a cheetah. Sarah is Whipping a whole lot of different things into shape. I spend pretty much all the time I have outside of work and the basic necessities studying for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam which I'll be taking on April 12. It's the first of two 8 hour exams you have to take in order to become a licensed as a Professional Engineer.
Life is good, God is good, but boy am I going to be glad when that exam is over.
Much love.
Life is good, God is good, but boy am I going to be glad when that exam is over.
Much love.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Snow
Well we've had lots of it this winter! The weather is supposed to come and go in waves...of snow that is. Well I hope that a wave doesn't hit Saturday because I'm driving to a conference for the day and am not looking forward to the early start.
Shoveling has become a spectator's sport in our house. Alex loves to stand at the window and watch Brian shovel. He also gives me the running commentary on the action. If there are any good videos of the commentary I'll get Brian to put them up soon.
Despite his fascination with shoveling he did not seem so thrilled to actually be sitting in snow. Brian let Alex 'test' the snow the other day. He was quite hesitant and didn't last outside very long. Perhaps it had more to do with the fact that he couldn't move in his super duper winter coat. :)
Shoveling has become a spectator's sport in our house. Alex loves to stand at the window and watch Brian shovel. He also gives me the running commentary on the action. If there are any good videos of the commentary I'll get Brian to put them up soon.
Despite his fascination with shoveling he did not seem so thrilled to actually be sitting in snow. Brian let Alex 'test' the snow the other day. He was quite hesitant and didn't last outside very long. Perhaps it had more to do with the fact that he couldn't move in his super duper winter coat. :)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Chuck Norris
If you have five dollars and Chuck Norris has five dollars, Chuck Norris has more money than you.
There is no 'ctrl' button on Chuck Norris's computer. Chuck Norris is always in control.
Chuck Norris can sneeze with his eyes open.
Chuck Norris can eat just one Lay's potato chip.
Chuck Norris destroyed the periodic table, because he only recognizes the element of surprise.
Chuck Norris can kill two stones with one bird.
There is no 'ctrl' button on Chuck Norris's computer. Chuck Norris is always in control.
Chuck Norris can sneeze with his eyes open.
Chuck Norris can eat just one Lay's potato chip.
Chuck Norris destroyed the periodic table, because he only recognizes the element of surprise.
Chuck Norris can kill two stones with one bird.
Adelaide is Heaven?
Brian and I were discussing how much we missed Adelaide last night. I have been feeling pretty torn by this whole move and my brain somehow still believes that we will be returning to Adelaide very soon. It just felt like home for me. I stated to Brian that I would love to go back if we got the opportunity. That's when Brian made a profound statement. He explained that being torn between two places made him that much more excited about Heaven because it will be a place where we will feel whole again. Where all believers will be together living for the Lord.
Then came the profound statement. Heaven will be like Adelaide, but with all our favorite people living there.
Then came the profound statement. Heaven will be like Adelaide, but with all our favorite people living there.
Cleanliness
It's one of those days (actually on of those weeks) where I feel dirty and just need to wash my face or take a shower or clean the entire house in order to feel clean again. Well there have been a few things that have just made me (Sarah) feel dirty these last few days.
Last night I dropped a jar of applesauce and it completely slimed and stickified the kitchen floor. I've been meaning to mop for the last week and a half. A few things have happened this past week that make me thank myself for not mopping like I planned cause that would have made me even more upset about the mess.
Alex has a LeapFrog table that plays jazzy music and in the very center is a 'book' that has 1 page you can flip to change what the table plays - the ABCs/#s or jazzy tunes. A blue strip that lights up when you flip the page surrounds the ‘book’. The page is covered with a paper design/sticker-like picture. As I removed Alex from his beloved table so I could do the dishes, I realized he had puked on the table. But what part of the table, yes the part I have described where there are lots of crevices and the only section that could fall apart in little paper balls if you tried to clean it. So my point, I went to work cleaning it with a spray bottle, a toothpick and paper towel. I won't attempt to describe it. At the end I realized I needed to blow the water out of the crevices. Oh I blew out the water and any remaining puke. It felt as if my face absorbed most of it.
Alex has been a puker (chucker for the Aussies) since he was born. Puking has become a normal part of life. Then today, to top it all off, I got slimed. I was enjoying the fact that Alex's puke landed only on his sleeve, when he sneezed! As I'm holding him, kindly cleaning his sleeve he sneezes puke all over my face. In case you didn't know when you sneeze it comes out your nose AND mouth. Oh and I just touched my head and realized that there was dried puke in my hair, when did that happen I would like to know!
I guess I should go mop the floor and then take my 2nd shower of the day.
Last night I dropped a jar of applesauce and it completely slimed and stickified the kitchen floor. I've been meaning to mop for the last week and a half. A few things have happened this past week that make me thank myself for not mopping like I planned cause that would have made me even more upset about the mess.
Alex has a LeapFrog table that plays jazzy music and in the very center is a 'book' that has 1 page you can flip to change what the table plays - the ABCs/#s or jazzy tunes. A blue strip that lights up when you flip the page surrounds the ‘book’. The page is covered with a paper design/sticker-like picture. As I removed Alex from his beloved table so I could do the dishes, I realized he had puked on the table. But what part of the table, yes the part I have described where there are lots of crevices and the only section that could fall apart in little paper balls if you tried to clean it. So my point, I went to work cleaning it with a spray bottle, a toothpick and paper towel. I won't attempt to describe it. At the end I realized I needed to blow the water out of the crevices. Oh I blew out the water and any remaining puke. It felt as if my face absorbed most of it.
Alex has been a puker (chucker for the Aussies) since he was born. Puking has become a normal part of life. Then today, to top it all off, I got slimed. I was enjoying the fact that Alex's puke landed only on his sleeve, when he sneezed! As I'm holding him, kindly cleaning his sleeve he sneezes puke all over my face. In case you didn't know when you sneeze it comes out your nose AND mouth. Oh and I just touched my head and realized that there was dried puke in my hair, when did that happen I would like to know!
I guess I should go mop the floor and then take my 2nd shower of the day.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Alex in Motion
Actually he's stuck in a couple different places in these videos, but he is, at least, animated. I'll see if I can catch him perpetrating some real action later today.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Word Combinations
I'm a big fan of combining certain words. Sometimes it's pretty quirky. Sometimes a person will use a combo that hit's me just right and I'll start laughing while they glance at me with a furrowed brow and a worried frown. Other times I'll read the words in a book. A couple weeks ago I was reading Alex a book called "That's Not My Truck." For those of you without small children, this book is one out of a series of books with different themes in which a mouse inspects a lineup of items, rejecting each one of them in turn due to some nefarious trait which rules it out from being his. At the end of each book the mouse finds his item. As we turned to the last page of "That's Not My Truck" I read this: "That's my truck! It's tipper is so ridgy!" It was love at first sight: "ridgy tipper." I've been saying "ridgy tipper" at appropriate moments throughout each day ever since. Ridgy tipper.
Another favorite combination of late has been "chunky lumps" or "lumpy chunks." "Black deuce," "pink lady," and "slack jawed lackey" have also all played a part in the development of my laugh lines. "Like butter on a bald monkey" used to amuse my troubled mind without end.
Another favorite combination of late has been "chunky lumps" or "lumpy chunks." "Black deuce," "pink lady," and "slack jawed lackey" have also all played a part in the development of my laugh lines. "Like butter on a bald monkey" used to amuse my troubled mind without end.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
More on Money
Money is something I've been convicted about for a while now. The Spirit's work has been ongoing, and my heart and actions are changing slowly. I feel like there's a lot of hypocrisy in the Western church with respect to money, so it's hard to go against the flow, and it's also hard not to compare myself with others in this area. What matters is God's position in my heart, not whether I'm doing better than "them." The balance between generosity and wise stewardship is hard to find. I know Jesus does not want us destitute, like so many in our world are, but neither does he want us depending on wealth for security.
We see the well-off in the early church giving out of their plenty to those in need here. We also see the danger of deceit and legalism with respect to giving in the story of Ananias and Sapphira. That story can be found here. It looks like church sponsored socialism at first but I don't think it is. People have no choice whether they want to join in or not with socialism. As followers of Christ we have a choice. Is it good to give? Absolutely. Is it required for salvation? No. I think it's a mistake to form doctrine out of examples in scripture, but we do need to take what the early church did in their time and place, their context, and wrestle with it and apply it to ourselves.
I think money is something we don't talk about enough in the Western church. We need to be struggling through this as a community instead of ignoring it. We need to stop skirting the issue and confront our wealth in the face of the overwhelming poverty across the globe.
Sarah and I's current goal is to give back to God as much as we can, and to provide for our family in such a way that we can function effectively in our context. Note that it's our goal. We've nowhere near arrived yet. It's not necessarily wrong to be comfortable, since we see people making each other comfortable in the early church, but we want to push that line back as far as I can. With my income, if there's not plenty left over for generous giving then we know we need to re-evaluate. We want to test our purchases and savings by their worth in our service to God, not by their "necessity" in the eyes of our neighbors.
We see the well-off in the early church giving out of their plenty to those in need here. We also see the danger of deceit and legalism with respect to giving in the story of Ananias and Sapphira. That story can be found here. It looks like church sponsored socialism at first but I don't think it is. People have no choice whether they want to join in or not with socialism. As followers of Christ we have a choice. Is it good to give? Absolutely. Is it required for salvation? No. I think it's a mistake to form doctrine out of examples in scripture, but we do need to take what the early church did in their time and place, their context, and wrestle with it and apply it to ourselves.
I think money is something we don't talk about enough in the Western church. We need to be struggling through this as a community instead of ignoring it. We need to stop skirting the issue and confront our wealth in the face of the overwhelming poverty across the globe.
Sarah and I's current goal is to give back to God as much as we can, and to provide for our family in such a way that we can function effectively in our context. Note that it's our goal. We've nowhere near arrived yet. It's not necessarily wrong to be comfortable, since we see people making each other comfortable in the early church, but we want to push that line back as far as I can. With my income, if there's not plenty left over for generous giving then we know we need to re-evaluate. We want to test our purchases and savings by their worth in our service to God, not by their "necessity" in the eyes of our neighbors.
It Is No More
I took my beard off on Tuesday night. The traditional pause with the mustache still intact was, of course, made.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Foresight Would Have Been Good
I read articles like this one on a regular basis.
Perhaps they should have taken the shortage into account before allowing a 50 person engineering firm to dissolve and sending all the engineers back to whence they came. Most of us would have been happy to stay, but no one was hiring back in July and August.
Perhaps they should have taken the shortage into account before allowing a 50 person engineering firm to dissolve and sending all the engineers back to whence they came. Most of us would have been happy to stay, but no one was hiring back in July and August.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Tom's Farewell with the National Guard
A week ago we bid Tom farewell up in Cadillac, Michigan with the rest of his Army National Guard troop. Thanks again Tom, and we're thinking about and praying for you. These pictures are from that day:
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Winter Went
We're enjoying a brief respite from what has turned out to be a pretty intense winter. All the snow has melted, and it's not quite cold enough to make my ears hurt on my walk home from work if I don't wear a hat. I'm really looking forward to some more snow. I'd like to produce at least one habitable igloo this season. I just didn't have the time with that last batch of snow.
My brother Tom is now in Texas at Fort Hood training for a stint in the Middle East. He'll probably be there for a couple months before deploying to his final location. We love you Tom, and we're extremely grateful for the sacrifices you are making to serve our country. We're thinking about and praying for you.
My brother Tom is now in Texas at Fort Hood training for a stint in the Middle East. He'll probably be there for a couple months before deploying to his final location. We love you Tom, and we're extremely grateful for the sacrifices you are making to serve our country. We're thinking about and praying for you.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
You Don't Know What Cold Is, You Just Do As You're Told
For our Aussie friends, here's an interesting little tidbit of information for you: It's -11 degrees C here this morning.
My breath was freezing onto my beard while I walked to work.
My breath was freezing onto my beard while I walked to work.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
See the Little Man Here
He's been learning some new tricks:
And practicing his consonants (and a few dirty looks too):
And practicing his consonants (and a few dirty looks too):
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Red, White and Green
Here are a few snowy winter shots of our home, brought to you by special request from Verity and Em (two of our bestest friends from Holy Trinity church in Adelaide, Australia):
This is, obviously, the front of our house.
This is our front walkway, some of the neighbor's houses and, obviously, a lot of snow.
This is the pile of snow I created while shoveling our driveway.
And here are a few of my favorites so far from Christmas:
A couple from my immediate family celebration.
And one from my Mom's side. Look at those hoons!
Just click on the photos to bring up larger versions, and remember there are lots more where these came from here.
This is, obviously, the front of our house.
This is our front walkway, some of the neighbor's houses and, obviously, a lot of snow.
This is the pile of snow I created while shoveling our driveway.
And here are a few of my favorites so far from Christmas:
A couple from my immediate family celebration.
And one from my Mom's side. Look at those hoons!
Just click on the photos to bring up larger versions, and remember there are lots more where these came from here.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Merry Christmas!
Obviously this is a little late, but better said than not. We miss you all and wish we could give you a big hug. :) As for the Aussie's, keep your eyes peeled for pictures of our house enjoying a WHITE CHRISTMAS! I was very excited this year 'cause last year when we came back to the US for 2 weeks over Christmas there was NO snow. Very sad. But yes this year is great: at least 6 inches of pure white bliss.
Well Christmas was crazy this year since it was our first year living in town and that means we're able to go to all 7 Christmas gatherings. And Alex was not napping. I think it was because of a new medication he was taking. I stopped giving it to him yesterday to test out my theory. Christmas was great - a little too hectic for me but great none the less. Brian outdid himself again with my present. He bought me a craft table with a nice office chair and mat to slide on. I'm so excited to finally set up my sewing machine & to organize my letter writing stuff. Brian got a new flash for his camera - it's fancy so I'll let him tell you about it. Alex's gifts of course far exceed ours but that's the way we like it. Plus it's not about gifts - we haven't had any material needs in many years.
I was talking to my sister and was reminded of how much we need to rely on God for our strength and support in every situation. Both of our families have been going through moving & chaos across many miles with children and it's so amazing to see her continue to push forward despite the current struggles. So hey big sis, we miss you all and hope California treats you better in the next few weeks.
Well Christmas was crazy this year since it was our first year living in town and that means we're able to go to all 7 Christmas gatherings. And Alex was not napping. I think it was because of a new medication he was taking. I stopped giving it to him yesterday to test out my theory. Christmas was great - a little too hectic for me but great none the less. Brian outdid himself again with my present. He bought me a craft table with a nice office chair and mat to slide on. I'm so excited to finally set up my sewing machine & to organize my letter writing stuff. Brian got a new flash for his camera - it's fancy so I'll let him tell you about it. Alex's gifts of course far exceed ours but that's the way we like it. Plus it's not about gifts - we haven't had any material needs in many years.
I was talking to my sister and was reminded of how much we need to rely on God for our strength and support in every situation. Both of our families have been going through moving & chaos across many miles with children and it's so amazing to see her continue to push forward despite the current struggles. So hey big sis, we miss you all and hope California treats you better in the next few weeks.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Alex would like to have some attention please. He's becoming quite vocal about what he likes and what he doesn't like. Don't worry he'll let you know. One of his favorites right now is the new found joys of a teething biscuit. Even though, it's way to big for him to eat it all, he refuses to let anyone take it away. He will demolish it! As you can see most of it ends up on his face or hands. I don't even bother with the rag I just take him straight to the sink for cleanup.
He just cut his 3rd tooth and the 4th is on the way. He had a 3 1/2mth break between his first 2 teeth & these. I thought maybe they were stuck in his jaw and wouldn't come down. But the doctor reassured me they would come, eventually.
So I'm (Sarah) feeling pretty good cause Alex was decent last night. He is 81/2mths old and he still gets up to feed in the middle of the night! Lets just say he's stubborn - we did the sleep training trust me, it didn't work for him. He just doesn't like to sleep. He's a great baby but it's just something about sleep.
Alex's thoughts on taking a nap - the progression to crying:
Wow it's kind of dark in here (He's saying this out loud). I know they are doing something without me. Why did they put me in this room all by myself. Come on, I'm soooo cute you know you want to play with me. Where's my entertainment? Now listen here, I am not tired (rubbing my eyes and yawning). I WILL NOT go to sleep. Da, ga, baba....ba....ba....................................
30mins later WAHHHHHHHHHHH! That's it I've taken a nap now get me up. Oh you're here, how wonderful!
He just cut his 3rd tooth and the 4th is on the way. He had a 3 1/2mth break between his first 2 teeth & these. I thought maybe they were stuck in his jaw and wouldn't come down. But the doctor reassured me they would come, eventually.So I'm (Sarah) feeling pretty good cause Alex was decent last night. He is 81/2mths old and he still gets up to feed in the middle of the night! Lets just say he's stubborn - we did the sleep training trust me, it didn't work for him. He just doesn't like to sleep. He's a great baby but it's just something about sleep.
Alex's thoughts on taking a nap - the progression to crying:
Wow it's kind of dark in here (He's saying this out loud). I know they are doing something without me. Why did they put me in this room all by myself. Come on, I'm soooo cute you know you want to play with me. Where's my entertainment? Now listen here, I am not tired (rubbing my eyes and yawning). I WILL NOT go to sleep. Da, ga, baba....ba....ba....................................
30mins later WAHHHHHHHHHHH! That's it I've taken a nap now get me up. Oh you're here, how wonderful!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Hmm..
Well it's been a really lonnnnnggg time since we posted anything. Let's see, we are moved into the house and have all of our worldly possessions - well except for maybe 50 old school books still sitting my mother's house (Sarah)! I swear I'll get them soon. :) I am really getting back into cooking and trying new recipes each week. That really isn't too hard since I've only been building my repertoire for the last 2 years. Today I'm trying another chili recipe and this one cooks for 8 hours! I'm sure that's nothing in the world of chili but for me that means I have to get up on time & hope Alex takes his morning nap so I can get it simmering before lunch.
Alex is getting to look more & more like a little boy. He's walking along furniture and about ready to cut his next 2 teeth. We've been waiting only 3 months for them! He's also starting to have problems with reflux again but hopefully his medicine will soon ease his pain and mine!
I had a dream the other day that I was rested and slept every night uninterrupted but then I remembered I'm a mother and if we really plan on spacing our kids every 2 yrs it'll be a long time till that happens. I did however have a wonderful night of uninterrupted sleep last weekend!! That doesn't mean that I didn't wake up, but nobody else was waking me up.
Brian planned a wonderful night away at the B&B we stayed at on our honeymoon. We went out to dinner, drank some wine, spend quality time with my hubby, got to relax in a jacuzzi! and slept in a feather bed and then wake up to breakfast. Oh it was glorious. And to top it all off I felt so relaxed that I couldn't wait to go pick up Alex (it had been a rough couple weeks) and I'm still loving every minute with him. :) Thanks to my wonderful husband!
It's been snowing in Michigan and I love it! It doesn't really stick around but I love to see it fall and I know that when it really does pile up I'll probably be singing a different tune but for now I'll enjoy it.
Alex is getting to look more & more like a little boy. He's walking along furniture and about ready to cut his next 2 teeth. We've been waiting only 3 months for them! He's also starting to have problems with reflux again but hopefully his medicine will soon ease his pain and mine!
I had a dream the other day that I was rested and slept every night uninterrupted but then I remembered I'm a mother and if we really plan on spacing our kids every 2 yrs it'll be a long time till that happens. I did however have a wonderful night of uninterrupted sleep last weekend!! That doesn't mean that I didn't wake up, but nobody else was waking me up.
Brian planned a wonderful night away at the B&B we stayed at on our honeymoon. We went out to dinner, drank some wine, spend quality time with my hubby, got to relax in a jacuzzi! and slept in a feather bed and then wake up to breakfast. Oh it was glorious. And to top it all off I felt so relaxed that I couldn't wait to go pick up Alex (it had been a rough couple weeks) and I'm still loving every minute with him. :) Thanks to my wonderful husband!
It's been snowing in Michigan and I love it! It doesn't really stick around but I love to see it fall and I know that when it really does pile up I'll probably be singing a different tune but for now I'll enjoy it.
Monday, November 12, 2007
I Need, I Need, Gimme, Gimme - Bob
I've been thinking some lately about how blinded I am to my spiritual need by my total lack of physical want. It's easy to forgot my absolute dependence on God when all my physical senses tell me I need nothing. I'm reminded of a passage from Proverbs which says "give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD ?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." My danger definitely lies at the "too much" end of things.
I think the situation of the church of Laodicea is especially appropriate. In the book of Revelation Jesus says to them:
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent."
I feel like Jesus' words are directed right at me. I have a false sense of plenty that needs to be destroyed. I'm wrapped up in the illusion that the physical world is all that matters. It's hard to turn the whole world upside down.
I think that giving can help tranform us. I think of this event from the book of Matthew:
Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."
"Which ones?" the man inquired.
Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,'and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'"
"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"
Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
From what I can gather the response of the mainstream church in America (and Australia) goes like this: Our physical prosperity is fine as long as Jesus, not material wealth, is our master. The rich young man is thought of as an extreme example who needed to take extreme action to realize his dependence on God.
I'm pretty sure I agree with that, but I think I'm a lot closer to the rich young man's situation than I'd like to admit. Relative to my neighbors just about anywhere else in the world I'm fabulously wealthy, and I'm probably pretty close to being just as attached to my wealth as the rich young man was. I need to take action too. I certainly don't think the material wealth I have should continue to be used to create a life of excessive physical plenty for myself. Jesus teaches that it should instead be invested in what he calls "treasures in heaven." I've heard others teach that we should "give until it hurts," and I like that. I'm not sure if it goes as far as Jesus did though. Wise stewardship of what God has given us needs to be practised, but I think in order to remove money from its throne I need to give in a way that forces me to depend on God materially. To give until faith and money become entangled. Then I will truly be able to call Jesus my master. My illusion of plenty will be shattered so I can see my destitute spiritual state and my absolute dependence on Christ for salvation.
I think the situation of the church of Laodicea is especially appropriate. In the book of Revelation Jesus says to them:
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent."
I feel like Jesus' words are directed right at me. I have a false sense of plenty that needs to be destroyed. I'm wrapped up in the illusion that the physical world is all that matters. It's hard to turn the whole world upside down.
I think that giving can help tranform us. I think of this event from the book of Matthew:
Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."
"Which ones?" the man inquired.
Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,'and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'"
"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"
Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
From what I can gather the response of the mainstream church in America (and Australia) goes like this: Our physical prosperity is fine as long as Jesus, not material wealth, is our master. The rich young man is thought of as an extreme example who needed to take extreme action to realize his dependence on God.
I'm pretty sure I agree with that, but I think I'm a lot closer to the rich young man's situation than I'd like to admit. Relative to my neighbors just about anywhere else in the world I'm fabulously wealthy, and I'm probably pretty close to being just as attached to my wealth as the rich young man was. I need to take action too. I certainly don't think the material wealth I have should continue to be used to create a life of excessive physical plenty for myself. Jesus teaches that it should instead be invested in what he calls "treasures in heaven." I've heard others teach that we should "give until it hurts," and I like that. I'm not sure if it goes as far as Jesus did though. Wise stewardship of what God has given us needs to be practised, but I think in order to remove money from its throne I need to give in a way that forces me to depend on God materially. To give until faith and money become entangled. Then I will truly be able to call Jesus my master. My illusion of plenty will be shattered so I can see my destitute spiritual state and my absolute dependence on Christ for salvation.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Home at Last
We're finally starting to feel settled in. We're into the new house, I'm getting spun up at the new job, Sarah is feeling more comfortable as a mother with her own space to be motherly in, and we're starting to get involved with some things at church. I think it'll still be a little while before the feeling of normalcy sets in, but who needs that anyway?
Here are some pictures. There are lots more here.
Alex was a spider for Halloween:
Alex got a new outfit from Uncle Steve and Aunt Kelly, and Sarah got a sweet new fleece:
Mark and Val got married (Congratulations!!!):
Here's my self in the new house:
And here are Grandpa and Grandma meeting our little buddy for the first time:
Here are some pictures. There are lots more here.
Alex was a spider for Halloween:
Alex got a new outfit from Uncle Steve and Aunt Kelly, and Sarah got a sweet new fleece:
Mark and Val got married (Congratulations!!!):
Here's my self in the new house:
And here are Grandpa and Grandma meeting our little buddy for the first time:
Monday, October 22, 2007
The Big Surprise
My ongoing struggle is, in a way, with priorities. I'm pretty sure I have the right ones in the right order on paper. The hard part is making consistent decisions, even small ones, in a way that correctly reflects the priorities. I suppose I could call that realized priorities.
My realized priorities definitely tend to center around myself, and sometimes my family. Big surprise.
Marriage and fatherhood have turned an embarrassingly bright spotlight on my selfishness. They've also been two incredible relationships that God has used to change me. I'm learning that neither relationship works unless my relationship with God comes first. It takes a lot of faith to make God my realized first priority. It's a lot easier to get wrapped up in the here and now and effectively worship the lovely and talented Mrs. Cooper or the chubby cheeked little cherub, or even myself. God's got a lot of work to do, and even though I hate it sometimes I'm glad he's on the job.
My realized priorities definitely tend to center around myself, and sometimes my family. Big surprise.
Marriage and fatherhood have turned an embarrassingly bright spotlight on my selfishness. They've also been two incredible relationships that God has used to change me. I'm learning that neither relationship works unless my relationship with God comes first. It takes a lot of faith to make God my realized first priority. It's a lot easier to get wrapped up in the here and now and effectively worship the lovely and talented Mrs. Cooper or the chubby cheeked little cherub, or even myself. God's got a lot of work to do, and even though I hate it sometimes I'm glad he's on the job.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
The Deal
Michigan, Michigan. Good old Grand Rapids. I never expected to be back again in this capacity. A job. A car. Almost a house. A church. Family. Friends. So many feelings, so much history. It's good to be back, very good. But it's hard too. Our life is not as much ours as it used to be, but that's because our relationships here are with family, and with friends that go back to childhood. I'm ready to settle down for a while, but it's scary. We're putting down so many roots I'm afraid we won't be able to make a change even if we want to. I'm enjoying work and looking forward to becoming competent and productive in a new field, but it's scary to leave what I'm good at behind. It's tough to come back as adults to a church we left as children. What is our place?
I know we made a good decision, and I'm not complaining. I expected it to be hard. It's good to know that God is with us. Being with family again is amazing. Seeing our long lost friends is incredible. Getting to know them all again has been a beautiful thing. The chance to own a house is one I thought we wouldn't have for years, if ever. The first week of work has been good, and I think the job will be a great challenge. Fitting back into church will be a stretching and growing experience, I'm sure. So all in all, hard but good. Painful but joyful. Challenging and growing. Forcing us to our knees in prayer and into faith for a life we know we can't live on our own.
I know we made a good decision, and I'm not complaining. I expected it to be hard. It's good to know that God is with us. Being with family again is amazing. Seeing our long lost friends is incredible. Getting to know them all again has been a beautiful thing. The chance to own a house is one I thought we wouldn't have for years, if ever. The first week of work has been good, and I think the job will be a great challenge. Fitting back into church will be a stretching and growing experience, I'm sure. So all in all, hard but good. Painful but joyful. Challenging and growing. Forcing us to our knees in prayer and into faith for a life we know we can't live on our own.
Friday, October 12, 2007
I don't know how to say it!
I miss Adelaide and all you wonderful people!! I was thinking, once again, about you all this morning and just wishing I could give you all a big hug. I think about each and every one of you but I won't mention names for fear of leaving someone out. But you know who you are :) Alex misses you too - in fact he was just talking about his rellies (spelling any Aussies?) this morning. He was telling me the whole story about how he loved it when you all would hold him and make him laugh. And then he made me cry cause I was remembering it too. We miss you!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
He's on the Move!
So my friend's website inspired me (Sarah) to finally put a post up!
Alex is crawling yo! He has been doing some mad army crawls for the last 3 weeks but this last week he started officially crawling :) The doctor said he's gonna be trouble (uh huh) and wouldn't be surprised if he was walking by 9 months. He's also begun the stage of stranger anxiety! So sad since, as most of you know, he was such a smiley & friendly baby. He still is but a lot of times just stares at people instead of constant smiles :(
What Alex has not been doing is sleeping on his own...but we're changing that. A little history. Alex always demanded to be wrapped to go sleep - even after he started rolling. Like an idiot I continued to wrap him instead of trying to teach him to sleep on his own. When we decided to visit friends in DC, which was when he turned 6 months, he became too mobile to be wrapped. Thus came the end of naps and sleep as we knew it. So here we are in a hotel, with a very rude lady next door, trying everything we can to get Alex to sleep. We struggled until last Thursday when we had enough of him waking up 5 times a night and not napping and decided we would sleep train him. Thanks to Brian's strength we conquered the night time pretty well. The task now falls on me for naps which I had geared myself up for today. I put Alex down, expecting a long fight, but after 5 minutes of silence I peeked my head in to see him sleeping like a what? A baby! No way! I know I know it's just one nap but it does start my day out brilliantly.
So...enough about Cutes. I can't wait to move into our house. I can't believe we are going to have one but I am so excited to have a backyard and not have to balance Alex & groceries up stairs! I'm excited to see how horrible I am at decorating. But I am up for the challenge now that I have a sewing machine and a few relatives that are pros at this sort of thing.
We miss all of our friends in Adelaide and DC. Our visit to DC made me want to move back there 'cause all our friends are having fun & having babies :) Everyone asks us about Australia and I would like all you Aussie's to know that we give high praise and can't stop raving about Holy Trinity. I well up with tears every time I think about you all!
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