In The Process

One year ago

It is amazing how fast time flies.  I was just thinking about our life one year ago.  We had three amazing things happen to us as a family.

First, my dh's  brother was diagnosed with cancer.  He is in his early 30's and it was a "fluke" that he even went to the doctor.  Low and behold there were spots in his lungs.  Over the year he did some chemo treatments but soon decided to halt the treatments.  It seems the chemo was actually making him feel sick, the cancer had not affected him yet.  Just last month after moving to a new town, getting a new job he has now decided to start up the treatments again. (he was tired of the coughing).  My husband has seen how God is actually using the cancer to pull his brother even closer in his walk of faith.  We can praise God for that!  If anyone cares to:  please pray for healing and pray for my husband's unbelieving family.  Thank you

The second thing that happened last September was the shocking announcement that we (meaning I) was pregnant with Josiah.  I kinda knew in July, but I was in such denial.  I thought I can not be pregnant, "Abbie is only 7 months old".  "What am I going to do with 2 babies?"  Now that he is here I am so thankful for him.  He is such an amazing little guy.  We feel so blessed by God to have this little guy in our family.  He brings joy to all those around him.  Oh, I could just gobble him up!  And of course life is busy with a 7yo, 5yo, almost 2yo and an almost 7 mo old but I wouldn't trade that business for anything!!!

Lastly,  one year ago I got a call from the man who works upstairs from my husband.  He called to tell me my dh had had a seizure.  I had no time to panic at that point (trust me later at night when all were in bed I did)  I was pregnant and I had 3 little ones I had to find a babysitter for, so I could take dh to the hospital/ER.  When I saw my husband I was a little taken aback.   He was wanting to go the the doctor (not normal for him!), he had a huge black eye and a big knot on his forehead (from dropping and hitting his head on a metal filing cabinet), he also had a swollen and bitten tongue.  As a wife it is very hard to see your dh so vulnerable looking.  Well I took him to the ER and to the neurologist.  We were told yup he had a seizure, no idea why (all the tests came back normal ) take this medicine and oh by the way no driving for 6 months!  Well when you are self employed not driving is a BIG deal.  We weren't sure how that was going to work out.  Would his clients understand?  Would business drop?   You know what God totally took care of everything (just like He always does!  why did we worry?)  Our dear neighbors took him to work AND picked him up or they babysat our kids so I could pick him up.  Did business drop?  Not at all!  His clients were great, very understanding.  The only thing that changed was we needed a new filing cabinet!  Now if dh remains seizure free (which he has) they will slowly wean him off the medicine.  Whoopee!

As I look back I see how God gave us a lot of things at one time.  But it makes me realize, God can handle a lot at one time!  He is truly amazing.  Thank you Jesus

Videos

Normally our children are allowed to watch 1 video a day.  The older kids are really into: Shirley Temple, Little House on the Prairie and The Andy Griffith Show, they love Barney Fife.  My 20 month old really likes to watch The Cedermont Kids.  Now these videos are great for her age.  The kids sing, act silly and have fun.  For a mom who has watched them over and over and over with the first two children and now with #3 they are very syrupy sweet but mind numbing.  Oh how she loves them.   Now I just need to figure out how I can make it through #4 watching them over and over and over when he is of age.  

VBS

My oldest children have been attending VBS this week.  My plans were to go picking strawberries, make jam, clean the house (deep clean), plant flowers and schedule school things for next year.  As of yet none of these things has been accomplished.  Today for example I went to Starbucks, the grocery store and watched a video with my 20 month old.  What a great time I had with her!   Kids really are more important than doing and going all the time!  Go enjoy your children.  Blessings to all

Choosing Joy

Kendra, over at Preschoolers and Peace, has an amazing post about choosing joy.  Here is the link.  I can so relate to how she has been feeling about her own selfishness, and the desire to get the jobs of motherhood done instead of enjoying her children and embracing them on a daily, constant basis.  Her willingness to be transparent has humbled me and her desire to improve in this area is motivating me to evaluate my interactions with my own children.  Kendra nailed it best with stating "I am laying my sin area at the foot of the cross every single day"  I too need to approach the cross every day to confess my sins and weaknesses in this area and seek God's grace to strengthen me.  I want to experience a greater joy and I want my children to experience the joy that comes from the Lord. 

A Picture

Ok, so I sorta figured out how to do this (the pics a little big though!)  This is a photo of us from Christmas 2006.  I am very pregnant, about 7.5 months almost 8, with Josiah.  Emma is 6.5, Eli is 4.5 and Abigail is 14 months.  Oscar and I are... well older than the kids.

Compassion

As a family we decided to support some children through Compassion International.  This came from a conversation and reading we did with the kids from A Child's Geography. So as a family we signed up and now we have 4 new children!   Dh chose a child from Mexico, as Mexico, is very dear to his heart.  For those who don't know he has tons of relatives there!  Emma chose a little girl her age from India.  She is so excited to write her.  She even wants to do extra work to earn money so she can send her own money to help V.  Eli and I both chose children living in Africa.  Eli chose his because his little boy likes to play soccer.  I chose my little girl because she is possibly HIV +.  There are so many children who need help.  If you are reading this blog please pray and see what God would have you do!

Blessings to all!