Best Summer

THIS BLOG WAS WRITTEN IN JUNE AND I THOUGHT I LOST IT.  THIS WILL BE THE FIRST OF 2 DEDICATED TO SUMMER.


What a great 2 months it's been since my last post!  It's not for lack of want that I don't post.  It's lack of time.  I'm either cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, putting up dishes, picking blackberries, pulling weeds, feeding catfish, gathering an egg, watering the dog, feeding and watering the chickens, playing with the kids, going on sweet dates, working pt, or traveling locally lately.  Oh, and the normal "stuff" like cooking, cleaning, and my ongoing organization projects.


In May,  our oldest graduated prek!  This teacher-momma is proud of all she accomplished!  My parents and my brother and his family and Shawn's mom came to graduation.  They stayed after so we could have the annual cousins camp.

This picture is from day1 of cousins camp.  I made them stay still before the pledge so I could get a pic.  I want to point out that Grace said she had on her "scavenger hunting ensemble"...we like Fancy Nancy :) and she learned the word "ensemble" from a Nancy book and what an ensemble she wore!  Here is a picture from the scavenger hunt...along with some photos of my flowers...and my dog.

Isabelle holding a ballerina rose from my rose bush.  Small but dainty flowers!  It was an item on the scavenger hunt!  Great job, Is!

Tiger lilies  make May a little more beautiful every year.  And to whoever dropped them all off for us to plant 6 years ago...THANK YOU.  Every May since, I've been reminded of how kind people can be!  An added plus is the fact that gran had a different variety of tiger lilies and I always admired them, even picking them once, not knowing better.  She accepted them with a look of shock (ah!  you picked my flowers!) tempered by gratefulness (that was so nice of you to do that for me and bring them to me.")

Hallie, our new dog.  She is half Chessie and half German wire-hair.  She is a handful and we are currently training her to an inground fence.  The kids like her and we are glad to have a doggy again! As you can see, she likes swimming in the pond lots!  Here, she is retrieving a tennis ball. 

The boys!  Have I ever expressed how special these two are?  At 7 months apart, miles mean nothing.  They may be little things, but they are already best buddies.  Little boy blessings.

While family was here, we had air mattresses blown up, floors and couches full, people sleeping everywhere, and it was great.  My family is like the family in the book, The Relatives Came.   It's about a family who travels across the mountains to see their country kinfolk.  It's one of our very favorites.

To quote the book, "The relatives weren't particular about beds, which was good since there weren't any extras, so a few squeezed in with us and the rest slept on the floor, some with their arms thrown over the closest person, or some with an arm across one person and a leg across another."  One night, I went to the living room to check on Noah J, and he was completely off his mattress, on the floor, while 3 others slept around him soundly, including "Uncle Robert" just a foot away on the couch.  The next day, we trekked to amish country (about 40 mins from my house) and ate under a big shade tree...where the boys peed publically before we left!  It was a memory-maker. 

Moving on, so much to share.  This is a picture of us preparing to go kayaking on day 4 of cousins camp.

A couple weeks later, we celebrated my youngest's birthday.  It was a blessed time, and I mean that literally.  It was one of the best parties we've thrown for the kids and somehow, oddly enough, the most relaxing and laid back.  I made the cake with a friend and if you know me well, you know this was a labor of love (not talented or patient enough by myself...it took 9 hours!)

Moving on...
After wonderboy's bday, our church had vacation bible school.  I taught the 5 year old class (Grace's class).  It was by far the best VBC I have ever been part of!  It's a memory we will remember forever, and my girl learned SO MUCH through the lessons, and songs.  After that, the kids headed to the hills for a few days with my folks.  They spent time with their cousins every single day all day.  They romped in the creek, fed the horses, went swimming, jumped on the jumpoline (trampoline :), and at night, plopped in the hot tub, then watched old cartoons.  While they were gone, my hubby and I had a wonderful, relaxing time.  When they returned, our sweet boy had a stomach virus and we somehow managed to lose his blanky the same day!  The next day, Grace and Shawn went to Holiday World w/ friends while I stayed back with Noah.  It was good daddy/daughter time, and I'm still hearing stories about it, like, "OH, and mommy! Daddy put me on his shoulders...and he carried me out of the park that way!"  That is the man I married.  I am so moved at how he plays with the kids and likes to make them smile. I would never give a shoulder ride!  Makes me nervous just thinking of it!  That's why we're good together.  The kids need the balance!

A few days ago, I took the kids  to Chattanooga.  We met up with my very close cousin and her baby Jack.  We had a great time and I'd say we'll make it an annual trip since it's about the halfway point for us.

One of the last double stroller rides for the kiddos!  :)  :(


I'm going to close now, because this is a long post.  The short of it is...best summer ever....

Humility and Reverence: An Example and a Post

I have started several posts and not finished them lately.  I feel like I don't have a lot to offer right now.  My normal blog-reading is way behind, too.  I think my motivation has shifted from keeping up here to keeping up in my house.  Whereas once I could do both, I can't seem to right now.  So this will probably be a lengthy post that lacks quips, creativity, puns, and anything that would give proof to the fact that I hold a bachelor's in English...I promise you this though, it will contain some scripture at the end, so hang in there! 

We've been a busy family the last month (to the day actually).  We've had dr appts with specialists for both kids that has given me a new lease on life.  Grace had to have a kidney/bladder test done.  It was no walk in the park for her (or her daddy and me) but she is a tough cookie and the two ladies who did the procedure said she did great.  Within an hour (have I said we were super impressed), we were told her bladder and kidneys appeared to be functioning normally and that there did not appear to be any damage.  I give God the glory for that.  My parents went to the hospital with us and when we came out and told them (and Noah John) the GREAT NEWS, my mom got down on her knees and thanked God.  I want to be like that.  So focused on Him.  My Grandpa Roy would drop to his one knee NO MATTER WHERE HE WAS.  He was known to get out of his car and get down on his knee in the gravel or whatever.  Humility and reverence joined together. 

Noah John is fine as well.  He has had incidences of limping and "his hip going out" for over a year.  It usually lasts less than thirty minutes but occasionally, he will limp for a few hours.  We took him to see an ortho at a specialty place because we are from a small town and there is no children's ortho here.  We didn't think we were even going to need to follow-up until one Sunday about a month ago.  He wouldn't get out of the floor during Sunday School.  His teacher thought he was being stubborn.  Come to find out-he was having trouble getting up.  I felt so sorry for him when I figured out what was going on.  I had prepared myself to give him a stern lecture when Shawn came to the room and explained that he noticed NJ had been limping earlier!  So...back to the kiddo ortho we went.  The best part about the visit was the fact that his dr's office was located a mere few steps across from Grace's dr's office (and her appt was the very same day).  So we went in one appt, walked across the hall, and into the other appt.  I counted that a blessing too, bc it would have been harder on the kids to have to walk much of a distance.  Noah John's dr is not exactly sure what, if anything, is going on with him.  I'm just going to leave it at that because Noah John has been mostly fine since the appointment.  We did have him tested for muscular dystrophy because he falls so frequently, and that test came back normal...the nurse said Dr. M said it was "very reassuring."  Um, yes, VERY, Dr. M.  Grace and I were on the front porch when I took the call.  NJ had fallen probably 10 times in 1 hour that morning so my mind was abuzz with anxiety.  When I hung up the phone I told Grace that her brother had gotten a good report.  I teared up and told her I'd explain it to her more someday.  She said, "For now that's all I need to know, right?"  I said, "yes."  She said, "I hope I get good results when I have my test done."  I said I believe you will and we prayed.  When you think of my family, thank God for His provision and also lift up my son to be healthy and not have any hip problems.  We are trusting God.

I had no idea when I had babies how much lack of control I would ultimately have over them.  I said that to a friend who has a 2 year old with a heart condition, and she said, "I KNOW!  Why didn't anyone tell us?"  Haha.  There is no love like the love between a mother and her children, except for the FATHER'S LOVE FOR US. 

John 3:16  For God so loved the world that he sent his ONE AND ONLY SON that we should not perish, but have eternal life.

What a relief that someday, we will have a life free of pain, sickness, worry, fear.  I was listening to kids memorize their Bible verses last night at church and one of them memorized this verse, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."  -Rev 21:4  It is hard to get to church on Sunday nights but I am always blessed when I hear children say scriptures.  I really enjoyed this one, because I thought, how awesome that this little boy has this HOPE ... THANK YOU GOD!!!  I think it is so awesome that I attend a church where the WORD OF GOD is memorized by children at such a young age.  Do I think they will remember every verse I sign off on?  No.  But I do think that they will be blessed for studying it and that the scripture they need will come to mind when they need it.

It's been quiet in my house for a whole hour.  G left with her daddy to go deliver sod in Paducah.  She was decked out just like a country girl should be- jeans and PINK shoes, PINK ball cap, PINK t-shirt.  Little thing climbed up into that semi like a pro!  She has changed by leaps and bounds lately...and I am going to go ahead and say it,  I don't think I have ruined her, despite my many fouled-up efforts of dealing with 'beyond' imaginable strong-willed behavior!  I told her how much I regretted yelling yesterday and she grabbed me with both arms and pulled me to her really fiercely.  That girl is special and I believe God is going to use her!   Little  brother is asleep.  It was either - take an early nap or watch TV all day.  Don't judge!  Lest you be judged!  LOL!!!  He woke in a terribly cranky mood and I'm in the middle of yet another organization project.  Goal is:  a quiet lunch, read the Bible, work on my project, take NJ outside.  He asked me a couple times before he drifted off if I would take him out.  My children are so sweet.  They don't want much.  Just my time.  Working on being with them-in the moment-instead of doing my little projects.  I just keep thinking...organization saves time in the long run.  Somebody pray for me to get there!  I am at a crossroads!  Shawn thinks I'm getting so stressed about it that it is not worth it!  :-/

Signing off while the silence continues...ahhhh.  I think the Lord knew I needed this today.  He is so good like that.

Sleep

I have never understood the saying, "What is sleep to me anyway?" Or "I'll sleep when I'm dead." I have two very close friends who never sleep...they are both really creative and in neat, God-given, God-honoring ways. One has STORES of energy too. The other is patient with a capital P. Again, neither of them sleep much at all. One has 5 children; the other has 3. They're both pregnant. I admire them but don't get them!!! And they both know it! Haha! I need sleep to function well (i.e. get out of bed). I especially need sleep to function happily. I once read that women must take care of themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually to accomplish all God has designed us for. Agreed! Easier said than done, though. Shawn's innocent questioning, "WHY are you so tired? Every night you're asleep by 9:30 and get up the next morning after I've showered?" shows he doesn't get it either. I've told him if he didn't drink 3 Dr. Peppers a day, he too, would be asleep by 9:30. He usually pops a top, takes a cold sip, and pretends to agree. I go on to remind him who gets up w/ the kids when they wake with a nightmare, need to go potty, etc. For example...just last night...the house alarm went off for five minutes. Me: Ugh...the alarm messed up again. Shawn: It did? Me: Yes. For 5 minutes. Shawn: Huh. Didn't hear it. Me: Yes. And Grace had a nightmare about a giant ladybug. She was running from it when an iguana tried to attack her. Shawn: Huh. Me: Yes, she was up briefly. Next, and I kid you not, he said: Why are you so tired? Get up Shanner! I'm leading up to what should have been a great point. As I do as often as I can, I fed the kids dinner early then put them to bed early last night. They rarely nap anymore, so this works out sometimes. Knowing that they got enough sleep to placate a bear in winter, I had visions of a euphoric playday on the farm today. Blowing breezes, warm embraces, healthful picnic, laughter. The kids woke up a little after 7. I began to slowly fix breakfast. It was obvious their moods were positively affected by their early bedtimes...until breakfast didn't come soon enough. I guess I worked a little too slow because by 9:45, they were overly hungry and cranky. I was still feeling pretty positive...afterall Shawn and I spent hours vegging out last night for the first time since I started working part-time. We watched mindless tv for THREE AND A HALF HOURS. We shared some Graeter's ice cream. I reflected on these things this morning while the grouchiness crept in. The kids really like a big home-cooked breakfast and I was excited to have served it up for the first time, ahem, since I started working pt. Nevermind the fact that I didn't get it finished before Shawn left for work. It was the "cat's meow" kind of breakfast for us...veggie omelet with lots of cheese, toast served up with strawberry butter, plain butter, and/or strawberry jelly made from a fellow Farm Bureau friend. We topped it off with double servings of juice, a treat! By the time we were finished, we were fat and full. I left the dishes on the table (something I never do) because the only thing I could do was head to the couch and plop down. I texted Shawn all about it (on purpose, because I know he loves big breakfasts and I know breakfasts have consisted of cereal, maybe fruit, or a granola bar for awhile now). I wanted him to know I still have it in me...I'm adjusting to working and part of that has meant less energy / time to plan meals! The kids watched 2 hours of tv and near the end of watching, began to squabble. It went from squabble to rival in about 15 minutes. I grabbed the remote like it was a sceptor. It did no good. I clicked the power button. Funny how when I do that, the kids go from being arch enemies to fellow comrades against ME. Wailing ensued. Time-out followed. I took a teeny bit of comfort in knowing I had gotten a teeny bit of work done on the computer during their tv time. At this point, I had juuuust about gotten the get-up-and-go I needed to start making Easter eggs (Grace has been begging me for a solid week). I jumped up from the couch and immediately saw that toys were allovertheplaceandinnospecificorder. Operation: toy pickup started. That was two hours ago. Nothing has been picked up. More has been gotten out. Kids have been sent to their rooms to play separately so that they cannot touch each other. The boychild has been called OUT of his room because he jumped on his bed. I've plopped back down on the couch. Dishes still sit on the table. OJ out. Toys scattered. Easter egg kit strewn everywhere. So much for early bedtime setting the tone for the next day. Did I mention I'm still on the couch? Lest I leave on a negative note, I still envision outside playtime today. I just think it will be after our energetic babysitter gets here. I need backup. And a Dr. Pepper.

Light of the World

I've gotten so behind on blogging that catching up is a daunting task. Rather than bore you with excuses, I'm going to start with my devotional from this morning. Let's say I'm going to try to step back into the light, because heaven knows I need to. Most of today's post will be directly from a book called "Serving in His Steps" by Jane L. Fryar. Sorry for the lack of creativity here, but what she said hit home with me, then resounded again later, when a friend blogged about "light" today as well.

"At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light."

-Ephesians 5:8 ESV

I've neglected my devo/Bible time for quiet some time now. I seemed to stumble through pretty well (note: stumble) until just recently. My reserves of patience and all other things good and Godly ran out- and not in a pretty fashion. I've needed God's sweet grace and kind forgiveness badly. I've needed to know walking as a child of God is possible...as I teach my own children to walk...and that task, too, has been daunting to me.

"Yes scripture is clear: apart from a living, dynamic relationship with God through faith in his Son, we have no hope, no peace, no true "goodness." Our acts of kindness or service are not enough to secure our salvation. When we "walk as chldren of light", we give up the pretense of personal holiness. We beg God's pardon for our self-deception. We confess our attempts to take credit for the good things that God himself has worked in us and through us. We receive forgivenss from the one who tells us bluntly, "Apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). We cling to the relationship Christ established with us, drawing strength, wisdom, and discernment from him. We're filled with his love, and we live with his wonderful promise that..."The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter til the full light of day." (Proverbs 4:18)

This afternoon was full of sunshine. The kids and I headed out, but for a few brief minutes, and I snapped this picture. I found it fitting since today's message to me was simple: walk as a child of light!

Hello?

Hello out there! I'm still here. I'm just under a thick book. See me? Ah, now then. Truth is, I toyed around with my blog back in September (?) and from then until today, each time I checked my blog or tried to add a post, it was a frustrating mess. I have since hired a helper to help me revamp the blog. Bear with me. I am in the process of looking at other blogs and mulling over in my mind what I want my blog to be about, I guess you'd say. As if two kids, a farmer, and my silly self aren't enough. Truly, I'm searching for focus, a purpose, and some cool techy things (like music maybe).

I am not going to blog much today, but I do want to ask for prayer for someone.

Please pray for Craig Merimee. On Grace's 4th birthday, he was diagnosed with cancer. He has been given the news that his cancer and prognosis have worsened. He and Michelle (my sorority sister) have 3 little girls who are cuter than buttons. Please pray for ease.

Play Day Pics as promised

Play Day

I am on a mission today to do as many fun things with the kids as possible in and around our own house...a full play day. The kids will kind of set the pace and choose the activities. God, please teach me how to do this. At the end of the day, I hope to document many examples of me letting go and having fun with my 2 children. I have decided that since this is Grace's last year before kindergarten, I should use the time wisely. I have no clue how the house will hold up, the food will get fixed, or the laundry will get done but I trust it will. More to follow.