Quiet Time Basket

Today I started attending a bible study through my church called Magnificent Obsession by Anne Graham Lotz. She has an interesting approach to her quiet time and I'm looking forward to spending more time in the word. Before the study began, the host of the study was giving some tips to making quiet time more successful.  She spoke about the idea of a prayer basket where you keep all the items you use during your quiet time so you don't have to search for them before you begin thus cutting into the time you have to do your devotional. I thought it sounded like a great idea because I struggle to maintain a consistent quiet time and seem to find many distractions that take away from the time I do have to do it. Tonight, I used her idea and put together a devotional basket. My basket includes: my Bible, a journal, pens, highlighter, tissues, and my current devotional books. I am hoping this helps me focus and be more intentional with my time! Try it! Anyone else have any tips on making a more successful routine of quiet times? 

It's a ....

Thursday, September 15, 2011

We've finally reached the 20 week milestone along with the awaited anatomy ultrasound scan. For weeks we have been undecided on if we were going to find out the gender. However,  Noah has proclaimed it is a boy since we told him we were going to have a baby several weeks ago.We went to our appointment not knowing if we were going to find out or not because we were a house divided on our thoughts of finding out! I'd come to accept that I would probably not find out because I could not keep a secret like that from Rob!

At the appointment, after much surprise Rob gave me the go ahead to find out (he was hoping to find out the day we delivered)! Though I thought  about asking, "Are you sure?" I decided I'd better not hesitate and go with the thumbs up!

Turns out, Noah was right! He will have a little brother this February (or possibly late January). We are overjoyed! God is so good. His love has captured me in this moment.

                                             Here is Daddy's first picture with his two boys.

Already rough housing with his brother!!!

Our God is healer, awesome in power...

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

 

I came across this video through a friend's Facebook page today and it left me completely wrecked and awestruck by God's grace and unending love. I myself am a miracle baby born at just 28 weeks weighing 3 lbs 4 oz and dropping down to 2 lbs 9 oz soon after birth. Being born premature, I was in the NICU at Akron Children's Hospital for 3 months. The day I came home I weighed 4 lbs 15 oz.

Three years prior to my birth, my parents gave birth to Kimberly Michelle, my older sister. She was born at 26 weeks weighing 1 lb 15 oz and died three days after birth. My mom was so sick from complications she herself almost passed away. Only God could bring the type of healing that is needed to continue on after such a devastating loss.

Two years later, after my parents were told they could not have any more children, they went through the process to adopt my brother. Aaron was born on March 25th, 1981 and adopted by our parents around 3 months old. Soon after his adoption was finalized, our parents found out they were expecting another baby. I can only wonder what their first thoughts were? Extreme fear? Sheer joy? Both? I came into the world 3 months early on March 30th, 1982 exactly one year and five days after my brother. 

Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you where ever you go."

Now a mother myself, I have thought many times of my mother's heart, her love for all of her children and the loss she experienced. I have thought so much of my dad and how painful it must of been for him to lose his little girl then almost lose his wife. I think about God's great mercy on us and the life he has given to us. I think about my own journey of becoming a mother.

We lost our first baby due to a miscarriage in the 8th week of pregnancy in November of 2007. Then, in December 2008 we were overjoyed and blessed to welcome our son, Noah. He has brought more joy to our lives than we had ever experienced before. He has shown us what it means to love unconditionally, unselfishly, and with a gracious heart. We lost our second baby to a miscarriage in August 2010 around 8 weeks. Then, in March of 2011, we lost our third baby miscarrying in the 9th week of pregnancy. We are now expecting again and are 20 weeks along. Through our suffering at the repeated loss of life, we also found such great gratitude and appreciation in the life of our son. The third miscarriage was especially difficult on us physically and emotionally. I ended up having to have a D&C procedure, then a second D&C procedure a week later due to complications. During this time I journaled my prayers and dealt with great anger at God. While speaking to my pastor, he brought healing through his powerful words. He assured me that life, eternal life, begins at conception. God has created a life. That baby already fully exists spiritually. When a baby does not make it to birth, in a way it is an amazing gift to them because they go straight from their mother's womb to the heart of God. They only know two places, their mother's womb and the heart of God. It is the farthest thing from thinking, "what did I do wrong, what's wrong with me?" When understanding it differently, it made me feel like God chose me to carry these babies that he would bring straight to him.

Though I hope to not experience the loss of another baby ever again, I know through Jeremiah 29:11 that he has "plans to prosper (me) and not to harm (me), plans to give me hope for a future. This current pregnancy has been a constant reminder of God's great love and affection towards us. We have received incredible care through our physicians and have had an extremely healthy pregnancy. I share this today in hopes that someone reading this will find comfort in it through God's grace. It is astounding the number of woman who have had great difficulty in conceiving, carrying or birthing a child (children). However, I know a sovereign God whose strength is greater, awesome in power and who is higher than any other.

In Him, I put my hope.

Psalm 107: 28-31 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men.

I thank Him for the awesome testimony that this video is to so many families in our world. I thank Him for the life he has created inside of me, for the 20 weeks I've had to carry this precious child already and for the hope of a lifetime of caring for this child of God.

What is your heart saying?

Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Luke 6:45

Rocky Top

The Children's Museum of Oak Ridge and The Knoxville Zoo were great fun but what made the loooong drive worth it ---seeing Grandma!

Bringing Life into Focus for the Little One

Over the past few months, I've noticed the little one making adaptations to see things and having a unique desire for all things to be up close and personal! For example, books literally on the tip of his nose, standing inches away from the T.V and bringing his face right up to anything he wanted to observe more closely. I began to recognize that it wasn't just him being cute or inquisitive - he couldn't see! After asking around, I called and made an appointment to see a optometrist in our area that specializes in pediatrics. I was certain he would need reading glasses and on down the road we would go.

The small office was very accommodating for my little tornado of a toddler who thought all things his level were for playing with and all who worked there were there to play with him! They truly were so patient and exceptionally good with him! They had a children's waiting room with a train table and several toys including a Mr. Potato Head. While playing with "Mr. Tater" as he called him, we discovered he had glasses! The little one insisted on bringing his stuffed monkey to the appointment so we took the time to give him an eye exam while we waited. Check out monkey's new purple glasses (borrowed from Mr. Tater head).

After a long afternoon of tests and an eye examination we realized that our little one's vision was far worse than we expected. His prescription is extremely strong (+9) and will need a very thick lens. When someone else looks at a person wearing thick lensed glasses, the eyes appear magnified through the lens. I am some what apprehensive of how the lenses will change his appearance. However, excited that his little world is going to look so differently now! His tolerance for the doctor's office was fading and we decided to return the next day to look at glasses.

He tried on a pair of glasses that fit his face really well, however the lenses were much, much thinner than his prescription will be so it's kind of hard to visualize what they will look like with the correct lens. We also tried on "toddler friendly" (Julbo Brand) lenses that resemble goggles more than glasses. They are extremely durable and have a elastic pull cord (like sunglasses) to keep them on. But, I don't think I'm ready for those....

Anyway, we are going to follow up with his pediatrician just as precaution for his overall health. I am surprised by how upsetting this has been for me. Glasses are glasses, not that big of deal especially considering well, his mom, dad and grandparents all wear them so odds were he would too! But such extremely poor vision, at such a young age, is very concerning for me. I wasn't prepared to hear how bad his eyes were.

All this to say, this process has made my heart ache for families who go through major health issues with their children. Ours, thankfully, is not a major issue but it has still upset me. Good health is such a gift and something that we should give thanks for everyday.

Change. Transition. Endings and New Beginnings.

Change. Transition. Endings and new beginnings. In my life these things tend to be what I'm most resistant to. Why is this? In my kitchen I have several plants, the lucky ones that I have yet to kill are a reminder of the limits I sometimes put on myself. Eventually, a healthy plant will outgrow its pot. When replanted in a bigger pot, or outside, my experience has shown that the plant will transform into a much greater plant than I ever imagined it to be in its previous container.

Change. My career is the plant that has been repotted currently in my life. I have been blessed with the spectacular calling to teach. Graciously, God has given me many tools to do this job to the best of my ability, but moreover, he has given me an immense passion for children and their lives. After spending the last six years in the public school teaching as well as starting a non-profit educational foundation and curriculum within the state, I began to feel God calling me outside of the walls of the classroom. Striving to become a teacher and teaching have defined such a vast piece of my identity over the past decade. I'm finding that I miss my "little pot", my container, now that I've been repotted outside the walls of a classroom. However, my decisions for leaving the classroom at this time were rooted in these principals:

First and foremost grow closer to God and his desire for my life.
Second, become a better wife and mother to my family by making them the priority.
Third, allow God to use the gifts he has equipped me with in ways I have not yet imagined.

Transition. For the past two and a half years,I urned for my time with our precious son and struggled with the reality of him going to day care every day. Our time together during the week was minimized to the few short hours that were left after picking him up from day care, making dinner, giving him a bath and finally putting him to bed. I hated that others were watching his first steps, hearing his first words and spending more time with him than I was able to. As he grew, I began to appreciate the more positive aspects of his care and enjoyed watching his social skills develop. Many told me it wasn't the quantity, but the quality of the time we spent together as a family. Though, it never really got any easier for me to leave him at day care each day. All the while, I knew God had purpose and intention in what I was doing in my classroom each day during that time. Last spring, I started feeling like God was preparing me for a new purpose. Excited at the possibilities of the precious opportunity to spend more time with my family I was thrilled. Yet, at the same time, also heartbroken at no longer being a teacher at a school I adore with parents and children who teach me as much as I've taught them - who are like family in a way- to me. When the time came to turn a calling into action it came with great joy and deep sorrow. I know a classroom will always be there and these years that are already quickly passing will not. A few weeks after the decision was finalized, we found out we were expecting our second child. This, after miscarrying three times, felt like God was truly anointing our faithfulness to his calling for our family. Now almost 18 weeks pregnant, I rejoice in the great opportunity to wait upon the Lord and his timing for our next steps.

Reflecting upon the last few years, our testimony is a patchwork of God's grace, unconditional love and his faithfulness. With the downfall of our economy we nearly went bankrupt while at the same time riding the highs and lows of pregnancies and multiple miscarriages.

Painting by Caitlin Beidler of Redemption Art

Only God could have created this situation we are currently in that allows for me to be at home. Therefore, it also has brought an awareness that ONLY GOD knows how he will "grow" me for his kingdom and it is my job to be faithful in His timing and open to His call.

Endings and new beginnings. Though I do not have 24 little ones within four walls this year I do have one who looks to me for all things, who not only looks to me his teacher, but his mom. I also had been feeling like leaving the classroom was leaving my platform as a leader. Yet, God has shown me that when one platform is no longer there, build another. So, I'm building and I'm praying. What is God preparing you for? How are you using the leadership abilities he has given to you?

Hurricane Irene

The threat of the storm canceled our weekend plans so we suddenly had a wide open evening as a family! It turned out to be a real treat. After an incredible dinner (we tried another Clean Eating Recipe- from the July issue- for Ginger Soy Chicken and Edamame Stir-Fry) we played together as a family. First we painted with acrylics and then we played (or tried to) Chutes and Ladders with the little man.

Here is the recipe for the stir-fry. We served it over Basmati rice with a small salad.

Ingredients:
1 cup free chicken stock
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tbsp almond butter
2 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 tsp honey
2 tsp dry mustard
2 tbsp safflower oil, divided (we used sesame seed oil)
2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium red bell pepper (we used 1 red and 1 yellow)
1 1/3 cup raw cashews
2 cups frozen shelled edamame, thawed
4 green onions, optional

Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk broth with soy sauce, almond butter, ginger, honey and dry mustard. Set aside.

2. In a large nonstick wok or skillet heat 1 tbsp oil on medium-high heat. Add chicken and garlic and cook until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; heat remaining 1 tbsp oil in wok. Add pepper, cashews and edamame and cook for 5 minutes.
Return chicken to wok. Add onions (optional) and sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook until sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.

Serve, eat and enjoy.

I almost forgot a picture! This was when we were cleaning up!

The Aquarium

Say cheese!

The aquarium is one of our favorite places to visit during the week. If you go, I suggest going earlier than later...it gets extremely busy as the day passes. Today we visited the aquarium with friends and really enjoyed our time. If you haven't been this summer you need to go and check out the shark exhibit. Year memberships are pretty reasonable. Children ages 2-5 are only $10.99 and adults are $49.99.

Afterwards we went to lunch, then fed the ducks and fish,played at the park and finally ended up at the toy store. It was a wonderful day!

The boys picking up fish food they dropped.

Kudzu Bakery and The Fresh Market

I've had pretty good luck with my first week of E-Mealz dinners. We've made a low fat sweet chicken salad (using greek yogurt), homemade meatballs with penne pasta, French Toast with baked Granny Smith apples and Spicy Tilapia so far this week. Though I chose the low fat meal plan option, not all of the meals are exactly as healthy as I'd prefer. I also opted for the 7 meals a week plan so I could pick and choose our meals. I went to the site and downloaded this week's meal plan and grocery list and wasn't as interested in about half of the meals this week. However, they were ok. And, I figure for the $12.50 I spent for 3 months, I will get my money out of it. If you're interested, check it out: (The coupon code: DAVE makes the total price $12.50 instead of $15 for 3 months)



Here are a few pictures of some of the meals I've made this week including our breakfast for dinner French Toast and homemade meatballs (which I ended up freezing about half of them) with Penne Pasta and Homemade Marinara Sauce.





There are a variety of meal plans to choose from and I think for what it costs its worth it even if you don't use it every week. As I said, I wasn't as interested in the meal plan for this week so I started thinking about what we were going to do for next week's meals. My chiropractor at Atlantic Spine (who I highly recommend) told me about The Kudzu Bakery in Litchfield. He raved about the fresh made, prepared, frozen food options. I decided we need to check it out! It is located in the "Shops at Mingo" behind the Piggly Wiggly in Litchfield. I ended up choosing:




Mediterranean Salmon (2 filets) for $9.95


Coconut Crusted Tilapia (2 filets) $7.95


Brie and Apple Stuffed Chicken (2 pieces) $9.95

Chicken Gumbo Soup $9.95

Crab Cakes $8.50 for two


Side dish Redskins and Peppers $3.25


In addition to their marvelous prepared frozen food selection, they have countless wines, baking goods and bakery items. We ended up picking up a homemade loaf of Blueberry Banana Bread and a jar of apple butter. Overall, I felt their frozen foods were priced pretty fairly and their bakery items were a little more expensive. The loaf of bread was $5.95 and the apple butter was also $5.95.



Altogether, we spent just over $70 at the bakery and have 5 complete meals and bread for breakfast for a week. For the main dishes that we were able to get, I'm very satisfied with what we spent.



And..let's be honest...we didn't leave without trying their chocolate chip cookies. They are worth the drive there. :) I highly suggest them.



Next, we went to The Fresh Market in Pawley's Island. Our intentions were to buy the necessary ingredients for a recipe we are making for our Supper club tomorrow night, Salsa-Style Fusilli, a recipe from Clean Eating magazine. However, we got a little carried away in the Bulk Food section and enjoyed the rows of barrels with amazing, semi-healthy, snacks in them! Finally, we took Sushi for carry out and went to Huntington State Park for a picnic lunch.




A Great Picnic Lunch


Then, we ended our perfect morning on the beach playing in the waves and digging holes in the sand (as the little one loves to do) for a few hours. It was a wonderful day! Just think, my meals are finished for next week no planning, searching the internet or fingering through cookbooks! I highly suggest checking out the Kudzu Bakery and The Fresh Market! You can find out more about both of them on Facebook or on the web.