Holly, myself and our small group and PCC have been talking about the book called "Wild Goose Chase". Wild Goose Chase is a book about the cages we put ourselves in throughout or lives that prevent us from chasing the Holy Spirit. The Celtics referred to the Holy Spirit as the "Wild Goose" thousands of years ago.
So in the last 6 weeks I have come to realize maybe I have more than one cage that I am in, and last night I found out that fear was one of them. I am outa town alot for work, sit in restaurants alone alot. Every so often I will end up sitting next to someone and striking up a conversation on occasion. Last night I met a very intriguing gentleman named Gene. Gene and I talked for about 30 to 40 mins about everything from grand kids (which he has) to sports, business and religion. It was tough to here Gene over the loud music that these places have decided to play blasting your ears out while your trying to eat... sheesh..... but I got alot from the conversation, there was alot of smiling, laughing and some silence. But at the end of the conversation, I paid my bill, turned to Gene, shook his hand, smiled and told him that it has been a pleasure talking with him. And without even thinking, I said something that I never ever thought would come from my mouth in a non church environment. "Gene, before I leave, is there anything that I can pray about for you tonight?" Gene's face lit up, smiled and said "yes, actually there is, My wife had a stroke, before the stroke she was the smarter of the two of us. Now, since the stroke she has a tough time with everyday things, she has a tough time dealing with things when I am out on the road. I am lucky enough that we have neighbors that help alot, but if you could pray for her health and safety that would be great."
Without even thinking, I stepped out of my cage, no fear. At least for that moment in time. And it felt great. I get a rush when I mountain bike race, or when I would score a goal in soccer... but nothing like how I felt as I walked out of that restaurant last night...
Thank you God.....
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Better Late Than Never
Is it sad that I feel the need to start every post with "Oh how I have missed you, blog; or Oh how I have missed you dear readers!" ? Why yes it is sad, but here I am! There are a couple of reasons for my long absence.
1. The neighbor that I was 'borrowing' internet from finally wised up and blocked me (actually I believe it is broken or turned off or in transition...). I was tempted to ask him about it when we went by to trick-or-treat with the penguins the other night. But I thought it seemed tacky to say, 'Hey-can we have some candy AND some internet???' Maybe next year.
2. My new (and lovely) job cuts into the amount of time I get to spend lounging around with my cup of coffee strolling all over cyber-space while the penguins play 'tornado' (I named that game according to how my house looks when they are done) or 'give small a bath' or 'tea party'.
It actually works out pretty well since I have no connection at home (for now) anyway. Lin is pleased since it gives me more time to finish the laundry. Ha ha ha ha ha, I just wanted to make my baby laugh, y'all! I had to swim out of the ocean of laundry just to get to work this morning. :-) I know what you are all thinking, ooohh new job? Where is she working? I was lucky enough to land a nanny position for a sweet family with a 10yo and an almost 15yo. It is mostly taxi driving and homework help which is a very nice break since I change 12-15 diapers/pull-ups on an average day. We are SO lucky that our family covers most of our child-care and some days they nap while I am gone all 3 hours. That makes me feel like I am not missing too much. I still struggle, though. Am I doing the right thing? Am I letting them have the chance to bond with someone besides me or abandoning my poor sweet penguins? Well the bill collectors are very happy....so that's good news!
What else is happening around the Animal House? The usual fall stuff: apple festival at graves mountain, trick or treating, Lin and I had a fun little get-away to Lake Anna, Small is sitting up by himself but not crawling ...yet, he is drooling constantly (there is nothing I love more than a bib shaped wet spot on the shirt of a sweet, fat baby), Medium LOVES preschool, Large....well not so much! She is a little resistant to school, to my job, to going to bed, to sharing, to pretty much anything that wasn't her idea or doesn't involve candy. If I was super organized I would throw in some cute fall pictures here- so sorry, I am not! But I do love you dear readers and I'll be back....someday! :-)
1. The neighbor that I was 'borrowing' internet from finally wised up and blocked me (actually I believe it is broken or turned off or in transition...). I was tempted to ask him about it when we went by to trick-or-treat with the penguins the other night. But I thought it seemed tacky to say, 'Hey-can we have some candy AND some internet???' Maybe next year.
2. My new (and lovely) job cuts into the amount of time I get to spend lounging around with my cup of coffee strolling all over cyber-space while the penguins play 'tornado' (I named that game according to how my house looks when they are done) or 'give small a bath' or 'tea party'.
It actually works out pretty well since I have no connection at home (for now) anyway. Lin is pleased since it gives me more time to finish the laundry. Ha ha ha ha ha, I just wanted to make my baby laugh, y'all! I had to swim out of the ocean of laundry just to get to work this morning. :-) I know what you are all thinking, ooohh new job? Where is she working? I was lucky enough to land a nanny position for a sweet family with a 10yo and an almost 15yo. It is mostly taxi driving and homework help which is a very nice break since I change 12-15 diapers/pull-ups on an average day. We are SO lucky that our family covers most of our child-care and some days they nap while I am gone all 3 hours. That makes me feel like I am not missing too much. I still struggle, though. Am I doing the right thing? Am I letting them have the chance to bond with someone besides me or abandoning my poor sweet penguins? Well the bill collectors are very happy....so that's good news!
What else is happening around the Animal House? The usual fall stuff: apple festival at graves mountain, trick or treating, Lin and I had a fun little get-away to Lake Anna, Small is sitting up by himself but not crawling ...yet, he is drooling constantly (there is nothing I love more than a bib shaped wet spot on the shirt of a sweet, fat baby), Medium LOVES preschool, Large....well not so much! She is a little resistant to school, to my job, to going to bed, to sharing, to pretty much anything that wasn't her idea or doesn't involve candy. If I was super organized I would throw in some cute fall pictures here- so sorry, I am not! But I do love you dear readers and I'll be back....someday! :-)
Sunday, October 3, 2010
You know what they say....babies are so resilient.
Who really says that anyway? I suppose someone does. Well it is true here at the Animal House! Whenever I tell these stories to people invariably what follows is, "Awww poor Small!" Those words have never been truer.
Because of our indecisiveness about the room sharing and his refusal to sleep through the night my dear Small was STILL sleeping in his bassinet. I heard him stirring so I was gathering up a diaper and some clothes to start the day when I heard a THUD and then a sad sad cry. Oh it broke my heart! Hopefully someone out there knows what I mean.... Anyway so I ran into the room and scooped him up in my arms and he immediately stopped crying and looked at me as if to say 'oh hey Mom'. He seemed fine but I kept an eye on him and made sure to give him some extra tlc. The bassinet is now living at Auntie Kristy and Uncle Before you gasp at my parenting skills and run off to look up the number for child protective services listen to this.
A mere 5 days later I was washing up some dishes Small was in his highchair while Large and Medium were playing in the playroom. Medium came in and grabbed the tray of the highchair and lifted up her feet forgetting she was penguin and not a monkey. Of course I said 'Meds please stop! You can't do that, sweetie, you'll break the highchair'. So she moved her party to the side of the highchair. She was standing on a bar that is near the bottom on the side of the highchair. As I am screaming Medium(!!!!) you guessed it, it falls right over. She sort of rolled out of the way so it did not totally fall on top of her. But poor poor Small he was strapped in just hanging kinda sideways going 'what the heck are you letting them do to me Mom???' . So I pick it back up and get him out to inspect the damage. He's screaming, she's screaming, even large joined in on the crying! Why not, right? Oh poor Small, there really isn't anything else to say.
They are all fine....for now! Hopefully they will all make it to their next birthdays in one piece and still be allowed to live with their Mom.
Because of our indecisiveness about the room sharing and his refusal to sleep through the night my dear Small was STILL sleeping in his bassinet. I heard him stirring so I was gathering up a diaper and some clothes to start the day when I heard a THUD and then a sad sad cry. Oh it broke my heart! Hopefully someone out there knows what I mean.... Anyway so I ran into the room and scooped him up in my arms and he immediately stopped crying and looked at me as if to say 'oh hey Mom'. He seemed fine but I kept an eye on him and made sure to give him some extra tlc. The bassinet is now living at Auntie Kristy and Uncle Before you gasp at my parenting skills and run off to look up the number for child protective services listen to this.
A mere 5 days later I was washing up some dishes Small was in his highchair while Large and Medium were playing in the playroom. Medium came in and grabbed the tray of the highchair and lifted up her feet forgetting she was penguin and not a monkey. Of course I said 'Meds please stop! You can't do that, sweetie, you'll break the highchair'. So she moved her party to the side of the highchair. She was standing on a bar that is near the bottom on the side of the highchair. As I am screaming Medium(!!!!) you guessed it, it falls right over. She sort of rolled out of the way so it did not totally fall on top of her. But poor poor Small he was strapped in just hanging kinda sideways going 'what the heck are you letting them do to me Mom???' . So I pick it back up and get him out to inspect the damage. He's screaming, she's screaming, even large joined in on the crying! Why not, right? Oh poor Small, there really isn't anything else to say.
They are all fine....for now! Hopefully they will all make it to their next birthdays in one piece and still be allowed to live with their Mom.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Fun Friday's Random Rants
Well I was going to do something new and exciting since I have not written in so many days but I am too lame and I don't have much time before Small and I have to pic up Medium from school. Soooooo here goes!
1. I LOVE my new job but it is really cutting into my writing time! I used to write during nap-time and now I work during naps. I don't miss my 'lunch break' nearly as much as I thought I would and I am getting along fine without any naps. *gasp* But I am missing writing much more than I anticipated. FYI-- I DO NOT miss all the extra time I had to do laundry! HA!
2. Small has decided he will sleep through the night...most of the time! YAY!!! Now how many months can I tell Lin I am still 'catching up from the trauma' ? I could totally identify with Lexi on Grey's last night.
3. Speaking of sleeping.....we are still working on the 'musical beds/rooms' situation we have here at the Animal House. We think we are back to the idea of letting the girls share a room. Medium has been getting up earlier since moving to her toddler bed. Boo hoo hoo, she was our champion sleeper. Thoughts, anyone? Would especially love to hear from some of you that have 5 kids without a 6 bedroom house.
4. LOVING what God is doing in my life these days.....seeing the results of my obedience is incredible, inspiring, awesome!
5. Need prayers for friends and family that are going through some stuff. <3
6. I said the craziest thing to my lovely preggers SIL the other day. She said, 'I am fallling in love with my new baby (or something like that..)' . And I said, 'Oh my gosh just wait until you smell his/her sweet little fat neck.' HA is that nutty or what? I have issues, bigtime. I don't go a day without sniffing Medium's yummy neck.
7. Would it be so wrong to take a bath in pizza from Frank's and then Krispy Kreme doughnuts?
8. My computer screen is doing some wacky stuff. Bummer.
9. Medium went to school today with an arm full of silly bandz (scented ones btw that are SUPER smelly, NOT in the good way!!!) and I realized when we got home that she did not have them. Hey Mrs. Zambito- thanks for taking the only leverage I have against Med. Yes, I use silly bandz to punish my 2 year old.....I know you are impressed by my stellar parenting. Just kidding Mrs. Z who knows what happened to those stinky things!
10. My sweet darling Large has given up her 'buddies' (aka pacifiers) , friends! Maybe I already mentioned this? Anyway, she is doing great. She seems more confident, not getting up in the night, not napping but having a nice quiet time everyday. It's really cool, we should have done this long ago.
I hope you guys are all doing well! If there is anyway that I can pray for you I would LOVE the chance to do that. You can leave your requests in the comment section or email me here.
Have a GREAT weekend!!!
1. I LOVE my new job but it is really cutting into my writing time! I used to write during nap-time and now I work during naps. I don't miss my 'lunch break' nearly as much as I thought I would and I am getting along fine without any naps. *gasp* But I am missing writing much more than I anticipated. FYI-- I DO NOT miss all the extra time I had to do laundry! HA!
2. Small has decided he will sleep through the night...most of the time! YAY!!! Now how many months can I tell Lin I am still 'catching up from the trauma' ? I could totally identify with Lexi on Grey's last night.
3. Speaking of sleeping.....we are still working on the 'musical beds/rooms' situation we have here at the Animal House. We think we are back to the idea of letting the girls share a room. Medium has been getting up earlier since moving to her toddler bed. Boo hoo hoo, she was our champion sleeper. Thoughts, anyone? Would especially love to hear from some of you that have 5 kids without a 6 bedroom house.
4. LOVING what God is doing in my life these days.....seeing the results of my obedience is incredible, inspiring, awesome!
5. Need prayers for friends and family that are going through some stuff. <3
6. I said the craziest thing to my lovely preggers SIL the other day. She said, 'I am fallling in love with my new baby (or something like that..)' . And I said, 'Oh my gosh just wait until you smell his/her sweet little fat neck.' HA is that nutty or what? I have issues, bigtime. I don't go a day without sniffing Medium's yummy neck.
7. Would it be so wrong to take a bath in pizza from Frank's and then Krispy Kreme doughnuts?
8. My computer screen is doing some wacky stuff. Bummer.
9. Medium went to school today with an arm full of silly bandz (scented ones btw that are SUPER smelly, NOT in the good way!!!) and I realized when we got home that she did not have them. Hey Mrs. Zambito- thanks for taking the only leverage I have against Med. Yes, I use silly bandz to punish my 2 year old.....I know you are impressed by my stellar parenting. Just kidding Mrs. Z who knows what happened to those stinky things!
10. My sweet darling Large has given up her 'buddies' (aka pacifiers) , friends! Maybe I already mentioned this? Anyway, she is doing great. She seems more confident, not getting up in the night, not napping but having a nice quiet time everyday. It's really cool, we should have done this long ago.
I hope you guys are all doing well! If there is anyway that I can pray for you I would LOVE the chance to do that. You can leave your requests in the comment section or email me here.
Have a GREAT weekend!!!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Lets go Dancing
So this is an amazing song that explains alot about a marriage and love. This has been posted in a few other blogs that Holly and I follow. Holly and I have had our ups and downs in our marriage. I always thought that when someone got married they grew up and became a husband. I realized that being married doesnt make you a husband, you choose to make yourself a husband. I also found out that having kids doesnt make you grow up, you choose to grow up. Marriage and parenthood are the 2 toughest journeys that I have ever been on, but they are also the 2 most rewarding. I love the path that Holly and I have chosen to take, I love the place we are in, and I love the place we will end up together in our heaven. And I love being a father to our 3 wonderful kids!! Watch this video, and enjoy! It will touch you.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sunny Sunday!
Oh Dear Blog, how I have missed you!!!! I am just bursting at the seams with stuff to say. Do you ever have that feeling, when there is so much to say you can't organize it into one small space/email/letter/conversation? That happens to me alot I guess I'll start with a run-down of what is happening here at the Animal House. And how 'bout I won't talk about poop, deal?
1. God is working here in our house. I am so excited that Lin and I are open and letting Him live with us and move in us and be present to guide us as we make decisions for this family. We are two very blessed and lucky people.
2. Large and Medium are starting pre-school this week! They seem thrilled, I am pretty sure I'm thrilled.... ask me next week. And would you like to buy some cookie dough (yes I am on the cookie dough fundraising committee!)?? It's super yummy and it made my Thanksgiving and Christmas baking and taking so easy last year. :-)
3. Have I mentioned how much I love my awesome organizer husband? Wipe the drool off the keyboard ladies, while we were down 2 penguins last night our idea of a hot date was getting rid of an entire trash can (the end-of-the-driveway-size!) full of clutter from our bedroom and playroom. Awesome.
We briefly considered tossing out the remaining penguin but he would not fit in the can! JUST KIDDING!!!!! We love those babies more than life itself!
4. Large gave up her 'buddies' last Friday. *gasp* If you know us- did you think we were ever gonna make her do that? If you don't know us- 'buddies' are penguin code for pacifiers. And Large is like 12....just teasing she's 4 but still!
5. Someday I will start a 'parenting advice' tab on this blog. Sure take advice from the lady who let her kid sleep with pacifiers until she was 4 and jokes about throwing out her baby!!! :-D Maybe a parents 'sharing corner' would be better.
6. Mamma got a new cell phone! It's fancy (for me). Double *gasp* ! Now some of y'all know my old cell phone was a Din-O-Saur. It was outdated when I bought it 3 years ago. And I am not really a technology kind of girl. However I did lose all my contacts...so call me, k?
7. My new job is awesome, the first week went really well. And God- You were right!! I am so thankful! (Don't act like God doesn't read my blog....snap!) ;-)
8. To go with her new cell phone Mamma got a wrist guard to help with the carpal tunnel. So it's like living with a 70 yo woman crazed from no sleep with a fancy new cell phone. YAY for Lin!!!!
9. Medium is obsessed with Silly Bandz....it's funny and cute and it feels too grown up.
10. I made crab dip last night to celebrate our clean-out. It was De-Lish. I totally <3 crab dip. So glad to be back! I'll try to keep up better since I am getting used to my new work/pre-school schedule. Love you Readers!!!!!
1. God is working here in our house. I am so excited that Lin and I are open and letting Him live with us and move in us and be present to guide us as we make decisions for this family. We are two very blessed and lucky people.
2. Large and Medium are starting pre-school this week! They seem thrilled, I am pretty sure I'm thrilled.... ask me next week. And would you like to buy some cookie dough (yes I am on the cookie dough fundraising committee!)?? It's super yummy and it made my Thanksgiving and Christmas baking and taking so easy last year. :-)
3. Have I mentioned how much I love my awesome organizer husband? Wipe the drool off the keyboard ladies, while we were down 2 penguins last night our idea of a hot date was getting rid of an entire trash can (the end-of-the-driveway-size!) full of clutter from our bedroom and playroom. Awesome.
We briefly considered tossing out the remaining penguin but he would not fit in the can! JUST KIDDING!!!!! We love those babies more than life itself!
4. Large gave up her 'buddies' last Friday. *gasp* If you know us- did you think we were ever gonna make her do that? If you don't know us- 'buddies' are penguin code for pacifiers. And Large is like 12....just teasing she's 4 but still!
5. Someday I will start a 'parenting advice' tab on this blog. Sure take advice from the lady who let her kid sleep with pacifiers until she was 4 and jokes about throwing out her baby!!! :-D Maybe a parents 'sharing corner' would be better.
6. Mamma got a new cell phone! It's fancy (for me). Double *gasp* ! Now some of y'all know my old cell phone was a Din-O-Saur. It was outdated when I bought it 3 years ago. And I am not really a technology kind of girl. However I did lose all my contacts...so call me, k?
7. My new job is awesome, the first week went really well. And God- You were right!! I am so thankful! (Don't act like God doesn't read my blog....snap!) ;-)
8. To go with her new cell phone Mamma got a wrist guard to help with the carpal tunnel. So it's like living with a 70 yo woman crazed from no sleep with a fancy new cell phone. YAY for Lin!!!!
9. Medium is obsessed with Silly Bandz....it's funny and cute and it feels too grown up.
10. I made crab dip last night to celebrate our clean-out. It was De-Lish. I totally <3 crab dip. So glad to be back! I'll try to keep up better since I am getting used to my new work/pre-school schedule. Love you Readers!!!!!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Word to ya Motha (well actually word from your Mother....but whatever!)
I meant to do this yesterday but it was a very busy day and the time just slipped away. However these are not the words you want to let slip by without saying, so here goes!
My Dearest Large,
Today (really yesterday) you turned 4. Just like most Moms I can't believe how fast you have grown and I find myself thinking 'weren't you just born like 5 minutes ago?' . There are no words to describe how much I love you. Sometimes I think my heart is just going to bust open I love you so much. I am addicted to the smell of your neck and the inside of your arm and the sound of your voice (when you are not whining :). And speaking of your voice, you sing like an angel.... all the time. You sing in the car, to every commercial, all around the house that is one of my favorite things about you. You are a little shy these day but very loving, every time I leave the house you yell HUG, HUG. You are super smart, you take in everything....even when we think you aren't listening and you can work an iphone like a pro! I am SO crazy proud of you, girl!! When you were born I became a grown-up, I am eternally grateful for that. You changed me and shaped me in the most amazing way. I like me so much more since I had you.
I hope you always love God, and that you grow into a kind, loving, generous, smart, polite, thoughtful and happy young lady.....maybe even we'll throw in a little brave! Ha ha, I know that's a funny one---you are in a very fearful phase these days, scared of everything! The bottom line is Baby, you are so special to me. I love you all the way to the moon and back. I was going to say 'you'll never know how much I love you' but the truth is I hope you do know someday how much I love you. I hope that by the time we have survived adolescence together and you are a grown-up yourself that you will be able to say 'I know how much my Mom loves me and it's ALOT. I mean super ALOT, I mean tons and tons and CRAZY tons...forever'. Happy Birthday Baby Girl.
(Super-size)LOVE ALWAYS, Mom
My Dearest Large,
Today (really yesterday) you turned 4. Just like most Moms I can't believe how fast you have grown and I find myself thinking 'weren't you just born like 5 minutes ago?' . There are no words to describe how much I love you. Sometimes I think my heart is just going to bust open I love you so much. I am addicted to the smell of your neck and the inside of your arm and the sound of your voice (when you are not whining :). And speaking of your voice, you sing like an angel.... all the time. You sing in the car, to every commercial, all around the house that is one of my favorite things about you. You are a little shy these day but very loving, every time I leave the house you yell HUG, HUG. You are super smart, you take in everything....even when we think you aren't listening and you can work an iphone like a pro! I am SO crazy proud of you, girl!! When you were born I became a grown-up, I am eternally grateful for that. You changed me and shaped me in the most amazing way. I like me so much more since I had you.
I hope you always love God, and that you grow into a kind, loving, generous, smart, polite, thoughtful and happy young lady.....maybe even we'll throw in a little brave! Ha ha, I know that's a funny one---you are in a very fearful phase these days, scared of everything! The bottom line is Baby, you are so special to me. I love you all the way to the moon and back. I was going to say 'you'll never know how much I love you' but the truth is I hope you do know someday how much I love you. I hope that by the time we have survived adolescence together and you are a grown-up yourself that you will be able to say 'I know how much my Mom loves me and it's ALOT. I mean super ALOT, I mean tons and tons and CRAZY tons...forever'. Happy Birthday Baby Girl.
(Super-size)LOVE ALWAYS, Mom
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