Seventeen Months....

Today, December 21, Luke turned 17 months old....Yep, the time sure has flown.

So, here's the usual photo of Luke in our chair.



This photo of him smiling is O.K., but we know he can certainly smile bigger!

So, when Marc climbed in the chair with him, we got a great smile for a photo! Sorry for the red eyes with Marc...I was having a hard time getting the red eyes removed with my computer. Oh well -- I sure like the photo anyways -- my two guys.



And, just for fun -- here's a photo of Luke one year ago today....Oh my -- what a little Butterball! The bib gives me such fond memories of spit-up. I'm really glad that stage is over with Luke :)



One of Luke's favorite things to do is watch the bathtub fill up with water before his bath...this photo may merely be for Marc and me, but it's certainly cute to see in person.



A Couple of Things about Luke right now...

1) As previously stated in an earlier post, Luke is walking now. He took off walking not quite three weeks ago. He's doing much better each day. He's not yet really running, but we can already tell that is coming very soon. He does walk all over the house now.

2) He has developed a sudden "pickiness" in eating. I have to get creative sometimes. Otherwise, he does definitely go for "typical" toddler food -- mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, etc....We're working on improving that.

3) He's starting to say a few words as opposed to mere jibberish; however, typically, only Marc and I can understand him.

4) He still REALLY likes singing. He's at a point right now where I'm not sure if he'd go to bed without one of us singing to him while gliding in the chair in his room. If I'm around, he prefers me singing. However, he'll listen to Marc sing if I'm gone for the evening. He also likes my mom to sing with him. Fortunately, she's willing to do that for him at anytime she's around :)

5) We left him with a teenage baby-sitter for the first time the other night. It was a neighbor girl, Celeste. She said after we got home, "He's like one of the most layed-back kids I've ever baby-sat. He was easy." We were glad he was like that for her, though Marc and I certainly don't consider Luke to be layed back. We're hoping Celeste is willing to baby-sit again; however, she is a Senior in High School. She may be a bit busy for baby-sitting Luke. We paid her well, so hopefully, that'll persuade her to come over some.

6) He still doesn't mind us cutting his hair with the clippers. He sits very nice when Marc cuts his hair -- about once every four weeks or so.

7) Luke is still V.E.R.Y. attached to his little blanket. Now that he walks, he walks around with the blanket -- kind of like Linus. He sucks his thumb with his blanket. It's completely and totally his comfort. We find it to be cute. If we were to lose the blanket, we'd be in deep trouble, and I MEAN DEEP TROUBLE.

Thanks for reading about our little guy.

Cocoa and Carols....

Each year, in December, our church has a Children's Christmas Program one Sunday evening. However, it was decided this year that, because of everything else that goes on throughout the fall in our church body, the Children's Christmas Program will become an Easter Program.

However, there was still a family night last Sunday evening (December 13). It was called "Cocoa and Carols."

Before "Cocoa and Carols," there was a children's prelude. Children could perform for the audience -- playing instruments, singing, etc. Luke and I didn't quite make it in time to see all of the children perform. Marc was on "light duty" (with the tech team), and so, he did get to see the children perform.

Our Community Life Group had it planned together; however, it ended up only being two families from our group -- Marc, Luke, and I and the Hershberger Family (Seth, Sarah, Collin, and Natalie).....

The actual "Cocoa and Carols" evening started out with an interactive singing of "The 12 Days of Christmas." (And yes, Jill, that is the back of your head in the front of this photo -- Sorry!)



Pastor Adam asked for or picked volunteers -- 12 of them. Then, each volunteer came up with an action to match the appropriate day in the song.

It was fun singing all together while chuckling at some of the actions. But, I won't chuckle too much. It could've been me on stage :)

Next, a special visitor in a Santa hat (a.k.a. Pastor Dave) came on stage to read the Christmas story to all of the children.



And, by "Christmas Story," I don't mean the story about reindeer or Santa Claus. I mean the true Christmas Story -- found in the Bible. Pastor Dave read the commonly heard one found in the second chapter of Luke.

Lastly, a skit was performed (and the skit was written by a member of the church body). The skit involved interactive singing of Christmas carols. It was a neat way to have everybody sing carols together. The skit starred none other than our friend, Debby. Good Job Debby!



Now, since Luke recently took off walking, he didn't much want to sit through this event. So, since Marc was busy with the lights, I was busy with Luke. He sat really nice through part of the show. Then, I ended up with him in the hall. At least I could still the carols from the hallway!

This first photo was on a post earlier in the week, but since it is a good photo of Luke walking, I'll show it again.



And, he does still spend some time crawling, though each day, the crawling is becoming less and less. This photo was also taken in the church hallway.



After "Cocoa and Carols" was over, everybody got together in our "Fireside Room" in our church for snacks. Everybody was asked to bring a snack to share, and I'm guessing most people did just that. There was a lot of food!



The first annual "Cocoa and Carols" was a fun evening -- at least in our opinion. It was fun because it was a family event which kids and adults alike can enjoy -- even in the hallway which is where I was part of the time. We'll definitely put it on our list to do next year.

If you weren't there, perhaps you can join us next year?????

A Little Lighter, Perhaps????

O.K., so I know my last post was a bit heavy, but that's what was truly on my heart. But, for today, I'll post a bit lighter and more fun at the same time.

I haven't mentioned Oliver and Lily for awhile (the two children I watch once a week), and so, here it goes....

It's been cold outside here for the last several weeks, and so, while Lily takes a nap, sometimes I have to be creative in keeping Oliver and Luke entertained since we can't go outside -- keep in mind that these two boys are at different ages and obviously at different skill levels.

I decided that generally speaking, Luke can be fairly independent and entertain himself for a bit (that would a trait he received DIRECTLY from his parents). So, I attempted to bake cookies with Oliver -- I must say that is fairly bold on my part seeing how I'm not really one to try anything too risky. AND, Oliver is a very active 2 1/2 year old boy who is not my own.

But, Oliver was excited when I mentioned it. He immediately moved a chair to the counter and asked to help with something.

Oliver did very well at helping me "dump" ingredients into the bowl. However, he didn't necessarily like it when the mixer was running. He said it "made too much noise."

However, as soon as I pulled out the chocolate chips, he was certainly willing to taste the chocolate chips to make sure they were O.K. I gave him a few to eat by themselves....He approved.



It was at that point that Oliver didn't just want to watch anymore...since all of the ingredients were "dumped" in. So, he offered to help stir the cookie dough.



He did also help place the cookies on the cookie sheets, though I didn't get a photo since I was up to my elbows in raw cookie dough. We did have a lesson, tailored to a 2 1/2 year old, about not licking our fingers after EACH cookie was placed on the cookie sheet. But, I also figure that cookies are baked at 375 degrees in the oven. That should kill off snotty germs, right?

During this whole process, Luke did fairly well finding toys to play with. A couple of times, he came walking in the kitchen -- putting his arms up to me to be picked up. If I picked him up and showed him what we were doing, he was happy. He just wanted to see what we were doing :)

I usually don't like to resort to DVDs all of the time, but Luke L.O.V.E.S. the Praise Baby DVD Collection. So, he did watch one of those DVDs while we were finishing up the cookies. I love this photo -- if you can see it O.K. on this blog. He's leaning against the coffee table, watching the DVD.



After finishing the cookies, I let Oliver put some in a take-home pan. He said he wanted to take some to his Daddy. I hope he shared with his Mommy as well????? I did tell him he needed to do that.

After cookie-baking, we pulled out the MegaBloks -- you know, the cheaper form of Duplos.

Luke has recently figured these blocks out, and I truly believe that watching Oliver is what helped Luke figure them out. So, these two different-aged boys actually played together without annoying each other at all. Granted, they had different projects, but I did capture a photo to remember the occasion. It really was quite cute to watch.



Later on, Oliver found a bunch of new books he hadn't yet looked at. He was perfectly content sitting on a recliner, reading the books. I noticed that his "reading" consisted of a combination of a bunch of stories put together. It looks like a nice place to read with the sunlight coming in the window and all, doesn't it? It's an even better place to read in the evening when Marc has a fire in the fireplace going -- right next to it!



All of these activities were going on when Lily was taking a nap. But, to not leave her out, here's a photo from earlier in the morning. It's Lily -- hanging out on a shelf in our kitchen. And don't worry -- this shelf is completely empty because of Luke -- perfect for Lily!

Sometimes -- I'm slow!

This post is about two weeks overdue, but I want to tell you that Luke is now walking -- if you hadn't already heard.

Two weeks ago, Wednesday, December 2, in the evening, he just all of a sudden took off for us. That evening, he just all of a sudden started taking about 10 steps at a time, and that has only increased.

While I don't have a video of it to post, here are a few photos from the last couple of weeks....

(And, as a side note -- Luke has a visor of Marc's around his neck. He LOVES that visor. He has it with him quite a bit. It's gone into the grocery store, into Wal-Mart, etc. I actually think he likes it mainly because it's Marc's. He's pointed at it to other people and said, "Dada.")



This photo was taken at church the other day -- in the foyer.



If you look in the background at this one -- you'll definitely know that a child has been there :)



Now -- if you read the title of this post, you might possibly think I'm being mean when it comes to Luke's walking. Yes, he does still walk slow, but we all know that will only increase.

Actually, in the title, I'm actually referring to myself as being a S.L.O.W. L.E.A.R.N.E.R. sometimes. Before you all think I'm being too hard on myself, let me explain.

Many of you know, either from knowing me in person or reading my blog, that I have, at times, been frustrated with Luke's late walking. I always knew he'd eventually get there, but it still was frustrating to watch every other child his age AND younger already walking.

I typed out our Christmas letter a little over two weeks ago. I then promptly went and made a bunch of copies. In that Christmas letter, I wrote that Luke was "taking the later approach to walking and wasn't quite walking yet." Literally, 24 hours later, he started walking. I went on ahead and sent the letters out as written.

A few days after I mailed out the Christmas letters, I received a Christmas letter from a family I knew in high school (it was actually from a friend of mine's mom). I won't go into a lot of detail about the letter other than the fact that it was a very positive, encouraging, and uplifting letter -- beautifully written. She talked about her granddaughter -- getting close to two years old.

Without saying anymore, let me just say that after I read it, with tears in my eyes, I said to myself, "Wow! I can really be a jerk sometimes."

I TRULY felt guilty for complaining and being frustrated (both in my mind and out loud) about Luke's late walking.

One would think that with almost 34 years of life behind me as well as life lessons learned this past year, I would learn to be thankful for everything God has given me. One would think that I would learn to be content with my circumstances -- ALWAYS!

I just want to scream out loud to myself (and I have been screaming silently to myself), "Sarah -- Stop Complaining."

And then, the other day, I was reading in my Bible in 2 Peter.

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9

Time doesn't mean much to God, and God is the U.L.T.I.M.A.T.E. patient one. I have messed up many times in my life, and often times, I keep making the same mess-up. God has been patient and forgiving through it all, over and over and over again.

God is the perfect parent example....If he's this patient with me, why can't I be more patient with Luke?

In all reality, Luke's late walking is nothing. Marc and I sure that someday, there will be many bigger things to be patient with in his life.

Can I be that patient with him? That's my prayer....(I know -- praying for patience can truly be scary).

I've been reading a book called Creative Silence by Jeanie Miley. Basically, it's a book on Christian meditation, but I have gained quite a few important truths in this book.

I shared an excerpt out of this book during my Tuesday morning Young Wives/Mothers Bible Study group. I'd like to now share it on this post.

We are made for growth and change. Just as plants grow toward the light, we, too, turn toward the Light for growth. Unfortunately, there is no way to come into the presence of the Holy One without encountering our own sin (which is why so many of us avoid prayer and mediation!) There is no way to a union with the Perfect One without having the gaping holes of our imperfection revealed. Encountering the One who is righteous exposes my frailties and foibles, my sins of attitude and action, my growing edges. Christ's probing light makes its way into the darkest corners; he seeks and finds me when I try to hide. God is always at work in us, restoring us to his original design. The discomfort of life has within it the seed of renewal, the possiblity of transformation.

That paragraph explains things to me perfectly. While my sin frustrates me, it is reassuring to know that my relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important thing for me -- Christ is ALWAYS with me. God is at work within me...restoring ME to His original design.

Yes, I'm here....

I haven't posted in awhile. That would be because our modem died. But, my wonderful husband bought one this evening and got it going as I was having a "Girls' Night Out" with my friend, Lori.

Now, it's late...I must go to bed.

Tomorrow, I'll do my best to post!

Later.

A Few Happy Things....

Here's a little story....I hope you can follow my writing :)

I've been looking for a little farm set for Luke for Christmas. A couple of weeks ago, I found this farm set at Wal-Mart. The price -- $34.97.

(This photo was actually taken after this story ended -- but, I decided to show it now).



After finding it, I thought to myself, "I'm not going to buy it yet. I'm going to look around a bit."

Last week, I went one evening to Target. I actually went there for the one specific reason of picking out and purchasing new glasses -- as well as ordering new contacts for the next year (yes, I'm blind without the assistance). Target optical accepts the eye coverage through Marc's job -- Cessna.

After making the decision as to which glasses I was going to purchase....which, by the way, here they are (excuse the photo because these frames obviously weren't yet adjusted to my face and the tag was still on since these were for the showroom).



By the way, when they do come in, I'll take a better photo when they're adjusted with no tags -- also, I'll take a photo of my current (old) glasses for comparison.

Anyways, when the employee was entering all of my information as well as my order into the computer, I looked up and noticed a sign: "This week only -- $25 gift card to Target with any full set of glasses purchase."

Ahhh -- how nice would that be -- a gift card?

So, after finishing up with Optical, I took my $25 gift card and headed to the toys' section -- just to look.

I happened to notice the same farm set on SALE for $24.99....

Whoa -- Can we just say, "S.C.O.R.E.?"

My gift card would cover the "on-sale" price of this farm set. I only needed to pay the sales tax.....

Oh -- I was so excited....I definitely will NOT say that we bought this farm set for Luke for FREE (Marc and I don't like that word in this household) as I did have to purchase a pair of glasses for this, BUT it certainly does help when you get a bonus like this...

So, that was my sheer excitement for last week -- Hey! It doesn't take much, does it?

*****

I haven't posted any photos of Luke for awhile, and since he makes me so very happy, I'll post a photo.

He loves waving the American flag around, and this day (last week) was no exception.



And, photos of Marc and Luke together certainly make me happy as well, and so, from this past Sunday, here's a photo of my two guys reading together on the couch.



*****

And, one last "happy" thing....

Marc has given me flowers several times over the course of our dating/engagement/marriage. I R.E.A.L.L.Y. appreciate the fact that he doesn't overdo it with flowers because then, when I do get flowers, I genuinely appreciate them.

Anyways, last Saturday, to my surprise, Marc showed up at home (after running some errands) with this....



It's actually supposed to be from er....Luke. But, since we all know Luke is not yet capable of going to a flower shop alone and purchasing a flower, it ultimately did come from Marc. But, I was definitely sure to thank them both.

Marc said that "Luke just really wanted to thank his Mommy for taking good care of him each and every day. That way, Daddy doesn't have to sit and work and worry. He can focus on doing a good job at work."

That's sooooo sweet of them both :) I loved it! I think I even cried!

Those are my happy things for the last week!

68 Years Ago Today....

December 7, 1941, is the "date which will live in infamy."

Yes, 68 years ago today, Pearl Harbor was bombed -- on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.

The USS Arizona Memorial was established in 1962 and is comanaged by the National Park Service and the Navy. The USS Arizona was a ship which sank during the attack. It serves as a burial for the 1,102 crew members who died on the ship.

Almost 4 years ago (January, 2006), Marc and I were in Hawaii. My job took me there for a few days, and then, Marc joined me. After my "work" time, we vacationed. We spent half of the time on the big island of Hawaii. We then jetted over to Oahu. It was on that island that we visited the USS Arizona Memorial -- located in Pearl Harbor.

I'm not really sure of which words I'd like to use to describe our experience. I often times think the word "surreal" is most definitely overused, but I guess I'll use that word in this case.

It was weird for me to think that this beautiful place was the sight of a horrible attack back in 1941. It was kind of hard for me to imagine.

It also made me want to honor our servicemen and servicewomen even more....the sacrifice they make for our country.

Here are a few photos....they weren't taken with the best of cameras, but they do capture the moment, I guess.

The big anchor you see as you enter the museum....



The Navy actually takes you out on the boat to the actual memorial -- built over the sunken USS Arizona Ship.



On this memorial, there is a big wall listing all who lost their lives during this attack -- on the USS Arizona, specifically.



Parts of the USS Arizona stick out above the surface of the water.





You can also see the ship underneath the water.



And, who's this cute couple -- with the Memorial behind them in the distance?



Marc and I do have one regret from this visit -- There were a few Pearl Harbor survivors actually greeting the crowds as they enter the museum. Obviously, these guys had aged. But, they had their "Pearl Harbor" survivor hats on...they were obviously proud to have served our country and proud to stand there greeting people. Marc and I, for whatever reason, did not go and talk to these guys (yes, we said "Hi" but that was about all). We now regret that we didn't take the time to go and talk to them. You know they have stories. Plus, World War II veterans are becoming few and far between....It's important, we think, to listen to their stories and learn from them.

But, obviously, we can't live in the past. It's just a mistake we made -- not talking to them. If you go to this memorial anytime soon, please make every effort to talk with the World War II veterans who may be greeting at the doors.

*****

For those of you who have been to Hawaii -- you may offer your own opinion, but first, I'll share mine...

I've been to Hawaii twice in my life -- once when I was 20 and once when I was almost 30. I enjoyed the second time more as a) I was with my husband and b) we had a little more money with which to enjoy our trip and c) I had grown up some by age 30 and appreciated the trip much more....

When I was 20, I visited (with a friend) the islands of Oahu and Maui. I really enjoyed Maui as it was definitely pretty. I enjoyed Oahu but not as much as it's much too touristy and commercialized.

When Marc and I went (when I was almost 30), we visited the big island of Hawaii and Oahu. We mainly visited Oahu for the USS Arizona Memorial. We both too enjoyed the big island MUCH more than Oahu; however, we are definitely glad we went to the USS Arizona Memorial.

Long story short -- islands other than Oahu are much prettier and much more relaxing.

Feel free to visit Rich & Carolyn's blog -- they just returned from a two-week trip to Hawaii and according to the blog, had a FABULOUS time. Plus, there are some great photos.

*****

Much of the midwest tonight, tomorrow, and Wednesday will be getting some yucky winter weather. So, to put us all in a better mood -- I'll share some beautiful Hawaii photos from our trip nearly four years ago....









Yes, this is Marc playing in the ocean....



O.K., that's all for now -- stay warm!

And, most importantly, remember to honor those servicemen and servicewomen who are serving our country!