Real Life

My favorite blog posts to read on others' blogs are usually ones where they share from their heart.  I love humor, too, but I gravitate toward simple honesty, transparency, & vulnerability.  That said, I myself have not blogged much over the past few months.  Partly because something went awry with our USB cable and I couldn't upload any pics for the longest time, partly because Facebook has taken over the nation (I've joined in, too), and partly because I haven't had much of substance to say--or much I felt I could or should share. 

I sometimes feel like I just want to blog...but I don't have anything interesting to write about.  Tonight I decided I would try to just write from my heart and sort of journal about where my life is right now.  I don't exactly where this will go...

Last school year (the first half anyway) was one of the most balanced and enjoyable years I've ever had.  I was pregnant with Courtney, and really felt in a good rhythm with the other 3 kids.  I actually went so far as to say I was feeling like it was easy to parent  three!  (I might have had amnesia, though.)  It was a good mix to have 2 in school and be at home with Nathan.   My then neighbor, Kate, and I would have impromptu playdates in the cul-de-sac as her little boy is the same age as Nathan.  I also had my long time kindred-spirit-stay-at-home-mom friend "J" (& her two youngest) around to do life with, too.  We'd do our grocery shopping together on Tuesdays (my most dreaded weekly task) and then have lunch together at one of our houses.  On Thursdays we'd take turns volunteering in our older kids' classrooms at school while the other of us watched the younger ones.  I liked being able to be involved in Abby & Emily's classrooms.  I also liked being able to serve outside my home, at church for LATTE worship and at Woodwinds Hospital as a volunteer doula.  Wade was also working days (had been ever since we moved back from Indiana 3 years ago) so we had evenings together after the kids went to bed--most of the time anyway.  Life felt very balanced...

Oddly, though, despite how great & balanced my life seemed, the last post I did before Courtney was born was about fear.  I was quite candid about my walk with God, and about how I was wrestling with my view of Him.  Was struggling to see Him as the Father Who loved to give good gifts and instead was used to viewing Him as Someone who's always (lovingly) dragging me through yuck to grow me and shape my character--all for His glory of  course.  ;)  (No, seriously, I do believe that it's all to be for His glory...sometimes it can just sound cliche.)  I shared in that February 2009 post that I was afraid of the other shoe dropping, wondering as I was sitting at the Tasha Schuh conference what terrible thing God might be preparing me for next...and yet knowing God doesn't want me to live in fear.

Little did I know at the time, but my fears were correct.  There was trouble brewing.  My Mom was battling a return of her cancer (Lymphoma) that was going to be repeatedly misdiagnosed until it progressed to stage 4 and was finally discovered this past August.  She has yet to be able to hold now 14 month old baby Courtney without pain in her back from the tumors. 
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My favorite neighbor Kate & her family announced shortly after Courtney was born that they were going to  be moving.  :(  I cried.

Also, when Courtney was about 2 weeks old I found out that some of our best friends would be leaving our church due to a staffing decision (they had been on staff) that I still don't agree with.  For a long time I thought I shouldn't/couldn't talk about that on my blog.  Didn't want to stir up strife or cause division.  But some time has passed, and I want to be honest in saying that it affected me.  Deeply.   It was just poopy all around.  I hurt to see my friends feeling rejected & hurting, and I hurt for me.  It's been quite a loss not to be able to share church life with these friends any more.  Community doesn't feel quite as sweet with their family gone.  Does God work all things for good for those who love Him?  Absolutely.  I know He has and is in this situation as well.  I'm just saying it hurts and that my heart grieves.

Along with our dear friends leaving the church also meant job changes for their family and the need for my dear friend "J" to go from being a stay-at-home-mom to now working full time to support her family.  I lost my weekly pal, the proximity of the friend I most often did life with regularly.  I still get to see her sometimes on Tuesdays (her day off) along with another friend who also has that day off, but it's not the same as having another mom who's home every day--in the trenches beside you, understanding and right there with you.  I do my grocery shopping alone now, and am not able to volunteer in the girls' classrooms regularly this year.

Most recently, Wade started a new job with Delta.  See my post from Feb 28.  He's now working nights and probably will be for the next however many years, unless God does something unexpected (I'm praying).  That means I put the kids to bed by myself most nights, and that Wade and I get very few evenings together.  He's also having to work overtime at his parents' farm--average of one day a week--to make up the difference in pay after the cut he took with this job transition.

I also completed my full certification as a Birth Doula, and have been taking private paid clients in addition to volunteering at Woodwinds once a month.  I really love it, but we're still figuring out how to balance and juggle everything.  Things tend to fall apart a bit whenever Mom is gone!  :)

I have made it sound like everything is bad, sad, or difficult in my life right now.  It isn't.  I have much to be thankful for, and I am still finding joy in life, in Christ.  I love being a SAHM.  I love being a doula.  I love Hudson and my dear FCC community.  I'm thankful for many friends whom I get to see periodically and share life with sometimes.  And I treasure time with my mom, who seems to be on the road to recovery from her battle with cancer.

But, if you've wondered why I haven't blogged much in the last however many months, maybe now you've got a better understanding as to what's been going on in my life.  :)  Oh, and we got a new camera and I'm able to upload pictures again!

Above photo was from a wedding we attended last weekend. One of Wade's long time friends (who was also one of the groomsmen in our wedding nearly 14 years ago) finally tied the knot.  Congratulations Gary and Kim!

Send Me to the Loony Bin

Some days this is how I feel. Notice Jen in the background...I don't think she's quite feelin' my pain. She is enjoying her new Mac computer though.

Influenced...For Good or For Bad

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as see the Day approaching."
~ Hebrews 10:24,25

A couple of years ago I had the privilege of being part of a group of women who were taught/mentored under well known speaker and teacher Lori Salierno. Among many good points to ponder, one of the foundational things she taught us was this:

"Be careful who you choose as friends...for within 5 years you will become like them."

Now, Lori was not undermining nor contradicting Jesus' teaching that we should 'be in the world', reaching out to those who do not yet know Him. For sure, we are absolutely commanded to get our hands dirty and our lives involved with those who desperately need a relationship with God.

What she was emphasizing, however, is how crucial it is to choose wisely whom we let into our inner circle. To be careful who we spend the most time with, who we share our hearts with and, by default, begin to emulate.

I have taken this advice to heart, and today I was thinking about the qualities I most appreciate in my closest friends. These are the characteristics that stand out in the godly women with whom I want to intentionally pursue and maintain close friendships with:

1) They do not gossip. I do not hear negative, back-stabbing words uttered about mutual friends or people we both might know from church. I can also trust that these women will not slander me in the presence of another, but rather, will come to me directly if there is concern, conflict or disagreement over an issue.

2) They honor their husbands, both in their presence or when it's just us girls talking. They speak to and about their husbands with respect. And, if they disagree with their spouse or their feelings are hurt, they are selective with whom they share that information--and they do so in a way that is honest & transparent without belittling their spouse.

3) Their hope is in God. When disaster strikes or times get tough, these women communicate their feelings about it honestly, but still come back to camp on the truth that God is sovereign, and will work all things for their good.

4) They are compassionate, empathetic listeners. These friends can be counted on to really listen and care when another friend is hurting--without giving pat answers or quoting flippant platitudes.

5) They have integrity and consistency of character. They are the same in the presence of others as well as when they think no one is looking.

6) They are grace-filled, merciful people. They look for the best in others and are more willing to give the benefit of the doubt than they are to criticize. They are also much more likely to forgive than they are to nurse a grudge.

7) They are positive. Not given to constant sarcasm and complaining, but instead are more likely to choose thankfulness.

8) They are humble and realize that they are imperfect, but constantly look to God to make them more and more like Christ. At times they lose it, just like the rest of us, but they are honest about their faults and mistakes.

9) They are committed to God's Word as their authority. Though life may get them down at times, they still trust that His Word stands true and is absolutely trustworthy.

As I read over the above list, I could be tempted to get discouraged, like some of us do when we read about the 'Proverbs 31 Woman.' Instead, however, I am thankful that my path has crossed women such as these. Some I see regularly, and some only on occasion. But is people like these ladies whom I want to seek to pursue relationships with, because when I am with them, I find that I just naturally want to be more like them and the gracious God they serve. I find I am more quick to notice and correct thoughts and actions contrary to what Jesus would have me do. That's good stuff. It's being 'spurred on toward love and good deeds.'

We like to think that as adults we are not easily swayed, but the truth is that we have the same tendencies whether we are 5, 15, 25 or 55. We are influenced by those around us.

What about you? Do you have people in your life that make you more hungry for God? People who walk in love and truth, and remind you of Christ when you are in their presence? What characteristics do you appreciate most about them? What steps can you take to pursue closer relationships with them?

Hugs Across the Miles!

I received a very sweet care package today from a company called "Cotton Babies" via my dear friend Danielle from Indiana. Preggie Pop Drops and Organic Morning Wellness Tea w/ ginger. I feel loved. Abby & Emily couldn't get over the technically naked pregnant lady on the front of the tea container. LOL.

Thank you, Danielle!!!

Also today, Naomi recommended Gin-Gins (a sweet candy with ginger.) And I've found peppermint to help. What's your favorite morning sickness/all day sickness cure?

Addendum: today (Tues.) Naomi brought me some Gin-Gins. I'm really feelin' the love. Thank you Naomi!

Dear Erin...

You are a gem. I feel so honored and blessed that you & Shirley Jean would drive all this way to bring us a meal and fold my ratty underwear. I am truly humbled and grateful.

It was a breath of fresh air to have you here. (All except for the spit-up waftage. LOL.) I loved the company and the conversation. Thank you, Erin!


Love,
Kara Jo & Baby

Travel Prayer Request from E&V

Received an emailed prayer request this morning from Ed & Vonda regarding travel: (Note their journey/flight time total is approximately 30 hours.)

OK, it's 8:00 pm and we're checking out of the B&B and getting our ride to the airport. We are getting to the airport very early for good measure - plane leaves at 1250 am. The trip is over and now we just have to get home!

You are receiving this late morning your time; please pray for our trip home today.

Big love,
E&V&E&S

(#7) Check Out Ed's Blog!

Check out Ed's blog (Swirlingeddy) for his perspective as a brand new dad! I can't keep the tears from coming! Praises to God!!!

Now that Ed & Vonda have better email/computer access, you may not be hearing anything more from me. Keep checking Ed's blog. I will post anything else that comes by email if it isn't on E or V's blog.

(#6) "We're In Delhi!"

(Yes, the 3:30 AM time stamp is correct...my Nathan awoke screaming a little while ago. From there I was wide awake and so I had to see if there was word from India. And alas! An email written by Vonda received at 11:20 PM our time last night. Incidentally, E&V saw all of our blog comments, and noted that they are 10.5, not 12, hours ahead of us. Vonda has been sick, but other than that, it sounds like things are going beautifully. I'm crying tears of joy! Thank You God for good beginnings! Again, feel free to leave them comments here):


Hello, dear ones!
Sorry for the communication gap these past couple days. Our dear hosts at SKB were conducting a conference on adoption, and hosting their son's family at the same time we were there. They were so sweet to make time to answer all our questions and accommodate us - but there was no access to email there as we had expected.

I woke 'early' this morning, our first morning with our precious Eva Prathibha. (Early is relative as we have all slept about 10 hours after a really full day of travel yesterday). Eva is curled into her Papa's chest, her beautiful, small brown fingers laced over his arm. In the morning half-light, their profiles look similar, beautiful brown eyes under sleepy lids...

There is no question she is ours - it was obvious in the first 5 minutes. Within 30 seconds of our meeting, she moved from crying softly to finding shelter in her daddy. Since then, she has bonded closely to both of us, showing healthy wariness of strangers and clinging to us in crowded places. Our daughter is incredibly strong and courageous. Not only has she embraced us as her 'Mummi' and 'Papa', but she went through an entire day of travel yesterday (difficult travel) with calm and good humor. She is truly amazing.

On the ride down the (thoroughly lush and beautiful) mountains from SKB into Cochin, she got sick 3 or 4 times with the harsh motions. Barely a wimper though - just clung to us and let us comfort her. KJ - this was the 'puke bags accessible' part of the itinerary... :-) We were prepared with a back-up outfit and bags, wipes, etc. The 'mommy purse' has come in very, very handy...

Now she has woken and sits here on my lap patiently as I finish the email, and we wait for breakfast. After breakfast, we'll delight in her first bath (no bath tub, but great shower - she's not used to taking baths anyway). We are so thankful to have a day of rest before embarking on the embassy adventure tomorrow morning.


We are no longer apprehensive about travel or plane rides or waiting in airports - we have braved these things together and are finding we are a wonderful team. The Lord's protection has been with us every moment, and His peace is obviously surrounding us. His preparation has gone ahead of us - getting us ready for one another. There is no question this is from Him and it's in His strength that we are accomplishing this.

I have been sick for a couple of days now (since the 2:00 AM the night after we met Eva). But God is giving me the strength and energy I need for every moment - fully leaning on him as my body strength intermittently empties. If the sickness continues, we will be able to see a doctor here.

The B&B we're at now is above and beyond what we'd expected - it's everything we need. SO thankful. We will have a day of baths and play and naps and learning about one another.

So much more to tell... we have better internet access here so will try to do better with keeping in touch. Thanks for your continued prayers... please keep it up! We will be home soon. Our family is forever changed...

(#5) No News Yet

To me it feels like the minutes and hours are just ticking by. Slower than molasses. I can't remember the last time I was this anxious to hear word of something! Like Jen mentioned, I, too, feel like I'm in the waiting room--anxiously anticipating the cries of a newborn baby. Yet this new life is all the way across the world.

We've heard nothing from Ed & Vonda since I last posted. I am praying that they made it just fine to Eva's orphanage after the transportation strike. (Albeit a day late.) And I'm hoping that the reason for no news is just that they've either been too busy, or just haven't had easy access to email in this city. Maybe both. Either way, I think we should keep praying. The enemy has fought hard against them through this entire process. But we are on the winning side! God will be faithful to see this to completion.

According to the itinerary (note: for them it's already Saturday evening right now) today they were supposed to have had Eva's dedication ceremony, and later have taken the short flight back to Delhi. Vonda notes, they'd also be on a hunt & mission to destroy any lice or scabies they may have discovered. They're so prepared!

Keep praying for God's peace to reign. And for Eva to have a sense of calmness--not rushed frenzy, as all these changes and big events are taking place.

(#4) Meeting Eva Delayed By One Day :(

Received this email from Ed this morning: (Feel free to leave comments to Ed & Vonda here, as they do have access to the blogs & I'm sure would appreciate encouraging words!)

Hi, again, everyone!

Today has taken a couple unexpected turns, but we are fine and happy to have been at Cherai during the transportation strike (and ban on road usage). The people here have been extraordinarily kind to us. Also, Sarah's presence and 'calm' have been such a blessing to us throughout the day.

The strike ended at 6:00 PM tonight (Thursday, July 3rd) and we understand the SKB driver is on his way to pick us up. Please pray for safety on the roads as we understood it would not have been safe to travel during the strike, and we will be traveling so soon after it. We are thankful for the expectation of being able to move ahead - our meeting Prathibha has been delayed a day, but hopefully, we will be there to meet her when she awakes tomorrow morning.

We are being taught by every opportunity to wait and trust His timing, rather than our plan. He is faithful to watch over us in every moment of clarity or uncertainty - we are abiding in His peace.

Love to all of you. The next time you hear from us, we will likely have met our daughter... :-)

(#3) An email from Ed & Vonda

I just received this in my inbox, from Ed & Vonda:


Hello, everyone!

Just wanted to touch base with dear friends and family at least once while we're here at Cherai. We're just finishing up the perfect day in anticipation that tomorrow (when we meet Eva Prathibha!) will somehow surpass even this.

As you all know, it's monsoon season. Yet, all our flights were EXACTLY on time, or even arriving early, throughout our journey here. When we landed in Mumbai (and took off) it was raining VERY heavily. Yet no delays. Today, there was an article in the Kerala paper showing people walking on a Mumbai road in water up to their waists, stating that Mumbai is having problems due to flooding, (starting the night we arrived) and that many offices had been closed. Yet we had zero delays. We are so thankful for your prayers!

Today, we lounged in hammocks, had the most amazing Indian food (and service) ever, took a tour of the beautiful Kerala 'backwaters' via boat, and Sarah and I enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime (so far) massage experience that we can elaborate more on later. :-) No rain - beautiful blue, sunny skies all today (again, during monsoon season). Amazing.

We can't wait to meet Eva tomorrow - our level of anticipation is brimming tonight. Over dinner, we reflected with Sarah on the process, in gratitude for God's presence with us through every step. We are full in so many ways tonight, refreshed, and we close this - our last night as 'almost parents' - in hope, gratitude and readiness for what lies ahead.

Please continue to pray as tomorrow starts a new chapter of this trip - and of the Rankin family. Also, please pray for transportation as there is a transportation strike here through tomorrow evening and, though we have a private driver, we are praying roads will not be closed or blocked for our journey into the mountains to SKB.

You all are a blessing and an encouragement! Feel free to write - we will be able to check our emails from SKB. Love you all!

-Ed and V-

(#2) More Communication from Ed & Vonda in India

Here's a little update/message from Ed via Jen's blog:

I'm (Ed) going to try to put updates on my blog (Swirlingedddy)too; we'll see how that goes.

India is awesome!!!

I'm glad Vonda was able to send that email off; hopefully you will forward to everyone. The trip was really smooth, just really long. Reeeeeally long. After Amsterdam, we entered a bizarre Twilight Zone time warp. Sometime after I had been sleeping on the plane from Amsterdam to Mumbai I woke up and for a few minutes didn't know if the time on my watch was am or pm. After a little thought, I decided it was am. Later, I realized I was wrong! Disconcerting. Then we were up all night in the Mumbai airport because it felt like it should be day, then we crashed we we got to the resort in (near) Cochin.

To continue with Vonda's update, dinner was amazing last night here at the resort. We slept all night, and our internal clocks are pretty much back to normal. We had breakfast here, and went for a serene non-motor boat ride around the backwaters here at the resort. The resort is beautiful and tropical, and we are greatly enjoying taking in the sights, smells, tastes, people, culture, language, money, etc. here. It has been very relaxing, and has included time spent in hammocks reading.

Vonda and Sarah are getting massages right now before lunch, and I am taking some time to do emails, facebook, and blogs. We are filled with anticipation and apprehesion about tomorrow. Prayers appreciated!

And also a little note from Vonda too, again, via comment on Jen's blog:

I just got the most AMAZING massage. Hmmm...

Headed back to the bungalow for more R&R. Too lazy to log Ed out and me in...

After much deliberation, I think I will attempt to say the following phrases to Eva Prathibha in Malayalam tomorrow:

Hello, Prathibha.
I am your mother.
This is your father.
We are a family...

Love to you all! P.S. I was commenting to Ed and Sarah this morning that a palm tree paradise overlooking Kerala backwaters from a tree-house perch, and lounging in hammocks pretty much beats being in a hospital with contractions... :-)

-Vonda-

(#1) They Made It!!! First Update from Ed & Vonda

(See previous post for itinerary)

Ed & Vonda will get to meet this beautiful child tomorrow!

The following is an email E & V sent out. I received it through Martha as E & V somehow didn't have access to their full distribution list at that time.


Hi, guys.

Don't have our full distribution on me at this second, so just sending to those whose emails (I think) I can remember...

We're here at Cherai Beach Resort, and it's beautiful... Rained hard when we got here, but has cleared enough for us to go exploring now. Wow. We're in a rainforest!

God answered prayers about travel from Saturday night in amazing ways as he did both: allowed everything to go smoothly and all luggage to arrive (no delayed flights!) - AND, there were enough times of extended waiting (for buses, customs, driver pick up, etc.) to continue to teach us (mainly me) patience... ;-)

We slept all morning/afternoon, woke to hot showers and re-orging our suitcases, and are now on our way to dinner. It's starting to sink in that we're here, but is SO different (and SO beautiful), that's it's been slow to really catch up to us. This is our daughter's homeland...

Love all of you, please forward to anyone else who wants to know - we'll have a fuller distribution next time. :-)

Ed & Vonda's Itinerary in India

As many of you know, our dear friends Ed & Vonda are, as I type, in India for their long awaited journey to meet & embrace their newly adopted daughter, Eva!

There have been a few requests for itinerary info or updates, so I've decided to post info as I get it. We had started doing this on Jen's blog, but she is in Indiana right now & only has access to a computer when she can get to the library there. And Ed & Vonda desire that everyone who wants to, be kept in the loop! (E&V, my blog is blocked from search engines, so the only people who can access my blog are those with the link. But just say the word and I'll delete the posts.)

ITINERARY: (Was originally done in spreadsheet form, hence the phrase layout)

Sunday, June 29th – 30th
11:30 am Arrive at Mom and Dad’s Passport, Paperwork & ID check
12:30 pm Arrive at MSP Check all the way to Cochin? Exchange $ for Rupees? Ask on Jet Airways baggage limits Baggage reclaim in AMS?
3:15 pm – 6:30 am KLM flight out of MSP, to AMS No baggage reclaim in AMS

Monday, June 30th
10:15 am – 10:50 pm KLM flight out of AMS, to BOM Visit airport bank – is it open? Customs – go to domestic term. V – need to check blue carry-on?

Tuesday, July 1st
5:45 am – 7:35 am Jet Airways flight out of BOM, to COK Tag carry-ons if necessary
~8:00 am Airport pick-up by Cherai Beach Resort 650 Rupees rolled into total Have change for tip
~8:45 am Explore Cherai, shower and crash

Wednesday, July 2nd
ALL DAY Relax and enjoy… $15 massages!!! J Call to confirm pick up by SKB Try to call to confirm Jet Lite

Thursday, July 3rd
~10:00/11:00 am Check Out, 11:00 am Ashraaf from SKB picks us up from Cherai Take Bonine, puke bag accessible Questions for Delsini accessible Bubbles and gifts accessible Driver fare goes to Elizabeth Call to confirm Jet Lite flight?
~2:00 pm – EOD MEET EVA PRATHIBHA!!! J J J J J

Friday, July 4th
ALL DAY Enjoy getting to know our daughter… Call Mr. Singh to confirm driving for July 7th & 8th Get extra copies of NOC and guardianship Don’t forget tips to Ashraaf, cook, gifts for everyone, etc.

Saturday, July 5th
Morning Packing up, & Eva’s dedication ceremony Take Bonine Redistribute luggage for Jet Lite Paperwork check includes NOC, guardianship, Eva’s passport and sealed envelope
Time TBD Ashraaf brings us back to COK for Jet Lite flight Puke bags and pull ups accessible Snacks & entertainment for Eva
4:10 pm – 7:15 pm Jet Lite flight from COK to DEL More Eva snacks and entertainment
~8:00 pm ‘Eleven’ driver picks us up at DEL
~8:30 pm Meet Ajay, Eva to bed and crash Scabies? Lice? Any need for laundry or bagging used clothing?

Sunday, July 6th
ALL DAY Hang out at ‘Eleven’ – maybe shopping or zoo? Get Ajay’s take on activities, shopping, drivers, food, and doctors for Mon. medical check. Call Mr. Singh to confirm Monday pick up time.

Monday, July 7th
Morning TBD Mr. Singh picks us up at B&B – to the embassy by 8:30 am Refer to travel notes to navigate embassy Sealed envelope and ALL adoption papers accessible – copies of NOC, guardianship, etc. Eva snacks and entertainment
Talk to Mr. Mahay Interview and lines – refer to travel notes.
Go to Dr. Get Ajay’s and Sofi & David’s recommendation
Go to Laundromat Get Eva’s visa photos
Go to Lunch Have Ajay’s recommendation
Back to Embassy Get time to return on Tuesday Be sure to give them sealed envelope from Dr.
Back to B&B Dinner & crash Call to confirm KLM flights from DEL to MSP

Tuesday, July 8th
Morning TBD Mr. Singh picks us up at B&B – to the embassy at time requested. Guard sealed envelope from embassy with your life.
Rest of Day Shopping? Whatever…

Wednesday, July 9th
ALL DAY Hang out in Delhi and do whatever we have energy for. SLEEP!! Pack up.
Evening Malhoits pick up Guff at the Rankin house See email for list of Guff stuff.
~7:00 pm Check out of B&B? (Ask Ajay if we can stay later?)
8:50 pm B&B driver gets us to DEL. Labor begins…

Thursday, July 10th
12:50 am – 5:50 am KLM flight from DEL to AMS (10 hrs.) Huge contractions.
8:00 am Mark Felton picks up Duncan at Rankin house – en route to Lakeland Vet Clinic for 8:15 drop. Remember paper bag with list of Duncan stuff.
10:40 am – 12:35 pm KLM flight from AMS to MSP (10 hrs.) Eva, please sleep… J
~1:15 pm Hugs and tears and Eva’s 1st carseat encounter Food for Eva?
~2:00 pm Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in… (maybe)…
WAKE UP TO A BRAND NEW LIFE… FOREVER FAMILY…

Our trip to Fort Wayne, Indiana

Disclaimer: this may be a long post. I want to record some of the details from our trip. Partly because I want my kids to have the memories recorded, and partly just because it's fun for me to write about. So bear with me. :)


The kids and I flew to Indiana last Saturday to visit my friend Danielle, and her girls, Ariana & Ivy. We met them when we were all living in South Bend. As many of you know, our 2&1/2 years in Indiana was largely a lonely time for me. But a year into our stay there, God provided Danielle--a true friend and sister in Christ. We met through the mom's group at our church in Granger, IN. We were both pregnant, and ended up having our babies (Nathan & Ivy) one day apart. :)

...So the kids and I flew standby through Wade's flight benefits, of course. Thankful to have that perk, but OHHHH can it be stressful. See Naomi's post to see what I mean. Then couple that with the fact that somebody somewhere screwed up & Nathan got taken off the list as an eligible family member--so they wouldn't let us list him for the flight. At all. We almost couldn't go & I almost had a nervous breakdown over it. Not really. OK, kind of. But literally, by the grace and favor of God we encountered some nice NW employees who pretty much tossed the rules aside for us and we made it!)

We spent 4 days together and some of the fun included: water balloon fights, playing dress up, hot fudge Sundaes at McDonalds, a trip to the (free) splash pad, (we really need some of those at the parks here) a visit to Chuck E. Cheese (thanks to Danielle's hubby, Manuel, who took the older ones there while the mommies and 2 little ones went out...intending to check out an old fashioned soda shop but ended up at Cebollas Mexican restaurant.) One day we tried to attend a program on animals at the library but found it full when we got there. Instead we checked out the Little House on the Prairie pilot movie and spent an afternoon snuggling on the couch. The girls were enthralled.

Let's see...one day we hired a babysitter and Danielle (& I) got a much needed break. We visited the Peony Tea House for a beautiful lunch & tea. (My first time at a tea room.) Though I may not decorate my own home with florals and lace, it was such a treat to be in the presence of such lovely and feminine surroundings. We each chose the chocolate decaf iced tea. I also requested sugar and cream for my iced tea. The owner thought this a bit odd, but soon tried it herself and decided she's going to make it a regular recommendation!

A couple photos from the Splash Pad:





During moments when we weren't tending to little ones, we even managed to get a bit of reading in...various excerpts from The Ministry of Motherhood, Elisabeth Elliot's Keep a Quiet Heart, and some fun stuff from Mrs. Dunwoody's Book of Excellent Housekeeping. (I don't think I have the title right...help me out Danielle.)

After the kiddos were in bed, we kept our tradition of watching as many episodes of Gilmore Girls as possible. And of course, we had to get Culver's (Heath concrete mixers are my weakness) during the show--just like old times.

Each of my 3 managed to injure themselves at least once on the trip:
Emily: twisted her ankle while jumping off a mattress. She was down & out for a day
Abby: climbed atop the freestanding porch swing, fell, and scraped her arm up good on the way down
Nathan: (He has two) dropped a toy cast iron pot lid on his face during a diaper change & bruised up his eye just a little. And at the park he climbed to the top of the climbing wall & fell on the way down. Face first. Scraped up his nose. (He looks cute, actually.) I also caught him trying to eat the wooden "pills" from the toy doctor kit. Close call.

Danielle, thanks again for your hospitality. I'm so glad we came. I loved seeing your home, observing how your girls have grown, and just getting extended time to hang out, talk, and pray together.

...I had been praying that we could really be a blessing and an encouragement to Danielle and her girlies, but I think they blessed us more! What a great trip, and a great start to summer vacation. :)

Last Day of School!

Today was Abby's last day of 1st Grade. I'm thrilled that she'll be home for 3 months! She, however, came home in tears--missing her teacher already. She is excited for summer vacation, too, though. Especially trips to Brown's Beach. She's been begging to go swimming, even on the days we're all wearing coats. :)

I'm a simple girl at heart. Though I am detailed and fairly scheduled myself, I don't like life to be as packed full and scheduled as the school year seems to get. I'm looking forward to not having to set an alarm clock (though Nathan will still provide that service anyway) and I'm excited to spend lots of lazy days at the park and the beach with the kids. Truth is, I really love having them around. I love it when they come and snuggle in the morning--especially when they're all in the mood to squish in and be read to. I love hearing the girls play together. I love hearing that Nathan's being included. Don't get me wrong-- there are plenty of times when they fight, bug each other, and exasperate me...but mostly it feels good when they're all here. Or at least that's what I choose to remember. :)

Yesterday we had a little preview of togetherness...a chocolate milk tea party on the front stoop!




I find myself often being nostalgic over how fast the kids are growing up. But I really am enjoying the stages they're at right now. And I'm looking forward to lots more times like these.



P.S. Happy Birthday Jen! And thanks for sharing your cake with us. I know your actual birthday-day this year may not have been as adventure packed as last year's flamingo yard raid...but I'm still just as grateful to be in Hudson to celebrate birthdays and other milestones with you again. Love you friend!

Introducing Mary...and becoming a Doula

Introducing Baby Mary! She was born this morning by C-section @ 10:15 am, weighing 6 lb. 8 oz. & is 19.5 inches long. Congratulations to Heather & Allen!




I did a post recently about some of my high school friends who have been an encouragement to me in my faith over the years. In that post, I mentioned that Heather was due with her 5th child soon. This morning a group of us had the privilege of coming to Heather's hospital room before her C-section for a time of prayer and worship. We stuck around and got to be the first to meet baby Mary & pray over her after she was born, too.

Some of you know this about me...I just love everything to do with babies, pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing. I've had a desire for quite some time to become a certified Doula. (Labor coach and support person to pregnant mommies.) I had planned to attend training and begin the process over a year ago in South Bend, Indiana, but then we moved. Today I spoke with Heather's Doula, Marla, and was going to ask where she'd recommend I attend the training in this area. Well, I found out that Marla herself is certified to teach Doula training. She's got sessions this summer and fall & I think I may just be pursuing this dream of mine...

Friends

(L to R: Susan, Heather, Angie, Kara Jo)

Yesterday I got together with some of my friends from Waconia High School. All believers, and a great source of encouragement. We usually see each other once or twice a year. We had a reunion last May when my family and I moved back from Indiana. And this time we got together because Angie and her family were visiting from Wyoming.

We had a great time...had a potluck lunch and then our 11 kiddos (soon to be 12, courtesy of Heather) all played outside while we chatted inside. And we ended the day with such a meaningful time of prayer for one another. The kind that brings you to tears and fills you with hope and praises to God. Spurring one another on toward love and good deeds. Inspiration to keep our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. This kind of encouragement has been taking place amongst us for nearly 20 years and I am humbly grateful.

Every time I'm with this group of gals, I am reminded of God's faithfulness to meet our needs. He has been so good at each stage in my life to provide kindred spirits--godly sisters in Christ--to walk this road and share the load with me. We so need that, don't we? We were not meant to function alone--especially as Christ followers.

Who are you thankful for today? Whom has God placed in your life along the way to encourage you, keep you accountable, and remind you of His goodness and truth? Who has prayed for you, loved you, and inspired you to honor God in all you say and do? Take a moment to share, if you like.

Pick A Color, Any Color

Having just gone through the paint dilemma myself, I have great empathy for my friend Nicole who is now facing the same challenge. She's ready to tackle her white bedroom, and an entryway which boasts some beautiful woodwork and a door with stained glass. She's posted some pictures on her blog and is looking for suggestions. So all you decorating buffs, you're invited to take a look and offer your opinion. Let's give her some great ideas to choose from!

Wilderness Fellowship

"I will take My children into the wilderness and there I will speak tenderly to them. I will restore their fruitfulness and turn their valley of trouble into a door of hope." Hosea 2:14-15a


This beautiful piece of Biblical poetry is the theme verse for Wilderness Fellowship Ministries up in Grantsburg, WI. (Check it out--it's a great & inexpensive place for families or couples to get away.) We had the privilege of spending this past weekend there with friends from church--some are longtime friends and some are newer friends that we've been enjoying getting to know. It was a much needed retreat for all! Grandma P. took the kiddos and we had a whole weekend to just play, hang out, and be kids ourselves. We went sledding (I got a bruise bigger than my hand) and snow hiking, and spent lots of time hanging out playing games as we kept warm by the wood burning stove. We stayed in "The Farmhouse" (pictured below) which has been refurbished & bunked all 17 of us. It was an an old fashioned treat, with no bathrooms and just an outhouse with a metal seat! (What a feat at -13 below!)

Many of us were commenting on how rarely we get away like that. And even more rare is a block of time like that with no agenda or schedule. I was feeling especially thankful for this time with friends and hubby, as there have been several seasons throughout our married life in which we didn't have many friends to walk through life with. Those dry and barren times make us appreciate the blessing of friendship all the more.

Thank You, Lord, for friends, and for beautiful places to share together. Thank You for laughter and snow, for trees and sunshine. Thank You for the warmth of a fire, and the warmth You put in our hearts as we treasure longstanding friendships and make new ones, too.