The Finish Line

Well the race was this morning. And we all got up at varied times during the hour of 5am to get on out there. Hannah had a rough week of teething all this week, but God blessed us with a good night’s sleep 2 nights ago that helped during the race. Sadly, last night I got barely over 6 hours of sleep with my rough teether waking up 3 times (every 2 hours) in the night. Yeah, not a great start to the already early morning, but not once did I ever think to let the poor thing cry so I could get more sleep in preparation for the run.

Our precious friend, Jessica, joined us to care for the girls while Matt and I were in the race. I cannot say enough about this wonderful woman in Christ. Her heart is so beautiful and how she loves my girls… makes this Mommy’s heart so thankful and hopeful that my girls will turn out like her some day.

So after parking a little after 6:15am, we waited out one of the last waves of the storm in the van. When we got too antsy and Hannah had an opportunity for her morning nursing session, we loaded up the girls and headed in to the Start line. Potty, a dropped shoe, and kisses later, we took these two pictures and headed to the Start line.

We were multitasking in stretching too. You know, that’s why Matt only has one leg. Hehehe.

And these little ladies did WONDERFULLY while we were racing. And Jessica took these sweet little pictures during their wait at the Finish Line. =)

Of course Ducky came too. =)

She’s getting so big.

Bless her little heart.

We were hoping to finish at 3 hours. And my personal goal was not to walk at all during the 13.1 miles.

We ended up finishing at 2 hours and 53 minutes and 52 seconds. And I did not walk at all.

Shortly after crossing the finish line we found the girls on the sidelines. Sweet little Hannah was out cold in the stroller and had been so for almost 2 hours. Rachael was just tall enough to see over the wall. And little Abi didn’t quite make it without assistance. It was sweet to see Matt pick her up over the wall and carry her through the finishing food/drink distribution lines before we were out of the runners finishing area and free to mingle with our family. The girls took turns wearing and holding our participation medals. And dear Rachael told us at least ten times throughout the morning that she was really proud of us. – Sweet thing.

We started across the start line holding hands and finished through the finishing gates and across the finish line holding hands. I couldn’t ask for a better teammate and friend in my life. I am so blessed beyond measure to accomplish this life goal alongside my Matthew.

I am so glad the girls were able to be there, even though it was early, and raining at one point. And a lot of waiting. They are our little world and it was such a blessing to share in the moments together.

Matt and I both agreed at mile 12 that we both have NO desire to ever run a half marathon again, but would like to make a lifestyle out of 5K’s and maybe even 10K’s in overly ambitious moments. Both of our knees are shot and EVERYTHING hurts. But today as we pop the tylennol and rub our sore muscles, we are just so thankful that this goal was accomplished. And is behind us. 😉

**** Thanks be to God, for the motivation and the strength. He is more than sufficient. And He surely provided. SURELY. Thank You, Lord. Thank You.

September 21, 2013 0

A Lil Pip in Our Step

So we have been busy lately. And this is one reason:

We added a new meowing family member. Weclome, Pipsqueak.

Now, I had no intention of adding a new family member, but we happened upon her on our walk to church. And she was so thin. And so frail. And so friendly. I went took her back to our house (on the property) and gave her a bowl of food. She ate. I wished her well and headed off to Sunday School. I couldn’t get her off my mind. She was outside the door greeting people on their transition to church from Sunday School. And that’s when she started to work her magic. After church she was gone. I went over to try to find her. Couldn’t find her. Matt and I talked.

She showed back up after supper time. The kids and I found her and encouraged her friendship with a can of tuna. She was so good with the kids. So tolerant of little hands, especially when they were not so rough.

We brought her back to the house, played with her on the lawn while the sun went down. Such a playful little kitten inside of her. Oh the squeals. Oh the joy. Matt must have known it when he came home from evening service. He must have known it long before. She wasn’t going anywhere. “Why don’t you bring her in and we can think about it.” He invited her into the family.

Fleas, ear mites, all bones, but friendly as can be. She wasn’t nervous at all to be brought inside. She happily curled up on the bathroom mat. She purred. She napped.

Once the fleas were gone and ear mites getting under control, she met the other two cats. 24 hours of hissing gave way to ignoring each other. And that is now giving way to smelling each other and carrying on with normal life. No more hiding. No more anxiety. Just casual glances out the window, hopes for tuna juice and naps on the fish tank hood (it’s warm on top of the light!).

She continues to do great with the kids. She’s way too tolerant of Abi’s bear hugs. She just meows for rescue from the babies rough attempts at “gentle touch”. And she likes to sit n laps late at night, just snuggling in and being close. She has no desire to leave. And she’s starting to gain more weight. Her stomach’s once distended look is now evening out into a healthy balance of consistent meals. And I am happy. Very happy. We’re getting her in to the vet here soon to help us get the last of the ear mites under control and get her vaccinated. But she’s just so sweet. Loveable little thing.

And so now we have 3 cats. And we adults agree that we are full in the pet department. Afterall, we did take in 11 pets in just about a week (10 fish). And we’re all as happy as can be.

September 20, 2013 0

One Unpredictable Day

Thought I’d give a little update on the boys. It’s been a few weeks of weekend visits and things are going decently enough. There have been struggles in reintroducing an environment that comes with a lot of baggage, but it was expected to say the least. It’s just like in boxing: you’re not quite sure where the blow will come from, but you know it’s coming.

Big Guy has handled it the hardest, naturally. And I am thankful for a Sunday School teacher who just plans on holding him for ten minutes of a cry the morning after his visit. The tears can be provoked by anything really, though they also stemmed from a particular stressor. And I just love his dear Sunday School teacher all the more for being willing to meet him where he is and then let go when he’s ready to move forward.

Big Guy has been enjoying school to an extent and struggling some to another extent. School has been a big transition for him. Less play. More work. Missing out on “our life” here while he’s at school. And running his own schedule. There’s the responsibilities at school that tie over into home here. And the contrast of some of the lack of responsibility while at visits. It’s complicated. And in case you’ve forgotten, Kindergarten asks a whole lot about your family in the beginning. And there’s a poster to be made. And a presentation weekly about other people’s’ families. And that keeps things on your mind a LOT. Things that you have otherwise not really been thinking about when lost in the business of your little world. And they won’t let him run wild like he did in preschool. And it’s hard to be held accountable (let’s be honest). So it’s looked like some lying and some physical aggression to another student after being instigated. But we’re still striving to maintain his heart as his world continues to take on more layers of complication and confusion. And we’re rewarding “green days” (best behavior at school) with immediate outdoor play and attention and bikes and bubbles and roller skates and… get the picture? Yeah, he’s starting to get it too. Sure beats extra chores, eh? Yeah, we’re hoping he agrees too.

And Little Man? Yep, he’s just trucking on. Army crawling. Mouthing everything. Trying more table food. Drooling. Smiling. Laughing. And trying his hand at a bit of traditional crawling. You know, just by fluke. He’s oblivious. And much more consistent. It’s morning wake up. And bottle and naps. And play and the surprise of mealtime food. And just good. And happy. He doesn’t seem too taken aback about visits. His digestion system has matured more so he’s not throwing up visit food anymore. And acid reflux is gone. (HALLELUJAH!!!) And seasonal allergies are controlled. And constant sickness is WAY a thing of the past. He’s showing some normal signs of attachment, some separation anxiety when dropped off in the church nursery and pointing and whining when picked up from babysitting/nursery experiences.Oh yes, baby. I’m convinced it was terrible. I’ll take you back. 😉 But really, the baby is just a much more predictable and well-rounded (in more ways than one) little man.

We’re looking at reunification for mid to late next month. Things can still change. But we are so close. And things are moving in that direction.

Kind of odd to not know if we’ll be celebrating Little Man’s birthday or sending his present with him. Odd to be standing on the brink of change and goodbye and yet it still being a bit far off. So one day at a time we will continue to play it. That’s the way life goes. One day at a time.

One unpredictable day. =)

September 19, 2013 0

Wordless Wednesday: Innocent

… until proven guilty.

September 18, 2013 0

Undeserving

It has been a moment since my last entry. You will see why in my next handful of entries. But for now I just wanted to share something I posted on facebook this morning in my overwhelm of gratitude.

I am just plain thankful. Thankful for a husband who loves the Lord first. Thankful for conversations about further intentionality with our brood. Thankful for encouragement and pushing forward together in self-discipline, devotion and lifestyle worship. Thankful for the quiet of the early morning to just feast on the Word beside my fellow brother seeking His Daddy too. Thankful for a teammate in Christ-honoring discipleship of our children. And thankful for the Hope only God gives that when we’ve erred in glorifying Christ in areas in our home (and oh how we’ll err again), we get another chance. And another chance and another chance. I am just plain thankful for a God with open arms who just says, “Come.” – Learning to come better, by the grace of God. – Undeserving.

September 17, 2013 1