Monday, April 30, 2012
Sometimes We Go to the Zoo...
A week visiting the family in Houston wouldn't be complete without a trip to the zoo...
Tucker wanted to ride the Heffalumps...
Heffalumps give high-fives!
Watching the Heffalumps...
Tucker wanted to get into the exhibit... With the chimpanzees...
Maddie poses. Giraffe poses.
Maddie's favorites!
Riding the caterpillar on the carousel...
Tucker riding the panda bear with Mia!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Sometimes it's a Heart Issue
Ever have one of those moments where you read, hear, or see someone doing something and you feel like patting yourself on the back? It's one of those instances where you feel good about yourself, because that doesn't describe you at all, at least not anymore, right? Yeah, totally had one of those moments today. In church. Of course, where else would a person feel like they are better than the rest of the people listening to the exact same teaching in the exact same building?
The preacher was using words like "hostile," ,
"And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds..." - Colossians 1:21
My response? "Oh, I have never even been there, and doubt I ever will be..." it was a type of deep hearted musing- the kind that is only discovered when you dare to explore the inner confined thought of your soul. But it was there nevertheless. It's like I accepted I was a sinner, accepted I was imperfect, but evil? I mean, that's kind of harsh... Isn't it? Ever been there?
We live in a culture of entitlement. Our initial response to our clothing, food, and shelter seems to be "it's not enough," and that mindset leads to the heart condition of coveting. Which, if you know your ten commandments, you know that you just stepped into the deep end of the wrong pool. But we have taken have these commandments and twisted them into socially accepted behaviors.
The media goes as far as to idolize the distorting of them to the point where we will drink gossip as though it is the oxygen to our very souls. We teach to coveteousness to children and it becomes the social norm because the adults in society are continually growing their children up in a materialistic world view under the heading, "dreams for my child's future." We lust, and are encouraged in that- even more than that we consider someone a prude if they haven't. We hate- Yankees, rednecks, beauty queens, jocks, geeks, gays, blacks, whites- we conditionally love only those who we desire to be loved by.
The culture that surrounds us on every side has allowed us to love our sin. Like a child loves his poop filled diaper as it oozes and surrounds him- the thoughts being, "Yeah, it may be stinky, but it's warm and it's mine!" Oh. Dear. ...It's a matter of the heart. God is after our hearts. The underlying cause behind people's actions is the heart of the person in question. Why Jesus compares hating someone to murdering them, or lusting after someone to committing adultery. If it happens in the heart, it is a sin. And a sin is a sin is a sin. And sin is evil. Therefore, at one point in time in this life we were each "doing evil deeds," with nothing keeping us from reproach.
We pursue the "happyness" instead of the joyfullness. I love what Matt Chandler said in his sermon that we watched this morning. He said this, "Happiness is impossibly fragile- touch it, and it's gone." And then he explained that, "Joy has extremely deep roots. It is immovable." Joy is not hindered by the things of this life. Joy is founded in Christ. But happiness exists in a moment, and as soon as it is, it is no longer.
Ready for the rest of the verse? Yeah, I was too.
"he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,
IF
indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven..."
- Colossians 22-23 (emphasis mine)
Amen.
The preacher was using words like "hostile," ,
"And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds..." - Colossians 1:21
My response? "Oh, I have never even been there, and doubt I ever will be..." it was a type of deep hearted musing- the kind that is only discovered when you dare to explore the inner confined thought of your soul. But it was there nevertheless. It's like I accepted I was a sinner, accepted I was imperfect, but evil? I mean, that's kind of harsh... Isn't it? Ever been there?
We live in a culture of entitlement. Our initial response to our clothing, food, and shelter seems to be "it's not enough," and that mindset leads to the heart condition of coveting. Which, if you know your ten commandments, you know that you just stepped into the deep end of the wrong pool. But we have taken have these commandments and twisted them into socially accepted behaviors.
The media goes as far as to idolize the distorting of them to the point where we will drink gossip as though it is the oxygen to our very souls. We teach to coveteousness to children and it becomes the social norm because the adults in society are continually growing their children up in a materialistic world view under the heading, "dreams for my child's future." We lust, and are encouraged in that- even more than that we consider someone a prude if they haven't. We hate- Yankees, rednecks, beauty queens, jocks, geeks, gays, blacks, whites- we conditionally love only those who we desire to be loved by.
The culture that surrounds us on every side has allowed us to love our sin. Like a child loves his poop filled diaper as it oozes and surrounds him- the thoughts being, "Yeah, it may be stinky, but it's warm and it's mine!" Oh. Dear. ...It's a matter of the heart. God is after our hearts. The underlying cause behind people's actions is the heart of the person in question. Why Jesus compares hating someone to murdering them, or lusting after someone to committing adultery. If it happens in the heart, it is a sin. And a sin is a sin is a sin. And sin is evil. Therefore, at one point in time in this life we were each "doing evil deeds," with nothing keeping us from reproach.
We pursue the "happyness" instead of the joyfullness. I love what Matt Chandler said in his sermon that we watched this morning. He said this, "Happiness is impossibly fragile- touch it, and it's gone." And then he explained that, "Joy has extremely deep roots. It is immovable." Joy is not hindered by the things of this life. Joy is founded in Christ. But happiness exists in a moment, and as soon as it is, it is no longer.
Ready for the rest of the verse? Yeah, I was too.
"he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,
IF
indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven..."
- Colossians 22-23 (emphasis mine)
Amen.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Sometimes it's Not Like
In Maddie's eyes I am currently unable to do anything wrong... With the exception of leaving her alone in her room for nap time. Any song I sing in my off key way has her smiling and cooing. Any food I feed her she at least tries to eat. A book, it doesn't matter which, has her practically jumping for joy between pictures and words. It doesn't take a lot to entertain, and unless she is tired, she is happy.
Tucker is a toddler. A toddler who just learned the phrase, "I don't like..." And now I hear it all the time. "I don't like that book," and he tosses it aside. "I don't like that song," as he walks away from my singing. "I don't like that," as he lets the toy fall through his fingers, or throws the piece of food. "I don't like that plate," as he pushes my efforts away from him with a look of disinterest bordering disgust. "I don't like mommy." Those. Words. Hurt.
Living a life of sacrifice is easy when you are sacrificing for people who sacrifice for you. It's wonderful even. To sacrifice on a daily, constant, basis for self-indulgent, self-serving, self-centered people is not easy. And yet that's what we are called to do, after all isn't that what being Christ-like looks like? Doesn't He love me, you, and all of the world, despite the fact that at the end of the day how many of us by our actions tell Him, "I love you," and how many of us are actually saying, "I don't like you..."
Tucker is a toddler. A toddler who just learned the phrase, "I don't like..." And now I hear it all the time. "I don't like that book," and he tosses it aside. "I don't like that song," as he walks away from my singing. "I don't like that," as he lets the toy fall through his fingers, or throws the piece of food. "I don't like that plate," as he pushes my efforts away from him with a look of disinterest bordering disgust. "I don't like mommy." Those. Words. Hurt.
Living a life of sacrifice is easy when you are sacrificing for people who sacrifice for you. It's wonderful even. To sacrifice on a daily, constant, basis for self-indulgent, self-serving, self-centered people is not easy. And yet that's what we are called to do, after all isn't that what being Christ-like looks like? Doesn't He love me, you, and all of the world, despite the fact that at the end of the day how many of us by our actions tell Him, "I love you," and how many of us are actually saying, "I don't like you..."
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Sometimes it's, umm, Pee
Thursday marked the beginning of Tucker in underwear. A diaper shield is put over the underwear for naps and bedtime, but that's it... The only problem is my son does not understand cause and affect very well, if at all. He is the child that, when he accidentally slammed his fingers in a cabinet would cry, open the cabinet, and (without removing his hands) would slam it harder... Only to cry louder. Needless to say, it took him a few months to realize that if he slammed the cabinet without moving his hands to a safe position, it would hurt... A lot.
So, while trying to teach my son the signs of needing to go to the bathroom, and how uncomfortable it is to go to the bathroom in underwear, I also have a very demanding six month old- who is very frustrated with the fact that she is not getting as much attention at the moment as her peeing-freely-all-over-the-house older brother... Ever have a day like this?
While chasing a tantrum throwing toddler and attempting to wrestle him onto the toilet seat (because he is bound to blow at any second) he starts to pee, straight up in the air- directly at your face. Rest of day spent chasing, doing loads of laundry (because 8 pairs of underwear is NOT enough for even one day), cleaning up "accidents" (which you are almost positive are anything but accidental). Turn around to giggle with the little girl, who really just wants an excuse to smile and coo (oh so cute- she somehow makes the day seem like it won't be the end of the world after all...). And between spitup, tossed cereal, food scattered, and, oh yeah that other daunting puddle that has found it's way onto your living room floor, you somehow manage to get both kids to sleep. Sort of. The evening ends with the grand finale: a screaming toddler, covered in chalk and some other sticky substance (which is thankfully not urine), and obviously on a sugar high from all of the treats he has gotten for successful potty trips; couple that with your giggly sprinkle of a baby on your hip... who you are now beginning to realize is leaking something warm, and thick, through her diaper and your shirt... change baby, wipe off changing pad (the cover to which has somehow vanished), hold baby while pulling out cloth diaper to put her on... Realize she has peed in the process creating a water slide of sorts, out of urine, g r e a t... Bath time. Put infant down on bath mat, just to have her roll over and pee on the tile... Seriously? Start the day chasing a toddler saying, "No no pee pee on floor, pee pee in potty!" just to have it end with the baby peeing on the floor.
All this to say toilet training is a L O N G process, but one which I am still determined to not go back on- I have come too far to revert back to diapers, no matter how desperately I am craving their simplicity!
Disclaimer: this state of mind may in fact change very shortly and the author of this post cannot be held liable for such a change should one take place.
Doing the potty dance
Coloring with Christopher Robin in his big boy undies
Snacks on the floor
Brother and sister playtime...
Napping Maddie- gah, bootie in the air!
Friday, April 13, 2012
Prayer for Avery
I mentioned baby Avery and her sweet strong family in my previous post. And I would like to do something for this family, but I need your help! I am proposing to make Saturday, April 21st a day of prayer for baby Avery.
I am asking for individuals, families, prayer groups to join together starting at 12:00 a.m. Central Time, for 30 minute stretches of prayer. Add fasting too if you are able and willing, and cover this family in prayer. Pray as you feel the Lord is leading you to pray, and commit to this only if you are serious.
I would ask that, once you have decided to commit, to put the time you will be praying (translated into Central Time. Ex: if you are in California and pray at 3:00 p.m., that is the 5:00 p.m. time-slot.)- you CAN sign up for more than one and there CAN be more than one sign ups per time- but try to sign up for times that have not yet been filled!, and to include your name in the response. A nickname is fine- just something for the family to be able to see a visual representation!
Optional things to include- your location (can be as general as a time zone or as specific as a city- no addresses please), and if you are also fasting you can choose to let the family know!- additional comments to the family and Avery should be posted to them on their blog
So, here are the time slots- I will update this as accurately as possible. Remember these are CENTRAL Times, please make the necessary calculations when signing up...
1. 12:00 a.m. - 12:30 a.m. : Erika P.
2. 12:30 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
3. 1:00 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.
4. 1:30 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
5. 2:00 a.m. - 2:30 a.m. : Jacquie H.
6. 2:30 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. : Amanda C.
7. 3:00 a.m. - 3:30 a.m.
8. 3:30 a.m. - 4:00 a.m.
9. 4:00 a.m. - 4:30 a.m.
10. 4:30 a.m. - 5:00 a.m.
11. 5:00 a.m. - 5:30 a.m. : Matt B.
12. 5:30 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. : Kathe B.
13. 6:00 a.m. - 6:30 a.m. : Adria F.
14. 6:30 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. : Emily B.
15. 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. : Robin R.
16. 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
17. 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. : Jessica M.
18. 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. : Tasha F.
19. 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. : Ellen B.
20. 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. : David B.
21. 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. : Michelle F.
22. 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
23. 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
24. 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. : Tiffany T.
25. 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
26. 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
27. 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. : Melissa K.
28. 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. : Priscilla S.
29. 2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. : Alicia W.
30. 2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
31. 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
32. 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
33. 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
34. 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
35. 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
36. 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
37. 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
38. 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
39. 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
40. 7:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
41. 8:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
42. 8:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. : Hannah M.
43. 9:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. : Maggie B.
44. 9:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
45. 10.00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. : Ashley C.
46. 10:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
47. 11:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
48. 11:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Looking forward to joining in prayer with everyone for this precious baby girl and her family!
I am asking for individuals, families, prayer groups to join together starting at 12:00 a.m. Central Time, for 30 minute stretches of prayer. Add fasting too if you are able and willing, and cover this family in prayer. Pray as you feel the Lord is leading you to pray, and commit to this only if you are serious.
I would ask that, once you have decided to commit, to put the time you will be praying (translated into Central Time. Ex: if you are in California and pray at 3:00 p.m., that is the 5:00 p.m. time-slot.)- you CAN sign up for more than one and there CAN be more than one sign ups per time- but try to sign up for times that have not yet been filled!, and to include your name in the response. A nickname is fine- just something for the family to be able to see a visual representation!
Optional things to include- your location (can be as general as a time zone or as specific as a city- no addresses please), and if you are also fasting you can choose to let the family know!- additional comments to the family and Avery should be posted to them on their blog
So, here are the time slots- I will update this as accurately as possible. Remember these are CENTRAL Times, please make the necessary calculations when signing up...
1. 12:00 a.m. - 12:30 a.m. : Erika P.
2. 12:30 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
3. 1:00 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.
4. 1:30 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
5. 2:00 a.m. - 2:30 a.m. : Jacquie H.
6. 2:30 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. : Amanda C.
7. 3:00 a.m. - 3:30 a.m.
8. 3:30 a.m. - 4:00 a.m.
9. 4:00 a.m. - 4:30 a.m.
10. 4:30 a.m. - 5:00 a.m.
11. 5:00 a.m. - 5:30 a.m. : Matt B.
12. 5:30 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. : Kathe B.
13. 6:00 a.m. - 6:30 a.m. : Adria F.
14. 6:30 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. : Emily B.
15. 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. : Robin R.
16. 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
17. 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. : Jessica M.
18. 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. : Tasha F.
19. 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. : Ellen B.
20. 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. : David B.
21. 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. : Michelle F.
22. 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
23. 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
24. 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. : Tiffany T.
25. 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
26. 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
27. 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. : Melissa K.
28. 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. : Priscilla S.
29. 2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. : Alicia W.
30. 2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
31. 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
32. 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
33. 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
34. 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
35. 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
36. 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
37. 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
38. 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
39. 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
40. 7:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
41. 8:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
42. 8:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. : Hannah M.
43. 9:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. : Maggie B.
44. 9:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
45. 10.00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. : Ashley C.
46. 10:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
47. 11:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
48. 11:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Looking forward to joining in prayer with everyone for this precious baby girl and her family!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Sometimes it's Days Like These...
Yesterday I felt like I was wonder-mommy. You know those days where it seems like you are doing everything right? Haha, oh the pride! I seriously take credit for the fact that both of my children were in a good enough mood that we could get in and out of a store in under thirty minutes... That I could finally really clean the house a little bit more than light sweeping... That BOTH kids took naps. At. The. Same. Time. Talk about a breath of fresh air. And yeah, totally had to stop myself in the middle of the day...
My thoughts were along the lines of, "Look at me! I'm actually getting stuff done! Things are looking good... Heck, I'm looking good..." Y e a h... The trap of taking credit for a good day. I get trapped in that a lot. I also take blame for the bad days. Been there? The day falls to, well, you know... And you sit there looking at the mound of dirty underwear your toddler went through in under three hours, the infant who can't stay up for more than an hour and fifteen minutes at a time, and the entire house needing a good cleaning, again... Examine everything, and blame... myself.
But the fact is days are days. There will be good, and there will be bad, and there will be in-between days. And to seek Christ in the bad, praise Him in the good, and realize that sometimes what happens in a day is completely out of your control. Choose joy in the bad, be joyful (and take advantage) of the good, and really relish the time here... Because the days may be long, but the years are so short...
I was recently introduced to this family via a friend's link on Facebook to their blog. And, while crying desperately for this family, I wanted to go wake up my daughter and hold her close. My son peeing everywhere and belly laughing while doing so no longer seemed like the end of all ends. The reminder that life is precious, and sometimes much much much too short was harshly staring back at me from my computer screen.
I would encourage anyone and everyone to read this family's blog. Pray for this sweet baby girl and her incredible parents who have a strength I stand in awe at. Really, truly blown away by how this family has approached this time in their lives.
My thoughts were along the lines of, "Look at me! I'm actually getting stuff done! Things are looking good... Heck, I'm looking good..." Y e a h... The trap of taking credit for a good day. I get trapped in that a lot. I also take blame for the bad days. Been there? The day falls to, well, you know... And you sit there looking at the mound of dirty underwear your toddler went through in under three hours, the infant who can't stay up for more than an hour and fifteen minutes at a time, and the entire house needing a good cleaning, again... Examine everything, and blame... myself.
But the fact is days are days. There will be good, and there will be bad, and there will be in-between days. And to seek Christ in the bad, praise Him in the good, and realize that sometimes what happens in a day is completely out of your control. Choose joy in the bad, be joyful (and take advantage) of the good, and really relish the time here... Because the days may be long, but the years are so short...
I was recently introduced to this family via a friend's link on Facebook to their blog. And, while crying desperately for this family, I wanted to go wake up my daughter and hold her close. My son peeing everywhere and belly laughing while doing so no longer seemed like the end of all ends. The reminder that life is precious, and sometimes much much much too short was harshly staring back at me from my computer screen.
I would encourage anyone and everyone to read this family's blog. Pray for this sweet baby girl and her incredible parents who have a strength I stand in awe at. Really, truly blown away by how this family has approached this time in their lives.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Tucker Talk: Hi-Ho
Nathan: "Tucker, can you say, 'Hi-Ho Silver, and Away!'?"
Tucker: "I am Silver!" (major belly laugh)
Tucker: "I am Silver!" (major belly laugh)
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Sometimes it's Incorporation, Bunnies, & Eggs
Have you ever experienced a heart moment? There is something going on in your head that won't leave you alone, at least not for long periods of time? And for the life of you, you have no idea how to handle the situation "correctly?" Well, I have that, a lot. And more often now that Tucker is older.
He understands so much, process so much, retains so much more than he did as an infant... But he doesn't understand full concepts. For instance, holidays. He loves Easter. Well, more correctly he loves Easter eggs. And they don't even have to be filled with candy. In fact, he generally prefers them empty so that he can fill them himself with the things he likes. And I am perfectly happy with that.
But here's the thing. My son pays attention to me. I have told him "You are going nuts!" enough times now as he runs around the house giggling his head off, that now when those instances happen he joyfully exclaims, "I'm going nuts!" -giggle- "I'm so funny!" -giggle- "I'm cute!" -more giggles-. And here is where I wrestle- allowing my children to enjoy the fun of the holidays, while at the same time being honest with them about the holidays. Nurturing their imaginations without twisting reality. And I'm not sure anyone has really mastered that yet...
I loved believing in Santa Claus- I willed myself to believe in him until I was almost twelve years old- yeah... And it is probably one of my favorite parts of my childhood- that belief in the imagination. It was wonderful. And I want my kids to have that too. I just don't know how to explain everything to them. I want Christmas morning to be more focused on the celebration of Jesus' birth, of the gifts of the magi, than of the presents around the Christmas tree- but I want to still let my children know the thrill of Christmas morning... And to incorporate the two somehow so that they compliment without confusion. The same thing with Easter. Tucker has an obsession with Easter eggs, and a newly discovered obsession with the Easter bunny. And I would love to bring his excitement over those things into the excitement of the empty tomb- and everything that that has meant for mankind.
But how to communicate to a toddler? It seems just beyond where he can mentally grasp at this point in time... and yet he can grasp the Easter Bunny, so how do we bring in the joy of opening an egg and finding sweet surprises, to the opening of the empty tomb- revealing the sweetest surprise of all?
For now, I speak and pray that the Holy Spirit uses my words to speak the loving truth to my son's gentle heart.
Tucker with his empty Easter Eggs
Maddie waiting for Easter Bunny
Tucker meets Easter Bunny
smile says it all...
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