A Small Answered Prayer -- In the Way I Wouldn't Have Chosen....

God does answers prayers -- no matter how small. But sometimes, He does answer them in ways one wouldn't choose. Here's a tiny example from last week -- with some pics! Last week was busy. Part of it was Christmas and all of the activities that go with the wonderful celebration of Christ's birth. Part of it was the fact that Kate is 6 months old and required a routine well-baby doctor's visit (of which we're grateful). Our house was due for the "bug guy" to come over and spray. Marc and I had a Christmas party! I had a "girls' tea" to be at with the ladies from the church office (which was wonderful, by the way). There was more -- I'm just choosing not to remember it all, AND all of this extra "stuff" was tacked onto the normal week of Luke's preschool, etc. etc. etc. I'm not complaining because I KNOW we're all busy -- especially this time of year. BUT, somewhere around Wednesday or Thursday last week, I said OUT LOUD, "I need a break...I can't wait for next week where we have NOTHING going on in the mornings. And, after Tuesday, preschool is over until after New Year's." Wednesday early evening, before Marc came home from work, Luke was being awfully quiet. I stepped into our family room from the kitchen to find this....

He had just come in from being outside. He still had one mitten on. It was cute; however, I didn't let him sleep long as I simply wanted him to go to bed at a decent time that night and get a good night's sleep. Thursday morning, Luke woke up warm. BUT, both Marc and I attributed it to the number of blankets + his very warm pajamas. Marc and I muttered to each other that we need to take some of the blankets off of his bed that evening. We went on with our day...everything seemed fine. Then, early evening, Luke was again quiet. I walked into the family room from the kitchen to find this....

This time, I knew something was wrong. When I went over to wake him up, he was HOT....feverishly hot. He woke up slowly, and I grabbed the thermometer. Yep, his temperature was almost 101 degrees. SO, I gave him some Tylenol and got him settled on the couch....

That evening, we let him watch quite a few shows (appropriate for him) on Netflix. He was allowed to drink pop (a HUGE treat for Luke)....you know, pretty much all of the stuff kids are allowed to do when sick. We've been very fortunate in that Luke doesn't get sick very often. This little bout was the first this "year." I had forgotten how much I feel sorry for him when he's sick....The next day, Luke was better, but we remained VERY low key. We stayed home (GLORIOUS)....He did develop a small fever once that day, but overall, Luke was better....He still spent time on the couch, though....

To top it all off, Kate had 6-month shots (Thursday)....During that routine doctor's appointment, it was also discovered she had an ear infection. SO, on Friday, despite Luke being better, Kate was a bit grouchy. Fortunately, she's now doing fine, and her fever never went up as high as Luke's. But, I'm grateful in all of this because....a) God answered the prayer of mine about wanting to be at home....b) Luke's illness was short-lived and very manageable....c) Kate did fine with shots with only a low-grade fever....d) I have a husband who was very willing, despite needing to be at work the next day, to sleep on the recliner at Luke's request to sleep on the couch when Luke was sick....

Stage Fright, Perfectionism, or Both????

Luke's preschool class did a little "Fall Sampler/Thanksgiving" program a couple of days before Thanksgiving. It was a very LOW KEY (thankfully) program in the chapel inside of the nursing home where the preschool is located. Basically, the teacher and kiddos performed some songs and such -- things they've worked on since September. Marc took the afternoon off to come, and Kate was woken up from her nap early to come (she had no choice -- it's called NOT being the first child where everything revolves around you). Luke has been in a couple of small Christmas performances at church in the past....but, this past fall has been a new leaf for Luke. We weren't sure what to expect. Before that day, we actually told him he could have a new book IF he stayed with his class to perform AND obeyed his teachers despite us being there. SO, after we arrived in the chapel and waited for just a bit, the class came in. Luke showed some extreme nervousness when walking in.

RIGHT after I snapped that pic, and I don't if it was because he saw us OR he saw me taking the pic, Luke started to cry and ran over to us. Marc, the "much more compassionate parent than me," picked him up on his lap and gently encouraged him to go sit with the rest of the class. Luke said, "No," and then proceeded to sit on Marc's lap. SO, for the first couple of songs, we saw an empty spot where Luke should have been sitting.

After a bit, Luke decided to go and sit in his assigned spot. He even participated for a bit -- which was very exciting for this Mama (and probably his Dad as well).

And then, they would sing a song with motions that he simply didn't want to do. So, we witnessed this....

Occasionally, Luke would "slip in" some motions while looking at us, very unsurely.

Then, it was back to doing what he was supposed to be doing....

Then, once again, fingers were nervously in the mouth...

After the program was over, the children were to follow their teacher in a line to their classroom for snacks. The parents/guests were to follow. Luke, instead of obeying and following in a line with his class, ran to us and cried. He wanted to go with us. Uughh....SO, we took him downstairs for a snack. Then, we had him apologize to both of his teachers for disobeying them. Nope, Luke did not earn his book that was promised if he stayed with his class in the program and obeyed his teachers. Secretly, I was sad for him, but at the same time, admittedly, I was SELFISHLY annoyed by the whole thing. Fast forward to LAST weekend at church. The kids were to going to get on stage in front of MANY more people (in a much larger room and much LESS low-key environment) and sing a couple of songs. SO, once again, we talked with Luke about what he was to do -- including obeying his teachers. We also promised him a book if he did just that. Marc and I actually sat almost in the back row at church so he wouldn't see us. Admittedly, I was nervous about the morning. Marc and I planned out who would go on stage and get him if needed (Marc would...I would stay with Kate in the audience). When we saw the kids walk in, we noticed Luke, BUT we ducked down so he wouldn't see us. He went on stage....seemingly doing O.K. Since we were ducking down, it was hard to see, but he was pretending to have binoculars (through his hands), looking for us. At this point, I chuckled out loud. The songs started. He did them. He did NOT cry. I was elated! Unfortunately, because we were sitting so far back and were partially ducking down, I have ZERO pics. BUT, his teacher's mom took a pic with Luke in it. This pic is FANTASTIC. It shows Luke looking at another little girl, and they both are looking through their binoculars. It just so happens that this little girl is the photographer's granddaughter. I'm thinking it was taken with laughter! YES -- Luke did earn his book, and I personally breathed a sigh of relief.

More and more as Luke has gotten older, I'm thinking he has a definite perfectionism side to him -- that comes out in certain times. He's ALWAYS been tender-hearted. We noticed that side of him seriously starting around the age of 5-6 months. He's definitely a people-pleaser -- especially wanting to please us. I think that, combining all of those little personality traits and add some stage fright to the mix, one has Luke while performing. NOW -- here's the "Keepin' It Real/Thankful" part of this post....Admittedly, pure sin-filled, self-absorbed selfishness on my part takes over in handling this situation. My VERY first thought in all of this has been, "It's embarrassing to have the only crying child in the preschool class. What is LUKE'S problem?" Goodness -- who's the adult here? (But, let's be honest, we're all selfish in some way - we're human, after all). There have been times throughout all of this where, admittedly, I've hardly thought of Luke's heart...I've only worried about myself. WOW -- that's honesty that makes me cry when I think about it. Finally, my extremely wise husband made a comment that he was actually glad this has happened to Luke....WHAT? Marc went on to say that he wants Luke to have to have something difficult -- not to have everything come easy. This is something he'll have to work on. Whoa!!!! Great thought, Marc....(Now, to my own words)....Luke certainly does NOT have a hard life. He lives in a very stable home with a mother and a father who love each other. His mom stays home with him all day. He NEVER has to wonder where his next meal will come from. He has more than an adequate amount of toys to play with. His bed is overly warm. The house is warm in the winter and plenty cool in the HOT Kansas summer. He comes from a family with two vehicles. He has four grandparents who love him. He has a sweet little sister. He attends a very safe and caring church who believes in the Truth of the Bible and teaches it. So far, academics don't make him struggle (even at a preschool level). Luke's blessings could go on and on and on....Then, I was recently reading through the book of Genesis in the Bible....a book I've read through numerous times in my life. (As a side note -- the Bible is an endless book of God's knowledge and wisdom...it's amazing how it works to read the same thing over and over...I encourage reading it if you don't currently). In chapter 3, sin enters the world. Man falls (in a spiritual sense). In chapter 4, the first "family unit" in the world falls. One brother kills another brother. At the very end of chapter 4, it is stated, "At that time men began to call on the Lord." (Genesis 4:26b)....You see, at the beginning of creation, everything was PERFECT. God gave everything anybody could've needed. He gave one simple instruction of NOT eating one specific fruit. But, Eve did, and Adam didn't stop her....the first disobedience toward God which caused the whole world to fall. BUT, it wasn't until after that fall and things went awry that God was called upon. When things were perfect, God was not called upon. SO, my point is this -- Luke has a wonderful life with ALL he needs and then some. If everything were perfect and EASY all of the time, Luke would NEVER call upon God. If our (meaning mine and Marc's) ultimate desire for our kids is to love and obey God, then something in their lives has to be difficult. AND, we have to allow that to happen. OH, how I'm grateful for God in our lives and a husband who is wise and recognizes things when I'm too selfish!

Our 2012 Christmas Tree.....

Two days after Thanksgiving (you know, the very important and wonderful holiday we celebrated last month when I took a whopping ZERO pics), our little family of 4 took a trip to Pine Creek Farm (near Goessel, KS) to pick out and cut down our 2012 Christmas Tree! This annual family event happens to be one of my favorite of the year! And, since Luke is now 4, he "gets it" a bit more. PLUS, this year, we had little Kate with us -- though, at only 5 months, she was pretty much simply "along for the ride." This particular day, it was C.O.L.D. for Kansas. The north wind was chilly, and you'll see in these pics that three of us weren't necessarily dressed quite warm enough (we really should know by now that at our home, in town, surrounded by trees, is NOT representative of how it will feel out in the country with fewer wind breaks). First, we had to pick out the best tree for our family (we've purchased from this tree farm twice now, and they've both been EXCELLENT trees -- despite the drought). Then, and this was probably my favorite part, Marc and Luke posed for SEVERAL pics in front of the tree. YES, Luke even took along his toy saw -- VERY CUTE -- a memory I hope to keep etched in my mind!

During this time, Kate hung out (and remained happy), all bundled up, in the jogging stroller (VERY worth it to take that stroller along)....

Then, we flagged down another "tree shopper" and had him take our family pic....one we have from each year! (I had to un-bundle Kate from her warmth for this quick pic)....

After posing, my two favorite guys cut down the tree...Luke imitating EVERYTHING his dad does....

Then, Marc & Luke dragged the tree to our car (trust me -- even if you can't see him, Luke's in there EVERY step of the way)....

Lastly, after paying for the tree and getting the dead needles shaken off, Marc (and Luke, of course) tied it to the top of our vehicle.

As promised....Keepin' It Real....We had originally planned on going to Pine Creek Farm the day before we actually did. BUT, there was a behavior problem in our home -- from Luke. To not embarrass Luke, but rather protect him, I won't repeat publically what he said, but his poor choice in behavior was ALL because of his mouth. Having children has taught me one thing -- there's a reason so much about "guarding one's tongue" is in the Bible. God clearly knew we'd have problem with what we say. Luke's consequence for saying some very wrong things the day after Thanksgiving was that we didn't get to go and get the tree until the next day -- something he was very much looking forward to. To say Luke was sad about that consequence would be an understatement. Sometimes, it simply amazes me how much a 4 year-old can say to get himself into trouble. AND, I fully know we have the teenage years way ahead of us yet****One more pic before I talk about what I was thankful for....Very soon after our family pic was taken, Kate fell asleep in the stroller, all bundled up, and she proceeded to sleep through most of the process. It was very sweet, and I was envious of her warmth (all bundled up)....It was a cold one that day.

What I'm thankful for....1) Thankful that we, as a family, can create memories while getting a Christmas tree....2) Thankful for Luke's growth this past year -- watching him REALLY get into the tree this year has been wonderful....3) Thankful for strollers....made it much easier with Kate....4) Thankful for the Bible, God's Word, which offers guidance daily....In this particular post, I'm thankful for Proverbs 21:23 -- "He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity." This is the verse we've memorized as a family. We're all guilty of what Luke got into trouble for the day before this event. It's an important verse, and I LOVE the fact that we're able to teach Luke (and eventually Kate) about God's Word.

Capturing the Everyday....

I would by no means say I take great photos, but I've managed a few good ones in my time. AND, that's O.K. Photography is not a passion of mine, BUT I do definitely want pics to remind me of important things in life. And, pics of my husband and my kids are the ones I cherish most. SO, I do take photos. And, I do like to share them. So, this post simply has some randomness to it from the last two days. These pics have already been shared on Facebook, but since I realize I have a few readers whom I'm not on Facebook with, I figured I'd share them too.

The pic above best illustrates Luke's latest mechanical fascination...the furnace. And, as one of my Instagram followers put it, "he's hardcore." SO, in the previous pic, Luke is lying on the floor next to the door to our basement. He is listening to the furnace run. If Luke's not an engineer or something like that someday, I'll be surprised.

Kate now ROLLS all over our family/dining room area. She does quite well until she gets stuck. This "rolling around the room" is a new phenomenon to Marc and me. While Luke certainly rolled (to prove he could pass a developmental milestone), as a baby, Luke NEVER rolled around the room. Like a typical first-born rule follower, Luke stayed on a blanket until he learned to crawl (and that was late). When Luke was Kate's age (6 months), I could still put him down on a blanket with a few toys and go and take a shower. He'd be there when I got out. Kate -- not so much!!!! SO, that pic I just posted above, that's "Happy Rolling Kate."

After snapping that pic of "Rolling Kate," I stepped out of the room for a bit. When I returned, Luke was on the floor with Kate. I quickly said to Luke, "FREEZE -- DON'T MOVE!" He obeyed (thankfully), and I was able to take my new favorite pic of our kiddos (above). THEN, Luke wanted a pic with him laughing. So, here it is....

With what I believe to be a "Sense of Entitlement" culture we live in today, I all too frequently hear the word "deserve." I personally don't like that word because it simply adds to the "Sense of Entitlement" culture. When I look at those pics of my kiddos, three words come to mind (and I did put these words on Facebook)...."I am grateful." A Facebook friend (and a friend in "real" life) added "You are blessed." I don't deserve these kiddos. Truly, we don't deserve anything. God chooses to bestow His blessings on us -- in this case, the blessings I'm talking about are my kiddos. God didn't have to give those kids to Marc and me. God chose to. God is SO full of grace....grace that we don't deserve. For that, I want to, more and more, express my deepest and sincerest gratitude to God. He blesses us each day! And, He's already given us the greatest blessing -- His Son, Jesus....the Son whose birthday we celebrate on December 25. My prayer is that Marc and I NEVER take our kids for granted. When I look at these pics of Luke and Kate, I'm overwhelmed...overwhelmed with what God has given Marc and me and completely overwhelmed of the responsibility we've been given in raising them. Fortunately, I always will have the Perfect Heavenly Father for guidance...because I know that Marc and I will need as much guidance as He's willing to give out.

Dates With My Most Favoritest Little Guy....

Over the last few months I've had not one, but TWO, dates with Luke -- my most favoritest little guy (yes, I know "favoritest" isn't a true word in the English language -- you can relax a bit English folks)....Really, Mommy/Son Dates should happen on a regular basis, but for us, it took something else to happen to spur on these dates. And, that "something else" is something I'd like to write about on this blog. I don't yet have it all composed...so, there are absolutely NO promises as to when it might be posted. BUT, our first date was way back at the end of September (which really feels like last week since time seems to move too fast). Before our date could really begin, however, I had to mail something. Of course, here in this town, we got stopped by a train. BUT, that was O.K. because I thoroughly enjoy watching Luke get excited over a train.

Of course, Luke then had to take a pic of me driving....

Our first stop was a Pizza Hut -- in WICHITA (yep, Luke insisted that our date be in Wichita)....AND, Luke insisted again that he take a pic....

After our tummies were filled with yummy pizza, we went to this place....(again, pic taken by Luke)....

Luke has REALLY enjoyed reading "The Berenstain Bears" Book series. So, I treated him on our date to another book to add to his collection. He picked out THIS BOOK....(Sorry, no pics here)....Lastly, we went to Target....Luke has a certain snack he likes there. We needed to stock up. AND, because we were on a date, I actually REFRAINED from shopping around that store too much.

Luke, once again, insisted on taking a pic...

And, for the snack that Luke likes -- Luke (and his friend Lily) like to eat "Chickadees" -- which are nothing more than Target's version of "Goldfish" crackers -- Ha!

The pic above was the start of our 2nd date -- last weekend. I posted this pic on Instagram and Facebook...yep, Luke fell asleep in the car on the way to Wichita. I guess I wasn't a very exciting date -- Ha Ha!

On our 2nd date, we once again went to Pizza Hut as I couldn't convince him of anything else. That's O.K. -- I live pizza! Then, Luke and I went to Botanica. Specifically, we went to see the Christmas lights at their "Illuminations." It was definitely worth the far-off parking, long lines, etc. etc. I can honestly say that Luke did WONDERFUL with not whining, complaining about walking, etc...Luke later said that he'd like to go again next year (when he's 5) with Daddy and Kate! So, I'm thinking we might have to plan that adventure next year! AND, to conclude this post, but before I write just a bit more, here are a couple of pics from this past week. I had offered to make gingerbread cookies for Luke's preschool class to decorate (for their "G" week project). Luke helped me. It was rather cute!

Keepin' It Real....I really don't honestly have any "funny" or "realistic" stories for this section of this post. Luke was a wonderful date, and I'd love to go out with him again. BUT, as I said at the beginning of this post, the reasons behind why we decided we were LONG overdue for a date would definitely be a "Keepin' It Real." But, until I get all of that written out, there's nada in this section.

Why I'm Grateful -- 1) My son, Luke -- enough said about gratefulness....2) Warm (for the time of year) weather to be able to go to an outdoor event at Botanica without freezing....3) A Husband who's willing to stay home with a baby so Luke and I could go out....4) Freedom in a country where Marc and I can openly teach our kiddos about Jesus Christ's birth -- the TRUE reason for Christmas....

Halloween -- Just A Little Late....

Obviously, I haven't blogged much lately. Honestly, I haven't blogged much in the last 18 months. My blogging history at the bottom of this page proves that fact. I honestly don't know why. I could use the excuse I'm busy. BUT, I'm no less busy than anybody else reading this blog or blogging themselves. We live in a busy society. I could make time. I was thinking that it boiled down to thinking that not too many people read my blog. BUT, every so often, somebody random (but whom I know) comes up to me and mentions they like seeing our kiddos on the blog. SO, despite very few comments, people do read. (And, I'm not complaining about not having comments; I too do NOT leave comments on other blogs very often). Then, I was thinking that perhaps I have felt like I didn't have a real purpose on my blog...BUT, what purpose would I personally have? I'm NOT crafty. I do NOT decorate my house well. I'm NOT a theologian, though I love Jesus and thoroughly enjoy reading my Bible. Not too many people who read my blog want to know what all I learned in the 10 years after college, but before we had a child, in my "professional" job. I'm certainly NOT a parenting expert. Recently, it's become very clear to me that I seriously have some things to work on in that arena (the parenting). As many of you know, Marc and I have lead a small group at our church for a number of years now (I've honestly lost track). This past semester (and this will continue into next semester), the men and women have been meeting separately. This method of meeting alleviates some childcare needs. It also allows women studies and men studies separately. And, though I do enjoy meeting as couples, I personally thoroughly enjoy getting together with just the girls. This past Sunday evening, 5 of the 7 of us girls were there. We had a nice soup supper in homemade bread bowls with a very healthy, girly salad...It's almost too bad that it was 70 degrees that day (Ha). Admittedly, we ate supper, chatted for awhile, laughed HYSTERICALLY at Kelli's story (it's even better when told in person), and took prayer requests from ALL of us. It sounds like a great evening, doesn't it? BUT, we never did get to our study that evening. The "business" side of me cringes that we didn't get that accomplished -- like what kind of organized leader am I? The "heart" side of says, "Who cares....it was uplifting fellowship." One of the conversations we had that evening was about how sometimes blogs (and Facebook for me) are hard to read because the writers are just "braggey" about their kids, lives, events, what they did over the weekend, etc. etc. etc. NOW, logically speaking, one does not need to read blogs or Facebook that may create these feelings. AND, one can do whatever he or she pleases with a blog....in other words, don't punish the author of the blog for doing that. Since that time, I've thought a bit. Yep, I've been the blogger who has probably simply used her blog to brag. Or, perhaps I've been the blogger to make everything seem happy and rosey all of the time. Again, I'm the author of this blog...I can do as I wish. BUT, if I'm intentionally causing somebody else to stumble with feelings of jealousy, is that wrong? Well, I honestly don't want to debate that, BUT I have decided that when I post on this blog, I do want to share our kiddos, family events, thoughts I have, etc. etc. etc. BUT, I also would like to present a "Keepin' It Real" with each post. Believe me, I FULLY understand it's not a perfect world (in fact, Marc and I do NOT use the word "perfect" except for when talking about Jesus Christ). And, we're a part of the imperfect world. BUT, we're clearly commanded in the Bible to be thankful in all circumstances. AND, I have said several times on this blog that Kate has created in me a whole new desire to not only be but also express gratefulness. (Click HERE for one time I said that very thing). With all of that in mind, I also want to say what I'm grateful for with each post. We'll see how this all goes, and understand I'm NOT committing to a certain number of blog posts. Here's Halloween, 2012 (yes, just a little late)....

I've stated many times I am NOT crafty. I do NOT sew. Here's one for you -- I've NEVER been on Pinterest (SIGH...GASP...OH NO)....So, for Halloween, I rely on already made costumes or my mom's ideas. This year, it was "already made" costumes for both kiddos. Luke was Thomas (fancy costume purchased from Wal-Mart). Kate was a ladybug (CUTE costume purchased from Carter's).

We ONLY trick-or-treated around our little neighborhood. So, we went to a whopping 5 houses. Our neighbor took a photo of our little family.

A little blurry here, but you get the point....

And now -- "Keepin' It Real" -- 1) The obvious: It's December 7, and I'm just NOW posting about Halloween....2) Luke was not into dressing up this year. We had to majorly encourage it and somewhat make him dress up....3) Luke did NOT want to smile for our family pic at our neighbor's....If you scroll back up and look at the family pic, if you haven't already noticed, Luke's scowling....I told my neighbor that this would've been a wonderful family pic had Luke smiled....4) I look at these pics and am reminded about how much I want to lose some weight (this is ongoing for me)....5) AND, the best of all -- if you look closely, I put on one brown flip-flop and one black flip-flop (accidentally) that evening....Yep, I walked all over the neighborhood like that....

Why I'm grateful -- 1) I didn't spend a lot of time OR money on Luke's costume....2) We have AWESOME neighbors who are wonderful with our kids....The neighbors and the fact that we have a quiet street FAR OUTWEIGH the end of our street (intersection) and the traffic that is there....3) We live in an area where it's safe to trick-or-treat....4) God gave us FABULOUS weather for the day....5) Kate was an "easy baby" that evening....6) We got to trick-or-treat as a family....